Police seized nearly three kilograms of ganja and arrested two Gujarat residents for illegal possession during a raid at a farmhouse in Palghar district, Maharashtra, officials said Wednesday. According to the PTI, the operation took place on Tuesday. "Acting on a tip-off, police raided Sambha Irani Farm within the Amgaon Chowki limits in Talasari," said Senior Inspector Ajay Gorad of Talasari Police Station. During the search, 2.965 kilograms of ganja were seized, he added, reported PTI. Two detained Following the seizure, the police registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested Mohammad Changez Haji Abdul Rauf Sheikh (36) and Atish Ganesh Kumare (28), both residents of Valsad in Gujarat. As per PTI, the accused were taken into custody on February 4 after the contraband was verified, according to Gorad. Police are currently investigating whether the accused were part of a larger inter-state drug syndicate operating across the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. Palghar cops launch crackdown on illegal foreign nationals In a major crackdown on illegal foreign nationals in Palghar district of Maharashtra, the police on Wednesday detained 109 Nigerians for verification of documents in the Nalasopara East area and recovered nearly 2 kg of cocaine during the operation, an official said, reported news agency PTI. None of the detainees has reportedly so far been able to produce valid travel or residential documents, the official added. The operation was carried out by teams of the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police, which launched a combing drive in the area at around 6 am, Deputy Commissioner of Police Poornima Chowgule-Shringi said, reported PTI. “At one location, we seized 2 kg of cocaine from a person, and an offence is being registered,” she said. Foreign nationals, including those from Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana, living in areas such as Nalasopara, Achole and Tulinj have allegedly repeatedly been found to be involved in drug peddling, the official said. “Several of these foreign nationals have been found to be involved in drug peddling, and it recently came to light that they have also set up illegal shops. The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation had information about these activities. Hence, we initiated coordinated action against drugs and illegal establishments,” Chowgule-Shringi said, reported PTI. Police gave the detained persons an opportunity to produce their travel and residential documents, she said, adding, “So far, not a single person has been able to show valid documents. Those who can produce legal documents will be allowed to stay, while those who fail to do so will face further legal action, including repatriation.” Foreign nationals prefer areas in the outer skirts due to low property rents, she added (With PTI inputs)
04 February,2026 09:51 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentLeader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the India-US trade deal while commerce and industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the agreement as a landmark step in strengthening India-US relations and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said both sides would now complete technical processes and paperwork. “I wish to reiterate to this august House that India's core sensitivities in food and agriculture have been fully safeguarded,” Goyal said. Kharge with contrasting views alleged that it would harm Indian farmers and weaken the country’s agriculture sector. Speaking during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Upper House, Kharge accused the government of sidelining Parliament and prioritising foreign interests over farmers. Insult to Parliament Kharge said Parliament learned about the trade deal from US President Donald Trump while the House was in session. “The fact that parliamentarians came to know about the India-US trade deal from President Trump and not the government is an insult to Parliament,” he said, adding that Trump appeared to be “telling what India should do and how to run it from the US.” Quoting US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Kharge said, “The new US-India deal will export farm products to India's massive markets, lifting prices and pumping cash into rural America.” “Meaning American farmers will benefit,” he said, asking the government, “Tell us, are you (government) working for the welfare of farmers, or are you against the farmers?” according to PTI. Zero-Tariff Imports a Threat Kharge alleged that American farm imports would enter India at zero tariff, while Indian exports would face an 18 percent duty. “Indian farmers will be destroyed by this deal,” he said, accusing the government of wanting to “destroy” the agriculture sector. He also criticised the government for what he called a pattern of ignoring farmers’ concerns over the past 11 years the government had “bulldozed” social justice, equality and parliamentary democracy. He alleged the weakening of the Constitution’s four pillars—justice, liberty, equality and fraternity—and said atrocities against minorities, tribals and women had increased under NDA rule. Manipur, Minorities and Silenced Parliament Kharge said any talk of social harmony must include Manipur, where at least 200 people have died and 70,000 displaced. “You have made Manipur a militarised zone,” he said, noting it took two years for the Prime Minister to visit the state. He also accused the government of stifling parliamentary debate by rejecting Opposition demands and pushing laws without proper scrutiny. Inequality, Jobs and Labour Laws Citing the World Inequality Report, Kharge said 1 per cent of Indians hold 40 per cent of the nation’s wealth and questioned what the government had done to address inequality. He flagged rising unemployment, criticised new labour codes, and accused the government of dismantling worker protections to benefit “corporate friends.” Taking a dig at the ‘Achche Din’ slogan, he said pollution has become so severe that people are forced to buy air purifiers.“Those who talk about ease of doing business can't give ease of breathing...,” he slammed.
