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."

Good to speak with @SecRubio 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.…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 7, 2025

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.

Why is this video 90 minutes long...

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/H6co5trkpW#IPLonJioStar#MIvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/tC3nZK2Qk1

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 7, 2025

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.

Rohit Sharma's 100M 6s#MIvsRCB pic.twitter.com/EiIKxQBWmO

— HΞ℞Ø.18 (@_HERO_18_) April 7, 2025

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.

Rohit Sharma is now a burden for Mumbai Indians.

Poor form, negative vibe, and zero intent, but full attitude.

What a disappointment #IPL2025 #MIvRCB

— Nimesh (@Nimesh100x) April 7, 2025

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.

Rohit Sharma plays or sit outside doesn't matter for MI now.

— abhay singh (@abhaysingh_13) April 7, 2025

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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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)."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maa & Beta ❤ (@maabetakijodi)

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.

A sundar inning was being played by Washi Sundar. But was that really out?#SRHvGT

— Aadarsh (@Aadarsh1830) April 6, 2025

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.

Nitin Menon robbed Washington Sundar's maiden IPL fifty. pic.twitter.com/shhE7I2Y9n

— Utsav(@utsav__45) April 6, 2025

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.

I feel Washington Sundar is not out
It's a controversial decision in favour of SRH #SRHvGT

— Vidyuts Maniac (@vidyuts_maniac) April 6, 2025

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

Washington sundar dismissed on 49 by an outstanding catch from Aniket Verma.
Mohammed Shami took a wicket at the right time.#IPL2025 #washingtonsundar #ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/UQGrbZbcgy

— Aksh Chaudhary (@ChaudharyAkshS1) April 6, 2025

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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