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)

All flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled after heavy snowfall and poor weather conditions affected Kashmir on Tuesday. Airport officials said flight operations were suspended due to low visibility and unsafe conditions. Fresh snowfall across the valley also forced the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, cutting the main road link with the region. Light to moderate snow was recorded in Srinagar and other low-lying areas, while higher reaches received moderate to heavy snowfall. The weather disturbance disrupted daily life and transport services across Kashmir. Authorities advised travellers to check weather updates and road conditions before planning journeys as further snowfall is expected in some areas. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Hyderabad House on Tuesday during the 16th India-EU summit. The meeting comes as India and the European Union prepare to announce a long-awaited free trade agreement after nearly 20 years of negotiations. The leaders also discussed cooperation in security, clean energy and global supply chains. The EU leaders earlier paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Officials said the pact aims to deepen economic ties and strengthen the strategic partnership. The agreement will still require approval and ratification processes before it takes effect. (PC: X)

A powerful winter storm has caused widespread disruption across the United States, leaving at least a dozen people dead and affecting travel and power services. The storm swept from Texas to Maine over the weekend, bringing heavy snow, icy roads and freezing temperatures. Thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed as airports struggled to operate. Power outages were reported in several states, with more than 200,000 customers without electricity in parts of Tennessee. Major cities, including New York, recorded heavy snowfall. Authorities in the US and Canada warned that conditions remain dangerous. Weather officials said another significant winter storm could affect the eastern US later this week. (PC: BBC)

Border 2 continued its strong run at the box office on its fourth day, boosted by Republic Day collections. The Sunny Deol-led film earned ₹59 crore in India on Monday, taking its total domestic collection to about ₹180 crore, according to trade estimates. The film opened with ₹30 crore on Friday, followed by ₹36.5 crore on Saturday. Collections rose sharply on Sunday, helping the film cross the ₹100 crore mark within three days. Trade trackers said Monday was the film’s highest single-day earning so far. Border 2 stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty, and is directed by Anurag Singh. (PC: NDTV)

India and the European Union have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement after nearly two decades of talks. The pact is set to be announced at a high-level summit in New Delhi today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said talks have been successfully completed and legal review of the text is under way. The agreement covers trade in goods, services and investment. It is expected to reduce tariffs, boost exports and strengthen strategic ties. The deal will need approval in India and ratification by the European Parliament before it comes into force. (PC: X)

The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying warships have reached the Middle East, raising fresh questions over possible military action against Iran. US Central Command said the strike group is deployed to support regional security and stability. President Donald Trump said the ships were sent as a precaution and added that force may not be used. Iran said its armed forces are closely monitoring US movements and warned of a strong response to any attack. Tensions have risen amid concerns over Iran’s internal crackdown and wider regional instability. The United Arab Emirates said it will not allow its territory, airspace or waters to be used for attacks on Iran. (PC: X)

Public sector bank services across India are likely to be disrupted on January 27 due to a nationwide strike by bank employee unions. The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the strike to press for the implementation of a five-day workweek. Talks with the chief labour commissioner failed to resolve the issue. Private sector banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are expected to operate normally. Customers of public sector banks may face a third consecutive day of limited services after Sunday and Republic Day holidays. State Bank of India said operations could be affected despite efforts to ensure normal functioning. (PC: HT)