India is accelerating efforts to finalize a partial bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. before a critical 90-day deadline, following Washington's temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs. The Indian government aims to use this window to secure better access for key exports like shrimp, enhance market entry for Indian goods, and push for reductions in both tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. The deal, considered a precursor to a larger trade pact expected by late 2025, also seeks to strengthen supply chain cooperation and boost overall trade towards a $500 billion target by 2030. (PC: News 18)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, singling out China with a 125% duty and calling it a “bad actor” in global trade. Bessent clarified that current negotiations are focused on China’s neighbours—India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Trump’s 90-day pause on new tariffs excludes China but offers countries like India a breather. India faces a 26% tariff, with exemptions for key sectors like pharma. With China ramping up tariffs to 84% on US goods, India’s cautious diplomacy continues, aiming to finalise a bilateral trade agreement by autumn following earlier discussions during PM Modi’s US visit. (PC: India Today)

Indian police have arrested Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, also known as Dr. N John Camm, for pretending to be a British doctor. He worked at a hospital in Madhya Pradesh and performed heart surgeries, leading to seven deaths. Police say he faked his medical degrees and used the name of a famous UK cardiologist. Yadav has denied the charges. Investigators found cases against him in three states. In 2019, he was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a British doctor. His past includes fraud and a medical ban. Police are now checking his qualifications and other possible crimes. (PC: BBC)

“India Stops Bangladesh’s Trade Route After China Remarks, Impacting Regional Trade” India has ended a trade route that let Bangladesh send goods to other countries through Indian ports. The decision came after Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, said Dhaka was the “only guardian of the ocean” for Northeast India. Many saw this as Bangladesh trying to gain leverage. India’s move may hurt Bangladesh’s trade with Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. “Bangladesh’s plan to work with China near India’s border may have led to this,” said trade expert Ajay Srivastava. Nepal and Bhutan may also face issues. India’s decision could raise questions under WTO trade rules. (PC: OrissaPOST)

Adi Shankar, creator of Netflix’s Devil May Cry series, said Kolkata’s “rampant poverty” influenced the art style of Episode 6. “Anytime you go anywhere, you look out the car window, and you just see kids that look like you, but they’re living in the streets,” he said in an interview. Many Indians criticized him for focusing on poverty instead of Kolkata’s rich culture. “Nothing sells like poverty,” a social media user commented. Shankar later clarified, “My memory of India was not that it was dark—it was a sweet place with sweet people.” His show premiered on April 3. (PC: @bootleguniverse/ Instagram)

China emphasized the significance of its economic and trade relationship with India amid the backdrop of Donald Trump's 104% tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing's remarks reflect its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with India despite challenges posed by the US-China trade tensions. The statement highlights China's strategic interest in maintaining robust trade with India, which remains a key player in Asia's economic landscape. This comes as China navigates the complexities of its global trade relations, particularly with the United States' tariff policies affecting its manufacturing sector. ( PC : mint )

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is likely to be extradited to India from the U.S. “shortly,” sources confirmed. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final plea seeking a stay on extradition, clearing the way for the process. A multi-agency Indian team is in the U.S. coordinating paperwork. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin and linked to David Headley, cited medical and torture concerns in his petition. President Donald Trump earlier approved Rana’s extradition, calling him “very evil.” Rana is currently lodged at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, facing extradition for his alleged role in the attacks. (PC: ANI)

Facing Donald Trump's 104% tariff on China, Beijing has urged India to unite against "unilateralism." The Chinese Embassy in Delhi said both nations should "stand together to overcome difficulties," calling the US move a threat to developing countries' rights. President Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment earlier to Indian President Droupadi Murmu. While India's exports to the US could drop by $5.76 billion due to new tariffs, Delhi has chosen not to retaliate. Instead, India is exploring adjustments to existing trade duties. The China-India rapprochement follows a 2024 patrol agreement in Ladakh, signaling a potential thaw since the 2020 Galwan clash.

Two UK teens, aged 13 and 15, have been convicted of manslaughter for killing 80-year-old Indian-origin man Bhim Kohli in Franklin Park, Leicester. Kohli was shoved, slapped with a shoe, and mocked in a racially charged attack while walking his dog. “They humiliated him, an 80-year-old man,” said his daughter Susan Kohli, adding, “Dad did not deserve this.” Videos showed the teens laughing as Kohli was assaulted. He died the next day from spinal injuries. The boy was remanded; the girl granted bail. Sentencing will follow next month. Kohli's family said they were “angry and disgusted” by the cruelty shown. (PC: Sky News)

India is among nearly 50 nations willing to reduce tariffs on US goods, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Speaking to the Senate Finance Committee, Greer cited India’s 39% average tariff on agricultural products, compared to the US average of 5%. The move follows President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 26% tariff on Indian imports effective April 2. Countries including India, Israel, Vietnam, and Argentina have expressed intent to lower trade barriers. As per an agreement during PM Modi’s February visit to Washington DC, India and the US will negotiate a bilateral trade deal by Fall 2025. (PC: Reuters)