Author: Supriya Jena

The US government has added new travel warnings for places around the world, including the India-Pakistan border. This warning joins others for places like Mexico, Portugal, and New Zealand. The alerts mention safety concerns, health risks, and political issues that might make travel risky.

In particular, the US has urged travelers to be very cautious near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to the threat of terrorism and possible fighting. It is also unsafe to visit the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (which used to be known as FATA).

Here are some key points from the travel advisory:

– Dangerous Areas: The US warns against travel to the India-Pakistan border and advises against visiting Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These places have experienced many terrorist attacks that target both civilians and government workers.

– Terrorism Threats: Violent groups in Pakistan plan attacks, and they often happen in crowded places like markets, schools, and transportation hubs. In the past, terrorists have even targeted US diplomats.

– Travel Restrictions: The advisory specifically says “Do Not Travel” to the India-Pakistan border and Balochistan. Travelers should also check the status of the Wagah-Attari border crossing, as only citizens of India and Pakistan can cross there without special permissions.

– Ongoing Violence: There are many active terrorist groups in these provinces that frequently attack civilians and government offices, including efforts to stop polio.

With these serious threats, it is clear that travelers should think carefully before deciding to go to these areas.

On Saturday afternoon, a driver crashed into a CarMax store in Inglewood, California, injuring at least eight people. The accident happened at the CarMax on South La Cienega Boulevard, just after 2 p.m. Among the injured, two people are in critical condition, while the other six were treated for minor injuries at the scene. Fortunately, the building itself did not suffer serious damage.

It is unclear what exactly caused the crash. Videos from the scene show the car repeatedly smashing into the building and hitting several objects inside. According to reports from 2 Urban Girls, the driver is a white male who used to work at CarMax. He is believed to have been upset after a disagreement with a co-worker, which led him to drive into the store as a way of getting back at them.

Local leaders from Russia’s ruling party are facing criticism for giving mothers of soldiers killed in the war with Ukraine unusual gifts. In a recent event for International Women’s Day, officials from the United Russia party visited grieving mothers in the Murmansk region. They brought flowers and meat grinders with them while smiling for photos.

Many people on social media called this gesture “shameful” and “inappropriate.” After the backlash, the local party in the town of Polyarniye Zori said that those who criticized them were misunderstanding the situation. Mayor Maxim Chengayev explained that the meat grinders weren’t initially planned as gifts, but one mother asked for it during the visit.

In a video shared later, a mother thanked the party awkwardly for the meat grinder, saying she needed one and had asked for it. She noted she had wanted to buy it herself, but the party gave it to her just in time.

It’s important to mention that Russia has not shared many details about how many soldiers have died in this conflict, so the real number of losses is still unclear.

In New Delhi, people are talking about a new trade deal between India and the US. Officials say it’s still too early to discuss specific details like cutting taxes (tariffs) on goods. This comes after US President Donald Trump mentioned that India promised to lower these tariffs on American products. Trump claimed that India has high tariffs, which makes it hard for businesses from the US to sell their products there.

According to discussions that took place earlier this year, India and the US plan to negotiate a trade agreement that benefits both countries by the fall of 2025. Talks about tariffs and other trade issues have continued since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington last month. Both countries have important interests to consider, so they need to communicate and negotiate carefully.

In the media, Trump once again stated that the US is treated unfairly in trade by many nations, including India. He said that India has “massive tariffs,” making it difficult for American products to enter the Indian market. He claimed that because someone is finally pointing out these issues, India has agreed to cut tariffs.

However, these claims lack backup from real trade numbers. According to the US trade representative, American exports to India were around $41.8 billion out of $129.2 billion in overall trade in 2024. When asked about Trump’s comments, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said he couldn’t provide details because the discussions are still going on. He emphasized that India has signed trade agreements with many countries recently, which included tax reductions.

India has made significant tariff cuts for developed countries like Australia and Switzerland in past agreements, and they are also negotiating with the EU and the UK. The Indian officials reminded everyone that the current discussions with the US should be seen in the context of these ongoing negotiations. They want to deepen their trade relationship by making it easier for each country to access markets, reduce barriers, and improve supply chains.

In earlier talks during Trump’s first term, India and the US had worked on a limited trade deal, but they didn’t reach an agreement. India has already reduced tariffs on some American goods, like bourbon whiskey and premium motorcycles, and they are looking to cut more tariffs as part of this potential trade deal.