India will face minimal economic impact from Trump's 25% tariff on Iran-trading nations, government sources confirmed, as bilateral trade remains negligible at $1.6 billion just 0.15% of India's total trade volume. Iran doesn't rank among India's top 50 trading partners, with trade expected to decline further this financial year. India's exports to Iran totaled only $1.2 billion in 2024, representing 2.3% of Iran's $68 billion imports, dwarfed by UAE ($21B), China ($17B), and Turkey ($11B). Officials emphasized India's "extremely limited" trade exposure significantly reduces tariff fallout risks. This assessment comes despite India already facing elevated US trade pressures, including 50% tariffs on Russian oil purchases. (PC: X)

The UK has summoned Iran’s ambassador over the violent crackdown on protests. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the move shows the seriousness of the situation. A human rights group warned that a 26-year-old protester is set to be executed on Wednesday. Officials claim around 2,000 people may have been killed during the unrest. Internet services remain restricted across Iran. US President Donald Trump urged protesters to continue demonstrations. Several European countries have also summoned Iranian diplomats. Germany said Iran’s government could be nearing its final days. Protests continue despite arrests and force by security agencies.

Two healthcare workers in West Bengal have tested positive for Nipah virus, officials said. The patients, a male nurse and a female nurse, work at the same private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas. Both are in critical condition and on ventilator support. The cases were first reported earlier this week as suspected infections. After confirmation, the Centre sent a national outbreak response team to assist the state. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda spoke to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and assured full support. Around 120 contacts have been identified, and testing is ongoing. (PC: iStock)

India is unlikely to face major impact from the United States’ new tariffs linked to Iran trade, government sources said. US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on US-bound goods from countries trading with Iran. Officials said India’s trade with Iran is very small. Iran is not among India’s top 50 trade partners. India’s total trade with Iran was about $1.6 billion last year. This is only 0.15 per cent of India’s overall trade. Officials added that trade levels may fall further this year. Due to limited exposure, the tariffs are expected to have minimal effect on India’s economy.

Australia has moved India to the highest-risk category for student visas. The change places India under Assessment Level 3. This means stricter checks and more documents. Students must now show stronger proof of finances, English skills, and genuine study plans. The new rules came into effect on January 8, 2026. Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan have also been moved to this category. Pakistan already remains in the highest-risk tier. Australian officials say the decision aims to address visa fraud and protect system integrity. Recent reports of fake degree rackets in India may have influenced the move. It is still unclear if the change is temporary or long-term.

Quick commerce firms including Blinkit and Zepto have agreed to stop using 10-minute delivery claims after concerns were raised over rider safety and work pressure. Labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a government meeting with leading firms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato to discuss delivery timelines. Sources said Blinkit has already changed its main tagline, removing the 10-minute promise and switching to a general doorstep delivery line. Other platforms are expected to follow soon. The move comes after protests by gig workers on December 31 seeking better pay and safer work terms. AAP MP Raghav Chadha welcomed the step and said strict time promises put riders at risk. (PC: X)

Iran has said about 2,000 people died during recent nationwide protests and blamed “terrorists” for the violence. An Iranian official gave the figure to Reuters. In contrast, opposition-linked outlet Iran International claimed at least 12,000 protesters were killed by security forces. It said most deaths occurred on January 8 and 9 and were carried out by the Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces. The website said its estimate was based on internal security data, medical sources, and eyewitness accounts. Human rights groups have so far confirmed only several hundred deaths, saying full verification is difficult due to internet shutdowns and tight media controls inside Iran. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states and dog feeders of strict liability in cases of stray dog attacks. During the hearing, the bench said, “For every dog bite, for every death, we will be likely fixing heavy compensation for states for not making requisite arrangements. And also liability to dog feeders. You take them to your house, keep them, why should they be allowed to roam around, biting, chasing? The effect of a dog bite is lifelong.” The court also asked who should be held responsible when a child is killed by dogs fed by an organisation. The bench said it is not possible to judge a dog’s mood on the streets.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said it will not withdraw its request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, even after the ICC turned down the appeal. The issue was discussed in a video meeting between the two bodies on Tuesday. BCB officials again cited “security concerns” as the reason for their demand. The ICC responded that the tournament schedule had already been announced and asked Bangladesh to reconsider its position. In a statement later, the BCB said it was still in talks with the ICC and had not altered its stand. The row comes weeks before the tournament begins. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has said it will invite India to join Pax Silica, a US-led alliance focused on building a secure silicon and chip supply chain for the AI era. US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the move aims to create a full ecosystem, from mineral refining to advanced manufacturing. Pax Silica brings together partners such as Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, Singapore, and Qatar. The initiative seeks to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth minerals. India has large reserves but depends heavily on imports. Joining the bloc could help India diversify supplies and gain technology support. (PC: India Today)