04 February,2026 09:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) on Wednesday announced an 11-night, 12-day 'Divine Rajasthan with Ujjain Yatra' tour package under its Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train initiative, offering a spiritual and heritage journey starting from Solapur. The package is priced from Rs 19,900 per person. The tour will cover major pilgrimage and heritage destinations, including Udaipur, Nathdwara, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Khatu Shyam Ji and Ujjain. Gaurav Jha, Group General Manager, IRCTC West Zone, Mumbai, said the specially curated Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, comprising both AC and non-AC coaches, has been designed to provide pilgrims and tourists with a comfortable and well-organised travel experience. The train will offer accommodation in Economy Sleeper (SL), Standard 3AC and Comfort 2AC classes, with a total capacity of around 750 passengers. • IRCTC announces 12-day Bharat Gaurav tour covering Rajasthan and Ujjain IRCTC announces 12-day Bharat Gaurav tour covering Rajasthan and Ujjain 11-night, 12-day spiritual tour to begin from Solapur Boarding and deboarding facilities will be available at Solapur, Kurduvadi, Daund, Pune, Lonavala, Kalyan, Vasai Road, Surat, Vadodara and Ratlam. The all-inclusive package covers train travel in AC and non-AC coaches, accommodation in budget hotels on double, triple and quad-sharing basis, pure vegetarian meals throughout the journey, sightseeing and transfers by AC and non-AC vehicles, comprehensive travel insurance, and the services of experienced IRCTC tour managers. According to IRCTC West Zone officials, special emphasis has been placed on maintaining high standards of health, hygiene and passenger safety throughout the tour. The package cost has been fixed at Rs 19,900 per person for Economy Class, Rs 31,920 for Standard 3AC, and Rs 41,840 for Comfort 2AC. Bookings are open on a first-come, first-served basis through IRCTC’s official tourism portal. IRCTC to launch ‘Temple Trails of Dakshin’ Bharat Gaurav tourist train from Maharashtra on February 18 Earlier, the Indian Railways announced the launch of a special Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train titled “Temple Trails of Dakshin”. The train offers passengers a unique spiritual journey across South India. The train will depart from Manmad, Maharashtra, on February 18. The train marked the first such comprehensive pilgrimage circuit originating from the region. As per IRCTC, the train offers a 12-night, 13-day all-inclusive tour. The initiative aims to provide pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts from Maharashtra and neighbouring states a seamless travel experience to some of South India’s most revered religious and cultural destinations. According to Gaurav Jha, group general manager, IRCTC West Zone, Mumbai, the composite AC and non-AC Bharat Gaurav train will cover iconic spiritual sites, including Murudeshwar, Guruvayur, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kanniyakumari, Trivandrum, Tiruchirappalli, Kanchipuram, and Mahabalipuram. The highlights of the tour include Murudeshwara Shiva Temple, Guruvayur Temple, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram. Boarding at various stations Passengers can board and disembark at Manmad, Nashik, Kalyan, Lonavala, Pune, Satara, and Miraj, ensuring wider accessibility. The train can accommodate up to 750 passengers and offers three travel classes. Economy Sleeper (SL)3ACComfort 2ACThe all-inclusive package will cover train travel, accommodation in budget hotels on a sharing basis, all-vegetarian meals, AC and non-AC local transfers and sightseeing, travel insurance, and the services of dedicated IRCTC tour managers.
