Prime Minister Modi Celebrates Cultural Bonds with Indian Diaspora During Malaysia Visit
During his two-day official visit to Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged extensively with the vibrant Indian diaspora community, emphasizing the profound cultural and emotional connections between India and Malaysia. The Prime Minister praised the diaspora for acting as a "living bridge" that preserves traditions and fosters bilateral relations.
Highlighting Malaysia's substantial Indian-origin population, PM Modi underscored the global significance of Tamil language and culture. He fondly recalled his longstanding friendship with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, sharing personal anecdotes about cultural exchanges that have enriched both nations through Indian cinema, music, and shared heritage.
India and United States Finalize Interim Trade Framework Agreement
India and the United States have reached a significant milestone with their agreement on an interim trade framework designed to reduce tariffs, expand market access, and lay groundwork for a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement. This pact represents a strategic effort to ease longstanding trade tensions between the two economic powers.
The framework includes substantial tariff reductions on Indian manufacturing exports and American industrial goods, while providing limited access for agricultural products with protections for sensitive staples and dairy sectors. The agreement comprehensively addresses multiple critical sectors including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles, aircraft, technology, and digital trade.
United States Lifts Additional Tariffs on Indian Imports
In a major development, United States President Donald Trump has officially lifted the additional 25% tariff on Indian imports that was previously imposed over India's purchases of Russian oil. This decision, effective February 7, forms an integral component of the broader interim trade framework between the two nations.
Under the new arrangement, US tariffs on Indian goods will decrease substantially from 50% to 18%, while India has committed to reducing or eliminating tariffs on American industrial products and certain agricultural goods. Additionally, India has agreed to purchase approximately $500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft, technology goods, and coking coal over a five-year period.
The framework establishes monitoring mechanisms for India's Russian oil imports, with provisions allowing the US Secretary of Commerce to recommend reinstating the 25% tariff should imports resume at concerning levels.
Opposition Leaders Voice Strong Criticism of Trade Agreement
Opposition leaders have launched sharp criticism against the India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework, accusing the government of compromising national interests and potentially harming vulnerable sectors. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala warned that imports of American corn, soybeans, sorghum, fruits, nuts, and processed products could adversely impact India's 720 million farmers.
Pawan Khera of the Congress party accused the government of undermining India's diplomatic standing, characterizing the deal as a "surrender" rather than a diplomatic achievement. RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha questioned the reduction of tariffs from 50% to 18%, calling the presentation misleading and warning of potential public unrest once the agreement's full effects become apparent to citizens.
Ghaziabad Police Uncover Complex Family Dynamics in Sisters' Suicide Case
Ghaziabad police have intensified their investigation into the tragic deaths of three minor sisters who allegedly jumped from the ninth floor of their residential building. Investigators reveal the girls experienced significant emotional distress after their father, Chetan Kumar, confiscated and sold their mobile phones due to concerns about their interest in Korean culture and online gaming.
Authorities are currently tracing the phones' IMEI numbers to recover crucial data and verify these claims. The case has grown increasingly complex with revelations that Kumar had a live-in partner who died under suspicious circumstances in 2015, coupled with questions surrounding his three-wife family structure. Police have conducted extended questioning of Kumar and other family members as they piece together the family dynamics that may have contributed to this tragedy.
