On Tuesday, April 15, the stock market saw a big jump. This happened after US President Donald Trump hinted he might cut some taxes on car imports. By 10 AM, the main BSE Sensex index was up by 1,595.37 points, which is about 2.12%, reaching 76,752.63. The NSE Nifty also rose by 481.70 points or 2.11%, reaching 23,310.25.
Here are the shares that gained the most on the Sensex and Nifty:
Top 10 Gainers on Sensex
1) Tata Motors: Up 4.78% to ₹623.50
2) Larsen & Toubro: Up 4.78% to ₹3,250.80
3) IndusInd Bank: Up 4.06% to ₹716.70
4) Mahindra & Mahindra: Up 3.73% to ₹2,679.35
5) HDFC Bank: Up 3.52% to ₹1,870.15
6) Adani Ports: Up 3.36% to ₹1,203.10
7) Axis Bank: Up 2.91% to ₹1,100.50
8) ICICI Bank: Up 2.45% to ₹1,344
9) Bajaj Finance: Up 2.19% to ₹9,122.40
10) Bharti Airtel: Up 2.15% to ₹1,795
Top 10 Gainers on Nifty
1) Shriram Finance: Up 4.81% to ₹669.50
2) Tata Motors: Up 4.77% to ₹623.45
3) Larsen & Toubro: Up 4.34% to ₹716.90
4) IndusInd Bank: Up 3.97% to ₹689.50
5) Mahindra & Mahindra: Up 3.86% to ₹2,679.90
6) Trent: Up 3.57% to ₹4,951.50
7) HDFC Bank: Up 3.47% to ₹1,869.50
8) Adani Ports: Up 3.41% to ₹1,204.30
9) Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories: Up 3.24% to ₹1,145.50
10) Axis Bank: Up 2.97% to ₹1,100.80
President Trump spoke at the White House on Monday about possibly changing the 25% tax on cars and parts imported from other countries, like Mexico and Canada. He said these taxes can increase car prices a lot. He wants to give car companies some time to make cars in the US instead of importing them. This news is part of his 90-day pause on some tariffs aimed at trade partners, including India.
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Stock Market Surges as Trump Considers Car Tariff Cuts
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Renowned Physicist Ranjit Nair Passes Away at 70: A Tribute
Ranjit Nair, a famous physicist and founder of the Centre for Philosophy and the Foundations of Science, sadly passed away in New Delhi on Monday. He was 70 years old. Ranjit studied physics and philosophy at the University of Cambridge and wrote important books like “Mind, Matter and Mystery” and “The Republic of Science.” He was also the editor of the collected works of the well-known physicist ECG Sudarshan.
A passionate supporter of Indian science and history, Ranjit helped put up a statue of the famous scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose at his school, Christ’s College Cambridge. When he was a student at University College in
Thiruvananthapuram, Ranjit was part of a science club with other bright students, including the late astrophysicist Thanu Padmanabhan and Professor V. Parameswaran Nair from City University of New York.
Ranjit is survived by his wife, Rukmini Bhaya Nair, who is a poet and linguist, along with their daughter, Vijayanka Nair, and son, Viraj Nair. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, and there will be a memorial service later that week.
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EU Officials Adopt Strict Security for US Travels Amid Trust Issues
The European Commission is taking new steps to protect its senior officials traveling to the United States. They are now getting special burner phones and basic laptops for these trips, similar to the precautions reserved for visits to countries like China and Ukraine. This change shows a growing worry about trust between Europe and the US.
Next week, important EU officials, like Valdis Dombrovskis (Economy), Maria Luís Albuquerque (Financial Services), and Jozef Síkela (Development Assistance), will attend meetings for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. However, trust issues are making these talks more complicated.
Why the Change?
Officials are being told not to bring their regular laptops and phones to the US. Instead, they will use simple devices to lower the risk of being spied on. They also need to turn off their phones when crossing the border and keep them in special cases when not in use. While the rules for burner phones aren’t officially written down, they are already being put into practice.
One EU official explained, “They worry about US spies getting into our systems.” This caution for trips to the US is new, as such security measures have mostly been used for visits to countries like China and Russia, where spying is a big concern.
A spokesman for the Commission confirmed that they’ve made these changes, and the EU’s diplomatic team helped update the security measures. They’ve also told officials to use special travel documents instead of regular passports to avoid issues.
Commentary from Experts
Luuk van Middelaar, a geopolitics expert, says this new approach is smart and practical. He believes Washington has become a competitor that might use unfair tactics. He reminded everyone of past spying incidents like the times the US allegedly tapped German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone.
Tensions from Trump Era
These changes come as EU-US relations have grown weaker since Donald Trump became president again in January. Trump has used harsh language against the EU, claiming it is unfair to the US and imposing tariffs that hurt EU exports.
One senior EU official honestly said, “The transatlantic alliance is over,” showing how serious the situation is.
Trade Conflicts and Digital Issues
Despite these tensions, the EU is still trying to solve problems with America. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič plans to meet with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade issues.
