Trump piles pressure on ‘friend’ Modi with 26% tariff on India
President Donald Trump on Wednesday slapped India with some of the highest tariff rates imposed on any major United States trading partner, saying his good personal ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not affect his decision.
The Trump administration imposed a 26 per cent tariff on imports from India, which is slightly higher than the 20 per cent levy for the European Union, the 24 per cent for Japan and the 25 per cent for South Korea.
China was hit with one the highest rates for a major US trading partner and now faces a tariff of at least 54 per cent on many goods.
The tariffs are a setback for Mr Modi’s government, which had sought to ward off the new levies by rolling out sweeping concessions on issues central to Mr Trump’s agenda.
Muslim properties amendment bill passes Lok Sabha
After a 12-hour debate, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill by 288-232 votes on Thursday.
The bill seeks to reform governance of Muslim-donated properties by adding non-Muslim members to the Waqf Boards and changing property ownership rules.
Critics claim it weakens minority rights, while the government argues it ensures transparency. The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha.
Air Force pilot dies after Jaguar fighter crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force pilot died after a Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a night training mission in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Wednesday.
The IAF reported a technical malfunction and said the pilots ejected to avoid civilian casualties.
One pilot survived with serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Lok Sabha confirms imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a resolution confirming President’s Rule in Manipur.
Home Minister Amit Shah said violence had subsided in the state in the last four months, with peace talks ongoing between Meitei and Kuki groups.
Since May 2023, 260 people have died, most in the early phase. MPs criticised the Central government’s handling of the crisis but supported the decision.
Tamil Nadu assembly seeks Katchatheevu’s return
The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central government to retrieve the Katchatheevu islet from Sri Lanka.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticised political parties and the Union government for blaming the state for ceding the territory in 1974 and 1976.
He said this retrieval was vital to protect the fishing rights of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen.
US man arrested for entering restricted North Sentinel island
A US national was arrested in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for entering the prohibited tribal reserve area of the North Sentinel island, the police said on Wednesday.
American Mykhailo Polyakov, 24, reached the shore with offerings and allegedly attempted to attract the attention of the isolated Sentinelese tribe.
The tribe is protected under Indian law and known for hostility toward outsiders. Polyakov is in police custody pending further investigation.
Aluminium powder caused Gujarat blast that killed 21
A forensic probe found aluminium powder caused the massive warehouse explosion near Deesa, Gujarat, on Tuesday which killed 21 people.
Yellow dextrin, another firecracker ingredient, was also found. Investigators are probing whether firecrackers were illegally manufactured there.
The blast was so strong it hurled body parts over 300 metres and collapsed the building’s roof.
Bengaluru teacher arrested for extortion from student’s father
A 25-year-old teacher in Bengaluru was arrested on Tuesday for blackmailing a student’s father, with whom she had an affair.
Along with two accomplices, Sridevi Rudagi allegedly extorted Rs4 lakh ($6,275) and then demanded another Rs20 lakh using compromising photos and videos, reported NDTV.
The Central Crime Branch arrested all three individuals.
Savitri Jindal becomes India’s richest woman
Madam Savitri Jindal, chairperson of the Jindal Group, is now India’s richest woman with a US$35.5 billion ($47.7 billion) net worth, according to Forbes 2025.
She ranks third overall among Indian billionaires, behind Mukesh Ambani (US$94.2 billion) and Gautam Adani (US$62.3 billion).
The Jindal business empire spans steel, cement and energy, and was originally founded by her late husband O.P. Jindal.
Astronaut-designate Shukla to fly to Space Station in May
Indian astronaut-designate Shubhanshu Shukla is likely to fly to the International Space Station as soon as May this year, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration said in an update about the Axiom Mission 4.
Group Captain Shukla will be the mission pilot.
The officer in the Indian Air Force will become the second Indian to travel to space, four decades after wing commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic feat in 1984.
He will be accompanied by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and mission commander; Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland; and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Delhi airport fee hike spurs debate
A hike in airport fees for business-class passengers at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has triggered debate over fairness.
Critics say the surcharge penalises premium travellers, while supporters argue it’s a step toward rationalising airport funding.
Authorities say the revision is based on updated infrastructure costs.
