In a bold announcement, former President Donald Trump launched the Stargate AI project, backed by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son. The $500 billion project promises to create 100,000 jobs and transform AI infrastructure. However, tech mogul Elon Musk, excluded from the project, expressed doubts about its financial viability on social media. Musk, who has had a turbulent relationship with Altman, has filed lawsuits against OpenAI in recent years. Despite Musk’s criticism, Altman praised Trump, calling Stargate the most significant project of the era for the U.S.

In a gracious gesture, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden left an "inspirational" letter for his successor, Donald Trump, in the Oval Office. The letter, dated January 20, 2025, included a blessing: "May God bless you and guide you." Continuing a 36-year tradition, Biden’s note was discovered by Trump as he signed executive orders in the Oval Office. Trump expressed gratitude, calling it a "very nice letter" emphasizing the job’s significance. This marked a rare moment of cordiality between the two leaders following a tumultuous political history. Biden's thoughtful farewell highlights the importance of preserving presidential traditions.

Indian couples in the US are seeking preterm C-sections to ensure their children receive citizenship before February 20, when President Donald Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship takes effect. Doctors have reported a surge in requests for early deliveries, with some women in their seventh month seeking procedures. Medical experts warn about the significant risks of preterm births, including low birth weight and underdeveloped lungs. For many, this move reflects fears of uncertainty as thousands of Indians on temporary visas await green cards. Families say the decision is driven by desperation to secure stability and the "American Dream."

President Donald Trump criticized Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde after her inaugural prayer service sermon urging him to "have mercy" on LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented migrants. Trump called the bishop a “Radical Left hard-liner” and demanded an apology, accusing her of politicizing the church and delivering a “boring, uninspiring” service. The National Cathedral service emphasized unity, featuring leaders from various faiths, though conservative evangelicals were absent from the speaking roles. Budde’s sermon highlighted compassion and criticized divisive rhetoric. Social media reactions were mixed, with some praising her message and others defending Trump. The incident has sparked debate over religion and politics.

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.