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Monday, April 7, 2025

Amid Trump Tariffs, S Jaishankar, US Counterpart Push For "Early Trade Deal"

India likes to do things differently. While the world has been struggling to get back on its feet after US President Donald Trump pulled the rug from underneath, with his reciprocal tariffs announcement, some nations, like China and Canada retaliated shortly after, with tit-for-tat tariffs. While China countered the US' 34 per cent with the same figure, Canada mirrored the US by announcing a 45 per cent levy on the automobile sector. Several other nations reached out to Washington in order to renegotiate its own tariffs in order to evade Trump's reciprocal move.

India took a different route. It said it will not retaliate to US' 26 per cent tariff announcement, nor will it reduce the tariffs it already imposes on America. Instead, New Delhi reportedly plans to absorb, adjust, and rework the trading dynamic in a way that President Trump's reciprocal tariffs will have a minimal impact on Indian exporters. At the same time, both nations are accelerating trade talks to put in place a "win-win" trade deal. Even before Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, India placed itself in an advantageous position by becoming one of the first nations to initiate a mega trade pact with America.

JAISHANKAR-RUBIO PHONE CALL

In this regard, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke over a phone call on Monday. Both leaders agreed that an "early conclusion" of the bilateral trade agreement will benefit both nations. The two leaders also had a detailed discussion on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the Indian subcontinent.

Shortly after the talks, Dr Jaishankar said that it was "Good to speak with Secretary Marco Rubio today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean. Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch."

According to news agency Reuters, an official in the government has said that New Delhi has looked into a clause of Trump's tariff order that offers a possible reprieve for trading partners who "take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements".

Another official told Reuters that India finds itself better placed than Asian peers like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which have been hit by higher US reciprocal tariffs. New Delhi and Washington have agreed to finalize an early trade deal by autumn 2025 - one that may completely resolve their differences on tariffs.

INDIA'S RECENT MOVES

New Delhi however, has signaled that since US' reciprocal tariffs are now imposed on India, the terms of negotiations will be on equal footing, and Washington's conditions on removal of subsidies, especially on pharma and agriculture, will no longer apply.

But at the same time, India has also taken a number of steps to win over Trump, including lowering tariffs on high-end bikes and bourbon whiskey, while also completely dropping a tax it imposed on digital services that affected US tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and X, among others.

Meanwhile, India's Commerce Ministry is closely assessing the immediate impact of Trump's tariffs with all stakeholders. It said that feedback is being taken from exporters, especially those vulnerable to be impacted most - like diamond merchants. The department, it said, is also studying the opportunities that may arise from this tariff move.

ROBUST INDIA-US TIES

India and the United States enjoy a broad-based global strategic partnership covering nearly every major domain. The relationship is driven by shared democratic values, converging strategic interests, and dynamic people-to-people engagement. High-level exchanges continue to play a key role in advancing bilateral cooperation.

Both nations also have a robust economic partnership. New Delhi and Washington have set a target to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 from the current over $190 billion.

Both nations also invest heavily in each other. In the financial year 2023-24, the US was India's third-largest source of FDI, contributing USD 4.99 billion - around 9 per cent of total equity inflows. Indian companies are also making major investments in the US, with a 2023 CII study noting 163 Indian firms have invested over USD 40 billion, creating 425,000 direct American jobs.

(Inputs from Reuters)
 



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Kohli Cheekily Pushes Bumrah Away During IPL 2025 Clash - Video Goes Viral

Virat Kohli shared a heartwarming moment with Jasprit Bumrah during the IPL 2025 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians on Monday. Virat looked in sublime form as he slammed 67 off 42 deliveries - a knock that included a stunning six off Jasprit Bumrah. On the fifth delivery of the 11th over, Rajat Patidar played a delivery from Bumrah straight back to the bowler. Bumrah quickly collected the ball and attempted a run-out on the non-striker's end. It did not result in any dismissal and while walking back, Kohli cheekily pushed him away leaving Bumrah in splits.

Brisk half-centuries by skipper Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a competitive 221 for five against Mumbai Indians in their IPL match on Monday.

Invited to bat first, Patidar led from the front with a scintillating 64 off 32 balls after star batter Kohli helped himself to a 42-ball 67 at the Wankhede Stadium. Devdutt Padikkal chipped in with a quick-fire 37 in 22 deliveries, as RCB toyed with the MI bowling attack.

Coming in to bat in the 15th over, Jitesh Sharma smashed 40 off 19 balls to help RCB end on a blazing note. The returning Jasprit Bumrah was the best MI bowler as he conceded just 29 runs in his four overs.



