1. India tests nuclear capable missile

2. India has successfully test-fired a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The nuclear-capable missile is believed to be India's most advanced ICBM. It was fired Thursday morning India time. It was fired from Abdul Kalam island off the coast of India. The country's Defense Ministry called the test a "major boost" to the country's defense capabilities. India is believed to have around 120 to 130 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, according to the Federation of American Scientists, compared to several thousand for the US. It's possible India's armed forces were testing the canister the missile is launched out of, as well as its ejection, flight performance and accuracy. That launch drew the ire of India's two most important geostrategic adversaries: Pakistan and China. Those countries would be concerned that the missiles could be used to strike against "high value targets" in eastern China, where much of the country's major cities and population is based. The United States, Russia, China and North Korea all reportedly test-fired ballistic missiles in 2017, though Pyongyang is officially barred from doing so under United Nations sanctions.

3. In Other News
GOP leaders say there will not be a government shutdown and plan to vote on short-term spending bill today.
Haitians will be barred from getting temporary agricultural and seasonal visas. The Department of Homeland Security is expected to kick Haiti off a list of countries eligible for the temporary permits because of "high levels of fraud and abuse and a high rate of overstaying" when the visas end.
North and South Korean athletes will march together under a unified flag next month at the Winter Olympics. That's a huge diplomatic breakthrough after days of talks between the two rival nations and exactly what the spirit of the Olympics is all about. Also, a women's ice hockey team comprised of athletes from the North and South will also compete in the Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The countries' skiers will train together, and performers will hold a joint cultural event. The International Olympics Committee needs OK all of this, though.