Tariff Drama, Lifestyle Hacks, & The Sports Match Everyone's Talking About

THE WEEKLY STEEP

What's the difference between explaining tariffs to your parents and teaching your toddler about sharing? One of them eventually gets it.

(Got a better one? Reply to this email with your best chai-time joke!)

WHAT’S BREWING 🫖

Global

• China Retaliates with 125% Tariffs as Trade War Intensifies: Beijing struck back against U.S. tariffs by raising levies on American goods to 125% from 84%. The tit-for-tat increases stand to make trade between the world's largest economies virtually impossible. Read more
  Why it matters: South Asian markets are experiencing volatility, with implications for diaspora investments and businesses with international supply chains.

• South Korean President Removed from Office: Yoon Suk Yeol was officially removed after the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld parliament's impeachment over his imposition of martial law. This political earthquake sets in motion a presidential race with elections required within 60 days. Read more
  Why it matters: South Korea's political stability affects global technology supply chains and economic partnerships throughout Asia.

U.S.

• Tech Companies Get Tariff Reprieve: After market turbulence, Trump exempted smartphones, computers, and other electronics from hefty tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. Tech analyst Dan Ives called this move a removal of a "doomsday scenario" for the sector. Read more
  Why it matters: Your next iPhone upgrade won't come with a shocking price increase, and tech stocks in your 401(k) might recover from their wild ride.

• Senate Confirms Dan Caine as Chairman of Joint Chiefs: The Senate voted 60-25 to approve Caine's nomination, following Trump's unprecedented firing of his predecessor. Caine promised to remain apolitical and follow U.S. laws during his confirmation. Read more
  Why it matters: The military leadership shake-up represents a significant shift in Pentagon dynamics during a time of global tensions.
  

South Asia:

• Tahawwur Rana Extradited to India for 26/11 Case: The Pakistani-born Canadian businessman landed in Delhi and was taken into custody by India's National Investigation Agency. This represents a major diplomatic win secured directly from President Trump during Modi's February visit. Read more
  Why it matters: This extradition signals strengthened U.S.-India counter-terrorism cooperation and demonstrates India's growing diplomatic clout.

• Waqf Amendment Act Sparks Protests: The recently passed act making changes to how Muslim religious properties are governed has triggered widespread demonstrations across India. Some protests turned violent, particularly in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. Read more
  Why it matters: The legislation has significant implications for religious property management worth billions while highlighting ongoing tensions around religious autonomy.

MONEY MOVES 💰

Markets Last Week:

• S&P 500: -17% YTD but staged a wild 1.8% rebound Friday

• Dow: Biggest single-session drop (-5.5%) since 2020 pandemic

• Bitcoin: Holding ~$84K

• Sensex: Down 3.8% YTD but rose 1.77% Friday

• USD-INR: Volatile, closed slightly stronger at ₹84.93

Notable Takes:

• Trump exempted electronics from tariffs: Tech sector = instant sigh of relief.

• 10-Year Treasury yields jumped: signals inflation + recession fears.

Biggest Finance Vibe: Stay liquid, move slow. We're officially in rollercoaster season. If you're navigating investments during this turbulence, consider adding stability through diversification in markets less affected by U.S.-China tensions.

PLAY BY PLAY 🏏 

IPL: Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking 141 runs (highest by an Indian in IPL history) powered SRH to complete the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history against Punjab Kings. Read more

GOLF: With a two-stroke lead after three rounds at Augusta National, McIlroy stands on the brink of achieving the career Grand Slam, setting up an exciting final round. Read more

F1: Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6, marking his fourth consecutive victory at Suzuka. The reigning world champion converted his pole position into a win, with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri completing the podium. In the championship standings, Norris maintains a slim one-point lead over Verstappen (62 points to 61) after three races. Read more

NBA: With the regular season wrapping up this weekend, the NBA playoff picture is taking shape. The Minnesota Timberwolves have secured the #1 seed in the Western Conference for the first time in franchise history, while the Boston Celtics locked up the top spot in the East. The play-in tournament begins Tuesday, April 15, with the full playoffs starting Saturday, April 19. Read more

RAISING ROOTS 🌱 

Last-Minute Vaisakhi & Tamil New Year Celebration Tips: When Your Cultural Game is Running on IST (Indian Stretchable Time)

The eternal juggling act of South Asian parenting in America: wanting to honor cultural holidays while managing American schedules and limited prep time. Unlike the Instagram-perfect celebrations you're seeing online, many of us are frantically Googling "easy Tamil New Year activities" or "5-minute Vaisakhi crafts."

