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Showing posts from January, 2025

India’s Union Budget 2025: How President Donald Trump’s trade policies could reshape the nation’s economic strategy https://ift.tt/9X6AEmR

India’s Union Budget 2025 is greatly influenced by global trade dynamics, especially the actions of Donald Trump. With India facing rising imports and stagnant exports, the country’s budget will need to address trade imbalances and secure better relations with the US.

Indian-origin Bishop of Liverpool resigns after sexual assault allegations https://ift.tt/0Qt8DgE

Bishop John Perumbalath is originally from Kerala. In 1994, he was ordained into the Church of North India. The clergyman moved to the UK in 2001.

Princess Beatrice welcomes second child Athena: Will it change the royal line of succession? https://ift.tt/iZxIrs6

Princess Beatrice, daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, has welcomed her second child, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, on January 22, 2025. Born prematurely at 4lb 5oz, the baby girl is reported to be healthy. Athena is now 11th in line to the British throne, displacing several royals in the succession.

Donald Trump fires US labor board member, hobbling agency amid legal battles https://ift.tt/YDSlprT

President Donald Trump has removed Democratic National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox from office, an unprecedented action leaving the agency without a quorum. Wilcox plans to challenge the legality of her firing, potentially escalating legal disputes over presidential control of federal agencies.

Union Budget 2025: We have called an all-party meeting on January 30, says Kiren Rijiju https://ift.tt/qVTtjk1

India Budget: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced an all-party meeting on January 30 ahead of the Budget session starting January 31. He emphasized the need for smooth discussions and a good budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. President Droupadi Murmu will address both houses on January 31.

Viral video: IndiGo pilot leads 'concert in the sky,' bringing Coldplay vibes with 'a sky full of stars' https://ift.tt/Jq8OFAv

Coldplay's spectacular concerts in Ahmedabad drew thousands of fans to the Narendra Modi Stadium, creating unforgettable nights filled with visual and musical spectacle. The excitement carried into the air as IndiGo passengers celebrated en route to the event. Gujarat Police ensured top-notch security with extensive measures including CCTV and plainclothes officers.

Pete Hegseth narrowly wins confirmation to become US defense secretary https://ift.tt/aVOvHU6

Pete Hegseth secured the role of U.S. defense secretary after a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance. His confirmation faced opposition from both parties, raising questions about his qualifications and views. Hegseth aims to redefine U.S. military ethos and strengthen alliances against threats like China.

DOGE is up and running: Here's what Elon Musk's cost-cutting department is doing https://ift.tt/uN7k6sZ

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is actively implementing strategies to reduce federal spending and enhance operational efficiency. A key focus is addressing the high production costs of U.S. coins, particularly the penny and nickel.

Use of loudspeakers not essential part of any religion, says HC; orders action against violation https://ift.tt/o6AwkTv

The Bombay High Court ruled that using loudspeakers is not essential to any religion and directed law enforcement to act against violations of noise pollution norms. The court emphasized the health hazards of noise pollution and instructed the state government to implement mechanisms for controlling sound levels at religious institutions, including auto-decibel limits.

French and German leaders meet to discuss Trump tariff threats https://ift.tt/Z0kuFQm

In statements to reporters before their working lunch at the Elysee Palace, both Macron and Scholz insisted that Europe was strong and the Franco-German tandem solid, while expecting difficulties. "President Trump will, that much is already clear, be a challenge," Scholz said. "Our position is clear. Europe is a large economic area with around 450 million citizens. We are strong. We stand together. Europe will not duck and hide." Macron has long pushed for Europe to be more self-reliant.

No liquor for Delhiites from Feb 3-5, Feb 8 due to Assembly polls https://ift.tt/hCjq4by

The Delhi government has mandated the closure of liquor shops and establishments serving alcohol from February 3 to 5 for the voting period and again on February 8 for counting day. This decision, ordered by the Delhi excise commissioner, aims to ensure compliance with Excise Rules-2010 during the Assembly polls in the city.

It's official. President Trump is now America's first convicted Commander-in-Chief https://ift.tt/drFbsTM

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th U.S. president, marking his second term and an extraordinary political comeback. The inauguration was moved indoors due to extreme cold. He plans sweeping executive orders on immigration, energy, and government policies, facing likely legal challenges.

President Joe Biden welcomes Gaza truce, says region 'fundamentally transformed' https://ift.tt/9jNBDvS

President Biden welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the transformation in the region with weakened Hamas and Hezbollah, Syria's Assad regime gone, and a new Lebanese leadership. He acknowledged Trump's team's role in securing the truce, emphasizing the need for the incoming administration to implement the peace deal.

TMC is open about supporting influx: Sukanta Majumdar https://ift.tt/oAhrk58

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar accuses Trinamool Congress of enabling Muslim infiltration from Bangladesh and facilitating voter and Aadhaar card acquisition. He alleges Rohingya colonies are established in Kolkata, emphasizing TMC's vote bank politics. Majumdar discusses atrocities on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and expresses BJP's optimism for the 2026 assembly elections, citing law and order issues in Bengal.

‘Free ride over’: Poilievre tells Trump on tariff threats, Liberal oil policy https://ift.tt/mpsyFqB

How Qatar gambled on a Gaza truce, and won https://ift.tt/Ap3soRw

After facing criticism for its role, Qatar announced a six-week truce and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, leveraging its unique position. The mediation, supported by the US and Egypt, highlights Qatar's strategic move to maintain global relevance despite facing backlash and influence campaigns.

