A car bomb exploded near Manbij, Syria, killing at least 15 people, including 14 women, and injuring dozens. The vehicle targeted was carrying agricultural workers. Conflicting reports suggest 18 women may have died. The attack comes as Manbij remains a hotspot of violence between Turkish-backed Syrian National Army factions and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The Syrian civil defense confirmed critical injuries among the wounded. Another bombing in Manbij on Saturday killed 4 civilians. The city continues to face instability despite the downfall of President Bashar Assad in December.

PM Narendra Modi criticized Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha over his "boring" remark on the President's address, accusing him of trivializing poverty. Modi also attacked Congress for allegedly supporting "urban naxal" rhetoric and failing to uplift the poor despite decades of "gareebi hatao" slogans. He claimed BJP lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in 10 years. Targeting AAP ahead of Delhi polls, Modi mocked Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged luxurious lifestyle, contrasting it with BJP’s efforts to provide piped water to 12 crore people. Congress and AAP dismissed Modi’s remarks as election rhetoric.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended the final T20 match between India and England in Mumbai on Sunday. Sunak was joined by his father-in-law, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy. Before the match, Sunak met captains Suryakumar Yadav and Jos Buttler. He shared pictures from the game and congratulated Team India on their win, posting on X, "Tough day for England, but I know our team will come back stronger. Congratulations to Team India on the win." India won the match by 150 runs, securing a 4-1 series victory.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making false claims about the Army Chief’s statement on China. Gandhi alleged that Chinese forces occupy Indian territory, contradicting Prime Minister Modi's denial. Singh responded, saying, "The words attributed to the Army Chief by Shri Rahul Gandhi were never spoken by him at any time," and added that the issue concerned "disturbances in traditional patrolling." Singh also pointed out, "If at all there is Indian territory into which China has come, this is 38,000 sq. km in Aksai Chin." BJP members rejected Gandhi's allegations.

The family of Israeli hostage Yarden Bibas, who was freed from Hamas captivity, is demanding answers about the fate of his wife, Shiri, and two young children, Ariel and Kfir. The family was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 2023 attack. Hamas claimed the family was killed in an Israeli airstrike, but this has not been confirmed. Bibas’ family expressed frustration, accusing the Israeli government of failing to bring them home. Israeli officials have been seeking information about the family's whereabouts and condition but have yet to provide clear answers.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the tax relief measures introduced in Budget 2025, calling them a part of Prime Minister Modi's effort to honor taxpayers' contributions to nation building. Speaking at the Budget Round Table 2025 event, she emphasized the government's continuous engagement with taxpayers and efforts to build trust. Sitharaman also reassured that the old tax regime would remain intact, as long as people continued to benefit from exemptions. She stressed that simplifying the tax system for easier compliance remains a key focus.

Cristiano Ronaldo has settled the debate about who is the best player between him and Lionel Messi. In a recent interview, Ronaldo admitted that some people may prefer Messi, Maradona, or Pele, but he believes he is the most complete footballer ever. He proudly stated, "I'm the best player in football history." Ronaldo also revealed that he and Messi have always had a good relationship despite their rivalry. He emphasized his goal-scoring ability, versatility, and skills, stating that he has no equal in football history.

Singer Jonita Gandhi is excited to perform with Ed Sheeran in Chennai on February 5. Jonita, known for Bollywood hits like "What Jhumka" and "Gilehriyaan," shared the news on Instagram, expressing her excitement to share the stage with the Grammy-winning artist. She promised to perform her own music and some Bollywood tracks. Ed Sheeran’s India tour, which started in Pune on January 30, has already visited Hyderabad. After Chennai, Ed will perform in Bengaluru and Shillong before concluding in Delhi-NCR on February 15. Fans are eagerly awaiting this collaboration. 

Flooding in northern Queensland, Australia, has caused "incredible" devastation, with thousands returning home after evacuation. The floods have affected towns like Ingham and Cardwell, where power outages and damaged roads hinder recovery efforts. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the damage was shocking, with homes, businesses, and farms inundated. One woman died in a rescue attempt. Townsville was spared the worst, with predicted flood levels not materialising. Local experts warn that extreme weather events like this will increase due to climate change. Recovery may take weeks, with infrastructure repairs underway.

US President Donald Trump has proposed a deal with Ukraine, asking for rare earth metals in return for continued US aid. Trump claimed Ukraine is willing, seeking "equalisation" for $300bn in support. Meanwhile, US weapon shipments to Ukraine were briefly paused, resuming after the White House revised its stance. In the war, Russian forces continue to advance in Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian troops facing severe shortages of manpower and resources. The UN reports increased executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. Ukraine also struggles with attacks on draft officers and faltering recruitment efforts.