Day: April 4, 2025

China Hits Back: 34% Tariff on US Goods Escalates Trade War

Manish Kumar

The US-China Tariff Battle The trade war between the United States and China has entered a new and intensified phase, with Beijing announcing a sweeping 34% tariff on all US goods, effective April 10. This move comes in direct retaliation to President Donald Trump’s recent tariff hikes on Chinese imports, bringing total new tariffs to 54%. The escalating conflict between the world’s two largest economies has sparked global market turmoil, with investors fearing a potential recession. Beyond tariffs, China has also imposed strict export controls on rare-earth elements—key materials in…

Tamil Nadu’s NEET Exemption Bill Rejected: A Setback in the Fight for Medical Admissions Autonomy

Manish Kumar

amil Nadu’s Long Battle Against NEET Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that it disproportionately benefits students from privileged backgrounds while disadvantaging those from rural and underprivileged communities. The state has repeatedly pushed for medical admissions based on Class XII marks, rather than a centralized entrance test. In a major setback, President Droupadi Murmu rejected Tamil Nadu’s bill seeking an exemption from NEET, dealing a blow to the state’s efforts to regain control over medical admissions. The bill,…

Visa launched tool for AI Fraud

Manish Kumar

Visa has launched Aric Risk Hub, an AI-powered fraud prevention platform, aimed at safeguarding banks and financial institutions from diverse fraud and financial crimes. This tool utilizes adaptive AI, stemming from Visa’s acquisition of Featurespace, to establish profiles of legitimate customer behavior, enhancing approval rates and halting fraudulent activities in real time. Eika Gruppen, a Norwegian banking alliance, implemented Aric Risk Hub and reported a 90% decrease in phishing losses in 2024 compared to 2023. The platform learned Eika customers’ typical patterns, enabling it to accurately detect suspicious behavior with…

“Hands Off!” Protests: Americans Rally Against Trump Policies on April 5

Manish Kumar

Nationwide Demonstrations Against Trump and Musk On April 5, thousands of Americans will take to the streets in a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump’s policies and the actions of billionaire Elon Musk. Branded as the “Hands Off!” movement, this mass mobilization is expected to be the largest single-day demonstration since Trump’s return to office. According to organizers, over 1,000 events are planned across all 50 states, with more than 250,000 people having RSVP’d. The protests are being led by activist groups such as Third Act, Indivisible, and MoveOn, who…

London-Mumbai Flight Diverted: 250 Passengers Stranded in Turkey for Over 42 Hours

Manish Kumar

A Journey Disrupted A routine flight from London to Mumbai turned into a prolonged ordeal for more than 250 passengers after an emergency diversion to Turkey’s Diyarbakir Airport. The Virgin Atlantic flight VS358, which departed from London on April 2, had to make an “urgent medical diversion,” after which the aircraft developed a technical issue, leaving passengers stranded for over 42 hours. Virgin Atlantic’s Response A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic addressed the situation, emphasizing that passenger safety remains their top priority. “The safety and security of our customers and crew…

India-Bangladesh Relations at a Crossroads: Modi Meets Yunus at BIMSTEC

Manish Kumar

A Legacy of Friendship and Strains in Ties India and Bangladesh share a deep-rooted relationship shaped by history, geography, and mutual cooperation. Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, India has been a key ally, offering economic support, infrastructure development, and strategic collaboration. However, the relationship has seen strains in recent times, particularly after the political turmoil in Bangladesh that led to the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who sought refuge in India amidst corruption allegations and violent protests in her country, has become a contentious figure in the…

BJD’s U-Turn on Waqf Amendment Bill: A Political and Legislative Perspective

Manish Kumar

The Controversy Surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, has been a focal point of intense political debate in India. Aimed at amending the Waqfmanish Act of 1995, the bill seeks to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and administration of Waqf properties. While the ruling BJP and its allies argue that the bill will streamline Waqf board operations, the opposition, led by the INDIA bloc, has vehemently opposed it, claiming that it threatens the rights of the Muslim community. In an unexpected turn, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD),…

Manoj Kumar: The Legend Who Defined Patriotic Cinema

Manish Kumar

A Life Dedicated to Cinema and Nation Manoj Kumar was more than just an actor; he was a phenomenon who seamlessly blended patriotism with storytelling. Known as “Bharat Kumar” for his iconic roles that celebrated national pride, he left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. A man of unwavering dedication, he used films as a powerful medium to inspire love for the country. His passing at the age of 87 marks the end of an era, but his cinematic contributions will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.…

From Landfills to Looms: How India Can Weave a Sustainable Future from Textile Waste

Manish Kumar

The Dark Side of Fast Fashion and Textile Waste Fast fashion has transformed the global clothing industry, making trendy outfits accessible at low prices. However, this rapid production cycle comes at a huge environmental cost. The industry generates massive amounts of textile waste, pollutes water bodies, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In India, the problem is particularly severe. With one of the largest textile industries in the world, contributing 11% to the GDP, the country produces a staggering 7,800 kilotonnes of textile waste annually. Cities like Bengaluru are struggling…

Trump’s New Tariffs: IMF Chief Weighs In on Global Growth Concerns

Manish Kumar

Amid worldwide criticism, Trump declared a national economic emergency and announced tariffs of at least 10 per cent across all countries, with rates even higher for 60 countries. The tariff plan imposed high levies on many countries, including 26 per cent on India. The world economy was jolted on Thursday as United States President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on foreign imports sent shockwaves through governments, investors, and industries worldwide. The sudden move prompted threats of retaliation from several countries and urgent calls for negotiations while markets struggled to absorb…