Month: July 2025

If US President Donald Trump imposes 20-25 per cent tariffs on India, as he threatened last evening, it will have a varied impact on different sectors, noted the founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, Ajay Srivastava.

In an exclusive interaction with ANI, Srivastava stated that the sector wise impact of the US reciprocal tariffs will be worth watching, and the impact of the trade tariffs on other countries will also determine the ultimate fall of tariffs on India.

Earlier on Tuesday, just days ahead of the self-imposed August 1 deadline date for tariffs to come into effect, US President Donald Trump stated that the India-US trade deal was “working out very well” but hinted at a 20 per cent to 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi.

“Only on August 1, when the US will be announcing such punitive tariffs on other countries, we’ll come to know whether they are charging more or less on us. Suppose he is charging 40% in some country, then we say 25% is great for us,” Shrivastava said.

He added, “Second is that sector-wise, for example, some sectors like our top exports to the US is pharmaceuticals, medicines, so Europe will be paying 15%, but European medicines are expensive, high-end proprietary medicines. We are into generics. So if we are paying 25%, I don’t think much of the generic market exports to India, exports to the US from India will be impacted.”

He added for “Smartphones, only two countries export to US especially the iPhones, China and India. So if China is paying 30% duty, India paying 25% duty, I don’t think any impact will be there. And then petroleum products, we export about USD 4 billion. There there are no duties in the US announced so far on this. So with the certainty we can talk about this after August 1.”

Speaking on the possible dateline of announcement of trade deal with India, Srivastava explained that the US is aware that India has already offered access to nearly all of its industrial products, which make up 95 per cent of US exports to India — a significant gesture that should satisfy American interests.

However, he noted that India cannot open up its agriculture and dairy sectors due to domestic sensitivities attached to the sector.

The dilemma for the US, according to Srivastava, is that while it understands India’s position, announcing a trade deal without including agriculture could set a precedent. Other countries like Japan or members of the European Union — traditionally protective of their own agricultural sectors — might then demand similar exemptions.

Srivastava noted this concern could be a key reason why President Trump may have held back from finalising a trade agreement with India.

Going further, Srivastava refuted the fact that India-UK FTA has set a benchmark for US, adding that India properly negotiated FTA where 26 subjects were negotiated at length which is not the case with the US. (ANI)

The 23-year-old accused S Surjith, arrested in connection with the death of IT employee Kavin Selvaganesh (27) was on Wednesday remanded to judicial custody for 14 days

Surjith was detained under the Goondas Act after his arrest in connection with the murder of the Scheduled Caste youth Selvaganesh on July 27 this year.

The accused was produced in the Second Additional Sessions Court in Tirunelveli.

Meanwhile, the Palayamkottai police are searching for Surjith’s absconding parents, a sub-inspector couple.

“A case was registered against Surjith at the Palayankottai police station under various sections, including murder and the Prevention of Caste Atrocities Act and he has been remanded in judicial custody,” Tirunelveli City Police Commissioner Santosh Adhimani.

Surjith, was arrested for the murder of Selvaganesh, an IT employee from Arumugamangalam near Eral in Thoothukudi district.

Surjith’s parents, Saravanan and Krishnaveni, both Sub-Inspectors attached to the Armed Police, have been placed under suspension after their names figured in the murder.

According to police sources, victim Selvaganesh had reportedly expressed romantic interest in the sister of the accused, Surjith.

Selvatanesh, worked for a Chennai-based IT company, while the woman, a Siddha practitioner employed at a private clinic in Palayamkottai, belongs to a Most Backward Class (MBC) community.

Selvaganesh had visited Arumugamangalam to take his grandfather to the clinic where the woman worked.

Police said that upon learning that Selvaganesh was at the clinic, Surjith arrived and asked him to accompany him for conciliation talks.Shortly afterwards, the assailant brutally hacked Selvaganesh to death with a concealed machete before fleeing the scene.

Upon receiving the information, Palayamkottai police rushed to the spot, recovered Selvaganesh’s body, and sent it to Palayamkottai Government Hospital for postmortem. Inspector Kasi Pandian and his team secured CCTV footage from the area and launched an investigation. (ANI)

Young Indian left-hand opener Abhishek Sharma on Wednesday become the third Indian batter to reach the No.1 spot in T20I rankings, joining elite company with Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.

Abhishek Sharma now sits atop the rankings with 829 points, surpassing Australia’s Travis Head (814 points) and his fellow Indian Tilak Varma (804 points), as per the ICC.

Abhishek has played 17 T20Is, scoring two hundreds and two fifties with a strike rate of 193.84. His consistent performances against South Africa and England propelled him to the top spot, displacing Travis Head, who hadn’t played since September last year.