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Twenty Years On, This US Couple's Disappearance Is Still A Mystery

Twenty years ago, on a Saturday night, Richard Petrone Jr and his girlfriend Danielle Imbo, accompanied by their friends, went out to a bar in Philadelphia. Once the outing was over, Mr Petrone Jr was supposed to drop Ms Imbo off at her home in New Jersey and head back to his apartment in Philadelphia. Their friends or anyone else never heard back from them after they left the bar, CNN reported.

Investigators found no forensic evidence of the couple's whereabouts after they were last seen at the bar, retired FBI special agent Vito Roselli, who was the case's first lead investigator, said.

Their truck was not spotted on any of the area's toll bridge cameras and the couple's credit cards and bank accounts registered no activity, he added.

The couple, along with Mr Petrone Jr's 2001 black Dodge Dakota pick-up truck, just disappeared into the night. 

His mother Marge Petrone said she knew something was wrong when she didn't immediately hear back from him. "His phone was never off - it was always in his hands," she told CNN.

To this day, there are no leads in the case. No one in the family thinks the couple planned their disappearance and relocated to a different area to start a new life. At the time, they were parents to a teen and a toddler, respectively. According to their families, they would never just abandon their kids.

Mr Roselli, who now works in cybersecurity for an international company in Miami, says, "It stays with me. Like, 'What did I miss?' ... is constantly living rent-free in my head. But also because you want to see closure for the two families."

FBI's Philadelphia office says the matter remains a top priority. According to one of the statements, following the couple's disappearance, the FBI collaborated with law enforcement from other jurisdictions in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

They dispatched divers to investigate the Delaware River and other bodies of water between Philadelphia and Mount Laurel. Investigators followed leads in many states and examined financial, phone, and road toll data. They also looked into a flurry of theories, but nothing brought any fruitful results. 

Technology was less developed in the early 2000s than it is now, which limited the scope of the investigation. While forensic science has advanced much since then, in this instance, it hasn't had much of an impact, as there is no physical evidence.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the case. 



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"Burden, Disappointment": Rohit Roasted Brutally After Another IPL Flop Show

Rohit Sharma failed to score big once again as the star Indian cricket team batter was dismissed for 17 during the IPL 2025 encounter between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday. It has been a disappointing campaign for Rohit and after missing the previous game due to injury, all eyes were on the experienced campaigner. Rohit started well with two fours and a six but ended up getting clean bowled by Yash Dayal. Rohit's dismissal led to a lot of criticism on social media as fans expressed their thoughts about the star batter and his major lack of form.

Jasprit Bumrah made a much-awaited return to the Mumbai Indians lineup and expectedly bowled well but Royal Challengers Bengaluru rode on quick-fire half-centuries by Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar to post a massive 221/5 in Match 21 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Monday.

Kohli hit some brilliant shots in his 67 off 42 balls, studded with eight fours and two sixes, while skipper Patidar blasted a 32-ball 64 as RCB made the most of some insipid bowling by Mumbai Indians.

Bumrah bowled well within himself and was his usual miserly self in the death overs for figures of 4-0-29-0 while Pandya returned with best figures for MI with 2/45. RCB started well with 73/1 in the power-play, added 78/3 in the middle overs before ending it with 70/2 in the death overs.

(With IANS inputs)



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Sunday, April 6, 2025

Mystery Of Missing WWII Bomber Attacked By Nazis Solved After 82 Years

A World War II bomber that was shot down by the Nazis in December 1943 has been discovered -- ending a longstanding mystery spanning 82 years and bringing closure to families of the dead. The plane, part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), with three crew members from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom aboard, crashed off the Greek island of Antikythera, according to a report in Metro.

The discovery of the wreck of Baltimore FW282 was made possible after Greek technical diving group AegeanTec, which specialises in exploring deep-water wrecks, located the bomber, 61 metres deep in the water last year.

Believing it to be the RAAF aircraft, AegeabTec contacted History and Heritage - Air Force (HUWC-AF), which assessed the discovery and positively confirmed the wreck as RAAF Baltimore FW282.

"I am pleased, alongside my colleagues from the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), to this week to be able to announce the find and for us to acknowledge, collectively, the bravery of this combined crew of aviators from our three nations," said Australian Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.

“This aircraft discovery is significant and offers the chance to provide closure to families," he added.

Also Read | Aeroplane With Foldable Wings? Airbus' Ambitious Plans For Its Next-Gen Aircraft

What happened to Baltimore FW282?

Baltimore FW282, operated by RAAF's No 454 Squadron, was returning from a mission over the Aegean Sea when it was ambushed by a German fighter aircraft and sustained heavy damage.

While British airman Leslie Norman Row, RAAF Pilot Officer Colin Walker and RNZAF Warrant Officer John Graatside died in the attack, Austrlian pilot William Alroy Hugh Horsley managed to survive. He, however, was handed over to the Germans and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner.

Upon his release, Mr Horsley described how they were ambushed and gunned down by the Nazi pilots.

