Actress Celina Jaitley has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her brother Major Vikrant Jaitley's release, a former Special Forces officer detained in UAE since September 2024. Breaking down in an interview with India Today TV, she revealed he was taken from Mall of Emirates parking by unidentified individuals without arrest records for nine months. After Delhi High Court intervention, UAE-based law firm Khalid Almarie Partners agreed to provide pro bono legal representation. Celina said her brother has been held over 16 months at Al-Wathba Detention Centre with only vague "national security" references and no formal charges. She drew parallels with former Indian naval officers' Qatar detention, seeking high-level diplomatic intervention.

A 22-year-old US-born woman's Reddit post went viral after sharing her unexpected experience moving to India. Initially terrified by negative stereotypes, she "literally cried" when her mother announced the move and refused to go. However, she found surprising warmth through extended family relatives who showed genuine care through frequent check-ins. While acknowledging "culture shock is real" and ongoing adjustment to sensory overload and personal questions from aunties, she questioned why people criticize India without visiting. Her younger sister still struggles with the transition, but seeing their mother genuinely happy "made everything feel worth it." The post sparked diverse responses, with many sharing similar adjustment experiences and praising her maturity. (PC: NDTV)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced Thursday that the historic India-US trade deal is in final detailing stages and expected to be completed soon, marking a new phase in bilateral relations. Concluding his US visit, Jaishankar thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio for warm hospitality, stating the deal "opens up vast possibilities for the relationship." He emphasized advancing cooperation on critical minerals, strategic issues, defense, and energy, noting "a strong momentum is evident." Jaishankar participated in a high-level meeting with over 50 countries, highlighting challenges of excessive supply chain concentration and India's de-risking efforts through its National Critical Mineral Mission and rare earth corridor, while expressing support for the FORGE initiative. (PC: ANI)

India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified its energy import stance after US President Donald Trump claimed India would shift crude oil sourcing from Russia to Venezuela following their bilateral trade deal. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Venezuela has been a longstanding partner for India," emphasizing energy security needs guide New Delhi's decisions. India imported Venezuelan oil until 2019-20, resumed in 2023-24, but stopped after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan crude. Jaiswal added India remains "open to exploring commercial merits of any crude supply, including from Venezuela," while maintaining diversified sourcing aligned with market conditions. Trump claimed India agreed to stop Russian oil purchases, helping "END THE WAR in Ukraine."

India categorically dismissed a Bloomberg report claiming National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Washington last September to meet US officials. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "There is absolutely no basis for that report. No such meeting or no such visit has taken place." Bloomberg had reported Doval met Secretary of State Marco Rubio, telling him India-US relations should move past acrimony and return to trade negotiations, while asserting India wouldn't be bullied by President Trump's administration. India-US ties deteriorated last August when Trump raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, accusing India of financing Russia's war. Recently, Modi and Trump announced tariff reduction to 18% as part of a new trade deal. 

Delhi Police have arrested two men accused of writing pro-Khalistan slogans at two places in the capital ahead of Republic Day. Investigators said the men were acting on instructions linked to US-based separatist figure Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his group Sikhs For Justice. Police said a Canada-based associate arranged the plan and offered ₹2 lakh for the act. One accused works as an ambulance driver, while the other is his associate. Officials said the goal was to “create unrest” before January 26. An FIR was filed earlier after a threat video surfaced online. Police said further searches are underway. (PC: X)

India responded to US President Donald Trump’s claim that New Delhi agreed to stop buying Russian oil, saying its main focus remains national energy security. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said meeting the needs of 1.4 billion people is the “supreme priority”. He said India will diversify supplies based on market conditions and global developments. Trump earlier said India would cut Russian oil imports and buy more from the US and possibly Venezuela after the trade deal announcement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the trade deal but did not mention Russian oil. Russia said it has received no official word from India. (PC: X)

The UK aviation regulator has asked Air India to explain how a Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew from London despite a reported fuel switch fault. The UK Civil Aviation Authority said Air India must give full details within a week or face possible regulatory action. A pilot had reported a fuel control switch issue after a recent flight, and the aircraft was later grounded in Bengaluru for checks. The regulator asked for a “root-cause analysis” and a prevention plan for the fleet. Air India said reinspections found no faults. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation said proper procedure was “apparently” not followed. (PC: HT)

Russia’s Kremlin responded to recent India–US trade deal reports by saying New Delhi remains sovereign in choosing oil suppliers, dismissing claims that India agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil as part of the deal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized India has always diversified its energy sources and noted nothing new in that approach. Moscow also stated it has not received official communication from India about halting Russian crude imports and reaffirmed the energy trade’s benefits for both countries. Experts say fully replacing Russian oil with U.S. crude isn’t simple due to differences in quality and blending costs. 

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that India would not be pressured by President Donald Trump or his aides, according to a Bloomberg report. The message was conveyed during a Washington meeting months before the India-US trade agreement was announced. Officials familiar with the talks said Doval wanted to move past tensions and restart trade negotiations. He also indicated India was ready to “wait out” Trump’s term if needed. The report said Doval asked the US side to reduce public criticism so ties could return to normal. The trade deal was later announced with lower US tariffs on Indian goods. (PC: HT)