Key Global Headlines as of February 3, 2026

Major Trade and Diplomatic Developments
US President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi announce a trade deal slashing tariffs on India to 18%, with India agreeing to halt Russian oil purchases, boosting Indian markets and signaling stronger US-India ties.[1][2][3] Trump also initiates talks with Iran on a new nuclear deal, amid US military buildup in the region including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, warning of consequences if no agreement is reached.[2] Elon Musk’s SpaceX merges with xAI in a deal valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion ahead of a potential mega IPO.[2]

Ongoing Armed Conflicts
In the Russo-Ukrainian war, Russian missiles and drones strike Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other Ukrainian cities, damaging energy infrastructure after a brief moratorium.[1] A Russian drone hits a minibus in Dnipro, Ukraine, killing at least 15 mineworkers and injuring seven.[1] Pakistan ends a 40-hour counterterrorism operation in Balochistan, killing 145 Baloch Liberation Army insurgents, 18 civilians, and 18 security personnel, accusing India of backing the group.[1] Nigeria kills Boko Haram deputy leader Abu Khalid and 10 fighters in Borno State.[1] In Syria, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces hand over Al-Hasakah to government forces under a ceasefire.[1] Israel partially reopens Rafah Crossing, allowing 150 Palestinians out and 50 in daily, amid strikes killing at least five including a child in Gaza.[1]

Elections and Politics
Laura Fernández of Costa Rica’s Sovereign People’s Party wins the presidency with 48% in the general election.[1] Tens of thousands rally in Prague supporting Czech President Petr Pavel against Foreign Minister Petr Macinka.[1] South Africa’s Boervolk separatist group files a land claim in KwaZulu-Natal, citing historical Zulu deals and UN decolonization resolutions.[1]

Disasters and Accidents
Storm Kristin prompts Portugal to launch €1 billion in loans for storm-damaged factories and extend calamity states amid more flooding forecasts.[1] Flooding from the Loukkos River evacuates over 50,000 in Morocco’s Ksar el-Kebir, with school closures and military rescues.[1] Bus crashes kill five children in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk, nine in Turkey’s Antalya province, and four wedding guests in Pakistan’s Lodhran District.[1] Sudan Airways resumes flights to Khartoum Airport for the first time since the 2023 civil war.[1]

Other Notable Events
South Korea’s inflation slows amid FX volatility.[2] Australia’s RBA considers a rate hike, diverging from global trends.[2] Lindsey Vonn suffers injury in World Cup crash with 2026 Winter Olympics approaching.[5]