The Times of India

India and the US have finalized an interim trade agreement, significantly reducing tariffs on Indian imports to the US from 50% to 18%. This pact offers substantial market access, boosting the 'Make in India' initiative and creating numerous employment opportunities for youth and women. Key sectors like textiles, leather, and pharmaceuticals will benefit, while India's core agricultural interests remain protected.

India and the US have announced a framework for an interim trade agreement, which will see India reduce tariffs on various US food and agricultural products. This move aims to make American imports cheaper for Indian consumers and ease trade tensions. The agreement also includes reciprocal tariff reductions on Indian goods entering the US.

India and the US have announced a framework for an interim trade agreement, significantly reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. This pact aims to boost bilateral trade, with India committing to substantial purchases of US energy and defense products, while also addressing non-tariff barriers and promoting digital trade.

PM Modi, at Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, urged students to find balance between academics and skills, emphasizing life and professional skills are intertwined. He encouraged pursuing gaming as a skill, drawing from Indian stories, but warned against gambling. Collaborative learning and prioritizing Class XII exams were also highlighted, with a call for parents to trust their children's individual growth.

The Election Commission has granted a one-month extension for filing claims and objections on Uttar Pradesh's draft electoral rolls, now allowing submissions until March 6. This marks the third extension for the state's voter list revision, with the final rolls to be published on April 10.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) board has approved its long-awaited public offering, which will be an offer-for-sale. LIC currently holds the largest stake at 10%, followed by the SBI group with 7.6%. A five-member panel has been formed to facilitate the IPO process.

Reliance has resumed importing Venezuelan crude after a hiatus, acquiring a 2 million barrel cargo. This marks India's first purchase since US intervention in Venezuela's oil sector and follows a US-India trade deal. Previously, Reliance was a significant buyer of Venezuelan oil before US sanctions.

The government has received financial bids for the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank, marking significant progress in the stake sale. This move, involving a combined 60.7% stake sale by the government and LIC, is expected to fetch around Rs 33,000 crore.

Tata Steel's Q3FY26 profit soared multifold to Rs 2,730 crore, driven by a 14% surge in domestic delivery volumes, marking a first with over six million tonnes. Despite weak steel prices, increased capacity utilization boosted revenue by 6% to Rs 57,002 crore. Recent import tariffs are expected to further support domestic producers.

India and the United States have agreed to a framework for an interim trade deal, signaling a de-escalation of recent trade tensions. This agreement reaffirms their commitment to broader Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. The US also lifted punitive tariffs imposed on Indian goods over its Russian oil imports.

US President Donald Trump has revoked the additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, previously imposed due to New Delhi's Russian oil purchases. This decision follows a recent trade deal where India agreed to reduce these imports. The move aims to ease trade tensions and comes as India has already begun scaling back its Russian oil acquisitions.

Indian consumers are actively exchanging old gold for new and accelerating wedding jewellery purchases due to soaring gold prices. Titan Company reports a significant increase in exchange-led sales, with nearly half of Tanishq's sales now involving exchanges. Consumers are opting for lighter-weight and lower-karat gold and diamond options to manage costs.

Starting April 1, 2026, banks will pay deposit insurance premiums based on their financial health, a global shift. Stronger banks with better risk management will see reduced costs, while weaker ones face higher charges. Depositor protection remains unchanged at Rs 5 lakh per account, with no public disclosure of bank risk ratings.

The RBI has raised India's GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year to 7.4%, while keeping the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and maintaining a neutral monetary policy stance. Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted strong macroeconomic fundamentals, with growth improving and inflation remaining benign, creating a favorable economic environment for India.

The RBI is set to introduce new rules to protect bank customers. Small digital fraud victims could receive up to Rs 25,000 compensation. Stricter guidelines will also target mis-selling of financial products and aggressive loan recovery practices. These measures aim to enhance consumer safety amidst growing cyber risks and unfair sales tactics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised students at 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' that education is for life, not just exams, emphasizing character and temperament over grades. He encouraged focusing on future goals rather than dwelling on past achievements, urging them to live in the present and plan for what lies ahead.

Purnea MP Pappu Yadav was arrested by Patna Police in connection with a 1995 case, expressing fears for his safety and demanding to be taken directly to court. He questioned the police's methods and the timing of the arrest. The MP was later admitted to hospital due to health concerns.

India's exports to China surged 37% to $14.2 billion in April-December, with December shipments jumping 67%. Imports, however, rose 13.5% to nearly $96 billion during the same period. The government highlighted that most Chinese imports are capital and intermediate goods, crucial for India's expanding electronics, pharma, and telecom sectors.

Iran reaffirms its commitment to the Chabahar port and cooperation with India, despite US sanctions uncertainty. While a recent budget showed no allocation, India has fulfilled its $120 million commitment and maintains a $250 million credit line for future development. Iran's ambassador highlighted the port's strategic importance for regional access and expressed confidence in India's management of the situation.

The Supreme Court sternly criticized the Jan Suraaj Party for challenging Bihar's assembly elections, questioning their motive after a significant electoral defeat. Justices noted the party's failure to win any seats and suggested their petition aimed at gaining popularity. The court emphasized that economic policy issues are for voters to address, not judicial annulment of elections.

