THE HEADLINES:
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says, national interest cannot be compromised to meet trade agreement deadlines.
- Centre launches ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in navigating trade issues.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar terms, extradition of Tahawwur Rana by US big step in ensuring justice for victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
- President Droupadi Murmu returns to Delhi after concluding her successful state visit to Portugal and Slovakia.
- Iran and US to begin crucial talks in Oman today to reach new nuclear deal.
- In Shooting, India finishes second in overall standings in first leg of ISSF World Cup in Argentina.
- In IPL T20 Cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders beat Hosts Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets.
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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasized that national interest cannot be compromised just to meet trade agreement deadlines. The Minister said, trade agreements should be win-win for both sides. Mr Goyal was speaking at the 9th Global Technology Summit in New Delhi yesterday, where he highlighted the opportunities that lie ahead for India in reshaping global trade, especially with trusted partners such as the United States.
Speaking on Free Trade agreements, the Minister stated that while timelines are aspirational, national interest cannot be compromised to meet trade agreement deadlines, asserting that it must be equitable, fair, and mutually beneficial.
The Minister highlighted that India’s current tariff protection measures are directed mainly at non-market economies that engage in unfair trade practices. He added that India is well-positioned to engage in bilateral partnerships with countries that value reciprocity, trust, and fair play.
India is currently working on trade agreements with many countries and blocs of nations, including with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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China’s 125 per cent tariff on United States’ goods comes into effect from today. The move came after US President Donald Trump raised the tariffs for China to 145 per cent earlier this week.
On the other hand, the US President has said that he will impose reciprocal tariffs again on countries that fail to reach an agreement with America by 9th of July, when the 90-day pause ends.
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The Centre has operationalised a dedicated ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in navigating emerging trade issues. The Commerce and Industry Ministry in a statement said that the Helpdesk will look into issues relating to Import and Export Challenges, Import Surges or Dumping, Logistics or Supply Chain Challenges, Financial or Banking issues and Regulatory or Compliance Issues among others.
“The Help Desk will also collect and collate trade-related issues concerning other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Central Government and State Governments.It will coordinate with them to seek support and provide possible resolutions. The Ministry added that the Export-Import community may submit information on the DGFT website and report their issues. They can also send an email to dgftedi@nic.in with the subject line: ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’, or call the toll-free number at 1800-111-550. The Department of Commerce and DGFT are actively tracking developments in global trade, particularly regarding tariff changes, import surges, and export-related challenges. With Anupam Mishra’s report this is MANIK SHARMA, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the resolve to uplift the poor and the deprived, the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, and the spirit of service are the guiding principles of the government today. Mr. Modi was addressing devotees at Shri Anandpur Dham in Isagarh, Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh yesterday. Referring to the government’s welfare schemes, Mr. Modi said that various initiatives are being implemented to make the lives of the poor and underprivileged sections of society easier.
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Bharatiya Janata Party and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) announced an alliance for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections 2026. This was informed by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a joint press conference at Chennai, yesterday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision and soid together, with the other NDA partners, they will take Tamil Nadu to new heights of progress and serve the state diligently.
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President Droupadi Murmu returned to New Delhi last night after concluding her historic two-nation state visit to Portugal and Slovakia, where she held high-level meetings aimed at strengthening India’s bilateral ties with both nations. During her State visit to the country, President Murmu met her Slovakian counterpart Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and the Speaker of the Parliament, among other dignitaries in Bratislava and held discussions on a range of issues concerning mutual cooperation. President Murmu arrived in Slovakia after completing the first leg of her visit in Portugal.
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In Telangana, at least 22 members of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) surrendered before the police in Mulugu district yesterday. The district Superintendent of Police Shabarish P appealed to the CPI (Maoists) members to surrender and lead a peaceful life with their families. He also said the district police will make efforts for the rehabilitation of those who gave up arms.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has appreciated the counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the United States. Replying to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio post on social media on extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the key conspirator in the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Dr Jaishankar said, this is indeed a big step in ensuring justice for the victims of the attacks.
Mr Rubio in his post said, US extradited Tahawwur Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
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Iran and the United States will begin crucial talks in Oman today to reach a new nuclear deal in an effort to ease tensions and avert another conflict in the West Asia. The Iranian delegation will be led by country’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while US envoy Steve Witkoff will represent the American side. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi will act as intermediary. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has given Iran a two-month deadline to accept a deal that will lead to Iran shrinking its nuclear footprint or eliminating its program altogether.
