Trump backs bill to impose 500% tariffs on India, other countries

A bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill approved by US President Donald Trump could allow the United States to impose tariffs of at least 500 percent on countries such as India, China and Brazil that import Russian oil. 

Asian stock markets were mixed on Thursday as the year’s early rally took a pause and traders looked ahead to the release of crucial United States jobs data later in the week, which could influence global interest rate expectations. Markets also took stock of geopolitical developments and recent Wall Street performance, with major US indexes pulling back from record highs. 

Bangladeshi nationals applying for United States B1/B2 business or tourist visas will from 21 January 2026 be required to post a refundable visa bond as a condition of their application after Bangladesh was added to a US visa bond pilot programme, according to State Department information.

Japan has called on China to reverse its decision to impose stricter export rules on products with potential military applications, a move that has raised fears of supply disruptions.