Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Sanae Takaichi on Monday announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives, the Lower House of the National Diet, setting the stage for a snap general election on the opening day of the current ordinary parliamentary session, news agency ANI reported, citing Kyodo News. The decision to dissolve the Lower House was taken on Friday. Addressing a press conference, Takaichi said she intends to seek a fresh mandate from voters and has staked her continuation as prime minister on the election outcome, ANI reported. According to senior leaders of the ruling parties, the polling is expected to be held on February 8, with the official election campaign starting on January 27, Kyodo News reported. The upcoming election will be the first since Takaichi assumed office as Japan's first woman prime minister on October 21. It is also the first electoral test since her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) entered into a coalition agreement with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) just a day earlier. Takaichi aims to leverage her Cabinet's strong approval ratings to secure public backing for what she has described as a "responsible yet aggressive" fiscal policy approach, alongside the newly formed ruling coalition framework, ANI reported, citing Kyodo News. Snap election called less than 18 months after last poll as Takaichi faces narrow majority The snap poll comes less than 18 months after the previous Lower House Election in October 2024. Under Japan's Constitution, members of the House of Representatives serve four-year terms unless the chamber is dissolved earlier. Last week, Takaichi informed senior ruling party figures of her intention to dissolve the Lower House "at an early stage" after the 150-day regular Diet session convenes next Friday, Kyodo News reported. Her administration has faced challenges in managing Parliament, as the LDP-led bloc holds only a narrow majority in the Lower House and lacks a majority in the House of Councillors, the Upper House of the Diet, making cooperation with opposition parties necessary to pass legislation. Meanwhile, Opposition forces are moving to consolidate ahead of the election. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, a former long-time LDP ally, agreed on Thursday to form the Centrist Reform Alliance, which is expected to become the largest Opposition grouping in the contest, Kyodo News reported. Opposition parties have criticised Takaichi's decision to call an early election, accusing her of prioritising political calculations over the passage of the fiscal 2026 initial budget, despite her stated commitment to focus on policy implementation. (With ANI inputs)
19 January,2026 06:28 PM IST | Tokyo | mid-day online correspondentChina recorded its lowest birth rate on record in 2025 as its population declined for the fourth consecutive year, deepening a demographic challenge that could weigh on the world's second-largest economy for decades, CNN reported. The CNN report citing data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics on Monday stated the birth rate fell to 5.63 births per 1,000 people in 2025, lower than the previous record low of 6.39 births per 1,000 recorded in 2023. The figures suggest that a slight rise in births seen in 2024 was an exception rather than a sign of recovery, as the country's birth rate has continued to fall steadily since 2016. The data also showed that China's total population shrank again last year. With 7.92 million babies born in 2025 and 11.31 million deaths recorded, the country's population declined by 3.39 million. China remained second to India in terms of population for the second consecutive year after India dislodged China and adorned the crown of the world's most populous country in 2023. Despite the demographic decline, Chinese officials said the economy met its growth target for the year. China's economy grew by 5 percent in 2025, in line with the government's annual goal of "around 5 percent," CNN reported. China recorded trade surplus of 1.2 trillion dollars last year The overall growth was supported mainly by a surge in exports, which helped offset weak domestic consumption and ongoing trade tensions with the United States. China recorded a record trade surplus of dollar 1.2 trillion last year, despite US President Donald Trump's on-again, off-again trade war with the world's second-largest economy. However, the data also pointed to signs of slowing momentum toward the end of the year. In the fourth quarter of 2025, China's economy grew by 4.5 percent compared to the same period a year earlier. This marked the slowest quarterly growth since the end of 2022, CNN report. added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 January,2026 03:48 PM IST | Beijing (China) | ANIEuropean leaders have affirmed that they "will uphold" the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark to protect Europe's strategic economic and security interests amid US President Donald Trump's interest in taking over the Arctic island. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on X that she spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss recent tensions. "Together we stand firm in our commitment to uphold the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. We will always protect our strategic economic and security interests. We will face these challenges to our European solidarity with steadiness and resolve," she added in her X post. Following this, US President Trump issued a statement, saying, "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.' Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!" NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke with Trump on Sunday (local time) regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, amid the US threat to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Denmark and other European Union countries. Rutte said he would meet Trump later this week in Davos. On X, he posted, "Spoke with POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week." Rutte did not share further details of the discussion. Several European countries have released a joint statement showing solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom said that the 'Arctic Endurance' exercise does not pose a threat to anyone and emphasised that the threat of tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral. On Saturday, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland. In his post, Trump claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China's and Russia's interest in the territory. He offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned of escalating tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if a deal wasn't reached, stating it was "time for Denmark to give back" after years of US support. