European NATO members (including France, Germany, the UK, Sweden, and Norway) have begun deploying forces to Greenland as part of Operation Arctic Endurance, a Danish-led military exercise focused on strengthening Arctic security. The deployment is widely viewed as a demonstration of support for Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty amid heightened tensions with the United States.

President Trump warned he may impose tariffs on countries that don’t back his Greenland plans, citing national security. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, is strategically important for Arctic operations and resources.

South Africa’s hosting of the multinational naval exercise “Will for Peace 2026” has triggered diplomatic friction and internal scrutiny following the continued participation of Iranian naval vessels despite reported presidential instructions to limit or withdraw Iran’s role.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is reported to have directed that Iran’s participation be curtailed to avoid diplomatic fallout, particularly with Western partners. However, subsequent reports and images indicated that Iranian vessels remained active in the exercise. This discrepancy prompted the Defence Ministry to launch a formal inquiry to determine whether the president’s orders were followed, misunderstood, or ignored.

Moscow has expelled a British diplomat from its embassy, citing alleged involvement in spying activities. The move marks the latest in a series of diplomatic tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom.

In response, London rejected the allegations as baseless, emphasizing that the claims are “completely unfounded.” The UK government also stated it is considering appropriate measures in response to the expulsion.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 10 % tariffs starting February 1, increasing to 25 % from June 1, on goods from eight European nations (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland) due to their opposition to U.S. initiatives concerning Greenland. The move is heightening tensions with key NATO and EU allies.

At least 21 people were killed after a high-speed train derailed and collided with another service on a major rail line in Spain. Dozens were injured as emergency crews rushed to rescue survivors and secure the scene.

In a rare and joyful event, a wild mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, has given birth to twin males. Mountain gorilla twins are extremely uncommon, occurring in less than 1% of pregnancies.

AI data centers from Nvidia, Google, and AWS are using huge amounts of High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM). This leaves less memory for everyday devices like PCs, smartphones, and cars.

The auto industry is feeling the squeeze: modern cars rely on memory chips for infotainment, engine control, driver-assistance systems, and EV battery management. With fabs prioritizing AI memory, automakers face longer lead times, higher costs, and potential production delays, especially for electric and smart vehicles.

Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, is under investigation for allegedly allowing Iranian ships to take part in the Exercise Will for Peace drills in False Bay, despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reported order for their withdrawal.

Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, is under investigation for allegedly allowing Iranian ships to take part in the Exercise Will for Peace drills in False Bay, despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reported order for their withdrawal.

Hackers disrupted Iranian state television satellite transmissions to air footage supporting the country’s exiled crown prince, calling on security forces to not “point your weapons at the people,” online video showed.

The crown prince, long in exile, has remained a symbolic figure opposing the Islamic Republic. Though he holds no formal power in Iran, his supporters view him as a potential unifying alternative to the current leadership.

The Russian Far East is facing one of its heaviest winters in decades. Kamchatka Peninsula has been hit by record-breaking snow, with drifts over two meters high burying homes, cars, and entire neighborhoods. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to dig out roads and homes, while public transport is severely disrupted.

Tragically, at least two people have died from snow-related accidents, prompting local authorities to declare emergency measures.

The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge’s order restricting how ICE and other federal agents may interact with peaceful protesters in Minnesota. The ruling limits arrests, detentions, and the use of crowd-control measures, citing the need to protect First Amendment rights.

The Justice Department argues the restrictions interfere with law enforcement’s ability to maintain order and carry out federal duties.

The appeal will be decided by a higher court and could influence how federal agents handle protests across the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join a new “Board of Peace,” aimed at supporting the Gaza ceasefire. The initiative seeks to coordinate dialogue and humanitarian efforts amid ongoing regional tensions.

The UK has approved China’s largest European embassy in London, despite warnings from MI5 and security experts about espionage risks and surveillance of dissidents. Critics call the move a “major security gamble,” with human rights groups and local residents planning legal challenges.

South Africa has officially declared a national disaster after weeks of heavy rain and severe flooding, particularly affecting Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The floods have claimed at least 30 lives, damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, and swept away critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges. This designation enables the government to coordinate nationwide rescue and recovery operations more effectively.

Donald Trump says a “framework for a future deal” on Greenland has been discussed with NATO, leading him to pause tariff threats against European allies. Speaking in Davos, he ruled out military force and said the move reflects U.S. security interests in the Arctic.

Japan has reactivated the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki‑Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, marking the first restart of a Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) reactor since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster.

The No. 6 unit, part of what is considered one of the world’s largest nuclear power facilities, was brought back online on the evening of 21 January after nearly 14 years offline.

Thousands of Norwegians are receiving letters warning that their homes, vehicles, boats, and machinery could be requisitioned in wartime. About 13,500 notices are being issued for 2026. The military says the letters are administrative and have no effect in peacetime, but ensure resources are available for national defense amid rising European security concerns.

Heavy rains have flooded Maputo and other areas of Mozambique, killing over 100 people since October and affecting tens of thousands. Rescue operations are underway as communities remain isolated and aid efforts continue.

Trump: White Genocide Comments About South Africa

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about violence against white farmers in South Africa, describing the situation as a “white genocide.” He said minority communities are being targeted.

The “Kill the Boer” phrase, written at crime scenes or sung at rallies, is widely regarded as intimidating and threatening toward white farmers.

South Africa’s legal and economic policies also disproportionately affect white farmers in some areas, including land redistribution, water rationing based on race, and preferential treatment for historically disadvantaged groups. While these measures are often framed as corrective or redistributive, they can create conditions that make it harder for farmers to survive or thrive-affecting livelihoods, security, and long-term sustainability.