To address the growing menace of pollution in the national capital, Delhi, the state government has issued a “booster fund of Rs 500 crore” to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Tuesday.

“The Delhi government has given a booster fund of Rs 500 crore to the MCD and has also arranged for a regular fund of Rs 300 crore every year. This will give new strength to pollution control and waste management in Delhi. New modern cleaning machines will arrive, and effective work will be done to control dust-related pollution,” the CM said on her social media post X*.

“This step is a strong effort in the direction of building a clean, healthy, and better Delhi,” she added.

Recently, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav reviewed Delhi’s Air Pollution Action Plan with Delhi CM Gupta. He chaired a high-level meeting here. During the meeting, Yadav highlighted the need for smart traffic management, particularly at 62 identified congestion hotspots, to ensure smoother traffic flow.

The Central Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed that the Central Pollution Control Board has issued notices to 88 units that have not installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems, with closure action to commence from the 23rd of this month.

Emphasising vehicular pollution, the minister stressed that strict action should be taken against polluting vehicles, including a special registration drive, the installation of Automatic Number Plate recognition systems at border entry points, and the exploration of staggered office timings to reduce peak-hour congestion.

He also directed that action must be taken against illegally operating and non-conforming units, including sealing where required. Measures such as incentivising electric vehicles, accelerating the expansion of charging infrastructure, implementing congestion charges, smart parking management, and a uniform vehicle registration policy for the NCR were also discussed during the meeting.

Air pollution has been a major concern in the National Capital Region (NCR), with opposition parties attacking the government every now and then.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the India-US Trade Deal, signed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will “enhance the future of a strong India”. In a special briefing here, Goyal claimed that every Indian is thanking PM Modi for making a “very good trade deal” with the United States.

“Today, every Indian across the country is thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making a very good trade deal with the United States of America, which the countrymen have been waiting for for many months. Keeping the national interest and public interest at the forefront, a trade deal that will enhance the future of a strong India has been finalised last night under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

Goyal stated that the government wanted to speak about the deal in Parliament, but the ruckus allegedly created by the Opposition parties didn’t allow it.

“Normally, we would have wanted to speak about this in Parliament, but we all witnessed that disgraceful scene. The way the opposition, especially the Congress party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and their allies the DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party, behaved so disgracefully in Parliament today. They even reached the Speaker’s chair and insulted him. I strongly condemn the opposition and Rahul Gandhi, because of whom we have come here today to give you this information instead of speaking in Parliament,” he said.

The minister said that Modi used his “friendship” with the US President to secure the best deal in the region. Under the deal, the US has reduced tariffs on India to 18 per cent, which is lower than several neighbouring countries, including Pakistan’s 19 per cent. “PM Modi used his friendship with Donald Trump to get the best deal among all the countries in the region, all countries that we compete with,” Goyal said.

Thanking Prime Minister Modi on behalf of everyone, Goyal claimed that the trade deal with the US will bring immense opportunities for the Indian economy and 140 crore citizens of the country, including the poor, farmers, fishermen, youth, and women living in the villages.”

While Goel didn’t go into the specific details, he asserted that the trade deal will give numerous opportunities to the MEMEs, the manufacturing and textile sectors.

“I believe that through this deal, our MSMEs, our engineering sector, all the players in our engineering sector—whether they manufacture auto components, electrical parts, or work on selling various types of engineering goods in America, or plan to do so in the future—our textile sector, our gems and jewelry sector, our leather goods sector, our marine goods sector, will all get numerous opportunities through this deal…,” he said.

Amid concerns regarding the agriculture and dairy sector agreements, Goyal didn’t share specific details but assured that their interests were safeguarded. “PM Modi has always championed both the agriculture and dairy sectors, safeguarding their interests and working tirelessly to ensure a bright future and ample opportunities for the people in these sectors…The sensitive factors of India’s economy, particularly agriculture and dairy, have been protected.”

‘Rahul Gandhi is a negative person, doesn’t like the deal that benefits all sectors’

With the Opposition parties slamming the Narendra Modi government for “selling the country under US pressure” and “backstabbing farmers by potentially opening markets to subsidised US agricultural imports,” Goyal launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a negative person.

