trade liberalization

The party has bought itself time after recent electoral gains. Yet the road to 2029 will test whether Congress can reinvent itself — or remain a diminished player in national politics.

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.

US courts have again blocked Trump's 10% global tariffs, deeming them unauthorized. This ruling, following earlier tariff invalidations, signals a return to WTO's MFN rates. For India, this policy instability raises concerns, prompting advice to pause Free Trade Agreement talks until US trade systems stabilize, preventing one-sided deals.

Presidents Xi and Trump are set for a crucial summit, aiming for stability despite deep-seated issues like tech rivalry and Taiwan. While a trade deal might emerge, it won't end the underlying friction. China's focus on domestic chip production and its stance on Taiwan, deemed the 'biggest risk,' will also be key discussion points. The US may also expect China's mediation in ending the Iranian mess.

Trump’s philosophy is often mistaken for the absence of philosophy, but absence can become a system if practised with sufficient confidence. Every problem becomes a deal, every deal becomes a performance, every performance requires a winner, and the winner, ideally before anyone checks the paperwork, is Donald Trump.

President Trump's China visit occurs amid a US-Iran stalemate, with analysts suggesting Xi Jinping holds more leverage. Many in Beijing view Trump as a symptom of liberal democracy's instability and American decline, validating Xi's "rise of the East" worldview. This perception of US weakness could lead China to miscalculate and test Washington.

Taiwan, a flashpoint in US-China rivalry, is increasingly central to global tensions. President Xi Jinping's "Thucydides Trap" warning highlights the risk of conflict as China rises. The island's strategic importance in semiconductors and trade, coupled with historical crises, underscores the escalating danger of miscalculation.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, France's efforts to maintain influence in Africa are confronted with a shifting reality. The Sahel nations, now under military governance, are moving toward new alliances, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger seeking support from Russia for defense needs and China for economic growth.

Billionaire investors Bill Ackman and Sir Christopher Hohn are at odds over Microsoft's future, specifically concerning AI's impact. While Hohn sees AI as a threat to Microsoft's core products, Ackman views the company as central to the AI revolution and has initiated a significant investment, believing its current valuation is attractive for long-term growth.

A version of the British Parliament has been around since 1265 in one form or another, and has survived murderous kings, civil and world wars, lord protectors, skirmishes that inspired the Game of Thrones Red Wedding, and one lettuce that briefly became a constitutional actor. It has seen its fair share of entertaining characters.

But Vivek’s rise, if things go according to plan he might become the third Indian-origin governor of an American state after Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley, is not just a litmus test of an Indian-American’s success story in US politics. It is a test of how far the MAGA tent will accommodate a brown non-Christian man and also how far an Indian-American can go in Trump’s America.

Pakistan’s sudden role in Iran war talks has put it back in the global spotlight. But at home, scepticism runs deep about how much influence it really wields — and who is actually calling the shots.

For years, the narrative of "finding your passion" blurred livelihood with purpose. Layoffs are now exposing its fragility.

A surrendered senior Maoist leader revealed extensive military training links with LTTE, Philippines, and Nepal groups. He disclosed the Maoists built barrel grenade launchers and ran arms units from multiple Indian cities. Sustained security pressure has significantly weakened their infrastructure and arms manufacturing capabilities.

India’s balanced geopolitical approach has helped mitigate risks. Strong relationships across key global blocs have enabled continued access to energy and trade routes, positioning India relatively well in a fragmented global environment.

Playing with the black pieces in Round 11 on Saturday, she claimed a jaw-dropping win over the former World Championship challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina.

Asian markets saw gains Monday amid Middle East tensions and rising oil prices. Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi climbed, while other key markets remained closed. Investors are closely watching the US-Iran standoff, with oil prices remaining a central concern due to potential supply disruptions. Uncertainty continues to dominate global markets.

Pakistan has formally demanded Afghanistan's Taliban administration declare the TTP a terrorist group, dismantle its infrastructure, and provide verifiable proof of action. These demands, conveyed during China-brokered talks in Urumqi, are central to Pakistan's stance amid ongoing border tensions and security concerns. While dialogue continues, Pakistan emphasizes no policy shift, stressing the need for visible action against militants.

US President Trump has imposed steep 100% tariffs on imported patented medicines and new duties on steel, aluminium, and copper. This aims to compel companies to manufacture within the US, with exemptions for some nations. The move seeks to bolster domestic production and national security, building on previous trade actions.

The US has imposed up to 100% tariffs on patented drugs and certain metals, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. While India's generic drug exports are largely exempt, firms producing branded medicines or inputs for patented drugs may face pressure. Developed nations are expected to bear the brunt of these new measures.

Since the war started, Trump has threatened to bomb Iran into the “stone age” numerous times, and unfortunately for us, and unlike the boy who cried wolf, Trump has at his disposal the greatest war machine ever assembled by the human race and with acolytes who are willing to carry out his wishes irrespective of the consequences.

Three Democratic senators urged President Trump to block Chinese automakers from entering the U.S. market, citing economic and national security risks. They highlighted concerns over unfair competition, state-backed subsidies, and potential data security threats from connected vehicles. The senators also called for preventing Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S. via Canada and Mexico.

Year of records: Foreign investors sell Rs 1.8L Cr Equities | IPOs raise Rs 2L Cr

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, a trailblazer in global finance, is navigating economic uncertainty stemming from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. Her career, marked by numerous 'firsts' as a lawyer and politician, showcases a consistent ability to manage crises and redefine leadership roles.

Pakistan faces a strategic crossroads, caught between alliances and regional conflicts. Past involvements in foreign wars, driven by external powers, have led to domestic instability and blowback. Now, a new defence pact with Saudi Arabia and escalating conflict with Afghanistan highlight the nation's struggle to balance relevance with long-term stability, risking further entanglement.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah emphasized sincere dialogue on trade, security, and resource sharing for a prosperous future built on shared democratic beliefs. He highlighted the need for mutual respect and interdependence, recalling India's crucial support during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War and the spirit of equality and justice.