Indian police have arrested Arjun Sharma in Tamil Nadu after he fled the United States following the killing of his former partner, Nikitha Godishala. US investigators said Godishala, a 27-year-old data analyst based in Maryland, was reported missing on January 2. Sharma told police he last saw her on New Year’s Eve and left the country the same day. A search of his apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3 found Godishala dead with multiple stab wounds. Howard County Police issued arrest warrants for first- and second-degree murder. US and Indian agencies tracked Sharma through international coordination. Extradition steps are expected to follow. The Indian Embassy said it is assisting the victim’s family. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Embassy in Washington confirmed it's providing consular assistance to Nikitha Godishala's family after the 27-year-old Indian woman was found dead in Columbia, Maryland. Police identified her ex-boyfriend as the prime suspect who allegedly reported her missing before fleeing the United States. Authorities issued arrest warrants for first and second-degree murder, coordinating with federal agencies for next steps. The Embassy is assisting with documentation, coordinating with local officials, and monitoring investigation developments. Friends described Godishala as a young professional who moved to the US for higher studies and work opportunities. The case has raised safety concerns for Indian nationals abroad, prompting the Embassy to advise vigilance and encourage citizens to contact consular officials during emergencies. (PC: X)

A video of Indian Instagram creator Noah offering water and food to a homeless American couple on New Year's Day has gone viral. Noah approached the struggling couple, gave them water bottles, and asked what they needed. The man humbly requested McDonald's, which Noah promptly delivered. The couple, visibly moved, repeatedly thanked him, with the man saying "God bless you." Noah captioned the video: "I was in tears seeing this. How long do you survive without water?" The compassionate gesture resonated widely online, with viewers praising his kindness. Noah previously gained attention for helping a paralyzed woman caught in heavy rain, driving her safely to her daughter's house during a downpour.

British MP Bob Blackman reiterated his support for India's position on Jammu and Kashmir, asserting the entire Union Territory should be reunited with India. Speaking at Jaipur's Constitutional Club, Blackman said his stance predates PM Modi's 2019 decision, tracing back to the early 1990s Kashmiri Pandit exodus. "I called for Article 370's abrogation in 1992, when Kashmiri Pandits were forced out," he stated. The Conservative MP condemned Pakistan's "illegal occupation" of parts of the princely state and criticized cross-border terrorism. Blackman previously condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people, calling Pakistan a "failed state" that sponsors terrorism. He urged Western governments to support India against terrorism.

A South Korean national was fatally stabbed by his live-in partner from Manipur during a late-night drinking session in Greater Noida. Duck Jee Yuh, a branch manager at a mobile phone company, was brought dead to GIMS Hospital on January 4. His partner, Lunjeana Pamai, confessed to stabbing him in the chest during an argument that escalated into physical confrontation. The couple had been living together for two years. Pamai told police she didn't intend to kill him and that the stabbing occurred during the altercation. Police investigations revealed the relationship was troubled, with allegations of heavy drinking and domestic violence. Pamai has been arrested and remains in custody pending further investigation.

India has overtaken China to become the world's largest rice producer, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced Sunday. India's rice production reached 150.18 million tonnes during 2024-25, surpassing China's 145.28 million tonnes. The Agriculture Minister made this declaration at a public event, marking a significant milestone in India's agricultural sector. This achievement represents a major shift in global rice production dynamics, as China had traditionally held the top position for decades. Rice remains a staple crop for both nations and a critical component of global food security. The increased production also strengthens India's position as a leading agricultural economy and major food exporter in international markets.

A 27-year-old Indian woman, Nikitha Godishala from Ellicott City, was found dead with stab wounds in her ex-boyfriend's Columbia, Maryland apartment. Her former boyfriend, Arjun Sharma (26), reported her missing on January 2, claiming he last saw her December 31. Police discovered Sharma fled to India on the same day he filed the report. Detectives found Godishala's body the next day during a search warrant execution. Authorities believe Sharma killed her shortly after 7 pm on December 31. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges. The Indian Embassy is providing consular assistance to the family and coordinating with local authorities. US federal law enforcement is working to locate and arrest Sharma. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that America could raise existing tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi doesn't address the "Russian oil issue." Speaking to reporters, Trump called PM Modi "a good guy" who knew the President was unhappy, adding "We can raise tariffs on them very quickly." This follows August 2025's doubling of tariffs on India to 50% over its Russian oil trade. Trump previously claimed Modi assured him India would stop purchasing Russian oil, though India denied this conversation occurred. Russia remains India's biggest oil supplier. The Trump administration alleges Russia uses oil trade proceeds to fund Ukraine's war, while accusing India of profiteering through reselling operations.

Nigeria’s drug agency has arrested 22 Indian crew members after cocaine was found on a merchant ship at Lagos port. The seizure was made on January 2. Officers recovered 31.5 kilograms of cocaine from the vessel. The arrest was confirmed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Officials said the ship had arrived from overseas. Nigeria is a major route for drugs sent to Europe and other regions. In recent months, the agency has made several large seizures at the Lagos port, including cases involving foreign sailors and cocaine shipments from Brazil. (PC: Representative Image)

Life in Venezuela’s capital has turned frightening after US military strikes plunged large parts of Caracas into darkness, according to an Indian national living in the city. He described prolonged power cuts, disrupted mobile networks, food shortages and widespread panic among residents. Streets remain largely empty as people stay indoors, fearing further attacks and violence. Essential services have been badly affected, with long queues for water and basic supplies. The Indian community is in constant touch with the Indian embassy, which has advised citizens to remain cautious. Uncertainty and fear dominate daily life as tensions continue to escalate.