India has agreed to repatriate 18,000 undocumented nationals from the US, aiming to strengthen ties and avoid a trade war with the Trump administration. The move aligns with India's efforts to promote legal migration and preserve key programs like H-1B visas. Cooperation comes amid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration and pushes to end birthright citizenship. Indian authorities also hope to mitigate overseas secessionist activities, such as the Khalistan movement. However, concerns arise over reintegration challenges and economic disruptions. India continues signing migration agreements with nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia, ensuring labor mobility while addressing illegal migration issues.

With Donald Trump back as US President, undocumented immigrants, including 7,25,000 Indians, are worried about deportation. Trump announced tough policies to stop illegal immigration and promised faster deportations. The US deported over 1,500 Indians in 2024, and many fear more will follow. States like Florida, Texas, and New York have large numbers of undocumented immigrants. Trump's stricter border policies have also ended Biden’s app-based entry system. H-1B visa holders, mostly Indians, face uncertainty too. Many immigrants are seeking legal help and sanctuary as fears grow. Trump’s measures are part of his plan to tighten US borders and reduce illegal migration.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US President. He sat in the front row alongside Ecuador’s President, while Japan and Australia’s ministers were seated in the third row. Jaishankar called it an honour to attend the event and carried a letter from Prime Minister Modi to President Trump. Modi congratulated Trump on his return and expressed hope for strong India-US ties. Jaishankar also attended a prayer service and met Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. His prominent seat signals India’s focus on strengthening its relationship with the new Trump administration.

Indian H-1B visa holders in the US are grappling with depression and anxiety due to prolonged uncertainties surrounding their immigration status. Many have shared experiences on social media, highlighting struggles with job security, inability to visit families, and the endless cycle of visa renewals. With 72% of H-1B visas held by Indians, the system leaves them vulnerable, as job losses require re-employment within 60 days. Experts warn of mounting mental health issues among these professionals, who fear further restrictions under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Long queues for Green Cards exacerbate their challenges, impacting both stability and quality of life.

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, and Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, attended pre-inaugural events in Washington DC ahead of Donald Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th U.S. President. At a private reception, the Ambanis congratulated Trump and emphasized their hope for deeper India-U.S. relations during his transformative second term. They also attended a “candlelight dinner” with Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, will feature high-profile attendees, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the government at the swearing-in ceremony.

On January 19, 2025, three Israeli hostages, including Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement. The hostages, handed over to the Red Cross, were later transferred to Israel. The ceasefire, delayed for over three hours due to Israel's demand for hostages' identities, marks a critical phase in a broader agreement. Under the deal, 33 Israeli hostages will be freed, while 90 Palestinian prisoners, including 69 women and 21 teenage boys, will be released. The ceasefire is expected to last six weeks, with more exchanges planned.

Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has embraced Sanatani culture during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh. Guided by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of Niranjani Akhara, she received the name "Kamla," reflecting her humility and spiritual devotion. Despite a brief illness, Powell Jobs participated in the holy Ganges dip, showing deep interest in Sanatan Dharma. Mahant Ravindra Puri praised her simplicity and dedication to spirituality. Over 20 million devotees attended the first Amrit Snan, with extensive crowd management by Uttar Pradesh authorities. Powell Jobs continues her spiritual journey while maintaining a low profile at the Niranjani Akhara.

Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, a 34-year-old from Gujarat, is among the FBI's 10 most wanted fugitives for murdering his wife, Palak Patel, in Maryland, USA, in 2015. The FBI has announced a reward of $250,000 (Rs 2.1 crore) for information leading to his arrest. Palak, 21, was killed at their workplace after expressing a wish to return to India, which her husband opposed. Patel fled after the crime and is believed to be hiding in the US, Canada, or India. Authorities describe him as "armed and extremely dangerous" and urge public assistance.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 12 Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war have died, while 16 others are missing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 96 Indians, previously serving in the Russian Army, have returned to India. The Russian authorities reported 16 Indians as "missing." Kerala man Binil Babu was among the deceased, and efforts are underway to repatriate his remains. Another Indian, Jain TK, is being treated in Moscow and will return home soon. The Indian embassy is working with Russian officials to assist families and ensure the safe return of the injured and others.

A 12-member UK Cadet Delegation departed for New Delhi today to participate in India’s Republic Day Camp as part of the UK-India Youth Exchange Programme. Prior to their departure, the cadets were hosted by the High Commission of India in London, where they received a pre-departure briefing and an architectural tour of the historic India House. Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Sujit Ghosh, addressed the delegation, sharing his insights and interacting with the cadets. The initiative aims to strengthen youth ties between the UK and India, fostering cultural and educational exchange.