A 27-year-old Indian woman, Nikitha Godishala from Ellicott City, was found dead with stab wounds in her ex-boyfriend's Columbia, Maryland apartment. Her former boyfriend, Arjun Sharma (26), reported her missing on January 2, claiming he last saw her December 31. Police discovered Sharma fled to India on the same day he filed the report. Detectives found Godishala's body the next day during a search warrant execution. Authorities believe Sharma killed her shortly after 7 pm on December 31. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges. The Indian Embassy is providing consular assistance to the family and coordinating with local authorities. US federal law enforcement is working to locate and arrest Sharma. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that America could raise existing tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi doesn't address the "Russian oil issue." Speaking to reporters, Trump called PM Modi "a good guy" who knew the President was unhappy, adding "We can raise tariffs on them very quickly." This follows August 2025's doubling of tariffs on India to 50% over its Russian oil trade. Trump previously claimed Modi assured him India would stop purchasing Russian oil, though India denied this conversation occurred. Russia remains India's biggest oil supplier. The Trump administration alleges Russia uses oil trade proceeds to fund Ukraine's war, while accusing India of profiteering through reselling operations.

Nigeria’s drug agency has arrested 22 Indian crew members after cocaine was found on a merchant ship at Lagos port. The seizure was made on January 2. Officers recovered 31.5 kilograms of cocaine from the vessel. The arrest was confirmed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Officials said the ship had arrived from overseas. Nigeria is a major route for drugs sent to Europe and other regions. In recent months, the agency has made several large seizures at the Lagos port, including cases involving foreign sailors and cocaine shipments from Brazil. (PC: Representative Image)

Life in Venezuela’s capital has turned frightening after US military strikes plunged large parts of Caracas into darkness, according to an Indian national living in the city. He described prolonged power cuts, disrupted mobile networks, food shortages and widespread panic among residents. Streets remain largely empty as people stay indoors, fearing further attacks and violence. Essential services have been badly affected, with long queues for water and basic supplies. The Indian community is in constant touch with the Indian embassy, which has advised citizens to remain cautious. Uncertainty and fear dominate daily life as tensions continue to escalate.

Caracas slipped into darkness and fear after US aircraft hit targets across the city and detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to local reports. Power grids and phone networks were badly damaged. Shops shut and buses stopped running. Streets were almost empty. Sunil Malhotra, an Indian living in Caracas, said supermarkets were closed and long lines formed outside small stores and pharmacies for food. He said people walked far to find places with power to charge phones. Police later asked people to leave these spots. He said officials could not give a timeline for restoring electricity. (PC: India Today)

A video of an Indian man helping a homeless couple in the United States has gone viral on social media. The clip shows him offering bottles of water to the couple on New Year’s Day. He later returns with food from a fast-food outlet. The video was shared on Instagram and received wide praise. In the caption, the man said he was moved after seeing they had no water. He called himself blessed to help. Many users praised his kindness and humility. Several Indian viewers said they felt proud. The video has crossed three lakh views and continues to get warm reactions online.

A video of an Indian man helping a homeless couple in the United States has gone viral on social media. The clip shows him offering bottles of water to the couple on New Year’s Day. He later returns with food from a fast-food outlet. The video was shared on Instagram and received wide praise. In the caption, the man said he was moved after seeing they had no water. He called himself blessed to help. Many users praised his kindness and humility. Several Indian viewers said they felt proud. The video has crossed three lakh views and continues to get warm reactions online.

India on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens after a US military operation in Venezuela. The Ministry of External Affairs asked Indians to avoid all non-essential travel to the country. It said the decision was taken due to recent developments and rising security concerns. Indians already in Venezuela were advised to stay alert and limit their movement. The MEA also urged them to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Caracas. Emergency contact details were shared for help and assistance. The advisory asked citizens to follow local updates and avoid risky areas until the situation becomes stable. (PC: AP)

Aloka, a former Indian stray now known as the “Peace Dog,” is capturing attention nationwide as he accompanies Buddhist monks on their 2,300‑mile Walk for Peace across the United States. The calm, confident dog often walks beside the monks, sometimes dressed in colorful outfits, embodying loyalty, mindfulness, and compassion as the group promotes unity and peace. Estimated to be about four years old, Aloka’s presence has made him a social media favorite and a symbol of the journey’s spirit. The walk, drawing crowds and online support, reflects a mission of kindness and shared humanity.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid, expressing support, Khalid’s family said. The undated note was shared by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, after Mamdani took office this week. In the letter, Mamdani said he often thinks about Khalid’s words on not letting bitterness take over and added that he met Khalid’s parents. Khalid has been in Delhi’s Tihar jail since September 2020 under the UAPA in the Delhi riots case. A court recently granted him provisional bail to attend his sister’s wedding. He surrendered on December 29. (PC: NDTV)