Communal tension erupted in Nepal's Parsa and Dhanusha districts after two Muslim men, Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, posted a video allegedly containing religiously insulting remarks. Locals handed them to police, but a mosque was subsequently vandalized in Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala Municipality, intensifying unrest. Violent protests followed with stone-pelting at police and vandalization of stations; authorities fired tear gas shells and imposed curfew in Birgunj city. India completely sealed its border with Nepal, halting all cross-border movements except emergency services. Sashastra Seema Bal increased patrolling along Maitri Bridge and border areas. Indian migrant workers began returning home as shops and markets closed amid deteriorating security situation. 

Seven European leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming support for Denmark after US President Donald Trump hinted at taking control of Greenland, Denmark's autonomous Arctic territory. Leaders from France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark stressed sovereignty, territorial integrity, and border inviolability are "universal principles" they'll continue defending. The statement emphasized Arctic security as a "key priority for Europe" and critical for international security, noting Greenland holds untapped rare earth deposits and sits on strategic polar routes and missile paths between Russia and the US. Leaders declared "Greenland belongs to its people" and only Denmark and Greenland can decide their matters, reaffirming Denmark is NATO member requiring collective Arctic security. (PC: News 18)

An Indian woman's Google review of a restaurant's Asian food sparked a viral fiery response from owner Wang Tulum. Reviewer Anvita Kotha, a local guide, criticized dan dan noodles and dumplings in chili oil for lacking spiciness despite extra chili oil and salt, though she praised the matcha latte. The owner fired back: "We don't cater your tastes" and "Open your own damn restaurant," explaining recipes reflect personal preferences, not customer demands. Wang criticized "self-entitled" expectations, emphasizing dishes are designed for balance rather than excessive spice. The January 5, 2026 X post gained 1.3 million views with mixed reactions some supporting chef autonomy, others criticizing the owner's aggressive tone.

Punjab Police have detained a 15-year-old boy from Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir for alleged contact with Pakistan’s ISI and terror handlers. He was held in the Madhopur area after intelligence inputs. Police said they found phone numbers of suspected anti-national elements during a scan of his mobile phone. Initial checks suggest he shared photos and videos of Army locations and security sites. SSP Pathankot Diljinder Singh Dhillon said the boy had been in contact with handlers for over a year and data was taken through phone cloning. A case has been filed under the Official Secrets Act as the probe continues. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Super League will resume on February 14 with all 14 clubs taking part, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday. The league was paused due to the lack of a commercial partner. Mandaviya said the decision followed a joint meeting of the government, the All India Football Federation and club officials. Traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will also play. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said the ISL will have 91 matches on a home and away basis. A central fund of Rs 25 crore has been set up to run the season until a partner is found. (PC: India Today)

A senior aide to President Donald Trump said the United States wants Greenland to become part of the country for security reasons. In an interview with CNN, Stephen Miller said it is the formal position of the US government that Greenland should join the US and added that “nobody will fight” Washington over the issue. Trump has again said the US “needs” Greenland to protect Nato and the Arctic. Denmark rejected the idea. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned any US attack would end Nato. Seven European leaders issued a joint statement backing Denmark and said only Denmark and Greenland can decide their future, under UN rules. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to receive any IPL payment after Kolkata Knight Riders released him on the instruction of the BCCI. He was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the auction. Players usually insure their contracts and get part of the fee if they miss the season due to injury. Sources say this case is different. Mustafizur was released for off-field reasons linked to India-Bangladesh tensions. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also withdrawn his no-objection certificate. With the NOC cancelled, KKR may not be bound to pay him. Any insurance claim now depends on special clauses in his private policy. (PC: The Indian Express)

Fresh satellite images show China building new permanent facilities near Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh. The site lies close to the current buffer zone. It has been under Chinese control since 1962, though India still claims the area. Images dated December 28 show several solid structures coming up only metres from the lake. Earlier, the area had mainly temporary shelters, boats and a small pier. China had built a road network here in 2013, once used by both sides for patrols. Since the 2020 standoff, Indian patrols have not returned. Experts say the fixed buildings could help the PLA maintain year-round presence in harsh winter conditions. (PC: India Today)

Congress MP Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi on Tuesday after she reported breathing discomfort. Doctors said her bronchial asthma showed a mild flare-up, likely due to cold weather and high air pollution levels in the city. She is under observation and is being treated with antibiotics and other support medicines. Hospital chairman Ajay Swaroop said she is responding well to treatment. The admission was described as a precaution after medical tests. Doctors said she is being monitored by a chest specialist. Her condition is stable and a decision on discharge will be taken based on her recovery over the next one or two days. (PC: X)

Authorities in Nepal have extended a curfew in Birgunj, a city near the Indian border, after clashes linked to a TikTok video led to communal tension. The dispute began in Dhanusha district after a video was posted with remarks said to hurt religious feelings. Two youths were later handed to police. The situation worsened after a mosque was vandalised in Kamala Municipality. Protests spread to Birgunj, where groups held rallies, burned tyres and ignored a ban on gatherings. The Parsa district office imposed a curfew in several areas and later extended it till Tuesday evening. Security forces were given special powers to enforce the order. (PC: HT)