"The Me-109s delivered seven attacks, during which the aircraft was set on fire in the port wing. The intercommunications systems were destroyed, and Pilot Officer Walker and Warrant Officer Gartside wounded - extent unknown."

Following the recovery of the wreck, a memorial service has been planned for the three men who died while serving the mission.



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Husband Makes McDonald's-Style Fries From Scratch For Wife, Swiggy Reacts

You have probably seen the "This or That" trend flooding Instagram. It's that cute reel format where one person holds up two chits with options - maybe "Coffee" or "Tea," "Pizza" or "Burgers" - and the other picks one. Then, off they go to indulge in the selected treat. But this middle-aged couple gave the trend a heartfelt twist that's winning the internet. The video begins like any other trend video. The husband holds up two handwritten notes, both decorated with hearts. One says McDonald's, the other Pizza Hut. The wife picks McDonald's. You expect a food delivery to follow. But no - what came next were fries made entirely from scratch.

Also Read: Man Dresses Up As Delivery Agent To Surprise Girlfriend With Food In Hostel, Wins Hearts Online

The husband starts by washing four medium-sized potatoes, then peeling and slicing them into thin strips - the kind you'd see in a fry basket at a fast-food joint. Next, he drops the slices into a steel tumbler filled with water, salt, and a touch of oil, letting them come to a boil just enough to soften them up. He lays the parboiled fries on a towel, carefully patting them dry to remove all moisture - a step that is important for getting that crisp texture. As the potatoes rest, the man is seen creating a McDonald's-style fry pouch, not from some template or printer, but from handmade glue and paper. He uses a yellow crayon to draw the famous "M", and colours the rest with a bright red, to imitate the fast food chain's branding.

Back to the stove. He pours oil into a pan, drops in the fries, and stirs until they turn that perfect shade of golden brown. After draining the extra oil using a large metal sieve, he transfers them to another utensil and sprinkles salt and masala. Then he gives them a good shake before placing them into his handmade pouch. And finally, he walks over, presents the fries to his wife, and feeds her one. She tastes it and says, "It's very good, thank you." He posted the video on Instagram with the caption, "McDonald's fries for patni ji (wife)."

The video has since gone viral and clocked millions of views on Instagram. Even Swiggy could not resist commenting.

"Pookies," the food delivery giant wrote.

A user commented, "He also made that logo for her."

"Who said only money can buy happiness," a comment read.

Another wrote, "Patni ji won in life."

A person stated, "I wasn't expecting this at all. Bro took this trend to a whole new level."

Someone said this was "the sweetest thing I've seen today."

What do you think of the viral video? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: Viral Video Shows Australian Dad In Love With Masala Chai In India, Wins Hearts Online



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Controversy Hits IPL 2025 As Fans Slam 3rd Umpire Call During SRH vs GT Game

The dismissal of Washington Sundar sparked a massive controversy during the IPL 2025 match between Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. Washington looked in brilliant form as he dominated the SRH bowlers but he was ultimately dismissed for 49 by Mohammed Shami. During the 14th over of the GT innings, Washington slammed a short of length ball from Shami towards sweeper cover and Aniket Verma ended up taking a brilliant catch. However, the umpires were not convinced whether he cleanly collected it or not. They decided to go for a review and although some replays suggested that the ball may have touched the ground, the third umpire ruled against the batter. The dismissal led to a massive discussion on social media with several users criticising the decision.

Skipper Shubman Gill led by example with a classy half-century after Mohammed Siraj bowled with fire in his belly to return excellent figures of 4/17 as Gujarat Titans crushed Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets in their IPL match on Sunday.

Sent at number four, Washington Sundar too showed his class with a 29-ball 49 as GT registered their third win in four outings, even as SRH suffered their fourth defeat in five matches.

The chase of 153 was completed with as many as 20 balls to spare, with Gill making an unbeaten 61 off 43 balls.

Bowling first, GT restricted SHR to 152 for eight with left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore (2/24) and seamer Prasidh Krishna (2/25) too performing admirably on a slow surface.

Mohammed Shami (2/28) and Pat Cummins (1/26) brought SRH back into the contest with their early strikes as GT found themselves at a tricky 16 for two in the fourth over.

(With PTI inputs)



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Saturday, April 5, 2025

Woman Dies After Falling From Ride At Amusement Park In Delhi, Case Filed

A 24-year-old woman died after allegedly falling from a roller coaster ride at an amusement park in southwest Delhi's Kapashera area, an official said on Saturday.

The who died, identified as Priyanka, fell off from a ride at the amusement park on Thursday evening, police said in a statement.

There were visible injuries on the woman's body, including an ENT bleed, a lacerated wound on the right leg, puncture wound on the left leg and multiple abrasions on the right forearm and left knee, he added.

