
India Set to Be First to Sign US Trade Deal Under Trump’s New Tariff Policy
Pointers by Shalini Ghosh 29-Apr-2025
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says India could be the first to finalize a trade deal with the US.
- Negotiations are progressing quickly due to India’s fewer non-tariff barriers and open trade practices.
- New US tariffs are set to begin July 8 unless agreements are reached; India is keen to avoid them.
- The deal aims to strengthen economic ties and encourage India to open markets for US energy and defense exports.
- India’s proactive engagement positions it favorably, with a bilateral agreement expected by the end of 2025.

Nepali student’s death at KIIT being thoroughly investigated by Odisha Police: India
Pointers by Sushmita Shetty 02-May-2025
- Second death in 90 days: Nepali student found hanging in KIIT hostel, similar to February’s Prakriti Lamsal case.
- Unnatural death probe: Bhubaneswar-Cuttack police commissioner confirms forensic investigation, post-mortem at AIIMS.
- Diplomatic intervention: Nepal’s FM demands probe; MEA assures transparency, coordination with Odisha government.
- Past negligence exposed: February victim had reported harassment; KIIT faced criticism for inaction.
- Heightened security: Campus security increased amid protests, concerns over international student safety.

Delhiites brave waterlogged roads, traffic jams as heavy rain hits NCR |
Pointers by Sushmita Shetty 02-May-2025
- Major areas affected Minto Road, ITO, Delhi Airport, Dwarka, and Gurugram faced severe waterlogging and traffic gridlocks.
- Flight disruptions Over 100 flights delayed/diverted; Delhi Airport issued advisories urging real-time checks.
- Casualties reported A woman and three children died in Najafgarh after a tree collapsed on their home.
- Political blame game AAP criticized BJP’s 65-day governance; CM Rekha Gupta vowed drain repairs.
- IMD red alert Residents advised to stay indoors, avoid flooded roads, and unplug electronics.

Macquarie University announces AUD 40,000 scholarships for Indian Students for 2025-26 intake
Pointers by Sushmita Shetty 02-May-2025
- AUD 40,000 Total Value: Early Acceptance Scholarship offers AUD 10,000 annually for UG/PG coursework degrees.
- Automatic Eligibility: Indian students automatically assessed upon course application; no separate form required.
- Tuition Fee Reduction: Covers ~25% of annual fees, credited per session after enrollment.
- Open Deadlines: Applications accepted year-round for 2025-26 intake; early offers prioritized.
- Exclusions Apply: Excludes MBA, medical programs, and government-sponsored students.

‘Sleepless nights to many’: PM Modi's swipe at INDIA bloc over presence of Tharoor, Kerala CM
Pointers by Sushmita Shetty 02-May-2025
- PM Modi, at Vizhinjam port’s inauguration, remarked Tharoor and Kerala CM’s presence would cause “sleepless nights” for many.
- The comment targeted the INDIA bloc, with both Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and CM Pinarayi Vijayan sharing the stage.
- Modi’s statement, partly lost in translation, was intended to unsettle political rivals within the opposition alliance.
- Tharoor, Congress MP, welcomed Modi and expressed pride in the port project’s completion in his constituency.
- The ₹8,867 crore Vizhinjam port, developed under a PPP model, is hailed as a landmark for India’s maritime trade.

Ganga expressway will start by November 2, 88% work has been completed
Pointers by Sushmita Shetty 02-May-2025
- Ganga Expressway, spanning 594 km from Meerut to Prayagraj, will open by November 2, 2025.
- 88% of the main carriageway and earthwork is finished; overall project progress is on track.
- The expressway features six lanes (expandable to eight), high-speed design, and advanced safety measures.
- It includes India’s first expressway airstrip with night landing for fighter jets in Shahjahanpur.
- The project will boost UP’s connectivity, economic growth, and is expected to benefit 12 districts.