04 February,2026 07:36 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondentAir India on Wednesday said that the inspections on Boeing 787 aircraft in its operational fleet have revealed no issues with the fuel control switch on any of the aircraft. The airline said that it has completed precautionary re-inspections of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its operational fleet, the airline said on Wednesday. The checks were carried out as a safety measure after an issue was reported on a flight from London to Bengaluru earlier this week. The airline said the inspections revealed no issues with the fuel control switch on any of the aircraft. Air India added that the inspections were conducted out of an abundance of caution following an observation reported by one of its pilots. Regulator conducts independent checks Air India also acknowledged the regulator’s independent inspections and confirmed that the fuel control switch has been cleared. The airline said it would follow the regulator’s guidance and circulate OEM-recommended operating procedures for the fuel control switch to all crew members. Safety remains top priority An Air India spokesperson reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remains the airline’s highest priority. "Air India has completed precautionary re-inspections of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) across all operational Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet. No issues were identified during these checks. The inspections were undertaken in an abundance of caution following an observation reported by one of our pilots. We acknowledge the regulator’s proactive oversight in conducting independent inspections and subsequently clearing the FCS. Air India will fully adhere to the regulator’s guidance to circulate OEM-recommended operating procedures for the operation of the FCS to all crew members. The safety of our passengers and crew remains Air India’s highest priority," an official statement said.
04 February,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturIndia has safeguarded its core interests in agriculture and dairy under the India-US trade deal while improving market access for Indian goods, the government said following the deal announced by the US President Donald Trump earlier this week. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said, “core sensitivities in food and agriculture have been fully safeguarded,” adding the pact will boost export competitiveness and create opportunities for MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. Here's what the trade deal means and how could it benefit the farmers. A tariff is a tax a country charges on goods imported from other countries. Importers pay this tax to the government, and usually, companies pass the cost on to consumers. Import duties make imported goods more expensive. Other factors, like the tariffs on competing countries (e.g., Bangladesh 20 pc, Vietnam 20 pc, Thailand 19 pc) and the quality or standards of the goods, also affect prices. Agriculture in India: A Livelihood Issue Agriculture and allied activities such as animal husbandry form the backbone of India’s rural economy, providing employment to over 700 million people. Unlike developed countries where farming is highly mechanised and corporatised, agriculture in India is primarily livelihood-based. Allowing cheap imports from countries that heavily subsidize farmers could harm Indian farmers, lower their incomes, and threaten food security, making agriculture a sensitive issue in trade talks everywhere. Global Trade Dominated by Big Corporations The global food trade is highly concentrated. Reports suggest that about 90 per cent of global food trade is controlled by roughly five multinational corporations that have historically used predatory pricing strategies. If India reduces protection sharply, domestic farmers could become vulnerable to global giants, leading to long-term dependence and market instability. The potential impact on rural employment and incomes makes agriculture a contentious issue in trade talks. Why Developed Nations Seek Access to India For countries such as the US, Australia and the European Union, agriculture is a major export industry. In 2024, US agricultural exports stood at USD 176 billion, accounting for about 10 percent of its total merchandise exports according to PTI. With large-scale mechanised farming and heavy subsidies, the US and other developed nations view India as a lucrative market for expansion. US agricultural exports to India were USD 1.6 billion in 2024, including almonds, pistachios, apples and ethanol. However, India’s farm sector is structured around livelihoods rather than corporate scale, making unrestricted access risky for domestic producers. India’s Protection Framework India shields its agriculture sector using a mix of tariffs, import duties and regulations. The tariff structure ranges from zero to 150 per cent depending on the product, particularly protecting staple crops, dairy and key livelihood-sustaining items. Opening agriculture fully would mean reducing these barriers and exposing Indian farmers to subsidised imports. Other countries also protect their farmers. The US, for instance, imposes high duties on select products, including 350 per cent tariff on tobacco, and uses complex non-ad valorem tariffs that raise effective