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland are the countries Trump mentioned in his post, which are now under fire from his tariff threats. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 January,2026 03:22 PM IST | Brussels (Belgium) | ANIPresident Donald Trump has unveiled a high-profile international initiative called the “Board of Peace,” inviting leaders from 60 countries to join a new body aimed at promoting stability and overseeing post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in the Gaza Strip, news agency ANI reported. According to officials from the United States (US), the initiative seeks to bring together a coalition of nations to work on peace-building efforts under a charter that emphasises stable governance and long-term peace in conflict-affected regions. Countries that commit 1 billion dollars would secure permanent seats on the board, while those that do not pay could still participate for a three-year term, ANI reported. Proponents say the funds would be used to rebuild war-torn areas like Gaza and prevent the “bureaucratic bloat” often seen in other international institutions. The announcement comes after a fragile ceasefire in Gaza that took effect last year on October 10, following a prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. Trump’s peace plan, which includes the board’s creation, received endorsement from the UN Security Council in November 2025, allowing the board to operate as part of a broader reconstruction effort. In letters sent to world leaders, Trump described the board as a “bold new approach to resolving global conflict,” and reports indicate invitations have been extended to Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania. India has also been invited to join the board. However, India, along with several other invited countries such as Jordan, are reviewing the proposal internally before making formal commitments, ANI reported. Hungary and Vietnam have also been invited to be a part of the board. Gaza ‘Board of Peace’: Mixed reactions greet as countries weigh participation amid scepticism Some others have agreed to participate and others still deliberating their involvement. Despite its ambitions, the board has faced immediate scepticism. European leaders have expressed reluctance to contribute large sums or commit to an organisation perceived as largely shaped by Trump’s personal vision and potentially rivalling established peace-building mechanisms in United Nations (UN). Some diplomats have also pointed out that the board’s charter makes no explicit mention of Gaza, raising questions about its priorities beyond the Middle East. Israel’s government has openly opposed Trump’s board, stating that its formation was not coordinated with Jerusalem and runs counter to its policy, particularly due to the inclusion of diplomats from Turkey and Qatar. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled his objections by convening a cabinet meeting to discuss the matter further. Meanwhile, several invited countries, including India and Jordan, are reviewing the proposal internally before making formal commitments. Supporters of the initiative hope the board will help channel reconstruction resources efficiently and foster international cooperation, while critics warn that its structure and funding model could undermine established multilateral institutions. (With ANI inputs)
19 January,2026 02:07 PM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump has said that Greenland has not been able to keep "Russian threats" away from Greenland despite being warned about it for over two decades. White House cites NATO warnings to Denmark over Greenland security In a post on X, the White House wrote, "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that "you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland." Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!" “NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that “you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.” Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/ZyFh9OsNsn — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2026 This post comes right around the time NATO Secretary General and Trump are to meet at Davos where the World Economic Forum begins from Monday. NATO chief Mark Rutte discusses Arctic security with Trump NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Sunday (local time) spoke with Trump on the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, amid Washington's threat to impose 10 per cent tariffs on Denmark and European Union countries. Mark Rutte also informed that he will meet with Trump this week in Davos. Rutte shares brief update on talks, withholds details In a post on X, Rutte said, "Spoke with POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week." Rutte did not share details of the conversation with Donald Trump on the matter. European nations rally behind Denmark and Greenland Meanwhile, several European countries have come together and expressed support and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland amid the threat by US President Trump to impose tariffs on eight European nations untill it is allowed to acquire Greenland. Joint statement backs Denmark, warns against tariff escalation A joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom--shared by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioned that exercise 'Arctic Endurance' does not pose a threat to anyone and that the countries stand in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. European allies caution against damage to transatlantic ties The statement highlighted that the threat of tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral. Trump threatens tariffs unless Greenland sale is agreed On Saturday, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland. US President cites China and Russia in national security argument In his post, Trump claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China's and Russia's interest in the territory. Tariff deadlines outlined if no deal is reached He offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned of escalating tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if a deal wasn't reached, stating it was "time for Denmark to give back" after years of US support.
