Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India’s rich cultural heritage, traditional wellness knowledge and regional excellence during the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France, by presenting carefully curated gifts to global leaders. The selection included Nagauri Ashwagandha from Rajasthan, Ramban Honey from Jammu and Kashmir, Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya and a Banarasi Silk Stole from Varanasi. Each gift highlighted India’s biodiversity, sustainable farming practices, Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products and centuries-old craftsmanship. The offerings reflected India’s commitment to preserving traditional knowledge while promoting rural livelihoods and global wellness. During the summit, Modi also advocated ethical, human-centric artificial intelligence and stressed stronger cooperation with the Global South to advance inclusive growth, innovation and shared global prosperity. (PC: X)

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s reaction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 Summit has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention online. A brief moment captured on camera showed Jaishankar smiling as Modi and Meloni exchanged greetings and engaged in conversation on the sidelines of the summit. The clip quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with users sharing memes, humorous interpretations and comments about the minister’s expression. While the interaction itself was part of routine diplomatic engagements at the G7 gathering, the viral video became a talking point online, highlighting how even small moments between global leaders can capture public attention and spark widespread discussion.

Japanese football fans, long admired for cleaning stadiums after World Cup matches, are facing criticism at home over Japan’s unequal division of household labour. The debate erupted after images of supporters collecting rubbish in the stands went viral, prompting social media users to question whether the same men contribute equally at home. A widely shared poster contrasted a fan cleaning a stadium with a man lounging on a sofa while his wife handled household chores. The post gained over 60,000 likes on X. OECD data from 2021 shows Japanese men spend just 47 minutes daily on unpaid work, the lowest among highly developed countries, while women spend over three hours. Despite criticism, many defended the cleanup tradition, arguing it reflects Japan’s culture of public responsibility and inspires supporters worldwide. (PC: X)

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has received a major civic honour in Los Angeles, with the Los Angeles City Council officially declaring January 6, 2027, as “Diljit Dosanjh Day.” The resolution, introduced by Monica Rodriguez, recognises the Indian-born singer, actor and producer for his contributions to globalising Punjabi music and advancing South Asian representation in mainstream American culture. Diljit shared the announcement through social media, accompanied by a video of the honour ceremony. Widely celebrated by fans worldwide, the recognition highlights his growing international influence through sold-out concerts, historic festival appearances, and acclaimed work in music, film and production, further strengthening his status as a global cultural ambassador.

Canada thrashed Qatar 6-0 in a chaotic FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B clash in Vancouver, but the dominant victory was overshadowed by ugly scenes after the final whistle. Tempers erupted following a series of heavy challenges, culminating in a mass confrontation between players from both sides. Canada’s Ismael Kone suffered a serious lower-leg injury after a tackle from Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who received a red card. Homam Ahmed had earlier been sent off, reducing Qatar to nine men. Jonathan David starred with a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also scored as Canada moved close to the knockout stage. Coaches Jesse Marsch and Julen Lopetegui exchanged heated words.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Iran after the signing of an interim US-Iran peace memorandum in Switzerland was delayed. Trump rejected claims that Washington negotiated from weakness, declaring Iran was “finished” and would receive “not ten cents” during the proposed 60-day arrangement. The delay came after Iranian officials reportedly refused to travel for talks, insisting fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon must stop first. Fresh Israeli strikes and Hezbollah attacks raised doubts about the broader peace process. The interim agreement has reopened the Strait of Hormuz and reduced regional hostilities, but key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and Lebanon’s conflict, remain unresolved.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released newly declassified records alleging former NIAID chief Anthony Fauci influenced government assessments on COVID-19 origins and maintained close contact with intelligence officials during reviews of the pandemic. The ODNI claims communications, whistleblower complaints and intelligence records raise questions about Fauci’s testimony to Congress, gain-of-function research funding linked to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and the role of NIAID-funded scientists in assessments challenging the lab-leak theory. The documents also cite allegations that analysts supporting a laboratory-origin hypothesis faced professional repercussions. Fauci has previously denied covering up COVID-19 origins. The disclosures intensify a long-running debate over the pandemic’s beginnings.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly rejected claims by Donald Trump that she “begged” him for a photograph at the G7 Summit, calling the remarks “completely made up” and saying Italy never begs. Meloni expressed disappointment over what she described as Trump’s treatment of allies while showing greater accommodation toward adversaries of the West. The dispute escalated after Trump told Italian media that Meloni had desperately wanted a photo with him. The comments triggered anger within the Italian government, prompting Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a planned US visit, while senior officials warned the remarks risk damaging longstanding US-Europe relations.

Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Guadalajara. Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute after a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk gifted Mexico the decisive goal. Goalkeeper Raul Rangel preserved the lead with two crucial saves late in the match. Mexico tops Group A with six points from two matches, following an opening win over South Africa. South Korea remains on three points. The result marks a significant turnaround for Mexico after its group-stage exit in Qatar 2022 and continues strong home support.

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire set to take effect at 4 pm local time on Friday, according to a senior US official cited by Reuters. The truce was brokered by the United States, Qatar and Iran after weeks of escalating clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border. The announcement came despite fresh exchanges of fire on Thursday, highlighting the fragility of the agreement. Lebanese officials accused Israel of undermining peace efforts through continued strikes, while Israel maintained military operations were necessary for security. The fighting has also influenced broader regional diplomacy, including discussions linked to the recently announced US-Iran agreement. Observers warn implementation remains critical ahead. (PC: Reuters)