News brief: Big stories of the day

RBI likely to give government bumper interim dividend: Sources

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), having changed leadership last month following a clash with the government, is likely to transfer an interim dividend of 300-400 billion rupees ($4.32 billion-$5.8 billion) to the government by March, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Cabinet approves 10% quota for economically weak among upper castes

The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if cleared by parliament and the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes. 

China says US warship in South China Sea is a 'provocation'

China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States over a US navy vessel sailing near disputed islands in the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said on Monday (January 7) as US officials joined talks in Beijing during a truce in a bitter trade war.

Taliban storm security posts in west Afghanistan, kill 21

Taliban insurgents have stormed security posts in west Afghanistan, killing 21 police and pro-government militia members, officials said on Monday, the latest in a surge of attacks that has cast doubt on tentative steps towards talks.

Trump holds firm on border wall, offers steel option as compromise

US President Donald Trump pledged on Sunday not to bend in his demand for a wall along the southern border with Mexico but said the barrier could be made of steel instead of concrete as a potential compromise with Democrats who refuse to fund it.