Two Indian students, G Dinesh (22) from Wanaparthy, Telangana, and Nikesh (21) from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, were discovered dead in their Connecticut accommodation in the US. Dinesh's family, unaware of the cause of death, sought help from Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to repatriate his body. The students, friends turned roommates, had recently moved to the US for higher studies. Local authorities have limited information about Nikesh, intensifying the mystery. Wanaparthy MLA T Megha Reddy conveyed condolences and assured support in bringing Dinesh's body back to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing positive developments in their Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership. They agreed to create a roadmap for future initiatives, covering various regional and global topics, including Russia's BRICS presidency. The leaders reviewed progress on bilateral cooperation and expressed optimism about the strengthening of India-Russia relations. PM Modi conveyed support for Russia's BRICS presidency in 2024. Amid the Ukraine war, the leaders also touched upon the situation in Ukraine. The dialogue reflects India's commitment to maintaining strong ties with Russia while engaging with other Western nations.

Preesha Chakraborty, a nine-year-old Indian-American student from Fremont, California, shines as one of the "world's brightest students" on the prestigious Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth list. Selected from over 16,000 students across 90 countries based on above-grade-level tests, Preesha, a Grade 3 student, excelled in the SAT and ACT. Scoring in the 99th percentile of advanced Grade 5 performances, she earned the Grand Honors. A Mensa Foundation lifetime member since age six, Preesha's passion for learning and exceptional academic abilities garner recognition and praise. The CTY encourages her to explore and expand her knowledge further.

In the first meeting of the India-Maldives high-level core group, India and Maldives engaged in extensive talks to find a "mutually workable solution" following President Mohamed Muizzu's request for the withdrawal of all Indian troops by March 15. Discussions centered on enabling the continued operation of Indian military and aviation platforms providing humanitarian services in the Maldives. The core group, formed after a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and President Muizzu, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation. This development adds strain to already tense relations, marked by derogatory remarks from Muizzu's ministers, sparking a Boycott Maldives campaign in India.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has issued a deadline for India to withdraw its troops, demanding they leave the island nation by March 15. The move follows Muizzu's recent state visit to China, where ties were upgraded. Tensions escalated after derogatory comments against PM Modi led to the sacking of ministers. Muizzu's "India Out" campaign, a key election promise, seeks the removal of foreign military presence. A high-level core group, including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, is negotiating the withdrawal. Despite prior cooperation, the sudden shift raises concerns about regional dynamics and India's role in Maldives.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, following a state visit to China, declared that the Indian Ocean archipelago is "not in the backyard of any particular country." Expressing the need for self-reliance, Muizzu aims to reduce dependence on a single nation for essential commodities, historically sourced from India. In a significant shift, he announced plans to diversify suppliers for rice, sugar, and flour, striking a deal with Turkey for the first shipment. The move signals a departure from the Maldives' traditional reliance on India and emphasizes a pursuit of economic autonomy in key sectors.

Indian students, braving a snowstorm in Brampton, Ontario Canada, continue protesting Algoma University, demanding transparency after 32 of them failed exams. The university offers a makeup exam, but protesters insist on proving their deserved grades, claiming no direct communication from the institution. Allegations of racial bias emerge, impacting Algoma's reputation, heavily reliant on Indian student enrollment. The incident prompts concerns for other colleges depending on foreign student revenue. Concurrently, Brampton landlords protest a permit requirement for overcrowded housing, fearing cost transfer to tenants. Both situations reflect challenges faced by educational and housing sectors amid changing regulations.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, is set to visit Iran on January 14-15 amidst escalating tensions, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The visit aims to discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues with Iranian Foreign Minister HE Dr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Key topics include political cooperation, connectivity initiatives, and concerns over the Red Sea conflict. Jaishankar may address regional stability, with a focus on the Chabahar Port for enhanced connectivity. The visit gains significance amid the Middle East crisis, where India could play a crucial role in de-escalation efforts.

Returning home after a high-profile state visit to China, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday struck a defiant note saying "We may be small but this doesn't give them the license to bully us". His comments followed a diplomatic row with India over derogatory social media posts by three of his ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Though we have small islands in this ocean, we have a vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square km. This ocean does not belong to a specific country. We aren't in anyone's backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state," he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserts that normal relations between India and China are impossible unless a solution is found for the border dispute. Addressing the impact on various fronts like trade and economy, Jaishankar emphasizes the need for a firm resolution. During a townhall meeting, he discusses India's bid for a UNSC seat, highlighting growing global support. Jaishankar also explains the importance of maintaining ties with different nations, drawing parallels to common life, where friendly relations are upheld even between those with differences. He underlines the necessity for diplomacy in managing independent interests.