eznews.inFollowing the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Donald Trump's global tariffs, Indian Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that his "betrayal" in the India-US interim trade deal has been exposed. Gandhi claimed that Modi's actions reflect a "compromised" position, suggesting that the trade deal has become an "ordeal" for India due to the Prime Minister's "desperation and surrender." Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh argued that Modi's haste to secure the deal has caused unnecessary distress for Indian farmers and questioned the sustainability of the new tariffs imposed by Trump. Randeep Surjewala further challenged the Modi government to protect Indian interests, including energy security and agricultural integrity, in light of the Supreme Court ruling. Despite the turmoil, Trump maintained that the trade deal with India remains unchanged, asserting a strong relationship with Modi. 
Published: Feb 21 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIn a significant ruling, the US Supreme Court has struck down former President Donald Trump's tariffs, including a 25% reciprocal tariff on India and an additional 25% punitive tariff on Indian purchases of Russian oil. The court's 6-3 decision found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize such duties, prompting the US Chamber of Commerce to welcome the outcome. The chamber noted that refunds would be available for certain levies on goods from Brazil and India, benefiting over 200,000 small business importers facing cost increases and supply chain disruptions due to these tariffs. However, eligibility for refunds is limited to those who directly paid the tariffs, and the process remains complex. The chamber urged the administration to seize this opportunity to revise tariff policies to foster economic growth and reduce costs for families.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 12 pmeznews.inFollowing the US Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down former President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs, Indian Congress leader P. Chidambaram has called on the Indian government to clarify the implications for the newly announced trade deal framework between the US and India. In a column, Chidambaram expressed concerns that the ruling could revert the two nations to a pre-April 2025 status quo, questioning the future of concessions made by the US without reciprocal benefits from India. The joint statement from earlier this month outlined zero tariffs on various US exports to India, with India aiming to import $500 billion worth of goods, including energy. As an Indian trade delegation prepares to visit the US to finalize the Framework Agreement, Chidambaram urged the government to address how the Supreme Court's ruling will affect these commitments. Meanwhile, President Trump has indicated he may invoke a rarely used provision to impose temporary tariffs in response to balance-of-payments issues.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 1 pmeznews.inFollowing the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down former President Donald Trump's global tariffs, India's Congress party has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pause the interim trade agreement with the US and renegotiate its terms. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized the need for clarity from the US before any import liberalization, asserting that the deal could harm Indian farmers. He questioned the urgency of the agreement, suggesting it was a distraction from domestic issues raised by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Ramesh also highlighted Trump's assertion that the trade deal remains unchanged despite the court ruling, prompting further inquiries about Modi's stance. The Supreme Court's ruling, which deemed the tariffs unconstitutional, represents a significant setback for Trump's economic agenda. Meanwhile, Trump reaffirmed his positive relationship with India, claiming the trade deal is now fairer for both nations.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIn a significant ruling on February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court invalidated President Donald Trump's tariffs, deeming them beyond his authority. This decision affects the interim trade deal with India, reducing the previously agreed reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 18% to a temporary surcharge of 10%. Consequently, Indian labor-intensive products like textiles and shrimp will now face a lower tariff, aligning with rates imposed on other countries. However, the high 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum remain unchanged. Trump maintained that India would continue to pay tariffs, while trade experts argue that India now holds greater negotiating power in ongoing discussions, particularly regarding agriculture and digital trade. Experts suggest that India should leverage this opportunity to protect its interests, as Trump hinted at potential future tariffs under different legal provisions, which would require extensive investigations.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 12 pmeznews.inA three-day weather forecast from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts predicts moderate rain across most of Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu until Monday. This follows the formation of a new low-pressure area over the equatorial Indian Ocean and southeast Bay of Bengal, which emerged after a previous low weakened near Sri Lanka. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates that this new low may intensify but is likely to weaken due to adverse atmospheric conditions. Heavy rainfall is expected in isolated areas of southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with additional light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds forecasted for South Interior Karnataka. Meanwhile, a western disturbance is affecting northern India, bringing isolated rainfall and potential thunderstorms to regions including Uttarakhand and the western Himalayas. Rain and snow are also expected in Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh over the coming days.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to eliminate cash transactions at National Highway fee plazas by April 1, 2026, transitioning to a fully digital tolling system. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of electronic toll collection, primarily through FASTag and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which have already seen significant adoption, with FASTag penetration exceeding 98%. The shift is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure greater transparency in toll transactions. Currently, vehicles without a valid FASTag face double charges for cash payments, while UPI users incur a 1.25 times fee. NHAI's move is designed to address issues related to cash payments, such as longer wait times and disputes, and aligns with its goal of creating a technology-driven National Highway network that offers seamless services to users across more than 1,150 fee plazas nationwide.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 10 ameznews.inIn a significant shift from the Green Revolution's focus on high-yield hybrids and synthetic fertilizers, Indian households are increasingly embracing organic grains and pulses, marking a new agricultural revolution rooted in health and sustainability. This movement seeks to revive heritage crops like Khapli wheat and various millets, which offer superior nutritional benefits compared to conventional produce. As consumers demand transparency in food production, organic farmers are emerging as vital contributors to public health, linking soil health to human well-being. The transition to organic farming not only addresses environmental challenges by restoring soil microbiomes and promoting drought-resistant crops but also empowers farmers economically by reducing reliance on costly chemicals. Additionally, traditional processing methods are being revived, enhancing the nutritional value of food. This holistic transformation reflects a broader cultural shift in India, prioritizing nourishment over mere sustenance and fostering a sustainable agricultural system that benefits both people and the planet.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 9 ameznews.inIn a recent update from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the monetary policy committee unanimously decided to maintain the policy repo rate at 5.25%, reflecting a neutral stance amid a more optimistic growth outlook. According to ICICI Bank Global Markets, the likelihood of rate hikes remains low due to stable core inflation and recent trade agreements with the US and EU, which have led to a 20 basis point upward revision in growth forecasts for the first half of 2026-27. While inflation projections have been adjusted upwards due to rising precious metal prices, the overall inflation outlook remains benign. The RBI's focus will shift towards ensuring effective monetary transmission, especially as bond yields and deposit rates have recently increased, influenced by higher oil prices. The committee's approach suggests a prolonged pause on rate cuts, with an emphasis on maintaining liquidity in the market.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 9 ameznews.inDespite the growing global interest in Indian cuisine, its international expansion has been hampered not by a lack of appeal, but by unpredictability in taste and quality. For many in the Indian diaspora, food evokes cherished memories, yet traditional manufacturing methods have struggled to meet the consistency required for global markets. Variability in raw materials and production processes has led to inconsistent flavors, undermining the cuisine's potential. To address this, a focus on integrating farmers into the supply chain and establishing standardized agricultural practices is essential. Additionally, modernizing manufacturing disciplines through technology and rigorous quality checks can help preserve authenticity while ensuring uniformity. Investments in infrastructure, such as temperature-controlled logistics and compliance-driven quality frameworks, are crucial for maintaining product integrity across borders. As Indian cuisine seeks to solidify its global presence, the emphasis must shift from nostalgia to building robust systems that ensure reliability and sustainability.
Published: Feb 21 2026, 9 am
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