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Former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant calls Trump’s 50% tariff a push for reforms, urges India to act decisively

Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa, calls Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods a “once in a generation opportunity”, urging policymakers to use the moment for bold reforms.

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India’s former G20 Sherpa and ex-NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has described the newly imposed 50% US tariff on Indian goods as a “once in a generation opportunity” to push for critical economic reforms. Despite the potential impact on India-US trade relations, Kant urged policymakers to use the moment strategically rather than see it purely as a setback.

The United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, has significantly escalated its trade stance toward India. Following a 25% tariff announced last month, Trump has now introduced an additional 25%, raising the effective tariff to 50% on a wide range of Indian exports.

The revised duty structure came into effect on August 7 at 9:30 am IST for the first phase, while the additional 25% will be implemented after a 21-day period. The move is reportedly a reaction to India’s ongoing procurement of Russian oil and defense equipment, a decision Trump has openly criticized.

In a strongly worded post on his platform Truth Social, Trump stated, “While India is our friend, we’ve done little business with them due to their high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers.” He further emphasized India’s close energy and defense ties with Russia, calling them “not good” in light of global concerns over the war in Ukraine.

Broad impact across Indian export sectors

The tariff hike will affect a diverse range of Indian exports, increasing the cost of Indian goods in the American market. Products including shrimps, organic chemicals, textiles, apparel (both woven and knitted), gems and jewellery, steel, copper, aluminium, machinery, mechanical appliances, furniture, and bedding will now attract at least 50% tariffs.

Vehicles will face a 26% tariff, while petroleum products will incur a 6.9% duty. This could significantly weaken the competitiveness of Indian exporters in the US market — one of India’s top trading partners.

‘Crisis must be fully utilised’: Kant

Amitabh Kant, reflecting on the development, posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms. Crisis must be fully utilised.”

Kant’s statement underscores a broader viewpoint that India must respond to global shifts with internal strengthening, including policy shifts that could boost competitiveness, encourage domestic manufacturing, and diversify trade partnerships.

What lies ahead

While the immediate economic fallout may cause friction in India-US trade, experts believe this could also open the door to recalibrating India’s trade strategy. Analysts expect Indian authorities to evaluate both short-term mitigations and long-term structural adjustments in response to the US’s evolving trade policies.

As diplomatic channels work to ease tensions, Kant’s remark has set the tone for India to approach this challenge as a trigger for deeper economic transformation.

India News

Rabri Devi removes new security detail after Z-plus cover withdrawal, Tejashwi Yadav follows suit

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reportedly removed newly assigned security personnel after the state government revised security cover for several political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav.

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Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has reportedly removed a newly deployed security team from her residence after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to several political leaders in the state.

The move came days after a security review resulted in changes to the protection arrangements of several politicians, including RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to reports, Rabri Devi expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the Z-plus security cover that had previously been provided to her and her husband.

Security cover revised after government review

The Bihar government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for a number of political leaders. Following the assessment, the security category of some leaders was altered based on the recommendations of security agencies.

As part of the exercise, the Z-plus cover earlier available to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi was reportedly withdrawn. Revised security arrangements were subsequently put in place by the administration.

However, reports suggest that Rabri Devi was unhappy with the changes and directed the newly assigned personnel to leave her residence.

Tejashwi Yadav also takes similar step

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is also reported to have objected to the revised security deployment. According to sources, he too asked the newly assigned security personnel to leave.

The development has triggered political discussion in Bihar, with the RJD questioning the rationale behind the changes in security arrangements for members of the Yadav family.

Political reactions expected

The security review comes at a time when Bihar’s political environment remains active ahead of upcoming electoral battles. While the state government has maintained that security decisions are based on assessments by agencies and established protocols, opposition leaders are expected to raise questions over the timing and nature of the changes.

No official indication has emerged suggesting a reversal of the revised security arrangements so far.

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India News

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke joins protest, 6 detained during demonstration

Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party staged a protest in Delhi, during which six individuals were detained by police.

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Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the organisation held a demonstration over examination and recruitment-related concerns. The protest took place under heightened security arrangements, with police detaining six individuals during the course of the gathering.

Supporters assembled at the designated protest venue to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The demonstration marked a significant public mobilisation by the organisation, which has gained attention in recent months through campaigns focused on issues affecting students and job aspirants.

Six detained amid tight security arrangements

Police maintained a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas ahead of the protest. Security personnel were deployed to monitor the gathering and ensure law and order during the demonstration.

According to reports, six protesters were detained during the event. Authorities closely monitored the situation as participants continued to gather at the venue. Despite the detentions, the protest remained largely peaceful.

Dipke joined supporters at the site and reiterated the group’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment systems. Protesters also voiced concerns over issues related to educational governance and opportunities for young job seekers.

Protest highlights concerns of students and job aspirants

The demonstration drew participants from different regions who gathered to express concerns over examination-related controversies and recruitment processes. Organisers maintained that the protest was intended to be a peaceful and democratic expression of public grievances.

Addressing supporters, Dipke stressed the importance of continuing the movement through constitutional means and public engagement. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting their demands for reforms and greater accountability.

The event was held after authorities granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, one of the capital’s designated venues for public protests. Security remained in place throughout the programme as officials monitored developments.

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Cricket news

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India call-up hailed as a game changer by BCCI

BCCI has hailed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in the Indian team as a significant moment for Indian cricket, rewarding the teenager’s outstanding performances in IPL 2026.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has welcomed the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian team, describing his rapid rise as a major positive development for the future of Indian cricket.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden senior national team call-up after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign that established him as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His fearless batting and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts alike.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the youngster’s achievements, noting that exceptional performances are always rewarded. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s progress reflects the strength of India’s cricket development system and the opportunities available to emerging players.

Sooryavanshi’s selection comes after a season in which he produced remarkable numbers with the bat and played a crucial role for his franchise. His ability to handle pressure situations and score at a brisk pace made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The teenager’s inclusion in the national squad is being viewed as an important step in India’s efforts to build a strong pool of young talent for the future. Cricket observers believe the experience of being part of the senior setup will aid his development and help him adapt to the demands of international cricket.

His rise has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have followed his journey from age-group cricket to the IPL and now to the national team. The selection also underlines the growing trend of young players making a rapid transition to the highest level based on outstanding performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

With expectations high, Sooryavanshi will now look to make the most of the opportunity and continue the form that earned him recognition at the national level.

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