Top commanders from Pakistan-based terror groups JeM and LeT have issued direct threats against India and global powers during rallies coinciding with 'Kashmir Solidarity Day'. Speeches incited violence, calling for jihad and targeting major Indian cities like Delhi and Agra. Intelligence agencies are on high alert for potential cross-border attacks.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Arvind Kumar, a former resolution professional for Richa Industries Ltd., on charges of collusion, asset siphoning, and money laundering during insolvency proceedings. This marks the first such arrest of an RP by an enforcement agency. The ED's investigation revealed unexplained cash deposits and illicit fund transfers linked to the company's original bank fraud.

The Union government has rejected the Supreme Court's suggestion to introduce a Romeo-Juliet clause for genuine adolescent relationships under the Pocso Act. Citing child safety concerns, the government stated that diluting the age of consent would increase exploitation risks and undermine child protection efforts.

Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Supreme Court. They are challenging a High Court ruling. The ruling prevented the withdrawal of 65 cases against politicians. These cases involve non-serious offenses. The government believes withdrawing these cases serves public interest. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and will hear the matter further.

NEET PG cut-off reduction to zero in 2023 disproportionately benefited private medical colleges, especially for clinical specialties. General category candidates saw the largest gains, with a significant portion of these seats going to them. The analysis highlights admissions with extremely low scores, raising questions about data completeness.

Commuters using partially operational expressways like Delhi-Mumbai will now pay the same toll as normal national highways. This relief, effective for one year or until full operationalization, addresses concerns that higher tolls deterred usage of incomplete stretches. The decision aims to boost traffic on these corridors.

Over 50 lakh highway car users have embraced the FASTag Annual Pass in six months, facilitating 26.5 crore toll payments. This scheme has spurred a 50% surge in trips for frequent travelers, with 28% of car transactions now utilizing the pass. Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi lead in adoption, paving the way for barrier-less toll collection.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a Rs 1.27-lakh crore budget for 2026-27, addressing challenges from recent attacks and floods. The budget includes provisions for emergency hospitals, bullet-proof ambulances, fee waivers for economically weaker students, and support for orphans and disabled individuals. Opposition leaders criticized the budget, calling it uninspiring and a repackaging of central schemes.

Indian markets saw a rebound on Friday, with tech stocks recovering and Bitcoin stabilizing after a volatile week. Investors are reassessing AI spending concerns, which impacted Amazon significantly. Improved US consumer sentiment and a jump in smaller stocks also contributed to the positive trading session, offering a glimmer of optimism.

Seven Naxals, including top leader Prabhakar with a Rs 25 lakh bounty, were killed in an encounter with Maharashtra police in Gadchiroli. The operation, launched three days ago, also resulted in the death of a special force jawan, Deepak Chinna Madavi, while another jawan is out of danger. The anti-Naxal operation is ongoing.

India's tourism landscape is rapidly evolving beyond beaches and hills. A new generation is flocking to spiritual and heritage sites like Ayodhya and Varanasi, driven by religious revival, infrastructure growth, and social media influence. These destinations are now vibrant, year-round hubs attracting diverse travellers seeking cultural immersion and authentic experiences.

The Union Budget 2026 announced seven high-speed rail corridors to enhance travel speed, safety, and comfort. The bullet trains, along with already operational Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat Express trains will improve connectivity and passenger experience.

A suicide blast at a crowded Shia Imambargah in Islamabad killed at least 31 people and injured over 160 during Friday prayers. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's son stated no leadership change is expected.

Indian equity markets closed higher Friday, with the Sensex and Nifty gaining ground. The Reserve Bank of India maintained interest rates and proposed allowing banks to lend to REITs, a move expected to boost the real estate sector. Despite a volatile session, late buying in select stocks, particularly FMCG and private banking, drove the recovery.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that Delhi's transport agencies have historically functioned in silos, with limited coordination in route planning, infrastructure development and service delivery.

A gas leak at a factory in Sarigam, Valsad district, Gujarat, has led to four people being hospitalised. The incident that occurred at Cynax Metachem, caused eye irritation. Authorities quickly contained the leak and cordoned off the area. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the gas release.

Market regulator Sebi is proposing to expand investment options for REITs and InvITs, including allowing them to invest in a wider range of liquid mutual funds. Further, InvITs may be permitted to hold special purpose vehicles post-concession agreements. Changes also aim to harmonize rules for private InvITs and ease borrowing norms, fostering greater business flexibility.

Gold and silver prices plummeted on the MCX Friday, driven by weak global sentiment and a stronger dollar. Silver futures saw a sharp 6% drop, while gold futures fell 2%. International markets showed mixed trends. Increased margin requirements on the MCX added to the volatility, prompting traders to cut positions. Experts advise caution amid high price swings.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for denying facts surrounding former Army chief General MM Naravanes memoir. Kharge accused the government of evading questions on national security and China, leading to an Opposition walkout from Rajya Sabha.

What does the RBI monetary policy say on Indias GDP growth and inflation outlook? What does the decision to keep repo rate at 5.25% mean for your loan EMIs, fixed deposit and mutual fund investments? We take a look:

A political row erupted in Parliament over Rahul Gandhi quoting former Army Chief General MM Naravane's memoir. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government's decision to keep the Henderson Brooks-Bhagat report on the 1962 war classified. He stated the report is a sensitive defence document and should not be used for political purposes.

The Reserve Bank of India has maintained the policy repo rate at 5.25%, opting for status quo. While external challenges are mounting, domestic economic conditions remain strong. The central bank has slightly revised upwards its near-term growth and inflation forecasts for the upcoming financial year, signaling a cautious yet optimistic outlook.