This week, Bad Bunny made history by winning the Album of the Year award at the Grammy Awards for a fully Spanish-language album for the first time since the award's inception over 60 years ago.
The Jeffrey Epstein case is expanding from a personal scandal into a crisis of trust among the global elite, as new documents and investigation files reveal names of influential figures from multiple countries, ranging from politicians to world billionaires.
In Africa, reports emerged of the assassination of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, closing the chapter on the dictator's heir closely watched by the world. Libya's politics may now reach a turning point between peace or escalating violence.
Back in Asia, the Pakistani military killed up to 145 members of the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) within 40 hours, marking one of the most violent confrontations in recent years.
The Venice Carnival season officially opened this year under the theme “Olympus. Back to the origins of the games,” connecting the original celebration with the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have officially begun amid the major challenge of climate change, which may affect the scheduling of certain sporting events.
On the evening of 1 February, a historic moment occurred at the 68th Grammy Awards when Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny won the Album of the Year for his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. This made him the first artist ever to win the Album of the Year award for an album sung entirely in Spanish since the award's establishment in 1959. The Grammy is one of the most prestigious awards in the global music industry. Bad Bunny's victory is not only a musical achievement but also a sign of cultural transition in the U.S. and worldwide music scene, recognizing voices in languages other than English more seriously.
The Jeffrey Epstein case is expanding from a personal scandal into a crisis of trust among the world's elite, as new documents and investigation files reveal influential figures from many countries, ranging from politicians to global billionaires. British police have begun investigating Peter Mandelson, former UK minister and ambassador to the U.S., sparking calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation. Bill Gates' name appeared in a 2013 email whose authenticity is questioned. Donald Trump is mentioned hundreds of times in FBI documents gathering unproven allegations, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former British prince, is implicated by a photo showing him straddling a woman lying down. All parties deny allegations, but the ongoing revelations have shaken public confidence in the justice system's ability to hold powerful people accountable. This case may also have political ripple effects affecting the popularity of governments in the U.S. and UK ahead of upcoming elections.
A major news story in North Africa this week is the report of four gunmen assassinating Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, at his residence in Zintan, Libya, on 3 February. Saif was a highly watched figure, not only as the heir to the dictatorship but also as a former international envoy for Libya and a suspect charged with crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC). His death is seen by many as the true end of the Gaddafi political legacy. However, the African Union Commission Chair condemned the killing, warning that such murders may hinder peaceful political transitions in Libya.
Earlier this week, the Pakistani military launched an anti-terrorism operation in Balochistan province. The prolonged 40-hour clash ended with the killing of at least 145 members of the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). This incident is considered one of the most violent confrontations in recent years, highlighting the ongoing, unresolved conflict between the state and the ethnic minority in Balochistan seeking independence, with no clear political solution in sight for the near future.
Colorful boats with fantasy-costumed crews sailed through the lagoon amid dense crowds, ending near the Rialto Bridge with confetti over the boats and spectators. This marked the official opening of the Venice Carnival season. This year’s theme is “Olympus. Back to the origins of the games,” linking the original celebration to the 2026 Winter Olympics opening in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The organizer emphasized reviving Venice’s ancient tradition through the carnival, which will continue until 17 February, with an expected attendance of up to one million people, peaking on the festival’s last weekend.
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on 6 February in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. This global sports event draws top winter athletes worldwide to compete amid challenges posed by climate change, which may affect some competitions. Reports show that average temperatures in Cortina have risen about 3.56 degrees Celsius since the last time it hosted the games in 1956, reducing snowfall by over 20%. Organizers had to transport more than 2.3 million cubic meters of artificial snow to the high Alpine areas. This has drawn criticism over increased risks and the massive water and energy resources consumed in snow production.
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