An audio clip shared online has renewed focus on the case of Sarabjeet Kaur, an Indian woman who travelled to Pakistan for a Sikh pilgrimage and later married a Pakistani man. In the unauthenticated clip, Kaur says she is being harassed and wants to return to India. She claims her condition in Pakistan is “not good” and says she cannot live without her children. Kaur went missing after the pilgrimage in November last year. Police later said she married Nasir Hussain in Sheikhupura. Authorities have placed her in a government shelter home in Lahore. The audio clip has not been independently verified. (PC: NDTV)

Protests in Iran appeared to ease this week amid a prolonged internet blackout and reports of a heavy crackdown. Rights groups said at least 3,000 protesters were killed, while some estimates placed the toll above 5,000. Despite the lull, a senior cleric called for harsh action against detainees. Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami urged that “armed protesters should be put to death,” according to state media. US President Donald Trump said executions had been halted, claiming it helped calm tensions. Internet services remain largely shut, though limited international calls have resumed in parts of the country. (PC: HT)

Boards barring the entry of non-Hindus were put up at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar on Friday. The boards were installed by the Ganga Sabha, which manages the ghat. Sabha president Nitin Gautam said areas falling within Kumbh limits should remain restricted to non-Hindus, citing a 1916 agreement. The Kumbh is scheduled in early 2027. The state government said the matter is under review. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said consultations are ongoing with religious groups. Opposition leaders criticised the move, calling it against constitutional principles.

The Trump administration has named senior US and international figures to a new “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK prime minister Tony Blair are among the founding members, the White House said. President Donald Trump will chair the board, which is part of a 20-point plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The board is expected to temporarily oversee Gaza’s administration and reconstruction. Further members will be announced in coming weeks. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump thanked Iran's leadership Friday for cancelling planned executions of over 800 protesters, posting "I greatly respect the fact" on Truth Social. Trump earlier stated killings from Iran's protest crackdown appeared subsiding, citing "very important sources" indicating no mass executions planned, though he didn't rule out US military intervention. The protests, Iran's most serious domestic challenge since 1979, have caused conflicting death toll reports: Iranian authorities claim 2,000 deaths since December 28, rights groups report over 3,500, with some estimates reaching 20,000. Iran's Foreign Minister called higher figures "exaggeration" and "misinformation." Trump dismissed Gulf officials' claims that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman dissuaded his attack plans.

US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs against countries refusing to support US control of Greenland, stating "we need Greenland for national security." Following punitive measures on Russian oil buyers and Iran trade partners, Trump's latest economic weapon targets Greenland opposition. Recent Washington talks between US, Denmark, and Greenland officials revealed "fundamental disagreement," though they established a high-level working group. Denmark responded by increasing Greenland's military presence, with France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Britain sending symbolic troop deployments. Trump argues US control prevents Russian or Chinese footholds on the mineral-rich island claims Denmark and Greenland reject. Analysts warn the combination of tariff threats and military posturing risks straining transatlantic relations and NATO unity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on January 16, 2026, to discuss the situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran. According to the Kremlin, Putin offered Russia’s help to mediate issues related to Iran and emphasized the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to promote stability and security in the region. The leaders exchanged views on regional tensions, with Russia expressing willingness to support dialogue and diplomatic engagement. The call underscores Moscow’s interest in playing a constructive role amidst ongoing Middle East challenges. (PC: AFP)

UK Conservative MP Bob Blackman raised concerns in Parliament over reported violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He urged the Labour government to press the interim administration led by Mohammad Yunus to protect minorities and ensure fair elections due on February 12. Blackman said polls would be held amid concerns over the ban on the Awami League and rising extremist influence. He asked the UK government to clarify its response. India has also flagged recurring attacks on minorities and called for swift action by Bangladeshi authorities.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting. Machado said the gesture recognised Trump’s support for Venezuela’s freedom struggle. Trump thanked her publicly and called the meeting an honour. The Nobel Committee later reiterated that a prize cannot be transferred, though a medal may change hands. Trump did not endorse Machado as Venezuela’s new leader and continues to engage with acting authorities in Caracas. Machado said dialogue with Washington would continue and described the meeting as historic for Venezuelans. (PC: BBC)

European troops began arriving in Greenland as Denmark increased its military presence amid tensions with the United States over the Arctic island’s future. France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands sent or pledged small troop deployments to show support for Denmark. Germany said it would deploy a 13-member reconnaissance team. Danish officials said the move aimed to strengthen security cooperation with allies. U.S. officials described talks on Greenland as technical discussions on a possible acquisition, while Denmark and Greenland rejected any transfer of sovereignty. Greenland’s leaders said dialogue would continue, stressing the island is not for sale. (PC: X)