Daily Briefing: Key Developments on January 13, 2026
Good morning. Today brings significant diplomatic and domestic news. India and the United States are set to hold crucial trade talks. The case of baby Ariha has resurfaced during high-level discussions. We also cover ISRO's recent setback, a major education proposal, and Delhi's nightlife plans.
Baby Ariha Case Returns to Spotlight During German Chancellor's Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the case of baby Ariha with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This matter adds a personal dimension to their strategic talks. You might recall the background. In 2021, a German family court transferred custody of Ariha to German Youth Services.
Ariha was just months old when her parents, Dhara and Bhavesh Shah, took her to a hospital. Attendants noticed injuries to her private parts. The court removed Ariha from her parents in September 2021. Medical experts later ruled out sexual assault by December. Authorities dropped the charges in February 2022.
Yet, German authorities have not returned Ariha to her parents. Her foster care arrangements have changed five times since then. The Shahs receive brief fortnightly visits. Concerns are growing that Ariha, now fluent only in German, is losing her Gujarati-Jain cultural roots.
With Chancellor Merz visiting Ahmedabad, the Shah family hopes high-level diplomacy might finally reunite them with their daughter.
India and United States Resume Trade Negotiations Today
India and the United States will discuss trade talks today. Both nations appear close to signing the first phase of a new agreement. The newly appointed US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, made positive statements on Monday.
Ambassador Gor confirmed that both sides "continue to actively engage" and remain "determined" to reach a resolution. He also extended an invitation for India to join the Pax Silica initiative. This strategic move aims to counter China's dominance in global manufacturing supply chains.
The Pax Silica initiative focuses on securing supply chains for artificial intelligence infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. India's participation could significantly boost its technological and industrial capabilities.
Observers note that Ambassador Gor's conciliatory tone contrasts with recent comments from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Lutnick had blamed India for delays in concluding the trade deal. Gor's approach suggests a potential reset in India-US relations at a time when mutual trust has faced challenges.
India and Germany Strengthen Ties with Multiple Agreements
During Chancellor Merz's visit, India and Germany signed nineteen important agreements. These pacts include roadmaps for defence industrial cooperation. The two nations also issued a joint declaration on critical minerals and the semiconductor ecosystem.
A significant development is the agreement on visa-free entry for Indians transiting through Germany. This will ease travel for many Indian citizens. Both leaders expressed strong support for concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
They identified this as a key goal for the upcoming EU-India summit scheduled for January 27.
Major Proposal Aims to Reduce Coaching Class Dependency
A Centre-appointed panel has proposed a major overhaul of India's high school education system. The plan seeks to reduce students' heavy reliance on private coaching classes. It recommends limiting coaching classes to just two or three hours per day.
The proposal also calls for redesigning school curricula. The goal is to better prepare students for post-school competitive entrance exams like JEE and NEET. This move could alleviate financial and academic pressure on countless Indian families.
Bihar Sees Decline in Violent Crimes but Rise in Cyber Offences
New police records from Bihar show interesting crime trends. Violent crimes like murder and dacoity reached their lowest rates in 2025. This marks a significant shift from the early 2000s and mid-2010s when crime peaked, contributing to Bihar's 'Jungle Raj' image.
However, cases of theft, burglary, and cybercrime have increased. The data suggests that while traditional violent crime is decreasing, property and digital crimes are becoming more prevalent.
ISRO's PSLV Rocket Faces Successive Failures
ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has encountered another setback. The PSLV-C62 rocket failed to reach its intended orbit on Monday. It was carrying an earth observation satellite and fifteen other payloads.
This marks two successive failures for the PSLV, which is widely regarded as ISRO's most successful launch vehicle. Preliminary investigations suggest the rocket encountered problems during its third stage. This phase involves moving in a sub-orbital trajectory around Earth.
The failures raise questions about the vehicle's reliability and may prompt a thorough technical review.
University Settles Discrimination Case for $200,000
A heated incident at the University of Colorado Boulder has concluded with a substantial settlement. In 2023, PhD student Aditya Prakash reheated his palak paneer in a shared microwave. A staff member complained about the "pungent" smell.
Prakash defended his actions, but the dispute escalated. The university refused to award Master's degrees to Prakash and his partner. This led to a civil lawsuit alleging discrimination.
The case recently ended with a six-figure settlement between the students and the university.
Unusual Political Alliances Emerge in Maharashtra
Recent local body elections in Maharashtra produced surprising political partnerships. In Ambernath and Akot, traditional rivals formed unexpected alliances. The BJP joined forces with Congress in one instance, and with AIMIM in another.
These developments highlight the complex, multi-layered nature of Indian politics. As one analyst noted, "Despite the political-ideological polarisation at the top, there is a fuzziness down below." Local realities often differ significantly from national narratives.
Delhi Plans Nightlife Hub at Defunct Power Plant
Delhi is drawing inspiration from global urban transformations. New York converted an abandoned railway line into the High Line park. London transformed a decommissioned coal-fired power plant into a vibrant community space.
Now, Delhi's power department has proposed a similar redevelopment. The plan aims to convert the defunct Rajghat Thermal Power Plant into a nightlife hub. The vision includes cafes, concert venues, and regular Sufi music nights.
This initiative could create a new social and cultural destination in the national capital.
That concludes today's briefing. We leave you with a reminder of our '3 Things' podcast episode. Today's discussion covers a POCSO case against a shooting coach, gang violence in kabaddi, and controversy over a government-funded cancer research project in Madhya Pradesh.
Until tomorrow, stay informed.
