India-US aim for US$500 billion trade by 2030
India and the United States are eyeing a dramatic expansion in bilateral trade, targeting US$500 billion ($644 million) by 2030 – more than double the current US$190 billion.
This ambitious goal gained momentum after productive talks in New Delhi, where American negotiators discussed greater market access, tariff cuts and trade liberalisation with Indian officials.
An Indian government source confirmed progress towards a mutually beneficial interim deal, expected within weeks. The agreement could mark a significant step forward in strengthening the economic ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
Manipur imposes curfew amid renewed violence
Manipur has imposed curfews in five districts and suspended Internet services after violent protests erupted over the arrest of members from Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei group.
Ethnic tensions between Meiteis and Kukis have plagued the state for over two years, claiming more than 250 lives.
On Saturday, angry mobs clashed with police in Imphal, setting a bus ablaze and blocking roads. Authorities fear renewed unrest and are taking steps to stabilise the volatile situation in this conflict-prone northeastern state.
Heatwave to ease over northwest from June 14
The India Meteorological Department has forecast relief from the blistering heatwave in northwest India starting June 14.
Parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh have endured extreme temperatures, with Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan peaking at 48 deg C. Severe heat has also affected Jammu and Kashmir and central India.
The upcoming drop in temperatures offers hope for millions affected by power outages, water shortages, and health concerns due to the unrelenting summer conditions.
Missing man found dead in ice-cream freezer
In a chilling discovery in Tripura, police found the body of 28-year-old electrician Sariful Islam stuffed in a trolley bag inside an ice-cream freezer in Gandacherra.
The murder was allegedly driven by a love triangle involving a woman and accused doctor Dibakar Saha.
Six people, including the doctor, his parent and a woman, have been arrested.
Baba Siddique murder conspirator nabbed in Canada
Zeeshan Akhtar, a key conspirator in the 2024 murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, has been arrested in Canada for passport fraud.
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam confirmed efforts are underway to extradite Zeeshan to India for interrogation.
Linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s network, Zeeshan allegedly received a contract to carry out the hit, which occurred in Mumbai on Oct 12.
Clash over shop turns violent in Kolkata suburb
Eight police officers were injured and four people arrested following a violent clash in Kolkata’s Maheshtala area over the opening of a new shop.
The fight escalated between rival groups, leading to stone-pelting, tyre burning and the torching of a motorbike. Police reinforcements were rushed in as the area descended into chaos.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded central forces be deployed, while the Trinamool Congress accused them of exploiting a local issue for political gain.
India leads world in snakebite deaths
India accounts for the highest number of snakebite deaths globally – estimated at 58,000 annually – according to a report by the Global Snakebite Taskforce.
The report highlights delays in treatment, over-reliance on traditional medicine and substandard antivenoms as major causes.
Despite launching a national plan for prevention and control, access to quality care remains limited in rural and tribal regions. Experts urge faster implementation and more global support to reduce deaths and disabilities by 2030.
Four die after falling off overcrowded coaches in Thane
Four passengers died and nine were injured after falling off overcrowded trains near Mumbra station in Thane.
The accident occurred when two trains passed each other on a curve, causing people clinging to footboards to collide and fall. The victims were aboard a Kasara-bound local from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Four suspended for assigning dilapidated train to BSF troops
After Border Security Force (BSF) troops were mistakenly assigned a run-down train for deployment to Jammu Kashmir, four railway officials were suspended.
The video showing filthy, broken compartments went viral, prompting Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to order a probe.
A new train from Agartala has been arranged, and the minister assured measures to prevent such lapses in future deployments.
India to build first e-waste eco park in Delhi
Delhi is set to host India’s first e-waste eco park in Holambi Kalan, covering 11.4 acres and developed under a 15-year public-private partnership.
The park will process up to 51,000 tonnes of e-waste annually across 106 categories.
Scheduled for completion in 18 months, the project aims to handle 25 per cent of Delhi’s total e-waste within five years, generating an estimated Rs350 crore in revenue.
Class 4 grudge ends in assault
In an unusual case of delayed vengeance, two men in Kerala were arrested for assaulting a 62-year-old man over a fight dating back to Class 4 (Primary 2).
The attack followed a reunion in Kasargod. Balakrishnan, along with accomplice Mathew Valiyaplakkal, confronted and assaulted former classmate VJ Babu.
