World

Protests in Iran entered a second week as authorities intensified a crackdown, shut down internet services and warned demonstrators of harsh punishment, including death penalty charges, even as verified videos showed unrest continuing in several cities

A Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s Volgograd region. The attack follows Russia’s overnight barrage on Ukraine with missiles and drones. Both sides targeted energy infrastructure amid escalating tensions in the nearly four-year-old conflict.

Greenland's small population, lack of its own military, and strategic Arctic location have fueled renewed US interest — but any forced takeover would spark a major NATO confrontation and global backlash

Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Sidhu visited Iraq, where discussions focused on JF-17 Thunder and Mushshak aircraft procurement, joint training, and defence cooperation. Bangladesh also engaged Pakistan on similar aircraft, highlighting growing regional military collaboration and PAF training support.

The Pakistan Navy conducted successful tests of the LY-80 surface-to-air missile, Loitering Munition, and an Unmanned Surface Vessel in the North Arabian Sea. The trials showcased advanced precision strike and autonomous capabilities, with Admiral Naveed Ashraf commending the Navy.

A 19-year-old Hindu man died in Bangladesh after consuming poison following alleged harassment over a small debt. The incident adds to a series of recent attacks on Hindu minorities, raising concerns over rising violence across the country

Pakistan and the US have begun the 13th edition of their joint military exercise, ‘Inspired Gambit–2026’, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Punjab. The two-week-long event aims to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and improve military interoperability.

Anti-government protests across Iran have left over 65 people dead, according to rights groups, as demonstrations spread nationwide. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the US and Israel for the unrest, while exiled prince Reza Pahlavi urged international intervention.

Security forces recovered a drone-dropped arms consignment, including pistols and a grenade, near the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district during a joint BSF-police search amid heightened Republic Day security.

US President Donald Trump said Washington may act to secure Greenland if necessary, warning that failure could allow China or Russia to gain a strategic foothold, while stressing US security interests outweigh historical claims.

Jadumani Singh defeated Amit Panghal to set up a final clash with Pawan Bartwal at the Elite National Boxing Championships in Greater Noida. Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat and Minakshi also advanced to the finals, highlighting India’s strong presence across categories

US intervention in Venezuela highlights a global resurgence of great-power coercion, where international law is increasingly sidelined

Protests erupted in Minneapolis after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman during an immigration sweep, while a separate federal shooting in Oregon wounded two others. The incidents have intensified nationwide scrutiny of Trump’s immigration crackdown

Federal immigration officers shot and wounded two people in Portland, Oregon, escalating tensions after a fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota. City leaders demanded a halt to ICE operations as federal authorities defended the use of force, triggering protests and calls for investigation

At least 13 people, including a child, were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza even as efforts continued to sustain a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, with US President Donald Trump set to announce a “Board of Peace” to oversee the truce

Iran's protests reflect broader discontent over repression, isolation, and the state’s inability to deliver stability or reform

Trump said the US will oversee Venezuela’s recovery and oil sector following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He praised US forces for a successful operation, promised to stabilise the country, rebuild oil infrastructure, and delay elections until Venezuela is ready

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned of a crackdown as anti-government protests spread nationwide, chanting slogans against the regime and praising the former shah. Communication blackouts complicate reporting, while Trump reiterated US support for peaceful demonstrators

Russia launched a massive overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, killing at least four people in Kyiv and deploying its Mach-10 Oreshnik ballistic missile, even as US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire showed little tangible progress

The Oreshnik can launch a powerful conventional strike anywhere in Europe, giving the Kremlin a new instrument of escalation without tapping its nuclear arsenal. There will be no way to know if the missile is carrying a nuclear warhead until it reaches its target

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has restricted image generation and editing after global backlash over sexualised deepfakes. Governments and regulators in several countries have raised concerns, while Britain warned of action against X over the issue

The US Senate has advanced a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct further military actions against Venezuela. The measure passed 52–47 with support from Democrats and five Republicans, though it faces little chance of becoming law.

Three Indians are among the crew of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. Moscow strongly condemned the action, calling it a violation of international maritime law and freedom of navigation.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed Sri Lanka’s batting coach for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. He will take charge on January 18 and remain with the team until March 10