Global Business / The Economic Times
President Trump unveiled new tariffs on allies and adversaries, targeting unfair trade practices. India, China, the EU, and Vietnam are among the countries facing significant tariffs on their goods. The 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' aims to boost US manufacturing and ensure balanced trade relationships.
President Donald Trump announced a new wave of tariffs concentrated on the auto industry, including a 25% levy on fully assembled cars and auto parts from India. These tariffs, part of Trump's Fair and Reciprocal Plan, are expected to significantly impact India's auto sector, potentially leading to a $31 billion loss in exports.
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a historic executive order for reciprocal tariffs, marking a significant shift in U.S. trade policy. The tariffs target both allies and adversaries in an effort to boost U.S. manufacturing and address trade imbalances.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg assured lawmakers that the company will not accelerate 737 MAX production until safety and quality issues are fully addressed. Speaking before the Senate Commerce Committee, Ortberg emphasized his commitment to stability following recent safety failures. The FAA has restricted Boeing's production, while ongoing legal and regulatory challenges continue to pressure the company.
Social media was ablaze with outrage after reports on Friday that Home Depot would start charging customers for parking, however it came out later that it was an April Fools' joke perpetrated by Protoolreviews. Many individuals were furiously outraged over the musings of an April Fools fiction, and Home Depot has made no announcement about charging parking fees, while the parking remains free.
Skrillex is set to perform a five-hour DJ set at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 13, following the release of his latest album. The show marks his return to the iconic venue, where he previously played a sold-out set in 2023. Fans can register for presale tickets, with general sales starting on April 4.
Carmelo Anthony, who has had one of the most-celebrated careers in professional basketball spanning for 19 seasons, has been notified about getting elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He has mainly played for clubs like Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, besides representing Team USA that won gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs star, believes his publicized relationship with Taylor Swift impacted his NFL performance last season. Following a disappointing season and Super Bowl loss, Kelce has decided to step back from the spotlight. The couple is taking a break to focus on their relationship, away from public attention.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired outfielder Esteury Ruiz from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for right-hander Carlos Duran. Ruiz, who led the American League with 67 stolen bases in 2023, will start in Triple-A. The move adds depth to the Dodgers outfield while the Athletics make room for other players in their roster shuffle.
The government has introduced three key amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. These include preventing protected monuments from being declared as waqf, prohibiting land in Scheduled or tribal areas from being declared as waqf, and setting a 45-day deadline for district magistrates to implement waqf board decisions.
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 after heated debates. The bill, introduced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, focuses on technology-driven management of Waqf properties, transparency, and improving oversight. It includes digitization, increased oversight, and a new nameUMEED Bill. Controversy arose over land ownership investigations, prompting opposition concerns.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stated that Trinamool Congress MPs are opposing the waqf bill in Parliament, accusing the BJP of trying to divide the country. She emphasized the importance of respecting the Constitution and condemned attempts to incite communal unrest, urging respect for all religions.
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with Home Minister Amit Shah emphasising that non-Muslims won't manage religious waqf institutions, aiming to dispel rumors of interference in Muslim religious practices. The bill, addressing transparency and preventing land-grabbing, faced opposition from various political parties concerned about its implications.
Blake Lively faces criticism for her on-set behavior during the filming of A Simple Favor in 2018, including an unscripted act with co-star Henry Golding. She is also involved in a legal battle with Justin Baldoni over allegations of harassment, with the trial set for 2026. Fans and insiders express outrage over her actions.
Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3 will bring back Verdansk, the iconic map that started it all in Warzone. The new season is scheduled to release on April 3. Activision has announced that Warzone servers will go into a downtime for 24 hours while the update will be deployed.
The threatened levies could be particularly damaging for US companies in sectors already slapped with duties, with administration officials saying all of Trumps tariffs, including prior rates, are stacking.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi held a symbolic protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, likening his actions to Mahatma Gandhi's historic protest in South Africa. Owaisi criticised the bill for being unconstitutional and divisive, alleging it targets the Muslim community's rights, education, and religious sites.
Amid severe weather conditions in St. Louis, Savannah Bananas have decided to postpone their games scheduled for this weekend in the region. The two matchups will now take place on July 18 and 19, while people who have purchased tickets for April 4 and 5 games will be allowed to watch the July games without any extra cost.
Jackson Merrill, 21, has received a nine-year, $135 million contract extension with San Diego Padres. This allows the club to have control over the player until 2034. Merrill hit .292 with 24 home runs as well as 90 RBIs and 16 stolen bases during the last season, ending up at second position in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
India saw a record number of company and LLP registrations in March, indicating strong investor confidence in the country's economic growth. March company registrations rose 27% year-on-year, while LLP registrations surged 62%, reflecting positive market sentiment amid external challenges such as US tariff policies.
Despite the uncertainty of US tariffs under Donald Trump, the global commitment to renewable energy persists driven by technological advances, particularly in solar and wind power, and economic factors. Countries remain focused on clean energy for both security and environmental reasons, aligning economic needs with sustainability goals.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Rajya Sabha that three foreign universities operate in India and that the University Grants Commission (UGC) plans to approve 50 more high-quality foreign universities. This move aims to retain students and resources within the country, enhancing higher research opportunities. The government will ensure these institutions meet set standards while maintaining autonomy.
