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The United States on Tuesday (Sep 30) is hours from its first government shutdown in six years, with funding set to expire at midnight after a dramatic collapse of negotiations in Congress. Despite last-ditch talks, the Senate failed to advance a temporary funding bill, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers bracing for furloughs and key services at risk of disruption. President Donald Trump, who earlier predicted, “we’ll probably have a shutdown,” blamed Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of bowing to “far-left maniacs” and warning he would target progressive programs if the stoppage dragged on. Meanwhile, Democrats pointed fingers at Republicans, saying "they are plunging Americans into a shutdown".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-how-is-he-posting-this-trump-boasts-of-24kt-gold-in-white-house-hours-after-deadly-church-shooting-1759122910225">'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting</a><h2>Republicans, Democrats trade blame</h2>Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, at a press conference after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, accused Democrats of staging a political showdown. “The Democrat caucus here in town in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean, nonpartisan funding bill,” Thune said, claiming that this was done to engage in a "showdown" with Trump. "Far-left interest groups and far-left Democratic members wanted a showdown with the president".Democrats, however, pointed the finger back at the White House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans had “plunged Americans into a shutdown” by refusing to negotiate over rising healthcare costs, warning that Affordable Care Act enrollees would face soaring premiums next year.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-the-peacemaker-10-takeaways-from-his-gaza-peace-plan-that-has-netanyahu-s-backing-1759195574203">Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing</a><h2>History repeats itself: Trump presidencies and US shutdowns</h2>With Republicans controlling both chambers but lacking the 60 Senate votes needed to pass a funding bill, Democrats are trying to flex rare leverage just eight months into Trump’s second term.A shutdown would shutter nonessential government operations, delay pay cheques for federal workers, and disrupt social safety net benefits — a scenario deeply unpopular with voters. The longest shutdown on record, as per AFP, was also under Trump — his first term — and lasted 35 days in 2018-19. &nbsp;

The US is hours from its first government shutdown in six years as Congress fails to pass a funding bill. Trump blames Democrats for bowing to “far-left maniacs,” while Democrats accuse Republicans of plunging America into crisis. All you need to know.

The United States on Tuesday (Sep 30) is hours from its first government shutdown in six years, with funding set to expire at midnight after a dramatic collapse of negotiations in Congress. Despite last-ditch talks, the Senate failed to advance a temporary funding bill, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers bracing for furloughs and key services at risk of disruption. President Donald Trump, who earlier predicted, “we’ll probably have a shutdown,” blamed Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of bowing to “far-left maniacs” and warning he would target progressive programs if the stoppage dragged on. Meanwhile, Democrats pointed fingers at Republicans, saying "they are plunging Americans into a shutdown". Also read | 'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting Republicans, Democrats trade blame Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, at a press conference after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, accused Democrats of staging a political showdown. “The Democrat caucus here in town in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean, nonpartisan funding bill,” Thune said, claiming that this was done to engage in a "showdown" with Trump. "Far-left interest groups and far-left Democratic members wanted a showdown with the president". Democrats, however, pointed the finger back at the White House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans had “plunged Americans into a shutdown” by refusing to negotiate over rising healthcare costs, warning that Affordable Care Act enrollees would face soaring premiums next year. Also read | Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing History repeats itself: Trump presidencies and US shutdowns With Republicans controlling both chambers but lacking the 60 Senate votes needed to pass a funding bill, Democrats are trying to flex rare leverage just eight months into Trump’s second term. A shutdown would shutter nonessential government operations, delay pay cheques for federal workers, and disrupt social safety net benefits — a scenario deeply unpopular with voters. The longest shutdown on record, as per AFP, was also under Trump — his first term — and lasted 35 days in 2018-19.

The US is hours from its first government shutdown in six years as Congress fails to pass a funding bill. Trump blames Democrats for bowing to “far-left maniacs,” while Democrats accuse Republicans of plunging America into crisis. All you need to know.

US hours away from first government shutdown in nearly 7 years as talks collapse; Republicans and Democrats trade blame

South Korean electronics giant LG Electronics India will launch its Rs 15,000 crore IPO on October 7. The firm's red herring prospectus (RHP) says that the company will&nbsp;offer 10.18 crore through the IPO. The subscription will close on October 9. A day before the IPO opening, the company will raise funds from anchor investors.&nbsp;The company had planned the IPO before. However, they were shelved&nbsp;because of volatile market conditions. LG's IPO will be one of the biggest IPOs to hit the Indian stock markets this year.&nbsp;The money received through the IPO will be sent to the Korean parent company.&nbsp;LG is one of the biggest electronics companies in India. The firm's revenue in 2024 was Rs 21,352 crore. Its profit after tax was 12 per cent.<h2>Things to know about the IPO</h2><ol><li>According to reports, LG Electronics is expected to bring the initial public offering during the first half of October, amid the festive season.</li><li>LG Electronics delayed its IPO till market conditions are ideal. The South Korean giant believes October will be the correct time for the release of the IPO, reported Business Standard.</li><li>The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), the country's market regulator, has approved the IPO, it reported, adding that a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) was filed in December 2024. Sebi approved the issue in March. Initially, the IPO was planned in April-May, but was deferred owing to market volatility.</li><li>The size of the IPO is expected to be Rs 15,000 crore. LG is expected to raise this amount by selling a 15 per cent stake. It will be the largest IPO released this year.</li></ol>

South Korean electronics giant LG Electronics India will launch its Rs 15,000 crore IPO on October 7. The firm's red herring prospectus (RHP) says that the company will offer 10.18 crore through the IPO. 

South Korean electronics giant LG Electronics India will launch its Rs 15,000 crore IPO on October 7. The firm's red herring prospectus (RHP) says that the company will offer 10.18 crore through the IPO. The subscription will close on October 9. A day before the IPO opening, the company will raise funds from anchor investors. The company had planned the IPO before. However, they were shelved because of volatile market conditions. LG's IPO will be one of the biggest IPOs to hit the Indian stock markets this year. The money received through the IPO will be sent to the Korean parent company. LG is one of the biggest electronics companies in India. The firm's revenue in 2024 was Rs 21,352 crore. Its profit after tax was 12 per cent. Things to know about the IPO According to reports, LG Electronics is expected to bring the initial public offering during the first half of October, amid the festive season. LG Electronics delayed its IPO till market conditions are ideal. The South Korean giant believes October will be the correct time for the release of the IPO, reported Business Standard. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), the country's market regulator, has approved the IPO, it reported, adding that a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) was filed in December 2024. Sebi approved the issue in March. Initially, the IPO was planned in April-May, but was deferred owing to market volatility. The size of the IPO is expected to be Rs 15,000 crore. LG is expected to raise this amount by selling a 15 per cent stake. It will be the largest IPO released this year.

LG India's IPO: The money received through the IPO will be sent to the Korean parent company.&nbsp;

LG India's IPO date revealed. All you need to know about the issue

The central government has sought responses from some big e-commerce companies, as a few items hosted on their platforms were being sold at high prices despite the Goods and Services Tax cuts, said a report.&nbsp;The central government has eliminated the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and moved the items under these categories into 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs, effectively lowering taxes on a host of items. The government rationalized&nbsp;the Goods and Services Tax to boost domestic&nbsp;consumption by placing more money into the hands of the masses.&nbsp;The government has been monitoring whether companies have passed on the GST benefits or not. They have also asked consumers to lodge complaints against firms that are not reducing their prices despite GST cuts.&nbsp;Moneycontrol reported, citing sources, that an e-commerce company had advertised higher prices after GST rate cuts were implemented. However, the company blamed a technical glitch for&nbsp;the issue and corrected the prices.&nbsp;The government had been monitoring the prices of 50 products, the website reported on September 26.&nbsp;Over the last few days, the government spoke to these companies and expressed its displeasure.&nbsp;Different ministries are monitoring price changes across sectors to curb profiteering, the source said, according to Moneycontrol.&nbsp;The central government wants the companies to make the GST cut in prices visible during the festive season, as they are marked by massive consumer demand.&nbsp;Earlier this month, consumer affairs secretary Nidhi Khare said the department received more than 3,000 complaints regarding companies not passing the benefits of lower GST to consumers.&nbsp;Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the economic advisory council to the prime minister, also said that the government has hinted to the industry to pass the GST benefits.

The central government has sought responses from some big e-commerce companies, as a few items hosted on their platforms were being sold at high prices despite the Goods and Services Tax cuts, said a report.

The central government has sought responses from some big e-commerce companies, as a few items hosted on their platforms were being sold at high prices despite the Goods and Services Tax cuts, said a report. The central government has eliminated the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and moved the items under these categories into 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs, effectively lowering taxes on a host of items. The government rationalized the Goods and Services Tax to boost domestic consumption by placing more money into the hands of the masses. The government has been monitoring whether companies have passed on the GST benefits or not. They have also asked consumers to lodge complaints against firms that are not reducing their prices despite GST cuts. Moneycontrol reported, citing sources, that an e-commerce company had advertised higher prices after GST rate cuts were implemented. However, the company blamed a technical glitch for the issue and corrected the prices. The government had been monitoring the prices of 50 products, the website reported on September 26. Over the last few days, the government spoke to these companies and expressed its displeasure. Different ministries are monitoring price changes across sectors to curb profiteering, the source said, according to Moneycontrol. The central government wants the companies to make the GST cut in prices visible during the festive season, as they are marked by massive consumer demand. Earlier this month, consumer affairs secretary Nidhi Khare said the department received more than 3,000 complaints regarding companies not passing the benefits of lower GST to consumers. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the economic advisory council to the prime minister, also said that the government has hinted to the industry to pass the GST benefits.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) new rates: The central government has eliminated the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and moved the items under these categories into 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs

GST 2.0: Centre pulls up e-commerce companies for not reducing prices, says report

Experts have predicted that Donald Trump's H-1B visa crackdown will force US firms to shift critical&nbsp;work to India. Earlier this month, in a move to secure tech jobs for locals in the US, Trump imposed a hefty H-1B visa fee of $100,000. Trump's move will turbocharge the growth of global capability centres (GCCs) that handle operations from finance to research and development.&nbsp;Amid the pressure of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and the US administration's curbs on visas, GCCs in India have emerged as a resilient option for American companies.&nbsp;Rohan Lobo, partner and GCC industry leader at Deloitte India, told Reuters that these centres can serve as a ready in-house engine.&nbsp;For the shift of US companies, he said, plans are in place, especially in areas like financial services and tech, and particularly among firms with exposure to US federal contracts.&nbsp;Trump's move has made hiring talent from countries like India less cost-effective. For instance, the visa fee used to be between $2,000 and $5,000. By making the fee $100,000, the administration has made hiring local talent more tenable than importing talent from abroad.&nbsp;However, this strategy can also make the talent gap wider.&nbsp;On Monday, US senators reintroduced a bill to tighten rules on the H-1B and L-1 worker visa programmes, targeting what they called loopholes and abuse by major employers.&nbsp;If Trump's visa curbs are unchallenged in courts, US firms may be forced to shift high-end work tied to AI, product development, cybersecurity, and analytics to their GCCs in India.&nbsp;Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, a former managing director of Cognizant India, said that the move could result in what he described as "extreme offshoring".&nbsp;A head of the GCC said that either the roles will be shifted to India or they will have to rely on countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Canada.&nbsp;However, a lurking danger for these firms is that if the HIRE Act is passed, they may have to pay 25 per cent tax on outsourcing work.&nbsp;India's $283-billion IT industry is being strained by Trump's visa move. However, the demand for GCC services can cushion the blow.

Experts have predicted that Donald Trump's H-1B visa crackdown will force US firms to shift critical work to India. 

Experts have predicted that Donald Trump's H-1B visa crackdown will force US firms to shift critical work to India. Earlier this month, in a move to secure tech jobs for locals in the US, Trump imposed a hefty H-1B visa fee of $100,000. Trump's move will turbocharge the growth of global capability centres (GCCs) that handle operations from finance to research and development. Amid the pressure of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and the US administration's curbs on visas, GCCs in India have emerged as a resilient option for American companies. Rohan Lobo, partner and GCC industry leader at Deloitte India, told Reuters that these centres can serve as a ready in-house engine. For the shift of US companies, he said, plans are in place, especially in areas like financial services and tech, and particularly among firms with exposure to US federal contracts. Trump's move has made hiring talent from countries like India less cost-effective. For instance, the visa fee used to be between $2,000 and $5,000. By making the fee $100,000, the administration has made hiring local talent more tenable than importing talent from abroad. However, this strategy can also make the talent gap wider. On Monday, US senators reintroduced a bill to tighten rules on the H-1B and L-1 worker visa programmes, targeting what they called loopholes and abuse by major employers. If Trump's visa curbs are unchallenged in courts, US firms may be forced to shift high-end work tied to AI, product development, cybersecurity, and analytics to their GCCs in India. Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, a former managing director of Cognizant India, said that the move could result in what he described as "extreme offshoring". A head of the GCC said that either the roles will be shifted to India or they will have to rely on countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Canada. However, a lurking danger for these firms is that if the HIRE Act is passed, they may have to pay 25 per cent tax on outsourcing work. India's $283-billion IT industry is being strained by Trump's visa move. However, the demand for GCC services can cushion the blow.

Donald Trump's H-1B visa rule: Amid the pressure of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and the US administration's curbs on visas, GCCs in India have emerged as a resilient option for American companies.

How can Donald Trump's H-1B visa rule create more jobs in India

The United Arab Emirates has rolled out a major overhaul of its visa and residency system, adding four new visit visa categories and expanding options for vulnerable groups and professionals. Officials say the reforms aim to attract global talent, boost tourism, and improve inclusivity. This is good news for Indian professionals, who recently were left shocked by a steep increase in the US H-1B visa fee as the Trump administration raised it to $10,000.The &nbsp;UAE also happens to be one of the locations favoured by Indians. In 2024, about 7.8 million Indians travelled to the UAE. Here's all you need to know about the UAE's new visas.<h2>UAE's new visit visas</h2><h3>AI specialist visa</h3>For global tech talent, issued on a single or multiple entry with a sponsor’s letter from a recognised host or sponsoring technology company.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-the-peacemaker-10-takeaways-from-his-gaza-peace-plan-that-has-netanyahu-s-backing-1759195574203">Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing</a><h3>Entertainment visa</h3>For short-term recreational visits.<h3>Event visa</h3>Covers festivals, exhibitions, conferences, cultural or sporting events, with host sponsorship required.<h3>Cruise tourism visa</h3>Multiple-entry permit for tourists arriving via cruise ships or leisure boats, tied to an approved itinerary and licensed operator.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muslim-nations-back-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-but-will-hamas-accept-the-deal-1759193878046">Key Muslim nations back Trump’s Gaza peace plan — but will Hamas accept the deal?</a>UAE has also announced updates in its residency visas.<h3>Humanitarian permit</h3>One-year residency (renewable) for those displaced by wars, disasters, or unrest.Residency for widows and divorcees: Six-month window to apply after loss of spouse.Family and friends visa: Residents can now sponsor relatives and friends up to the third degree, depending on income.<h2>Work and business reforms</h2><h3>Business exploration visa</h3>For entrepreneurs and professionals with proof of solvency or ownership.<h3>Truck drivers’ visa</h3>Single or multiple entry with licensed freight company sponsorship, financial guarantees, and health insurance.Authorities said the changes strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent, tourism, and trade, while balancing economic growth with social inclusivity. &nbsp;

The UAE has launched a major visa and residency overhaul to attract global talent and boost tourism. Here's all you need to know.The UAE has launched a major visa and residency overhaul to attract global talent and boost tourism. Here's all you need to know.

