Times of India

Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared for talks with US President Donald Trump regarding the Ukraine conflict, awaiting signals from Washington. Trump suggested lowering oil prices might end the war, but Russia dismissed this idea, citing security concerns and lack of dialogue. Putin also shows interest in resuming nuclear disarmament talks with the US.

India stands firmly against illegal immigration worldwide and is willing to facilitate the return of undocumented Indian nationals, provided their nationality is verified. The stance aligns with the government's support for legal mobility while opposing illegal migration. The US's recent deportation of 538 illegal immigrants highlights a stricter enforcement under President Trump's second term.

Saudi Arabia has tapped composer Hans Zimmer to revamp its national anthem as part of its modernisation efforts. Zimmer, known for scores like The Lion King and Dune, has agreed to the initial project outline, which includes a Saudi-inspired musical and a large concert. The kingdom's transformation includes reforms like allowing women to drive and launching projects like Neom, though critics argue these efforts mask ongoing human rights issues.

In 2025, Canada will unveil four new permanent residency pathways aimed at tackling labor shortages and creating more opportunities for foreign nationals. These initiatives include the Enhanced Caregiver Pilot for home care professionals, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot addressing workforce needs in rural areas, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot for French-speaking applicants, and Manitoba’s West Central Immigration Initiative focused on supporting workers in rural Manitoba.

US authorities arrested 538 migrants, including criminals and a suspected terrorist, and deported hundreds in a large-scale operation after President Trump's second term began. The operation included raids in Newark, New Jersey, causing concern among local leaders. The Trump administration also reinstated the 'Remain in Mexico' policy, affecting asylum seekers.

The ICC announced its Test Team of the Year 2024, featuring three Indian players - Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The team also includes players from England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, with Australia's Test skipper and fast bowler Pat Cummins named as the captain of the side.

ISRO is set for its 100th launch from Sriharikota with the GSLV-F15 mission on January 29, deploying the NVS-02 satellite for the NavIC system. This 17th GSLV flight highlights India’s technological capabilities, focusing on indigenous navigation with NVS-02 being a second-generation satellite, enhancing precise positioning services.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledges $600 billion in US investments, backed by Trump’s endorsement. This move might leverage Saudi influence on oil prices to pressure Russia amid the Ukraine war. However, reducing oil prices may challenge Saudi economic goals and strain Russia ties, complicating mediation efforts but offering potential strategic benefits.

Ravindra Jadeja excels for Saurashtra with match figures of 12 wickets for 104 runs, helping his team secure a 10-wicket win over Delhi within two days. This game marked Jadeja's first appearance in the Ranji Trophy since 2023, after the BCCI mandated state team participation for national players while not on India duty.

The Delhi High Court refuses to direct the Delhi legislative assembly to hold a special session for tabling CAG reports. Despite recognizing delays by the government, the court refrains from judicial intervention, emphasizing assembly's internal functions. The decision impacts proceedings before upcoming Assembly elections.

Ancient coins and pottery, estimated to be 300-400 years old, have been discovered in Sambhal at the historical site of Guru Amarpati, a contemporary of Prithviraj Chauhan. The site, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India since 1920, is part of ongoing efforts to preserve historical heritage in the area.

Budget 2025 halwa ceremony: The Halwa ceremony marking the final stage of the Union Budget 2025-26 preparation was held on 24 January 2025 in North Block, and attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

AAP has accused the BJP-led central government and Delhi Police of conspiring to kill Arvind Kejriwal. The party has requested the Election Commission of India to reinstate Kejriwal's security cover, alleging repeated attacks during his campaigns. Delhi and Punjab chief ministers claimed these threats were orchestrated under the directives of home minister Amit Shah.

10 opposition MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee and Asaduddin Owaisi, were suspended during a Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, following a ruckus. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the chairman of ignoring opposition requests and behaving autocratically. The meeting was previously disrupted in October due to a scuffle, with similar accusations of undemocratic conduct.

Rohit Sharma, seeking to regain form, played a quick 28 off 35 balls in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir after a disappointing first-innings score of 3. Despite his aggressive play, his innings ended when he was caught off Yudhvir Singh Charak's delivery. His performance aimed to overcome a recent lean patch in international series.

Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav's father, Naurang Yadav, passed away on January 24, 2025, while undergoing treatment at AIIMS in Delhi. Rajpal, who was filming in Thailand, rushed back to Delhi. News of his father's demise follows recent reports of death threats he received, along with other celebrities, from Pakistan.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released a parody video titled 'BJP's Got Latent' targeting BJP leaders, in response to BJP's parody 'Delhi's Got Latent' ahead of Delhi elections. Highlighting controversial remarks from BJP leaders, AAP's video parodies BJP politicians. Both parties are engaging in satirical campaigns as the February 5 elections approach, with vote counting on February 8.