Will Trump’s tariff war spark big-bang reforms in India?

The article first appeared in BBC on Mar 19, 2025. India's economic trajectory has often been influenced by pivotal moments that necessitated significant policy shifts. The 1991 liberalization stands as a testament to India's ability to transform crisis into opportunity. Today, amidst escalating global trade tensions, particularly with the United States, India faces another critical juncture that could redefine its trade policies and economic landscape. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has intensified scrutiny over India's trade practices, labeling it the "tariff king" due to its relatively high average tariff rates. According to data from the World Trade Organization, India's average tariff rate in 2018 was 17.1%, significantly higher than that of major economies such as the U.S., Japan, and the European Union, which had rates between 3.4% and 5.2%. This disparity has been a focal point in U.S.-India trade discussions, with the U.S. advocating for more equitable tariff structures. In response to these concerns and as part of ongoing trade negotiations, India is contemplating reducing import tariffs on over 30 items, including luxury cars, solar cells, yachts, and machinery. This move aims to enhance trade relations and address global trade tensions, potentially leading to increased imports from the United States. Such measures could also serve to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and foster a more balanced trade relationship. Domestically, India has proposed a 12% safeguard duty on steel imports for 200 days to protect its steel industry from an influx of cheap imports from countries like China, South Korea, and Japan. This measure underscores India's efforts to shield its domestic industries while navigating the complexities of global trade dynamics. However, such protective measures must be balanced against the need to integrate more fully into global value chains, which require a more open trade regime. India's current position presents a compelling case for comprehensive trade reforms. By reducing tariffs and embracing a more open trade policy, India can enhance its integration into global value chains, boost competitiveness, and stimulate economic growth. Lower tariffs would reduce costs for industries reliant on imported inputs, making Indian products more competitive in international markets. Additionally, consumers would benefit from a wider array of goods at more affordable prices. Moreover, aligning tariffs with global standards could strengthen India's position in trade negotiations, attracting foreign investment and fostering technological advancements. Such reforms would not only address the immediate challenges posed by global trade tensions but also lay the foundation for sustainable economic development. Read more at BBC Find more Global Indian Top Reads  

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How Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams united America and Russia

The article first appeared in The Times of India on Mar 18, 2025.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have safely returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their space mission, originally planned for just eight days, was prolonged due to propulsion issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This delay led to an alternative return plan that involved sending a SpaceX Dragon capsule to bring them back.

In September 2024, NASA and Roscosmos collaborated to send astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov to the ISS with the goal of retrieving the stranded crew. However, unforeseen technical and logistical challenges delayed the mission further. It was only on March 14, 2025, that the SpaceX Crew-10 mission finally launched, arriving at the ISS the next day. After a brief handover period, Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov departed the ISS aboard the Dragon capsule, successfully splashing down off the coast of Florida on March 18.

This space mission highlighted the power of international cooperation, particularly between the United States and Russia, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. NASA and Roscosmos worked closely to ensure the safe return of their astronauts, demonstrating that space exploration remains a unifying force beyond Earthly conflicts. Williams’ Indian heritage has also added an inspiring dimension to her journey, as her achievements resonate with aspiring astronauts worldwide.

Throughout their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore contributed to vital scientific research, conducted maintenance on the ISS, and adapted to the challenges of prolonged weightlessness. Now back on Earth, they will undergo a rehabilitation program to readjust to gravity and regain their physical strength.

The success of this space mission also underscores the growing role of commercial spaceflight in human exploration. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, now a crucial asset in NASA’s operations, has once again proven its reliability in crewed missions.

Sunita Williams' journey is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the limitless potential of human exploration. Her safe return marks yet another milestone in the collaborative efforts that make space travel possible, inspiring generations to look toward the stars....

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Indian Americans worried over US ties under Trump, survey reveals

The article first appeared in bbc.com on Mar 12, 2025. The 2024 Indian-American Survey, conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in collaboration with YouGov, offers a comprehensive insight into the political attitudes and foreign policy perspectives of the Indian-American community. Conducted between September 18 and October 15, 2024, this nationally representative online survey encompassed 1,206 Indian American adult residents, with a margin of error of +/- 3%. A significant finding from the survey is the heightened optimism among members of the Indian-American community regarding India's direction. Approximately 47% of respondents believe that India is on the right path, marking a 10 percentage point increase from four years prior. This positive sentiment is further reflected in the approval ratings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with nearly half of the respondents endorsing his performance. Additionally, 40% perceive that the 2024 election has enhanced India's democratic fabric. While the community expresses optimism about India's future, there are palpable concerns regarding the trajectory of U.S.-India relations under a potential second term for Donald Trump. The survey reveals that the community rates the Biden administration's handling of U.S.-India relations slightly higher than that of the first Trump administration. Furthermore, respondents believe that bilateral ties would have been more favorable under a hypothetical Harris administration compared to a second Trump term. The survey also highlights evolving political affiliations within the Indian-American community. While a majority continue to support the Democratic Party, there has been a noticeable decline in this attachment. The proportion identifying as Democrats decreased from 56% in 2020 to 47% in 2024. Conversely, those identifying as Independents rose to 26%, and Republican affiliation remained steady at 21%. In the context of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the survey indicates that 61% of Indian Americans intended to vote for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, while 31% supported Republican nominee Donald Trump. This reflects a slight decrease in Democratic support from 2020, where 68% backed Joe Biden, and an increase in support for Trump, up from 22% in the previous election cycle. Economic concerns emerged as the primary issues influencing community voters. Approximately 17% identified inflation and prices as their top concern, followed by 13% who prioritized jobs and the economy. Notably, abortion also ranked highly, with 13% considering it a crucial issue, underscoring the community's engagement with broader national debates. The survey sheds light on the community's nuanced foreign policy perspectives. Members of the Indian-American community hold varied views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with partisan divides evident: Democrats tend to empathize more with the Palestinian cause, while Republicans lean towards pro-Israel sentiments. Additionally, only about half of the respondents were aware of allegations concerning India's involvement in an attempted assassination on U.S. soil, with a slim majority deeming such actions unjustifiable... Read more at bbc.com Find more Global Indian Top Reads  

