The European Union and India have agreed to a significant trade deal that will allow free trade between the two partners. This agreement arrives during global trade tensions involving President Trump. The pact aims to boost economic ties by removing many tariffs and increasing market access between them.
Key Facts
The European Union and India have agreed on a trade deal that enables free trade between them.
The agreement allows for reduced tariffs on most exports, including chemicals, machinery, and vehicles.
Talks for this deal started in 2007, stalled in 2013, and restarted in 2022.
President Trump has engaged in global trade disputes, influencing the timing of the EU-India deal.
President Trump announced increased tariffs on South Korean imports to 25 percent.
The European Union and India combined represent 25 percent of the global GDP and a market of 2 billion people.
The agreement still needs formal approval by the European Parliament and European Council.
Indian duties on motor vehicles will drop significantly, aiming to improve trade flow.
Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood will leave the BBC after more than 25 years. She has been a main weather presenter, especially known for her work with BBC Breakfast since 2010. Kirkwood announced her departure will be in April and expressed gratitude for her time at the corporation.
Key Facts
Carol Kirkwood is leaving the BBC after more than 25 years.
She joined the BBC in 1998 and trained in meteorology with The Weather Channel, the Met Office, and the BBC.
Kirkwood has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010.
She presented weather from various locations including events like Wimbledon.
In 2015, she was a contestant on the show "Strictly Come Dancing."
Kirkwood has won several awards, including best TV weather presenter at the TRIC Awards.
Jonathan Munro, interim CEO of BBC News, praised her contribution and wished her well.
An outbreak of the Nipah virus in India's West Bengal state has caused concern in Asia, prompting countries like Thailand and Nepal to start screening travelers from the area. The virus can spread from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans and has a high death rate, with no current vaccine or treatment available.
Key Facts
The Nipah virus outbreak is happening in West Bengal, India.
Thailand and Nepal are screening passengers from West Bengal at airports and land borders.
Five healthcare workers in West Bengal have been infected, with one in critical condition.
The virus can spread from animals to humans and has a death rate between 40% to 75%.
Symptoms range from fever and headaches to severe conditions like encephalitis.
The World Health Organization lists Nipah as a priority disease due to its epidemic potential.
Past outbreaks have occurred in Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and India.
Taiwan is considering classifying Nipah as a "Category 5 disease" for its public health risk.
A study finds that some Baby Boomers are retiring early to avoid working with Gen Z. The survey also shows Gen Z prefers jobs with minimal interaction with Boomers. Generational conflicts at work are affecting productivity and are partly driven by differing attitudes towards technology, like artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
About 19% of Baby Boomers plan to retire early to avoid working with Gen Z.
The study surveyed 2,000 U.S. sales professionals.
28% of Gen Z employees want jobs with less interaction with Boomers.
Generational conflict is estimated to cost companies $56 billion annually in lost productivity.
AI adoption creates tension, as younger workers can often meet targets better using AI tools.
39% of Gen Z sellers prefer being managed by AI, while 25% of Boomers prefer AI over Gen Z colleagues.
Work-life balance issues also contribute to conflicts, with Gen Z valuing balance more than hours worked.
The changing nature of work and lack of traditional job security influence these generational differences.
The article discusses President Trump’s foreign policy actions regarding Venezuela. It claims that Trump and his administration support Delcy Rodríguez, linked to issues like corruption and human rights abuses, instead of backing Venezuelan democratic reformers. The article criticizes this stance and mentions financial ties as a possible reason.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is claimed to support Delcy Rodríguez, interim president of Venezuela, despite allegations against her.
Rodríguez is linked to corruption, drug trafficking, gold smuggling, and human rights abuses.
Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan president, was accused of election manipulation and repression.
Venezuelan democratic reformers, such as María Corina Machado, are suggested as rightful leaders.
Rodríguez's administration is closely tied to external influences like Russia and Cuba.
The article mentions that Trump has personal grievances with some Venezuelan political figures.
Japan is concerned about its security due to President Trump's capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and worries over China's reactions. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made a firm statement about viewing a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan as a threat to Japan, which led to tensions with China. There are discussions in Japan about whether the U.S. would help if a conflict arises in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump captured Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, which received significant attention in Japan.
Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, views a Chinese attack on Taiwan as a threat to Japan.
China reduced travel to Japan and threatened its access to important minerals.
Takaichi received a mild reprimand from President Trump but stood firm on her statements.
Takaichi plans to meet with South Korea's President to counter China's influence in East Asia.
There is debate in Japan about whether the U.S. would support Japan and Taiwan in a conflict with China.
Takaichi is Japan's first female prime minister, known for her unconventional background.
Japan faces internal debate over possibly changing its post-war constitution that limits military force.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to withdraw from key northeastern cities in Syria, leading to mixed reactions in the region. Arab-majority areas are celebrating the return of Syrian government control, while Kurdish-majority areas have concerns about potential government repression. An agreement was reached for SDF fighters to join the Syrian army as individuals.
Key Facts
The SDF decided to withdraw from the northeastern Syrian cities of Raqqa and Deir Az Zor on January 18.
