The Delhi Assembly election is set for February 5, 2025, with results on February 8. AAP, BJP, and Congress are in a fierce battle. AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, seeks a third term, highlighting achievements in education, healthcare, and free electricity. BJP, led by Parvesh Verma in New Delhi, accuses AAP of corruption and promises ₹21,000 for expecting mothers. Congress, contesting independently, pledges ₹8,500 per month for unemployed youth. Key candidates include Kejriwal (New Delhi), Atishi (Kalkaji), and Manish Sisodia (Jangpura). Over 30,000 police personnel and drones will ensure security across 13,766 polling stations.

Indian-American business leader and musician Chandrika Tandon won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album at the 67th Grammy Awards. Tandon, 71, received the honor for her album Triveni, a fusion of ancient Vedic chants with world music. The seven-track album, which she co-created with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, aims to promote “inner healing.” Raised in Chennai, Tandon’s background in Vedic chants and Carnatic music influenced her artistic journey. She is also a philanthropist and the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey.

US President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on Mexican goods for one month following a "very good conversation" with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Mexico will deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border to curb drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. Sheinbaum stated that the US also pledged to prevent firearm smuggling into Mexico. Trump said he looks forward to negotiations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Meanwhile, Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $106.5B of US goods in retaliation. "We didn't want this, but we’re prepared," said Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Beyoncé won Best Album at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles for Cowboy Carter, marking her first victory in the category. The album, celebrating Black roots in country music, also secured Best Country Album. "I just feel very full and very honoured," Beyoncé said. Taylor Swift presented the award, five months after Beyoncé was snubbed at the Country Music Awards. Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us won Record of the Year, and Lady Gaga addressed trans rights. The event also honoured firefighters battling California wildfires, raising $7M in relief efforts.

Donald Trump defended his new 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, claiming opponents are “controlled by China.” The policy, which also includes a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, aims to tackle illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The Wall Street Journal called it “the dumbest trade war,” warning of economic harm. Canada, Mexico, and China vowed retaliatory tariffs, raising fears of a global trade war. Trump insisted tariffs are “FANTASTIC” and necessary to stop the U.S. from “losing trillions.” The Tax Foundation estimated a 0.8% GDP decline and 184,000 job losses due to the tariffs.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan alleged that bodies of Kumbh stampede victims were thrown into the river, contaminating the water. She accused the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to provide proper arrangements for common people and misleading the public about the turnout. "The real issues are ignored. People are drinking this water," she said. The January 29 stampede killed 30 and injured 60. Opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party, demand a probe, alleging the government is hiding the true death toll. A judicial panel has a month to submit its findings on the tragedy.

Greece’s Santorini island has recorded over 200 minor earthquakes, prompting school closures and emergency crew deployments. Authorities fear a powerful quake, though officials urge calm. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis advised residents and tourists to follow Civil Protection instructions. Mayor Nikos Zorzos stated evacuation plans are precautionary, not a sign of imminent disaster. While the government dismisses a volcano link, experts highlight Santorini’s active volcanic history. Scientists are monitoring for magma movement, recalling a similar seismic swarm in 2011-12. The island’s last eruption was in 1950, and authorities remain on high alert.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the US will pause tariffs on Mexican goods for one month after a phone call with US President Donald Trump. As part of the agreement, Mexico will deploy 10,000 National Guard troops along the US border to combat drug trafficking. Trump confirmed the pause, which comes amid growing trade tensions. Mexico had been negotiating to avoid economic disruptions caused by Trump's proposed tariffs. The move provides temporary relief but leaves uncertainty over long-term trade relations. Further negotiations are expected before the deadline.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet US President Donald Trump on February 13 in Washington DC. Modi will arrive after concluding his France visit and stay in the US capital until February 14. Trump may host a dinner for Modi, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions are likely to cover trade, defense, immigration, and strategic cooperation. Trump has emphasized India purchasing more US security equipment. The visit is expected to reaffirm the Quad alliance and signal stronger India-US collaboration. Trump may also confirm his visit to India later this year.

Abhishek Sharma dazzled at Wankhede, hammering 135(54) in the fifth T20I against England—the second-fastest T20I century for India. Despite his explosive innings, he downplayed competition with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, stating, “We’ve played together since U-16. No competition, just a dream to play for India.” Sharma credited Suryakumar Yadav’s advice for his knock and acknowledged mentor Yuvraj Singh’s guidance. India posted 249/9, with Sharma’s blitz setting the stage. With his stellar performance, he’s made a strong case for a permanent spot in the T20I squad.