External affairs minister S Jaishankar and US Congressional delegation met in New Delhi on Sunday, holding discussions on a range of issues including India–US relations, the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.The delegation comprised Congressmen Mike Rogers, Adam Smith and Jimmy Patronis, and was joined by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. The meeting…
India has transformed its crude sourcing strategy, reducing Russian crude barrels while increasing its Middle Eastern shipments. Though Moscow still has a share in New Delhi’s oil inflows, the volumes are down due to compliance risks. Data from analytics firm Kpler shows that in the first three weeks of January 2026, the country imported about…
While investments in infrastructure creation of track and rolling stock have been significant, average train speeds have remained 50–52 kmph for mail/express passengers. By Dhruv Gadh and Nitin KumarThe transport and logistics sector serves as the backbone for India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. As our national carrier, the railways connect remote places, while providing a…
The US government is set to acquire a 10% stake in Oklahoma-based USA Rare Earth, as part of Trump administration’s $1.6 billion investment. The package is aimed towards supporting the firm to develop a local mine and magnet production facility, according to two sources familiar with the deal.In addition to this government-backed investment, USA Rare…
For the Union Budget 2026-2027, India’s gems and jewellery industry is urging the government for a mix of GST cuts, customs reforms and policy changes to counter global trade headwinds and improve export competitiveness.In its pre-Budget memorandum submitted to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) highlighted measures aimed at…
The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets in the coming week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump’s pressure to slash levels as it guards against threats to its independence.The central bank has cut rates three consecutive times since September as the jobs market weakened, bringing them to…
When Karan Singh (Appellant) found himself standing alone, convicted of dowry death and cruelty under Section 304-B (Dowry Death) and Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, his legal options narrowed significantly. Though tried alongside his parents, who were acquitted, the Sessions Court convicted Karan Singh, sentencing him to seven years rigorous imprisonment for…
Scott Bessent (File photo) TOI correspondent from Washington: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled a prospective removal of the 25 per cent penalty tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, citing “success” in Washington’s pressure tactics while appearing to disapprove the outreach of the European Union, which is on the verge of concluding…
The Trump administration has quietly expanded the scope for government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy far more mortgage bonds than previously allowed, a move aimed at lowering home loan rates but one that has revived concerns about financial risk and policy overreach.According to an internal email obtained by the Associated Press,…
LUCKNOW: The proposal to automatically raise electricity bills every year — even if state regulators fail to issue timely tariff orders — has ignited controversy over India’s new draft National Electricity Policy (NEP), 2026.The Union ministry of power published the draft policy on Jan 20, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days. Among…
