Heavy rains in northern Queensland have caused severe floods, forcing thousands to evacuate. A woman died when a rescue boat capsized. Many homes are underwater, and power is out in several areas. Parts of the Bruce Highway have collapsed, making aid delivery harder. Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell are among the worst-hit places. Authorities warn the flooding could last for days. Some areas have received six months’ worth of rain in just three days. People are urged to stay safe, avoid floodwaters, and watch for crocodiles. Emergency teams continue working to help those in need.

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino announced the cancellation of its 2017 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) deal with China after US President Donald Trump threatened action over alleged violations of the 1999 Panama Canal treaty. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panama to reduce Chinese influence or face consequences. Trump declared, “We’re gonna take it back or something very powerful is going to happen.” Panama also launched an audit of a China-linked port operator. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Panama City against US interference, with demonstrators burning banners of Trump and Rubio.

A Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) report highlights how illegal migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar is altering Delhi’s social, economic, and political landscape. The 114-page study links voter fraud, urban overcrowding, and criminal networks to the influx. It claims political patronage aids migrants in obtaining fake documents, impacting governance. The report warns that Delhi risks further undocumented migration due to state subsidies. Researchers also cite unplanned urban expansion, increased strain on public services, and rising religious demographic shifts. Critics accuse AAP of enabling the trend, fueling a contentious debate on migration policies.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delighted onlookers in Mumbai by playing tennis ball cricket at the historic Parsee Gymkhana. Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, Sunak showcased his cricketing enthusiasm, drawing cheers from spectators. Sharing a photo on X, he wrote, "No trip to Mumbai is complete without a game of tennis ball cricket." Later, he attended the gymkhana’s anniversary celebrations. Sunak’s visit sparked a surge in Google searches, especially in Gujarat, Delhi, and Maharashtra. His India tour also included the Jaipur Literature Festival, where he met Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.

Santorini, Greece’s top tourist island, experienced fresh tremors, with over 200 minor earthquakes recorded. The strongest, a 4.6-magnitude quake, hit waters between Santorini and Amorgos on Sunday. A 4.2-magnitude tremor followed on Monday near Anafi. Authorities ruled out a major quake but advised caution. Many residents and tourists spent the night outdoors, while others left by flight or ferry. Schools remained closed, and officials urged people to avoid enclosed spaces and unsafe structures. Santorini, which saw 3.4 million visitors in 2023, faces renewed concerns over safety and overtourism.

Beyoncé finally won Best Album at the 67th Grammy Awards for Cowboy Carter, making her the first Black woman since Lauryn Hill (1999) to claim the honor. The album, celebrating Black contributions to country music, also won Best Country Album. Accepting the award, Beyoncé dedicated it to Linda Martell, a pioneer for Black artists in country music. The night also saw Kendrick Lamar dominate with five wins, Lady Gaga advocate for trans rights, and a tribute to Quincy Jones featuring Stevie Wonder. The event, held in Los Angeles, doubled as a fundraiser for wildfire relief, raising over $7 million.

The Supreme Court on Monday termed the January 29 Maha Kumbh stampede that killed 30 people an "unfortunate" tragedy but refused to entertain a plea seeking action against Uttar Pradesh officials. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna advised petitioner Advocate Vishal Tiwari to approach the Allahabad High Court, noting that a judicial commission is already investigating the incident. Representing the state, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi stated that a similar plea is pending before the High Court. The petitioner highlighted concerns over recurring stampede incidents at Kumbh gatherings, urging stricter crowd management measures for future religious congregations.

Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa clinched his maiden Tata Steel Chess Masters title, defeating reigning world champion D Gukesh in a dramatic sudden-death tiebreaker. Both prodigies finished with 8.5/13 points, leading to a tiebreak. Gukesh won the first game after Praggnanandhaa’s blunder, but Pragg fought back, using the Trompowsky opening to force sudden death. Gukesh initially gained an advantage, but under time pressure, he blundered, losing control and ultimately the match. The victory marks a breakthrough for Praggnanandhaa, while Gukesh finished runner-up for the second consecutive year. The thrilling finale showcased the rising dominance of India’s young chess stars.

Two Indian students, Cherekuri Suresh Chowdary and Chithoori Bhargav, died in a car crash in County Carlow, Ireland, while two others sustained serious injuries. The black Audi A6 hit a tree near Graiguenaspiddoge. The students, recent graduates from South East Technological University (SETU), were part of the Indian community in Carlow. A fundraiser for funeral expenses raised €25,000 in 24 hours. The Indian Embassy in Dublin expressed condolences and is assisting the injured. Superintendent Anthony Farrell extended sympathies to the community. One injured student reportedly worked at pharmaceutical company MSD.

The 2025 Grammy Awards honored top musical talents, with Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter winning Album of the Year and Best Country Album. Kendrick Lamar dominated with Not Like Us, winning Record, Song, and Best Rap Performance. Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran won Best Latin Pop Album, while Chappelle Roan secured Best New Artist. Sabrina Carpenter won Best Pop Vocal Album and Pop Solo Performance. The Beatles won Best Rock Performance for Now and Then. Hans Zimmer’s Dune: Part II won Best Score Soundtrack. Daniel Nigro was named Producer of the Year (Non-Classical). The night celebrated diverse global music excellence.