“Rahul Gandhi is a negative person. He has a negative mentality. And any leader who joins hands with him — be it those from DMK or TMC — doesn’t like a deal which will benefit so many sectors,” Goyal said.

“Rahul Gandhi ko kya mirchi lagti hai? (Why does he feel the burn?) Does Rahul Gandhi have a problem with the country’s growth?” he further remarked.

Announcing the trade deal on Monday, US President Donald Trump had claimed that India will “reduce their tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.” Trump also stated that PM Modi has “committed to “BUY AMERICAN,” at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products.”

The Matriculation and Intermediate examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) began across Jharkhand on Tuesday, with over 7.48 lakh candidates appearing at 1,989 examination centres amid stringent security arrangements.

From early morning, examination centres in all districts witnessed a steady influx of students. Candidates were allowed entry only after verification of their admit cards and identity documents. Strict instructions were issued to ensure that no examinee carrying prohibited materials was permitted inside the centres.

This year, 1,232 centres have been set up for the Matric examination and 757 for the Intermediate examination. All centres are under continuous surveillance through CCTV cameras, with static magistrates and police personnel deployed for law and order duties. The transportation of question papers from treasuries to examination centres was carried out under close administrative supervision. Officials remained present at every stage, from the opening of strong rooms to the distribution of question papers, to rule out any irregularities.

According to official figures, 4,23,861 candidates are appearing for the Matric examination, while 3,24,321 students are taking the Intermediate examination. Among Intermediate candidates, 90,579 belong to the Science stream, 21,195 to Commerce and 2,12,547 to Arts. Compared to the previous year, there has been a decline in the number of candidates in both examinations. Giridih district recorded the highest number of Matric candidates with 40,827 students, while Khunti had the lowest with 6,097. Giridih also topped the list in terms of Intermediate examinees.

JAC officials reiterated that a zero-tolerance policy against malpractice would be enforced throughout the examination period. A senior official said that maintaining the sanctity and fairness of the examination process remained the council’s top priority. He added that any attempt at unfair means or indiscipline would invite immediate and strict action. Candidates were advised to avoid rumours, strictly follow guidelines and appear for the examinations with a calm and focused mind.

The Matric (Class 10) examinations are being held from February 3 to 17 in the first shift from 9.45 am to 1.00 pm, while the Intermediate (Class 12) examinations are being conducted in the second shift from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm.

With elaborate administrative preparations and heightened vigilance in place, the authorities expressed confidence that the examinations would be conducted smoothly and transparently across the state.

The youngest undisputed world champion in chess history, Gukesh Dommaraju, will compete at Norway Chess 2026, taking his place in the field at one of the strongest tournaments on the global calendar.

Gukesh’s rise has been historic. In 2024, he won the Candidates Tournament before defeating then-World Champion Ding Liren to claim the world title, achieving the feat at just 18 years old.

“I am really happy to take part in Norway Chess again, fighting against a very strong field as always, and looking forward to all the exciting games,” Gukesh said.

Over the years, the Indian star has achieved several remarkable milestones, including becoming the youngest player ever to cross the 2750 rating mark. He also earned the Grandmaster title at the age of 12, making him the third-youngest GM in chess history.

Gukesh has also played a key role in India’s rise as a global chess powerhouse. At the 2022 Chess Olympiad, he won individual gold on board one, scoring 9/11 with a stunning performance rating of 2867, as India secured a team bronze. He followed it up with an even more dominant campaign in 2024, winning team gold along with individual gold on board one, scoring 9/10 with a performance rating of 3056, widely regarded as one of the greatest Olympiad performances ever.

Norway Chess has already produced defining moments in Gukesh’s career. At the 2025 edition, he finished third and registered his first classical victory over Magnus Carlsen in a dramatic encounter that sparked the widely shared “table-slam” moment, one of the most talked-about games of the tournament.

“Having Gukesh D return to Norway Chess as reigning World Champion is something we truly value,” said Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess.