The United Arab Emirates has rolled out a major overhaul of its visa and residency system, adding four new visit visa categories and expanding options for vulnerable groups and professionals. Officials say the reforms aim to attract global talent, boost tourism, and improve inclusivity. This is good news for Indian professionals, who recently were left shocked by a steep increase in the US H-1B visa fee as the Trump administration raised it to $10,000.The UAE also happens to be one of the locations favoured by Indians. In 2024, about 7.8 million Indians travelled to the UAE. Here's all you need to know about the UAE's new visas. UAE's new visit visas AI specialist visa For global tech talent, issued on a single or multiple entry with a sponsor’s letter from a recognised host or sponsoring technology company. Also read | Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing Entertainment visa For short-term recreational visits. Event visa Covers festivals, exhibitions, conferences, cultural or sporting events, with host sponsorship required. Cruise tourism visa Multiple-entry permit for tourists arriving via cruise ships or leisure boats, tied to an approved itinerary and licensed operator. Also read | Key Muslim nations back Trump’s Gaza peace plan — but will Hamas accept the deal? UAE has also announced updates in its residency visas. Humanitarian permit One-year residency (renewable) for those displaced by wars, disasters, or unrest. Residency for widows and divorcees: Six-month window to apply after loss of spouse. Family and friends visa: Residents can now sponsor relatives and friends up to the third degree, depending on income. Work and business reforms Business exploration visa For entrepreneurs and professionals with proof of solvency or ownership. Truck drivers’ visa Single or multiple entry with licensed freight company sponsorship, financial guarantees, and health insurance. Authorities said the changes strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent, tourism, and trade, while balancing economic growth with social inclusivity.

The UAE has launched a major visa and residency overhaul to attract global talent and boost tourism. Here's all you need to know.

UAE unveils new visa categories, expands residency rules for global talent. Good news for Indians amid H-1B row?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's apex bank, has announced new rules and guidelines for lending for small business loans. With the new guidelines, the apex bank aims to provide banks with greater flexibility in adjusting the additional interest. The new directions will take effect from October 1, 2025.<h2>What did the RBI say in its circular?</h2>"RBI has today issued seven Directions/Circulars, proposing to amend some of the extant Directions/Circulars applicable to banks and other regulated entities," RBI said in a circular.&nbsp;The RBI circular stated that the apex bank has revised the rules under the Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Advances) (Amendment Directions), 2025, for floating-rate loans.&nbsp;Currently, floating-rate retail and MSME loans are linked to an external benchmark, with banks permitted to set a spread. Other than the credit risk premium, these spreads could be changed only once every three years. As per the new rules, banks can now reduce spread components earlier than three years to benefit borrowers.&nbsp;The bank said that earlier, gold and silver loans were only permitted for jewellers. The new rules permit borrowers who use gold as a raw material in manufacturing or industrial processing to be eligible for these loans. Tier 3 and Tier 4 Urban Co-operative Banks can also dish out these loans.&nbsp;RBI also issued draft guidelines for public feedback on gold metal loans, large exposures, intragroup transactions, and credit information reporting.&nbsp;The move came a day before the Reserve Bank of India is slated to announce India's monetary policy. Experts say the bank might reduce the rates by 25 basis points because of low inflation expectations.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's apex bank, has announced new rules and guidelines for lending for small business loans. 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's apex bank, has announced new rules and guidelines for lending for small business loans. With the new guidelines, the apex bank aims to provide banks with greater flexibility in adjusting the additional interest. The new directions will take effect from October 1, 2025. What did the RBI say in its circular? "RBI has today issued seven Directions/Circulars, proposing to amend some of the extant Directions/Circulars applicable to banks and other regulated entities," RBI said in a circular. The RBI circular stated that the apex bank has revised the rules under the Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Advances) (Amendment Directions), 2025, for floating-rate loans. Currently, floating-rate retail and MSME loans are linked to an external benchmark, with banks permitted to set a spread. Other than the credit risk premium, these spreads could be changed only once every three years. As per the new rules, banks can now reduce spread components earlier than three years to benefit borrowers. The bank said that earlier, gold and silver loans were only permitted for jewellers. The new rules permit borrowers who use gold as a raw material in manufacturing or industrial processing to be eligible for these loans. Tier 3 and Tier 4 Urban Co-operative Banks can also dish out these loans. RBI also issued draft guidelines for public feedback on gold metal loans, large exposures, intragroup transactions, and credit information reporting. The move came a day before the Reserve Bank of India is slated to announce India's monetary policy. Experts say the bank might reduce the rates by 25 basis points because of low inflation expectations.

RBI new gold loan rules: The RBI circular stated that the apex bank has revised the rules under the Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Advances) (Amendment Directions), 2025, for floating-rate loans.

RBI changes loan rules. What did the apex bank say in its circular?

YouTube has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump after the company suspended his account over the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, according to a court filing Monday.The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6.The $22 million will go toward Trump's latest construction project at the White House, through a nonprofit called Trust for the National Mall, which is "dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall, to support the construction of the White House State Ballroom," per a notice of settlement filing in a California federal court.Besides the $22 million to Trump's ballroom venture, YouTube agreed to payments of $2.5 million to a host of other Trump allies, including the American Conservative Union.Major platforms removed Trump after January 6 amid worries he would promote further violence with bogus claims that voter fraud caused his loss to Joe Biden in 2020.The platform blocked Trump from uploading new content on January 12, 2021, pointing to "concerns about the ongoing potential for violence." The move came in parallel to actions by Facebook and Twitter that also suspended Trump's ability to post after the January 6 upheaval.The 79-year-old Republican took social media companies and YouTube to court, claiming he was wrongfully censored.Trump's lawyers maintained he was kicked off under "non-existent or broad, vague and ever-shifting standards," according to the original July 2021 complaint against YouTube and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.Trump's posting privileges were curbed after more than 140 police officers were injured in hours of clashes with pro-Trump rioters wielding flagpoles, baseball bats, hockey sticks and other makeshift weapons, along with Tasers and canisters of bear spray. They wanted to block Congress from certifying Biden's win.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6.

YouTube has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump after the company suspended his account over the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, according to a court filing Monday. The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6. The $22 million will go toward Trump's latest construction project at the White House, through a nonprofit called Trust for the National Mall, which is "dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall, to support the construction of the White House State Ballroom," per a notice of settlement filing in a California federal court. Besides the $22 million to Trump's ballroom venture, YouTube agreed to payments of $2.5 million to a host of other Trump allies, including the American Conservative Union. Major platforms removed Trump after January 6 amid worries he would promote further violence with bogus claims that voter fraud caused his loss to Joe Biden in 2020. The platform blocked Trump from uploading new content on January 12, 2021, pointing to "concerns about the ongoing potential for violence." The move came in parallel to actions by Facebook and Twitter that also suspended Trump's ability to post after the January 6 upheaval. The 79-year-old Republican took social media companies and YouTube to court, claiming he was wrongfully censored. Trump's lawyers maintained he was kicked off under "non-existent or broad, vague and ever-shifting standards," according to the original July 2021 complaint against YouTube and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Trump's posting privileges were curbed after more than 140 police officers were injured in hours of clashes with pro-Trump rioters wielding flagpoles, baseball bats, hockey sticks and other makeshift weapons, along with Tasers and canisters of bear spray. They wanted to block Congress from certifying Biden's win. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6.

YouTube to pay $22 million to Trump for suspending his account over Jan 6 Capitol riots

India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), finalised in March 2024, will come into effect from October 1, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Monday.&nbsp;The EFTA deal, which covers Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, will add to the list of trade agreements India has signed in recent years. "From the first of next month, a group of four countries--Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland--will also come into effect," Goyal said while addressing the valedictory session of the UP International Trade Show.&nbsp;The Union Minister underlined that India is negotiating trade agreements with 27 countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Peru. At the same time, terms of reference for a pact with Eurasia have already been finalised.&nbsp;"Countries around the world, including developed nations, are eager to sign free trade agreements with India," he said, recalling that agreements have already been signed with the UAE, Australia, and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;Addressing the gathering, the minister highlighted the transformation of India's economy since 2014, noting that foreign exchange reserves now stand at USD 700 billion, nearly three times higher than the amount inherited then. He added that “within the next two years, India will become the world's third largest economy--a USD 5 trillion economy.”&nbsp;Goyal said India's GDP grew 7.8 per cent in the last quarter, while inflation recently fell to 2 per cent, the lowest since independence. He noted that banks are strong, lending capacity has improved, and interest rates have come down significantly.&nbsp;"In the last ten years under Prime Minister Modi, India has seen the lowest average inflation," he said.&nbsp;Speaking on the journey since 2014, Goyal reminded the audience that India was once counted among the world's "Fragile Five" economies. According to him, the transformation over the last 11 years has come through transparency and reforms.&nbsp;"Earlier, government resources like 2G spectrum, coal mines, iron ore mines, contracts, used to be handed over to relatives, associates, or party members. Modi ji ensured that everything is now given only through transparent auctions," Goyal stated.&nbsp;The minister also highlighted Uttar Pradesh's economic progress. "The state has reached new heights in just eight years. Uttar Pradesh today is on such a fast-paced runway of growth that it can perhaps now be called Unstoppable Uttar Pradesh," he said.&nbsp;Referring to the recent tax reform festival, Goyal said, “The reforms through the GST Bachhat Utsav, which have made many of our daily needs cheaper, are a gift from Prime Minister Modi ji to all of us during this Navratri.”

India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), finalised in March 2024, will come into effect from October 1, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Monday.

India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), finalised in March 2024, will come into effect from October 1, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Monday. The EFTA deal, which covers Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, will add to the list of trade agreements India has signed in recent years. "From the first of next month, a group of four countries--Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland--will also come into effect," Goyal said while addressing the valedictory session of the UP International Trade Show. The Union Minister underlined that India is negotiating trade agreements with 27 countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Peru. At the same time, terms of reference for a pact with Eurasia have already been finalised. "Countries around the world, including developed nations, are eager to sign free trade agreements with India," he said, recalling that agreements have already been signed with the UAE, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Addressing the gathering, the minister highlighted the transformation of India's economy since 2014, noting that foreign exchange reserves now stand at USD 700 billion, nearly three times higher than the amount inherited then. He added that “within the next two years, India will become the world's third largest economy--a USD 5 trillion economy.” Goyal said India's GDP grew 7.8 per cent in the last quarter, while inflation recently fell to 2 per cent, the lowest since independence. He noted that banks are strong, lending capacity has improved, and interest rates have come down significantly. "In the last ten years under Prime Minister Modi, India has seen the lowest average inflation," he said. Speaking on the journey since 2014, Goyal reminded the audience that India was once counted among the world's "Fragile Five" economies. According to him, the transformation over the last 11 years has come through transparency and reforms. "Earlier, government resources like 2G spectrum, coal mines, iron ore mines, contracts, used to be handed over to relatives, associates, or party members. Modi ji ensured that everything is now given only through transparent auctions," Goyal stated. The minister also highlighted Uttar Pradesh's economic progress. "The state has reached new heights in just eight years. Uttar Pradesh today is on such a fast-paced runway of growth that it can perhaps now be called Unstoppable Uttar Pradesh," he said. Referring to the recent tax reform festival, Goyal said, “The reforms through the GST Bachhat Utsav, which have made many of our daily needs cheaper, are a gift from Prime Minister Modi ji to all of us during this Navratri.”

The EFTA deal, which covers Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, will add to the list of trade agreements India has signed in recent years.

India’s FTA with Europe to come into effect from October 1: Piyush Goyal

A report by Union Bank of India has predicted that the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will reduce the policy rates by 25 basis points (bps).&nbsp;The&nbsp;policy announcement is expected on Wednesday.&nbsp;The bank said that such a move will be taken because of the downward trend in inflation. This cut will be a booster cut by the country's apex bank.&nbsp;"Our baseline view is of a 25bps repo rate cut in this meeting. The view is premised on another round of sharp downward revision in inflation projection for FY26," it predicted.&nbsp;The expectation is built on the premise of another sharp downward revision in inflation projections for FY26, with estimates now closer to 2.5 per cent with a downward bias.&nbsp;The revision also factors in the nearly 60 bps impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on inflation.&nbsp;The report said that the move will be aimed as a sentiment booster for the Indian stock markets. It is also called the US Federal Reserve policy decision, a risk management cut.&nbsp;The report also claimed that the RBI might cut at least another 25 bps by December of this year.&nbsp;The bank further said in its report that low inflation, the positive impact of GST reforms, and growth challenges from ongoing tariff wars will prove to be the policy guidance.&nbsp;The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India began its three-day monetary policy rate meeting. The announcement of the monetary policy outcome will be made on October 1.

The Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy meeting: The bank said that such a move will be taken because of the downward trend in inflation. This cut will be a booster cut by the country's apex bank.

A report by Union Bank of India has predicted that the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will reduce the policy rates by 25 basis points (bps). The policy announcement is expected on Wednesday. The bank said that such a move will be taken because of the downward trend in inflation. This cut will be a booster cut by the country's apex bank. "Our baseline view is of a 25bps repo rate cut in this meeting. The view is premised on another round of sharp downward revision in inflation projection for FY26," it predicted. The expectation is built on the premise of another sharp downward revision in inflation projections for FY26, with estimates now closer to 2.5 per cent with a downward bias. The revision also factors in the nearly 60 bps impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on inflation. The report said that the move will be aimed as a sentiment booster for the Indian stock markets. It is also called the US Federal Reserve policy decision, a risk management cut. The report also claimed that the RBI might cut at least another 25 bps by December of this year. The bank further said in its report that low inflation, the positive impact of GST reforms, and growth challenges from ongoing tariff wars will prove to be the policy guidance. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India began its three-day monetary policy rate meeting. The announcement of the monetary policy outcome will be made on October 1.

The Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy meeting: The bank said that such a move will be taken because of the downward trend in inflation. This cut will be a booster cut by the country's apex bank.

RBI likely to reduce policy rates after the Monetary Policy Meeting: Report

Days after a cyber-attack halted production, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has said that it will resume some production in the coming days. On September 1, the company's production halted at its three UK factories in the West Midlands and Merseyside due to the cyber attack. The company has said it didn't expect the production to begin in these facilities until October 1.<h2>When will JLR resume production?</h2>Jaguar Land Rover's spokesperson was quoted by the BBC as saying that some sections of manufacturing operations will resume in the coming days. "Today we are informing colleagues, retailers, and suppliers that some sections of our manufacturing operations will resume in the coming days," it said.&nbsp;The company further said that it has been working with cybersecurity specialists, the UK Government's NCSC, and law enforcement to ensure a safe and secure resumption of manufacturing.&nbsp;It said that the restart of manufacturing will happen in a phased manner. The priority will be to restart operations in the Wolverhampton engine plant.&nbsp;It will still take several weeks before production is restored to its full capacity.&nbsp;The company's plants in Solihull, Wolverhampton, and Halewood employ 30,000 people.100,000 work for firms in the supply chain.&nbsp;Many of these firms supply parts only to JLR. Due to the stoppage of work because of the cyber attack, many smaller companies have been pushed to the verge of bankruptcy.&nbsp;Many of these companies need financial assistance to tide them over the losses.&nbsp;The British government has announced that it would provide loan guarantees worth £1.5bn for JLR to support the supply chain.&nbsp;However, this could still put vulnerable firms at risk as they might not be in a position to take on more debt.

Days after a cyber-attack halted production, Jaguar Land Rover has said that it will resume some production in the coming days.

Days after a cyber-attack halted production, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has said that it will resume some production in the coming days. On September 1, the company's production halted at its three UK factories in the West Midlands and Merseyside due to the cyber attack. The company has said it didn't expect the production to begin in these facilities until October 1. When will JLR resume production? Jaguar Land Rover's spokesperson was quoted by the BBC as saying that some sections of manufacturing operations will resume in the coming days. "Today we are informing colleagues, retailers, and suppliers that some sections of our manufacturing operations will resume in the coming days," it said. The company further said that it has been working with cybersecurity specialists, the UK Government's NCSC, and law enforcement to ensure a safe and secure resumption of manufacturing. It said that the restart of manufacturing will happen in a phased manner. The priority will be to restart operations in the Wolverhampton engine plant. It will still take several weeks before production is restored to its full capacity. The company's plants in Solihull, Wolverhampton, and Halewood employ 30,000 people.100,000 work for firms in the supply chain. Many of these firms supply parts only to JLR. Due to the stoppage of work because of the cyber attack, many smaller companies have been pushed to the verge of bankruptcy. Many of these companies need financial assistance to tide them over the losses. The British government has announced that it would provide loan guarantees worth £1.5bn for JLR to support the supply chain. However, this could still put vulnerable firms at risk as they might not be in a position to take on more debt.

Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack: The company's plants in Solihull, Wolverhampton, and Halewood employ 30,000 people.100,000 work for firms in the supply chain.&nbsp;

Jaguar Land Rover may restart production in coming days after crippling cyber attack

YouTube, the world's largest video-hosting and sharing platform, has launched a new subscription model called Premium Lite. The company already offers a premium plan under which subscribers get advertisement-free videos bundled with a YouTube Music subscription. The new plan is similar but with some constraints.<h2>Here's what is known about YouTube Premium Lite.</h2>With YouTube Premium Lite, the Google-owned platform wants to expand into the Indian market. The company has a huge presence in India, but it wants to ramp up the subscriber base in the country.&nbsp;YouTube Premium Lite will be priced at Rs 89 per month. Subscribers of this service will be able to watch ad-free videos in categories such as gaming, comedy, cooking, or learning.&nbsp;However, the catch is that they will not get ad-free music content, music videos, and Shorts. They will also not be able to avail themselves of facilities like background video play and video downloads.&nbsp;The service was launched in March in markets like the United States. The company had also been piloting a new subscription tier with select users in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.&nbsp;The company has allowed YouTube Premium holders to share their&nbsp;subscription with family members at a monthly fee of Rs 219. The Music Premium is available for Rs 149.&nbsp;As of now, YouTube Premium is available for students at Rs 89, for individuals at Rs 149, and for families at Rs 299.&nbsp;YouTube's subscriber base was 125 million in March.&nbsp;In October 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said YouTube's revenue surpassed $50 billion for the first time over the past four quarters.

YouTube, the world's largest video-hosting and sharing platform, has launched a new subscription model called Premium Lite.

YouTube, the world's largest video-hosting and sharing platform, has launched a new subscription model called Premium Lite. The company already offers a premium plan under which subscribers get advertisement-free videos bundled with a YouTube Music subscription. The new plan is similar but with some constraints. Here's what is known about YouTube Premium Lite. With YouTube Premium Lite, the Google-owned platform wants to expand into the Indian market. The company has a huge presence in India, but it wants to ramp up the subscriber base in the country. YouTube Premium Lite will be priced at Rs 89 per month. Subscribers of this service will be able to watch ad-free videos in categories such as gaming, comedy, cooking, or learning. However, the catch is that they will not get ad-free music content, music videos, and Shorts. They will also not be able to avail themselves of facilities like background video play and video downloads. The service was launched in March in markets like the United States. The company had also been piloting a new subscription tier with select users in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The company has allowed YouTube Premium holders to share their subscription with family members at a monthly fee of Rs 219. The Music Premium is available for Rs 149. As of now, YouTube Premium is available for students at Rs 89, for individuals at Rs 149, and for families at Rs 299. YouTube's subscriber base was 125 million in March. In October 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said YouTube's revenue surpassed $50 billion for the first time over the past four quarters.

YouTube Premium Lite: YouTube's subscriber base was 125 million in March this year.

YouTube Premium Lite: Which services you will receive for Rs 89 per month?

WeWork India, a flexible workspace solution in India, will likely&nbsp;launch its IPO in October. The company has set the price of its first public issue between Rs 615 and Rs 648 per equity share. WeWork will offer 46.3 million equity shares and is aiming to raise Rs 3,000 crore from the stock markets.<h2>Here's all you need to know about WeWork's IPO.</h2>The company's red herring prospectus (RHP) says it has reserved 75 per cent of the shares for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) and just 15 per cent for retail investors. 10 per cent have been earmarked for non-institutional investors (NIIs).&nbsp;WeWork IPO will open for subscription on October 3 and close on October 7. By the next day, the basis of allotment of shares will be finalised.&nbsp;The stock will likely be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, October 8.&nbsp;The minimum lot size is 23 shares. This means a retail investor will have to pay at least Rs 14,904 for one lot of 23 shares.&nbsp;WeWork was launched in 2017. It offers flexible workspaces. The company offers a wide range of products, including custom-designed buildings, floors, and offices, enterprise office suites, tailored managed offices, private offices, co-working spaces, and hybrid digital solutions.&nbsp;By June, the company operates 114,077 desks across 68 Operational Centres. Its clients include Amazon, JP Morgan, Discovery etc.

WeWork India, a flexible workspace solution in India, will likely launch its IPO in October. The company has set the price of its first public issue between Rs 615 and Rs 648 per equity share.

WeWork India, a flexible workspace solution in India, will likely launch its IPO in October. The company has set the price of its first public issue between Rs 615 and Rs 648 per equity share. WeWork will offer 46.3 million equity shares and is aiming to raise Rs 3,000 crore from the stock markets. Here's all you need to know about WeWork's IPO. The company's red herring prospectus (RHP) says it has reserved 75 per cent of the shares for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) and just 15 per cent for retail investors. 10 per cent have been earmarked for non-institutional investors (NIIs). WeWork IPO will open for subscription on October 3 and close on October 7. By the next day, the basis of allotment of shares will be finalised. The stock will likely be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, October 8. The minimum lot size is 23 shares. This means a retail investor will have to pay at least Rs 14,904 for one lot of 23 shares. WeWork was launched in 2017. It offers flexible workspaces. The company offers a wide range of products, including custom-designed buildings, floors, and offices, enterprise office suites, tailored managed offices, private offices, co-working spaces, and hybrid digital solutions. By June, the company operates 114,077 desks across 68 Operational Centres. Its clients include Amazon, JP Morgan, Discovery etc.

WeWork India IPO: The company's red herring prospectus (RHP) says it has reserved 75 per cent of the shares for qualified institutional buyers&nbsp;

WeWork India IPO to launch in October: Key dates, price, other details revealed

Gold and silver futures prices surged on Monday to a new high amid expectations that the US Federal Reserve might cut policy rates further. A weak US dollar also contributed to the rally. The December gold contract reached a high of Rs 1,15,939 per 10 grams on the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX). The October futures also reached a record Rs 1,14,992 per 10 grams. Silver futures for December also reached an all-time high of Rs 1,44,179 per kg.&nbsp;Prathamesh Mallya, DVP-Research, Non-Agri Commodities and Currencies at Angel One, told PTI that investors are considering whether to book profits or enter the market at these elevated prices. He said that the momentum was built by geopolitical occurrences like Donald Trump's tariff measures, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the US-China tensions.&nbsp;Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, told the agency that the prices of gold are rising because investors anticipate Fed rate changes in October and December.<h2>Why is the price of gold rising?</h2>Global uncertainties like Trump's fresh round of tariffs on drugs may also prompt more investment in gold. In the near term, the prices may rise further.&nbsp;Internationally, gold jumped to a record high above $3,800 per ounce on Monday. The prices were supported by a weaker dollar and growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates further.&nbsp;Spot gold rose 1.5% to $3,814.91 per ounce by 0624 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained 0.9% to $3,844, reported Reuters.&nbsp;Inflation in the US might lead the Federal Reserve to cut rates. It cut the rates by 0.25 percentage points. The markets believe that the rates will be cut further in October and December.&nbsp;Experts believe that the sentiment is bullish and more highs may be recorded over the next few days.

Gold and silver futures prices surged on Monday to a new high amid expectations that the US Federal Reserve might cut policy rates further. 

Gold and silver futures prices surged on Monday to a new high amid expectations that the US Federal Reserve might cut policy rates further. A weak US dollar also contributed to the rally. The December gold contract reached a high of Rs 1,15,939 per 10 grams on the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX). The October futures also reached a record Rs 1,14,992 per 10 grams. Silver futures for December also reached an all-time high of Rs 1,44,179 per kg. Prathamesh Mallya, DVP-Research, Non-Agri Commodities and Currencies at Angel One, told PTI that investors are considering whether to book profits or enter the market at these elevated prices. He said that the momentum was built by geopolitical occurrences like Donald Trump's tariff measures, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the US-China tensions. Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, told the agency that the prices of gold are rising because investors anticipate Fed rate changes in October and December. Why is the price of gold rising? Global uncertainties like Trump's fresh round of tariffs on drugs may also prompt more investment in gold. In the near term, the prices may rise further. Internationally, gold jumped to a record high above $3,800 per ounce on Monday. The prices were supported by a weaker dollar and growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates further. Spot gold rose 1.5% to $3,814.91 per ounce by 0624 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained 0.9% to $3,844, reported Reuters. Inflation in the US might lead the Federal Reserve to cut rates. It cut the rates by 0.25 percentage points. The markets believe that the rates will be cut further in October and December. Experts believe that the sentiment is bullish and more highs may be recorded over the next few days.

Gold and silver futures hit an all-time high. Internationally, gold jumped to a record high above $3,800 per ounce on Monday. Experts believe that the sentiment is bullish, and more highs may be recorded.

Gold and silver futures prices log record highs. Here's why

From Tuesday (Sep 30) some 100,000 federal workers are set to exit in what is being called the largest mass resignation in American government history. By the end of the year, this number is projected to reach 300,000, making it the most significant single-year reduction in the civilian federal workforce since World War II. By comparison, around 100,000 civilian jobs were cut between 1945 and 1946. During the 1990s, the Clinton administration's “reinventing government” initiative eliminated some 250,000 positions, but that process took five years. The current wave of exits is occurring within just one calendar year under the direction of President Donald Trump.A potential government shutdown looms on 30 September. Agencies have been ordered to prepare for additional layoffs, particularly targeting non-essential roles. Here is what you should know:<h2>How is the mass exodus being made possible by the Trump administration?</h2>This wave of resignations is not driven by recession but by direct executive action from the Trump administration. The approach was upheld by the United States Supreme Court, even though it bypassed several long-standing protections for federal employees. Supporters describe the effort as a necessary reset or efficiency reform, while critics call it a destabilising and potentially unlawful dismantling of the civil service.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shutdown-looms-as-republicans-slam-democrats-ahead-of-crucial-white-house-meeting-with-trump-1759088779470">Shutdown looms as Republicans slam Democrats ahead of crucial White House meeting with Trump</a><h2>How is the mass resignation happening?</h2>The reduction includes a combination of voluntary resignations, early retirements, buyouts, and forced layoffs. The military and postal service are not affected. The civilian federal workforce is expected to shrink from approximately 2.3 million employees in late 2024 to about 2.1 million by the end of September 2025. By the end of the year, over 12 per cent of the workforce will have exited.<h2>What is the Deferred Resignation Programme (DRP)?</h2>The Deferred Resignation Programme, or DRP, was launched on 28 January through an email from the Office of Personnel Management titled “Fork in the Road”. It followed an executive order signed the same day by President Trump that eliminated key civil service protections.The DRP offered nearly all civilian federal employees the option to resign by 6 February in exchange for full pay and benefits through 30 September, without performing any duties during that period. By July, over 154,000 employees accepted. Another 100,000 were set to formally separate on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of the programme.The DRP is expected to cost 14.8 billion dollars in 2025. However, the administration projects 28 billion dollars in annual savings through reduced payroll and operational costs in the future.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-pete-hegseth-calls-rare-urgent-meeting-of-all-generals-no-one-knows-why-1758813667064">US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth calls rare, urgent meeting of all Generals - No one knows why</a><h2>Hiring freeze and agency closures ordered by DOGE</h2>The DRP was accompanied by a government-wide hiring freeze and the closure or downsizing of several federal agencies, including the USAID, or United States Agency for International Development. These measures were implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a newly established agency led by Elon Musk. DOGE also enforced widespread reductions-in-force across multiple departments.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-rejects-stopgap-bill-as-government-shutdown-looms-1758344727225/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-rejects-stopgap-bill-as-government-shutdown-looms-1758344727225/embed</a><h2>Legal challenges to the mass exit failed</h2>The American Federation of Government Employees and other groups filed lawsuits against the DRP, claiming it violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Anti-Deficiency Act. However, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the programme in an 8 to 1 ruling on 8 July.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-to-federal-workers-if-the-government-shuts-down-white-house-plans-a-strategy-1758796522465">What happens to federal workers if the government shuts down? White House plans a strategy</a><h2>Why are US federal employees leaving?</h2>Although the resignations were officially voluntary, many were the result of sustained pressure. The hiring freeze and threat of layoffs created a climate of fear. In February, over 24,000 probationary employees in their first one to two years were dismissed en masse. Some were later reinstated by court orders, but reports of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression were widespread.The DRP’s offer of eight months' pay without work duties came at a time when the national unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent. Around 75,000 employees accepted the offer in its first phase. The government also used the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority to encourage eligible workers to leave.The Trump administration ended remote work options and eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. These changes disproportionately affected women and minority staff. For insatnce, by June 2025, over 300,000 Black women had exited the broader American labour force.A survey by Federal News Network in June found that 25 per cent of remaining federal employees were experiencing burnout. Many cited forced reassignments, unclear priorities, and a hostile workplace as their reasons for wanting to leave. Union leaders said many resignations were made under duress.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-administration-reacts-to-democrats-gop-tussle-as-government-shut-down-looms-1758806871414">Trump's administration reacts to Democrats-GOP tussle as government shut down looms</a><h2>Which government services will be hit by mass resignations?</h2>Key services are already being disrupted. At the Department of the Interior, the processing of federal water rights has slowed. The Department of Veterans Affairs has reassigned patients due to a shortage of social workers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have struggled to respond to crises such as chemical spills and a bird flu outbreak. The Department of Agriculture has had to rehire workers it had previously laid off.The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the tax agency, lost about 25 per cent of its workforce, raising concerns about delays in the 2026 tax season.&nbsp;The Department of Health and Human Services has seen significant cuts affecting public health surveillance.The economic impact is also spreading. Local economies in federal employment hubs such as Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and northern Virginia are suffering.&nbsp;The Washington, D.C. metro area alone could lose billions in local spending. With only 22,000 jobs added across the country in August 2025, many of the departing federal employees face a weak job market.The reduction has also had a disproportionate effect on diverse agencies. Many of the cuts targeted departments with higher representation of women and minority employees, leading to lasting concerns about equity and representation in the federal workforce.<h2>Which agencies are specifically hit?</h2>The Department of Agriculture has lost approximately 15,000 of its 100,000 employees, representing a 15 per cent reduction. The Department of Health and Human Services has lost about 20,000 out of 82,000 employees, or 24 per cent, with plans for up to 62,000 additional layoffs. The Department of State has lost 12,000 of 75,000 workers, a 16 per cent cut that has affected diplomacy and contractor services. The General Services Administration has reduced its workforce by over 3,000 out of 12,000 employees, a 25 per cent drop. The Environmental Protection Agency has lost 4,000 out of 15,000 workers, a 27 per cent reduction. The Department of Education had 4,200 employees before 2025 and has lost over 1,000, about 24 per cent. The Internal Revenue Service has lost 20,000 out of 80,000 employees, a 25 per cent reduction. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which has 486,000 staff, has experienced a smaller reduction of about 6 per cent, or 30,000 employees.Departments connected to national security, such as the Department of Defence and the Department of Homeland Security, have seen smaller proportional reductions of between 5 and 7 per cent, as they were classified as essential and exempt from most cuts.<h2>What happens if there is a government shutdown?</h2>If Congress fails to approve a funding bill by 30 September, the federal government will shut down. In that case, over 700,000 non-essential employees could be furloughed. Essential services such as Social Security payments would continue, but the disruption would significantly worsen the staffing crisis already underway in the federal government.

