A teacher in South Africa allegedly cut off a Hindu student’s sacred thread at Drakensburg Secondary School. The teacher claimed religious symbols were not allowed in school. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has condemned the act and called for action. The student is afraid to speak out. School officials deny discrimination. In the past, a court ruled that schools cannot stop students from following their religion. The education department says school rules must follow the Constitution. Community leaders urge schools to respect religious rights. The incident has caused tension in the area.

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.

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.

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.

Armen Sarkisyan, a pro-Russian paramilitary leader, was killed in a bomb blast in Moscow. The explosion happened in the lobby of a luxury apartment complex as he and his bodyguards entered. One bodyguard died, and three others were injured. Russian authorities called it a planned assassination and launched an investigation. Ukraine’s intelligence agency had described Sarkisyan as a "crime boss" involved in illegal armed groups. He was accused of forming a pro-Russian military unit with convict fighters. Security has been tightened in the area, and officials are working to find those responsible for the attack.

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.