US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said India is the most essential partner for the United States and that President Donald Trump may visit India next year. Speaking at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Gor said the friendship between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “real” and built at the top level. He said real friends may disagree but always settle issues. Gor said the next round of India-US trade talks will start on Tuesday. He added that both sides work together on security, energy, technology, education and health. Gor also said India will be invited to join the Pax Silica alliance, a US-led plan to build a secure silicon supply chain. (PC: NDTV)

The ICC has rejected claims that it agreed with Bangladesh’s safety concerns about playing the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, sources said on Monday. Bangladesh sports adviser Azif Nazrul had said the ICC security team wrote to the Bangladesh Cricket Board and warned of higher risks if Mustafizur Rahman plays, fans wear Bangladesh jerseys, or elections near. ICC sources said no such letter was issued and an official statement will follow. The BCB has written twice to the ICC and asked that the event be moved to Sri Lanka. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board is still waiting for a reply from the ICC on the matter. (PC: India Today)

Sergio Gor took charge as the new United States ambassador to India and special envoy to South and Central Asia on Monday at the US Embassy in New Delhi. As he walked to the podium, the song “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Sam and Dave played in the background. In his first remarks, Gor said the bond between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “real” and built at the top level. He said real friends may disagree but always settle issues in the end. Gor said he will work to raise the partnership. He also said Trump may visit India in the next year or two. (PC: HT)

A futsal referee and a college student are among hundreds reported dead in Iran during two weeks of anti-government protests. Amir Mohammad Koohkan, 26, was shot during a protest in Neyriz on January 3, a friend told BBC Persian. Student Rubina Aminian, 23, was killed in Tehran five days later, rights groups said. A US-based monitor and HRANA estimate nearly 500 protesters and dozens of security staff have died. Protests began on December 28 over economic issues and spread to all 31 provinces. Medical staff said hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties. Foreign media cannot report freely from Iran due to curbs and internet shutdowns. (PC: BBC)

Germany has announced visa-free airport transit for Indian passport holders. The decision was shared in the India-Germany joint statement after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India on January 12–13. Merz made his first trip to India and Asia after taking office. Under the new rule, Indian travellers changing flights at German airports will no longer need a separate transit visa. This will cut paperwork and save time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Merz for the move. Both leaders said strong people ties are key to the partnership. They also noted rising Indian students in Germany and plans to deepen cooperation in education, skills, and youth exchanges. (PC: India Today)

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi on Monday after he lost consciousness twice over the weekend. Officials said the 74-year-old had “two bouts of unconsciousness” on Saturday while going to the washroom. He later visited AIIMS for a routine checkup, where doctors advised hospital admission for detailed tests. An MRI is expected as part of the medical review. Dhankhar had resigned from the vice president’s post in July last year citing health reasons and has since made limited public appearances. Officials said he had also blacked out at several public events in recent months. No statement has been issued by his family.

India said its defence sourcing choices are guided by national interest and not ideology. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the remarks during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to New Delhi. He said Germany has changed its defence policy approach towards India. Misri noted that approvals which earlier took a long time are now being cleared faster. India and Germany are in talks for a possible submarine project involving Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. He said the technical and financial discussions are still underway and have not concluded. India continues to work closely with Russia on defence and energy ties. He added that sourcing from one country is not linked to another. (PC: NDTV)

The India Meteorological Department has warned of cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in parts of north India over the next few days. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh may see freezing weather. The IMD said Delhi’s minimum temperature could fall to between 3 and 4.2 degrees Celsius on Monday. In contrast, Shimla is likely to record a minimum of around 9 degrees Celsius. The cold wave may continue on Tuesday in several states, and Jharkhand could face it till Thursday. The IMD has also issued dense fog warnings for many regions till January 15. (PC: HT)

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is “prepared” for war if the United States intervenes, but added that Tehran does not want a conflict. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said Washington is considering “very strong options” over Iran. Protests have spread across several cities since late December after the national currency fell sharply. The US-based group HRANA says nearly 500 people have been killed in the crackdown. Iran has imposed a wide internet blackout, making information hard to verify. Foreign media have limited access inside the country. An Iranian source contacted by the BBC said the suffering should not remain hidden. (PC: BBC)

Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a strong fashion statement at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. She arrived with husband Nick Jonas, who wore a black pinstripe tuxedo. Priyanka chose a custom blue Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson. The dress had a metallic silk bodice and a matte skirt with a soft puffed layer and bow at the waist. She paired the look with Bulgari jewellery, including a diamond necklace with blue accents. Priyanka was among the presenters at the event, along with stars such as Julia Roberts, Miley Cyrus, and Zoe Kravitz. The ceremony was held on January 11 local time. (PC: India Today)