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In late November 2025, a Soyuz rocket launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome successfully delivered three astronauts to the ISS but caused significant damage to the launchpad's service cabin. Roscosmos has begun repairs, aiming to restore the pad by February 2026. The incident has prompted NASA to advance Dragon supply missions to mitigate potential supply gaps. Meanwhile, SpaceX's Starship V3 booster suffered a critical failure during ground testing, delaying its development.
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Since late November 2025, X (formerly Twitter) has rolled out an "About This Account" feature showing where accounts are based. This exposed many popular US-focused political accounts, especially pro-Trump and pro-Israel ones, as operated from countries like India, Eastern Europe, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. The move aims to increase transparency but raises privacy and safety concerns.
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Russia faces a shortfall of at least 2.3 million workers, worsened by the Ukraine war. With Central Asian workers declining, Moscow is increasingly recruiting Indian workers, with permits surging from 5,000 in 2021 to nearly 72,000 last year, reflecting stronger ties and economic shifts.
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On December 1-3, 2025, Canada became the first non-EU country to join the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense initiative, granting Canadian defense firms access to EU-backed loans and reducing reliance on U.S. military procurement. Concurrently, Canada struck an energy and trade deal with Alberta to expand oil exports to Asia via a new pipeline, relaxing federal emissions caps in exchange for stronger carbon pricing and carbon capture projects, despite opposition from British Columbia and Indigenous groups. Canada also restarted stalled trade talks with India aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030.
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Cyclone Ditwah caused severe flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, killing at least 88 people, with over 200 missing. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands displaced. Relief efforts are ongoing amid fears of further heavy rains and landslides.
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India's Department of Telecommunications has ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices within 90 days, with no option for users to disable it. The app aims to combat mobile fraud and theft but faces privacy concerns and potential pushback from Apple.
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Russian forces announced the capture of Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, amid ongoing fighting. Ukraine denies full control, and the situation highlights Russia's slow territorial gains in the Donbas. US peace talks are ongoing, with recent claims timed to influence negotiations.
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On December 4-5, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India for the 23rd Russia-India Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit focused on deepening defense, energy, and economic ties despite US sanctions targeting India's purchases of Russian oil. The leaders agreed on a $100 billion trade target by 2030 and discussed military hardware deliveries, labor mobility, and cooperation amid ongoing Ukraine war tensions.
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India continues to buy Russian oil despite US sanctions, balancing its strategic partnership with Moscow and its economic ties with Washington. Putin's visit underscores Russia's ongoing energy cooperation with India amid Western sanctions and diplomatic pressures.
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On Dec 6-7, 2025, a fire broke out at the Birch nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing 23 people, including kitchen staff and tourists. The blaze, caused by a gas cylinder explosion, was extinguished after delayed firefighting due to narrow access. Authorities have launched an inquiry into fire safety violations and building permits.
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Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata on December 14, 2025, as part of his GOAT India Tour, ended abruptly amid fan unrest and poor event management. Thousands of fans, frustrated by limited access and high ticket prices, vandalized Salt Lake Stadium after Messi left early. West Bengal officials apologized and launched an investigation. Subsequent tour stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi proceeded smoothly.
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A mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, has killed at least 11 people, with many wounded. The attack is linked to rising antisemitism in Australia, fueled by political decisions and recent violence, prompting international condemnation and calls for stronger security measures.
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Oman and India signed multiple agreements to boost economic cooperation, including trade, scientific research, and investment. Bilateral trade reached $10.61 billion in 2024-25, driven by energy and non-oil commerce. Leaders from both nations emphasized future collaboration and investment opportunities.
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India has formally charged Pakistan-based groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Resistance Front for planning and executing the attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed mostly Hindu tourists. The investigation traced the conspiracy to Pakistan, fueling ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors amid recent clashes and military strikes.
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India and New Zealand announced a bilateral trade agreement, expected to be signed in early 2026, aiming to lower tariffs, expand cooperation, and boost investments. The deal excludes dairy and sensitive products, with New Zealand committing $20 billion in investments over 15 years. The agreement reflects efforts to diversify trade amid US tariffs.
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The US and Ethiopia signed a five-year health cooperation MoU, committing over $1.6 billion in grants and co-financing to improve health systems, disease control, and emergency preparedness. Nigeria and Mozambique also received significant US health aid, focusing on HIV, malaria, and maternal health.
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Kuwait has awarded a $4.16 billion contract for Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, linking to China's Belt and Road. Saudi Arabia signed agreements to boost exports and logistics, while Egypt announced a $200 million factory for sustainable jet fuel, strengthening regional economic ties.
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In late December 2025, the US conducted its first known land strike in Venezuela targeting a dock used by the Tren de Aragua gang to load narcotics onto boats. The CIA reportedly carried out the covert operation, destroying the facility without casualties. This marks a significant escalation in the US military campaign against drug trafficking and pressure on President Maduro's regime, which denies involvement in narcotics trade.
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Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman prime minister and leader of the BNP, died at age 80. She had been hospitalized since late November with health issues. Her death marks the end of a political era, with her son Tarique Rahman poised to lead her party into upcoming elections.
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On December 30, 2025, Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), died at age 80 after a prolonged illness including advanced liver cirrhosis. Her death marks a major political shift as the BNP prepares for February 2026 elections without her leadership, with her son Tarique Rahman expected to lead the party.
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Pakistan is reportedly close to finalising a $1.5 billion deal to sell jets and weapons to Sudan, amid a broader push to increase its military influence in the Arab world. The move follows recent defence negotiations with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia, signaling Pakistan's aim to become a regional security provider. Meanwhile, regional tensions and internal conflicts continue to escalate, impacting stability.
