Trump Threatens Apple with Tariffs; Rahul Gandhi Questions India's Foreign Policy
Trump's Warning to Apple
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On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that Apple could incur a 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the U.S. if they are not produced domestically. In a post on social media, Trump mentioned that he had communicated with Apple CEO Tim Cook, expressing his expectation that iPhones sold in the U.S. should be manufactured within the country, rather than in “India or any other location.”
Gandhi Critiques India's Foreign Policy
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the current state of India's foreign policy, stating it has 'collapsed' and demanded an explanation from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding India's global position following Operation Sindoor.
Gandhi questioned Jaishankar on social media, asking, “Why has India been linked with Pakistan?” He further inquired why no nation supported India in condemning Pakistan and who prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to 'mediate' between the two countries.
Despite Trump's repeated claims of U.S. mediation in ceasefire discussions, India maintains that the decision to halt hostilities was made independently, without U.S. involvement.
The Bharatiya Janata Party responded to Gandhi's remarks, accusing him of engaging in discussions with Pakistan aimed at undermining India's integrity and the morale of its armed forces.
Decline in Foreign Direct Investment
According to a report from the Reserve Bank of India, net foreign direct investment (FDI) in India plummeted by 96%, totaling $353 million for the financial year 2024-2025. This is a significant drop from the $10.1 billion recorded in 2023-2024.
Net FDI represents the difference between the total foreign investment inflow and the capital repatriated by foreign firms operating in India, as well as investments made by Indian companies abroad.
The central bank attributed this decline to a surge in overseas investments by Indian firms and substantial capital repatriation by foreign investors.
Conversely, gross FDI rose to $81 billion in 2024-2025, up from $71.3 billion the previous year.
Defamation Case Against Nirmala Sitharaman
A Delhi court has served a notice to Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding a defamation lawsuit filed by Lipika Mitra, the wife of Aam Aadmi Party leader Somnath Bharti. Mitra claims that Sitharaman made defamatory statements during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, which were disseminated on YouTube and various news channels in May 2024.
She alleges that these remarks were intended to tarnish her husband's reputation and jeopardize his electoral prospects.
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