Wars will become more violent, unpredictable: Rajnath Singh https://ift.tt/TdKkpSg

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the concerns about non-state actors resorting to terrorism, highlighting the need for a strong military and secure borders. He stressed that self-reliance is crucial for strategic autonomy and for realizing Prime Minister Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, with a focus on modernizing armed forces through the latest weapons and platforms.

You think everything is going to go bad when Donald Trump takes office? Here are 7 luxuries middle-class Americans will be able to afford post January 20 https://ift.tt/qQDIudj

Donald Trump coming to power could mean multiple things for the US economy, with many fearing that there would arise higher costs of living and an incoming market inflation. However, there could be some good sides to Trump's Presidency as well for middle-class Americans

White House slaps new curbs on exports of Nvidia AI chips https://ift.tt/brpOVSK

Companies will have a 120-day comment period-which is exceptionally long-to give the Trump administration time to get settled in and make changes to the rule after consulting with industry and other countries, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters ahead of the release.

AAP govt failed to deliver on basic amenities: Delhi LG VK Saxena https://ift.tt/aTmbeZL

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena criticized the AAP government for not improving basic amenities like water, roads, and pollution in the last 11 years. He accused them of lacking accountability and transparency. Saxena also addressed allegations that the Centre was hindering the Delhi government's work, stating that the issue lies in the AAP's own governance failures.

Bihar: Nitish Kumar launches projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in Darbhanga https://ift.tt/A0YCkhP

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched development projects worth nearly Rs 1,500 crore in Darbhanga district during his 'Pragati Yatra'. He inaugurated 89 projects costing Rs 935.28 crore and laid the foundation for 97 works involving Rs 561.75 crore. Kumar was accompanied by his deputy and cabinet colleagues. He also reviewed the implementation of government schemes.

Japan issues new sanctions against Russia over war https://ift.tt/4lfdSZ6

Japan has approved more sanctions against Russia due to its war on Ukraine. These include freezing assets of various entities and banning exports to several organisations in Russia and other nations that supposedly helped evade sanctions. The move aligns with the G7's efforts to reinforce sanctions and prevent evasion by Russia with help from third countries.

'Tell brutal truth to British people': Farage, Lowe question Starmer govt over grooming gang scandal https://ift.tt/QixCLt8

Celebrities among thousands evacuated in Los Angeles fires https://ift.tt/yEdAGcV

Wildfires in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades have led to evacuations of Hollywood stars including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods. The fires destroyed homes, blocked roads as tens of thousands fled. Firefighters are working to control the uncontained fires. Schools were relocated and film premieres were canceled. Many homes and structures remain under threat.

Finmin appoints SBI Chairman C S Setty, Uday Kotak as governing council members of NIIF Trustee https://ift.tt/DdWIJpY

The Finance Ministry has appointed two new members to the Governing Council of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Trustee Ltd (NIIFTL) with SBI Chairman C S Setty and Kotak Mahindra Bank director Uday Kotak joining the council. NIIF was set up to boost infrastructure financing, amidst recent approval for additional equity infusion by the government.

Budget 2025: States may get special aid despite capex slip https://ift.tt/hFsW30v

The Centre is set to disburse the next installment of special assistance to states despite unmet capital expenditure targets. The allocation has increased to ₹1.5 lakh crore, with ₹95,000 crore tied to conditions. Due to election-related impacts, states have sought relaxation in conditions to boost spending. Approved projects now total ₹88,000 crore.

Social security net to be spread wider for unorganised workers https://ift.tt/WayPzeF

The labour and employment ministry will introduce multiple measures in 2024 to enhance social security for over 380 million unorganised workers. These include a common application form on the e-Shram portal, targeted enrolment of gig and platform workers, and integration of building and construction workers' data with e-Shram.

Two more held in Maharashtra sarpanch murder case https://ift.tt/Ye0uKB2

Santosh Deshmukh was abducted and murdered on December 9, days after he tried to stop an alleged extortion bid on a company that has a wind turbine at Massajog. One of the people accused in the alleged extortion bid is an aide of Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, triggering a political slugfest over the death of the sarpanch.

US hits JetBlue with $2 million penalty over chronic flight delays https://ift.tt/96ipTPd

The U.S. Transportation Department fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for having four chronically delayed flights. JetBlue agreed to pay $1 million in fines and provide $75 vouchers to affected passengers. JetBlue criticized the U.S. government for inadequate air traffic control staffing. The department has other ongoing investigations into airline scheduling practices.

Family trusts face new limits: Cousins & non-relatives no longer eligible as 'beneficiaries' https://ift.tt/Smh2qUV

The recent tribunal ruling mandates that family trusts cannot add non-relatives as beneficiaries without facing tax implications. The decision affects the flexibility of trusts in succession planning, emphasizing that partnership interests qualify as shares and are taxable under section 56(2)(x).

New Orleans New Year's Day ramming latest attack to use vehicle as deadly weapon https://ift.tt/X97tdvl

A spate of deadly vehicle attacks in recent years includes the New Year's Day rampage in New Orleans, killing 10. These incidents, often labeled as terrorism, are reshaping city planning and security measures worldwide by prompting the installation of concrete barriers and other anti-vehicle obstacles in public spaces.