Trump announces 10 pc global tariff after raging over US Supreme Court loss

Washington, Feb 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump, lashed out at the Supreme Court after it struck down his use of a key tariff authority, calling the apex court’s verdict “deeply disappointing”, while announcing he would move immediately to other statutes — including a new “10 per cent global tariff” — that he said would keep his tariff programme intact.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump said on Friday afternoon at a White House news conference, thanking Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh for dissenting.

The US President added that the Supreme Court’s judgment did not end his tariff agenda and, in fact, clarified on using other options.

“The good news is that there are methods, practices, statutes, and authorities as recognised by the entire court in this terrible decision… that are even stronger than the tariffs available to me as President of the United States,” Trump said.

He claimed: “The Supreme Court did not overrule tariffs, they merely over… a particular use of IEEPA tariffs and essentially its use to get a fee,” adding, “I can do anything I want with IEEPA’s… anything, I just can’t charge anybody for it.”

Trump said existing tariffs would remain, and new ones were imminent.

“Therefore, effective immediately, all national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs they’re existing. They’re there remaining in place, fully in place and in full force and effect,” he added.

“Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122, over and above our normal tariffs already being charged,” Trump added.

He said the US administration was also “initiating several Section 301 and other investigations to protect our country from unfair trading practices of other countries and companies”.

Pressed about whether the US Congress would need to act, Trump said, “You don’t need to — it’s already been approved,” and later added, “I have the right to do tariffs. And I’ve always had the right to do tariffs, and it’s all been approved by the US Congress.”

US Trade Representative Jameison Greer reinforced the message of President Trump, saying: “We have Section 122, which will be implemented today… We have Section 301 investigations, which are incredibly legally durable… and we’re going to keep continuity in the program.”

One major uncertainty, Trump said, was the money already collected.

Asked whether about “$175 billion in tariff revenue… is now in limbo” and whether refunds would be required, the US President replied: “They take months and months to write an opinion, and they don’t even discuss that point.”

Trump said the Supreme Court’s judgment left the issue for further litigation.

“I guess it has to get litigated for the next two years,” he said, adding, “We’ll end up being in court for the next five years.”

Trump also framed tariffs as central to his economic claims.

“Our stock market has just recently broken 50,000 on the Dow… and… broken 7,000 on the S&P,” the US President said, adding that tariffs helped revive factories, recounting a story of a steel executive, who told him, “Sir, I want to kiss you,” because “you came in and imposed tariffs and all of that foreign junk… Stopped.”

In the US, tariffs can be imposed under multiple laws, including provisions tied to national security (Section 232) and unfair trade practices (Section 301), while IEEPA is a separate emergency powers statute that US Presidents have used for certain economic restrictions.

Disputes over the scope of those powers routinely generate litigation that can reach the Supreme Court in the US.

Trade policy has been a recurring battleground between US Presidents, Congress, and the courts for decades, with administrations of both parties (Democratic Party and Republican Party) using tariffs and negotiated deals to pressure trading partners, protect domestic industries, and pursue broader foreign-policy goals.(Agency)

Congress bringing shame to all Indians: BJP President on AI Summit protest

Ahmedabad, Feb 20, 2026

BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Friday accused the Congress of bringing shame to all Indians after members of its youth wing staged a protest at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, saying the party’s “anarchic policies” would lead to its downfall.

Speaking during his three-day visit to Gujarat, where he is meeting party leaders and workers as part of organisational outreach, Nabin said the incident had cast a shadow over what he described as a moment of pride for the country.

“Today is a saddening day for the country and its citizens. When parties have no principles, no policies, and their leadership turns anarchic, such anti-national thinking comes to the fore,” Nabin said.

He said that at a time when the world expresses pride in the AI Impact Summit being held in India, people with an anarchic mindset are conspiring to defame the country.

Earlier, around 10 members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a brief protest inside an exhibition hall at the summit venue, raising slogans before being removed by security personnel. Police detained several protesters.