Some 300,000 US federal workers will resign under Trump’s policies. This staffing cuts across agencies, seen as politically motivated, will affect services and risks a government shutdown.



From Tuesday (Sep 30) some 100,000 federal workers are set to exit in what is being called the largest mass resignation in American government history. By the end of the year, this number is projected to reach 300,000, making it the most significant single-year reduction in the civilian federal workforce since World War II. By comparison, around 100,000 civilian jobs were cut between 1945 and 1946. During the 1990s, the Clinton administration's “reinventing government” initiative eliminated some 250,000 positions, but that process took five years. The current wave of exits is occurring within just one calendar year under the direction of President Donald Trump. A potential government shutdown looms on 30 September. Agencies have been ordered to prepare for additional layoffs, particularly targeting non-essential roles. Here is what you should know: How is the mass exodus being made possible by the Trump administration? This wave of resignations is not driven by recession but by direct executive action from the Trump administration. The approach was upheld by the United States Supreme Court, even though it bypassed several long-standing protections for federal employees. Supporters describe the effort as a necessary reset or efficiency reform, while critics call it a destabilising and potentially unlawful dismantling of the civil service. Also read: Shutdown looms as Republicans slam Democrats ahead of crucial White House meeting with Trump How is the mass resignation happening? The reduction includes a combination of voluntary resignations, early retirements, buyouts, and forced layoffs. The military and postal service are not affected. The civilian federal workforce is expected to shrink from approximately 2.3 million employees in late 2024 to about 2.1 million by the end of September 2025. By the end of the year, over 12 per cent of the workforce will have exited. What is the Deferred Resignation Programme (DRP)? The Deferred Resignation Programme, or DRP, was launched on 28 January through an email from the Office of Personnel Management titled “Fork in the Road”. It followed an executive order signed the same day by President Trump that eliminated key civil service protections. The DRP offered nearly all civilian federal employees the option to resign by 6 February in exchange for full pay and benefits through 30 September, without performing any duties during that period. By July, over 154,000 employees accepted. Another 100,000 were set to formally separate on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of the programme. The DRP is expected to cost 14.8 billion dollars in 2025. However, the administration projects 28 billion dollars in annual savings through reduced payroll and operational costs in the future. Also read: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth calls rare, urgent meeting of all Generals - No one knows why Hiring freeze and agency closures ordered by DOGE The DRP was accompanied by a government-wide hiring freeze and the closure or downsizing of several federal agencies, including the USAID, or United States Agency for International Development. These measures were implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a newly established agency led by Elon Musk. DOGE also enforced widespread reductions-in-force across multiple departments. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-rejects-stopgap-bill-as-government-shutdown-looms-1758344727225/embed Legal challenges to the mass exit failed The American Federation of Government Employees and other groups filed lawsuits against the DRP, claiming it violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Anti-Deficiency Act. However, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the programme in an 8 to 1 ruling on 8 July. Also read: What happens to federal workers if the government shuts down? White House plans a strategy Why are US federal employees leaving? Although the resignations were officially voluntary, many were the result of sustained pressure. The hiring freeze and threat of layoffs created a climate of fear. In February, over 24,000 probationary employees in their first one to two years were dismissed en masse. Some were later reinstated by court orders, but reports of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression were widespread. The DRP’s offer of eight months' pay without work duties came at a time when the national unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent. Around 75,000 employees accepted the offer in its first phase. The government also used the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority to encourage eligible workers to leave. The Trump administration ended remote work options and eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. These changes disproportionately affected women and minority staff. For insatnce, by June 2025, over 300,000 Black women had exited the broader American labour force. A survey by Federal News Network in June found that 25 per cent of remaining federal employees were experiencing burnout. Many cited forced reassignments, unclear priorities, and a hostile workplace as their reasons for wanting to leave. Union leaders said many resignations were made under duress. Also read: Trump's administration reacts to Democrats-GOP tussle as government shut down looms Which government services will be hit by mass resignations? Key services are already being disrupted. At the Department of the Interior, the processing of federal water rights has slowed. The Department of Veterans Affairs has reassigned patients due to a shortage of social workers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have struggled to respond to crises such as chemical spills and a bird flu outbreak. The Department of Agriculture has had to rehire workers it had previously laid off. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the tax agency, lost about 25 per cent of its workforce, raising concerns about delays in the 2026 tax season. The Department of Health and Human Services has seen significant cuts affecting public health surveillance. The economic impact is also spreading. Local economies in federal employment hubs such as Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and northern Virginia are suffering. The Washington, D.C. metro area alone could lose billions in local spending. With only 22,000 jobs added across the country in August 2025, many of the departing federal employees face a weak job market. The reduction has also had a disproportionate effect on diverse agencies. Many of the cuts targeted departments with higher representation of women and minority employees, leading to lasting concerns about equity and representation in the federal workforce. Which agencies are specifically hit? The Department of Agriculture has lost approximately 15,000 of its 100,000 employees, representing a 15 per cent reduction. The Department of Health and Human Services has lost about 20,000 out of 82,000 employees, or 24 per cent, with plans for up to 62,000 additional layoffs. The Department of State has lost 12,000 of 75,000 workers, a 16 per cent cut that has affected diplomacy and contractor services. The General Services Administration has reduced its workforce by over 3,000 out of 12,000 employees, a 25 per cent drop. The Environmental Protection Agency has lost 4,000 out of 15,000 workers, a 27 per cent reduction. The Department of Education had 4,200 employees before 2025 and has lost over 1,000, about 24 per cent. The Internal Revenue Service has lost 20,000 out of 80,000 employees, a 25 per cent reduction. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which has 486,000 staff, has experienced a smaller reduction of about 6 per cent, or 30,000 employees. Departments connected to national security, such as the Department of Defence and the Department of Homeland Security, have seen smaller proportional reductions of between 5 and 7 per cent, as they were classified as essential and exempt from most cuts. What happens if there is a government shutdown? If Congress fails to approve a funding bill by 30 September, the federal government will shut down. In that case, over 700,000 non-essential employees could be furloughed. Essential services such as Social Security payments would continue, but the disruption would significantly worsen the staffing crisis already underway in the federal government.

Some 300,000 US federal workers will resign under Trump’s policies. This staffing cuts across agencies, seen as politically motivated, will affect services and risks a government shutdown.&nbsp;

America faces largest mass resignation of federal workers: Who will be affected, which services to be hit, and why it matters

Online scamsters have devised several new traps to defraud people during the festive season. Using artificial intelligence, the swanky new technology that has been attracting the bulk of investments in the famed Silicon Valley, the cyber thugs have invented more personal and targeted attacks at a time when the masses tend to spend more.<h2>How scamsters exploit emotions to defraud people</h2>For instance, a woman in Mumbai was asked to pay Rs 6,000 for a food processor by a WhatsApp account. The account&nbsp;bore the photograph of her roommate. The woman said she paid because her roommate had been thinking of buying&nbsp;a food processor online.&nbsp;Sneha Katkar, head of product strategy at Quick Heal Technologies, told ET that scamsters have now been employing generative AI to create customised and contextual plots to defraud unsuspecting targets. She further said that scamsters can defraud a person if they have enough information to prove that they are authentic.&nbsp;Quick Heal stated that 15% of 2024’s attacks were based on behaviors.&nbsp;McAfee’s survey said people mostly get scammed through&nbsp;phishing links via email and SMS.Scamsters have also spread AI-generated celebrity endorsements with deals on top products.&nbsp;McAfee has noticed a 40% increase in such scams in the festive months compared to the previous quarter.&nbsp;Jaydeep Singh, general manager, India at Kaspersky, said that advanced persistent threat (APT) groups run like corporations, providing malware as a service.&nbsp;Katkar said that scamsters are also forwarding e-greeting cards during festivals. These cards are usually trojans that send random messages to the victim's contacts, asking for money from them, posing as the victim.

How scamsters exploit emotions to defraud people: Scamsters are using artificial intelligence and employing innovative techniques to trap their victims.

Online scamsters have devised several new traps to defraud people during the festive season. Using artificial intelligence, the swanky new technology that has been attracting the bulk of investments in the famed Silicon Valley, the cyber thugs have invented more personal and targeted attacks at a time when the masses tend to spend more. How scamsters exploit emotions to defraud people For instance, a woman in Mumbai was asked to pay Rs 6,000 for a food processor by a WhatsApp account. The account bore the photograph of her roommate. The woman said she paid because her roommate had been thinking of buying a food processor online. Sneha Katkar, head of product strategy at Quick Heal Technologies, told ET that scamsters have now been employing generative AI to create customised and contextual plots to defraud unsuspecting targets. She further said that scamsters can defraud a person if they have enough information to prove that they are authentic. Quick Heal stated that 15% of 2024’s attacks were based on behaviors. McAfee’s survey said people mostly get scammed through phishing links via email and SMS. Scamsters have also spread AI-generated celebrity endorsements with deals on top products. McAfee has noticed a 40% increase in such scams in the festive months compared to the previous quarter. Jaydeep Singh, general manager, India at Kaspersky, said that advanced persistent threat (APT) groups run like corporations, providing malware as a service. Katkar said that scamsters are also forwarding e-greeting cards during festivals. These cards are usually trojans that send random messages to the victim's contacts, asking for money from them, posing as the victim.

How scamsters exploit emotions to defraud people: Scamsters are using artificial intelligence and employing innovative techniques to trap their victims.&nbsp;

'Greeting cards, fake offers': This festive season, beware of AI-based online scamsters

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced India's first Hydrogen Highways. He made the announcement on the&nbsp;inaugural day of World Hydrogen India, which was organized by S&amp;P Global Commodity Insights.&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari highlighted&nbsp;the urgency of reducing India's dependence on crude imports, currently at 87 per cent of demand and costing the nation nearly Rs 22 lakh crore annually. He said hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and the government has launched the&nbsp;world's first large-scale hydrogen truck trials.&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari said that the government has made a&nbsp;budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crore. He said the government has industry partners, including&nbsp;Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Volvo, BPCL, IOCL, NTPC, and Reliance.&nbsp;Nine hydrogen refuelling stations will be established to support these trials, he said.&nbsp;He said these corridors will serve as India's first hydrogen highways.<h2>Routes of Hydrogen Highways</h2>He said the trials will run for two years. The routes include&nbsp;Greater Noida, Delhi, Agra, Bhubaneswar, Konark, Puri, Vadodara, Surat, Sahibabad, Faridabad, Pune, Mumbai, Jamshedpur, Kalinga, Thiruvananthapuram, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam.&nbsp;He said these routes will link ports and freight corridors. He also said that the&nbsp;entire hydrogen value chain, including compression, storage, transport, and refueling infrastructure, will be developed.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said India aims to produce 5 million tons of green hydrogen&nbsp;annually by 2030. It will generate 6 lakh jobs and an investment of Rs 8 lakh crore.&nbsp;It will reduce&nbsp;CO2 emissions by 3.6 gigatons by 2050.&nbsp;This transition is expected to cut fossil fuel imports by Rs 1 lakh crore per year, he added.&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari said India will be a&nbsp;manufacturer, an innovator, and an exporter of hydrogen.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We will convert agriculture into energy, secure our fuel supplies, create jobs, and cut emissions all at once. This is India's moment to lead in clean fuels," he concluded.

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced India's first Hydrogen Highways. He made the announcement on the inaugural day of World Hydrogen India, which was organized by S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced India's first Hydrogen Highways. He made the announcement on the inaugural day of World Hydrogen India, which was organized by S&P Global Commodity Insights. Nitin Gadkari highlighted the urgency of reducing India's dependence on crude imports, currently at 87 per cent of demand and costing the nation nearly Rs 22 lakh crore annually. He said hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and the government has launched the world's first large-scale hydrogen truck trials. Nitin Gadkari said that the government has made a budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crore. He said the government has industry partners, including Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Volvo, BPCL, IOCL, NTPC, and Reliance. Nine hydrogen refuelling stations will be established to support these trials, he said. He said these corridors will serve as India's first hydrogen highways. Routes of Hydrogen Highways He said the trials will run for two years. The routes include Greater Noida, Delhi, Agra, Bhubaneswar, Konark, Puri, Vadodara, Surat, Sahibabad, Faridabad, Pune, Mumbai, Jamshedpur, Kalinga, Thiruvananthapuram, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam. He said these routes will link ports and freight corridors. He also said that the entire hydrogen value chain, including compression, storage, transport, and refueling infrastructure, will be developed. He said India aims to produce 5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. It will generate 6 lakh jobs and an investment of Rs 8 lakh crore. It will reduce CO2 emissions by 3.6 gigatons by 2050. This transition is expected to cut fossil fuel imports by Rs 1 lakh crore per year, he added. Nitin Gadkari said India will be a manufacturer, an innovator, and an exporter of hydrogen. "We will convert agriculture into energy, secure our fuel supplies, create jobs, and cut emissions all at once. This is India's moment to lead in clean fuels," he concluded.

Hydrogen Highways announced: Nitin Gadkari said India aims to produce 5 million tons of green hydrogen&nbsp;annually by 2030. It will generate 6 lakh jobs and an investment of Rs 8 lakh crore.

Nitin Gadkari announces Hydrogen Highways: List of cities they will pass through

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has said in a report that the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure will provide Indian households with massive tax savings&nbsp;of between 27 per cent and 30 per cent.&nbsp;The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry's Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (FICCI CASCADE), along with the Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI), said in the report that the new structure has provided relief to families in rural and urban India by easing tax on both essential and discretionary items.&nbsp;The Central government has eliminated the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and placed the goods and services in these categories into the 5 per cent and 18 per cent GST slabs. The government has also levied a flat 40 per cent tax on sin goods, including luxury cars and tobacco products.&nbsp;GST rationalization has potentially placed more money into the hands of the masses by lowering tax on most goods and services. The government took these measures to boost domestic consumer spending.&nbsp;The Centre is monitoring whether these companies will pass on the GST benefits to the consumers or not.&nbsp;The report noted that the government has placed 149 items in the lowest 5 per cent tax rate. In the previous GST structure, the figure was 54.&nbsp;Apart from household savings, GST 2.0 is also seen to be supporting small businesses and pushing further formalization of the Indian economy. By lowering tax rates and reducing price differences, the report states.&nbsp;The report said that with the lower tax rates, pressure on consumption will be eased.&nbsp;It said that the reform promotes fairness in taxation and creates a level playing field. It has also reshaped the way people and businesses interact with the Indian economy.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has said in a report that the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure will provide Indian households with massive tax savings of between 27 per cent and 30 per cent.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has said in a report that the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure will provide Indian households with massive tax savings of between 27 per cent and 30 per cent. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry's Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (FICCI CASCADE), along with the Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI), said in the report that the new structure has provided relief to families in rural and urban India by easing tax on both essential and discretionary items. The Central government has eliminated the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and placed the goods and services in these categories into the 5 per cent and 18 per cent GST slabs. The government has also levied a flat 40 per cent tax on sin goods, including luxury cars and tobacco products. GST rationalization has potentially placed more money into the hands of the masses by lowering tax on most goods and services. The government took these measures to boost domestic consumer spending. The Centre is monitoring whether these companies will pass on the GST benefits to the consumers or not. The report noted that the government has placed 149 items in the lowest 5 per cent tax rate. In the previous GST structure, the figure was 54. Apart from household savings, GST 2.0 is also seen to be supporting small businesses and pushing further formalization of the Indian economy. By lowering tax rates and reducing price differences, the report states. The report said that with the lower tax rates, pressure on consumption will be eased. It said that the reform promotes fairness in taxation and creates a level playing field. It has also reshaped the way people and businesses interact with the Indian economy.

Goods and Services Tax reforms: The Centre is monitoring whether these companies will pass on the GST benefits to the consumers or not.

Goods and Services Tax reforms: How much savings can a household expect? Report says...

