| Greetings from India! You're reading Meanwhile, Back Home, our daily newsletter specially curated for our overseas readers. While you were asleep, it was a whirlwind of a day here in India. We've got the top highlights lined up for you.
Welcome back, readers!
Back home, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra finds himself at the centre of a growing controversy after a satirical performance that allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. What began as a parody song has escalated into police complaints, political backlash, and a broader conversation about artistic expression in India. Kamra, known for his sharp political commentary, recently shared a social media post titled ‘How to Kill an Artist Democratically’, outlining what he sees as a systematic process of silencing dissent—through outrage, loss of sponsorships, venue rejections, and legal pressures. His critique follows reports of police attempting to locate him, multiple complaints filed against him, and vandalism at a venue where he performed.
 Spotlight
Trade tensions with the US are making headlines again, as President Donald Trump claims India will "substantially" reduce tariffs ahead of April 2—what he has dramatically dubbed Liberation Day. But what does this mean for India’s economy and its trade relationship with the US? Context Trump has long criticised what he calls “unfair” global trade practices. His administration’s new tariff plan aims to impose reciprocal duties on countries with high import taxes on American goods. India, which has some of the highest tariffs on agricultural and industrial products, is now under pressure to make adjustments. What’s at stake? 📌 India’s tariffs: The US has objected to India’s 100% tariffs on certain American agricultural products, along with duties on cars and technology imports.
📌 Retaliation Risks: If India doesn’t lower tariffs, it could face new US duties on exports such as steel, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
📌 Energy Concerns: Trump has hinted at secondary tariffs on countries importing Russian oil—an issue that could impact India’s energy security.
What’s next? With negotiations ongoing, India must navigate a delicate balance—preserving its trade interests while avoiding economic fallout from US policy shifts. As April 2 approaches, the world will be watching how New Delhi responds. Also Read: From internet shutdowns to no-meat-in-dairy-feed rules: Key USTR report flags trade concerns over India before reciprocal tariffs kick in
☕ Spill the Expresso The 300 barrier As the IPL season heats up, fans are wondering if a team will break the elusive 300-run barrier this year. While some teams, like Sunrisers Hyderabad, have come close—scoring 286/7 in their opener—experts remain sceptical. Despite the focus on powerful top-order batsmen and high-priced auction buys, many teams are overlooking the importance of a solid middle order, which could be key to achieving such a massive total. Deep batting line-ups don’t always translate into big runs. Teams such as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are struggling with middle-order consistency, which could impact their chances of achieving record-breaking scores. Bhai falls flat? ‘Sikandar’ Review Salman Khan’s Sikandar promised fireworks but delivers a flickering candle. AR Murugadoss’ latest venture struggles with stale storytelling, outdated swag, and a hero who seems… well, kinda over it, writes my colleague Shubhra Gupta. Sure, Bhai still throws punches and sheds a tear or two, but the magic? Missing in action. Even Rashmika Mandanna can’t save this snooze-fest. With lazy writing and zero surprises, Sikandar feels like déjà vu—but not the good kind. Maybe it’s time for a reinvention? As Salman himself says in the film, “I’m done, bro.” Honestly, we feel the same.
🚨 Must Read India & its neighbours: Bangladesh is drawing closer to China and Pakistan, securing billions in Chinese investments and easing ties with Islamabad. Syed Munir Khasru argues that India—once Dhaka’s closest ally—now finds itself sidelined. Decades of reliance on Sheikh Hasina’s rule left India without strong alternatives when she was ousted. Now, strained ties over trade imbalances, water disputes, and political tensions are pushing Bangladesh toward Beijing. With the BIMSTEC summit approaching, India must act. A strategic reset is overdue—bold diplomacy, economic engagement, and stronger people-to-people ties are key. The time to rebuild trust is now. Will Delhi rise to the occasion? Naseeruddin Shah on Mughals Instead of looting and leaving, most Mughals stayed, built a legacy—something invaders don’t do. Naseeruddin Shah challenges the popular narrative, arguing that Mughal rulers, unlike plunderers such as Nadir Shah and Mahmud Ghaznavi, contributed to India’s rich cultural heritage. While Aurangzeb was a religious bigot, most Mughals were secular, patrons of the arts, and builders of grand architecture. Yet, history is being rewritten to paint them as mere invaders. Why this selective outrage? If DNA testing existed back then, Aurangzeb might have had more Rajput than Mongol ancestry.
📰 In Other News ‘Money Heist’ In a bizarre twist of crime, a bakery owner from Karnataka took inspiration from the popular TV show ‘Money Heist’ to mastermind a daring bank heist. Vijay Kumar, along with five associates, meticulously planned and executed a robbery at an SBI branch in Nyamathi, Davangere, on October 28, 2024, stealing gold ornaments worth Rs 13 crore. After a loan rejection, Vijay sought revenge by targeting the bank. The gang used a hydraulic cutter to breach the locker, erased CCTV footage, and escaped without a trace. Following months of investigation, police recovered the stolen gold, leading to the arrests. That’s all for now. Until next time, Aishwarya Khosla
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