News

RS: Oppn walks out over India-US trade deal discussion issue; politicising everything, says JP Nadda

The Rajya Sabha saw a walkout by opposition parties, led by Congress, over demands for an immediate discussion on the India-US trade deal announced by US President Donald Trump. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda accused the opposition of politicising national interest and termed their actions "anti-national" and "highly reprehensible."

1 day ago

Ruckus in Kerala Assembly; shouting matches, physical jostling over Sabarimala case

Opposition MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, alleged that the investigation was being deliberately stalled due to interference from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office. Protests included shouting matches, physical jostling, and attempts to approach the Speaker's dais, prompting repeated adjournments.

1 day ago

SpaceX acquires xAI to launch space‑based AI data centres: Elon Musk

Elon Musk announced that SpaceX has acquired his AI startup xAI and plans to scale AI computing in space by launching large constellations of satellites as orbital data centres.

1 day ago

India-US trade deal to help stabilise rupee, boost FDI inflows: Report

The India–US trade deal, which reduces US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, is expected to stabilise the rupee, narrow India's current account deficit, and attract higher foreign direct investment (FDI). According to an Axis Securities report, the agreement is structurally positive for India's medium-term growth and external stability, particularly benefiting export-oriented sectors such as textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, auto ancillaries, IT services, and select industrials.

1 day ago

CMs welcome trade deal with US, hail boost to Make in India, global market access

Chief Ministers and senior leaders across India welcomed the India–US trade deal that cuts US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, calling it a landmark step for boosting Make in India, manufacturing, MSMEs, exports and job creation. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath described it as a defining moment that will expand global market access for Indian products and reflect rising international confidence in India

1 day ago

EAM Jaishankar welcomes India-US trade deal; to meet Rubio today

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the US–India trade deal announced after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, calling it a boost for jobs, growth, and innovation in both economies. The minister arrived in New York on Monday on a three-day official trip to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial being hosted by his American counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

1 day ago

India–US trade deal draws praise, triggers calls for caution

The newly announced India–US trade deal has received strong praise from Indian-American business leaders, who view it as a breakthrough that firmly resets bilateral ties, while policy veterans have urged caution pending clarity on key details. Venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani called the agreement a major success, saying it positions India as pivotal for the US in energy, defence and technology, and delivers the best possible tariff outcome.

1 day ago

Karnataka Congress crisis: Deputy CM Shivakumar denies rift, says Siddaramaiah and I stand together

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress President D.K. Shivakumar dismissed speculation of a leadership tussle with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserting that the two leaders stand united and continue to support each other. Responding to BJP leader R. Ashoka in the Assembly, Shivakumar said there is no crisis within the Congress government and that both leaders are committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people. He acknowledged that political ups and downs .

1 day ago

India, US ties will flourish further: Amit Shah, Nadda on trade deal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda welcomed the India–US trade deal, calling it a major boost to bilateral ties and economic growth. Shah described the agreement, which cuts US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, as a historic step that will strengthen strategic partnership and expand business opportunities between the two countries. Nadda praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

1 day ago

'Made in India' products will now have reduced tariff of 18 pc in US: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the world's largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation."

2 days ago

US to drop 25 pc tariff linked to India's Russian oil purchases: White House

President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (February 2, 2026), U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announced on the day. Shortly after the call, Mr. Trump ‌posted on Truth Social that he had agreed on ​a trade ⁠deal with India, which ​he ⁠said also agreed to stop ‌buying ‌Russian oil ‍and buy much more ‍from the United States and potentially ⁠Venezuela. Under trade deal with India, U.S. will charge reduced reciprocal tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%, Mr. Trump said.

2 days ago

'We would never look at a man and say...': Nirmala Sitharaman on 'What are you going to wear on Budget Day?' and gender biases women face

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about the attention her saree receives every Budget Day and what it reveals about everyday gender bias. She said these comments are often not malicious, but reflect deeply ingrained assumptions about women in public life. A quiet reminder of the scrutiny women continue to face.

2 days ago

SC issues notice on plea challenging anti-conversion laws enacted by multiple states

The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre and 12 states, including Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh, on a fresh PIL filed by the National Council of Churches in India challenging the validity of their respective anti-conversion laws.

2 days ago

STT hike to secure household savings from speculative bets: CEA Anantha Nageswaran

The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, proposed raising STT on futures to 0.05 per cent from the present 0.02 per cent and on options premium and exercise of options to be raised to 0.15 per cent from the present rate of 0.1 per cent and 0.125 per cent, respectively.

2 days ago

Epstein, the man who was not who he was

Jeffrey Epstein was useful because he understood that. And he was removed because, eventually, too many others understood it as well. That is not the story of a monster alone.

2 days ago