President Donald Trump made comments about NATO troops in Afghanistan that upset some UK officials and veterans. A separate issue involves President Trump delaying a UK decision about the Chagos Islands, a territory involved in a dispute with Mauritius.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized NATO troops for not being on the front lines in Afghanistan.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Trump's comments "appalling".
Some UK newspapers demand an apology from President Trump for his comments.
Veterans and Prince Harry also criticized President Trump's remarks.
President Trump delayed legislation in the UK about handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The UK planned to lease a military base on the Chagos Islands to Mauritius for £101 million a year.
The delay in the Chagos Islands decision followed criticism from President Trump of the UK's plan.
Discussions about the Chagos Islands were set to occur in the UK's House of Lords but have been postponed.
The latest series of the TV show "The Traitors" in the UK featured dramatic moments, including a new twist with a secret traitor, intense confrontations among participants, and vivid reactions from the cast. The secret traitor, Fiona, was revealed after a few episodes and engaged in heated exchanges with fellow participants. The series included notable scenes that kept viewers engaged with its twists and turns.
Key Facts
"The Traitors" UK is a TV series known for its dramatic and shocking moments.
The fourth series introduced a secret traitor twist with a red cloak.
Fiona was revealed as the secret traitor after four episodes.
Fiona had tense confrontations, particularly with Rachel, another participant.
Harriet, a participant, boldly confronted the traitors in a dramatic manner.
The series featured high drama and intense participant interactions, including Stephen's notable facial expressions.
The show aimed to engage viewers by mirroring the uncertainty faced by the participants.
Canada is focusing on strengthening its Arctic defenses amid increasing tensions and interest from countries like the US, Russia, and China in the region. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans for more investments in military equipment and personnel to secure Canada’s large but lightly populated northern area. The US has shown particular concern over the security of the Arctic, which is strategically important.
Key Facts
Canada plans to increase military presence in its Arctic region.
The Arctic is a large and difficult-to-traverse area with small population densities.
Canada has aging radar systems and military bases in the Arctic.
The Arctic is strategically important, drawing interest from the US, Russia, and China.
The US recently signed an executive order about Arctic security and navigation.
Canada aims to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 for Arctic security.
Challenges in the region include limited port facilities and supply difficulties.
There is ongoing cooperation between the US and Canada on Arctic defense matters.
Spain is facing a rail crisis after two high-speed trains collided, resulting in 45 deaths. Safety issues and other incidents have led to public concern and calls for improvements in the rail system.
Key Facts
Two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, killing 45 people.
Spain has 3,900 km (2,400 miles) of high-speed rail, second only to China.
A second accident happened when a wall collapsed on a train near Barcelona, killing a trainee driver.
Train drivers in Catalonia refused to work, demanding safety improvements.
Some high-speed train lines have lowered their speed limits for safety reasons.
Investigations into the Andalusia crash are ongoing, but sabotage and human error are not suspected.
Public concern about rail safety has increased, with people sharing experiences of discomfort and delays.
In August 2024, a school in el-Obeid, Sudan was shelled, killing a teacher and 13 students, and injuring others, including a student named Makarem who still has shrapnel in her head. The attack occurred during Sudan's ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023 and has led to significant loss of life and displacement. The school reopened after renovations, and some students, including Makarem and her sister Ikram, have returned.
Key Facts
The shelling happened at Abu Sitta girls' school in el-Obeid, Sudan, in August 2024.
A teacher and 13 students died in the incident, and several others were injured.
Makarem, one of the injured students, was struck in the shoulder and head, and still has a piece of shrapnel in her head.
The attack is linked to the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
Over 150,000 people have died, and millions are displaced due to the war.
The RSF has not responded to accusations of being behind the shelling.
The Kordofan region, rich in oil, is a key battleground in the conflict due to its strategic location.
A large number of children in Sudan are out of school, with North Darfur being one of the hardest-hit areas.
There were multiple attacks and casualties in different regions of Ukraine, with several people killed and injured. Ukraine, Russia, and the United States held talks in Abu Dhabi to discuss ending the conflict. Ukraine faces challenges with its energy supply due to ongoing attacks, and regional security concerns were noted in the Baltic Sea.
Key Facts
Four people died and five were hurt in Russian attacks in Ukraine's Donetsk region, still controlled by Ukraine.
Russian forces launched attacks in other regions, killing and injuring people, including in Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk.
Ukraine's military shot down 76 out of 101 Russian drones fired towards Ukraine.
Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. began talks in Abu Dhabi, aiming for peace, with discussions set to continue.
The Ukrainian presidency noted it was too early to draw conclusions from the initial talks.
Ukraine's energy infrastructure is heavily impacted by Russian attacks, leading to power outages.
The Swedish Air Force intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea.
France inspected a tanker suspected of exporting sanctioned Russian oil.
