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 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, US: US President Donald Trump has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington to sign a critical minerals deal, while also suggesting that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could end “within weeks” if the right agreements are reached.Trump made the remarks during an Oval Office press conference on Monday, revealing that negotiations between the US and Ukraine over access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals were near completion.

A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over the rising burden of breast cancer worldwide. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), breast cancer diagnoses and deaths are set to increase dramatically by 2050, underscoring the need for improved awareness, early detection, and prevention strategies.   Projected Rise in Breast Cancer Cases and Mortality Rates The study published in Nature

The Union Budget 2025 has brought a major tax relief for the middle class, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will have zero tax liability under the new tax regime. Additionally, salaried individuals can claim a standard deduction of ₹75,000, effectively making income up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free. This move is aimed at simplifying tax compliance and increasing disposable income for millions of taxpayers.  

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest bulletin released on February 19, stated that the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025, along with moderating inflation, are expected to provide financial relief to the middle class and boost overall household spending. This announcement comes after the February Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, emphasized the positive economic impact of the tax relief measur

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings initiative designed to provide individuals with long-term financial security. With its tax benefits and flexible investment options, NPS is an attractive choice for those looking to systematically build a pension corpus. One of the most convenient ways to contribute to NPS is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), which allows individuals to invest small amounts regularly, ensuring a d

India's ongoing evaluation of advanced fighter jets, including the F-35 Lightning II, marks a significant moment in its defense strategy. As regional security concerns intensify, the country is carefully assessing its air combat capabilities, weighing the advantages of acquiring state-of-the-art aircraft from the United States against its ambitions for indigenous defense production. The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation stealth fighte

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to introduce a new Income Tax Bill in Parliament today that will replace the existing Income Tax Act of 1961. The purpose of this new bill is to simplify the language and provisions of the current tax law, making it easier to understand and more accessible for taxpayers. The bill is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reform and modernize the Indian tax system. The new bill will streamline various processes, eliminate complex

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Joint Base Andrews airbase in Maryland, United States, on Wednesday (local time) for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This visit comes at a crucial time in international affairs, as both nations are looking to strengthen ties and address shared challenges on the global stage. The arrival at a key military and administrative facility underscores the significance of the trip, symbolizing not only a routine diplomatic vis

PM Modi’s US Visit: A Crucial Diplomatic Move Amid Trade and Immigration Challenges Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House on February 12-13 marks a significant moment in India-US relations, coming just weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term. As both leaders share a strong personal rapport, this meeting is expected to set the tone for future collaborati

PM Modi and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Discuss Indian Investments in U.S. Nuclear Technology In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in Paris to discuss India’s potential investment in U.S. nuclear technology. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit, which was co-chaired by PM Modi and French Pr

Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: Impact on Global Trade In a major policy shift, the United States has announced a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum, set to take effect on March 12, 2025. Unlike previous trade measures, these tariffs will be imposed without exceptions or exemptions, sparking strong reactions from key trading partners.  

The renaming of the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" began rolling out across the United States on Monday, following President Donald Trump’s announcement last month to Americanize the name. On Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a charting notice confirming that its systems were being updated to reflect the new name. Additionally, the FAA was updating charts to restore the former name of Mount McKinley in Al

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports Starting Monday A Major Trade Shift to Protect U.S. Industries In a bold move to reshape U.S. trade policy, former President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, set to take effect on Monday, February 10, 2025. This decision is aimed at protecting domestic in

Punjab Government Rolls Out WhatsApp Helpline for NRIs In a bid to better serve its global community, the Punjab government has launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline for NRIs. This innovative initiative allows overseas Punjabis to report grievances instantly, with each complaint routed directly to the appropriate government department and the NRI wing of the Punjab Police, led by the additional

China and U.S. on the Brink of Renewed Trade War Amid Escalating Tariffs Tensions between the United States and China are escalating, with analysts warning of a potential full-scale trade war if both nations fail to resolve their disputes before new Chinese tariffs on $14 billion worth of American exports take effect on Monday. Tit-for-Tat Tariff

The Global Impact of U.S. Funding Cuts Under Trump The Trump administration’s America First policy significantly reshaped U.S. foreign aid, leading to drastic funding cuts across multiple sectors worldwide. From global health initiatives to climate action and humanitarian relief, the ripple effects of these reductions were felt in nearly every corner of the globe. This article explores the

As world leaders, tech giants, and AI experts gather in Paris for the AI Action Summit, the stakes have never been higher. Co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two-day event aims to shape the future of AI—balancing innovation with ethical and regulatory concerns.   This year’s summit comes at a turning point, with China’s b

Trump Administration Targets ICC Prosecutor with Sanctions Amid War Crimes Investigations The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan, marking the first major action in its renewed clash with the global judicial body. The sanctions freeze Khan’s U.S. assets and bar him and his family from entering the country. This move comes in