A wave of coordinated terrorist attacks struck multiple towns and cities across Balochistan in the early hours of 31 January, targeting security forces and government installations. The assaults, which were carried out by a group which the state has named Fitna-al-Hindustan (to highlight alleged links with India), prompted large-scale security operations across the province. More than 175 militants have been killed, while fifteen security personnel and eighteen civilians lost their lives. Suicide bombers, including women, were among those involved in the attacks. In response to security concerns, mobile internet services were suspended in Quetta and several other districts, disrupting daily life for residents. Balochistan’s chief minister Sarfraz Bugti pledged firm action to restore stability, while federal officials said operations were continuing to eliminate remaining threats. The violence has heightened fear and uncertainty for communities already living with long-standing insecurity.

Wildfires are tearing through Argentina’s Patagonia region, burning vast areas of native forest and threatening irreplaceable ecosystems. More than 450 square kilometres have already been destroyed, including parts of a national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to ancient alerce trees which can live for thousands of years. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighters battle intense winds, high temperatures and difficult terrain. Fire crews report shortages of trained staff, aircraft and basic equipment, leaving them dangerously overstretched. Environmental groups warn that climate change is worsening fire conditions, making such blazes more frequent and severe. The crisis has intensified criticism of president Javier Milei’s aggressive austerity policies. His ‘chainsaw’ spending cuts this year have slashed the national fire management service’s budget by 71 percent. Milei, who has called climate change a ‘socialist lie’ and is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, faces mounting pressure as the fires have now destroyed an area more than twice the size of Buenos Aires.

Claims of a major shift in global energy politics emerged after Donald Trump announced plans to cut tariffs on Indian exports. Trump said he had agreed a trade deal with Narendra Modi in which India would stop buying Russian oil, a move he argued could help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. India has been one of Russia’s largest customers since 2022, benefiting from discounted prices as Western nations reduced purchases. While Modi welcomed the tariff reductions and spoke positively about peace, he did not publicly confirm any pledge to halt Russian oil imports. India remains heavily dependent on overseas energy and has emphasised diversification rather than abrupt change. It has already started to cut back on buying Russian oil, even though Moscow insists supplies remain uninterrupted. For an insight on India’s shifting relationship with Russia, see

An unexpected move of God took place at RoofCon, a major roofing convention held in Oklahoma City. Though the event was designed to equip professionals with business skills, founder Hunter Ballew sensed the Holy Spirit calling him to use the platform for eternal purposes. Evangelist Clayton King was invited to share a clear and simple Gospel message, emphasising how individuals can truly know they are born again. Attendance at the final session was voluntary, yet many remained. In a spontaneous step of faith, organisers purchased horse troughs and set up baptisms on the convention floor. Over two hundred men and women responded to the Gospel, with dozens immediately baptised. King described the moment as a powerful work of the Holy Spirit, noting a growing hunger for faith beyond church walls. He believes this reflects a wider awakening, as secular promises fail and hearts respond afresh to the transforming power of the Gospel.