Iran has been plunged into a nationwide internet blackout as widespread economic protests intensify across the country, with connectivity dropping to nearly zero in major cities including Tehran, Mashhad and Isfahan. Authorities appear to have cut internet and phone services in an apparent bid to curb communication and suppress expanding unrest triggered by soaring living costs, currency collapse and job losses. Demonstrators have taken to the streets chanting anti-government slogans, while markets and bazaars have shut in solidarity. The blackout coincides with ongoing demonstrations entering their 12th day, with reported dozens of deaths and thousands detained.

India and **Iran are set to inaugurate a diplomatic calendar of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic relations, marking the milestone of formal ties established in 1950. The initiative will feature high-level engagements, cultural exchanges and strategic dialogues aimed at strengthening cooperation across trade, energy, connectivity and cultural ties as both nations emphasize their millennia-old historical and civilizational linkages. Iranian and Indian officials have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expanding collaboration and deepening partnership based on shared heritage and interests. (PC: AP)

India’s Reliance Industries Ltd has announced it will consider buying Venezuelan crude oil if regulations allow sales to non-U.S. buyers, signaling potential re-entry into Venezuelan supply after halting imports due to U.S. tariffs. The company, which operates the world’s largest refining complex in Gujarat, has awaited clarity on access for Venezuelan oil following a deal that allows Caracas to export up to $2 billion of crude to the United States. Reliance stopped Venezuelan oil purchases in March 2026 after a 25% U.S. tariff was imposed on countries buying Venezuelan crude. Approval for compliant purchases will guide future decisions. 

India batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20 Internationals against New Zealand, starting January 21, after undergoing surgery for an abdominal/groin issue in Rajkot, confirmed by the BCCI. He was discharged from hospital and is now stable and recovering, but will resume training only after full symptom resolution and healing. The board said his availability for the final two matches of the five-game series will be assessed based on his progress during return-to-training and skill phases. His absence is a setback for India’s T20I plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. (PC: PTI)

US President **Donald Trump has publicly defended an ICE agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation. Trump described the incident as a violent situation, asserting Good “behaved horribly” and alleging she ran over the agent before he fired in self-defense, comments made before a full investigation. Federal authorities, including Homeland Security, echoed the self-defense claim and labelled Good’s actions as “domestic terrorism.” Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, strongly rejected this narrative, calling it misleading as protests and national debate escalate over the use of force. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister **Mamata Banerjee has announced a protest rally in Kolkata on Friday in response to Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the I-PAC office and the home of its chief, Pratik Jain, as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to a coal pilferage case. Mamata has described the raids as politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections, alleging attempts to confiscate Trinamool Congress internal documents, hard disks and data. She has vowed demonstrations across the city and across state party units, framing the issue as misuse of central agencies for political ends. (PC: The Hindu)

A Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera (formerly Bella 1), was seized by the United States in the North Atlantic, accused of violating US sanctions related to Venezuelan oil exports after a weeks-long pursuit involving Coast Guard and military forces. Three Indian nationals were among the 28 crew members, which also included Ukrainians, Georgians and Russians. The U.S. operation, backed by British support, has sparked protests from Moscow, which called the action unlawful and demanded humane treatment and speedy repatriation of the detained crew. The legal status and future of the seized sailors remain uncertain.

US President Donald Trump has backed a bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill that could let the US impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries importing Russian oil or uranium, as part of broader measures to weaken Moscow’s economy amid the Ukraine war. The legislation, championed by Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal, targets trading partners like India, China and Brazil that continue buying discounted Russian energy. While the bill still needs Congressional approval, it marks a significant escalation in economic pressure and could strain US–India trade relations if enacted. (PC: NDTV)

The family of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain has filed a police complaint in Kolkata, alleging that important documents were stolen during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at their Loudon Street residence. The raid, conducted in connection with a money-laundering investigation linked to the coal pilferage case, reportedly began early morning and continued for nearly nine hours. Jain’s wife approached the Shakespeare Sarani police station, claiming personal and official papers went missing during the search. The police have confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the matter is under verification and inquiry. The ED also searched I-PAC offices, sparking political controversy.

A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur, Suraj Biswas, founder and CEO of deep-tech startup Assessli, has publicly defended Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, drawing on his own experience as a former Zomato delivery partner in 2020–21. In a LinkedIn post, Biswas said his time delivering food helped him pay college fees, support his early team and stay financially independent, with monthly earnings of around ₹40,000, and he knew riders earning up to ₹90,000. He described gig work as offering independence, dignity and opportunity, and rejected calls to ban ultra-fast delivery models, arguing that flexibility and tech-led platforms create economic mobility. (PC: LinkedIn)