President Donald Trump announced the creation of a Board of Peace for Gaza as part of the second phase of his peace plan to end the long-running conflict between Israel and Hamas. The announcement follows months of negotiations that led to a fragile ceasefire and the return of hostages held in Gaza.

Trump called the Board of Peace the “greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled” though he did not give details about its members. The board is meant to provide international guidance as Gaza moves from ceasefire conditions toward demilitarisation, rebuilding, and governance reforms. The names of the board members are expected to be revealed soon.

The board will oversee a new Palestinian technocratic body called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will manage daily affairs in the territory during the transition. The 15-member committee is designed to operate independently of Hamas and other political groups.

The plan focuses on moving from just maintaining the ceasefire to long-term stability. It calls for the full disarmament of armed groups in Gaza and rebuilding infrastructure and public services. Trump and his special envoy urged Hamas to follow demilitarisation commitments, warning of serious consequences if they fail. Regional partners like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are helping as mediators.

The peace plan also suggests deploying an international stabilization force and training Palestinian police units to maintain security. While the ceasefire has ended large-scale fighting, tensions remain, raising questions about the plan’s long-term success. The Board of Peace is meant to coordinate governance, reconstruction funding, and strategy, though some critics are concerned about outside influence and whether all parties will accept it.

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European forces, including troops from France, Germany, the UK, Norway, and Sweden, have landed in Greenland to support Denmark. Their arrival comes after tensions with the U.S., following President Trump’s controversial proposal to buy the Arctic island.

The Indian cybersecurity agency, CERT‑In, has issued a warning for users of Windows 10 and 11, following the discovery of a flaw that could allow attackers to access sensitive system data. The advisory is aimed at helping both individual users and businesses safeguard their devices before the vulnerability can be exploited.

The problem is in the Desktop Window Manager, which handles Windows’ interface and visuals. Due to memory handling issues, a local attacker could potentially access sensitive information. While this flaw alone does not allow hackers to remotely take over devices, it could help them plan more advanced attacks if left unpatched.

Windows versions affected include 10 (1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2) and 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2), as well as several Windows Server editions. CERT‑In has labeled the vulnerability medium risk, warning that exposed system memory could weaken protections against attacks.

The advisory urges users to install Microsoft’s latest security updates immediately. Regular patching, cautious use of accounts, and avoiding unverified software are key to staying safe.

No active widespread exploitation has been reported, but CERT‑In emphasizes that timely updates are the best defense. Both individuals and businesses are advised to treat the warning seriously to prevent potential data leaks and maintain the security of their systems.

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Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has removed Pritam Singh, the Indian-origin head of the Workers’ Party, from his position as Leader of the Opposition (LO), effective immediately. The move comes after Singh’s criminal convictions and concerns about his suitability to hold the parliamentary role.

Wong said the decision was made “after careful consideration” to uphold the “rule of law, dignity, and integrity of Parliament.” Singh’s removal follows a parliamentary motion passed on January 14, which expressed “regret” over his conduct and concluded he did not meet the standards expected of an LO. While all Workers’ Party MPs opposed the motion, it was supported by the majority of parliamentarians.

The issue traces back to Singh’s 2025 conviction for providing false testimony to a parliamentary committee regarding former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan. Singh was fined, and his appeal was dismissed by the High Court in late 2025.

Singh had been Singapore’s first formal Leader of the Opposition since the position was established in 2020. He will continue as a Member of Parliament and as secretary-general of the Workers’ Party, despite losing the LO role.

Prime Minister Wong has invited the Workers’ Party to nominate another MP to assume the opposition leadership, emphasizing that the candidate should not have been implicated in prior parliamentary committee findings and must meet high standards. The party said it will carefully consider its choice before responding.

The LO position, though not constitutionally enshrined, provides privileges including longer speaking time in parliament, higher allowances, and access to confidential government briefings. Singh’s removal is seen as a significant development in Singapore’s parliamentary politics, highlighting the emphasis on accountability and integrity in leadership roles.

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Manisha Sharma, a contestant on MasterChef India Season 9, has captured the hearts of audiences across the country, not only for her culinary talent but also for her inspiring personal journey. Hailing from Udaipur, Sharma’s story reflects resilience, determination, and the power of passion in overcoming life’s challenges.

