trade concessions

US courts have again blocked Trump's 10% global tariffs, deeming them unauthorized. This ruling, following earlier tariff invalidations, signals a return to WTO's MFN rates. For India, this policy instability raises concerns, prompting advice to pause Free Trade Agreement talks until US trade systems stabilize, preventing one-sided deals.

Prime Minister Modi urged Indians to halt gold purchases for a year to protect foreign exchange reserves, a call supported by GTRI which highlighted a surge in gold imports straining the trade balance. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed the appeal, emphasizing reduced import spending amid Middle East conflict, leading to a sell-off in jewellery stocks.

Facing a widening trade deficit, India's Prime Minister urges reduced gold purchases. Industry bodies propose tapping into the nation's vast household gold reserves. Their plan involves using refined household gold for domestic demand and channeling imported gold into jewellery exports via gold metal loans, aiming to boost working capital and cut imports.

Iran said it had demanded the release of its frozen assets and the end of a US blockade of its ports, after US President Donald Trump angrily rejected Tehran's terms for ending the Middle East war. The US leader did not say what had offended him in Iran's response, but Tehran's foreign ministry said it had called for an end to the US naval blockade and to the war "across the region" -- implying a halt to Israel's strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.

India-New Zealand FTA: It aims to double bilateral trade, provide Indian exporters duty-free access to the New Zealand market, and attract investments worth $20 billion over the next 15 years.

Iran's chief negotiator insists Washington must accept Tehran's peace plan, warning of continued failure otherwise. President Trump, however, deemed Iran's response 'unacceptable,' escalating tensions. The ongoing conflict has triggered an energy shock, spiking oil prices and threatening global supply chains. Fighting also persists in Lebanon, with Hezbollah vowing to make the battlefield 'hell' for Israel.

India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement on April 27, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years. The pact will offer duty-free access for many Indian exports, benefiting sectors like Agra's leather industry. New Zealand gains tariff reductions on key products, while India protects sensitive agricultural goods.

India and New Zealand have signed a 'once-in-a-generation' trade pact, granting Indian exporters duty-free access to New Zealand. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $5 billion in five years and includes a $20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand. Both nations are optimistic about the pact's potential to boost economic growth and cooperation across various sectors.

President Trump hailed the US naval blockade against Iran as "genius," asserting it forces Tehran's concession and ruling out any deal without abandoning nuclear ambitions. US Central Command confirmed the blockade's disruption of Iran's oil trade. Iran reportedly proposed a conditional ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington is reviewing.

Salesforce and Slack have filed a lawsuit against Microsoft in London, accusing the tech giant of anti-competitive behavior by bundling its Teams app with Office. This follows similar complaints in Europe and an ongoing FTC probe in the US into Microsoft's alleged market dominance. Rivals like Google also criticize Microsoft's practices, though Microsoft defends its business model.

One of the most noticeable benefits of Ganga Expressway will be the sharp reduction in travel time. The trip between Meerut and Prayagraj, which currently takes around 10 to 12 hours, is likely to be cut to approximately 6 to 7 hours.

The new 594-km corridor from Meerut to Prayagraj promises faster travel, but its real test lies in whether it can bring investment, jobs and industry into eastern UP — where development has lagged for decades

US President Trump's second term prioritizes oil, leveraging energy dominance for global influence. Campaign funding from oil interests aligns with policies boosting domestic production and easing regulations. Sanctions on rivals and geopolitical events like the Hormuz crisis engineer demand for American exports, impacting nations like India and reshaping global energy markets.

US & Iran are taking a high-risk gamble over Hormuz. With doubts hanging over a scheduled second round of talks today, there are three ways this can go. Return to direct conflict. Iran negotiating under pressure. Or a prolonged stalemate

As 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' releases tomorrow, the original film's enduring lessons on work, ambition, and identity remain remarkably relevant. From respecting industry depth to understanding invisible support systems and the cost of compromise, the movie offers timeless insights. It highlights that true success isn't just about achievement, but about maintaining personal integrity and self-respect, even when walking away.

A senior government official urged industry representatives to absorb some of the rising raw material costs instead of passing them entirely to consumers. This statement comes as ministries address supply chain disruptions, particularly concerning packaging materials for essential goods like food and drugs, due to the West Asia conflict.

India has bolstered seafarer safety and trade continuity amidst Middle East tensions. New directives advise seafarers in Iranian waters to stay indoors and coordinate movements. Simultaneously, measures are in place to ensure smooth maritime trade, including transparent freight charges and improved grievance redressal.

High-stakes diplomatic talks between U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Iran in Pakistan concluded without an agreement, deepening uncertainty over a Gulf ceasefire. Vance acknowledged the failure, stating Iran rejected Washington's "final and best offer," while Iran cited U.S. unwillingness to recognize its "legitimate rights and interests."

Apple's new iPhone 17e offers a compelling 'iPhone experience' without the premium price tag. Featuring the powerful A19 chip and iOS 26 with full Apple Intelligence, it promises smooth performance and reliable battery life. Despite a 60Hz display and single rear camera, its ₹64,900 starting price makes it an attractive option for many.