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Explained: Why H-1B is the most restrictive visa in US immigration

This article first appeared in the Business Standard on March 11, 2025 The H-1B visa process remains one of the most challenging aspects of the U.S. immigration system, primarily due to its strict annual cap, which significantly limits the number of visas available. With demand far exceeding supply, many skilled professionals face a lottery system and stringent eligibility requirements, making it difficult for both employers and prospective employees to navigate the process successfully. A recent study by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) highlights the ongoing difficulties faced by applicants. In fiscal year 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received 423,028 eligible registrations. However, only 85,000 new H-1B visas were issued, resulting in an approval rate of just 20%. This means that for every five highly skilled foreign professionals hoping to work in the U.S., only one will secure a visa. The restrictive nature of the H-1B visa process continues to pose a challenge, leaving thousands of qualified candidates without the opportunity to contribute their expertise to the U.S. economy. “The strict annual limit on new H-1B petitions makes this category the most restrictive visa in the U.S. immigration system,” according to the NFAP report. The inability to expand the visa cap has led to over 300,000 skilled professionals being denied entry into the U.S. workforce. Experts argue that these limitations hinder economic growth by preventing American companies from hiring top global talent, especially in high-demand fields like technology, engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Understanding the H-1B Visa Process

• 1990 – Establishment of the 65,000 Cap: Congress introduced an annual cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas to control the influx of skilled professionals.
• Expansion for Advanced Degree Holders: An additional 20,000 visas were later allocated for individuals holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.

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The complex story of the first British Indian to win an Olympic medal

The article first appeared in Scroll.in on Mar 08, 2025. Norman Pritchard’s legacy as an Olympic medal winner is both inspiring and tragic. In 1900, he became the first British Indian to win a medal at the Olympics, securing silver in both the 200m and 200m hurdles. His success at the Paris Games placed him among the greatest athletes of his time. However, his promising sports career was cut short due to an injury, forcing him to leave behind his dreams as an Olympic medal winner. Born in British India in 1877, Pritchard showed early promise in sports. He was a talented sprinter and hurdler, winning several titles in Indian athletic competitions before representing his country at the Olympics. His remarkable speed and agility made him a strong contender on the global stage, and his achievements at the 1900 Paris Olympics were historic. However, an unfortunate injury ended his journey as an athlete, preventing him from continuing his career in competitive sports. Despite this setback, his legacy as an Olympic medal winner remains significant in the history of Indian and British athletics. With his athletic career over, Pritchard turned to a different passion—acting. He moved to England in 1905 and later pursued a career in silent films, starring in photoplays that earned him moderate fame. At the same time, he followed in his father’s footsteps by engaging in the tea, indigo, and jute trade. However, his personal life was filled with turmoil. His marriage to Constance Clague was troubled, and in 1906, she accused him of domestic violence. A probate court petition filed in England detailed multiple incidents of assault, severely damaging his reputation. As his acting career declined and personal troubles mounted, Pritchard began struggling with severe mental health issues. His declining mental state led to delusions, and he was eventually confined to a California sanatorium. Isolated from the world of sports and entertainment, he spent his final years battling psychological distress. In October 1929, he passed away at a young age, far removed from the glory he once knew. Norman Pritchard’s story is a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame. Though he achieved greatness as an Olympic medal winner, his later years were filled with personal struggles and controversy. Today, he is remembered both for his sporting achievements and the tragic turns his life took. Read more at Scroll.in Find another interesting Global Indian Top Read  

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As Trump launches the tariff war, how can India safeguard its interests?

The article first appeared in Business Standard on Mar 10, 2025.

India’s top exports to the US included packaged medicines ($10.4 billion), diamonds ($7.61 billion), broadcasting equipment ($6.18 billion), and petroleum products ($522 million as of November 2024). Meanwhile, major US exports to India consisted of crude petroleum ($5.5 billion), coal briquettes ($4.61 billion), and gas turbines ($2.39 billion).

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