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Indian Express
6 minutes ago
- Indian Express
US team scraps visit, trade talks with India stuck on agri hurdle
The India-US negotiations for a trade deal, which began in February after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States, have come to a halt, and the US negotiators' scheduled visit to India later this month stands cancelled, a source aware of the development told The Indian Express. The breakdown in trade talks assumes significance as US President Donald Trump has announced 50 per cent tariff on Indian products, the highest on any country globally. While 25 per cent tariff has already come into effect, government officials have said the levy of another 25 per cent – for Russia oil trade — could depend on 'how geopolitical events unfold'. The Indian Express had first reported on August 8 that the negotiations for a trade agreement had hit a pause, and the arrival of the US trade team was uncertain, as no formal communication had been received from their side. The deal has been stuck over India's long-standing stance of protecting farmers in every trade agreement. The US, under Trump, is prioritising market access for its agricultural products. In his Independence Day speech on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that India would not compromise on the well-being of its farmers, fisherfolk and cattle keepers, amid the standoff with the US over access for American products in India's agriculture and dairy market. On August 7, too, after Trump announced the additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, Modi had said that he would not compromise 'even if it entailed paying a very heavy personal price'. The geopolitical factor The uncertainty over when the tariffs on India could ease may drag on, as Trump's high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin did not result in a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. However, Trump said he and Putin had made progress during the meeting in Alaska. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that the secondary tariffs on India could increase if 'things don't go well' during the Trump-Putin talks. 'I think everyone has been frustrated with President Putin. We expected that he would come to the table in a more fulsome way. It looks like he may be ready to negotiate. And we put secondary tariffs on the Indians for buying Russian oil. I could see, if things don't go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up,' Bessent said in an interview with Bloomberg earlier.
Hindustan Times
6 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
'Stop the Trump Takeover': Thousands protest across 34 states against President Donald-backed redistricting
Thousands of Americans are expected to gather across various cities, towns, and community spaces on August 16 as part of a coordinated National Day of Protest against Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas and beyond, reported The Guardian. President Donald Trump's request to redistrict and add five seats in the red state is currently being considered by Texas Republicans.(AP) According to another CNN report, organizers say more than 200 events in 34 states are taking place under the banner 'Stop the Trump Takeover'. The largest rally is anchored in Austin, Texas, where former Congressman Beto O'Rourke, labor leader Dolores Huerta, and other prominent speakers are scheduled to address demonstrators at the State Capitol. Also Read: Trump softens stance on India, China tariffs? What he said after meeting Putin Texas at the center of the protests The wave of protests comes as Texas Republicans consider a mid-decade redistricting plan, reportedly at President Donald Trump's request, that could hand the GOP five new congressional seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. In response, Texas House Democrats fled the state earlier this month to prevent a quorum and block the vote. They have demanded that Republicans end their special session and that Democrats in California advance their own offsetting maps before returning. According to CNN, the event page for the Austin rally stated, 'Texas is being used as a testing ground for extremist policies and partisan games that do not reflect our values.' Anti-Trump protests will be held from Texas to California The fight, The Guardian report added, has spilled beyond Texas. California Governor Gavin Newsom was quoted as saying that Democrats will push forward with their own redistricting plan, which will add five Democratic seats, but only if Republican states advance their efforts. Per the report, Democrats have argued that Trump and his allies are attempting to 'rig the system' by redrawing congressional maps. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, was quoted as saying that Trump knows he cannot win on his ideas and is changing the rules. The DNC is helping coordinate the demonstrations. Inside the nationwide protests against Trump While the main spotlight is on Austin, demonstrations are spreading across the United States. Protestors are gathering at Central Park in New York City, and organizers are painting banners and signs across the city in Washington, DC. Protestors have planned 'Bridge brigades' across 16 bridges in North Carolina, including in Raleigh and Durham. Meanwhile, California will see creative protests in locations like a Tesla showroom in Palo Alto. Moreover, in Florida, Missouri, and Ohio, rallies are expected to be held in Sarasota, Jefferson City, and Cincinnati. Apart from speeches, events include teach-ins, banner drops, art-making, and musical performances. Also Read: Photos: Protesters oppose Putin's warm welcome on US soil, Alaskan summit with Trump Drucilla Tigner, executive director of the Texas For All coalition, framed the Trump Takeover protests as part of a broader struggle. He told CNN that even though the fight began in Texas, it does not end there. Tigner said, 'This isn't just about redistricting or one state's politics. It's about the future of our democracy.' Organizers have stressed a 'commitment to nonviolence' as demonstrations unfold. FAQs Q1. How many Trump Takeover protests are planned today? Over 200 events in 34 states are taking place across the US. Q2. Where is the main protest? The largest protest is scheduled for Austin, Texas, at the State Capitol. Q3. What is at the center of the protests? Protesters are opposing Republican-led redistricting plans in Texas and other states, backed by Donald Trump, that could give the GOP more congressional seats.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Mithila ‘bhajan' at Atal event wows PM
Patna: A soulful Mithila bhajan rendered by two young girls from Bihar imbued a spiritual ambience at the 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial in Delhi on Saturday where President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi and other dignitaries paid emotional tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. The performance by Samridhi Pathak and Sanvi Pathak so moved the PM that he met them after the programme to personally commend their talent and encourage them. President Murmu also warmly applauded the duo for their rendition. West Delhi MP and folk singer Manoj Tiwari, Madhubani MP Dr Ashok Kumar Yadav, and JD(U) national executive president Sanjay Kumar Jha shared videos of the performance on their social media accounts. Jha noted that the Maithili Vandana, "Jai-jai Bhairavi Asura Bhayauni…", composed by the eminent poet Vidyapati, had left a deep impression on those attending the solemn gathering. The devotional piece, known as Gosauni, is part of Mithilanchal's rich cultural heritage and is traditionally sung in praise of Goddess Durga. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal lauded the young performers and said, "The daughters of Madhubani mesmerised everyone with their wonderful performance in tribute to Atal ji. The PM not only praised their art, but also gave new energy and inspiration to their spirit." Vajpayee holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Mithilanchal, remembered for his contributions to the region during his tenure as PM, including the construction of the Kosi Mahasetu and the inclusion of Maithili in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. In recent years, the Narendra Modi govt has made a point of showcasing Mithila's art and culture with Bihar scheduled to go to the polls this year. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a Makhana Board and even chose to wear a sari adorned with Madhubani painting for her Budget presentation this year. The PM and senior ministers have also gifted Madhubani paintings to foreign dignitaries, including China's defence minister earlier this year. In Patna, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid floral tributes to Vajpayee by garlanding his life-size statue at Pataliputra Park. The statue, unveiled in 2024 by Nitish Kumar, stands as a reminder of the late leader's enduring legacy in Bihar. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
