Congress leader Jairam Ramesh mocked PM Narendra Modi using a Hindi jibe "Bewafa teri dosti mein" after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed the India-US trade deal failed partly due to Modi's reluctance for direct call to Trump. The taunt highlights perceived strains in once-close India-US ties under Trump amid stalled negotiations and imposed tariffs.

Chaos erupted in Calcutta High Court during hearing of ED versus Trinamool Congress petitions in I-PAC raid case with lawyers pushing and shoving over courtroom exit orders. Justice Suvra Ghosh warned of overcrowding then walked out angered by unrest adjourning both cases to February 14 amid allegations of political misuse and intervention in coal scam probe.

India dismissed as "not accurate" US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's assertion that the bilateral trade deal stalled because PM Narendra Modi refused to personally call President Donald Trump. The External Affairs Ministry highlighted ongoing negotiations since February 2025, multiple rounds close to conclusion, and eight phone calls between the leaders in 2025 alone. India remains committed to a mutually beneficial agreement amid imposed 50% US tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases and reciprocal measures.

Satellite images reveal China constructing permanent military facilities near Pangong Tso in Ladakh, replacing temporary setups from 2020 standoff era. The buildup in disputed areas enhances year-round PLA presence despite recent disengagements, raising questions about long-term border intentions and ground realities along the LAC.

Jawaharlal Nehru University administration strongly condemned anti-Modi and anti-Shah slogans chanted by students, promising strict penalties including suspension or expulsion. The incident followed Supreme Court rejection of bail pleas and emphasises that campuses cannot become "hate labs" while upholding bounded free speech. Police complaint filed amid calls for maintaining academic harmony.

As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, tensions simmer in the DMK-Congress alliance over seat-sharing. Congress demands 40 seats for relevance but settles for 38 after DMK's 32-seat offer. Amidst this, Tamil Nadu Congress leaders are urging Rahul Gandhi to explore an alliance with actor Vijay's TVK, hailed as a "natural ally." With power-sharing demands echoing from party workers, evolving political equations could reshape the coalition landscape in the coming months.

In a bold critique, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan blasts the Modi government's silence on Venezuela's crisis, where an elected president was allegedly ousted in violation of international law. Warning that India could face a similar fate, Chavan questions unproven US drug charges against Nicolas Maduro and links the turmoil to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. He urges India to take a firm stand on global issues like Ukraine and Israel-Hamas to assert its leadership and UN ambitions, rather than fearing American influence.

INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala has ignited controversy by calling for youth-led protests similar to those in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka that toppled governments, aiming to remove the current administration. His viral remarks drew sharp BJP criticism, accusing him of anti-constitutional rhetoric that threatens democracy. The row exposes deep political divides and debates over acceptable protest language in India.

As 2026 begins, PM Modi and President Murmu extended warm greetings to the nation. PM Modi wished for health and peace, while President Murmu called the New Year a symbol of new energy. VP Dhankhar emphasized the collective resolve needed for a developed India. The leaders urged citizens to focus on social harmony and progress, setting a unified and optimistic tone for the year ahead.