The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has failed to curb the increasing trend of intolerance and violence by Hindu extremist groups against minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. According to a report by the Indian publication The Wire, Hindu extremists stormed a church in Odisha, where they forced Christian citizens to abandon their worship and threatened to expel them from the village. Two Christian youth were severely injured in the attack, which is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting minorities.
A research group, the India Hate Lab, has released a report on the treatment of minorities in India in 2025. The report highlights the increasing trend of violence and intimidation against minorities, including a recent incident where a priest was subjected to physical abuse, had his shoes removed, and was forced to eat cow dung. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that visa applications for the upcoming Hajj season will begin on February 8.
In a separate development, US President Donald Trump addressed the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, where he praised the event as an important American tradition. The United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Ukraine have initiated tripartite talks in Abu Dhabi. Iranian Revolutionary Guards have seized two oil tankers in the Gulf waters.
Sara Rainsy, a high-profile survivor of Epstein’s abuse, has spoken out about the repeated instances of sexual abuse she suffered on Epstein’s private island. She has written about her experiences in her book, Silenced No More. In another incident, a woman was allegedly harassed in a lift by two men, one of whom was found to be in possession of multiple fireworks.
US President Donald Trump was reportedly embarrassed during a press conference in the Oval Office when a female journalist interrupted him. A report by The Wire suggests that a man had placed a plastic toy in a microwave on TikTok to lure likes. The Indian government has announced a 4 trillion rupee plan for water and green spaces by 2030.
In related news, Iran and the US have confirmed that their negotiations will proceed as scheduled, dismissing all speculation about a possible delay. The US media has reported that the US has rejected Iran’s demand for a change in the location and nature of the negotiations. The National Prayer Breakfast was attended by dignitaries from around the world, including Turkey’s Deputy Minister of National Education, Jale Irn Okutan, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey, Dr. Yousuf Javed.
The Gulf authorities have announced that direct talks between Iran and the US will take place in Oman on Friday. The two countries have signed an agreement to establish an inter-regional forum.
In other news, a video has been circulating on social media showing Pakistani cricket players mimicking the style of Abarar Ahmed. Pakistani singer Chaitanya Fatah Ali Khan has released a new song, with the lyrics available on his YouTube channel and other social media platforms.
US President Trump has praised the National Prayer Breakfast as an essential American tradition. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that visa applications for the upcoming Hajj season will begin on February 8.
In a separate incident, opposition leader Meen Akhter Qureshi, a member of the Punjab Assembly, has expressed frustration with the government’s handling of social media.
