BYD joins Costco and Toyota in suing the US govt., Trump hints at adding Bitcoin to US reserves, Eurozone explores alternative payment processors

BYD joins Costco and Toyota in suing the US government, seeking a refund of tariffs imposed on imported goods, challenging the legitimacy of the duties. (China Economic Review - will)

Sanae Takaichi wins Japan's election, securing a historic supermajority and significantly influencing the country's national politics and future direction. (The Independent - Namita Singh)

Former US President Trump suggests a potential pro-crypto stance, hinting at adding Bitcoin to the country's reserves, marking a significant shift in his administration's previous views on digital currencies. (TechJuice )

Military operations and airlifts can impact markets, with investors monitoring plane movements to anticipate potential conflicts and adjust investments accordingly, affecting defense, energy, and commodity sectors. (Discovery Alert )

China instructs banks to reduce US bond holdings to mitigate investment risk and diversify portfolios, amid escalating trade tensions and economic uncertainty. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

Eurozone explores alternative payment processors to reduce dependence on dominant US firms, promoting regional financial autonomy and security. (World )

China unveils CH-9 drone with enhanced endurance for reconnaissance and precision strikes, while researchers develop new thrust technology to potentially outperform F-35s, advancing its military capabilities. (اطلاعات آنلاین )

News - South China Morning Post: Chinese researchers test advanced drone thrust technology, potentially surpassing F-35 capabilities and giving China a strategic edge in aerial combat and surveillance.

Europe's security gap lies in its lack of ground-based deep-strike capabilities, crucial for deterring enemies and defending itself, with experts urging swift development and production. (Internationale Politik Quarterly - Nico Lange)

Supertankers are speeding through the Strait of Hormuz at up to 17 knots due to rising US-Iran tensions, adding uncertainty to volatile freight markets and increasing navigation dangers. (gCaptain )

India and France are nearing a Rs 3,200cr deal for SCALP long-range cruise missiles, following their successful use in Operation Sindoor, to strengthen defence ties and enhance India's combat capabilities. (Times of India - TOI NEWS DESK)

Goldman Sachs raises India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.9% after the US cuts tariffs, citing a new interim trade agreement between the two countries, easing pressure on the rupee and lowering the current account deficit. (Investing.com - Vahid Karaahmetovic)

Romania's AI startup scene attracts global investors in 2026, driven by cost-efficient talent, strong engineering schools, and a growing pipeline of innovative companies, with record financing and notable exits. (The Romania Journal )

Global economy to grow 3.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, despite trade tensions and policy shifts, according to Export Development Canada's latest forecast. (Export Development Canada (EDC) )

FedEx acquires Polish logistics company InPost for £6.8bn, expanding UK locker-point network in a significant parcel delivery sector move, through a partnership with a private equity-led consortium including Advent. (The Independent - Holly Williams)

World: Advent and FedEx lead a €7.8 billion takeover bid for Polish logistics firm InPost, expanding their European market presence and capabilities.

Argentina and the US have signed a trade agreement for critical minerals, aiming to diversify and secure supply chains for key industries, including tech and energy. (Discovery Alert )

Mexico sends 814 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, navigating US trade tensions, to help alleviate the island's energy crisis and support its struggling economy. (La Jornada )

La Jornada: Cuba halts jet fuel sales to airlines amid a severe energy crisis, citing supply shortages and impacting flight operations.

The Hindu: Mexico delivers 814 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, circumventing potential US trade penalties and sanctions, in a gesture of solidarity with the island nation.

Trump's cuts to federal science funding have hurt small businesses, with some reporting revenue losses and layoffs due to reduced contracts with agencies like NOAA. (Politico - Chelsea Harvey)

SpaceX hires specialists to develop orbital data centers, integrating satellite infrastructure with space-based computing to meet growing AI processing demands. (Arabian Post - Arabian Post)

Apps helping Danes boycott US goods gained traction amid the Greenland crisis, with "Made O'Meter" seeing 30,000 downloads in three days, as users sought to identify and avoid American products. (The Hindu )

FTSE 100 futures climb as pound steadies at $1.36, signaling renewed market confidence and optimism among investors. (Swikblog )

Montage Technology shares surge 60% following a successful $902 million initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. (chinadailyasia.com )

FTSE rises following Nikkei's strong performance, while NatWest's shares decline amid acquisition news, influencing the market's overall trajectory. (Sharecast.com )

Japan's Nikkei 225 index surpasses 57,000 for the first time, driven by Takaichi's historic mandate and market optimism, marking a significant milestone in the country's economic growth. (CNBC )

Bond investors remain eager to invest, undeterred by geopolitical uncertainty that continues to impact global markets and create economic volatility. (LatinFinance )

Thailand's PM plans to build a border wall after conservatives win election, leading coalition talks despite falling short of a majority in the parliament. (The Independent - Namita Singh)

UK Prime Minister Starmer faces calls to resign following Morgan McSweeney's sudden departure, sparking leadership questions and uncertainty within the government. (The Independent - Athena Stavrou and Millie Cooke)

London Mayor Sadiq Khan calls on UK Prime Minister to reestablish EU ties, potentially reversing Brexit, to boost economic growth and cooperation. (The Independent - Alex Ross)

Europe needs a collective defense system, as the US is no longer a reliable security guarantor, and individual nations' militaries are insufficient to counter Russian aggression. (Foreign Affairs - Max Bergmann)

Antonio Jose Seguro wins presidency with 65% of votes, defeating nationalist candidate Andre Ventura in a landslide victory, securing a significant majority. (ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ )

Greek PM to meet Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara on February 11, amid rising tensions and Turkish claims in the Aegean, testing Greece's diplomatic strategy and resolve. (ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ - Λυριστής Μηνάς)

Antonio José Seguro wins Portugal's presidential election, defeating far-right candidate André Ventura in a closely watched contest, marking a significant victory for the country's center-left coalition. (La Jornada )

Thailand's Bhumjaithai party, led by PM Anutin, secures surprise victory with around 191 seats, and may form a coalition government amid economic instability and voter frustration. (https://saudigazette.com.sa - جريدة الرايةِ)

The Washington Times stories: News: Thailand's Bhumjaithai party leads election with 90% votes counted, potentially requiring a coalition government to form a majority.

https://saudigazette.com.sa: Thailand votes in snap election with reformist forces competing against conservative blocs, amid voter frustration over instability and stagnating economy

World News Today: International News Headlines - The Hindu | The Hindu: Thailand's Bhumjaithai party secures nearly 200 seats, prompting coalition discussions to form a new government following the country's recent election.

UK PM Keir Starmer's chief of staff resigns amid controversy over Peter Mandelson's potential US ambassador nomination, citing concerns over Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein. (News - South China Morning Post - Reuters)

Morocco hit by severe rainstorms and flooding, signaling a potential shift in the region's climate system and highlighting growing concerns over extreme weather events. (Informed Comment )

Geopolitical tensions divert attention from the Arctic's black carbon climate threat, a significant contributor to global warming and melting of polar ice caps, amid rising international competition in the region. (The Independent )

Ecosystem collapse and tipping points pose significant geopolitical risks globally, impacting international relations and security (news - Mongabay )

SpaceX shifts focus to establishing a lunar settlement, aligning with US space goals, and aims to create a self-sustaining lunar city within a decade, potentially delaying Mars colonization efforts. (News - South China Morning Post - Agence France-Presse)

Times of India: SpaceX targets a self-sustaining lunar city within a decade, supporting US space exploration objectives and prioritizing a long-term human presence on the moon.