US Vice President JD Vance suggested deploying Indian troops as part of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine during a White House meeting on January 30, 2025, according to a new book by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The proposal was discussed as part of efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The book claims Vance proposed India or Saudi Arabia as non-NATO countries that could help oversee a ceasefire. Donald Trump reportedly dismissed the idea, saying India would not participate. The book also describes Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his comments on India's trade tariffs. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after a gas explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City killed 13 people, including 12 Indians.   In a post on X, Modi thanked the Emir for his condolences and said both countries share the grief of the affected families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.   The explosion took place at a gas facility operated by QatarEnergy LNG. Sixty-six people were injured. India is working with Qatari authorities to identify the victims and arrange the return of mortal remains.  

India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, completed the sacred Kailash Parikrama ahead of the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year suspension. Inspecting facilities, medical centres, accommodation, transport and security arrangements along the Nathu La and Lipulekh routes, he assured pilgrims that extensive preparations have been made. Doraiswami described Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as a “journey of a lifetime” but warned that the pilgrimage involves extreme altitudes exceeding 5,600 metres. He advised pilgrims to prepare for high-altitude sickness, carry essential medicines, wear waterproof trekking shoes, dress in layers, protect against intense UV radiation and help preserve the fragile Himalayan environment.

New York City has renamed a proposed horse carriage ban bill as “Romanch’s Law” in memory of 18-year-old Indian student Romanch Mahajan. He died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park last week. Romanch jumped from the carriage while trying to help his mother after the horse suddenly bolted. At a memorial vigil, City Council member Christopher Marte announced the name change. The bill seeks to end horse-drawn carriage operations in the city by 2028. Romanch’s family has called for an immediate ban, saying public safety must come before tourism and business interests.

India has welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran after talks in Switzerland. Speaking at the BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval expressed “cautious optimism” about the agreement. He said the deal could improve global energy security and reduce supply chain disruptions. Doval also welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an important step for trade and navigation. He said the development could ease shortages of key goods such as fertilisers and chemicals. India hopes the agreement will support regional stability and economic growth.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from BRICS nations during the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi, focusing on regional security and strategic cooperation. Discussions with Iran’s Ghadir Nezamipour centered on developments in West Asia, India-Iran relations and cooperation under the BRICS framework. Doval also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides reviewing recent developments in bilateral relations and noting progress toward the gradual normalisation of India-China ties. The meetings highlighted India’s engagement on key geopolitical issues amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

A deadly explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City has claimed 13 lives, including 12 Indian nationals, while 66 people were injured and 18 remain missing. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi described the blast as an industrial accident that occurred during efforts to restart the facility after months of shutdown. Search and rescue operations involving civil defence and security teams remain underway. The Barzan plant, a key component of Qatar’s energy infrastructure, supplies gas for electricity generation and water desalination. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and solidarity with Qatar, while authorities confirmed that all injured individuals are receiving treatment and remain in stable condition.

Twelve Indian nationals were among 13 people killed in a major explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s main LNG production hub. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said 66 others were injured and are receiving treatment, with none in life-threatening condition.   Authorities described the blast as a technical accident and have launched an investigation into the cause. The explosion was felt across parts of Doha, more than 70 kilometres away. QatarEnergy said LNG export operations were not affected. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and is coordinating with Qatari authorities to assist affected families and repatriate the bodies. (PC: India Today)

At least 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani nationals, were killed and 66 others injured in an explosion at Qatar's Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The blast occurred while workers were restarting operations that had been disrupted by earlier war-related damage. Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi described the incident as a technical accident and said an investigation was underway. Authorities confirmed that LNG export operations remain unaffected and there is no environmental risk. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to assist those affected. (PC: India Today)

A statue of Maharishi Sushruta, widely regarded as the father of surgery, has been unveiled at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland. The event celebrated India’s ancient medical heritage and the long-standing links between India and Scotland in medicine. The statue was donated by the Cheruvu Family Foundation and created by a sculptor from Tamil Nadu. Sushruta is known for writing the ancient medical text Sushruta Samhita, which described several surgical techniques, including early plastic surgery. The ceremony was attended by medical experts, diplomats and dignitaries from India, the UK and the United States. (PC: X/ @IndiaInScotland)