Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde urged US President Donald Trump to show compassion towards marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and undocumented immigrants, during his inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” she said. Bishop Budde, the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, condemned Trump’s executive orders rolling back transgender rights and eliminating birthright citizenship. She has long advocated for racial equality, gun violence prevention, and the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hammadi, a senior Hezbollah commander on the FBI's most-wanted list, was shot dead outside his home in eastern Lebanon on Tuesday night. Unidentified assailants fired six shots, killing Hammadi instantly. Local reports suggest the murder stemmed from a years-long family feud, ruling out political motives. Hammadi was notorious for his role in the 1985 hijacking of a West German plane and the killing of an American passenger. The incident coincides with an ongoing Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. Last year, several Hezbollah leaders were eliminated by Israeli forces, escalating tensions before the truce.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has captured satellite images of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Using advanced radarsat technology, the National Remote Sensing Center showcased a massive temporary infrastructure, including 1,50,000 tents, 3,000 kitchens, and extensive pontoon bridges. Time-series images reveal the transformation of the region from April 2024 to January 2025. The Uttar Pradesh administration uses these visuals to manage disaster preparedness and crowd control for the 40 crore expected visitors. Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the integration of technology and tradition to ensure safety and sustainability at the world’s largest religious gathering.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives across federal agencies, deeming them "immoral and wasteful." Effective immediately, diversity staff are placed on paid leave, with agencies instructed to dismantle DEIA programs and cancel related trainings by 17:00 EST Wednesday. Trump stated these policies violate civil rights laws and undermine national unity. The order also calls for a report within 120 days to discourage DEIA practices in the private sector. Companies like Walmart and Meta have scaled back similar programs, while others like Apple continue to defend theirs.

US President Donald Trump plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports from February 1. He says the step will stop fentanyl from entering the US via Mexico and Canada. Trump blames Chinese chemical companies for starting the fentanyl supply chain. The drug, a major health crisis in the US, is highly addictive. China’s foreign ministry responded, saying they will protect their national interests and oppose trade wars. Trump also claimed he had a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first term for harsher penalties on fentanyl dealers, which was not followed by President Joe Biden.

The Trump administration has issued a memo to federal agencies, mandating the suspension of all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) employees by 5 PM Wednesday. This follows an executive order signed by President Trump, labeling such initiatives as "dangerous, demeaning, and immoral." Trump's campaign pledge to dismantle diversity programs, claiming they discriminate against white people, has led to similar actions by corporations like Walmart and Meta. Some companies, including Apple and Target, have defended their DEI efforts. Critics argue the move undermines inclusivity in the workplace, intensifying debates about equity under Trump's leadership.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court lifted a stay on ancestral properties worth ₹15,000 crore belonging to the Pataudi family. These assets, including Noor-e-Saba and Ahmedabad Palace in Bhopal, may now fall under the Enemy Property Act, 1968. The Act allows the Centre to claim properties of individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-Partition. The court had earlier given the family 30 days to present their case before the appellate authority, but it remains unclear if they complied. Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh stated action would follow once court directives are finalized.

Ukraine launched drone attacks on a Russian oil depot near Liski and an aviation plant in Smolensk, causing fires and explosions. Kyiv claimed the facilities supplied fuel and military aircraft to Russian forces. Russia reported downing 55 Ukrainian drones. Donald Trump suggested new U.S. sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate peace. He also urged China to help end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for European unity, saying Europe must defend itself regardless of U.S. leadership changes. Meanwhile, Russia claimed advances in Donetsk, while Ukraine reported continued attacks near Kupiansk.

A fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu, Turkey, has claimed 76 lives, with some guests jumping from windows to escape. The fire broke out early on Tuesday in the restaurant area and spread rapidly. The hotel was fully occupied with 234 guests during a busy holiday season. Emergency services took over an hour to arrive due to bad weather. Survivors criticized the lack of fire safety measures. Nine people, including the hotel owner, have been arrested. President Erdogan declared a national day of mourning and vowed to hold those responsible accountable for the tragedy.

The Quad held its first meeting under Trump’s new term on January 21 in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met foreign ministers from India, Japan, and Australia. The group reaffirmed their commitment to a free Indo-Pacific and opposed “any unilateral actions” to change the status quo, indirectly warning China. India’s S. Jaishankar called the meeting significant, saying it highlights the group’s priority in global affairs. The Quad also discussed plans for a summit in India later this year. This meeting signals the group’s focus on countering China’s growing influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea.