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Trump announces India–US trade deal

US President Donald Trump has said that the United States and India have agreed on a new trade deal that would change how goods move between the two countries. As per Trump’s statement, American products would be allowed into India without paying any tariffs, while Indian exports to the US would attract an 18% charge.

Trump said the move is aimed at making trade more balanced and fair for American businesses. He claimed that US companies have long faced higher duties in India and that the new arrangement would open up greater opportunities for American manufacturers, farmers, and technology firms.

Under the proposed deal, India would continue to export to the US, but at a fixed tariff rate of 18%. Trump described this as a reasonable level that still allows Indian goods access to the American market while offering better protection to US industries and jobs.

The announcement comes amid ongoing global trade uncertainty and renewed focus on protecting domestic industries. India and the US are among each other’s key trading partners, with strong links in sectors such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, energy, defence, and manufacturing.

However, no official confirmation or detailed response has yet come from the Indian government. Trade analysts say the impact of the deal, if finalised, could be uneven. While US exporters may gain from duty-free access to India, Indian exporters, especially in labour-intensive sectors, could see higher costs and tighter margins in the US market.

Also Read: India–US deal cheer lifts Sensex 2,250 points, Nifty above 25,750

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US takes 10% stake in rare earth miner $1.6 bn deal

The Trump administration has moved to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals by agreeing to acquire a 10 per cent stake in USA Rare Earth in a deal valued at $1.6 billion, according to media reports.

The investment is part of a broader push to expand US-based rare earth mining and processing, reduce dependence on China, and secure materials vital for defence, clean energy, electric vehicles and advanced electronics.

Under the proposed arrangement, the US government will receive equity and warrants in USA Rare Earth, alongside providing significant debt financing. Reports indicate that the funding package includes about $1.3 billion in federal loans, with the remaining amount coming through direct equity participation. The financing is expected to be supported by federal programmes aimed at strengthening strategic industries.

USA Rare Earth is developing a rare earth mine at Sierra Blanca in Texas, in partnership with Texas Mineral Resources. The project is expected to begin production by 2028 and will focus on heavy rare earth elements, which are especially important for defence and high-performance technologies.

In parallel, the company is setting up a magnet manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma, scheduled to start operations later this year. The plant will produce permanent magnets used in electric motors, wind turbines, military equipment and consumer electronics. Together, the mine and magnet facility are designed to create a fully domestic “mine-to-magnet” supply chain.

Rare earth elements consist of 17 minerals that are critical to modern technology but are largely processed and refined in China, which currently dominates global supply. US officials have repeatedly warned that this concentration poses economic and national security risks.

The investment in USA Rare Earth marks one of the largest federal interventions in the rare earth sector so far. It follows similar government actions aimed at supporting critical mineral producers and ensuring long-term supply security.

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Canada rejects China deal after 100% tariff threat

Canada has ruled out any free trade agreement with China, after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa went ahead. Prime Minister Mark Carney clarified that Canada remains committed to its North American trade agreements and has no intention of pursuing a broad pact with Beijing.

Speaking on Sunday, January 25, Carney emphasised that Canada’s limited engagement with China has focused only on resolving specific tariff disputes, not on negotiating a full-fledged trade deal. “We respect our commitments under the USMCA. We are not planning any free trade agreements with China or other non-market economies,” he said.

The remarks follow a week of tense exchanges between Washington and Ottawa. Trump’s warnings came after reports that Canada was exploring closer trade ties with China, prompting fears in the US that Chinese goods could gain easier access to North American markets through Canada.

Recent agreements with China have been narrow and targeted. Canada reduced tariffs on a small number of Chinese electric vehicles, while Beijing agreed to ease duties on some Canadian exports, including canola and seafood. These measures, Carney stressed, are far from a comprehensive trade deal.

The US threat has added strain to Canada-US trade relations, but Carney’s firm stance sends a clear message: Ottawa seeks to balance global economic ties while honouring obligations to its North American partners. Analysts say the move highlights Canada’s careful approach to diplomacy, ensuring it can engage with global markets without triggering conflicts with the US.

Also Read: India to cut EU car import duties

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Oil drops 3% after Trump remarks on Iran

Global oil prices dropped by about 3 per cent on Thursday after US President Donald Trump’s remarks suggested a reduced risk of military conflict with Iran. The fall came after oil had risen in recent days due to concerns that unrest in Iran could threaten regional oil exports.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, slipped roughly 2.9 per cent to $64.5 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US benchmark, declined to around $60 per barrel. The decline reversed the previous day’s gains, which had been driven by fears that escalating tensions in Iran might disrupt global oil supply.

Trump said that reports indicated the killings of protesters in Iran had stopped and that plans for mass executions were no longer moving forward. Speaking from the White House, he added that he would “watch and see” before taking any further action, signaling a cautious approach rather than immediate military involvement. Market participants saw this as a sign that the risk of a major conflict affecting oil supply had lessened.

