Times of India

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant phone call, addressing trade, security, Taiwan, Iran, and the Ukraine war. Trump described the discussion as "excellent" and "thorough," highlighting potential energy and agricultural deals. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable and positive relationship between the world's two largest economies.

Three minor sisters tragically died after jumping from their ninth-floor Ghaziabad apartment, reportedly influenced by an online Korean task-based game. Their father, unaware of the game's nature, recalled the middle sister's leadership. The girls, deeply engrossed in the game and Korean content, had limited mobile access recently, potentially causing distress. Investigations are ongoing.

India secured a spot in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final by defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets. Aaron George's century, along with half-centuries from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, guided India to their highest successful chase in the tournament's history. They will now face England in the final.

Congress on Wednesday said the bigger issue in the Lok Sabha was that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak, as the Prime Minister’s reply depends on the LoP’s questions. Without this, no debate could take place. Opposition protests led to dramatic scenes and the adjournment of the House.

Three minor sisters in Ghaziabad died after allegedly jumping from a ninth-floor balcony, with a suicide note indicating their deep attachment to Korean online content and gaming. Their father recalled their pleas not to be separated from it. Police are investigating the incident, suggesting addiction to a Korean task-based game and recent mobile phone restrictions as potential factors.

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A US-based techie, Rajesh Anant, was denied entry to the Bangalore Club for being unaccompanied and inebriated. He later returned naked, blocked a car, and fought with security and police, leading to his father's one-month club suspension and his own ban.

India and the US have reached a surprising trade deal, reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18% after a year of strained relations. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's quiet diplomacy in Washington was key, signaling India's refusal to be bullied while emphasising strategic partnership. This breakthrough eases tensions and paves the way for deeper economic ties.

US President Trump's push for India to reduce Russian oil imports could significantly impact Moscow's revenue, potentially forcing price cuts. Recent data shows a notable decline in Indian purchases, with further reductions anticipated due to refinery maintenance and limited alternative buyers like China. While India cites energy security, geopolitical pressures and alternative supply options are reshaping global oil flows.

A three-year-old girl in Alwar's Ramgarh area sustained severe mouth and jaw injuries when an explosive, allegedly disguised as candy by a shopkeeper, detonated in her mouth. The child is recovering after surgery, and the shopkeeper has been detained for questioning as an investigation is ongoing.

India has finalized a significant trade deal with the US, a move that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval indicated India was willing to wait out President Trump's term for. Union Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the protection of sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. Both nations aim to more than double trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has confirmed 'Animal Park', the sequel to his 2023 blockbuster 'Animal', will begin shooting in mid-2027. Vanga explained the title signifies a war between two brothers who resemble each other, with Ranbir Kapoor set to reprise his role as Ranvijay Singh and also play the antagonist Aziz.

Around 700 federal immigration officers are leaving Minnesota following increased cooperation from state and local authorities, particularly county sheriffs. White House border czar Tom Homan announced the drawdown, citing improved collaboration and a safer environment. This move comes amid protests and fatalities linked to earlier large-scale federal deployments in the state.

Perhaps, Pakistan felt it had returned to its older role of indispensable intermediary as New Delhi remained the insouciant child who refused to bow to Trump’s diktats. Overnight, the illusion shattered as Trump announced the US had reached a trade agreement with India lowering tariffs on India’s exports to 18%. While most of the details about the deal are still being worked out, that didn’t stop a full-blown meltdown on Pakistani (or South Asian) Twitter.

India strategically navigated global trade uncertainties by forging numerous bilateral agreements, diversifying export markets and securing preferential access. This proactive approach, exemplified by deals with the US, EU, UK, and Gulf nations, cushioned the impact of punitive tariffs and repositioned the nation as a resilient player in global supply chains, emphasizing leverage over confrontation.

A young student, Himani Tapriya, sustained severe burns after dozens of gas-filled balloons exploded in a lift at Amol Tower, Goregaon. The incident occurred when a delivery man, Raju Kumar Mahato, entered the lift with the balloons. Police have registered a negligence case against the shop owner for failing to provide safety instructions to his employee, who also suffered injuries.

NHL's Olympic roster freeze looms, but Artemi Panarin's trade remains uncertain. The star forward, sidelined for three games, is reportedly seeking a hefty $50 million contract extension, complicating deals. While several teams are interested, Panarin's no-movement clause gives him significant control, with Florida and Tampa Bay facing cap challenges for a long-term commitment.

Melinda French Gates expressed deep sadness and exhaustion over newly released Epstein files that resurfaced painful memories from her marriage to Bill Gates. She emphasized her heartbreak for the victims and stated that her ex-husband and others involved need to answer for their actions, not her.

Rishabh Pant is recovering well and is optimistic about returning to cricket soon. He is working hard at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Pant emphasizes the importance of his love for the game and support from others during his recovery. He believes in continuous improvement as an athlete.

India and the US have announced a framework for a bilateral trade deal to strengthen trade ties, under which the US will cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%. The Centre has clarified that agriculture and dairy remain protected, while sectors such as textiles, leather and gems may benefit.