Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal defended the India-US trade deal Tuesday, stating India secured the "best possible" agreement compared to neighboring countries under PM Modi's leadership. Goyal explained the US announced tariff reductions first because they imposed reciprocal tariffs initially, which dropped from 50% to 18%. He emphasized agriculture and dairy sectors remain protected, countering Opposition claims that farmers' interests were compromised. Goyal highlighted benefits for MSMEs, textiles, IT, and leather sectors. He sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for "disgraceful behaviour" during Lok Sabha disruptions, preventing government presentations. Goyal credited Modi's personal relationship with President Trump for finalizing the deal after months of negotiations between both teams.

American tourist Charlie Evans sparked controversy after posting a video from Jaipur's Amber Fort calling Indians "lazy" and "out of shape" for resting during the 20-minute climb. The video, which garnered over 450,000 Instagram views, shows visitors stopping partway to rest, smoke, or drink beverages. Evans criticized them for not completing the climb despite paying entry fees. Social media reactions were mixed: some acknowledged fitness issues in India, while others condemned the remarks as stereotypical and culturally insensitive. Critics pointed to factors like age, health, weather, and steep terrain. Some users challenged Evans to visit hill states like Uttarakhand before making generalizations about Indians' fitness levels.

Indian-origin businessman Vikas Nath, 63, associated with fine-dining restaurants in London, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court for allegedly spiking a woman's drink at Annabel's nightclub in January 2024. Nath denies charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possessing a Class B drug, though he admits spiking the drink to "relax" the woman. CCTV footage captured him using a straw to transfer liquid from a hidden bottle into her cocktail. Staff replaced the drink and alerted police. Nath attempted to hide evidence by throwing the bottle containing gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a date-rape drug, into a toilet cistern. The trial is ongoing. (PC: The Tribune)

A magnitude 6 earthquake struck Myanmar's Yenangyaung on Tuesday evening at 9:04 pm local time, with strong tremors felt across Kolkata and several parts of Bangladesh. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the quake's epicenter was located 95 km west of Yenangyaung and 70 miles east of Akyab, originating at a depth of 57 km. This follows a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar in March last year near Sagaing, killing nearly 3,500 people and destroying buildings, bridges, and infrastructure across the country. Myanmar's economy and infrastructure remain severely damaged from years of internal conflict, with the military junta recently securing victory in January's general elections. (PC: X/@ANI)

Russia has not received any communication from India regarding stopping oil purchases, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Tuesday. His remarks come amid the India-US trade deal, which conditions the 18% tariff rate on India halting Russian oil imports. Peskov emphasized Russia's intention to continue developing bilateral relations with India in every possible way, according to Russian media reports. The statement highlights potential complications in the India-US agreement, as stopping Russian oil purchases was reportedly a key condition set by the Trump administration. India has been a major buyer of discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict began, and Moscow's response suggests ongoing diplomatic complexities regarding the trade deal's implementation. (PC: Reuters)

US Ambassador Sergio Gor, nicknamed "Mayor of Mar-a-Lago" for his proximity to President Trump, has emerged as the key figure behind the India-US trade deal within just one month of taking charge. The former DJ-turned-diplomat arrived in New Delhi on January 12 with a mission to restore warmth in bilateral ties. Gor maintained optimistic messaging, emphasized Trump-Modi friendship, and fast-tracked trade negotiations at the Chanakyapuri embassy complex. Analysts credit him for acting as a crucial bridge between Trump and India, helping reduce tariffs from 50% to 18%. His reputation as Trump's reliable foot soldier and trusted confidant proved instrumental in arresting the slide in relations. (PC: India Today)

India's agriculture and dairy sectors have been protected in the recent India-US trade deal, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced Tuesday. The agreement reduces tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, contingent on India stopping Russian oil purchases. Goyal called it "the best trade deal" compared to neighboring countries, opening opportunities for labor-intensive sectors including textiles, plastics, apparel, leather, gems, and jewellery. The minister emphasized the deal protects sensitive sectors while providing access to world-class technologies for India's growth. Final details are being worked out between negotiating teams, with a joint statement expected shortly. Goyal criticized opposition leaders for their negative response to the landmark agreement. (PC: Times Now)

India's Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the vandalism and theft of Mahatma Gandhi's statue from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. The 426-kg bronze statue, gifted by India's ICCR and inaugurated by former PM Scott Morrison in 2021, was stolen by three unidentified individuals on January 12 at approximately 12:50 am. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India has raised the matter strongly with Australian authorities, demanding immediate action to recover the statue and prosecute the culprits. Victoria Police's Knox Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the theft, captured partially on CCTV showing a white van and balaclava-clad perpetrators. Authorities have alerted scrap metal dealers to report suspicious activity.

According to IMF projections for 2026, India is now ahead of the United States among the top contributors to global real GDP growth—with 17%, compared to the US at 9.9%, while China leads at 26.6%. Together, India and China are expected to account for nearly 44% of world economic expansion. This shift highlights the rising economic influence of Asian economies. Tech billionaire Elon Musk reacted, saying “the balance of power is changing”, underscoring the evolving global economic landscape. (PC: Instagram)

India has secured a significant trade advantage over regional competitors like China, Bangladesh and Vietnam after the United States reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18 % from much higher rates under a new India-US trade deal. This tariff reduction places India ahead of nations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam (around 20 %) and China (around 34 %) in terms of export competitiveness in the US market, potentially boosting Indian exports significantly. The move also strengthens India-US economic ties and enhances India’s position in South and Southeast Asia’s export landscape. (PC: PTI)