India and the European Union (EU) announced a new trade deal, marking a significant shift in their economic relationship. The deal occurred due to changing global politics and concerns about U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. India and the EU aim to strengthen ties amid global trade uncertainties.
Key Facts
The trade deal between India and the EU aims to improve economic relations.
The EU is India's largest trading partner, with trade in goods totaling $142.3 billion in 2024.
India ranks as the EU's ninth-largest trading partner.
Trade talks between India and the EU were stalled for 20 years before this agreement.
U.S. tariffs, particularly those imposed by President Trump, have impacted global trade, affecting both India and the EU.
The deal is part of a broader move by countries to secure trade agreements amid global economic unpredictability.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders praised the agreement as a major milestone.
A person was critically injured in a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. The FBI is investigating the incident as an alleged assault on a federal officer. The wounded individual was taken to a hospital, and the situation is under investigation.
Key Facts
A person was shot and is in critical condition near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an alleged assault on a federal officer.
The shooting occurred near Arivaca, Arizona, about 10 miles from the border.
The Santa Rita Fire District provided medical assistance to the wounded person.
The injured individual was taken by helicopter to a regional hospital.
The area is commonly used by drug smugglers and migrants crossing the border illegally.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is collaborating with federal authorities on the case.
No information about the suspect has been released by authorities.
Storm Chandra has caused widespread flooding and some road closures across the UK. Various regions are under weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain, with some areas also facing snow. Schools in different parts of the UK have closed, and there have been disruptions to travel services like trains and flights.
Key Facts
Storm Chandra is the third named storm this year in the UK.
It has caused road, rail, ferry, and flight disruptions.
Some schools in England and Northern Ireland are closed due to the storm.
There are yellow warnings for wind, rain, and snow across England, Scotland, and Wales.
An amber warning for wind is in the east of Northern Ireland.
Flooding is happening in many areas, with the south-west of England especially affected.
A severe flood warning, indicating a danger to life, is in Upper Frome, Dorchester.
Up to 20cm of snow is expected in higher areas, causing road closures like the A66.
The "Doomsday Clock," created by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, is now set at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it's ever been to symbolizing the risk of a global catastrophe. The clock represents threats like nuclear war, climate change, and the misuse of technology, highlighting increased tensions between countries and insufficient global cooperation.
Key Facts
The "Doomsday Clock" is now at 85 seconds to midnight, indicating increased risk of global destruction.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists updates this clock annually to show how close humanity is to a major global catastrophe.
Reasons for the closer time include nuclear threats, climate change, and unregulated use of advanced technology like artificial intelligence.
The clock was previously set at 89 seconds to midnight last year.
Conflicts involving nuclear-armed countries, such as Russia and Ukraine, are a significant concern.
The group emphasizes the need for international cooperation to mitigate these risks.
They note worsening climate change events like droughts and floods, and criticize a lack of effective global climate agreements.
President Trump's actions to promote fossil fuels and reduce renewable energy efforts were mentioned as factors contributing to climate risk.
The article discusses the situation of Hamza Al-Rubaie, a child who lost his parents and siblings in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He is now being cared for by his aunt.
Key Facts
Hamza Al-Rubaie is a child from Gaza.
He lost both parents due to the conflict in the region.
Hamza also lost his three siblings in the same conflict.
There are at least 17,000 children in Gaza who have lost both parents.
Hamza's aunt is now taking care of him.
The report about Hamza was covered by Al Jazeera journalist Moath al-Kahlout.
The inflation rate in Guernsey has slowed down, with the Retail Price Index showing a 3.4% increase in the cost of living for the year ending December 2025. This is a decrease from the 4.6% inflation rate reported for the previous year.
Key Facts
Guernsey's inflation rate for the year ending December 2025 was 3.4%.
In December 2022, inflation in Guernsey peaked at 8.5%.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) in Guernsey tracks price changes of 2,000 goods and services.
Fuel prices rose by 6.3% over the 12 months to December 2025.
Prices for catering services increased by 6%, and personal goods/services went up by 5.7%.
Housing costs increased by 1%, largely due to higher mortgage payments.
There was a 2.7% drop in fares and other travel costs in the last quarter of 2025.
Alcohol prices increased by 0.6%, but special offers during Christmas helped offset some costs.
Work has started on a tunnel for the high-speed rail project HS2, connecting west London to Euston. A large machine named Madeleine is digging the tunnel, with future plans and costs still uncertain. The UK government aims to create a major transport hub at Euston but has not established a clear timeline.
Key Facts
Construction began on the HS2 tunnel from west London to Euston.
The tunnel is part of the high-speed rail line project, HS2.
A boring machine named Madeleine is being used to dig the tunnel.
Madeleine was built in Germany and assembled in London.
The project's total cost is uncertain, with reports suggesting it might reach £100 billion.
The UK government plans to make Euston a major transport hub.
