Prominent Indian-American attorney Neal Katyal has publicly challenged US President Donald Trump’s plan to raise global import tariffs to 15%, arguing the move lacks a solid legal basis and contradicts the Department of Justice’s earlier position in court. Katyal, who recently won a Supreme Court case that struck down Trump’s previous tariffs, said on X that if sweeping tariff powers are truly justified, Trump should seek approval from the US Congress as required by the Constitution. He noted that the administration’s own DOJ previously acknowledged Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 doesn’t clearly apply. The debate follows the Supreme Court ruling that limited executive tariff authority.

US President Donald Trump announced that he will increase his newly imposed global tariff rate to 15% on imports from all countries, after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff framework as exceeding presidential authority. Trump said the higher levy, rising from an initial 10% rate, is “fully allowed and legally tested” under a lesser-used trade law and will take effect immediately, aiming to protect American industries and address trade imbalances. The move signals continued trade tension with global partners and is likely to face legal and political challenges, with implications for global markets and US consumers. (PC: EPA)

Police in Kendrapara district, Odisha, have arrested five teachers from a private school following allegations of serious misconduct involving a 13-year-old Class VII student. The case came to light after the child informed her family, who then approached the District Child Welfare Committee. After a preliminary inquiry, authorities registered a case and took the accused into custody. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, including medical examinations and collection of evidence. Political leaders have demanded strict action and safeguards to protect students. Authorities have assured that due process will be followed and the minor’s identity will remain protected. (PC: Getty Images)

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has intensified calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the Baramati Learjet crash that killed his uncle Ajit Pawar and four others on January 28. He wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to resign until the probe is complete, alleging irregularities and potential conflicts of interest involving the aircraft operator and regulatory oversight. Pawar has also sought CBI involvement, questioned technical aspects of the accident, and highlighted alleged links between influential figures and the charter company. Public and political pressure for accountability continues. (PC: The Telegraph)

Microsoft appointed Asha Sharma as the new CEO of its Xbox and Microsoft Gaming division, succeeding longtime chief Phil Spencer, who retired after nearly four decades. Sharma, an Indian-origin executive with a strong background in AI and consumer products, previously led Microsoft’s CoreAI division and held senior roles at Instacart and Meta. The leadership change aims to steer Xbox through industry shifts as gaming expands across consoles, cloud, and AI. However, the announcement sparked widespread online backlash, with critics on social media questioning her lack of direct gaming experience and accusing the company of “Indian nepotism,” while supporters defended her credentials. (PC: X)

Sarah Ferguson, widely known as “Fergie” and ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, has seen her public standing crumble after newly released U.S. government documents revealed a close relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Reuters reports. Despite divorcing Andrew in 1996, the pair remained close and lived together until recently. The documents show emotionally and financially intimate communications, including Ferguson calling Epstein the “brother I always wished for,” prompting several charities to cut ties. The revelations compound the broader royal scandal tied to Epstein that has already led to Andrew’s arrest and loss of titles. Ferguson is now keeping a low profile amid fallout. (PC: Reuters)

Afghanistan has strongly condemned Pakistani airstrikes along the border, alleging that innocent civilians were killed in the attacks. Kabul officials said dozens died when Pakistani forces targeted areas inside Afghan territory, calling the strikes a violation of sovereignty. Afghanistan warned of a firm “response” and accused Islamabad of escalating regional tensions. Pakistan, however, maintains that the operation targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant camps, claiming it acted on “conclusive evidence” linking the groups to recent deadly attacks inside Pakistan. The incident has further strained already fragile ties between the two neighbors, raising fears of wider cross-border escalation.

The US Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency powers law (IEEPA) to impose broad import tariffs, asserting that only Congress can levy tariffs. In swift response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and first imposed a 10% global tariff on all imports before raising it to the maximum 15% rate for up to 150 days. Trump condemned the court’s decision and vowed alternative tariff measures. The ruling creates uncertainty over tariff revenue refunds and impacts global trade relations. (PC: AP)

Six suspects were arrested in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, by a joint operation of Delhi Police’s Q Branch and Tamil Nadu police for allegedly planning a terror attack in India with links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Bangladesh-based extremist networks, officials said. The accused — identified from garment units — were reportedly using forged Aadhaar cards to conceal identities and were planning a major strike at the behest of foreign handlers. Police seized mobile phones and SIM cards during raids, now being examined for digital evidence. The suspects are being taken to Delhi for further questioning. Security agencies continue investigations into wider networks and funding.

Pakistan’s military launched intelligence-based strikes on seven militant camps and hideouts along the Afghanistan border, targeting groups it blames for recent deadly suicide attacks and bombings inside Pakistan. The strikes, described as a “retributive response,” follow a surge of violence attributed to Afghanistan-based factions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State affiliates and were confirmed by Pakistan’s Information Minister. Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban authorities of failing to prevent militants from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, further straining ties between the neighboring countries. Afghanistan reported dozens of deaths and civilian casualties amid the operation. (PC: X)