At the age of 14, Sharma faced a severe health crisis that left her in a coma. After intensive treatment, she was diagnosed with secondary Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects movement and coordination. Rather than letting the disease define her limits, she turned to cooking as both a passion and a therapeutic outlet. The kitchen became a place where she could focus, create, and regain a sense of control, helping her navigate the physical and emotional difficulties of her condition.

Her journey on MasterChef India has been as emotional as it has been inspiring. In the show, she shares her story candidly, discussing how cooking has helped her cope with Parkinson’s and how it continues to fuel her dreams. Judges, including renowned chefs Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar, have praised her determination, skill, and the heartfelt connection she brings to her food. Her calm confidence in the high-pressure kitchen and her ability to maintain focus despite challenges have impressed both the judges and fellow contestants.

Viewers at home have also been deeply moved. Social media is filled with clips of Sharma’s cooking and moments from the show, with fans expressing admiration for her courage, positivity, and perseverance. Many have called her an inspiration and a role model, demonstrating that obstacles do not have to prevent anyone from pursuing their dreams.

Sharma’s story highlights a broader message celebrated this season of MasterChef India that talent and passion are not limited by physical challenges. She stands alongside other contestants who have overcome adversities, showing that dedication, creativity, and resilience can redefine what is possible.

Through her journey, Manisha Sharma has become a symbol of hope and inspiration. She demonstrates that with determination and love for one’s craft, it is possible to rise above personal challenges, touch lives, and leave a lasting mark—not just in the culinary world but in the hearts of everyone who witnesses her story.

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Bangladesh cricket is facing one of its toughest moments in recent years, as senior players have threatened to boycott matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) over controversial comments made by a top Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official. The situation has disrupted the league schedule and intensified tensions between players and the board.

The controversy began when BCB director M. Najmul Islam publicly criticised national cricketers, questioning their commitment and suggesting they had not earned the financial support provided by the board. He also hinted that players might lose compensation if Bangladesh withdrew from the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India. Many players and cricket insiders saw these comments as disrespectful and demoralising.

The situation worsened when Islam targeted former captain Tamim Iqbal, calling him an “Indian agent” after Tamim urged diplomacy in handling the World Cup issue. This remark drew sharp criticism from both current and former players, who viewed it as politicising cricket and unnecessarily inflaming tensions.

In response, the BCB publicly distanced itself from Islam’s statements and issued a formal show‑cause notice, demanding that he explain his comments within 48 hours. However, players, supported by the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), insisted that only Islam’s resignation would resolve the crisis. Their protest led to delays and cancellations of scheduled BPL fixtures, with teams refusing to take the field until the issue is addressed.

The standoff comes at a sensitive time, as Bangladesh prepares for the T20 World Cup, amid ongoing security concerns regarding participation in India. Analysts say the dispute highlights deep governance issues within the BCB and underscores a growing rift between players and administrators.

As of now, the league remains in limbo, and cricket fans in Bangladesh are anxiously watching to see how the BCB will manage both the domestic tournament and its relations with the national team. The resolution of this crisis is crucial not only for the league but also for the morale of players representing Bangladesh on the international stage.

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A humanoid robot has learned to lip-sync with human speech using artificial intelligence, offering a glimpse into more natural-looking robots in the future. Developed by researchers at Columbia University, the system allows the robot to move its lips in time with spoken sounds without relying on manually programmed instructions.

The robot was trained in stages. First, it learned how its own face works by observing itself and testing different facial movements. It then studied videos of people speaking, enabling it to match sounds with realistic mouth shapes and movements. This approach allows the robot to generalise across languages and speaking styles.

With 26 facial motors controlling its expressions, the robot uses AI to translate audio directly into coordinated lip movements. The result is smoother and more accurate lip-syncing compared to earlier humanoid robots, which often appeared stiff or unnatural.

Researchers say this capability is important for improving human-robot interaction, as people respond better to machines that look and behave more naturally. Possible applications include teaching, assistive care, and interactive media.

Although the technology is still developing, scientists believe it marks an important step toward expressive, socially aware robots that can communicate in ways humans find familiar and comfortable.

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Trevor Noah, the South African comedian and former Daily Show host, will return as the host of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, marking his sixth and final time at the helm. The ceremony will take place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena and be broadcast live on CBS while streaming on Paramount+.

