cross border trade

Tighter enforcement of customs regulations in Nepal, notably the NPR 100 duty-free limit, is shaking up the fabric of cross-border life along the India-Nepal border in Bihar. Local traders and families are grappling with heightened expenses and unpredictability, affecting not only commerce but also social ties, from weddings to everyday interactions.

Canadian tourism to the US has plummeted by an average of 42%, significantly impacting major cities and industry-linked mid-sized towns. This sharp decline, attributed to President Trump's trade war, also affects business travel, with fewer tech and finance employees journeying for work. The future of cross-border travel recovery remains uncertain under current trade conditions.

In the wake of the Vikramshila Setu's unfortunate collapse, connectivity along the Ganga has been revitalized for thousands. The railways have stepped in with a new unreserved special train service, offering 15 coaches daily between Bhagalpur and Katihar from May 23 to June 1.

Since May 2, Champhai district in Mizoram has welcomed over 1,000 refugees from Myanmar, with numbers projected to rise as military actions escalate. Local police and Assam Rifles are diligently documenting the new arrivals, while the Young Mizo Association steps in to provide shelter.

In Bihar, the price of petrol has crossed Rs 109 per litre, while diesel is close to Rs 96, following a rapid surge in just a week. This spike, a consequence of escalating global crude oil prices amid the US-Iran tensions, is tightening the belts of families across the state.

National Investigation Agency has arrested Iqbal Singh alias Shera. He is a wanted narco-terrorist. His extradition from Portugal followed diplomatic and legal efforts. Shera is considered the mastermind in a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror financing case. His arrest is a significant breakthrough in tackling Pakistan-backed narco-terror networks.

India is pivoting towards Europe as traditional partnerships become unreliable. The burgeoning India-Italy relationship, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni, is central to this strategy. This partnership is building crucial economic architecture, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a potential EU Free Trade Agreement, positioning Europe as India's primary strategic focus.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized "unilateral coercive measures" and sanctions, stating they disproportionately harm developing nations and cannot replace diplomacy. He also voiced concern over the West Asia crisis, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted maritime traffic and a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, advocating for a two-state solution.

As Colombia grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis, conflict-induced displacement surged in 2025, impacting over 322,000 individuals. Armed factions, in the wake of FARC's disarmament, have intensified their violent confrontations, reaching levels not seen in a decade. Norte de Santander bears the brunt, with countless families fleeing from the turmoil.