A United Nations convoy delivered essential aid to Ain al-Arab, a Kurdish-majority town in northern Syria where a temporary ceasefire between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is in place. The town faces harsh conditions as electricity and water are cut, with the area surrounded by Syrian government forces. The ceasefire, extended by 15 more days, aims to assist in transferring detainees linked to ISIL from SDF prisons to Iraq, but tension remains as both sides accuse each other of violations.
Key Facts
The UN convoy brought life-saving aid like fuel, bread, and food packages to Ain al-Arab.
Ain al-Arab is surrounded by Syrian government forces and borders Turkey to the north.
A ceasefire between the Syrian army and the SDF is currently in effect and has been extended by 15 days.
The ceasefire aims to assist in moving 7,000 ISIL-linked detainees from SDF prisons to Iraq.
Despite the ceasefire, both sides have accused each other of attacks and violating the truce.
The town has been cut off from electricity and water for several days.
Ain al-Arab has filled up with people fleeing from Syrian army advances in the northeast.
China is actively engaging in global affairs across various regions, including the Middle East and Latin America, with a focus on building influence and forming economic partnerships. The country aims to manage a strategic rivalry with the United States while presenting itself as a stable economic power. China uses its Belt and Road Initiative to develop trade routes and gain influence without direct military involvement.
Key Facts
China is engaging in foreign policy activities in multiple regions worldwide, including the Middle East, Latin America, and the Arctic.
The country seeks to expand its influence while maintaining the idea of a "peaceful rise" and non-interference in other countries' internal matters.
President Trump’s recent foreign policy decisions have increased tensions with China.
China sees increased U.S. geopolitical pressure as an opportunity to strengthen its ties with Europe.
Beijing aims to develop trade routes through Iran to reduce dependence on maritime paths exposed to risks.
In Syria, China supports a political resolution and reconstruction instead of military involvement.
China is growing its influence in Africa and Latin America through trade and infrastructure investments.
These actions are causing concern in the U.S. and other Western countries, fearing a shift in global power structures.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about heavy snow from Storm Fern, which is expected to impact 14 U.S. states through Monday. The storm is forecasted to bring rapid snow accumulation and dangerous travel conditions.
Key Facts
Storm Fern is expected to impact 14 states, bringing heavy snow and hazardous conditions.
The affected states include Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Ohio, New York, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
Connecticut could see snow totals reaching up to 20 inches by Monday evening.
Massachusetts could experience up to 20 inches of localized snow in some areas by Monday night.
Parts of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio are advised to expect blowing snow and dangerous travel conditions.
New York could receive between 7 and 16 inches of snow through Tuesday morning.
Vermont may see storm totals of up to 18 inches of snow by early Tuesday.
Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia could face up to 2 inches of snow and 45 mph winds, leading to hazardous conditions.
The article discusses the "yellow line," a demarcation line created by the Israeli military inside the Gaza Strip, which marks a buffer zone following a ceasefire. This line divides Gaza into areas of different control and impacts civilian life and security in the region.
Key Facts
The yellow line marks the Israeli army's redeployment inside Gaza following an October ceasefire.
The line extends 1.5km to 6.5km (0.9 to 4 miles) from Gaza's eastern boundary with Israel.
It covers about 58% of Gaza and divides it into eastern and western zones.
The east is under Israeli control, while the west faces air strike threats and displacement.
Over 80% of Gaza's buildings have been damaged or destroyed by over two years of conflict.
Residents near the yellow line live with ongoing military activities like shelling and demolitions.
The line has shifted many times, affecting movement and access for Palestinians.
The UN reports that more than 70% of Gaza was under evacuation or unsafe at times.
Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President, stated that more countries might seek nuclear weapons if the New START treaty expires next month without renewal. Medvedev emphasized the need for the U.S. and Russia to extend this treaty, which limits nuclear weapons and promotes data sharing and inspections. He highlighted the importance of restoring U.S.-Russia relations amid global instability.
Key Facts
Dmitry Medvedev warned that the number of countries with nuclear weapons might increase.
The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limits nuclear arms between the U.S. and Russia.
The treaty is set to expire on February 5 unless the U.S. and Russia agree to extend it.