“India has become one of the strongest chess nations in the world today, and we know many fans will be following Gukesh D closely. We hope chess audiences across India will tune in as he competes in Oslo in 2026.”

Norway Chess has consistently attracted elite participation over the years. In total, 18 of the highest-rated players in chess history have competed in the event, with Garry Kasparov the only notable exception among the all-time greats, though he has visited the tournament twice.

Reacting to the India-US trade deal, the Indian Stock Market settled 2.5 per cent higher on Tuesday with all the major indices traded in the green. At closing, Sensex was at 83,739.75, up by 2072 points or 2.5 per cent, while Nifty was at 25,727, up by 639 points or 2.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Indian rupee saw a strong appreciation, rising to a three-week high of Rs 90.19 against the US dollar.

Nifty Smallcap and Nifty Midcap indices also surged around 3% in trade. The combined market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies increased to Rs 467.35 lakh crore from Rs 455 lakh crore in the previous session.

Among the sectors, all indices ended in the green. Nifty Realty index surged over 4%, Nifty Chemical, Pharma, and Consumer Durables indices also jumped more than 3% each. Further, Nifty Bank, Nifty Auto, Nifty Metal, Nifty PSU Bank also added between 2.5-3%.

On Nifty50, only 4 stocks ended in the red including Tech Mahindra (0.66%), Bharat Electronics (0.16%), and SBI Life Insurance (0.08%).

The top gainers included Adani Enterprises up by 10.40%, Adani Ports up by 9.12%, and Jio Financial Services up by 8.15%.

2,694 stocks advanced while over only 534 declined in trade today on the NSE. Meanwhile, 90 remained unchanged.

Around 58 stocks hit their 52-week highs while 68 stocks hit their 52-week lows in intraday trade on the NSE.

Those hitting highs were eClerx Services, Sundaram Finance, Ashok Leyland, JSPL, SBI, Nestle India while lows included Rainbow Children’s Medicare, Saregama India, and Reliance Infra.

JP Morgan reiterated its 2026-end target of 30,000 for Indian benchmark index Nifty 50 after India-US trade deal. This marks a rise of nearly 20 percent (4,922 points) from the previous closing level of 25,088.40.

“A comprehensive bilateral agreement may lead to increased foreign investment, a stronger rupee, and improved earnings visibility for export-oriented sectors,” JP Morgan said.

India and the United States have finalised a long-awaited trade deal after nearly a year of prolonged negotiations and multiple rounds of talks lowering tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 18%.

As per a PMO statement, PM Modi spoke to President Trump, and thanked President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for the wonderful announcement of reducing tariffs on Indian products to 18%.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had confirmed the deal in a post on social media platform X saying, “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Donald Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent.”

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway with India facing the United States of America in the tournament opener, but it is Group A that immediately stands out as one of the most consequential pools of the competition.

There is a strong sense of déjà vu attached to the group, with India, Pakistan and the United States drawn together once again, mirroring the alignment from the previous edition of the tournament. The memory of that grouping remains fresh, particularly the shock result in 2024 when co-hosts USA stunned Pakistan, altering the complexion of the Super Eight race and reinforcing the unpredictability of the shortest format.

India enter the tournament as one of the most popular picks to lift the trophy, buoyed by a remarkable run of form over the past two years. Since October 2023, India have won 48 of their last 56 T20 Internationals, a stretch defined not just by results but by consistency in approach.

That momentum carried into the World Cup build-up, with India producing another dominant series victory against New Zealand, underlining their status as the team to beat.

What has set India apart during this phase is their ability to maintain control in a format renowned for volatility. The foundation has been the country’s deep and diverse talent pool, but equally important has been a clear philosophical shift embraced across the squad.

India have committed to an ultra-aggressive batting template, particularly at the top of the order, and the collective buy-in to that approach has allowed them to dictate terms more often than not.

Rather than relying on individual brilliance, India’s success has stemmed from role clarity and intent. The emphasis is firmly on maximising the Powerplay, taking calculated risks early and applying scoreboard pressure from the outset. The results suggest the strategy has not only been embraced, but refined.

