Trump slaps additional 100 percent tariff on China
Intensifying trade tensions with China, US President Donald Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods in response to Beijing’s export policy of tightening its control over critical minerals and rare earth elements—key resources vital to global technology and defense industries. Trump further clarified on his earlier comments regarding his planned meeting with Xi, saying he had not officially canceled the summit. Trump revealed the tariff increase via Truth Social, stating the new duties would take effect on November 1, or possibly sooner. These tariffs would supersede the existing duties on Chinese goods, which have been in place since the previous trade conflict. Additionally, Trump announced his administration would implement export controls on “any and all critical software,” in response to China’s tightened grip on rare earth exports. “It is impossible to believe that China would have taken such an action, but they have, and the rest is history,” Trump posted on Truth Social. However, he expressed surprise at China’s sudden imposition of the export restrictions, calling them “out of the blue.” Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump added, “No, I haven’t canceled. However, I’m not sure if we’ll have it. I’ll be there regardless. I would assume we might have it, but they hit the world with something. It was shocking. Out of the blue, they came up with this whole import-export concept, and nobody knew anything about it.” Trump reiterated that the additional tariffs and export controls would be imposed in retaliation for what he described as Beijing’s “extraordinarily aggressive” actions. The tariffs, effective November 1, will target a wide range of Chinese goods, exacerbating the already tense trade relationship between the two nations. Stock markets reacted negatively to the news, with the Nasdaq falling 3.6% and the S&P 500 dropping 2.7 pc. China introduced new restrictions this week that require foreign entities to obtain licenses to export any products containing more than 0.1 percent rare earth elements sourced from or processed in China. China currently controls approximately 70 percent of the world’s supply of rare earth metals, which are essential for a wide range of technologies, from smartphones to military equipment. Currently, Chinese goods face US tariffs of 30 pc, a measure Trump implemented during his first term, accusing Beijing of enabling the fentanyl trade and engaging in unfair trade practices. Earlier in the week, Trump stated there was “no reason to meet” with Xi Jinping after Beijing’s “very hostile” actions regarding rare earth exports. He warned that the US was preparing to respond with “strong countermeasures.” When asked if the US would revoke the additional tariffs if China rolled back its restrictions, Trump responded, “We’ll have to see what happens. That’s why I made it November 1.” Trump also hinted at further export controls, suggesting that aircraft parts could be among the items targeted by the US. “A lot more. We have airplanes and their parts. We were just surprised by China. I have a very good relationship with President Xi, and they did that. This is not something that I instigated. This was just a response to something they did. And they didn’t really aim it at us. They aimed it at the whole world. I thought it was very, very bad,” he said. The tariffs will be in addition to those already in place, marking a significant escalation in the trade standoff. Trump also reaffirmed that export controls on all critical software will begin on the same day.
Odisha approves Rs 1,790 crore intra-state river linking project
The Odisha Cabinet has approved the “Intra-State River Linking Scheme in Odisha” with an estimated outlay of Rs 1,790 crore. The project will be executed over a period of five financial years, from 2025-26 to 2029-30. The scheme aims to optimise intra-state water distribution by connecting water-surplus river basins with water-deficient regions. The government expects the project to improve drought resilience, create additional water storage, mitigate flood risks, and boost agricultural productivity through six major projects. State Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said that climate change has emerged as a critical global challenge, creating increasing uncertainty in the timing, duration, and intensity of monsoon rains. He added that this unpredictability poses significant water-related challenges to human society. To address these issues, the State Government has planned to implement the new “Intra-State River Linking Scheme in Odisha,” Ahuja confirmed.
Priyanka Gandhi seeks clarification from govt over exclusion of women journalists from Taliban’s presser
Strongly criticising the government for allowing the Taliban to exclude women journalists from a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today demanded clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on why female journalists were barred from attending the event. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, please clarify your position on the removal of female journalists from the press conference of the representative of the Taliban on his visit to India,” Priyanka Gandhi said on X, questioning the government’s stance on women’s rights. The move has sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the Taliban’s discriminatory policies towards women. Journalists and politicians have also spoken out against the exclusion, with some questioning why India allowed such restrictions on its soil. The incident has also sparked a heated debate on social media, with many demanding clarity on the government’s position.The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet commented on the incident. However, officials claimed that the Indian side had not been consulted on the exclusion of women journalists and that the press conference was held inside the Afghan embassy, which might limit India’s ability to intervene.