The U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump, has paused processing immigrant visas from 75 countries, including Thailand, due to concerns over welfare benefit claims. This decision has disrupted plans for many Thai nationals, who hoped to move to the U.S., including those with spouses and job offers there. Thailand's government has expressed displeasure, questioning the inclusion in the visa freeze due to the country's longstanding relationship with the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration paused immigrant visas from 75 countries, including Thailand.
The U.S. Department of State cited high welfare claims as the reason for the suspension.
The visa freeze includes spousal, dependent, and employment visas.
Many Thais affected by the freeze had planned to join family or work in the U.S.
Thailand is one of two U.S. treaty allies in Southeast Asia with diplomatic ties since 1833.
Thailand's Foreign Minister met U.S. officials to understand the reasoning behind the decision.
Thai households in the U.S. had a median income of $82,000 in 2023, higher than the national average.
President Donald Trump's administration announced that a U.S. military strike on a boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean resulted in two deaths. The boat was believed to be involved in drug trafficking. U.S. agencies are working on search-and-rescue efforts for one survivor.
Key Facts
A U.S. military strike killed two people on a boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
President Trump’s administration has conducted at least 36 such bombings since September 2.
An estimated 125 people have been killed by these strikes.
The U.S. Southern Command is involved in managing operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting search-and-rescue operations for one reported survivor.
The strike targeted a vessel linked to drug trafficking activities.
This was the first strike of its kind in 2026, the previous one occurred on December 31.
This incident follows a U.S. military operation in Venezuela aimed at removing Nicolas Maduro from power.
The UK TV show "The Traitors" concluded with Stephen Libby and Rachel Duffy winning after going unnoticed as traitors. Rachel became the first female traitor to win the UK series, and both winners shared a prize of £95,750. They plan to use their winnings to support their families and personal goals.
Key Facts
"The Traitors" had 22 contestants, with the final narrowing down to six players.
Stephen Libby and Rachel Duffy were the two winning traitors in the final.
Rachel Duffy is the first female winner of the UK version of the show.
The winners shared a prize of £95,750.
Rachel plans to use the money to create memories for her family, especially for her mother with dementia.
Stephen intends to help his parents and possibly buy a property.
Jack Butler, a faithful contestant, trusted Stephen but was eliminated in the last vote.
Police officers in England and Wales must now have a work licence to keep their jobs. This new rule is part of wide-ranging changes to improve policing, including new powers for ministers to remove or intervene with poorly performing police chiefs. The changes aim to set clear standards and improve police skills across the country.
Key Facts
Every police officer in England and Wales must have a licence to continue working.
Officers will need to show they have necessary skills, like tackling violence against women and girls.
The licensing is part of larger police reform plans announced by the Home Office.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is leading these reforms, aiming for the biggest changes in decades.
Ministers now have the authority to dismiss chief constables if they are underperforming.
New training will be provided to ensure all officers keep up with the latest policing methods.
The number of police forces will be reduced from the existing 43.
The government wants to ensure all communities receive proper policing standards.
The UK government postponed a debate on a bill involving the Chagos Islands, which would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing a military base on Diego Garcia. The delay occurred after the Conservative Party called for a pause due to geopolitical concerns. The bill is part of a complex negotiation between the UK, Mauritius, and the US.
Key Facts
The UK government planned to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, leasing Diego Garcia back for £101 million annually.
The debate on this bill in the House of Lords was postponed due to political opposition from the Conservative Party.
Conservatives argue the bill might breach a 1966 Treaty with the US regarding UK sovereignty over the territory.
Diego Garcia is a strategic military base shared by the UK and the US.
The proposed new deal lets Mauritius gain sovereignty while keeping the military base operational for 99 years.
The UK had to act on this deal to prevent potential legal actions and prevent other countries, like China, from establishing bases nearby.
US President Donald Trump initially considered the deal acceptable but later criticized it.
The bill is in the "ping pong" stage of legislative review, moving between the House of Commons and the House of Lords for amendments.
President Donald Trump announced the creation of the Board of Peace, aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. The board will collaborate with the United Nations to address various global crises.
Key Facts
President Trump launched the Board of Peace on Thursday.
The board focuses on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
Gaza has been experiencing conflict for over two years.
The Board of Peace will work with the United Nations.
The board's tasks extend beyond Gaza to other global issues.
The effectiveness of the board will be closely watched in its initial efforts in Gaza.
The United States has officially left the World Health Organization (WHO) for the first time since joining in 1948. Officials criticized WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, stopped funding, and reduced involvement, leading to concerns about global health impacts.
Key Facts
The US has withdrawn from the WHO.
This is the first time the US has left WHO since it joined in 1948.
Officials cited dissatisfaction with WHO's response to COVID-19.
The US stopped funding the WHO as part of its withdrawal.
The decision has raised concerns about potential risks to global health.