Dr. Maya Patel suggests "celebration zones" where even time-crunched parents can create meaningful moments. "It's less about perfect execution and more about establishing connection points to our heritage," she explains. This approach honors cultural values while acknowledging the practical realities of raising children with packed American schedules. Read More

LIVlNG WELL  🍵

The Matcha Moment: Your Complete Guide to Japanese Green Tea Powder

Imagine a drink that's part ancient ritual, part wellness superhero, and 100% Instagram-worthy. Meet matcha: The green powder about to upgrade your entire life. This isn't just tea. It's a whole leaf experience that makes your regular brew look basic. While chai will always have our hearts, there's something magical about this vibrant green alternative that delivers calm energy without the jitters.

Quality matters (a lot). Ceremonial grade is the VIP of green drinks, premium is latte-friendly, and culinary works for baking. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat for maximum freshness and flavor. Read More

COSMIC CHAI 🔮

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):

Like perfectly spiced chai that energizes your entire system, your natural fire blazes this week as Mars enters Leo. Bold career moves pay off handsomely, particularly for innovative Aries, leadership-oriented Leo, and expansive Sagittarius. The Libra full moon on Saturday highlights the delicate balance between independence and partnership. Family relationships benefit from your authentic expression, though elders may need your patience as you explain your passionate pursuits

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):

Venus turning direct brings the stability you crave, like the comforting weight of a perfectly seasoned cast iron kadai. Financial planning yields particularly fruitful results, especially for resource-conscious Taurus. In family matters, your practical approach helps resolve longstanding issues, earning appreciation from those who previously resisted your advice. Wednesday and Sunday bring especially favorable energy for important decisions.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):

Communication flows like poetry this week as Mercury turns direct. The Libra full moon on Saturday illuminates relationship dynamics, making this an excellent time for heart-centered conversations about balance and mutual support. Your natural charm works wonders professionally—perfect timing for presentations or negotiations. Just remember that even brilliant minds need rest; incorporate breathing exercises to maintain your mental clarity.

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):

Emotional clarity arrives like monsoon rain after weeks of confusion. Neptune's historic transit through Aries invites you to reimagine your approach to self-expression, particularly for intuitive Pisces. Heart-to-heart conversations around Saturday bring particularly meaningful connections, though be mindful of your heightened sensitivity. Water-based activities provide balance, while Monday and Friday offer strong intuitive guidance for important decisions.

EDITOR'S PICK 🎬

"Deli Boys": Where to find it: Hulu (US), Disney+ (International)

This comedy series about two pampered Pakistani-American brothers who discover their deceased father's convenience store empire is actually a front for a criminal enterprise has been climbing Hulu's "Top 15 Today" list since its March release.

Quick Take: Created by Abdullah Saeed and produced by Onyx Collective, "Deli Boys" blends crime comedy with cultural specificity. Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh deliver standout performances as brothers navigating their unexpected criminal inheritance, with uniquely Pakistani-American humor throughout. Pairs well with samosas and chai—this one's perfect for weekend binge-watching.

UPCOMING WEEK (April 13-19, 2025) 🗓️

• April 13: IPL Double-Header – Rajasthan Royals vs RCB, Delhi vs Mumbai

• April 13: The Masters Final Round – McIlroy chasing career Grand Slam

• April 13: F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Finals

• April 15: Tax Filing Deadline – Last day to file or request an extension (taxes still due)

• April 15-19: NBA Play-In Tournament begins Tuesday

• April 16: U.S. Retail Sales and Industrial Production Reports

• April 17-20: F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Street Circuit

• April 22: Earth Day – Look for community events and corporate initiatives starting this week

SHARE THE CHAI 📤☕

Enjoyed this week's brew? Forward to that cousin who's been explaining the market volatility to everyone in the family WhatsApp—they'll appreciate our breakdown of the tariff drama.