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India and Germany, under PM Modi and Chancellor Merz, agreed to deepen ties in defence, trade, critical minerals, semiconductors, education, and telecom. They signed 19 pacts, backed the Indo-Pacific, IMEC, and green hydrogen projects, promoted talent mobility, condemned terrorism, and pushed for resilient supply chains and global institution reforms.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the US will not send troops into Mexico to fight drug cartels. After a good call with President Trump, she said both sides agreed to work together while respecting Mexico’s sovereignty. She stressed cooperation on security, drug trafficking, trade, and investment, but without US military involvement on Mexican soil.
Apple and Google announced a multi-year partnership under which Apple’s next-generation AI features, including Siri, will be powered by Google’s Gemini technology. The deal marks a shift for Apple’s in-house approach. The companies said Gemini offers the strongest foundation for Apple Foundation Models, enabling new AI-driven user experiences across Apple platforms.
Greenland’s government said it cannot accept a US takeover of the Arctic island under any circumstance, responding to repeated remarks by President Donald Trump. The autonomous Danish territory said the governing coalition firmly rejects such moves, while stressing it will continue efforts to strengthen Greenland’s defence in cooperation with NATO allies.
US President Trump will meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina on Jan 15. The meeting comes as Washington pressures Venezuela’s interim govt to free political prisoners. Some detainees have been released, but families and rights groups say progress is slow. Trump is also negotiating with acting leader Delcy over oil access and future relations.
US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran, escalating pressure over Tehran’s violent crackdown on protests. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the order was “final.” China, Turkey, the UAE and Iraq are key partners. The move comes amid military options, though diplomatic talks continue through special envoy channels.
Health and education experts warned that glamorising tobacco through surrogate ads and selling it alongside candies risks pushing children towards addiction. Speaking on National Youth Day, they cautioned this could trigger a future epidemic of cancer and lung diseases, urging stricter controls, higher legal age, curbs on single-stick sales, and protection around schools.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife told the Supreme Court that his NSA detention relied on irrelevant material and denied him effective representation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued key videos were not supplied and the order was copy-pasted. The government maintains Wangchuk incited violence. The court will continue hearing the case on January 13.
Ahead of Maharashtra’s civic polls, the State Election Commission has barred advance payments under the Ladli Behna scheme, citing the model code of conduct. While regular installments may continue, advance disbursal and addition of new beneficiaries are prohibited. The move follows opposition complaints alleging the timing could influence voters before polling.
Yash-starrer Toxic has landed in controversy after the AAP Women’s Wing complained to the Karnataka Women’s Commission over allegedly obscene visuals. The Commission has written to the CBFC, seeking action and a report. The teaser, released on Yash’s birthday, has sparked debate over objectification, artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity.