One player who could define India’s Group A campaign is Abhishek Sharma. The 25-year-old arrives as the ICC’s top-ranked T20I batter and is widely regarded as the most destructive Powerplay batter in the competition. His role is central to India’s aggressive blueprint, with the left-hander tasked with exploiting the fielding restrictions and setting the tone from the very first over.

Abhishek embodies India’s tactical shift better than anyone in the squad. Empowered to attack from ball one, he combines clean striking with smart shot selection, making him particularly dangerous in the opening six overs. With India’s entire top order encouraged to play on the front foot, Abhishek’s ability to dominate early exchanges could prove decisive as the tournament unfolds.

Beyond form and strategy, India are also chasing history. No team has successfully defended the T20 World Cup title, and India will be looking to become the first to achieve back-to-back triumphs in the tournament’s history. Doing so, however, will require navigating a tricky Group A that offers little margin for error.

Alongside India and Pakistan, the group features the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, all sides capable of disrupting the traditional hierarchy. The USA, in particular, have already demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion on the global stage, while the Netherlands and Namibia bring experience and discipline that can trouble higher-ranked teams in short bursts.

As past editions have shown, the T20 World Cup rarely follows a script, and Group A promises to test even the strongest contenders from the outset.

Group A Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh

USA: Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane

Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo. Reserve: Alexander Volschenk

Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Actor Adarsh Gourav is expanding his creative repertoire with his upcoming film Tu Ya Main, where he makes his solo playback singing debut by lending his voice to a rap track titled Jee Liye.

 

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Known for his immersive performances on screen, Adarsh now brings the same intensity to music, treating it as an extension of storytelling rather than a standalone experiment.

Also Read: Adarsh Gourav on ‘Tu Yaa Main’: “These films aren’t just performances, they’re experiences”

When Music Becomes Part of the Character

For Adarsh, performance goes beyond dialogues and physicality. In Tu Ya Main, music plays a narrative role, helping convey emotions and inner conflicts that words alone cannot capture.

His decision to sing for the film stems from this belief that rhythm and voice can push a story forward just as powerfully as a scene.

The rap track Jee Liye has been co-composed and produced by Aditya Narayan, with lyrics penned by Chakori Dwivedi. Rather than aiming for polish, the song embraces a raw, honest sound that mirrors the emotional state of the character.

 

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‘Rap Felt Like the Character’s Natural Language’

Speaking about the experience, Adarsh shared that music has always been deeply personal to him. “Music isn’t separate from acting for me. It’s about understanding emotion, rhythm, and character.

When ‘Tu Ya Main’ came to me, the idea of the character expressing herself through rap felt organic,” he said.

He added that the process wasn’t about becoming a singer, but about allowing the character to communicate in the most authentic way possible.

Raw, Imperfect, and Honest

Elaborating further, Adarsh explained how rap allowed him to explore multiple emotional layers at once, confusion, vulnerability, anger, and truth.

“Recording the track felt as intense as performing a scene. I wanted the voice to sound real, slightly imperfect, because that’s who the character is,” he noted.

The actor described the experience as both intimidating and deeply fulfilling, calling it a step into an entirely new creative space.

A New Chapter in Creative Expression

With Tu Ya Main, Adarsh Gourav proves once again that he’s willing to push boundaries, not just as an actor, but as a storyteller. His foray into playback singing adds a new dimension to his performance, reinforcing his belief that music, when used right, can speak louder than words.

Also Read: ‘Tu Yaa Main’ teaser: Adarsh Gourav, Shanaya Kapoor’s fun collaboration takes terrifying turn; release date out

Setting a compelling example of youth leadership, empathy and social commitment, Tricity-based teenager Shaina Mittal has donated the proceeds from a fundraiser organised by her to Vatsal Chaya Trust, a non-governmental organisation working in the field of mental health and social empowerment. The donation was made at the Trust’s Panchkula office.

The amount of Rs 1 lakh, contributed by the 18-year-old, will be utilised for promoting mental health awareness under the NGO’s ‘Sakushal Project.’