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The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has announced the winners of the Theme Music Competition, one of the 32 challenges being held as part of the WAVES Summit 2025. The first World Audio and Video Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May this year.
Six winners were chosen from hundreds of entries received from across the country.
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The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has announced the winners of the Theme Music Competition, one of the 32 challenges being held as part of the WAVES Summit 2025. The first World Audio and Video Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May this year.
Six winners were chosen from hundreds of entries received from across the country. A distinguished jury selected the winners after a rigorous evaluation of their originality, musicality, and alignment with the WAVES theme for music and dance -“India’s vibrant rhythms, from classical performances to contemporary beats”. The Ministry said, the competition aimed to showcase India’s diverse musical talent.
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Hanuman Jayanti is being celebrated today in different parts of the country with religious fervor. The day commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman. In the national capital, devotees are thronging the Hanuman temples since early morning to offer prayers. Heavy rush of people is being seen at the ‘Pracheen Hanuman Temple’ at Connaught Place in New Delhi. ‘Hanuman Chalisa’, ‘Sundar Kand ‘and ‘Akhand Ramayan’ are being recited at the temples on the occasion.
In Uttar Pradesh, devotees in large numbers have gathered at Hanuman Temples across the state. A long que of people can also been seen at Ayodhya’s Hanuman Garhi temple on the occasion. Bhandara Bhoj have also been organised at several places.
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In the first leg of International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup 2025 at Buenos Aires in Argentina, India finished second in the overall standings behind China.
“India won a total of 8 medals including 4 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze. On the last day on the competition, Indian pair of Saurabh Chaudhary and Suruchi Singh won the Bronze, beating compatriots Manu Bhaker and Ravinder Singh by 16-8. The second stage of the ISSF World Cup 2025 will begin at Lima in Peru tomorrow.
Moving on to IPL Cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Hosts Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets at their home ground Chepauk last night. After being invited to bat first, MS Dhoni led CSK had no response to Kolkata’s aggressive bowling attack and could managed to score only 103 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, KKR chased the score in 11th over. Sunil Narine was declared Player of the Match for his all-round performance. Today, Lucknow Super Giants will host Gujarat Titans in Lucknow from 3:30 PM, while Punjab Kings will face home team Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad from 07:30 PM.
Moving on to next update, former England fast bowler James Anderson has been awarded a knighthood for his services to Cricket as part of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list. Anderson is the only sportsperson who has made it to the list. CHIRAG JHA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall over Assam and Meghalaya during the next three days. The IMD has also predicted heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh today. Isolated Hailstorm has also been predicited over East Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh today. The weather agency said, light rainfall is likely in various parts of West, Central and adjoining East regions of the country till the 14th of April. The IMD said that heat wave conditions are very likely to continue at some places over West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana during the next 4-5 days.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS
- ‘NIA lines up mystery witness to nail Rana,’ writes Hindustan Times. The Times of India headlines, ‘Rana kept on ‘suicide watch’ in highly secure NIA HQ cell.’
- On trade talks with US, The Statesman quotes External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar in its headline, ‘India prepared for high degree of urgency in talks for trade pact with USA.’
- On Tamilnadu assembly polls next year The Indian Express notes, ‘Its final:With EPS as face, common agenda in works, AIADMK and BJP form alliance.’
- In Business news The Economic Times writes, ‘Dalal Street ends week on strong note as fear ebbs.’
- ‘China slaps 125 per cent tariffs on US, asks EU to jointly resist bullying,’ writes The Tribune.
- Finally, The Economic Times writes that tougher scrutiny by Trump administration is adding to delay in getting green cards. ‘Love in Limbo:Green Card delays keep families apart.’
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says, national interest cannot be compromised to meet trade agreement deadlines.
- Centre launches ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in navigating trade issues.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar terms, extradition of Tahawwur Rana by US big step in ensuring justice for victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
- President Droupadi Murmu returns to Delhi after concluding her successful state visit to Portugal and Slovakia.
- Iran and US to begin crucial talks in Oman today to reach new nuclear deal.
- In Shooting, India finishes second in overall standings in first leg of ISSF World Cup in Argentina.
- In IPL T20 Cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders beat Hosts Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets.
