External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday urged Poland to show zero tolerance for terrorism during talks with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi. Jaishankar said countries must avoid actions that support terrorist networks in the region. His remarks followed Poland’s reference to Kashmir in a joint statement with Pakistan last year. Jaishankar said Sikorski was familiar with the challenge of cross-border terrorism. Sikorski agreed on the need to counter such threats and referred to recent acts of sabotage in Poland. The meeting also reviewed wider regional and security concerns. (PC: India Today)

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)

A 20-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted during the Manipur conflict in May 2023 died at her home in Churachandpur earlier this month, her family said. Her case is still being heard by a special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Guwahati. The family said she had remained unwell since the assault and was under medical care. No immediate cause of death has been confirmed. The assault took place amid ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023. The investigation led to arrests, and a chargesheet was filed against two accused in May 2025. The trial is yet to begin. (PC: The Indian Express)

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Leh–Ladakh region on Monday, according to the National Center for Seismology. The tremor occurred at 11:51 am, with its epicentre located in Leh, Ladakh, at a depth of 171 km. No casualties or damage were reported till the filing of this report. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and advised residents to remain cautious due to the possibility of aftershocks. The region lies in the seismically active Himalayan belt and frequently experiences earthquakes. The quake comes amid increased seismic activity in the wider region, including recent tremors reported in Afghanistan. (PC: HT)

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has said he is open to returning to the Olympics to play cricket at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Cricket will return to the Olympics after 128 years at Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Bolt said cricket was his first sport before athletics and joked he would be ready if Jamaica called. He retired from track in 2017 after winning eight Olympic gold medals. Six teams each will compete in men’s and women’s cricket, with squads of up to 15 players. (PC: India Today)

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)

The International Cricket Council has given Bangladesh until January 21 to confirm its participation in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised safety concerns about playing matches in India and has asked for games to be moved elsewhere. The ICC has refused to change the schedule or swap groups. It said independent security assessments found no specific threat in India. If Bangladesh withdraws, the ICC may name a replacement team. (PC: X)

A delivery agent tried to rescue a 27-year-old software engineer after his car fell into a water-filled pit in Greater Noida. The accident happened late at night amid dense fog. The victim survived for nearly an hour and called for help as his car slowly submerged. Delivery agent Moninder said he reached the spot around 1.45 am and entered the pit after responders hesitated. He tied a rope around his waist and searched in cold water for about 30 minutes. The techie later drowned. Police have booked builders, and the Noida Authority has taken action against officials. (PC: HT)