A Japanese macaque is on the loose in the Scottish Highlands after breaking out of its enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has mobilized a team to recapture the animal and urges the public not to approach it. Sightings were reported in gardens of the nearby village of Kincraig, prompting alerts to local residents. Witnesses described the monkey snacking from bird feeders and wandering around gardens. Authorities advise anyone who spots the monkey to contact the zoological society and refrain from attempting to approach the animal.

As Aslef train drivers initiate a nine-day overtime ban, UK rail passengers face substantial disruptions with thousands of trains likely to be canceled at short notice until February 6. One-day strikes across 17 operators add to the turmoil amid the ongoing pay and working arrangements dispute. London's key services, including South Western Railway, Southeastern, and Govia Thameslink Railway, will be significantly impacted, urging passengers to check for changes. Operating hours may vary, emphasizing the need for travelers to stay informed during this period of extensive rail challenges.

Poland embarks on Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), a £7 billion airport project set to become Europe's largest. Located 40km west of Warsaw, CPK aims to integrate air, road, and rail transport, with phase one featuring two runways and a terminal for 40 million passengers by 2028. President Andrzej Duda hails CPK as vital for Poland's 21st-century progress. Deputy Minister Marcin Horala emphasizes CPK's European significance, enhancing mobility standards continent-wide. Approvals secured, CPK signals a transformative shift in European transport, promising enhanced connectivity and mobility opportunities for millions.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces a ban on disposable vapes and plans to restrict vape flavors to combat rising usage among children. The proposed legislation also makes it illegal for those born after January 1, 2009, to buy tobacco, aligning with the PM's goal for a smoke-free generation. Enforcement agencies receive £30m annually to enforce measures, including new fines for illegal vape sales to children. The ban aims to be in effect by the end of 2025. Health and environmental campaigners welcome the move amid concerns about the environmental impact of disposable vapes.

The body of a baby girl was discovered in a West Yorkshire pub toilet, prompting a police investigation. Emergency crews responded to the Three Horseshoes pub in Oulton on Sunday, calling it a "traumatic incident." Police urgently appeal for the newborn's mother to seek medical help, emphasizing her welfare. The pub expressed gratitude for support. A full investigation is underway with NHS assistance. Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke urges caution and calls for information. Police stress the priority is the mother's safety and well-being. Contact can be made through the police or Leeds Maternity Assessment Unit.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main opposition, has collected enough signatures to initiate an impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu. Chaos erupted in Parliament as lawmakers clashed during a session seeking approval for Muizzu's cabinet. A viral video shows physical altercations. The MDP's decision to withhold approval led to protests by pro-government MPs, prompting the opposition to prepare a no-confidence motion. The ruling coalition retaliated with no-confidence motions against the Parliament's Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The situation intensifies amid concerns about obstructing government services by denying cabinet approval.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extends an olive branch to France, proposing to "break new ground" in bilateral relations following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India. Celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties, Xi emphasizes joint efforts for peace, security, and prosperity amidst global uncertainties. China's offer includes boosting French imports and fostering high-tech cooperation, signaling strategic priorities amid geopolitical shifts. Macron's visit underscored growing Indo-French defense collaboration in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific, raising concerns in Beijing. Amidst US-led efforts to balance China, India emerges as a key partner for France, influencing regional dynamics.

Iran executed four individuals accused of links to Israeli intelligence after their appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court, Iranian state media reported. The defendants were charged with illegally entering Iran from Iraq's Kurdistan region to carry out a bombing operation targeting an Isfahan-based factory producing equipment for Iran's Ministry of Defence. The plot, allegedly orchestrated by Israel's Mossad, was thwarted by Iranian intelligence. Iran and Israel, longtime adversaries, are embroiled in a dispute over Iran's nuclear program. Israel accuses Iran of sponsoring militant attacks, while Iran accuses Israel of assassinating its officials and scientists, a claim Israel neither confirms nor denies.

President Joe Biden confirmed that three US service members were killed and at least 34 wounded in an unmanned aerial drone attack near the Syrian border in northeastern Jordan. Biden attributed the attack to radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. The incident, marking the first fatalities of US troops in the region since the Gaza conflict began, prompted Biden to vow accountability for those responsible. The attack escalates tensions in the Middle East, already strained by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Biden reiterated the US commitment to fight terrorism and pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable "at a time and in a manner of our choosing."

Unruly scenes unfolded in the Maldives parliament as lawmakers from the ruling alliance clashed with opposition members during a crucial session for president Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet approval. The altercation arose when the opposition, led by the Maldivian Democratic Party, opted to withhold approval for four cabinet members, prompting protests from the ruling People’s National Congress and Progressive Party of Maldives. A physical altercation between lawmakers was captured on video, resulting in injuries. Protesters criticized the rejection of cabinet members, citing potential hindrance to progress, while the ruling coalition defended their reappointment. The session highlights tensions within the Maldives political landscape.