Priyanka was rushed to Manipal Hospital by her fiance Nikhil where the doctors declared her dead, a senior police officer said.

An MLC (medico-legal case) intimation regarding the incident was received at Kapashera Police Station following which an investigating officer visited the hospital and collected the medical report.

"Visible injuries on the body included an ENT bleed, a lacerated wound on the right leg, puncture wound on the left leg and multiple abrasions on the right forearm and left knee," the officer said.

Nikhil told the police in his statement that he and Priyanka got engaged in February and had gone to Fun and Food Village and boarded a roller coaster ride around 6:15 pm on Thursday.

Priyanka allegedly fell off during the ride after some stand broke, he said.

Based on the complaint and preliminary findings, an FIR has been registered under sections 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animals or machinery) and 106 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder by negligence) of the BNS, an officer said.

The post-mortem examination of the woman has been conducted and the body has been handed over to the family members, he added.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events and responsibility for the incident, police said.

Priyanka, a resident of Chanakyapuri, worked as a manager in a telecom company in Sector 3, Noida, they said. Besides her parents, she is survived by a brother and a sister.

Priyanka's brother Mohit told the police that his sister was engaged to Nikhil from Najafgarh in February and was scheduled to get married in February next year.

On Thursday afternoon, Nikhil called Priyanka and invited her to visit the water park. They arrived at the Kapashera water park around 1 pm where they boarded the roller coaster for a ride.

Mohit accused the water park authorities of not maintaining proper safety standards.

No immediate response was received from the amusement park.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Friday, April 4, 2025

US Wedges Its Way In, Says "Greenland Does Not Want To Be Part Of Denmark"

As Greenland and Denmark, of which it is a part, have vociferously rejected Donald Trump's "strategic buyout" proposal, Washington has struck back, trying to wedge its way in. In a retort to Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Denmark must accept the fact that Greenland no longer wants to be a part of it.

"Denmark should focus on the fact that Greenlanders do not want to be a part of the country anymore. Greenlanders are going to make a decision," Mr Rubio said at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Greenland's incoming prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen immediately rejected the statement saying Mr Rubio is wrong in saying so. "He is not right that Greenland wants to secede tomorrow," he said. However, he did acknowledge that Greenland wants to attain independence in the long run.

"Greenland does not want to be Danish, but Greenland certainly doesn't want to be American either," he said, defending his country.

Speaking to local TV network TV2, Mr Nielsen said, "We work every day to build a foundation so that we can stand on our own in the future, but we are not there yet. What he (Rubio) says doesn't hold water."

The United States has made Greenland's takeover a top priority and a strategic foreign policy goal - for which it has not ruled out a military offensive either. When Donald Trump first suggested that he wants the US to "buy" Greenland, it was taken as a joke, but over the weeks and months the world understood that there is no humour in it.

Denmark, whose semi-autonomous territory Greenland does not have the diplomatic or military might to stand up to the US, has come to its rescue. But they too are feeling the pressure. Danish PM Mette Frederiksen today accused the US of subjecting Denmark and Greenland to immense "pressure and threats".

She firmly rejected US' attempts to annex Greenland, citing international law.

"You cannot annex other countries - not even under the pretext of international security," Prime Minister Frederiksen said at a press conference with top Greenlandic officials in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. "National borders, sovereignty, territorial integrity - these are rooted in international law. These principles were established after World War II so that small countries would not have to fear large ones."

"When you seek to take over part of the Kingdom (of Denmark)'s territory, when we are subjected to pressure and threats by our closest ally, what are we to think about the country we have admired for so many years?" Prime Minister Frederiksen questioned.

Both Denmark and Greenland have, for long, been close allies of the United States. The US also has a strategic military and nuclear missile base in Greenland. But President Trump's threats of annexing the arctic island rich in natural and mineral resources, has led to widespread anti-US sentiment and resentment against the Trump Administration.

Last month, Greenlanders held the largest-ever protests in the island's history against the US. Just hours ahead of a visit by US Vice President JD Vance last month, Greenland announced the formation of a new autonomous government. Four political parties, representing 23 of the 31 seats in Greenland's Parliament, signed a historic coalition agreement to establish the new government. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Demokraatit (Democratic Party), will serve as prime minister.
 



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Man Serves Jail Time Over Wife's Murder, She Turns Up Alive In Court

A court here, taking serious note of lapses on the part of the police, has ordered the Superintendent of Police (SP) to submit a complete report before April 17 in connection with a case in which a woman, allegedly murdered by her husband in 2020, has now appeared before it-alive.

This comes even as Suresh, the husband of the woman named Mallige, had spent almost one-and-a-half years in jail on murder charges.

The case pertains to the arrest and imprisonment of Suresh, aged about 38, who had lodged a complaint in December 2020 stating that his wife Mallige had gone missing from Kushalnagar in the Kodagu district.

