A US military C-17 transport aircraft carrying undocumented Indian immigrants landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, sparking concerns over mass deportations. The Indian government assured Parliament it is engaging with the US to ensure dignified treatment of deported individuals. Legal experts say returnees face no prosecution unless they used fake documents. However, they may be barred from re-entering the US or other Western nations. Calls are growing for action against travel agents exploiting desperate migrants. “The hammer should now fall on them,” said advocate KK Manan. Investigations into illegal immigration networks are ongoing.

US President Donald Trump will impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigating US citizens and allies, including Israel. The executive order will freeze financial assets and impose visa bans on individuals assisting ICC probes. A White House official stated the move aims to counter what Trump calls "politically motivated" cases against US military personnel and allies. Critics argue the sanctions undermine international justice. The ICC has faced US opposition over past investigations into alleged war crimes. The move is expected to heighten tensions between the US and international legal bodies.

Exit polls predict BJP’s return to power in Delhi after nearly 30 years, with Axis My India forecasting 45-55 seats. AAP, seeking a third term, is projected to win 15-25 seats, while Congress may get 0-1. CNX and Today’s Chanakya also predict a BJP victory. Muslim votes remain with AAP (69-74%), while SC votes are split. BJP is expected to dominate East, West Delhi, Chandni Chowk, and New Delhi. The final results will determine if AAP defies predictions.

US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by calling the Washington plane crash that killed 67 people “amazing.” Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, he said the tragedy would lead to better air traffic control systems. Comparing the collision to golf balls at a driving range, Trump claimed the US air control system is outdated and blamed “obsolete equipment.” His remarks drew sharp criticism, with many calling them insensitive. Earlier, Trump blamed diversity hiring for the crash. The accident involved an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National

2 Indian students, Cherukuri Suresh Chowdhary and Bhargav Chitturi, died in a car crash near Carlow, Ireland. Their Audi A6 veered off the road and hit a tree. Two others, also Indian students, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and are receiving treatment at St Luke’s General Hospital. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin expressed shock, while the Indian Embassy in Dublin extended condolences and offered support. Authorities urged people to avoid sharing crash images. A community fundraiser raised over €25,000 to assist the victims' families with funeral costs.

Indian food delivery giant Zomato announced it will rebrand as "Eternal," integrating its key businesses—Zomato, Blinkit, District, and Hyperpure. CEO Deepinder Goyal stated the move signifies the company's evolution beyond food delivery. "We thought of renaming when something beyond Zomato became a significant driver," he said. Blinkit’s rapid expansion has fueled investor confidence in quick commerce. Competitors like Swiggy Instamart, Reliance JioMart, Amazon, and Walmart India are also expanding in this sector. Zomato first introduced the name internally over two years ago. The rebrand aims to align with its diversified business model.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a “strong protest” with India, condemning “false and fabricated” statements made by Sheikh Hasina, who is in exile. Dhaka urged India to prevent her from spreading “incendiary statements.” The protest note was handed to India’s acting high commissioner. Meanwhile, protests in Bangladesh escalated, with a mob vandalizing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence, demanding a ban on the Awami League. Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, after student-led demonstrations toppled her government.

Satellite images analyzed by the Financial Times reveal a massive Chinese military site, reportedly 10 times the size of the Pentagon. Located near Beijing, the 1,500-acre complex is suspected to house fortified nuclear command bunkers. Experts believe it signals China’s preparations for a potential nuclear conflict. Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute noted, “The deep bunkering suggests a nuclear command and control center.” Former CIA official Dennis Wilder added that the site underscores China’s ambitions for military superiority. The revelation raises concerns about escalating tensions between China and the United States in the global arms race.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of offering ₹15 crore to seven AAP leaders to join the party ahead of the Delhi election results. Singh claimed the BJP was trying to secure defections, as they anticipated defeat in the upcoming results. He said that some offers were made in face-to-face meetings. The AAP has advised its candidates to document such offers. The BJP has not responded to these allegations. The Delhi election results will be announced on February 8, 2025.

Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has instructed the military to prepare a plan allowing Gaza residents to leave the region, aligning with US President Donald Trump's proposal for the US to take control of Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere. Katz stated that countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway must accept Gazans who wish to migrate. However, the Palestinian presidency rejected the plan, calling it a violation of international law. The ongoing conflict has left Gaza severely damaged, with over 47,550 deaths and widespread displacement. The UN has warned against forced transfers of people from occupied territories.