Russia suspended its participation in the treaty in 2023 over tensions regarding U.S. support for Ukraine.
President Trump is open to negotiating a better agreement with Russia after the treaty expires.
A recent poll found that 91% of Americans support negotiating a new arms control agreement with Russia.
Medvedev urged the U.S. to respond to Putin's offer to extend New START without preconditions.
If the treaty expires, Medvedev predicts other countries might pursue nuclear capabilities due to global instability.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle showed their new documentary, "Cookie Queens," at the Sundance Film Festival. The film received mixed reactions, with some reports praising the standing ovation it got, while others noted that the theater was not full during the screening.
Key Facts
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle presented their documentary "Cookie Queens" at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film is directed by Alysa Nahmias and follows Girl Scouts during their cookie-selling season.
It premiered at the Eccles Theatre in Park City, Utah, on January 25, 2026.
Reports highlight a standing ovation lasting over two minutes, a rarity for the venue.
The documentary received positive reviews for its engaging portrayal of young Girl Scouts.
Some critics pointed out that the theater was not completely full during the screening.
The couple is under pressure for a successful project due to previous shows not ranking high in viewership.
Meghan Markle spoke about the film's meaningful portrayal of girlhood and leadership.
Venezuelan authorities have released over 100 individuals identified as political prisoners, according to a rights group called Foro Penal. The releases are part of a broader effort by acting President Delcy Rodriguez to allow more political diversity following political unrest. The actual number of releases remains uncertain as the rights group challenges the government's reported figures.
Key Facts
Venezuelan authorities freed over 100 political prisoners on a recent Sunday, according to Foro Penal.
Among those released were lawyer Kennedy Tejeda and student Juan Francisco Alvarado.
Kennedy Tejeda had been detained since August 2, 2024, after supporting political prisoners legally.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the releases as a step toward political change.
The Venezuelan government claims they have released over 600 prisoners recently.
Rights groups argue that the actual number of those freed is likely about half of what the government reports.
Foro Penal reported there were 777 political prisoners in Venezuelan jails as of January 19.
Delcy Rodriguez plans to speak with the United Nations to verify the number of released prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a security agreement with the United States is ready to be signed. This comes after talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi. The agreement aims to ensure Ukraine's security amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy said the security agreement with the U.S. is ready for signing.
The plan is to present the agreement to the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian parliament.
Discussions also focused on Ukraine's potential European Union membership by 2027.
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Abu Dhabi to discuss ending the ongoing conflict.
Differences remain over territorial issues, with Ukraine refusing to give up eastern regions.
Russian President Putin and U.S. representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, discussed possible solutions.
Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw troops from the east, which Ukraine opposes.
Another round of talks is expected to take place in Abu Dhabi next Sunday.
At least 15 people died after a ferry with more than 350 people onboard sank off the southern coast of the Philippines. Rescuers saved 316 people, but 28 remain missing as authorities investigate the cause of the accident.
Key Facts
A ferry called the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off the southern coast of the Philippines.
It was carrying more than 350 passengers and crew members.
15 people died in the incident.
Rescuers saved 316 people.
28 people are still missing.
The ferry was traveling from Mindanao to Jolo island.
Rough waters were reported in the area when the accident happened.
The Philippines has a history of ferry accidents, often due to poor maintenance and overloading.
Australian authorities have issued heatwave warnings across most of the country as people celebrate Australia Day. High temperatures and the risk of fires have led to canceled events and affected the Australian Open tennis tournament. Cyclone Luana also hit parts of Western Australia over the weekend, causing damage before weakening.
Key Facts
Heatwave warnings were issued for most of Australia.
Temperatures could reach up to the high 40s Celsius, particularly in Victoria and South Australia.
Some Australia Day events were canceled due to the extreme heat.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned about extreme fire dangers in South Australia and Victoria.
Firefighters are working to control several fires in Victoria.
The Australian Open was affected by the heat, with some matches suspended.
Tropical Cyclone Luana hit Western Australia, damaging homes and resorts.
People are advised to stay cool indoors, use places like libraries and shopping centers, and keep their homes shielded from heat.
Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are having talks in Abu Dhabi to try to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia wants Ukraine to give up control of the Donbas region, while Ukraine opposes this demand due to legal and moral reasons. President Trump and Russian President Putin have not scheduled direct talks, but they could happen quickly if needed.
Key Facts
Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are holding talks in Abu Dhabi to discuss the war in Ukraine.
The discussions aim to end the war, which will reach its fourth year in February.
Russia wants control over Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, including Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukraine controls two major cities in Donetsk: Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
Ukraine opposes giving up territory, due to legal and moral reasons, and cannot hold a referendum due to martial law.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks so far as "constructive."
No direct talks between President Trump and President Putin are currently planned, but they could be arranged quickly if needed.
A U.S. warship, the USS Cincinnati, visited Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, which was recently upgraded with Chinese funding. This marks a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Cambodia to maintain a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region, despite China's significant military presence at the base. The visit also highlights the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Cambodia in the region.
Key Facts
The USS Cincinnati, a type of warship called an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, visited Cambodia's Ream Naval Base.
The Ream Naval Base was upgraded last year with funding from China.
The U.S. Navy and Cambodia are working together for regional security in the Indo-Pacific area.
China has a joint logistics and training center at the base, used by both Chinese and Cambodian militaries.
The visit is part of efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea.
Littoral combat ships are designed to operate close to shore and are agile and fast.
Japan was the first foreign country to visit the upgraded base, sending ships last year.
The Pentagon reports that China continuously maintains a rotating presence of ships at the base.
Japan is sending its last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, back to China amid tense relations between the countries. Many people gathered at a Tokyo zoo to say goodbye to the pandas, marking the first time since 1972 that Japan will be without any pandas. This move comes as diplomatic ties between Japan and China worsen due to Japan's stance on Taiwan.
Key Facts
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei are twin giant pandas born in 2021 in Japan.
The pandas are returning to China as a long-standing rule states that China owns all pandas on loan to other countries.
Thousands of people queued for hours at Ueno Zoo to see the pandas before they leave.
Japan will not have any pandas for the first time since 1972, the year Japan and China established formal diplomatic relations.
Tensions between Japan and China have risen following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.
China often uses pandas as diplomatic gifts, but retains ownership of them.
More than 108,000 people competed for 4,400 viewing slots to see the pandas.
China's panda loans sometimes coincide with trade negotiations, like a 2011 deal with the UK.
On January 25, Ukraine was dealing with the aftermath of Russian missile and drone attacks, which left many buildings in Kyiv without heating. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted the need for more air defenses and mentioned progress in talks with the US about security guarantees. Meanwhile, trilateral talks with Russia and the US saw some advancement, but a lasting peace deal remains elusive.
Key Facts
Over 1,300 apartment buildings in Kyiv were still without heating after Russian attacks.
Russia has launched over 1,700 drones, 1,380 aerial bombs, and 69 missiles at Ukraine recently.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for more air defenses.
Zelenskyy reported progress in US security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US showed some headway on a 20-point plan.
Lithuanian President stated Russia is not committing to a lasting peace or ceasefire.
Pope Leo called for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting civilian suffering.
North Korea reportedly sent thousands of troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine.
France detained the captain of a tanker linked to Russia's "shadow fleet" for sanctions evasion.
A ferry in the Philippines, with over 350 people on board, sank near Basilan province, resulting in at least seven deaths. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many passengers still missing.
Key Facts
The ferry was traveling from Zamboanga to Jolo island in the Philippines.
It sank near Basilan province after midnight on Monday.
The ferry had 332 passengers and 27 crew members registered.
215 people have been rescued, and seven bodies have been recovered.
There are still 144 people missing, with search efforts underway.
Local officials confirmed at least eight deaths.
Rough seas and darkness are making rescue efforts difficult.
An investigation is being conducted to find out why the ferry sank.
The Labour Party in the UK is experiencing internal conflict after party leader Sir Keir Starmer blocked Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, from running in a parliamentary by-election. This has led to criticism from within Starmer's party, with some members arguing the move could harm the party's chances in upcoming elections. Separately, top Republicans in the U.S. are criticizing President Trump following a second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was blocked by the Labour Party's ruling body from running in a by-election.
