Times of India

A US trade representative's map, released alongside an interim trade agreement framework, correctly depicts the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir and Aksai Chin as part of India. This marks a departure from previous US maps and aligns with India's stance, potentially signaling a shift in US policy towards Pakistan and China.

India and the US have reached a framework for an interim trade agreement, significantly cutting US tariffs on Indian goods to 18% and easing duties on American food and agricultural products. This de-escalates trade tensions and paves the way for a broader bilateral trade pact, with India planning substantial purchases of US energy and technology products.

India-US trade deal: India and the US have released a joint statement detailing the broad contours of the trade agreement that is expected to be signed in a few weeks. The trade deal is a big boost for India's exports. We decode the benefits:

Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja are the only players to receive Grade A central contracts for 2025-26. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, now playing only ODIs, have been moved to Grade B. The BCCI has also announced contracts for 30 male and 22 female players, with Jemimah Rodrigues promoted to Grade A in the women's category.

The BJP has nominated Ghatkopar corporator Ritu Tawde as its mayoral candidate for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has named Sanjay Ghadi as their candidate for Deputy Mayor. The BJP-Shinde alliance, with 118 corporators, is confident of winning both posts.

App-based transport workers nationwide protested on February 7, demanding fair incomes and protection against exploitation. Unions cited falling earnings and rising costs, urging governments to implement minimum base fares as mandated by 2025 guidelines. The strike highlighted concerns over unilateral pricing by platforms and financial burdens from device changes, with workers seeking statutory protections.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smoked 15 sixes and 15 fours at a strike rate of 218.75 during a brutal and breathtaking knock in the U-19 World Cup final against England at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. Back home in his village in Bihar’s Samastipur district, his family had hardly caught any sleep, while his coach’s phone in Patna was buzzing with congratulatory messages and strange requests: “Sir, mera beta do saal ka hai, usko cricketer Vaibhav bana dijiye (My son is two years old, make him like Vaibhav).”

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the recent India-US trade framework, alleging it benefits American farmers at India's expense and includes a commitment to stop Russian oil imports. He questioned the value of "photo-ops" given the perceived lack of substantial benefits for India in the deal.

Divya Shinde's sudden exit from Bigg Boss Marathi 6 has sparked widespread curiosity. After allegedly threatening housemates and refusing to apologize despite repeated requests and interventions, she was removed. Her team has issued a statement, promising to share their side of the story soon, leaving fans eager for Divya's direct account.

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP has unveiled its election manifesto, promising electoral reforms and a tougher foreign policy focused on border security and river-water sharing. The party aims for a "Bangladesh Before All" doctrine, emphasizing "equality and self-dignity" and a "Friend Yes, Master No" approach to international relations.

India is on high alert for bird flu (H5N1) following over 1,500 positive crow cases in Chennai, intensifying surveillance in Tamil Nadu. While human infections are rare, H5N1 poses a severe health risk, particularly to vulnerable groups. Experts urge caution, emphasizing preventive measures like avoiding sick birds and maintaining hygiene.

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop believes India will defend their T20 World Cup title with confidence, citing their strong recent form and experienced squad. He highlights Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah as key players, emphasizing bowling depth as a crucial factor for World Cup success.

In a heartbreaking turn of events in Janakpuri, 25-year-old call centre worker Kamal Dhyani was found dead in a construction pit. Just moments before he went missing, he had assured his family he was only ten minutes from home. His motorcycle was located nearby, raising serious questions about community safety and the response time to his prior lack of communication.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a significant two-day visit to Malaysia to bolster defense, security, and economic ties. This trip aims to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions focusing on defense cooperation, innovation, and new collaborative areas. PM Modi will also engage with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.

Former Multani Bakery owner Sunil Sadarangani, 59, died by suicide by jumping from a 17th-floor apartment in Solapur. He had shifted to Pune after selling the bakery due to debt and psychological issues. Sadarangani returned to Solapur to commit the act, evading security checks.

Job rejections may feel personal, but new research by LiftMyCV suggests the system is largely to blame. An analysis of 100,000 job listings reveals that over 40% are dormant “ghost jobs,” while automated filters block most résumés from human review. The result is a misleading job market where effort often disappears into a digital black hole.