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.

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.