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)

The International Cricket Council has issued Bangladesh Cricket Board a January 21 deadline to confirm participation in T20 World Cup 2026 or face replacement. An ICC delegation met BCB officials in Dhaka on Saturday, delivering the ultimatum after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India citing security concerns. The dispute arose following Mustafizur Rahman's release from IPL. BCB requested relocating their World Cup matches outside India, but ICC rejected the demand. The global cricket body warned that failure to confirm by the deadline would result in Bangladesh's replacement, with Scotland emerging as the leading contender. The ICC's firm stance demonstrates diminishing patience with BCB's demands regarding the tournament's India-hosted matches. (PC: ICC)

The United States has invited India to join President Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza, aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war. US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed the invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The board will oversee Gaza's ceasefire implementation, establish a Palestinian committee, deploy international security forces, disarm Hamas, and manage reconstruction. Permanent membership requires a $1 billion contribution, funding Gaza's rebuilding. Around 60 countries received invitations, including Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan, Canada, Turkey, and Egypt. The board includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, former British PM Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Trump would chair the board for life, initially focusing on Gaza before expanding globally.

Seven Indian soldiers were injured during a gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. The incident occurred during 'Operation Trashi-I' in Chatroo's Sonnar area when troops encountered two to three foreign terrorists, allegedly from Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad. The terrorists fired indiscriminately and lobbed grenades attempting to break the cordon. Security forces retaliated and evacuated injured soldiers to hospital. The White Knight Corps commended troops for their professionalism under challenging terrain conditions. Additional forces from the Army, CRPF, and police reinforced the cordon, with advanced surveillance equipment and drones deployed. This marks the third encounter in Jammu region this year, following December's operation targeting three dozen terrorists ahead of Republic Day celebrations. (PC: X)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stark warning to the United States, stating any aggression against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would trigger all-out war. The warning follows President Donald Trump's remarks about possible intervention amid widespread Iranian protests. Pezeshkian blamed Washington's sanctions for Iranian hardships, calling them "inhumane." Trump previously stated Iran crossed a "red line" due to violent crackdowns on protesters. Mass demonstrations erupted in December over inflation and rial decline, evolving into anti-regime protests. The US-based Human Rights News Agency reports approximately 4,000 deaths and 24,000 arrests. Khamenei acknowledged "several thousand" deaths Saturday, attributing blame to America for the casualties. (PC: X)

Rights group Oxfam praised India's political reservation system in its annual inequality report released at the World Economic Forum. The organization highlighted India's quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalized groups as a "compelling example" of political empowerment for ordinary citizens. Oxfam noted that globally, billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than average citizens. India's reservation system creates opportunities for economically disadvantaged and socially excluded communities to gain legislative representation and advance redistributive policies. The country provides reservations based on population and recently announced 33 percent reservation for women. Oxfam emphasized that institutional inclusiveness and political incentives enable meaningful participation despite structural inequality. (PC: X)

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe will not be blackmailed amid threats by US President Donald Trump over Greenland. Trump has warned of tariffs on eight European allies if they oppose his plan to take control of Greenland. European nations issued a joint statement backing Denmark and warning of a “dangerous downward spiral”. They said tariff threats harm transatlantic ties. EU members held an emergency meeting in Brussels. Trump argues Greenland is vital for US security. Protests were held in Denmark and Greenland against the proposal. NATO chief Mark Rutte said talks with Washington are ongoing. (PC: Reuters)