Subsequently, the police found the skeleton of a woman in Bettadarapura (Periyapatna taluk) and filed a charge sheet in court, alleging that the skeleton belonged to Mallige and that Suresh had murdered her. He was then jailed.

On April 1, Mallige was found in Madikeri by a friend of Suresh, who saw her with another man.

The matter was brought to the notice of the Fifth Additional District and Sessions Court, and she was subsequently produced before the court.

Taking serious note of the police's lapses, the court on Thursday directed the SP to submit a complete report on the case by April 17.

Speaking to reporters, Suresh's advocate, Pandu Poojari said, "Suresh, who is from a village in Kushalnagar, had lodged a complaint in 2020 at the Kushalnagar Rural Police Station regarding his wife's disappearance. Around the same time, a skeleton was found within the Bettadarapura police station limits. A year later, Bettadarapura police arrested Suresh, alleging that he had killed his wife over an illicit affair. A case was registered against him." The police had sent the skeleton for a DNA test along with blood samples from Mallige's mother.

"Even before the DNA report came, the police filed the final charge sheet in court. Later, though he got bail, the DNA test report that eventually came showed a mismatch," he said.

When a discharge application was filed citing the DNA mismatch, the court did not accept it and asked for witness examination, including that of Mallige's mother and villagers.

"Everyone deposed before the court that she was alive and had eloped with someone. The court questioned the Kushalnagar and Bettadarapura police about the loopholes in the charge sheet, but they defended their investigation and maintained that the skeleton belonged to Mallige and that Suresh had murdered her," the advocate said.

Meanwhile, on April 1, Mallige was found at a hotel in Madikeri, having a meal with a man. She was spotted by Suresh's friend, who is also a witness named in the charge sheet.

She was taken to the Madikeri police station, following which an "advancement application" was filed before the district judge's court.

"The court, treating the matter seriously, asked police to produce her immediately. She was then presented in court. When questioned, she admitted to eloping and marrying another man. She said she was unaware of what had happened to Suresh. She had been living in a village named Shettyhalli, just 25-30 km from Madikeri, but police made no effort to trace her," he added.

Calling this a very serious and rare case, the advocate said the key questions before the court now are: whose skeleton was it, and why did the police file a false charge sheet? "The court had summoned the SP and the investigating officers in the case, but they had no answers to offer. It has now directed the SP to file a complete report on the lapses before April 17 before delivering the judgment declaring Suresh innocent," he said.

Stating that he is awaiting the court's final order, the advocate said that once it is issued, he will file a writ petition in the High Court regarding the trauma his client endured and against the police for filing a false case against him.

"I will seek justice and compensation for my client. We will also approach the Human Rights Commission and the ST Commission, as Suresh is a poor man from the ST community," he said.

Further, he added there should be a probe into the skeleton case and whether there was a conspiracy by the police to close both cases by naming Suresh as the accused.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Thursday, April 3, 2025

"DOGE Screwed Lots Of Stuff Up": US Official On USAID Firing Notices

Termination notices sent by billionaire Elon Musk's cost-cutting team to US Agency for International Development staff were so rife with errors that corrected versions are being issued to avoid affecting pensions and pay, according to five sources familiar with the issue.

The Department of Government Efficiency "did this so quickly that they screwed lots of stuff up," said a US official, who requested anonymity, as did all of those who spoke to Reuters.

The State Department, which is assuming some of USAID's functions under the Trump administration's plan to cut US foreign aid, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

USAID's human resources staff, most of whom have been on paid administrative leave and face termination, have been brought back to the office to send out accurate notices, said the US official and a person familiar with the matter.

"My letter was completely wrong," one USAID worker told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "The only thing correct was my name."

It is not the first time that inaccurate termination notices have upended the lives of USAID workers since US President Donald Trump and Musk began in February to dismember America's main conduit of foreign aid.

A first round set April 21 as the final employment day for most personnel and May 30 for those tapped to help shutter the agency. Those dates were reset to July 1 or September 2 in the notices sent to some 3,500 USAID workers last Friday, two sources and workers said.

Other errors included inaccurate start dates, lengths of service and salaries, according to the person familiar with the matter, the US official, two former senior USAID officials, a congressional aide and four workers who received notices.

Unless fixed, those mistakes could result in reduced or canceled pensions or inaccurate severance pay, the sources said.

Several of the sources pointed to the US Office of Personnel Management's retirement website that says federal workers' annual pension annuity is based on their lengths of service and three highest average annual salaries.

Reuters could not learn how many USAID personnel were issued faulty notices last Friday.

SOME STAFF RECEIVED THREE INACCURATE NOTICES

Several workers told Reuters that they and other colleagues received a third termination letter on Monday night still containing inaccurate information on promotions, tenure and other data.

