US President Donald Trump described China's DeepSeek AI as a "wake-up call" for America's tech industry after its R1 model disrupted markets. The AI, developed at a fraction of the cost of competitors, caused Nvidia's market value to drop by nearly $600 billion. DeepSeek, founded by Liang Wenfeng in 2023, recently became the most downloaded app in the US. Trump, while acknowledging the competition, emphasized that the US would remain dominant. The rise of DeepSeek highlights China's innovative approach to AI, despite US restrictions on advanced chip exports. The news rattled global markets, including Japan's Nikkei index, which fell 1.4%.

A 'mystery illness' in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district has claimed 17 lives, with experts identifying organophosphorus poisoning as the cause. The Food Safety Standards Authority of India confirmed the presence of the toxin, leading to the administration of the atropine antidote, which has shown positive results. Authorities declared the affected village a containment zone, quarantining over 200 people. Investigators found insecticides in a nearby water spring, raising questions about accidental or deliberate contamination. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case, as doctors report the victims showed severe brain and nerve system involvement.

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has called for the dismantling of Nord Stream pipelines, warning against resuming Russian gas flows even if a peace deal with Ukraine is reached. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Duda emphasized that reopening the pipelines would threaten Central Europe and reinforce Russian dominance. He urged European leaders to uphold sanctions and reject pressure to restore energy ties with Moscow. Highlighting Poland’s history with Soviet influence, Duda insisted that Ukraine must participate in any peace talks. He warned against allowing Russia to retain occupied Ukrainian territories, calling it a violation of international law.

Selena Gomez broke down in tears over Trump’s mass deportation operations, calling it an attack on her Mexican community. In a now-deleted Instagram video, she tearfully stated, "My people are getting attacked, the children." Gomez, of Mexican descent, apologized emotionally and vowed to "try everything" to support those affected. Critics, including a Republican Senate candidate, called for her deportation, to which she humorously responded, "Thanks for the laugh and the threat." The deportations, touted as the largest in U.S. history, involve military aircraft. Mexico has reported receiving 4,094 deportees since Jan. 20. Gomez remains vocal about immigrants’ rights.

The 11th Kolkata International Children's Film Festival, running from January 22-28, showcases 116 films from over 30 countries, including 12 Bengali titles. With a "Fantasy" theme, the festival brings iconic characters from Harry Potter, Aladdin, and Frozen to life. Screenings take place thrice daily at eight venues, such as Nandan and Rabindra Sadan, with free evening shows at Ektaara Mukta Mancha. Acclaimed Bengali films like Hirak Rajar Desh and Adventures of JoJo feature alongside global classics. Film-making workshops at Gaganendra Exhibition Hall add to the immersive experience, delighting children and film enthusiasts alike.

Brazil expressed outrage after 88 deported Brazilians arrived in Manaus from the US, handcuffed and reportedly denied water or air conditioning during the flight. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski condemned the "flagrant disregard" for human rights. One passenger, Edgar Da Silva Moura, described the "nightmare" conditions, including heat, dehydration, and respiratory issues. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva mobilized a Brazilian Air Force aircraft to ensure the deportees reached their destinations with dignity. Brazil's Foreign Ministry has demanded an explanation from the Trump administration, which recently intensified immigration crackdowns under a 2017 bilateral deportation agreement.

Selena Gomez shared a tearful video about Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, saying, “I’m sorry. I wish I could do something.” She expressed sorrow for the mass deportations and the suffering of children. “All my people are getting attacked. I don’t understand,” she added.   The singer later deleted the video but wrote in a follow-up post, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy.” Her emotional plea highlighted the humanitarian impact of Trump’s policies, including a recent operation that arrested 956 people. Gomez has consistently used her platform to advocate for human rights and social justice issues.

Israel said eight hostages, due to be freed in the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, are dead. Hamas provided a list confirming their deaths, matching Israeli intelligence. Families have been informed. Since the ceasefire on 19 January, seven hostages have been released in exchange for over 290 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for releasing the remaining 87 hostages, including three abducted before the war, continue. Israeli officials fear delays in freeing the remaining hostages, with some held in tunnels under Gaza for months. Talks for the next phase, including troop withdrawal and Gaza's reconstruction, start on 4 February.

The Kremlin announced that it is still waiting for "signals" from the United States regarding a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and newly-inaugurated US President Donald Trump. Both leaders expressed their readiness for contact last week, but neither side has specified when or how the meeting might take place. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia is waiting for confirmation from the US. Tensions remain high due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with Trump offering to meet Putin immediately to discuss ending the war. Ukraine has expressed concerns about being excluded from such talks.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has urged the makers of Vicky Kaushal’s upcoming film Chhaava to balance creativity with historical accuracy. Reacting to ongoing controversies, Fadnavis emphasized that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s history should be depicted correctly. The film, which portrays the Maratha ruler, faced criticism over a scene showing Sambhaji Maharaj dancing. Minister Uday Samant had threatened to block its release unless the scene was removed. Following objections, director Laxman Uttekar met Raj Thackeray and assured that the disputed scenes would be cut. Chhaava is slated for release on February 14, 2025.