import costs. Subsidy Imbalance in Global Farming Trade experts note that the US provides massive subsidies to its farm sector. In some years, support exceeded production value for certain products — Rice (82 per cent), Canola (61 per cent), Sugar (66 per cent), Cotton (74 per cent), Mohair (141 per cent) and Wool (215 per cent).Such subsidy levels allow foreign producers to sell cheaply abroad. If these products enter India with low duties, Indian farmers — who do not receive similar backing — would struggle to compete. Dairy and Staples Are Especially Sensitive India treats almost the entire agriculture sector as sensitive because over 50 per cent of the population depends on it for livelihood. Dairy is particularly critical, supporting millions of small farmers and cooperatives. Any surge in imports of milk products or animal feed could destabilise rural incomes and weaken India’s self-sufficiency in food production. WTO Rules Support India’s Position India’s agricultural tariffs are consistent with World Trade Organisation norms. WTO rules allow member countries to protect sensitive sectors, especially those linked to food security and rural employment. This gives India legal space to safeguard farming even while pursuing trade liberalisation in other sectors. India’s Expanding Farm Exports India is simultaneously expanding its export footprint. In FY25, agricultural exports rose to over USD 51 billion from USD 45.7 billion in 2023-24, with around USD 5 billion going to the US. Total exports in FY25 stood at USD 437 billion. India aims to reach USD 100 billion in combined exports of agriculture, marine products and food and beverages in the next four years. Though it is the world’s second-largest agricultural producer by value, India accounts for only 2.2 per cent of global farm exports, indicating scope for growth without weakening domestic protection. Major exports include rice, tea, coffee, spices, cashew, oil meals, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables. Non-Tariff Barriers Still Persist Tariffs are only one part of trade. Non-tariff measures also affect market access.According to experts, the US has complex sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules that often act as disguised barriers. The Maximum Residue Limits on pesticides are among the strictest globally, making compliance difficult for developing countries, including India, even when tariff rates are reduced. What the Trade Deal Changes US President Donald Trump has announced that Washington will bring down reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, after earlier imposing steep duties linked to trade imbalances and purchases of Russian crude and military equipment. The reduction makes Indian exports more competitive in the US market. At the same time, India has ensured that agriculture and dairy are not opened in a way that harms farmers. Balancing Exports and Rural Stability The India-US trade deal seeks to balance export growth with rural stability. While Indian manufacturers and exporters gain improved access to the American market, New Delhi has drawn a clear line on agriculture and dairy. For India, farming is not merely a trade sector — it is a livelihood system, a food security pillar and a socio-economic foundation. By safeguarding it, the government aims to pursue global integration without compromising the millions who depend on agriculture for survival. (With PTI Inputs)
04 February,2026 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre if there was any possibility for the government to relook at the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk considering his health condition. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale observed that Wangchuk's health report was not good and asked Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, to seek instructions in the matter. "Apart from submissions, counter submissions and law points, just give a thought to it, as an officer of the Court. The detention order is passed on September 26, 2025, nearly five months. "Considering the health condition of the detainee... The report which we saw earlier, it shows that his health is not that good. There are certain age-related, may be otherwise. Is there a possibility for the government to rethink, or even relook? the bench observed orally. Nataraj said that he would put the suggestion to the concerned authorities. During the hearing, the additional solicitor general submitted that Wangchuk was responsible for violence in Leh last year in which four people died and 161 were injured. "It was ultimately, his provocative speech, provocation, instigation. The person need not actively participate, the propensity of person to influence a group of persons that is more than sufficient," Nataraj said. The law officer contended that order of Wangchuk's detention was approved on October 3, 2025, and there is no challenge to the approval order.The arguments remained inconclusive and are set to continue on Thursday. On Tuesday, the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration had told the apex court that Wangchuk was detained for instigating people in a border area where regional sensitivity is involved. Justifying Wangchuk's detention, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had told the bench that all procedural safeguards were followed while ordering