Global tech giant Accenture has reportedly let go of 11,000 employees. The firm said on Thursday that it may have to lay off more employees in the coming months. The layoffs took place amid the company's push to integrate artificial intelligence into its workflow.<h2>Accenture launches restructuring program</h2>The company said in a statement that it has devised&nbsp;a&nbsp; $865 million restructuring programme because of the expected slump in growth due to sluggish corporate demand.&nbsp;CEO Julie Sweet said that the company is "exiting" people to get more "skills we need".&nbsp;“We’re trying to—in a very compressed timeline where we don't have a viable path for skilling—sort of exiting people, so we can get more of the skills we need," she was quoted as saying by Mint.She said the company is exiting those for whom reskilling isn't a viable&nbsp;path.&nbsp;Accenture had 7,79,000 employees in August, 11000 less than the figure released three months prior.&nbsp;The&nbsp;company says the&nbsp;layoffs will continue&nbsp;till November.&nbsp;The company is expecting to save a billion dollars after executing its restructuring program.&nbsp;It is also training its staff in agentic artificial intelligence, reported Bloomberg, adding that they are teaching the basics of the technology to the employees.&nbsp;In the June-August 2025 quarter, Accenture's revenue rose to $17.60 billion year-on-year.&nbsp;"I am very pleased with our 7 per cent growth in fiscal 2025, demonstrating our unique ability to deliver for our clients as they seek our help to reinvent and lead with AI," Sweet said.

Global tech giant Accenture has reportedly let go of 11,000 employees. The firm said on Thursday that it may have to lay off more employees in the coming months. The layoffs took place amid the company's push to integrate artificial intelligence into its workflow.

Global tech giant Accenture has reportedly let go of 11,000 employees. The firm said on Thursday that it may have to lay off more employees in the coming months. The layoffs took place amid the company's push to integrate artificial intelligence into its workflow. Accenture launches restructuring program The company said in a statement that it has devised a $865 million restructuring programme because of the expected slump in growth due to sluggish corporate demand. CEO Julie Sweet said that the company is "exiting" people to get more "skills we need". “We’re trying to—in a very compressed timeline where we don't have a viable path for skilling—sort of exiting people, so we can get more of the skills we need," she was quoted as saying by Mint. She said the company is exiting those for whom reskilling isn't a viable path. Accenture had 7,79,000 employees in August, 11000 less than the figure released three months prior. The company says the layoffs will continue till November. The company is expecting to save a billion dollars after executing its restructuring program. It is also training its staff in agentic artificial intelligence, reported Bloomberg, adding that they are teaching the basics of the technology to the employees. In the June-August 2025 quarter, Accenture's revenue rose to $17.60 billion year-on-year. "I am very pleased with our 7 per cent growth in fiscal 2025, demonstrating our unique ability to deliver for our clients as they seek our help to reinvent and lead with AI," Sweet said.

Accenture layoffs: The company is training its employees in artificial intelligence. The firm says it has not “exited” those for whom reskilling wasn't a viable option.&nbsp;

Accenture layoffs: 11,000 jobs lost amid firm's AI push. More layoffs coming?

The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing on a plea filed by Vodafone Idea seeking relief from additional adjusted gross revenue (AGR) demands raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the period up to FY 2016-17. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria adjourned the matter over the Centre's request.<h2>What's Vodafone Idea's demand in the plea?</h2>Vodafone Idea has sought directions from the court to quash the AGR&nbsp;dues demand, saying it belonged to the pre-2016- 2017 era, which had been settled by the Supreme Court's previous ruling.&nbsp;The petition says that the DoT action was unjust, unfair, and arbitrary, as the Supreme Court had crystallized the AGR dues and not carried out a complete reassessment.&nbsp;The telecom company claimed that errors in computation have led to duplication of entries, with certain amounts added more than once.&nbsp;Meanwhile, on Friday, Vodafone Idea's share price dropped 9 per cent after the court deferred the hearing. On the BSE, the share was trading at Rs 7.90 apiece.&nbsp;DoT has demanded Rs 9,450 crore as additional AGR dues from the debt-laden company.&nbsp;The company wants the Supreme Court to set aside the demand.&nbsp;The Centre informed the Supreme Court last week that a resolution to the matter was necessary as the government also holds a stake in the company.&nbsp;The government has a 49 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea after it converted the company's liabilities into equity. The court had listed the matter for September 26.&nbsp;Vodafone Idea's share price increased 21 per cent&nbsp;in one month and 12 per cent in three months.&nbsp;At 2.19 pm, the company's share price was Rs 8, a slump of 7.83 per cent.

The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing on a plea filed by Vodafone Idea seeking relief from additional adjusted gross revenue (AGR) demands raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the period up to FY 2016-17.

The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing on a plea filed by Vodafone Idea seeking relief from additional adjusted gross revenue (AGR) demands raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the period up to FY 2016-17. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria adjourned the matter over the Centre's request. What's Vodafone Idea's demand in the plea? Vodafone Idea has sought directions from the court to quash the AGR dues demand, saying it belonged to the pre-2016- 2017 era, which had been settled by the Supreme Court's previous ruling. The petition says that the DoT action was unjust, unfair, and arbitrary, as the Supreme Court had crystallized the AGR dues and not carried out a complete reassessment. The telecom company claimed that errors in computation have led to duplication of entries, with certain amounts added more than once. Meanwhile, on Friday, Vodafone Idea's share price dropped 9 per cent after the court deferred the hearing. On the BSE, the share was trading at Rs 7.90 apiece. DoT has demanded Rs 9,450 crore as additional AGR dues from the debt-laden company. The company wants the Supreme Court to set aside the demand. The Centre informed the Supreme Court last week that a resolution to the matter was necessary as the government also holds a stake in the company. The government has a 49 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea after it converted the company's liabilities into equity. The court had listed the matter for September 26. Vodafone Idea's share price increased 21 per cent in one month and 12 per cent in three months. At 2.19 pm, the company's share price was Rs 8, a slump of 7.83 per cent.

What is Vodafone Idea's share price? Vodafone Idea has sought directions from the court to quash the AGR&nbsp;dues demand, saying it belonged to the pre-2016- 2017 era.

Vodafone Idea's share price slumps as Supreme Court defers AGR hearing

Sometimes, war is good for business. American oil and gas firms would certainly agree, in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Europe rushed to cut its historic dependence on Russian oil and gas. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this situation has been the United States. Fueled by the “Drill, Baby, Drill” approach on fossil fuels championed by President Donald Trump, American producers and marketers have found a new ‘gold rush’ amid the ruins of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Here is that story:<h2>Russia-Ukraine war and the energy shockwave that helped the US</h2>Before the war, Russia accounted for approximately 31 per cent of the European Union's crude oil imports and nearly 45 per cent of its natural gas imports. But after the war, bans on seaborne Russian crude oil (effective December 2022), restrictions on refined oil products (early 2023), and voluntary reductions in Russian gas imports left Europe scrambling to fill a massive energy gap.Enter the United States, whose shale boom and ever-growing LNG export infrastructure positioned it as the top replacement supplier for Europe.&nbsp;The result? American crude oil exports to Europe surged from roughly 0.6 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2021 to nearly 1.85 million b/d by 2023. American LNG export volumes to Europe rose from about 2.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2021 to over 7 Bcf/d by 2023, making the US Europe’s largest LNG supplier.By mid-2025, Europe had reduced Russian energy imports by nearly 89 per cent, dramatically weakening Russia’s fossil fuel revenue stream, which fell by around 8 per cent year-on-year to nearly €847 billion since 2022.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-s-all-gas-why-trump-schools-europe-on-russian-oil-only-but-is-silent-on-gas-sales-to-europe-that-quietly-funds-russia-1758866696480">IT'S ALL GAS: Why Trump schools Europe on Russian oil only, but is silent on gas sales to Europe that quietly funds Russia</a><h2>Fishing in troubled waters: American firms find new markets in a war-torn world</h2>The success of ‘Drill, Baby, Drill,’ Trump’s hallmark policy to ramp up American fossil fuel production, depends on one critical factor: Buyers. Production growth alone doesn't guarantee profits. American oil and gas must be sold abroad to absorb the increased supply and sustain prices.The Ukraine war created an ideal hunting ground for American producers. US crude oil and LNG exporters suddenly had a ready customer base, enabling them to sell record volumes at premium prices. The American crude oil export value to Europe soared to around $50–60 billion annually by 2023, while LNG exports generated an additional $40–50 billion per year.New American LNG terminals like Plaquemines Phase 1 and a 35 per cent increase in EU regasification capacity helped sustain the boom in sales.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-don-t-want-to-punish-india-us-tells-india-to-buy-oil-from-anywhere-just-not-russia-1758781214297">'We don’t want to punish India': US tells India to buy oil from 'anywhere, just not Russia'</a><h2>It doesn't end there: American oil firms are dealing with Russia too</h2>American oil companies have found ways to benefit from both sides of the war. The US is supplying Europe, whose erstwhile supply from Russia it is forcibly cutting through pressure tactic. At the same time, US firms continue to engage in energy trade with Russia itself.Despite sanctions and price caps, Russian crude exports have not disappeared entirely and still reach some global markets, occasionally with involvement from US trading firms and middlemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree allowing foreign investors to potentially regain shares in the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project. ExxonMobil, which had previously exited Sakhalin-1 due to sanctions, is reportedly interested in re-entering the Russian oil market. A Kremlin spokesperson noted that ExxonMobil is not the only American energy firm exploring re-entry.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US energy giants like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Cheniere reported record profits. Oil and gas majors globally have generated more than $281 billion in profits since February 2022, nearly half of which has flowed to American companies.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-hits-russian-oil-moscow-unleashes-missiles-1758042311446/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-hits-russian-oil-moscow-unleashes-missiles-1758042311446/embed</a><h2>Why Trump wants Europe to limit Russian oil purchases: A hidden agenda helping US firms</h2>Trump’s public calls for Europe to reduce and eventually stop purchasing Russian oil align with his broader agenda: to weaken Russia economically and bolster American energy dominance.He has advocated for European allies to adopt ‘secondary sanctions’ and curtail Russian imports aggressively.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-plans-to-increase-tariffs-on-russian-oil-imports-1758735386222">EU plans to increase tariffs on Russian oil imports</a>This strategy automatically positions America as the more “reliable” energy partner for Europe while ensuring sustained demand for US-made fossil fuels abroad.Europe is effectively paying more for energy products from the US, such as LNG, even as increased fossil fuel purchases from the US run counter to its climate commitments. The phrase ‘renewable energy,’ once Europe’s clarion call, is not uttered as loudly anymore in the face of immediate energy security concerns.

Trump’s ‘Drill Baby, Drill’ energy strategy is gaining from the Russia-Ukraine war, as US oil firms profit by replacing Russian supply in Europe—while quietly staying linked to Russian markets too. Wonder how? Read on:



Sometimes, war is good for business. American oil and gas firms would certainly agree, in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Europe rushed to cut its historic dependence on Russian oil and gas. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this situation has been the United States. Fueled by the “Drill, Baby, Drill” approach on fossil fuels championed by President Donald Trump, American producers and marketers have found a new ‘gold rush’ amid the ruins of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Here is that story: Russia-Ukraine war and the energy shockwave that helped the US Before the war, Russia accounted for approximately 31 per cent of the European Union's crude oil imports and nearly 45 per cent of its natural gas imports. But after the war, bans on seaborne Russian crude oil (effective December 2022), restrictions on refined oil products (early 2023), and voluntary reductions in Russian gas imports left Europe scrambling to fill a massive energy gap. Enter the United States, whose shale boom and ever-growing LNG export infrastructure positioned it as the top replacement supplier for Europe. The result? American crude oil exports to Europe surged from roughly 0.6 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2021 to nearly 1.85 million b/d by 2023. American LNG export volumes to Europe rose from about 2.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2021 to over 7 Bcf/d by 2023, making the US Europe’s largest LNG supplier. By mid-2025, Europe had reduced Russian energy imports by nearly 89 per cent, dramatically weakening Russia’s fossil fuel revenue stream, which fell by around 8 per cent year-on-year to nearly €847 billion since 2022. Also read: IT'S ALL GAS: Why Trump schools Europe on Russian oil only, but is silent on gas sales to Europe that quietly funds Russia Fishing in troubled waters: American firms find new markets in a war-torn world The success of ‘Drill, Baby, Drill,’ Trump’s hallmark policy to ramp up American fossil fuel production, depends on one critical factor: Buyers. Production growth alone doesn't guarantee profits. American oil and gas must be sold abroad to absorb the increased supply and sustain prices. The Ukraine war created an ideal hunting ground for American producers. US crude oil and LNG exporters suddenly had a ready customer base, enabling them to sell record volumes at premium prices. The American crude oil export value to Europe soared to around $50–60 billion annually by 2023, while LNG exports generated an additional $40–50 billion per year. New American LNG terminals like Plaquemines Phase 1 and a 35 per cent increase in EU regasification capacity helped sustain the boom in sales. Also read: 'We don’t want to punish India': US tells India to buy oil from 'anywhere, just not Russia' It doesn't end there: American oil firms are dealing with Russia too American oil companies have found ways to benefit from both sides of the war. The US is supplying Europe, whose erstwhile supply from Russia it is forcibly cutting through pressure tactic. At the same time, US firms continue to engage in energy trade with Russia itself. Despite sanctions and price caps, Russian crude exports have not disappeared entirely and still reach some global markets, occasionally with involvement from US trading firms and middlemen. Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree allowing foreign investors to potentially regain shares in the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project. ExxonMobil, which had previously exited Sakhalin-1 due to sanctions, is reportedly interested in re-entering the Russian oil market. A Kremlin spokesperson noted that ExxonMobil is not the only American energy firm exploring re-entry. Meanwhile, US energy giants like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Cheniere reported record profits. Oil and gas majors globally have generated more than $281 billion in profits since February 2022, nearly half of which has flowed to American companies. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-hits-russian-oil-moscow-unleashes-missiles-1758042311446/embed Why Trump wants Europe to limit Russian oil purchases: A hidden agenda helping US firms Trump’s public calls for Europe to reduce and eventually stop purchasing Russian oil align with his broader agenda: to weaken Russia economically and bolster American energy dominance. He has advocated for European allies to adopt ‘secondary sanctions’ and curtail Russian imports aggressively. Also read: EU plans to increase tariffs on Russian oil imports This strategy automatically positions America as the more “reliable” energy partner for Europe while ensuring sustained demand for US-made fossil fuels abroad. Europe is effectively paying more for energy products from the US, such as LNG, even as increased fossil fuel purchases from the US run counter to its climate commitments. The phrase ‘renewable energy,’ once Europe’s clarion call, is not uttered as loudly anymore in the face of immediate energy security concerns.

Trump’s ‘Drill Baby, Drill’ energy strategy is gaining from the Russia-Ukraine war, as US oil firms profit by replacing Russian supply in Europe—while quietly staying linked to Russian markets too. Wonder how? Read on:&nbsp;

Drill Baby, Drill: How Trump’s Russia-Ukraine war mediation helps US oil deals on both sides

Ending a two-year-old dispute over allegations that it tricked consumers into buying the Prime subscription and then made it hard to cancel, e-commerce and OTT giant Amazon has agreed&nbsp;to pay a historic $2.5 billion in settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. Under the agreement, $1 billion will be paid in civil penalty and $1.5 billion in refunds to an estimated 35 million customers.<h2>What's the case against Amazon about?</h2>The agency said in a statement that these consumers&nbsp;were harmed by Amazon through deceptive Prime enrollment practices. The lawsuit over the company's cancellation policies was filed in 2023.&nbsp;FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson called the settlement a monumental win for the millions of Americans who are tired of deceptive subscriptions that feel impossible to cancel.&nbsp;He said Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime. He said it made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription.&nbsp;Amazon spokesperson Mark Blafkin, however, said in a statement that they had always followed the law.&nbsp;"Amazon and our executives have always followed the law, and this settlement allows us to move forward and focus on innovating for customers. We work incredibly hard to make it clear and simple for customers to both sign up or cancel their Prime membership, and to offer substantial value for our many millions of loyal Prime members around the world," he added.&nbsp;The firm, however, didn't admit to wrongdoing.&nbsp;Amazon can no longer&nbsp;have the “No, I don’t want Free Shipping” button.&nbsp;Analysts say that the settlement might streamline Prime’s cancellation process, but it won’t dent the program’s dominance.&nbsp;Former FTC chair Lina Khan said that the amount was a drop in Amazon's bucket. It added that it was also a relief to Amazon executives who harmed their customers.

