While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 31, 2025
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A 25 per cent tariff would strain US relations with India, the world’s most populous democracy.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Trump says US, India still negotiating after 25% US tariff threat
President Donald Trump said on July 30 the United States is still negotiating with India on trade after announcing earlier in the day the US will impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from the country starting on Aug 1.
The 25 per cent tariff, as well as an unspecified penalty announced by Mr Trump in a morning social media post, would strain relations with the world’s most populous democracy.
Later at the White House, the Republican president indicated there was wiggle room.
“They have one of the highest tariffs in the world now, they’re willing to cut it very substantially,” Trump told reporters. “We’re talking to India now - we’ll see what happens... You’ll know by the end of this week.”
US ends tariff exemption for all low-value packages
PHOTO: REUTERS
The United States is suspending a “de minimis” exemption that allowed low-value commercial shipments to be shipped to the United States without facing tariffs, the White House said on July 30.
Under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on July 30, packages valued at or under US$800 (S$1,000) sent to the US outside of the international postal network will now face “all applicable duties” starting Aug 29, the White House said.
Mr Trump earlier targeted packages from China and Hong Kong, and the White House said the recently signed tax and spending Bill repealed the legal basis for the de minimis exemption worldwide starting on July 1, 2027.
UN sounds alarm on SE Asia scam centre surge
PHOTO: AFP
Human trafficking for forced criminal activity is growing at an alarming rate, with hundreds of thousands of people trapped in online scamming centres across South-east Asia, the United Nations said July 30.
Too often, instead of getting help, victims are arrested for crimes they were forced to commit, the head of the UN’s migration agency said on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
“Trafficking is a human rights crisis, but it’s more than that. It’s a massive global business that fuels corruption, spreads fear, and prays on the most vulnerable,” Ms Amy Pope said.
Harris will not run for governor of California in 2026
PHOTO: REUTERS
Democratic former US vice-president Kamala Harris said on July 30 she will not run for governor of California, ending speculation that the failed presidential candidate would seek the high-profile post.
“I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor. I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” she said in a statement.
Ms Harris said she would not run for office now, leaving the door open for a possible presidential bid in 2028.
Oprah rejects claims she closed road amid tsunami alert
PHOTO: REUTERS
Oprah Winfrey refuted widespread online claims July 30 that she blocked off a private road on Hawaii property she owns, preventing tsunami evacuees from quickly reaching higher ground.
Winfrey has a residence on the Hawaiian island of Maui, where tsunami warnings were issued after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia.
Nicole Nichols, a spokesperson for the billionaire talk show host, told AFP that Winfrey’s team contacted local law enforcement and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure the road was opened “as soon as we heard the tsunami warnings.”