Senior Labour figures, including Ed Miliband and Angela Rayner, advised Starmer to allow Burnham to stand.
There are concerns that blocking Burnham might lead to Labour losing the seat to Reform UK.
Some Labour members have called the decision a "stitch-up" by party leaders.
Top Republicans in the U.S. have criticized President Trump over a fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed concern about Trump receiving poor advice.
Democrats are considering a government shutdown in response to the incident.
Former President Barack Obama described the shooting as a "wake-up call."
The UK will join nine European countries in a project to create offshore wind farms in the North Sea, with plans to connect them to multiple countries using undersea cables called interconnectors. This initiative aims to strengthen energy security and reduce costs. The project is expected to be completed by 2050.
Key Facts
The UK will partner with nine European countries, including Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, on offshore wind farms.
The wind farms will use undersea cables, known as interconnectors, to link to multiple countries, which could lower regional electricity prices.
This project aims to improve energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The UK Energy Secretary plans to sign a declaration in Hamburg, Germany, to commit to completing the project by 2050.
There are concerns about the impact of wind farm operators selling power to the highest bidder, potentially increasing electricity prices when supply is low.
The UK already uses 10 undersea interconnectors to link its electricity grid with Europe, which has saved UK consumers £1.6 billion since 2023.
Norway has some restrictions on electricity exports during domestic shortages and refused an interconnector with Scotland.
The project is part of a broader goal by North Sea countries to build 300 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity, with 100GW to be built jointly.
Tens of thousands of children in England are waiting over a year for NHS community services, like speech therapy and disability support. Health leaders say these long waits harm children's development and stress the need for more investment in community care. The UK government has a plan to improve access by boosting community services.
Key Facts
Over 75,000 children in England have waited more than a year for NHS community care.
Services affected include hearing support, speech therapy, and disability services.
About a quarter of 300,000 children waiting face delays longer than 12 months.
The UK government acknowledges the issue and plans to invest in community services.
Parents, like Tiya Currie, sometimes pay privately due to long NHS waiting lists.
The Royal College of Paediatrics reports similar delays in other parts of the UK.
NHS leaders advocate for increased investment in community services to match hospital funding.
An unresolved murder in Belfast from 1994 involving loyalist paramilitaries is at the center of a legal battle over the release of secret information. The family of the victim, Paul Thompson, believes state agents may have been involved in the killing, and they are fighting a policy that restricts the release of national security information. The case reached the UK Supreme Court to determine who has the authority to decide what information can remain secret.
Key Facts
In April 1994, Paul Thompson was shot and killed by loyalist paramilitaries in Belfast.
The group responsible was the Ulster Defence Association, using the name Ulster Freedom Fighters.
A hole in a boundary called the 'Peace Line' allowed the attackers to escape.
An inquest into the murder started in 1995 but never concluded, and no one has been arrested.
The family suspects collusion between British security forces and the killers.
In 2024, a coroner decided to release a summary of secret information about the case to the family.
The British government and MI5 opposed this release, claiming national security concerns.
The case went to the UK Supreme Court to decide on the power to release such information.
Files leaked from Interpol show that Russia has been using the agency's wanted list to target critics living abroad, such as political opponents and journalists. The leaked data also reveals that more complaints have been made against Russia's use of Interpol than any other country. Measures introduced by Interpol to prevent such abuse after Russia's invasion of Ukraine do not appear to have been fully effective.
Key Facts
Russia has allegedly placed critics on Interpol's wanted list to request arrests.
A whistleblower leaked thousands of Interpol files showing this alleged misuse.
Russia accounts for the most complaints to Interpol's complaints unit, over three times more than Turkey, the next highest country.
Interpol implemented additional checks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine to prevent misuse.
Leaked documents indicate some of these measures were abandoned in 2025.
Interpol claims its current systems are strong and help arrest serious criminals globally.
A red notice alerts 196 member countries to locate and arrest an individual.
Russian businessman Igor Pestrikov fled to France and was named in a red diffusion, affecting his life significantly.
