Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for January 29th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. US Federal Workers Offered "Deferred Resignation"

The Trump administration introduced a policy allowing federal employees to resign now but receive pay through September 2025, provided they meet unspecified conditions

2. Netanyahu to meet with Trump at the White House next week

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the White House next week, making him the first foreign leader to meet with Donald Trump in Washington, DC, since the United States president’s return to power.

The Israeli government confirmed on Tuesday that Trump invited Netanyahu the White House on February 4.

3. SRO’s Historic Launch

India’s 100th space mission successfully deployed the NVS-02 satellite from Sriharikota

4. Trump order set to halt supply of HIV, malaria drugs to poor countries, sources say

The Trump administration has moved to stop the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as medical supplies for newborn babies, in countries supported by USAID around the globe
On Tuesday, contractors and partners who work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) began receiving such memos to stop work immediately, sources said. The move is part of a wider freeze on U.S. aid and funding put in place since Trump took office on Jan. 20, while programmes are reviewed.

5. Serbian president hints at snap election after prime minister quits amid protests

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic floated the possibility of a snap election in April after his prime minister resigned on Tuesday amid growing anti-government protests.

Prime Minister Milos Vucevic became the highest-ranking official to step down in the wake of a roof collapse at a railway station in the city of Novi Sad in November which killed 15 people and sparked months of demonstrations.

6. Pakistan’s parliament passes bill with sweeping controls on social media

Pakistan’s lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a controversial bill that will give the government sweeping controls on social media, including sending users to prison for spreading disinformation.

7.Passenger plane catches fire in South Korea prompting mass evacuation, three injured

An Airbus plane belonging to South Korean carrier Air Busan caught fire on Tuesday at Gimhae International Airport in the country’s south while preparing for departure to Hong Kong, fire authorities said.

All 169 passengers and seven crew members were evacuated, with three having minor injuries, fire authorities in Busan said.

8. Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans

A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a push from President Donald Trump to pause federal funding while his administration conducts an across-the-board ideological review to uproot progressive initiatives

9. Trump signs order to block federal support for minors’ gender transitions

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to end federal support for medical procedures aimed at altering sex or gender that involve surgical interventions or the use of puberty blockers or sex hormones in those under 19 years old.

10. Civilian jet breaks sound barrier in historic first

A civilian jet broke the sound barrier three times during a test flight in California’s Mojave Desert on Tuesday, the first time a privately developed and built aircraft has accomplished such a feat.

11. More than seven killed in stampede at India's Maha Kumbh festival, official says

More than seven people were killed and around 10 injured in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India on Wednesday, said an official, as tens of millions gathered to take a holy dip on the most auspicious day of the six-week Hindu festival.

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