19 January,2026 12:42 PM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondentA US-based activist agency said Sunday it has verified at least 3,919 deaths during a wave of protests that swept Iran and led to a bloody crackdown, and fears the number could be significantly higher. The Human Rights Activists News Agency posted the revised figure, up from the previous toll of 3,308. The death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding the 1979 revolution. The agency has been accurate throughout the years of demonstrations in Iran, relying on a network of activists inside the country that confirms all reported fatalities. The Associated Press has been unable to independently confirm the toll. Iranian officials have not given a clear death toll, although on Saturday, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the protests had left 'several thousand' people dead ' and blamed the United States for the deaths. It was the first indication from an Iranian leader of the extent of the casualties from the wave of protests that began December 28 over Iran's ailing economy. The Human Rights Activists News Agency says 24,669 protesters have been arrested in the crackdown. Iranian officials have repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of fomenting unrest in the country. Tension with the United States has been high, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatening Tehran with military action if his administration found the Islamic Republic was using deadly force against anti-government protesters. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a post Sunday on X, blamed 'longstanding enmity and inhumane sanctions' imposed by the US and its allies for any hardships the Iranian people might be facing. 'Any aggression against the Supreme Leader of our country is tantamount to all-out war against the Iranian nation,' he wrote. During the protests, Trump had told demonstrators that 'help is on the way' and that his administration would 'act accordingly' if the killing of demonstrators continued or if Iranian authorities executed detained protesters. But he later struck a conciliatory tone, saying that Iranian officials had 'cancelled the hanging of over 800 people' and that 'I greatly respect the fact that they cancelled". A family member of detained Iranian protester Erfan Soltani said Sunday that the 26-year-old is in good physical health and was able to see his family days after his planned execution was postponed. Somayeh, a 45-year-old close relative of Soltani who is living abroad, told AP that his family had been told his execution would be set for Wednesday but it was postponed when they reached the prison in Karaj, a city northwest of Tehran. 'I ask everyone to help in securing Erfan's freedom,' Somayeh, who asked to be identified by first name only for fear of government reprisal, said in a video message. On Saturday, Khamenei branded Trump a 'criminal' for supporting the rallies and blamed the US for the casualties, describing the protesters as 'foot soldiers' of the United States. Trump, in an interview with Politico on Saturday, called for an end to Khamenei's nearly 40-year reign, calling him 'a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people". No protests have been reported for days in Iran, where the streets have returned to an uneasy calm. Instead, some Iranians chanted anti-Khamenei slogans from the windows of their homes on Saturday night, the chants reverberating around neighbourhoods in Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan, witnesses said. Authorities have also blocked access to the internet since January 8. On Saturday, very limited internet services functioned again briefly. Access to some online services such as Google began working again on Sunday, although users said they could access only domestic websites, and email services continued to be blocked. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2026 11:08 AM IST | Dubai | APA high-speed train derailed, jumped onto the track in the opposite direction and slammed into an oncoming train Sunday in southern Spain, killing at least people 21 and injuring dozens more, the country's transport minister said. The tail end of an evening train between Malaga and Madrid with some 300 passengers went off the rails near Cordoba at 7:45 pm local time and slammed into a train with some 200 passengers coming from Madrid to Huelva, another southern Spanish city, according to rail operator Adif. Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente updated the death toll to 21 confirmed victims after midnight when he said that rescues had removed all the survivors. But Puente said there could be more victims still to be confirmed. Puente said the causes of the crash were unknown. He called it 'a truly strange' incident because it happened on a flat stretch of track that had been renovated in May. He also said the train that jumped the track was less than four years old. That train belonged to the private company Iryo, while the second train that took the brunt of the impact of Spain's public train company Renfe. Iryo issued a statement saying it 'deeply lamented what has happened' and that it was working with authorities to manage the situation. According to Puente, the back part of the first train derailed and crashed into the head of the other train, knocking its first two carriages off the track and down a four-metre slope. He said the worst damage was to that front section of the Renfe train. When asked by reporters how long an inquiry into the crash's causes could take, he said it could be a month. Andalusia's regional health chief Antonio Sanz said that 73 injured passengers have been taken to six different hospitals. Francisco Carmona, the firefighter chief of Cordoba, told Spanish national radio RNE that one of the trains was badly mangled, with at least four wagons off the rails. The situation at the crash site 'is very serious,' Sanz said. 