- During his two-day visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi interacted with and praised the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the strong cultural ties and the global significance of Tamil language and culture.
- India and the United States agreed to establish a temporary trade framework to reduce tariffs, expand market access and resolve issues in various sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and technology.
- As part of the interim trade framework, the United States eliminated the additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, reducing the tariff from 50% to 18%.
- Opposition leaders have criticized the India-US trade deal, warning it could hurt farmers, cut tariffs excessively and harm India’s interests.
- Police probing the deaths of three teenage sisters in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad say the case has revealed complex family circumstances, emotional distress and isolation, with new details emerging about their father’s late live-in partner.
Here are the top 5 stories of the day:
PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora in Malaysia, stresses cultural ties
Prime Minister Narendra ModiDuring his two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur, he celebrated the strong cultural and emotional ties between India and Malaysia, interacted with the Indian diaspora and praised communities for preserving traditions and acting as a “living bridge” between the two countries. He highlighted Malaysia’s large Indian-origin population and the global importance of Tamil language and culture, recalled his friendship with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and shared anecdotes of cultural exchanges, including Indian film and music. Read more
From agricultural protections to preferential auto quotas: What industries get in India-US trade deal
India and the United States have agreed on an interim trade agreement framework to reduce tariffs, expand market access and prepare for a broader bilateral trade agreement. The deal cuts tariffs on Indian manufacturing exports and U.S. industrial goods, provides limited access for agricultural products while protecting sensitive staples and dairy products, and touches on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cars, aircraft, technology and digital trade. It also aims to strengthen supply chain and economic security. Read more
US lifts 25% tariff on Indian imports, India-US trade framework eases tensions
President of the United States Donald Trump India has canceled the 25% additional tariff imposed on purchases of Russian oil, which took effect from February 7. The move is part of a broader temporary trade framework between India and the United States aimed at easing trade tensions. Under the framework, U.S. tariffs on Indian goods will be reduced from 50% to 18%, and India has also agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial products and certain agricultural products. India has also committed to buying $500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft, technology products and coking coal over five years. The framework includes monitoring India’s oil imports from Russia and stipulates that the US Commerce Secretary recommends reinstating the 25% tariff if imports resume. Read more
Opposition leader slams India-US trade framework
Opposition leaders on Saturday criticized the framework for an interim trade agreement between India and the United States, accusing the government of undermining India’s interests and harming farmers, tariffs and rural livelihoods. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala warned that imports of US corn, soybeans, sorghum, fruits, nuts and processed products could harm the interests of India’s 720 million farmers. Pawan Hera accused the government of undermining India’s diplomatic standing, calling the deal a “surrender” rather than an achievement. RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha questioned the reduction in tariff from 50% to 18%, calling it misleading and warned that there could be public unrest once the impact of the deal is felt. Read more
Father’s three wives and a dead live-in partner: Why the Ghaziabad sisters’ suicides become more confusing
Ghaziabad police have intensified their investigation into the deaths of three minor sisters who allegedly jumped to their deaths from the ninth floor of a residential building, revealing deeper details about the family’s past and dynamics. Investigators said the girls were distressed when their father, Chetan Kumar, confiscated and sold their phones due to their interest in Korean culture and online gaming, and are currently tracing the phones’ IMEI numbers to recover the data and verify the claim. The case became murkier as one of Kumar’s live-in partners died under suspicious circumstances in 2015, and questions surrounding his three-wife family structure led to widespread questioning of him and other family members. Read more
