At least seven people were killed and 13 injured in an explosion targeting a hotel in Kabul's commercial Shahr-e-Naw neighborhood on Sunday. The Italian NGO Emergency, operating a hospital in Afghanistan's capital, confirmed receiving 20 casualties, with seven dead on arrival. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani acknowledged the incident, stating preliminary reports indicated fatalities and injuries, with detailed information to follow. Shahr-e-Naw, considered one of Kabul's most secure areas, houses large office buildings, shopping complexes, and embassies. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. The attack represents a significant security breach in what is typically regarded as one of the safest districts in the Afghan capital. 

Russia and China criticized President Donald Trump's repeated statements about acquiring Greenland on Monday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested Trump would "go down in history" if Greenland's accession were realized, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused Washington of using a "so-called China threat" to pursue selfish interests. Trump insisted US control of Greenland is vital for global security, despite existing American military presence and defense agreements with Denmark. European leaders condemned Trump's tariff threats as "blackmail," with the EU scheduling an emergency summit. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected external pressure, asserting the territory's democratic right to self-determination. Trump previously proposed purchasing Greenland during his first presidential term.

An explosion at a hotel in central Kabul killed and injured several people on Monday, Afghan officials said. The blast occurred in the Shahr-e-Naw area, a busy commercial zone with offices, shopping centres and diplomatic missions. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani said early reports confirmed multiple casualties, but exact figures were not available. Kabul police spokesperson Khalid Zadran said the hotel was the target of the explosion. Security forces rushed to the area and cordoned it off as investigations began. No group has claimed responsibility so far. Authorities said more details would be shared after the situation is fully assessed.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s threats linked to Greenland were “completely wrong”. Starmer said the future of Greenland must be decided by its people and the Denmark government. Trump has warned of tariffs on the UK and other countries that oppose his proposal to take control of Greenland. Starmer described the issue as serious but played down the prospect of retaliation. He said a trade war would not benefit any side. Trump has argued that US control of Greenland is needed for security reasons. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump linked his push for control of Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, according to messages confirmed by US media. In a text to Norway’s prime minister, Trump said he no longer felt bound to focus only on peace and argued that US security required full control of Greenland. Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre said the prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the government. Trump has repeatedly said the US should acquire Greenland and has warned of tariffs and other steps if allies oppose the idea. European leaders have rejected the proposal and called for de-escalation. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court of India on Monday asked the Election Commission of India to recognise the stress faced by voters during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The court directed the poll body to publish names of voters flagged under the “logical discrepancy” category. It said the list should be displayed at local offices and more time given to submit documents. The court also ordered adequate staff at hearings and receipts for submitted papers. Notices were issued to about 1.25 crore voters for issues such as spelling differences, age gaps, and record mismatches. The case will be reviewed again. (PC: NDTV)

China’s birth rate fell to a record low in 2025 as the country’s population shrank for the fourth year in a row, official data showed. The birth rate dropped to 5.63 per 1,000 people, while the death rate rose to 8.04 per 1,000. The total population fell by 3.39 million to about 1.4 billion. The decline comes despite government incentives such as cash payments, longer maternity leave, and relaxed family size rules. China ended its one-child policy in 2016 and later allowed up to three children per couple. Experts warn that an ageing population and falling workforce could strain the economy. The United Nations expects China’s population to keep declining through the century. (PC: BBC)

The European Union is preparing to use its strongest trade retaliation tool against the United States after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on countries backing Greenland. The proposed measures include a 10 per cent tariff from February 1, rising to 25 per cent by June. EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss a response. French President Emmanuel Macron said the bloc could activate its Anti-Coercion Instrument for the first time. The tool allows counter-tariffs, market restrictions, and limits on US firms. EU officials warned the move could further strain US-EU trade ties. (PC: India Today)

A US woman has alleged that she was groped by a teenage boy on the Delhi Metro after agreeing to take a photo with his family. The incident was shared on social media by Gaurav Sabnis, an Indian-origin professor based in the United States. According to the account, the boy’s mother and sister defended his actions and accused the woman of overreacting. The woman later told the professor that the incident left her shaken and unwilling to travel to India or South Asia again. There is no confirmation of a police complaint being filed. Social media users criticised the family’s response. (PC: NDTV)

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)