While handing over the contribution, Shaina underlined that success acquires real meaning only when it contributes to the larger welfare of society. “I had promised that the profits from my fundraiser would be donated to Vatsal Chaya Trust for the ‘Sakushal Project’. I am happy that I have been able to honour the commitment I made,” she said.

Shaina said that the initiative was deeply inspired by her personal experiences while studying in the United States. She revealed that after grappling with feelings of loneliness and anxiety, she chose to return to Chandigarh and channel her experiences into a positive purpose by establishing her event management venture, Reveliq Events.

“Today’s youth are deeply immersed in social media and fast-paced lifestyles, where the pressure for instant gratification often overshadows values like patience, resilience, and perseverance. In such times, open and honest conversations around mental well-being have become the need of the hour,” she observed.

Shaina further informed that under the ‘Sakushal Project,’ she will work closely with Vatsal Chaya Trust founder Sangeeta Vardhan to organise a year-long series of podcasts, webinars, and mental health awareness sessions. These programmes will be conducted both online and offline across schools and colleges.

Through the ‘Sakushal’ initiative, Vatsal Chaya Trust seeks to strengthen emotional intelligence, mental resilience, and positive thinking among the youth. The Trust is a registered, pan-India non-profit organisation working extensively to empower underprivileged urban children and women, enabling them to break free from exploitative and inhumane circumstances.

Samajwadi Party (SP) National President Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of hatching a “deep conspiracy” to remove more than one crore voters from the electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh by misusing Form-7 under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Addressing a press conference at the SP state headquarters in Lucknow, Akhilesh alleged that the BJP was preparing to delete the names of voters belonging to the PDA community—Pichhda (Backward Classes), Dalit and Alpsankhyak (Minorities), particularly Muslims—on the basis of fake complaints submitted through illegally printed Form-7 documents.

He claimed that constituency-wise voter lists had been circulated through pen drives in the form of Excel sheets and asserted that a plan was underway to remove around 1 crore 99 thousand 710 voters from the rolls. “The vote is the biggest weapon in a democracy. The Election Commission of India must ensure a fair and transparent process,” he said.

Akhilesh Yadav said complaints related to Form-7 were pouring in from across the state, forcing him to leave the ongoing Lok Sabha session and return to Lucknow to address the issue. Reiterating his charge, he remarked that if the Election Commission failed to act impartially, it should “hoist the BJP flag on its building.”

Displaying a large number of filled Form-7 forms before the media, the SP chief demanded strict verification measures. He said that downloaded forms must be properly verified, every physical Form-7 should carry the Election Commission’s hologram, and CCTV footage of Form-7 submissions should be examined. He also called for action under the Representation of the People Act against anyone found guilty.

The SP leader alleged collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission, claiming that a senior IAS officer posted in the Chief Minister’s Office was pressuring Divisional Commissioners and District Magistrates to delete the names of PDA voters, especially Muslims, from the electoral rolls. “When the same administration is in power, where will people get justice,” he asked.

Raising specific instances, Akhilesh Yadav referred to Sultanpur, where the vote of a Muslim Booth Level Officer (BLO) was allegedly removed. He also claimed that when voters demanded the electoral rolls after discovering their names missing, they were misleadingly shown lists of the State Election Commission instead of the Election Commission of India.

Former MLA Yogesh Verma, who was present at the press conference, said that the pen drive contained complete details of affected voters. He claimed that 6,321 votes had been removed from the voter list in the Colonelganj Assembly constituency alone.

Citing more examples, Akhilesh Yadav said that in Lucknow’s Sarojini Nagar constituency, over 100 Form-7 applications were filed in the name of a single complainant, Dashrath. Similarly, in Jaisinghpur constituency, multiple complaints were filed in the name of one Nandlal. “The entire form is filled in English, while Nandlal is illiterate and uses a thumb impression. Yet, there is a signature on the form,” he said, terming it clear evidence of forgery.

The SP president alleged that ever since the BJP’s setback in the Lok Sabha elections, it had begun preparing to delete the names of Muslim voters who support the Samajwadi Party. “A power-hungry BJP can go to any extent,” he alleged.

