External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India's concern over recent Venezuelan developments, urging all parties to engage in dialogue prioritizing citizens' well-being and safety. Speaking in Luxembourg, he emphasized India's longstanding positive relations with Venezuela and hopes for favorable outcomes for its people. This follows the dramatic US military operation on January 3 that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas, who now await narco-terrorism trial in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Centre. India promptly issued travel advisories, warning citizens against non-essential travel and urging extreme caution. The MEA termed the situation a matter of "deep concern," with the Indian Embassy maintaining contact with the Indian community while monitoring the evolving crisis. (PC: AFP)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “not that happy with me” due to steep tariffs Washington has imposed on Indian goods, particularly linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil, during remarks at a House GOP retreat in Washington. He reiterated that despite a “very good relationship,” New Delhi is bearing high tariff costs, partly from a 50 % duty, including a 25 % levy tied to Russian oil imports. Trump also referenced long-pending Apache helicopter deliveries to India. The comments reflect ongoing trade tensions amid efforts to pressure India over energy and bilateral commerce. (PC: Reuters)

Indian-origin Singaporean R Shanmugaratnam, 59, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for falsifying documents in the Wirecard AG fraud case, while Briton James Henry O'Sullivan, 51, received six-and-a-half years. Shanmugaratnam, director of Citadelle Corporate Services, was convicted of 13 charges for falsifying balance confirmation letters between 2016-2018 with fraudulent intent. O'Sullivan was found guilty of five charges for abetting by instigating fraudulent letters. Both misrepresented to auditors that Wirecard AG held hundreds of millions of Euros in Citadelle's escrow accounts, though no money was actually held. Prosecutors called the falsification "unprecedented," with misrepresented balances ranging from €20 million to €327.5 million. Both men will appeal their convictions. (PC: HT)

Communal tension erupted in Nepal's Parsa and Dhanusha districts after two Muslim men, Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, posted a video allegedly containing religiously insulting remarks. Locals handed them to police, but a mosque was subsequently vandalized in Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala Municipality, intensifying unrest. Violent protests followed with stone-pelting at police and vandalization of stations; authorities fired tear gas shells and imposed curfew in Birgunj city. India completely sealed its border with Nepal, halting all cross-border movements except emergency services. Sashastra Seema Bal increased patrolling along Maitri Bridge and border areas. Indian migrant workers began returning home as shops and markets closed amid deteriorating security situation. 

An Indian woman's Google review of a restaurant's Asian food sparked a viral fiery response from owner Wang Tulum. Reviewer Anvita Kotha, a local guide, criticized dan dan noodles and dumplings in chili oil for lacking spiciness despite extra chili oil and salt, though she praised the matcha latte. The owner fired back: "We don't cater your tastes" and "Open your own damn restaurant," explaining recipes reflect personal preferences, not customer demands. Wang criticized "self-entitled" expectations, emphasizing dishes are designed for balance rather than excessive spice. The January 5, 2026 X post gained 1.3 million views with mixed reactions some supporting chef autonomy, others criticizing the owner's aggressive tone.

Pakistan sharply increased its lobbying efforts in the United States during India’s Operation Sindoor in 2025, official records show. US filings reveal Pakistani officials sought dozens of meetings with American lawmakers, defence officials and media figures. The aim was to press Washington to intervene and stop India’s military action after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The outreach covered issues like Kashmir and regional security. Reports also show Pakistan spent millions of dollars on US lobbying firms during this period. The documents suggest Islamabad turned to Washington under heavy military and diplomatic pressure.

The murder of Hyderabad native Nikitha Godishala in the US has taken a new turn. Her family claims she was killed over a money dispute with her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma. Nikitha, 27, was found dead in Maryland after being reported missing on New Year’s Eve. Police have charged Sharma with first- and second-degree murder. Her cousin said Sharma had borrowed money and failed to return $1,000. Nikitha was following up with him for repayment. Her father said Sharma often borrowed money from many people. Nikitha had moved to the US in 2021 for studies and later worked there. (PC: Instagram/@_iamnikkig_)

Ambala police arrested 31-year-old Sunil from Sabga village for allegedly sharing sensitive Indian Army and Air Force information with Pakistan's ISI after being honeytrapped through social media. The accused, employed as construction supervisor at Air Force Station through a private contractor, had six-to-seven months contact with Pakistani handlers via fake female Facebook profile. Investigators allege he was trapped through emotional manipulation, inducement, and blackmail, then shared confidential details on military unit locations, troop movements, and deployment. Police recovered WhatsApp chats and voice call records linking him to Pakistani handlers. His bank account is under examination for suspicious financial transactions. The arrest occurred near Ambala Cantonment bus stand. (PC: News 18)

Nikitha Godishala's sister, Saraswati, filed a complaint with the Indian Embassy alleging accused Arjun Sharma made unauthorized transactions totaling USD 3,500 (Rs 3.16 lakh) from the victim's bank account before fleeing the United States. According to the complaint, Arjun owed Nikitha's family USD 4,500 (Rs 4.05 lakh) total in the days leading to her murder. The Telugu woman was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend in the US. Arjun Sharma was arrested by Interpol in Tamil Nadu on Monday following coordination between US federal agencies and Indian authorities who tracked him after he departed America. The sister detailed the financial exploitation in her formal complaint to authorities. (PC: X)

Indian entrepreneur Meghna left her high-flying media career to move to Denmark with her husband five years ago. Despite initial warnings about job difficulties for spouses, she secured a role at a reputable Danish organization, though with reduced seniority. After experiencing 2023 layoffs, she founded Pillion Expats consultancy. Meghna revealed that despite being in India's top 1% income bracket, their purchasing power felt limited, with most income going to rent and investments. In Denmark, earning average salaries with double income enabled them to buy an apartment and travel frequently. She highlights Denmark's safety and freedom for women, though notes quick-commerce services are absent and finding jobs remains challenging for Global South immigrants. (PC: HT)