Trump invites India to join Gaza Peace Board
United States President Donald Trump has invited India to join his “Board of Peace” initiative, aimed at resolving conflicts, starting with Gaza.
While India has not yet responded, the invite comes amid stalled trade talks between the two nations.
A US$1 billion (S$1.28 billion) contribution would secure permanent membership on the board, which plans to fund Gaza’s reconstruction, according to a US official.
Seven Indian CEOs invited to Trump’s Davos reception
Seven top Indian business leaders, including Tata Sons’ N. Chandrasekaran and Wipro CEO Srini Pallia, have been invited to United States President Donald Trump’s high-level reception at Davos.
Their presence highlights India’s rising global economic influence, reported NDTV.
The event coincides with US-India trade negotiations, placing added focus on India’s participation at the World Economic Forum and its growing role in reshaping supply chains.
India-EU free trade pact nearing completion
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at Davos that the European Union and India are nearing a landmark free trade deal, calling it the “mother of all deals”.
The agreement could create a market of two billion people and reshape global trade. Von der Leyen is set to visit India next week as talks enter a decisive phase.
Diplomats’ families recalled from Bangladesh
Amid heightened security concerns in Bangladesh, India has advised the families of its diplomats to return home. The measure comes ahead of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections and follows increasing extremist activity.
All Indian missions in Bangladesh, including the High Commission in Dhaka and consulates in Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna, remain operational. The situation is being closely monitored.
BJP elects youngest president to woo youth vote
Mr Nitin Nabin, 45, has been elected unopposed as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s youngest-ever president.
A five-time lawmaker from Bihar, he replaces Mr J.P. Nadda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the generational shift as India’s youth, nearly 40 per cent of the electorate, becomes increasingly influential.
Mr Nabin urged young citizens to enter politics, vowing to energise the party ahead of key state elections.
L’Oreal to invest S$492m in Hyderabad beauty tech hub
French beauty giant L’Oréal will invest over Rs3,500 crore (S$492 million) to establish a global beauty tech hub in Hyderabad. The centre will focus on AI-driven innovation and create 2,000 tech jobs by 2030.
Announced at Davos, the move reflects growing Indo-French cooperation. Telangana continues to attract global investment, strengthening its role as a leading tech destination in India.
Noida techie’s car pulled out after three days
Mr Yuvraj Mehta’s car, which fell into a waterlogged pit amid dense fog in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, was retrieved after three days on Jan 20.
The 27-year-old engineer drowned despite calling for help. A dashcam in the vehicle may provide crucial details.
The incident raises questions about road safety and abandoned construction sites, as the pit had been left unattended since 2022.
233-year-old Ramayana manuscript gifted to Ayodhya museum
A 233-year-old Sanskrit manuscript of Valmiki’s Ramayana, featuring a rare classical commentary, has been gifted to the Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya.
The cultural treasure, dated 1792 CE, was handed over by the Central Sanskrit University to Prime Minister’s Museum Council Chairman Nripendra Misra, symbolising India’s commitment to preserving its ancient literary and spiritual heritage.
Udaipur crash: Speeding teen driver kills four
Four teenagers died in Udaipur, Rajasthan, after their car, driven at 120kmh by a smoking teen, collided with another vehicle.
A video shows the driver ignoring friends’ pleas to slow down. The group was returning from a religious event.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage over reckless driving and calls for greater enforcement of juvenile road safety laws.
Gold, silver soar to record highs amid global unrest
Gold and silver hit historic highs, driven by geopolitical tensions and investor rush for safe-haven assets. Global gold prices crossed US$4,800 per ounce, while silver rose to US$95.
Indian markets mirrored the trend with gold nearing Rs1.6 lakh per 10 grams and silver touching Rs3.5 lakh per kg, further fuelled by industrial demand and global uncertainty.
Rupee hits record low amid global risk fears
The Indian rupee slumped to an all-time low of 91.28 against the US dollar, amid global risk aversion and geopolitical tensions, particularly over Greenland.
Weak domestic markets and foreign capital outflows added pressure. Analysts warn of further depreciation unless the RBI intervenes.
The rupee has steadily declined since December, raising inflation and import cost concerns.
Woman booked for abetment after Kerala man’s suicide
Kerala Police have charged Shimjitha Musthafa with abetment to suicide after 42-year-old Deepak U ended his life.
She had posted a viral video accusing him of harassment on a bus. Following public backlash, Mr Deepak allegedly hanged himself.
Human rights authorities have ordered an inquiry, and the case has sparked debate over online shaming and due process.
Sleaze scandal engulfs Karnataka DGP
Karnataka Director-General of Police K. Ramachandra Rao has been suspended after an alleged sex tape surfaced online, reigniting controversy a year after his stepdaughter was caught smuggling gold.
Mr Rao, previously accused of misusing his position to shield her, was turned away by the Home Minister when he sought a meeting. A high-level investigation into the video is underway.
