Delhi airport will face daily airspace closures from January 21 to 26 due to Republic Day security drills. A NOTAM says the airspace will shut from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm each day. Aviation data firm Cirium estimates over 600 flights may be affected during this window. The period is busy as many passengers land in Delhi to connect to Europe and other cities. Airlines may cancel or reschedule flights. Some passengers may be moved to later services or offered refunds. Fog in winter could worsen delays. Travellers should update contact details with airlines to get timely alerts. (PC: Reuters)

China has reasserted its claim over Shaksgam Valley in Jammu & Kashmir, defending ongoing infrastructure projects as "beyond reproach" despite India's strong objections. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated the territory "belongs to China" and cited the 1960s China-Pakistan boundary agreement as justification. India firmly rejected these claims, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal declaring Shaksgam Valley as Indian territory and the 1963 China-Pakistan agreement "illegal and invalid." India also reiterated non-recognition of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through Pakistani-occupied territory. The dispute intensified following reports of China constructing an all-weather road in strategically crucial Shaksgam, located north of Siachen, prompting India to reserve rights for necessary countermeasures. 

US President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, potentially threatening India's $1.7 billion bilateral trade with Tehran. The sweeping tariff aims to pressure Iran's leadership over its violent protest crackdown, which reportedly killed nearly 600 people and arrested thousands. Trump declared the order "final and conclusive" via Truth Social, while also considering potential military action against Tehran. This development could significantly disrupt India's trade relationship with Iran and complicate ongoing India-US trade negotiations. The tariff threat sends shockwaves through global markets, forcing nations to choose between maintaining Iranian trade ties or facing substantial penalties on their American business dealings. (PC: X)

New US Ambassador Sergio Gor emphasized India's critical importance to America, calling it "the most essential partner" and projecting their relationship as potentially "the most consequential partnership of this century." Speaking at the US embassy, Gor announced continued trade negotiations with another round scheduled for Tuesday, while acknowledging disagreements as normal among "real friends." He highlighted President Trump's friendship with PM Modi and invited India to join Pax Silica, the US-led silicon supply chain initiative as a full member next month. India's participation comes after its notable absence at December's launch, which included nine founding nations. Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is currently attending critical minerals discussions in Washington. (PC: PTI)

Germany has announced visa-free transit for Indian travelers at German airports, eliminating the requirement for Schengen transit visas during layovers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this announcement during his Gujarat visit, strengthening India-Germany ties. Previously, Indian nationals needed transit visas even when staying in international transit areas at Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin airports without entering Germany or the Schengen area. This decision will significantly ease international travel for Indians passing through German airports. However, travelers must still obtain appropriate tourist, business, or student visas to actually enter Germany and other Schengen countries. The announcement coincided with multiple bilateral agreements deepening economic and security cooperation, including simplified defense trade procedures benefiting India. (PC: X)

Canadian police arrested Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, at Toronto Pearson International Airport in connection with Canada's largest gold heist   $20 million worth of pure gold bars stolen in April 2023. A shipment containing 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold and $2.5 million in foreign currency vanished hours after arriving from Zurich. Chaudhary, arriving from Dubai, faces theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy charges. Another key suspect, Simran Preet Panesar, a former Air Canada employee who allegedly manipulated airline systems to divert the cargo, remains at large in India. Authorities traced him to Chandigarh last year. Ten individuals have been charged in this cross-border investigation, demonstrating international cooperation in pursuing sophisticated criminal networks. (PC: NDTV)

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, focusing on securing and diversifying global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements. The meeting addressed growing vulnerabilities in strategic sectors as India's electronics manufacturing expands rapidly. Finance ministers from Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and UK participated, discussing technology sharing, refining processes, and funding for new projects. Bessent emphasized "prudent derisking over decoupling" to remedy supply chain deficiencies. The US highlighted existing investments and planned steps to create resilient, secure supply chains, with participants showing strong commitment to address key weaknesses quickly. 

Iranian authorities are set to execute 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, marking the first reported hanging linked to the nationwide anti-Khamenei protests. Arrested on January 8 in Karaj suburb for participating in demonstrations, Soltani faces imminent execution scheduled for Wednesday. Unlike previous protest-related deaths by shooting, this hanging could establish a precedent for deterring further dissent. Human rights groups report Soltani has been denied legal counsel, defense presentation, and transparent proceedings. His lawyer sister cannot access case files or represent him. The protests erupted in late December 2025 due to economic collapse plummeting currency, soaring inflation, and rising costs. What started as economic demonstrations has evolved into Iran's largest anti-regime movement in years, demanding political reform and ending clerical rule. (PC:  X, Reuters)

Iran’s rulers are facing their most serious challenge since the 1979 revolution, analysts say, as protests continue across the country. Security forces have launched a wide crackdown and imposed a near total internet shutdown. Some streets that saw large rallies last week are now quieter, residents told foreign media. The unrest began after a sharp fall in the currency pushed up prices. President Donald Trump has warned of possible US action and said Tehran has sought talks, though he added pressure could continue. Iran’s foreign minister said the situation is “under total control”. Rights groups report rising deaths and arrests. (PC: BBC)

A 28-year-old Hindu auto driver, Samir Das, was beaten and stabbed to death in Daganbhuiyan in Bangladesh’s Chittagong region on Sunday night, local media reported. Police said the attackers used sharp weapons and then stole his battery-run auto rickshaw. An officer said the killing appeared to be “pre-planned” and efforts were on to identify the suspects. Rights groups have raised concern over a rise in attacks on minority communities ahead of the February national election. India said it is monitoring the situation and urged Bangladesh to act firmly against communal violence. (PC: NDTV)