Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, 26, will lead an all-male Central Reserve Police Force contingent at the Republic Day Parade on January 26 in New Delhi. She will command more than 140 male personnel, becoming the first woman officer to do so in the force’s history. Bala hails from Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district and is the first woman officer from her district in the CRPF. She cleared the UPSC CAPF examination in her first attempt in 2023 with an All India Rank of 82. Senior officers selected her after parade rehearsals, citing her drill accuracy, confidence, and leadership. (PC: India Today)

Indian mountaineer Rohtash Khileri has reportedly become the first person to stay for 24 continuous hours on the summit of Mount Elbrus without using supplemental oxygen. Mount Elbrus, at 5,642 m (18,510 ft), is the highest peak in Europe. Khileri’s effort came after eight years of training and perseverance. On reaching the summit, he remained there without oxygen support for a full day, a feat described as a world record. The achievement highlights his high-altitude endurance and mountaineering skill. Mount Elbrus is a dormant volcano in the Caucasus Mountains and is recognised as Europe’s tallest summit.

US President Donald Trump arrived at the World Economic Forum in Davos amid rising tensions with European allies over Greenland. Trump said the world would “find out” how far he is willing to go on the issue, signalling no retreat from his stance. European leaders have said they hope to ease tensions through dialogue. Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that countries now use trade and economic ties as “leverage”, calling the old global order an “illusion”. US officials also criticised allies, including the UK, during Davos meetings. NATO said discussions on Greenland are under way but must remain private. The dispute has dominated the forum, affecting talks on Ukraine, trade and security. (PC: Sky News)

The contest for the Mumbai mayor’s post has intensified after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said the post should go to his Shiv Sena faction. He said it would be a “mark of respect” for party founder Bal Thackeray in his birth centenary year. The demand follows the BJP-led Mahayuti winning a majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that phones of BJP and Shiv Sena corporators were being tapped and that elected members were kept under watch. The BJP rejected the charge and denied any surveillance. No party has an outright majority in the 227-member civic body. (PC: HT)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the US-led global order has ended, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition. The old order is not coming back,” he said. Carney warned that major powers now use trade, finance and supply chains as tools of pressure. He said the idea of a fair rules-based system was “partially false” and applied unevenly. Carney said deep global integration has become a risk for many countries. He urged Canada to build domestic strength and diversify trade ties. He also called on middle powers to work together in a more divided world. (PC: India Today)

An eight-year-old Hindu student has changed schools in London after alleged discrimination over wearing a Tilak-Chandlo, a religious mark on the forehead. The incident took place at Vicar’s Green Primary School, according to advocacy group Insight UK. The group said school staff asked the child to explain his religious practice, which it described as inappropriate for his age. It also alleged the headteacher closely watched the child during breaks, leading him to avoid playtime and isolate himself. The student was also removed from school roles, allegedly due to his faith. Insight UK said such actions may breach the Equality Act 2010. At least four Hindu children have reportedly left the school. (PC: AI Image)

Japan’s Ambassador to India, ONO Keiichi, shared a video of himself eating biryani by hand at Delhi’s Andhra Bhavan, drawing wide attention online. In the video, canteen staff guide him on how to mix and eat the dish the traditional Indian way. Smiling, the ambassador says the biryani tastes better when eaten by hand. He later compared the experience to eating sushi by hand and said it made him feel closer to his Indian friends. He also posted a short message in Telugu praising the taste. Social media users welcomed the gesture, calling it a warm moment of cultural exchange.

Seven senior Indian business leaders have been invited to a high-level reception hosted by US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump will return to the forum this week for the first time in six years and is due to deliver a keynote address on Wednesday. The invited executives include Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Bharti Enterprises founder Sunil Bharti Mittal, Wipro CEO Srini Pallia, Infosys CEO Salil S Parekh, Bajaj Finserv chairman Sanjiv Bajaj, Mahindra Group CEO Anish Shah, and Jubilant Bhartia Group co-chairman Hari S Bhartia. Their presence comes as India and the US hold talks on trade, supply chains, and investment ties. (PC: NDTV)

A train driver was killed and at least 37 people were injured after a commuter train derailed near Barcelona on Tuesday night. Officials said the Rodalies train hit a retaining wall that collapsed onto the track between Gelida and Sant Sadurní. Five passengers were seriously injured. The crash happened during heavy storms in north-eastern Spain. Fire crews evacuated all passengers, and some injured people were taken to nearby hospitals. Rail officials said the wall struck the driver’s cab first. Services across Catalonia’s Rodalies network were suspended for safety checks. The crash came two days after a deadly high-speed train collision in southern Spain. (PC: BBC)

An Indian Air Force trainer aircraft crashed into a pond during a routine training flight in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Wednesday. The incident occurred near the airport, prompting an immediate emergency response. Officials said both pilots were rescued safely.   Eyewitnesses said the small propeller aircraft appeared to lose control before plunging into the water. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site as local residents moved closer to help. Fire tenders and National Disaster Response Force divers later secured the area. Visuals showed aircraft debris scattered near the pond. The aircraft has not yet been recovered. Authorities said rescue and safety operations were still underway, and further details were awaited. (PC: HT)