World

India is rebalancing crude oil imports toward Middle Eastern suppliers as Russian volumes dip due to sanctions and compliance risks. While Russian crude remains economical, refiners are prioritising supply reliability, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia regaining share in early 2026

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals in Melbourne, defeating Canada’s Victoria Mboko in straight sets. The two-time champion overcame a tighter second set, extending her remarkable tiebreak winning streak to 20 and staying on title course

A massive winter storm swept across the United States, triggering emergencies in over 20 states, grounding thousands of flights, cutting power to tens of thousands of homes and plunging temperatures far below normal across large regions

An all-round India won a truncated game of 37-overs-per-side with complete ease, stamping their authority in the competition with another big victory

The decision follows an extensive process undertaken by the ICC to address concerns raised by the BCB regarding the hosting of its scheduled matches in India

Power is increasingly overriding law, morals, and values, exposing a ‘world without rules’ — an uncomfortable truth revealed as leaders gathered in the Swiss Alps amid rising global tensions

As global uncertainty deepens and multilateral norms weaken, the EU and India are moving toward a historic free trade agreement, signalling a shift toward partnership, diversification, and cooperative global governance 

A predawn landslide in West Java, Indonesia, killed at least eight people and left 82 missing after torrential rains. Rescuers struggled through mud and debris while authorities evacuated nearby families and warned residents in landslide-prone areas to stay alert.

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed one person and wounded 31 as Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. officials met in Abu Dhabi for peace talks. Zelenskyy says a deal is “nearly ready,” but territorial disputes remain unresolved.

At least six people were killed and several others injured after a suicide bomber struck a wedding ceremony in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack targeted the home of a local peace committee leader. Investigations are underway.

At least nine members of a family were killed after an avalanche buried their home in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Heavy snowfall disrupted life across several regions, blocking roads, cutting power and worsening extreme cold conditions.

Four adults of Indian origin, including an Indian national, were killed in a domestic shooting in Georgia. The suspect was arrested, children escaped unharmed, and the Indian Consulate in Atlanta assured full assistance to the bereaved family.

Sakshi Padekar and Shahu Mane bettered national record scores in the 10m Air Rifle events at the National Selection Trials in Delhi. Arjun Babuta won the men’s final, Sakshi the women’s, while Rahi Sarnobat claimed gold in the 25m Pistol

Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 82 and Ishan Kishan’s fiery 76 powered India to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in Raipur, chasing 209 in just 15.2 overs. India now lead the five-match T20I series 2-0

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Corentin Moutet in straight sets at the Australian Open but admitted losing the drop-shot battle. Aryna Sabalenka survived a tough test against Anastasia Potapova, while Daniil Medvedev rallied from two sets down to beat Fabian Marozsan

Bangladesh’s appeal to the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee over hosting T20 World Cup matches in India cannot be heard as it is outside the committee’s remit. With the ICC Board voting 14-2, Scotland is expected to be named as replacement

India’s world champion D Gukesh will meet joint leader Nodirbek Abdusattorov in round six of the Tata Steel Masters after his win over Thai Dai Van Nguyen. Arjun Erigaisi slipped to joint seventh, while Praggnanandhaa and Aravindh Chithambaram remain on 1.5 points

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization, with the Trump administration accusing the global body of pandemic failures and acting against US interests. All funding and staffing have ended, marking a shift in US global health engagement.

Federal immigration agents detained a 5-year-old Minnesota boy and his father, taking them to a Texas facility, sparking outrage from school officials and community leaders. The case highlights intensified immigration sweeps, disputed enforcement actions, and growing fear among immigrant families

Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland now appear shaky amid public opposition, Republican resistance, European military reinforcements and fears of economic retaliation. With diplomacy stalled and force deeply unpopular, Trump faces shrinking options and risks lasting damage to U.S.–Europe relations

The Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter display team will perform at the Singapore Airshow 2026 alongside global military aerobatic teams. The event will feature advanced fighter jets, helicopters and commercial aircraft, highlighting international participation and cutting-edge aviation technology

President Vladimir Putin held overnight talks with envoys of US President Donald Trump on a Ukraine settlement, with the Kremlin insisting territorial issues must be resolved. The discussions follow Trump’s Davos meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and precede trilateral talks in the UAE

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved parliament’s lower house, calling a Feb. 8 snap election to capitalize on high approval ratings. The move delays a budget vote amid economic strain, China tensions, defense pressure from Trump, and ruling party scandals

Chile battles devastating wildfires that killed 21, burned 45,700 hectares and destroyed thousands of homes, while firefighters face gun attacks, arson and dangerous civilian drones. Authorities warn tolls may rise as international reinforcements arrive amid national mourning and rescue efforts