Appealing to PDA voters, Akhilesh Yadav urged them to gather documentary evidence and deploy volunteers at every polling booth. “Not a single vote should be removed,” he said.

He also issued a strong warning, stating that if people’s names were deleted from the voter list, it could later be used to deny them government welfare schemes, evict them from their homes, or even question their citizenship. “People must remain alert and cautious,” he added.

Even as government sources asserted “zero compromise” on farmers’ interests in the just-inked India–US trade deal, insisting that “India’s agriculture and dairy sector will be protected,” the development sparked massive political backlash, with the opposition mounting a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The allegations ranged from “selling the country under US’ pressure” to “backstabbing farmers by opening markets to subsidised US agricultural imports.”

At the centre of the controversy was a social media post by US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, thanking President Donald Trump for “delivering” for American farmers through the India–US trade deal. After Trump slashed tariffs on India from 50 per cent to 18 per cent under the agreement, Rollins said the trade deal would improve access for American farm products to “India’s massive market.”

Coming amid farmers’ concerns over a possible surge in imports into India of US farm products—especially when Washington is considered one of the world’s largest agricultural subsidisers—Rollen’s reaction was seen as indicating “free access to the Indian market in the interest of farmers and rural economy of USA,” according to agriculture expert Professor Sudhir Panwar. “It would be difficult for Indian farmers to compete with cheap imports from the US, specifically heavily subsidised corn, soya beans, cotton, milk and dairy, nuts and other processed food items,” he added.

“Thank you @POTUS for ONCE AGAIN delivering for our American farmers. New US-India deal will export more American farm products to India’s massive market, lifting prices, and pumping cash into rural America.

“In 2024, America’s agricultural trade deficit with India was $1.3 billion. India’s growing population is an important market for American agricultural products and today’s deal will go a long way to reducing this deficit,” the US agriculture secretary wrote.

According to Panwar, “US Secretary’s reaction to the US-India deal expressed that US agriculture products will get free access to the Indian market in the interest of farmers and the rural economy of the USA.”

He also called “silence” on the part of the Modi government was “baffling” because of the potential impact of the deal on nearly 50 per cent of India’s population engaged in agriculture.

“The Modi government has been systematically withdrawing subsidies on farm inputs such as diesel, fertiliser and power, and that the 2026–27 Budget slashed agriculture budget share, farm subsidies, allocations for agricultural research, and the price stabilisation fund,” Panwar said, warning “tax-free agricultural imports from the US could severely damage Indian farmers’ incomes.”

Opposition leaders across parties slammed the Centre, claiming that the deal “compromised economic policy and foreign relations by agreeing to reduced tariffs without fully protecting Indian farmers from cheaper US imports.” They warned that subsidised American agricultural products could flood Indian markets, undercut local prices, and hurt small farmers unable to compete with US agribusiness.

Russia on Tuesday said it respects the bilateral relationship between the US and India, but it has not received any communication from New Delhi regarding US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

“So far, we haven’t heard any statements from New Delhi on this matter,” AFP quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Peskov reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Russia and India.

“We respect bilateral US-Indian relations. But we attach no less importance to the development of an advanced strategic partnership between Russia and India. This is the most important thing for us, and we intend to further develop our bilateral relations with Delhi,” he said.

The Kremlin’s response came hours after US President Trump announced a trade deal with India and reduced the tariffs on Indian goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.

Trump also claimed that PM Modi has assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil and purchase more from the US and Venezuela.

India-US deal sparks massive political storm, Gandhi hits out at PM Modi

“He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!” he said.

Trump stated that they have agreed to a trade deal between the United States and India, following which the US will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.

The White House separately confirmed that the additional 25 per cent penalty for purchasing Russian oil will also be dropped.

This will reduce the total US tariffs on Indian goods entering the American territory from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.

PM Modi confirmed the development and thanked President Trump for the announcement.

“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,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that India and the US working together will benefit the people of the two countries and unlock the “immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday chaired the 43rd meeting of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) at the National Zoological Park, New Delhi.

