Real Madrid returned to form under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa with a commanding 6-1 victory over Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. Kylian Mbappe scored twice against his former club, while Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Franco Mastantuono added one each, with another coming from an own goal. The win brought Real Madrid closer to securing a place in the round of 16, standing second in the table with 15 points from seven matches.

Arsenal continued their perfect run with a seventh consecutive win, defeating Inter Milan 3-1. Gabriel Jesus netted twice and substitute Viktor Gyokeres added another, maintaining Arsenal’s 100% record and taking them to 21 points. Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered a shock 3-1 loss to Norwegian side Bodo, with Pep Guardiola’s team now facing uncertainty over qualification. Guardiola admitted the team struggled with several small issues that went against them.

Defending champions PSG also endured a disappointing night, losing 2-1 to Sporting CP despite marking their 300th European match milestone. Colombian forward Luis Suarez scored both goals for Sporting, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netted PSG’s only goal.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting is underway to address the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The meeting, attended by directors from all full member nations, aims to resolve the ongoing deadlock between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over security concerns raised by Bangladesh regarding matches scheduled in India.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCB President Aminul Islam, BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia, and other top cricket officials from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, and other member nations are participating. ICC’s senior management, including CEO Sanjog Gupta and Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, are also present. The ICC’s anti-corruption head, Andrew Feggreave, who recently met BCB officials in Dhaka, is attending as well. ESPNcricinfo reported that Pakistan’s cricket board has expressed support for Bangladesh’s position through a formal letter to the ICC.

According to the same report, venue or schedule changes remain unlikely, as both ICC and BCB have maintained firm stances. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh’s matches currently scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai.

U.S. President Donald Trump has shared on social media screenshots of messages purportedly sent by French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to Reuters, a source close to Macron confirmed the authenticity of Macron’s message. In the message, Macron questioned Trump’s activities in Greenland and proposed holding a G7 meeting after the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Macron also suggested inviting Russia to the proposed G7 meeting, noting that the country had been expelled from the G8 in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. Trump additionally posted another screenshot showing a message from NATO chief Mark Rutte, who thanked Trump for his work in Syria and expressed commitment to finding a way forward in Greenland.

The posts have drawn attention due to their references to Greenland and the potential inclusion of Russia in future G7 discussions, though no further official responses were mentioned in the report.

China has confirmed receiving an invitation from the United States to join President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Peace Board’. The announcement was made in Beijing on Tuesday by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing. Guo stated that China had received the invitation but did not clarify whether Beijing would accept it.

The board was initially conceived to oversee the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza region. However, its charter does not specify whether its activities will be limited to Palestinian-controlled areas. According to available information, Washington has invited leaders from several countries to join the initiative. Under the proposed structure, President Donald Trump would serve as the board’s chair, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney among its members.

Guo Jiakun also commented on China–U.S. relations, noting that despite fluctuations over the past year, ties have remained relatively stable. He emphasized that cooperation benefits both nations, while conflict harms both sides.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the ‘Board of Peace,’ a new initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to oversee global conflict resolution and Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. The invitation was reported on January 19 by Al Jazeera. The move comes as uncertainty deepens over the end of the Ukraine war, which continues despite Trump’s earlier pledge to halt it within 24 hours of taking office.

According to White House sources, the board will be chaired by Trump and include influential leaders and figures from around the world. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin received the invitation and said Moscow is discussing the proposal’s details with Washington, though he did not comment on whether Putin intends to participate. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has also reportedly been invited.

The ‘Board of Peace’ is part of Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending Israel’s war in Gaza and establishing a post-war governance structure. Analysts have criticized the initiative for allegedly giving top roles to controversial figures like Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, while limiting Palestinians to lower-level administrative positions.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose higher tariffs on countries opposing Washington’s attempt to take control of Greenland. Starmer said the move was “completely wrong” and emphasized that only the people of Greenland and Denmark have the right to decide the island’s future. The UK is among the nations targeted by Trump’s proposed tariffs.

Trump announced that countries opposing his Greenland plan—including the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland—would face an additional 10 percent tariff starting February 1, which could rise to 25 percent by June 1. The White House stated that the United States needs Greenland for its own and global security, and Trump has not ruled out the use of military force.

Starmer ruled out retaliatory tariffs, saying no side wants a trade war. In a separate letter to Norway’s prime minister, Trump wrote that since he had not received a Nobel Prize, he felt no obligation to act purely for peace.

European leaders have strongly reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on several European countries if Greenland is not handed over to the United States. The warning, announced in mid-January 2026, prompted Denmark, Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden to issue a joint statement from Brussels condemning the move as a dangerous escalation. The European Council said it would convene a summit within days following an ambassadors’ meeting.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the threat endangers global stability and NATO’s future. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed he had discussed Arctic security with Trump and expected further talks at the Davos summit. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and ministers from France and the Netherlands, described the tariff plan as unjustified and political blackmail. Thousands protested in Denmark and Greenland against the U.S. stance.

Trump argued that U.S. control over Greenland would serve national security interests, particularly against potential threats from Russia or China. European leaders warned that such measures could harm international cooperation and global trade.

The Indo-Pacific region, encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans and surrounding nations, has become the central arena of global power competition. Since 2006–07, it has drawn attention for its strategic maritime routes, economic potential, and geopolitical significance. The United States and China are the primary actors, with India, Japan, South Korea, and other regional powers playing key roles. The US views China’s growing military and technological influence as a major concern and launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021 to ensure regional stability and open trade routes.

The region accounts for over half of the world’s population, two-thirds of global economic growth, and 60 percent of global GDP. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, aims to expand its influence through infrastructure and trade connectivity. In response, the US has strengthened alliances such as the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia. Bangladesh, strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, released its own Indo-Pacific Outlook in 2023, emphasizing peace, economic development, and open maritime trade.

