Latest News, Breaking News, Top News Headlines and Current Affairs | Times of India (original) (raw)

• Pushback against allies: Cong's Kejriwal offensive a subtle message to INDIA bloc?The Congress party is grappling with its strategy towards regional allies within the INDIA bloc, as evident in the recent Delhi elections where it stood against AAP, indirectly aiding the BJP. This move signals Congress's intent to reclaim its influence, affecting alliances in states like West Bengal and Bihar.
• Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs: What it means for IndiaPresident Trump signed an order to implement reciprocal tariffs to counteract high tariffs and trade barriers by other nations, particularly targeting countries like India. The tariffs, expected by April, aim to improve US trade competitiveness and could lead to trade tensions with key partners. India's high tariff rates on US goods may result in increased duties and strained economic relations.
• India needs to weigh pros & cons of F-35 pitchIndia is evaluating US President Trump's offer of the F-35 fighter jets, weighing strategic and economic factors. With China deploying its own advanced jets, India might seek F-35s in the interim, while continuing its 5th-generation fighter project. The India-US defence relationship is set to expand further this year.
• Trump announces Tahawwur Rana's extradition: Bad news for Pannun?US President Trump has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. This follows the US Supreme Court's rejection of Rana’s final appeal. Efforts are underway to finalize the logistics for his transfer to India, showcasing strengthened cooperation against terrorism between the two nations.
• Dhankhar: 'How can CJI be involved in executive appointments?'
• How Google CEO may have just agreed with Nvidia CEO's sentence that wiped billions Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated that practically useful quantum computers are still 5-10 years away. This comes after a similar warning from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, suggesting that very useful quantum computers may take 15-30 years. Quantum computing stocks reacted negatively to these announcements.
• US plane with 119 deportees set to land in Amritsar todayTwo additional flights carrying deported Indian immigrants from the US are set to land in Amritsar, sparking criticism from CM Bhagwant Mann. He accuses the Centre of tarnishing Punjab’s image by turning Amritsar into a deportation center. Mann expresses his willingness to assist deportees but emphasizes that illegal immigration is a nationwide issue.
• Pak lashes out at India after-Trump-Modi meetingPakistan condemned the reference made to it in the joint India-US statement, calling it misleading and contrary to diplomatic norms. The statement urged Pakistan to act against the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attack perpetrators. Pakistan also expressed concern over the transfer of military technology to India, citing its potential to destabilize the region.
• Pakistan: Roadside bomb blast kills 10 in BalochistanA roadside bomb explosion killed at least 10 coal mine workers and injured six others in Balochistan's Harnai district. The incident involves an improvised explosive device targeting the workers, who were traveling to a market. No group has claimed responsibility, but the Baloch Liberation Army is suspected.
• Elon Musk's ex-girlfriend on Musk taking son to White House: ‘I did not …’Elon Musk brought his 4-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, to a White House press conference. Grimes, the boy's mother, expressed her displeasure about the child's public appearance on social media. Despite their separation, Musk and Grimes continue to co-parent and maintain a respectful relationship.
• PM Modi says both US, India need to address illegal immigration racketPM Modi and US officials address the issue of illegal immigration from India, with Modi highlighting the need to stop human trafficking and exploitative practices while accepting verified violators. Both countries commit to enhancing legal mobility for students and professionals and collaborating in higher education, while tackling illegal immigration. They also discuss potential institutional cooperation between their law enforcement authorities.
• Ukraine takes backseat as focus on trade, tech and terrorPM Modi and President Trump reaffirmed the India-US partnership's importance in the Indo-Pacific region. They committed to tackling illegal immigration, organized crime, and cross-border terrorism. Discussions included market access issues, addressing Chinese industrial overcapacity, and strengthening strategic technology collaboration through initiatives like TRUST. They denounced terrorism and agreed on greater cooperation in West Asia and the Indian Ocean.
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• Anand Mahindra: One advantage of Bengaluru traffic is...Anand Mahindra humorously turned Bengaluru's persistent traffic into an unplanned advantage during his visit for the Invest Karnataka 2025 summit. He quipped that his new Mahindra BE 6 electric SUV got extensive visibility due to the constant gridlock, acting as a 'live showroom'. Social media users enjoyed his witty take on the city's traffic.
• Govt slashes duty on bourbon, some wines amid US threatThe Indian government has reduced import duties on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100% and on several types of wines to 100%, under pressure from the United States. The move comes just before PM Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump, where tariffs are a major discussion point.