Trump Media & Technology Groups stock tumbled after a regulatory filing revealed the potential sale of over 142 million shares, including Donald Trumps stake worth $2.3 billion. Investors fear the move could further impact the already volatile stock, which has dropped 70 per cent from its post-merger highs amid weak financials and market uncertainty.
The Supreme Court rebuked Bihar for reinstating officials after bridge collapse incidents once the outcry died down. The PIL concerning bridge safety is transferred to Patna High Court, including suggestions for regular audits and expert panel formation. Ten bridge collapse incidents were reported recently in Bihar.
During a cherry blossom photoshoot in Washington D.C., a family was photobombed by former President Barack Obama. The family, focused on their children, later realized Obama's presence when they reviewed the photos. Obama humorously apologized on Instagram. The family invited Obama for next year's shoot and photographer Briana Inell promised not to edit him out of the picture.
The Supreme Court expressed concerns about the rising trend of filing rape cases based on false promises of marriage, noting that changing moral values impact such situations. It emphasized the need to consider these cases impartially, rather than solely from the victim's perspective.
The Supreme Court disapproved Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's alleged statement that by-elections wouldn't occur if Opposition members switched to Congress. The court's comments came while hearing pleas on the disqualification of certain MLAs, criticizing the Speaker's delay in a timely decision.
US President Trump's administration is considering deporting migrants to Rwanda to implement stricter immigration controls. Other countries like Benin, Moldova, Mongolia, and Kosovo are also being considered. This follows the UK's canceled scheme to send migrants to Rwanda. The US might offer financial and political incentives to countries willing to house deported migrants.
India's maritime boundaries may expand as the government considers adopting the World Geodetic System 1984 datum. This change could modify current baselines, impacting territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), with significant shifts in areas near Bangladesh and Sir Creek.
India's venture debt market has grown significantly from USD 80 million in 2018 to USD 1.23 billion in 2024, led by Bengaluru. The market supports startup founders with runway extension, working capital, pre-IPO financing, and inventory needs. Fintech, consumer tech, and cleantech sectors see the highest demand, with venture debt helping bridge funding gaps and retain control.
Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have been removed from the Naxal-affected states list, ending their SRE support from the Centre. The government has reduced the number of districts facing Left wing extremism from 38 to 18, following a review by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Myanmar expressed gratitude for India's rapid and significant support following a devastating earthquake. India launched Operation Brahma to provide humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and medical assistance. Relief supplies included food, medicines, and emergency materials delivered via aircraft and naval ships, showcasing India's commitment as a First Responder in regional crises.
Rajya Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, despite opposition protests and walkouts over accusations of leniency towards illegal immigrants in Congress and TMC-ruled states. The Bill aims to monitor foreigners to prevent activities against India while welcoming those persecuted or contributing positively.
CERN has revealed plans for a 13 billion Future Circular Collider that is set to be four times as powerful as the current Large Hadron Collider. However, the proposal faces criticism due to its massive cost, potential environmental impact, and uncertain funding from member nations, raising questions about the project's viability.
Labour Party faces pressure ahead of local elections and the Runcorn by-election, with recent polls showing a drop in popularity. Rachel Reeves struggles with the UK's financial crisis amid US tariffs concerns. Labour's net approval rating hits a joint record low, raising fears of seat losses and complications from pro-Gaza independents gaining ground.
Rahul Gandhi has strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, claiming it marginalises Muslims and strips them of their property rights. He accused the bill of violating constitutional principles and setting a dangerous precedent for targeting other communities in the future. The Congress party stands firmly against this legislation.
US District Judge James Bredar issued a preliminary injunction requiring the reinstatement of fired federal probationary employees in 19 states and Washington, D.C. The decision addresses mass dismissals claimed to be for performance issues but alleged to target large-scale workforce reduction.
A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, preventing prosecutors from refiling charges based on the same evidence. The DOJ initially sought a dismissal without prejudice, but the court ruled against it, citing concerns over political influence and Adams reelection campaign.
Former health secretary Xavier Becerra has launched his bid for the election of California governor, focusing on his extensive experience rather than ideological labels. With a history in state and national leadership, Becerra aims to address key challenges like affordability and healthcare. His candidacy adds intrigue to the race as top contenders wait on Gavin Newsoms decision.
Fans of Hollow Knight would be happy to note that their long wait of six years gets over soon as Nintendo has officially announced that its sequel, Silksong, will be out later this year. The company on Wednesday gave an update on various upcoming games that will be out on its new Nintendo Switch 2, which will release in June.
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Wednesday night, following a powerful 7.7 magnitude quake that has already killed over 3,000 people. With more than 10,000 buildings damaged or collapsed, Myanmar declared a week of national mourning, and rescue efforts have slowed down as hopes of finding more survivors diminish.
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow has officially announced her candidacy for the US Senate seat to be vacated by Democrat Gary Peters. She is positioning herself as a fresh perspective, expressing concerns about the Democratic leadership's sense of urgency and calling for a new generation of lawmakers. This race is expected to be competitive, with both parties looking to capture a win in 2026 that is pivotal for their party.
TikTok video app counts 170 million users in the United States. Amazon had previously tried to make a TikTok clone of sorts, called Inspire, inside its own app.