World

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the India-US trade deal and agreed to formalise cooperation on critical minerals, energy and technology, reinforcing strategic ties and shared Indo-Pacific priorities.

ran said one of its drones completed a surveillance mission as the US military confirmed shooting down an Iranian drone near an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, underscoring rising tensions amid a growing American military presence in the region.

India will host the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2027 in Delhi, offering eight quota places for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Alongside the ISSF World Cup, this marks the first time India will stage two Olympic qualifying shooting events

Pakistan’s boycott of its T20 World Cup group match against India has triggered back-channel talks with the ICC amid fears of financial losses exceeding USD 250 million. The ICC has urged the PCB to reconsider, warning of long-term consequences for global cricket

The ICC has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board that boycotting its February 15 T20 World Cup clash against India could lead to legal action from broadcasters and financial penalties. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi faces mounting pressure amid political and cricketing fallout

Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju will compete in Norway Chess 2026, returning to one of the world’s strongest tournaments

India’s pistol shooters, led by Samrat Rana, Suruchi Singh, Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh, will aim for medals in the 10m air pistol events on day one of the Asian Championship Rifle/Pistol at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in Delhi

India has safeguarded sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors in the US trade deal, while Washington reduces tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. Labour-intensive sectors like apparel, footwear, and jewellery are set to benefit, with a joint statement to be issued soon

The BCCI has opened the third phase of ticket sales for the ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup 2026. Following strong response in earlier phases, fans can now book seats for matches across venues as final preparations continue

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia has received no official communication from India about ending purchases of Russian oil, despite U.S. statements about a trade deal that would link tariff cuts to India halting Russian crude imports.

Spain welcomed nearly 96.8 million international visitors in 2025, a 3.2% increase from 2024, generating €134.7 billion in revenue. Catalonia, Mediterranean, and Canary Islands led tourist arrivals, while the ministry pushes for sustainable, quality-focused tourism.

Paris prosecutors are investigating Elon Musk’s social media platform X over alleged child pornography, AI deepfakes, and Holocaust denial by its chatbot Grok. Musk, CEO Linda Yaccarino, and X employees are summoned as the probe continues through April 2026.

Canadian police have arrested three Indian nationals after shots were fired at a home in Surrey, British Columbia. The men face firearm-related charges and remain in custody as authorities investigate possible links to extortion-related violence.

Russia launched a large overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting power infrastructure during extreme winter cold. The assault came just before US-brokered peace talks, with President Zelenskyy accusing Moscow of prioritizing terror over diplomacy.

Iran’s president says he has ordered efforts toward negotiations with the United States, signaling a shift amid high tensions. Talks would focus on nuclear issues, though major disagreements remain over uranium enrichment and regional security demands.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed the India-US trade deal announced after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, saying it would boost jobs, growth and innovation. Leaders and experts said the agreement strengthens strategic and technology cooperation between the two countries.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said players will abide by the government and PCB’s decision to boycott the India clash in the T20 World Cup. Former captains Afridi, Yousuf and Latif also backed the move, citing ICC’s handling of Bangladesh

Pakistan’s boycott of the India clash in the T20 World Cup could cost the ICC and broadcasters up to USD 250 million. The marquee fixture, usually a revenue driver, is absent, raising questions of financial impact and tournament integrity

Former spinner Danish Kaneria criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup clash against India, saying it sends a message of fear and damages their own cricket. He warned the move could complicate Pakistan’s path to the knockouts

India U17 women’s team lost 0-2 to Bangladesh in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship at Pokhara, Nepal. Goals from Arpita Biswas and Alpi Akter sealed the win. India remain second in the table and next face Bhutan on February 4

Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh have urged the ICC to take legal action against Pakistan for boycotting its T20 World Cup match against India. Gavaskar predicted a possible U-turn, while Harbhajan said the decision could impact the entire tournament

England defeated India by five wickets in the third Mixed Disability T20I at Greater Noida, taking a 2–1 lead in the five-match series. Majid’s unbeaten 76 anchored India’s innings, but Angus Brown’s 61 guided England to victory

Teenager Anahat Singh claimed her maiden PSA Bronze-level title at the Squash on Fire Open in Washington, defeating World No 10 Georgina Kennedy in straight games. The 17-year-old Indian star has now won 15 PSA Tour titles, underscoring her rising stature

US President Donald Trump announced a cut in tariffs on Indian goods to 18% after Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to curb Russian oil purchases. The move links trade relief to geopolitical pressure over the Ukraine war