Iran has said it is fully prepared to counter sweeping new US sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran from the global economy. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said the country had plans in place to manage the measures and predicted another failure for Washington.   US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions would target Iran’s financial links, including sectors such as technology, gold, aviation and shipping. China opposed the unilateral measures, while analysts questioned their effectiveness, noting that China continues to buy most of Iran’s oil despite previous US sanctions. (PC: BBC)

Northeast India is positioning itself as a key hub for space technology and a gateway to Southeast Asia, with efforts underway to build stronger links between the region’s scientific institutions, startups and global partners. The initiative aims to use the Northeast’s strategic location to expand cooperation in satellite technology, remote sensing and other space-based services.   Experts believe the growing space ecosystem could create new opportunities for innovation, investment and skilled jobs across the region. Improved infrastructure and collaboration with neighbouring countries could also help Northeast India play a bigger role in India’s expanding space sector and regional technology partnerships. (PC: X)

India’s food safety regulator has dropped plans for prominent colour-coded warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat after opposition from major food companies. The proposed labels would have used clear front-of-pack warnings to help consumers identify unhealthy products.   Instead, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has proposed a black-and-white nutrition table. The decision is now under Supreme Court scrutiny following a petition by public health activists. Industry groups argued that colour-coded warnings could confuse consumers, while health experts said clearer labels could help tackle rising obesity and improve public awareness about unhealthy foods. (PC: NDTV)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the DRDO to eligible Indian defence companies. The move will allow domestic firms to manufacture these missile systems, subject to required qualifications, certifications and regulations.   The Defence Ministry said the decision aims to boost indigenous manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports and expand the role of Indian companies, including MSMEs, in the defence supply chain. The initiative is also expected to help move DRDO-developed missile systems from the development stage to large-scale industrial production, strengthening India’s domestic defence capabilities. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs over a plea seeking their disqualification. The petition was filed by TMC general secretary and Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee, who challenged the delay in deciding the matter before Speaker Om Birla.   The 20 MPs were elected on TMC tickets but later broke away and aligned with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. TMC has sought their disqualification under the anti-defection law. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that Speaker Birla had already issued notices on the disqualification petitions. (PC: IndiaToday)

Heavy rain lashed Delhi on Tuesday, causing severe waterlogging and traffic jams across several parts of the national capital. The India Meteorological Department forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy showers possible in isolated areas, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.   The bad weather also disrupted air travel at Delhi airport. According to flight tracking data, at least 18 flights were cancelled and 146 delayed. Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory and asked travellers to check with their airlines for updated flight information as rain continued to affect the city. (PC: NDTV)

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing during his two-day visit to China. The meeting came ahead of the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks between Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the India-China boundary issue.   According to the Indian Embassy, Doval and Han discussed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and strengthening ties in economic, political and multilateral areas. Doval and Wang, the designated Special Representatives, are also expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues as India and China continue efforts to gradually normalise relations.

Twenty-one students were hospitalised after falling ill hours after eating a midday meal at a government school in Rajasthan’s Kota district. More than 100 students had eaten the meal, but several complained of vomiting, stomach pain and nausea around two hours later. The affected children were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while health and education officials began an investigation into the suspected food poisoning incident. Authorities collected food samples for testing to determine the exact cause. Officials said the students were receiving medical care as the investigation continued. (PC: The Indian Express)

The US-Canada trade war escalated after President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks and auto parts from 25% to 50% starting January 1. The move came after trade talks between the two countries collapsed, with both sides blaming each other for last-minute demands. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Trump appeared determined to damage Canada’s auto industry and vowed to respond with reciprocal tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also called for a stronger response. Businesses on both sides warned that the escalating tariff dispute could raise prices, hurt jobs and disrupt North American trade. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured India of continued supplies of fuel and fertilisers despite disruptions caused by the escalating crisis in West Asia. The assurance came amid concerns over global energy supplies and rising prices as the conflict affected key shipping routes. Russia remains a major supplier of crude oil and fertilisers to India, making uninterrupted deliveries crucial for the country’s energy and agricultural needs. The development highlights the close economic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow as India works to secure essential supplies and reduce the impact of the regional crisis on its economy. (PC: HT)