Trump announces 30% tariffs against EU, Mexico to begin August 1
Bridgewater, Jul 12 (AP): President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he's levying tariffs of 30 per cent against the European Union and Mexico.
Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States' biggest trade partners in letters posted to his social media account.
In his letter to Mexico's leader, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the United States.
But he said the country has not done enough to stop North America from turning into a “Narco-Trafficking Playground.”
Trump in his letter to the European Union said that the US trade deficit was a national security threat.
“We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with The European Union, and we have concluded we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, Trade Deficits, engendered by your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies, and Trade Barriers,” Trump wrote in the letter to the EU. “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal.”
Trump is in the midst of an announcement blitz of new tariffs with allies and foes alike, a bedrock of his 2024 campaign that he said would set the foundation for reviving a US economy that he claims has been ripped off by other nations for decades.
With the reciprocal tariffs, Trump is effectively blowing up the rules governing world trade. For decades, the United States and most other countries abided by tariff rates set through a series of complex negotiations known as the Uruguay round.
Countries could set their own tariffs – but under the “most favoured nation'' approach, they couldn't charge one country more than they charged another.
With Saturday's letters, Trump has now issued tariff conditions on 24 countries and the 27-member European Union.
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Indian student dies after suffering severe injuries in house fire in US
New York (PTI): A 24-year-old Indian student in the US has died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire, according to the Indian mission here.
Sahaja Reddy Udumala was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, New York.
The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X on Friday (local time) that it is “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” of Udumala, who lost her life in the house fire incident in Albany.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate said, adding that it is in touch with Udumala’s family and is extending all possible assistance.
The Albany Police Department said in a statement that its personnel and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4.
When they arrived at the scene, officers and firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals were still inside the home.
They were able to locate four adult victims inside the residence, who were treated on scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries.
Two of the victims were later transferred to a medical burn centre for further treatment.
“Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police department said.
It did not release the victim’s name pending notification of kin but the deceased has been identified as Udumala by her family.
A fundraiser has been launched by Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and additional expenses resulting from the tragic accident.
“…our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident.
"Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” Gopu said on the fundraiser.
Gopu added that Udumala sustained severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body.
“She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships.”
So far, over USD 109,000 have been raised through donations out of the total amount of USD 120,000.