Tensions are also growing in digital policies, with US officials accusing the EU of overregulating American tech companies. There’s also worry about US border agents being allowed to inspect electronic devices, causing issues for many travelers due to what they find on personal devices.
In one case, a French researcher was sent back from the US for expressing a personal opinion about US research policies. So, the EU is being extra careful with their officials as they travel. -
Ambassador Ono Enjoys Litti Chokha: A Heartwarming Cultural Moment
Japan’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Keiichi Ono, has made many people happy online after posting a photo of himself enjoying a famous dish from Bihar called litti chokha. While visiting Bihar, he shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) and called litti chokha “world-famous.” In Bhojpuri, he said, “Gajab swad ba,” which means “Great taste.”
He wrote, “Namaste, Bihar! Finally had the chance to try the world-famous Litti Chokha – Gajab Swad Ba,” along with a joyful picture of himself eating the dish. His use of the local language touched many hearts and made his post popular.
The post got more than 180,000 views and lots of positive comments. People loved that the ambassador not only enjoyed the local food but also spoke in the regional language. One person said, “You’ve won hearts in Bihar today.” Another comment read, “This is soft diplomacy at its finest.” Some joked that he should try other local foods like sattu paratha and thekua. Others praised his Bhojpuri accent, saying, “That accent is on point!”
Many comments showed pride in Bihari food, with one saying, “When a Japanese envoy praises our litti-chokha, we know our heritage is global.” Another added, “Now even foreigners know what we eat with pride.” Some even offered to show him more amazing Bihari dishes.
Along with enjoying the local food, Ambassador Ono talked about his official work. He mentioned visiting the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project, which is supported by Japan. He wrote, “Together with the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, I visited the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project funded by the Govt of Japan. The project will help reduce travel time and improve tourism in the state.”
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Lorry Owners in Karnataka Begin Indefinite Strike Over Fuel Costs and Fee
The State Lorry Owners’ Association started an indefinite strike on Monday because they are unhappy with the rising prices of diesel fuel, increased tolls, and charges from the Road Transport Office (RTO). They also complained about unfair treatment from transport officials. GR Shanmugappa, the president of the association, said, “The lorry industry is suffering a lot because of high costs. RTO officers are bothering our drivers for bribes. With rising costs for fuel and taxes, it’s hard for us to keep our vehicles running. We won’t stop this strike until the government listens to us.”
Diesel prices have gone up twice in the last six months. The latest increase happened on April 1, which made diesel nearly ₹2 more expensive per liter. The association said they need the government to respond by April 14, especially about reducing fuel prices and high RTO fees.
In a letter to its members, the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) called for a complete halt in transport operations in Karnataka. This was to address important long-standing problems faced by the transport industry. They pointed out that a steep increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel led to a ₹5 rise per liter over the last nine months, driving up costs for transporters.
Shanmugappa mentioned that all kinds of freight activities—like transporting construction materials (gravel and sand), fuel, agricultural products, and essential goods—have stopped. The federation is also protesting against strict no-entry rules in Bengaluru, which makes it hard to deliver goods on time, and the trouble caused by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and microfinance groups, like illegal vehicle seizures and stress for vehicle owners.
In support of the strike, the Airport Taxi Drivers’ Union said they will stop working on April 15 and might keep protesting longer. So far, the government has not officially responded to the lorry owners’ strike. -
Six Arrested for Assaulting Woman Over Affair Rumor in Davanagere
In Davanagere district, six people were arrested because they attacked a 38-year-old woman who was rumored to be having an affair. The incident happened on April 9 in Tavarekere village when the woman was visiting relatives. She was seen with a man named Fayyaz, and this caught the attention of someone related to her. They thought she was doing something wrong.
A group of about eight to ten people showed up with ropes, sticks, and iron pipes and started attacking the woman and Fayyaz. One person even tried to throw a stone at them. The police found out about the attack after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
When the police contacted the woman, she decided to file a complaint against the six attackers she recognized. These men — Mohammad Nayyaz (32), Mohammad Ghaus Peer (45), Chand Peer (35), Inayit Ullah (51), Dastagir (24), and Rasool TR (42) — were arrested. They are facing serious charges, including intimidating the woman and disrespecting her.
The six men were taken to court and will spend 14 days in jail. The police are still looking into whether more people were involved or if the attack was planned beforehand.
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Gold Prices Rise Amid Tariffs: What’s Next
Gold prices went up slightly on Tuesday as people remained worried about U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs and how they could affect the global economy.
Here are the key points:
Current Gold Price: The price of spot gold increased by 0.1%, reaching $3,211.49 per ounce. It had a record high of $3,245.42 in the previous session.
Futures Prices: U.S. gold futures also rose by 0.1% to $3,227.90.
Tariff News: The Trump administration is looking into imposing tariffs on pharmaceuticals (medicines) and semiconductors (computer chips) because they believe relying on foreign products could be a national security risk. Trump plans to announce the tariff rates for semiconductors within a week, which is keeping investors anxious.
Gold’s Role: Gold is often seen as a safe investment during uncertain times, and it does well when interest rates are low.