In a social media post on ‘X’, the minister informed that issues related to ex-situ conservation and the management of zoos across the country were deliberated in detail during the meeting. He said that directions were also issued to complete the second round of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of zoos across the country.

Significant decisions taken at the meeting included the constitution of a sub-committee to examine and report on the potential of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions for zoos and an enhanced frequency of CZA meetings henceforth, in line with the meetings of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife.

Yadav also highlighted in the meeting that the MEE of zoos is an evidence-based, comprehensive, holistic and independent exercise that encourages the maintenance of the highest standards in zoos across the country.

It was noted that one of the objectives envisaged in the National Policy on Zoos is to inspire empathy for wild animals among zoo visitors and to promote understanding and awareness about the need for conservation of natural resources and maintenance of ecological balance. To achieve this, it was emphasised that outreach activities of zoos should be enhanced through the preparation of an annual calendar and action plan for the observance of important days, along with species-wise assignment of roles to zoos in this regard.

The Central Zoo Authority, a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, also celebrated its 34th Foundation Day on Tuesday at the National Zoological Park, New Delhi. The event coincided with the Chief Wildlife Warden and Zoo Directors’ Conference, providing a common platform for discussions related to zoo management and wildlife conservation.

During the Inaugural Session of the event, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said that a zoo is not just a display centre where people come to see animals. It is also a major opportunity for researchers and scientists to learn more about animal behaviour, animal care and to evolve better medical care methods. “We are taking care of poor, defenceless animals here, and we really need to be very sensitive to what all can be done,” he said.

The day-long conference brought together perspectives from policy, practice, science, and administration. The sessions scheduled during the day focused on contemporary issues and opportunities, including modern zoo management, conservation breeding, veterinary care, animal nutrition, sustainability, and the One Health approach. The deliberations highlighted the interconnected well-being of animals, ecosystems and human communities, reinforcing the importance of coordinated and informed action in wildlife conservation.

Bank of Baroda has strengthened its customer experience with the inauguration of its renovated Delhi Cantonment Branch.

The renovation reflects the bank’s continued commitment to enhancing customer experience through modern infrastructure and improved banking facilities.

As of 31st December 2025, the South Delhi region comprises 47 branches out of a total of 290 branches in the New Delhi Zone and accounts for a business volume of Rs 43,170 crore out of the zone’s total business of Rs 1,19,148 crore.

On Monday, the renovated Delhi Cantonment Branch of the South Delhi Region, New Delhi Zone, was inaugurated by the Bank’s Executive Director, Lal Singh, in the presence of M. V. S. Sudhakar, General Manager & Zonal Head, Dilip Mansingh, Deputy General Manager – Compliance & Assurance; Arvind Kumar Pandey, Deputy General Manager – Business Development; Samir Ojha, Deputy General Manager & Regional Head, South Delhi Region and Regional Heads of other regions of the New Delhi Zone.

Founded on 20th July, 1908 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Bank of Baroda is one of the leading commercial banks in India. At 63.97% stake, it is majorly owned by the Government of India.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the reduction of tariffs on Indian goods by the United States, saying the move is expected to significantly benefit many exporters from the region and across the country.

Omar told reporters, “With the reduction of tariffs our exports will benefit. This is a good step because many of our exporters were facing a lot of difficulties. Some of them were apprehensive whether they would be in a position to continue their businesses. Now that the tariffs have been reduced, it is hoped that their business will flourish again”.

He said the “hiked tariffs were very heavy for us. We know very well why the tariff was imposed. The US President was not happy that we were buying oil from Russia”.

He linked the reduction of the US tariffs to the announcement of US President Donald Trump that India has stopped buying oil from Russia. However, the government of India has so far not issued a formal statement on the issue, he said.

Omar said, “If we have stopped buying oil from Russia where will we now buy oil from? Will buying oil from the US increase the price of petrol and diesel? We will have to wait and watch”.

