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.

US President Donald Trump voiced support for the H-1B visa programme, saying, “We want competent people coming into our country.” At a press conference, he highlighted the need for skilled workers, not just in tech but also in other fields like hospitality and engineering. “By doing that, we’re expanding businesses, and that takes care of everybody,” he added. However, Trump also signed an order ending birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens. From February 20, only children with at least one American or green card-holding parent will get US citizenship. The move impacts many H-1B visa holders and their families.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order recognizing only two sexes, male and female, as "unchangeable biological classifications." This move mandates federal identification documents to reflect "sex" instead of "gender." Trump also repealed 78 executive actions from the Biden administration promoting diversity, equity, and LGBTQ+ rights. His administration has ended policies addressing discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Trump criticized diversity and inclusion programs as disadvantaging white men and vowed to create a "colorblind and merit-based" society. LGBTQ+ advocates condemned the rollback, highlighting its impact on marginalized communities. This aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to counter “woke” culture.

Israeli forces launched a major operation in Jenin, West Bank, killing 8 Palestinians and injuring 35. Dubbed "Iron Wall," the operation targeted armed groups, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aiming to "defeat terrorism." The raid followed drone strikes and involved heavy ground forces. Palestinian health officials reported medical staff among the wounded. Hamas called for retaliatory attacks. The operation coincides with rising violence in the West Bank since the October 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict. Palestinian officials condemned settler violence amid US policy reversals under President Trump. Israel asserts the raids aim to dismantle militant infrastructure and secure the region.

A historic snowstorm is sweeping across the southern United States, affecting regions from Texas to Florida. The first-ever blizzard warning was issued for parts of the Texas and Louisiana coast, with Houston and New Orleans experiencing rare snowfall. Over 2,000 flights have been canceled, and power outages are reported. Georgia officials confirmed one hypothermia-related death. Snowfall ranges from 1-3 inches in Houston to 3-5 inches in New Orleans. Schools are closed, and authorities urge residents to stay home. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson highlighted, “We don’t do ice well.” Snow is expected to subside by Wednesday morning.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration in Washington. Putin expressed readiness to engage in discussions on resolving the Ukraine conflict and managing nuclear arms. "We welcome Trump's desire to restore direct contacts with Russia and prevent war," Putin told Russia's Security Council. He emphasized hopes for "lasting peace" in Ukraine under Trump’s leadership. Previously, Putin extended congratulations when Trump won the U.S. presidential election, marking a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations. Analysts anticipate this dialogue may redefine geopolitical alliances and global peace efforts.

Mumbai Police found a cap belonging to Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, accused in Saif Ali Khan's stabbing case, in Jeh's room. Hair strands on the cap have been sent for forensic DNA analysis. Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national, allegedly entered India illegally seven months ago using forged documents. Currently in 5-day custody, police suspect a possible international conspiracy. Saif Ali Khan, attacked in his Bandra home on January 16, underwent emergency surgery and has since been discharged. Security at his residence has been heightened with new CCTV cameras. Investigators continue probing the attack’s motive and its broader implications.