Other Indians in the top 10 include Tilak Varma at No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav at No. 6, while Yashasvi Jaiswal is ranked 11th.

Abhishek only burst onto the international scene last year when he scored a superb T20I century against Zimbabwe, but more recent efforts against South Africa and England have seen the 24-year-old overtake Head at the top of the batter rankings and become the new No.1 in the shortest format.

Head had held the No.1 ranking since he went past Suryakumar during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year, but the decision to sit out Australia’s recent T20 series against the West Indies in the Caribbean saw Abhishek become just the third player from India to hold the top position.

Suryakumar held the top ranking before Head, while Kohli was the first Indian men’s player to have the prestigious place in T20I cricket when he maintained the No.1 spot for much of the period between 2014 and 2017.

While Head dropped to second on the updated rankings for T20I batters, a big group of his Australian teammates were rewarded with large gains following an impressive 5-0 sweep over the West Indies away from home in the recent five-match series.

Right-hander Josh Inglis improved six places to jump to ninth for T20I batters, Tim David gained 12 spots to move to 28th, while Cameron Green climbed a whopping 64 spots to go to 24th following his 205 runs across the five matches and Player of the Series heroics.

Australian pace duo Nathan Ellis (up seven spots to equal eighth) and Sean Abbott (up 21 rungs to 23rd) make gains on the latest rankings for T20I bowlers, while Kiwi quick Matt Henry (up 10 places to 19th) is a rapid improver up the bowling charts following some impressive performances during New Zealand’s successful tri-series triumph over South Africa and Zimbabwe

England right-hand batter Joe Root maintained his top position and increased his lead at the top of the rankings for Test batters following his innings of 150 at Old Trafford, where he overtook Australian legend Ricky Ponting and became the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, as per the ICC.

His England teammate Ben Duckett also gained and moved back inside the top 10 after he gained five places to jump to 10th overall after his knock of 94 from the same match.

India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant also makes some ground inside the top 10 as he moved up one place to seventh on the back of his half-century in Manchester despite battling injury, with teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping three spots to eighth.

India veteran Ravindra Jadeja earned a new career-high rating on the batting charts for his unbeaten century in the second innings and gained five spots to move to 29th overall, with England captain Ben Stokes improving eight spots to equal 34th on the same list.

Stokes also gained three places to jump to third on the rankings for Test all-rounders, while the top 10 in the list for Test bowlers remains unchanged as India pacer Jasprit Bumrah holds on to his lead as the No.1 ranked Test bowler. (ANI)

Families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack have expressed gratitude to the Indian Army following the elimination of three terrorists involved in the incident during Operation Mahadev.

Syeed Sabzar Shah, cousin of the deceased Adil Hussain, lauded the Indian Army and said the operation had avenged the brutal attack. He also recalled Hussain’s act of bravery during the attack.

“We felt very proud that our brother did such a brave deed. If he wanted, he could have run away and saved his life, but till the end, he stood there and saved the lives of the tourists. He did not see any caste or religion; he showed humanity,” Sabzar told ANI.

Thanking the Indian Army, he added, “We are very proud of the Indian army, as the three terrorists were killed yesterday. They did not retreat until they took full revenge.”

Shabari Guha, wife of the deceased Sameer Guha, also welcomed the outcome of Operation Mahadev.

“I would like to congratulate our armed forces, CRPF and J&K police, as they did a big operation and achieved success. Such a big wound cannot be erased, but at least there is some relief,” she said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shagun Parihar also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and shared her remarks, stating, “I congratulate PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the security forces. The security forces have killed the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terrorist attack…”

Commenting on PM Modi’s remarks in Parliament, she added, “PM Modi gave a befitting reply to the Congress party…The public of the nation feels ashamed as the leaders of the Congress party speak the language of Pakistan.”

Earlier, three terrorists were neutralised in an intense firefight with security forces in the Harwan area near Dachigam National Park of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army said on Monday.

The operation, Mahadev, took place in the general area of Lidwas, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said.

“OP MAHADEV – Contact established in General Area Lidwas. Operation in progress,” the Chinar Corp said in a previous post on X.

On Tuesday, during the Lok Sabha session, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also confirmed that three terrorists who were involved in the killing of civilians were eliminated by the security forces during Operation Mahadev.

Shah said this as he began his address in Lok Sabha amid the ongoing debate on Operation Sindoor and informed that those who killed our citizens in the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack have been killed.

“In a joint Operation Mahadev, the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police have neutralised three terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam terror attack,” Shah said while addressing the lower house.

“Innocent civilians were killed in front of their families for asking about their religion. I condemn this barbaric act. I express my sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones,” he added. (ANI)

Just days ahead of the self-imposed August 1 deadline date before the tariffs come into effect, US President Donald Trump stated that the India-US trade deal was “working out very well” but hinted at a 20 per cent to 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi.