In Arab-majority areas, people are celebrating the government's return, fearing the SDF's repression.
Kurdish-majority areas are worried about new government military actions and potential violence.
The Bashar al-Assad regime fell in December 2024, leading to new power dynamics in Syria.
A March 10 agreement said SDF fighters would join the Syrian government forces by the end of 2025.
A new deal on January 18 agreed that SDF fighters would be integrated individually into the Syrian army.
The U.S. has signaled a shift in support, indicating backing for the government's advances in Deir Az Zor.
Mazloum Abdi, the SDF commander, may be offered a senior position in the Syrian government.
A homeowner discovered a cat left by the previous house owner and decided to keep it. The story became popular on Reddit, gathering many reactions and comments.
Key Facts
A new homeowner found a cat left by the previous owner of the house.
The homeowner did not initially like cats but decided to keep the cat, named "El Gato Blanco."
The story about the cat was shared on Reddit and received 50,000 upvotes.
The cat's behavior suggested it was a pet, according to the Humane World for Animals guidelines.
People on Reddit shared positive comments and jokes about the homeowner's new situation.
The post was widespread on Reddit, especially in the r/cats community.
Videos from Buffalo, New York, showcased thundersnow, a rare weather phenomenon where snow falls with lightning and thunder. This occurred during a major storm in the Northeast and is more common near the Great Lakes due to specific weather conditions.
Key Facts
Thundersnow includes snow, lightning, and thunder happening at the same time.
Videos of thundersnow were recorded in Buffalo, New York, during a storm.
The National Weather Service warns of more cold weather expected in the eastern U.S.
Thundersnow requires a mix of strong weather instability and moisture.
It often happens near the Great Lakes when cold air moves over warmer water.
A study found thundersnow is more usual than once thought but still rare compared to typical thunderstorms.
Israeli police held a ceremony for Ran Gvili, the last captive from Gaza to be returned. His remains were brought back to his family, allowing a new stage in the US-supported Gaza ceasefire to start.
Key Facts
Israeli police held a ceremony for Ran Gvili, a captive who was killed.
His remains were retrieved from Gaza.
Family members attended the ceremony.
The recovery of his remains allows a new phase in the Gaza ceasefire.
The French lower house of Parliament voted to ban children under 15 from using social media due to concerns about online bullying and mental health. The bill passed with 130 votes for and 21 against and will proceed to the Senate for further consideration. President Emmanuel Macron supports the measure, seeing it as necessary to protect young people.
Key Facts
The French lower house approved a social media ban for children under 15 years old.
The vote count was 130 in favor and 21 against the bill.
The Senate will review the legislation next before a final vote in the lower house.
President Macron called the move a significant step in protecting young people.
Platforms will need to verify users' ages according to EU law.
If enacted, platforms have until December 31 to deactivate accounts violating the age rule.
A related survey showed 73% of the French public supports the ban.
Similar social media restrictions are being considered in other countries like the UK, Denmark, and Spain.
Quinton Aaron, an actor known for his role in The Blind Side, is facing serious health issues due to a severe blood infection. A GoFundMe campaign set up to help with his medical expenses has raised over $37,000. He is undergoing significant treatment and recovery remains uncertain.
Key Facts
Quinton Aaron, an actor from The Blind Side, has a severe blood infection.
He collapsed in his apartment and requires extensive medical care.
A fundraiser by Veterans Aid Network has raised over $37,000 to help with expenses.
Aaron is on life support and is undergoing medical tests.
He will need a wheelchair and therapy once released from the hospital.
Quinton Aaron is 41 years old and also acted in Mothers and Daughters and Half Way.
The fundraiser highlights Aaron's positive influence and his military family background.
Quinton Aaron's role in The Blind Side brought him recognition, acting alongside Sandra Bullock.
Scientists from the University of Bonn found that eating an oatmeal-heavy diet for just two days can sharply lower bad cholesterol levels in people with metabolic syndrome. The study revealed that after eating mostly oatmeal for two days, participants had lower LDL cholesterol, which is linked to heart issues; these improvements lasted for six weeks. The results suggest that gut bacteria play a role in this cholesterol-lowering effect.
Key Facts
Researchers conducted the study at the University of Bonn in Germany.
Participants with metabolic syndrome ate primarily oatmeal for two days.
The oat-based diet led to a 10% drop in LDL cholesterol in 48 hours.
Participants lost about two kilograms on average, and blood pressure decreased slightly.
Six weeks later, LDL levels remained low even after resuming regular eating habits.
The study showed increased beneficial gut bacteria after the oatmeal diet.
The research focused on people with metabolic syndrome, but the general process might apply to more people.
Firefighters in Victoria, Australia, are dealing with major fires during a severe heatwave. The fires are causing emergency warnings and pose risks to communities in the affected areas. Health officials warn that the extreme heat can lead to health risks for certain people.
Key Facts
Firefighters in Victoria, Australia, are battling at least six big fires.
Two fires are at "emergency level" and affecting local communities.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported record-high temperatures, reaching 48.9°C in some places.
Melbourne recorded a temperature of 41°C during the heatwave.
