2 women died in a building collapse amidst heavy rain in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore.
The devastating rainfall is expected to continue in the south Indian state with a well-marked low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal likely to cross its northern coast over the next 24 hours.
Chief Minister MK Stalin urged authorities to keep relief camps ready and ordered the evacuation of people from low-lying areas.
India-US move closer to a long-pending trade deal
In other news, India and the US have taken giant strides toward their long-pending trade deal.
According to a Mint report, the deal could slash the current tariffs for Indian exports to 15-16% from the current brutal 50%. The report notes that energy and agriculture are two key areas being negotiated. Furthermore, any deal is also likely to include a mechanism to periodically review tariffs and market access.
President Murmu’s helicopter troubles
Shifting focus, President Droupadi Murmu had to alter her travel plans after her helicopter got stuck at a helipad on landing.
The President, who was on her way to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, made a safe touchdown at the newly prepared helipad in Kerala’s Pramadam. But soon after disembarking, her helicopter’s tyres sank slightly into the freshly laid concrete .
Following this the President continued her journey to Pampa by road without any delay.
Big setback for fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi
Next up, in a big setback to fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, a Belgian court found arguments against his extradition ‘irrelevant’.
The Court of Appeals in Antwerp confirmed that the crimes cited by India in the extradition case are also recognised as offences under Belgian law.
6 Ukrainians killed in Russian missile and drone attacks
Staying with Europe - 6 Ukrainians, including two children, were killed in Russian missile and drone attacks on the embattled nation.
The attacks on Ukraine came after the White House on Tuesday put on hold a planned summit of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to a Reuters report, a senior US official confirmed there were no plans for a meeting anytime soon after Moscow rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire.
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