The US Congress passed the GOP-led Laken Riley Act with a 263-156 vote, including support from 46 Democrats, marking President Trump’s first legislative victory. The bill mandates the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants charged with crimes like theft and assault. Named after a Georgia student killed by an undocumented migrant, the act has sparked debate over immigration policy. However, challenges loom as ICE estimates an additional $3.2 billion and 110,000 detention beds are needed for implementation. Democrats opposing the bill argue it could harm US foreign policy and overwhelm existing immigration resources.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's willingness to repatriate 18,000 undocumented Indians from the US, provided their identities are verified. Speaking during his Washington visit, Jaishankar stressed India's support for legal migration while opposing illegal mobility due to associated unlawful activities. “If we are sure they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return,” he stated. The remarks followed reports of India collaborating with the Trump administration to address illegal immigration. He also highlighted the importance of facilitating legal mobility to strengthen global opportunities for Indian talent.

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.

Comedians Kapil Sharma and Rajpal Yadav, along with two others, received a threat email that has been traced to Pakistan, police revealed. The email warned the celebrities of serious consequences, sparking immediate investigations. Authorities confirmed the IP address of the sender originated from Pakistan. Mumbai police have heightened security for the individuals involved and are coordinating with cyber experts to identify the culprits. “This is not a publicity stunt,” a police spokesperson clarified. The incident has raised concerns about cross-border cyber threats targeting prominent Indian personalities. The investigation is ongoing, with more details awaited.

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.

Twelve people were killed and seven injured in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district when passengers of the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express jumped off, fearing a fire, and were hit by the Karnataka Express on an adjacent track. Sparks from a "hot axle" reportedly caused panic among passengers, prompting them to pull the emergency chain. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the victims' families and ensured medical aid for the injured. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also expressed grief and directed officials to assist families. Eight ambulances were dispatched, and local hospitals were prepared to treat the injured.

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.

Saif Ali Khan met and hugged Bhajan Singh Rana, the auto driver who rushed him to the hospital after a knife attack on January 16. The actor, who was stabbed six times during a burglary attempt at his Bandra home, thanked Rana for his swift action. Saif’s mother, Sharmila Tagore, also blessed the driver for his help. Rana recalled the night of the attack, describing how Saif walked into the vehicle and asked how long the journey would take. The driver did not charge Saif any fare and expressed gratitude for being able to assist the actor during his time of need.