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United States (US) President Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan delivered a message to Pope Francis by saying that the sovereign of the Vatican City State should focus on fixing the Catholic Church.
In an interview with American news network Newsmax, Homan on Friday (January 24) reacted to the remarks that Pope Francis made this week. Francis had called the mass deportations being carried out by the Trump administration a "disgrace."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-deploys-1500-extra-troops-on-border-with-mexico-8646434" rel="dofollow">US </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-deploys-1500-extra-troops-on-border-with-mexico-8646434" rel="dofollow">President Trump deploys 1,500 extra troops on border with Mexico</a>
"If this is true, it is a disgrace, because it makes the poor unfortunate who have nothing pay the price of imbalance. This is not how things are solved," Pope said during an interview earlier this week.
<h2>Homan counters Pope</h2>
Speaking to Newsmax, Homan said on Friday, "Well, let me give a message to the pope: I'm a lifelong Catholic. I was born Catholic. I've been through Catholic doctrine."
"Look, you only concentrate on fixing the Catholic Church, first of all. He's (Trump) got big problems there," he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-cracks-down-on-immigrants-some-families-wonder-whether-to-send-kids-to-school-8646595" rel="dofollow">As Trump cracks down on immigrants, some families wonder whether to send kids to school</a>
Trump's border czar also highlighted that there is a wall in the Vatican and that entering the European country illegally is a serious crime.&nbsp;
"So he can protect the Vatican where he lives; he can build a wall where he lives, where American people are not allowed that? No," Homan further told the network.
<h2>A show of force on illegal immigration</h2>
Less than a week after becoming the American president, Donald Trump touted deportation efforts and published new rules Friday making it easier to remove people.
Amid officials&rsquo; latest show of force, waves of worry reverberated in parts of the US, with officials in Newark, New Jersey, lashing out over what they called illegal arrests by immigration agents, a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday said.
Also watch | Trump designates drug cartels as major national security threat
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2501_trump_3pm_wion/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2501_trump_3pm_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=153&amp;tags=Donald Trump, US, World News, WION" title="Donald Trump designates drug cartels as major national security threat" id="PL_iframe_block-m6ccddha-e47sli9b-njcbvztk"></iframe>
The administration announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement made 593 arrests on Friday and 538 on Thursday.&nbsp;
Trump also sent military personnel to the US-Mexico border and lifted longtime rules restricting immigration enforcement near schools and churches.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | "Well, let me give a message to the pope: I'm a lifelong Catholic. I was born Catholic. I've been through Catholic doctrine," Homan said on Friday. 

United States (US) President Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan delivered a message to Pope Francis by saying that the sovereign of the Vatican City State should focus on fixing the Catholic Church. In an interview with American news network Newsmax, Homan on Friday (January 24) reacted to the remarks that Pope Francis made this week. Francis had called the mass deportations being carried out by the Trump administration a "disgrace." Also read | US President Trump deploys 1,500 extra troops on border with Mexico "If this is true, it is a disgrace, because it makes the poor unfortunate who have nothing pay the price of imbalance. This is not how things are solved," Pope said during an interview earlier this week. Homan counters Pope Speaking to Newsmax, Homan said on Friday, "Well, let me give a message to the pope: I'm a lifelong Catholic. I was born Catholic. I've been through Catholic doctrine." "Look, you only concentrate on fixing the Catholic Church, first of all. He's (Trump) got big problems there," he added. Also read | As Trump cracks down on immigrants, some families wonder whether to send kids to school Trump's border czar also highlighted that there is a wall in the Vatican and that entering the European country illegally is a serious crime. "So he can protect the Vatican where he lives; he can build a wall where he lives, where American people are not allowed that? No," Homan further told the network. A show of force on illegal immigration Less than a week after becoming the American president, Donald Trump touted deportation efforts and published new rules Friday making it easier to remove people. Amid officials’ latest show of force, waves of worry reverberated in parts of the US, with officials in Newark, New Jersey, lashing out over what they called illegal arrests by immigration agents, a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday said. Also watch | Trump designates drug cartels as major national security threat The administration announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement made 593 arrests on Friday and 538 on Thursday. Trump also sent military personnel to the US-Mexico border and lifted longtime rules restricting immigration enforcement near schools and churches. (With inputs from agencies)

'Focus on fixing Catholic Church': Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan tells Pope

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Jan 25) pointed to the possibility of peace talks with Russia to end the ongoing war, saying that the allies should work towards determining a "format" for any upcoming talks with Russia.&nbsp;
Zelensky added that Kyiv must be involved for successful negotiations.&nbsp;
His statement comes as the latest to the series of speculations over the possibility of talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;
"I understand that contacts can be in different formats," Zelensky said, referring to possible negotiations that would lead to "a just peace".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ready-to-meet-russias-putin-immediately-to-help-end-russia-ukraine-war-8648730" rel="dofollow">Trump ready to meet Russia's Putin 'immediately' to help end Russia-Ukraine war</a>
"I think we should focus on this today," he added.
The Ukrainian president further said that talks to end the war should be held between the US, Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union.&nbsp;
"I can't say today what kind of negotiations will take place, what will be the structure of the negotiation process, because we don't have a common plan yet," Zelensky said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-war-west-asia-crisis-reduction-in-oil-prices-8651474" rel="dofollow">If Trump's victory hadn't been stolen in 2020 polls, there wouldn't be crisis in Ukraine, Putin says</a>
He, however, clearly stressed that any negotiations that excluded Ukraine would not ultimately guarantee any lasting peace.&nbsp;
"It is impossible to exclude Ukraine from any negotiation platform, or this negotiation platform will not have real results but will have political results," he said.
<h2>Putin ready for talks</h2>
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was ready for talks with US President Donald Trump on Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-this-ridiculous-war-now-trump-warns-putin-or-else-face-tariffs-sanctions-8645201" rel="dofollow">'STOP this ridiculous war now or else face high tariffs, sanctions': Trump warns Putin</a>
Putin also praised Trump as a "smart" leader who might have prevented the war if he had been the President of the US at that time.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president&mdash;if his victory hadn&rsquo;t been stolen in 2020&mdash;then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022," the Russian president said.&nbsp;
However, he did not mention when these talks could happen. Earlier, the Kremlin also said that it was awaiting "signals" from Washington.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-after-trump-inauguration-putin-dials-dear-friend-xi-jinping-heres-what-they-talked-about-8641637" rel="dofollow">Hours after Trump inauguration, Putin dials 'dear friend' Xi Jinping - Here's what they talked about</a>
Meanwhile, on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he wanted to meet Putin as soon as possible to secure an end to the war with Ukraine and expressed a desire to work towards cutting nuclear arms.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Ukrainian President Zelensky's statement comes as the latest to the series of speculations over the possibility of talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Jan 25) pointed to the possibility of peace talks with Russia to end the ongoing war, saying that the allies should work towards determining a "format" for any upcoming talks with Russia. Zelensky added that Kyiv must be involved for successful negotiations. His statement comes as the latest to the series of speculations over the possibility of talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. "I understand that contacts can be in different formats," Zelensky said, referring to possible negotiations that would lead to "a just peace". Also read: Trump ready to meet Russia's Putin 'immediately' to help end Russia-Ukraine war "I think we should focus on this today," he added. The Ukrainian president further said that talks to end the war should be held between the US, Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union. "I can't say today what kind of negotiations will take place, what will be the structure of the negotiation process, because we don't have a common plan yet," Zelensky said. Also read: If Trump's victory hadn't been stolen in 2020 polls, there wouldn't be crisis in Ukraine, Putin says He, however, clearly stressed that any negotiations that excluded Ukraine would not ultimately guarantee any lasting peace. "It is impossible to exclude Ukraine from any negotiation platform, or this negotiation platform will not have real results but will have political results," he said. Putin ready for talks Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was ready for talks with US President Donald Trump on Ukraine. Also read: 'STOP this ridiculous war now or else face high tariffs, sanctions': Trump warns Putin Putin also praised Trump as a "smart" leader who might have prevented the war if he had been the President of the US at that time. “I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president—if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020—then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022," the Russian president said. However, he did not mention when these talks could happen. Earlier, the Kremlin also said that it was awaiting "signals" from Washington. Also read: Hours after Trump inauguration, Putin dials 'dear friend' Xi Jinping - Here's what they talked about Meanwhile, on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he wanted to meet Putin as soon as possible to secure an end to the war with Ukraine and expressed a desire to work towards cutting nuclear arms. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky hints at possibility of peace talks with Russia, says allies should work on its ‘format’

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to sign an executive order to overhaul or get rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as he was addressing a briefing on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/north-carolina" rel="dofollow">North Carolina</a>'s hurricane recovery.&nbsp;
Claiming the agency got in the way of disaster response, Trump suggested that states take the lead role in responding and then get reimbursed a percentage of their costs from the federal government.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-executive-order-to-fundamentally-overhaul-or-get-rid-of-fema-as-he-arrives-in-north-carolina-8651345" rel="dofollow">Trump says will sign executive order to 'fundamentally overhaul' or 'get rid of FEMA' as he arrives in North Carolina</a>
<h2>What is FEMA?</h2>
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is a US government agency with a mission to help people before, during, and after natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.
It was created in 1979 through an executive order by Former President Jimmy Carter.
The agency, headquartered in Washington DC, coordinates the federal response to disasters.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fema-official-directed-aid-workers-to-avoid-houses-with-trump-signs-suspended-reports-774755" rel="dofollow">FEMA official directed aid workers to avoid houses with Trump signs, suspended: Report</a>
It employs over 20,000 people across the US and has an operating budget and disaster relief fund used to reimburse states and local governments in emergencies.
Moreover, it has 10 regional offices and the capacity to coordinate resources from across the federal government.&nbsp;
It further includes money for residents, which can be used during the time of emergency or for helping uninsured homeowners rebuild.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-100-people-missing-in-north-carolina-weeks-after-hurricane-helene-767915" rel="dofollow">Weeks after Hurricane Helene, nearly 100 people still missing in North Carolina</a>
However, FEMA's reputation was slammed because of its poor handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.&nbsp;
Trump on Friday arrived in North Carolina and assessed the role of FEMA moving forward. &nbsp;
"FEMA just hasn&rsquo;t done the job. And we&rsquo;re looking at the whole concept of FEMA. I like, frankly, the concept when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it, to have a group of people come in from an area that don&rsquo;t even know where they&rsquo;re going in order to solve immediately a problem is something that never worked for me, but this is probably one of the best examples of it not working,&rdquo; Trump told reporters.&nbsp;
He added that the "aid will go through us", rather than going through FEMA.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: FEMA was created in 1979 through an executive order by Former President Jimmy Carter. It is headquartered in Washington DC and coordinates federal response to disasters. 

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to sign an executive order to overhaul or get rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as he was addressing a briefing on North Carolina's hurricane recovery. Claiming the agency got in the way of disaster response, Trump suggested that states take the lead role in responding and then get reimbursed a percentage of their costs from the federal government. Also read: Trump says will sign executive order to 'fundamentally overhaul' or 'get rid of FEMA' as he arrives in North Carolina What is FEMA? The Federal Emergency Management Agency is a US government agency with a mission to help people before, during, and after natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods. It was created in 1979 through an executive order by Former President Jimmy Carter. The agency, headquartered in Washington DC, coordinates the federal response to disasters. Also read: FEMA official directed aid workers to avoid houses with Trump signs, suspended: Report It employs over 20,000 people across the US and has an operating budget and disaster relief fund used to reimburse states and local governments in emergencies. Moreover, it has 10 regional offices and the capacity to coordinate resources from across the federal government. It further includes money for residents, which can be used during the time of emergency or for helping uninsured homeowners rebuild. Also read: Weeks after Hurricane Helene, nearly 100 people still missing in North Carolina However, FEMA's reputation was slammed because of its poor handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Trump on Friday arrived in North Carolina and assessed the role of FEMA moving forward. "FEMA just hasn’t done the job. And we’re looking at the whole concept of FEMA. I like, frankly, the concept when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it, to have a group of people come in from an area that don’t even know where they’re going in order to solve immediately a problem is something that never worked for me, but this is probably one of the best examples of it not working,” Trump told reporters. He added that the "aid will go through us", rather than going through FEMA. (With inputs from agencies)

What is FEMA, agency Trump threatened to get rid of during his visit to North Carolina?