his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). On Monday, the Centre had said that Wangchuk tried to instigate Gen Z for protests like in Nepal and Bangladesh. Mehta had said that Wangchuk even referred to Arab Spring-like agitation which has led to the overthrow of multiple governments in countries of the Arab world.The top court was hearing a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, the wife of Wangchuk, against his detention under the stringent NSA. The NSA empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner "prejudicial to the defence of India". The maximum detention period is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier. On January 29, Wangchuk, who is under detention in the Jodhpur Central Jail, denied allegations that he made a statement to overthrow the government like the 'Arab Spring', emphasising that he has the democratic right to criticise and protest. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, submitted that police have relied on "borrowed material" and selective videos to mislead the detaining authority. Angmo claims the detention is illegal and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights. Wangchuk was detained on September 26 last year, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead in the Union Territory. The government accused him of inciting the violence. The plea said it is wholly "preposterous" that Wangchuk would suddenly be targeted after more than three decades of being recognised at the state, national and international levels for his contributions to grassroots education, innovation and environmental conservation in Ladakh and across India. Angmo said the unfortunate events of violence in Leh on September 24 last year cannot be attributed to the actions or statements of Wangchuk in any manner. Wangchuk himself condemned the violence through his social media handles and categorically said violence would lead to the failure of Ladakh's "tapasya" and peaceful pursuit of five years, Angmo said, adding it was the saddest day of his life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 February,2026 06:41 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIWeeks after the conclusion of Maharashtra local body elections, the contest for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor at Malegaon Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra’s Nashik district has intensified. The Malegaon mayor election is scheduled for February 7 with the ISLAM-SP alliance nearing majority. Three newly elected corporators have so far filed their nominations for the mayor’s post and five have been listed in contest for the deputy mayor’s position, reported the PTI. In the civic elections held on January 15, the Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (ISLAM) emerged as the single largest party, securing 35 seats in the 84-member civic body. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) followed with 21 seats, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 18 seats. The Samajwadi Party (SP) secured five seats, the Congress three, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) two seats. As per PTI, the magic figure required to prove a majority is 43. The ISLAM party and the SP have come together to form the Malegaon Secular Front, securing a combined strength of 40 seats. The alliance now needs the support of only three more corporators to reach the majority mark. For the mayor’s post, Sheikh Nasrin Bano Mohammed Khalid and Sheikh Tahera Sheikh Rasheed, both from the ISLAM party, and Lata Ghodke of the Shiv Sena have filed nominations. For the deputy mayor’s post, Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed and Mohammed Mustkim Mohammed Mustafa (both from the SP), Hafiz Abdullah Mufti Mohammed Ismail (AIMIM), and Narendra Sonawane and Nilesh Kakde (both from the Shiv Sena) are in the fray, reported PTI. A special meeting has been convened on February 7 to elect the mayor and deputy mayor. Nashik Collector Ayush Prasad will preside over the meeting. Congress begins campaign in ZP polls in Raigad Ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections 2026, Congress on Tuesday began its campaign in Maharashtra's Raigad district, calling for victory in the upcoming local polls. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal hit the campaign trail across Raigad district, warning that industrialists were encroaching on the rights of the “sons of the soil” and urging voters to support Congress MVA candidates in the Zilla Parishad polls. Speaking at rallies in Jasai, Chirner, Satirje, and Chondhi, Sapkal said the enthusiasm among party workers showed victory was within reach. “The Zilla Parishad election is about safeguarding local rights and traditions. Congress MVA is set to perform strongly in Raigad, and power will be in our hands,” he said. Sapkal cited public leader D. B. Patil’s historical fight for local communities and said the region now faced fresh challenges from “capitalist interests.” He appealed to voters to unite and ensure a Congress MVA win to block these forces. On the issue of the Navi Mumbai airport, Sapkal reiterated Congress’s long-standing demand to name it after D. B. Patil. “Devendra Fadnavis is avoiding this. The airport currently shows the NM (Navi Mumbai) name, but any attempt to rename it after Narendra Modi will not be accepted,” he said. Raigad District Congress Committee President Mahendra Gharat, Rajabhau Thakur, and other senior party leaders accompanied Sapkal during the campaign. (With PTI inputs)
