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.

Railways pacer and ticket collector Himanshu Sangwan grabbed the spotlight after dismissing Virat Kohli in a Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. The 29-year-old, who played U-19 cricket alongside Rishabh Pant, shattered Kohli’s off-stump in the first session of day two. Calling it the "most important wicket" of his life, Sangwan hopes this moment will be life-changing. Thousands turned up to watch Kohli, playing domestic red-ball cricket after 12 years. Sangwan credited Railways for giving him an opportunity after missing Delhi’s senior team. Delhi reached 334/7, with Sumit Mathur (78*) and Ayush Badoni ensuring a strong lead.

Mohammed Wajid, a 28-year-old Hyderabad native and Telangana Youth Congress member, died in a road accident in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Wajid, a student in Chicago, was driving when he failed to stop at an intersection, colliding with a truck. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Authorities cited heavy fog and poor visibility as possible factors in the crash. Wajid was an active political figure in Hyderabad’s Khairatabad division and served on the NRI Minority Congress Committee in the US. His family is traveling to the US for his final rites.

Kate Middleton and Prince William made a surprise visit to Southport to meet the families of three children killed in a knife attack in July. This was Kate’s first public event since finishing chemotherapy.   The royal couple also spoke with emergency responders who helped during the tragedy. The visit was originally private, but Kate joined to show her support for the community. On July 29, a 17-year-old attacked a children’s dance group, killing three and injuring ten. The suspect was arrested at the scene. Kate is slowly returning to royal duties after her treatment.

A bus carrying 25 freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Beitunia, West Bank, after leaving Israel’s Ofer prison, as part of an ongoing prisoner exchange deal. The Hamas-affiliated Safa news agency confirmed the release, which is part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that started on January 19. Earlier, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon, and Keith Siegel. Large crowds gathered around the bus as officials attempted to manage the scene. In Tel Aviv, BBC reported a stark contrast between today’s orderly exchange and the chaotic handover on Thursday.

Donald Trump has reignited the debate on birthright citizenship, arguing that it was originally intended for the children of slaves, not for individuals globally. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that birthright citizenship should not apply to “unqualified people” and their children. He expressed support for the provision but stressed that it was not meant to allow people worldwide to claim U.S. citizenship. Republican Senators have introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025, which aims to restrict birthright citizenship to children born to legal immigrants and U.S. citizens, excluding children of illegal immigrants.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the key priorities of Budget 2025, focusing on boosting the middle class, farmers, women, and youth. Reforms will target taxation, power, urban development, mining, finance, and regulation. Key measures include the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana to improve agricultural productivity, a 6-year mission in pulses, and support for MSMEs with a doubled credit guarantee cover. A Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will boost urban infrastructure. Sitharaman emphasized a vision for "Viksit Bharat," aiming for zero poverty and universal access to education and healthcare.

A medical transport jet carrying a child patient and five others crashed near a shopping mall in Philadelphia, exploding into a fireball that engulfed multiple homes. The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport before disappearing from radar. The company could not confirm survivors. "Our immediate concern is for the victims and their families," a spokesperson said. US President Donald Trump expressed condolences, calling it a "sad tragedy." Emergency crews are on-site, and roads near Roosevelt Mall remain closed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

US President Donald Trump will impose tariffs of 25% on Mexico and Canada, and 10% on China starting Saturday, the White House announced. Trump cited fentanyl distribution, undocumented migration, and trade deficits as reasons. Canadian oil will face a 10% tariff from February 18. Trump also warned of future tariffs on the EU, accusing it of unfair trade practices. Canada and Mexico have vowed retaliation, while China urged a "win-win" trade solution. Economists warn the move could increase US inflation and fuel a trade war. Trump admitted short-term disruptions but defended the decision as fulfilling campaign promises.

A Learjet 55 crashed in Philadelphia after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, the FAA confirmed. The aircraft was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down, igniting multiple houses. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling intense flames. Authorities have not yet confirmed casualties, but deaths are feared. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion before the fire spread. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. The FAA and NTSB will lead the probe, while officials work to assess damage and potential victims.