Rush Hour: India blocks Bangladesh transshipments, West Bengal CM says no Waqf Act in state and more

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India has withdrawn a four-year-old facility that allowed Bangladeshi export cargo to be transshipped through Indian land customs stations to third countries. The decision, announced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs on Tuesday, follows complaints about reduced cargo space, congestion and rising air freight costs from Indian exporters.

Industry bodies like the Apparel Export Promotion Council had lobbied for the move. The suspension could disrupt Bangladeshi logistics and may raise questions over India’s World Trade Organization obligations, which require smooth transit for landlocked countries.

The development also comes amid diplomatic tensions, triggered by Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ comments in China about Dhaka being the “only guardian of the ocean” for India’s landlocked North East states, a claim that drew sharp political backlash in Delhi. Read on.

China will impose 84% tariffs on United States goods starting Thursday, sharply raising duties from the previously announced 34% in retaliation for escalating American trade measures. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to slap 104% total tariffs on Chinese imports, up from an initial 34%, after Beijing imposed its own counter duties.

China’s foreign ministry accused Washington of “bullying practices”...

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