India is set to advance a trade and defense technology deal with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he wrapped up a two-day visit to the Jewish state on Thursday, the latest sign that the relationship is blossoming. But the two countries weren’t always close friends – they only established full diplomatic relations in 1992 – but Modi has long been an ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and became the first Indian PM to visit Israel back in 2017. Today, India is Israel’s largest arms buyer, accounting for 34% of the country’s weapon exports. Modi’s second-ever trip to Israel this week also marks another step toward reshaping alliances in the Middle East and beyond, as India’s rival Pakistan boosts defense links with Saudi Arabia, while the UAE shifts away from Riyadh and toward Israel and India.
With just three months left in office, Colombian President Gustavo Petro is hitting some of his highest approval ratings, nearing 50% in a new poll. That’s a staggering 11 point jump since December, when the left-winger was on the ropes over a stagnating economy, a worsening security crisis, and tensions with the US over Gaza, Venezuela, and the “war on drugs.” But Petro’s deft combination of firm pushback against Donald Trump and pragmatic engagement with the US president – the two met at the White House earlier this month – yielded political dividends, not only for him, but for his preferred successor, far-left Senator Iván Cepeda, who leads the polls ahead of the May election. That race is shaping up to be a stark choice between Cepeda and right-wing lawyerAbelardo de La Espriella.
History doesn’t often repeat itself, but it does rhyme. Such appears to be the case, as the United States appears again to be readying for military action against Iran.
Small business hiring surged 7% above the 2024 average in December, led by a surprise rally in retail. But with uncertainty still historically high and mounting concerns over tariffs, can this momentum survive 2026? Explore the data behind the resilience of the US small business sector. Get the latest economic insights from Bank of America Institute.
Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.