US Vice President JD Vance, on a four-day visit to India, held a significant closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This high-level engagement comes amid escalating global economic uncertainty, particularly the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China.

The discussions were followed by delegation-level talks, highlighting the urgency on both sides to finalize a long-awaited India-US bilateral trade agreement. According to officials, negotiations are in their advanced stage, with efforts underway to wrap up the deal by the end of May.

90-day tariff pause seen as opportunity for breakthrough

The trade talks gained momentum after the US paused new reciprocal tariffs—originally a 26% hike on Indian goods—introduced by President Donald Trump. Economists see this 90-day suspension as a crucial window to strike a “win-win” agreement that meets the priorities of both nations.

India, however, has asserted that it will not accept any rushed terms. Officials in New Delhi have stated that any agreement must protect India’s economic interests and reflect mutual respect.

Sector-specific talks and ministerial meetings lined up

Sources indicate that sector-specific negotiations will take place this week following the Modi-Vance meeting. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to advance the discussions during her visit to Washington for the upcoming IMF summit.

Focus on technology and clean energy investment

India is also pushing for increased American investment in sectors such as clean energy, automobiles, manufacturing, and digital technologies. During the meeting, Vance and Modi discussed avenues to strengthen business-to-business ties in these critical areas.

The conversation comes shortly after PM Modi spoke with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk hinted at visiting India later this year, sparking speculation about Tesla, Starlink, or SpaceX entering the Indian market.

In another boost to US-India cooperation, Holtec International recently received clearance to co-develop nuclear power plants in India. The company, promoted by Indian-American Krishna P Singh, already operates its engineering division in Pune and runs a manufacturing plant in Gujarat’s Bharuch district.

Defence and strategic collaboration also on table

While trade dominated the talks, both leaders also reviewed progress in defence and strategic technologies. According to a government statement, areas like energy and advanced defence systems were also part of the discussion.

Although no specific outcomes were mentioned, the meeting builds upon earlier proposals from the US, including an offer to supply F-35 stealth fighter jets. India’s status as a Major Defence Partner under Strategic Trade Authorization-1 allows it access to cutting-edge American technology, placing it on par with US NATO allies.

Looking ahead

PM Modi recalled his recent visit to Washington DC and discussions with President Trump, underlining the shared vision between ‘Make America Great Again’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across economic, defence, and technological domains.

The first Latin American to head the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. He died after a prolonged illness.

Pope Francis succeeded as pope in 2013 following the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, a first as well.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis faced multiple health challenges, including a particularly serious bout of double pneumonia in recent months.

The next pope will be elected by the cardinals some 15-20 days later.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14 for bronchitis. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and reported to be in a “critical condition.” During this period, the Vatican also announced signs of “initial, mild” kidney failure.

He made a public appearance on March 23, greeting supporters from a balcony of the hospital and offering a thumbs-up. Later, he returned to the Vatican to undertake two months of prescribed rest.

He participated in the Easter Sunday Service as well yesterday. A day earlier, he had met US Vice President JD Vance.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. His election marked a shift for the Church, which was grappling with a child sex abuse scandal and internal conflicts.

Despite facing significant criticism from both conservative and progressive factions within the Church, Pope Francis became a global icon, renowned for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and advocacy for marginalized communities, including migrants.

During his papacy, he issued four major teaching documents, and embarked on 47 foreign trips to over 65 countries. He also canonized more than 900 saints.

Notably, Pope Francis aimed to modernize the Church by permitting priests to bless same-sex couples in certain circumstances and appointing women to leadership positions within the Vatican for the first time. Furthermore, he held five major summits of Catholic bishops to address contentious issues such as women’s ordination and Church sexual teachings.

In a shocking incident that has rattled the police fraternity in Karnataka, retired Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was found murdered at his residence in Bengaluru. The 68-year-old former top cop was allegedly killed by his wife, Pallavi, following a domestic dispute that turned violent.

Gruesome crime scene and initial police findings

According to sources, a heated argument between Om Prakash and Pallavi took place on the day of the incident, reportedly triggered by a property dispute. During the altercation, Pallavi allegedly threw chilli powder at her husband, tied him up, and attacked him with a glass bottle before fatally stabbing him. Initial investigations suggest two knives were used in the assault, and multiple stab wounds were found on his abdomen and chest.

Bengaluru police responded to the crime scene after being alerted by another police officer’s wife, whom Pallavi had reportedly called and confessed to the crime. Upon arrival, both Pallavi and the couple’s daughter were detained and questioned for nearly 12 hours. Pallavi has since emerged as the prime suspect in the ongoing investigation.

Family conflict and property dispute

The motive behind the murder appears to stem from a disagreement over property that Om Prakash had transferred to a relative. His son, Kartikeya, has filed a formal complaint stating that his mother and sister had been experiencing depression and had previously threatened his father’s life.

Kartikeya alleged that his father had moved in with his sister, Saritha Kumari, to avoid the growing tension at home. However, just two days before the incident, his younger sister Kruthi convinced Om Prakash to return home. On the day of the murder, Kartikeya was not present but was informed by a neighbor of the tragic development.

Official response and background of the officer

Bengaluru Additional Commissioner of Police Vikas Kumar confirmed that the police were informed of the murder early in the morning. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara acknowledged the incident and expressed condolences, remembering Om Prakash as a capable officer and a good human being.

Om Prakash, a 1981 batch Indian Police Service officer, was appointed as Karnataka’s Director General of Police in March 2015. He also served as the head of Fire and Emergency Services and Home Guards. Originally hailing from Bihar, he held a Master’s degree in Geology.

Police investigations are ongoing to establish the full sequence of events and determine the extent of involvement, if any, of the daughter in the murder.