One worker said the total federal service listed in their notice on Friday was short by three years and by six years in the notice they received on Monday.

"I actually have federal service dating to June 2008," said the worker. "There doesn't seem to be any logic to the RIF (reduction in force) process."

"We've got people who have served for 25 years and their notices are showing they served for only three," said the U.S. official. "It affects their severance. It affects their future ability to retire."

Trump assigned Musk, a major contributor to his 2024 election campaign whose companies have federal contracts worth billions of dollars, and DOGE to ferret out waste and fraud across the U.S. government.

According to its website, the only official window into its operations, DOGE estimates it has saved U.S. taxpayers $140 billion as of April 2 through a series of actions including massive workforce cuts, asset sales, and contract cancellations.

Its savings total is unverifiable and its calculations have contained errors and corrections. Musk has said DOGE will correct mistakes when it finds them.

Since February, most USAID staff have been put on administrative leave, hundreds of contractors were fired and more than 5,000 programs terminated, disrupting global humanitarian aid operations on which millions depend.

Some termination notices sent on Friday to USAID personnel did not account for requests to waive the July 1 termination date, including from overseas staff whose children still would be in school, according to three sources.

Others had applied for waivers because they need more time to pack their homes and relocate to the U.S., the sources said.

"Some people have the wrong dates. Others have the wrong information," said the person with knowledge of the matter, adding that people given the wrong termination date "can't return home" unless their notices are reissued with the correct date.

The person said that the error-filled notices were sent under the supervision of USAID acting administrators Jeremy Lewin, a DOGE operative, and Kenneth Jackson, who have been overseeing the agency's dismantlement.

They report to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who Trump tapped as acting USAID administrator.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Canada Retaliates To Trump Tariffs With 25% Levy On Some US Auto Imports

Canada said it would impose a 25 percent tariff on some autos imported from the United States, retaliating against President Donald Trump's levies that came into affect on Thursday. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced "25 percent tariffs on all vehicles imported from the United States that are not compliant with CUSMA," using the Canadian acronym for an existing North America free trade agreement.

Carney did not immediately offer detail on how many vehicles could be impacted by Canada's retaliation, but called his response "focused and calibrated."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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4, 6, 4, 4: KKR's Rs 23.75 Crore Buy Thrashes Cummins, Eden Gardens Erupt

Kolkata Knight Riders' under-fire middle order finally delivered as Venkatesh Iyer silenced his critics with a 25-ball fifty while Angkrish Raghuvanshi struck a fluent half-century to power KKR to 200/6 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL on Thursday. KKR's new-look opening pair continued to struggle, with Quinton de Kock (1) and Sunil Narine (7) falling cheaply after SRH opted to bowl. But an 81-run partnership by skipper Ajinkya Rahane (38 from 27b) and Raghuvanshi (50 off 32 balls; 5x4, 2x6) laid the foundation for a competitive total.

SRH gained ground in the middle overs when 26-year-old Sri Lankan Kamindu Mendis delivered a rare sight in IPL history, bowling with both hands in the same over on debut.

The ambidextrous Sri Lankan first bowled left-arm spin to Raghuvanshi before switching to off-spin against the left-handed Rinku Singh.

The over proved pivotal as he dismissed Raghuvanshi, breaking KKR's momentum.

Momentum slowed with boundaries drying up for two overs, but Iyer (60 off 29 balls; 7x4, 3x6) and Rinku (32 not out from 17 balls; 4x4, 1x6) reignited the innings.

Iyer's desperate pull off a Simarjeet beamer ended the drought, and Rinku smashed three consecutive boundaries off Harshal Patel before Iyer tore into Simarjeet with back-to-back fours.

Rinku capped off the over with a massive six over long-on, yielding 17 runs.

Iyer was at his belligerent best against Cummins in the 19th over, hammering the SRH skipper for 4, 6, 4, 4 in succession as KKR notched their first 200-plus total of the season. The hosts hammered 78 runs in last five overs.

Earlier Pat Cummins struck early in the third over, setting up de Kock with a short ball that was miscued to deep midwicket, while Shami dismissed an out-of-sorts Narine with a wide yorker that took the edge behind.

From 16/2 in 2.3 overs, KKR recovered through an 81-run stand between Rahane and Raghuvanshi.

Rahane broke the shackles with two crisp pull shots for sixes off Shami and Cummins, as KKR reached 53/2.

Raghuvanshi complemented Rahane with stylish stroke play, piercing gaps with drives through cover and square region.

His standout strokes came against Zeeshan Ansari -- a clean lofted six over long-off and a well-placed reverse hit past backward point. He reached a well-deserved 50 off 30 balls.

However, Ansari broke the partnership in the same over as Rahane gloved a reverse sweep to Heinrich Klaasen.

