In other news

A Russian drone strike on a Ukrainian passenger train in the Kharkiv region killed at least five people, with Ukraine accusing Russia of terrorism. The attack involved Iranian-made Shahed drones, and Ukrainian officials suspect that Russia may be using Starlink satellite systems to target civilians more accurately. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski raised concerns with Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX owns Starlink, but Musk denied that Starlink is being used for offensive military purposes. Ukrainian analysts believe that Russia is adapting its drone technology to evade Ukraine's air defenses and that Starlink may be facilitating this.

American gymnast Jordan Chiles has been granted an appeal in her efforts to reclaim the bronze medal on floor exercise that was stripped from her at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Switzerland's supreme court sent the case back to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to examine new evidence, a recording that could show the original U.S. challenge of the judged score was within a one-minute deadline. The court's decision has given Chiles renewed hope of keeping her medal, and her legal team is confident that the evidence will prove she was the rightful winner. The case is likely to take at least a year to resolve.

Human remains and clothing believed to belong to Celine Cremer, a 31-year-old Belgian national who went missing in Tasmania, Australia in June 2023, have been found. The search for Cremer was suspended in July 2023 due to harsh weather conditions, but an independent search party organized by her friends and family found her phone last month. Police have now located more remains and items of clothing, including a polar fleece jacket, near Philosopher's Falls in Waratah, where Cremer was last seen. Formal forensic confirmation is pending, but police believe the remains are likely to be Cremer's.

A couple in Indonesia's Aceh province was publicly caned 140 times for having sex outside marriage and drinking alcohol, one of the severest punishments since the region adopted Islamic law. The couple, along with four others, were punished for breaking the Islamic code, with the woman fainting after her punishment. The caning is part of the province's Sharia law enforcement, which has strong local support despite international criticism.

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn crashed during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, injuring her left knee just a week before the Milan Cortina Games. Despite the setback, Vonn stated on social media that her 'Olympic dream is not over' and is discussing the situation with her doctors and team. The 41-year-old Vonn, who has been the circuit's leading downhiller this season, was airing on the side of caution and undergoing further exams. Vonn has had a history of crashes, including a severe one in 2013 that forced her to miss the 2014 Sochi Olympics. She is set to compete in the women's downhill on Feb. 8 at the Olympics.

Scientists have discovered nearly 100 new animal species that survived a mass extinction event half a billion years ago in a quarry in China's Hunan province. The fossils, dated to around 512 million years ago, provide a rare glimpse into the aftermath of the Cambrian explosion and the Sinsk event, a mass extinction that occurred 513 million years ago. The discovery includes ancient relatives of worms, sponges, and jellyfish, as well as arthropods like radiodonts, which were apex predators at the time. The findings shed new light on the evolution of life on Earth and suggest that some animals were able to travel across the world even at this early stage.

A small plane crashed in northeast Colombia, killing all 15 people on board, including a local lawmaker, Diógenes Quintero, and a congressional candidate, Carlos Salcedo. The plane, operated by state-owned airline Satena, took off from Cúcuta and was headed to Ocaña when it lost contact with air traffic control minutes after takeoff. Authorities confirmed there were no survivors and an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Quintero was a renowned human rights defender and represented victims of Colombia's internal armed conflict. Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Marquez expressed condolences for the victims and their families.

Scientists studying polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway have found that despite climate change and melting sea ice, the bears are thriving and adapting to new conditions. Researchers tracked nearly 800 bears between 1992 and 2019 and found them to be in good shape, able to survive and raise new cubs. The bears are adapting to smaller ice patches and finding new prey on land, such as reindeer and walruses. However, the scientists caution that this may not be a long-term solution as the Arctic continues to warm and sea ice continues to melt.

A 13-year-old boy died after being mauled by a shark at Chifre beach in Pernambuco, Brazil. The boy, identified as Deivson Rocha Dantas, was bitten on the right thigh and suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite being taken to the hospital, he did not survive his injuries. The attack has raised concerns about shark safety, with dozens of beaches in Pernambuco issued with shark warnings. The State Committee for Monitoring Shark Incidents (CEMIT) has announced plans to beef up shark monitoring and revive a suspended program to track sharks with microchips.