Analysts view the US-China rivalry as a long-term contest for dominance that could shape future global geopolitics and economic balance.

The European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc have signed a major trade agreement in Asunción, Paraguay, on Saturday. The deal, reported by Turkey-based Hurriyet Daily News, brings together the EU’s 27 member states and Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, forming one of the world’s largest free trade zones. The signing follows nearly 25 years of complex negotiations.

The agreement is viewed as a significant message against the tariff threats and trade uncertainty associated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump recently threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on several European countries over the Greenland issue. During the signing ceremony, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the parties chose fair trade over tariffs and long-term partnership over isolation. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña described the deal as a clear message in favor of international trade amid global tensions, while European Council head Antonio Costa said it rejects the use of trade as a geopolitical weapon.

Leaders expressed hope that the agreement will generate employment, prosperity, and new opportunities across both regions.

Russia has issued a sharp warning to European countries following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on eight European nations amid tensions over Greenland. On Saturday, Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s special envoy and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said Europe should not “provoke their father.” His comments came after Trump declared a 10 percent tariff on imports from the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, citing national security concerns linked to Greenland.

According to Dmitriev, the tariffs were imposed in response to European military involvement in Greenland, claiming that roughly one percent duty was applied per soldier sent. Trump stated that the tariffs would take effect on February 1 and rise to 25 percent on June 1, remaining in place until a full agreement is reached over the “complete purchase” of Greenland. He argued that U.S. control of the Arctic territory is essential for national security.

The dispute underscores renewed geopolitical friction over Greenland’s strategic importance, drawing in both European and Russian commentary following Washington’s tariff escalation.

The Gambia’s case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority opened this week at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Attorney General Dawda A Jallow told judges that the Rohingya were “targeted for destruction” by Myanmar’s military, nearly a decade after an offensive forced about 750,000 people to flee to Bangladesh. The hearing marks the first time the ICJ is considering a genocide case brought by one country on behalf of another group. Rohingya refugees attended the opening session and are expected to testify in closed hearings, though no date has been set for a final ruling.

The Gambia filed the case in 2019 under the 1948 Genocide Convention, acting on behalf of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation. The initiative was led by then–Attorney General Abubacarr Tambadou and has since gained support from seven countries, including Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The case follows UN findings that Myanmar’s 2016–2017 military campaign showed “genocidal intent,” killing thousands and displacing hundreds of thousands. Myanmar denies the allegations, claiming it targeted armed groups. The ICJ’s decision could influence other genocide cases pending before the court.

The Gambia’s pursuit of justice is partly rooted in its own experience confronting past human rights abuses under former dictator Yahya Jammeh, according to former officials. The government’s engagement reflects a broader commitment to universal human rights and accountability.

Manchester United surprised rivals Manchester City with a 2-0 victory in the Manchester derby, ending a difficult spell for the Red Devils. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed the win, dealing a major blow to City’s English Premier League title hopes. The match also marked a strong start for interim coach Michael Carrick in his second stint in charge.

In Spain, Real Madrid bounced back after consecutive defeats to Barcelona and Albacete by defeating Levante 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The win helped the capital club regain momentum in La Liga after a brief slump. Elsewhere in the English league, Burnley held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, while Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford.

The results reshaped the weekend’s football narrative, with Manchester United’s resurgence and Real Madrid’s recovery standing out as key storylines across Europe’s top leagues.

U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to mediate the ongoing dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the use of Nile River waters. According to Reuters, Trump made the proposal in a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, which he also shared on his social media platform Truth Social. In the post, Trump said he was ready to responsibly restart mediation between the two nations to find a lasting solution to the issue of Nile water distribution.

The dispute intensified after Ethiopia officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on September 9. The massive dam, built on a tributary of the Nile, has drawn strong objections from Egypt. Ethiopia, with a population exceeding 120 million, views the nearly $5 billion project as crucial for its economic development.

Egypt, however, argues that the dam violates international agreements and could expose the country to both drought and flooding risks. Ethiopia has rejected these allegations, maintaining that the project complies with its rights and development goals.

A full day of live sports broadcasts has been announced for January 17, 2026, featuring the ICC Under-19 World Cup match between Bangladesh and India starting at 1:30 p.m. Other cricket fixtures include Japan versus Sri Lanka at the same time, Bangladesh Premier League matches between Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders at 2 p.m., and Chattogram Royals versus Rajshahi Warriors at 7 p.m. Big Bash League, SA T20, and several football leagues will also be aired across multiple channels.

Football fans can watch English Premier League matches such as Manchester United versus Manchester City at 6:30 p.m., followed by Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal fixtures later in the evening. La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Africa Cup of Nations, and Saudi Pro League matches are also scheduled for live telecast through various international networks.

The broadcast lineup highlights a packed weekend for global sports audiences, offering simultaneous coverage of cricket and football tournaments across different continents on channels including Star Sports, T Sports, and FanCode.

Europe has deployed troops to Greenland following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to take control of the island. However, the White House stated that this deployment will not hinder Trump’s objective. On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that European forces would not influence the president’s decision-making process or his goal of acquiring Greenland.

Leavitt mentioned that Denmark, Greenland, and the United States have agreed to form a working group to continue technical discussions on the acquisition issue, with meetings expected every two to three weeks. Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen wrote on social media that while both sides agree on strengthening Arctic security, they differ on methods. He emphasized that in 2026, trade should involve goods, not people.

Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has rejected the idea of being sold. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attempt to forcibly seize Greenland could lead to NATO’s collapse.