January 2025 was the warmest ever recorded, surpassing January 2024 by 0.1°C, according to the European Copernicus climate service. Scientists expected cooler temperatures due to a weakening El Niño, but unexplained warming persisted. NASA's Gavin Schmidt said rising greenhouse gases are the primary driver, though other factors remain unclear. Theories include ocean heat release and reduced aerosol cooling. UK Met Office scientist Adam Scaife admitted, "We don't really know why." The unexpected warmth raises concerns about accelerated climate change. Experts warn that without urgent action to cut emissions, record-breaking temperatures will continue.

Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the first ODI against England due to a sore right knee, Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed at the toss. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana received their maiden ODI caps, with Jaiswal replacing Kohli in the XI. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later confirmed Kohli’s injury update. With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, India is using this series to fine-tune its squad. Rohit Sharma, struggling for form in Tests, will aim to regain rhythm in ODIs as India prepares for the marquee event.

A plane carrying 33 Gujarati immigrants, part of 104 Indians deported from the US for illegal immigration, landed at Ahmedabad airport on Thursday morning. The deportees, including women and children, were transported to their native places in Gujarat in police vehicles. The group had been detained in the US for illegal immigration, with many claiming they had left India seeking employment opportunities. Family members of the deportees expressed concern over their relatives' journey, while local authorities confirmed no questioning would take place at this stage.

Around 40,000 US federal workers have resigned to accept Donald Trump's severance package, which includes eight months' salary, as the deadline for opting into the deferred resignation program nears its end. This figure falls short of the administration's target of 5-10% of the 2.3 million eligible workers. The program was launched as part of Trump’s bid to reduce the size of the government. Despite the lower-than-expected turnout, a White House official anticipates an uptick in resignations as the deadline closes. The initiative has faced legal challenges from unions.

Delhi's voter turnout for the 2025 assembly elections was 60.42%, the lowest since 2008. A total of 1.56 crore voters cast their ballots, with some constituencies like Mustafabad showing higher turnout. Despite a decrease in participation, election officials remain cautious about drawing conclusions. Key political parties including AAP, BJP, and Congress engaged in an intense election campaign, with promises for welfare schemes and continued development. The results will be counted on February 8, and the new government is expected to be formed by February 11.

Jasprit Bumrah’s name was omitted from the BCCI's updated squad for the India vs England ODI series, sparking speculation ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Bumrah, recovering from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is only included in the third ODI. Harshit Rana remains in the squad for the first two matches. Varun Chakaravarthy, who was outstanding in the T20 series against England, has been added to the squad. Chakaravarthy’s recent performances, including a five-wicket haul and a Player of the Series award, further solidify his place in the team.

Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph have been announced as the first presenters for the 2025 Oscars. All four stars won Academy Awards at last year's ceremony. Downey Jr. took home best supporting actor for Oppenheimer, while Murphy won best actor for his role as Robert Oppenheimer. Randolph won best supporting actress for The Holdovers, and Stone claimed best actress for Poor Things. The Oscars, hosted by Conan O'Brien, will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on March 2, 2025.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Arab nations have strongly rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to take over Gaza and resettle its 2.1 million residents. Abbas called it a violation of international law, emphasizing Gaza as part of Palestine. Hamas warned it would escalate tensions in the region. The plan, which involves relocating Palestinians to other countries like Jordan and Egypt, has also been condemned by the UN, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Trump’s remarks came as a fragile ceasefire continues, but his proposal has drawn widespread criticism for its potential to undermine peace efforts.

Congress has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, urging a discussion on the deportation of 104 Indian nationals by the US. The deportees, mainly from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, were reportedly shackled and treated poorly. The motion, introduced by Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi, calls for addressing the dehumanization of Indians abroad. On Wednesday, the US military aircraft C-17 landed in Amritsar, and the deportees were questioned by Indian authorities before being sent to their home states.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifted Donald Trump a golden pager during their White House meeting, referencing Israel's September pager attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump called it a "great operation" and vowed to "take over" Gaza if necessary. Netanyahu praised Trump as Israel’s "greatest friend" and credited him for the Gaza hostage deal. The meeting focused on Israel’s military actions and future Middle East plans. The pager attack killed 39 Hezbollah operatives and injured nearly 3,000. Trump pledged economic redevelopment in Gaza, promising jobs and housing for Palestinians.