Captain Cummins' decision to underutilise spin on a pitch with variable bounce was debatable.

Leg-spinner Ansari bowled just three overs (1/25), while Mendis wasn't given another over after his match-turning spell.



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Wednesday, April 2, 2025

"It's Liberation Day In America," Posts Trump Ahead Of Tariffs Announcement

US President Donald Trump geared up to unveil sweeping new "Liberation Day" tariffs on Wednesday in a move that threatens to ignite a devastating global trade war.

Key US trading partners including the European Union and Britain said they were preparing their responses to Trump's escalation, as nervous markets fell in Europe and America.

Trump will unveil the levies in a grand ceremony with his cabinet members in the White House Rose Garden -- just as Wall Street stocks close at 4:00 pm (2000 GMT).

"IT'S LIBERATION DAY IN AMERICA!" Trump posted a one-liner on his Truth Social platform early Wednesday.

The 78-year-old has promised so-called reciprocal tariffs on friends and foes alike if they target the world's largest economy, saying the levies will stop the United States being "ripped off."

But Trump has kept the world guessing until the last minute about the scale and scope, with the White House saying he was still "perfecting" them with just hours to go.

Reports say he could either hit countries with tit-for-tat tariffs, impose blanket 20 percent tariffs -- or, more probably, give some countries preferential treatment depending on their deficits.

The Republican president said in his last public appearance Monday that he would be "very kind" but gave little away.

- 'Tug-of-war' -

Critics say US businesses and consumers could bear the burden if importers pass on the cost, adding that the policy could increase risks of a recession.

"If this trade war continues through Labor Day (on September 1), the US economy will likely suffer a recession this year," Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, told AFP.

Trump's long-awaited announcement is also causing global turmoil, with stock markets jittery for days and countries in the crosshairs scrambling to decide how to react.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned Wednesday that whatever steps other countries take "it will be negative anyway the world over."

America's neighbors Mexico and Canada, whose economies are closely linked with the United States, are those that could suffer the most from a bruising trade war.

"I understand that it's a game of tug-of-war," truck driver Alejandro Espinoza told AFP as he waited in a queue to cross the Mexican-US border. "But unfortunately, we're the ones who pay in the end."

Major economies have however vowed retribution

The European Union will react to new Trump tariffs "before the end of April," said a French government spokeswoman.

The 27-nation bloc's initial salvo would counter US actions on steel and aluminum, followed by sector-by-sector measures.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has made intense but so far fruitless efforts to win a carve-out from Trump, said a "trade war is in nobody's interests."

"We have prepared for all eventualities -- and we will rule nothing out," he told parliament.

- 'Rebirth' -

Germany warned Wednesday that trade wars hurt "both sides."

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, who goes into elections later this month dominated by tensions with Trump, said his country would be "very deliberate" in its response.

The White House said Trump's tariffs would come into effect "immediately" after Wednesday's announcement, effectively ruling out delays for negotiations.

Sweeping auto tariffs of 25 percent are due to take effect April 3, after Trump earlier imposed duties on steel and aluminum imports and goods from China.

But Trump has wobbled on several other tariff announcements since returning to office in January, blinking at the last minute with allies such as Canada and Mexico.

The billionaire has had a long love affair with tariffs, insisting in the face of experts that they are a cure-all for America's trade imbalances and economic ills.

Trump insists the levies will bring a "rebirth" of America's hollowed-out manufacturing capacity, and says companies can avoid tariffs by moving to the United States.

The tariffs meanwhile underscore the growing and profound gulf between Trump's America and many of its closest allies, not only on trade but on security, defense and almost everything else.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Watch: Astronaut Sunita Williams Reunites With Her Dogs Upon Returning Home

It's been nearly two weeks since NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore returned to Earth after what turned out to be a marathon mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). And now Ms Williams has shared a heartfelt video of her long-awaited reunion with her dogs at home.

While everyone was wishing for 'Suni' to return safely from space, her two labradors, Gunner and Gorby, were the most excited to see her after months away.

On X, Ms Williams wrote, "Best homecoming ever!" and posted the clip.

The video shows Ms Williams opening the door and being enthusiastically welcomed by Gorby and Gunner in her front yard. The two dogs were seen excitedly wagging their tails and bouncing around her. Ms Williams was equally ecstatic, stroking her pets and smiling.

"Who is here? Gunner, get over here. Here's my good boy," she said and embraced Gorby as Gunner eagerly rushed towards her with a stick in his mouth.

"What are you doing? Are you showing off, boys?" Ms Williams asked as Gunner fled again. "Gunner, are you giving me the cold shoulder?" she asked.

"And you too? You copycat?" Ms Williams quipped when the second dog also ran away. When she called Gunner again, "Come here," he did not appear to want to comply.

The video instantly went viral, with Space X CEO Elon Musk responding with a heart emoji.

