The United States government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday after Congress failed to pass the 2026 budget on time. Talks collapsed after political disagreements stalled negotiations. Lawmakers said the shutdown may not last long, as the House is expected to approve a Senate-backed funding deal next week. Several non-essential government services have stopped for now. President Donald Trump remains in office during the shutdown. Some departments, including agriculture and veterans’ services, will continue working. However, agencies like defence, homeland security and health have begun formal shutdown procedures. (PC: AP)

The United States Department of Justice has begun releasing more than three million pages linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The release follows a law passed by Congress that ordered full disclosure of the files. The documents include emails, photos, and records involving many high-profile figures. Being named does not mean wrongdoing. Former US President Donald Trump is mentioned in earlier files and has denied any misconduct. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse said the release is only the beginning and called for full accountability. More documents are still expected to be made public. (PC: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services)

A US court has ruled that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted. Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed federal firearms charges that allowed capital punishment. Mangione, 27, is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty. The judge said the ruling only removes the death penalty option. Mangione still faces stalking charges and state charges, including murder, which could lead to life in prison. Prosecutors have 30 days to challenge the decision. (PC: Reuters)

The US Embassy in Bangladesh issued a security alert January 30 warning of potential "political violence" during upcoming general elections and national referendum scheduled for February 12. The advisory cautions that extremist attacks may target rallies, polling stations, and religious sites including mosques, churches, and temples. Washington advised US citizens to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings during the electoral period. These will be Bangladesh's first general elections since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster last year, marking a significant political transition. The warning reflects concerns about civil unrest during the high-stakes polls as the South Asian nation navigates its post-Hasina political landscape amid potential security threats at public venues. (PC: The Indian Express)

France is advancing a major digital safety law to ban children under 15 from using social media in an effort to protect youth from online harms such as cyberbullying and mental health issues. Lawmakers in the Assemblée Nationale approved the bill by a strong majority, and it now moves to the Senate before final passage. The proposal would require platforms to implement age-verification rules and could take effect by September 2026, aligning with international trends following Australia’s under-16 ban. The law also proposes extending smartphone restrictions in schools and has sparked debate over enforcement and digital rights. (PC: Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump warned the UK that working with China is “very dangerous.” His remarks came as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Starmer said the meeting was “very warm” and “productive.” The UK announced 30-day visa-free travel for British citizens to China. China also agreed to cut tariffs on Scotch whisky. Trump said, “You can’t look at China as the answer.” Starmer added he raised difficult issues, including human rights. The visit marks a reset in UK-China ties despite US concerns. (PC: AP)

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft sold in the United States, marking a sharp escalation in trade tensions with long-time ally Canada. The threat, shared on social media, targets Ottawa for refusing to certify jets from U.S. manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace, according to Trump, and comes without specifying when tariffs would begin. As part of the dispute, Trump also warned the U.S. would decertify Canadian aircraft, including models from Bombardier. The move follows previous tariff threats over Canada’s potential trade deal with China and expands an ongoing bilateral trade conflict with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Ankara for talks with Turkish counterparts aimed at preventing a potential U.S. military strike over Tehran’s crackdown on mass protests and its nuclear programme. Ankara is offering to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease spiralling tensions and has urged the U.S. to address disputes step-by-step. The U.S. has deployed a naval strike group to the Middle East, with President Trump warning of harsher action if Iran does not negotiate. Iran insists negotiations can’t happen under military threats and emphasises diplomatic engagement on equal terms. (PC: EPA)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, emphasizing the need for maintaining open dialogue on areas of disagreement while building a long-term strategic partnership. The visit, the first by a British leader in eight years, secured 30 days' visa-free travel for UK citizens visiting China for business and tourism. Starmer welcomed AstraZeneca's $15 billion investment in China and discussed lower Chinese tariffs on whisky. The three-hour summit and lunch covered trade, security, Ukraine war, and cultural topics. Starmer stated that engagement with major powers is directly linked to UK's domestic growth, calling China a vital global player.

A small passenger plane crashed in northern Colombia on Wednesday, killing all 15 people on board, authorities said. The aircraft, operated by state-owned airline Satena, was flying from Cucuta to Ocana when it lost contact minutes after take-off. Colombia’s transport ministry said rescuers later found the wreckage and confirmed there were no survivors. The victims included two crew members and 13 passengers, among them congressman Diogenes Quintero and political candidate Carlos Salcedo. The Beechcraft 1900 aircraft went down in a rural area of Norte de Santander, near the Venezuelan border. The cause of the crash is under investigation. (PC: Sky News)