Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has declared Tuesday, February 3, 2026, a public holiday to mark the state's 50th anniversary. The declaration follows an interfaith thanksgiving service held on Monday, February 2, in Abeokuta, attended by dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
British manufacturing activity accelerated significantly in January 2026, with the S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI rising to 51.8. This marks the best performance since August 2024, driven by a notable increase in new export orders—the first rise in four years—and sustained output growth.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi in Beijing on February 3, 2026, to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership. Discussions focused on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, global governance, and fostering an 'equal and orderly multipolar world.' The leaders also oversaw the signing of various cooperation documents during Orsi's seven-day state visit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi in Beijing on February 3, 2026, for talks aimed at deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. The leaders oversaw the signing of over 10 cooperation documents covering trade, investment, and emerging sectors, reinforcing bilateral ties and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
France has finalized a €1.1 billion agreement for a European-built long-range air defense radar system, the Thales GM400α, capable of detecting threats up to 550 km away. This acquisition marks a significant step towards enhancing European strategic autonomy and reducing reliance on US defense technology.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced seven new high-speed rail corridors and dedicated rare earth corridors across four states in the Union Budget 2026-27. These initiatives aim to boost sustainable transport, enhance connectivity, and reduce India's reliance on external sources for critical minerals, particularly from China.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have signed a letter of intent to create a joint 'Military Mobility Zone' aimed at standardizing border crossing procedures and accelerating the movement of military equipment and personnel across the region. This initiative, signed on January 30, 2026, seeks to enhance regional defense and NATO's eastern flank security.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have signed a letter of intent to establish a joint 'Military Mobility Zone' in Tallinn. This initiative aims to standardize border crossing procedures and facilitate the rapid movement of military equipment and personnel, akin to a 'military Schengen zone,' bolstering regional defense and NATO's eastern flank.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have announced a new Strategic Cyber Partnership, alongside discussions to strengthen economic and security cooperation. The agreement, formalized during Starmer's visit to Tokyo on January 31, 2026, aims to counter global cyber threats and enhance resilience. Discussions also covered critical minerals, advanced technology, and defense collaboration.
India's elevator and smart vertical mobility sector anticipates significant benefits from Union Budget 2026, advocating for sustained infrastructure spending, digitalization incentives, and local manufacturing boosts. The industry, valued at USD 15 billion and projected to reach USD 22-23 billion by 2033, is crucial for India's urban development and economic growth.
India's sugar output reached 195.03 lakh tonnes by January 31, 2026, marking an 18.4% increase over the previous season. This surge, reported by the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), is attributed to strong production in key states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, alongside a higher number of operational mills.
India and Japan successfully concluded the 11th edition of their Navy–JMSDF Staff Talks in New Delhi on January 29. The discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, interoperability, and a collaborative approach to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, aligning with shared visions like MAHASAGAR and OCEAN.
Argentina's Central Bank (BCRA) has achieved a 19-session dollar-buying streak, accumulating over US$1.134 billion and pushing gross reserves to US$46.24 billion. This marks the highest level since 2021 and a significant milestone for the Milei administration's economic program.
Turkish shipbuilder STM has laid the keel for the first of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment and Logistics Support Ships for the Portuguese Navy at Ada Shipyard in Istanbul. This event, attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, signifies Turkey's inaugural military ship export to an EU and NATO member state. The vessel, named NRP Luís de Camões, is part of a €100 million contract.
Brazil's unemployment rate reached a historic low of 5.1% in December 2025, with the annual average at 5.6%, according to IBGE data. This achievement reflects a robust job market and increased employment, even as the nation experienced economic deceleration driven by high interest rates and restrictive monetary policies.
GeoPark Limited has agreed to acquire Frontera Energy's entire Colombian upstream oil and gas exploration and production business for an enterprise value of up to $622 million. The deal, effective January 1, 2026, is set to double GeoPark's production and reserves, establishing it as the largest private oil producer in Colombia and strengthening its regional E&P platform.
India's Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, projects economic growth between 6.8% and 7.2% for fiscal year 2026-27. The report highlights India's position as the fastest-growing major economy amidst global uncertainties.
Turkey and Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost cooperation in the mining sector, with a particular focus on critical minerals and rare earth elements. The agreement, signed in Ankara, aims to enhance information sharing, research, and joint projects, marking a strategic step in their economic partnership.
Indonesian stocks, led by the Jakarta Composite Index, experienced a sharp two-day decline, wiping out an estimated $80 billion in market value. The sell-off was triggered by MSCI's warning of a potential downgrade due to transparency issues and investor concerns over President Prabowo Subianto's fiscal policies and central bank independence.
Brazil's state-owned oil company, Petrobras, announced a substantial increase in its proven oil, condensate, and natural gas reserves, reaching 12.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) by the end of 2025. The company also expanded its crude oil sales agreements with major Indian refiners, potentially totaling up to 60 million barrels.
