Page 134 - United States

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets with Indian diaspora during US visit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a "wonderful" interaction with the Indian community in the US state of Tennessee and appreciated their contribution to society, science and the economy. Singh is in the US on a four-day official visit to further boost the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the US and India. "Had a wonderful interaction with the Indian community at Memphis. Their contribution to society, science and economy has been exemplary," he said in a post on X after his meeting on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Singh also visited the William B Morgan Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) in the Naval Surface Warfare Centre (NSWC) in Memphis, Tennessee -- one of the world's largest and most technically advanced water tunnel facilities for testing submarines and other naval weapons in the US. His visit to the water tunnel facility came amidst a proposal for the establishment of a similar facility for indigenous design and development in India. Singh also visited the Na

China opposes US sanctions on firms over 'links to Russia's war efforts'

China on Sunday expressed its opposition to the latest US sanctions on Chinese companies over their alleged ties to Russia's war in Ukraine, saying it will adopt necessary measures to safeguard the rights and interests of the country's businesses. The US on Friday announced sweeping sanctions on hundreds of firms in Russia and across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, accusing them of providing products and services that enable Russia's war effort and aiding its ability to evade sanctions. The US Department of State said it was concerned by the magnitude of dual-use goods exports from China to Russia. The Ministry of Commerce in China in its statement firmly opposed the US putting multiple Chinese companies on its export control list. The move bars such companies from trading with US firms without gaining a nearly unobtainable special license. The ministry said the US action was typical unilateral sanctions," saying they would disrupt global trade orders and rules, as well as affect

Indian-American entrepreneur Arun Agarwal named VC of Texas economic body

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Dallas-based Indian American entrepreneur Arun Agarwal as the vice chairman of the Texas Economic Development Corporation's (TEDC) board of directors. A key public-private partnership with the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism, TEDC is responsible for marketing Texas as the top US state for business, both domestically and globally, according to a statement from the Governor's office. It said that this appointment underscores Texas's commitment to diversity and highlights the growing influence of Indian American leaders in major economic roles. Agarwal's extensive experience in business, philanthropy, and international relations is expected to further elevate Texas's standing as a global economic powerhouse, the statement said. As the CEO of Nextt, Agarwal oversees a diverse portfolio that spans textiles, cotton trading, real estate, and sports management. He is also the chairman of the National Cricket League (NCL), USA,

US still hunts attackers who killed Americans during Afghanistan exit

President Joe Biden promised the day of the attack outside Hamid Karzai International Airport that we will not forgive, we will not forget, we will hunt you down and make you pay.

US NSA Sullivan to visit China next week; discuss Taiwan, fentanyl issue

Notably, this is the first visit by a US national security adviser since 2016, though other senior US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have visited China over the past two years

US job market may be near tipping point, unemployment may rise: Research

Fed officials appear to have reached the same conclusion, with reductions to the U.S. central bank's benchmark policy rate expected to begin at the upcoming Sept. 17-18 meeting

US expands area in Mexico to apply for border asylum appointments

As soon as she stepped onto Mexican soil this week, Venezuelan migrant Yuri Carolina Melndez downloaded the US government's app to apply for asylum appointments. The CBP One app has been around, but as of Friday migrants in Mexico's southernmost states bordering Guatemala will be able to apply for appointments. Previously, they had to be in central or northern Mexico. I have to wait to see if it really works, the woman said while resting under a tree with her 16- and 18-year-old daughters along a border highway leading to the city of Tapachula this week. Mexico has been asking the US to expand the app's access to the south in an attempt to relieve the pressure migrants feel to continue north to at least Mexico City. In recent years, the Mexican government has tried to contain migrants in the south farther from the US border, but the lack of work opportunities and housing in southern cities like Tapachula have pushed migrants north. Mexico hopes that if migrants can wait for their .

Rupee rises 5 paise to 83.88 against US dollar in early trade on Friday

Rupee traded in a narrow range and appreciated 5 paise to 83.88 against the US dollar in morning trade on Friday, supported by easing crude oil prices and fresh foreign fund inflows. Forex traders said significant correction in oil prices, which is hovering around USD 77 per barrel, is a major positive for the rupee, given India's substantial oil imports. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.93 and then gained ground and touched 83.88, registering a rise of 5 paise from its previous close. On Thursday, the rupee traded in a narrow range and settled lower by 3 paise at 83.93 against the American currency. "Despite the dollar index reaching a recent low, the Indian rupee remains steadfast, showing little signs of strengthening. This resilience can be attributed to the central bank's deliberate interventions, aimed at stabilizing the USDINR around the 83.90-95 range," CR Forex Advisors MD-Amit Pabari said. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the

US sending $125 million in new military aid to Ukraine, say officials

The Biden administration will send about USD 125 million in new military aid to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Thursday, even as Washington works to get a better understanding of Kyiv's incursion into Russia and how it advances the broader battlefield goals more than two years into the war. U.S. officials said the latest package of aid includes air defense missiles, munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Javelins and an array of other anti-armour missiles, counter-drone and counter-electronic warfare systems and equipment, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, vehicles and other equipment. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid has not been publicly announced. The formal announcement could come as soon as Friday, which is the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons are being provided through presidential drawdown authority, which means they are taken from Pentagon stockpiles and can be delivered more quickly. The aid comes as ...

