U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his controversial push to assert American control over Greenland, an autonomous Danish Arctic territory, saying the United States will act “the easy way or the hard way” if necessary to secure it. Trump claims Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth are vital to U.S. national security and insists that without action, Russia or China could gain influence there. His remarks, made at the White House, suggested both diplomatic and tougher options for acquisition. Denmark and Greenland have strongly opposed any transfer of sovereignty, warning such moves could harm NATO ties and violate international law. 

US President Donald Trump has rejected any idea of a mission to seize Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He was reacting to remarks by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky after the US captured Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. Zelensky had hinted that Putin could be “next”. Trump told reporters, “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary,” and said he had “always had a great relationship” with Putin. Speaking to oil and gas executives, Trump said he was “very disappointed” the Ukraine war was still on. He added that many lives were being lost each month. Putin is under an International Criminal Court warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. (PC: HT)

New video footage has surfaced showing the moments before Renee Nicole Good was shot dead in Minneapolis. The clip was filmed by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fired the gun. It shows an argument between the officer and Good’s wife. Good is seen driving her car close to the officer before shots are fired. It is unclear if the car hit him. After the shooting, the officer appears to swear. Officials have given conflicting accounts. Mayor Jacob Frey rejected claims that Good tried to kill the officer. The incident has sparked protests and political debate.

President Donald Trump said the United States needs to “control” Greenland to stop Russia and China from gaining influence there. He told reporters that countries must “own” land to defend it and added that Washington would protect Greenland. The White House earlier said it is studying options to buy the semi-autonomous Danish territory and did not rule out force. Denmark and Greenland have rejected the idea and said the island is not for sale. In a joint statement, Greenland’s party leaders said their future must be decided by Greenlanders. European Nato allies backed Denmark and stressed respect for sovereignty and borders under the UN Charter. (PC: BBC)

Protests in Iran have taken a striking turn as images of women lighting cigarettes with burnt photos of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spread online. The protests began in late December and have grown violent, with hundreds reportedly killed. Authorities have shut down the internet and phone services. Burning Khamenei’s image and smoking in public are both banned acts, making the protest deeply symbolic. The unrest follows years of anger over strict rules and rising prices. US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders are “in big trouble.”

Japan plans a major hike in visa and residency fees from April 2026. The increase will affect students, workers and long-term residents the most. Fees for visa extensions may rise five times, while permanent residency costs could jump from 10,000 yen to over 100,000 yen. Tourist visa fees may also go up. Officials say the charges are outdated and pressure has grown due to record tourism and migration. Travellers can avoid higher costs by applying before April 2026. Choosing longer visas and using online applications may also help reduce expenses. (PC: Unsplash)

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile, killing at least four people in Kyiv. This marked only the second known Oreshnik deployment since the war began. Ukrainian authorities reported apartment buildings hit, with 25 injured including emergency workers. Analysts described the attack as a warning to Ukraine's NATO allies amid progress toward post-war security guarantees under a potential US-led peace deal. Russia claimed retaliation for alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Putin's residence. European leaders condemned the assault as "escalatory and unacceptable." The Oreshnik missile, capable of Mach 10 speeds, can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and strike targets across Europe.

Swiss authorities have detained Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, after a New Year’s Eve fire killed 40 people and injured over 100. Prosecutors say Moretti was held due to a potential flight risk as part of a criminal probe into negligent homicide and related charges. The blaze, possibly ignited by sparklers or candles near the ceiling, spread rapidly in the crowded bar, triggering nationwide mourning. A memorial and national day of mourning were held on January 9, with leaders and families seeking accountability. Safety lapses at the venue are under intense scrutiny.

Federal agents in Portland, Oregon, shot and injured two people during a “targeted vehicle stop,” Portland police said after responding to reports of gunfire on Thursday. The male and female victims were found with apparent gunshot wounds and taken to a hospital; their conditions are unknown. The FBI is leading the ongoing investigation, confirming Customs and Border Protection agents were involved. The Department of Homeland Security said the driver allegedly tried to run over agents, prompting a defensive shot. The incident comes amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement in the city. (PC: AP)

Berlin witnessed a major power outage after suspected arson damaged high-voltage cables, plunging nearly 45,000 households and over 1,000 businesses into darkness for two days. The blackout occurred amid sub-zero winter temperatures, forcing authorities to arrange shelters and hotel accommodations for affected residents. German federal prosecutors have launched a terrorism investigation, treating the incident as a possible act of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure. Investigators are examining claims by the far-left group Vulkangruppe, which reportedly took responsibility. Power has since been restored, but security concerns remain high.