The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 12 Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war have died, while 16 others are missing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 96 Indians, previously serving in the Russian Army, have returned to India. The Russian authorities reported 16 Indians as "missing." Kerala man Binil Babu was among the deceased, and efforts are underway to repatriate his remains. Another Indian, Jain TK, is being treated in Moscow and will return home soon. The Indian embassy is working with Russian officials to assist families and ensure the safe return of the injured and others.

A 12-member UK Cadet Delegation departed for New Delhi today to participate in India’s Republic Day Camp as part of the UK-India Youth Exchange Programme. Prior to their departure, the cadets were hosted by the High Commission of India in London, where they received a pre-departure briefing and an architectural tour of the historic India House. Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Sujit Ghosh, addressed the delegation, sharing his insights and interacting with the cadets. The initiative aims to strengthen youth ties between the UK and India, fostering cultural and educational exchange.

An India-US inquiry has recommended action against an individual linked to the failed assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The investigation, launched in November 2023, uncovered ties to organised crime, terrorism, and drug networks. Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, has been charged by the FBI for orchestrating the plot. Arrested by Delhi Police, Yadav is accused of attempted murder and kidnapping. The Home Ministry acknowledged information shared by US authorities but refrained from directly referencing the plot. This joint investigation highlights global efforts to counter extremism and criminal syndicates.

A handwritten letter by Steve Jobs, written in 1974, has sold for Rs 4.32 crore ($500,312) at an auction by Bonhams. The letter, postmarked just before Jobs' 19th birthday, reveals his plans to attend the Kumbh Mela in India and reflects his spiritual journey. In the letter, Jobs expresses his desire to visit India for the Kumbh Mela and shares his introspective thoughts, influenced by Zen Buddhism. This comes as his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, currently in India for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, continues his spiritual legacy.

Achamma Cherian, a 57-year-old Indian-origin nurse, was stabbed in the neck with scissors while on duty at Oldham Royal Hospital, UK. The attack occurred on Saturday night in Greater Manchester. The suspect, Mohammed Roman Haque, 37, faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. Cherian, a mother of two, remains critically injured. She has been serving the hospital for 10 years and is an active member of the Indian Association Oldham. The British Indian Nurses Association condemned the attack, while police confirmed no further suspects are involved. Cherian’s family and community express deep shock and concern.

India has demanded that Russia release all Indian nationals serving in its military after the death of an Indian citizen in Ukraine. The deceased, from Kerala, was reportedly killed during the conflict. Another Indian from Kerala was injured. India has raised the issue with Russian authorities and requested the discharge of remaining Indians serving in Russia’s military. India has previously called for the release of such nationals, as many are believed to have been misled into joining. The government is working to bring back the bodies and injured individuals.

Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, fell ill during her visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Staying at Swami Kailashanand Giri’s camp, she developed allergies due to the overwhelming crowd and environment. Despite her condition, the 61-year-old philanthropist, recently given the Hindu name "Kamala," is determined to take a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Powell Jobs earlier visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The Maha Kumbh, occurring after 144 years, is expected to host 450M devotees over 45 days.

Outgoing US Ambassador Eric Garcetti highlighted the significance of the Indian diaspora amid H-1B visa debates, calling the 4 million-strong community a "secret weapon" in strengthening India-US ties. Speaking at his farewell lecture in New Delhi, Garcetti emphasized enhancing economic and educational exchanges for mutual growth. He noted India is now the top sender of international students to the US, with over 5 million Indians holding US visas. Addressing visa reforms, he lauded steps to reduce wait times and boost consular staff. Garcetti also praised US efforts in returning 578 cultural artifacts to India, fostering deeper cultural connections.

Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, arrived in Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025. Known as 'Kamala,' a Hindu name bestowed by her guru Swami Kailashnand Giri, she plans to take a holy dip in the Ganga. Laurene, a follower of Indian traditions, visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple before reaching the Niranjini Akhara camp, where she will stay until January 15. Wearing traditional Indian attire, she was warmly welcomed with trumpet fanfare. Swami Kailashnand praised her respect for Indian spirituality, saying, “She is very religious and spiritual.” Over 50 lakh pilgrims gathered for the festival’s sacred rituals.

Indo-Canadian MP Chandra Arya has announced his candidacy for Canada’s Prime Minister following Justin Trudeau's decision to step down. Representing Nepean since 2015, Arya promises to transform Canada into a republic, introduce a citizenship-based tax system, and address affordability issues. Originally from Karnataka, India, Arya advocates for Hindu-Canadian interests and opposes Khalistani elements. He also supports recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. Arya’s platform emphasizes merit-based governance, bold policy reforms, and an independent foreign policy. He joins Anita Anand and Frank Baylis as contenders in the Liberal Party leadership race.