Author: Supriya Jena

  • India Reduces Tariffs: Congress Leader Slams U.S. Pressure

    India Reduces Tariffs: Congress Leader Slams U.S. Pressure

    Congress leader Manish Tewari criticized the BJP-led government for its trade policy. He said it is “unfortunate” that India is cutting tariffs under pressure from the United States. Tewari, who is an MP from Chandigarh, believes this is not a good way to handle trade or foreign relations.

    He pointed out that President Donald Trump has often accused India of having high tariffs, which make it hard for American businesses to sell products here. Trump mentioned this in a recent speech, saying India has agreed to lower its tariffs because someone is finally calling them out on it.

    Tewari thinks it would be better for India to implement fair trade agreements rather than give in to America’s demands. He confirmed that the Congress party will bring this issue up in Parliament soon.

    As the US gets ready to introduce new tariffs on countries with high tariffs on American goods, Trump insists that the US won’t allow itself to be taken advantage of anymore, especially by nations like India.

  • PM Modi Celebrates Inspiring Women for International Women’s Day 2023

    PM Modi Celebrates Inspiring Women for International Women’s Day 2023

    In celebration of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed his support for women, also known as “Nari Shakti,” by sharing his social media accounts with six incredible women. These women come from different parts of India and have inspiring stories.

    Meet the Amazing Women:

    – Vaishali Rameshbabu: A young chess star from Chennai, Vaishali started playing chess at just six years old. In 2023, she became a Chess Grandmaster, making India proud with her talent.

    – Dr. Anjlee Agarwal: A strong advocate for accessibility, Dr. Agarwal runs the Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility. For over 30 years, she has worked to make public spaces, like schools, easier to access for people with disabilities.

    – Anita Devi: Known as the “Mushroom Lady of Bihar,” Anita started the Madhopur Farmers Producers Company in 2016. Her work in mushroom farming has helped many rural women find jobs and gain financial independence.

    – Ajaita Shah: As the founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, Ajaita empowers over 35,000 women in rural areas, helping them become successful business owners and connect their communities to needed goods and services.

    – Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni: These two scientists, Elina from Mumbai and Shilpi from ISRO, are doing important research. They took over PM Modi’s social media accounts together to share their stories.

    Prime Minister Modi praised these women for their hard work and success, calling them examples of the brighter future that women can help create in India. He wrote on social media, “They remind us of the endless possibilities women have. We celebrate their achievements today and every day!”

  • Women Scientists Inspire on PM Modi’s Social Media for Women’s Day

    Women Scientists Inspire on PM Modi’s Social Media for Women’s Day

    On Saturday, two amazing women scientists took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media accounts to talk about their work for International Women’s Day. Before this, on February 23, Modi announced that he would let some inspiring women share their stories on March 8, Women’s Day.

    The two scientists, Elina from Odisha and Shilpi from Madhya Pradesh, shared their exciting projects on PM Modi’s official X account. They introduced themselves as a nuclear scientist and a space scientist, respectively, saying, “We’re thrilled to show how vibrant science is in India. We invite more women to join!”

    Elina Mishra explained how her father inspired her love for science. She got her dream job at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai, where she worked on advanced projects. “When we successfully accelerated a proton beam, it was a proud moment for me,” she shared.

    Meanwhile, Shilpi Soni, who has worked at ISRO for over 24 years, described her journey from the DRDO to ISRO, where she focuses on communication and navigation technologies. “ISRO offers great chances for everyone, with no limits to what you can achieve,” she said, expressing pride in India’s advancements in space technology.

    Shilpi also serves as the Associate Project Director for GSAT-22/23, which helps connect people in India. She shared that being part of an ISRO launch in French Guiana was a deeply fulfilling experience. Both women are proud to create opportunities for future generations in science.

  • China Places $2.6B Tariffs on Canadian Food: A Trade War Update

    China Places $2.6B Tariffs on Canadian Food: A Trade War Update

    China has decided to place tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of food and agricultural items coming from Canada. This move is a response to taxes Canada imposed on some Chinese products back in October. The new tariffs will begin on March 20.

    China’s new taxes include a 100% tariff on about $1 billion of Canadian rapeseed oil and another 25% on $1.6 billion of Canadian fish and pork. This is similar to the taxes Canada put on electric vehicles and steel from China.

    Interestingly, China did not include canola, a major Canadian crop, in these new tariffs. This might suggest that China is open to discussing trade with Canada. Some experts believe China is sending a message about the risks of Canada getting too close to U.S. trade policies.

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the country is trying to push back against what he describes as China’s unfair practices in trade. Earlier, China also started an investigation into Canadian canola products due to concerns of dumping.

    About half of Canada’s canola exports go to China, which in 2023 amounted to $3.7 billion. The investigation is still ongoing, so not adding canola to the tariff list this time could be a sign that China wants to negotiate.

