Natioanal

New Delhi: The recent trade deal between India and the United States was not merely a commercial concession. Reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% reflects India’s growing diplomatic leverage, multilateral engagement, and central role in global power dynamics. While the move provides immediate relief to Indian exporters, it also carries conditions regarding energy imports and tariff adjustments. Strategic SignificanceThe decision comes at a moment when India has finalized its landmark trade agreement with the European Union, assumed the BRICS chairmanship, and strengthened strategic cooperation with the U.S. in forums like QUAD. These developments left the Trump administration with no choice but to recognize India not just as a rising market, but as an indispensable strategic par...

New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has once again intensified his attack on the Modi government, citing claims from a book authored by former Army Chief General M. M. Naravane. The statements, made in Parliament on Wednesday, have stirred political debate and raised tensions in the House. Referring to Naravane’s book, Rahul Gandhi alleged that during the 2020 India-China border conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the then Army Chief, “Do what you think is right.” Rahul Gandhi said that if the Prime Minister attends Parliament, he intends to personally present him with the book so that he can read it and the nation can know the truth. “I don’t think the Prime Minister will have the courage to come today. But if he does, I will ...

A tense exchange unfolded outside the Parliament on Wednesday as Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu engaged in a heated argument. The confrontation occurred amid a Congress protest at the Parliament gates, with Gandhi referring to Bittu as his “traitor friend,” while Bittu shot back by calling him an “enemy of the nation.” The IncidentAccording to news agency ANI, the clash happened near the Makara Gate, where protesting Congress MPs had gathered. As Bittu walked past the demonstrators, Rahul Gandhi gestured toward him and extended a hand, saying, “Greetings, my traitor friend. Don’t worry, you will come back [to Congress].” In response, Union Minister Bittu refused the handshake and countered, calling Gandhi an “enemy of the nation,” leading to a verb...

Over the past ten months, U.S. President Donald Trump had consistently strained relations with India. Yet, through meticulous groundwork by ministers, diplomats, lawmakers, and officials from both nations, Trump was ultimately compelled to agree to the Indo-US trade deal. A Surprise Announcement That Shocked the WorldTrump’s sudden phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing the reduction of tariffs to 18% and the trade agreement, took the global community by surprise. Since Operation Sindur, Trump had repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with India, even while touting ceasefire initiatives between India and Pakistan. Despite imposing a 50% tariff, he continued lobbying with U.S. lawmakers, sometimes pushing for even higher tariffs. The question remains: was the trade deal a ...

He was just three months old when he first arrived among uniformed personnel. He knew nothing of borders or explosives. Today, “Remo” (name changed) is one of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police’s (ITBP) elite combat dogs, trained to treat the detection of explosives like a game. His story reflects the journey of hundreds of military working dogs taught, through patience and play, to outsmart danger. Nine Months to Build an Explosives ExpertAccording to his handler, Remo’s first deployment was in a Maoist-affected region of Chhattisgarh, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) buried underground pose constant threats to security forces. “Remo cleared paths for us multiple times with his sharp sense of smell,” the handler said. It took nine months of intensive training to turn him into a sk...

The recently concluded India-US trade deal offers an opportunity to reset bilateral relations, but questions remain about whether it will ensure long-term stability between the two countries. While the agreement has strategic importance and addresses immediate trade concerns, several underlying challenges persist. Strategic and Diplomatic HurdlesThe deal removes a pressing trade obstacle, helping India maintain cooperation with one of its key strategic partners. However, tensions between India and the U.S. have extended beyond tariffs and trade since Donald Trump assumed the presidency. Other geopolitical issues continue to require careful management. 1. India-Pakistan RelationsOne major concern is U.S. policy toward India’s neighbor, Pakistan. Trump strengthened ties with Pakistan, ...

A startling new government report shows that more than half of the inmates in Delhi’s prisons are under the age of 30, highlighting the growing involvement of youth in criminal activities. Youth Dominance in PrisonsOut of 18,969 prisoners across the capital’s 16 correctional facilities, 9,434 inmates (approximately 50%) are aged 21 to 30. The next largest group, 7,222 prisoners, fall in the 31–50 age bracket, while 1,104 inmates are between 18 and 20 years old. Overall, more than 55% of Delhi’s prison population is under 30, and 70% are below 50. Only 167 inmates are aged 65 or above. Nationality and Gender BreakdownThe vast majority of prisoners, 18,248 or 96%, are Indian citizens. The remaining are foreign nationals, many facing charges related to drug offenses. Alarmingly, 16,512 ...

While the Indian government hails the recent India-US trade deal as a major achievement, opposition parties continue to raise questions about its details. Here’s what is currently known and what remains uncertain. Key Provisions of the DealU.S. President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S. will drop from 50% to 18%. Commerce and Agriculture Minister Piyush Goyal clarified that sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy, will remain protected. Implementation TimelineTrump indicated that the 18% tariff reduction would take effect immediately, but formal government orders are still required under U.S. regulations. According to Indian officials, technical teams from both countries are finalizing the details. A joint statement will clarify the offi...

India is facing a looming public health challenge as experts warn that the number of cancer patients could increase sharply over the next two decades. Currently, around 1.5 million new cancer cases are reported each year, but by 2045, this number is projected to reach 2.5 million. Health specialists emphasize that combating this rise will require a multi-pronged approach, including prevention, early detection, affordable treatment, and emotional support for patients. Early Detection and Prevention KeyThe warning came from the Indian Cancer Society (ICS), Delhi, during a media briefing on World Cancer Day. The experts highlighted that while the Union Budget 2026-27 includes customs duty exemptions on certain cancer drugs and measures to promote domestic biopharma production, reducing dru...

The recently concluded India-US trade deal has delivered a major blow to China, tipping the balance decisively in India’s favor. With the agreement now in effect, several sectors in China face heightened challenges, while India stands to gain a significant competitive edge. Trade Deal Shifts Advantage to IndiaWhile U.S. President Donald Trump had kept India entangled in tariff and ceasefire negotiations for nearly ten months, the final trade agreement caught China by surprise. The deal provides India with a clear path to outperform China in trade with the United States. The benefits extend beyond the reduction of tariffs from 50% to 18%—China now faces doubled challenges in sectors where it had previously enjoyed advantages. Earlier, despite high tariffs, China maintained a relativel...