Five new fires have started in southern California just ahead of US President Trump’s visit. The fires, named Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2, erupted on Thursday in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties. Meanwhile, firefighters made progress on the 10,000-acre Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, containing 36% of it. The state has faced devastating fires recently, with over 37,000 acres burned and at least 28 deaths. Trump, critical of California’s fire response, plans to visit on Friday. Local firefighters hope federal aid will be provided to assist communities affected by the fires.

India criticised pro-Khalistani groups for disrupting the screenings of Emergency in the UK. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said freedom of speech should not be selective and called for action against the culprits. The film, starring Kangana Ranaut as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, highlights the 21-month Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Some Sikh groups have protested, claiming it misrepresents their community. The movie faced bans in Punjab and disruptions in UK cinemas. Ranaut expressed disappointment over the protests and praised British MP Bob Blackman for supporting the film’s right to screen. The controversy continues to draw global attention.

India will take back its citizens living illegally in other countries if their nationality is confirmed, said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He stated that illegal immigration is linked to organised crime, and India does not support it. Jaiswal said discussions on the number of people being sent back from the US are still early. He also clarified that illegal migration and trade are separate issues. On a related note, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit China on January 26-27 to discuss bilateral matters with Chinese officials. Updates on the meeting will be shared later, according to the MEA.

Storm Éowyn, with record-breaking winds of 114mph in Ireland, has disrupted travel, damaged buildings, and left over 800,000 without power across the UK and Ireland. Northern Ireland and Scotland face rare red weather warnings, while amber and yellow warnings cover much of the region. Rail, air, and ferry services are suspended, affecting thousands. Scotland has closed schools, and officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel. Motorways, including the A66 and A628, are shut due to strong winds. The Met Office predicts further chaos, with high-speed winds and heavy rain continuing into the weekend. Authorities emphasize safety amidst widespread disruption.

Afghan refugees seeking safety in the US feel abandoned after President Donald Trump’s executive order suspended resettlement programs, citing "record levels of migration." Families of US military servicemembers, like paratrooper Abdullah’s sister, face grim futures under Taliban rule. Refugees like Ahmad, who supported US operations, are left in limbo, their lives endangered. Over 10,000 applicants in final stages are affected, with Pakistan expelling Afghan refugees amid rising tensions. Former refugees criticize the decision as a "betrayal," citing years of collaboration with US forces. Advocacy groups call for reversing the order, highlighting grave humanitarian consequences. Refugees plead for international intervention.

Storm Eowyn has caused at least 334 flight cancellations across airports in Northern Ireland and Scotland, affecting 50,000 passengers. Impacted airports include Belfast International, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, with Edinburgh facing the highest disruption (146 flights). Dublin Airport also canceled 230 flights as strong winds battered the region. Belfast International Airport urged passengers to check with airlines for updates, while Edinburgh Airport emphasized safety over operations. Power outages left 715,000 homes and businesses across Ireland without electricity. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill urged residents to stay indoors during the red weather alert, which remains in effect until 2 PM.

The world's largest iceberg, A23a, spanning nearly 4,000 sq. km—six times the size of Mumbai—is 280 km from South Georgia Island, a British territory. Propelled by winds and currents, this trillion-ton "megaberg" calved from West Antarctica in 1986 and had remained grounded for decades. Scientists warn its collision with South Georgia could disrupt vital foraging routes for millions of seals and penguins, potentially starving their young. Tracking the iceberg’s slow movement via satellite, researchers are assessing its ecological impact. The British Antarctic Survey highlights the iceberg’s underwater size, 10x larger than its visible portion, and its potential environmental threat.

A 20-year-old woman in Mumbai’s Vasai area was allegedly raped by an auto-rickshaw driver, who later abandoned her unconscious near a temple. Medical examination revealed a cesarean blade and stones inside her body. Deputy Commissioner of Police Smita Patil confirmed the driver’s arrest, with further investigations underway. However, reports suggest the woman may have fabricated parts of the case. Authorities claim she inserted the objects herself, fearing parental scolding for staying out late. Police are examining her past, which includes two prior rape complaints, and suspect mental health issues. The case has sparked debates on sexual violence and victim credibility.

The Trump administration has launched a major crackdown on illegal immigration, arresting 538 migrants, including a suspected terrorist and gang members. Hundreds have been deported via military aircraft in what is described as the largest deportation operation in US history. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that those detained include individuals convicted of serious crimes such as sexual abuse of minors. The administration shared details of its efforts to "secure borders" following Trump's January 20 inaugural ceremony. A new executive order and the GOP-led "Laken Riley Act" aim to tighten immigration controls and address threats to national security.

Storm Éowyn, a powerful "bomb cyclone," is set to unleash destructive winds, heavy rain, and snow across the UK and Ireland. Red alerts have been issued for Northern Ireland and Scotland, with gusts of up to 161 km/h predicted. Schools are closed, public transit suspended, and citizens advised to stay indoors. Structural damage, power outages, and severe transport disruptions are anticipated. Authorities warn of life-threatening conditions, urging extreme caution. First Minister John Swinney emphasized avoiding red-alert zones. The storm is expected to taper off by Saturday, but amber and yellow warnings remain for widespread impact across affected regions.