You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mumbai-police-traces-scooter-used-in-firing-at-rohit-shettys-residence-10935001” on this server.
Reference #18.34a21ab8.1770080830.51a9ec9
https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.34a21ab8.1770080830.51a9ec9
India-US trade deal announced: US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that India and the US have finalised a trade deal. Ahead of the announcement, Trump spoke to PM Modi. The deal comes after several months of negotiations, in between which the Donald Trump administration levied a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports to the US. 25% of these tariffs were for India’s crude oil trade with Russia, which the US claimed was indirectly financing Russia’s war against Ukraine.The India-US trade deal was confirmed by PM Modi who posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights.”
Also Read | India-US trade deal: 25% penal tariffs linked to Russian oil gone? Here’s what we knowThe deal was first announced by Trump on social media platform Truth Social, “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week! Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to “BUY AMERICAN,” at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products. Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”Earlier today, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor shared on X (formerly Twitter): President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNED…
The deal comes days after India and the EU announced what both sides called the ‘mother of all’ trade deals. While European Union is India’s largest trading partner as an economic bloc, US continues to be the single largest trading partner.On Saturday, Trump claimed that India would begin purchasing crude from Venezuela, a move he said would help substitute part of the Russian oil supplies. India is the world’s third-largest importer of crude oil. Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One, Trump said, “We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal.” India had stopped oil imports from Venezuela last year after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff in March on nations purchasing Venezuelan crude.During the same interaction, Trump also indicated that India would source Venezuelan oil in place of Iranian supplies. However, India had already stopped importing Iranian crude in 2019 following US sanctions linked to Tehran’s nuclear programme. To offset the loss of Iranian oil, Indian refiners initially increased purchases from the US, before later scaling those back and emerging as the largest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude after Western countries sanctioned Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.A few weeks back, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had hinted that Washington may eventually roll back the 25% punitive tariff imposed on India over its purchases of Russian crude, arguing that the measure has delivered results. He framed the outcome as a victory for US pressure tactics, while also expressing apparent discomfort with the European Union’s engagement with New Delhi as it moves closer to finalising a free trade agreement.Speaking at Davos, Bessent said the tariff was introduced after India continued importing Russian oil and claimed that refinery purchases from Russia have since dropped sharply. “We put 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, and the Indian purchases by their refineries of Russian oil have collapsed. So that is a success. The tariffs are still on. I would imagine there is a path to take them off, so that’s a check and a huge success,” he said.
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the Australian cricket team find themselves navigating a complex web of injury management and tactical reshuffling. With the tournament set to take place across India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, the biggest question on fans’ minds is the availability of veteran pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood. Known for his metronomic precision and ability to squeeze batters in the powerplay, Hazlewood’s presence is vital for a team already missing key leadership figures.
The latest reports from the Australian camp suggest a cautious start for the ‘Bendemeer Bullet.’ Hazlewood is likely to miss the opening matches of Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. While he has been included in the official 15-man squad, he remains in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation for a persistent Achilles injury. This injury was a secondary setback that occurred while he was recovering from a previous hamstring strain.
National selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed that the medical staff decided it was “more practical and beneficial” for Hazlewood to rehab in a familiar environment rather than enduring the rigors of early-tournament travel. While there is no definitive date for his arrival in Sri Lanka, the hope is that he will join the squad for the latter half of the group stages. To mitigate the risk, the experienced Sean Abbott has been named as a traveling reserve. Abbott provides a versatile option, fresh off the recent Pakistan tour, ensuring the pace battery isn’t left short-handed when Australia begin its quest against Ireland on February 11.
“We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before travelling to Sri Lanka. With Nathan also completing his return to play we decided to bring Sean with us as fast bowling cover should anything come up at short notice. Sean is an accomplished and versatile international player who has experienced numerous World Cup campaigns. It made sense for him to stay with the group following the Pakistan tour.” Dodemaide was quoted as saying ESPNcricinfo.
