US

Canada Reconsiders F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with US, PM Mark Carney Explores ‘Other Options’

Canada Reconsiders F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with US, PM Mark Carney Explores ‘Other Options’

Calgary (National Times): In a significant policy move, Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has instructed Defence Minister Bill Blair to review the country's planned purchase of America’s F-35 fighter jets. The directive comes with a call to explore alternative options “given the changing environment,” according to Blair’s spokesperson on Saturday. Canada’s Original F-35 Purchase Plan Two years ago, Canada agreed to acquire 88 F-35 jets, legally committing funds for the first 16 aircraft as part of its long-term defense strategy. The planned acquisition was set to be the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in over…
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“If US Wants War, We’re Ready,” China Denounces U.S. Tariffs as “Blackmail” Over Fentanyl

“If US Wants War, We’re Ready,” China Denounces U.S. Tariffs as “Blackmail” Over Fentanyl

Beijing (National Times)– A spokesperson for the Chinese government has issued a fiery rebuke of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, labeling them a baseless pretext tied to the fentanyl crisis and vowing to resist what they called American "bullying." In a statement released today, China defended its retaliatory actions as "entirely justified and essential" to protect its interests, while accusing the U.S. of exploiting the drug epidemic to justify economic aggression. The fentanyl crisis, which has ravaged communities across the United States, has long been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing. U.S. officials have claimed that China plays…
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Canada Vows Strong Response if US Imposes Tariffs

Canada Vows Strong Response if US Imposes Tariffs

Ottawa (National Times): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a stern warning regarding the potential imposition of tariffs by the United States, asserting that Canada will respond immediately and forcefully if such measures are enacted. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trudeau emphasized that his government is doing everything possible to prevent the tariffs from taking effect but will not hesitate to retaliate if necessary. "We will continue working to prevent these tariffs, but if on Tuesday the US imposes unjustified tariffs on Canada, we will have an immediate and extremely strong response, as Canadians expect," Trudeau stated, as reported…
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Trump Introduces $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa to Replace EB-5 Program

Trump Introduces $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa to Replace EB-5 Program

Washington, D.C. (National Times): Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new “Gold Card” visa, a $5 million fast-track route to U.S. citizenship for wealthy foreign investors. The initiative aims to replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which has been in place since 1990. What is the ‘Gold Card’ Visa? The Gold Card visa will grant permanent residency to individuals who invest $5 million in the U.S. economy. Trump claims this new policy will attract affluent investors, stimulate economic growth, and eliminate fraud associated with the EB-5 program. Full details are expected to be disclosed in two weeks. Trump’s…
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Elon Musk Warns of U.S. Bankruptcy, Criticizes Government Spending and Trade Deficit

Elon Musk Warns of U.S. Bankruptcy, Criticizes Government Spending and Trade Deficit

Washington, D.C. (National Times): Tesla CEO Elon Musk has raised concerns over the United States' rising trade deficit and government spending, warning that if corrective measures are not taken, “America will go bankrupt.” In a recent Fox News interview, Musk said that the $2 trillion trade deficit inherited by U.S. President Donald Trump has put the country in a dangerous economic situation. He criticized how taxpayer money is being misused, stating that every American should be “mad as hell” over the reckless spending by the government. Elon Musk on the U.S. Deficit: “It’s Insane” Musk expressed deep concerns about the…
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US Reduces H-1B Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility from 48 to 12 Months for Indians

US Reduces H-1B Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility from 48 to 12 Months for Indians

Washington DC (National Times): The United States has revised its eligibility criteria for the Visa Interview Waiver, commonly known as the Dropbox program, for Indian applicants. The eligibility window has been reduced from 48 months to just 12 months, meaning only those whose visas expired within the past year will now qualify for Dropbox processing. What is the Dropbox Program? The Dropbox program allows eligible visa applicants to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This streamlined process has been particularly beneficial for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders, reducing processing…
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Two More Deportation Flights Carrying Indians to Arrive in Amritsar This Week

Two More Deportation Flights Carrying Indians to Arrive in Amritsar This Week

Washington DC (National Times): Two additional flights carrying deported Indian immigrants from the United States are set to land in India this week, following the recent deportation of 104 individuals under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. While the exact number of Indians on these upcoming flights remains unclear, sources indicate that the first of the two flights will arrive in Amritsar on February 15, with another expected in the following days. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has criticized the decision to land these deportation flights in Amritsar, alleging that the NDA-led central government is deliberately attempting to defame Punjab. "Why…
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PM Modi Addresses Deportation of Illegal Indian Immigrants from US, Calls for Crackdown on Human Trafficking

PM Modi Addresses Deportation of Illegal Indian Immigrants from US, Calls for Crackdown on Human Trafficking

Washington DC (National Times): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 13) addressed the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States, emphasizing that individuals residing unlawfully in foreign countries "do not have any legal right to be there." His remarks came during a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump amid growing concerns in India over visuals of shackled Indian citizens being deported. During his US visit, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to taking back its citizens who are verified and found to be residing in the US illegally. "As far as India and the US are concerned,…
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487 Indians in the US Face Deportation Orders: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

487 Indians in the US Face Deportation Orders: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

New Delhi (National Times): India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, announced on Friday that the United States has informed India about 487 individuals identified as Indian nationals who have received removal orders. These individuals are reportedly at risk of deportation from the US. During a press briefing, Misri stated that the Indian government is actively engaging with the Trump administration to ensure the safe return of those identified as illegal immigrants. He emphasized that the Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with US officials to address the concerns surrounding these individuals. Regarding the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants,…
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US Spends Over $1 Million to Deport 104 Indians Using Military Aircraft

US Spends Over $1 Million to Deport 104 Indians Using Military Aircraft

The Trump administration has initiated the use of military aircraft to reinforce its commitment to deporting undocumented immigrants. A recent deportation operation to India reportedly cost around $1 million (approximately Rs. 8.74 crore). Reports indicate that military flights can be more than three times as expensive as civilian flights. On Wednesday, a US Air Force cargo plane arrived in Amritsar, transporting 104 Indian citizens who had entered the United States illegally, according to a statement from the US government.
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