The US announced plans to ease regulations hindering civil nuclear cooperation with India, marking a significant step to fully realize the 2008 India-US civil nuclear deal. US NSA Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of US-India defense, technology cooperation, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, while urging adherence to democratic values for deeper partnerships.

Trump reacted swiftly to Trudeau’s resignation, suggesting Canada should consider becoming the 51st state of the US. He cited economic benefits and increased security from threats. Trump has previously criticized Canada’s trade practices and suggested high-profile Canadians like Wayne Gretzky could hold leadership roles post-merger, reflecting strained US-Canada relations.

Five years after Covid-19, China is facing a surge in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that causes flu-like symptoms. Social media posts and videos indicate crowded hospitals and a state of emergency, but China has downplayed concerns, attributing the spike to the “winter season”. Doctors have cautioned that HMPV has been around for several decades and there is a level of immunity in the global population from past infections. But the virus is rapidly spreading to Malaysia, Hong Kong, India. So is the world staring at another pandemic this year? n18oc_world n18oc_crux