Analysts said that the president’s comments removed part of the “risk premium” built into oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainty. Rising crude inventories in the United States and potential increases in Venezuelan oil exports also added downward pressure on prices.

Iran produces a significant share of the world’s crude oil, so any disruption there can sharply influence market sentiment. With tensions easing temporarily, even slightly, investors quickly adjusted their expectations, triggering the drop in prices.

While geopolitical risks in the Middle East remain complex, Thursday’s market reaction highlighted how political statements can strongly impact oil prices. Traders continue to monitor developments in Iran and other key oil-producing regions, aware that shifts in risk perception can quickly move global crude markets.

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Trump pushes Microsoft on data centre costs

US President Donald Trump has directed Microsoft to ensure its rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) data centres do not raise electricity costs for Americans. Speaking on January 13, 2026, Trump emphasized that large technology companies must bear their own energy expenses instead of passing them onto residential households. He called on Microsoft to take “major steps” to prevent utility price hikes linked to its operations.

In response, Microsoft announced its “Community‑First AI Infrastructure” initiative, designed to address energy, environmental, and community concerns related to its data facilities. The initiative includes several commitments: the company will pay full electricity costs, ensure water usage is minimized and replenished, hire locally for construction and operational jobs, pay full property taxes without seeking incentives, and invest in community AI education and training through schools, colleges, and libraries.

The announcement comes amid growing public and political scrutiny. Residents in several states have criticized data centre projects for driving up utility bills, consuming large amounts of water, and putting pressure on local infrastructure. Some projects, including a planned Microsoft facility in Wisconsin, were paused after local opposition and activist campaigns.

Microsoft also said it will coordinate with utility companies and state regulators to fund necessary grid upgrades through commercial rates, ensuring that residential customers are not affected. Officials stressed that the program is designed to provide economic, educational, and environmental benefits to host communities while supporting the company’s AI expansion.

Analysts say the move reflects broader concerns about balancing AI innovation with community and environmental protection. As data centres grow to meet the increasing demand for AI services, tech companies are under closer scrutiny to ensure they do not negatively impact local residents or ecosystems.

Trump’s intervention marks a rare public instance of a U.S. president directly influencing corporate operations in the tech sector. The announcement is seen as a signal to other tech firms that they may face similar accountability demands, particularly as AI technology expands rapidly and its infrastructure footprint grows.

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Trump plans 10% credit card interest cap

US President Donald Trump has suggested a plan to cap credit card interest rates at 10 per cent for one year, starting January 20, 2026. He says this is aimed at protecting consumers from high borrowing costs, as many credit cards charge 20–30 per cent or more in interest. Trump believes the cap would help Americans struggling to repay debt.

The proposal has sparked discussion in other countries, including India, where credit card interest rates are even higher. In India, cardholders can face rates of 36–48 per cent per year on unpaid balances. Some borrowers feel a lower interest cap, like Trump’s 10 per cent idea, could make repaying debt easier.

However, experts warn that strict limits on interest rates can also create problems. Banks and credit card companies might reduce lending to people with higher credit risks. They could also cut card benefits, like rewards or cashback, to make up for lost income. Some borrowers may turn to other options such as payday loans or buy-now-pay-later services, which can be costly.

The plan would need approval from the US Congress to become law. Similar attempts in the past have faced opposition from banks and financial groups. While the idea is intended to help consumers, economists say it could affect how easy it is to get credit.

In India, there is currently no official cap on credit card interest rates. A Supreme Court decision in 2024 allowed banks to charge more than 30 per cent per year, overturning an earlier limit. Experts say that while Trump’s plan may not directly affect India, it highlights a worldwide concern about the burden of high-interest debt on consumers.

Also Read: Rupee slips 5 Paise to 90.22 against US dollar

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Trump orders $200bn mortgage bonds to cut rates

US President Donald Trump has announced a plan for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage‑backed securities (MBS) to help lower mortgage rates and make housing more affordable. The announcement was made on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The plan aims to reduce monthly mortgage payments for homebuyers by increasing demand for mortgage bonds, which could push interest rates slightly lower. Trump said the government‑sponsored agencies have enough funds to carry out the purchases without using extra federal money. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) confirmed that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will implement the plan, though details on timing and methods were not shared.

This move comes amid ongoing concerns about housing affordability. Mortgage rates, while slightly lower than last year, remain high, with the average 30‑year rate around 6.2%. Rising rates and a limited housing supply have made buying a home more difficult for many Americans.

Analysts have given mixed reactions. Some believe the plan could lower mortgage rates slightly, but others say $200 billion is a small part of the $11 trillion U.S. mortgage bond market and may have limited effect on overall housing costs. Questions have also been raised about the accuracy of Trump’s claims regarding the GSEs’ cash reserves.