Ending a two-year-old dispute over allegations that it tricked consumers into buying the Prime subscription and then made it hard to cancel, e-commerce and OTT giant Amazon has agreed to pay a historic $2.5 billion in settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. 

Ending a two-year-old dispute over allegations that it tricked consumers into buying the Prime subscription and then made it hard to cancel, e-commerce and OTT giant Amazon has agreed to pay a historic $2.5 billion in settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. Under the agreement, $1 billion will be paid in civil penalty and $1.5 billion in refunds to an estimated 35 million customers. What's the case against Amazon about? The agency said in a statement that these consumers were harmed by Amazon through deceptive Prime enrollment practices. The lawsuit over the company's cancellation policies was filed in 2023. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson called the settlement a monumental win for the millions of Americans who are tired of deceptive subscriptions that feel impossible to cancel. He said Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime. He said it made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription. Amazon spokesperson Mark Blafkin, however, said in a statement that they had always followed the law. "Amazon and our executives have always followed the law, and this settlement allows us to move forward and focus on innovating for customers. We work incredibly hard to make it clear and simple for customers to both sign up or cancel their Prime membership, and to offer substantial value for our many millions of loyal Prime members around the world," he added. The firm, however, didn't admit to wrongdoing. Amazon can no longer have the “No, I don’t want Free Shipping” button. Analysts say that the settlement might streamline Prime’s cancellation process, but it won’t dent the program’s dominance. Former FTC chair Lina Khan said that the amount was a drop in Amazon's bucket. It added that it was also a relief to Amazon executives who harmed their customers.

Amazon's Federal Trade Commission case explained: Analysts say that the settlement might streamline Prime’s cancellation process, but it won’t dent the program’s dominance.

Amazon to pay $2.5 billion in settlement over 'Prime trap' charge. Case explained

It has almost become daily drama for Donald Trump to school Europe on the purchase of Russian oil, but he never talks about Russian gas. Why? Russian gas continues to flow into several European nations, and stopping the supply would mean winter woes for its citizens, who could revolt. In spite of the US president rapping China and India over Russian oil purchases and asking Europe to put sanctions on the same, he won't talk about gas purchases. Let us expose this hogwash.<h2>Why Europe still buys Russian gas in spite of the Ukraine war</h2>Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the West has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian fossil fuel imports, with the European Union (EU), G7, and UK blacklisting Russian crude oil. Refined products like diesel and jet fuel are also targeted with price caps and import bans. The UK and US no longer import Russian oil or gas. But one major energy stream remains flowing nearly uninterrupted to Europe: Russian gas.As of 2024, Europe was still importing over 50 billion cubic metres of Russian gas per year. This means Russia remains one of the continent’s top suppliers. That may be the reason why Trump only ever mentions oil, but not gas.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-plans-to-increase-tariffs-on-russian-oil-imports-1758735386222">EU plans to increase tariffs on Russian oil imports</a><h2>Russia’s grip on Europe’s gas supply remains unbroken</h2>Before the war, in 2021, Russia supplied nearly 155 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas to the EU, which was nearly 45 per cent of the bloc’s total gas imports. After the war, most EU member countries diversified their energy sources: expanding to Norway, the US, Algeria, and Qatar. Pipeline routes like Nord Stream (which was sabotaged) and Yamal-Europe are shut. The Ukraine transit corridor (which used to facilitate the supply of Russian gas to Europe) ended operations in January this year.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-don-t-want-to-punish-india-us-tells-india-to-buy-oil-from-anywhere-just-not-russia-1758781214297">'We don’t want to punish India': US tells India to buy oil from 'anywhere, just not Russia'</a>Despite all this, Russia still exported roughly 52 bcm of natural gas to Europe in 2024: around 31.6 bcm via pipelines and another 20 bcm as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The main gas pipeline is the TurkStream, operated via Turkey, and the LNG is shipped to terminals in France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For context, Belgium hosts the EU headquarters, and France is at the forefront of opposing Russia and defending Ukraine rhetorically.Russian gas still made up nearly 19 per cent of total EU gas imports in 2024, at the peak of anti-Russia rhetoric from Europe. Russia was only the second-largest supplier of gas to Europe, after Norway. In fact, EU imports of Russian LNG actually increased in 2024, up 14 per cent year-on-year, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and European Commission data.&nbsp;Are you getting the drift?<h2>Russian LNG: The loophole that Europe won’t close, because it can't</h2>Not just the war, but the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline and the expiration of transit contracts are the aspects that changed how Europe bought its energy. Interesting to note here that the Nord Stream pipeline investigation also appears practically sabotaged, with some reports pointing to Ukraine's involvement.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-destroys-ukraine-s-military-site-iskander-ballistic-missiles-rain-fire-1758857759496/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-destroys-ukraine-s-military-site-iskander-ballistic-missiles-rain-fire-1758857759496/embed</a>Liquefied Natural Gas, which is shipped by sea and not tied to fixed pipelines, has streamed into Europe from Russia unabated.European countries continue to take delivery of Russian LNG at their top ports. France, in fact, received the largest share in 2024, while Spain and Belgium also maintained steady import volumes. The EU imported a total of around 17.5 million tonnes, or around 20 bcm, of Russian LNG in 2024.Current EU sanctions have not made these LNG trades illegal. Russian gas imports are enabled by Western shipping and insurance firms. And, even though Britain stopped direct energy imports from Russia entirely, UK-based insurers and EU-flagged vessels remain heavily involved in facilitating Russian LNG shipments.<h2>Europe tried diversification, yet Russian gas still flows into it</h2>Since the Ukraine invasion, Europe has scrambled to diversify its supply of gas. As of 2024, Norway sold more than 91 bcm to the EU, which is roughly 33 per cent of total imports. American LNG made up about 48 per cent of the EU’s total LNG purchases. Algeria, Qatar, and Azerbaijan have also increased their exports to the EU.But Europe is yet to be fully free of Russian gas imports. Central and Eastern European countries — mainly Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia — continue to receive pipeline gas via TurkStream, with these three nations alone accounting for the majority of Russian pipeline gas delivered to the EU in early 2025.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-china-are-primary-funders-of-russia-s-war-against-ukraine-trump-s-sensational-claim-at-unga-1758639576307">'India, China are PRIMARY funders of Russia's war against Ukraine': Trump's sensational claim at UNGA</a>Germany, Poland, France, and the Baltic states have eliminated direct pipeline imports from Russia, but Germany and France still receive Russian LNG through terminals. In some cases, that LNG is later re-exported within the EU internal market. This is a kind of round-tripping, in which Russian gas molecules are still traded broadly across the European continent.<h2>Why Trump doesn’t talk about Russian gas while blowing his horn on Russian oil</h2>Trump has slammed European countries, especially Germany, for relying on Russian energy, often citing German dependence on Nord Stream, and blaming EU nations for "funding" the war in Ukraine through fossil fuel payments. But ever wondered why these attacks almost always focus on oil, but not on gas?In fact, Russian oil has already been largely cut off by Europe, but not Russian gas. If Trump talked about gas, it would expose the uncomfortable truth: that Europe still sends billions of euros to Russia each year for energy.<h2>Why hasn't Europe sanctioned Russian gas?</h2>Clear answer: It's tough to replace gas supplies overnight. Gas remains a vital source of energy security for several EU countries. Gas is a politically sensitive issue. Russian gas is widely used for domestic heating, industrial manufacturing, electricity generation, and even fuelling buses and commercial vehicles in some regions. Western leaders, including Trump, are reluctant to confront its use head-on.<h2>Russia-Ukraine war is still funded through the gas pump</h2>Despite all the choreographed political drama by Trump and European leaders, the facts are clear: the EU still buys tens of billions of euros worth of gas from Russia every year. In 2024 alone, Russian pipeline gas generated around €11 billion to €13 billion in export revenue, while LNG added another €9 billion to €10 billion.European energy policy would be vulnerable if it stops gas imports from Russia. This explains the selective silence around gas. As long as Russian gas continues to power European homes and factories, the West’s economic war on Putin remains only a paper tiger.Hope you understood the hypocrisy. &nbsp;

Despite sanctions on Russian oil, Europe still imports billions of cubic metres of Russian gas. Billions of euros from this trade are quietly funding Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump attacks oil purchases but stays silent on gas. Let's expose this hypocricy

It has almost become daily drama for Donald Trump to school Europe on the purchase of Russian oil, but he never talks about Russian gas. Why? Russian gas continues to flow into several European nations, and stopping the supply would mean winter woes for its citizens, who could revolt. In spite of the US president rapping China and India over Russian oil purchases and asking Europe to put sanctions on the same, he won't talk about gas purchases. Let us expose this hogwash. Why Europe still buys Russian gas in spite of the Ukraine war Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the West has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian fossil fuel imports, with the European Union (EU), G7, and UK blacklisting Russian crude oil. Refined products like diesel and jet fuel are also targeted with price caps and import bans. The UK and US no longer import Russian oil or gas. But one major energy stream remains flowing nearly uninterrupted to Europe: Russian gas. As of 2024, Europe was still importing over 50 billion cubic metres of Russian gas per year. This means Russia remains one of the continent’s top suppliers. That may be the reason why Trump only ever mentions oil, but not gas. Also read: EU plans to increase tariffs on Russian oil imports Russia’s grip on Europe’s gas supply remains unbroken Before the war, in 2021, Russia supplied nearly 155 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas to the EU, which was nearly 45 per cent of the bloc’s total gas imports. After the war, most EU member countries diversified their energy sources: expanding to Norway, the US, Algeria, and Qatar. Pipeline routes like Nord Stream (which was sabotaged) and Yamal-Europe are shut. The Ukraine transit corridor (which used to facilitate the supply of Russian gas to Europe) ended operations in January this year. Also read: 'We don’t want to punish India': US tells India to buy oil from 'anywhere, just not Russia' Despite all this, Russia still exported roughly 52 bcm of natural gas to Europe in 2024: around 31.6 bcm via pipelines and another 20 bcm as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The main gas pipeline is the TurkStream, operated via Turkey, and the LNG is shipped to terminals in France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For context, Belgium hosts the EU headquarters, and France is at the forefront of opposing Russia and defending Ukraine rhetorically. Russian gas still made up nearly 19 per cent of total EU gas imports in 2024, at the peak of anti-Russia rhetoric from Europe. Russia was only the second-largest supplier of gas to Europe, after Norway. In fact, EU imports of Russian LNG actually increased in 2024, up 14 per cent year-on-year, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and European Commission data. Are you getting the drift? Russian LNG: The loophole that Europe won’t close, because it can't Not just the war, but the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline and the expiration of transit contracts are the aspects that changed how Europe bought its energy. Interesting to note here that the Nord Stream pipeline investigation also appears practically sabotaged, with some reports pointing to Ukraine's involvement. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-destroys-ukraine-s-military-site-iskander-ballistic-missiles-rain-fire-1758857759496/embed Liquefied Natural Gas, which is shipped by sea and not tied to fixed pipelines, has streamed into Europe from Russia unabated. European countries continue to take delivery of Russian LNG at their top ports. France, in fact, received the largest share in 2024, while Spain and Belgium also maintained steady import volumes. The EU imported a total of around 17.5 million tonnes, or around 20 bcm, of Russian LNG in 2024. Current EU sanctions have not made these LNG trades illegal. Russian gas imports are enabled by Western shipping and insurance firms. And, even though Britain stopped direct energy imports from Russia entirely, UK-based insurers and EU-flagged vessels remain heavily involved in facilitating Russian LNG shipments. Europe tried diversification, yet Russian gas still flows into it Since the Ukraine invasion, Europe has scrambled to diversify its supply of gas. As of 2024, Norway sold more than 91 bcm to the EU, which is roughly 33 per cent of total imports. American LNG made up about 48 per cent of the EU’s total LNG purchases. Algeria, Qatar, and Azerbaijan have also increased their exports to the EU. But Europe is yet to be fully free of Russian gas imports. Central and Eastern European countries — mainly Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia — continue to receive pipeline gas via TurkStream, with these three nations alone accounting for the majority of Russian pipeline gas delivered to the EU in early 2025. Also read: 'India, China are PRIMARY funders of Russia's war against Ukraine': Trump's sensational claim at UNGA Germany, Poland, France, and the Baltic states have eliminated direct pipeline imports from Russia, but Germany and France still receive Russian LNG through terminals. In some cases, that LNG is later re-exported within the EU internal market. This is a kind of round-tripping, in which Russian gas molecules are still traded broadly across the European continent. Why Trump doesn’t talk about Russian gas while blowing his horn on Russian oil Trump has slammed European countries, especially Germany, for relying on Russian energy, often citing German dependence on Nord Stream, and blaming EU nations for "funding" the war in Ukraine through fossil fuel payments. But ever wondered why these attacks almost always focus on oil, but not on gas? In fact, Russian oil has already been largely cut off by Europe, but not Russian gas. If Trump talked about gas, it would expose the uncomfortable truth: that Europe still sends billions of euros to Russia each year for energy. Why hasn't Europe sanctioned Russian gas? Clear answer: It's tough to replace gas supplies overnight. Gas remains a vital source of energy security for several EU countries. Gas is a politically sensitive issue. Russian gas is widely used for domestic heating, industrial manufacturing, electricity generation, and even fuelling buses and commercial vehicles in some regions. Western leaders, including Trump, are reluctant to confront its use head-on. Russia-Ukraine war is still funded through the gas pump Despite all the choreographed political drama by Trump and European leaders, the facts are clear: the EU still buys tens of billions of euros worth of gas from Russia every year. In 2024 alone, Russian pipeline gas generated around €11 billion to €13 billion in export revenue, while LNG added another €9 billion to €10 billion. European energy policy would be vulnerable if it stops gas imports from Russia. This explains the selective silence around gas. As long as Russian gas continues to power European homes and factories, the West’s economic war on Putin remains only a paper tiger. Hope you understood the hypocrisy.

Despite sanctions on Russian oil, Europe still imports billions of cubic metres of Russian gas. Billions of euros from this trade are quietly funding Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump attacks oil purchases but stays silent on gas. Let's expose this hypocricy

IT'S ALL GAS: Why Trump schools Europe on Russian oil only, but is silent on gas sales to Europe that quietly funds Russia

US President Donald Trump continued his tariff onslaught on the world, announcing tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports of branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs, starting October 1. The US President, who has adopted a protectionist economic policy ever since he became the president of the world's largest economy for the second time, said firms building manufacturing plants in America might be exempt from the crippling tariff.<h2>Here's how India would&nbsp;be impacted by the decision.</h2>The United States is the biggest export market for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. India exported pharmaceutical products worth $8.7 billion (Rs 77,231 crore) in 2024. In the first half of this year, India exported $3.7 billion worth of pharma imports to the Donald Trump-led country.&nbsp;However, analysts said Indian companies might not be impacted to a great extent because they export to the US generic drugs, not patented or branded products. Companies like Sun Pharma, Biocon, and Aurobindo might be negatively impacted as they sell branded drugs in the US market.&nbsp;Analyst Nuvama said that three companies have exposure to the market affected by Donald Trump's tariffs. Sun Pharma (innovative medicines division $1.1 billion in FY25), Biocon (branded biosimilars less than $450 million in FY25), and Aurobindo (branded oncology drugs $100 million revenue in FY25) have exposure, reported Business Standard.&nbsp;In the morning trade, in reaction to Donald Trump's tariff, Sun Pharma's stock was down 1.8 per cent, Biocon fell 2.56 per cent, and Aurobindo dropped almost 1 per cent.&nbsp;Jubilant Pharmova&nbsp;may have a positive impact as it has contracted development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO). Alken is also setting up a CDMO. The demand for the products of these companies might improve due to the tariff.&nbsp;Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance's Sudarshan Jain says it may not impact Indian exporters because Trump's order does not apply to generic medicines.&nbsp;Nirali Shah and Udit Gupta of Ashika Institutional Research, however, said the uncertainty&nbsp;might impact Indian exports later. They said that the next flashpoint could be the policy spillover into specialty or complex generic drugs.&nbsp;Large foreign companies like AstraZeneca, J&amp;J, Eli Lilly, Roche, Novartis, Sanofi, and AbbVie have announced capex plans to avoid tariffs.&nbsp;US-based CDMOs will benefit from the tariff order.&nbsp;The latest decision came as job creation in the US has shown limited growth. With the AI revolution, the job market is expected to be even tougher.

