Amit Shah, India’s Home Minister since 2019, is in the news amid rising tensions with Pakistan and ongoing security concerns.
On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union concluded a landmark free trade agreement after nearly 20 years of negotiations. Covering 2 billion people and 25% of global GDP, the deal will slash tariffs on most goods, double EU exports to India by 2032, and deepen strategic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics and US tariff pressures.
Pakistan's cricket team will not play India in the upcoming World Cup, citing security concerns amid ongoing political tensions. The ICC warns this could harm the tournament's integrity and revenue, especially from the high-profile India-Pakistan fixture. The dispute highlights the influence of geopolitics on international sports.
On February 6-7, 2026, the US and India announced a trade framework reducing US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, contingent on India halting Russian oil imports. India agreed to lower tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products and commit to $500 billion in US purchases over five years. The deal faces domestic opposition in India, especially from farmers and unions concerned about agricultural exposure.
West Bengal heads to polling amid a contested Special Intensive Revision that has deleted about 9 million names from the electoral roll. Critics say minorities are disproportionately affected, while authorities defend the revision as cleaning dead and duplicate entries. Results are due May 4 after the April polling window closes.
Asha Bhosle, the legendary Indian playback singer known for over 12,000 songs across multiple languages and genres, has died at age 92 in Mumbai. She was hospitalized with a chest infection and exhaustion before passing from multiple organ failure. Her career spanned eight decades, influencing Bollywood and global music scenes.
India's parliament has rejected a bill that would increase female representation and expand the size of the lower house from 543 to about 850 seats. The bill was linked to a contentious delimitation process based on the 2011 census, sparking protests and accusations of political manipulation. The bill required a two-thirds majority and was defeated with 298 votes in favor and 230 against.