Inflation Expectations: Many Americans expect rising prices in the near future, with inflation expectations reaching the highest level since Fall 2023.
Interest Rates: Traders predict that interest rates may decrease by about 86 basis points by the end of 2025.
Investment in Gold: Investment in gold exchange-traded funds in China has been higher this month compared to the whole first quarter of the year and has outpaced inflows into U.S. funds, according to the World Gold Council.
Other Precious Metals: The prices for other metals fell slightly as well. Spot silver decreased by 0.3% to $32.26 per ounce, platinum dropped by 0.3% to $948.60, and palladium eased by 0.6% to $950.25.
Upcoming Data Releases:
– 0600 GMT: UK unemployment changes
– 0645 GMT: France’s consumer price index
– 0900 GMT: Germany’s economic sentiment and current conditions
– 1230 GMT: U.S. import price data -
Did Trump Really Raise the Minimum Wage to $25? Find Out
Recently, a claim went viral online saying that former President Donald Trump signed a new rule to raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour. This rumor spread quickly on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, with videos mimicking news reports showing Trump in the Oval Office, making it seem real. The videos claimed, “As of April 8, 2025, no American worker will earn less than $25 per hour.”
It sounds dramatic, but it’s completely false!
On April 8, 2025, Trump did sign four executive orders, but none of them had to do with raising the minimum wage. In fact, a month earlier, he signed something that actually rolled back a rule set during President Biden’s time, which was meant to increase the pay for federal workers to $15 an hour.
This step was meant to help workers feel better and stay in their jobs.
The videos made it look like Trump made an important change, but they were misleading and created using real footage mixed with pretend news voices. The same accounts posted other false claims, such as Trump saying he would create a 32-hour work week, which is also not true.
Members of Trump’s team have made it clear they do not plan on raising the minimum wage right now, which has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009. During his confirmation hearing in January 2025, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he does not support any increase. Vice President JD Vance even avoided talking about it clearly in a speech.
On the same day that Trump signed his orders, two lawmakers, Bernie Sanders and Bobby Scott, proposed a new bill to raise the minimum wage to $17 gradually. However, since the Senate is controlled by Republicans, it seems unlikely to pass.
In conclusion, there is no new law for a $25 minimum wage. This claim is simply a well-designed hoax.
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Choksi Arrested: Unpaid Maintenance Fees of ₹63 Lakh in Mumbai
Mehul Choksi, a businessman wanted in India for allegedly stealing over ₹13,500 crores from Punjab National Bank, has been arrested in Belgium. He hasn’t paid the maintenance fees for his three apartments in Gokul Apartments, located in the wealthy Malabar Hills area of Mumbai. A member of the building society reported that he owes about ₹63 lakh in unpaid fees, which have built up over seven years without any interest.
Choksi owns three apartments on the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors of the building. The member also revealed that Choksi has illegally occupied part of the building’s terrace on the 11th floor. They mentioned that in 2020, the building underwent renovations, costing around ₹30-35 lakh per unit. So, if you add the costs for all three units, it totals about ₹95 lakh.
Furthermore, the member expressed that the lack of maintenance from Choksi might endanger the building. They noted that big trees are growing in his flat, which could damage the structure. “We’ve done nothing wrong, yet we’re facing this problem. We trust India’s legal system and hope that the Enforcement Directorate will help us recover the dues,” the member stated.
Mehul Choksi was caught in Belgium after trying to escape to Switzerland, saying he needed medical help. His arrest is a big step forward for Indian authorities who have been searching for him for the past seven years.
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SBI Reduces Fixed Deposit Rates: Latest Updates You Need to Know
The State Bank of India (SBI) recently announced a drop in interest rates for its special fixed deposit plans that last 444 days. This change comes just five days after the central bank cut interest rates to help the economy. Now, SBI is offering 7.05% on these 444-day deposits, down from the previous rate of 7.25%.
These special deposits were introduced in July 2024 to attract customers for a limited time. For regular fixed deposits, SBI’s highest rate is 6.90%. Starting Tuesday, April 15, seniors can earn more: 7.55% for seniors and 7.65% for super seniors over 80 years old.
Earlier, in April 2023, SBI had launched a different special deposit plan for 400 days at 7.10%. Banks, including SBI, started these special plans to attract more deposits as there was a slowdown in deposit growth.
Additionally, SBI has lowered interest rates on loans linked to external benchmarks by 0.25%, starting April 15. However, they haven’t changed their main lending rates, which stay between 8.20% and 9.10%.
The bank’s External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) will drop from 8.90% to 8.65%, and the repo-linked lending rate will decrease from 8.50% to 8.25%.
Experts say this move shows that banks, especially state-owned ones, are still trying hard to attract customer deposits. Other banks are likely to follow SBI’s lead on reducing rates as well. For example, Indian Bank has already extended its special deposit scheme until the end of June.
SBI has also made some small changes to rates on deposits below ₹3 crore, reducing them by 0.10%. Fixed deposits that mature in one to less than two years will now earn 6.70%, down from 6.80%. Deposits maturing in two to less than three years have gone down to 6.90%.