Donald Trump's tariffs on pharma imports: The United States is the biggest export market for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. India exported pharmaceutical products worth $8.7 billion last year. However, analysts say tariffs may have a limited impact on Indian companies.

US President Donald Trump continued his tariff onslaught on the world, announcing tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports of branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs, starting October 1. The US President, who has adopted a protectionist economic policy ever since he became the president of the world's largest economy for the second time, said firms building manufacturing plants in America might be exempt from the crippling tariff. Here's how India would be impacted by the decision. The United States is the biggest export market for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. India exported pharmaceutical products worth $8.7 billion (Rs 77,231 crore) in 2024. In the first half of this year, India exported $3.7 billion worth of pharma imports to the Donald Trump-led country. However, analysts said Indian companies might not be impacted to a great extent because they export to the US generic drugs, not patented or branded products. Companies like Sun Pharma, Biocon, and Aurobindo might be negatively impacted as they sell branded drugs in the US market. Analyst Nuvama said that three companies have exposure to the market affected by Donald Trump's tariffs. Sun Pharma (innovative medicines division $1.1 billion in FY25), Biocon (branded biosimilars less than $450 million in FY25), and Aurobindo (branded oncology drugs $100 million revenue in FY25) have exposure, reported Business Standard. In the morning trade, in reaction to Donald Trump's tariff, Sun Pharma's stock was down 1.8 per cent, Biocon fell 2.56 per cent, and Aurobindo dropped almost 1 per cent. Jubilant Pharmova may have a positive impact as it has contracted development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO). Alken is also setting up a CDMO. The demand for the products of these companies might improve due to the tariff. Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance's Sudarshan Jain says it may not impact Indian exporters because Trump's order does not apply to generic medicines. Nirali Shah and Udit Gupta of Ashika Institutional Research, however, said the uncertainty might impact Indian exports later. They said that the next flashpoint could be the policy spillover into specialty or complex generic drugs. Large foreign companies like AstraZeneca, J&J, Eli Lilly, Roche, Novartis, Sanofi, and AbbVie have announced capex plans to avoid tariffs. US-based CDMOs will benefit from the tariff order. The latest decision came as job creation in the US has shown limited growth. With the AI revolution, the job market is expected to be even tougher.

Donald Trump's tariffs on pharma imports: The United States is the biggest export market for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. India exported pharmaceutical products worth $8.7 billion last year. However, analysts say tariffs may have a limited impact on Indian companies.

How will Trump's pharma tariff impact Indian firms? CDMO-based companies to benefit

Foreign currency reserves are assets mostly denominated in foreign currency and held by the Central Bank of a nation. These are important to maintain the financial stability of a nation as well as to pay for critical import items, pay off external debts and prevent a sovereign debt crisis. They comprise mainly of Foreign Currency Assets like &nbsp;US dollar, Euro, Bonds and Treasuries, Gold, Special Drawing Rights and IMF Reserve Positions<h2>Types of Foreign Exchange Reserves</h2>Primarily, there are four types of Foreign Exchange Reserves<ul><li>Foreign Currency Assets: These are holdings of major international currencies like the US dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, British pound, and Chinese yuan. They can be in the form of bank notes, bank deposits, bonds and other treasury deposits and securities from other foreign nations.</li><li>Gold: Gold is the historically used Foreign Currency Reserve. Gold acts as a hedge against financial crisis, inflation and currency devaluation.</li><li>Special Drawing Rights: These are Currency Instruments created by the IMF in 1969 as a substitute for the lack of the Dollar and Gold. They are built on a basket of five important currencies: the US Dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound, and the Chinese yuan. SDRs are not currency but claims to a potential usable currency that can be exchanged for them. The weightage of each currency is fixed every 5 years.</li><li>Reserve Positions of IMF: This is like a critical account held within the IMF that countries can access at any point without any condition or fees. It represents a quota for any member country</li></ul><h2>Importance of Foreign Exchange Reserves</h2>Foreign exchange reserves are important to maintain the financial stability of a country. They act as a buffer against financial crisis. Central banks use these to maintain a desired exchange rate. For example, if the currency of a country is weakening quickly, the central bank or monetary authority can sell off extra reserves and buy the domestic currency to increase its demand. Again, if there is a sudden surge in capital outflow or a global recession, these Forex reserves can cushion the impact as India did in 2008.&nbsp;Foreign Exchange reserves are also used for International Trading, like purchasing critical minerals or crude oils, other important merchandise and services. Moreover, a strong Foreign Exchange reserve shows a good financial health of the country, strong liquidity, which means an extra authority for paying external debts, which increases investor confidence. These also influence a strong monetary policy, and fixed rate and the power to intervene in the market in case needed. Some Central Banks use these reserves to invest in highly liquid bonds from high-performing countries like the United States and China.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Country</td><td>Foreign Currency Reserves&nbsp;</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>China</td><td>$3.2 trillion&nbsp;</td><td>As of July 2025, China has nearly $3.2 trillion worth of assets, making it the largest owner of foreign exchange reserves in the world. These show the robust nature of the Chinese economy. It consists of a mix of assets, including foreign currencies, gold, bonds, and other financial instruments. The exact composition of the reserve is classified information. However, since 2014, China has been consistently trying to lower its US dollar assets and diversify its foreign currency holdings.</td></tr><tr><td>Japan</td><td>$1.3 trillion&nbsp;</td><td>Japan has $1.3 trillion worth of Foreign Reserves, the second largest in the world. It is also the largest holder of US securities. As of July 2025, the composition of Japan's Foreign Reserves includes, $1.13 trillion of Foreign currency reserves, $89.7 billion of Gold, IMF Reserve position and Special Drawing Rights of approximately $71 billion.</td></tr><tr><td>Switzerland</td><td>$897.6 billion</td><td>In July 2025, Switzerland's Foreign Exchange Reserves were measured at approximately $897.6 billion. Switzerland's Central Bank maintain these reserves in a diversified portfolio. With gold reserves $112.6 billion, other reserve assets are approximately $0.021 billion, a notable gain in SDR and IMF reserve options.</td></tr><tr><td>India</td><td>$695.10 billion</td><td>As of mid-August 2025, the Indian Foreign Reserve stands at $695.10 billion. Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) stood at $585.90 billion, the largest portion in major currencies like the Dollar, Euro, and Franc. Rest is divided up between Gold Reserve, SDR and IMF reserve options.</td></tr><tr><td>Russia</td><td>$689.458 billion</td><td>According to the Central Bank of Russia, Russia's foreign exchange reserves as of now are $689.458 billion, which is an all-time high amount for Russia. The reserves are mostly gold or currencies of other countries; they can be special drawing rights and marketable securities. The exact composition of the reserves is not disclosed.</td></tr><tr><td>Germany</td><td>$471.736 &nbsp;billion</td><td>Foreign Exchange Reserves in Germany increased to 401591 EUR Million in August from 399485 EUR Million in July of 2025</td></tr><tr><td>Saudi Arabia</td><td>$444.068 billion (February 2024)</td><td>Foreign Exchange Reserves in Saudi Arabia decreased to 1665258 SAR Million in July from 1716300 SAR Million in June of 2025.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Hong Kong</td><td>$421 billion</td><td>Foreign exchange reserve in Hong Kong declined to $421.6 billion in August 2025, from $425.4 billion in the previous month.</td></tr><tr><td>South Korea</td><td>$416.3 billion</td><td>South Korea's foreign exchange reserves increased to $416.3 billion in August 2025, up from $411.3 billion in a month earlier. The rise was due by higher securities holdings, which climbed to $366.2 billion from $365.1 billion, and deposits, which grew to $25 billion from $21.3 billion.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Singapore</td><td>$389.656 billion&nbsp;</td><td>Singapore has 502,020.80 million Singapore Dollar of Foreign reserves in August 2025 chnaging from 515,481.90 million Singapore Dollar in July 2025</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h2>Which country has the most Forex in the world?</h2>China has the largest foreign reserves in the world, even if Hong Kong is not accounted for together. As of July 2025, China has nearly $3.2 trillion worth of foreign reserves.<h2>What are the risks of holding large Foreign Reserves?</h2>&nbsp;Large Foreign reserves have very little downside.&nbsp;However, the anarchy of international relations produces conflicts and sanctions as a more usual outcome. In such scenarios, foreign assets are frozen, rendered inaccessible. The only major risk is in the process of building large reserves; the increase of domestic money supply can result in inflation if the fiscal monetary management is poor and in developing countries where there is a lack of market integration or available financial instruments.

Discover the List of Countries with the highest Foreign Exchange Reserves. Explore types, importance, risks of holding large foreign exchange reserves and how central banks use reserves for stability and trade.

Foreign currency reserves are assets mostly denominated in foreign currency and held by the Central Bank of a nation. These are important to maintain the financial stability of a nation as well as to pay for critical import items, pay off external debts and prevent a sovereign debt crisis. They comprise mainly of Foreign Currency Assets like US dollar, Euro, Bonds and Treasuries, Gold, Special Drawing Rights and IMF Reserve Positions Types of Foreign Exchange Reserves Primarily, there are four types of Foreign Exchange Reserves Foreign Currency Assets: These are holdings of major international currencies like the US dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, British pound, and Chinese yuan. They can be in the form of bank notes, bank deposits, bonds and other treasury deposits and securities from other foreign nations. Gold: Gold is the historically used Foreign Currency Reserve. Gold acts as a hedge against financial crisis, inflation and currency devaluation. Special Drawing Rights: These are Currency Instruments created by the IMF in 1969 as a substitute for the lack of the Dollar and Gold. They are built on a basket of five important currencies: the US Dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound, and the Chinese yuan. SDRs are not currency but claims to a potential usable currency that can be exchanged for them. The weightage of each currency is fixed every 5 years. Reserve Positions of IMF: This is like a critical account held within the IMF that countries can access at any point without any condition or fees. It represents a quota for any member country Importance of Foreign Exchange Reserves Foreign exchange reserves are important to maintain the financial stability of a country. They act as a buffer against financial crisis. Central banks use these to maintain a desired exchange rate. For example, if the currency of a country is weakening quickly, the central bank or monetary authority can sell off extra reserves and buy the domestic currency to increase its demand. Again, if there is a sudden surge in capital outflow or a global recession, these Forex reserves can cushion the impact as India did in 2008. Foreign Exchange reserves are also used for International Trading, like purchasing critical minerals or crude oils, other important merchandise and services. Moreover, a strong Foreign Exchange reserve shows a good financial health of the country, strong liquidity, which means an extra authority for paying external debts, which increases investor confidence. These also influence a strong monetary policy, and fixed rate and the power to intervene in the market in case needed. Some Central Banks use these reserves to invest in highly liquid bonds from high-performing countries like the United States and China.

Discover the List of Countries with the highest Foreign Exchange Reserves. Explore types, importance, risks of holding large foreign exchange reserves and how central banks use reserves for stability and trade.

List of Countries with the highest Foreign Exchange Reserves: China, Japan, India and more

Current policies by the Trump administration—such as the H-1B visa fee hike and new trade tariffs—are being seen in some quarters as attempts to undermine sectors critical to India's economy, particularly information technology. These moves evoke memories of how another Republican administration tried to stall India's technological progress in the late 1980s. That attempt came not through open confrontation but a quiet act of denial: the refusal to sell India a high-performance supercomputer. What was seen then as a betrayal by a trusted partner ended up becoming one of the most important catalysts in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance. This is the story of how a rejection led to a revolution.<h2>The supercomputer India wanted—and was denied</h2>In 1987, India sought to purchase the Cray X-MP/24 supercomputer from the United States. The stated goal was to use it for advanced meteorological modelling, including monsoon forecasting—critical for Indian agriculture. Accurate predictions could enable timely sowing and help safeguard food security. But despite growing Indo-US cooperation, the United States blocked the sale. Under the Export Administration Act and the COCOM regime, the US classified supercomputers as dual-use technologies, citing the risk that they could aid military or nuclear programmes.As a compromise, the US offered India the less powerful single-processor Cray X-MP/14, under strict conditions: it was to be used only for civilian purposes, with no technology transfer or re-export, and a US-appointed official was to monitor its usage. India reluctantly accepted the downgraded offer.The decision was viewed in India as an unjust and short-sighted restriction—especially since the stated use was purely scientific and non-military.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/h-1b-visa-fee-hike-to-100-000-a-knockout-punch-for-us-tech-sector-to-sue-adapt-lay-off-or-wait-it-out-is-the-question-1758785623726">H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 a knockout punch for US tech sector? To sue, adapt, lay off, or wait it out is the question. What are their options?</a><h2>A denial that ignited innovation: How India built its own supercomputers</h2>Rather than accept technological dependence, India responded with ambition. In 1988, the government established the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), with the goal of developing an indigenous supercomputer. By 1991, C-DAC launched PARAM 8000, India’s first domestically built supercomputer. Parallel efforts were also underway: the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre developed the ANUPAM series, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group, built the PACE series.These supercomputers became foundational tools across sectors—weather modelling, seismic studies, defence simulation, nuclear research, and space technology. More than technical milestones, they symbolised a growing national confidence in homegrown innovation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/elon-musk-sundar-pichai-and-satya-nadella-how-h-1b-visa-holders-shaped-the-us-tech-revolution-1758531026454">Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella: How H-1B visa holders shaped the US tech revolution</a><h2>Supercomputers and India’s 1998 nuclear tests</h2>India's capabilities in computational modelling matured by the late 1990s. When India conducted its Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, supercomputers like PARAM and ANUPAM played a supporting role in design simulations and data analysis. These simulations enhanced test precision and reduced the need for multiple detonations. Following the tests, as international sanctions—led by the United States, again—curtailed further physical testing, India's advanced computing infrastructure allowed it to continue improving its arsenal through virtual modelling.While it would be an overstatement to credit supercomputers alone for India’s nuclear capabilities, they significantly strengthened the country’s strategic preparedness and autonomy.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bharat-os-bharat-tube-hindustani-flow-swadeshi-network-you-must-read-this-entrepreneur-s-post-amid-us-h-1b-visa-backstabbing-and-trump-tariffs-1758702845969">Bharat OS, Bharat Tube, Hindustani Flow, Swadeshi network: You MUST READ this entrepreneur's post amid US H-1B visa backstabbing and Trump tariffs</a><h2>Why the US denial of technology to India backfired</h2>The United States denied India access to the Cray X-MP/24 based on Cold War-era non-proliferation policies. But in this case, the denial failed to achieve its intended purpose. Instead of slowing India down, it spurred domestic innovation. Within a few years, India had matched—and in some respects surpassed—the computing power it had originally sought to import.This episode is now frequently cited by historians as a textbook case of how excessive technological controls can accelerate indigenous development. The long-term effect was a strengthening of India's scientific capacity, and a weakening of US influence over India’s technological choices.<h2>Laying the groundwork for India’s IT boom</h2>While the Cray episode did not directly cause India’s software boom, it formed part of a broader shift towards self-reliance in technology. Following economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, India rapidly developed into a global hub for software services and engineering talent.The early supercomputing efforts helped build technical expertise, inspired a generation of engineers, and established institutions that would go on to lead future technological initiatives.PARAM was more than a machine—it was a message that India would not be held back.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed</a><h2>Echoes in 2025: Attempts at stifling India's IT sector&nbsp;</h2>Today, India again finds itself navigating an increasingly complex global tech landscape. Even as it collaborates with the US in fields like defence, space, and telecommunications, friction points remain—particularly around export controls, access to semiconductor technologies, and artificial intelligence systems.The parallels with 1987 are striking. Then, as now, the message from Washington is mixed. Yet history shows that India has consistently responded to such obstacles by doubling down on domestic innovation.<h2>From rejection to resurgence: Time for India to reopen the playbook</h2>The denial of the Cray supercomputer was a pivotal moment in India’s technological history. It exposed the vulnerabilities of dependence, but also revealed the strength of resolve.India’s supercomputing revolution should serve as a reminder: strategic capability cannot be outsourced. It must be built, protected, and owned. What was meant to be a roadblock turned out to be the launchpad. In an era where tech sovereignty is once again in the spotlight, the lessons from 1987 are more relevant now than ever.

