India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with key US leaders, marking the first diplomatic meetings under the new Trump administration. Jaishankar’s discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz focused on strengthening bilateral ties and regional security. He also attended the first Quad ministerial meeting of the administration, highlighting the importance of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar, in Washington for Trump's inauguration, emphasized the growing partnership between the US and India. The meetings underline the new administration’s focus on deepening strategic relations with India.

Storm Eowyn is set to bring strong winds to the UK on Friday and Saturday, with gusts reaching up to 80mph in coastal areas. The Met Office has issued warnings for disruptions, including damage to buildings, power cuts, and travel delays across road, rail, and air. Parts of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will be affected, particularly coastal regions. The storm could cause large waves and debris to be thrown onto roads and properties. The public is urged to prepare by checking transport schedules and gathering emergency supplies.

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.

Actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed at his Mumbai home on January 16. The attacker, Shariful Islam, entered the building by climbing the wall while the security guards slept. He avoided noise by removing his shoes and switching off his phone. The police later recreated the crime scene at the Satguru Sharan building in Bandra. Saif, 54, suffered multiple injuries and needed emergency surgery. The attacker, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested three days later. He had been living in Mumbai for five months, working odd jobs. The case is under investigation, and the accused is in police custody.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in Washington DC. The meeting happened a day after Donald Trump became the 47th US President. Jaishankar thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for hosting the talks. He discussed ways to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific with leaders from the US, Japan, and Australia. Jaishankar also met Rubio and US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for separate talks. He said the Quad will stay a "force for global good." Jaishankar represented India at Trump’s inauguration and delivered a letter from PM Narendra Modi to Trump.

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.

India has agreed to repatriate 18,000 undocumented nationals from the US, aiming to strengthen ties and avoid a trade war with the Trump administration. The move aligns with India's efforts to promote legal migration and preserve key programs like H-1B visas. Cooperation comes amid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration and pushes to end birthright citizenship. Indian authorities also hope to mitigate overseas secessionist activities, such as the Khalistan movement. However, concerns arise over reintegration challenges and economic disruptions. India continues signing migration agreements with nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia, ensuring labor mobility while addressing illegal migration issues.

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.