Members of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council plan to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, against warnings from the United States. This action increases tensions between Haiti and the U.S. concerning the country's leadership as it faces ongoing gang violence and instability.
Key Facts
Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council seeks to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime.
The U.S. has warned against this action, citing concerns about stability and governance.
The council was formed in response to a crisis that began with the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
Five out of nine council members voted to replace the Prime Minister, but the decision is not yet official.
The U.S. has threatened consequences against Haitian officials supporting gang-related activities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the importance of Fils-Aime's leadership.
Haiti has postponed planned elections originally set for February, now expected to begin in August.
The council's mandate is scheduled to end on February 7.
Ukrainian and Russian officials began talks in the United Arab Emirates to discuss territorial issues and try to end the ongoing war. U.S. President Donald Trump supports these discussions and met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian envoy Steve Witkoff to advance negotiations. The talks focus on finding a political solution, though significant differences remain, particularly regarding the Donbas region.
Key Facts
Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Abu Dhabi for peace talks.
The talks aim to resolve territorial issues and end the nearly four-year conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump supports this negotiation effort.
The discussions are part of efforts to find a political solution to the war.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy considers territorial disputes and Russia's willingness to end the war key issues.
Russia insists Ukraine must leave the Donbas region, where some areas remain under Ukrainian control.
Ukraine demands security guarantees from Western nations in any potential peace deal.
Recent Russian strikes in Ukraine have led to widespread power outages during winter.
President Donald Trump has created a new group called the Board of Peace, inviting over 20 countries to join. This group aims to promote peace, and the BBC's Washington Correspondent explains its purpose in a video.
Key Facts
President Trump started a new group named the Board of Peace.
Over 20 countries have accepted the invitation to join this group.
The group aims to promote peace among nations.
A BBC video explains the details and purpose of the Board of Peace.
The discussion about this group was covered by the BBC's Washington Correspondent.
The article does not provide specific details on how the Board of Peace will operate or its specific goals.
A meme from the White House showing President Trump in Greenland with a penguin holding an American flag sparked reactions online. The release of the meme coincides with Trump's interest in U.S. control of Greenland and ongoing discussions about sovereignty and defense. The presence of a penguin in the meme drew criticism since penguins do not live in Greenland.
Key Facts
The White House shared a meme of President Trump in Greenland with a penguin holding an American flag.
The meme prompted online comments highlighting that penguins do not live in Greenland.
President Trump mentioned plans to share more details on a proposed Greenland "framework" soon.
NATO and Danish officials regard Greenland's sovereignty and territorial integrity as non-negotiable.
President Trump ties the U.S. interest in Greenland to security and mineral access.
Critics on social media noted the mistake about penguins in Greenland and questioned the White House's understanding.
The discussions about Greenland involve issues of sovereignty, defense, and minerals in the Arctic.
Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old boy in Guildford, England. The police named the victim as Luis Gabriel Guembes, who died from a stabbing incident near Stoke Park.
Key Facts
Two boys, ages 15 and 16, are charged with murdering a 15-year-old in Guildford.
The incident occurred near Stoke Park, off Lido Road.
Police responded to a report of a stabbing at 18:10 GMT on Monday.
The victim was identified by police as Luis Gabriel Guembes and died at the scene.
The teenagers are also charged with conspiracy to rob and possession of a bladed weapon.
The suspects were scheduled to appear at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
Surrey Police are asking for any information related to the incident.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized President Donald Trump for saying European troops did not engage in front-line combat during the Afghanistan war. Starmer called these comments "insulting" since many European troops, including British soldiers, played significant roles in the conflict. Trump's remarks have caused concern among European allies.
Key Facts
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer asked President Trump to apologize for comments about European troops in Afghanistan.
Trump stated NATO allies stayed "a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan, which Starmer found disrespectful.
The UK was the second-largest contributor to the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, with 150,000 personnel serving.
Trump's remarks came after he discussed NATO and European relations at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
NATO's collective defense clause, Article 5, was triggered after the September 11 attacks, involving troops from many countries.
Trump's comments upset European countries, including the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Denmark, which all lost troops in Afghanistan.
Transatlantic relations were strained due to Trump's previous threats to impose tariffs on European countries and annex Greenland.
A large winter storm is expected to hit North America, bringing heavy snow and ice. The storm will affect many areas, including places that rarely experience such weather. Freezing rain is considered especially dangerous due to its potential to cause power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
Key Facts
The storm will impact a wide area, including the United States and Mexico.
More than 12 inches of snow is expected in the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast.
Areas in the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and Southeast will see freezing rain and sleet.
Over a dozen governors have declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.
Freezing rain can cause ice to form on surfaces, leading to dangerous driving conditions and power outages.
People are advised to prepare emergency kits with essentials like food, water, and flashlights.
The storm may result in prolonged power outages due to the ice's weight on trees and power lines.
Experts warn against driving during freezing rain due to hidden icy patches on roads.