A new organization, the Euston Delivery Company, will manage the project at Euston.
Funding for extending the rail line to Euston will involve private investment.
Iran's currency fell to a record low against the US dollar, leading to economic difficulties and protests in the country. The protests, sparked by economic issues and government decisions, faced a strong response from Iranian security forces. Tensions between Iran and the US are growing, with military movements from the US near Iran and calls for diplomacy.
Key Facts
Iran's currency, the rial, dropped to a record low of 1,500,000 rials per US dollar.
Economic troubles and international sanctions have worsened living conditions in Iran.
Protests began in Tehran's Grand Bazaar and spread nationwide due to the falling rial value and government policy changes.
Iranian security forces cracked down on protesters after demonstrations spread across the country.
The Iranian government confirmed many deaths, while a US-based group reported higher numbers.
Tensions between Iran and the US have increased, with the US moving military assets close to Iran.
President Donald Trump mentioned potential diplomacy but sent military forces to the region.
Iranian officials expressed readiness for conflict but prefer diplomatic solutions.
Rwanda is taking legal action against the United Kingdom for not making payments linked to a halted deal on resettling asylum seekers. The dispute is being handled by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, where Rwanda claims the UK did not fulfill its promises. The deal, initiated by the previous UK government, was stopped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration in 2024.
Key Facts
Rwanda has filed a legal case against the UK at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The case revolves around a scrapped deal where the UK was to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Under the agreement, the UK was supposed to pay Rwanda to host the asylum seekers and help its economy.
After the deal was cancelled in 2024 by the new UK government, payments totaling £220 million were halted.
Rwanda began arbitration proceedings in November, as shown on the arbitration court's website.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration is in The Hague, Netherlands, and can issue final, binding rulings.
Originally, the deal involved spending about £700 million, with only four volunteers being sent to Rwanda.
Iraq's parliament has delayed the election of the country's next president. The delay allows the two main Kurdish political parties time to agree on a candidate. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations and international interest in the outcome.
Key Facts
Iraq's parliament postponed the presidential election to allow Kurdish parties to agree on a candidate.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) requested the delay.
Iraq's political system allocates the presidency to a Kurdish candidate, typically from the PUK.
This time, the KDP proposed Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein as their candidate.
The new president needs approval from both Shia and Sunni parliament blocs.
The elected president will have 15 days to appoint a prime minister, with former PM Nouri al-Maliki likely to return.
Al-Maliki was previously Iraq's prime minister from 2006 to 2014 and is seen as having close ties to Iran.
The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shia parties, supports al-Maliki’s candidacy.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) Conor McGinn has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman. The charge relates to an incident from July 2022, and McGinn is expected to appear in court in February 2024. McGinn served as an MP for St Helens North and was an independent after being suspended by the Labour Party.
Key Facts
Conor McGinn, a former MP, has been charged with sexual assault.
The charge is linked to an alleged incident in July 2022.
McGinn was an MP for St Helens North from 2015 to 2024.
He was suspended by the Labour Party in December 2022.
After his suspension, McGinn served as an independent and decided not to seek re-election.
He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 27 February 2024.
The Crown Prosecution Service has determined there is enough evidence to charge him.
McGinn has stated his belief that the allegation is unfounded and denies any wrongdoing.
President Donald Trump plans to create a "Board of Peace" with himself as the chairman. This board includes countries with poor human rights records and aims to promote stability but does not mention human rights. Some leaders invited to join face international charges of war crimes.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to set up a new group called the "Board of Peace."
He intends to be the lifetime chairman of this board.
Countries invited include those with known human rights abuses.
The U.S. has reduced funding for several United Nations programs.
The Trump administration left the UN World Health Organization and climate agreements.
Russia and China support the downplaying of human rights at the UN, aligning with the board's charter.
Permanent board membership has a $1 billion fee.
Leaders facing war crime charges, like Vladimir Putin, have been invited.
Reform UK has announced that academic and commentator Matt Goodwin will be their candidate for a by-election in Greater Manchester's Gorton and Denton area. The by-election was triggered by Andrew Gwynne's resignation and is marked by internal debates within the Labour Party about candidate selection. Goodwin sees the election as a chance for voters to express their views on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
Matt Goodwin, an academic and commentator, is Reform UK's candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The by-election was called after Andrew Gwynne resigned for health reasons.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham wanted to run for the seat but was blocked by the Labour Party's ruling body.
Labour's leader, Sir Keir Starmer, emphasized focusing resources on necessary elections.
About 50 Labour MPs signed a letter asking their party to reconsider disallowing Burnham's candidacy.
In the 2024 general election, Labour won the seat with a 13,000 majority, while Reform UK came second with 5,000 votes.
Matt Goodwin considers the by-election as a chance for voters to voice their opinions on Keir Starmer's leadership.
Goodwin has a personal connection to Manchester and has worked there in the past.
