U.S. tariff on India reduced to 18%, say Modi and Trump

Indicating a positive turn in a bilateral relationship that had been under strain because of multiple issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that "Made in India" products would "now" attract a "reduced tariff of 18%" in the U.S.

Wetlands as a national public good

On February 2, 2026, the world marked World Wetlands Day 2026 under the theme, 'Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage'. In India, this theme feels especially apt. There is a rich history of communities sustaining themselves through wetlands following practices that inherently safeguarded ecosystems. 

Visible progress, invisible exclusion

India is perfecting a growth model designed to function with clinical efficiency, while quietly leaving its vast labour force behind.

Finance Commission triples grants to urban local governments

On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission report in the Lok Sabha, setting the framework for tax devolution between the Centre and the States. The Commission also recommended an allocation of ₹3.5 lakh crore to urban local governments (ULGs) for the next five years. Generally, funds are devolved to ULGs through transfer by the Central and State governments in the form of grants. 

Why are tribals protesting in Maharashtra?

The primary demands of the tribals are about their land rights, employment, irrigation and education. They demand that as per the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the forest land which they have been tilling for generations, should be made in their name.

They have also demanded the completion of pending recruitments under the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, which will give employment opportunities to educated tribal youth. 

What is the next phase for rural women entrepreneurship?

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission has been enhancing rural women's entrepreneurship and political power in India by empowering over 10 crore households through self-help groups. 

SC issues notices to 12 States on petition by church body against anti-conversion laws

The Supreme Court on Monday decided to examine the validity of anti-religious conversion laws enacted by 12 States across the country even as Christian groups submitted that these statutes "incentivise" vigilante groups to commit acts of violence against minorities. 

Manufacturing PMI rises to 55.4 in Jan.

Activity in India's manufacturing sector expanded at a faster rate in January 2026, rising from a two-year low in December 2025, driven by increases in new orders and buying levels, a private sector survey showed. 

Gaza's crucial Rafah crossing to Egypt reopens with limits

Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened on Monday for limited traffic, a key step in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire but a mostly symbolic one as few people will be allowed to travel in either direction and no goods will pass through.