Two China-flagged very large crude carriers, Xingye and Thousand Sunny, were headed to Venezuela to pick up crude oil owed to China under a debt-for-oil arrangement, shipping data shows. Both ships had been anchored in the Atlantic for weeks waiting to enter Venezuelan ports. They have now turned back toward Asia amid a strict US oil embargo on Venezuela and ongoing political turmoil after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro. The change in course underscores the difficulty of moving Venezuelan oil under US sanctions and export controls. The embargo aims to prevent sanctioned vessels from entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. (PC: India Today)

At least 648 people have died in Iran during a crackdown on anti-government protests, according to the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights. The group said the toll could be higher because a nationwide internet shutdown is blocking checks. The protests began after Iran’s currency lost value and prices rose. US President Donald Trump said Washington was weighing “very strong options” if protesters were harmed. After the remarks, Iran’s supreme leader accused the United States of “deceit” and said unrest was driven by “treacherous mercenaries”. State media aired images of pro-government rallies. Most foreign media cannot report from inside Iran due to access limits. (PC: BBC)

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor declared no country is more essential to America than India, announcing trade deal talks resume Tuesday. Speaking at the US Embassy in Delhi, Gor confirmed President Trump may visit India within one-two years, emphasizing Trump's "real" friendship with Prime Minister Modi. He stated "real friends can disagree but always resolve differences," addressing recent tensions. Gor announced India will join the Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month, a US-led initiative for secure silicon supply chains. He acknowledged trade negotiations are challenging given India's massive population but expressed determination to finalize the deal. Both nations collaborate on security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health beyond trade. (PC: AFP)

Turkey is in advanced talks to join the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia collective defence pact, Bloomberg reported. The agreement treats any aggression against one nation as an attack on all, similar to NATO's Article 5. Turkey, NATO's second-largest force, has significantly aided Pakistan militarily, providing over 350 drones during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, along with trained operators. Turkey is helping build corvette warships for Pakistan and upgrading F-16 jets. Analyst Nihat Ali Ozcan noted Turkey brings military experience, Pakistan offers nuclear capability and ballistic missiles, while Saudi Arabia provides financial clout. The trilateral alliance could reshape security partnerships across West Asia, South Asia, and Africa, potentially complicating relations with the US, NATO, Iran, and India. (PC: X)

Bangladesh's Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul reiterated his country won't play 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India, suggesting Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or UAE as alternative venues. Responding to reports about BCCI proposing different Indian states and Pakistan Cricket Board's hosting interest, Nazrul stated "India means India," refusing any venue within the country. The controversy emerged after BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman amid rising anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India over reported attacks on Hindu minorities. Bangladesh Cricket Board wrote twice to ICC requesting venue changes, though the world body reportedly rejected initial requests. Nazrul emphasized Bangladesh won't compromise on this issue while awaiting ICC's response. (PC: News 18)

London's Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley announced the city's homicide rate fell to its lowest in over a decade, with 97 homicides in 2025, an 11% reduction from 2024. Rowley countered President Donald Trump's claims about violent crime, stating London is safer than New York, Los Angeles, and several European capitals on a per capita basis. He criticized AI-generated videos and online commentators promoting false narratives despite factual evidence showing declining serious violent crime. Violent incidents causing injury dropped 20% since 2014. Trump previously claimed London had "no-go" areas and criticized Mayor Sadiq Khan for "letting crime go." However, British perceptions remain negative due to surging shoplifting, which reached all-time highs. (PC: Reuters)

Security was tightened in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district after Pakistani drones were sighted along the Line of Control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector on Sunday evening. Indian Army troops undertook counter-unmanned aerial systems measures, forcing the drones to return. Locals reported extensive firing in Jangarh and Kalal areas around 7:28 pm, praising the Army's prompt response. A witness thanked armed forces for their alertness, stating residents remain peaceful due to their vigilance. Earlier on Saturday, BSF and Jammu Kashmir Police recovered an arms consignment from Paloora border village in Samba, including Chinese-made pistols, magazines, and a hand grenade, prompting a joint search operation. (PC: PTI)

Sergio Gor officially assumed his role as US ambassador-designate to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia during a ceremony in New Delhi. His entrance featured the 1966 soul classic "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Sam & Dave, drawing cheers from attendees. Gor emphasized that President Trump's friendship with Prime Minister Modi is genuine, stating "real friends can disagree but always resolve differences." His appointment comes amid strained India-US relations over Trump's claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire after Operation Sindoor and imposing 50% tariffs on Indian imports for purchasing Russian oil. Gor expressed hope for a presidential visit within one-two years, highlighting the partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies. (PC: X)

Indian nationals aboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, seized by US forces in the North Atlantic, have been released. The vessel was intercepted during a US-led operation targeting a "shadow fleet" transporting oil for sanctioned countries including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. Among 28 crew members detained were three Indians, along with Ukrainian, Georgian, and Russian nationals. The release coincides with new US Ambassador Sergio Gor assuming office in New Delhi, emphasizing continued US-India engagement despite differences. Russia previously criticized the seizure as illegal, warning prosecution was "categorically unacceptable." Moscow accused Washington of stoking tensions and threatening international shipping, claiming the operation generates acute international crisis situations. (PC: AFP)

Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders during Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first visit to India on January 12-13, 2026. Indian travelers passing through German airports en route to other countries will no longer need separate transit visas, simplifying international travel with less paperwork. Prime Minister Modi thanked Merz for this decision, which strengthens people-to-people ties between both nations. The joint statement emphasized growing exchanges of students, researchers, professionals, artists, and tourists, recognizing the Indian community's contributions to Germany's economy and culture. Discussions included expanding cooperation in education, research, and vocational training. Leaders welcomed rising Indian student numbers in Germany and agreed to create an Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education. (PC: PTI)