Air India is facing a lawsuit in the United Kingdom from families and estates of victims of the June 2025 plane crash in Ahmedabad. Court records show that 11 claimants filed a personal injury case at the London High Court on December 18. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was flying to London Gatwick when it lost height seconds after take-off and crashed into a medical college hostel. The disaster killed 260 people, including 19 on the ground. One passenger survived. Air India has not yet commented. Separately, families of four victims have sued Boeing and Honeywell in the United States over alleged faulty fuel switches. (PC: Reuters)

In Hounslow, West London, over 200 members of the Sikh community mobilised to rescue a 16‑year‑old Sikh girl allegedly abducted and exploited by a Pakistani grooming gang, before police took the suspect into custody after hours of demonstrations. The teenager was reportedly befriended when she was around 13 and allegedly held in a flat, prompting outrage over perceived police inaction and concern about recurring grooming gang scandals in the UK. Community members reunited the girl with her family amid calls for stronger law enforcement and protection against exploitation.

US Vice‑President JD Vance will host talks at the White House with Greenlandic and Danish representatives to discuss Arctic issues and growing diplomatic tensions. The discussions come after President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland, a resource-rich and strategically important territory, which Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected, emphasizing the island is not for sale. Vance’s meetings aim to address security, economic, and geopolitical concerns in the Arctic, clarify U.S. intentions, and manage bilateral relations. Analysts note the talks reflect ongoing sensitivity over sovereignty, defense, and resource access in the region. (PC: Reuters)

Spain is set to have its first reigning queen in over 150 years when Princess Leonor succeeds her father, King Felipe VI. Leonor, 20, is next in line after her grandfather Juan Carlos I abdicated in 2014. She is the elder daughter of Felipe and Queen Letizia. Spanish law requires the heir to complete military training in the army, navy and air force. Leonor began her training in 2023 and has since served on a naval ship and flown solo in a military aircraft. She will become commander-in-chief of the armed forces when she becomes queen. Her accession will make her the first queen regnant since Isabella II. (PC: X)

A construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand, on January 14, 2026, causing a derailment, fire and mass casualties. The Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani express was carrying around 195 passengers when the crane—part of a high-speed rail construction project—fell onto multiple carriages. At least 22–31 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured, with some sources reporting about 80 casualties as rescue operations continue. Authorities have launched an investigation into safety lapses and the cause of the crane’s collapse amid ongoing recovery efforts.

Iran’s government has publicly blamed foreign intelligence agencies, particularly those of the United States and Israel, for instigating and escalating nationwide protests that began over economic issues. President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed external forces trained “terrorists” and fomented unrest, including attacks on mosques and bazaars, shifting attention from domestic grievances to geopolitics. Tehran’s allegations come amid a severe crackdown on dissent, with heavy casualties and mass arrests reported. Analysts note these claims coincide with heightened tensions between Iran and Western adversaries, though independent verification of foreign involvement is limited. Iranian officials see external interference as part of a broader effort to destabilise the state. (PC: X)

Visa delays have raised concerns for the USA cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup in India. Three Pakistan-born players, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil, are waiting for travel clearance, a day after fast bowler Ali Khan faced a similar issue. The squad is in Sri Lanka for final preparations. Officials said the players attended visa appointments but were told the process was still under review. Sources added that no applications have been rejected and that more information has been sought by Indian authorities. The International Cricket Council said all required documents were submitted. The USA begin their campaign on February 7 in Mumbai. (PC: X)

Denmark’s world No. 2 Anders Antonsen said he skipped the India Open in Delhi due to severe air pollution. In a social media post, he said Delhi was not fit to host a badminton event in its current condition. He added that the Badminton World Federation fined him $5,000 for withdrawing. This is the third year in a row he has missed the tournament. His remarks followed comments by compatriot Mia Blichfeldt, who raised hygiene concerns about training areas, including dust and bird droppings. The Badminton Association of India said the main arena was clean and that the issues were limited to warm-up venues. (PC: India Today)

Seven Pakistani police personnel were killed after a remote-controlled bomb struck an armoured vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district on Monday. A video of the blast has surfaced online showing the vehicle overturned on the road. Tank deputy police chief Pervez Shah said five officers died on the spot while two later died in hospital. Those killed included a station house officer, a sub-inspector, three Elite Force members and a driver. Police said the vehicle was on routine patrol when it was targeted with an improvised explosive device. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has been linked to similar attacks in the region. Pakistan has reported a rise in assaults on police in recent months. 

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran triggered a row after remarks comparing women’s education in northern states with Tamil Nadu. Speaking at a women’s college in Chennai, he said, “In North Indian states, they ask girl children not to go for jobs and to stay inside the house and do housework.” He added that Tamil Nadu wanted its girls to study and work. Maran praised the DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin for promoting women’s education. The comments drew criticism on social media for making broad claims about northern states. The event was held to distribute laptops to final-year students under a state scheme. His remarks have since sparked political debate.