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India and U.S. Announce Tariff Reduction Deal Amid Strategic Questions
IndiaUsaTradeDiplomacyEconomy

India and U.S. Announce Tariff Reduction Deal Amid Strategic Questions

India and the United States have reached a trade agreement to reduce reciprocal tariffs to 18%, down from 25%. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump confirmed the deal following a telephone discussion, coinciding with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Washington. While the Indian government hails the move as a historic milestone for 'Make in India' and economic growth, several strategic details remain unconfirmed. President Trump claimed India agreed to stop Russian oil imports and purchase $500 billion in American goods, assertions New Delhi has not yet verified. The opposition Congress party has criticized the agreement, labeling it a 'capitulation' to U.S. pressure. Key questions persist regarding agricultural market access and the finalized text of the Free Trade Agreement.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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Next Phase for Rural Women Entrepreneurship Focuses on Cluster Revitalization
WomenRuralEconomy

Next Phase for Rural Women Entrepreneurship Focuses on Cluster Revitalization

As the DAY-NRLM program enters its 2026-2031 cycle, the focus is shifting toward revitalizing Cluster-Level Federations for rural women. Having successfully mobilized 10 crore households into Self-Help Groups, the program now aims to transition over two crore 'Lakhpati Didis' into scalable entrepreneurial ventures. Future strategies include establishing individual credit histories for larger loans and exploring venture capital. There is also a call for a national branding and marketing vertical to handle SHG product logistics.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Positive
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Intense Parliamentary Debates Over National Security, Economic Policy, and Governance
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Intense Parliamentary Debates Over National Security, Economic Policy, and Governance

The ongoing parliamentary session has been marked by sharp exchanges between the ruling NDA and opposition parties regarding national security and social welfare. Union Ministers defended the government's record, citing the transition to a top-four global economy and transparent governance compared to previous eras. However, opposition members in the Rajya Sabha slammed the President's address, arguing it ignored rural distress, fertilizer shortages, and rising human-wildlife conflicts. A major flashpoint occurred over the 2017 Doklam standoff, with the BJP accusing Rahul Gandhi of misleading the public. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the mass renunciation of Indian citizenship and agricultural procurement failures in states like Odisha. While the government presents a roadmap for 2047, the opposition characterizes their stance as 'denial and distraction.'

February 3, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Negative
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India Navigates Regional Turbulence and National Security Challenges in 2026
SecurityChinaPakistan

India Navigates Regional Turbulence and National Security Challenges in 2026

India's security landscape in 2026 is marked by a mix of internal stability and regional volatility. While left-wing extremism has decreased, instability in Bangladesh and China's infrastructure expansion along the LAC present ongoing threats. Analysts suggest India must maintain strategic autonomy while navigating a cooling security relationship with the U.S. and aggressive postures from neighbors. The year is expected to require a delicate balance of military readiness and sophisticated diplomatic navigation.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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Vaiko Criticizes Union Budget, Targets PM Modi's Branding
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Vaiko Criticizes Union Budget, Targets PM Modi's Branding

MDMK general secretary Vaiko has expressed disappointment with the Union Budget, claiming it lacks specific funds for Tamil Nadu. Speaking in Coimbatore, Vaiko alleged that while Prime Minister Modi is adept at personal branding, he lacks a strong reputation among ordinary citizens. He further noted that the budget fails to distribute national growth benefits effectively across all society sections. Vaiko also mentioned forming a committee for seat-sharing talks with the DMK alliance.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Negative
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Centre Intervenes in Indore Water Contamination Crisis
IndoreHealthParliament

Centre Intervenes in Indore Water Contamination Crisis

The Union government is addressing severe water contamination in Indore’s Bhagirath Pura area through the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. Minister Tokhan Sahu informed the Rajya Sabha that aging pipelines from 1997 are being replaced following reports of deaths due to waterborne diseases. The Centre is providing financial and technical support to overhaul the city's sewerage and supply infrastructure, while decommissioned polluted tubewells aim to prevent further health risks.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Congress Maps 70 Seats for Upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
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Congress Maps 70 Seats for Upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

The Congress party has identified 70 constituencies to contest in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While maintaining its alliance with the DMK, the party seeks to strengthen its presence in southern districts to counter the BJP. Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit the state in late February to finalize electoral strategies and campaign details. Although the DMK remains firm against power-sharing, seat allotment discussions are currently ongoing. Local Congress leadership is focusing on building ground-level structures, including booth committees. This proactive mapping marks the early stage of the party's intensive poll preparations in the state.

February 2, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
4.6-Magnitude Earthquake Tremors Felt in Kashmir Valley
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4.6-Magnitude Earthquake Tremors Felt in Kashmir Valley

A 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir early on February 2, 2026. The seismic event occurred at 5:35 a.m. with the epicenter located in the Pattan area, causing brief panic among local residents. Tremors were felt across various parts of the valley, but no immediate casualties or significant property damage have been reported. Disaster management teams are currently monitoring the sensitive Himalayan region for potential aftershocks. Officials are continuing to assess impact in remote villages to ensure public safety. Residents have been advised to stay alert as the region remains prone to frequent seismic activity.

February 2, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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Delhi Records Colder Start to February with Deteriorating Air Quality
DelhiWeatherPollution

Delhi Records Colder Start to February with Deteriorating Air Quality

Delhi experienced a colder start to February 2026 compared to last year, with a maximum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius. While slightly above the seasonal average, the minimum temperature at Safdarjung was recorded at 12.1 degrees Celsius. Despite the cool weather, air quality in the capital deteriorated into the 'poor' category with an average AQI of 265. Weather officials predict moderate fog and warmer afternoons in the coming days as winter conditions gradually recede. Meanwhile, neighboring northern states have seen fresh snowfall and rain. The IMD predicts below-average rainfall for northwest India this month.

February 2, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Rajnath Singh Praises Coast Guard Success and Urges 2047 Vision
DefenceCoastguardSecurity

Rajnath Singh Praises Coast Guard Success and Urges 2047 Vision

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the Indian Coast Guard's 50th Raising Day, highlighting the success of 'Operation Sindoor'. He praised the force's evolution from seven platforms in 1977 to a modern fleet of 155 ships. Singh urged the ICG to develop a 25-year roadmap to align with the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal. The maritime force aims to expand its fleet to 200 ships and 100 aircraft by 2030. The event also included the unveiling of a commemorative stamp and a golden jubilee logo. Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu extended their greetings to the personnel for their commitment to maritime security.

February 2, 2026•1 min read•
Sentiment: Positive
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)