The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Hoiby, is set to stand trial for allegedly raping four women, as well as drug and assault offenses. He faces up to 16 years in prison if found guilty. The trial is expected to attract intense media coverage and has brought embarrassment to the royal family. Hoiby has confessed to some minor charges but not the most serious ones. The case has sparked a discussion about the royal family's image and the public's perception of it.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all US support for Iraq if the country reelects former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a third term. Al-Maliki, a Shiite Muslim, was forced to resign in 2014 amid pressure from inside and outside the country due to his handling of the ISIS crisis. Trump's opposition to al-Maliki is seen as part of a renewed US effort to curb Iranian influence in Iraq. Al-Maliki's party is seen as being aligned with Iran, and Trump's threat has raised concerns about the potential consequences for Iraq's sovereignty and stability. The Shiite Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament, has nominated al-Maliki for a third term, but it is unclear how much support he has among the general population.

The article discusses the potential economic turnaround of Nigeria and South Africa, the two largest economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Both countries have experienced economic decline over the past decade, with individual South Africans and Nigerians being poorer today than they were in 2015. However, recent signs suggest that they may be reviving, which could lead to the continent's growth outpacing Asia's in 2026. The article highlights the significance of these two economies, as they generate almost one-third of the region's GDP and have a substantial impact on the continent's progress. If they continue to recover, it could have a positive ripple effect across Africa.

The article discusses Britain's initiative to develop custom genetic medicines for rare diseases caused by faulty genes. Breakthroughs in genomics and genomic medicines have made it possible to treat these diseases, but the economics of developing such treatments are challenging. The article highlights the need to tackle these economic issues to make these treatments more accessible to the 300 million people worldwide affected by rare diseases.

The article argues that both the right and left are wrong in their negative perceptions of London. It counters claims by right-wing figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage that London is a 'hellhole' with out-of-control crime and areas under sharia law, suggesting instead that London is a vibrant hub. The article suggests that Labour should give more appreciation to London.

The article 'Stop panicking about AI. Start preparing' published in The Economist on January 29th, 2026, discusses the growing anxiety about the social consequences of generative AI. While some leaders like Kristalina Georgieva, Sir Demis Hassabis, and Jamie Dimon have expressed concerns about job displacement and the need for societal adaptation, the article argues that there is time to prepare and adapt to the changes brought about by AI. It emphasizes the need for wise use of this time to mitigate potential negative impacts.

The article discusses Japan's significant foreign investment portfolio, valued at $6 trillion, and the potential global market implications if Japanese investors were to suddenly withdraw their investments. The portfolio has doubled in the past 20 years due to low domestic returns caused by rock-bottom interest rates and a weak yen. Half of the investments are in American assets, and another fifth are in the Cayman Islands, primarily as a conduit for further American investments. The article explores the potential consequences of a large-scale withdrawal of Japanese investments from foreign markets.

The West and Ukraine are successfully disrupting Russia's shadow fleet, a network of vessels used to transport sanctioned oil. Recent actions by the French navy and other Western forces have resulted in the detention of several ships carrying Russian oil, including the Grinch, which was rerouted to a port near Marseille. These actions are impacting Russia's oil revenues and demonstrating the effectiveness of Western efforts to enforce sanctions.

The article discusses the recent surge in gold prices, which have risen by more than 17% this year and surpassed $5,000 per ounce for the first time. The price increase is attributed to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and investor behavior. Despite initial expectations that good news would negatively impact gold prices, they continued to rise even when President Donald Trump's threats against European allies were abandoned. The article highlights how gold has exceeded many analysts' forecasts for the end of 2026, sparking interest in understanding the drivers behind this relentless rally.

The article discusses the persistent weakness of the Japanese yen despite the Bank of Japan's efforts to raise interest rates. The yen's value has remained low, sparking rumors of a potential joint intervention by Japan and the US to prop it up. The article highlights Japan's economic anomalies, including low growth, high public debt, and low interest rates. Experts note that the yen is among the world's limpest currencies on a trade-weighted basis, adjusted for inflation.

