Sanjeev Khirwar, a 1994-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, has been appointed the new Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by the Union Home Ministry, succeeding Ashwani Kumar. Khirwar returns to Delhi after being transferred to Ladakh in 2022, following a major public row in which he was accused of clearing Thyagraj Stadium early so he could walk his dog, prompting outrage over misuse of public facilities. His appointment comes as the MCD prepares its budget and tackles administrative and financial challenges. Public reactions remain mixed given his past controversy. (PC: India Today)

A Korean tourist has accused a Bengaluru airport staff member of molestation during a baggage check. The incident occurred on January 19 at Kempegowda International Airport, after immigration clearance. The woman, Kim Sung Kyung, spoke to India Today TV and allowed her name. Police identified the accused as Afan Ahmed, an airport staffer. The FIR says he claimed a beeping sound in her check-in bag. He warned a counter check could delay her flight. He then suggested a personal check near a washroom. The woman reported the matter immediately to airport security. The accused was detained and handed to police, who opened an investigation. (PC: India Today)

A 32-year-old South Korean woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a ground staff member at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on January 19 while attempting to board a flight home. The accused, identified as Mohammed Affann Ahmed, an Air India SATS ground handler, reportedly approached her after immigration checks, claimed her bag beeped and offered a separate “manual frisking.” Instead of taking her to an authorised security area, he led her near the men’s washroom, touched her inappropriately, hugged her, and then walked off, according to the complaint. The woman immediately reported the incident, and CCTV footage supported her account. The airport security detained Ahmed and handed him to police, who registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and arrested him; further investigations are underway. 

In the early hours of Thursday, a private bus travelling from Nellore to Hyderabad suffered a tyre burst, lost control, jumped the median and collided head-on with an oncoming container truck near Shirivellametta in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh. The impact caused a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles, killing the bus driver, the truck driver, and the truck cleaner, all charred beyond recognition. About 36 passengers were on board; several were injured, with more than 10 sustaining burn or jump-related injuries and taken to Nandyal Government Hospital. A passing DCM driver broke windows to help passengers escape safely. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. (PC: HT)

The House of Lords voted 261–150 to support an Australian-style ban on social media use for under-16s, amending the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Peers urged MPs to consider the measure, citing rising online harms impacting children’s wellbeing and education. Campaigners, including actor Hugh Grant, backed the amendment, arguing parents are in an “impossible position” over children’s exposure to harmful content. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a three-month consultation that will assess a ban’s pros and cons, possible overnight curfews and measures to curb “doom-scrolling,” with results due in summer. Critics say delay risks further harm. (PC: PA)

U.S. President Donald Trump has cancelled threatened tariffs on eight European allies over Greenland, announcing that he and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte agreed on a “framework of a future deal” concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region. Trump made the announcement on social media from Davos during the World Economic Forum, saying the understanding means he will not impose tariffs scheduled for February 1. Details of the framework remain vague, with no confirmed sovereignty changes, and discussions will continue on Arctic security cooperation. The move eases tensions with European allies after earlier controversial threats. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed hope for a positive trade deal with India. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump called Modi “a fantastic man” and “a friend.”   “We are going to have a good deal,” Trump said in remarks to Indian media. His comments came despite strained trade ties and high US tariffs on Indian goods. Trump again linked trade relief to India’s purchase of Russian oil and warned of higher tariffs.   India has denied giving any assurances on oil imports and said decisions are based on national interest. Talks between the two countries are ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

India has not yet decided whether to join US President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace. The signing ceremony is planned on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Officials said New Delhi is studying the proposal due to sensitive issues linked to its open mandate. The board is aimed at peace efforts in Gaza, but its charter does not mention Gaza directly and appears to bypass the United Nations. Several countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have accepted the invite. India supports peace and a two-state solution but remains cautious. China and Russia are also undecided. (PC: Reuters)

Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning knock as India beat New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I in Nagpur. The opener smashed 84 off 35 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours. India posted 238 for 7.   Rinku Singh added an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls. Suryakumar Yadav scored 32 during a key partnership.   New Zealand’s chase was led by Glenn Phillips, who hit 78. But wickets fell regularly. Varun Chakravarthy took 2 for 37 as New Zealand finished on 190 for 7. (PC: AP)

3 Palestinian journalists were killed in an Israeli strike in central Gaza, first responders said on Wednesday. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence said their car was hit in the al-Zahra area. The journalists were identified as Mohammed Salah Qeshta, Anas Ghunaim, and Abdul Raouf Shaat.   The Israeli military said it struck suspects operating a drone linked to Hamas and said the incident is being examined. A humanitarian group said the vehicle was clearly marked and on a relief mission.   The Committee to Protect Journalists said Gaza remains the deadliest conflict for journalists. At least 466 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began in October. (PC: EPA)