The Times of India

Visibility Was Just 40 Metres At Bathinda Accident Site

Appointment listed, P 18

South American and European Union officials on Saturday signed a major trade deal, which they hailed as sending a powerful message at a time of tariff threats, global uncertainty and protectionism. The deal will favor European exports of cars, wine and cheese, while making it easier for South American beef, poultry, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans to enter Europe.

'Purely A South African Initiative, Not All Members Took Part'

A GTRI report urges India to overhaul its import tariff structure and customs administration to boost trade costs, manufacturing competitiveness, and export growth. Recommendations include a gradual move to zero duty on raw materials and a 5% duty on finished goods, alongside simplifying procedures and eliminating inverted duty structures.

Financial Services Secretary M. Nagaraju urged LIC to intensify digital marketing and a mobile-first approach to achieve 'insurance for all'. He stressed LIC's crucial role in financial stability and its responsibility as a Domestic Systemically Important Insurer.

The European Union and Mercosur have formally signed a landmark free trade agreement, concluding over 25 years of negotiations and establishing one of the world's largest integrated trading zones. This pact, signed in Asuncin, signifies a major geopolitical win for the EU amidst global trade tensions and reinforces South America's commitment to diversified economic ties.

Sergio Gor, US Ambassador to India paid tributes at the 26/11 memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai and highlighted how under US President Trump, the alleged mastermind behind the Mumbai 2008 terror attacks- Tahawwur Rana was extradited to India.

President Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from several European nations, escalating to 25% if Denmark does not agree to sell Greenland by June 1, 2026. He cited security concerns and inadequate emuneration from allies for decades of US protection, demanding Denmark give back for past subsidies.

Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray alleged intimidation and coercion by the ruling alliance in the BMC elections, calling it a strange contest for political survival. Despite the Mahayuti alliance's majority, Thackeray asserted the resilience of his party, thanking voters for their support amidst alleged pressure.

Union Budgets are often treated as routine fiscal announcements, yet in recent four decades they have quietly reshaped taxation, regulation and economic policy. Why did finance ministers repeatedly use the Budget to dismantle the licence raj, build market institutions and enforce fiscal rulesand why does that legacy still shape Indias political economy today? The answers lie in how the Budget became a tool of structural reform.

Delhi-NCR's air quality has plunged into the 'severe' category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to reimpose GRAP-IV restrictions. This escalation follows the earlier enforcement of GRAP-III. Under Stage IV, older vehicles like BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel models are banned from plying, with exceptions for essential services. Existing GRAP measures remain in effect.

Following a significant win in the BMC elections, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has housed newly elected corporators in a luxury hotel, fueling speculation about their mayoral ambitions. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance emerged victorious, and discussions regarding the Mayor's post are underway, with a collective decision expected soon.

China has reduced its US Treasury holdings to a nearly two-decade low, signaling a strategic diversification of its foreign exchange reserves. This move away from dollar assets towards gold and other overseas investments reflects concerns over geopolitical risks and the sustainability of American public debt.

Mumbai Congress faces internal turmoil after a dismal BMC election performance, its worst ever. Senior leaders are demanding city president Varsha Gaikwad's resignation, citing moral grounds. Despite the setback, party spokespersons defend the outcome, attributing it to adverse circumstances and alleged misuse of power by rivals. The party plans organizational strengthening amidst simmering dissent.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis wittily responded to Uddhav Thackeray's mayoral aspirations, questioning if 'Deva' referred to him or God. Fadnavis asserted that the Mahayuti alliance, led by BJP and Eknath Shinde, will collectively decide the BMC mayor's selection and tenure, following their victory in the civic body elections.

US President Trump's aggressive tariff strategy is prompting global trade realignments, with Canada notably cutting import taxes on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for reduced Chinese tariffs on canola. This shift signals a growing perception in Canada that the US poses a greater economic threat than China, leading allies to seek alternatives beyond the US market.

India is actively engaging Iran to secure the release of 16 Indian crew members detained on the MT Valiant Roar since December. New Delhi is pressing for consular access, communication with families, and legal representation, while also ensuring the vessel's provisions. The detention follows Iran's seizure of the tanker for alleged illegal fuel transport.

Modern Indian women are celebrated as independent, yet this often masks exhaustion from constant negotiation and performance. Once a thrilling discovery, independence now carries immense pressure, demanding visible strength and early responsibility. This evolution highlights a generational truth: independence is expected early, learned through observing the sacrifices of others, and often met with criticism.

Senior US lawmakers emphasized India's central role in America's Indo-Pacific strategy, highlighting its importance for global stability and strong economic ties. They clarified that routine engagement with Pakistan does not signify a strategic shift, as India remains the primary focus for US investments and partnerships.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sees hopeful signs of de-escalation in Iran, citing reports of cancelled executions and a toned-down US military stance. He believes regional nations desire stability, suggesting a potential turning point despite limited information access. Meanwhile, Tharoor expressed skepticism about peace in Gaza, noting ongoing violence.