Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad, marking the Chancellor’s first official visit to India. The two-day visit coincides with the celebrations of 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, aiming to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
The meeting at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across trade, investment, technology, education, skilling, and mobility, while also exploring collaboration in defense, security, science, innovation, research, and sustainable development.
Prior to the talks, PM Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where they paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, with Merz also signing the visitors’ book. The leaders then jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic significance of the visit, and flew a kite featuring Lord Hanuman.
The German Chancellor’s visit, from January 12 to 13, builds on prior high-level engagements, including discussions with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where both leaders agreed to further expand the bilateral strategic partnership. During that meeting, PM Modi invited Chancellor Merz to visit India officially. On January 13, Chancellor Merz will visit Bosch, Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), before departing for Germany. The visit also serves as a precursor to the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
US President Donald Trump described the woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week as radical and violent. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump referred to video footage captured just before the agent shot Renee Nicole Good, emphasizing that law enforcement officers must always be treated with respect. “We have to respect our law enforcement. At the very least, that woman was extremely disrespectful… You can’t act that way toward police, ICE, Border Patrol, or anyone else,” Trump stated.
He added, “Everyone has seen it. She was very violent and a radical individual. It’s very sad what happened. Her friend was also radical.” Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen and mother of three, was killed Wednesday morning when a federal ICE agent fired at her vehicle during an enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Video of the incident has circulated online, sparking debates about what actually occurred, according to CNN.
Trump also criticized President Biden, saying, “Law enforcement is performing very well despite Biden allowing people to cross our border. Crime stats just came out—we have the best crime stats on record, even with the criminals he allowed in. Many of them have been removed.” He reiterated, “At a minimum, that woman was extremely disrespectful to law enforcement. You saw the same noises, the same actions I saw. You can’t do that to law enforcement, whether ICE, Border Patrol, or others.”
Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump supporters, have framed the shooting as self-defense, alleging Good tried to “weaponize her vehicle” against officers. Senior administration figures have defended the agent’s actions under perceived threat. However, state and local officials, such as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, strongly dispute that narrative. They argue the video does not show Good posing a lethal threat when she was shot, noting her vehicle appeared to turn away from officers, raising questions about the use of deadly force, according to CNN.
Family and friends of Good remember her as a loving parent and compassionate person, describing her as “one of the kindest people” they knew. Vigils and protests have been held in her honor, with community members calling for accountability. The video, political reactions, and controversy over the investigation have made this case a focal point in debates about federal immigration enforcement and the use of force by authorities. US Vice President shared footage of the Minneapolis incident on January 9, stating, “Watch this, as hard as it is. Many have been told this officer wasn’t in danger, yet he fired in self-defense when his life was threatened.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @RapidResponse47.
Stephen Graham has told fans of Adolescence to "stay tuned" regarding a potential second season. The star spoke backstage after the Netflix limited series won four awards at Sunday’s (Jan 11) Golden Globe ceremony and shared an update on what he and co-creator Jack Thorne are considering for the show’s future. When asked about a second season, Stephen told reporters in the Winners’ Room: "I cannot answer that question because it’s somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind and Jack’s mind, and we’ll pull it out in three or four years, so stay tuned."
The series features 16-year-old Owen Cooper as teenage murder suspect Jamie Miller, with Stephen playing his father, Eddie. At the ceremony, Adolescence won Best Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Motion Picture. The cast also earned several individual accolades: Stephen won Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Motion Picture, while co-star Erin Doherty, who played Briony Ariston, was named Best Supporting Female Actor. Owen Cooper received Best Supporting Male Actor, making him the youngest winner ever in the supporting TV categories and the second youngest male Golden Globe winner overall, after Ricky Schroder in 1990.
During his acceptance speech, Owen said: "Standing here at the Golden Globe does not feel real, whatsoever. What an incredible journey me and my family have been put through. We are forever grateful… I thought, I might be okay, I might be awful, I never know. So, I took a risk, and I went to drama classes. I was the only boy there. It was embarrassing, but I got through it. I'm still very much an apprentice. I'm still learning every day, I'm still learning from the people that are sat in front of me, that inspired me. It's mad what's going on."
Disclaimer: This image is taken from asiaone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, visited the historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on Monday, reflecting on the lasting global impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Ashram continues to serve as a powerful symbol of Gandhiji’s principles, which have inspired and empowered people worldwide. He noted that the visit with Chancellor Merz took place earlier that morning in Ahmedabad.
During their visit to the Ashram, situated along the banks of the Sabarmati River, both leaders offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and paid sincere homage, according to a statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office. They also toured Hriday Kunj, Gandhiji’s residence within the Ashram, and observed the spinning of the charkha. Both dignitaries expressed deep admiration for Gandhi’s simple lifestyle, his philosophy of self-reliance, and his commitment to truth and non-violence.
The visit was attended by several distinguished officials and guests, including Governor Acharya Devvratji, Chief Secretary M. K. Das, Sabarmati Ashram Chairperson Kartikeya Sarabhai, Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Committee Chairman I. P. Gautam, Ahmedabad Collector Sujeet Kumar, members of the German delegation, and prominent figures associated with the Ashram.
Chancellor Merz is currently in India on a two-day official visit, his first since assuming office. The visit is expected to strengthen the momentum of high-level political engagement between the two nations and reaffirm their shared commitment to building a future-oriented partnership for mutual and global benefit. On January 13, Merz is scheduled to visit Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) before departing for Germany.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@narendramodi.
India and the US remain actively engaged in negotiations over a proposed trade deal, with the next discussion scheduled for Tuesday, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said. Talks have faced delays despite several rounds of negotiation, and both sides aim to finalize a broad agreement as well as a framework deal to ease recent US tariffs on Indian goods. Gor emphasized that reaching a deal with India, the world’s largest democracy, is complex but achievable.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
On Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss daily market trends with Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer at Jevons Global. They analyze US equities, precious metals, and Hong Kong markets, providing insights into current market movements, investor sentiment, and strategies for navigating volatility in global financial markets.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Whether it is issuing military threats toward Colombia and Cuba, suggesting the takeover of Greenland from Denmark, or capturing oil tankers in European and Caribbean seas, Donald Trump’s actions are forcing global leaders into constant crisis management. His renewed brand of American imperialism is reshaping international politics at a rapid pace. Jonathan Freedland discusses this shifting global landscape with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Anne Applebaum, examining what lies ahead in a world being rapidly transformed by the decisions of the US president.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Protests have erupted nationwide following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during the Trump administration’s most recent immigration enforcement campaign. Footage of the shooting of Minnesota resident Renee Nicole Good has circulated widely on social media, triggering demonstrations and candlelight vigils. Lucy Hough discusses the incident with Oliver Laughland, the Guardian US southern bureau chief.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian
Soaring rents are pushing businesses out of Kampong Glam, with many shopowners who recently renewed their leases reporting sharp increases — in some cases nearly double — which they attribute to a growing trend of subletting. Over the years, many vacated spaces have been replaced primarily by souvenir stores and photobooths. Andrea Heng and Elakeyaa Selvaraji analyse the data and discuss its implications with Zaki Maarof, Chairman of the Kampong Gelam Alliance.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