Experts worry about ember showers, small burning pieces of wood, creating more fires.
Some homes may have been destroyed, but details are unclear.
A total fire ban is in place in Victoria, and South Australia is on alert for extreme fire risk.
The heatwave can cause severe health problems, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and children.
A dog owner who thought their rescue dog, Kea, was a mix of husky and Australian shepherd discovered through a DNA test that the dog had a different genetic background. The test showed Kea had ancestry from more than seven breeds, with American pit bull terrier being the most significant part. This highlights how shelters often make educated guesses about dog breeds based on appearance.
Key Facts
The dog's name is Kea, and she was initially thought to be a husky-Australian shepherd mix.
A DNA test showed Kea's largest breed percentage is American pit bull terrier at 24.9%.
Other breeds in Kea's mix include Chow Chow, Rottweiler, Labrador retriever, German shepherd, and Doberman pinscher.
"Supermutt" is a term used for dogs with very mixed ancestry that can't be accurately traced to one breed.
Shelters often identify dog breeds based on visual characteristics due to a lack of background information.
The Animal Humane Society states that most shelter dogs are mixed breeds.
As dogs grow, their appearance can change, affecting breed identification.
Breed labels give limited insight into a dog's identity, which also depends on training and environment.
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have decided that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte can stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign. The court has scheduled a hearing on February 23 to decide if the charges are strong enough for a trial. Duterte's lawyers argued he is unfit for trial, but ICC judges disagreed.
Key Facts
The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled that Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial.
Duterte is accused of being responsible for numerous killings during his "war on drugs."
The ICC will have a hearing on February 23 to determine if the case should go to trial.
Duterte's lawyers argued that he is unfit due to health reasons, but the ICC disagreed.
Rodrigo Duterte led the Philippines as president from 2016 to 2022.
He was detained in The Hague since March of the previous year.
Duterte's arrest happened in March 2025 at Manila airport.
His arrest has caused division among people in the Philippines.
Chinese state media reported that China's warship, CNS Taiyuan, encountered and drove away a foreign naval vessel during a training exercise. This incident is part of China's broader efforts to modernize its navy and project power in disputed waters in the Indo-Pacific region. The location and details of the encounter were not provided.
Key Facts
A Chinese warship, CNS Taiyuan, met a foreign naval vessel during a training exercise.
The encounter took place in undisclosed waters.
China claims its navy successfully drove the foreign ship away.
China has the largest navy in the world by number of ships.
The incident reflects China's efforts to assert claims over disputed waters such as the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
The CNS Taiyuan is a Type 052D destroyer capable of carrying up to 64 missiles.
China has been expanding its naval presence and conducting escort missions beyond East Asia.
The U.S. sees China as the second most powerful country in the world, behind itself.
The article discusses the rise in antisemitism affecting Jewish communities in Europe and the United States. The author argues that despite measures like adopting definitions and strategies to combat antisemitism, these efforts have not effectively protected Jews. The proposal is to grant Jews a special protected minority status similar to the Sami people, offering more substantial legal and cultural protections.
Key Facts
Jewish communities in Europe and the United States face increasing antisemitism.
Measures like the IHRA definition of antisemitism exist but are seen as ineffective in practice.
The Holocaust significantly reduced Europe's Jewish population from 9.5 million to under 2 million today.
Many Jews feel unsafe due to violence and discrimination and some are choosing to emigrate.
The article suggests looking at protections afforded to the Sami people as a model for Jewish communities.
The Sami are recognized with rights that help preserve their culture and language.
The author calls for Jews to receive a special protected minority status to ensure their safety and cultural preservation.
Poland plans to strengthen 125 miles of its border with new defenses by the end of the year. This effort is part of Poland's Eastern Shield initiative to protect against potential Russian advancements. These fortifications will include a mix of natural and man-made barriers.
Key Facts
Poland aims to build new defenses along 125 miles of its border with Russia and Belarus by the end of the year.
The project is part of Poland's Eastern Shield initiative to secure NATO territory near Russia.
The defenses will include trenches, anti-tank obstacles, anti-drone systems, and shelters.
About 38% of Poland's eastern and northern borders will have these defenses by year-end.
Poland is NATO's top military spender in terms of GDP.
NATO has increased its military presence along its eastern edge, including in Poland, in response to Russian activities.
The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) are also building defenses along their borders.
Shelley Cowlin, who lost her home to coastal erosion in Thorpeness, Suffolk, is asking visitors to stop coming to the area to watch and take items from the affected properties. The local council urges people to stay away as more homes face demolition due to erosion.
Key Facts
Shelley Cowlin's home of 48 years was demolished because of coastal erosion.
She is now living in a holiday rental, which doesn't feel like home to her.
Visitors have been coming to the area to see the damage, even taking items from properties.
East Suffolk Council has asked people to avoid visiting the erosion-affected areas.
Four homes have been demolished this winter, with six more set to be demolished soon.
More than 150 people attended a meeting to discuss how to protect the coastline.
East Suffolk Council spent £750,000 last year on maintaining sea defenses along 48 miles of coastline.
Cowlin expressed she cannot bear to visit the site of her demolished home again.
