US President Donald Trump has paused planned tariff threats against several European nations after talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump said the two sides agreed on a “framework of a future deal” linked to Greenland and the wider Arctic region. He said the tariffs due from February 1 would not take effect. However, Trump repeated his interest in Greenland, citing security needs, missile defence plans and access to critical minerals. He said further talks would continue under senior US officials. NATO chief Rutte said Greenland’s status did not come up in talks. Denmark welcomed the pause but stressed respect for its sovereignty and Greenlandic rights. (PC: HT)

The House of Lords voted 261–150 to support an Australian-style ban on social media use for under-16s, amending the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Peers urged MPs to consider the measure, citing rising online harms impacting children’s wellbeing and education. Campaigners, including actor Hugh Grant, backed the amendment, arguing parents are in an “impossible position” over children’s exposure to harmful content. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a three-month consultation that will assess a ban’s pros and cons, possible overnight curfews and measures to curb “doom-scrolling,” with results due in summer. Critics say delay risks further harm. (PC: PA)

U.S. President Donald Trump has cancelled threatened tariffs on eight European allies over Greenland, announcing that he and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte agreed on a “framework of a future deal” concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region. Trump made the announcement on social media from Davos during the World Economic Forum, saying the understanding means he will not impose tariffs scheduled for February 1. Details of the framework remain vague, with no confirmed sovereignty changes, and discussions will continue on Arctic security cooperation. The move eases tensions with European allies after earlier controversial threats. (PC: AP)

3 Palestinian journalists were killed in an Israeli strike in central Gaza, first responders said on Wednesday. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence said their car was hit in the al-Zahra area. The journalists were identified as Mohammed Salah Qeshta, Anas Ghunaim, and Abdul Raouf Shaat.   The Israeli military said it struck suspects operating a drone linked to Hamas and said the incident is being examined. A humanitarian group said the vehicle was clearly marked and on a relief mission.   The Committee to Protect Journalists said Gaza remains the deadliest conflict for journalists. At least 466 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began in October. (PC: EPA)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a landmark speech at Davos declaring the US-led "rules-based international order" is experiencing "a rupture," not a transition. The career economist warned middle powers that "compliance will not buy safety" and urged them to act together, stating "if we're not at the table, we're on the menu." Carney, who entered politics less than a year ago, emphasized the old order won't return and "nostalgia is not a strategy." He characterized the new reality as "intensifying great power rivalry" where powerful nations use economic integration as coercion. Canada declared firm support for Greenland and Denmark against Trump's annexation plans. His speech received a standing ovation. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump ruled out using force to acquire Greenland during his World Economic Forum speech in Davos on Wednesday, stating "I won't use force" despite earlier speculation. Trump called Denmark "ungrateful" and described Greenland as a "small ask" over a "piece of ice," seeking immediate negotiations for acquisition. He argued no nation except the US can secure Greenland, linking his push to Arctic security concerns. Trump's threats have frayed transatlantic ties and worried NATO leaders about alliance stability. During the hour-long speech, he mistakenly referred to Greenland as Iceland multiple times. Denmark and Greenland have offered alternatives for increased US presence on the 57,000-population territory.

Canadian man Dallas Pokornik, 33, was arrested in Panama after allegedly posing as a commercial pilot and flight attendant to obtain hundreds of free flights between January and October 2024. The former Canadian airline flight attendant, who worked from July 2017 to October 2019 but was never a pilot, used a fake Air Canada employment badge and requested cockpit jump seats despite lacking an airman's certificate. The four-year fraudulent scheme involved three different airlines and exploited travel benefits reserved for airline personnel. If convicted on wire fraud charges in Hawaii federal court, Pokornik faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A similar Florida case convicted Tiron Alexander for 34 fraudulent flights. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace. Netanyahu will get a renewable three-year term, his office said.   The board is made up of world leaders and is linked to Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. However, its charter does not mention Gaza directly and appears to bypass the UN.   Countries like the UAE and Bahrain have joined, while France, Sweden, and Norway have refused. The board will be chaired by Trump and funded by member states. Major challenges remain as the Gaza ceasefire stays fragile. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said no country other than the United States is capable of securing Greenland. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said Denmark had failed to protect Greenland during World War II.   “No nation is in a position to secure Greenland other than us,” he said. Trump also called Denmark “ungrateful” for criticising US claims.   His remarks drew concern from European leaders, who warned that such statements threaten regional security. Trump later said he respects the people of Denmark and Greenland but insisted US involvement is necessary.

Japan has restarted a reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world’s largest by capacity, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. Reactor No. 6, located northwest of Tokyo, was brought back online on Wednesday after a brief delay caused by an alarm issue. Commercial operations are expected to begin next month. The plant once had seven reactors with a total capacity of 8.2 gigawatts. Only one reactor is restarting for now, while others may remain offline or be decommissioned. Japan has been gradually reviving nuclear power to reduce energy imports and meet its clean energy targets by 2050. (PC: BBC)