Maldives has confirmed the arrival of the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 in Male, stating that China made a "diplomatic request" for personnel rotation and replenishment. The island nation emphasized its tradition of welcoming vessels from friendly countries. The Chinese merchant ship is set to dock on February 8, having been previously spotted in the Java Sea. India has expressed concerns over the military use of similar Chinese research vessels, with tensions evident in recent strained ties between India and Maldives. The situation is being closely monitored, following reports by open-source intelligence researchers.

A large-scale review of over 300,000 UK police officers, staff, and volunteers reveals nine criminal investigations. Initiated after high-profile cases like Wayne Couzens and David Carrick, the exercise checked records against a national database. Details of alleged wrongdoing were scant due to privacy concerns, but sexual assault is mentioned. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) oversaw the review, leading to 88 discipline investigations, 139 vetting reviews, and 128 requiring management intervention. Despite lower-than-expected figures, the NPCC emphasizes the importance of trust in the majority of the police force.

In a tragic incident, the Israeli army reports its deadliest day in central Gaza with 21 soldiers killed during an operation to demolish two buildings. A rocket-propelled grenade fired at a tank prematurely triggered an explosion, causing the buildings to collapse on the soldiers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue the fight until Hamas is eradicated. Three additional soldiers were killed in a separate attack in southern Gaza, as Israeli forces intensify operations in Khan Younis. The United States urges Israel to protect innocent Palestinians and medical staff, emphasizing adherence to international law amid growing concerns over civilian casualties.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announces a significant shift in Canada's international student admissions, introducing a two-year limit to address perceived exploitation of high tuition fees. The move aims at improving educational quality while reducing overall new study visas by 35%, with specific provinces like Ontario facing even steeper cuts, exceeding 50%. Miller emphasizes the government's commitment to collaborate with provinces and prohibits postgraduate work permits for students in institutions using a private-public model. Additionally, open work permits will be limited to spouses of students in master's, doctoral, and professional programs. The reform responds to concerns about housing and the quality of education for international students.

The Gaza conflict escalates as 21 Israeli soldiers perish, marking the deadliest attack since hostilities with Hamas commenced. This follows an assault on Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of 50 Palestinians, the bloodiest day in Gaza this January. The Israeli army cites a rocket-propelled grenade attack on a tank, emphasizing the intensity of the engagement. The United States urges Israel to protect innocent lives as approximately 85% of Gaza's population faces displacement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue until 'complete victory,' facing pressure to negotiate with Hamas for the return of hostages. Tensions rise, impacting international relations.

A Myanmar military aircraft skidded off Mizoram's challenging Lengpui Airport runway during a mission to airlift soldiers who sought refuge after clashes with the 'Arakan Army.' India sent back 184 of the 276 Myanmarese soldiers who entered Mizoram last week. The soldiers, seeking assistance from Assam Rifles, fled their overrun camp in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district. The challenging tabletop runway posed difficulties during the landing. Repatriation efforts began with the group flown from Lengpui to Myanmar's Rakhine State. The remaining 92 soldiers are set to be repatriated today, led by a colonel and comprising 36 officers and 240 lower-rank personnel.

A harrowing incident in Joliet, Chicago, sees eight individuals shot dead across three locations in two days. The suspect, 23-year-old Romeo Nance, was later found dead in Texas, an apparent suicide after a manhunt. Nance, connected to Sunday's fatal shooting, knew the victims, all believed to be related. The violence spanned multiple areas, leaving a community shaken. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans called it the worst crime scene in his 25-year career. Distraught neighbors express shock at the seemingly random nature of the crimes. Nance, with a prior arrest record, faced charges related to a 2023 shooting case.

Pakistan has strongly condemned the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, stating it reflects India's increasing majoritarianism. The country's foreign office criticized India's judiciary for acquitting those involved in the Babri mosque's demolition and allowing the temple's construction. Pakistan claimed these developments represent ongoing efforts to marginalize Indian Muslims socially, economically, and politically. The foreign ministry also labeled the temple as a blot on India's democracy. Pakistan cited the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura as facing similar threats. The consecration ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Amidst heightened concerns over Storm Isha's potential threat, Network Rail Scotland takes preemptive action, announcing the suspension of all passenger and freight train services in Scotland starting from 7 pm on January 21. The Met Office's amber weather alert, indicating possible "danger to life" with anticipated winds of up to 90mph, prompts this safety-driven decision. ScotRail confirms the absence of rush hour services on Monday morning. Passengers affected by cancellations have the option to travel two days post-ticket date or seek a refund. Forecasters caution against flying debris, power cuts, and structural damage during the storm.

Hamas acknowledges "some faults" in the October 7 attack on Israel, citing the rapid collapse of the Israeli security system. In a 16-page report, the group justifies the attacks as a "necessary step" against Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The document, released in English and Arabic, reveals the chaos along Gaza's border during the breakthrough. The attacks resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths, mainly civilians. Hamas defends the actions as a response to Israeli conspiracies and calls for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression on Gaza. The group rejects external interference in Gaza's post-war future, asserting the Palestinian people's right to decide.