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)

US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said India is the most essential partner for the United States and confirmed that fresh trade talks will begin on January 12. Speaking at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Gor said President Donald Trump may visit India next year. He described Trump’s friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “real” and said real friends can resolve differences. Gor said the two countries work closely on trade, security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health. He also announced that India will be invited to join the US-led Pax Silica alliance next month to build a secure silicon supply chain.

Two suspected Nipah virus cases have been detected at Barasat Hospital in West Bengal, officials said on Monday. State health teams visited the hospital to assess the situation. The Union health secretary reviewed the matter with senior state officers. A national outbreak response team has been sent to support containment steps. The team includes experts from NIV Pune, NIE Chennai, AIIMS Kalyani, and institutes in Kolkata. The NCDC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate action. The Centre has shared guidelines with the state disease unit. Union Health Minister J P Nadda wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and assured full support, including lab help, surveillance, and contact tracing. (PC: AI-Generated)

US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said India is the most essential partner for the United States and that President Donald Trump may visit India next year. Speaking at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Gor said the friendship between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “real” and built at the top level. He said real friends may disagree but always settle issues. Gor said the next round of India-US trade talks will start on Tuesday. He added that both sides work together on security, energy, technology, education and health. Gor also said India will be invited to join the Pax Silica alliance, a US-led plan to build a secure silicon supply chain. (PC: NDTV)

The ICC has rejected claims that it agreed with Bangladesh’s safety concerns about playing the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, sources said on Monday. Bangladesh sports adviser Azif Nazrul had said the ICC security team wrote to the Bangladesh Cricket Board and warned of higher risks if Mustafizur Rahman plays, fans wear Bangladesh jerseys, or elections near. ICC sources said no such letter was issued and an official statement will follow. The BCB has written twice to the ICC and asked that the event be moved to Sri Lanka. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board is still waiting for a reply from the ICC on the matter. (PC: India Today)

Sergio Gor took charge as the new United States ambassador to India and special envoy to South and Central Asia on Monday at the US Embassy in New Delhi. As he walked to the podium, the song “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Sam and Dave played in the background. In his first remarks, Gor said the bond between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “real” and built at the top level. He said real friends may disagree but always settle issues in the end. Gor said he will work to raise the partnership. He also said Trump may visit India in the next year or two. (PC: HT)

A futsal referee and a college student are among hundreds reported dead in Iran during two weeks of anti-government protests. Amir Mohammad Koohkan, 26, was shot during a protest in Neyriz on January 3, a friend told BBC Persian. Student Rubina Aminian, 23, was killed in Tehran five days later, rights groups said. A US-based monitor and HRANA estimate nearly 500 protesters and dozens of security staff have died. Protests began on December 28 over economic issues and spread to all 31 provinces. Medical staff said hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties. Foreign media cannot report freely from Iran due to curbs and internet shutdowns. (PC: BBC)

Germany has announced visa-free airport transit for Indian passport holders. The decision was shared in the India-Germany joint statement after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India on January 12–13. Merz made his first trip to India and Asia after taking office. Under the new rule, Indian travellers changing flights at German airports will no longer need a separate transit visa. This will cut paperwork and save time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Merz for the move. Both leaders said strong people ties are key to the partnership. They also noted rising Indian students in Germany and plans to deepen cooperation in education, skills, and youth exchanges. (PC: India Today)

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi on Monday after he lost consciousness twice over the weekend. Officials said the 74-year-old had “two bouts of unconsciousness” on Saturday while going to the washroom. He later visited AIIMS for a routine checkup, where doctors advised hospital admission for detailed tests. An MRI is expected as part of the medical review. Dhankhar had resigned from the vice president’s post in July last year citing health reasons and has since made limited public appearances. Officials said he had also blacked out at several public events in recent months. No statement has been issued by his family.

India said its defence sourcing choices are guided by national interest and not ideology. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the remarks during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to New Delhi. He said Germany has changed its defence policy approach towards India. Misri noted that approvals which earlier took a long time are now being cleared faster. India and Germany are in talks for a possible submarine project involving Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. He said the technical and financial discussions are still underway and have not concluded. India continues to work closely with Russia on defence and energy ties. He added that sourcing from one country is not linked to another. (PC: NDTV)