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)

The India Meteorological Department has warned of cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in parts of north India over the next few days. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh may see freezing weather. The IMD said Delhi’s minimum temperature could fall to between 3 and 4.2 degrees Celsius on Monday. In contrast, Shimla is likely to record a minimum of around 9 degrees Celsius. The cold wave may continue on Tuesday in several states, and Jharkhand could face it till Thursday. The IMD has also issued dense fog warnings for many regions till January 15. (PC: HT)

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is “prepared” for war if the United States intervenes, but added that Tehran does not want a conflict. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said Washington is considering “very strong options” over Iran. Protests have spread across several cities since late December after the national currency fell sharply. The US-based group HRANA says nearly 500 people have been killed in the crackdown. Iran has imposed a wide internet blackout, making information hard to verify. Foreign media have limited access inside the country. An Iranian source contacted by the BBC said the suffering should not remain hidden. (PC: BBC)

Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a strong fashion statement at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. She arrived with husband Nick Jonas, who wore a black pinstripe tuxedo. Priyanka chose a custom blue Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson. The dress had a metallic silk bodice and a matte skirt with a soft puffed layer and bow at the waist. She paired the look with Bulgari jewellery, including a diamond necklace with blue accents. Priyanka was among the presenters at the event, along with stars such as Julia Roberts, Miley Cyrus, and Zoe Kravitz. The ceremony was held on January 11 local time. (PC: India Today)

Indian Railways will launch its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Guwahati and Kolkata later this month. Officials said the service will be open only to the general public and no VIP or emergency quota will be allowed. Railway passes will not be valid on the train. Only confirmed tickets will be issued and RAC will not be permitted. Passengers will get upgraded bedrolls with better blankets and covers. The train will have staff in uniform and serve local cuisine. It will carry 823 berths across AC 1, AC 2 and AC 3 coaches and include safety systems like Kavach and emergency talk-back. (PC: NDTV)

The United Arab Emirates has ended state funding for students seeking to study at British universities, citing fears of Islamist radicalisation on UK campuses. The move followed Britain’s refusal to ban the Muslim Brotherhood, which the UAE lists as a terrorist group. Emirati officials removed UK institutions from the list of overseas universities eligible for scholarships and official degree recognition. Officials said they do not want their students to be “radicalised on campus”. Students may still study in Britain using private funds. UK data show UAE student visas fell 27 percent by September 2025 and 55 percent compared with 2022. Both sides say overall ties remain strong. (PC: India Today)

New US ambassador to India Sergio Gor said New Delhi remains an “essential partner” for Washington despite trade tensions. He said the friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump is “very real”. Gor took charge on Monday and will present his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu this week. Speaking in New Delhi, he said both sides are in talks on trade and the US plans to invite India to join Pax Silica next month. His remarks come as Trump has warned of more tariffs over India’s purchase of Russian oil. India currently faces a 50 percent US tariff rate. (PC: HT)

Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best actor in a musical or comedy for Marty Supreme at the 83rd awards in Beverly Hills. He beat Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney in the category. It was his first Globe win after five nominations. DiCaprio’s film One Battle After Another led the night with four awards, including best film and best director. Jessie Buckley won best drama actress for Hamnet, which also took best drama film. Other winners included Teyana Taylor, Rose Byrne, Stellan Skarsgård and Wagner Moura. TV honours went to Adolescence, with Owen Cooper winning best supporting actor. (PC: BBC)

Australia has moved India to its highest risk group for student visas and will apply stricter checks from January 8, 2026. India was shifted from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework. Officials said the change is to manage “emerging integrity issues” and protect genuine students. Indian applicants will now face deeper review of bank records, extra proof of English skills, and more background checks. Visa officers may contact colleges and referees. Processing time may rise from about three weeks to as much as eight weeks. Nearly 140,000 Indian students study in Australia. (PC: Economic Times)

A 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Himachal Pradesh has been detained after US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. Rikshit Chauhan from Kangra district was among three Indian crew members on the vessel Marinera, earlier called Bella 1. The ship was intercepted on January 7 after a long chase that began in the Caribbean. Chauhan was due to return home next month for his wedding on February 19. His family said they last spoke to him hours before the seizure. His mother appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his safe return. India’s foreign ministry said it is checking details of the detained Indians. (PC: NDTV)