Commenting on Pakistan’s announcement of not playing a cricket match with India, Omar said that the media should not present the India-Pakistan matches as a war. “When there is a match between India and Pakistan, you present it as a war. You never cover it like a normal sport. When we play against other countries, you don’t take notice of it. When we play against Pakistan, it is presented in a big way”.

“I have always said that when we combine sports and politics, this is what happens. We have stopped differentiating between sports and politics”, he added.

At a time when nations across the world are grappling with rising energy demand, climate change, and dependence on fossil fuel imports, India has reinforced its commitment to sustainable energy use with the launch of SAKSHAM-2026, a fortnight-long fuel conservation campaign.

The inaugural programme of SAKSHAM-2026 was held at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan in Chandigarh, marking the beginning of coordinated awareness activities from February 1 to February 15, 2026. The campaign aims to promote responsible consumption of petroleum products and natural gas, aligning India’s domestic efforts with global calls for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary-cum-Secretary Transport, Chandigarh Administration, was present at the event. The campaign will be implemented across Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, reaching diverse sections of society, including students, households, transport operators, farmers and industrial stakeholders.

SAKSHAM-2026 is being jointly organised by the State Level Coordinators of Oil Industry from Punjab and Chandigarh. Key coordinators include Ashutosh Gupta of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Sushant Goyal of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Akash Bhawan of Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Ramlal of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

During the programme, the message of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh was read out to the audience. The Governor said that petroleum and natural gas are invaluable national assets and that their conservation is vital for both economic stability and environmental sustainability. He stressed that judicious energy use is central to achieving long-term growth while addressing global climate challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Diprava Lakra highlighted the strategic importance of reducing fuel consumption in a country that imports a significant portion of its energy needs. He called upon students and citizens to adopt fuel-efficient habits, noting that conservation directly contributes to reducing import dependence and preserving foreign exchange, an issue of growing relevance amid global economic uncertainties.

Ashutosh Gupta also appealed to school children, media professionals and the general public to become ambassadors of fuel conservation. The programme included a collective pledge to conserve oil and petroleum, reinforcing the campaign’s people-centric approach. A street play was staged to creatively communicate the message of fuel efficiency, while a mobile awareness van bearing conservation slogans was flagged off to spread the message at the grassroots level.

The strong participation of students and citizens underscored a growing public awareness that energy conservation is not just a national priority but a global responsibility. By encouraging mindful consumption of petroleum resources, SAKSHAM-2026 seeks to contribute to energy security, environmental protection, and economic resilience, goals that resonate far beyond India’s borders in an increasingly interconnected world.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda on Tuesday said that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a major global manufacturing hub in the pharmaceutical sector, strengthening India’s leadership position in pharma and healthcare.

In a video message delivered at the Pharma Conclave here, Nadda said Uttar Pradesh is playing a crucial role in the entrepreneurship- and innovation-driven economy that India is building under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Highlighting the state’s growing industrial ecosystem, the Union Minister said several key initiatives are laying a strong foundation for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Uttar Pradesh.

“The Bulk Drug Pharma Park being developed in Lalitpur, the Medical Device Park in the Yamuna Expressway region, and the state’s Pharmaceutical Policy-2023 are collectively establishing Uttar Pradesh as a reliable and competitive manufacturing destination,” he said.

Nadda noted that improved connectivity, robust physical and digital infrastructure, availability of skilled human resources, and an investor-friendly policy environment have made Uttar Pradesh a preferred destination for pharmaceutical investments. These factors, he said, are attracting both domestic and global companies to set up manufacturing and research facilities in the state.

He further said that the central government’s long-term policy vision, combined with the proactive efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government at the ground level, is accelerating the state’s transformation into a global centre for pharma and biopharma manufacturing. According to him, this coordinated approach is not only boosting industrial growth but also creating employment opportunities and strengthening healthcare supply chains.

The Union Minister emphasised that India’s pharmaceutical sector has gained global recognition for quality, affordability and reliability, and states like Uttar Pradesh are now becoming key contributors to this success story. “With sustained policy support and industry participation, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to become a global benchmark in pharmaceutical manufacturing,” he added.

The Pharma Conclave brought together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities, innovation, and the future roadmap for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in the state.