The Chinese regulator, State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), has fined a unit of Kuaishou Technology, a major short video platform operator, 26 million yuan (US$3.7 million) for multiple violations in its live-streaming e-commerce operations. The violations include failure to disclose information, charging unreasonable fees, inadequate consumer protection, intellectual property infringement, and selling wild animals. This fine is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on undesirable or harmful content and operations on Chinese online platforms. Kuaishou's unit has accepted the penalty and pledged to comply with regulations and improve its services.

China's factory activity contracted in January due to weak domestic demand, according to an official survey. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped to 49.3 in January, from 50.1 in December, below the 50-mark separating growth from contraction. The non-manufacturing PMI also declined, falling to its lowest since December 2022. Despite achieving the government's official growth target of 5 per cent last year, the economy masked deep-seated imbalances, with retail sales weakening further in the final quarter.

China's semiconductor firms are expected to post significant profits in 2025 due to the country's artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure development and the government's push for tech self-reliance. Companies such as Cambricon Technologies, Moore Threads Technology, and MetaX Integrated Circuits have reported substantial growth in their financial results, driven by the increasing demand for AI-related products. Cambricon Technologies reported a net profit of 2.2 billion yuan in 2025, its first profitable year, while Moore Threads Technology and MetaX Integrated Circuits narrowed their losses. According to Donghai Securities, domestic A-share companies in the sector are forecast to achieve substantial growth in their 2025 results.

Hong Kong's health minister, Lo Chung-mau, plans to amend legislation to reform and speed up the complaint handling system of the Medical Council, a medical watchdog. The move comes after the council faced criticism for its handling of a high-profile case involving paediatrician Sit Sou-chi, who was accused of a medical blunder. Lo warned against arbitrarily adding non-professional members to the council, amid calls for more lay members to be appointed to address concerns that the council is dominated by doctors who defend one another.

The article discusses how the rising prices of memory chips, driven by massive global investments in artificial intelligence, are affecting the tech industry. While the price surge is bad news for consumers and smartphone brands, it presents an opportunity for Chinese memory makers like ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) and Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp (YMTC) to gain a larger share of the global market. The article highlights the volatility of memory prices in China's biggest wholesale electronics marketplace, Huaqiangbei district in Shenzhen, where prices change rapidly, and merchants are struggling to keep up.

Kiran Dembla, an Indian mother, transformed her life by losing 24kg in 7 months and becoming a bodybuilding DJ. She went from being a shy stay-at-home wife to a world-stage bodybuilder, celebrity trainer, mountaineer, DJ, and photographer. Dembla's journey began after she collapsed from a blood clot in her brain in 2006, prompting her to re-evaluate her life. She started teaching music and eventually found a passion for fitness, leading to her remarkable transformation.

The US' newly released 2026 National Defence Strategy omits any mention of Taiwan, sparking concerns in Taiwan that Washington is deliberately sidestepping the island to prioritize bigger interests with Beijing. The omission is a departure from previous strategies, which explicitly referred to Beijing's pressure on Taiwan and pledged support for the island's asymmetric defence. Taiwanese politicians and experts fear that the US may be wavering in its support for Taiwan, potentially making it a bargaining chip between Washington and Beijing. The move is seen as reflecting US President Donald Trump's desire for a more harmonious relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trialogue, a grouping first proposed in 1998. However, analysts believe that India may be hesitant to re-engage with the RIC due to ongoing border tensions with China and its reluctance to be seen as part of an 'anti-West' bloc. The RIC has been dormant due to deep-seated geopolitical and strategic hurdles, particularly the Sino-Indian border tensions. Lavrov emphasized the importance of multipolarity and described Russia's partnerships with India and China as 'privileged strategic' and 'unprecedented,' respectively.

The Israeli government is considering reintroducing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of fatal terrorist attacks, sparking heated debate among politicians, human rights groups, and families of victims. The proposed law, backed by the far-right Jewish Power party, aims to deter future attacks and prevent hostage-taking. However, opponents argue it is discriminatory, unethical, and violates Jewish law. The bill has passed its first reading in parliament and is expected to face further scrutiny.

Pierre Poilievre has been re-elected as the leader of Canada's Conservative Party with 87.4% of the vote in a leadership review held in Calgary. Despite recent electoral defeats, including losing his own seat in the last election, Poilievre maintained strong support from party delegates. In a speech before the vote, he emphasized unity, affordability, and crime as key issues, and addressed growing separatist sentiments in Alberta and Quebec. Poilievre's leadership has been marked by both successes, such as historic gains for the party and appealing to young voters, and challenges, including defining the party's stance on US President Donald Trump and struggles with likeability.