Also READ: IND A vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: Where to watch today’s warm up match in India
The road to the 2026 trophy has been rocky for the 2021 champions. In a major blow to their aspirations, star pacer Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a lingering back injury. Selectors have turned to left-armer Ben Dwarshuis as his replacement, citing his clever variations as a key asset for subcontinental pitches. Additionally, the squad has seen a shift in the batting order, with Matthew Renshaw replacing Matthew Short to provide more middle-order stability and a left-handed point of difference.
The squad remains a mix of high-stakes gambling on fitness and tactical spin depth. While Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, and Tim David have arrived in Colombo to link up with the team, all three have been managing their own injury scares—ranging from Maxwell’s ankle recovery to David’s hamstring issues. Under the captaincy of Mitchell Marsh, Australia is leaning heavily on a ‘spin-heavy’ strategy, including the likes of Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Cooper Connolly to navigate the turning tracks of Sri Lanka.
Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama earned a Grammy in the best audiobook narration category on Sunday. He is 90.American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright received the award on his behalf. Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan is among those who composed music for the work titled, “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”.“I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. I don’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility. I truly believe that peace, compassion, care for our environment, and an understanding of oneness of humanity are essential for collective well-being of all eight billion human beings. I’m grateful that this recognition can help spread these messages more widely,” the Dalai Lama posted on X.
The unusual winners
Dalai Lama using Grammy award for political manipulation: ChinaThe Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), which is headquartered at McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, said the award is a profound honour for Tibetan society. Although the Grammy spread cheer in this hill town, celebrations are on hold as the Dalai Lama is in Karnataka.Predictably, China is incensed. According to Associated Press, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “It is well known that the 14th Dalai Lama is not merely a religious figure but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.” “We oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation,” he added.The audio book, with gentle background music, is divided into sections named: “Heart”, “Oneness”, “Harmony”, “Kindness”, “Water”, “Mind”, “Health”, “Peace”, “Essence” and “Journey”. They represent the Dalai Lama’s philosophical view in his own voice. “Heart” starts with the words, “Warm heartedness really brings inner peace.” Kabir Sehgal, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash are the other musicians involved with the project.
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Monday recorded its agreement with a petitioner that mere self-declaration of caste identity by an individual during the proposed caste enumeration in 2027 could not help in accurate determination of SC, ST and OBC population.Appearing for social activist Akash Goel, advocate Mukta Gupta told a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that the directorate of census operations, which has commenced preparatory work for Census 2027, has not disclosed “any predetermined criteria or standardised methodology” for recording caste identity of people belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories during census.Since caste-enumeration would play a big role in devising and implementation of social welfare measures, reservations in govt employment and admissions to educational institutions, and delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, it should be scientifically foolproof in gathering data, the PIL petitioner said.The CJI-led bench said, “In principle we agree with you. But it is the job of the experts, and it is for them to devise the mode and the way caste enumeration is to be carried out.”Though SC did not entertain the plea, it asked Gupta to give the petition in form of representation to directorate of census operations for necessary action. In its order, the bench said, “We have no reasons to doubt that the respondent authorities, with the aid and assistance of domain experts, must have evolved a robust mechanism in order to rule out any mistake (in caste enumeration) as apprehended by the petitioner.”“The petitioner has flagged relevant issues through earlier representation. We dispose of the writ petition with a direction to the respondent authorities to consider the suggestions/issues raised by the petitioner,” the court said.
NEW DELHI: Some will call it ruckus. Some will call it a mess. Others will simply call it chaos. The words may change, but the situation remains the same. Cricket, once again, finds itself caught between politics, security fears and unfinished business.On Sunday, the Pakistan government confirmed that its cricket team will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. But there was a major catch. Pakistan will not play its league match against India. The announcement came through the government’s official X handle.
