Trump’s tariff tyranny
Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by an unrelenting assault on global trade and immigration, leaving businesses, workers, and entire economies scrambling to adapt. His erratic tariff policies, imposed with little warning, have disrupted supply chains, rattled financial markets, and strained diplomatic relations. No country has been spared, and India—despite Prime Minister Modi’s enthusiastic embrace of Trump—has found itself squarely in the crosshairs. The latest blow comes in the form of a 5% tax on dollar remittances sent by Indian immigrants, a move that disproportionately affects green card holders and work visa holders. These remittances are not mere transactions; they are lifelines—funds sent home to support families, repay student loans, and invest in India’s growing economy. With no exemptions for non-citizens, the tax threatens to discourage remittances altogether, forcing Indian professionals to reconsider their future in the US. Some experts warn that this could drive talent away, pushing skilled workers towards alternative destinations like Canada and the UK. Adding to the uncertainty, Trump’s administration has intensified scrutiny on green card holders, issuing warnings that their residency is conditional and could be revoked if deemed a threat to national interests. Immigration officials have ramped up social media monitoring, ideological vetting, and enforcement actions, creating an atmosphere of fear among legal residents. The message is clear: permanent residency is no longer a guarantee. Meanwhile, the once-celebrated honeymoon period for Indian CEOs appears to be over. Trump’s recent remarks about Apple’s expanding manufacturing footprint in India have raised eyebrows. In a direct exchange with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump reportedly expressed displeasure over the company’s growing presence in India, insisting that iPhones should be made in the US rather than abroad.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
SC flags fake encounters
The Supreme Court asked the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to inquire into allegations of fake police encounters in the state for advancing it to its logical conclusion after a petitioner pointed 171 such incidents. Deciding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), after minutely scanning the data placed before it by the petitioner, prima facie it seems that barring a few cases, it is difficult to infer that there has been a procedural breakdown or the PUCL guidelines were flagrantly violated. The records furnished by the state themselves indicate that some instances may warrant further evaluation to ascertain whether the guidelines laid down in PUCL have been meticulously complied with in both letter and spirit. The Supreme Court underlined the importance of the human rights commissions in protecting vulnerable groups, ensuring accountability, and strengthening institutional mechanisms for enforcing human rights.
Jayanthy Subramaniam, Mumbai
Mumbai monsoon mayhem
A torrential downpour of 250 mm lashed Mumbai, India’s financial capital and vibrant metropolis, on Monday. The deluge revived grim memories of past floods in 2005, 2017, and 2020. While Mumbai is no stranger to heavy rainfall during the July–August monsoon period, this time the rains arrived earlier than usual—despite a clear warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The heavy downpour, overflowing drains, and widespread waterlogging caused visible misery to thousands across the city. The underlying message from these recurring monsoon deluges is unmistakable: Mumbai is bearing the brunt of unchecked urbanisation and inadequate urban planning. Given Mumbai’s unique geography, efficient rainwater absorption and drainage are critical to protecting the city from waterlogging and flooding. However, the aging drainage infrastructure urgently needs attention. Many of the old drains are frequently clogged with waste, reducing their effectiveness and placing excessive pressure on the main outlets that discharge into the sea. Moreover, widespread concretisation has severely impacted the natural groundwater absorption capacity of the land. One major step toward alleviating the city’s monsoon woes—removal of illegal encroachments—remains largely unaddressed, for reasons that are both complex and politically sensitive.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
