Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed confidence that US-Ukraine relations can be repaired following an intense diplomatic confrontation with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Speaking from London after a European security summit, Zelensky emphasized the need for closed-door discussions and reaffirmed his stance that Ukraine would not concede any territory to Russia in exchange for peace.Zelensky’s remarks came just days after his tense meeting with Trump and

The Indian government is working on refining the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to increase local value addition and export-driven growth in key industries. While the scheme has successfully attracted investment across multiple sectors, officials believe that further improvements are needed to address import dependency and enhance India's global manufacturing competitiveness.Since its launch in April 2020, the PLI scheme has been instrumental in drawing substantial investments i

India and the European Union (EU) have set a year-end deadline to finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA), marking a crucial milestone in their bilateral trade relations. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in New Delhi to strengthen India-EU economic and strategic ties.The trade agreement, under negotiation for several years, aims to expand economic cooperation, boost trade, and enhance market access b

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been accused of sending over $2 billion in aid to Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, raising concerns over how U.S. foreign aid is allocated. The claims were presented during a House Committee hearing on USAID’s financial practices, bringing renewed scrutiny to the agency’s funding policies.   Additionally, reports suggest that USAID provided financial assistance to Falah-e-In

The World Bank has advised India to lower import tariffs, ease regulatory restrictions, and simplify trade processes to enhance its global trade competitiveness and attract foreign investment. In a report released on Friday titled the Economic Memorandum on India, the World Bank highlighted that high trade costs caused by import tariffs on intermediate and capital goods, as well as non-tariff barriers, are limiting India's participation in global value chains (GVCs).The report emphasized

Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his decision to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and the European Union, tying them to border security concerns and trade imbalances. The tariffs, initially set for March 4, are now expected to take effect on April 2, giving businesses and trade partners a brief window to prepare.   Trump Links Tariffs to Fentanyl Crisis and Border Security During his first Cabinet mee

A federal judge in Maryland has issued an injunction against immigration enforcement in houses of worship, marking a significant legal victory for religious groups challenging the Trump administration’s revised deportation policy.The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chang, temporarily halts immigration operations targeting Quaker congregations, Baptist churches, and a Sikh temple, following a lawsuit that argues the policy change violates religious freedom.  

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched the Smart Pension Plan, designed to provide financial security for retirees through structured annuity payouts. The plan offers a range of annuity options, ensuring flexibility and stability for policyholders looking for a steady income after retirement. With multiple features tailored to meet the needs of individuals at different life stages, the Smart Pension Plan provides long-term financial support.The

Dallas interim police chief Michael Igo has reassured the public that the Dallas Police Department (DPD) does not engage in immigration enforcement. Speaking at a recent press conference, Igo emphasized that officers will not stop individuals solely to inquire about their immigration status. This reaffirmation aligns with the department’s long-standing policy of maintaining trust with the community, ensuring that residents feel safe interacting with law enfo

Trump's decision to halt New York City's congestion pricing program has led to a major legal dispute, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The congestion pricing plan, which went into effect on January 5, 2025, imposed a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The policy aimed to curb traffic congestion while generating much-needed funding for the city's public transpor

In the Erode East Assembly bypoll, a voter turnout of 67.97% was recorded, according to a press release from the office of the Information and Public Relations Officer of Erode district. The bypoll was held after the unfortunate demise of MLA and senior Congress leader EVKS Elangovan, necessitating the election. This voting percentage highlights a significant level of engagement from the electorate in the region.   After the polling concluded, all the Electronic Voting M

With the Modi government set to present its second full budget for the third term in power, the middle and lower-income groups across India are hopeful for key reforms that could alleviate their financial burdens. The anticipated reforms in Budget 2025 include tax relief measures, simplification of income tax laws, and a focus on financial literacy, insurance, and retirement savings. Key Expectations from Budget 2025 Insurance Sector Reforms:

The U.S. decision to withdraw from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) global tax deal, led by President Trump in his second term, could lead to significant shifts in the global tax landscape. However, according to tax expert Rakesh Nangia, India's tax policy will not be heavily impacted by this move. India had taken a more cautious approach toward implementing the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules and had not introduced substantial changes to it

Trump’s National Energy Emergency Declaration President-elect Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order declaring a national energy emergency to promote affordable and reliable energy in the U.S. Aiming to lower costs and boost domestic production, the measure would focus on removing regulations and promoting energy independence. Focus on Alaska’s Natural Resources Trump will also sign an executive order targeting Alas

Following the Indian cricket team’s defeat in the Test series against Australia, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has introduced a new  guidelines aimed at promoting discipline, team cohesion, and reducing the influence of 'star culture' within the team. These rules come after consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and are designed to ensure a more unif

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has made a remarkable achievement by registering over 1 crore members, a first in the party's history. The ongoing membership drive, which has seen a surge in registrations, has reached an impressive milestone of 1,00,20,065 members, with notable participation from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The drive gained momentum under the leadership of Nara Lokesh, who introduced an insurance policy offering a Rs 5 lakh coverage, adding significant value for

The ongoing battle between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), took a significant turn today with the Ministry of Home Affairs giving its nod for the prosecution of Kejriwal. This decision is connected to the ongoing money laundering case linked to the controversial Delhi excise policy. Earlier, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, had already granted permission for the prosecution of the former Delhi Chief Minister. T

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the controversial comments made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding the potential US acquisition of Greenland, stating that such an action is not realistic and urging the world not to waste time discussing it. Speaking in Paris during his farewell tour, Blinken stressed that the Biden administration's foreign policy focuses on maintaining strong alliances, with the belief that the US is more effective when working alongside its allies.

India's government is investigating rising steel imports, particularly in two categories of flat-rolled steel products (HS 7208 and 7210), which account for over 75% of the surge in imports. Instead of implementing global safeguards, experts suggest that India should focus on Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-specific safeguards and measures targeting China. Many imports come duty-free under FTAs with coun

The year 2024 was dramatic for the US, with President Joe Biden abandoning his reelection bid after a poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump. Trump, who had been absent from the White House for four years, made a triumphant return after defeating Kamala Harris in the presidential race. His comeback marks the first time since Grover Cleveland that a president has been evicted from the White House and returned four years later. While the Biden administration exits, the Indi