Noah first hosted the Grammys in 2021, during the pandemic, and quickly became known for blending sharp comedy with genuine appreciation for music and the artists behind it. His ability to navigate a live, star-studded stage with humour and warmth has earned him praise from viewers and industry insiders alike.

In addition to hosting, Noah will serve as an executive producer, working alongside Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, and Jesse Collins. The Recording Academy highlighted his contributions, with Winston noting that Noah is “smart, funny, and a true fan of the artists and music.”

The 2026 Grammys are especially significant as this will be the final broadcast on CBS after more than fifty years. Starting in 2027, the ceremony will move to ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, marking a new chapter in its long history.

During his run, Noah has joined the ranks of frequent Grammy hosts, just behind Andy Williams, who hosted seven times in the 1970s. Over the years, Noah has been praised for his quick wit, ease on live television, and respectful yet entertaining approach to the music world.

This year, the Grammys spotlight the most celebrated artists of the eligibility period, from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, while stars like Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Jack Antonoff, and Sabrina Carpenter appear across key categories.

Fans can also expect a night filled with high-energy performances, heartfelt speeches, and memorable moments as Noah bids farewell to one of music’s most iconic stages. His final hosting gig reflects both the end of an era for CBS and the lasting impact he has had on the Grammys’ recent broadcasts, leaving behind laughter, charm, and a personal touch that has defined the past five ceremonies.

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The United States has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This step affects those applying for green cards, but tourist, student, temporary work, and other non-immigrant visas remain unaffected.

The US Department of State stated the measure is part of a review of visa screening procedures, with the goal of ensuring that incoming immigrants can financially support themselves and are not likely to rely on public welfare. The suspension applies to countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. Notable nations on the list include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Thailand, and Yemen.

Under the new rules, US embassies and consulates worldwide are instructed to pause the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from the affected nations. Limited exceptions may be granted, but only after enhanced public‑charge screening.

Critics warn that the move could significantly slow legal immigration for families, skilled workers, and professionals who have long been awaiting green cards. They also caution about potential diplomatic tensions and disruptions to established migration flows.

Supporters argue the measure is necessary to maintain financial self-sufficiency among immigrants and to prevent over-reliance on government support. The suspension will remain in effect until the State Department completes its reassessment of procedures.

The policy is one of the broadest immigration actions in recent years and highlights ongoing debates over the balance between security, economic factors, and humanitarian considerations in U.S. immigration law. While non-immigrant visas continue to be processed normally, green-card applicants from the 75 countries will face indefinite delays.

The administration has emphasized that the decision is not a reflection on the affected countries or their citizens, but rather a step to enforce stricter financial and procedural checks on immigrant visa applicants. Observers expect the pause to affect tens of thousands of applicants worldwide.

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International air travel faced fresh disruption after Iran temporarily shut its airspace amid growing political unrest and tensions with the United States. The sudden move affected several global airlines, including Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo, forcing them to cancel flights, change routes, and warn passengers of delays.

Air India said some of its flights to Europe, the US and the Middle East were either cancelled or rerouted to avoid Iranian airspace. The airline explained that longer alternative routes led to operational challenges, including crew duty limits and fuel constraints. Passengers were advised to check flight status before leaving for the airport, as schedules could change at short notice. Air India reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.

IndiGo also confirmed disruptions to a few of its international services. The airline said the airspace closure was beyond its control and assured customers that it was making efforts to minimise inconvenience. Affected passengers were offered options such as rebooking on alternate flights or refunds, as per airline policy.

Iran’s airspace is an important corridor for flights travelling between Asia and Europe. When it was closed, airlines had to take longer routes over other countries, increasing travel time and fuel costs. Several international carriers also chose to avoid flying over Iran as a precaution, even after the airspace reopened.

The closure came at a time of heightened tensions in Iran, with reports of protests against the country’s leadership and concerns over possible escalation with the US. While Iranian authorities did not give a detailed explanation for the shutdown, aviation experts believe it was a safety measure linked to the volatile situation.

The Indian government also issued an advisory, asking Indian nationals in Iran to leave if possible and warning against non-essential travel to the country. This added to concerns among travellers planning international journeys through the region.

Passengers with upcoming international flights have been urged to stay in touch with their airlines, monitor official updates, and allow extra time for travel. Airlines said disruptions may continue if the situation in the region remains uncertain.

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