European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced at Davos that the EU-India free trade agreement is nearing completion, calling it "the mother of all deals" creating a 2-billion-people market representing nearly 25% of global GDP. Negotiations, stalled since 2007 and revived in 2022, aim to diversify EU's China dependence while strengthening India's manufacturing competitiveness. Bilateral goods trade reached €124 billion in 2023, with services at €60 billion. Key sticking points include EU's demands for automobile and wine tariff cuts versus India's push for skilled professional mobility. Von der Leyen's upcoming India visit aims to resolve contentious issues ahead of the India-EU leaders' meeting this month. (PC: Reuters)

Ceasefire in Syria collapsed within 24 hours after fresh clashes broke out. Syrian government forces fought the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa and Hasakah provinces. The fighting focused on prisons holding thousands of Islamic State detainees. The ceasefire was meant to bring Kurdish-controlled areas under state control. Both sides accused each other of risking prisoner escapes. Heavy fighting was reported near Shaddadi and Raqqa. Several fighters were killed. The violence now threatens a key unity deal signed just a day earlier to end weeks of conflict and secure the region. (PC: AFP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed doubts about working with Russia on a proposed Gaza Peace Board. He said it was “very hard to imagine” Ukraine and Russia sitting together in one council. Zelensky confirmed that Donald Trump invited him to join the board. “We did receive the invitation,” he told reporters. The Kremlin also confirmed Russia’s invite, including President Vladimir Putin. The board aims to oversee a US-backed Gaza peace plan. Several countries, including India and China, have also received invitations. (PC: AFP)

Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton. The former world No. 1 said her decision was forced by a severe knee problem. “I thought it’s enough. I can’t push it anymore,” she said on a podcast. Saina last played at the Singapore Open in 2023. She revealed that her cartilage has worn out and she has arthritis. “My knee was giving up in one or two hours,” she said. Saina won Olympic bronze in 2012 and inspired a generation of Indian shuttlers. (PC: R. V. Moorthy)

A driver was arrested after a road accident involving Akshay Kumar’s security car in Juhu, Mumbai. The crash happened on Monday night after a chain collision. Police said a speeding car hit an auto-rickshaw, which then overturned and rammed into the escort vehicle. Two people were injured. The accused, Radheshyam Rai, was booked for reckless driving. An auto driver’s brother told ANI, “My brother and the passenger were trapped under the rickshaw.” The case was registered by the Mumbai Police. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have not reacted yet. (PC: PTI, X)

Bangladesh has responded strongly to reports of an ICC ultimatum over the 2026 T20 World Cup. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said the country will not accept “unreasonable pressure” to play in India. He said International Cricket Council has not formally warned Bangladesh about exclusion. Nazrul added that venue changes were allowed earlier in similar cases. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has held talks with the ICC. Reports say Scotland could replace Bangladesh if they pull out. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7. (PC: AFP)

The Commission for Air Quality Management on Tuesday lifted GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR after a slight improvement in air quality. The decision came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index dropped to 378, still in the ‘very poor’ category. The AQI was 410 on Monday and 440 on Sunday. GRAP-4 curbs were imposed on January 17 when air quality turned ‘severe’. Officials said better wind speed helped reduce pollution levels. However, actions under GRAP Stages I, II and III will continue. Authorities will keep monitoring air quality closely in the coming days. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump said there was “no going back” on his plan to seek control of Greenland, calling it vital for global security. Speaking ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said he would press European leaders on the issue. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said US tariff threats would be met with a united and proportional response. Trump also shared messages he said were from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO leaders questioning his stance.

The European Union and India are close to finalising a long-pending free trade agreement, officials said on Tuesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said talks had made strong progress but still needed final work. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she called the proposed deal historic. Narendra Modi and von der Leyen have committed to concluding negotiations by December. Talks, revived in 2022 after a long pause, aim to deepen trade, investment and supply-chain links between India and the European Union. Some differences on tariffs and mobility remain.

Bangladesh has hardened its stand amid uncertainty over its participation in the T20 World Cup, raising concerns about playing matches in India. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh will not accept conditions it sees as unfair or unreasonable. He dismissed speculation that the team could be dropped from the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has sought a venue change, citing security issues. Talks with the International Cricket Council have so far failed to break the deadlock. The tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month. (PC: X)