Referring to the disruption, Nabin said: “The manner in which Congress leaders created a ruckus at the AI Summit, and the way the Congress is supporting it, is extremely unfortunate. I condemn it in the strongest terms.”

He also targeted Rahul Gandhi, saying: “Whenever the country has had a moment of pride, Rahul Gandhi has done something or the other to cause distress to the nation and its people.”

Nabin alleged that Congress leadership’s approach reflected a deeper problem within the party. “The mentality of the Congress has fallen so low today that it is completely bringing shame to all Indians,” he said.

“I would like to tell Congress leaders that due to Rahul Gandhi’s anarchic policies, the downfall of the Congress is certain,” he added.

The India AI Impact Summit, attended by policymakers, technology leaders and international delegates, is being held in New Delhi this week to discuss developments and regulation in artificial intelligence.

Nabin’s remarks formed a central part in Gujarat, where he is undertaking his first visit to the state since assuming office as the BJP National President.(Agency)

US tariff ruling brings focus on over $150 billion in potential refunds

New Delhi, Feb 20, 2026

Industry experts said on Friday that the US Supreme Court ruling against reciprocal tariffs raises questions about whether importers could receive refunds for tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Economists estimate that $150 to $175 billion in tariff collections may be at risk if refunds are required.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh said in the ruling that, “nothing today about whether, and if so how, the government should go about returning the billions of dollars that it has collected from importers.”

The repayment process could be chaotic, said experts.

Businesses and importers may face uncertainty over refunds, while exporters may benefit from a potential rollback of unlawful tariffs. Analysts say this ruling could reshape future U.S. trade enforcement, reducing unilateral use of emergency economic powers.

The ruling also underscores the legal complexities of Trump’s approach, which combined broad “reciprocal” tariffs on trade partners with targeted duties linked to immigration and drug concerns, reflecting the administration’s aggressive use of trade tools to achieve foreign policy goals.

Earlier, the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariff measures, in a ruling that the executive branch exceeded its constitutional authority by using emergency powers to levy broad import duties.

The judges, in a 6-3 verdict, held that Trump’s aggressive approach to tariffs on products entering the United States from across the world was not permitted under a 1977 law called the IEEPA.

The ruling invalidates many, but not all, of Trump’s tariffs. He is expected to make an attempt to reimpose some tariffs using other laws.

An angry Trump called the judgment a “disgrace” after being informed about it during a meeting with governors. He also said he had a backup plan, according to US media reports.

The verdict is considered a huge setback for the Trump administration, in a Supreme Court that has a 6-3 conservative majority.

Businesses that had to pay the tariffs and challenged them in court welcomed the Supreme Court judgment.(Agency)

CJI Surya Kant Warns of Global Cybercrime Threat

Jaipur, Feb 20, 2026

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant on Friday highlighted the rapidly growing threat of cybercrime, stating that digital crimes have no geographical boundaries and require global cooperation to combat effectively.

The CJI was speaking at the inauguration of a three-day seminar on ‘Cyber Security: Awareness, Protection and Inclusive Access to Justice’ in Jaipur.

Sharing his personal experience, Justice Surya Kant revealed that fake websites are frequently created in his name.

“New sites are created in my name every other day. Many of my photographs are posted on them. My sister and daughter also received messages from such fake sites, but they understood the language. When we informed cyber teams and investigated, we found that these sites were being created from Nigeria. This shows the complexity of the subject. Unless we work together, it will be very difficult to find a solution,” he said.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant, saying, “Act with awareness and protect with care, and never assume that what looks familiar is safe.”

The CJI said he had taken suo motu notice of digital arrest after receiving a complaint from an elderly couple whose lifelong savings were lost to cyber fraud.

“More than Rs 50,000 crore has already been looted. If money is taken in this manner, it is a clear case of extortion and dacoity. I used these words in court,” he said.

Quoting data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, he called the situation alarming.

“Around 66 lakh cyber fraud cases are currently pending in the country. This has become a mass phenomenon and is now engaging global attention. This is a serious subject that requires discussion and deliberation,” he said.

