In the early hours of Thursday, a private bus travelling from Nellore to Hyderabad suffered a tyre burst, lost control, jumped the median and collided head-on with an oncoming container truck near Shirivellametta in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh. The impact caused a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles, killing the bus driver, the truck driver, and the truck cleaner, all charred beyond recognition. About 36 passengers were on board; several were injured, with more than 10 sustaining burn or jump-related injuries and taken to Nandyal Government Hospital. A passing DCM driver broke windows to help passengers escape safely. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. (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)

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed hope for a positive trade deal with India. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump called Modi “a fantastic man” and “a friend.”   “We are going to have a good deal,” Trump said in remarks to Indian media. His comments came despite strained trade ties and high US tariffs on Indian goods. Trump again linked trade relief to India’s purchase of Russian oil and warned of higher tariffs.   India has denied giving any assurances on oil imports and said decisions are based on national interest. Talks between the two countries are ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

India has not yet decided whether to join US President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace. The signing ceremony is planned on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Officials said New Delhi is studying the proposal due to sensitive issues linked to its open mandate. The board is aimed at peace efforts in Gaza, but its charter does not mention Gaza directly and appears to bypass the United Nations. Several countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have accepted the invite. India supports peace and a two-state solution but remains cautious. China and Russia are also undecided. (PC: Reuters)

Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning knock as India beat New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I in Nagpur. The opener smashed 84 off 35 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours. India posted 238 for 7.   Rinku Singh added an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls. Suryakumar Yadav scored 32 during a key partnership.   New Zealand’s chase was led by Glenn Phillips, who hit 78. But wickets fell regularly. Varun Chakravarthy took 2 for 37 as New Zealand finished on 190 for 7. (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)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed confidence about a strong trade deal with India and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Trump called Modi a “fantastic leader” and said, “We will have a great deal with India.”   His remarks come despite recent trade tensions and high US tariffs on Indian goods. Officials said both sides remain in active talks. India and the US aim to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Discussions continue on trade, energy, defence, and technology.

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)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after a remarkable 27-year career, with her retirement effective December 27, 2025. The Indian-origin astronaut accumulated 608 days in orbit second-highest among NASA astronauts across three missions since joining in 1998. Williams holds the world record for most spacewalks by a female astronaut with nine totaling 62 hours. Her final mission aboard Boeing Starliner, initially planned for one week, extended to nine-and-a-half months due to technical problems. Williams also achieved historic firsts including running a marathon and completing a triathlon in space. NASA Administrator praised her as a trailblazer whose contributions advanced science and paved the way for Artemis lunar missions and Mars exploration. (PC: X)