Afghanistan's Taliban issued a new Criminal Procedure Code dividing society into four rigid classes with unequal punishments. Religious scholars (mullahs) receive only "advice" for crimes, while lower classes face imprisonment and corporal punishment for identical offenses. The code explicitly legitimizes slavery using the term "ghulam," allowing masters and husbands to enforce punishments. Critics compare it to India's historical varna system, calling it "far worse than the Middle Ages." Former Afghan officials and human rights groups condemned the January 4 document as institutionalizing violence, gender apartheid, and discrimination. The UN Special Rapporteur called provisions "deeply troubling," while activists demand immediate repeal and international intervention against formalized inequality. (PC: India Today)

India’s proposed free trade agreement with the European Union is set to intensify competition for exporters from Japan, the UK and the United States. Nearly $11 billion of their combined exports to India could face pressure as EU firms gain preferential tariff access. The exposure is highest in high-value segments such as machinery, metals, medical devices and industrial goods. Japan could see over $3.5 billion of its exports affected, while close to $1.3 billion of UK shipments fall in vulnerable categories. US exporters face competition in medical equipment and chemicals. Russia remains largely insulated from the impact. (PC: Moneycontrol)

A senior US immigration official is expected to leave Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of a second US citizen by federal agents. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is set to depart as President Donald Trump assigns border adviser Tom Homan to lead efforts on the ground. The move follows the death of Alex Pretti during an immigration operation on Saturday. Officials said agents fired in self-defence, a claim disputed by witnesses and the victim’s family. Trump has since spoken with state and city leaders and said talks were positive. Federal raids have continued, though pressure has grown for an independent investigation. (PC: BBC)

A powerful winter storm has caused widespread disruption across the United States, leaving at least a dozen people dead and affecting travel and power services. The storm swept from Texas to Maine over the weekend, bringing heavy snow, icy roads and freezing temperatures. Thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed as airports struggled to operate. Power outages were reported in several states, with more than 200,000 customers without electricity in parts of Tennessee. Major cities, including New York, recorded heavy snowfall. Authorities in the US and Canada warned that conditions remain dangerous. Weather officials said another significant winter storm could affect the eastern US later this week. (PC: BBC)

The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying warships have reached the Middle East, raising fresh questions over possible military action against Iran. US Central Command said the strike group is deployed to support regional security and stability. President Donald Trump said the ships were sent as a precaution and added that force may not be used. Iran said its armed forces are closely monitoring US movements and warned of a strong response to any attack. Tensions have risen amid concerns over Iran’s internal crackdown and wider regional instability. The United Arab Emirates said it will not allow its territory, airspace or waters to be used for attacks on Iran. (PC: X)

The Trump administration has shifted its response after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis sparked public backlash. Initial claims that Pretti posed a major threat were questioned as videos of the incident circulated online. The White House has since avoided strong language and said a full investigation will be conducted. President Donald Trump called the death tragic and blamed Democratic leadership for unrest. He also sent immigration official Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee federal operations. Democrats have intensified criticism of immigration enforcement tactics, while some Republicans voiced concern over the administration’s early statements. The episode has renewed scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions. (PC: BBC)

India and the European Union have completed talks on a proposed Free Trade Agreement, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. He said the deal is balanced and aims to boost trade and investment on both sides. Legal review of the text is underway and may take five to six months. The agreement is expected to be signed after that and take effect next year. The pact was fast-tracked after talks resumed in 2022 following a long pause. Leaders from India and the EU met in New Delhi during the Republic Day celebrations and the India-EU Summit. (PC: X)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is likely to visit India in early March as both countries work to reset relations and expand trade. Agreements are expected in energy, uranium supply, critical minerals and new technologies, according to officials quoted by Reuters. Talks may also cover oil, gas, nuclear cooperation, education and culture. Relations have improved since Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Carney at the G7 last year. Formal talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are expected to begin in March after a long pause. The visit comes as Canada looks to diversify trade beyond the United States amid global uncertainty. (PC: India Today)

Former UK home secretary Suella Braverman has quit the Conservative Party and joined the anti-immigration Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Speaking at a London event, Braverman said she was ending her 30-year association with the Conservatives over what she called failure to control immigration. The British-Indian MP said public services were under strain and people felt unsafe. Farage welcomed her move, calling it long overdue. Braverman is the latest senior Conservative figure to defect after Robert Jenrick and Nadhim Zahawi, taking the total number of defections to eight. The Conservatives later amended an initial statement that drew criticism. (PC: NDTV)

Britain will expand the use of AI and facial recognition as part of major police reforms, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced. The government will invest £140 million to modernise policing in England and Wales. AI tools will help analyse CCTV, phone footage and digital evidence, and cut paperwork. (PC: PA)   Live facial recognition vans will increase from 10 to 50 to help catch wanted criminals. The plan aims to free up police time and put more officers on the streets.   Reforms also include merging police forces, creating a national FBI-style service, and stricter standards for officers. Police leaders welcomed the changes, but critics warned of too much power being centralised.