He added that tracing cybercriminals is extremely difficult without international cooperation.

“Unless we have a coordinated system based on collaboration and cooperation, it will be very difficult to find these people,” he said.

Justice Surya Kant said cybercrime is not just a technological issue but a barrier to justice at the most fundamental level.

“When people lose money, the injury is emotional, social and institutional. Deepfakes affect dignity, safety, livelihood and even the courage to approach authorities. In this digital era, we must recognise that technological vulnerability is a disability to access justice,” he said.

He congratulated the State Legal Services Authority for initiating procedural safeguards to protect citizens from such crimes and noted that while the digital revolution has brought many benefits and doorstep services, it becomes dangerous when misused for criminal activities.

Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Sanjeev Prakash Sharma said the state government has been proactive in strengthening court infrastructure and adopting modern technology.

He briefed the CJI about the initiatives taken by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RALSA).

Justice Pankaj Bhandari described cyber fraud as one of the biggest emerging economic threats.

“Cyber fraud has become the third largest economy in the world, reaching nearly $10 trillion. Over 6.5 million cases have been registered in the country in the last five years, and people have lost around Rs 55,000 crore,” he said.(Agency)

Congress hails US apex court verdict against Trump’s sweeping tariff strategy

New Delhi, Feb 20, 2026

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Jairam Ramesh has hailed the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that struck down most of the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

In a post on his X handle, Ramesh wrote, “Hats off to the US Supreme Court for striking down President Trump’s entire tariff strategy! Quite an amazing decision given its ideological composition. A 6-3 verdict is decisive.”

The ruling delivered on Friday marks a major setback to Trump’s economic agenda.

The conservative-led court, in a rare move, curtailed the President’s use of executive power, declaring that he lacked authority under a 1977 emergency law to impose broad import levies on America’s trading partners, including India.

Politico described the 6-3 decision as “a major repudiation of a core piece of Trump’s economic programme.”

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, underscored the constitutional limits of presidential authority. “The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorisation to exercise it,” Roberts stated.

He added that the 1977 law Trump relied upon “falls short” of the required congressional approval.

According to the US media, the justices ruled the President did not have the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose such sweeping tariffs.

The Hill further observed that the court “cast aside the bulk of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs Friday, obliterating a canon of his economic strategy in ruling that his use of an emergency statute to remake global trade was unlawful.”

The justices rejected Trump’s expanded interpretation of IEEPA, which allows Presidents to regulate imports in response to national emergencies posing “unusual and extraordinary” threats.

Roberts clarified: “We claim no special competence in matters of economics or foreign affairs. We claim only, as we must, the limited role assigned to us by Article III of the Constitution. Fulfilling that role, we hold that IEEPA does not authorise the President to impose tariffs.”(Agency)

NIA files fresh chargesheet in Bihar AK-47 arms smuggling case

Patna, Feb 20, 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against a fifth accused in connection with the 2024 AK-47 rifle seizure case in Bihar, further tightening its investigation into an alleged illegal arms smuggling network linked to extremist and criminal groups.

The accused, identified as Manjoor Khan, a resident of Muzaffarpur district, was arrested by the NIA in August 2025 as part of its ongoing probe into the case.

According to the NIA, investigations revealed that Khan was actively involved in the illegal procurement, transportation, and smuggling of prohibited bore weapons, including AK-47 rifles, which were allegedly intended for supply to Naxalite groups and other criminal elements.

The agency stated that Khan had conspired with other accused persons as part of a well-organised arms smuggling racket operating across Bihar and adjoining regions, facilitating the movement and distribution of sophisticated weapons.

Following a detailed investigation, the NIA has chargesheeted Khan under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The supplementary chargesheet has been filed before the designated NIA Special Court in Patna, officials said.

Earlier, in May 2025, the NIA had filed chargesheets against four other accused persons — Vikash Kumar, Devmani Rai, Satyam Kumar, and Ahmad Ansari — in connection with the same case.