    Beijing might be hoping that after the upcoming Canadian election on October 20, a new government could lead to improved relations. Currently, Canada is China’s second-largest trading partner, following the United States, and they exported about $47 billion worth of goods to China in 2024.

  • Two Men Sentenced for the Murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik

    Two Men Sentenced for the Murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik

    Two men have been sentenced for the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik. José Lopez, 26, was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole for 20 years by the British Columbia Supreme Court. His lawyer said he felt sorry for what happened.

    The judge, Terence Schultes, agreed that the sentence was fair, noting it was an appropriate outcome for the crime. Lopez and another man, Tanner Fox, 24, both faced second-degree murder charges. Fox was sentenced similarly earlier this year.

    Despite requests from Malik’s family, both men have not revealed who paid them to commit the crime. Prosecutors said that Lopez and Fox shot Malik multiple times in a planned killing and that they were paid for it.

    Malik was a well-known figure because he was accused in the Kanishka bombing in 1985, which killed 329 people, the worst act of terrorism in Canada. He was acquitted due to a lack of evidence.

    In 2022, Malik publicly distanced himself from the Khalistan movement and even praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had a known dispute with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another pro-Khalistani figure who was killed just a few weeks before Malik.

    Malik was killed on July 14, 2022, while sitting in his car at his business in Surrey. Police are still investigating to find out who hired Lopez and Fox. Both were arrested just days after the murder, with police confirming Malik was a targeted victim.

    Some groups, like Sikhs for Justice, believe that the Indian government was involved in Malik’s killing, similar to what happened in Nijjar’s case. This claim has also been echoed by Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

  • Madhuri Dixit: Pay Parity for Women in Bollywood Still a Dream

    Madhuri Dixit: Pay Parity for Women in Bollywood Still a Dream

    In Jaipur, Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit said that women in Hindi movies still face big pay gaps. They have to keep proving they can bring in fans. This news came during a talk called “The Journey of Women in Cinema” at the 2025 IIFA Weekend, where Madhuri was joined by Guneet Monga, a producer who just attended the Oscars.

    Madhuri expressed that women actors need to show they are just as good, but still, things are unfair in terms of pay. She said, “Every time, we must prove ourselves to say we can attract an audience. There’s still a long way to go.” Guneet added that people should take more chances on female artists because it often feels like women have to work much harder to be noticed.

    She pointed out that “Stree 2” did really well at the box office, which shows that movies with women can succeed. Guneet urged for more opportunities for women in film.

    Madhuri shared that she has always played strong female characters, and she particularly loved her role in “Mrityudand,” which focused on women’s empowerment. She explained that in the past, very few women worked behind the scenes in filmmaking. Now, she sees women in various roles, like directors and writers, which is a big change for the better.

    Guneet also shared some concerning facts, saying that only a small percentage of women are directors or work in film crews. She urged everyone in the industry to create more chances for women to shine.

    The silver jubilee of the IIFA Awards will be held soon, hosted by Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan, featuring special performances by stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

  • Nita & Mukesh Ambani Celebrate 40 Years of Love and Marriage

    Nita & Mukesh Ambani Celebrate 40 Years of Love and Marriage

    Nita Ambani and Mukesh Ambani are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary today! The couple got married on March 8, 1985, and have become very important figures in India’s business and charity scenes. To celebrate this big milestone, a special video from their son Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities is trending online.

    At Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s fabulous pre-wedding party in Jamnagar, Gujarat, there were many stars and amazing performances. One heartwarming moment was when Mukesh and Nita Ambani danced to the classic Bollywood song “Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua Hai” from the old movie “Shri 420.”

    In the video, Mukesh looked great in a kurta-pyjama, while Nita shimmered in a beautiful saree. The audience enjoyed the performance, and many recorded it on their phones, making the celebration even more special.

    As they celebrate 40 years of love, Nita Ambani’s stunning wedding outfit from 1985 is remembered fondly. She wore two special sarees that show her journey as a bride.

    The first saree, called a Panetar, was a gift from her mother’s family, symbolizing her saying goodbye to her childhood home. It is usually white or ivory with a red border. The second saree, a Gharchola, was given by her husband’s family, welcoming her into their home. This bright red saree is essential for Gujarat weddings.

    In her bridal look, Nita wore beautiful jewelry like bangles and a maang tika. Her makeup was simple but gorgeous, with classic bindi dots and neatly styled hair in a bun, making her beautiful on her special day.

  • Inflation Report: What It Means for the Stock Market This Week

    Inflation Report: What It Means for the Stock Market This Week

    Next week, an important inflation report could make the already shaky U.S. stock market even more jumpy. Investors are worried that the economy might slow down, and President Trump’s tariffs are adding to these concerns. Although the S&P 500 had a small gain on Friday, it still faced its worst week in six months. The Nasdaq, which focuses on tech companies, has dropped more than 10% since it reached its highest point last December.

    Investors are trying to understand recent changes in government policy around the world. Trump’s unpredictable tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China are causing worries about the economy. Markets were also unsettled by Germany’s unexpected plans to spend more money, which made German bonds less valuable.