Brazil to restrict entry to some Asians, to curb migration to US, Canada

Brazil will begin imposing restrictions on the entry of some foreign citizens from Asia seeking refuge in the South American nation as a means to migrate to the United States and Canada, the justice ministry's press office said Wednesday. The move, which will start on Monday, will affect Asian migrants who require visas to remain in Brazil. A Federal Police investigation has shown these migrants often buy flights with layovers in Sao Paulo's international airport en route to other destinations, but stay in Brazil as means to begin their journey north, according to official documents provided to The Associated Press. More than 70 per cent of requests for refuge at the airport come from people with either Indian, Nepalese or Vietnamese nationalities, one of the documents says. Starting next week, travellers without visas will either have to continue their air journey or return to their country of origin, the ministry's press office said.

Hunter Biden's lawyers, prosecutors head back to court ahead of his trial

Weeks before Hunter Biden is set to stand trial on federal tax charges, the legal team for President Joe Biden's son and prosecutors will appear in a California courtroom Wednesday as the judge weighs what evidence can be presented to the jury. Hunter Biden is accused of a scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes in the case headed for trial in September in Los Angeles. It's the second criminal trial in just months for the president's son, who was convicted in June of three felony charges in a separate federal case over the purchase of a gun in 2018. Prosecutors and the defense have been fighting for weeks in court papers over what evidence and testimony jurors should be allowed to hear. Among the topics at issue is evidence related to Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings, which have been at the center of Republican investigations into the Democratic president's family. Prosecutors say they will introduce evidence of Hunter Biden's business dealings with a Chinese .

Arizona Supreme Court clears way for voters to decide on right to abortion

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a 200-word summary that abortion advocates used to collect signatures for a ballot measure is valid, clearing the way for voters to decide on the constitutional right to an abortion. Under the measure, abortions would be allowed until an embryo or foetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks. There are some exceptions for later-term abortions to save the mother's life or to protect her physical or mental health. The decision comes on the heels of a Thursday ballot printing deadline in Arizona. The Arizona Right to Life, the organisation that sued the ballot measure campaign, argued that the petition summary was misleading. The high court justices rejected that argument, as well as the claim that the summary for the proposed amendment failed to mention it would overturn existing abortion laws if approved by voters. We have noted that (r)easonable people can differ about the best way to describe a principal provision,

We are united by our shared vision for America's future, says Harris

Americans are united by their shared vision for the future of the country, Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday, making a surprise appearance on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention here in this windy city. Looking out at everyone tonight, I see the beauty of our great nation. People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here united by our shared vision for the future of our country, Harris, 59, said amidst cheers from thousands of Democratic Party members gathered from across the country for the Democratic National Convention. This November we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people, we are moving forward with optimism, hope and faith guided by our love for the country knowing we have so much more in common than what separates us, she said. On Thursday, Harris would deliver the acceptance speech of her being the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party in the November general elections. Former president Donald

Aurobindo Pharma to commercialise China plant in 3rd quarter of FY25: CFO

Aurobindo Pharma expects its China facility to commence production in the next quarter with full-scale output anticipated only in the next fiscal year, according to Chief Financial Officer Santhanam Subramanian. The Hyderabad-based drug major plans to start a small volume roll out in the November-December period and expects to ramp it up in the January-March quarter of the next year. "Our China plant is expected to be commercialised from Q3 FY25, and the ramp up is expected from Q4 FY25," Subramanian said in an analyst call. The full-fledged volume production will start at the facility in FY26, he stated. "We are trying to do some filings for China as well as for the US. So all this will take the China revenue potential up in the coming years. This year, we will see only a small volume and value," Subramanian stated. He noted that the company is also on track with respect to large-scale commercialisation of Pen-G (penicillin). The company is hopeful to ramp up production signific

Biden's journey: After every knock down, he gets back even stronger

Sixteen years ago, a triumphant Joe Biden addressed an adoring crowd at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, his smile radiating confidence about the country's future and his own journey. The soon-to-be vice president hugged his son Beau. He spoke about how his own parents had endowed him with a sense of grit and tenacity. Champ, when you get knocked down, get up, he recalled his father, Joe, saying. Biden then repeated the lesson taught to him by his mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, who was seated in the audience: Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable." In 2024, Biden was not forced to reconcile a failure of his presidency. He compiled a list of significant accomplishments that will be felt for years. But he chose to give up his campaign under pressure from Democratic leaders, in a remarkable concession to the passage of time, when allies in his party and a clear majority of US adults concluded the 81-year-old should not .

