China has reiterated its territorial claim over the disputed Shaksgam Valley, rejecting strong objections from India regarding its ongoing infrastructure projects in the region. Beijing insists that development activities there are “fully justified” and part of its sovereign rights based on a 1963 boundary agreement with Pakistan, dismissing New Delhi’s protest. India maintains the valley, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, is Indian territory and has never recognised the Pakistan-China pact, calling the agreement illegal and invalid. Indian officials, including the Ladakh lieutenant governor, have condemned China’s claim and asserted India’s sovereign rights over the area, heightening geopolitical tensions. (PC: PTI & AP)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday. They discussed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and security. Jaishankar said the conversation was positive and that both sides will stay in touch. US officials said the leaders also spoke about critical minerals and a possible meeting in February. India-US ties have been strained after US President Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on Indian goods in 2025. Talks on a bilateral trade deal have remained unresolved despite several negotiation rounds. (PC: PTI)

Australia has moved India to its "highest-risk" category (Assessment Level 3) for student visa applications, effective January 8, alongside Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Indian students now face rigorous background checks, bank statement scrutiny, additional English certification, and educational verification, significantly increasing processing times. India ranks second only to China in Australian international enrollments, with 140,000 students versus China's 190,000. The reclassification follows Kerala Police uncovering a fake degree racket supplying fraudulent documents to over 1 million international university applicants, triggering political controversy in Australia. Australian authorities cited "emerging integrity issues" while emphasizing continued support for genuine students seeking quality education. (PC: Reuters)

Multiple drones were detected near the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir's Rajouri district on Tuesday, prompting Indian Army countermeasures and firing under standard protocols. The sightings occurred hours after Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi warned Pakistan against UAV intrusions, stating India had conveyed such activity was "unacceptable." Drones were spotted in the Dungala-Nabla and Thandi Kassi areas, triggering high alerts and search operations across Rajouri and Poonch districts. This follows Sunday's multiple drone sightings along the International Border and LoC. During DGMO-level talks Tuesday, India explicitly warned Pakistan to "rein in its drones." Separately, anti-terror operations intensified in Kathua's Billawar after a brief encounter with terrorists. (PC: India Today)

India will face minimal economic impact from Trump's 25% tariff on Iran-trading nations, government sources confirmed, as bilateral trade remains negligible at $1.6 billion just 0.15% of India's total trade volume. Iran doesn't rank among India's top 50 trading partners, with trade expected to decline further this financial year. India's exports to Iran totaled only $1.2 billion in 2024, representing 2.3% of Iran's $68 billion imports, dwarfed by UAE ($21B), China ($17B), and Turkey ($11B). Officials emphasized India's "extremely limited" trade exposure significantly reduces tariff fallout risks. This assessment comes despite India already facing elevated US trade pressures, including 50% tariffs on Russian oil purchases. (PC: X)

India is unlikely to face major impact from the United States’ new tariffs linked to Iran trade, government sources said. US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on US-bound goods from countries trading with Iran. Officials said India’s trade with Iran is very small. Iran is not among India’s top 50 trade partners. India’s total trade with Iran was about $1.6 billion last year. This is only 0.15 per cent of India’s overall trade. Officials added that trade levels may fall further this year. Due to limited exposure, the tariffs are expected to have minimal effect on India’s economy.

Australia has moved India to the highest-risk category for student visas. The change places India under Assessment Level 3. This means stricter checks and more documents. Students must now show stronger proof of finances, English skills, and genuine study plans. The new rules came into effect on January 8, 2026. Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan have also been moved to this category. Pakistan already remains in the highest-risk tier. Australian officials say the decision aims to address visa fraud and protect system integrity. Recent reports of fake degree rackets in India may have influenced the move. It is still unclear if the change is temporary or long-term.

The United States has said it will invite India to join Pax Silica, a US-led alliance focused on building a secure silicon and chip supply chain for the AI era. US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the move aims to create a full ecosystem, from mineral refining to advanced manufacturing. Pax Silica brings together partners such as Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, Singapore, and Qatar. The initiative seeks to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth minerals. India has large reserves but depends heavily on imports. Joining the bloc could help India diversify supplies and gain technology support. (PC: India Today)

Germany has announced that Indian passport holders will no longer need a Schengen Airport Transit visa while changing flights at its airports. The rule was revealed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India this week. It will apply to travellers transiting through hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich on the way to non-Schengen countries. Passengers must stay inside the international transit area and leave within 24 hours. The policy does not allow entry into Germany or any other Schengen state. The government has said the decision is yet to be implemented. Once active, it is expected to reduce paperwork, cost, and missed connections for Indian flyers. (PC: NDTV)

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.