The announcement follows other housing-related measures from the Trump administration, including proposals to limit institutional investors from buying single-family homes. Officials say this initiative is designed to help middle-class Americans afford homes and provide relief to the housing market ahead of economic challenges.

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US withdraws from 66 global bodies under Trump

The United States has announced its withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including several United Nations bodies and the India- and France-backed International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a major shift in its approach to global cooperation. The decision follows a presidential directive issued by US President Donald Trump, citing the need to protect national interests, sovereignty and taxpayer money.

According to official statements, the list includes 31 UN-linked organisations and 35 non-UN bodies. These cover a wide range of areas such as climate change, renewable energy, social development, labour standards, peacebuilding and scientific cooperation. Among the prominent exits are climate-related platforms like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, along with the International Solar Alliance, which focuses on promoting solar energy in tropical countries.

The US administration has argued that many of these organisations are inefficient, overlap in their work, or promote policies that do not align with American priorities. Federal agencies have been instructed to end participation and funding in these bodies, subject to legal procedures, and to reassess international commitments going forward.

Supporters of the move say it allows the US to focus resources at home and avoid obligations they believe offer limited returns. However, the decision has triggered concern among diplomats, climate experts and global institutions. Critics warn that stepping away from multilateral platforms could weaken international efforts on climate action, public health, labour rights and conflict resolution.

There are also geopolitical implications. Analysts note that the US withdrawal may leave a leadership gap in several global forums, potentially allowing countries such as China to expand their influence by increasing funding and engagement. This concern has been highlighted particularly in the context of UN agencies and climate-related institutions.

India-led initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, are expected to continue their work despite the US exit, but experts say reduced American participation could slow progress and funding momentum.

The move continues a broader trend seen under the Trump administration, which has previously questioned or withdrawn from major international agreements. As the withdrawals take effect, global partners are assessing how the absence of the US will impact international cooperation and whether existing institutions can adapt to a changing geopolitical landscape.

Also Read: UK may ban Elon Musk’s X over AI Deepfakes

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Trump team to meet oil firms on Venezuela plans

The Trump administration is holding meetings with leading US oil companies to discuss re‑entry into Venezuela’s oil sector following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro Officials aim to explore how American energy firms could help revive and expand Venezuelan crude production, which has declined sharply over the past two decades.

Executives from Exxon Mobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips say they have not yet been approached, contradicting President Trump’s earlier claim that consultations were already complete The upcoming talks are seen as the first serious discussions between the administration and industry regarding Venezuela.

Venezuela has some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves and its heavy crude matches US refinery requirements However infrastructure is degraded and legal and political uncertainties make investment risky Chevron is currently the only US oil major operating under a special licence while Exxon and Conoco pursue restitution claims.

Analysts warn that even if US firms return, boosting production will take years and require massive investment The administration is reportedly aiming to fast-track discussions and provide incentives to encourage participation.

It is unclear which executives will attend or whether companies will negotiate collectively or individually Antitrust concerns may limit joint discussions Market observers say the move could eventually increase Venezuelan output but immediate impact on global oil prices is likely limited.

The meetings reflect a strategic push by the Trump administration to align US energy interests with foreign policy objectives leveraging private investment to stabilize and expand Venezuela’s oil sector Analysts say progress will depend on legal clarity, infrastructure repair and political stability.

Also Read: Rupee gains 18 paise to 90.12 as dollar eases

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Trump flags tariff risk over India’s Russian oil imports

US President Donald Trump has warned India that continuing to import oil from Russia could prompt the United States to raise tariffs on Indian goods. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said the US could act “very quickly” if New Delhi does not address Washington’s concerns, signaling potential economic implications for bilateral trade.

Trump also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a very good man” who had “tried to make me happy” regarding India’s Russian oil purchases. Despite the compliment, he stressed that the tariff threat remains a real possibility if India does not align more closely with US policy.

For businesses, the warning could affect Indian exporters, particularly in sectors sensitive to US tariffs. Any increase could raise costs and disrupt trade flows, potentially impacting markets that rely heavily on Indian products. Analysts note that industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services could face heightened risks if tariffs are applied.

The US‑India trade tension comes amid India’s reliance on Russian crude, purchased at discounted rates due to Western sanctions on Russia. While this helps Indian refiners manage energy costs, it has drawn criticism from the US, which sees these imports as undermining its geopolitical strategy. India maintains that its energy decisions are market-driven and focused on domestic energy security.

To address concerns, India has instructed refiners to submit weekly data on oil imports, aiming to maintain transparency and support ongoing trade negotiations. Experts say that how India balances energy needs with trade relations will be closely watched by investors and global markets.

Trump’s warning underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics and business. Companies in India and abroad are monitoring developments closely, as any tariff escalation could have ripple effects on trade, supply chains, and economic growth.

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