In March 2025, U.S. employers announced 90,309 job cuts, up 7% from February and 0.7% year-over-year, according to a report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The technology sector saw the highest number of layoffs at 14,224, largely driven by workforce reductions at DOGE, a crypto-related company facing financial difficulties. This marks the third consecutive monthly increase in job cuts. First-quarter layoffs have reached 257,254—up 120% from Q4 2024 and the highest since Q1 2020. Hiring plans have also sharply declined, signaling growing economic caution and shifting corporate priorities amid ongoing market uncertainty. 

China will impose a 34% tariff on US goods from April 10, retaliating against US President Donald Trump's 54% tariffs on Chinese imports. Beijing's finance ministry said the US action violates international trade rules. The new Chinese tariff mirrors the latest US "reciprocal" tariffs. Additionally, China has announced restrictions on 33 US entities, citing national security and Taiwan issues. Six American firms lost export qualifications over food safety. Sixteen others were added to China’s "export control" list, and 11 firms were placed on the “unreliable entity” list for alleged military cooperation with Taiwan. The move escalates ongoing US-China trade tensions. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian-origin Hindu priest, Devendra Shukla, was tragically shot dead outside the Shiv Durga Temple in Kansas, USA. The 57-year-old spiritual leader was attacked in the temple parking lot in a suspected hate crime, shocking the Indian-American community. Local authorities and the Indian consulate are closely monitoring the investigation. The priest had served the temple for over a decade and was known for his community outreach. Police have not yet confirmed a motive but are reviewing surveillance footage. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over growing violence and hate crimes targeting Indian-origin individuals in the United States. (PC: WIBW)  

As Donald Trump eyes a return to the White House in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, analysts are assessing the potential impact on India-U.S. relations. While his previous tenure saw enhanced defense cooperation and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, it also brought trade frictions, including the withdrawal of India’s GSP status and tariff hikes. A renewed Trump presidency may intensify focus on bilateralism, potentially straining multilateral trade norms. India could face tougher immigration policies, especially around H-1B visas, while benefiting from continued defense collaboration amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region. (PC: The Economic Times)

Georgia Southern University has named Avinandan Mukherjee as its next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Mukherjee, a tenured marketing professor, has over 16 years of institutional leadership experience, most recently serving as provost at Marshall University. He previously held deanships at Marshall’s Lewis College of Business and Clayton State University’s College of Business.   University President Kyle Marrero praised Mukherjee’s leadership, global perspective, and commitment to academic excellence. Mukherjee expressed excitement for the role, emphasizing innovation and adaptability in higher education. He holds a doctorate from IIM Ahmedabad and an engineering degree from Jadavpur University. (PC: New India Abroad)

President Donald Trump's recent imposition of a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with higher rates for key partners—34% for China and 20% for the European Union—has sparked global condemnation and fears of an escalating trade war. Financial markets reacted sharply, with U.S. stock indices experiencing their worst one-day losses since 2020. Economists warn that these tariffs could lead to increased consumer prices, with projections suggesting a high-end iPhone could cost nearly $2,300 if costs are passed on. Countries like China, the EU, and Canada have announced retaliatory measures, raising concerns about potential inflation, recession risks, and long-term damage to global trade cooperation. (PC: The New York Times)

Global stock markets tumbled after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, triggering fears of a global trade war. The S&P 500 fell 4.8%, its worst day since the 2020 COVID crash, erasing $2 trillion in value. Major firms like Apple, Nike, and Target saw shares drop over 9%. Trump’s plan includes a minimum 10% tariff on all imports and sharply higher duties on goods from China (54%) and the EU (20%). China, the EU, and Canada have vowed retaliation. Analysts warn the tariffs may fuel inflation, stall growth, and risk pushing the U.S. into recession. (PC: Reuters)

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has officially rejected the National Assembly’s impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol, which accused him of abusing his power and unlawfully interfering in prosecutorial investigations. The court unanimously ruled that the charges did not meet the threshold for removal from office, citing a lack of concrete constitutional or legal violations. The impeachment motion, led by opposition lawmakers, had plunged the country into political uncertainty. With the verdict, Yoon remains in power, but the controversy has deepened political divisions, sparking protests and renewed debate over executive accountability in South Korea’s democratic system. (PC: The Guardian)

Canada has announced a 25% tariff on some US auto imports in response to new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the tariffs will apply to vehicles that do not meet the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) rules. The move comes after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on overseas auto imports, saying it would boost US manufacturing. Canada’s retaliation aims to protect its economy while keeping trade stable. Tensions between the two countries are rising, and experts warn the tariffs could impact jobs and prices in both nations.

Hungary has announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Budapest. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity. As a member of the ICC, Hungary was supposed to arrest him. However, Prime Minister Viktor Orban called the court "political" and refused to comply. Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision, calling it “bold.” The ICC reminded Hungary that it is still legally obligated to cooperate. Critics say Hungary’s move supports a leader accused of war crimes.