The case was originally registered by Bihar Police following the seizure of an AK-47 rifle along with a telescopic sight, which led to the exposure of an alleged illegal arms procurement and supply network.

The NIA subsequently took over the investigation and has since been probing the wider conspiracy behind the procurement and distribution of prohibited weapons to extremist and criminal groups.

The agency said further investigation is underway to identify additional individuals involved in the illegal arms network and to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.

In a separate case, on February 6 this year, the NIA had chargesheeted Md. Fasi Uddin, a resident of Hyderabad, in connection with the seizure of high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Banjariya in Bihar’s Champaran district, which exposed a transnational counterfeit currency racket allegedly operating through networks linked to Pakistan and Nepal.

According to the NIA, Md. Fasi Uddin was an active member of an international network involved in the procurement, smuggling, and circulation of counterfeit currency aimed at undermining India’s economic security.

Officials said further investigation is continuing in both cases to dismantle organised networks involved in arms smuggling and counterfeit currency operations.(Agency)

Exporters jubilant at US tariff verdict; $8 billion of exports may still face duties

New Delhi, Feb 20, 2026

With the US Supreme Court striking down reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration on Friday, Indian exporters were jubilant at the news. However, around $8-9 billion worth of trade is still likely to face higher duties under national security provisions.

The US Supreme Court ruling effectively eliminates the 18 per cent reciprocal tariff agreed earlier under the India–US trade framework.

According to analysts, Section 232 duties remain in force, covering sectors deemed critical to US national security such as steel, aluminium, automobiles, timber, copper and certain machinery products.

According to data, India exported about $8.3 billion worth of goods in Section 232 categories to the US in 2024.

This accounts for around 10.4 per cent of India’s more than $80 billion exports to the US.

However, the US administration indicated it could explore alternative routes to impose trade restrictions.

Among the options available to the US administration is to rely on long-standing trade statutes that give the President authority to impose tariffs after formal investigations.

After the US Supreme Court ruling, President Trump said that he has a “backup plan” for the punitive duties.

As per reports, these include Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the US to impose duties in response to unfair trade practices by foreign countries, and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which permits tariffs on national security grounds.

Meanwhile, the US court ruling marks a rare instance of the conservative-led court reining in Trump’s use of executive power.

According to Politico, the court in a 6-3 decision struck down the tariffs, calling it “a major repudiation of a core piece of Trump’s economic programme”.(Agency)

US Court Ruling Reduces 18 pc Reciprocal Tariff Uncertainty For India

New Delhi, Feb 20, 2026

The US Supreme Court’s ruling against reciprocal tariffs brings significant legal clarity and reduces tariff uncertainty for India, reinforcing limits on unilateral tariff actions, industry experts said on Friday.

Notably, under the interim trade arrangement the US had agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs on India to 18 per cent which will no longer remain relevant following the Court’s decision.

“Any attempt to levy such tariffs would require Congressional approval. This is likely to give much-needed relief and a competitive boost to Indian exporters, while also paving the way for potential refunds of tariffs collected without adequate legal basis,” said Manoj Mishra, Partner and Tax Controversy Management Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.

However, the US is expected to continue relying on sector-specific tariffs under Section 232 in strategic sectors, underscoring the importance of advancing the bilateral trade agreement to secure durable tariff certainty and stable market access for Indian exporters, said experts.

In a major setback to President Donald Trump’s economic agenda, the US Supreme Court on Friday struck down most of his sweeping tariffs, ruling that he lacked authority under a 1977 emergency law to impose broad import levies on America’s trading partners across the world, including India.

The ruling marks a rare instance of the conservative-led court reining in Trump’s use of executive power. According to POLITICO, the court in a 6-3 decision struck down the tariffs, calling it “a major repudiation of a core piece of Trump’s economic program.”

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said: “The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it.”

Roberts added that the 1977 law Trump relied on “falls short” of the Congressional approval required.(Agency)

‘Nothing changes’: Trump says India-US trade deal to remain intact, calls PM Modi a ‘great gentleman’

Washington, Feb 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump has said that a trade framework with India would remain intact despite a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his use of a particular tariff authority, insisting, “Nothing changes” for the India trade deal and describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a great gentleman, a great man actually”.

