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India and Canada have taken a significant step towards normalising their strained relations by agreeing to develop a "shared work plan" aimed at enhancing cooperation on national security and law enforcement. This decision emerged from a meeting between Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in Ottawa. The plan will facilitate collaboration on pressing issues, including transnational criminal networks and the illegal drug trade, particularly fentanyl precursors. Both nations will establish security liaison officers to improve communication and information sharing. This initiative follows a diplomatic crisis triggered by allegations from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, which India vehemently denied. The recent political changes in Canada, including the election of Prime Minister Mark Carney, have paved the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. 
Published: Feb 08 2026, 11 pm ISTeznews.inThe Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a temporary suspension of its proposed annual fare hike, which was set to increase fares by ₹1 to ₹5 across ten fare zones within its 96.10 km network. The decision to hold off on the fare adjustment will remain in effect until further notice, as stated by BMRCL. The revised fare structure will be communicated following a review by the Board and in line with recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC). This development comes as part of BMRCL's ongoing efforts to assess fare policies and ensure accessibility for commuters. Further updates are expected after the Board's evaluation.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 11 pm ISTeznews.inUnion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has refrained from confirming the specifics of the US claim that India agreed to halt Russian oil purchases as part of the interim trade agreement. He noted that the agreement includes provisions for "re-balancing of concessions," which could protect India from potential tariff reinstatements by the US. Goyal expressed optimism about the trade deal, highlighting that it has already halved tariffs on India's labour-intensive goods from 50% to 25%, with further reductions expected. He emphasized India's commitment to import $500 billion worth of US goods over the next five years, aiming to diversify sources and enhance quality and pricing. However, concerns linger regarding the US executive order linking tariff revocation to India's oil purchases from Russia, with President Trump warning of reinstated levies if such imports continue. The interim agreement, sealed on February 6, includes clauses allowing for modifications in commitments if tariffs change.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 10 pm ISTeznews.inThe Income Tax Department has proposed significant revisions to perquisite valuations under the Income Tax Rules, marking a major shift in the taxation of employee benefits that have remained unchanged for decades. The draft rules suggest nearly tripling the taxable value of employer-provided motor car usage and gifts, while quadrupling the value of food vouchers. For instance, the monthly valuation for cars with an engine capacity up to 1.6 litres will rise to ₹8,000 from ₹2,700. Additionally, the tax-free value of employer-provided meals will increase to ₹250 per meal, and the annual tax-free threshold for gifts will rise to ₹15,000 from ₹5,000. Experts have welcomed these changes as a necessary reform to align the tax framework with current economic conditions. The department is inviting public feedback on the draft rules until February 22, ahead of the new Income Tax Act's implementation on April 1, 2025.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 8 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for the expansion of drone-based logistics, particularly for transporting cargo and essential medical supplies over distances of 50 to 100 kilometres. The report, launched by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, advocates for the development of a scalable Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) corridor in the National Capital Region (NCR) to alleviate transit times and infrastructure challenges. It suggests a pilot project linking Gurugram, Connaught Place, and Jewar International Airport, while also proposing the use of rooftops as vertiports in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai. The study emphasizes the need for a robust regulatory framework within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and collaboration with urban planning bodies. Additionally, it recommends dedicated financing instruments from public financial institutions to support AAM initiatives, including phased trials for drone delivery and medical logistics.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 8 pm ISTeznews.inMalaysia has requested an enhancement of air traffic rights to allow its airlines to increase flights to India, during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. While both leaders expressed a commitment to strengthening air connectivity, India did not make any commitments regarding the request. The joint statement highlighted the importance of mutual trust and cooperation in civil aviation, acknowledging the rising demand for passenger travel. Currently, there are 66 daily flights between the two nations, with Air Asia Berhad and Malaysia Airlines dominating the routes. The request comes amid a surge in trade and tourism, with over 1.5 million Indians visiting Malaysia in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Malaysia is a key trading partner for India, and recent negotiations have led to increased air traffic rights with other countries in the region, including Indonesia and Thailand.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 7 pm ISTeznews.inThe Economic Survey for FY26 has proposed a transformative approach to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) e-way bill system, suggesting it should evolve from a mere enforcement tool to a facilitator of efficient logistics. This comes as e-way bill generation reached over 13.68 crore in January, marking a slight decline from the previous record but a 16% increase from January 2025. Experts, however, caution that the current threshold of ₹50,000 for e-way bill generation may be outdated and recommend raising it to ₹1 lakh to better reflect modern economic conditions. The Survey advocates for significant deregulation of the logistics sector, promoting the use of technology such as e-seals and vehicle tracking to enhance security and reduce delays. It also emphasizes a trust-based compliance model, allowing compliant taxpayers to experience fewer physical checks, thereby streamlining the movement of goods across the country.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 7 pm ISTeznews.inVK Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog and former director general of DRDO, emphasized the need for increased venture capital investment in Indian defence start-ups, which he believes have made significant progress. Speaking at the 'Advantage Vidarbha-2026 Business Conclave and Investment Summit', he highlighted that India's defence strategy should focus on meeting its own security needs rather than choosing between partnerships with the US and Russia. He noted that the robust ₹7.85 lakh crore defence allocation in the 2026-27 Union Budget reflects a commitment to large-scale production and indigenisation of military equipment, essential for future warfare. Saraswat pointed out that the budget supports the development of advanced technologies and encourages private sector participation, which is crucial for cost-effective production. He urged venture capitalists to enhance their support for defence start-ups, which are vital for fostering innovation in the sector.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 5 pm ISTeznews.inTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address delays in railway project funding and land acquisition in the state. In a letter, Stalin highlighted that while administrative sanctions have been granted for the acquisition of over 2,500 hectares for various railway projects, funds for nearly 932 hectares remain unallocated. He emphasized the need for timely, lump-sum payments to landowners to avoid disruptions and delays in project execution, citing the pending ₹289.78 crore for the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanniyakumari line as a critical example. Stalin also expressed concern over the limited allocation of new railway projects to Tamil Nadu and urged the revival of key projects currently on hold. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the need for full land acquisition and pledged support for funding, but emphasized the importance of collaboration with the state government to expedite progress.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 4 pm ISTeznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the recently announced India-US trade deal, emphasizing that it was achieved through constructive dialogue while safeguarding the interests of Indian farmers. He stated that key agricultural products crucial to domestic farmers have been excluded from the agreement, countering allegations from the Congress party that the deal represents a "surrender" of national interests. Chouhan asserted that no harmful products would enter India, including genetically modified organisms, and highlighted that significant agricultural items such as dairy, grains, and spices would remain protected. He criticized the Congress for failing to connect farmers to global markets and claimed that India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy. In response to Congress's concerns about potential American product dumping, Chouhan reiterated the government's commitment to preserving the integrity of Indian agriculture.
Published: Feb 08 2026, 3 pm IST
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