India in 2 Minutes for the Week of Feb 27

US Trade Talks Deferred Amid Tariff Uncertainty

India has postponed plans to send a trade delegation to Washington after the United States Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, creating policy uncertainty.

Officials from both countries agreed to defer the visit, with no new date set. Talks were expected to finalise an interim trade deal involving tariff cuts on Indian exports and a US$500 billion (S$631 billion) import commitment from India.

Canada Eyes Reset In Ties With India

After recalibrating relations with China, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit India from Feb 26 as part of a regional tour to deepen engagement with key Asian powers.

The visit follows renewed cooperation on national security and law enforcement between the two countries. Both sides are also expected to enhance coordination to tackle fentanyl trafficking and transnational crime.

Air India Technical Incidents Rise Sharply

Technical issues such as fuel and engine oil leaks on Air India flights reached a 14-month high in January, according to a company document assesed by Reuters.

The airline recorded 1.09 incidents per 1,000 flights, up from 0.26 in December 2024.

Air India said it is strengthening engineering infrastructure and increasing spare parts inventory to enhance aircraft reliability and reduce disruptions.

Seven Killed In Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash

Seven people, including two crew members, were killed when a chartered air ambulance crashed in Jharkhand’s Kasaria area on Feb 23.

The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways, was en route from Ranchi to Delhi carrying a patient and medical staff.

Officials said the aircraft requested a weather-related deviation before losing radar contact within 23 minutes of take-off.

Sasikala Launches New Political Party

Expelled AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala announced the launch of a new political party in Tamil Nadu on the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

She unveiled a flag featuring images of former state leaders C.N. Annadurai, MGR and Jayalalithaa, and said the party would follow the Dravidian ideals of its predecessors.

The party’s name is expected to be announced soon ahead of the upcoming elections.

DGCA Grounds Four VSR Aircraft After Pawar Crash

India’s aviation regulator has grounded four aircraft operated by VSR Ventures following a safety audit after the Learjet 45 crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation cited several procedural non-compliances in airworthiness and flight operations. The aircraft will remain grounded until maintenance gaps are addressed and continued airworthiness standards are restored.

Kerala HC Halts Screening Of Kerala Story 2

The Kerala High Court has stayed the screening of the controversial film Kerala Story 2 pending further hearing. The court directed the Central Board of Film Certification to examine whether the film could harm Kerala’s secular image.

Producers have agreed to withdraw the teaser and trailer, while the matter will be taken up again after the submission of translated content.

Kashmir Sees Unusual February Heat

Srinagar recorded its hottest February day in a decade at 21 deg C on Feb 21, over 10 deg C above the seasonal average.

Similar temperature anomalies were reported in Gulmarg. Officials attributed the unseasonal warmth to the absence of Western Disturbances, raising concerns over early snowmelt and crop cycles.

Environmentalists warn the trend may signal broader climate change impacts.

Bomb Threats Disrupt Courts In West Bengal

At least six court complexes across West Bengal, including two in Kolkata, were evacuated on Feb 24 after bomb threats were received via email. Police and bomb disposal squads conducted security sweeps across multiple districts.

State Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty assured judges of enhanced security as judicial proceedings were disrupted amid ongoing electoral roll revision work.

ED Attaches Anil Ambani’s Mumbai Residence

The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached businessman Anil Ambani’s Rs3,716-crore (S$52 million) Mumbai residence Abode in connection with an ongoing money laundering probe linked to alleged bank fraud at Reliance Communications.

The 17-storey property in Pali Hill was attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Mr Ambani has been summoned for questioning by investigators on Feb 26.

ED Staffer Shot Dead At Wedding Function

A Delhi Police head constable and two others have been arrested for allegedly shooting dead an Enforcement Directorate staffer at a wedding in Wazirabad on Feb 23.

Police said the accused used his licensed pistol over suspicions of an affair involving his wife. The victim was declared dead at a hospital. The weapon has been seized.

Tiger Reserve To Host Hornbill Restaurants

Chhattisgarh’s Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve will develop six “hornbill restaurants” to support the rare Malabar Pied Hornbill population.

The initiative involves creating natural clusters of fruit-bearing trees, such as banyan and ficus, to provide food sources.

Officials said sightings of the bird, typically native to the Western Ghats, have increased steadily in the reserve since 2017.

Kerala Minister Injured During Protest

Kerala Health Minister Veena George was injured during a protest by the Kerala Students’ Union at Kannur railway station on Feb 25.

The protest, linked to alleged medical negligence in Alappuzha, led to chaotic scenes as demonstrators surrounded the minister.

She sustained injuries to her hand and neck and was admitted to a government hospital for treatment.