Times of India

The Indian government has reduced import duties on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100% and on several types of wines to 100%, under pressure from the United States. The move comes just before PM Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump, where tariffs are a major discussion point.

Home Minister Amit Shah directed Maharashtra to ensure 100% implementation of new criminal laws, targeting a 90% conviction rate for serious crimes. He emphasized coordination among state police, government lawyers, and judiciary for swift punishment of the guilty. Shah also highlighted the need for a video-conference evidence system and upgrading to CCTNS 2.0 and ICJS 2.0.

The Central government has approved an interest-free loan of Rs 529.5 crore for landslide rehabilitation in Wayanad, covering 16 projects like roads and public buildings. The state must submit expenditure estimates by March and utilize the funds by March 31, a deadline which concerns the finance minister.

J&K Police arrested two individuals, Ashok Kumar and Sanjay Kumar, and seized 6 kg of heroin worth Rs 30 crore, smuggled from Pakistan, in the Rajouri district. The arrests followed disclosures made by prime suspect Jaswinder Kumar, already involved in another narcotic case. Further investigation is ongoing to identify additional members of the smuggling network.

A roadside bomb explosion killed at least 10 coal mine workers and injured six others in Balochistan's Harnai district. The incident involves an improvised explosive device targeting the workers, who were traveling to a market. No group has claimed responsibility, but the Baloch Liberation Army is suspected.

Pakistan condemned the reference made to it in the joint India-US statement, calling it misleading and contrary to diplomatic norms. The statement urged Pakistan to act against the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attack perpetrators. Pakistan also expressed concern over the transfer of military technology to India, citing its potential to destabilize the region.

A gang of thieves led by Govind Kumar, known as 'Spiderman,' has been arrested for stealing copper cables from the Delhi Metro's Pink Line, causing frequent disruptions. The police used CCTV footage and technical surveillance to track the gang and recover 80 meters of stolen cable. Efforts to apprehend other gang members are ongoing.

A teenage boy in Delhi deceived several minor girls into stealing valuables by claiming he had a life-threatening illness. The police discovered the scam when one girl confessed during questioning. The boy was found fit and had lied to multiple girls to maintain a lavish lifestyle. The police recovered the stolen jewellery and sent the boy to a reformation home.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved a historic Women's Premier League win, successfully chasing 202 runs against Gujarat Giants. Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh scored powerful half-centuries, leading RCB despite early setbacks. Perry contributed 57 runs, while Ghosh remained unbeaten with 64. Gujarat Giants set a challenging target with captain Ashleigh Gardner's explosive 79 and Beth Mooney's composed 56.

Darick Hall is pouncing on a golden opportunity to secure the first base position for the Pirates following Spencer Horwitz's injury. Known for his powerful bat, Hall, who made a notable Major League debut with the Phillies, is poised for a strong showing in spring training.

PM Modi and President Trump reaffirmed the India-US partnership's importance in the Indo-Pacific region. They committed to tackling illegal immigration, organized crime, and cross-border terrorism. Discussions included market access issues, addressing Chinese industrial overcapacity, and strengthening strategic technology collaboration through initiatives like TRUST. They denounced terrorism and agreed on greater cooperation in West Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Sena (UBT) MPs in Delhi face a dilemma about attending events hosted by Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's ministers amid defection rumors. Aaditya Thackeray advised MPs to seek prior permission from the party, stressing that attending such events could fuel speculation of possible defections, despite the norm of cross-party interactions in Parliament.

A 17-year-old girl was rescued after an eight-month ordeal of abduction, rape, and trafficking, thanks to a wedding photo posted on social media. Police nabbed the main culprit, Vishnu Mali, in Ajmer. Several individuals involved in her trafficking and abuse have been arrested.

PM Modi and US officials address the issue of illegal immigration from India, with Modi highlighting the need to stop human trafficking and exploitative practices while accepting verified violators. Both countries commit to enhancing legal mobility for students and professionals and collaborating in higher education, while tackling illegal immigration. They also discuss potential institutional cooperation between their law enforcement authorities.

US President Donald Trump pledged to address India's security concerns, including extraditing Tahawwur Rana and acting against US-based Khalistani separatists. Trump and Modi agreed on joint action against radical Islamic terrorism. He offered to mediate India-China tensions, but Indian officials declined, preferring a bilateral approach. Modi supported Trump's efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

US President Trump has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. This follows the US Supreme Court's rejection of Rana’s final appeal. Efforts are underway to finalize the logistics for his transfer to India, showcasing strengthened cooperation against terrorism between the two nations.

India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan will compete in the same group for the ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and Dubai. India, who have twice won the title, will start their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai. Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee considers India strong contenders.

Two more US flights carrying illegal Indian immigrants are set to land in Punjab's Amritsar on February 15-16, shortly after PM Modi and President Trump discussed human trafficking. A previous US military flight with 104 deportees, including people from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh, arrived on February 5.