Delhi's Shivam Sharma received a signed match ball from Virat Kohli after his stunning 5-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy win over Railways. Despite scoring just 6 runs in his return, Kohli made Sharma's performance even more memorable with his gesture. "This 5-wicket haul will always be close to my heart. Virat Kohli bhaiya signing the ball made it more special," Sharma shared. Delhi dominated the match, winning by an innings and 19 runs. Kohli now shifts focus to India's ODI series against England, starting February 6, before the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

Former US President Barack Obama is facing legal trouble as a black-owned subcontractor accused a major construction firm of racial discrimination at the Obama Presidential Center. Robert McGee, owner of II in One, claimed in a federal lawsuit that the firm’s actions caused losses of nearly $40 million. Thornton Tomasetti denied the allegations, blaming delays on McGee’s inexperience. The Obama Foundation stated they found no racist intent. Meanwhile, rumours of Obama’s marital issues continue after Michelle Obama skipped key events. The lawsuit may further delay the Chicago-based center’s construction.

US President Donald Trump said that “many” ISIS terrorists were killed in Somalia by airstrikes he ordered. “These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our allies,” he wrote on Truth Social. The strikes targeted a senior ISIS attack planner, but Trump did not confirm if the person was killed. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was coordinated with Somalia’s government. He added that the strikes “send a clear signal” that the US will eliminate threats. The US military has targeted ISIS militants in Somalia for years under different administrations.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticised the AAP-led Delhi government, saying, “I feel ashamed to go abroad and say that people in Delhi don’t get houses, gas cylinders, or piped water.” While campaigning for the BJP ahead of the Delhi elections, he blamed the AAP government for the capital’s slow progress. “In the last 10 years, Delhi has been left behind,” he added. Jaishankar urged voters to choose wisely, saying Delhi should be a model for India and the world. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place on 5th February, with results announced on 8th February.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said India's partnership with the US will remain strong despite President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Speaking to India Today TV, he assured that India is not worried about the tariffs. He highlighted the strong bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, saying their friendship will strengthen trade ties. Goyal also stated that ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in America’ can work together. He expressed confidence that Modi’s upcoming US visit will improve relations further. He stressed that mutual benefit is key to India-US trade, ensuring a win-win situation for both nations.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the 2025 Union Budget, calling it "positive and forward-looking." The budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, included several schemes for Bihar, which faces elections this year. Key announcements included tax relief, support for farmers, and a boost for the makhana industry. Kumar welcomed the changes, saying they would speed up Bihar’s growth. The budget also promised new airports for the state. However, the lack of benefits for Andhra Pradesh sparked criticism from Congress leaders. They accused the government of favouring Bihar due to the upcoming elections while ignoring Andhra’s needs.

A medical transport plane crashed in a Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday night, killing all 6 people on board, including a mother and her daughter, the mayor’s office confirmed. The plane was transporting the girl, who had a life-threatening condition, back to Tijuana, Mexico. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that “many people on the ground” were injured as homes caught fire. Flight logs indicate the aircraft was airborne for only a minute before crashing. Audio from air traffic control reveals confusion over the cause. Investigators are probing the crash, while emergency crews work at the scene.

At least 40 people were killed when Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled a busy vegetable market in Omdurman on Saturday, a medical source told AFP. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with a volunteer at Al-Nao Hospital pleading for blood donors and stretchers. Witnesses reported artillery fire and drone support from RSF-controlled areas. The attack follows RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo’s vow to retake Khartoum from the army. Sudan’s war, ongoing since April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 12 million. The UN warns of worsening famine, with at least 106,000 people facing starvation.

India has allocated ₹600 crore in developmental aid to Maldives in the 2025-26 Budget, marking a 28% increase from ₹470 crore in 2024-25. The move follows strained ties after Maldivian leaders made derogatory remarks about PM Modi in 2024. Relations improved after President Mohamed Muizzu’s October visit to India, where he called India a “key partner.” Bhutan received the highest aid at ₹2,150 crore, followed by Nepal at ₹700 crore. Mauritius saw a reduction to ₹500 crore, while Myanmar’s budget was cut to ₹350 crore. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka retained their previous allocations.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and actress Dakota Johnson attended Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, taking a sacred dip at the Sangam. A viral Instagram video shows Martin, dressed in black shorts, praying with folded hands, while Dakota wore a kurta and trousers. Fans praised the duo’s deep respect for Indian traditions. Martin, in India since January 16 for Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour, also paid tribute to India by singing Vande Mataram at the Ahmedabad concert. Their presence at the Kumbh Mela surprised fans, with many calling it an unexpected but heartwarming cultural crossover.