Israel on Saturday (Jan 25) released 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas, as per the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, AFP reported citing Israel's prison service.&nbsp;
"After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities, all the terrorists were released from the Ofer and Ktziot prisons," the statement read, adding that a total of 200 prisoners had been freed.
Crowds of Palestinians were seen in joy as freed prisoners reach Ramalla, according to the AFP report.&nbsp;
Initially, Israel released 70 Palestinian prisoners into Egypt out of the 200 who were supposed to be released, according to the Egypt&rsquo;s state-run Qahera TV reported.&nbsp;
This comes after Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag.
The 200 Palestinians prisoners include long-serving inmates and others with lengthy sentences.&nbsp;
Israel will be deporting 70 of these prisoners outside of Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Among those 200 prisoners, Israel is also releasing a Palestinian inmate who has spent the longest continuous period in Israeli detention, Mohammed al-Tous.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-allow-palestinians-to-return-north-gaza-until-hamas-releases-female-civilian-hostage-warns-netanyahu-8653134" rel="dofollow">'Won't allow Palestinians to return north Gaza until Hamas releases female civilian hostage,' warns Netanyahu</a>
Tous, 69, was jailed for nearly four decades, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club advocacy group.
He is a member of Fatah, the movement founded by late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Tous was on the list of detainees to be released in exchange for four Israeli hostages released on Saturday by Hamas, the NGO told AFP.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-in-second-hostage-exchange-between-israel-and-hamas-8652476" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas</a>
After the exchange is done, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from Gaza's Netzarim Corridor, paving the way for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in the north of the enclave.&nbsp;
Israel said that Palestinians who have been convicted of killing Israelis should be permanently deported if they are freed under the hostage-ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;
Moreover, they would not be allowed to return to homes in the West Bank or Gaza.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-fake-hamas-attack-staged-in-israel-kfar-saba-hamas-8647184" rel="dofollow"> 'I was so scared&hellip;': Fake Hamas attack staged in Israel to protest Gaza ceasefire stirs panic</a>
<h2>Hamas released four Israeli hostages</h2>
Earlier in the day, Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag.
The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-military-chief-herzi-halevi-resigns-over-failure-to-prevent-oct-7-hamas-attack-8642668" rel="dofollow">Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over failure to prevent Oct 7 Hamas attack</a>
All four hostages have met with their parents at an IDF facility near Re'im, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Among those 200 prisoners, Israel is also releasing a Palestinian inmate who has spent the longest continuous period in Israeli detention, Mohammed al-Tous. 

Israel on Saturday (Jan 25) released 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas, as per the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, AFP reported citing Israel's prison service. "After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities, all the terrorists were released from the Ofer and Ktziot prisons," the statement read, adding that a total of 200 prisoners had been freed. Crowds of Palestinians were seen in joy as freed prisoners reach Ramalla, according to the AFP report. Initially, Israel released 70 Palestinian prisoners into Egypt out of the 200 who were supposed to be released, according to the Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV reported. This comes after Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag. The 200 Palestinians prisoners include long-serving inmates and others with lengthy sentences. Israel will be deporting 70 of these prisoners outside of Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Among those 200 prisoners, Israel is also releasing a Palestinian inmate who has spent the longest continuous period in Israeli detention, Mohammed al-Tous. Also read: 'Won't allow Palestinians to return north Gaza until Hamas releases female civilian hostage,' warns Netanyahu Tous, 69, was jailed for nearly four decades, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club advocacy group. He is a member of Fatah, the movement founded by late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Tous was on the list of detainees to be released in exchange for four Israeli hostages released on Saturday by Hamas, the NGO told AFP. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas After the exchange is done, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from Gaza's Netzarim Corridor, paving the way for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in the north of the enclave. Israel said that Palestinians who have been convicted of killing Israelis should be permanently deported if they are freed under the hostage-ceasefire agreement. Moreover, they would not be allowed to return to homes in the West Bank or Gaza. Also read: 'I was so scared…': Fake Hamas attack staged in Israel to protest Gaza ceasefire stirs panic Hamas released four Israeli hostages Earlier in the day, Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag. The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023. Also read: Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over failure to prevent Oct 7 Hamas attack All four hostages have met with their parents at an IDF facility near Re'im, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel releases 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of four female soldiers released by Hamas

The Donald Trump administration in the United States (US) on Friday (January 24) fired 17 independent inspector generals of many federal agencies in a late-night purge, American media reported.
Speaking to The Washington Post, people familiar with the developments said that the independent inspector generals were notified by emails from the White House personnel director that they had been terminated immediately.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-donald-trump-administration-directs-agencies-to-start-firing-dei-staffs-8651735" rel="dofollow">Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staff</a>
Some of the agencies involved in this firing were the Department of Defense, Transportation, Veteran Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior and Energy.
<h2>Most of the officials fired were from Trump 1.0</h2>
The Washington Post report said that most of the independent inspector generals who were fired were a part of the first Trump administration.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-officially-renames-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-in-us-will-it-catch-on-internationally-8652331" rel="dofollow">Trump officially renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' in US: Will it catch on internationally?</a>
The report pointed out that Friday's late-night purge could clear the way for President Trump to install loyalists in the role of identifying fraud, waste, and abuse in his government.
<h2>'A widespread massacre'</h2>
Speaking to the American publication, one of the fired inspector generals said that the layoff was a "widespread massacre."
&ldquo;Whoever Trump puts in now will be viewed as loyalists, and that undermines the entire system,&rdquo; the former official said.
Also watch | Trump designates drug cartels as major national security threat
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2501_trump_3pm_wion/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2501_trump_3pm_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=153&amp;tags=Donald Trump, US, World News, WION" title="Donald Trump designates drug cartels as major national security threat" id="PL_iframe_block-m6c4knn3-a1ccvu5p-ihbqnjip"></iframe>
Another fired inspector general said that Trump 2.0 did not want anyone in this role&nbsp;to be independent.&nbsp;
&ldquo;IGs (inspector generals) have done exactly what the president says he wants: to fight fraud waste and abuse and make the government more effective,&rdquo; the second former official said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The Washington Post report said that most of the independent inspector generals who were fired were a part of the first Trump administration. 

The Donald Trump administration in the United States (US) on Friday (January 24) fired 17 independent inspector generals of many federal agencies in a late-night purge, American media reported. Speaking to The Washington Post, people familiar with the developments said that the independent inspector generals were notified by emails from the White House personnel director that they had been terminated immediately. Also read | Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staff Some of the agencies involved in this firing were the Department of Defense, Transportation, Veteran Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior and Energy. Most of the officials fired were from Trump 1.0 The Washington Post report said that most of the independent inspector generals who were fired were a part of the first Trump administration. Also read | Trump officially renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' in US: Will it catch on internationally? The report pointed out that Friday's late-night purge could clear the way for President Trump to install loyalists in the role of identifying fraud, waste, and abuse in his government. 'A widespread massacre' Speaking to the American publication, one of the fired inspector generals said that the layoff was a "widespread massacre." “Whoever Trump puts in now will be viewed as loyalists, and that undermines the entire system,” the former official said. Also watch | Trump designates drug cartels as major national security threat Another fired inspector general said that Trump 2.0 did not want anyone in this role to be independent. “IGs (inspector generals) have done exactly what the president says he wants: to fight fraud waste and abuse and make the government more effective,” the second former official said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration fires 17 independent inspector generals in late-night purge

Israel will not allow Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip until Hamas arranges the release of female civilian hostage, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.&nbsp;
The Israeli female hostage Arbel Yehud was scheduled to be released today as per the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">ceasefire agreement</a>.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from the Hamas terrorist group today, and in return will release security prisoners&rdquo; according to the deal, the PMO said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-in-second-hostage-exchange-between-israel-and-hamas-8652476" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas</a>
&ldquo;In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow the passage of Gazans to the north of the Gaza Strip, until the arrangement of the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today,&rdquo; the PMO statement added.&nbsp;
This further means that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will not be withdrawing from part of the Netzarim Corridor tomorrow.
According to the deal, Israel was supposed to withdraw from the northern half of the corridor on day seven of the ceasefire agreement, allowing Palestinians to return to north Gaza via the coastal road.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-four-hostages-to-be-released-on-jan-25-8651144" rel="dofollow">Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms</a>
<h2>Arbel Yehud to be released next Saturday&nbsp;</h2>
An official from the Hamas group told Reuters that mediators have been informed that the female hostage Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday.&nbsp;
Israel accused Hamas of violating the deal by releasing female hostage soldiers before all of the living civilian women captives.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/eurovision-2025-hamas-attack-survivor-to-represent-israel-at-song-contest-8648133" rel="dofollow">Eurovision 2025: Hamas attack survivor to represent Israel at song contest</a>
<h2>Hamas released four hostage female soldiers</h2>
This comes after Hamas on Saturday released four hostage female soldiers, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy.&nbsp;
The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of October 7, 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Israel was supposed to withdraw from the northern half of the corridor on day seven of the ceasefire, allowing Palestinians to return to north Gaza via the coastal road. 

Israel will not allow Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip until Hamas arranges the release of female civilian hostage, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The Israeli female hostage Arbel Yehud was scheduled to be released today as per the ceasefire agreement. “Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from the Hamas terrorist group today, and in return will release security prisoners” according to the deal, the PMO said. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas “In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow the passage of Gazans to the north of the Gaza Strip, until the arrangement of the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today,” the PMO statement added. This further means that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will not be withdrawing from part of the Netzarim Corridor tomorrow. According to the deal, Israel was supposed to withdraw from the northern half of the corridor on day seven of the ceasefire agreement, allowing Palestinians to return to north Gaza via the coastal road. Also read: Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms Arbel Yehud to be released next Saturday An official from the Hamas group told Reuters that mediators have been informed that the female hostage Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday. Israel accused Hamas of violating the deal by releasing female hostage soldiers before all of the living civilian women captives. Also read: Eurovision 2025: Hamas attack survivor to represent Israel at song contest Hamas released four hostage female soldiers This comes after Hamas on Saturday released four hostage female soldiers, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy. The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of October 7, 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

'Won't allow Palestinians to return to north Gaza until Hamas releases female civilian hostage,' warns Netanyahu

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees must end operations and leave all its premises in Jerusalem by January 30, Israel's UN ambassador said Friday, affirming timelines set out in controversial Israeli legislation.
Defying international concern, Israeli lawmakers have passed legislation that bars the agency, UNRWA, from operating in Israel and east Jerusalem, the sector of the city annexed by Israel following the 1967 Six Day War.&nbsp;
The agency has faced criticism from Israel that has escalated since the start of the war, including claims that a dozen of its 13,000 Gaza employees were involved in the deadly October 7, 2023 assault by Hamas.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-in-second-hostage-exchange-between-israel-and-hamas-8652476">Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas</a>
In a letter addressed to United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, Ambassador Danny Danon said "UNRWA is required to cease its operations in Jerusalem, and evacuate all premises in which it operates in the city, no later than 30 January 2025."
UNRWA is considered the backbone of huAFFFmanitarian operations for Palestinians.
It provides aid to some six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-clears-mumbai-terror-attack-convict-tahawwur-ranas-extradition-to-india-8651803">US Supreme Court clears Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India</a>
While east Jerusalem has long been an administrative hub for the agency, it also runs schools and health clinics in the sector.&nbsp;
Israel has also passed a law that prohibits contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA, but its parliament has not technically banned the agency from operating in Gaza or the West Bank.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that preventing the agency from operating "might sabotage the Gaza ceasefire, failing once again hopes of people who have gone through unspeakable suffering."&nbsp;
"The work of UNRWA must continue in Gaza + across the occupied Palestinian territory," he said on social media platform X late Friday.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Defying international concern, Israeli lawmakers have passed legislation that bars the agency, UNRWA, from operating in Israel and east Jerusalem, the sector of the city annexed by Israel following the 1967 Six Day War. 