'We have a very difficult night ahead.' Salvador Jimenez, a journalist for Spanish broadcaster RTVE was on board one of the derailed trains and told the network by phone that 'there was a moment when it felt like an earthquake and the train had indeed derailed.' He said passengers used emergency hammers to break the windows, and that some had walked away without serious injuries. Videos from people on site show some people crawling out of windows at some points to escape the wreckage with carriages leaning at an angle. The incident occurred in the early evening and hundreds of survivors had to be rescued in the darkness. The regional Civil Protection chief, Maria Belen Moya Rojas, told Canal Sur the accident happened in an area that is hard to reach. Local people were taking blankets and water to the scene to help the victims, she said. High-speed trains, running on an extensive national network, are a popular way to travel in Spain. Spain's military emergency relief units joined the deployment of other rescue units. The Red Cross also provided support to healthcare officials. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X that she was following 'the terrible news' from Cordoba. 'Tonight you are in my thoughts,' she wrote in Spanish. ADIF said train services between Madrid and cities in Andalusia would not run Monday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2026 11:00 AM IST | Barcelona | APChina's economy expanded at a 5 per cent annual pace in 2025, buoyed by strong exports despite Trump's tariffs. However, growth slowed to 4.5 per cent in the last quarter of the year, the government said Monday. That was the slowest quarterly growth since late 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy, the world's second largest, grew at a 4.8 per cent annual pace in the previous quarter. China's leaders have been trying to spur faster growth after a slump in the property market and disruptions from the pandemic rippled through the economy. Strong exports helped to compensate for weak consumer spending and business investment, contributing to a record trade surplus of USD 1.2 trillion. As expected, annual growth last year was in line with the government's official target for an expansion of "about 5 per cent". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2026 10:53 AM IST | Hong Kong | APAddressing Iranians in a video message, the exiled crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi in his latest post on X said, "The battle in Iran today is between occupation and liberation. The Iranian people have called for me to lead. I will return to Iran." Earlier, Reza Pahlavi has outlined an expansive vision for a "free Iran," promising a decisive break from the policies of the Islamic Republic and a return to peace, prosperity, and international cooperation. In a detailed post on X, Pahlavi said a future democratic Iran would abandon its nuclear military ambitions, end support for terrorist groups, normalize relations with the United States, recognize Israel, and emerge as a stabilizing force in the Middle East and a reliable partner to the global community. He wrote, "To all of our friends around the world, under the yoke of the Islamic Republic, Iran is identified in your minds with terrorism, extremism, and poverty. The real Iran is a different Iran. A beautiful, peace-loving, and flourishing Iran." "It is the Iran that existed before the Islamic Republic, and it is the Iran that will rise again from its ashes the day the Islamic Republic falls. So let me be clear about how a free Iran will act toward its neighbors and the world, after the fall of this regime. In security and foreign policy, Iran's nuclear military program will end. Support for terrorist groups will cease immediately. A free Iran will work with regional and global partners to confront terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and extremist Islamism." "Iran will act as a friend and a stabilizing force in the region. And it will be a responsible partner in global security. In diplomacy, relations with the United States will be normalized and our friendship with America and her people will be restored. The State of Israel will be recognized immediately. We will pursue the expansion of the Abraham Accords into the Cyrus accords bringing together a free Iran, Israel, and the Arab world. A new chapter will begin, grounded in mutual recognition, sovereignty, and national interest." "In energy, Iran holds some of the largest oil and gas reserves in the world. A free Iran will become a reliable energy supplier to the free world. Policy-making will be transparent. Iran's actions will be responsible. Prices will be predictable. In transparency and governance, Iran will adopt and enforce international standards. Money laundering will be confronted. Organized