President Trump introduced the 'Board of Peace' to help rebuild Gaza. It is now being presented as a group to handle global conflicts. This shift has led to questions about whether it is meant to challenge the United Nations.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump created the 'Board of Peace.'
The initial goal was to help rebuild Gaza.
It is now described as a group to resolve global conflicts.
Some people think it might compete with the United Nations.
The change in focus from local to global conflict resolution has raised concerns.
Two Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles became stuck in Indianapolis due to a heavy snowstorm. The storm hit central Indiana with significant snowfall, leading to travel warnings and concerns about driver safety.
Key Facts
Two Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles were stuck near WXIN studios in Indianapolis due to snow.
The Wienermobiles were first parked on Friday and remained there as of Tuesday.
A winter storm hit central Indiana, depositing nearly a foot of snow in Indianapolis.
The storm caused travel warnings to be issued, advising people to stay off roads for safety.
More than 30 people died nationwide due to the snowstorm, which also affected parts of the South with ice.
Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles are promotional vehicles shaped like hot dogs.
The Wienie 500, a race featuring these vehicles, is held in Indianapolis and attracts large audiences.
Indianapolis received about 11 inches of snow, with some areas nearby receiving up to nearly 15 inches.
Parents in the UK are advised to avoid feeding their babies a specific batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula made by Danone due to a toxin called cereulide. The affected batch has the code EXP 31-10-2026 and can cause symptoms like vomiting. The product can be returned for a refund.
Key Facts
Affected infant formula is Aptamil First Infant Formula by Danone.
The specific batch code is EXP 31-10-2026.
The toxin found is called cereulide.
Cereulide can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
The product was sold between May and July 2025.
Customers can return the formula for a full refund, with or without a receipt.
The Food Standards Agency confirms that no other batches are affected.
Nestle also recently recalled infant formula due to the same toxin.
In Central Texas, two sisters found an abandoned Australian shepherd named Tobias. They discovered that the dog's original owner is in Poland for military duty and had given the dog to another family, who apparently left him to roam. Now, Tobias is with a rescue group and is looking for a new permanent home.
Key Facts
An Australian shepherd named Tobias was found abandoned in Bell County, Texas.
Two sisters helped catch Tobias after seeing his picture on missing pet pages.
Tobias's original owner is deployed in Poland and had given him to a new family.
The family apparently abandoned Tobias, leading to his wandering.
Tobias is currently in the care of TAGG Rescue and needs a permanent home.
The story gained attention on Reddit, receiving over 1,800 upvotes.
Tobias needs a foster home for a few days starting January 29, until a permanent home is found.
A toy horse with a frown, originally made by mistake, has become a viral hit in China ahead of the Lunar New Year. The toy resonates with many young workers who see its sad expression as reflecting their work reality. The demand for this toy has increased production, including orders from other countries.
Key Facts
A frowning horse plush toy went viral in China before the Lunar New Year.
The toy was made by mistake when a smile was sewn upside down.
It became popular online, prompting increased sales and production.
The toy is red with a golden collar, bell, and embroidered words "money comes quickly."
The toy's sad expression resonates with young workers who relate it to their work lives.
Other countries are also placing orders for the toy.
The toy costs 25 yuan, approximately £2.62, and is about 20cm tall.
A bomb cyclone is expected to bring unusually cold weather to Florida, with temperatures dropping significantly. Meteorologists predict freezing temperatures and potential snow in some areas as the weather system moves through the region.
Key Facts
A bomb cyclone could cause temperatures to fall across Florida this weekend.
The cyclone is expected to bring Arctic air south, leading to freezing wind chills.
North Florida may experience single-digit wind chills, while South Florida could see temperatures in the 20s.
A low-pressure system might develop into a nor’easter as it moves along the Southeast coast.
A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm quickly gets stronger due to cold and warm air meeting.
Northeast Florida could face very low temperatures next week, reaching about 20 degrees.
This cold spell could result in a hard freeze for one to three nights.
Freezing temperatures could threaten citrus crops in central Florida.
The Israeli military launched a large operation in Gaza to recover the body of an Israeli policeman, Ran Gvili, using significant resources like tanks and drones. In contrast, over 10,000 Palestinians remain trapped under rubble in Gaza without similar recovery efforts. This situation has been criticized as showing an unequal focus on Israeli and Palestinian losses.
Key Facts
The Israeli military used tanks, drones, and other equipment to recover the body of an Israeli policeman from Gaza.
The operation involved digging up approximately 200 graves in a Gaza cemetery, resulting in four Palestinian civilian deaths.
More than 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza are believed to be buried under rubble without recovery efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the recovery of the Israeli policeman.
The operation was described as creating a "kill zone" and involved substantial force.
Families of missing Palestinians lack resources and international support to recover their loved ones.
Critics highlight the unequal treatment between the recovery of the Israeli policeman and the Palestinian victims in Gaza.
