THE HEADLINES :-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with his Malayasian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur; Trade, economic cooperation, strategic engagement, and emerging sectors expected to be high on agenda.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says ,India-US interim trade agreement is fair, equitable and balanced and ensures complete protection of farmers’ interests.
- Home Minister Amit Shah to chair high level security review meeting on left wing extremism in Raipur today.
- Japan votes in snap parliamentary election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- In ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India opens its campaign with a win over United States.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today accorded a ceremonial welcome at the office of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two leaders are currently holding closed-door talks, which include both one-to-one discussions and delegation-level meetings.
Trade, economic cooperation, strategic engagement, and emerging sectors are expected to remain high on the agenda. The two sides will also review the progress made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which they elevated their relationship in 2024.
Both Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had reiterated during yesterday’s Indian diaspora event that they attach high importance to bilateral ties and are committed to further deepening cooperation across sectors. The discussions today are also aimed at identifying new areas of collaboration. Our Correspondent report:
Several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be exchanged during the meetings and the two sides will also issue press statements later in the day outlining the outcomes of the talks.
As part of today’s engagements, Prime Minister Modi will also interact with CEOs and business leaders to further boost trade, investment, and economic linkages between the two countries. He is also scheduled to meet Indian National Army veterans and Malaysian dignitaries before concluding his visit and departing for India. On the first day of the visit, Prime Minister Modi addressed a large Indian diaspora gathering titled Selamat Datang Modi Ji in Kuala Lumpur, attended by around 15,000 people. During the event, he highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between India and Malaysia and emphasised the growing partnership under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024. He also announced that India’s digital payments platform UPI will be introduced in Malaysia soon. The Prime Minister further announced the launch of the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship for students studying in India and the opening of a new Indian Consulate in Malaysia to strengthen engagement with the diaspora. Duresh, Akashvani News, Kuala Lumpur.”
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Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan has said that the address delivered by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia underscores the deep historical and cultural bonds between both nations. In a social media post, He said, Indian diaspora in Malaysia plays a vital role and is a living bridge between the two countries. Vice-President also highlighted the Prime Minister’s remarks celebrating Tamil heritage and welcomed the announcement on the establishment of a Thiruvalluvar Centre, reflecting a strong commitment to promoting India’s civilisational legacy. Mr Radhakrishnan added that such initiatives strengthen cultural ties and carry our rich heritage across the globe.
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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the India-US interim trade agreement is fair, equitable and balanced, and ensures complete protection of farmers’ interests. He said agricultural and dairy products adequately produced in India, including maize, wheat, rice, sugar, soybean and poultry, have been kept outside tariff concessions. The Minister added that the agreement aims to promote exports, generate employment and advance India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Briefing the media on the India-US Joint Statement in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Goyal said that the earlier 50 per cent reciprocal tariff has now been reduced to 18 per cent for Indian exports under the agreement. He pointed out that India now enjoys lower tariff rates compared to its neighbouring countries, including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Mr Goyal highlighted that the deal safeguards the agriculture and dairy sectors, while several agricultural products such as spices, tea, coffee, cashew nuts, chestnuts, avocado, banana, mango, kiwi and papaya will attract zero duty in the United States. He added that the trade agreement has been welcomed across all sectors of the country.
The Commerce and Industry Minister said the government aims to raise India-US bilateral trade to 45 lakh crore rupees in the coming years. He said new opportunities have opened up for investors following the agreement and urged them to take advantage of them. He added that MSMEs, artisans, weavers and youth engaged in export-oriented sectors will be among the key beneficiaries.
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Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Raipur last evening on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh. During his visit, Mr Shah will participate in various programmes related to internal security and development in the state.
Today, the Union Home Minister will chair a high-level security review meeting on left-wing extremism in Raipur. Senior officials from the Central and State Governments, as well as representatives of security agencies, will take part in the meeting. Later in the day, Mr Shah will attend the National Conclave titled “Chhattisgarh @ 25: Shifting the Lens” as the Chief Guest.
Meanwhile, on the 9th of February, Mr Shah will attend the concluding ceremony of the Bastar Pandum festival in Jagdalpur. In a message shared on social media, he said that the country is moving steadily towards achieving the resolve of making India completely free from Naxalism by the 31st of March, 2026.
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Union minister for Electronics and IT, Information and Broadcasting and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has asserted that India is making major progress in the development of Semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem that can provide end to end solutions for other countries. He was addressing media persons after unveiling the 2 nanometer semiconductor chip manufactured by Qualcomm in Bengaluru, yesterday. The minister expressed confidence that India will be able to globally offer its talent in the Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor sector.
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In Meghalaya, search and rescue operations are continuing following the mine explosion at Mynsngat, Thangsko area, with teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Special Rescue Team (SRT), Police, and District Administration engaged in the operation. Two additional bodies were recovered yesterday, taking the total death toll to 27. The affected mine sites were thoroughly searched, and operations will resume this morning to ensure complete coverage. The District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District has intensified enforcement drives against illegal mining, deputing five teams comprising of Executive Magistrates, Police and officials from the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR).