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees must end operations and leave all its premises in Jerusalem by January 30, Israel's UN ambassador said Friday, affirming timelines set out in controversial Israeli legislation. Defying international concern, Israeli lawmakers have passed legislation that bars the agency, UNRWA, from operating in Israel and east Jerusalem, the sector of the city annexed by Israel following the 1967 Six Day War. The agency has faced criticism from Israel that has escalated since the start of the war, including claims that a dozen of its 13,000 Gaza employees were involved in the deadly October 7, 2023 assault by Hamas. Also Read | Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas In a letter addressed to United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, Ambassador Danny Danon said "UNRWA is required to cease its operations in Jerusalem, and evacuate all premises in which it operates in the city, no later than 30 January 2025." UNRWA is considered the backbone of huAFFFmanitarian operations for Palestinians. It provides aid to some six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Also Read | US Supreme Court clears Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India While east Jerusalem has long been an administrative hub for the agency, it also runs schools and health clinics in the sector. Israel has also passed a law that prohibits contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA, but its parliament has not technically banned the agency from operating in Gaza or the West Bank. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that preventing the agency from operating "might sabotage the Gaza ceasefire, failing once again hopes of people who have gone through unspeakable suffering." "The work of UNRWA must continue in Gaza + across the occupied Palestinian territory," he said on social media platform X late Friday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel mandates UNRWA's departure from jerusalem by january 30

The Lebanese army on Saturday (Jan 25) said it was ready to deploy its forces in the country's south, accusing Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal in time for a deadline the following day.
Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire that came into effect on November 27, the Lebanese army is to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period that ends Sunday.
Hezbollah is to pull back its forces north of the Litani River -- about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border -- and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.
"There has been a delay at a number of stages as a result of the procrastination in the withdrawal from the Israeli enemy's side," the army said in a statement, confirming it was "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Friday said the military's withdrawal would continue beyond the Sunday deadline stipulated by the deal.
"The withdrawal process is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, with Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-in-second-hostage-exchange-between-israel-and-hamas-8652476">Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas</a>
"Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States."
The Lebanese army accusation came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on January 17 called for Israel to end its military operations and "occupation" in the south.
Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun said one week ago that Israel must "withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27".
<h2 dir="ltr">'Be cautious'</h2>
Lebanon's army urged people to "be cautious in heading back to the southern border areas, due to the presence of mines and suspicious objects left behind" by Israeli forces.
The fragile truce took effect after two months of full-blown war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and has been marked by accusations of violations from both sides.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-four-hostages-to-be-released-on-jan-25-8651144">Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms</a>
Hezbollah began a low-intensity exchange of fire in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attack by its Palestinian ally Hamas on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza.
Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in September, launching a series of devastating blows against the group's leadership structure that saw its longtime chief Hassan Nasrallah killed in an air strike on Beirut that month.
Hezbollah on Thursday said that "any violation of the 60-day deadline will be considered a flagrant violation of (ceasefire) agreement, an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and the occupation entering a new chapter".
This would require the Lebanese state to act using "all means necessary... to restore the land and wrest it from the clutches of the occupation", Hezbollah said in a statement.
A committee composed of Israeli, Lebanese, French and US delegates and a representative of UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL is tasked with ensuring any ceasefire violations are identified and dealt with.
The UN peacekeeping force has reported Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms.
Guterres also said peacekeepers had found more than 100 weapons caches belonging "to Hezbollah or other armed groups".
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World: The Lebanese army announced its readiness to deploy in the south, criticizing Israel for delaying its withdrawal before the looming deadline the next day.

The Lebanese army on Saturday (Jan 25) said it was ready to deploy its forces in the country's south, accusing Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal in time for a deadline the following day. Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire that came into effect on November 27, the Lebanese army is to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period that ends Sunday. Hezbollah is to pull back its forces north of the Litani River -- about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border -- and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. "There has been a delay at a number of stages as a result of the procrastination in the withdrawal from the Israeli enemy's side," the army said in a statement, confirming it was "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Friday said the military's withdrawal would continue beyond the Sunday deadline stipulated by the deal. "The withdrawal process is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, with Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River," a statement from Netanyahu's office said. Also read | Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas "Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States." The Lebanese army accusation came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on January 17 called for Israel to end its military operations and "occupation" in the south. Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun said one week ago that Israel must "withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27". 'Be cautious' Lebanon's army urged people to "be cautious in heading back to the southern border areas, due to the presence of mines and suspicious objects left behind" by Israeli forces. The fragile truce took effect after two months of full-blown war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and has been marked by accusations of violations from both sides. Also read | Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms Hezbollah began a low-intensity exchange of fire in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attack by its Palestinian ally Hamas on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in September, launching a series of devastating blows against the group's leadership structure that saw its longtime chief Hassan Nasrallah killed in an air strike on Beirut that month. Hezbollah on Thursday said that "any violation of the 60-day deadline will be considered a flagrant violation of (ceasefire) agreement, an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and the occupation entering a new chapter". This would require the Lebanese state to act using "all means necessary... to restore the land and wrest it from the clutches of the occupation", Hezbollah said in a statement. A committee composed of Israeli, Lebanese, French and US delegates and a representative of UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL is tasked with ensuring any ceasefire violations are identified and dealt with. The UN peacekeeping force has reported Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms. Guterres also said peacekeepers had found more than 100 weapons caches belonging "to Hezbollah or other armed groups". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel's withdrawal delay sparks tension, Lebanon army accuses of ‘procrastination’

US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> reportedly reiterated his demand to take control of Greenland during his first phone conversation after resuming office with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. 
The 45-minute call, held last week, turned into a heated exchange when Frederiksen told Trump that Greenland was not for sale, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-officially-renames-gulf-of-mexico-to-gulf-of-america-in-us-will-it-catch-on-internationally-8652331" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump officially renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' in US: Will it catch on internationally?</a>
Trump allegedly threatened Denmark with tariffs if it refused to give up control of the island, which is an autonomous Danish territory. Frederiksen tried to offer closer military and economic cooperation between the US and Greenland, including access to mineral resources, but Trump reportedly dismissed the proposal, insisting on full US control.
&ldquo;It was horrendous,&rdquo; one source familiar with the call told Financial Times. Another source said, &ldquo;He was very firm. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But now, it seems serious and potentially very dangerous.&rdquo;
A former Danish official told the Financial Times that the conversation was &ldquo;very tough,&rdquo; adding that Trump specifically mentioned possible tariffs targeting Denmark. 
&ldquo;The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode,&rdquo; one official briefed on the call told FT. Another European official said, &ldquo;The Danes are utterly freaked out by this.&rdquo;
Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his initial term as president and revived the proposal before his inauguration. He posted on his social media platform Truth Social that American control of the territory is essential for US national security.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-donald-trump-freezes-foreign-aid-military-funding-for-israel-egypt-8651682">'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine, military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted</a>
Earlier Greenland government had said that it is open to higher defence and trade cooperation with the US, but it has remained firm on retaining its autonomy. The island, with a population of approximately 57,000, hosts a US military base.
Greenland Prime Minister, Mute Egede, welcomed US investment in mining and tourism but said that decisions about Greenland&rsquo;s future lie with its people. &ldquo;We don&rsquo;t want to be Danes. We don&rsquo;t want to be Americans. Of course, we want to be Greenlanders,&rdquo; Egede said.
<h2>European Union shows interest in placing its troops on Greenland</h2>
Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/european-union" rel="dofollow">European Union</a> has also shown interest in placing its troops on Greenland. Robert Brieger, the chairman of the European Union Military Committee, suggested that EU forces could join US troops already stationed on the island. In an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Brieger said, &ldquo;In my view, it would make perfect sense not only to station US forces in Greenland, as has been the case to date, but also to consider stationing EU soldiers there in the future.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US President Trump allegedly threatened Denmark with tariffs if it refused to give up control of Greenland, which is an autonomous Danish territory. 

US President Donald Trump reportedly reiterated his demand to take control of Greenland during his first phone conversation after resuming office with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The 45-minute call, held last week, turned into a heated exchange when Frederiksen told Trump that Greenland was not for sale, according to a report by the Financial Times. Also read: Trump officially renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' in US: Will it catch on internationally? Trump allegedly threatened Denmark with tariffs if it refused to give up control of the island, which is an autonomous Danish territory. Frederiksen tried to offer closer military and economic cooperation between the US and Greenland, including access to mineral resources, but Trump reportedly dismissed the proposal, insisting on full US control. “It was horrendous,” one source familiar with the call told Financial Times. Another source said, “He was very firm. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But now, it seems serious and potentially very dangerous.” A former Danish official told the Financial Times that the conversation was “very tough,” adding that Trump specifically mentioned possible tariffs targeting Denmark. “The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode,” one official briefed on the call told FT. Another European official said, “The Danes are utterly freaked out by this.” Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his initial term as president and revived the proposal before his inauguration. He posted on his social media platform Truth Social that American control of the territory is essential for US national security. Also read: 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine, military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted Earlier Greenland government had said that it is open to higher defence and trade cooperation with the US, but it has remained firm on retaining its autonomy. The island, with a population of approximately 57,000, hosts a US military base. Greenland Prime Minister, Mute Egede, welcomed US investment in mining and tourism but said that decisions about Greenland’s future lie with its people. “We don’t want to be Danes. We don’t want to be Americans. Of course, we want to be Greenlanders,” Egede said. European Union shows interest in placing its troops on Greenland Meanwhile, the European Union has also shown interest in placing its troops on Greenland. Robert Brieger, the chairman of the European Union Military Committee, suggested that EU forces could join US troops already stationed on the island. In an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Brieger said, “In my view, it would make perfect sense not only to station US forces in Greenland, as has been the case to date, but also to consider stationing EU soldiers there in the future.” (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's 'horrendous' phone call with Danish PM over Greenland triggers 'crisis mode'

Hamas on Saturday (Jan 25) handed over four women Israeli hostages slated for release to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire</a> and hostage deal.
The four hostages, all Israeli soldiers - Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-teen-israeli-hostage-held-in-gaza-urging-netanyahus-government-to-secure-release-8592575">Liri Albag</a>. "A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the four returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory," the military said in a statement.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Four female Israeli hostages in military uniform on stage in Gaza City." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1920x1080/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/25/7CpHLuvLzEpAEFFUjPqp.png" style="width: 1920px;">
<figcaption>Four female Israeli hostages in military uniform on stage in Gaza City. Photograph: (Reuters)</figcaption>
</figure>
They will be taken to an IDF facility near the Gaza border for medical checkups. Afterwards, they will be moved to a hospital where they will meet their families for the first time in 477 days.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6byfnep-zippgahy-12ed32ca">
🟡The IDF has completed its preparations to receive the hostages returning to Israel from Gaza. The returning hostages will receive medical care and personal support at established and prepared initial reception points. Afterward, they will be transferred to hospitals and&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Q9JoUsY5no">pic.twitter.com/Q9JoUsY5no</a>
&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1883046615990120649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border, and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hamas" rel="dofollow">Hamas</a> terror attack of 7 October 2023.
<h2>Here's what we know about the released soldiers:</h2>
Karina Ariev, 20: On 7 October 2023, Ariev texted her family, &ldquo;If I don&rsquo;t live, take care of Mom and Dad all their lives. Don&rsquo;t give up. Live.&rdquo; Her family describes her as someone who enjoys cooking, singing, dancing, and writing poetry. A video released by Hamas last year showed Ariev and her colleague, Daniella Gilboa, requesting their freedom.
Daniella Gilboa, 20: Daniella&rsquo;s name was originally Danielle, but her parents changed it after her abduction, following a Jewish tradition that a name change could influence fate. In videos from her kidnapping, Gilboa appeared injured, with a foot wound, as militants forced her into a vehicle bound for Gaza.
Naama Levy, 20: Levy, a soldier and triathlete, was seen in a widely circulated video from 7 October, wearing blood-stained grey sweatpants while being taken from her base.&nbsp;
Liri Albag, 19: The youngest of the group, Albag, was seen in a video released by Hamas earlier this month during ceasefire negotiations.
The first stage of the prisoner exchange was completed on Sunday (Jan 19), with Hamas releasing three Israeli civilian hostages while Israel freed 90 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-four-hostages-to-be-released-on-jan-25-8651144">Palestinian prisoners</a>.
As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages during the first phase, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals in poor health.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: Four soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, will be taken to an IDF facility near the Gaza border for medical checkups.

Hamas on Saturday (Jan 25) handed over four women Israeli hostages slated for release to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal. The four hostages, all Israeli soldiers - Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag. "A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the four returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory," the military said in a statement. Four female Israeli hostages in military uniform on stage in Gaza City. Photograph: (Reuters) They will be taken to an IDF facility near the Gaza border for medical checkups. Afterwards, they will be moved to a hospital where they will meet their families for the first time in 477 days. 🟡The IDF has completed its preparations to receive the hostages returning to Israel from Gaza. The returning hostages will receive medical care and personal support at established and prepared initial reception points. Afterward, they will be transferred to hospitals and… pic.twitter.com/Q9JoUsY5no — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 25, 2025 The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border, and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023. Here's what we know about the released soldiers: Karina Ariev, 20: On 7 October 2023, Ariev texted her family, “If I don’t live, take care of Mom and Dad all their lives. Don’t give up. Live.” Her family describes her as someone who enjoys cooking, singing, dancing, and writing poetry. A video released by Hamas last year showed Ariev and her colleague, Daniella Gilboa, requesting their freedom. Daniella Gilboa, 20: Daniella’s name was originally Danielle, but her parents changed it after her abduction, following a Jewish tradition that a name change could influence fate. In videos from her kidnapping, Gilboa appeared injured, with a foot wound, as militants forced her into a vehicle bound for Gaza. Naama Levy, 20: Levy, a soldier and triathlete, was seen in a widely circulated video from 7 October, wearing blood-stained grey sweatpants while being taken from her base. Liri Albag, 19: The youngest of the group, Albag, was seen in a video released by Hamas earlier this month during ceasefire negotiations. The first stage of the prisoner exchange was completed on Sunday (Jan 19), with Hamas releasing three Israeli civilian hostages while Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners. As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages during the first phase, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals in poor health. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas

The Trump administration&rsquo;s Interior Department announced on Friday (Jan 24) that it has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.&nbsp;
President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> authorised these changes shortly after assuming office on Monday. &ldquo;As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America,&rdquo; the Interior Department said in a statement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-us-abortion-rights-what-is-mexico-city-rule-hyde-amendment-8651798" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">US anti-abortion crackdown: President Trump reinstates 'Mexico City Rule,' slashes abortion aid globally</a>
The US has also reverted the name of the Alaskan peak known as Denali to its previous name, Mount McKinley. 
"North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," the department statement said.
Mount McKinley, named after former US President William McKinley, was renamed Denali in 1975 to honour its Indigenous heritage. 
The name "Denali," meaning &ldquo;tall&rdquo; in the Koyukon language, was adopted following a request from the state of Alaska.
&ldquo;These changes reaffirm the Nation&rsquo;s commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historical landmarks,&rdquo; the Interior Department explained.
<h2>Will the change apply internationally?</h2>
Despite Trump&rsquo;s directive, international recognition of the Gulf&rsquo;s new name remains uncertain. 
The Gulf of Mexico is a longstanding geographical term, widely recognised as a maritime reference for centuries. 
Mexico, which also borders the Gulf, has previously expressed its opposition to Trump's suggestion of changing the name.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-confirmed-as-us-defense-secretary-tie-breaking-vote-from-vice-president-jd-vance-8651726" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance</a>
Earlier this month, Mexican President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-president-mocks-trumps-gulf-of-america-proposal-suggests-mexican-america-instead-8603211">Claudia Sheinbaum</a> suggested renaming the United States as &ldquo;Mexican America,&rdquo; referencing an early 17th-century map that used the term. 
&ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t we call it Mexican America? It sounds nice, doesn&rsquo;t it?&rdquo; she said, adding, &ldquo;He talked about the name; we are talking about the name as well.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: “As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley,” the Interior Department said.

