China allegedly hacked mobile phones of senior British Downing Street officials between 2021-2024, compromising communications of aides to former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak. The espionage operation, known as Salt Typhoon, may still be ongoing, potentially affecting current PM Keir Starmer. US intelligence warns the breach accessed text messages, calls, metadata, and location data. This forms part of a broader global campaign targeting Five Eyes intelligence partners including the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The FBI warned Chinese hackers infiltrated telecommunications networks worldwide. Britain's MI5 alerted Parliament in November about Chinese state espionage threats, while parliamentary committees criticized government's inadequate response. (PC: Times Now)

A Lashkar-e-Taiba commander has publicly confirmed links with Hamas, raising concerns about expanding terrorist cooperation. Faisal Nadeem admitted meeting Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Doha, Qatar, in 2024, accompanied by Pahalgam attack mastermind Saifullah Kasuri. This follows earlier reports of Hamas commander Naji Zaheer meeting Lashkar's Rashid Ali Sandhu in Pakistan's Gujranwala. Zaheer has reportedly visited Pakistan fifteen times since October 2023. Officials suggest these meetings indicate strategic efforts to build ideological and operational alliances involving training, fundraising, and propaganda collaboration. Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments and assessing implications for national security, with potential actions at FATF and international bodies. (PC: NDTV)

President Donald Trump warned Iran as US warships head toward West Asia, stating America has an "armada" moving in that direction while expressing hope it won't be needed. US officials confirmed aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and guided-missile destroyers will arrive in coming days, with additional air defence systems under consideration. The deployments follow US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June and aim to protect American bases while providing military options. Trump threatened intervention over Iran's protest crackdown, claiming Tehran cancelled nearly 840 executions following his warnings. He told reporters he hopes for a deal before it's too late, though tensions remain high between both nations.

An ISKCON temple in Bangladesh was robbed in Brahmanbaria district on Monday. Thieves broke into the Sri Sri Pagal Shankar ISKCON temple at night. They stole 14 idols, cash worth 20,000 taka, and gold and silver ornaments. Several rooms were forced open. The priest said the temple does not feel safe anymore. This was the second theft at the temple since 2017. Police said a case is being filed and teams are investigating. The incident comes amid rising attacks on Hindus and their places of worship in the country. 

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the head of ICE to appear in court over the handling of detained immigrants. The order comes amid protests in Minneapolis after two US citizens were killed during immigration operations. Chief Judge Patrick J Schiltz said ICE failed to follow court orders on immigration hearings. Acting ICE director Todd Lyons must explain why he should not be held in contempt. The crackdown began under President Donald Trump. Officials say the situation has sparked public anger and legal concern. (PC: Reuters)

Rwanda has started legal action against the United Kingdom over a cancelled migrant agreement. Rwanda filed the case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. It says the UK failed to make payments promised under the deal. The agreement was scrapped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in 2024. The UK said future payments will not be made. Officials said they will protect taxpayers’ money. Rwanda wants a legal decision on the treaty. The case is still pending. (PC: PA Media)

A new AI-powered receptionist named EMMA (Enhanced Medical Management Assistant) is now answering calls for nearly one million GP patients across the UK, transforming healthcare access. Introduced at Conisbrough Group Practice in Doncaster last October, the system created by AI start-up QuantumLoopAI records patient details, prioritizes requests, and directs them to doctors. Patient Joan Downing, 70, who cares for her brother with complex medical needs, reported dramatic improvements: "I once had a call back within 15 minutes, which is off the scale." Previously, long queues forced many to abandon calls. EMMA functions as a virtual receptionist managing appointment requests, marking significant progress in AI integration within primary healthcare services. (PC: Representative Image from NDTV)

Afghanistan's Taliban issued a new Criminal Procedure Code dividing society into four rigid classes with unequal punishments. Religious scholars (mullahs) receive only "advice" for crimes, while lower classes face imprisonment and corporal punishment for identical offenses. The code explicitly legitimizes slavery using the term "ghulam," allowing masters and husbands to enforce punishments. Critics compare it to India's historical varna system, calling it "far worse than the Middle Ages." Former Afghan officials and human rights groups condemned the January 4 document as institutionalizing violence, gender apartheid, and discrimination. The UN Special Rapporteur called provisions "deeply troubling," while activists demand immediate repeal and international intervention against formalized inequality. (PC: India Today)

India’s proposed free trade agreement with the European Union is set to intensify competition for exporters from Japan, the UK and the United States. Nearly $11 billion of their combined exports to India could face pressure as EU firms gain preferential tariff access. The exposure is highest in high-value segments such as machinery, metals, medical devices and industrial goods. Japan could see over $3.5 billion of its exports affected, while close to $1.3 billion of UK shipments fall in vulnerable categories. US exporters face competition in medical equipment and chemicals. Russia remains largely insulated from the impact. (PC: Moneycontrol)

A senior US immigration official is expected to leave Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of a second US citizen by federal agents. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is set to depart as President Donald Trump assigns border adviser Tom Homan to lead efforts on the ground. The move follows the death of Alex Pretti during an immigration operation on Saturday. Officials said agents fired in self-defence, a claim disputed by witnesses and the victim’s family. Trump has since spoken with state and city leaders and said talks were positive. Federal raids have continued, though pressure has grown for an independent investigation. (PC: BBC)