Daily News Summary – 2026-01-21 – en

A commuter train derailed near Barcelona, killing the driver and injuring at least 37 people. The accident occurred during heavy storms that caused a retaining wall to collapse onto the tracks.

President Trump refused to back down from his push to acquire Greenland, setting the stage for tense confrontations with European allies at the World Economic Forum and threatening tariffs.

Bitcoin faces potential decline to $58,000 as restrictive Federal Reserve policy and global trade tensions create challenges for digital assets, according to technical analysis and market experts.

Mexico extradited 37 alleged drug cartel members to the United States, marking the third major transfer in a year amid tensions over Trump's threats and sovereignty concerns.

The death toll from Iran's nationwide protests reached 4,519, with thousands more injuries and arrests, highlighting a brutal government crackdown and information blackout.

A major pilot strike across Northern European airlines has caused widespread travel disruption, affecting thousands of passengers and raising labor relations questions in the aviation sector.

Autonomous vehicle trials are expanding in major cities worldwide, focusing on safety metrics, regulatory frameworks, and public acceptance in real-world urban environments.

Public transit apps are introducing real-time accessibility data and rider feedback systems to make urban mobility more inclusive for wheelchair users and visually impaired individuals.

Smart streetlight pilots in U.S. cities integrate AI-powered analytics and sensors to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and provide real-time incident response in urban areas.

International coalitions have increased naval patrols at critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz to protect shipping lanes amid escalating geopolitical tensions and security threats.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned at Davos that the world order is experiencing a rupture, calling for middle powers to unite against great power aggression and crumbling international systems.

Perovskite solar technology is moving from lab research to manufacturing pilots, with improvements in durability, efficiency records, and clear deployment roadmaps for commercial use by 2026.

Electric utilities are reconsidering coal phase-out timelines due to surging demand from AI and data centers, balancing climate goals with the need for reliable grid stability and avoiding stranded assets.

A city has announced a pedestrian priority expansion plan with traffic rerouting and enhanced walkability to improve air quality, though it raises concerns about business impacts during the transition.

A zero-emission tram pilot program has launched with extended service hours and advanced charging infrastructure, showing increased ridership and reduced emissions in urban areas.

A zero emission zone expansion has been approved with a graduated charging system and support for small businesses, aiming to reduce air pollution and promote sustainable transportation.

A new zero-emission tram line has been inaugurated with innovative energy supply infrastructure, leading to higher-than-expected ridership and accelerated expansion plans for sustainable urban mobility.

France is experimenting with immediate license confiscation for drivers caught using mobile phones, starting in the Landes department, to combat distracted driving and improve road safety.

ICE has doubled in size and adopted paramilitary tactics under Trump's second term, raising concerns about civil rights and increased enforcement actions in American cities.

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his role in facilitating the 2024 martial law declaration, marking a significant political fallout.

Spain's train drivers' union has called for a strike after deadly accidents, demanding safety improvements and criminal prosecution for railway safety failures amid a national crisis.

A U.S. safety group alleges that the Air India Boeing 787 that crashed in 2025 had a history of safety defects, raising questions about maintenance and oversight in aviation.

Spain faces a railway safety crisis with two catastrophic train accidents in three days, killing dozens and exposing infrastructure maintenance issues despite prior union warnings.

The European Parliament has referred the EU-Mercosur trade deal to the Court of Justice for review, potentially delaying implementation for years amid farmer protests and political divisions.

President Trump ruled out using military force to acquire Greenland at Davos but insisted on negotiations, while threatening tariffs on European allies and highlighting strategic defense needs.

Denmark has refused to enter negotiations with the U.S. over Greenland's sale, escalating transatlantic tensions despite Trump's threats and the strategic importance of the Arctic territory.

Trump announced he will not impose threatened tariffs on European NATO allies after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, establishing a framework for Arctic cooperation.

The U.S. military is transferring Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq as the Syrian Democratic Forces withdraw, amid changing security dynamics and ceasefire agreements.

The 50th anniversary of Concorde's first commercial flight is being celebrated, honoring the supersonic aircraft's legacy and sparking interest in future supersonic travel technologies.

A plant species believed extinct for 60 years has been rediscovered in Australia through citizen science on iNaturalist, highlighting the power of public participation in biodiversity conservation.

A cross-border telemedicine pilot has improved patient outcomes and access to care, but faces challenges with licensing harmonization and sustainable reimbursement models across states.