During a gaggle with the press interaction aboard Air Force One on Tuesday (local time), Trump responded to a report suggesting that India might be preparing for 20 to 25 per cent tariffs, stating that India had been imposing higher tariffs on the US as compared to other countries. He further mentioned that all this would come to an end as he is now “in charge.”

However, Trump hasn’t sent any letters to India announcing the tariff imposed on New Delhi, as he did for many other nations.

“India has been a good friend. But India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country over the years. But now I’m in charge. And you just can’t do that. I think the trade deals are working out very well. Hopefully for everybody, but for the United States, they’re very, very good,” the US President said.

Earlier on April 22, Trump imposed a tariff of 26 per cent on Indian goods imported to the US, before announcing a pause on those “reciprocal” levies.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister for Commerce, Piyush Goyal, on Sunday, stated that the trade discussion between India and the US had been going “very well.”

“India today negotiates from a position of strength, a position of confidence. It is this very confidence that continuously encourages us to make good free trade agreements… Our discussions with the United States are progressing very well,” he stated.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during PM Modi’s visit to the UK last week, also stated that India had been actively engaged in discussions with the US on a potential Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), emphasising the ongoing contacts with partners in the US.

During a press conference following the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, Misri stated, “We are discussing that under a different vertical. All I can say is that our engagement is underway. The contacts are underway, and we’ll see how that goes.”

On July 14, a senior government official stated that India was making concrete progress toward finalising a BTA with the US, with both countries committed to following the path outlined by their respective leaders.

Speaking on the ongoing trade negotiations, the official emphasised that India is “moving in terms of a BTA” and actively “looking at a mutually beneficial deal” that would serve the interests of both nations.

Trump also used the opportunity to once again claim credit for his role in brokering the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, following the recent conflict in May. The conflict was triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attacks, which killed 26 people, and India’s subsequent response, ‘Operation Sindoor,’ involving precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

He also praised India’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its role in regional stability.

“Look, India, they’re my friends and he’s (PM Modi) my friend and you know they ended the war with Pakistan and by request and I was great and Pakistan did also. We did a lot of great settlements,” he said.

India had reportedly refuted the claims made by the US president, noting that it was Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) who contacted their Indian counterpart to request an end to hostilities, following which the ceasefire was then agreed upon. (ANI)

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate made a scathing remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha speech on Operation Sindoor, alleging that in his 1 hour 40-minute address, the PM failed to mention US President Donald Trump or China even once.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Shrinate said, ‘…PM Modi spoke for 1 hour and 42 minutes, in which he mentioned Nehruji 15 times, Congress 50 times, but he did not mention Donald Trump or China even once.”

She also referred to a comment made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi before the speech, saying, “Before his speech, Rahul Gandhi had told him (PM Modi) that if you have the courage, come and say that Trump is lying… but he did not speak on this…. Who is accountable for the Pahalgam attack that happened? Who is responsible for it?”

Shrinate was not the only Congress leader to criticise the Prime Minister’s address.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said that the PM did not mention the person responsible for the death of 26 people in the Pahalgam attack and siad, “…PM mentioned about ‘vijayotsav’. Is our conscience so dead that we should celebrate despite the 26 people who were killed (in Pahalgam)? This is beyond understanding…Not once did he mention who was responsible for this…He did not take the name of China or Trump…” He also says, “Did PM even reply in Lok Sabha to the questions of Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition or on Operation Sindoor? He spoke for around 1.5 hours, but it did not feel like he replied. It seemed like an election campaign for Bihar and as if he was speaking from the BJP’s political stage…”

Congress MP Tariq Anwar also joined the criticism, saying, “He had nothing to say. So, he was beating around the bush. He had no arguments because what was said by the Opposition and Congress – that Trump is a liar and he has made a false statement, he did not mention China either. So, PM Modi is scared of mentioning Trump’s or China’s name. This has become clear now…We are not satisfied with the reply…”

Congress leader Shama Mohamed also did not let go of the opportunity to criticise the speech of the PM and said, “…Why didn’t PM Modi in the Parliament say that the US President Donald Trump did not play a role in stopping the war between India and Pakistan…Whatever Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said in the Parliament is true, and he asked the right questions to the government.”

The Prime Minister addressed the floor on Tuesday, but during his speech, he did not answer the Opposition’s question regarding Trump’s claims of mediating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Opposition has continued to criticise the government for not responding to these concerns. (ANI)

The first song ‘Aavan Jaavan’ from Ayan Mukerji’s directorial ‘War 2’ is all set to be unveiled soon.

On Tuesday, a still from the track was unveiled. It showed actors Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani holding each other’s hands. The two looked super hot as they twinned in white.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Ayan Mukerji shared the first photo from the song Aavan Jaavan, leaving fans excited. He also revealed that the team behind his blockbuster song Kesariya from Brahmastra are reuniting for Aavan Jaavan!

