President Emmanuel Macron shared glimpses of his recent India visit, expressing eagerness for increased French investments in the country. Praising India's potential, he emphasized its pivotal role in global transformation. Macron recalled the warmth of being part of India's Republic Day celebrations and underscored the enduring friendship between India and France. The video showcased collaborative efforts in various sectors and aspirations for deeper ties. Macron's remarks affirm commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, including plans to host 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. The visit strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France across multiple domains.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti highlights India's pivotal role in the Quad alliance during a session at Jaipur Literature Festival. Describing India as the "driver seat" of Quad, he positions the US as a supportive partner with a corrective role. Garcetti underscores the importance of India's assertiveness in shaping the alliance's direction. The Quad, comprising India, US, Australia, and Japan, aims to deepen economic, diplomatic, and military cooperation. Despite differing perspectives, Garcetti sees the Quad as a model for global collaboration, emphasizing its strength and stability. The discussion reflects evolving dynamics in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

Satendra Siwal, an Indian national employed at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, was arrested by the UP ATS for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed awareness of the situation and is actively working with investigating authorities. Siwal, serving as the India-Based Security Assistant since 2021, was apprehended after failing to provide satisfactory responses during interrogation. The ATS revealed he passed confidential information on strategic activities of defense, external affairs, and military establishments in exchange for money. The MEA remains engaged in the ongoing investigation.

In the British Parliament, MP Bob Blackman slammed the BBC for its biased reporting on the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Blackman highlighted the BBC's omission of the temple's 2,000-year history before its destruction, portraying it solely as a mosque site. He called for a debate on BBC's impartiality and its failure to provide accurate global coverage. Addressing constituents' concerns, Blackman emphasized the importance of unbiased reporting, particularly regarding significant events like the Ram Mandir consecration. The ceremony, attended by thousands and led by PM Narendra Modi, marked a momentous occasion in Hindu culture.          

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India's pivotal role in advancing African interests and stimulating discussions on UN reform during its G20 presidency. Speaking at the book launch event for 'India and the Future of G20: Shaping Policies for a Better World', Jaishankar highlighted the positive reception from African leaders, emphasizing their gratitude for India's significant step in Africa's rise. He also noted the broader implications of India's initiatives, sparking debates on multilateralism and UN reform. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appreciated India's G20 presidency, acknowledging its contribution to reinvigorating multilateralism and strengthening UN goals.          

Three individuals of Indian origin residing in Canada, Ayush Sharma, Guramrit Sidhu, and Subham Kumar, are facing extradition to the US following their arrest in a Canada-US joint operation targeting a drug trafficking ring spanning Mexico, Canada, and the US. The operation, codenamed 'Dead Hand', involved a coordinated effort by American and Canadian law enforcement agencies. The accused are suspected of conspiring to traffic substantial quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from 40 years to life in prison, with Sidhu potentially facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.          

India and the Maldives have reached a consensus on operating three aircraft in the archipelago, with Indian military personnel set to be withdrawn by May. Following discussions between the high-level core group, solutions were devised to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medevac services. While the details weren't disclosed by India, the Maldives specified the timeline for personnel replacement. Bilateral ties, strained by the Maldives' pivot towards China, have prompted discussions to enhance cooperation. The next core group meeting, focused on bolstering defense, security, economic, and development partnerships, is scheduled for late February in Male.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, disclosed in Lok Sabha that 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various reasons, with Canada reporting the highest number at 91, followed by the UK with 48. Jaishankar emphasized the government's commitment to the welfare of Indian students abroad. The data provided also showed deaths in countries like Russia, the US, Australia, and Germany. Indian missions prioritize addressing issues faced by students abroad. Meanwhile, India reaffirmed its longstanding support for Palestine's sovereignty and condemned terror attacks on Israel. The 'Neighbourhood First policy' remains central to India's approach to regional relations.

France opens its doors to Indian tourists, allowing UPI payments via NPCI International Payments Limited and Lyra. Eiffel Tower leads the way as the first merchant in France to accept UPI transactions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the milestone during his visit to France, emphasizing the global impact of India's digital advancements. CEO of NIPL, Ritesh Shukla, expressed ambitions for an interoperable global payment system through strategic partnerships. The move aligns with last year's initiative allowing NRIs from 10 countries, including the UK and the US, to use UPI for cross-border transactions.

Indian Navy's INS Sharda successfully foiled a piracy attempt on the Iranian-flagged vessel FV Omaril off the East coast of Somalia. Responding to suspicious activity detected by a Rapid Patrol Aircraft, INS Sharda intervened, coercing pirates into releasing 11 Iranian and 8 Pakistani crew members unharmed. The operation, employing helicopters and boats, ensured the safe release of all hostages. This rescue highlights Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security. Amid global concerns over piracy, the Navy has intensified patrols in strategic waters, including the Arabian Sea and East coast of Somalia, to safeguard merchant vessels.