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.

Dr. Avinash Gupta, a New Jersey-based cardiologist, has cautioned against pre-term cesarean deliveries amidst concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. The order denies citizenship to babies born to parents without lawful U.S. status, sparking fear among expectant couples on visas. Dr. Gupta emphasized that such procedures are “unethical” and pose significant risks to both mother and child, potentially leading to malpractice penalties. The controversial order faces legal challenges from 18 states and remains temporarily blocked by a federal judge. Dr. Gupta urged families to prioritize health over legal concerns, noting the order may not hold in court.

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia, targeting a Ryazan oil refinery and Moscow with 121 drones. Verified footage shows a massive fireball at the refinery, which Ukraine claims to have struck. Russia confirmed intercepting all drones, reporting no damage. Simultaneously, a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Hlevakha, Kyiv region, killed 3 and injured 1. Moscow’s air defenses repelled drones at four locations, causing temporary flight suspensions at two airports. Kyiv stated that its air defenses destroyed 25 of 58 Russian drones overnight. The escalating drone warfare highlights intensifying tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Five new fires have started in southern California just ahead of US President Trump’s visit. The fires, named Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2, erupted on Thursday in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties. Meanwhile, firefighters made progress on the 10,000-acre Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, containing 36% of it. The state has faced devastating fires recently, with over 37,000 acres burned and at least 28 deaths. Trump, critical of California’s fire response, plans to visit on Friday. Local firefighters hope federal aid will be provided to assist communities affected by the fires.

Afghan refugees seeking safety in the US feel abandoned after President Donald Trump’s executive order suspended resettlement programs, citing "record levels of migration." Families of US military servicemembers, like paratrooper Abdullah’s sister, face grim futures under Taliban rule. Refugees like Ahmad, who supported US operations, are left in limbo, their lives endangered. Over 10,000 applicants in final stages are affected, with Pakistan expelling Afghan refugees amid rising tensions. Former refugees criticize the decision as a "betrayal," citing years of collaboration with US forces. Advocacy groups call for reversing the order, highlighting grave humanitarian consequences. Refugees plead for international intervention.

The world's largest iceberg, A23a, spanning nearly 4,000 sq. km—six times the size of Mumbai—is 280 km from South Georgia Island, a British territory. Propelled by winds and currents, this trillion-ton "megaberg" calved from West Antarctica in 1986 and had remained grounded for decades. Scientists warn its collision with South Georgia could disrupt vital foraging routes for millions of seals and penguins, potentially starving their young. Tracking the iceberg’s slow movement via satellite, researchers are assessing its ecological impact. The British Antarctic Survey highlights the iceberg’s underwater size, 10x larger than its visible portion, and its potential environmental threat.

The Trump administration has launched a major crackdown on illegal immigration, arresting 538 migrants, including a suspected terrorist and gang members. Hundreds have been deported via military aircraft in what is described as the largest deportation operation in US history. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that those detained include individuals convicted of serious crimes such as sexual abuse of minors. The administration shared details of its efforts to "secure borders" following Trump's January 20 inaugural ceremony. A new executive order and the GOP-led "Laken Riley Act" aim to tighten immigration controls and address threats to national security.