India and the European Union are finalizing their Free Trade Agreement, scheduled for signing on January 27 during an India-EU summit coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend as chief guests on January 26. Of 23 negotiating chapters, 11 are closed, with ongoing discussions on car and steel market access, services, investment, and technical trade barriers. India's bilateral goods trade with the EU stands at $136 billion, making it Delhi's third-largest trading partner. Originally launched in 2007 and stalled in 2013, negotiations resumed in June 2022 with strong political commitment from both sides.(PC: Epthinktank)

Two Punjabi youths were shot dead in a targeted attack in southeast Edmonton, Canada, early Friday morning, according to police who confirmed the killings were not random. The victims were identified as Gurdeep Singh, 27, from Bareh village, and Ranveer Singh, 18, from Uddat Saidewala village near Budhlada in Punjab's Mansa district. Both were reportedly traveling to attend a friend's birthday party when they were fired upon. The incident has triggered grief in their home villages in Punjab and raised concerns among the Punjabi diaspora community in Canada. Families in Mansa district are mourning the loss as investigations continue.(PC: The Indian Express)

The US has prudentially revoked several H-1B and H-4 visas amid delays in visa interviews in India. Visa holders have received emails notifying them of the temporary revocation, even if past issues with law enforcement had been cleared. A prudential revocation is a precautionary action and does not affect lawful stay in the US. However, the visa cannot be used for travel until the issue is resolved. Experts say the matter will be reviewed during the next visa appointment. The move follows the US State Department’s plan to expand social media checks for work visa applicants.

Two young men from Punjab were shot dead in a targeted attack in southeast Edmonton, Canada. The victims were identified as Gurdeep Singh, 27, and Ranveer Singh, 18, both from Mansa district in Punjab. Police said the shooting happened early on December 12 when the two were travelling in a vehicle to attend a friend’s birthday party. Officers found them with gunshot wounds and both died at the spot. Police said the attack was not random and handed the case to the homicide unit. No arrests have been made yet and the probe is ongoing. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney that killed at least 12 people. The attack happened during Hanukkah celebrations. Modi called the incident “ghastly” and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. He said India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against it in all forms. Modi also said India stands with the people of Australia in this time of grief. Australian authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack. Two shooters were involved. Explosives were also recovered. Australian leaders strongly condemned the violence. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah event. At least 12 people were killed, and 29 others injured, including two police officers. One gunman was shot dead by police, and the other is in critical condition. Modi expressed shock over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He said India stands with Australia in this time of grief and reaffirmed that the country has zero tolerance for terrorism. Authorities called it a targeted attack on Sydney’s Jewish community. (PC: India Today)

Three Indian-origin truck drivers — Manjot Bhatti (26), Navjot Bhatti (26) and Amanjot Bhatti (22) — were arrested by Peel Regional Police in Brampton, Canada, for their alleged roles in a tow-truck rivalry shootout that erupted on October 7 in a parking lot near McVean Drive and Castlemore Road. Police say an altercation between rival tow-truck groups escalated into gunfire, injuring one person slightly. After weeks of investigation, warrants were executed on November 20 leading to the arrests; all three now face firearm-related charges, while a fourth suspect remains at large and police have released footage seeking public help. (PC: NDTV)

Aditya Beri, 42, was arrested at Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables in Saratoga on December 8 after attempting to start a fire. When confronted by staff, he threw a wine bottle and fled in his Tesla, intentionally crashing into two parked cars before driving off an embankment. After refusing to surrender despite de-escalation attempts, police used pepperball and spray to force him out. The Menlo Park entrepreneur was booked on assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest charges, then hospitalized for evaluation. Beri founded BetterLYF Wellness, an online mental health platform, and serves as Executive Director at Fieldking farm equipment. He holds degrees from University of Illinois and Indian School of Business. (PC: NDTV & X)

China welcomed India's decision to expedite business visas for Chinese nationals, calling it a "positive step." Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated easing cross-border travel "serves common interests." India tweaked visa rules allowing Chinese nationals to apply under business visa category, issuing short-term 'B' visas within three-four weeks instead of six-month employment visas. The change follows surge in Chinese applications for short business visits. Relations deteriorated in 2020 over LAC tensions in Ladakh, but improved after Modi-Xi meetings at 2024 BRICS (Kazan) and SCO (Tianjin) summits. India resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals in July 2025 after five-year gap, with flights resuming and Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimages restarting. (PC: HT) 

Prada will launch limited-edition Kolhapuri-inspired sandals at Rs 83,000 ($930) in February 2026, collaborating with Indian artisans after facing cultural appropriation backlash. The Italian luxury brand plans producing 2,000 pairs across Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur) regions, partnering with state-backed LIDCOM and LIDKAR organizations. Following June 2025 Milan show controversy where Prada showcased 12th-century Indian footwear designs without acknowledgment, the company established a three-year partnership including artisan training programs in India and Italy's Prada Academy. Chief Marketing Officer Lorenzo Bertelli confirmed the multi-million euro project aims to preserve heritage threatened by cheap imitations while fairly remunerating artisans. India's luxury market, valued at $7 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. (PC: India Today)