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China has issued bans on cybersecurity software from US companies like VMware, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet, as well as Israeli firms including Check Point. The move aims to replace Western technology amid rising US-China tensions and concerns over data security, with Chinese authorities citing risks of confidential data transmission abroad.
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The EU has upgraded its relationship with Vietnam to the highest diplomatic level, aligning it with the US, China, and Russia. This move aims to deepen cooperation amid global uncertainties, with agreements on trade, critical minerals, and security cooperation, reflecting Vietnam's strategic balancing of major powers.
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Xi Jinping has engaged in diplomatic calls with Vietnam's To Lam and India's Droupadi Murmu, emphasizing regional cooperation and shared development goals. These moves follow recent improvements in China’s relations with both countries, despite ongoing border tensions and economic disputes. The updates highlight China's focus on regional influence.
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Recent investigations reveal Bangladeshi migrant workers in Russia were deceived with false promises of civilian jobs, only to be coerced into combat roles in Ukraine. Many faced threats, violence, and imprisonment, with some escaping after months of forced service. The story highlights migrant risks amid regional conflicts. Today’s date: Tue, 03 Feb 2026.
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On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union concluded a landmark free trade agreement after nearly 20 years of negotiations. Covering 2 billion people and 25% of global GDP, the deal will slash tariffs on most goods, double EU exports to India by 2032, and deepen strategic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics and US tariff pressures.
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Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, died in a Learjet crash while traveling to campaign for local elections in Baramati. The aircraft caught fire during landing, killing Pawar, two staff members, and two crew. The cause remains under investigation.
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Indian lawmakers are proposing legislation to ban social media accounts for users under 16, citing concerns over digital addiction and data exploitation. The bill aims to shift age verification responsibilities to platforms, amid ongoing debates on youth online safety and international regulation trends.
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On February 2, 2026, the US announced it would reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, rescinding an additional 25% duty imposed over India's Russian oil imports. India agreed to buy over $500 billion in US products and reportedly to stop purchasing Russian oil, aiming to ease tensions and support ending the Ukraine war. Modi welcomed the tariff cut but did not confirm halting Russian oil purchases.
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India and the European Union announced a major trade agreement, including defense provisions, aiming to double trade within six years. The deal marks a shift in India's economic strategy, moving away from self-reliance towards deeper international ties amid global tensions and economic realignments.
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The US government reported the costs of deploying National Guard and active-duty Marines to several cities in 2025, with Washington, DC, and Los Angeles being the most expensive. The deployments aimed to combat crime but faced legal challenges and fluctuating troop levels. The total cost exceeded $496 million.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Malaysia for the first time in over a decade, where he signed multiple agreements with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. The deals focus on renewable energy, healthcare, AI, and semiconductor cooperation, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade and strategic partnership.
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On February 6-7, 2026, the US and India announced a trade framework reducing US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, contingent on India halting Russian oil imports. India agreed to lower tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products and commit to $500 billion in US purchases over five years. The deal faces domestic opposition in India, especially from farmers and unions concerned about agricultural exposure.
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A 15-year-old boy in Ufa, Russia, attacked students and police with a knife, shouting nationalist slogans and drawing a Nazi symbol. Four Indian students were injured, and the attacker is in critical condition. Authorities are investigating links to neo-Nazi groups and negligence by officials.
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Russian oil revenues have fallen to their lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to US and EU sanctions, tariff pressures, and a crackdown on sanctions-dodging tankers. President Putin is borrowing and raising taxes to maintain finances, but economic strains persist amid slowing growth and inflation. The situation highlights the impact of Western sanctions on Russia's war economy.
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Opposition in India protests a US trade agreement seen as threatening small farmers, amid government claims of economic benefits. The deal involves tariff reductions and strategic ties, but faces resistance over agricultural and labor reforms, with protests disrupting public services.
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The Berlinale is embroiled in controversy over its stance on Gaza, with jury president Wim Wenders and other artists making political statements. Several prominent filmmakers, including Arundhati Roy, withdrew in protest, criticizing the festival's silence and alleged censorship regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. The festival defends its focus on artistic freedom.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, aiming to establish a shared global framework for AI governance. The event, expected to draw 250,000 visitors including world leaders and tech CEOs, highlights India's ambition to lead in AI while addressing safety, ethics, and regulation concerns.
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France is seeking to expand its military partnership with India, with discussions expected on a potential contract for 114 additional French fighter jets. French President Macron is visiting India to strengthen defense ties, amid India’s efforts to diversify its military suppliers and reduce dependence on Russia.
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Canadian Prime Minister Carney is on a 10-day diplomatic tour to diversify trade and strengthen alliances with Japan, India, and Australia. The trip aims to counter US tariffs, rebuild relations, and boost non-US exports, amid ongoing trade frictions and geopolitical shifts.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israel for the second time, strengthening security, economic, and technological cooperation amid regional tensions. The visit highlights a shift in India’s foreign policy, aligning more closely with Israel’s model of governance and security strategies, while also reflecting India’s evolving stance on Palestine and regional conflicts.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second visit to Israel highlights a deepening strategic partnership, focusing on security, technology, and trade. The visit signals a shift in India's foreign policy, aligning more closely with Israel amid regional tensions and global realignments, with implications for regional stability and international support.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel, addressing the Knesset for the first time and reaffirming strong bilateral relations. The trip focused on boosting defence, trade, and technological cooperation, including new initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and I2U2. The visit occurs against a backdrop of ongoing Middle East conflict and regional instability.