Author: Virgin News

Agreement expected to be signed soon; Zelenskyy likely to visit Washington for high-stakes talks with Trump Ukraine and the United States have reached a pivotal agreement on a framework economic deal centered around the extraction of rare earth minerals, three senior Ukrainian officials confirmed on Tuesday (February 25, 2025). The deal, which could be signed as early as Friday (February 28, 2025), is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening U.S.-Ukraine economic ties and ensuring a steady supply of critical materials essential for technology and defense industries. Sources indicate that Kyiv sees this agreement as instrumental in securing ongoing…

In a notable shift toward expanding its footprint in the Indian market, Tesla, Inc.—the electric vehicle pioneer led by Elon Musk—has announced a fresh round of job openings in India. The recruitment drive, revealed on LinkedIn on Monday (February 18, 2025), comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Musk in Washington, D.C., fuelling anticipation of a more robust engagement with the country. According to the postings, a total of 13 vacancies are currently available in Mumbai, covering diverse roles such as business operations, customer service, order management, showroom staffing, and technical support. Notably, similar opportunities have also…

Rekha Gupta, the first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has officially taken over as the Chief Minister of Delhi after being elected by the BJP legislative party at its national headquarters. At 50, Ms. Gupta has become the fourth woman to lead the capital’s government, marking a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape. The announcement follows the Bharatiya Janata Party’s sweeping victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, where it secured 48 out of 70 seats, marking its return to power after 26 years. The party is yet to disclose the full list of ministers in Ms. Gupta’s cabinet. Ms. Gupta, a…

The recent cancellation of the $21 million U.S. aid by Trump intended to boost voter turnout in India has sparked significant debate regarding its distribution and implications. There is no concrete evidence to suggest that the $21 million aid was directly distributed to any national political parties in India. The funds were allocated to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), a coalition funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). CEPPS collaborates with various organizations to promote democratic processes globally. In India, CEPPS has partnered with entities like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).…

Strengthening bilateral ties, India and Qatar have officially elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, marking a new milestone in diplomatic and economic cooperation. The agreement was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at Hyderabad House, New Delhi. The leaders discussed multiple critical issues, including the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, regional security, and the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Qatar. Qatar, a major energy supplier to India, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration in trade, investment, security, and energy sectors. During the high-level…

As trade relations between the U.S. and key nations like China, Canada, and Mexico continue to shift, President Donald Trump has recently introduced additional Trade tariffs on imports from these countries, citing national security concerns tied to “illegal aliens and drugs.” China, in response, has indicated it will impose its own counter-tariffs, exacerbating the already complex trade environment. Since Donald Trump reassumed the presidency in January 2025, the trade policies targeting China have grown more stringent. With a renewed focus on economic nationalism and domestic manufacturing, the administration has pushed for higher tariffs on Chinese goods, leading to a slowdown…

In a move aimed at bolstering strategic defence ties, the United States has proposed the sale of its cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to India. This offer was extended during a high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Indo-US defence cooperation and enhance India’s aerial capabilities amid rising security challenges in the region. However, the US is not the only contender in India’s quest for advanced fighter jets. Russian defence firm Rosoboronexport has also offered its fifth-generation Su-57E…

A sweeping government overhaul led by President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk intensified on Friday, with the dismissal of over 9,500 federal employees across multiple agencies. The restructuring drive, aimed at streamlining bureaucracy, has ignited debates over governance, efficiency, and legislative authority. Federal workers responsible for managing public lands, veteran services, energy regulation, and agricultural oversight were among those affected. The layoffs primarily targeted probationary employees within their first year, who have fewer employment protections. This marks a significant acceleration of the administration’s efforts to downsize government operations. In addition to the firings, roughly 75,000 employees have accepted…

Current Oil Import Scenario: In the fiscal year 2023-2024, India imported approximately 232.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of crude oil, maintaining a similar level to the previous year. The primary sources of these imports include Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Notably, Russia has emerged as a significant supplier, with imports reaching a record high of 2.07 million barrels per day in July 2024, accounting for 44% of India’s total imports that month. As of 2023, India’s domestic oil production averaged around 700,000 barrels per day, meeting only about 13% of the country’s total…

Defense, Trade, and Technology Take Center Stage as Modi Meets Trump in Washington In a landmark moment for global geopolitics, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald J. Trump unveiled a bold new initiative to elevate the India-U.S. partnership to unprecedented heights whereby India and U.S. Forge Historic Agreements. Dubbed COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century, this agreement cements the two nations’ commitment to deepening collaboration across defense, trade, energy, and technology. 10-Year Framework and Cutting-Edge Cooperation One of the biggest takeaways from the meeting was the announcement of a…