It said, “The government … grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”The reason is not new. Pakistan has maintained a long-standing policy of not touring India due to geopolitical tensions. Because of this, Pakistan’s Group A matches have been scheduled in Sri Lanka. But refusing to play a single match in a global tournament has raised serious questions about the spirit of competition.The International Cricket Council (ICC) reacted firmly. In a statement, it said, “The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.” The governing body made its discomfort clear, adding, “This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.”
Players of Pakistan unveil ICC T20 World Cup 2026 jersey (Photo by Sameer Ali/Getty Images)
While it is rare for Pakistan to be the side raising questions, history shows it has more often been the team affected by others refusing to tour. Over the years, several international sides have cancelled or declined tours to Pakistan, mostly due to security concerns.One of the earliest major setbacks came in 2008, when New Zealand cancelled a scheduled tour to Pakistan. Political instability and safety concerns made the visitors uncomfortable. That cancellation was an early sign that touring Pakistan was becoming increasingly difficult.Australia followed the same path in 2008. The Australians decided not to tour Pakistan, citing serious security concerns. Instead, parts of the series were moved to neutral venues.For Pakistan cricket, this was another blow. Hosting matches at home was becoming impossible, and fans were being denied the chance to see top teams play on their soil.After the their 2008 tour, India stopped travelling to Pakistan for bilateral cricket due to worsening political relations and security concerns, especially following the Mumbai terror attacks later that year.
Family members light candles as they pay tribute to martyrs of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, at the Gateway of India, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. (PTI Photo)
Since then, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in ICC tournaments or Asia Cups, mostly at neutral venues, with bilateral series remaining suspended.The situation worsened dramatically in 2009. The Sri Lankan team was attacked in Lahore while travelling to a Test match. Several people were injured, and lives were lost. That incident changed everything. After the attack, international teams stayed away from Pakistan for years. Home series were shifted to the UAE. Pakistan became a team without a home.Bangladesh also refused to tour Pakistan in 2012. Once again, security fears were the reason. While Bangladesh later returned for limited tours, the refusal added to Pakistan’s growing list of cancelled series.Even when things seemed to improve, trouble returned. In 2021, New Zealand abandoned its tour to Pakistan just minutes before the first match. The decision came after what was described as “security advice”. The sudden withdrawal shocked players, fans and officials. Stadiums were ready. Crowds were waiting. But cricket never happened.England followed soon after. In 2021, both the men’s and women’s England teams cancelled their tours of Pakistan.
Pakistan beat Australia in T20Is 3-0 (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Player safety was cited as the main reason. For Pakistan, it was a painful reminder that trust takes years to build and seconds to lose.These incidents show a clear pattern, with major international teams declining or cancelling tours to Pakistan. Most of these decisions were linked to security concerns. The long absence of international cricket forced Pakistan to rebuild its image slowly. Over time, teams like Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, and also Australia returned, helping Pakistan inch back into the global cricket map.But the situation has changed now.ALSO READ: Pakistan boycotts India T20 World Cup clash: Why teams skipped selective ICC matches beforePakistan once pleaded for teams to tour its country. Now, it is choosing not to play its most high-profile match in a global event. The context is different.Whether this standoff ends in compromise or conflict remains to be seen. For now, the ruckus continues. And once again, cricket waits on the sidelines.
NEW DELHI: Noting that there have been frequent cases of drunk minors snuffing out innocent lives while driving cars, SC Monday said their parents are to be blamed for allowing them to drink and drive. It, however, granted bail to three accused in Pune Porsche accident case in which two young engineers died while a minor was allegedly at the wheel.A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said that there cannot be punishment before trial and directed release of the accused who already spent 18 months in jail. They were allegedly involved in tampering of evidence by swapping blood samples of their kids with their own. Father of the main accused, who is a minor and was allegedly driving the case, is still in jail.SC, however, lamented over prevailing social conditions where well-off parents do not spare time for their children and try to compensate for it by giving them money and lofty gifts like sports cars. It said such parents are to be blamed when their minors crush innocent people on road with their cars.“Something has to be said about parents. Parents were unable to control the children. They took keys. Celebration cannot be driving at full speed and killing people on footpath or the poor. This is not the first time such a thing has happened. Law has to catch up. The main one responsible is parents who give money to kids to have a gala time. Parents have no time to spend with children and talk to them. Instead they give mobile, ATM cards and cars,” the bench observed.The accused moved SC after their bail plea was rejected by Bombay HC. The accident took place around 2.30 am on May 19, 2024, when a Porsche car, allegedly driven by a juvenile in an inebriated state, rammed into a bike in Pune.