Israel strikes Gaza as Blinken heads to region to close ceasefire deal

Israeli strikes across Gaza killed 19 people overnight, including a woman and her six children, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to the region on Sunday to try to seal a cease-fire deal after months of contentious negotiations. The U.S. and fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar appeared to be closing in on a deal after two days of talks in Doha, with American and Israeli officials expressing cautious optimism. But Hamas has signaled resistance to what it says are new demands by Israel, and the long-running talks have repeatedly stalled. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the deadliest war ever fought between Israelis and Palestinians. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. The mediators hope to end a war that has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, displaced the vast majority

India's holding of American securities hits high of $241.9 bn in June

India's holding of US government securities touched a high of USD 241.9 billion in June as the country continued to increase its exposure for the third straight month. Japan was the top holder with securities worth over USD 1.11 trillion followed by China at the second spot with a holding valued at USD 780.2 billion in June, according to the latest data released by the US Treasury Department. At the third place was the United Kingdom with an exposure of USD 741.5 billion ahead of Luxembourg at the fourth position with a holding to the tune of USD 384.2 billion. Among the countries and jurisdictions, India was at the 12th place owning American government securities worth USD 241.9 billion in June, higher than USD 237.8 billion value recorded in May. As per the data, India's holding is the highest in the last one year and it was at USD 237.8 billion in May 2024. In April this year, it touched USD 233.5 billion declining from USD 240.6 billion in March. In June last year, the exposur

FPIs turn net sellers; pull out Rs 21,201 crore from equities in Aug so far

Foreign investors continued their relentless selling in the Indian equity markets in August, offloading shares worth Rs 21,201 crore due to the unwinding of the yen carry trade, recession fears in the US and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. This came after an inflow of Rs 32,365 crore in July and Rs 26,565 crore in June, data with the depositories showed. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) infused funds in these two months on the expectation of sustained economic growth, continued reform measures, better-than-expected earnings season and political stability. Before that, FPIs withdrew Rs 25,586 crore in May on poll jitters and over Rs 8,700 crore in April on concerns over a tweak in India's tax treaty with Mauritius and a sustained rise in US bond yields. According to the data, FPIs withdrew a net amount of Rs 21,201 crore in equities so far this month (August 1-17). So far this year, FPIs invested Rs 14,364 crore in equities, data with the depositories showed. FPI outflows witnes

NYC mayor mixes up India with Pak in remarks at Independence Day event

In a gaffe, New York City Mayor Eric Adams referred to India and its diaspora community as Pakistan' in his remarks at an Indian Independence Day celebration in Queens. Adams was addressing members of the Indian-American community at the Queens 9th India Day Parade on Saturday. The stage from where he addressed the diaspora was decorated with Indian flags, balloons in hues of the tricolour and banners that read Mayor Adams Celebrates the Indian Community'. Adams himself was holding the Indian tricolour and the American flag and was surrounded by members of the Indian diaspora waving Indian flags, wearing tricolour sashes and tricolour-themed attire. However, during his remarks, as he spoke about the diaspora community, Adams mixed up India with Pakistan thrice. "We raised the flag earlier this week at Bowling GreenAnd I think no greater symbol of what you offer to this community than the men and women who are part of the law enforcement community, who are here, the Pakistani office

Possible work halt at Canada's 2 largest railroads could disrupt US trade

Canada's two largest railroads are starting to shut down their shipping networks as a labour dispute with the Teamsters union threatens to cause lockouts or strikes that would disrupt cross-border trade with the US. Both the Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National railroads, which haul millions of tons of freight across the border, have stopped taking certain shipments of hazardous materials and refrigerated products. Both are threatening to lock out Teamsters Canada workers starting Thursday if deals are not reached. On Tuesday, CPKC will stop all shipments that start in Canada and all shipments originating in the US that are headed for Canada, the railroad said Saturday. The Canadian Press reported that on Friday, Canadian National barred container imports from US partner railroads. Jeff Windau, industrials analyst for Edward Jones & Co., said his firm expects work stoppages to last only a few days, but if they go longer, there could be significant supply chain ...