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Seychelles President Patrick Herminie yesterday met Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and participated in the India-Seychelles Business Roundtable in Mumbai.
President Herminie, who is on a five-day visit to India, arrived in the city yesterday with First Lady Veronique Herminie. A desk report:
After his meeting with Sonowal, he attended the business roundtable organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which saw participation from business leaders of both countries. Addressing the gathering, President Herminie said India-Seychelles ties have strengthened over the past 50 years and expressed confidence in expanding bilateral cooperation. He said Seychelles holds India in high esteem, citing its position as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the two countries share a trusted partnership based on people-to-people ties and maritime cooperation, which has expanded to sectors such as healthcare, education, maritime security and disaster response. He added that growing trade, Indian investments, direct Mumbai-Mahe connectivity and India’s port-led development initiatives are opening new avenues for economic and strategic cooperation.
Seychelles Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Minister Barry Faure and Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment Minister Pierre Laporte were also present, along with senior officials and industry representatives.WITH ANKITA APTE, SANYUKTA YADAV AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.
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Japanese voters are casting ballots today in a snap parliamentary election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Just months after she was elected by lawmakers, Takaichi decided to go to the polls to seek the public’s mandate. If the coalition of Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party with the Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, wins 310 seats, it would be able to override the opposition-controlled upper chamber. She has vowed to step down if the coalition loses its majority.
Nearly 4.6 million people had cast early ballots as of a week ago, down 2.5 percent from the previous election in 2024, with the decline attributed to heavy snow in the northern and western regions.
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In Thailand, Millions of voters are heading to the polls today in a closely-watched election that will shape the country’s next parliament. They will also be voting on a referendum about the country’s constitution. It follows a snap election called by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who assumed office after political upheaval linked to a border dispute and the removal of his predecessor.
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News just in: Prime Minister narendra Modi has addressed the delegation-level talks with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim.
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In Men’s cricket, India defeated United States by 29 runs in the third match of T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai last night. Chasing a target of 162 runs set by India, United States managed to score 132 for 8 in stipulated 20 overs. For USA, Shubham Ranjane and Sanjay Krishnamurthi were the highest scorers contributing 37 runs each. For India, Mohammed Siraj took 3 wickets while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel scalped 2 wickets each.
Today, there are three fixtures. New Zealand will take on Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The match will start at 11.00 am. In another clash, England will face Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai at 03.00 pm, While Sri Lanka will be up against Ireland at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match will start at 07.00 pm.
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In Football, India thrashed Bangladesh 4-nil in the final to clinch the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-19 Women’s Championship title at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Nepal. Captain Julan Nongmaithem opened the scoring before Elizabed Lakra, Pearl Fernandes and substitute Anwita Raghuraman completed a commanding triumph, as the Young Tigresses emphatically avenged their earlier round-robin defeat against Bangladesh.
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NOW, FOR A LOOK AT TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS,
- “Prime Minister lands in Malaysia, calls for more robust trade links with India” reports Hindustan Times.
- The Pioneer quotes Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying “Trust has become india’s strongest currency.”
- “India, US unveil framework for Interim Trade Agreement to enhance economic ties” leads The Statesman.
- “Suspense over Russian oil as government mum on issue” says Financial Express.
- “Sonia seeks dismissal of revision plea on electoral roll allegations” states The Tribune.
- “As Bangladesh gears up for election, minority communities seek security” reports The Hindu.
- “In Ritu Tawde, BJP gets 2nd Mumbai mayor in 44 years” informs The Times of India.
- The Pioneer quoting Union Home Minister Amit Shah says “Pahalgam attack fails to deter tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.”
- Hindustan Times in its opinion “What India can expect from the US trade deal” says “The biggest gain is in terms of sentiment. The deal can serve as an insurance against any backtracking by the Trump administration, while keeping alive the prospects of further lowering of US tariffs on Indian exports. It can also help India become apart of US-led global value chains.
- “Cancer care set to get cheaper with duty-free drugs” reports The Tribune.
- On the T20 World Cup, The Indian Express says “India-Pakistan match back on table as PCB engages ICC.”
- And finally, “SURYA NAMASKAR”, Well, Economic Times writes that “Captain leads from the front as India recover from early wobble to beat US by 29 runs in opener.”
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with his Malayasian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur; Trade, economic cooperation, strategic engagement, and emerging sectors expected to be high on agenda.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says, India-US interim trade agreement is fair, equitable and balanced and ensures complete protection of farmers’ interests.
- Home Minister Amit Shah to chair high level security review meeting on left wing extremism in Raipur today.
- Japan votes in snap parliamentary election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- In ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India opens its campaign with a win over United States.
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