Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton. The former world No. 1 said her decision was forced by a severe knee problem. “I thought it’s enough. I can’t push it anymore,” she said on a podcast. Saina last played at the Singapore Open in 2023. She revealed that her cartilage has worn out and she has arthritis. “My knee was giving up in one or two hours,” she said. Saina won Olympic bronze in 2012 and inspired a generation of Indian shuttlers. (PC: R. V. Moorthy)

A driver was arrested after a road accident involving Akshay Kumar’s security car in Juhu, Mumbai. The crash happened on Monday night after a chain collision. Police said a speeding car hit an auto-rickshaw, which then overturned and rammed into the escort vehicle. Two people were injured. The accused, Radheshyam Rai, was booked for reckless driving. An auto driver’s brother told ANI, “My brother and the passenger were trapped under the rickshaw.” The case was registered by the Mumbai Police. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have not reacted yet. (PC: PTI, X)

Bangladesh has responded strongly to reports of an ICC ultimatum over the 2026 T20 World Cup. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said the country will not accept “unreasonable pressure” to play in India. He said International Cricket Council has not formally warned Bangladesh about exclusion. Nazrul added that venue changes were allowed earlier in similar cases. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has held talks with the ICC. Reports say Scotland could replace Bangladesh if they pull out. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7. (PC: AFP)

The Commission for Air Quality Management on Tuesday lifted GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR after a slight improvement in air quality. The decision came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index dropped to 378, still in the ‘very poor’ category. The AQI was 410 on Monday and 440 on Sunday. GRAP-4 curbs were imposed on January 17 when air quality turned ‘severe’. Officials said better wind speed helped reduce pollution levels. However, actions under GRAP Stages I, II and III will continue. Authorities will keep monitoring air quality closely in the coming days. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump said there was “no going back” on his plan to seek control of Greenland, calling it vital for global security. Speaking ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said he would press European leaders on the issue. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said US tariff threats would be met with a united and proportional response. Trump also shared messages he said were from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO leaders questioning his stance.

The European Union and India are close to finalising a long-pending free trade agreement, officials said on Tuesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said talks had made strong progress but still needed final work. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she called the proposed deal historic. Narendra Modi and von der Leyen have committed to concluding negotiations by December. Talks, revived in 2022 after a long pause, aim to deepen trade, investment and supply-chain links between India and the European Union. Some differences on tariffs and mobility remain.

Bangladesh has hardened its stand amid uncertainty over its participation in the T20 World Cup, raising concerns about playing matches in India. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh will not accept conditions it sees as unfair or unreasonable. He dismissed speculation that the team could be dropped from the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has sought a venue change, citing security issues. Talks with the International Cricket Council have so far failed to break the deadlock. The tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday strongly criticised Maneka Gandhi for her remarks on the stray dogs issue made during a podcast. A bench led by Justice Vikram Nath said it showed restraint by not initiating contempt proceedings. The court said its earlier observations on holding dog feeders accountable were serious, not sarcastic. It also questioned Gandhi’s conduct and tone while commenting on the court. Her counsel declined to respond on contempt issues. The bench asked about her contributions to policies on rabies control and animal welfare during her public service. (PC: NDTV)

A children’s football pitch near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank faces possible demolition after an order from Israeli authorities. The pitch, built in 2020 beside the separation wall, is used by more than 200 children from the nearby Aida refugee camp. Israeli officials say it was constructed without permits on land classified as Area C, where Israel retains civil control. The club says it had informal approval and lacks alternative space. A short reprieve expired this week. Under Israeli rules, owners must dismantle the pitch themselves or face forced demolition and costs. International campaigns have called for the site to be spared. (PC: BBC)

Greater Noida Police have arrested builder Abhay Kumar in connection with the death of a software engineer whose car fell into a water-filled pit. Kumar owns the MZ Wishtown project in the Knowledge Park area. The arrest followed an investigation based on a complaint by the victim’s father. The engineer, Yuvraj, was returning home when his car plunged into the pit near Sector 150. Police say the pit was left open for years without barricades or warning signs. An FIR has been filed against the developer companies. A special investigation team is probing the case. (PC: India Today)