Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro sparked renewed interest in his Hindu spiritual connections after appearing publicly wearing a luxury wristwatch featuring Lord Ganesha. The timepiece adds to Maduro's well-documented affinity for Indian spirituality, particularly his devotion to Sathya Sai Baba. He has previously been photographed wearing kalawa (sacred thread), and Venezuela once issued National Day invitations decorated with the Om (ॐ) symbol under his leadership. The Ganesha watch images went viral on social media, prompting fresh discussions about his faith influences. This visible Hindu symbolism at both personal and state levels highlights how Indian spiritual elements continue appearing prominently in Maduro's public life, even amid his current detention in the US. (PC: Instagram)

Pakistan Army's ISPR chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, sparked controversy by using the colloquial phrase "Maza na karaya toh paise wapas" (If you don't enjoy it, get your money back) while threatening India. During a briefing, he claimed India won't accept Pakistan's existence and alleged Kabul acts as an "Indian proxy." Chaudhry stated Pakistan's destiny remains in its own hands, warning provocatively: "Come from wherever, come alone or with someone. If it's not enjoyable, you'll get your money back." This follows previous controversy when he winked at journalist Absa Koman while calling jailed former PM Imran Khan a "mental patient." Pakistan's leadership has accused Afghanistan, India, and TTP of conspiring against Islamabad.

US President Donald Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approached him regarding India's pending defence purchases and trade issues, particularly delayed Apache helicopter deliveries. Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump recounted Modi's request: "Sir, may I see you please? Yes!" He stated India had ordered Apache helicopters that remained undelivered for five years before Modi intervened. Trump emphasized his strong personal rapport with the Indian leader, saying "I have a very good relationship with him." The remarks highlight Trump's continued focus on bilateral relations with India, touching on both defence cooperation and trade matters. Trump's comments come amid ongoing discussions about US-India strategic partnerships and commercial ties between the two nations.

US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him to discuss delays in Apache helicopter deliveries and trade issues. Speaking at a House GOP retreat, Trump said India had ordered Apaches but did not receive them for five years. He added that Modi asked to see him and that they shared a good personal relationship. Trump also said Modi was unhappy over US tariffs, including levies linked to India’s oil trade with Russia. He claimed India had cut Russian oil imports in recent months. Trump said he could raise tariffs further if India does not help on the oil issue. The US has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India's concern over recent Venezuelan developments, urging all parties to engage in dialogue prioritizing citizens' well-being and safety. Speaking in Luxembourg, he emphasized India's longstanding positive relations with Venezuela and hopes for favorable outcomes for its people. This follows the dramatic US military operation on January 3 that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas, who now await narco-terrorism trial in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Centre. India promptly issued travel advisories, warning citizens against non-essential travel and urging extreme caution. The MEA termed the situation a matter of "deep concern," with the Indian Embassy maintaining contact with the Indian community while monitoring the evolving crisis. (PC: AFP)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “not that happy with me” due to steep tariffs Washington has imposed on Indian goods, particularly linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil, during remarks at a House GOP retreat in Washington. He reiterated that despite a “very good relationship,” New Delhi is bearing high tariff costs, partly from a 50 % duty, including a 25 % levy tied to Russian oil imports. Trump also referenced long-pending Apache helicopter deliveries to India. The comments reflect ongoing trade tensions amid efforts to pressure India over energy and bilateral commerce. (PC: Reuters)

Indian-origin Singaporean R Shanmugaratnam, 59, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for falsifying documents in the Wirecard AG fraud case, while Briton James Henry O'Sullivan, 51, received six-and-a-half years. Shanmugaratnam, director of Citadelle Corporate Services, was convicted of 13 charges for falsifying balance confirmation letters between 2016-2018 with fraudulent intent. O'Sullivan was found guilty of five charges for abetting by instigating fraudulent letters. Both misrepresented to auditors that Wirecard AG held hundreds of millions of Euros in Citadelle's escrow accounts, though no money was actually held. Prosecutors called the falsification "unprecedented," with misrepresented balances ranging from €20 million to €327.5 million. Both men will appeal their convictions. (PC: HT)

Communal tension erupted in Nepal's Parsa and Dhanusha districts after two Muslim men, Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, posted a video allegedly containing religiously insulting remarks. Locals handed them to police, but a mosque was subsequently vandalized in Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala Municipality, intensifying unrest. Violent protests followed with stone-pelting at police and vandalization of stations; authorities fired tear gas shells and imposed curfew in Birgunj city. India completely sealed its border with Nepal, halting all cross-border movements except emergency services. Sashastra Seema Bal increased patrolling along Maitri Bridge and border areas. Indian migrant workers began returning home as shops and markets closed amid deteriorating security situation. 

An Indian woman's Google review of a restaurant's Asian food sparked a viral fiery response from owner Wang Tulum. Reviewer Anvita Kotha, a local guide, criticized dan dan noodles and dumplings in chili oil for lacking spiciness despite extra chili oil and salt, though she praised the matcha latte. The owner fired back: "We don't cater your tastes" and "Open your own damn restaurant," explaining recipes reflect personal preferences, not customer demands. Wang criticized "self-entitled" expectations, emphasizing dishes are designed for balance rather than excessive spice. The January 5, 2026 X post gained 1.3 million views with mixed reactions some supporting chef autonomy, others criticizing the owner's aggressive tone.

Pakistan sharply increased its lobbying efforts in the United States during India’s Operation Sindoor in 2025, official records show. US filings reveal Pakistani officials sought dozens of meetings with American lawmakers, defence officials and media figures. The aim was to press Washington to intervene and stop India’s military action after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The outreach covered issues like Kashmir and regional security. Reports also show Pakistan spent millions of dollars on US lobbying firms during this period. The documents suggest Islamabad turned to Washington under heavy military and diplomatic pressure.