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. 

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 raise tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, including India. Senator Lindsey Graham said Trump “greenlit” the measure and a vote may come next week. The bill allows the president to penalise nations seen as aiding Russia or blocking peace in Ukraine. It includes visa bans, asset blocks and tariffs of at least 500 percent on some imports. India already faces a 50 percent US tariff after two hikes in 2025 linked to its Russian oil purchases. Trump has said tariffs could rise further if such trade continues. (PC: HT)

Two Indian nationals, Gurpreet Singh (25) and Jasveer Singh (30), were arrested in Indiana's Putnam County for trafficking 309 pounds of cocaine concealed in their semi-truck's sleeper berth. The US Department of Homeland Security stated this quantity could kill over 113,000 Americans, with cocaine's lethal dose being 1.2 grams. Both held California Commercial Drivers' Licenses. Gurpreet illegally entered the US in March 2023 near Lukeville, Arizona, and was released under the Biden administration. Jasveer entered in March 2017 near Otay Mesa, California. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged detainers on January 4. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's sanctuary policies for endangering American lives. (PC: DHS)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated India is strengthening ties with Europe to bring greater stability to the global economy and politics during talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris. The remarks came amid frosty India-US relations following President Trump's 50% tariff on Indian imports. Jaishankar emphasized Europe's crucial role in international politics, noting substantive discussions on FTA, technology, semiconductors, railways, defense, and aviation. India will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU leaders in coming weeks. Jaishankar highlighted that India chairs BRICS this year while France helms G7 in 2026, emphasizing continuous consultation between strategic partners amid global uncertainty.

Noida-based content creator Neha Nagar sparked online discussion after comparing India's basic living standards with countries like Bali and Vietnam. In her X post, Nagar highlighted that everyday facilities often feel like luxuries in India, pointing to cleaner public spaces, better street food hygiene, stricter plastic control, cleaner air, and improved women's safety at night abroad. She emphasized India struggles providing basic amenities despite having rich history, spirituality, culture, and strong foundations. Nagar stated, "No country is perfect, but India is struggling to give the very basics to its citizens." X users largely agreed, sharing similar travel experiences and acknowledging cleanliness, hygiene, and women's safety require significant improvement in India.

President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations, including the India-France led International Solar Alliance. The White House announced the directive targets 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN entities deemed contrary to American interests. The withdrawals affect major environmental bodies like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The administration claims these organizations promote globalist agendas conflicting with US sovereignty and waste taxpayer money without meaningful results. The "America First" policy aims to redirect resources toward domestic priorities including infrastructure, national security, and economic strength. The decision follows a comprehensive review of international treaties and conventions receiving US support. (PC: Getty Images)

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced President Donald Trump has approved a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and uranium. The legislation, co-sponsored with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, could impose tariffs up to 500% on nations like India, China, and Brazil. Graham stated it gives Trump "tremendous leverage" to pressure countries financing Putin's war in Ukraine. A vote may occur next week. Trump previously imposed 50% combined tariffs on Indian goods for buying Russian oil. India-US relations have strained over New Delhi's continued Russian oil purchases, with Trump recently stating PM Modi "knew I was not happy." India remains firm on protecting its agricultural and dairy sectors amid stalled negotiations. (PC: X)

Aloka, an Indian street dog, has become an internet sensation by joining Buddhist monks on a 3,700 km "Walk for Peace" across the United States. The four-year-old Indian Pariah dog first encountered the monks while wandering India, following them for over 100 days and forming a loyal bond. After his India adventure, Aloka joined 19 monks for their peace walk from Fort Worth in October, spanning 10 states over 110 days, concluding in Washington DC in February. With over 1.5 lakh Instagram followers, Aloka's journey is tracked on social media and live maps. Users praised him as a "noble guardian" and "goodwill ambassador," with his calm presence inspiring followers worldwide. (PC: Instagram)

The US Embassy in India issued a stern warning to international students that breaking US laws could result in student visa cancellation, deportation, and long-term ineligibility for future visas. In a post on X, the embassy emphasized "a US visa is a privilege, not a right," urging visa holders to comply with local laws and regulations. The advisory comes amid the Trump administration's tightened visa enforcement across student, work, and visitor categories, focusing on compliance, security vetting, and deterring overstays. Measures include broadened visa revocations for legal infractions, enhanced background checks, social media screening, and proposals limiting student stay durations without additional review while prioritizing higher-paid H-1B applicants. (PC: News 18)