Every week, there’s always a lot happening around the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most important news stories from this week. Whether it’s about space, science, or politics, we’ve got it all covered. Let’s catch up on the top news of the week.
Corruption Index 2024:India drops three spots
Sitting three notches lower than her position of 93rd in 2023, India has descended to the 96th rank in the 2024 standings. From 40 in 2022, the country’s total score has also dropped to 38 this year, continuing a downward slope from 39 in 2023.
Read: Corruption Index 2024: India drops in global ranking, full list inside
New Income Tax Bill 2025: Simpler language and major changes
The Indian government is introducing a new Income Tax Bill, 2025, which aims to simplify tax laws and make tax filing easier. The new bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament this week, has several changes, including a shift in tax reporting terminology, tighter rules for digital assets, and a reduction in complex explanations.
Read: New Income Tax Bill 2025: Simpler language and major changes
President’s rule imposed in Manipur after CM Biren Singh resigns
The central government has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. This means that the state assembly will not function as usual, and the President of India will take over the administration. The decision was made on Thursday, February 15, and announced by President Droupadi Murmu.
Read: President’s rule imposed in Manipur after CM Biren Singh resigns
PM Modi-Trump meeting: Key defence deals, $500 billion trade & major agreements signed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump had a high-level bilateral meeting at the White House. The discussions included major sectors like trade, defense, and counterterrorism, following Trump’s comments criticizing India’s business practices and trade tariffs. Nevertheless, both leaders insisted on their intentions to strengthen relationships and collaborate on mutual economic and security interests.
Read: PM Modi-Trump meeting: Key defence deals, $500 billion trade & major agreements signed
ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada receives ‘Vishwa Guru’ title at Maha Kumbh mela
At the Maha Kumbh Mela, his divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acharya of ISKCON and the global Hare Krishna Movement, was awarded the highly honored title of Vishwa Guru by the Akhila Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. This is the first time in history that any person has been given this award.
Read: ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada receives ‘Vishwa Guru’ title at Maha Kumbh mela
NASA changes astronaut capsule for upcoming space mission
NASA has decided to switch the astronaut capsule for its next mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This change will allow two astronauts, who have been in space much longer than planned, to return to Earth a little earlier.
Read: ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada receives ‘Vishwa Guru’ title at Maha Kumbh mela
Trump suspends US Foreign Corruption Act, sigh of relief for Gautam Adani
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a law that makes it illegal for U.S. businesses to bribe foreign officials. This is the same law under which Gautam Adani has been charged.
Read:Trump suspends US Foreign Corruption Act, sigh of relief for Gautam Adani
New study shows cancer risk may begin before you’re even born
Cancer risk has long been associated with aging, genetics, and lifestyle. Yet, a new study in Nature Cancer indicates that cancer risk could be found even before birth. Scientists at the Van Andel Institute (VAI) have discovered two unique epigenetic states during early development that might define a person’s lifetime cancer risk.
Scientists have long assumed that cancer is largely the result of genetic mutations that build up over a lifetime. But this new study contradicts conventional knowledge by proposing that the cancer risk may be determined early in life.
“Because most cancers occur later in life and are understood as diseases of mutation, or genetics, there hasn’t been a deep focus on how development might shape cancer risk. Our findings change that,” said J. Andrew Pospisilik, Ph.D., chair of VAI’s Department of Epigenetics and co-corresponding author of the study.
Read: New study shows cancer risk may begin before you’re even born
US imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum under Trump’s trade policy
US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports starting Monday. More metal duties are expected to be announced later in the week.
While traveling to the NFL Super Bowl in New Orleans aboard Air Force One on Sunday, US President Donald Trump told reporters that he plans to announce reciprocal tariffs as early as Tuesday, which would take effect almost immediately.
Read: US imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum under Trump’s trade policy
AI partnership in focus as PM Modi visits France, US
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his two-nation visit to France and the United States. The visit focuses on the inclusive use of artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthening India’s partnership with these countries. His journey started on Monday, and he has already arrived in France, where he will participate in important discussions about AI and bilateral relations.
Read: AI partnership in focus as PM Modi visits France, US