India and the United States are preparing to open formal discussions this week on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, taking advantage of a 90-day pause in escalating tariffs. The two nations, long-standing economic and strategic partners, are moving to resolve trade tensions and explore deeper commercial engagement at a time when global trade is under pressure from protectionist trends and economic uncertainty. The initial discussions will be conducted virtually, with officials from both

India’s annual retail inflation rate eased to 3.34% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline and falls below the 3.61% recorded in February, offering significant relief to policymakers and consumers alike. The main factor contributing to this moderation is the continued softening of food prices, which make up a large portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Food inflation dr

After months out of the spotlight, former President Joe Biden returned to the national stage with a blistering critique of the current administration’s handling of Social Security and the deepening divide in American politics. Addressing a crowd of policy advocates and community leaders, Biden warned of sweeping staff reductions at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and accused the White House of undermining a foundational institution that millions of Americans rely on. Biden&rs

A growing clash between academic independence and federal oversight has erupted into a full-scale standoff after the Trump administration announced a freeze on over $2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University. The decision comes after the Ivy League institution firmly rejected a list of sweeping federal demands, including audits of student viewpoints and the dismantling of diversity and inclusion programs. On Monday night, the administration's Joint Task Force to Combat

A controversial proposal by Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from constitutional scholars, legal analysts, and civil rights advocates after he suggested that U.S. citizens convicted of crimes should be deported to foreign countries, including El Salvador. The idea, mentioned during a recent meeting with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, has been widely condemned as unconstitutional and without legal basis under existing immigration law. Trump, during his remarks, focused

In a ruling that could significantly influence the tax liabilities of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) investing in Indian mutual funds, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai bench, has determined that capital gains earned by NRIs on the redemption of mutual fund units are not taxable in India. This decision was delivered in a case involving a Singapore-based NRI who had declared short-term capital gains from mutual fund investments but claimed exemption under the Double Taxation Avoidance

In a sweeping change to US immigration enforcement, a new federal mandate now requires all immigrants—including legal visa holders and permanent residents—to carry valid identification at all times while in the United States. This directive, which came into effect on April 11, has sparked significant discussion among immigrant communities and legal experts, particularly those affected, such as H-1B workers, F-1 student visa holders, and Green Card recipients. The polic

The University of Texas at Austin has announced the immediate termination of its Flags program, a cornerstone of its graduation requirements for the past two decades. The university will replace it with a skills-based educational model designed to better align with workforce demands, student flexibility, and public scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Flags program required undergraduates to complete coursework in cultural diversity, global cultures, ethics,

  A small family-run theater in Washington Township, New Jersey, has been forced to change its policies after a viral social media trend led to widespread chaos and damage during the opening night of the much-anticipated Minecraft movie. The Township Theatre, a local entertainment staple, announced new restrictions requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult when attending the movie after a disruptive incident that left the facility damaged and other guests distressed.

  India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has expressed confidence that the recent tariff hikes announced by U.S. President Donald Trump could present an opportunity for India to strengthen its position in global trade. In response to the sudden shift in the U.S. trade stance, Goyal stated that India is well-positioned to benefit economically from the new environment created by America's protectionist approach. Trump recently declared a s

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, will begin a two-day official visit to India on Tuesday, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Monday. This marks the first official visit to India by Sheikh Hamdan in his capacity as Crown Prince and will include meetings with top Indian leadership as well as engagements aimed at strengthening b

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), securing health and term insurance for themselves and their families back in India is more than just a financial obligation—it is a critical step toward safeguarding their loved ones and managing long-term security. As global citizens, NRIs often weigh the pros and cons of buying insurance in their country of residence versus opting for policies in India. What tips the scale in favor of Indian insurance are three strong reasons: affordability, extensive

In a noteworthy development signaling the economic progress of Andhra Pradesh, the state has recorded its highest monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in nearly a year. The GST revenue generated in the state for the month of March 2025 has reached an impressive ₹3116 crore, breaking past the ₹3000 crore milestone for the first time in the last 11 months. This also marks an 8.35 percent year-on-year growth compared to March of the previous year, indicating an upward trend in tax

As the new financial year commences on April 1, 2025, several significant income tax changes have officially come into effect, directly impacting salaried individuals, senior citizens, investors, and taxpayers across the country. Announced during Budget 2025, these updates aim to simplify compliance, improve transparency, and provide substantial relief to the middle class. From revised tax slabs to increased deduction limits and changes in TDS thresholds, here’s a complete breakdown of

In a move that has stirred significant concern among global policymakers, US President Donald Trump took aim at India’s high tariffs on American goods during a recent press conference. Speaking on the matter, Trump expressed frustration over the tariffs imposed on US agricultural products, specifically highlighting the fact that India has a 100% tariff on American agricultural goods. This, according to the President, makes it “virtually impossible” for American products to b

As the new financial year begins on April 1, 2025, taxpayers, investors, and banking customers in India must prepare for several important changes in financial regulations. These reforms, previously announced by the government and regulatory bodies, are aimed at improving compliance, digital security, and financial transparency. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key changes that come into effect starting April 1.   1. Higher Income Tax Exemption Limit

Health insurance is meant to be a safety net—helping individuals manage healthcare costs without financial stress. However, for many, that reassurance is shattered during claim time when their applications are denied. These rejections can leave policyholders not only frustrated but also suspicious about their insurer’s intentions. While some rejections are justified, many arise from avoidable mistakes that occur during policy purchase or while filing a claim. Understanding these e

In a fiery exchange over the long-standing language debate and the contentious three-language policy under the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a scathing counterattack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Responding to Adityanath’s accusation that the DMK is fostering regional and linguistic division for vote-bank politics, Stalin described the remarks as not ironic but “political black comedy at its dark

In a significant move aimed at reshaping the American education system, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the closure of the Department of Education. This bold move aligns with long-standing Republican ambitions to transfer educational authority to individual states and reduce federal involvement in schools. The signing ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House, where Trump, surrounded by schoolchildren, proudly displayed the signed order.

Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI), emphasized the growing strength of US-India relations during her visit to New Delhi. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Gabbard highlighted the close ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, underscoring their shared commitment to defeating Islamic terrorism and ensuring global security. “The ties between the US and India go very far back,” Gabbard stated. “In Trump's second ter