Several X users expressed joy in the comments section.

One wrote, "What a lovely video ! Wishing you long life and good health."

A user added, "Technically space is dogs happy place. An infinite land full of tiny balls of light."

Another added, "This is the most heartwarming thing to watch out for. They are adorable."

Next, Sunita Williams plans to visit India and meet with the ISRO team.

During NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Post-Flight News Conference, Ms Williams said she found India "amazing"  each time her spacecraft passed by the Himalayas during her extended stay in space.

"I hope and I think for sure I'm going to be going back to my father's home country and visiting with people and getting excited about the Indian astronaut who's going up on the Axiom mission coming up," she said.

Sunita Williams' mother, Ursuline Bonnie Pandya (nee Zalokar), is of Slovenian-American descent, while her father, Deepak Pandya, is from Gujarat.



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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Influencer's "Fake Scars For Sick Leave" Video Is Viral, Sparks Debate

A Pune-based makeup artist's viral video, demonstrating how to fake accident scars for work excuses, has ignited a heated online debate, with viewers accusing her of promoting unethical behaviour.

Pritam Juzar Kothawala, a makeup artist, shared videos on her Instagram account, describing them as harmless skits meant for entertainment. In the first video, she demonstrated how to create realistic-looking scars to fake an accident, captioning it, "IT managers are advised not to watch this video." She emphasized that the content was purely for fun and not to be taken seriously.

"This video is especially for IT professionals who struggle to get leaves," Kothawala said, encouraging viewers to share it with friends while advising them to keep it hidden from their bosses.

After the video went viral, viewers asked how to maintain the illusion when returning to work after the fake injury. In a follow-up video, Kothawala demonstrated how to refresh the artificial scars to make them look convincing. "Here's my jugaad for when your leave is over," she explained, showing how to reapply the makeup.

Despite being intended as humorous content, the videos sparked criticism online. Many social media users accused Kothawala of promoting workplace dishonesty.

The backlash was swift, with users calling the videos irresponsible. A user wrote, "Sorry but not funny. This is so cheap and unethical."

Another user wrote, "This is not funny. It sets a dangerous precedent, encouraging dishonesty in the workplace."

"This is a disgraceful attempt to undermine trust between employees and employers," the third user commented. 



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"Rs 27 Crore Ka...": Pant Disappoints For LSG And Internet Is Unforgiving

Rishabh Pant has failed to score big again at the IPL 2025. After 0 (vs Delhi Capitals) and 15 (against SunRisers Hyderabad), Pant was dismissed for just 2 against Punjab Kings. Pant was picked by Sanjeev Goenka-owned Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore, making him the costliest player in IPL history. However, the initial returns have not been great from Pant. And that has has made him the target of troll on social media. 

Earlier, Pant's shot selection was criticised by former CSK and MI star Ambati Rayudu, after he got out for a duck against Delhi Capitals.

"We all talked about his shot selection against spin, he is going for that six option rather than playing a four or you know to build an innings play gaps so that batsmanship quality needs to be improved in his game, especially in the middle overs if he wants to bat in the middle overs so i think i all has started from there. Once a captain gets out, you have Ayush Badoni, whose strike rate against spin is not great. It's not a great batting lineup against slow bowling that LSG has." Ambati Rayudu said as per a video by ESPNCricinfo.

Matthew Hayden also criticized Pant's, pointing out that he wasted six balls in a crucial situation after the previous over went for 28 runs against Delhi Capitals. Hayden emphasized the importance of getting off strike and keeping things simple, suggesting that Pant is capable of doing so.

"He wasted six balls as well, you know. That's batsmanship you're talking about; it might out, especially when the previous over went for 28 runs. So the reality is just try to understand you've maybe got one or two balls, but then you gotta get off strike. And he's surely good enough to do that. Just keep it simple." Matthew Hayden said as per a video by ESPNCricinfo.

Piyush Chawla spoke on Pant's defensive approach, saying he was trying to defend the ball straight, which is not ideal in T20 and ODI cricket. Chawla suggested that Pant should angle his shots slightly to get a single, as fielders are already positioned on the line, allowing his partner to face the next ball.

"When he came into bat so when he was defending the ball also he was just trying to defend the ball straight and in T20 and in one day cricket nowadays even the bowler is happy to give you one so if you just have to angle it a bit and you'll get a one and fielder is already on the line so if you just get off the strike it become better for your partner." Piyush Chawla said as per a video by ESPNCricinfo.

With ANI inputs 



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Trump's Tariffs To Be Effective Immediately After Announcement: White House

US President Donald Trump's raft of "Liberation Day" tariffs will take effect immediately after he unveils them on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

"My understanding is that the tariff announcement will come tomorrow, they will be effective immediately," Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday, adding she had just spoken to Trump about the issue.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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