A tragic incident in Noida has come to light after a video showed a young software engineer trying to call for help before drowning. The man’s car fell into a water-filled pit near a road late at night. He climbed out and used his mobile phone’s flashlight to signal rescuers while standing on the car. Due to darkness, fog, and deep water, rescue teams struggled to reach him in time. Despite efforts by police and emergency teams, he drowned. The incident has raised serious questions about road safety, poor barricading, and delays in rescue operations. Authorities have started an investigation.

Pakistan has been confirmed as a member of former US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace,” an international body aimed at promoting stability and peace in conflict zones, including overseeing reconstruction in Gaza. Israel has voiced strong opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion, citing concerns over Islamabad’s alleged links to Hamas and other militant groups. India, also invited to join the board, has not yet responded to the offer. The Board of Peace includes several other nations and is envisioned by Trump as a platform to address global conflicts, though some major Western countries have declined membership. (PC: Reuters)

Senior IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of Delhi’s MCD, marking his return to the capital after more than three years. He was transferred out of Delhi in 2022 following a controversy where it was alleged that a stadium was cleared early for him and his wife to walk their dog, which he later denied. With his new role, Khirwar will handle major civic issues such as sanitation, road conditions, and the growing street dog problem in Delhi. His appointment comes at a time when the city is facing public concern over stray dogs and urban management challenges. (PC: X)

Apple has requested an Indian court to prevent the Competition Commission of India from seeking its global financial records while it challenges the underlying antitrust law's validity. The US tech giant is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with the CCI, whose investigation accused Apple of abusing its position on its app store, allegations Apple denies. Apple fears potential fines up to $38 billion if the watchdog uses its global turnover for penalty calculations. Despite Apple's challenge to India's 2024 penalty rules, the CCI issued a December 31 order demanding financials. Apple's January 15 filing asks Delhi High Court to halt the investigation entirely. The court will hear the matter January 27. (PC: Reuters)

A Meitei community member, Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, was abducted from his home in Tuibong area and shot dead near Natjang village in Manipur's Kuki-majority Churachandpur district on Wednesday evening, police confirmed Thursday. The abduction and killing mark a fresh escalation in the state's ongoing ethnic tensions. Authorities suspect members of the United Kuki National Army is not part of the Suspension of Operations agreement between the Indian government, Manipur administration, and several Kuki-Zo militant groups carried out the attack. A Joint Action Committee formed following the killing has demanded immediate arrests and requested a central investigation into the case, as ethnic violence continues plaguing the northeastern state. (PC: Times Now)

Ten Indian Army soldiers were killed and nine injured when their vehicle fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday. The accident occurred at Khanni top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families, stating "we will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers." The injured soldiers were airlifted to hospital for treatment. Sinha directed senior officials to ensure the best possible medical care and prayed for their speedy recovery. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the families affected by this tragic accident.

India strongly condemned the trespassing and vandalism of its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by "anti-India elements," citing Vienna Convention protections for diplomatic premises. The Ministry of External Affairs took up the matter with Croatian authorities in New Delhi and Zagreb, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. Pro-Khalistani activists reportedly removed the Indian flag and replaced it with a Khalistan flag, according to video shared by Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The incident occurred days before the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27 in New Delhi. Croatia is an EU member. Last year, Prime Minister Modi visited Zagreb, the first-ever Indian PM visit where Croatia backed India's counter-terrorism efforts.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed it will not play its T20 World Cup matches in India, despite the risk of being removed from the tournament. The stance follows the ICC’s rejection of Bangladesh’s request to shift matches to Sri Lanka. The ICC said security assessments found no credible threat to Bangladesh players in India. Bangladesh Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said, “We will not bow down,” adding that player safety could not be compromised. Bangladesh is scheduled to play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Talks between the ICC and BCB have not led to a resolution. The ICC is now likely to replace Bangladesh with Scotland if the boycott continues. (PC: India Today)

A suspected gunman remains at large following a deadly shooting in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, Australia on Thursday afternoon, police said. Emergency services were called to Walker Street around 4:40 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Three people — two women and a man — were killed, and another man was seriously injured and taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition, authorities added. A major police operation and manhunt is underway in the small country town of about 1,500 residents, with armed units deployed and residents urged to stay indoors. The shooting occurred on a national day of mourning for victims of a previous mass shooting in Sydney, intensifying concern and prompting heightened law enforcement response. (AFP)

Global financial markets rebounded sharply as U.S. President Donald Trump walked back threats to impose tariffs on several European countries and ruled out seizing Greenland by force, easing investor concerns about potential trade wars. European stocks climbed, and Asian equities, especially South Korean markets, strengthened, lifting broader indexes. The U.S. S&P 500 notched its largest gain in months, while gold prices retreated from recent highs and the U.S. dollar steadied. Positive Australian jobs data lifted the Australian dollar, and traders eyed upcoming central bank meetings and economic data. Despite relief, analysts cautioned that volatility could return amid geopolitical uncertainties. (PC: AP)