Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Saudi Arabia as one of India’s most valued partners and a trusted ally, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman his “brother.” PM Modi made these remarks before departing for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of the crown prince. This is his third visit to Saudi Arabia, following previous trips in 2016 and 2019.
JD Vance Visits Jaipur
US Vice President JD Vance, along with his family, visited the Amber Fort in Jaipur on Tuesday. On Monday, Vance held extensive talks with Prime Minister Modi. Following the talks, both India and the US announced that they had made "significant progress" in negotiations for a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement.
Indo-US Trade Talks
The two countries have finalised the terms for the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed the development on Tuesday. Negotiations began on February 13, and both sides aim to finalise the first phase of the pact by October this year.
SC To Hear Pleas Against Nishikant Dubey
In legal news, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear next week a plea against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The BJP MP has faced criticism for his remarks about the apex court and Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. The BJP has distanced itself from Dubey’s comments.
Delhi HC Pulls Up Ramdev
Yoga guru Ramdev has assured the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that he would immediately remove videos and social media posts relating to his controversial "sharbat jihad" remarks on Hamdard's Rooh Afza. The court had earlier expressed concern over the remarks.
Dalal Street Closes Higher
Indian equities ended higher for the sixth consecutive session, but with marginal gains. Both the Sensex and the Nifty gained around a-fourth of a percent each. The Nifty closed below 24,200, with 19 constituents of the index gaining, while 31 ending lower.
Michael Slater Sentenced
In sports, former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has been sentenced to four years in prison. Slater, who was arrested in April 2024, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including domestic violence. The former Australian opening batsman played 74 Tests and 42 ODIs between 1993 and 2003.
ED Summons Mahesh Babu
In entertainment news, the Enforcement Directorate has summoned Telugu actor Mahesh Babu for questioning in a money laundering case linked to an alleged real estate fraud involving local groups.