corruption will be dismantled. Public institutions will answer to the people." "In the economy, Iran is one of the world's last great untapped markets. Our population is educated, modern, with a diaspora that connects it to the four corners of the world. A democratic Iran will open its economy to trade, investment, and innovation. And Iran will seek to invest in the world. Opportunity will replace isolation. This is not an abstract vision. It is a practical one. Grounded in national interest, stability, and cooperation." "To achieve this, now is the time to stand with the Iranian people. The fall of the Islamic Republic and the establishment of a secular, democratic government in Iran will not only restore dignity to my people, it will benefit the region and the world. A free Iran will be a force for peace. For prosperity. And for partnership." Before this, US Senator Lindsey Graham lastt week met the exiled crown prince and reiterated Washington's support for the Iranian people against what he described as a "brutal regime" in Tehran. In a video message posted on X, Graham said it would be up to the citizens of Iran to decide who they choose as their next leader. "Senator Lindsey Graham here with the Crown Prince of Iran. I have followed you, your passion, the way you articulate the hope of your people. It will be up to the people of Iran to pick their next leader. I can't wait until they have a chance to do that. But you have really risen to the occasion. Compelling narrative for the long-suffering people of Iran. And I believe with all my heart that help is on the way," the US senator said. Iran continues to witness unrest. What began as demonstrations over record inflation and the steep fall in Iran's currency has escalated into widespread unrest, with reports of agitation at more than 280 locations. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2026 10:49 AM IST | Paris | ANIUS Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, shared President Donald Trump's invitation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be a part of the Gaza Board of Peace. Trump sent a letter to Modi, which the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, shared on social media. "Honored to convey @POTUSinvitation to Prime Minister @narendramodi to participate in the Board of Peace which will bring lasting peace to Gaza. The Board will support effective governance to achieve stability and prosperity!" In the letter, Trump said, "It is my Great Honor to invite you, as Prime Minister of the Republic of India, to join me in a critically historic and Magnificent effort to solidify Peace in the Middle East and, at the same time, to embark on a bold new approach to resolving Global Conflict!" In his letter, Trump referred to his September 29 announcement of a Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict. "Now it is time to turn all of these Dreams into reality. At the heart of the Plan is The Board of Peace, the most impressive and consequential Board ever assembled, which will be established as a new International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration," Trump wrote. "Our effort will bring together a distinguished group of nations ready to shoulder the noble responsibility of building LASTING PEACE, an Honor reserved for those prepared to lead by example, and brilliantly invest in a secure and prosperous future for generations to come. We will convene our wonderful and committed partners, most of whom are Highly Respected World Leaders, in the near future" The invitation comes as the US administration moves forward with formalising the "Board of Peace" structure linked to Trump's broader Gaza roadmap. On Friday, the White House unveiled the list of people appointed to the "Board of Peace" to oversee phase two of his 20-Point Peace Plan to end the Gaza conflict. The names include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House said in a statement. The announcement also named members of the Gaza Executive Board, with Blair, Kushner and Witkoff also listed, along with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al Thawadi and others. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 January,2026 09:39 AM IST | New Delhi | ANITwo people were killed, and dozens were injured in overnight Russian drone strikes across Ukraine, with attacks on energy infrastructure leading to power outages amid freezing temperatures, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. He said Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, Khmelnytskyi and Odesa regions were targeted in an assault involving more than 200 drones. “Dozens of people have been injured, including a child. As of now, two people have been reported killed,” he said. Highlighting the impact on critical services, Zelenskyy wrote, “The situation in the energy system remains difficult, but we are doing everything we can to restore services,” adding: “This week has seen more than 1300 attack drones, around 1050 guided aerial bombs and 29 missiles of various types in total.” Zelenskyy also renewed his appeal to world leaders for increased support. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2026 07:07 AM IST | Kyiv | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1768812905388_d.png "Representational Image")
-1768816054296_d.png "File Pic")
-1768795437041_d.png "Representational Image")