    The latest U.S. economic data hasn’t been great, but some good news for stocks is that many believe the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates to help the economy if it weakens. However, if Wednesday’s consumer price index report shows that inflation is higher than expected, it could change that thinking. A high inflation number might scare investors, as explained by Bryant VanCronkhite, a portfolio manager. He said that until inflation comes down, the Fed won’t be able to help the economy as much.

    Last month’s inflation data showed a big increase of 0.5% in January—the highest since August—so all eyes are on February’s numbers, which are expected to rise by 0.3%. This report will come just before the Fed meets on March 18-19. While the Fed is likely to keep interest rates the same for now, many expect cuts later in the year.

    If inflation is too high, it could hurt market optimism about those rate cuts, according to John Velis, a macro strategist. Investors are also concerned about “stagflation,” which means slow economic growth with rising prices—a tough situation for investments. If inflation is high, it could make investors nervous about this scenario.

    On the jobs side, recent data showed that job growth in February was strong, but there are signs that the labor market is weakening due to uncertain trade policies and federal spending cuts.

    In Washington, lawmakers are busy negotiating a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Trade policies are still a big worry, as tariffs can lower company profits and raise consumer prices. However, investors are unsure how long these tariffs will last or if they are just part of negotiations. Trump stated that Mexico and Canada won’t need to pay those tariffs until April 2. With new policies being launched, uncertainty remains for both businesses and consumers.

    Finally, market anxiety is rising, reflected by a jump in the Cboe Volatility Index, which is nearly at its highest level since last year. Irene Tunkel, a chief equity strategist, stated that volatility will continue because we lack clear economic and trade policies.

    Wall St Week Ahead runs every Friday. Stay tuned for the daily stock market report.

  • Jerome Powell Explores Changes to Fed’s Interest Rate Predictions

    Jerome Powell Explores Changes to Fed’s Interest Rate Predictions

    Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently talked about possible changes to the Fed’s interest rate predictions during a conference in New York. These predictions are part of a larger review of the Fed’s policies that will be finished by the end of summer.

    Powell mentioned that the Fed will closely look at how it shares information after meetings, especially its Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). This report shows what the Fed’s policymakers think will happen with the economy, unemployment, inflation, and interest rates in the next few years. Each policy maker’s rate idea is shown as a dot on a chart, which many economists and markets use to guess the Fed’s future actions on rates.

    Supporters of the dot plot believe it makes it easier to understand monetary policy. They think that after the global financial crisis, the dot plot helped show that the Fed expected to keep rates at zero for a long time. However, it’s important to stress that the dot plot isn’t a firm promise about future rates; it’s just a mix of opinions from different policymakers.

    Historically, the dot plot has not always predicted actual rate changes well because the economy often behaves differently than expected. For example, at the end of 2021, the dot plot suggested rates would stay below 1% at the end of 2022. But instead, the Fed raised rates to between 4.25% and 4.50% to deal with rising inflation.

    Over the years, many have suggested ways to improve the dot plot. Former Fed Vice Chair Don Kohn said that the median projection doesn’t show the uncertainty and different possible outcomes. He proposed that the Fed also share the economic reasons behind each policymaker’s rate opinion to help people understand why the Fed makes its decisions.

    Looking at how other central banks work could provide new ideas. For instance, the European Central Bank gives regular updates on inflation that help shape expectations about future rates. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand and others share inflation forecasts and their policy rate paths. The Bank of England even shows possible future inflation and growth paths in a fan chart, something that former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke recommended they change to provide better alternative scenarios.

  • Russia Open for Peace Talks with U.S. and Ukraine: Key Insights

    Russia Open for Peace Talks with U.S. and Ukraine: Key Insights

    New Delhi: In the search for peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, said that Russia is ready to discuss solutions together with the U.S. and Ukraine. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Alipov noted that the current U.S. government is making positive moves compared to past administrations by wanting to end the conflict.

    Alipov mentioned a recent meeting in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. officials showed a willingness to listen to Russia’s concerns. He expressed that while some leaders in Ukraine and Europe continue to demand Russia withdraw from Ukraine, they are also planning to strengthen Europe’s military presence.

    “The situation is tricky,” he stated, adding, “Although we believe we are winning the war, we still want peace.” He feels that Ukraine and Europe are preventing a quick resolution.

    Regarding Donald Trump’s recent announcement about wanting to end the conflict, Alipov said they would be open to meetings involving Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He claimed that while the U.S. sees Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as a rightful leader, Russia does not feel the same way. However, they are still open to discussions.

    When questioned about India’s role, Alipov said, “We don’t expect anything from India.” He emphasized the strong friendship between India and Russia and said they’re hopeful for future cooperation. He also mentioned that Russia supports better relations between India and China and wants to help both nations achieve that.

    Alipov summed it up by saying, “We look at situations in terms of cooperation, not conflict. We hope everyone can work together fairly.”