India Secures Strategic Trade Deals with U.S. and EU
In a historic day for global commerce, India has finalized major trade agreements with two of the world’s largest economies. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new trade deal with India that includes significant tariff slashes. As part of the agreement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly agreed to halt the purchase of Russian oil, signaling a major shift in India’s energy and diplomatic strategy. Simultaneously, the European Union and India have officially signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), eliminating tariffs on key sectors including chemicals, plastics, metals, and pharmaceutical products. This dual success is being hailed by experts as a "considerable achievement" for Indian diplomacy amidst a challenging geopolitical climate.
U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Third Day
The United States remains in a state of partial government shutdown for the third consecutive day. The impasse, triggered by disputes over immigration enforcement protocols, has left nearly 80% of federal agencies in fiscal limbo. House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that a legislative resolution is expected by late Tuesday, February 3, provided a procedural vote can be passed. The shutdown began following a surge of civil unrest in Minnesota and a subsequent legislative deadlock regarding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding.
Partial Reopening of the Rafah Crossing
In a significant humanitarian development, Israel has partially reopened the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt for the first time since May 2024. Under the new arrangement, approximately 150 people are permitted to exit Gaza daily, while 50 are allowed to enter. This move comes amid ongoing conflict in the region and follows intense international pressure to allow medical evacuations and the movement of aid personnel.
Security and Political Developments in Asia
In Pakistan, security forces have concluded a massive 40-hour counterterrorism operation in Balochistan, reporting the deaths of 145 insurgents from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the political landscape continues to shift as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to 10 years in prison across two corruption cases, following her recent ouster from power.
Scientific and Space Milestones
NASA is set to hold a major news conference today following the Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal at the Kennedy Space Center. On the solar front, astronomers are monitoring a "behemoth" sunspot region, AR4366, which released a massive X8.1 solar flare—the third-largest of the current solar cycle—causing radio blackouts across the Pacific region.