A US court has ruled that Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty if convicted. The decision was made by US District Judge Margaret Garnett, who dismissed federal firearms charges that carried the possibility of capital punishment. Mangione still faces stalking charges that could result in a life sentence. The trial is set to begin on September 8, with opening statements on October 13. Mangione's attorney welcomed the decision, while the prosecution had described the murder as 'premeditated' and 'cold-blooded'.

A Malian lawmaker, Mamadou Hawa Gassama, has been sentenced to three years in prison in Ivory Coast for insulting President Alassane Ouattara. Gassama, a member of Mali's transitional parliament, was arrested in July while visiting Ivory Coast and was accused of calling Ouattara a 'tyrant' and 'an enemy of Mali' in interviews and on social media. The arrest has strained relations between Mali and Ivory Coast, which have been tense since Mali's military took power in 2020. Ouattara has been critical of the coup and other coups in West Africa, and Mali's military leaders have responded by seeking closer ties with Russia and withdrawing from a UN peacekeeping mission.

The article discusses Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been making controversial statements on social media, including threatening to castrate opposition leader Bobi Wine. Kainerugaba is seen as a potential successor to his father and is part of the so-called 'unholy trinity' of powerful men ruling Uganda. The article explores Kainerugaba's history of provocative posts, his role in the recent presidential election, and the implications of his actions for Uganda's politics and international relations.

The United Nations is facing an 'imminent financial collapse' due to member states not paying their mandatory fees, Secretary-General António Guterres has warned. The organization's money could run out by July, and Guterres has urged member states to honour their payments or overhaul the UN's financial rules. The crisis is compounded by a rule that requires the UN to refund unspent money to member states, even if it was never received. The US, the UN's largest contributor, has refused to pay its regular and peacekeeping budgets, and has withdrawn from several UN agencies. Other countries, such as the UK and Germany, have also reduced their foreign aid, further impacting the UN's work. Guterres warned that the situation is 'categorically different' from previous financial crises and that the 'integrity of the entire system' is at risk.

A 7-year-old British girl named Inaayah Makda from Blackburn, Lancashire, has gone missing after being swept away by a wave while on holiday with her family in Casablanca, Morocco. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Inaayah was hit by a large wave as she sat on rocks at the beach with her parents. The local community and authorities are searching for her, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting the family. Inaayah's martial arts club, Masters of Martial Arts Blackburn, has also expressed their support and sadness at the news.

The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has announced that China has lifted sanctions on British MPs and peers that were imposed in 2021. The sanctions had prevented the parliamentarians from visiting China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Starmer said he had raised the issue with China's President Xi Jinping during his trip to China and that the restrictions no longer apply. However, one of the sanctioned MPs, Tom Tugendhat, criticized Starmer's decision, saying it was a 'capitulation' and that the sanctions 'mean nothing to us'. The seven current and former parliamentarians who were sanctioned have stated that the selective lifting of sanctions only on sitting parliamentarians is wrong and sends a damaging signal. Starmer also raised the case of imprisoned British-Chinese dual national Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping, but refused to say whether any progress had been made in securing Lai's release.

The article reports on the Iranian regime's crackdown on protesters, citing accounts from medical professionals who witnessed the alleged brutality. Doctors shared disturbing stories of security forces injuring and killing protesters, targeting medical professionals who treated them, and taking control of hospitals. The true number of casualties remains unclear due to an internet blackout, but estimates from human rights organizations and medical professionals suggest it could be as high as 23,000 to 30,000. The article highlights the risks faced by protesters seeking medical care and the efforts of doctors working overseas to provide remote assistance.

