FirstUp: PM Modi in Thailand, Trump’s auto tariffs to come into effect

Several events are lined up for today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Thailand, where he will hold a meeting with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In the United States, a new tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts kicks in today.

ALSO READ | Will Trump’s 25% auto tariffs drive US car buyers off the road?

Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdullah II is set to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Widespread rainfall is expected across Kerala, with the IMD issuing a warning for heavy showers.

In cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens.

Here’s a look at the events in detail:

PM Modi to visit Thailand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to Thailand today to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) summit. The regional grouping includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

This will be Modi’s third visit to Thailand, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

PM Modi is set to meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today. Reuters/File Photo
After Thailand, he will travel to Sri Lanka for a three-day visit to meet the island nation’s top leadership.

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At the Bangkok summit, Bimstec leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation among member nations.

On the sidelines of the event, PM Modi is set to meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that both leaders will assess ongoing bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues for partnership.

While in Colombo, the prime minister is scheduled to meet Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Collection of auto tariffs begins in US

A new tariff on imported cars and auto parts has come into effect in the United States, and collections start today.

Trump has announced a 25% tax on imported passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain auto parts, saying it will boost jobs and investment in the US.

ALSO READ | Which carmakers will be worst hit by Trump’s 25% auto tariffs?
Trucks are parked after Trump’s announcement of a tariff on imported cars and light trucks, in Hermosillo, Sonora state, Mexico. Reuters/File Photo
After signing the order last week, he confirmed that the tariff would take effect on Wednesday, April 2, with collection beginning on Thursday, April 3.

While Trump claims the move will help the economy, experts warn it could temporarily shut down car production in the US, increase prices, and create tensions with trade partners.

Jordan King to meet German Chancellor

Jordan’s King Abdullah II is meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today.

“On April 3, 2025, at 9.30 a.m. [08:30 GMT], German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will receive King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein at the Federal Chancellery. The main subject of the talks will be bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues,” the German Chancellor’s office said in a statement.

After his visit to Germany, King Abdullah II will travel to Bulgaria to meet Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.

Heavy rainfall in Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala today and tomorrow, April 4.

Some areas may experience heavy showers along with thunderstorms or lightning during this period.

A yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad on Thursday, while Ernakulam and Thrissur are under alert for Friday.

Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning are likely at isolated places during the period.

According to IMD’s extended forecast released on Monday, Kerala’s maximum temperature is expected to remain within the normal range from April to June. However, night temperatures may be higher than usual during this period.