The US paused sanctions on Colombia after its government agreed to accept deportation flights, including those on US military aircraft. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Colombia's unconditional compliance with President Donald Trump’s terms. While tariff orders remain on hold, visa restrictions on Colombian officials and enhanced customs inspections will persist until the first deportee flight is completed. Trump emphasized this as a testament to America’s renewed global respect, stating, “We will protect our sovereignty.” The agreement marks a significant shift in US-Colombia relations amidst Trump’s firm immigration policies.

Jason Riddle and Pamela Hemphill, convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riots, have rejected Donald Trump's pardons. Hemphill, 71, emphasized accountability, stating acceptance would propagate the false narrative of a "peaceful protest." Riddle, a Navy veteran, highlighted concerns about how pardons might affect future employment. Both expressed regret for their actions and criticized Trump’s rhetoric, which fueled the riots. Trump had pardoned 1,500 individuals after winning the 2024 election. Hemphill and Riddle’s stance underscores their commitment to acknowledging the gravity of their actions during the Capitol assault.

Lebanon's health ministry reported 22 deaths, including women and children, and 124 injuries as Israeli forces remained in southern Lebanon past the ceasefire withdrawal deadline. The ceasefire, brokered in November 2024, required the removal of Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. Lebanon accused Israeli troops of attacking civilians attempting to return to their homes. Israeli forces claimed they fired warning shots at perceived threats. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun emphasized the nation’s sovereignty, warning of further consequences. Hezbollah criticized the delayed withdrawal as a violation. The situation underscores tensions over territorial control and the fragile ceasefire agreement.

Hammersmith Bridge, closed to vehicles since cracks were found in 2019, may remain shut for another decade, warns Labour MP Fleur Anderson. The 138-year-old bridge in southwest London needs costly repairs estimated at £250m. Anderson criticised delays under the previous Conservative government, stating repairs could have been completed if work had started earlier. She highlighted the closure's impact on bus routes and local traffic. A government taskforce will meet on 30 January to discuss progress. Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney expressed hope the Labour government will commit to funding repairs, calling the previous government’s inaction a failure.

US President Donald Trump has ordered officials to prepare a plan to declassify documents on the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. He said it was time to reveal the truth, calling it a long-awaited moment for Americans. The documents, some still redacted, have sparked decades of debate and conspiracy theories. While past releases shed light on events, many unanswered questions remain. Experts doubt all files will be made public, as the CIA and FBI may push for continued secrecy. Trump said transparency serves the public interest and signed the order this week.

President Donald Trump has suggested that he may reconsider rejoining the World Health Organization (WHO), days after his administration ordered the U.S. exit over the agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health issues. Speaking at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump remarked, "Maybe we would consider doing it again, I don't know. Maybe we would. They would have to clean it up." The comment marks a shift in tone after months of criticizing the WHO for its response to the pandemic, especially its ties to China.

The CIA now believes the COVID-19 pandemic is "more likely" to have originated from a lab leak in Wuhan, China, rather than natural transmission. However, the agency admitted having "low confidence" in its conclusion, based on fresh analysis of existing intelligence. The declassified report, ordered by CIA director John Ratcliffe, states both lab-related and natural origin scenarios remain plausible. China's government has dismissed the claims as baseless and accused Washington of politicizing the pandemic. The World Health Organization's 2021 report suggested animal transmission as the likely origin but did not rule out a lab-related incident. Investigations are ongoing.

Germany declined Pakistan's request for advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarine technology, citing its dubious reputation. Instead, Germany agreed to a $8 billion joint venture with India's Mazagon Dockyard Ltd (MDL) and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TkMS) to produce six AIP-equipped submarines. These submarines can remain submerged for 14 days, enhancing India's naval capabilities significantly. The decision comes amid increasing tensions and Pakistan’s limited AIP submarine fleet. Sources in the Indian Defence Ministry have lauded this collaboration as a strategic boost for India’s maritime defense. The project underscores Germany’s preference for reliable partnerships in sensitive military technology.

US President Donald Trump suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt, citing the region's destruction after Israel’s military actions. The proposal was supported by Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who called it a path to "new lives" for Gazans. However, Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, condemned the idea as an endorsement of war crimes. Hamas stated, "Our people will foil such displacement plans." The ongoing Gaza conflict, triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack, has resulted in 47,000 deaths. A ceasefire has facilitated limited prisoner exchanges but left Gaza in devastation.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan marked Republic Day 2025 at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. Dressed in white, Aamir participated in the flag hoisting ceremony, saluting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and singing the National Anthem. Pictures shared by Gujarat Information on X showcased Aamir honoring India’s unity and spirit at the iconic location. Aamir is also promoting his son Junaid Khan's romantic comedy Loveyapa, set to release next month. The actor, who last appeared in Laal Singh Chaddha, will star in Sitaare Zameen Par, a sequel to his 2007 hit, releasing mid-2025.