trade policies

A US federal trade court ruled against President Trump's 10% global tariffs, deeming them invalid and unauthorized by law. The court found the administration's justification under a 1974 trade law insufficient, a setback for a key trade policy. This decision offers stability to businesses reliant on global supply chains.

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.

India remains on the US Trade Representative's Priority Watch List for intellectual property protection, a designation that carries no legal ramifications but serves as a negotiation tool. The US cited concerns over pharmaceutical IP rules, while India maintains its regime ensures affordable medicine access and WTO compliance.

Oil prices surged Friday as US-Iran tensions flared, reversing earlier declines. US strikes on Iranian targets prompted accusations of ceasefire violations, escalating fears over the vital Strait of Hormuz. This geopolitical volatility overshadows concerns about suspicious trading activity linked to policy announcements, impacting global energy supplies and inflation.

India is significantly boosting defence spending and prioritizing domestic production, aiming for self-reliance and export growth. New policies like 'Make in India' and DAP 2020 are reshaping procurement, encouraging local manufacturing and foreign collaboration. Despite global supply chain challenges, indigenous production and exports are rising, signaling a strategic shift towards greater defence capability and autonomy.

US employers added a robust 115,000 jobs in April, surpassing expectations despite global economic uncertainty from the Iran conflict. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%. Healthcare and transportation sectors saw significant hiring, while manufacturing experienced job cuts. This resilient labor market suggests the Federal Reserve may hold off on interest rate cuts as inflation remains a concern.

Odisha secured investment intents worth Rs 48,330 crore and projected 67,838 jobs during a Gujarat roadshow. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the state's potential for industrial growth, emphasizing its mineral reserves, coastline, and proactive support for investors. The outreach saw significant interest across various sectors, positioning Odisha as a key player in Eastern India's development.

The Indian rupee is facing significant pressure, weakening against the US dollar due to soaring crude oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and persistent foreign fund outflows. Despite India's robust economic growth, the currency's slide continues as the Reserve Bank of India intervenes to curb volatility rather than target a specific exchange rate.

The government has clarified the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its strategic importance for India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. Officials stated that environmental safeguards and the protection of indigenous communities are core to the planning, with all statutory procedures and consultations meticulously followed to ensure no adverse impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Indian companies are set to invest over $20.5 billion dollars in the United States in various sectors including technology, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. "Twelve Indian firms alone announced 1.1 billion dollars in new investments today and these partnerships are creating American jobs and strengthening supply chains," US ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is on a three-day business outreach in Gujarat, positioning the state as a key driver for India's next growth phase. He engaged with industry leaders in chemicals and metals, highlighting Odisha's advantages for sustainable industrial expansion and strategic market access.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders and workers protested LPG price hikes in Ranchi, citing financial strain on hotels and public hardship. They criticized the Union government's policies, comparing the situation to demonetization. The BJP countered, calling the protest a political stunt and urging the JMM to reduce state VAT on fuel, highlighting issues like electricity tariff hikes in Jharkhand.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared America a priority for advanced chip sales, stating China should not have access to the "latest and greatest" AI technology. However, he urged the US not to abandon the Chinese market entirely, arguing that global sales and increased tax revenues strengthen American economic and national security.

India holds one of the world’s largest privately owned stocks of gold. Bullion exchanges can be a strong pillar to invite that gold sitting idle in cupboards.

US President Donald Trump announced the removal of tariffs and restrictions on whiskey trade between Scotland and Kentucky. This decision, influenced by the recent visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla, aims to bolster long-standing trade ties, particularly concerning wooden barrel exchanges.

In West Bengal's Kalimpong, BJP's Bharat Chettri secured a decisive victory in the 2026 assembly elections, defeating BGPM's Ruden Sada Lepcha by 21,464 votes. Chettri garnered 84,290 votes, while Lepcha received 62,826. This outcome contrasts with the 2021 elections where Lepcha, supported by TMC, narrowly won against the BJP.