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Here are top five news stories of the day:
- OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad. The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.
https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5238262-oic-condemns-terrorist-bombing-mosque-islamabad
- India-EU Treaty: Forged by geopolitics
After nearly two decades of stop-start talks, India and the European Union recently announced the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement.The trade deal is India’s ninth trade agreement in four years and its 19th overall, alongside six narrower preferential trade agreements. The deal is being concluded now not because differences between the two sides have vanished, but because geopolitics forced pragmatism. Recent tariff shocks under Donald Trump and rising dependence on China pushed both sides to narrow ambitions and shift to an executable deal
https://dailypioneer.com/news/india-eu-treaty-forged-by-geopolitics
- Bangladesh signs first economic partnership deal with Japan
Bangladesh signed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan today, marking the country’s first-ever EPA with any nation. Commerce Adviser of Bangladesh, Sk. Bashir Uddin, and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, HORII Iwao, signed the agreement in Tokyo at 3:00 pm Japan Standard Time, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told The Daily Star over the phone after the signing.
- India-US interim trade framework triggers political debate over agriculture and trade terms
Union Minister Piyush Goyal defended the India-US interim trade agreement on February 7, describing the day as one that would be “etched on golden letters” in India’s economic history. He assured that Indian farmers, dairy producers, MSMEs, artisans, and craftsmen would not be adversely affected by the deal, while the Opposition criticised it as a compromise on agriculture, energy security, and national interest amid alleged pressure linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name appearing in the Epstein files.
US envoy strengthens Pakistan’s economic future
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker reaffirmed America’s commitment to strengthening trade, business, and technology ties with Pakistan. She visited Sindh province from January 25 to 31, meeting political leaders, business figures, and local representatives. The envoy highlighted collaboration aimed at economic growth, innovation, and regional stability.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/1447753/us-envoy-strengthens-pakistans-economic-future/