World News

House Democrats Introduce Measure to Repeal High Import Duties on India

House Democrats Introduce Measure to Repeal High Import Duties on India

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): A group of US lawmakers has moved to challenge President Donald Trump’s decision to sharply raise tariffs on goods imported from India, introducing a House resolution that would cancel the emergency order behind the levies. The proposal, led by Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey and Raja Krishnamoorthi, targets trade duties that climbed to 50 per cent on a range of Indian products. The lawmakers argue that the action, taken under emergency powers, exceeds presidential authority and is hurting American businesses, workers and consumers. The resolution seeks to reverse an additional 25 per cent surcharge imposed in late…
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US Approves USD 686 Million Upgrade Package for Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet

US Approves USD 686 Million Upgrade Package for Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet

Washington DC, December 11, 2025: The United States has approved the sale of advanced equipment and support services worth USD 686 million to upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, according to a letter sent to Congress by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), as reported by Dawn.The package includes Link-16 data systems, upgraded avionics, cryptographic equipment, training modules and broad logistical support. The DSCA stated that the sale aligns with Washington’s foreign policy and national security priorities, ensuring Pakistan remains interoperable with US and allied forces in counterterrorism operations and future contingency missions.According to the agency, the upgrades will…
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Trump’s New “Gold Card” Visa Opens a High-Cost Fast Lane to U.S. Residency

Trump’s New “Gold Card” Visa Opens a High-Cost Fast Lane to U.S. Residency

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The Trump administration has introduced a controversial immigration pathway that allows affluent foreign nationals to secure expedited U.S. residency—provided they are willing to pay a steep entry price. The programme, branded the “Trump Gold Card,” quietly went live this week, creating what critics describe as a pay-to-enter track alongside the administration’s broader crackdown on immigration. Hosted on the new government portal Trumpcard.gov, the programme invites applicants to begin the process by submitting a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. Once preliminary screenings and background checks are completed, candidates are required to make a $1…
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Australia Imposes World’s First Nationwide Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Australia Imposes World’s First Nationwide Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Canberra, December 10, 2025: Australia on Wednesday enforced a landmark nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, becoming the first country to introduce restrictions of such scale. The decision, widely praised by parents and child-safety advocates, has triggered strong objections from major tech giants and free-speech groups.The new law took effect at midnight and directed ten major platforms, including TikTok, YouTube owned by Alphabet, and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, to block underage users or face penalties reaching A$49.5 million (USD 33 million). The sweeping reform has quickly drawn global attention as other governments examine the growing risks…
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US revokes 85,000 visas since January amid massive immigration and security crackdown

US revokes 85,000 visas since January amid massive immigration and security crackdown

National Times Bureau :- The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday that it has revoked 85,000 visas since January, highlighting how quickly the Trump administration is tightening immigration enforcement and national-security checks. In a post on X, the department wrote: “85,000 visa revocations since January. President Trump and Secretary Rubio follow one simple mandate, and they won’t stop anytime soon.” The post also featured an image of Trump with the slogan “Make America Safe Again,” underscoring that visa restrictions are a key part of the administration’s security strategy.A State Department official told CNN that the total includes over 8,000 student…
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Amazon Pledges $35 Billion Investment in India, Eyes One Million Jobs by 2030

Amazon Pledges $35 Billion Investment in India, Eyes One Million Jobs by 2030

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Amazon on Tuesday announced plans to invest more than $35 billion in India by 2030, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the country’s digital economy, AI-driven growth, and employment generation. The announcement was made at the sixth Amazon Smbhav Summit in New Delhi, alongside the release of a report on Amazon’s economic impact in India by consulting firm Keystone Strategy. Expanding on Past Investments The fresh investment builds on nearly $40 billion Amazon has already invested in India over the past 15 years. According to the Keystone report, Amazon has become the largest foreign investor in the…
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Northern Japan Shaken by Major Offshore Quake; Tsunami Reaches Coastal Towns

Northern Japan Shaken by Major Offshore Quake; Tsunami Reaches Coastal Towns

Japan (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night earthquake off Japan’s northern coastline sent shockwaves across multiple prefectures on Monday, injuring dozens and prompting urgent tsunami advisories that remained in place for several hours. The magnitude 7.5 tremor, which hit shortly after 11 p.m., caused widespread alarm as residents fled homes, hotels and coastal areas in the dark. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the quake originated beneath the Pacific seabed roughly 80 kilometers northeast of Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture. Although the tsunami that followed was relatively small—reaching about 70 centimeters in Kuji, Iwate Prefecture—authorities stressed that even low-level surges can pose risks…
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Buried in Silence: Rajwinder Singh Convicted in Murder of Toah Cordingley After Years on the Run

Buried in Silence: Rajwinder Singh Convicted in Murder of Toah Cordingley After Years on the Run

Cairns, Australia ( National Times): The long-running investigation into the death of 24-year-old Toah Cordingley reached its decisive conclusion as Rajwinder Singh was found guilty of murder in an Australian court, ending a case that spanned continents, years of uncertainty, and an emotional search for justice. The tragedy began in 2018 when Toah left home to walk her dog along the quiet stretch of Wangeti Beach near Cairns. When she did not return, her family raised the alarm, triggering a community-wide search. The next morning, Toah’s body was discovered partially buried in the sand, a horrifying revelation that shattered the…
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Trump Voices Frustration Over Zelenskyy’s Delay on US Peace Plan for Ukraine

Trump Voices Frustration Over Zelenskyy’s Delay on US Peace Plan for Ukraine

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): United States President Donald Trump expressed disappointment on Sunday over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s apparent hesitation to review a US-drafted proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking to reporters ahead of attending the Kennedy Centre Honours, Trump suggested that Zelenskyy’s delay is hindering progress in negotiations. “I’m a little disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn’t yet read the proposal, as of a few hours ago. His aides like it, but he isn’t ready,” Trump said. He added that Russia appears “fine” with the plan, while Ukraine has not yet given its full endorsement. The comments followed three…
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FIFA Honors Trump With First Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup Draw, Prompting Strong Reactions

FIFA Honors Trump With First Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup Draw, Prompting Strong Reactions

Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took an unexpected turn on Friday when U.S. President Donald Trump was presented with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, a newly created accolade aimed at recognising global efforts toward conflict resolution and international harmony. The award was handed to Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino shortly before the group draw began at a packed convention hall in Washington. With the world’s football community looking on, the moment quickly became the centrepiece of the ceremony. FIFA’s New Award Debuts Amid Global Spotlight Announced only weeks ago, the FIFA Peace Prize is…
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