“AAVAN JAAVAN Our First Song from War 2 – is out in 2 days – so sharing some love and excitement here about it! Pritam Dada. Amitabh. Arijit. Hrithik and Kiara’s lovely energy as they come together on screen for the first time. Groovy and Romantic – Aavan Jaavan – was the soundtrack for our Italian shoot, and creating it was one of the most joy-filled experiences and memories of making War 2 for all of us! Can’t wait for everyone to listen to it this week,” Ayan wrote.

Earlier in July, after wrapping up shooting for the film, Hrithik penned a heartfelt note, recalling “149 days of relentless chase, action, dance, blood, sweat, injuries” spent with director Ayan Mukerji, co-stars Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, and the entire ‘War 2’ team.

“@advani_kiara I’m so excited for the world to witness the lethal side of you, you’ve been spectacular to share screen with. I cannot wait for you all to witness the incredible cinematic vision of Adi & Ayan!! To the entire cast & crew of War 2,” he added.

With his post, he undoubtedly poured his heart out as he bid adieu to his much-celebrated on-screen character of Major Kabir Dhaliwal from the War franchise.”Thank you for sharing your brilliance and giving it your all every single day. Lastly, it’s always bittersweet to call it a wrap for Kabir, it will take a couple of days to feel like myself again. Now onto the journey of presenting our film to you all on August 14th, 2025,” Hrithik concluded.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Feeling a mixed bag of emotions as the cameras stopped rolling for #War2. 149 days of relentless chase, action, dance, blood, sweat, injuries… and it was all WORTH IT! @tarak9999 sir it has been an honour to work alongside you and create something so special together.”

‘War 2’, which also stars NTR JR, will be released on August 14. The film is a sequel to the 2019 action thriller ‘War,’ which starred Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, and Vani Kapoor in the lead roles. (ANI)

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah captivated everyone’s attention with his look as Bharat Ratna recipient, J R D Tata, in the upcoming series ‘Made in India – A Titan Story’.

The look was unveiled on Tuesday, marking the 121st birth anniversary of J R D Tata.

Directed by Robby Grewal, the series also stars Jim Sarbh as Xerxes Desai, the pioneering founder of Titan Watch Company, alongside Namita Dubey, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Kaveri Seth, Lakshvir Saran, and Paresh Ganatra.

On what audience can expect from the series, director Robby Grewal in a press note said, “Bringing J.R.D. Tata’s legacy to life in ‘Made in India – The Titan Story’ has been an inspiring journey. His vision went far beyond building companies; he built institutions, ideas, and a sense of purpose for an entire nation. Having Naseeruddin Shah embody this icon has brought a rare authenticity and depth to the narrative. We truly believe this series will remind audiences why these stories of innovation and nation-building matter more than ever.”

Amogh Dusad, Director & Head of Content – Amazon MX Player added, “The story goes beyond just the brand of Titan and to have Naseeruddin Shah play the role of J.R.D. Tata, is exciting for all of us. With Made In India: A Titan Story, we are proud to present a series that not only honours an iconic brand but also the visionary minds that shaped it.”

‘Made in India – A Titan Story’ is scheduled to be released next year on Amazon MX Player. (ANI)

It’s actor Sanjay Dutt’s birthday, and the makers of his upcoming film ‘The RajaSaab’ marked the special day by unveiling a new poster of the actor from the film.

Taking to their Instagram, the makers dropped a new poster that shows Dutt in a never-before-seen avatar. The actor can be seen dressed in dark tones with long silver hair, a beard, and an intense expression.

‘The RajaSaab’ stars Prabhas in the lead and is directed by Maruthi. The film is produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory and has music by Thaman S.

Take a look

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMrq8AlRB_j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Prabhas, who will soon feature alongside Dutt in the film, wished the actor on his special day and wrote, “Wishing the ever-inspiring Sanjay Dutt sir a very Happy Birthday! Grateful to share the screen with you in #TheRajaSaab.”

The film is set to release in cinemas worldwide on December 5, 2025, in five languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Meanwhile, the actor celebrates his 66th birthday today, several friends from the industry also wished him on his special day.

Actress Shilpa Shetty took to her Instagram and penned a heartfelt post for Dutt, calling him an “incredible talent” and an “amazing person.”

Shilpa wrote, “You bring so much energy and passion to every part that I’m constantly inspired by your brilliance on and off screen. But what truly sets you apart is your kind heart and generosity of spirit that I have witnessed. Here’s wishing you all the love, happiness, and great health above all, Rockstar.”

The actor also has Dhurandhar and KD – The Devil in the pipeline. (ANI)