The Trump administration’s Interior Department announced on Friday (Jan 24) that it has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. President Donald Trump authorised these changes shortly after assuming office on Monday. “As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America,” the Interior Department said in a statement. Also read: US anti-abortion crackdown: President Trump reinstates 'Mexico City Rule,' slashes abortion aid globally The US has also reverted the name of the Alaskan peak known as Denali to its previous name, Mount McKinley. "North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," the department statement said. Mount McKinley, named after former US President William McKinley, was renamed Denali in 1975 to honour its Indigenous heritage. The name "Denali," meaning “tall” in the Koyukon language, was adopted following a request from the state of Alaska. “These changes reaffirm the Nation’s commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historical landmarks,” the Interior Department explained. Will the change apply internationally? Despite Trump’s directive, international recognition of the Gulf’s new name remains uncertain. The Gulf of Mexico is a longstanding geographical term, widely recognised as a maritime reference for centuries. Mexico, which also borders the Gulf, has previously expressed its opposition to Trump's suggestion of changing the name. Also read: Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance Earlier this month, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested renaming the United States as “Mexican America,” referencing an early 17th-century map that used the term. “Why don’t we call it Mexican America? It sounds nice, doesn’t it?” she said, adding, “He talked about the name; we are talking about the name as well.” (With inputs from agencies)

Trump officially renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' in US: Will it catch on internationally?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over Taiwan on Friday, with Donald Trump's top diplomat denouncing Beijing's "coercive" moves.
Rubio, a longtime China hawk, spoke with Wang for the first time by telephone at the end of his first week in office, which he began by forming a united front with US partners in the region.
In the telephone call, Rubio told Wang that the second Trump administration will pursue a relationship with China "that advances US interests and puts the American people first," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-us-abortion-rights-what-is-mexico-city-rule-hyde-amendment-8651798" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">US anti-abortion crackdown: President Trump reinstates 'Mexico City Rule,' slashes abortion aid globally</a>
"The secretary also stressed the United States' commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over China's coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea," she said.
Wang in turn cautioned Rubio over Taiwan, the self-governing democracy which China claims and has not ruled out seizing by force.
"We will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China," Wang told Rubio, adding that Washington "must not betray its promise" to recognize only one China, according to a readout by the Chinese foreign ministry.
Wang voiced hope to Rubio that the former American senator would "play a constructive role for the future of the Chinese and American people, and for world peace and stability," it said.
In their call, Wang told Rubio that the world's top two economies should work to find "the right way to get along in the new era" -- presumably referring to Trump's return to the US presidency. 
While Beijing had "no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone," it maintained its "legitimate right to development," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-draws-line-on-us-deportation-flights-but-vows-to-welcome-back-citizens-with-open-arms-8651983">Mexico draws line on US deportation flights but vows to welcome back citizens 'with open arms'</a>
The Chinese minister said the pair should follow the lead of President Xi Jinping and Trump, who appeared to have a cordial telephone call.
<h2>Boosting Taiwan</h2>
The United States is a longtime supporter of Taiwan and its largest supplier of weapons, but does not formally recognize it diplomatically.
In his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Rubio vowed to ramp up support for Taiwan to achieve an "equilibrium" that would discourage China from an invasion.
Rubio suggested at the hearing that China could invade the island by the end of the decade unless the United States makes clear that "the costs of intervening in Taiwan are too high."
Rubio has cast China as the top threat to the United States and has accused the Asian power -- whose economy has skyrocketed in recent decades -- of "cheating" its way toward superpower status.
Rubio met immediately Tuesday after taking office with the foreign ministers of Japan, India and Australia -- the so-called Quad that China charges is an attempt to encircle it.
The four foreign ministers jointly warned against any "unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," in a clear reference to China.
Rubio also spoke by telephone with his counterparts from the Philippines and, on Friday, Vietnam.
With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Rubio discussed China's "aggressive behavior in the South China Sea," the State Department said.
China has seen rising friction with Southeast Asian nations, especially the Philippines, as it asserts its claims in the strategic and dispute-rife waterway.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

World: Rubio, a longtime China hawk, spoke with Wang for the first time by telephone at the end of his first week in office, which he began by forming a united front with US partners in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over Taiwan on Friday, with Donald Trump's top diplomat denouncing Beijing's "coercive" moves. Rubio, a longtime China hawk, spoke with Wang for the first time by telephone at the end of his first week in office, which he began by forming a united front with US partners in the region. In the telephone call, Rubio told Wang that the second Trump administration will pursue a relationship with China "that advances US interests and puts the American people first," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. Also read: US anti-abortion crackdown: President Trump reinstates 'Mexico City Rule,' slashes abortion aid globally "The secretary also stressed the United States' commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over China's coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea," she said. Wang in turn cautioned Rubio over Taiwan, the self-governing democracy which China claims and has not ruled out seizing by force. "We will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China," Wang told Rubio, adding that Washington "must not betray its promise" to recognize only one China, according to a readout by the Chinese foreign ministry. Wang voiced hope to Rubio that the former American senator would "play a constructive role for the future of the Chinese and American people, and for world peace and stability," it said. In their call, Wang told Rubio that the world's top two economies should work to find "the right way to get along in the new era" -- presumably referring to Trump's return to the US presidency. While Beijing had "no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone," it maintained its "legitimate right to development," he said. Also read: Mexico draws line on US deportation flights but vows to welcome back citizens 'with open arms' The Chinese minister said the pair should follow the lead of President Xi Jinping and Trump, who appeared to have a cordial telephone call. Boosting Taiwan The United States is a longtime supporter of Taiwan and its largest supplier of weapons, but does not formally recognize it diplomatically. In his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Rubio vowed to ramp up support for Taiwan to achieve an "equilibrium" that would discourage China from an invasion. Rubio suggested at the hearing that China could invade the island by the end of the decade unless the United States makes clear that "the costs of intervening in Taiwan are too high." Rubio has cast China as the top threat to the United States and has accused the Asian power -- whose economy has skyrocketed in recent decades -- of "cheating" its way toward superpower status. Rubio met immediately Tuesday after taking office with the foreign ministers of Japan, India and Australia -- the so-called Quad that China charges is an attempt to encircle it. The four foreign ministers jointly warned against any "unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," in a clear reference to China. Rubio also spoke by telephone with his counterparts from the Philippines and, on Friday, Vietnam. With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Rubio discussed China's "aggressive behavior in the South China Sea," the State Department said. China has seen rising friction with Southeast Asian nations, especially the Philippines, as it asserts its claims in the strategic and dispute-rife waterway. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Marco Rubio clashes with China over Taiwan in first call as US Secretary of State

After reports of Mexico's refusal to give landing access to a US military plane carrying illegal migrants, the country's foreign ministry said it is 'ready to work with' Washington as the administration of President Donald Trump deports Mexican citizens.
"We will always accept the arrival of Mexicans to our territory with open arms," the ministry said in a statement on Friday (Jan 24), a day after the White House said in an X post that Mexico had accepted four deportation flights in one day, which is a record.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-clears-mumbai-terror-attack-convict-tahawwur-ranas-extradition-to-india-8651803">US Supreme Court clears Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">US-Mexico tensions on the rise after Trump&rsquo;s victory</h2>
But there were reports that Mexico blocked landing access to at least one US military plane carrying deported migrants. The reason was not immediately clear. Later, a&nbsp; White House official said &ldquo;the flights thing was an administrative issue and was quickly rectified.&rdquo;
Tensions between the two neighbours and longtime allies have increased since Donald Trump won the recent election and took charge as US president.
The Republican leader had threatened to slap 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico in retaliation for migrants crossing the border. But he has not yet put that into effect.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Mexican President opposes Trump&rsquo;s actions</h2>
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government has opposed&nbsp; Trump's plans to unilaterally impose the strict immigration stance, including the reinstatement of the "remain in Mexico" policy. 
This policy forces migrants to stay in Mexico while awaiting results of their asylum claims.&nbsp;
Flying deportees into a foreign country requires the cooperation of that nation's government.
Meanwhile, Guatemala on Friday received three flights from the US. The planes carried Guatemalan nationals&nbsp; sent back to their home country. 
A spokesperson for the Guatemalan Migration Institute told NBC News that two of Friday's flights were&nbsp; military aircraft and the third was non-military, carrying a total of 265 Guatemalans.
The military deportation flights are part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on illegal immigration that has been set in motion with executive orders signed in his first week in office. Additionally, the US President has enlisted the military to beef up its presence on the border with an additional 1,500 troops.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Mexico is open to collaboration with the US despite denying a US military plane landing, as it navigates Trump's deportation policies affecting Mexican citizens.

After reports of Mexico's refusal to give landing access to a US military plane carrying illegal migrants, the country's foreign ministry said it is 'ready to work with' Washington as the administration of President Donald Trump deports Mexican citizens. "We will always accept the arrival of Mexicans to our territory with open arms," the ministry said in a statement on Friday (Jan 24), a day after the White House said in an X post that Mexico had accepted four deportation flights in one day, which is a record. Also read | US Supreme Court clears Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India US-Mexico tensions on the rise after Trump’s victory But there were reports that Mexico blocked landing access to at least one US military plane carrying deported migrants. The reason was not immediately clear. Later, a White House official said “the flights thing was an administrative issue and was quickly rectified.” Tensions between the two neighbours and longtime allies have increased since Donald Trump won the recent election and took charge as US president. The Republican leader had threatened to slap 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico in retaliation for migrants crossing the border. But he has not yet put that into effect. Also read | Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs Mexican President opposes Trump’s actions Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government has opposed Trump's plans to unilaterally impose the strict immigration stance, including the reinstatement of the "remain in Mexico" policy. This policy forces migrants to stay in Mexico while awaiting results of their asylum claims. Flying deportees into a foreign country requires the cooperation of that nation's government. Meanwhile, Guatemala on Friday received three flights from the US. The planes carried Guatemalan nationals sent back to their home country. A spokesperson for the Guatemalan Migration Institute told NBC News that two of Friday's flights were military aircraft and the third was non-military, carrying a total of 265 Guatemalans. The military deportation flights are part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on illegal immigration that has been set in motion with executive orders signed in his first week in office. Additionally, the US President has enlisted the military to beef up its presence on the border with an additional 1,500 troops. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico draws line on US deportation flights but vows to welcome back citizens 'with open arms'

