The Royal Navy monitored the Russian spy ship Yantar near UK waters, with Defence Secretary John Healey warning Vladimir Putin of robust action. Yantar, equipped for surveillance and mapping undersea infrastructure, was detected 45 miles off the coast in the English Channel. This is its second appearance near UK waters in recent months. HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne tracked the vessel, with rules of engagement tightened to allow closer monitoring. Healey emphasized strengthened cooperation with NATO allies and announced RAF deployment for Baltic Sea surveillance. Calls for increased defense spending followed the incident, highlighting escalating Russian naval threats.

In an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump downplayed concerns over TikTok being a Chinese spying tool, stating the app will "stay around." The Supreme Court had recently upheld a ban on TikTok, but Trump signed an executive order extending its compliance deadline by 75 days. Trump dismissed spying fears, saying, "You can say that about everything made in China," referring to phones and computers. He also questioned the significance of spying on young TikTok users, calling other Chinese-made products a "bigger threat." The debate over TikTok's future and privacy concerns continues.

A tragic train accident in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district left 13 passengers dead and 10 injured after passengers of the Pushpak Express, fearing a fire due to sparks from emergency braking, jumped onto adjacent tracks. They were struck by the incoming Karnataka Express, traveling at 130 kmph. The deceased included nine men and three women, with three Nepal nationals. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh compensation for victims' families. The Railways confirmed there was no fire and announced an ex gratia of ₹1.5 lakh for the deceased. Authorities have launched a probe into the incident.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane sparked controversy by questioning the authenticity of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's stabbing incident. Speaking at a Pune event, Rane said, "When I saw Saif Ali Khan after he was discharged, I doubted whether he was really stabbed or just acting." Saif, 54, was hospitalized after being attacked by intruder Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national, who entered his flat intending to steal. The incident left Saif with multiple wounds, including one near his spine. Rane criticized opposition leaders for selectively supporting "a Khan" while ignoring Hindu actors.

The US Congress passed the GOP-led Laken Riley Act with a 263-156 vote, including support from 46 Democrats, marking President Trump’s first legislative victory. The bill mandates the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants charged with crimes like theft and assault. Named after a Georgia student killed by an undocumented migrant, the act has sparked debate over immigration policy. However, challenges loom as ICE estimates an additional $3.2 billion and 110,000 detention beds are needed for implementation. Democrats opposing the bill argue it could harm US foreign policy and overwhelm existing immigration resources.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's willingness to repatriate 18,000 undocumented Indians from the US, provided their identities are verified. Speaking during his Washington visit, Jaishankar stressed India's support for legal migration while opposing illegal mobility due to associated unlawful activities. “If we are sure they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return,” he stated. The remarks followed reports of India collaborating with the Trump administration to address illegal immigration. He also highlighted the importance of facilitating legal mobility to strengthen global opportunities for Indian talent.

The Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, California, has burned 9,400 acres near Lake Castaic, prompting evacuation orders for over 50,000 people. CAL Fire reported zero containment, with strong winds gusting up to 70 mph worsening the situation. Other fires, including Palisades and Eaton, continue to burn, with varying levels of containment. Residents face health risks from toxic ash, with LA Mayor Karen Bass urging precautions. Public health officials warned of potential exposure to heavy metals in the air. Firefighters are battling the blaze with air retardants, though conditions remain critical. Officials have urged residents to stay alert.

US President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war, labeling it "ridiculous," or face "high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions." Posting on Truth Social, Trump highlighted his "good relationship" with Putin but warned of harsher economic penalties if a deal isn’t reached soon. "NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST," he insisted, urging immediate negotiations. Russian UN ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy questioned the meaning of Trump’s proposed "deal." Meanwhile, Trump's executive orders suspended US refugee travel and mandated leave for diversity staff, signaling a flurry of domestic and foreign policy actions.

Over 2,000 migrants, including families with children, began their journey from southern Mexico to the United States on the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration. Starting in Tapachula near the Guatemalan border, migrants aim to reach Mexico City or the US, seeking better opportunities. Trump signed 10 executive orders enhancing border security, including resuming the border wall, shutting down the CBP One app, and reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). The orders require asylum seekers to remain in Mexico. Despite past dispersals of caravans, many hope for pathways into the US. States of emergency have been declared for border resource deployment.

A historic winter storm has brought heavy snow and freezing rain across the US Deep South, causing four deaths and record-breaking snowfall. Louisiana's New Orleans saw 10 inches of snow, shattering the 1963 record of 2.7 inches. Governors in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida declared states of emergency, with road closures and grounded flights affecting millions. Texas recorded its first-ever blizzard warnings, and temperatures plummeted to -40°F in Colorado. The storm disrupted operations at major airports and ports and triggered over 160 vehicle crashes in Harris County, Texas. Severe cold and snow continue to impact the northeastern US.