US Appeals Court Rules Trump's Global Tariffs Illegal
A US federal appeals court has ruled that most of President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" are illegal, finding he overstepped his authority by using emergency economic powers. The court affirmed that only Congress holds the power for such sweeping duties. The decision impacts numerous trading partners, including India. However, the tariffs will remain in place temporarily to allow the Trump administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court, marking a significant setback for its aggressive trade policies.
Indian PM and Chinese President Meet Amid Trade Tensions with US
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks in Tianjin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The meeting, Modi's first visit to China in seven years, is seen as crucial for stabilising economic ties and normalizing relations strained by border disputes. The discussions are set against a backdrop of new US trade tariffs affecting both nations, with leaders expected to explore ways to bolster regional economic stability in response to global volatility.
India and Japan Deepen Strategic Ties with 10 Trillion Yen Investment Pledge
During a summit in Tokyo, India and Japan solidified their "Special Strategic and Global Partnership," with Japan pledging a 10 trillion yen (approx. ₹60,000 crores) investment in India over the next decade. The two nations signed 13 agreements, establishing a 10-year economic roadmap and frameworks for defence cooperation, supply chain resilience in sectors like semiconductors and clean energy, and a joint lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-5. The collaboration aims to bolster economic security and regional stability.
IAF Reveals Details of 'Operation Sindoor', Says Under 50 Weapons Forced Ceasefire
The Indian Air Force used fewer than 50 precision weapons to achieve "complete domination" over Pakistani military targets, compelling Islamabad to request a ceasefire by May 10, according to Vice Chief of Air Staff Narmdeshwar Tiwari. Speaking at a defence summit, he revealed that the strikes during 'Operation Sindoor' targeted key military infrastructure, including some not hit even in the 1971 war. The operation was a calibrated response to the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrating high precision with no collateral damage.
Commerce Ministry Drafts Plan to Counter 50% US Tariffs on Indian Goods
India's Commerce Ministry is developing a multi-tiered strategy to protect exporters from new 50% US tariffs, which could affect nearly $49 billion worth of shipments. The plan includes short-term measures for liquidity relief, medium-term actions to leverage existing free trade agreements (FTAs) with partners like the EU and UAE, and a long-term goal of diversifying export markets to Latin America and Africa. The strategy aims to build supply chain resilience and reduce compliance burdens for businesses, particularly MSMEs.
Rupee Breaches 88 Mark, Closes at All-Time Low Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee fell to a historic low, breaching the 88 mark for the first time to close at 88.09 against the US dollar. The sharp 51-paise decline is attributed to heightened trade tensions following the imposition of steep US tariffs on Indian goods, significant foreign fund outflows, and strong dollar demand from importers. The depreciation puts pressure on India's import-dependent sectors and could fuel inflation, impacting the broader economy and household costs.
Indian Economy Grows 7.8% in Q1, Fastest Pace in Five Quarters
India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.8% in the April-June quarter of the 2025-26 financial year, marking its fastest pace in five quarters. The growth, which surpassed the RBI's projections, was primarily driven by a strong performance in the agriculture sector. With this result, India maintains its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy, significantly outpacing China's 5.2% growth during the same period, according to data from the National Statistical Office.
US President Trump No Longer Plans to Visit India for Quad Summit, NYT Reports
US President Donald Trump has reportedly cancelled his plans to visit India for the upcoming Quad Summit, according to a New York Times report. The article claims the decision follows a souring of the relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The alleged friction stems from disagreements over US tariffs, differing accounts of America’s role in de-escalating the recent India-Pakistan military conflict, and Trump's reported suggestions that India should nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Opposition-Ruled States Demand 5-Year Compensation for Proposed GST Reforms
Finance ministers from eight opposition-ruled states have collectively demanded a five-year compensation package from the central government over proposed GST reforms. They estimate that consolidating the current four-tier structure into a two-tier system could cause an annual revenue loss of up to ₹2 lakh crore. The group plans to formally present its proposal, which also suggests an additional levy on sin and luxury goods to protect state finances, at the upcoming GST Council meeting.
Supreme Court Bar Association Flags 'Disproportionately Low' Number of Women Judges
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed a resolution expressing grave concern over the poor representation of women in the higher judiciary. The lawyers' body noted that no woman has been appointed to the Supreme Court since 2021 and that several High Courts, including Uttarakhand and Meghalaya, have no women judges. Of approximately 1,100 sanctioned High Court posts, only 103 are held by women. The SCBA has urged the Chief Justice of India and the Collegium to prioritise women's elevation.
Karnataka High Court Seeks Centre's Reply on Challenge to New Online Gaming Act
The Karnataka High Court has asked the Union government to respond to a petition challenging the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Petitioners argue the law was enacted without consultation and threatens the livelihoods of over two lakh employees in the sector. They contend that a blanket ban on skill-based games involving stakes is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental right to trade. The court will hear arguments for an interim stay on the Act's implementation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to Visit India in December
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will make an official visit to India in December for the annual bilateral summit. The announcement signals deepening ties between the two nations, particularly amid ongoing trade frictions between India and the United States. Preparations for the high-level visit will be discussed during a meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.
Landslide and Cloudburst Kill 10 in Jammu and Kashmir
At least ten people were killed and three remain missing after a landslide and a cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi and Ramban districts. The disasters were triggered by intense overnight rainfall. In Reasi, a landslide flattened a house, killing a couple and their five children, while a separate cloudburst in Ramban killed three others. Rescue operations are ongoing as heavy rains continue to cause widespread damage across several districts in the Jammu region.
PM Modi Discusses Ukraine Conflict with President Zelenskyy Ahead of Putin Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone, reaffirming India's support for all efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict. The conversation took place ahead of Modi's scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit. In a social media post, Zelenskyy said he and Modi coordinated positions and that he was told "India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia" during the summit.
Marriage Not Invalidated by Lack of Registration, Allahabad High Court Rules
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a marriage solemnised under the Hindu Marriage Act is not invalid simply because it was not registered. Justice Manish Nigam observed that while state governments can make rules for compulsory registration, its purpose is merely to provide convenient evidence of the marriage. The court clarified that the validity of the marriage itself is not affected by the failure to make an entry in a register, setting aside a family court order that demanded a registration certificate.