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> on Friday (Jan 24) reinstated the &ldquo;Mexico City Rule,&rdquo; a long-standing Republican policy that bans US global health funding for foreign organisations involved in providing or promoting abortions. This move reverses key efforts by the erstwhile Joe Biden administration to expand access to abortion services.
Originally introduced during Republican president Ronald Reagan&rsquo;s administration, the Mexico City Rule has been repeatedly revoked by Democratic presidents and reinstated by Republican presidents. Trump had previously restored the policy at the start of his first term, but his predecessor Joe Biden overturned&nbsp;it during his time in office.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-donald-trump-administration-directs-agencies-to-start-firing-dei-staffs-8651735" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs</a>
<h2>Trump signs executive order to enforce the Hyde Amendment</h2>
In yet another crackdown on abortions, Trump signed an executive order to enforce the Hyde Amendment, which had banned federal funding for these procedures since 1977.&nbsp;
The order also reverses several actions implemented by the Biden administration to increase access to abortion services following the Supreme Court&rsquo;s 2022 decision to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-donald-trump-to-elon-musk-2024-was-the-year-the-toxic-male-rose-to-power-8575991">Roe v. Wade</a>.
Both orders were signed on the same day as the March for Life, an annual gathering of anti-abortion activists to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Supreme Court&rsquo;s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which had established a nationwide right to abortion before being overturned. Trump addressed the rally through a video message, while Vice President JD Vance spoke in person.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-pete-hegseth-the-man-chosen-as-new-us-secretary-of-defense-8651814" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Who is Pete Hegseth? Ex-Fox News anchor turned US Secretary of Defense</a>
Just a day earlier, Trump issued pardons to around two dozen individuals convicted of blocking access to abortion clinics.
The Biden administration had taken a series of actions to expand abortion access and reproductive healthcare following the Supreme Court ruling. Democrats made abortion rights a central focus of their 2024 campaign strategy, warning of potential restrictions under Trump&rsquo;s leadership.
<h2>Trump&rsquo;s anti-abortion policies during his first term led to 108,000 deaths of women and children: Report</h2>
A 2022 study by the National Academy of Sciences found that Trump&rsquo;s earlier anti-abortion policies on foreign aid during his first term had led to an estimated 108,000 deaths of women and children in low-income countries. 
This was linked to funding cuts for organisations like MSI Reproductive Choices, which provides contraception and STI testing using US&nbsp;funds&nbsp;while offering abortion services through separate revenue streams.
MSI, which refused to comply with the reinstated policy, is expected to lose $14 million in funding from the US Agency for International Development. 
According to the organisation, this financial cutback could lead to the suspension of contraception services in several countries, potentially resulting in an additional 2.4 million unintended pregnancies.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US abortion Mexico City Rule - Donald Trump signed an executive order to enforce the Hyde Amendment, which has banned federal funding for abortions since 1977.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 24) reinstated the “Mexico City Rule,” a long-standing Republican policy that bans US global health funding for foreign organisations involved in providing or promoting abortions. This move reverses key efforts by the erstwhile Joe Biden administration to expand access to abortion services. Originally introduced during Republican president Ronald Reagan’s administration, the Mexico City Rule has been repeatedly revoked by Democratic presidents and reinstated by Republican presidents. Trump had previously restored the policy at the start of his first term, but his predecessor Joe Biden overturned it during his time in office. Also read: Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs Trump signs executive order to enforce the Hyde Amendment In yet another crackdown on abortions, Trump signed an executive order to enforce the Hyde Amendment, which had banned federal funding for these procedures since 1977. The order also reverses several actions implemented by the Biden administration to increase access to abortion services following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Both orders were signed on the same day as the March for Life, an annual gathering of anti-abortion activists to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which had established a nationwide right to abortion before being overturned. Trump addressed the rally through a video message, while Vice President JD Vance spoke in person. Also read: Who is Pete Hegseth? Ex-Fox News anchor turned US Secretary of Defense Just a day earlier, Trump issued pardons to around two dozen individuals convicted of blocking access to abortion clinics. The Biden administration had taken a series of actions to expand abortion access and reproductive healthcare following the Supreme Court ruling. Democrats made abortion rights a central focus of their 2024 campaign strategy, warning of potential restrictions under Trump’s leadership. Trump’s anti-abortion policies during his first term led to 108,000 deaths of women and children: Report A 2022 study by the National Academy of Sciences found that Trump’s earlier anti-abortion policies on foreign aid during his first term had led to an estimated 108,000 deaths of women and children in low-income countries. This was linked to funding cuts for organisations like MSI Reproductive Choices, which provides contraception and STI testing using US funds while offering abortion services through separate revenue streams. MSI, which refused to comply with the reinstated policy, is expected to lose $14 million in funding from the US Agency for International Development. According to the organisation, this financial cutback could lead to the suspension of contraception services in several countries, potentially resulting in an additional 2.4 million unintended pregnancies. (With inputs from agencies)

US anti-abortion crackdown: President Trump reinstates 'Mexico City Rule,' slashes abortion aid globally

The US Senate in a late-night vote on Friday (Jan 24) confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of defence, marking one of the closest confirmation votes in modern history for the position.
The Supreme Court of the United States cleared 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India on Saturday (Jan 25).
In other news, US President Donald Trump's administration asked the federal agencies on Friday (Jan 24) to terminate roles and offices related to diversity, equity and inclusion programmes, after placing them on paid leave earlier this week, a memo circulated by the Office of Personnel Management showed.
Click on the headlines to read more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-confirmed-as-us-defense-secretary-tie-breaking-vote-from-vice-president-jd-vance-8651726">Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/25/a3wNT20nqltmVfwVpOds.png" alt=" US Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth Photograph: (Reuters) ">
The US Senate in a late-night vote on Friday (Jan 24) confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defence, marking one of the closest confirmation votes in modern history for the position.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-clears-mumbai-terror-attack-convict-tahawwur-ranas-extradition-to-india-8651803">US Supreme Court clears Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/25/mbpuhsTbFG3OyBmv3j5o.webp" alt=" The 2008 attack killed more than 160 people Photograph: (PTI) ">
&nbsp;
The Supreme Court of the United States (US) cleared 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India on Saturday (Jan 25), PTI reported.
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/24/4OAN0Y0GemDZ8rPOqBxH.png" alt=" File Photo: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump's administration asked the federal agencies on Friday (Jan 24) to terminate roles and offices related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, after placing them on paid leave earlier this week, a memo circulated by the Office of Personnel Management showed.
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The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has ordered a pause on nearly all foreign aid programmes, except for military funding for Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo circulated to US officials and embassies abroad.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/republic-day-2025-celebrating-indias-76th-r-day-with-soldiers-on-the-loc">Republic Day 2025: Celebrating India's 76th R-day with soldiers on the LoC | Video</a>
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Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief

The US Senate in a late-night vote on Friday (Jan 24) confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of defence, marking one of the closest confirmation votes in modern history for the position. The Supreme Court of the United States cleared 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India on Saturday (Jan 25). In other news, US President Donald Trump's administration asked the federal agencies on Friday (Jan 24) to terminate roles and offices related to diversity, equity and inclusion programmes, after placing them on paid leave earlier this week, a memo circulated by the Office of Personnel Management showed. Click on the headlines to read more Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance The US Senate in a late-night vote on Friday (Jan 24) confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defence, marking one of the closest confirmation votes in modern history for the position. US Supreme Court clears Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India The Supreme Court of the United States (US) cleared 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India on Saturday (Jan 25), PTI reported. Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs US President Donald Trump's administration asked the federal agencies on Friday (Jan 24) to terminate roles and offices related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, after placing them on paid leave earlier this week, a memo circulated by the Office of Personnel Management showed. 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes almost all foreign aid except military funding for Israel and Egypt The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has ordered a pause on nearly all foreign aid programmes, except for military funding for Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo circulated to US officials and embassies abroad. Republic Day 2025: Celebrating India's 76th R-day with soldiers on the LoC | Video

Morning brief: Pete Hegseth confirmed as US defence secretary; Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India cleared, and more

In a late-night session on January 24, the US Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of defence in a highly contentious and closely split vote.&nbsp;
US President Donald Trump celebrated the confirmation on Truth Social, stating, "Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!" &nbsp;
The soldier-turned-media personality's nomination faced intense scrutiny due to allegations of sexual assault and workplace misconduct that emerged in recent months. Critics also pointed to his controversial stance against women serving in combat roles and his call to remove military generals. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-confirmed-as-us-defense-secretary-tie-breaking-vote-from-vice-president-jd-vance-8651726">Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance</a>
<h2>Who is Pete Hegseth? &nbsp;</h2>
Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and commentator, became a prominent face of the network in 2016 as a co-host of its weekend morning programme. He also played a major role in expanding the network&rsquo;s live and streaming content, hosting the Fox Nation Patriot Awards annually since 2019. These events honour military personnel, first responders and police officers.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-donald-trump-freezes-foreign-aid-military-funding-for-israel-egypt-8651682">'Manufactured chaos': US freezes almost all foreign aid except military funding for Israel and Egypt</a>
<h2>Author, soldier, politician</h2>
Hegseth has written multiple books, the most recent being The War of Warriors.&nbsp;
Hegseth joined the US Army National Guard in 2003 after graduating from Princeton.
In 2004, he served as an infantry platoon leader at Guantanamo Bay.
He was later deployed to Iraq, earning a Bronze Star, a Combat Infantry Badge, and a second Army Commendation Medal. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-executive-order-to-fundamentally-overhaul-or-get-rid-of-fema-as-he-arrives-in-north-carolina-8651345">Trump says will sign executive order to 'fundamentally overhaul' or 'get rid of FEMA' as he arrives in North Carolina</a>
In 2012, he served as a senior counterinsurgency instructor in Kabul while deployed to Afghanistan with the Minnesota Army National Guard.
That same year, he ran for Senate in Minnesota, though his campaign was unsuccessful. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | World| Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and commentator, became a prominent face of the network in 2016 as a co-host of its weekend morning programme. He also played a major role in expanding the network’s live and streaming content, hosting the Fox Nation Patriot Awards annually since 2019.  

In a late-night session on January 24, the US Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of defence in a highly contentious and closely split vote. US President Donald Trump celebrated the confirmation on Truth Social, stating, "Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!" The soldier-turned-media personality's nomination faced intense scrutiny due to allegations of sexual assault and workplace misconduct that emerged in recent months. Critics also pointed to his controversial stance against women serving in combat roles and his call to remove military generals. Also Read | Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance Who is Pete Hegseth? Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and commentator, became a prominent face of the network in 2016 as a co-host of its weekend morning programme. He also played a major role in expanding the network’s live and streaming content, hosting the Fox Nation Patriot Awards annually since 2019. These events honour military personnel, first responders and police officers. Also Read | 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes almost all foreign aid except military funding for Israel and Egypt Author, soldier, politician Hegseth has written multiple books, the most recent being The War of Warriors. Hegseth joined the US Army National Guard in 2003 after graduating from Princeton. In 2004, he served as an infantry platoon leader at Guantanamo Bay. He was later deployed to Iraq, earning a Bronze Star, a Combat Infantry Badge, and a second Army Commendation Medal. Also Read | Trump says will sign executive order to 'fundamentally overhaul' or 'get rid of FEMA' as he arrives in North Carolina In 2012, he served as a senior counterinsurgency instructor in Kabul while deployed to Afghanistan with the Minnesota Army National Guard. That same year, he ran for Senate in Minnesota, though his campaign was unsuccessful. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Pete Hegseth? Ex-Fox News anchor, soldier-turned US Secretary of Defence

The Supreme Court of the United States has cleared 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India on Saturday (Jan 25), PTI news agency reported.
India has long sought the extradition of Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, as he is wanted in the 2008 Mumbai Taj Hotel terror attack, which killed more than 160 people.
<h2 dir="ltr">Rana had approached the US Supreme Court</h2>
This comes weeks after Rana approached the US Supreme Court against his extradition to India after losing the legal battle in lower courts.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-donald-trump-administration-directs-agencies-to-start-firing-dei-staffs-8651735">Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs</a>
Rana had last reached out to the US Court of Appeals for the North Circuit in San Francisco after losing the legal battle in lower courts and several federal courts.
On December 16, US Solicitor General Elizabeth B Prelogar urged the Supreme Court to reject Rana's petition. His counsel Joshua L Dratel, in his response on December 23, challenged the US government&rsquo;s recommendation and pleaded with the Supreme Court that his writ be accepted.
<h2 dir="ltr">Rana is a declared fugitive in India</h2>
In July last year, a US court rejected Rana's USD 1.5 million bail application, describing him as a flight risk.
Rana was re-arrested on June 10 last year in Los Angeles on an extradition request by India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. 
He is a declared fugitive in India.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-confirmed-as-us-defense-secretary-tie-breaking-vote-from-vice-president-jd-vance-8651726">Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance</a>
In August last year, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that Rana was &ldquo;extraditable to India" citing the extradition treaty between the two countries.
Rana is currently in jail in Los Angeles and faces charges for his role in the attack. He is said to be associated with the Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, who was one of the main conspirators of the attack.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World: US Supreme Court approved the extradition of Mumbai attack convict Tahawwur Rana to India, marking a significant development in the long-standing case.

