Record snowfall has disrupted daily life across Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, forcing local authorities to declare a state of emergency. Snow piled up several metres high, blocking roads, cutting power, and grounding flights. In the regional capital Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, rooftops collapsed under the weight of snow and avalanches were reported. Local officials said some neighbourhoods were completely cut off, while shops began running low on basic supplies. Schools and offices were closed as clearing work continued. Meteorologists said multiple low-pressure systems over the Sea of Okhotsk caused the unusually intense snowfall. (PC: X)

Pakistan have dismissed reports suggesting they may boycott the T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh. A source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board said there is no plan to withdraw, even if Bangladesh pull out. The source said Pakistan have no grounds to do so as all their matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka under an earlier agreement. Bangladesh are in dispute with the International Cricket Council over security concerns for matches in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has sought changes, but the ICC has asked for a final decision by January 21. (PC: HT)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran of a severe response if it attacks Israel. Speaking in the Knesset, he said Israel would act with a force Iran had not experienced before. Netanyahu said Israel was closely monitoring Iran after nationwide protests and a deadly crackdown. His remarks came amid reports that the United States is moving the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group toward the Middle East. Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high over Iran’s handling of protests. Activists say thousands have been killed and many detained. Iran has not responded to Netanyahu’s latest warning. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne amid tensions with France. The warning followed reports that Paris may reject Trump’s invitation to join a proposed “Board of Peace”. Trump also posted a private message from French President Emmanuel Macron, in which Macron questioned Trump’s focus on Greenland. The dispute grew after France mocked comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Arctic security. A source close to Macron said tariff threats aimed at shaping foreign policy were unacceptable and ineffective. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has criticised the UK’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it “an act of great stupidity”. He made the comments in a post on Truth Social. The deal would see the UK hand over sovereignty while leasing the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years. Trump said the base is vital to US security. He linked the issue to his interest in US control of Greenland. The US administration earlier supported the plan. In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a major achievement. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the lease would cost £101m a year. (PC: BBC)

Nitin Nabin on Tuesday took charge as the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party at the party headquarters in New Delhi. He succeeds J P Nadda, who held the post since 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with senior leaders including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, attended the ceremony. Several chief ministers from BJP-ruled states were also present. The leadership change comes ahead of key Assembly elections in multiple states. At 45, Nitin Nabin becomes the youngest leader to head the party and will lead it into the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. (PC: X)

Investigations into the death of a 27-year-old software engineer in Greater Noida have highlighted multiple safety and response failures. The victim, Yuvraj Mehta, died after his car plunged into a water-filled excavation pit in Sector 150. Police said the vehicle lost control at a sharp 90-degree turn during dense fog. The road stretch had no warning signs, reflectors, strong barricades or proper lighting. Officials said the pit remained unsecured due to delays in water regulation work by local agencies. Rescue teams reached the site but lacked ropes, cranes and equipment to enter the water in time. The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a special investigation. (PC: HT)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering major changes to its annual central contract system, according to reports. Under the proposed model, the Grade A category may be removed. If approved, senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to be placed in Grade B. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has suggested scrapping the A+ category and retaining only A, B and C grades. Final decisions and financial details are likely at the next BCCI apex council meeting. (PC: NDTV)

Litter was found inside a coach of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express within hours of its inaugural run on Saturday. The train was flagged off between Howrah and Guwahati by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Videos shared online showed plastic packets and disposable spoons scattered on the floor of a sleeper coach. The incident occurred before regular commercial services began. Railway officials later said cleanliness on trains is a shared public responsibility. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is part of Indian Railways’ push to upgrade long-distance travel with modern coaches and higher fares. 

Spain has declared three days of national mourning after a high-speed train crash killed at least 40 people in the southern region of Andalusia. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said a full investigation would determine why two trains collided near Adamuz, close to Córdoba. The crash happened on Sunday evening when a Madrid-bound train derailed and struck an oncoming service. More than 120 people were injured, with several still in intensive care. Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the cause remains unclear. High-speed rail services on the route remain suspended. (PC: BBC)