NASA's Artemis II mission is set to send astronauts around the moon and back for the first time in over 50 years. The mission, scheduled for February 6, 2026, will test life support, navigation, and communication systems in deep space. The crew will consist of three American astronauts and one Canadian, who will spend four days circling the moon before returning to Earth. The mission is a crucial step towards NASA's goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2027. The Artemis II mission is part of NASA's larger lunar exploration program, which aims to build a space station called Lunar Gateway and eventually send humans to Mars. The mission's success will depend on various factors, including the outcome of a key wet dress rehearsal and favorable weather conditions.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola delivered a passionate speech at a charity concert in Barcelona, advocating for Palestinian children affected by the conflict in Gaza. He expressed his distress at seeing children suffering and called for action, stating that world powers have 'abandoned' them. Guardiola wore a keffiyeh scarf during the event, emphasizing his solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The speech comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where over 400 Palestinians have been killed since a fragile ceasefire was agreed upon in October. Guardiola's comments were made during a 'statement for Palestine and... a statement for humanity', highlighting the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The article discusses the number of people killed in the ongoing protests in Iran, with estimates ranging from over 5,000 to 50,000. Human rights organizations and doctors have provided varying figures, while the Iranian authorities have reported 3,117 deaths. The article highlights the difficulties in verifying the true number of deaths due to the internet blackout imposed by the Iranian authorities. Experts and doctors claim that the number of deaths is likely to be in the tens of thousands, with some estimating it to be as high as 33,000 or more. The article also puts the numbers into perspective by comparing them to previous protests in Iran, including the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Two hikers rescued from England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, allegedly skipped paying their hotel bill after being provided with accommodation and food following a seven-hour rescue operation. The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, a nonprofit organization, paid the $178 bill on their behalf and is now seeking reimbursement. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many expressing disappointment at the hikers' behavior.

A Panamanian court has voided a port contract held by a Hong Kong subsidiary, Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, citing unconstitutionality. The decision has been welcomed by the US, while China has criticized it. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has assured that canal traffic will not be disrupted, and a local subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk will temporarily operate the ports. The ruling aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to limit Beijing's influence in the region.

President Donald Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, believe Hamas will disarm under a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire plan. However, regional analysts and Hamas officials contradict this claim, stating that Hamas has no intention of disarming and may block Trump's Gaza plan. The plan involves a technocratic committee to govern Gaza's civilian affairs and manage reconstruction. Experts warn that Hamas may manipulate this new structure to maintain its power and influence.

The United Nations is facing a severe cash crisis due to record unpaid dues and rigid budget rules, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the organization could face a liquidity crisis by mid-2026 if collections do not drastically improve. The crisis is exacerbated by the Trump administration's cuts to U.S. foreign assistance and its withdrawal from multiple international bodies, including the World Health Organization. Guterres cited outstanding dues of $1.568 billion at the end of 2025 and collections covering only 76.7% of assessed contributions. Critics argue that Guterres himself bears significant responsibility for the crisis due to delayed reforms and inefficient budget practices.

Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters clashed with federal agents outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, January 30, 2026. The protesters, many of whom wore masks or gas masks, attempted to breach the building but were met with pepper spray and tear gas by federal agents. The LAPD later arrived on the scene, deploying officers and a helicopter to disperse the crowd. The protests were part of a 'Nationwide Shutdown' event that encouraged people to stay out of school, work, and shopping to bring attention to the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security. The protesters engaged in violent behavior, including vandalism and pushing a dumpster towards the building entrance. The LAPD made arrests and used less lethal rounds to disperse the crowd.

A manhunt is underway in northeast Louisiana after eight inmates, including three facing murder charges, escaped from the Riverbend Detention Center on Friday morning. Five inmates remain at large, while three have been recaptured. The Louisiana State Police is leading the search effort, with assistance from the East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office. The escapees include Destin Brogan, 22, Kelin Looney, 21, Krisean Salinas, 21, Kevin Slaughter, 25, and Koplelon Vicknair, 19. Authorities have warned the public not to approach the escapees and to contact law enforcement immediately if they have any information. The circumstances of the escape are unclear, and an investigation is ongoing.

Canadian national team skeleton coach Joe Cecchini has sparked controversy after his team's decision to withdraw athletes from an Olympic qualifier, costing American Katie Uhlaender a chance to make the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Cecchini defended the decision, stating it was within the rules and strategic. Uhlaender responded, accusing Cecchini of manipulating the competition and violating Olympic values. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) found evidence of intentional manipulation but imposed no penalties. Fifteen nations have signaled support for Uhlaender's bid to be granted an Olympic spot.