• Ensure 100% rollout of new criminal laws, Shah tells Maha govtHome Minister Amit Shah directed Maharashtra to ensure 100% implementation of new criminal laws, targeting a 90% conviction rate for serious crimes. He emphasized coordination among state police, government lawyers, and judiciary for swift punishment of the guilty. Shah also highlighted the need for a video-conference evidence system and upgrading to CCTNS 2.0 and ICJS 2.0.
• Centre OKs Rs 529cr for Wayanad but says it must be utilised by March 31The Central government has approved an interest-free loan of Rs 529.5 crore for landslide rehabilitation in Wayanad, covering 16 projects like roads and public buildings. The state must submit expenditure estimates by March and utilize the funds by March 31, a deadline which concerns the finance minister.
• J&K Police seize 6 kg heroin, arrest 2 narcotics smugglers near LoCJ&K Police arrested two individuals, Ashok Kumar and Sanjay Kumar, and seized 6 kg of heroin worth Rs 30 crore, smuggled from Pakistan, in the Rajouri district. The arrests followed disclosures made by prime suspect Jaswinder Kumar, already involved in another narcotic case. Further investigation is ongoing to identify additional members of the smuggling network.
• WPL: Richa, Perry fifties power RCB to six-wicket win over Gujarat GiantsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru achieved a historic Women's Premier League win, successfully chasing 202 runs against Gujarat Giants. Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh scored powerful half-centuries, leading RCB despite early setbacks. Perry contributed 57 runs, while Ghosh remained unbeaten with 64. Gujarat Giants set a challenging target with captain Ashleigh Gardner's explosive 79 and Beth Mooney's composed 56.
• JD Vance threatens with sanctions if Putin doesn't agree to end war US Vice President JD Vance has warned of potential sanctions or military intervention if Russia’s Vladimir Putin does not engage in peace talks to end the Ukraine conflict. Vance indicated the possibility of deploying US forces, in contrast to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's stance against US military presence in Ukraine.
• Lok Sabha Speaker forms 31-member panel to examine Income Tax BillLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formed a 31-member committee led by BJP's Baijayant Panda to review the Income Tax Bill. The panel includes Nishikant Dubey, Anil Baluni, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Supriya Sule. The committee will report by the next session, likely in July. The bill aims to simplify tax language and concepts.
• Samsung India workers strike: Company files complaint against ‘certain’ employeesThe company statement came after conciliation talks between the employees’ union and the management did not yield any positive resolution to end a strike by a section of workers that began on Feb 6. The workers were demanding that the company revoke the suspension of three employees.
• Trump pledges action against Islamic terrorists, Khalistani subversivesUS President Donald Trump pledged to address India's security concerns, including extraditing Tahawwur Rana and acting against US-based Khalistani separatists. Trump and Modi agreed on joint action against radical Islamic terrorism. He offered to mediate India-China tensions, but Indian officials declined, preferring a bilateral approach. Modi supported Trump's efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• BSNL turns profitable after 17 years, posts Rs 262 cr profit in Q3
• 'Free speech is in retreat': JD Vance calls out European leaders US Vice President JD Vance criticized European nations for curtailing free speech and insufficient defense spending. At the Munich security conference, Vance specifically condemned Romania's election annulment and the UK's arrest of a man for praying near an abortion clinic.
• Trump shared his personal phone number, says Zelenskyy: 'Call anytime'Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that US President Donald Trump had shared his phone number and said Zelenskyy could call anytime. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of a US and European common plan before any talks with Putin. Ukraine's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, discussed peace efforts with Trump's special representative.
• Champions Trophy 2025 All Team SquadsThe ICC Champions Trophy returns to Pakistan on February 19 after eight years, featuring the top eight men's ODI teams divided into two groups. India will play all their matches in Dubai under the hybrid model. Key players and squads have been announced for teams including India, Pakistan, and Australia, among others.
• PM Modi bows to MAGA, but insists Trump backs MIGA tooIndia and the United States have agreed on a deal where India will purchase more American oil, gas, military hardware, and agricultural products. This move aims to address the trade gap between the two countries while enhancing US support for India's military cooperation, technology transfers, and regional dominance.
• Barack and Michelle Obama drop Valentine’s Day selfie amid divorce rumors
• Mumbai, Assam cops reach Ranveer Allahbadia's house, find it locked