The United States has officially left the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026. The decision was started by President Donald Trump when he returned to office in 2025. The U.S. government said the WHO did not handle the COVID-19 pandemic properly and needs major reforms. With this move, the U.S. has stopped all funding and is no longer part of WHO meetings or programs. The exit also leaves about $260 million in unpaid dues. Health experts around the world worry this step may weaken global efforts to track diseases and respond quickly to health emergencies. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said a “big force” is going toward Iran, but he would “rather not see anything happen” as tensions with Tehran escalate. Speaking after the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump stressed that the US is closely monitoring Iran while remaining prepared for any scenario. The deployment reportedly includes an aircraft carrier strike group, signaling a show of strength amid ongoing unrest in Iran and global concerns over regional stability. Trump also indicated openness to dialogue with Iranian leadership despite the military buildup. (PC: AP)

Several UK political leaders attended a London protest on January 21, voicing concern over alleged atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. Dignitaries including Baroness Sandeep Verma, Lord Dolar Popat, MPs Navendu Mishra, Luke Murphy, Jim Dickson and Andrew Mitchell expressed solidarity with the Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora. Speakers described the situation as ethnic cleansing and assured efforts to raise the matter within the UK government. The protest highlighted incidents such as targeted killings, arrests of religious leaders and mob violence, urging Britain to take a stronger diplomatic stance.

A five-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as he arrived home from preschool with his father. School officials allege ICE instructed the child to knock on the family’s door to check for other occupants—an act they describe as using the boy “as bait” during the operation. Both Liam and his father were taken to a detention facility in Texas; the family has an active asylum case and no deportation order. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security maintain the child was not their target and that an officer remained with him for safety. The incident has provoked widespread criticism and concern over the treatment of immigrant families and children. (PC: Reuters)

Over 500 people gathered at Parliament Square in London on January 21, 2026, demanding international action against the alleged persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Despite cold and rainy weather, participants from diverse backgrounds joined the protest organised by the Bangladesh Hindu Association (BHA) with support from INSIGHT UK and other groups. Protesters highlighted long-standing discrimination, violence and killings of minorities. The demonstration attracted wide media coverage and strong online engagement, amplifying the issue globally. Organisers said the protest marked a renewed push to raise awareness and demand justice for affected communities. (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first Russia-US-Ukraine trilateral meeting at the technical level will be held January 23-24 in the United Arab Emirates. Speaking at Davos after meeting US President Donald Trump, Zelensky said "it's better than not having any dialogue" and hoped it would help end the war. He indicated Ukrainian officials met with Trump's team Thursday, who will then meet with Russian representatives. Zelensky emphasized "Russians should be ready for compromises," adding "everyone should be ready, not just Ukraine." He also stated Europe relies too heavily on US security and needs its own armed forces, questioning what happens if America doesn't help defend the continent. (PC: NDTV)

Former US President Donald Trump, attending the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, stated that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war must end. Trump confirmed he had met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the forum and announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon to discuss peace. Emphasizing dialogue, he called for negotiations and a swift resolution to the conflict, highlighting the humanitarian and economic toll of the war. His comments come amid ongoing global efforts to mediate and stabilize the region, as world leaders convene at Davos to address geopolitical and economic challenges. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan has been confirmed as a member of former US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace,” an international body aimed at promoting stability and peace in conflict zones, including overseeing reconstruction in Gaza. Israel has voiced strong opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion, citing concerns over Islamabad’s alleged links to Hamas and other militant groups. India, also invited to join the board, has not yet responded to the offer. The Board of Peace includes several other nations and is envisioned by Trump as a platform to address global conflicts, though some major Western countries have declined membership. (PC: Reuters)

A suspected gunman remains at large following a deadly shooting in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, Australia on Thursday afternoon, police said. Emergency services were called to Walker Street around 4:40 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Three people — two women and a man — were killed, and another man was seriously injured and taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition, authorities added. A major police operation and manhunt is underway in the small country town of about 1,500 residents, with armed units deployed and residents urged to stay indoors. The shooting occurred on a national day of mourning for victims of a previous mass shooting in Sydney, intensifying concern and prompting heightened law enforcement response. (AFP)

Global financial markets rebounded sharply as U.S. President Donald Trump walked back threats to impose tariffs on several European countries and ruled out seizing Greenland by force, easing investor concerns about potential trade wars. European stocks climbed, and Asian equities, especially South Korean markets, strengthened, lifting broader indexes. The U.S. S&P 500 notched its largest gain in months, while gold prices retreated from recent highs and the U.S. dollar steadied. Positive Australian jobs data lifted the Australian dollar, and traders eyed upcoming central bank meetings and economic data. Despite relief, analysts cautioned that volatility could return amid geopolitical uncertainties. (PC: AP)