04 February,2026 05:56 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump has said that India and the US have agreed on a trade deal under which Washington will bring down reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 25 per cent. The announcement is important as the US has imposed a steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods entering American markets from August 27, 2025. Here is a list of key pointers to explain the announcement: Tariff definition:These are customs or import duties which a country imposes on goods bought from other nations. An importer has to pay this duty to the government. Normally, companies pass on these taxes to end users or consumers. Import duty makes goods expensive in the importing country. Besides, a few other factors also play a role in this. For example, duty on India's competitor nations such as Bangladesh (20 pc), Vietnam (20 pc) and Thailand (19 pc); and quality and standards of items. USA'S tariffs on India:In August 2025, the US announced to impose a 25 per cent tariff plus another 25 per cent punitive duty for buying Russia's crude oil and military equipment. These duties are imposed over and above the existing tariffs that the Indian goods are facing in the US. The US has reduced the duty to 18 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he was delighted that "made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent". Why is US imposing tariffs:The US has alleged that it faces a significant trade deficit with India, blaming New Delhi for imposing high tariffs on American goods, which it says restricts US exports to the Indian market. Trump's announcement:"It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India...We spoke about many things, including Trade...He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week! Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25 percent to 18 percent. "They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to "BUY AMERICAN," at a much higher level, in addition to over 500 billion dollars of US Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products," Trump has said in a social media post. Details of the deal:No details are available so far. An executive order from the US may provide clarity on the tariff issues, the trade deal document is expected to outline the sectors covered under the agreement. Both are awaited. Gains for India: Labour-intensive sectors such as garments, leather and non-leather footwear, gems and jewellery, carpets and handicrafts may get a boost as high tariffs were hurting exports of these goods to the US. Bilateral trade:During 2021-25, the US was India's largest trading partner in goods. The US accounts for about 18 per cent of India's total exports, 6.22 per cent in imports, and 10.73 per cent in bilateral trade. In 2024-25, the bilateral trade touched USD 186 billion (USD 86.5 billion exports and USD 45.3 billion imports). With America, India had a trade surplus (the difference between imports and exports) of USD 41 billion in 2024-25. It was USD 35.32 billion in 2023-24 and USD 27.7 billion in 2022-23. In services, India exported an estimated USD 28.7 billion and imported USD 25.5 billion, adding a USD 3.2 billion surplus.Altogether, India ran a total trade surplus of about USD 44.4 billion with the US. Major products traded between the two:In 2024, India's main exports to the US included drug formulations and biologicals (USD 8.1 billion), telecom instruments (USD 6.5 billion), precious and semi-precious stones (USD 5.3 billion), petroleum products (USD 4.1 billion), vehicle and auto components (USD 2.8 billion), gold and other precious metal jewellery (USD 3.2 billion), ready-made garments of cotton, including accessories (USD 2.8 billion), and products of iron and steel (USD 2.7 billion). Imports included crude oil (USD 4.5 billion), petroleum products (USD 3.6 billion), coal, coke (USD 3.4 billion), cut and polished diamonds (USD 2.6 billion), electric machinery (USD 1.4 billion), aircraft, spacecraft and parts (USD 1.3 billion), and gold (USD 1.3 billion). Services trade:As per estimates, USA's services imports from India amounted to USD 40.6 billion in calendar year 2024, with computer/information services imports at USD 16.7 billion and business management/consulting at USD 7.5 billion. High tariffs in US:As per reports, the US imposes high duties on items like dairy products (188 per cent), fruits and vegetables (132 per cent), coffee, tea, cocoa and spices (53 per cent), Cereals and food preparations (193 per cent), Oilseeds, fats and oils (164 per cent), beverages and tobacco (150 per cent), Minerals and metals (187 per cent), and Chemicals (56 per cent). Comments of experts on India-US trade deal:EPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council) Chairman A Sakthivel: This development is expected to give a boost to apparel exports, attract fresh investments across the value chain, and reinforce India's position as a reliable global sourcing hub. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President SC Ralhan: It is expected to lead to an immediate and substantial release of orders that were earlier put on hold, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, textiles, leather and footwear. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 February,2026 05:36 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Centre on Wednesday withdrew President’s Rule from Manipur, paving the way for the formation of the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led NDA government in the state, officials said. "In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 356 of the Constitution, I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, hereby revoke the Proclamation issued by me under the said article on the 13th day of February, 2025, in relation to the State of Manipur, with effect from the 4th day of February, 2026," a Union Home Ministry notification said. Manipur had been under President’s Rule since February 13 last year, four days after then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid prolonged ethnic violence. Biren Singh had stepped down on February 9 following sustained unrest between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities. More than 260 people were killed, around 1,500 injured, and over 70,000 displaced after ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which was kept under suspended animation after the imposition of President’s Rule, has a tenure until 2027. Senior BJP leader Khemchand Singh will take oath as the new Chief Minister at the Lok Bhavan at 6 p.m. A senior Manipur government official said that a few ministers, including one or two Deputy Chief Ministers, are also likely to be sworn in along with the new Chief Minister. "Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will administer the oath at the Lok Bhavan," the official told IANS. Manipur state BJP, in a post on X, said, "The swearing-in ceremony of Shri Y Khemchand Singh as the Chief Minister of Manipur will take place today, 4th February 2026, at 6:00 PM at Lok Bhavan." "Under his experienced and visionary leadership, Manipur is set to move forward on the path of peace, development, and good governance, ushering in a new era of stability and progress for the state," the BJP said. Earlier, Khemchand Singh, accompanied by the newly appointed Central observer Tarun Chugh, BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, former Chief Minister Biren Singh, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and a few MLAs, met the Governor at the Lok Bhavan and staked a claim to form the government. The Governor then invited him to form the government, the official added. There is speculation that the new BJP government may have one or two Deputy Chief Ministers and that two MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community are likely to be included, too. Party leaders and a large number of MLAs greeted Khemchand Singh after he arrived at Imphal airport on Wednesday morning from New Delhi. Ending months of uncertainty and prolonged parleys over government formation in Manipur, the BJP on Tuesday announced that former Assembly Speaker and minister Khemchand Singh will be the state’s next Chief Minister. BJP leaders said that Khemchand Singh was elected as the Legislature Party Leader at a meeting held in the national capital and attended by BJP MLAs from Manipur, along with Central Observer Chugh and Patra, among other senior leaders. In the meeting at the BJP party headquarters in Delhi, Khemchand Singh’s name was proposed as the Legislature Party leader by former Chief Minister Biren Singh. The BJP has 37 MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, while its NDA allies -- the National People’s Party (NPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) -- have six and five MLAs respectively. Three Independent MLAs are also supporting the BJP-led NDA. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2026 05:20 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA court in Maharashtra's Thane has acquitted three men accused of conspiring to cause harm using explosives hidden in a vehicle in 2017, citing lack of eyewitnesses and prosecution's failure to establish a definitive link between the trio and the seized material. Additional Sessions Judge A S Bhagwat passed the order on January 29, which was made available on Wednesday. The case dates back to August 6, 2017, when the police conducted a raid at Gousiya Compound in Mumbra locality in Thane. Authorities found a bag of explosive powder and nine detonators hidden inside an out-of-use sports utility vehicle (SUV). The prosecution alleged that the accused - Mahinsa Rajesab Ganur alias Mahesh (57), Shahalam Mehmud Sheikh (49) and Arif Nawabali Khan (40) - had conspired to cause damage to life and property and specifically aimed to harm the landowner, Ismail Mohammed Sheikh. They were charged under sections 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act. After spending over two years in custody, they were released on bail in late 2019. The court highlighted significant gaps in the prosecution's evidence, and noted that it failed to provide any eyewitnesses to the alleged crime. "From the above testimony, it is established that there are no eyewitnesses to the incident. Also, no witness has testified regarding the seizure of explosives from the possession of the accused," it said. It concluded that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, granting the accused the benefit of the doubt. "In the above circumstances, there is no