India is accelerating efforts to finalize a partial bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. before a critical 90-day deadline, following Washington's temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs. The Indian government aims to use this window to secure better access for key exports like shrimp, enhance market entry for Indian goods, and push for reductions in both tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. The deal, considered a precursor to a larger trade pact expected by late 2025, also seeks to strengthen supply chain cooperation and boost overall trade towards a $500 billion target by 2030. (PC: News 18)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, singling out China with a 125% duty and calling it a “bad actor” in global trade. Bessent clarified that current negotiations are focused on China’s neighbours—India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Trump’s 90-day pause on new tariffs excludes China but offers countries like India a breather. India faces a 26% tariff, with exemptions for key sectors like pharma. With China ramping up tariffs to 84% on US goods, India’s cautious diplomacy continues, aiming to finalise a bilateral trade agreement by autumn following earlier discussions during PM Modi’s US visit. (PC: India Today)

Security was intensified in Delhi ahead of the arrival of Tahawwur Rana, extradited from the US for his alleged role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Escorted by SWAT teams and armoured vehicles, Rana was transported in a bulletproof convoy from Palam airport to the NIA headquarters. Rana is accused of aiding terrorist David Headley in planning the 2008 attacks that killed 166. A Delhi court has received trial records from Mumbai. A special team including NIA, intelligence officers, and forensic psychologists will question Rana to uncover cross-border institutional links to the attacks. The Patiala House Court area remains on high alert. (PC: PTI)

King Charles and Queen Camilla met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday during their four-day state visit to Italy. The private audience, confirmed earlier that morning, included an exchange of gifts and warm wishes. The couple were "deeply touched" by the Pope's remarks on their 20th wedding anniversary. Buckingham Palace expressed joy at the Pope being well enough to host them following his recent hospital stay. Earlier, King Charles addressed the Italian Parliament and met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Queen Camilla visited a school and ice cream shop, receiving anniversary cards from students. Discussions continue for an official papal visit. (PC: X/@RoyalFamily)

China has called on the United States to “meet halfway” after Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, up from 104%. China hit back with 84% retaliatory tariffs but kept its door open to talks. Trump's 90-day tariff pause for other countries calmed global markets, with Asian, European, and US stocks surging. China's Commerce Ministry warned the move could “severely” hurt the global economy. Trump insisted, “A deal's going to be made with China,” while China's leadership considers new stimulus. Japan and ASEAN nations welcomed the pause but urged Washington to review tariffs on their exports. (PC: NDTV)

Freed Israeli hostages are urging a new ceasefire to rescue 59 people still held in Gaza by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Survivors like soldier Liri Albag and Eli Sharabi have spoken out at rallies and in global forums, despite personal trauma. “Part of us is still in Gaza,” said Omer Wenkert, reflecting collective grief. The initial truce in January freed 25 Israelis in exchange for 1,800 Palestinians but broke down in March as Israel resumed strikes. Hamas seeks to restore the original framework, while Israel wants phased exchanges. Ex-hostage Keith Siegel credited Donald Trump for past breakthroughs and urged urgent diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)

The Indian government has appointed advocate Narender Mann as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case against Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Mann, known for handling high-profile CBI cases, will serve a 3-year term representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi's special courts. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, was extradited from the US and will be lodged in Tihar Jail’s high-security ward. He is accused of aiding terrorist David Headley in planning the 2008 attacks that killed 166 people. The extradition followed a US Supreme Court decision denying Rana's final plea to halt proceedings. (PC: ANI)

US President Donald Trump has escalated the trade war by raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, citing China's "lack of respect." In response, Beijing imposed 84% tariffs on US goods and lodged a WTO complaint, calling US actions "bullying." China hinted at restricting rare earth mineral exports and possibly banning American films or targeting Apple and Tesla. The Communist Party’s People’s Daily called the tariffs a “strategic opportunity” to boost domestic consumption. Beijing warned that if the US continues its aggressive trade stance, China will “fight to the end,” shifting from dialogue to direct confrontation. (PC: Reuters)

India became the world’s third-largest generator of wind and solar power in 2024, surpassing Germany, according to Ember’s Global Electricity Review. Solar alone contributed 7% of India’s electricity, with a 24 GW capacity addition—over double that of 2023. Wind and solar accounted for 10% of India’s power, while clean sources overall contributed 22%. Globally, renewables added a record 858 TWh, with solar the fastest-growing power source for the 20th year. Ember analysts called India a “solar superpower” but warned that funding must rise by 20% annually for India to meet its 500 GW renewable target by 2030. (PC: AFP)

Global financial markets rebounded after US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs for countries other than China. The decision helped indices in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea recover losses, following Wall Street's rally. However, Trump’s 125% tariff hike on Chinese goods took effect, intensifying the trade war. Trump accused Beijing of showing “a lack of respect.” In retaliation, China imposed 84% tariffs on all US imports and vowed not to back down. Trump's universal 10% tariff on other countries remains. Analysts now question how long China can endure such economic pressure amid rising global uncertainty. (PC: Getty Images)