US President Donald Trump unveiled his Board of Peace initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, claiming "everybody" wants to join. Trump chairs the Executive Council alongside Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel. While 59 countries are involved in Middle East peace efforts, 35 have agreed to join, with 20 formally becoming members including Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, Turkey, and several European nations like Hungary, Belgium, and Bulgaria. However, major European powers icncluding France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Slovenia declined participation. Countries can serve three-year terms or secure permanent seats by contributing $1 billion to a peace-building fund. (PC: AP)

Organisers of the London protest submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlining four key demands over alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. These include suspending UK aid and trade, initiating parliamentary debate, pursuing Magnitsky-style sanctions against perpetrators, and appointing a UK special envoy to monitor the situation. The Bangladesh Hindu Association stressed the protest was not against any nation or faith but against injustice. Organisers said continued advocacy and international pressure are essential to protect minority communities and ensure accountability. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has officially left the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026. The decision was started by President Donald Trump when he returned to office in 2025. The U.S. government said the WHO did not handle the COVID-19 pandemic properly and needs major reforms. With this move, the U.S. has stopped all funding and is no longer part of WHO meetings or programs. The exit also leaves about $260 million in unpaid dues. Health experts around the world worry this step may weaken global efforts to track diseases and respond quickly to health emergencies. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said a “big force” is going toward Iran, but he would “rather not see anything happen” as tensions with Tehran escalate. Speaking after the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump stressed that the US is closely monitoring Iran while remaining prepared for any scenario. The deployment reportedly includes an aircraft carrier strike group, signaling a show of strength amid ongoing unrest in Iran and global concerns over regional stability. Trump also indicated openness to dialogue with Iranian leadership despite the military buildup. (PC: AP)

Several UK political leaders attended a London protest on January 21, voicing concern over alleged atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. Dignitaries including Baroness Sandeep Verma, Lord Dolar Popat, MPs Navendu Mishra, Luke Murphy, Jim Dickson and Andrew Mitchell expressed solidarity with the Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora. Speakers described the situation as ethnic cleansing and assured efforts to raise the matter within the UK government. The protest highlighted incidents such as targeted killings, arrests of religious leaders and mob violence, urging Britain to take a stronger diplomatic stance.

A five-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as he arrived home from preschool with his father. School officials allege ICE instructed the child to knock on the family’s door to check for other occupants—an act they describe as using the boy “as bait” during the operation. Both Liam and his father were taken to a detention facility in Texas; the family has an active asylum case and no deportation order. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security maintain the child was not their target and that an officer remained with him for safety. The incident has provoked widespread criticism and concern over the treatment of immigrant families and children. (PC: Reuters)

Over 500 people gathered at Parliament Square in London on January 21, 2026, demanding international action against the alleged persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Despite cold and rainy weather, participants from diverse backgrounds joined the protest organised by the Bangladesh Hindu Association (BHA) with support from INSIGHT UK and other groups. Protesters highlighted long-standing discrimination, violence and killings of minorities. The demonstration attracted wide media coverage and strong online engagement, amplifying the issue globally. Organisers said the protest marked a renewed push to raise awareness and demand justice for affected communities. (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first Russia-US-Ukraine trilateral meeting at the technical level will be held January 23-24 in the United Arab Emirates. Speaking at Davos after meeting US President Donald Trump, Zelensky said "it's better than not having any dialogue" and hoped it would help end the war. He indicated Ukrainian officials met with Trump's team Thursday, who will then meet with Russian representatives. Zelensky emphasized "Russians should be ready for compromises," adding "everyone should be ready, not just Ukraine." He also stated Europe relies too heavily on US security and needs its own armed forces, questioning what happens if America doesn't help defend the continent. (PC: NDTV)

Former US President Donald Trump, attending the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, stated that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war must end. Trump confirmed he had met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the forum and announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon to discuss peace. Emphasizing dialogue, he called for negotiations and a swift resolution to the conflict, highlighting the humanitarian and economic toll of the war. His comments come amid ongoing global efforts to mediate and stabilize the region, as world leaders convene at Davos to address geopolitical and economic challenges. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan has been confirmed as a member of former US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace,” an international body aimed at promoting stability and peace in conflict zones, including overseeing reconstruction in Gaza. Israel has voiced strong opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion, citing concerns over Islamabad’s alleged links to Hamas and other militant groups. India, also invited to join the board, has not yet responded to the offer. The Board of Peace includes several other nations and is envisioned by Trump as a platform to address global conflicts, though some major Western countries have declined membership. (PC: Reuters)