solid evidence against the accused.The prosecution has failed to prove that the accused committed crimes.Therefore, the accused are entitled to be acquitted," the court said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 February,2026 05:07 PM IST | Thane | PTIIn a rare move by a serving chief minister, Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday argued her petition in the Supreme Court against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls and alleged unfair targetting of West Bengal by the poll panel and bulldozing of its citizens. Urging the top court to "save democracy" and intervene to ensure fair special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission keeping in mind the fact that people alive have been declared dead by the poll panel. She once referred to the poll panel as the "WhatsApp commission", in an apparent reference to the directions being allegedly passed by the EC to the electoral officials on WhatsApp. Banerjee, who was represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Shyam Divan, sought the nod of a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant to personally advance her submissions. She said her state was not getting justice anywhere and despite having written six letters to the poll panel on SIR, she has not received any reply. "Their SIR process is only for deletion, not for inclusion," she told the bench, also comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi.Asking why the same yardstick was not applied in Assam, Banerjee said, "West Bengal is being targeted." "They are targeting West Bengal to bulldoze its people," said the chief minister, who was permitted by the bench to supplement submissions of her lawyer. At the outset, Divan started his submissions and later, Mamata was seen standing besides him. She then requested the bench to permit her to address the court. "If you can allow me five minutes only," she asked. The CJI responded by saying the court would give her not five but 15 minutes to advance her submissions. She flagged difficulties being faced by the citizens due to the SIR exercise and said people were happy that the apex court gave a direction to include Aadhaar as one of the documents in the process. Banerjee alleged that despite the apex court's direction, the poll panel was not allowing Aadhaar and seeking other documents from the voters for electoral roll revision. "In other states, documents like domicile certificate, family register card etc. are allowed... they are only targetting Bengal on the eve of elections. What was the hurry," she asked. She said the process, which usually takes two years, was being undertaken in a short span of three months even during festival and harvesting season in the state. Banerjee also claimed that many people who are alive have been declared dead by the EC during the ongoing process. She then flagged the issue of deaths of officials who are involved in the SIR exercise. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the EC, countered the charges and alleged that the West Bengal government has provided the services of only 80 grade-two officers like SDMs for overseeing SIR process. He said only low-ranked government employees like Anganwadi workers have been provided by the West Bengal government for the process. Banerjee countered the EC's claim and said the state has provided whatever sought by the poll panel. At the outset of her submissions, Banerjee quoted Rabindranath Tagore and said, "The problem is our lawyers always fought our case from the beginning but when everything is finished, we are not getting justice. When justice is behind doors. We are not getting justice anywhere." "I am a bonded labourer sir... I am from a common family and I am not fighting for my party," she said. When the counsel appearing for the EC interrupted, Banerjee, with folded hands, said. "Please allow me to speak sir!" She flagged that married women were being put to notice for shifting to their in-laws house or using their husband's surname. Banerjee claimed the poll panel has not complied with the top court's directions on logical discrepancy list. When the EC's counsel objected to her submissions, CJI Kant interrupted saying, "Madam has come all the way to speak." During the hearing, the bench observed that "genuine persons must remain on the electoral roll". The CJI said every problem has a solution and it must be ensured that no innocent person is left out. Concluding her submissions, Banerjee conveyed her regards to the bench for giving her the opportunity to argue and urged it to "save democracy". The bench issued notices and sought replies by February 9 from the Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal on her petition. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2026 05:03 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
-1770217866185_d.png "Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. File Pic")
-1770209240358_d.png "India-US trade deal protects India's agriculture. Representational Image")
-1770210080083_d.png "Sonam Wangchuk. File Pic.")
-1770106970587_d.png "India-US trade deal announced by President Donald Trump (left) after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File Pic")
-1770196131228_d.png "Authorities found a bag of explosive powder and nine detonators hidden inside an out-of-use SUV in 2017. Representative Picture.")