Asked at a news conference on Friday afternoon about “the framework which is to be signed with India sometime soon”, Trump replied: “Nothing changes, nothing changes, they’ll be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs.”

The US President added, “Our deal with India is that they pay tariffs. This is a reversal from what it used to be. As you know, India, and I think Prime Minister Modi is a great gentleman, a great man actually, but he was much smarter than the people that he was against in terms of the United States.”

He said the arrangement had been altered, portraying it as a shift in leverage.

“We made a deal with India, and it’s a fair deal now, and we are not paying tariffs to them, and they are paying tariffs. We did a little flip,” Trump said.

Trump was also asked whether he planned to travel to India for the upcoming Quad Summit and how he viewed the relationship between India and the US.

“I think my relationship with India is fantastic, and we’re doing trade with India,” he said.

Withstanding Trump’s repeated assertions of tariffs and India-Pakistan war, India has already made it clear that there is no link between the two.

New Delhi has reiterated that the India-Pakistan war came to an end at the request of Pakistan, as the latter lost a major part of its assets, adding that the trade deal with the US is the result of a year-long negotiation.

While the news conference by the US President focused largely on the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, Trump returned repeatedly to the view that trade tools give him leverage abroad.

“This was an important case to me more as a symbol of economic and national security,” the US President said earlier.

He also suggested the post-ruling landscape would not weaken his negotiating posture.

“All the deals are just — we’re just going to do it a different way,” Trump said, after insisting the US administration had “great alternatives”.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the US, and its decisions set binding interpretations of federal law and Presidential authority.

In trade disputes, the US Supreme Court’s rulings can shape how far a President may go without new action from the Congress.(Agency)

Delhi Court to Hear Land Deal Case Involving Robert Vadra

New Delhi, Feb 20, 2026

A Delhi court is scheduled to hear on Saturday the issue of taking cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) prosecution complaint filed against businessman Robert Vadra and others in a money laundering case linked to a 2008 land deal in Gurugram’s Shikohpur village.

The matter will come up before the Rouse Avenue Courts, which is examining the ED’s chargesheet filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED has accused Vadra — husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi and son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi — of generating proceeds of crime through a fraudulent land transaction involving 3.53 acres of land in Haryana.

The federal anti-money laundering agency has alleged that the proceeds of crime were routed through several companies controlled by Vadra.

Earlier, a Delhi court had issued notice to Vadra and other proposed accused persons, observing that Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) mandates that no court shall take cognisance of a complaint without affording the accused an opportunity of being heard.

“Issue notice to all the proposed accused persons arrayed in the complaint for hearing on the question of taking of cognisance,” said the order passed by Special Judge (PC Act) Sushant Changotra.

According to the ED, Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality Private Limited, despite having limited capital, acquired 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur in February 2008 for Rs 7.50 crore from Omkareshwar Properties Private Limited.

The probe agency has alleged that no actual payment was made and that the sale deed contained false declarations, including a reference to a cheque that was never issued or encashed.

The ED has claimed that the land was undervalued in the sale deed, leading to evasion of stamp duty and constituting an offence under Section 423 of the Indian Penal Code.

In its complaint, the ED has identified Rs 58 crore as proceeds of crime and has provisionally attached 43 immovable properties worth Rs 38.69 crore, described as direct or value equivalent to the proceeds of crime.

These properties are allegedly owned by Vadra, his proprietary concern Artex, Skylight Hospitality Private Limited and other associated entities.

The probe agency has sought a maximum punishment of seven years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 4 of the PMLA, along with confiscation of the attached properties.

In October 2012, senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka had cancelled the Shikohpur land deal, citing procedural irregularities.

Though an in-house government panel later gave a clean chit to Vadra and DLF, an FIR was subsequently registered by the Haryana Police after the BJP-led government came to power in the state. (Agency)

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