India has issued an urgent advisory asking all its nationals in Iran including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists to leave immediately via available commercial means, citing the "evolving situation" in West Asia. The Indian Embassy in Tehran reinforced earlier January advisories, urging citizens to carry travel documents, avoid protests, and register with the embassy. Families in India were also asked to assist in registration amid potential internet disruptions. The advisory coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Israel on February 25-26, his first since 2017. Israeli PM Netanyahu called the visit significant amid ongoing Oman-mediated US-Iran nuclear talks and heightened regional security concerns.

Following the US Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling declaring Trump's global tariffs "unlawful," President Donald Trump swiftly retaliated by signing an executive order imposing a 10% global tariff on foreign goods, subsequently raising it to 15% the very next day. The Court ruled Trump exceeded his legal authority by invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act without Congressional approval. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that extraordinary assertions of power require clear congressional authorisation. Undeterred, Trump issued a stark warning on Truth Social, threatening countries attempting to exploit the ruling with "much higher tariffs and worse." Global allies including the EU and UK are now reconsidering their trade arrangements with Washington.

An Irish man sparked controversy on X after sharing an Irish Times article about the University of Galway's student food bank turning away hundreds weekly. He falsely claimed 90%+ of those queuing were Indian nationals, questioning why they were in Ireland and alleging financial fraud. Critically, the Irish Times article never identified students' nationalities nor singled out any group. Despite this, the post fueled xenophobic reactions online, with users accusing Indian students of exploiting the system. Some commenters called for stricter immigration enforcement. The incident highlights how misleading framing of news images can rapidly ignite racial hostility against diaspora communities, particularly Indian students studying abroad.

Travel vlogger Maya Rey, who has explored over 40 countries, went viral after sharing five things that genuinely shocked her during her solo journey across India. In an Instagram post garnering over 127,000 views, Rey highlighted India's extraordinary hospitality, where strangers constantly offered help despite staring. She was surprised by the widespread English proficiency that enabled seamless communication everywhere. Rey noted Indians' blunt personal questioning, skipping small talk entirely. Remarkably, she observed that locals travel their own country more extensively than any nation she'd visited. Finally, she declared Indian food unmatched globally, lamenting that no international substitute compares. The post received overwhelmingly positive responses from Indian users appreciating her open-hearted perspective.

Donald Trump has warned that countries could face higher tariffs if they delay or step back from trade deals with the United States. His remarks came after the US Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.   In a post on Truth Social, Trump said any country that wants to “play games” would be met with “a much higher Tariff.” He added that nothing has changed in the proposed India-US trade deal.   The European Commission has asked for clarity, saying, “A deal is a deal.” (PC: The Indian Express)

Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the US, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is part of an investigation into links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.   The Metropolitan Police said officers detained a 72-year-old man as part of the probe into a former minister. The case follows the release of emails by the US Justice Department. The messages suggested closer ties between Mandelson and Epstein than earlier known.   Last week, Prince Andrew was also arrested in the widening investigation. Police said inquiries are ongoing. (PC: India Today)

All seven people on board a Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance died after the aircraft crashed in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Monday evening. The plane went down in the Kasiyatu forest area near Simaria.   The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the Beechcraft King Air BE9L took off from Ranchi at 7:11 pm. It lost contact with Air Traffic Control at 7:34 pm. The aircraft was operated by Redbird Airways.   Those on board included a patient, two pilots, a doctor, a paramedic and two attendants. “The search and rescue team is at the location and the AAIB team is being dispatched,” the DGCA said. (PC: India Today)

Muhammad Yunus has returned to his role at the Yunus Centre after serving nearly 18 months as head of Bangladesh’s interim government. The 85-year-old reached the Mirpur office on Sunday and was welcomed by staff.   In a farewell message, he said, “Today, the interim government is stepping down. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights… not be halted.”   Yunus stepped down after the new government was formed under the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. He congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman on their election win. (PC: NDTV)

Locals and tourists in Mexico's Puerto Vallarta have described scenes of shocking devastation following cartel retaliation after drug lord El Mencho's killing. Nashville-born resident Jerry Jones, a four-year Puerto Vallarta resident, described being "completely caught off guard" as hundreds of vehicles were set ablaze simultaneously across the city, including over 30 cars destroyed in a single store parking lot. Canadian content creator Marc-André called the usually vibrant resort town an "absolute war zone," describing streets as "very quiet and unsettling." Dallas tourist Adryan Moorefield compared the experience to "being in the twilight zone," while another visitor Jim Beck found himself stranded after his flight was cancelled. Community members united, helping overwhelmed firefighters and food-deprived tourists amid the unprecedented crisis.

A major winter storm has brought heavy snow to the US east coast. New York officials warned of “near impossible” travel conditions. Parts of the region have received more than 22 inches of snow. Central Park recorded over 15 inches, the National Weather Service said.   Winter storm warnings stretch from North Carolina to Maine. Thousands of flights have been cancelled. Many homes are without power. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned of falling trees, calling it “a very dangerous situation.” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said about 20,000 people were without electricity. Travel bans remain in several areas as strong winds continue. (PC: BBC)