India is unlikely to face major impact from the United States’ new tariffs linked to Iran trade, government sources said. US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on US-bound goods from countries trading with Iran. Officials said India’s trade with Iran is very small. Iran is not among India’s top 50 trade partners. India’s total trade with Iran was about $1.6 billion last year. This is only 0.15 per cent of India’s overall trade. Officials added that trade levels may fall further this year. Due to limited exposure, the tariffs are expected to have minimal effect on India’s economy.

Australia has moved India to the highest-risk category for student visas. The change places India under Assessment Level 3. This means stricter checks and more documents. Students must now show stronger proof of finances, English skills, and genuine study plans. The new rules came into effect on January 8, 2026. Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan have also been moved to this category. Pakistan already remains in the highest-risk tier. Australian officials say the decision aims to address visa fraud and protect system integrity. Recent reports of fake degree rackets in India may have influenced the move. It is still unclear if the change is temporary or long-term.

Quick commerce firms including Blinkit and Zepto have agreed to stop using 10-minute delivery claims after concerns were raised over rider safety and work pressure. Labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a government meeting with leading firms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato to discuss delivery timelines. Sources said Blinkit has already changed its main tagline, removing the 10-minute promise and switching to a general doorstep delivery line. Other platforms are expected to follow soon. The move comes after protests by gig workers on December 31 seeking better pay and safer work terms. AAP MP Raghav Chadha welcomed the step and said strict time promises put riders at risk. (PC: X)

Iran has said about 2,000 people died during recent nationwide protests and blamed “terrorists” for the violence. An Iranian official gave the figure to Reuters. In contrast, opposition-linked outlet Iran International claimed at least 12,000 protesters were killed by security forces. It said most deaths occurred on January 8 and 9 and were carried out by the Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces. The website said its estimate was based on internal security data, medical sources, and eyewitness accounts. Human rights groups have so far confirmed only several hundred deaths, saying full verification is difficult due to internet shutdowns and tight media controls inside Iran. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states and dog feeders of strict liability in cases of stray dog attacks. During the hearing, the bench said, “For every dog bite, for every death, we will be likely fixing heavy compensation for states for not making requisite arrangements. And also liability to dog feeders. You take them to your house, keep them, why should they be allowed to roam around, biting, chasing? The effect of a dog bite is lifelong.” The court also asked who should be held responsible when a child is killed by dogs fed by an organisation. The bench said it is not possible to judge a dog’s mood on the streets.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said it will not withdraw its request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, even after the ICC turned down the appeal. The issue was discussed in a video meeting between the two bodies on Tuesday. BCB officials again cited “security concerns” as the reason for their demand. The ICC responded that the tournament schedule had already been announced and asked Bangladesh to reconsider its position. In a statement later, the BCB said it was still in talks with the ICC and had not altered its stand. The row comes weeks before the tournament begins. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has said it will invite India to join Pax Silica, a US-led alliance focused on building a secure silicon and chip supply chain for the AI era. US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the move aims to create a full ecosystem, from mineral refining to advanced manufacturing. Pax Silica brings together partners such as Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, Singapore, and Qatar. The initiative seeks to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth minerals. India has large reserves but depends heavily on imports. Joining the bloc could help India diversify supplies and gain technology support. (PC: India Today)

Eyewitnesses across Iran have told BBC Persian that security forces used live fire against unarmed protesters last week, killing people in several cities. A man in southern Iran said troops shot directly into crowds with assault rifles. Residents of Tehran and nearby Fardis described Basij forces on motorcycles opening fire and unmarked cars shooting in narrow streets. Internet access has been largely cut, limiting reporting. Norway-based Iran Human Rights said at least 648 protesters have been killed, including minors, though figures cannot be independently verified. Medics said hospitals were overwhelmed, with many bodies brought to morgues and some not released to families. (PC: BBC)

Germany has announced that Indian passport holders will no longer need a Schengen Airport Transit visa while changing flights at its airports. The rule was revealed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India this week. It will apply to travellers transiting through hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich on the way to non-Schengen countries. Passengers must stay inside the international transit area and leave within 24 hours. The policy does not allow entry into Germany or any other Schengen state. The government has said the decision is yet to be implemented. Once active, it is expected to reduce paperwork, cost, and missed connections for Indian flyers. (PC: NDTV)

The BJP suffered a setback on Tuesday after losing the Vizhinjam ward bye-election in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. The party had hoped the result would secure a clear majority. UDF candidate K H Sudheer Khan defeated LDF nominee N Noushad by 83 votes. Khan polled 2,902 votes, while Noushad secured 2,819. BJP candidate Sarvashaktipuram Binu finished third with 2,437 votes. With this result, the BJP remains at 50 seats in the 101-member council and needs the support of Independent councillor P Radhakrishnan to reach the majority mark of 51. The UDF’s tally has risen to 20 seats, while the LDF stays at 29. (PC: HT)