India is closely monitoring Pakistan's recent sending of ISI agents to Bangladesh, following a high-level delegation led by Major General Shahid Amir Afsar. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India is vigilant about regional security developments and will take appropriate actions. This comes after Bangladesh's increasing ties with Pakistan, including a controversial decision to ease visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals. Experts warn of a rise in ISI and Jamaat activities in the region. India continues to support a democratic, progressive Bangladesh while addressing border security concerns.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the Ukraine crisis could have been avoided had Donald Trump been US president in 2022. Putin praised Trump as "smart" and "pragmatic," echoing his claim of a "stolen" 2020 election. Trump threatened severe sanctions on Russia, calling the conflict "ridiculous." Kyiv criticized attempts to sideline Ukraine in talks, with officials urging Putin to "come back to reality." Meanwhile, Russian strikes killed 3 in Kyiv, and Ukraine launched drone attacks on 12 Russian regions, including Moscow. Both nations remain locked in escalating hostilities, with no signs of resolution.

Former US President Barack Obama was spotted dining alone at a Washington, DC restaurant, intensifying rumors about his possible separation from Michelle Obama and alleged romance with actress Jennifer Aniston. Social media buzzed after reports claimed Aniston revealed their relationship to her inner circle. Obama’s solo outing happened before attending Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an event Michelle Obama did not attend. Despite speculation, Obama recently shared a heartfelt birthday post for his wife, calling her "the love of my life." Fans at the restaurant cheered his presence, applauding the 63-year-old leader during his visit.

Pete Hegseth has been confirmed as U.S. defense secretary after Vice-President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking Senate vote. The confirmation faced intense scrutiny due to allegations of sexual assault, infidelity, and excessive drinking, all denied by Hegseth. Three Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, voted against him, citing concerns over his qualifications and past behavior. Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, will manage a $849 billion budget and oversee 3 million personnel. Critics, including Democratic senators, questioned his experience, while supporters praised his commitment to military readiness and standards.

The Donald Trump administration has frozen all U.S. foreign aid, excluding military and emergency food funding for Israel and Egypt. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no new awards or extensions would proceed without review, aligning with Trump’s “America First” policy. This order impacts development and military assistance, including billions previously sent to Ukraine for its defense against Russia. Aid for PEPFAR, a life-saving anti-HIV/AIDS initiative, is also paused. The United States remains the largest global donor, contributing $64 billion in 2023. An internal review of foreign aid will conclude within 85 days, per Rubio's memo.

Five new wildfires erupted in southern California on Thursday, spanning Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties. The Hughes Fire, now 10,000 acres wide, has been contained by 36%, while other fires, including Border 2 and Laguna, continue to spread. President Trump plans to visit Los Angeles on Friday to assess the damage, amid controversy over his threat to withhold federal aid. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $2.5B aid package. Firefighters face elevated risks as winds persist, though expected rain this weekend may aid efforts. Concerns about potential mudslides loom over the burned areas.

Indian parents visiting their children in the US were denied entry at Newark Airport for not having return tickets, citing new 2025 immigration regulations under Donald Trump's second term. The couple, traveling on B-1/B-2 visitor visas for a five-month stay, was sent back to India despite their explanations. The enforcement of this unannounced rule has sparked confusion, as US immigration authorities did not publicly communicate the change beforehand. The incident has raised concerns among the Indian diaspora, urging travelers to ensure all documentation, including return tickets, is in order.

Hamas has announced the release of four Israeli female hostages under a ceasefire deal. Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag are set to be freed on Saturday, as part of a prisoner exchange. Israel has pledged to release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli female soldier freed. This comes after the initial swap last Saturday, where three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian prisoners were exchanged. The ongoing ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with US support, aims to pave the way for further negotiations and potentially withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza.

A four-member team from Pakistan’s Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) arrived in Bangladesh’s Rangpur district on January 23, raising security concerns in India. The district lies close to India’s militarily strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ area. Bangladesh security officials revealed that the visit, which follows an invitation from Bangladesh’s Lt Gen Kamr-ul-Hassan, may lead to further tensions. The team, led by ISI Chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, will likely visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The visits from both Bangladesh and Pakistan’s military officers are being seen as steps towards closer defense collaboration, sparking potential tensions in the region.

The Trump administration has commenced large-scale deportation operations, with the White House sharing photos of migrants boarding military aircraft. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed 538 illegal immigrant criminals were arrested, including a suspected terrorist and members of criminal gangs. The deportations follow President Trump’s executive orders aimed at overhauling immigration policies, declaring a "national emergency" at the southern border, and deploying additional troops. Trump promised severe consequences for illegal entry, describing the operation as the largest in history. Over 11 million undocumented migrants are estimated to live in the U.S., according to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics.