A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Leh–Ladakh region on Monday, according to the National Center for Seismology. The tremor occurred at 11:51 am, with its epicentre located in Leh, Ladakh, at a depth of 171 km. No casualties or damage were reported till the filing of this report. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and advised residents to remain cautious due to the possibility of aftershocks. The region lies in the seismically active Himalayan belt and frequently experiences earthquakes. The quake comes amid increased seismic activity in the wider region, including recent tremors reported in Afghanistan. (PC: HT)

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has said he is open to returning to the Olympics to play cricket at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Cricket will return to the Olympics after 128 years at Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Bolt said cricket was his first sport before athletics and joked he would be ready if Jamaica called. He retired from track in 2017 after winning eight Olympic gold medals. Six teams each will compete in men’s and women’s cricket, with squads of up to 15 players. (PC: India Today)

At least 39 people were killed after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday evening. The crash happened near Adamuz, close to the city of Córdoba, after a Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed onto another track. Rail operator Adif said the collision occurred shortly after the train left Málaga. More than 70 people were taken to hospital, including several seriously injured. Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the incident “extremely strange” and said an investigation was under way. Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended. (PC: X)

The International Cricket Council has given Bangladesh until January 21 to confirm its participation in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised safety concerns about playing matches in India and has asked for games to be moved elsewhere. The ICC has refused to change the schedule or swap groups. It said independent security assessments found no specific threat in India. If Bangladesh withdraws, the ICC may name a replacement team. (PC: X)

A delivery agent tried to rescue a 27-year-old software engineer after his car fell into a water-filled pit in Greater Noida. The accident happened late at night amid dense fog. The victim survived for nearly an hour and called for help as his car slowly submerged. Delivery agent Moninder said he reached the spot around 1.45 am and entered the pit after responders hesitated. He tied a rope around his waist and searched in cold water for about 30 minutes. The techie later drowned. Police have booked builders, and the Noida Authority has taken action against officials. (PC: HT)

Several European countries have sent a small number of troops to Greenland as tensions rise over repeated remarks by US President Donald Trump on the island’s future. The UK has deployed one military officer, while Finland and Norway have sent two soldiers each. Sweden and the Netherlands have also contributed small teams. The deployment is part of Operation Arctic Endurance, a NATO exercise led by Denmark. Officials said the mission is focused on reconnaissance and coordination, not combat. Denmark already maintains about 150 troops in Greenland under its Arctic Command.

At least 21 people were killed after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday night. The crash happened near Adamuz in the Andalusia region. One train derailed and crossed onto another track before hitting an oncoming service, rail operator Adif said. More than 70 people were injured. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said 30 passengers were in serious condition. Around 300 people were on board one train, operated by Iryo. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences. High-speed services in the region were suspended. (PC: NDTV)

European Union ambassadors agreed Sunday to intensify efforts dissuading President Donald Trump from imposing tariffs on European allies while preparing retaliatory measures. Trump vowed Saturday to implement escalating tariffs from February 1 on Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Britain, and Norway until the US acquires Greenland. EU leaders will discuss options at Thursday's emergency Brussels summit, including reactivating a 93 billion euro tariff package or deploying the unused Anti-Coercion Instrument restricting US public tenders and investments. The targeted countries sent military personnel to Greenland as tensions escalate. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated "Europe will not be blackmailed." The European Parliament suspended work on the US-EU trade deal amid uncertainty. (PC: Reuters)

Indian-origin couple Kosha Sharma (52) and Tarun Sharma (55), known as "Mama K" and "Pop," were arrested in Virginia for operating a sex and drug trafficking ring from their Red Carpet Inn motel. Federal and local agents conducted raids after several undercover operations since May 2023. The couple allegedly used the third floor for illegal activities while housing regular guests on lower floors, taking profits from prostitution and drug sales. Kosha alerted criminals to police presence and blocked officer entry. Three others named Margo Pierce, Joshua Reddick, and Rashard Smith were also arrested. Undercover operations documented 15 drug purchases and eight prostituted women. All face conspiracy charges carrying mandatory 10-year minimum sentences. (PC: NDTV)

Russian national Alexei Leonov, arrested for murdering two Russian women in Goa, has confessed to killing five people, police revealed. Initially arrested for killing Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva, both 37, Leonov claimed involvement in three additional deaths including two Russian women and one woman from Assam. Investigators describe his claims as "sketchy and inconsistent" requiring verification. Police characterize Leonov as having "psychopathic tendencies," befriending foreign nationals before killing them by throat-slitting or suffocation. His motive appears rooted in monetary disputes and obsessive relationships. Kasthanova, a go-go dancer, and Vaneeva, a bubble performer, were both killed by throat-slitting. Leonov received 14-day police custody as investigators continue examining his connection to five deaths. (PC: The Indian Express)