The Supreme Court of the United States has cleared 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India on Saturday (Jan 25), PTI news agency reported. India has long sought the extradition of Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, as he is wanted in the 2008 Mumbai Taj Hotel terror attack, which killed more than 160 people. Rana had approached the US Supreme Court This comes weeks after Rana approached the US Supreme Court against his extradition to India after losing the legal battle in lower courts. Also read | Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs Rana had last reached out to the US Court of Appeals for the North Circuit in San Francisco after losing the legal battle in lower courts and several federal courts. On December 16, US Solicitor General Elizabeth B Prelogar urged the Supreme Court to reject Rana's petition. His counsel Joshua L Dratel, in his response on December 23, challenged the US government’s recommendation and pleaded with the Supreme Court that his writ be accepted. Rana is a declared fugitive in India In July last year, a US court rejected Rana's USD 1.5 million bail application, describing him as a flight risk. Rana was re-arrested on June 10 last year in Los Angeles on an extradition request by India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. He is a declared fugitive in India. Also read | Pete Hegseth confirmed as US Defense Secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance In August last year, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that Rana was “extraditable to India" citing the extradition treaty between the two countries. Rana is currently in jail in Los Angeles and faces charges for his role in the attack. He is said to be associated with the Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, who was one of the main conspirators of the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

US Supreme Court clears Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India

US President Donald Trump's administration asked federal agencies on Friday (Jan 24) to terminate roles and offices related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, after placing them on paid leave earlier this week, a memo circulated by the Office of Personnel Management showed.
"Each agency, department, or commission head shall take action to terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law, all DEI, DEIA, and 'environmental justice' offices and positions within 60 days," said the memo from the US Office of Personnel Management, referring to jobs aimed at boosting "diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility."
<h2 dir="ltr">Why it matters</h2>
After taking office on Monday, the Republican leader had issued a series of executive orders seeking to dismantle DEI programmes.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hire-your-own-security-donald-trump-ends-government-protection-for-anthony-fauci-8651490">'Hire your own security': Donald Trump ends government protection for Anthony Fauci</a>
DEI programmes seek to promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, LGBT people and other traditionally underrepresented groups. Civil rights advocates argue such programmes, generally backed by Democrats, are needed to address longstanding inequities and structural racism.
Trump and his allies say DEI programmes unfairly discriminate against other Americans and weaken the importance of candidates' merit in job hiring or promotion.
<h2>Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief</h2>
The US president earlier dismissed Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the head of the US Coast Guard, citing her excessive emphasis on DEI initiatives.
Fagan, who made history as the first woman to lead a branch of the US Armed Forces, was removed from her position on Jan 21.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-first-female-coast-guard-chief-admiral-linda-lee-fagan-elon-musk-reacts-8642254">&lsquo;Racist, sexist diversity nonsense&rsquo;: Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief, Admiral Linda Lee Fagan</a>
Trump has also pressured the private sector to join his attack on DEI. 
Civil rights advocates say his push marks a significant setback to decades-long efforts to ensure equality in federal hiring and contracts.
However, it was not immediately clear from the memo how many DEI staffers each federal agency has.
<h2 dir="ltr">US administration directed all federal DEI staff to be put on leave</h2>
President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday directed that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management.
The memo follows an executive order Trump signed on his first day ordering a sweeping dismantling of the federal government's diversity and inclusion programmes that could touch on everything from anti-bias training to funding for minority farmers and homeowners.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: US administration directs federal agencies to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles, days after placing them on paid leave

US President Donald Trump's administration asked federal agencies on Friday (Jan 24) to terminate roles and offices related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, after placing them on paid leave earlier this week, a memo circulated by the Office of Personnel Management showed. "Each agency, department, or commission head shall take action to terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law, all DEI, DEIA, and 'environmental justice' offices and positions within 60 days," said the memo from the US Office of Personnel Management, referring to jobs aimed at boosting "diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility." Why it matters After taking office on Monday, the Republican leader had issued a series of executive orders seeking to dismantle DEI programmes. Also read | 'Hire your own security': Donald Trump ends government protection for Anthony Fauci DEI programmes seek to promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, LGBT people and other traditionally underrepresented groups. Civil rights advocates argue such programmes, generally backed by Democrats, are needed to address longstanding inequities and structural racism. Trump and his allies say DEI programmes unfairly discriminate against other Americans and weaken the importance of candidates' merit in job hiring or promotion. Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief The US president earlier dismissed Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the head of the US Coast Guard, citing her excessive emphasis on DEI initiatives. Fagan, who made history as the first woman to lead a branch of the US Armed Forces, was removed from her position on Jan 21. Also read | ‘Racist, sexist diversity nonsense’: Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief, Admiral Linda Lee Fagan Trump has also pressured the private sector to join his attack on DEI. Civil rights advocates say his push marks a significant setback to decades-long efforts to ensure equality in federal hiring and contracts. However, it was not immediately clear from the memo how many DEI staffers each federal agency has. US administration directed all federal DEI staff to be put on leave President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday directed that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management. The memo follows an executive order Trump signed on his first day ordering a sweeping dismantling of the federal government's diversity and inclusion programmes that could touch on everything from anti-bias training to funding for minority farmers and homeowners. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staff

The US Senate confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pete-hegseth" rel="dofollow">Pete Hegseth</a> as the new secretary of defence, marking one of the closest confirmation votes in modern history for the position, that required a tie-breaker from Vice President JD Vance in a late-night vote on Friday (Jan 24).
US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate Hegseth, saying, "Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!"
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-donald-trump-freezes-foreign-aid-military-funding-for-israel-egypt-8651682" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes almost all foreign aid except military funding for Israel and Egypt</a>
While the Republican Party held a majority in the 100-member Senate, they could afford to lose only three votes to secure the nomination. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell broke ranks to oppose Hegseth&rsquo;s appointment, leaving the final decision to Vance, who cast the tie-breaking vote.
Before the vote, Vance wrote on the social media platform X, &ldquo;I thought I was done voting in the Senate.&rdquo;
<h2>Allegations of misconduct and harassment against Pete Hegseth</h2>
President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Trump</a> selected Hegseth, a former Fox News presenter, for the key role in spite of controversies surrounding him. His nomination faced complications due to allegations of misconduct and harassment.
Earlier in the week, a sworn statement was submitted to the Armed Services Committee by Hegseth's former sister-in-law, Danielle Diettrich Hegseth. She accused him of being &ldquo;abusive&rdquo; toward his second wife and being frequently intoxicated, including at least one incident while in uniform.
Hegseth has denied these claims, as well as earlier allegations of sexual assault, financial mismanagement, and public drunkenness.
President Trump, speaking to reporters on Friday, seemed uncertain about Hegseth&rsquo;s prospects, saying, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what&rsquo;s going to happen,&rdquo; while describing him as &ldquo;a very good man.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-donald-trump-administration-directs-agencies-to-start-firing-dei-staffs-8651735" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs</a>
Many Republicans have dismissed the affidavit submitted by Danielle Diettrich Hegseth. They pointed to a statement from Hegseth&rsquo;s ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, who told NBC News that he had never physically abused her, questioning the credibility of the claims.
The last time a defence secretary nominee was voted down was in 1989 when the Senate rejected John Tower, George H.W. Bush&rsquo;s nominee, due to concerns about his drinking, behaviour towards women, and potential conflicts of interest with defence contractors.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: US President Donald Trump selected Peter Hegseth, a former Fox News presenter, for the secretary of defence role. However, his nomination faced complications.

The US Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of defence, marking one of the closest confirmation votes in modern history for the position, that required a tie-breaker from Vice President JD Vance in a late-night vote on Friday (Jan 24). US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate Hegseth, saying, "Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!" Also read: 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes almost all foreign aid except military funding for Israel and Egypt While the Republican Party held a majority in the 100-member Senate, they could afford to lose only three votes to secure the nomination. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell broke ranks to oppose Hegseth’s appointment, leaving the final decision to Vance, who cast the tie-breaking vote. Before the vote, Vance wrote on the social media platform X, “I thought I was done voting in the Senate.” Allegations of misconduct and harassment against Pete Hegseth President Trump selected Hegseth, a former Fox News presenter, for the key role in spite of controversies surrounding him. His nomination faced complications due to allegations of misconduct and harassment. Earlier in the week, a sworn statement was submitted to the Armed Services Committee by Hegseth's former sister-in-law, Danielle Diettrich Hegseth. She accused him of being “abusive” toward his second wife and being frequently intoxicated, including at least one incident while in uniform. Hegseth has denied these claims, as well as earlier allegations of sexual assault, financial mismanagement, and public drunkenness. President Trump, speaking to reporters on Friday, seemed uncertain about Hegseth’s prospects, saying, “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” while describing him as “a very good man.” Also read: Trump administration directs agencies to start firing DEI staffs Many Republicans have dismissed the affidavit submitted by Danielle Diettrich Hegseth. They pointed to a statement from Hegseth’s ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, who told NBC News that he had never physically abused her, questioning the credibility of the claims. The last time a defence secretary nominee was voted down was in 1989 when the Senate rejected John Tower, George H.W. Bush’s nominee, due to concerns about his drinking, behaviour towards women, and potential conflicts of interest with defence contractors. (With inputs from agencies)

Pete Hegseth confirmed as US defence secretary with tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance

The US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;has ordered a pause on nearly all foreign aid programmes including possibly for Ukraine, but excluding military funding for Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo circulated to US officials and embassies abroad.
The leaked memo follows an executive order issued by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> earlier in the week, which called for a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance to review spending efficiencies and ensure that the aid aligns with the president's foreign policy objectives.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hire-your-own-security-donald-trump-ends-government-protection-for-anthony-fauci-8651490" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Hire your own security': Donald Trump ends government protection for Anthony Fauci</a>
As the world&rsquo;s largest donor of international aid, the US allocated $68 billion to foreign development efforts in 2023, according to official data.&nbsp;
The State Department&rsquo;s directive affects a broad spectrum of aid, from development programmes to military support.&nbsp;
<h2>Exceptions granted for emergency food aid and military aid to Israel, Egypt</h2>
Exceptions have been granted just for emergency food aid and military assistance to Israel, which has benefitted from expanded arms packages since the Gaza conflict, and Egypt, a longstanding recipient of US defence funding following its 1979 peace treaty with Israel.
Israel currently receives approximately $3.3 billion annually in foreign military financing, while Egypt&rsquo;s share is about $1.3 billion.&nbsp;
The memo read, &ldquo;No new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved&hellip; as consistent with President Trump&rsquo;s agenda.&rdquo;
It further instructs US officials to "immediately issue stop-work orders, consistent with the terms of the relevant award, until such time as the secretary shall determine, following a review."
This review, expected within 85 days, will determine whether foreign assistance aligns with the administration&rsquo;s foreign policy goals.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-illegal-immigrants-us-president-donald-trump-illegal-overstaying-in-us-8651283" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Will bring them back': India responds after US launches crackdown on illegal immigrants</a>
The directive's scope is wide, and it could potentially impact aid to numerous countries, including Ukraine, which previously received billions in military support under Joe Biden&rsquo;s administration.&nbsp;
According to a Congressional request from Biden&rsquo;s administration, countries earmarked for US funding in 2025 include Ukraine, Georgia, the Baltic states, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Djibouti, Colombia, and Jordan, among others.&nbsp;
The request also seeks to support Lebanon&rsquo;s military capabilities to address instability and counter Iranian influence.
Marco Rubio has previously said that US foreign spending should only proceed if it makes the country &ldquo;stronger,&rdquo; &ldquo;safer,&rdquo; or &ldquo;more prosperous.&rdquo;
A former senior official at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), speaking anonymously with The Guardian, described the move as &ldquo;manufactured chaos.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The official said, &ldquo;Organisations will have to stop all activities, so all lifesaving health services, HIV/AIDS programmes, nutrition, maternal and child health, all agriculture work, all support for civil society organisations, education.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Marco Rubio | As the world’s largest donor of international aid, the US allocated $68 billion to foreign development efforts in 2023, according to official data. 

