The Hindu Morning Digest: January 22, 2026

Trump cancels tariff threat over Greenland, says NATO agreed to ‘framework’ of future Arctic deal

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday (January 21, 2026) that he was cancelling his planned tariff on U.S. allies in Europe over U.S. control of Greenland after he and the leader of NATO agreed to a framework of a future deal on Arctic security.

Government mulls Trump Gaza board invitation, as leaders of Israel, UAE, and Pakistan join

As the government mulls over U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the U.S.-led Gaza “Board of Peace”, experts cautioned that India must consider the board’s “legitimacy” and mandate carefully. On Wednesday (January 21, 2026) , a number of countries announced their joint decision to join the board including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the UAE. Israel PM Netanyahu also accepted the invitation.

‘Freebies’ different from public welfare investment, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) drew a clear line between State functionaries splurging public money on irrational freebies and “investing” in welfare schemes for the marginalised sections. “Distribution of State largesse to individuals at a large scale is different from investing State largesse in public welfare schemes. That distinction should be kept in mind,” Chief Justice Surya Kant observed orally.

India, E.U. agree to sign security and defence partnership next week: Kaja Kallas

India and the European Union agreed on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) to sign a new Security and Defence Partnership covering maritime security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism, the E.U.’s highest ranking diplomat Kaja Kallas announced. The partnership will be signed next week during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to India, where they will be chief guests at Republic Day celebrations.

ICC rejects Bangladesh’s demand to shift T20 World Cup matches outside India 

Amid the ongoing row over Bangladesh’s stance of refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India due to “security concerns”, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) said that the matches for the Men’s Bangladesh team will be played in India and the tournament will proceed as scheduled.

Dhaka declared ‘non-family’ station due to ‘deteriorating’ security situation: Indian officials

India had to withdraw the dependents and family members of officials from its missions in Bangladesh because of the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the country, with Indian posts facing a sustained threat of mob attack for the past few months, according to Indian officials.

Iranian state TV issues first official death toll from recent protests, saying 3,117 were killed

Iranian state TV on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) issued the first official death toll from recent protests, saying 3,117 people were killed, while the Foreign Minister issued the most direct threat yet against the United States after Tehran’s bloody crackdown, warning the Islamic Republic will be “firing back with everything we have if we come under renewed attack.”

CAQM submits long-term steps to curb air pollution; Supreme Court asks Delhi authorities to act

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) directed the Delhi government and other authorities to submit plans to implement long-term measures recommended by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to combat sources of air pollution in the national capital, at the foremost of which is vehicular emission.

IND vs NZ T20I: Abhishek’s six-hitting blitz helps Men in Blue go one up

Abhishek Sharma has a lovely bat swing. And he swung it well at the VCA Stadium on Wednesday (January 21, 2026). His 35-ball 84 propelled India to 238 for seven in 20 overs, setting up the home team’s 48-run victory over New Zealand in the first T20I.

Ayushman Bharat will deny 90% people from availing scheme benefits in West Bengal: TMC’s Abhishek

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) claimed that had the West Bengal government implemented the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, over 90% of the State’s population would have been deprived of its benefits due to what he described as stringent eligibility conditions.