U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Panama, where he urged Panamanian authorities to exempt U.S. government ships from canal tolls. Following his visit, the U.S. State Department announced that Panama has agreed to waive toll fees for U.S. government vessels, potentially saving millions of dollars. In November, former President Donald Trump had vowed to reclaim control over the Panama Canal. Rubio also raised concerns about Chinese investments in the canal, alleging that Panama had violated the 1997 agreement. As a result, Panama has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, China has denied any interference in Panama’s sovereignty, reaffirming its commitment to recognizing the canal as a neutral international waterway.

In three separate incidents in recent weeks, one person was killed and 15 others were arrested while attempting to cross into Canada from the United States. The arrested individuals are from various nationalities, while the deceased was confirmed to be a U.S. citizen, according to Canada's Assistant Police Commissioner. Using thermal imaging and aerial footage, authorities demonstrated their advanced border security measures. The U.S. citizen was fatally shot while attempting to flee after being stopped near the Coutts Port of Entry. A day prior to the incident, five individuals were arrested, and six more were detained on January 14.

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs, Mexico has deployed 10,000 National Guard and military personnel along its border. Troops have been seen patrolling areas near Tijuana and Juarez. Despite a decline in drug trafficking and illegal migration over the past year, Trump has declared a border emergency. The U.S. administration aims to curb arms smuggling and violence, as criminal groups compete to control the lucrative migrant smuggling industry.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned U.S. President Donald Trump against supporting actions that could lead to ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Speaking at the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Guterres emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and avoiding policies that could worsen the crisis. He reiterated that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The United States has deported 104 Indian nationals via a military aircraft as part of its strict immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The C-17 aircraft carrying the deportees from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab landed in Amritsar. This marks the longest-distance deportation flight since military aircraft were allocated for migrant transportation. Relatives of the deported individuals expressed their distress, stating that they endured extreme hardships to reach the U.S., only to be sent back. One returnee, Akashdeep, spent $60,000—selling two-thirds of his property—only to be deported within seven months.

Russia and Ukraine have successfully exchanged 150 prisoners each under a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The released soldiers have been transferred to Belarus, where they are receiving medical and psychological support, with plans to reintegrate them into service in the near future. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the exchange and expressed gratitude to the UAE for its mediation. Earlier, in mid-January, both sides had exchanged 25 prisoners each as part of their ongoing negotiations.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a former Saudi ambassador to the United States, has strongly condemned Donald Trump’s recent comments on Gaza, warning that his proposed plans for control of the region amount to ethnic cleansing. He stated that forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza would lead to bloodshed and conflict. He urged Arab and Muslim nations, along with other global powers and Europe, to raise the issue at the United Nations to demonstrate global opposition to such an extermination plan. He further accused Trump of fully endorsing Israel’s stance, stating that the former U.S. president has aligned his position with that of recently resigned Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has offered all employees an early retirement package, providing eight months’ salary and benefits in exchange for resigning. This move is part of the federal government’s downsizing policy. However, mass layoffs are not expected. Given the CIA’s critical role in national security, this proposal has raised concerns. After taking office in January, Trump halted new CIA recruitments. Reports suggest that Trump wants to use the CIA in operations against drug cartels.

Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA). He has also ordered the withdrawal of the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council. Trump has hinted at reviewing U.S. funding for the UN and reconsidering relations with UNESCO. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, expressed interest in strengthening ties with the U.S. to save lives amid global turmoil. The White House has stated that it will reconsider U.S. funding contributions, arguing that the U.S. has been treated unfairly compared to other countries.

Facing heavy losses, North Korea withdrew its troops from Russia’s Kursk battlefield in January, according to South Korean claims. Reports suggest that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed, with over 300 killed and 2,700 either injured or captured. Earlier, Ukrainian military experts claimed that North Korean troops had fled the battlefield due to severe casualties.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has likened former U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policy to Adolf Hitler’s nationalist slogan, "Germany Above All." In an op-ed, Lavrov argued that such a stance undermines the post-war global order built on the UN Charter and sovereign equality. He expressed hope that the U.S. would shift away from dominance and cooperate as an equal global power, emphasizing Russia’s willingness to work together.

After a meeting with Netanyahu, Donald Trump announced in a press briefing that the U.S. will take ownership of war-torn Gaza, relocate Palestinians elsewhere, and develop the region economically. Trump stated that Gaza will be cleared of destruction and transformed into a prosperous economic zone under U.S. ownership. He also mentioned the possibility of deploying troops if necessary. Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that Gaza should never become a security threat again.

According to a report by German news outlet Deutsche Welle, Indonesia is in final discussions to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India in a deal worth $450 million. If finalized, Indonesia would become the second ASEAN country after the Philippines to acquire the missile. Last month, during his visit to India for Republic Day celebrations, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with the CEO of BrahMos in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, the Chief of the Indonesian Navy, along with a high-level delegation, inspected the missile. The BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India and Russia. Analysts suggest that amid rising tensions with China, Indonesia is seeking to modernize its naval and military forces, making this purchase a strategic move.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying Indian immigrants has departed for India, marking the beginning of the U.S. initiative to deport illegal Indian immigrants. Previously, the U.S. had deported undocumented migrants to Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, and Brazil. In January, India’s Foreign Minister stated that India has no objections to taking back its illegal immigrants, a message also conveyed to the U.S. Secretary of State. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on February 13 in Washington, which is being described as a meeting between two close allies.

The death toll in Hamas-controlled Gaza has risen to 61,709, with over 14,000 people presumed dead. Among the casualties are 17,881 children. Over 6,000 Palestinians have been detained by Israeli forces, while more than 2 million people have been forcibly displaced. The number of injured has reached 111,588. According to Gaza’s government information, 76% of the missing bodies have been recovered and taken to medical facilities. However, an estimated 14,222 bodies are still trapped under the rubble. The ongoing war has also claimed the lives of 1,155 healthcare workers, 205 journalists, and 194 civil defense personnel.