The article discusses two studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of Apple watches in monitoring and detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder. The first study involved 437 adults at high risk for stroke, with half wearing an Apple Watch for six months. The results showed that 9.6% of the watch-wearing group were diagnosed with AFib, compared to 2.3% in the control group. A second study involving 168 patients who had undergone catheter ablation for AFib found that those who wore Apple watches experienced fewer unplanned hospitalizations. The article also touches on a separate study about the use of nasal saline sprays to treat obstructive sleep apnea in children.

The US is pitching Venezuelan crude to India as a replacement for Russian oil imports, which are slowing down due to US tariffs. India had become a major buyer of Russian oil after Western sanctions were imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The US effort aims to reduce Russian oil revenues funding the war in Ukraine. India is expected to lower its Russian oil imports to below 1 million barrels per day soon, and eventually to 500,000-600,000 bpd, potentially clinching a trade deal with the US.

The article explores the complex dynamics between the ethnic Chinese minority and the Malay majority in Kelantan, Malaysia, a state governed by the Islamist party PAS. While the Chinese community has historically been integrated into Kelantanese society, recent policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment and economic challenges. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of inter-faith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the cultural exchange and acculturation between the Chinese and Malay communities, with many Chinese Kelantanese speaking the local dialect fluently and participating in social media content creation.

Amazon has requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend the deadline for deploying approximately 1,600 internet satellites by July 2026, citing delays beyond its control, including rocket shortages and manufacturing disruptions. The company has earmarked at least $10 billion to build the network and has booked over 100 launches with various providers, including SpaceX and Blue Origin. Amazon's Project Kuiper, recently rebranded as Amazon Leo, aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to consumers, corporations, and governments. The company has sent up over 150 satellites since April and expects to deploy around 700 satellites by July 30. Amazon is seeking a 24-month extension to July 2028 or a waiver from the FCC's deadline.

CNBC's Jim Cramer predicts a potential market bounce next week driven by strong earnings from heavyweight companies such as Eli Lilly, Alphabet, and Amazon. The market ended the week on a subdued note, with the S&P 500 finishing in the red for three straight days. Cramer believes that if these companies deliver strong numbers, it could lead to a market upswing. Key earnings reports include Disney, Pfizer, Pepsi, Merck, Advanced Micro Devices, Chipotle, Eli Lilly, Alphabet, and Amazon. Cramer also expects the January employment report to potentially be weaker than anticipated, which could support lower bond yields and enable stocks to soar.

European leaders are taking steps to reduce their dependence on the United States, particularly in light of President Trump's recent threats and actions. At an emergency dinner meeting in Brussels, leaders discussed ways to cope with the deterioration of their relationship with the US, including reducing business regulations, diversifying trade relationships, and improving their militaries. The European Union is working to establish a single continental capital market, a Pan-European stock exchange, and is scaling up plans to protect the Arctic region. While there is a desire to increase Europe's strategic independence, there are still obstacles to achieving this goal, including a fragmented financial and banking system and divisions among EU leaders.

The New York Times reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded the power of its agents to arrest people without warrants. According to an internal memo, ICE agents can now arrest individuals they suspect are undocumented immigrants if they believe the person is 'likely to escape' before a warrant can be obtained. The memo, signed by acting director Todd M. Lyons, redefines 'likely to escape' to mean situations where agents believe someone is unlikely to remain at the scene. Critics argue that this broad interpretation could lead to more indiscriminate sweeps and warrantless arrests. The change is part of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, which has seen ICE carry out more aggressive enforcement operations.

The US is pushing back against China's growing influence in Latin America through a new doctrine dubbed the 'Donroe doctrine', a twist on the 1823 Monroe Doctrine. China's decades-long investment in the region, including infrastructure projects and trade, is being challenged by the Trump administration's assertive stance, which includes using force, tariffs, or sanctions to strong-arm countries into choosing Washington's interests over ties with China. China's influence in the region is significant, with $302 billion in financing from China's official sector between 2000 and 2023, and annual trade with Latin America reaching half a trillion dollars. The US is concerned about China's control of strategically vital assets in the Western Hemisphere, and is working to push out Chinese companies that build infrastructure in the region.