You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/elon-musks-spacex-to-merge-with-xai-at-combined-valuation-of-1-25-trillion-report-10934812” on this server.
Reference #18.7fdd417.1770074455.15d34921
https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.7fdd417.1770074455.15d34921
GUWAHATI: India’s plan to secure the strategic “chicken’s neck” corridor to the Northeast from Bengal includes laying underground rail tracks through the nearly 40km stretch flanked by Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Monday.Vaishnaw said the Budget contains a proposal to expand railway link between the region and the rest of the country to four tracks, fulfilling a long-felt need. Northeast Frontier Railway GM Chetan Shrivastava said the underground stretch would run from Tin Mile Haat to Rangapani stations within Bengal.Decision to take the tracks underground stems from threats — overt and covert — to target the chicken’s neck, which is barely 25km wide at the narrowest point. Concerns over the corridor, being seen as India’s Achilles heel, grew after the fall of Hasina govt in Bangladesh, with some groups speaking about “choking the chicken’s neck” to cut off the Northeast. Voices have framed the region as part of their vision of a “greater Bangladesh”. Dhaka’s outreach towards China is another red flag.During the 2017 Doklam stand-off, military planners had talked about the vulnerability of the Siliguri stretch of the corridor. Any disruption here could isolate NE, severing supply lines and impeding movement of troops.“Taking the tracks underground is part of the strategy to ensure connectivity even in times of crises,” an official said.
Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has allotted the broadcast rights of this season’s Indian Super League (ISL) to FanCode for Rs 8.6 crore. From among seven bidders, FanCode was handed the digital and television rights, while Kaleidoscope Production and Services (KPS Studios) will handle production of the league at Rs 5.2 crore. “The ISL is a significant addition to FanCode, as it represents the very best of Indian football,” co-founder Yannick Colaco said on Monday. “With the league’s strong and loyal fan following, we see a big opportunity to elevate how fans experience ISL through reliable, high-quality broadcast and a product designed around modern football audiences.” While ISL matches will be streamed on FanCode, the streaming company is in talks with television companies for broadcast. Clubs have been assured that any revenue generated will be shared with them. Besides FanCode, ABP Network, JioStar, Two Circles and Monarch–PR Solution were also among the bidders for broadcast rights. The Rs 8.6 crore that FanCode will pay for the rights is significantly lower than previous editions of the league, and lower than what clubs were hoping for. But given that there has been so much uncertainty, and negativity, surrounding the league, the interest from seven companies has provided some comfort. “We were hoping for a bid in double figures, but Rs 8.6 crore isn’t all that bad,” said one official who was part of the selection process. “KPS Studios will do the production for Rs 5.2 crore, which is much less than the budget that the clubs had set aside for production. Overall, the clubs are saving money this season and there will not be any compromise with the production quality. The specifications have already been mentioned in the tender document.” Kolkata-based KPS Studios, who beat off competition from Sportzworks for production, has previously produced Durand Cup, I-League, Calcutta Football League, Santosh Trophy and Indian Women’s League. “We are pleased to have concluded the ISL media rights process and to partner with FanCode, one of India’s leading sports platforms. FanCode’s focus on accessibility and fan experience aligns with our objective of expanding the league’s footprint and engaging more football fans across the country,” said AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan. ISL kicks off on Feb 14 with a high-profile clash between champions Mohun Bagan SG and Kerala Blasters in Kolkata.
