Daily Briefing: India's Diplomatic Crossroads and Today's Essential News
Written by Sonal Gupta
Mumbai | January 23, 2026 09:39 AM IST
Olympic Dreams Meet Harsh Realities: India's Athletes Battle Climate Challenges
Good morning. While India aspires to host the 2036 Olympics, its athletes face increasingly difficult training conditions. Toxic winter smog and extreme summer heat are significantly reducing safe outdoor training windows, creating genuine health concerns for sports professionals. During last week's India Open in Delhi, an international badminton star withdrew due to pollution worries, even raising the issue with the International Olympic Committee.
Coaches report that players are experiencing persistent coughing and recurring illnesses. Notably, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar has been compelled to train overseas to avoid Delhi's severe environmental conditions. With temperatures frequently approaching 50°C and clean-air days becoming scarce, athletes and experts are questioning whether climate-controlled indoor arenas might be the necessary solution. My colleagues Nihal Koshie and Mihir Vasavda provide detailed insights into this pressing issue.
The Big Story: India's Delicate Decision on Trump's Board of Peace
US President Donald Trump recently announced the creation of the Board of Peace during his Davos address, positioning it to lead Israel-Hamas ceasefire efforts and Gaza's redevelopment. Trump suggested this body could eventually rival the United Nations and expand to other global matters. While he claimed widespread interest, many US allies have chosen not to participate.
Delhi's Diplomatic Tightrope: India currently maintains a cautious stance, neither accepting nor rejecting the invitation to join the Board. This decision requires balancing long-standing foreign policy principles against potential diplomatic repercussions with the Trump administration. India must carefully evaluate several critical factors:
- The Board's actual influence and legitimacy, given that major European powers have abstained
- Whether this initiative undermines the United Nations and multilateral frameworks
- How participation aligns with India's consistent support for a two-state solution in Palestine
Shubhajit Roy offers comprehensive analysis of this complex diplomatic situation.
Expert Perspectives: Should India Join the Board of Peace?
In today's Dis/Agree column, two distinguished experts present contrasting viewpoints:
Sujan Chinoy, Director General of Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies, advocates for India's participation. He argues that joining would provide greater influence over Gaza's future, potentially open reconstruction contracts for Indian companies, and demonstrate India's commitment to regional stability.
Manav Sachdeva, Ambassador for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office, strongly opposes involvement. He contends that India should not associate its reputation, historical legacy, or constitutional values with a process that prioritizes management over genuine justice, presenting four specific reasons for this position.
Decoding Trump's Strategic Playbook
Beyond announcing the Board of Peace, Trump utilized the Davos platform to advance his proposal for American control of Greenland. He revealed reaching a framework agreement with NATO, offering valuable insights into his negotiation methodology. Typically, Trump's approach follows a recognizable pattern: creating public spectacle followed by eventual dialogue with opposing parties.
Key Developments from Across India
Legal Relief: A Delhi court acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate for allegedly disobeying summons related to the liquor policy investigation. The court noted the agency failed to adequately prove email communication of summons or their appropriateness under CrPC provisions.
Manipur Violence: A tragic shooting incident disrupted months of relative peace in Manipur, claiming the life of a Meitei community member living in Churchandpur with his Kuki-Zo wife. The disturbing video circulated with threatening messages, with authorities labeling it a political killing. Security sources suspect involvement of the United Kuki National Army, a group not party to Suspension of Operations agreements.
Cultural Legacy and Policy Updates
The Last Queen of Darbhanga: Thousands gathered at Kalyani Niwas complex in Bihar's Darbhanga for an elaborate feast honoring Maharani Kamsundari Devi, who passed away on January 12. Her death marks the end of an era for the royal dynasty, with visitors traveling significant distances to pay respects through traditional ceremonies featuring rice, dal, multiple vegetable dishes, and desserts.
Data Protection Regulations: The Indian government is considering differentiated compliance timelines under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Ministry of Electronics and IT may reduce compliance periods for major technology companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon from 18 to 12 months, while potentially offering more flexible arrangements for startups.
Looking Ahead: Social Media Regulations
Following Australia's precedent, Andhra Pradesh contemplates banning social media access for children under 16. The TDP-led state government must secure approval from its BJP ally at the central level while ensuring such measures don't hinder digital literacy initiatives.
Before concluding, consider tuning into today's 3 Things podcast featuring discussions about affordable cancer medication, border fence adjustments, and relationship complications. That completes today's briefing. Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend!