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered a pause on nearly all foreign aid programmes including possibly for Ukraine, but excluding military funding for Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo circulated to US officials and embassies abroad. The leaked memo follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump earlier in the week, which called for a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance to review spending efficiencies and ensure that the aid aligns with the president's foreign policy objectives. Also read: 'Hire your own security': Donald Trump ends government protection for Anthony Fauci As the world’s largest donor of international aid, the US allocated $68 billion to foreign development efforts in 2023, according to official data. The State Department’s directive affects a broad spectrum of aid, from development programmes to military support. Exceptions granted for emergency food aid and military aid to Israel, Egypt Exceptions have been granted just for emergency food aid and military assistance to Israel, which has benefitted from expanded arms packages since the Gaza conflict, and Egypt, a longstanding recipient of US defence funding following its 1979 peace treaty with Israel. Israel currently receives approximately $3.3 billion annually in foreign military financing, while Egypt’s share is about $1.3 billion. The memo read, “No new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved… as consistent with President Trump’s agenda.” It further instructs US officials to "immediately issue stop-work orders, consistent with the terms of the relevant award, until such time as the secretary shall determine, following a review." This review, expected within 85 days, will determine whether foreign assistance aligns with the administration’s foreign policy goals. Also read: 'Will bring them back': India responds after US launches crackdown on illegal immigrants The directive's scope is wide, and it could potentially impact aid to numerous countries, including Ukraine, which previously received billions in military support under Joe Biden’s administration. According to a Congressional request from Biden’s administration, countries earmarked for US funding in 2025 include Ukraine, Georgia, the Baltic states, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Djibouti, Colombia, and Jordan, among others. The request also seeks to support Lebanon’s military capabilities to address instability and counter Iranian influence. Marco Rubio has previously said that US foreign spending should only proceed if it makes the country “stronger,” “safer,” or “more prosperous.” A former senior official at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), speaking anonymously with The Guardian, described the move as “manufactured chaos.” The official said, “Organisations will have to stop all activities, so all lifesaving health services, HIV/AIDS programmes, nutrition, maternal and child health, all agriculture work, all support for civil society organisations, education.” (With inputs from agencies)

'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine; military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he stands by his decision to terminate the government-provided security detail for Dr Anthony Fauci. The decision follows former president Joe Biden&rsquo;s last-minute pardon of Fauci on his final day in office, aimed at shielding the former disease expert from potential investigation by the Trump administration. Trump addressed the issue during remarks in North Carolina, saying, &ldquo;When you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off. You can&rsquo;t have them forever. So, I think it&rsquo;s very standard.&rdquo; Trump further added that he would not take responsibility if threats were made against Fauci, suggesting the former official could fund his own private security. &ldquo;They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too,&rdquo; Trump added. The New York Times initially reported the termination of Fauci&rsquo;s security detail, which had been provided by the National Institutes of Health in response to threats. Fauci had faced criticism and scrutiny from Republican lawmakers during Trump&rsquo;s presidency, particularly over disagreements regarding the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Rand Paul voiced his support for ending the security detail. He announced on social media that he had submitted information backing the decision. &ldquo;I wish him nothing but peace, but he needs to pay for his own limos,&rdquo; Paul posted on X (formerly Twitter). Trump has also previously removed government security for other former officials, including John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook, who had been provided additional protection due to threats from Iran. Bolton has been a vocal critic of Trump, while Pompeo, who briefly considered a 2024 presidential run, has largely endorsed Trump&rsquo;s campaign. Fauci, a longtime government infectious diseases expert, was at odds with Trump on several occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been the subject of threats and scrutiny since his tenure.

World: The decision follows former president Joe Biden’s last-minute pardon of Fauci on his final day in office, aimed at shielding the former disease expert from potential investigation.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he stands by his decision to terminate the government-provided security detail for Dr Anthony Fauci. The decision follows former president Joe Biden’s last-minute pardon of Fauci on his final day in office, aimed at shielding the former disease expert from potential investigation by the Trump administration. Trump addressed the issue during remarks in North Carolina, saying, “When you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off. You can’t have them forever. So, I think it’s very standard.” Trump further added that he would not take responsibility if threats were made against Fauci, suggesting the former official could fund his own private security. “They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too,” Trump added. The New York Times initially reported the termination of Fauci’s security detail, which had been provided by the National Institutes of Health in response to threats. Fauci had faced criticism and scrutiny from Republican lawmakers during Trump’s presidency, particularly over disagreements regarding the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Rand Paul voiced his support for ending the security detail. He announced on social media that he had submitted information backing the decision. “I wish him nothing but peace, but he needs to pay for his own limos,” Paul posted on X (formerly Twitter). Trump has also previously removed government security for other former officials, including John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook, who had been provided additional protection due to threats from Iran. Bolton has been a vocal critic of Trump, while Pompeo, who briefly considered a 2024 presidential run, has largely endorsed Trump’s campaign. Fauci, a longtime government infectious diseases expert, was at odds with Trump on several occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been the subject of threats and scrutiny since his tenure.

'Hire your own security': Donald Trump ends government protection for Anthony Fauci

Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who got released after US President Donald Trump's Jan 6 pardons, thanked Trump for pardoning him and said he "literally gave me my life back&rdquo;.
The Proud Boys leader further said that he wants revenge, he told Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist host of Info Wars.
&ldquo;The people who did this, they need to feel the heat, they need to be put behind bars, and they need to be prosecuted,&rdquo; Tarrio said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-planning-to-regroup-say-far-right-capitols-riot-leaders-who-were-freed-by-trump-8647068" rel="dofollow">'We're planning to regroup,' say far-right Capitol riot leaders who were freed by Trump</a>
He added, "Success is going to be retribution." Tarrio stressed, "We gotta do everything in our power to make sure that the next four years set us up for the next 100 years.&rdquo;
Following the leaders of far-right militia groups being released from prison, they and their organisation are regrouping and figuring out how to build back momentum now that Trump is back in office.&nbsp;
Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers, &nbsp;an American far-right anti-government militia, showed up at the US Capitol this week dining at a Dunkin inside the Longworth House office building.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-wrong-that-day-convicted-us-capitol-rioter-refused-to-take-trumps-pardon-8644746" rel="dofollow"> 'We were wrong that day': Convicted US Capitol rioter refuses Trump's pardon</a>
Rhodes &ldquo;met with at least one lawmaker during his visit and chatted with others&rdquo; while on Capitol Hill.
Rhodes had interviews outside the DC jail, where he said he wanted prosecutors to be tried for their "crimes".&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-capitol-rioter-says-will-refuse-a-pardon-from-felon-us-president-elect-donald-trump-8624749" rel="dofollow"> 'I was guilty': US Capitol rioter says &lsquo;will refuse a pardon from felon Trump'</a>
<h2>'Patriots Day'</h2>
Rhodes further suggested that January 6 should be remembered in history as &ldquo;Patriots Day&rdquo;. Moreover, he has not expressed regret for his role in the riots, saying his members were trapped and their responses to the police force were understandable.
Tarrio and Rhodes are two of those people who have had some of the longest sentences given to Jan 6 defendants, at 22 years and 18 years.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-grants-blanket-pardon-to-almost-all-involved-in-capitol-riots-8640896" rel="dofollow">Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to?</a>
Both were charged with seditious conspiracy for their roles in helping plan the attack.&nbsp;
The Oath Keepers &ldquo;plotted for months to violently disrupt the peaceful transfer of power&rdquo; and the Proud Boys &ldquo;played a central role in setting the January 6 attack on our Capitol into motion&rdquo;, according to the attorneys for the government.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: Tarrio said, "Success is going to be retribution." He added, "We gotta do everything in our power to make sure that the next four years set us up for the next 100 years.”

Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who got released after US President Donald Trump's Jan 6 pardons, thanked Trump for pardoning him and said he "literally gave me my life back”. The Proud Boys leader further said that he wants revenge, he told Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist host of Info Wars. “The people who did this, they need to feel the heat, they need to be put behind bars, and they need to be prosecuted,” Tarrio said. Also read: 'We're planning to regroup,' say far-right Capitol riot leaders who were freed by Trump He added, "Success is going to be retribution." Tarrio stressed, "We gotta do everything in our power to make sure that the next four years set us up for the next 100 years.” Following the leaders of far-right militia groups being released from prison, they and their organisation are regrouping and figuring out how to build back momentum now that Trump is back in office. Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers, an American far-right anti-government militia, showed up at the US Capitol this week dining at a Dunkin inside the Longworth House office building. Also read: 'We were wrong that day': Convicted US Capitol rioter refuses Trump's pardon Rhodes “met with at least one lawmaker during his visit and chatted with others” while on Capitol Hill. Rhodes had interviews outside the DC jail, where he said he wanted prosecutors to be tried for their "crimes". Also read: 'I was guilty': US Capitol rioter says ‘will refuse a pardon from felon Trump' 'Patriots Day' Rhodes further suggested that January 6 should be remembered in history as “Patriots Day”. Moreover, he has not expressed regret for his role in the riots, saying his members were trapped and their responses to the police force were understandable. Tarrio and Rhodes are two of those people who have had some of the longest sentences given to Jan 6 defendants, at 22 years and 18 years. Also read: Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to? Both were charged with seditious conspiracy for their roles in helping plan the attack. The Oath Keepers “plotted for months to violently disrupt the peaceful transfer of power” and the Proud Boys “played a central role in setting the January 6 attack on our Capitol into motion”, according to the attorneys for the government. (With inputs from agencies)

'People who did this, need to feel the heat,' Proud Boys leader vows revenge as Trump pardons Jan 6 rioters

In a controversial statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the 2022 war between Russia and Ukraine would not have taken place if Trump had been the President of the US at that time.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-donald-trump-urges-global-nuclear-talks-amid-rising-tensions">Russia-Ukraine War: Donald Trump urges global nuclear talks amid rising tensions</a>
&ldquo;I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president&mdash;if his victory hadn&rsquo;t been stolen in 2020&mdash;then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022," the Russian president said.&nbsp;
Trump has consistently claimed that the 2020 US presidential election, which the Republicans lost, was "stolen" and "rigged".&nbsp;
<h2>'Not only a smart person but...'</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-executive-order-to-fundamentally-overhaul-or-get-rid-of-fema-as-he-arrives-in-north-carolina-8651345">Trump to sign executive order to 'fundamentally overhaul' or 'get rid of FEMA' as he arrives in North Carolina</a>
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 24) as he called Trump "smart" and "pragmatic" in an interview. He praised the Republican for his approach to handling global issues.
&ldquo;I have a hard time imagining there will be decisions taken that are detrimental to the American economy,&rdquo; Putin said. He further added that fluctuations in oil prices would be harmful for both the US and Russia. &ldquo;He is not only a smart person, but a pragmatic person,&rdquo; Putin said in his statement.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-receives-757-fallen-soldiers-in-major-repatriation">Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv receives 757 fallen soldiers in major repatriation</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Reduction in oil prices can end conflict?</h2>
Putin's statement came after Trump said at the World Economic Forum on Thursday (Jan 23) that a reduction in the prices of oil could bring an end to the Russia-Ukrainian conflict.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sadbait-how-algorithms-audiences-and-creators-thrive-on-emotional-content">'Sadbait': How algorithms, audiences, and creators thrive on emotional content</a>
Although, despite Trump's suggestion, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea that oil prices could resolve the conflict. &ldquo;The conflict is ongoing because of the threat to Russia's national security, the threat to Russians living on those territories, and the refusal by the Americans and Europeans to listen to Russia&rsquo;s security concerns,&rdquo; Peskov said in response.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Donald Trump has repeatedly alleged that the US presidential election was manipulated, sparking widespread debates and legal challenges across the country.

In a controversial statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the 2022 war between Russia and Ukraine would not have taken place if Trump had been the President of the US at that time. Also read: Russia-Ukraine War: Donald Trump urges global nuclear talks amid rising tensions “I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president—if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020—then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022," the Russian president said. Trump has consistently claimed that the 2020 US presidential election, which the Republicans lost, was "stolen" and "rigged". 'Not only a smart person but...' Also read: Trump to sign executive order to 'fundamentally overhaul' or 'get rid of FEMA' as he arrives in North Carolina Russian President Vladimir Putin praised US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 24) as he called Trump "smart" and "pragmatic" in an interview. He praised the Republican for his approach to handling global issues. “I have a hard time imagining there will be decisions taken that are detrimental to the American economy,” Putin said. He further added that fluctuations in oil prices would be harmful for both the US and Russia. “He is not only a smart person, but a pragmatic person,” Putin said in his statement. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv receives 757 fallen soldiers in major repatriation Reduction in oil prices can end conflict? Putin's statement came after Trump said at the World Economic Forum on Thursday (Jan 23) that a reduction in the prices of oil could bring an end to the Russia-Ukrainian conflict. Also read: 'Sadbait': How algorithms, audiences, and creators thrive on emotional content Although, despite Trump's suggestion, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea that oil prices could resolve the conflict. “The conflict is ongoing because of the threat to Russia's national security, the threat to Russians living on those territories, and the refusal by the Americans and Europeans to listen to Russia’s security concerns,” Peskov said in response. (With inputs from agencies)

If Trump's victory hadn't been stolen in 2020 polls, there wouldn't be crisis in Ukraine, Putin says

