BBC News Briefing

27 January, 2026

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck

Alex Binley

Hello. The "mother of all deals" has been agreed between the EU and India, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced. We'll cover what it entails. China correspondent Stephen McDonnell explains what might happen next after a purge at the top of the country's military. And watch as five-time Olympian Shaun White wows onlookers in a snowboarding display in wintery New York.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

India and EU announce 'mother of all deals'

Two men and a woman stand next to each other. They are olding hands and raise their arms in the air. They are all smiling. The man on the left wears a dark suit, the man in the middle had a navy blue jacket on and a pale blue shawl around his shoulders, while the woman on the right wears a blue jacket.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed his country's 'biggest free trade agreement'. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock

After almost two decades of on-off talks, the European Union and India have announced a landmark deal which will allow free trade of goods between the bloc of 27 states and the world's most populous country. Together they make up nearly 25% of global GDP and a market of two billion people. The pact is expected to signifiantly reduce tariffs and expand market access for both sides, and it also eases restrictions on travel for professionals between India and the EU in the short-term. The deal comes amid tensions with the US. Delhi is grappling with 50% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, who last week threatened to impose futher tariffs on European allies for opposing a US takeover of Greenland, before backing off.

What's in the deal

South Korea: President Trump has announced he is raising tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%, accusing Seoul of "not living up" to a trade deal.

Tariffs: What are the import taxes that Trump has put in place on countries around the world, and why?

Analysis: Canada's trade deal with China signals it is serious about its shift away from the US, writes senior Canada reporter Nadine Yousif.

WORLD HEADLINES

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Iran videos show bodies piled in hospital and snipers

One human rights monitor is warning that the final death toll since protests began last month could be more than 25,000.

Verify's findings >

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Deadly US storm leaves thousands without power

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Australia firefighters battle 'emergency level' blazes

At least six major fires have broken out in the state of Victoria, as a record-breaking heatwave hits the country's south-east.

More on this >

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Payout ordered for Japan migrants lured to N Korea

The plaintiffs said North Korea was sold to them as a "paradise", but they were subject to harsh conditions, including forced labour.

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NEWS FROM THE UK

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False rape accusation: A woman who accused her former partner - a police officer - of rape explains how she ended up on trial instead.