The 11th Kolkata International Children's Film Festival, running from January 22-28, showcases 116 films from over 30 countries, including 12 Bengali titles. With a "Fantasy" theme, the festival brings iconic characters from Harry Potter, Aladdin, and Frozen to life. Screenings take place thrice daily at eight venues, such as Nandan and Rabindra Sadan, with free evening shows at Ektaara Mukta Mancha. Acclaimed Bengali films like Hirak Rajar Desh and Adventures of JoJo feature alongside global classics. Film-making workshops at Gaganendra Exhibition Hall add to the immersive experience, delighting children and film enthusiasts alike.

Brazil expressed outrage after 88 deported Brazilians arrived in Manaus from the US, handcuffed and reportedly denied water or air conditioning during the flight. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski condemned the "flagrant disregard" for human rights. One passenger, Edgar Da Silva Moura, described the "nightmare" conditions, including heat, dehydration, and respiratory issues. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva mobilized a Brazilian Air Force aircraft to ensure the deportees reached their destinations with dignity. Brazil's Foreign Ministry has demanded an explanation from the Trump administration, which recently intensified immigration crackdowns under a 2017 bilateral deportation agreement.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina applauded captain Rohit Sharma and the selectors for including young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad despite him not playing an ODI yet. Raina highlighted Jaiswal's hunger for runs and impressive List A record, averaging 54 with five centuries in 32 matches. Raina termed the inclusion as the "beauty of Indian cricket," emphasizing Jaiswal's dedication and readiness to represent India. While Jaiswal might warm the bench during the tournament, he could debut in the upcoming ODI series against England. His consistent performances have cemented his reputation as a promising cricketing talent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the US in February. He and President Donald Trump spoke on the phone, discussing ties between the two nations. Trump praised their relationship and said Modi would "do what’s right" on illegal Indian immigrants in the US. Both leaders agreed to work together for global peace and stability. The call also covered security, trade, and regional issues like the Indo-Pacific. Trump urged India to buy more US-made security equipment. The visit highlights the strong ties between the two countries. Modi last visited the US in September for the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

A second case of bird flu in a human has been found in England. The person caught the H5N1 virus on a farm in the West Midlands. They had contact with infected birds. Health experts say such cases are very rare and the risk to the public is low. The patient is in hospital but is doing well. No human-to-human spread has been found. All infected birds on the farm have been culled. Bird flu cases in birds are rising, and strict rules are in place. People are urged not to touch sick or dead birds and report them quickly.

Ahead of Mauni Amavasya on January 29, the Uttar Pradesh Police issued a traffic advisory for Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Vehicles are restricted in the Mahakumbh zone to ensure safety amid an expected rush of 8-9 crore devotees. Parking arrangements include designated spots near landmarks like Alopi Devi Temple and CMP Degree College. Pontoon bridges will have one-way traffic or be closed for safety. The area has been declared a "no-VIP zone." The police aim to provide a smooth and safe experience for attendees at this world-renowned religious gathering, where over 14.76 crore pilgrims have already participated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump in their first call since Trump’s second-term inauguration. Modi congratulated Trump and reaffirmed their commitment to a strong partnership. The leaders discussed boosting ties in technology, trade, defence, and energy. They also exchanged views on global issues like Ukraine and Gaza, agreeing to work together for peace and prosperity.   PM Modi later posted, "Delighted to speak with my dear friend President Trump. We are committed to a trusted partnership and global peace." The two leaders plan to meet soon at a mutually convenient date.

Selena Gomez shared a tearful video about Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, saying, “I’m sorry. I wish I could do something.” She expressed sorrow for the mass deportations and the suffering of children. “All my people are getting attacked. I don’t understand,” she added.   The singer later deleted the video but wrote in a follow-up post, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy.” Her emotional plea highlighted the humanitarian impact of Trump’s policies, including a recent operation that arrested 956 people. Gomez has consistently used her platform to advocate for human rights and social justice issues.

Scientists at the University of Oxford and GSK are developing a vaccine to stop cancer up to 20 years before it develops. The vaccine targets pre-cancerous cells, using advancements in detecting early cancer signs. GSK will invest £50 million in the research, which aims to identify and attack cancer-prone cells. Professor Sarah Blagden said cancers take years to form, and this vaccine could "detect the undetectable." Over 385,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer annually, with 167,000 deaths. This breakthrough could change the future of cancer prevention and save countless lives.

Israel said eight hostages, due to be freed in the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, are dead. Hamas provided a list confirming their deaths, matching Israeli intelligence. Families have been informed. Since the ceasefire on 19 January, seven hostages have been released in exchange for over 290 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for releasing the remaining 87 hostages, including three abducted before the war, continue. Israeli officials fear delays in freeing the remaining hostages, with some held in tunnels under Gaza for months. Talks for the next phase, including troop withdrawal and Gaza's reconstruction, start on 4 February.