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 24) arrived in North Carolina to assess the extent of the damage caused by the recent hurricane.&nbsp;
This marks his first visit outside Washington after taking office as US President. Trump is accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.&nbsp;
Trump, during his visit, suggested that he would sign an "executive order" to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), "or maybe getting rid of them".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fema-official-directed-aid-workers-to-avoid-houses-with-trump-signs-suspended-reports-774755" rel="dofollow">FEMA official directed aid workers to avoid houses with Trump signs, suspended: Report</a>
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to recommend that FEMA go away," Trump added, suggesting that states take the lead role in responding and then get reimbursed a percentage of their costs from the federal government.&nbsp;
<h2>'FEMA has not done the job'</h2>
As he arrived in North Carolina, Trump said that he would be assessing the role of FEMA moving forward, claiming the agency got in the way of disaster response.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-new-wildfire-erupts-near-castaic-lake-forcing-31000-including-500-inmates-to-evacuate-8645577" rel="dofollow">New Los Angeles wildfire forces thousands, including 500 inmates, to evacuate</a>
"FEMA just hasn&rsquo;t done the job. And we&rsquo;re looking at the whole concept of FEMA. I like, frankly, the concept when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it, to have a group of people come in from an area that don&rsquo;t even know where they&rsquo;re going in order to solve immediately a problem is something that never worked for me, but this is probably one of the best examples of it not working,&rdquo; Trump told reporters.&nbsp;
He added that the "aid will go through us", rather than going through FEMA.&nbsp;
Trump, while talking to the reporters, said that he wanted to see two actions taken in California before he offered federal support for Los Angeles.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-faces-extreme-fire-danger-amid-high-winds-forecast-over-6mn-people-under-critical-threat-8624934" rel="dofollow">Los Angeles faces 'extreme fire danger' amid high winds forecast, over 6mn people under critical threat</a>
&ldquo;I want to see two things in Los Angeles. Voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state,&rdquo; Trump told reporters in North Carolina.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Those are the two things. After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen,&rdquo; he added.
The US President further said that he wants to take care of the people of North Carolina.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We want to take care of the people of North Carolina. It&rsquo;s so interesting. Everybody is talking about California, and that&rsquo;s a mess. But I said, I&rsquo;m not going to California until I stop in North Carolina. So here we are,&rdquo; Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-faces-extreme-fire-danger-amid-high-winds-forecast-over-6mn-people-under-critical-threat-8624934" rel="dofollow">Los Angeles faces 'extreme fire danger' amid high winds forecast, over 6mn people under critical threat</a>
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to go visit the site and we&rsquo;re going to work with probably three of the congressmen, Republican congressmen, who have been fantastic, whose areas have been affected," he added.&nbsp;
Trump will be receiving a briefing on the recovery efforts in the affected region.&nbsp;
Following his visit to North Carolina, Trump will then travel to California, where wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump, while talking to the reporters, said that he wanted to see two actions taken in California before he offers federal support for Los Angeles. 

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 24) arrived in North Carolina to assess the extent of the damage caused by the recent hurricane. This marks his first visit outside Washington after taking office as US President. Trump is accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. Trump, during his visit, suggested that he would sign an "executive order" to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), "or maybe getting rid of them". Also read: FEMA official directed aid workers to avoid houses with Trump signs, suspended: Report “We’re going to recommend that FEMA go away," Trump added, suggesting that states take the lead role in responding and then get reimbursed a percentage of their costs from the federal government. 'FEMA has not done the job' As he arrived in North Carolina, Trump said that he would be assessing the role of FEMA moving forward, claiming the agency got in the way of disaster response. Also read: New Los Angeles wildfire forces thousands, including 500 inmates, to evacuate "FEMA just hasn’t done the job. And we’re looking at the whole concept of FEMA. I like, frankly, the concept when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it, to have a group of people come in from an area that don’t even know where they’re going in order to solve immediately a problem is something that never worked for me, but this is probably one of the best examples of it not working,” Trump told reporters. He added that the "aid will go through us", rather than going through FEMA. Trump, while talking to the reporters, said that he wanted to see two actions taken in California before he offered federal support for Los Angeles. Also read: Los Angeles faces 'extreme fire danger' amid high winds forecast, over 6mn people under critical threat “I want to see two things in Los Angeles. Voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state,” Trump told reporters in North Carolina. “Those are the two things. After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen,” he added. The US President further said that he wants to take care of the people of North Carolina. “We want to take care of the people of North Carolina. It’s so interesting. Everybody is talking about California, and that’s a mess. But I said, I’m not going to California until I stop in North Carolina. So here we are,” Trump said. Also read: Los Angeles faces 'extreme fire danger' amid high winds forecast, over 6mn people under critical threat “We’re going to go visit the site and we’re going to work with probably three of the congressmen, Republican congressmen, who have been fantastic, whose areas have been affected," he added. Trump will be receiving a briefing on the recovery efforts in the affected region. Following his visit to North Carolina, Trump will then travel to California, where wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says will sign executive order to 'fundamentally overhaul' or 'get rid of FEMA' as he arrives in North Carolina

Kyiv said Friday (Jan 25) it had received the bodies of hundreds of Ukrainian troops killed in battle with Russian&nbsp;forces, in one of the largest repatriations since Russia invaded.
The exchange of prisoners and return of their remains is one of the few areas of cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv since the Kremlin mobilised its army in Ukraine in February 2022.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-receives-757-fallen-soldiers-in-major-repatriation">Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv receives 757 fallen soldiers in major repatriation</a> 
The repatriation announced by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, a Ukrainian state agency, is the largest in months and underscores the high cost and intensity of fighting ahead of the war's third anniversary.
"The bodies of 757 fallen defenders were returned to Ukraine," the Coordination Headquarters said in a post on social media.
It specified that 451 of the bodies were returned from the "Donetsk direction", probably a reference to the battle for the mining and transport hub of Pokrovsk.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-putin-ready-to-talk-to-trump-waiting-for-signal-from-washington">Russia-Ukraine War: Putin ready to talk to Trump: 'waiting for signal from Washington'</a>
The city that once had around 60,000 residents has been devastated by months of Russian bombardments and is the Kremlin's top military priority at the moment.
The statement also said 34 dead were returned from morgues inside Russia, where Kyiv last August mounted a shock offensive into Russia's western Kursk region.
Friday's repatriation is at least the fifth involving 500 or more Ukrainian bodies since October.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chromosome-x-could-brain-ageing-be-linked-to-your-mothers-genes">Chromosome X: Could brain ageing be linked to your mother's genes?</a>
Military death tolls are state secrets both in Russia and Ukraine&nbsp;but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed last December that 43,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed and 370,000 had been wounded since 2022.
The total number is likely to be significantly higher.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belarus-lukashenko-set-for-seventh-term-as-president-poised-for-victory">Belarus&rsquo; Lukashenko set for seventh term as President, poised for victory</a>
Russia does not announce the return of its bodies or give up-to-date information on the number of its troops killed fighting in Ukraine.
<div class="post-content">
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
</div>

World | It specified that 451 of the bodies were returned from the "Donetsk direction", probably a reference to the battle for the mining and transport hub of Pokrovsk.

Kyiv said Friday (Jan 25) it had received the bodies of hundreds of Ukrainian troops killed in battle with Russian forces, in one of the largest repatriations since Russia invaded. The exchange of prisoners and return of their remains is one of the few areas of cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv since the Kremlin mobilised its army in Ukraine in February 2022. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv receives 757 fallen soldiers in major repatriation The repatriation announced by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, a Ukrainian state agency, is the largest in months and underscores the high cost and intensity of fighting ahead of the war's third anniversary. "The bodies of 757 fallen defenders were returned to Ukraine," the Coordination Headquarters said in a post on social media. It specified that 451 of the bodies were returned from the "Donetsk direction", probably a reference to the battle for the mining and transport hub of Pokrovsk. Also read: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin ready to talk to Trump: 'waiting for signal from Washington' The city that once had around 60,000 residents has been devastated by months of Russian bombardments and is the Kremlin's top military priority at the moment. The statement also said 34 dead were returned from morgues inside Russia, where Kyiv last August mounted a shock offensive into Russia's western Kursk region. Friday's repatriation is at least the fifth involving 500 or more Ukrainian bodies since October. Also read: Chromosome X: Could brain ageing be linked to your mother's genes? Military death tolls are state secrets both in Russia and Ukraine but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed last December that 43,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed and 370,000 had been wounded since 2022. The total number is likely to be significantly higher. Also read: Belarus’ Lukashenko set for seventh term as President, poised for victory Russia does not announce the return of its bodies or give up-to-date information on the number of its troops killed fighting in Ukraine. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ukraine receives dead bodies of 757 soldiers

Hamas released the list of four Israeli female hostages who will be released on Saturday (Jan 25) in the second phase of the ceasefire deal.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Donald Trump's administration launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants as around 500 illegal immigrants were arrested and over 300 were deported.&nbsp;
In other news, Russia on Friday responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks, where he said that the war in Ukraine could be ended by reducing the oil prices, by saying that the conflict is about national security and not oil prices.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines to read more 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/illegal-criminals-donald-trumps-administration-arrests-500-illegal-immigrants-over-300-deported-us-president-on-border-security-8650219">'Message to world': White House shares pictures of deportation flights after Trump administration arrests 500 illegal immigrants</a>
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Just after taking back the office, US President Donald Trump began his crackdown on illegal immigrants. Trump's administration arrested more than 500 illegal immigrants on Friday (Jan 24).&nbsp;
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Russia on Friday responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks, where he said that the war in Ukraine could be ended by reducing the oil prices, by saying that the conflict is about national security and not oil prices.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-troops-might-not-withdraw-from-lebanon-by-sunday-as-per-deadline-report-8650291">Israel won't completely withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday deadline, says PM Netanyahu</a>
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Jan 24) said that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-is-not-for-sale-hat-goes-viral-amid-trumps-threats-to-make-it-51st-state-8651217">'Canada is not for sale' hat goes viral amid Trump's threats to make it 51st state</a>
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Following US President Donald Trump's threats of making Canada the 51st US state, hats with the slogan "Canada is Not for Sale" are going viral in response.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/24/Yzas2INMGem25gThi59l.png" alt=" Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of JFK and US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">A day after US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-6" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump&nbsp;</a>ordered to declassify the secret files related to the assassination of former US president John F Kennedy, the latter's grandson slammed Trump, saying that there's "nothing heroic about it".
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North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to fight in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) warned on Friday (Jan 24), Yonhap News Agency reported.&nbsp;
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India said it will "bring back" its citizens who are "overstaying" in the United States or any country after US President Donald Trump's administration launched a crackdown on illegal migrants on Friday (Jan 24).&nbsp;
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Former US first lady Michelle Obama's absence from two key events&mdash;former President Jimmy Carter's funeral and Donald Trump's inaugural ceremony&mdash;has sparked rumours of an impending divorce from her husband, former US president Barack Obama.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Here are the top 10 news across the world. 

Hamas released the list of four Israeli female hostages who will be released on Saturday (Jan 25) in the second phase of the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's administration launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants as around 500 illegal immigrants were arrested and over 300 were deported. In other news, Russia on Friday responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks, where he said that the war in Ukraine could be ended by reducing the oil prices, by saying that the conflict is about national security and not oil prices. Click on the headlines to read more Hamas releases names of hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses militant group of violating truce deal Hamas released the names of four female hostages who will be released on Saturday (Jan 25). Israeli officials have requested the media outlets not to disclose the names until the families of the hostages are informed. 'Message to world': White House shares pictures of deportation flights after Trump administration arrests 500 illegal immigrants Just after taking back the office, US President Donald Trump began his crackdown on illegal immigrants. Trump's administration arrested more than 500 illegal immigrants on Friday (Jan 24). 'It is about security, not oil,' Russia reacts to Trump's claim on war with Ukraine Russia on Friday responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks, where he said that the war in Ukraine could be ended by reducing the oil prices, by saying that the conflict is about national security and not oil prices. Israel won't completely withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday deadline, says PM Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Jan 24) said that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November. 'Canada is not for sale' hat goes viral amid Trump's threats to make it 51st state Following US President Donald Trump's threats of making Canada the 51st US state, hats with the slogan "Canada is Not for Sale" are going viral in response. 'Nothing heroic about it': JFK's grandson slams Trump's decision to declassify assassination records A day after US President Donald Trump ordered to declassify the secret files related to the assassination of former US president John F Kennedy, the latter's grandson slammed Trump, saying that there's "nothing heroic about it". North Korea preparing to send more troops to Ukraine war despite suffering high casualties North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to fight in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) warned on Friday (Jan 24), Yonhap News Agency reported. 'Will bring them back': India responds after US launches crackdown on illegal immigrants India said it will "bring back" its citizens who are "overstaying" in the United States or any country after US President Donald Trump's administration launched a crackdown on illegal migrants on Friday (Jan 24). Barack Obama and Michelle Obama headed for divorce due to Jennifer Aniston? Here's what the actress had said to Jimmy Kimmel Former US first lady Michelle Obama's absence from two key events—former President Jimmy Carter's funeral and Donald Trump's inaugural ceremony—has sparked rumours of an impending divorce from her husband, former US president Barack Obama. IND vs ENG: Abhishek Sharma twists right ankle in training, doubtful for Chennai T20I - Report Team India could have a major scare as they prepare for the second T20I against England on Saturday (Jan 25) with Abhishek Sharma reportedly injured in training. According to media reports, Abhishek did not bat in training due to a twisted ankle he sustained on Friday.

Top 10 world news: Hamas releases list of hostages to be released Saturday; Trump admin cracks down on illegal immigrants, and more

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