India’s proposed free trade agreement with the European Union is set to intensify competition for exporters from Japan, the UK and the United States. Nearly $11 billion of their combined exports to India could face pressure as EU firms gain preferential tariff access. The exposure is highest in high-value segments such as machinery, metals, medical devices and industrial goods. Japan could see over $3.5 billion of its exports affected, while close to $1.3 billion of UK shipments fall in vulnerable categories. US exporters face competition in medical equipment and chemicals. Russia remains largely insulated from the impact. (PC: Moneycontrol)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said India and the European Union have delivered the “mother of all deals” after signing the Free Trade Agreement on Tuesday. Speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said the pact creates a market of nearly two billion people. Von der Leyen said India and the EU chose partnership in a “win-win” manner. European Council President Antonio Costa also called for deeper cooperation with India. The agreement concludes years of negotiations and expands trade access on both sides. Leaders said the pact will strengthen economic ties, supply chains, and long-term cooperation between India and the 27-member EU bloc. (PC: X)

The ICC could allow Bangladesh back into the T20 World Cup 2026 if Pakistan decides to withdraw, according to a media report. Bangladesh were earlier removed after refusing to travel to India over security concerns. Pakistan is the only team that supported Bangladesh’s request to shift matches out of India. A report said that if Pakistan pulls out, Bangladesh would be offered the vacant spot and play matches in Sri Lanka. “Bangladesh would be given the opportunity to replace them,” an official was quoted as saying. Pakistan has named its squad but is yet to take a final decision. The tournament begins on February 7. (PC: X)

A senior US immigration official is expected to leave Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of a second US citizen by federal agents. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is set to depart as President Donald Trump assigns border adviser Tom Homan to lead efforts on the ground. The move follows the death of Alex Pretti during an immigration operation on Saturday. Officials said agents fired in self-defence, a claim disputed by witnesses and the victim’s family. Trump has since spoken with state and city leaders and said talks were positive. Federal raids have continued, though pressure has grown for an independent investigation. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has formally signed a free trade agreement with the European Union, calling it the “mother of all trade deals.” Speaking at the India Energy Week, Modi said the pact will create wide opportunities for people in India and the EU. He said the agreement covers nearly “25% of global GDP and one-third of global trade.” Modi added the deal reflects shared values of “democracy and rule of law.” He said sectors such as textiles, gems, leather, manufacturing, and services will benefit. The agreement will also strengthen India’s existing trade pacts with the UK and Asia-Pacific nations. (PC: The Hindu)

Bangladeshi media organisations have claimed the ICC denied accreditation to their journalists for the T20 World Cup 2026. Reports said between 130 and 150 journalists from Bangladesh applied, but none were approved. BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain said, “As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected.” Some photojournalists said earlier approvals were later withdrawn. The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Senior journalists said Bangladesh has covered ICC events for decades. The ICC media department has not issued any statement on the matter so far. (PC: NDTV)

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of two cousins missing since January 22 in the Bharmour area of Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district. The teenagers were caught in heavy snowfall while heading toward the Bharmani Mata Temple. A pet dog was found alive beside the body of 13-year-old Piyush Kumar after nearly four days in sub-zero conditions. The dog belonged to the other victim, 19-year-old Viksit Rana. “The pet was keeping watch near Piyush’s body,” said Bharmour MLA Janak Raj. Search efforts were delayed by bad weather and terrain. The bodies and the dog were airlifted on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and the European Union can bring “stability to a global order in turmoil” as both sides move closer to a major free trade agreement. Speaking on January 27, Modi called the talks a “historic day” for the partnership. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, he said the pact is “not just a trade agreement.” Modi described it as a “blueprint for shared prosperity.” The proposed deal will include all 27 EU member states. Formal signing will take place after legal scrubbing is completed. (PC: India Today)

Storm Chandra is bringing strong winds, heavy rain and snow across parts of the UK and Ireland, prompting multiple weather warnings. The Met Office issued amber wind warnings for Northern Ireland, where gusts of up to 75 mph are forecast and officials warned of a possible “danger to life”. Yellow warnings for wind, rain and snow are in place across England, Wales and Scotland. Flooding has closed several major roads, including sections of the A30, A303 and M48. In Northern Ireland, 242 schools were closed due to severe weather. Authorities urged people to avoid travel where possible and remain alert as conditions continue through the day. (PC: X)

India and the European Union are set to announce a major free trade agreement at a summit in New Delhi on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Officials said the pact will cover trade, defence, security, climate action and worker mobility. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and support manufacturing and services. A defence and security partnership and a framework on labour mobility are also likely outcomes. Negotiations for the trade deal began in 2007 and were revived in 2022. The EU is India’s largest trading partner in goods, with trade worth about $136 billion in 2024-25. (PC: NDTV)