Author: Virgin News

Arriving in Amritsar under distressing circumstances, 18-year-old Robin Handa was one of 104 Indians deported from the United States on February 5, 2025. Arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border on January 22, he recounted the harsh treatment deportees endured, including being shackled, masked, and kept in the dark about their destination throughout the grueling 40-hour flight back to India. Among the deportees were 19 women and 13 minors, including a four-year-old child. Many described the experience as dehumanizing, with their hands cuffed and legs bound with ropes for nearly two days. Handa, the son of a motor electrician, had traveled to…

Two Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets accompanied by two U.S. Air Force B-1 bombers conducted a joint patrol and training exercise over the contested waters of the South China Sea on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, according to Philippine military officials. The operation was conducted near the Scarborough Shoal, a region where tensions flared last year after Chinese fighter jets fired flares to deter a Philippine aircraft. The joint aerial drill marked the first collaborative air patrol between the long-time allies since U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office. His administration’s foreign policy direction has raised questions among Asian allies…

The Rebels armed group M23, backed by Rwanda, has declared a unilateral ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing humanitarian concerns. The announcement comes as conflict escalates in the region, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and raising alarm over a potential wider regional crisis. The ceasefire, set to begin on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, follows an appeal from international organizations for the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors. Reports from the United Nations indicate that at least 900 people lost their lives in last week’s violent clashes in Goma between M23 fighters and the Congolese army. The…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a diplomatic visit to the United States on February 12, where he will engage in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to address crucial topics, including trade relations, defence partnerships, and strategic cooperation between the two nations, according to sources familiar with the itinerary. Prior to his visit to Washington D.C., Mr. Modi will conclude a two-day trip to Paris, where he will participate in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit on February 10 and 11. His arrival in the U.S. capital on the evening of February…

The Union Budget 2025-26 has delivered a significant push to India’s manufacturing sector by dramatically increasing allocations for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. The funding for various PLI initiatives has surged by over 108%, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing self-reliance and positioning India as a global manufacturing powerhouse. The budgetary outlay for PLI schemes in FY26 (Budget Estimates – BE) has been raised to Rs 19,482.58 crore from Rs 9,360.36 crore in FY25 (Revised Estimates – RE). This increase reflects the government’s intensified focus on reducing import dependence, attracting foreign investments, and bolstering its flagship Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Among…

In a breathtaking display of power hitting, Abhishek Sharma smashed a scintillating 135 runs to lead India to a commanding 150-run victory over England in the fifth and final T20I of the series. The victory handed India a 4-1 series win and capped off an unforgettable T20I season. The home team’s performance at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was nothing short of a masterclass, as Sharma’s remarkable innings steered India to an imposing total of 247/9 in 20 overs, leaving England’s chase in tatters. Sharma’s match-winning knock was a series of remarkable strokes that redefined the boundaries of T20 batting.…

Canada has announced plans to take legal action against the United States over newly imposed tariffs on Canadian imports, calling them unlawful and detrimental to trade relations. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to apply a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods, citing concerns over fentanyl smuggling and illegal immigration. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared a series of countermeasures, including a 25% levy on a range of U.S. products imported into Canada. The retaliatory tariffs, which take effect Tuesday, will cover over 1,250 U.S. goods, amounting to approximately C$30 billion. Affected products include orange juice,…

In a strategic move to enhance trade relations and dispel concerns over high import duties, India has reduced its peak customs duty rate from 150% to 70%. Officials highlight that the import tariffs on the top 30 U.S. exports to India—including crude petroleum, coking coal, aeroplanes, and liquefied natural gas—are already minimal, ranging between 0% and 7.5%. The recent tariff adjustments, introduced in the Union Budget, have eliminated the highest duty slabs of 150%, 125%, and 100%, which previously applied to a select few items but contributed to a perception of India as a high-tariff nation. The move addresses criticism,…

In preparation for the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government has placed the entire Prayagraj division’s medical infrastructure on high alert. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all medical professionals across Mahakumbh Nagar and the division to remain vigilant to safeguard the health and well-being of millions of devotees. Basant Panchami signifies the third and final Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh, with two additional significant bathing rituals scheduled on February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Mahashivratri). Given the tragic stampede at Sangam on January 29, which resulted in at least 30…

Bihar set for major developments as BJP-JD(U) alliance gears up for upcoming state elections In a significant move, Bihar emerged as a key focus in the Union Budget 2025-26, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several major schemes and projects aimed at bolstering the state’s economic and infrastructural landscape. Among the notable announcements were the establishment of a dedicated Makhana Board, a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management, as well as new greenfield airports. Additionally, the expansion of Patna airport and financial backing for the West Kosi canal project in Mithilanchal were also declared. Highlighting the importance of…