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Trump Redefines the Concept of Tariffs

On April 2, 2025, President Donald J. Trump declared "Liberation Day," marking a significant shift in U.S. trade policy with the announcement of reciprocal tariffs against various countries. These tariffs, aimed at addressing perceived unfair trade practices, have already sent Asian markets tumbling and driven gold prices to a record high. India faces particular challenges, with a new 26% duty on exports potentially costing its economy $31 billion and disrupting vital sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Trump's protectionist stance, which echoes previous administrations' approaches to tariffs, aims to reshape trade relations and bolster American manufacturing. Critics argue that such measures may disproportionately burden consumers and create economic instability, as evidenced by past tariff wars that led to increased prices and strained supply chains. The evolving landscape of U.S. trade policies reflects a broader bipartisan trend towards protectionism, reshaping international economic dynamics amid rising global tensions. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 2 pm IST

China Rejects Trump's Tariffs, Promises Countermeasures

China has strongly condemned the new US tariffs, asserting its intention to implement countermeasures to protect its rights and interests. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 10 percent levy on imports globally, alongside a staggering 34 percent tariff specifically on China, has raised concerns about a potential global trade war. The Chinese Commerce Ministry criticized these tariffs as violations of international trade rules, arguing they threaten global economic growth and harm both US and international supply chains. In retaliation, Beijing has already imposed tariffs of up to 15 percent on various US agricultural products. As China's economy grapples with challenges such as a debt crisis in the property sector and low consumer spending, the escalating trade tensions could jeopardize its recovery. China called for dialogue to address the dispute, warning that protectionism leads to no winners. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 3 pm IST

Teacher Rescued After 5 Days Trapped in Earthquake Rubble

A teacher trapped under the rubble of a hotel in Sagaing for five days survived Myanmar's catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake through a combination of old survival lessons and his own urine. Tin Maung Htwe, 47, was attending a training course when the earthquake struck, prompting him to seek shelter under a bed as the building collapsed around him. Rescuers, including a Malaysian team, found him amidst the devastation, where many buildings had been reduced to debris. His sister, Nan Yone, expressed overwhelming joy at his rescue, describing her emotions as a mix of dancing and crying. After being transported to a hospital, Tin Maung Htwe, despite his injuries, expressed gratitude for his survival and a desire to return to teaching, though he is also contemplating becoming a Buddhist monk. The destruction in Sagaing is significantly worse than in nearby Mandalay, complicating rescue efforts. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 3 pm IST

Rahul Gandhi Questions Government on US Tariffs

In a heated session of the Lok Sabha, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi decried the United States' decision to impose reciprocal tariffs of 26% on Indian exports, warning that it could "devastate our economy," particularly affecting the auto and pharmaceutical industries. Criticizing the Narendra Modi government's foreign policy, Gandhi accused it of conceding 4,000 square kilometers of land to China while failing to address rising tensions with the US. He invoked his grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to highlight a perceived lack of independence in the current administration's approach to foreign relations. Gandhi also expressed outrage over a recent cake-cutting event involving the Chinese ambassador, questioning the government's stance on territorial integrity following the Galwan Valley clash that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur pointed to historical losses in the region under previous governments. The Commerce Ministry is currently assessing the potential impact of these tariffs. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 2 pm IST

Big Tech Warns H-1B Visa Holders Against Leaving US

Thousands of immigrant tech workers in the U.S., including a significant number of Indians, are facing uncertainty amid President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies. Major tech firms like Google and Amazon have advised their H-1B visa holders to avoid international travel for fear of being barred from re-entering the country. Reports suggest a potential rise in denial rates for high-skilled visas, reminiscent of Trump's first term, leading to concerns about the citizenship status of future children born to these workers. The H-1B program, which permits U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, has seen Indians receiving the majority of these visas. Experts warn that a reduction in the immigrant workforce could hinder U.S. competitiveness in technology, particularly against China. With delays in Green Card processing and increasing anxiety among immigrants, the tech industry’s reliance on foreign talent remains precarious. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 2 pm IST