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U.S. top diplomat in Venezuela says discussed 'transition' with interim leader
VenezuelaDiplomacyUsa

U.S. top diplomat in Venezuela says discussed 'transition' with interim leader

Washington’s chief of mission in Venezuela, Laura Dogu, met with interim president Delcy Rodriguez to discuss a political transition. The talks focused on U.S. plans for stabilization, economic recovery, and reconciliation following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez appointed Felix Plasencia as the new diplomatic envoy to the U.S., signaling a restoration of severed ties. This marks a pivotal shift after the U.S. broke relations in 2019 following Maduro's disputed re-election. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expressed readiness to meet with Rodriguez to define a transition timeline if necessary. Despite the dialogue, Machado referred to the interim government as a 'mafia' in a call with reporters. The diplomatic engagement represents the first major official contact between the two nations in years.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Union Ministers hail ‘historic’ India-U.S. trade deal; Congress says PM has ‘capitulated finally’
BjpCongressTrade

Union Ministers hail ‘historic’ India-U.S. trade deal; Congress says PM has ‘capitulated finally’

Indian Union Ministers welcomed a new trade agreement with the U.S. that reduces reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated the deal would boost the 'Make in India' initiative and promote innovation. In contrast, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused PM Modi of 'capitulating' to U.S. pressure and questioned the transparency of the deal. Trump claimed India committed to reducing tariffs to zero and buying over $500 billion in American energy and technology. The agreement followed a high-level telephone conversation between Modi and Trump and a ministerial visit to Washington. While the government hails the deal as historic, the opposition highlights concerns over strategic autonomy and potential leverage. The deal is expected to create jobs and strengthen the foundation of the bilateral strategic partnership.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Trump administration to create strategic reserve for rare earth elements
UsaChinaEconomy

Trump administration to create strategic reserve for rare earth elements

The Trump administration is deploying $12 billion to create a strategic reserve for rare earth elements via "Project Vault." This initiative aims to counter China's dominance in the processing of metals essential for defense and technology. Funding includes a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank alongside private capital. China currently processes 90% of global rare earths, giving it significant leverage in international trade talks. The stockpile is intended to shield U.S. manufacturers from supply chain disruptions similar to those seen in the petroleum sector. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a ministerial meeting on critical minerals to coordinate with global allies. The plan follows Chinese restrictions on mineral exports used in jet engines and electric vehicles.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation ahead of contempt vote
UsaJusticePolitics

Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein investigation ahead of contempt vote

Bill and Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in a Republican-led congressional investigation regarding their relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision aims to head off a planned House vote to hold the prominent Democrats in contempt, which could lead to criminal charges. The Clintons previously refused to appear in person, labeling the investigation as a partisan exercise to protect Donald Trump. Their deputy chief of staff stated they look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone. House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the development but did not immediately drop the contempt vote. Bill Clinton admits to flying on Epstein's plane in the early 2000s but denies knowledge of his crimes. The Oversight Committee is seeking more information on high-profile figures linked to the late sex offender.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Cuba confirms ‘communications’ with U.S., but says no negotiations yet
CubaUsaInternational

Cuba confirms ‘communications’ with U.S., but says no negotiations yet

Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed communications with the Trump administration but stated that formal negotiations have not yet begun. President Trump previously claimed he was close to a deal with Cuban leadership to end the U.S. pressure campaign. Havana is currently facing its worst economic and energy crisis in decades, with power outages lasting 20 hours a day. Trump has ramped up pressure following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, a major Cuban ally. Mexico and Venezuela, traditional oil suppliers to Cuba, are being pressured by Washington to halt shipments. Mexican President Sheinbaum warned of a humanitarian crisis while trying to avoid U.S. tariff threats on her own country. Cubans are increasingly calling for dialogue to alleviate the strangling effects of the de-facto blockade.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Ukrainian capital Kyiv under missile attack, officials say
UkraineRussiaConflict

Ukrainian capital Kyiv under missile attack, officials say

Russian forces launched a significant missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital early Tuesday morning. Initial reports from city officials indicate that apartment blocks and commercial buildings have suffered damage. Witnesses reported loud explosions, particularly in districts east of the Dnipro River. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has dispatched emergency medical crews to the affected parts of the city. Similar aerial assaults were reported in Kharkiv and the Dnipropetrovsk region, where anti-aircraft units were in action. The governor of Dnipropetrovsk confirmed that defense units were engaging targets in neighboring Zaporizhzhia as well. The strikes highlight a persistent and widespread escalation of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Justice Department says it's taken down Epstein-related files that may have had victims’ information
UsaJusticeEpstein

Justice Department says it's taken down Epstein-related files that may have had victims’ information

The U.S. Justice Department has removed thousands of Epstein-related documents after accidentally releasing sensitive victim-identifying information. Officials blamed 'technical or human error' for the redaction failures that caused a significant outcry from victims' lawyers. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton confirmed that most flagged documents have been pulled for a revised review process. The error disrupted a sex trafficking trial in New York, where defense lawyers unsuccessfully sought a mistrial. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the errors affected a very small percentage of the total material released. The department aims to repost the redacted versions within 24 to 36 hours of evaluation. The files are part of a massive batch of documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal cases.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Trump administration sued over pause on immigrant visa processing
UsaImmigrationLaw

Trump administration sued over pause on immigrant visa processing

Civil rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the State Department over a pause on immigrant visas for 75 countries. The lawsuit claims the policy, effective January 21, unfairly labels nationals as likely 'public charges' to block legal immigration. The State Department argues the pause is necessary to evaluate and enhance screening and vetting procedures. Impacted nations include several in Latin America, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Plaintiffs include U.S. citizens separated from their families and professionals unable to secure employment-based visas. The policy does not affect visitor visas, allowing the U.S. to host the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Critics argue the move eviscerates decades of settled immigration law and causes billions in economic disruption.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Trump says Mexico will stop sending oil to Cuba
MexicoCubaEnergy

Trump says Mexico will stop sending oil to Cuba

President Donald Trump announced that Mexico will cease oil shipments to Cuba as he intensifies a pressure campaign on the Caribbean nation. Mexico is currently Cuba's primary oil supplier, providing critical fuel for electricity generation and transportation. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration previously defended the shipments as humanitarian aid but is now reviewing the policy. Trump has threatened tariffs on any nation that aids the island, labeling Cuba a threat to U.S. national security. Cuba is suffering from mass blackouts and an economic crisis exacerbated by the loss of Venezuelan support. While communication between Washington and Havana has been confirmed, formal negotiations have not yet materialized. Regional analysts warn that losing Mexican oil could trigger a severe humanitarian disaster for the Cuban people.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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India-U.S. deal: Five unanswered questions
BjpTradeUsa

India-U.S. deal: Five unanswered questions

President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced a trade deal reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian products from 25% to 18%. Trump claimed India agreed to stop Russian oil imports and purchase $500 billion in American goods, though New Delhi hasn't confirmed these specifics. Significant questions remain regarding the official text of the deal and whether India will drop tariffs to zero as Trump suggested. The new 18% rate helps Indian exporters but is still higher than the 15% rate many had hoped for. Strategic autonomy over energy procurement is a key concern following Trump's claims about oil imports. India's reliance on Russian crude has already shown recent month-on-month declines. The agreement follows a period of high trade tensions and penalty tariffs imposed by Washington.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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