India, EU finalise landmark trade deal, PM Modi says. It’s a headline that definitely caught my attention, and honestly, the implications seem pretty huge. It’s hard not to feel a sense of congratulations for both India and the EU. This isn’t just a minor agreement; this is a significant step forward in international trade.
The world appears to be shifting, moving away from a single dominant power. It is almost as if the groundwork is being laid for a more diversified global landscape. This agreement with the EU, coupled with India’s recent deals with the UK, New Zealand, and Oman, points to a deliberate strategy of strengthening ties with various partners, a strategy that is vital in today’s world.… Continue reading
During a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing, President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to upholding the UN-centered international order. This statement comes amid concerns about potential alternatives to the UN, particularly a new “Board of Peace” proposed by Donald Trump. While China has been invited to join the new grouping, Xi’s remarks highlight China’s preference for the existing international system. The visit from Orpo, part of a trend of Western leaders courting Beijing, reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics.
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A Department of Labor review of The Rock Church’s C-3 Coffee Shop in Conway, South Carolina, found violations of child labor laws. The investigation was initiated following a complaint about a homeschooled student under 16 working during school hours, which is prohibited by federal regulations. Labor officials also raised concerns regarding the coffee shop’s practice of directing customer tips to the church, rather than distributing them to employees. As a result of the review, the church has implemented new policies, including scheduling changes for underage workers and renaming the tip jar a donation jar.
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France’s National Assembly recently approved a bill to ban children under 15 from social media, addressing growing concerns regarding online bullying and mental health risks. The legislation, which reflects rising public anxiety over social media’s impact on minors, would require platforms to implement age-verification measures to block access for young teenagers. This move, mirroring Australia’s approach, aims to set clear boundaries and potentially be in place by the next academic year, with broad political and public support for curbing minors’ access to these platforms.
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Despite increased defense spending across the EU, significant gaps remain in European weapons production, requiring substantial investment and time to address. While some manufacturers have ramped up production of certain munitions and vehicles, the continent lags behind in areas like stealth aircraft and long-range missiles. Fragmentation within the EU, with varying degrees of dependence on external suppliers, hinders unified procurement and large-scale projects. Achieving true military independence from the United States necessitates a decade of investment and a shift towards greater unity, as underscored by the need to develop indigenous long-range weapons systems.
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According to reports, Border Patrol “commander at large” Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role in Minneapolis and is returning to his old job in California, with the possibility of soon retiring. This shift follows escalating tensions and two fatal shootings involving federal agents and protesters in Minneapolis. While the DHS denied these claims, the move is a response to the recent events, which have also seen President Trump speaking with city and state leaders about reducing the federal presence. Trump is sending border czar Tom Homan to oversee federal operations in Minnesota, a move that signals a shift in the administration’s handling of the situation.
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An Associated Press investigation revealed that numerous Bangladeshi workers were fraudulently recruited to Russia with false promises of civilian jobs. Instead, these workers were coerced into military service and sent to fight in the Ukraine war, often facing threats and violence. Many were forced to sign military contracts they didn’t understand and were subjected to front-line combat duties. Despite the deception and danger, the Russian government has not responded to inquiries on the matter. Families of those missing are seeking answers and hoping for the return of their loved ones.
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The US has expressed concerns that Europe is indirectly funding the Russia-Ukraine war by purchasing refined Russian oil products from India, even while Washington imposes tariffs on New Delhi. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Europe’s recent free trade agreement with India, dubbed the “mother of all trade deals”, allows this to occur. The US argues that while it has worked to destabilize Moscow’s energy trade and made significant sacrifices, Europe continues to benefit economically from loopholes in the global oil trade. The trade deal between the EU and India is set to boost economic ties between the regions despite US tariffs and global trade disruptions.
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Microsoft has confirmed that it will provide encryption keys for Windows PC data protected by BitLocker if they have access to them and receive a valid warrant. This action comes after the company complied with a warrant from the FBI, providing keys to unlock data on laptops suspected of containing evidence related to a fraud investigation. Privacy experts and advocates have expressed concern over this practice, with some arguing that Microsoft should provide stronger protection for user data. Critics suggest that Microsoft’s approach contrasts with other tech companies that offer more secure methods for key management, making users vulnerable to law enforcement access.
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According to sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will have a security role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, supporting diplomatic security details. The agents will not be conducting immigration enforcement operations. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala stated ICE is not welcome in Milan, while Italian authorities have made conflicting statements regarding the agency’s confirmed deployment. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, will be attending the opening ceremony of the games in February.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Agents’ Security Role at Milan-Cortina Olympics Sparks Controversy
According to sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will have a security role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, supporting diplomatic security details. The agents will not be conducting immigration enforcement operations. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala stated ICE is not welcome in Milan, while Italian authorities have made conflicting statements regarding the agency’s confirmed deployment. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, will be attending the opening ceremony of the games in February.
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