The US denial of a supercomputer to India in the 1990s sparked a tech revolution, leading to PARAM 8000 and other supercomputers being developed domestically. India turned rejection and humiliation into a milestone for scientific and strategic rise. The cycle repeats

Current policies by the Trump administration—such as the H-1B visa fee hike and new trade tariffs—are being seen in some quarters as attempts to undermine sectors critical to India's economy, particularly information technology. These moves evoke memories of how another Republican administration tried to stall India's technological progress in the late 1980s. That attempt came not through open confrontation but a quiet act of denial: the refusal to sell India a high-performance supercomputer. What was seen then as a betrayal by a trusted partner ended up becoming one of the most important catalysts in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance. This is the story of how a rejection led to a revolution. The supercomputer India wanted—and was denied In 1987, India sought to purchase the Cray X-MP/24 supercomputer from the United States. The stated goal was to use it for advanced meteorological modelling, including monsoon forecasting—critical for Indian agriculture. Accurate predictions could enable timely sowing and help safeguard food security. But despite growing Indo-US cooperation, the United States blocked the sale. Under the Export Administration Act and the COCOM regime, the US classified supercomputers as dual-use technologies, citing the risk that they could aid military or nuclear programmes. As a compromise, the US offered India the less powerful single-processor Cray X-MP/14, under strict conditions: it was to be used only for civilian purposes, with no technology transfer or re-export, and a US-appointed official was to monitor its usage. India reluctantly accepted the downgraded offer. The decision was viewed in India as an unjust and short-sighted restriction—especially since the stated use was purely scientific and non-military. Also read: H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 a knockout punch for US tech sector? To sue, adapt, lay off, or wait it out is the question. What are their options? A denial that ignited innovation: How India built its own supercomputers Rather than accept technological dependence, India responded with ambition. In 1988, the government established the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), with the goal of developing an indigenous supercomputer. By 1991, C-DAC launched PARAM 8000, India’s first domestically built supercomputer. Parallel efforts were also underway: the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre developed the ANUPAM series, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group, built the PACE series. These supercomputers became foundational tools across sectors—weather modelling, seismic studies, defence simulation, nuclear research, and space technology. More than technical milestones, they symbolised a growing national confidence in homegrown innovation. Also read: Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella: How H-1B visa holders shaped the US tech revolution Supercomputers and India’s 1998 nuclear tests India's capabilities in computational modelling matured by the late 1990s. When India conducted its Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, supercomputers like PARAM and ANUPAM played a supporting role in design simulations and data analysis. These simulations enhanced test precision and reduced the need for multiple detonations. Following the tests, as international sanctions—led by the United States, again—curtailed further physical testing, India's advanced computing infrastructure allowed it to continue improving its arsenal through virtual modelling. While it would be an overstatement to credit supercomputers alone for India’s nuclear capabilities, they significantly strengthened the country’s strategic preparedness and autonomy. Also read: Bharat OS, Bharat Tube, Hindustani Flow, Swadeshi network: You MUST READ this entrepreneur's post amid US H-1B visa backstabbing and Trump tariffs Why the US denial of technology to India backfired The United States denied India access to the Cray X-MP/24 based on Cold War-era non-proliferation policies. But in this case, the denial failed to achieve its intended purpose. Instead of slowing India down, it spurred domestic innovation. Within a few years, India had matched—and in some respects surpassed—the computing power it had originally sought to import. This episode is now frequently cited by historians as a textbook case of how excessive technological controls can accelerate indigenous development. The long-term effect was a strengthening of India's scientific capacity, and a weakening of US influence over India’s technological choices. Laying the groundwork for India’s IT boom While the Cray episode did not directly cause India’s software boom, it formed part of a broader shift towards self-reliance in technology. Following economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, India rapidly developed into a global hub for software services and engineering talent. The early supercomputing efforts helped build technical expertise, inspired a generation of engineers, and established institutions that would go on to lead future technological initiatives. PARAM was more than a machine—it was a message that India would not be held back. https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed Echoes in 2025: Attempts at stifling India's IT sector Today, India again finds itself navigating an increasingly complex global tech landscape. Even as it collaborates with the US in fields like defence, space, and telecommunications, friction points remain—particularly around export controls, access to semiconductor technologies, and artificial intelligence systems. The parallels with 1987 are striking. Then, as now, the message from Washington is mixed. Yet history shows that India has consistently responded to such obstacles by doubling down on domestic innovation. From rejection to resurgence: Time for India to reopen the playbook The denial of the Cray supercomputer was a pivotal moment in India’s technological history. It exposed the vulnerabilities of dependence, but also revealed the strength of resolve. India’s supercomputing revolution should serve as a reminder: strategic capability cannot be outsourced. It must be built, protected, and owned. What was meant to be a roadblock turned out to be the launchpad. In an era where tech sovereignty is once again in the spotlight, the lessons from 1987 are more relevant now than ever.

The US denial of a supercomputer to India in the 1990s sparked a tech revolution, leading to PARAM 8000 and other supercomputers being developed domestically. India turned rejection and humiliation into a milestone for scientific and strategic rise. The cycle repeats

The Great American Betrayal: When the US denied India a supercomputer (and why that was a good thing)

The US tech industry, heavily dependent on foreign high-skilled talent on visas, is scrambling to respond to the Trump administration's $100,000 fee hike for new H‑1B visa applications. Firms are urgently plotting their next moves, as the policy hits at the core of their business models. Options include legal challenges, adapting to the new reality by moving more jobs offshore, or simply waiting it out. Despite its longstanding lobbying clout, the US tech sector was caught off guard by the sudden visa fee hike announcement. Here is a situation report.<h2>Silicon Valley's knee-jerk reaction to the H-1B visa fee shockwave</h2>Within hours of the announcement, American tech firms, their legal teams and HR departments—from San Francisco to Boston—scrambled to assess the damage and control the fallout. The White House later clarified that the hiked fee would apply only to new H‑1B petitions, not to renewals or existing visa holders, but by then, the damage had already been done. The writing on the wall was clear: the cost of employing skilled foreign workers in the US is about to skyrocket.<h2>H-1B visa was a pillar of US tech sector</h2>Capped at 85,000 new entrants per year, H‑1B visas have long been a cornerstone of the US technology workforce, with nearly 70 per cent historically going to Indian nationals. American companies have relied on the programme to hire highly specialised engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and cybersecurity experts—often at lower costs compared to local talent. But with the new policy shift, US firms will now be forced to rethink both their hiring strategies and geographic footprint.<h2>Legal pushback is already underway against US H-1B visa fee hike</h2>California’s Attorney General is actively exploring a lawsuit against the federal government, questioning whether the executive branch has the authority to unilaterally impose such a significant surcharge without congressional approval. Legal scholars cited in US media say the move may be in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine.Meanwhile, immigration attorneys across the country are preparing injunctions and test cases, arguing that the policy is not only economically damaging but also legally unsound. Many expect legal filings to begin within weeks, with emergency relief motions likely timed to stop the new fees before the 2026 H‑1B visa filing cycle starts.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-flight-fares-soar-after-trump-s-sudden-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-airports-witness-chaos-1758371175372">India-US flight fares soar after Trump’s sudden H-1B visa fee hike; airports witness chaos</a><h2>Tech industry scrambles to mobilise its Washington lobbying muscle</h2>According to multiple reports, several tech majors—including leaders in AI, enterprise software, and cloud computing—are urgently seeking exemptions, especially for roles deemed vital to national interest. Many are requesting a phased rollout or the “grandfathering” of petitions already in progress. Even while some executives offer tepid support for limited reforms aimed at curbing abuse of the visa system, few endorse the sweeping approach taken by the Trump administration.Lobbyists are also pushing for carve-outs for early-stage startups, university-affiliated researchers, and specialists working on federally funded innovation projects. But it remains unclear how much political will exists to soften the measure in an election cycle charged with immigration rhetoric.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-visa-update-work-and-tourist-visas-suspended-for-these-9-countries-from-2026-what-you-should-know-1758622203017">UAE visa update: Work and tourist visas suspended for THESE 9 countries under 2026 ban. What you should know</a><h2>The irony: some companies are already thinking of moving work abroad or dodging the H-1B system entirely</h2>While the policy may bring an end to the practice of co-locating engineering teams in the US, companies are determined not to give up on cost efficiency. Several are already turning to global delivery models—hiring remote teams or expanding satellite offices in Europe and Canada. This is offshoring by other means, a strategy designed to offset the financial impact of the new visa policy.Despite the “hire American” rhetoric, many US tech firms see no financial upside to hiring domestically for high-cost, specialised roles. Instead, they are looking to alternative visa categories such as the L‑1—used for intracompany transfers—which may allow them to bypass the H‑1B system entirely.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-proposes-to-scrap-h-1b-lottery-system-proposes-visa-process-favoring-better-paid-workers-1758651587890">Trump proposes to scrap H-1B lottery system, proposes visa process favouring better-paid workers</a><h2>Smaller firms and startups are scaling back on hiring</h2>Many reports suggest that smaller firms—especially those without deep financial reserves—are quietly scaling back their hiring plans. Strategies include delaying international recruitment, hiring green card holders who may not be US citizens, or restructuring teams to reduce dependency on H‑1B talent. But hiring based on availability rather than skill match comes with long-term risks to competitiveness and product quality.For larger firms, the concern is less about immediate cost and more about innovation bottlenecks. If they’re blocked from hiring global talent, development timelines will slow, product roadmaps could be derailed. The US may eventually lose its edge in high-stakes fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and next-generation biotech.<h2>Enormous economic stakes await US tech industry</h2>JPMorgan analysts estimated that the new fee could reduce H‑1B petition filings by up to 5,500 cases per month. This would affect not only software developers, but also researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals who rely on H‑1B visas in critical and often underserved areas. While the Trump administration has hinted at possible exceptions for healthcare, the broader tech industry remains the hardest hit—caught between legal opposition and operational paralysis.Universities and hospitals—particularly those in rural states—have already begun lobbying for relief, arguing that the sudden cost spike will create workforce shortages in essential services. But unlike academia and healthcare, the tech industry must also navigate investor pressure, global competition, and product delivery cycles—all of which magnify the impact of talent disruption.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-work-visa-options-top-countries-opening-work-visas-for-indians-1758778533092/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-work-visa-options-top-countries-opening-work-visas-for-indians-1758778533092/embed</a><h2>Seeking a way out: will courts or government exemptions save the day for US tech?</h2>Some industry observers are hopeful that courts will intervene to delay, modify, or strike down the surcharge. Others believe the real battle will be fought through behind-the-scenes negotiations, regulatory tweaks, or last-minute compromises introduced during the 2026 budget cycle. However, several firms are already restructuring their operating models to prepare for a future where foreign labour is either too costly—or simply too politically fraught—to rely on.<h2>Will the Trump administration step back from the visa fee hike?</h2>The White House has said the surcharge is a temporary measure, subject to a 12-month review clause, but few in Silicon Valley believe that a quiet reversal is likely. Companies are building contingency plans, reworking budgets, and preparing for a prolonged fight. Even if the fee is softened later, the uncertainty it has already created is affecting recruitment, retention, and planning.One thing is clear: the Trump administration’s unexpected and sweeping H‑1B surcharge has triggered a defining moment for the US tech industry. American firms now face a set of imperfect options: to sue, to seek exemptions, to move operations abroad, or to wait out the storm and hope for policy change.In 2025, in an industry built on agility, the H‑1B visa fee has become a new kind of test—not of code, but of strategy, resilience, and political calculus. &nbsp;

If you think H-1B visa fee hike is going to affect only Indian tech firms and skilled professionals, read this. From Big Tech firms to startups, American IT industry is staring at massive disruptions and weighing their options for a fightback. What can they do to offset the visa fee impact?

The US tech industry, heavily dependent on foreign high-skilled talent on visas, is scrambling to respond to the Trump administration's $100,000 fee hike for new H‑1B visa applications. Firms are urgently plotting their next moves, as the policy hits at the core of their business models. Options include legal challenges, adapting to the new reality by moving more jobs offshore, or simply waiting it out. Despite its longstanding lobbying clout, the US tech sector was caught off guard by the sudden visa fee hike announcement. Here is a situation report. Silicon Valley's knee-jerk reaction to the H-1B visa fee shockwave Within hours of the announcement, American tech firms, their legal teams and HR departments—from San Francisco to Boston—scrambled to assess the damage and control the fallout. The White House later clarified that the hiked fee would apply only to new H‑1B petitions, not to renewals or existing visa holders, but by then, the damage had already been done. The writing on the wall was clear: the cost of employing skilled foreign workers in the US is about to skyrocket. H-1B visa was a pillar of US tech sector Capped at 85,000 new entrants per year, H‑1B visas have long been a cornerstone of the US technology workforce, with nearly 70 per cent historically going to Indian nationals. American companies have relied on the programme to hire highly specialised engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and cybersecurity experts—often at lower costs compared to local talent. But with the new policy shift, US firms will now be forced to rethink both their hiring strategies and geographic footprint. Legal pushback is already underway against US H-1B visa fee hike California’s Attorney General is actively exploring a lawsuit against the federal government, questioning whether the executive branch has the authority to unilaterally impose such a significant surcharge without congressional approval. Legal scholars cited in US media say the move may be in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine. Meanwhile, immigration attorneys across the country are preparing injunctions and test cases, arguing that the policy is not only economically damaging but also legally unsound. Many expect legal filings to begin within weeks, with emergency relief motions likely timed to stop the new fees before the 2026 H‑1B visa filing cycle starts. Also read: India-US flight fares soar after Trump’s sudden H-1B visa fee hike; airports witness chaos Tech industry scrambles to mobilise its Washington lobbying muscle According to multiple reports, several tech majors—including leaders in AI, enterprise software, and cloud computing—are urgently seeking exemptions, especially for roles deemed vital to national interest. Many are requesting a phased rollout or the “grandfathering” of petitions already in progress. Even while some executives offer tepid support for limited reforms aimed at curbing abuse of the visa system, few endorse the sweeping approach taken by the Trump administration. Lobbyists are also pushing for carve-outs for early-stage startups, university-affiliated researchers, and specialists working on federally funded innovation projects. But it remains unclear how much political will exists to soften the measure in an election cycle charged with immigration rhetoric. Also read: UAE visa update: Work and tourist visas suspended for THESE 9 countries under 2026 ban. What you should know The irony: some companies are already thinking of moving work abroad or dodging the H-1B system entirely While the policy may bring an end to the practice of co-locating engineering teams in the US, companies are determined not to give up on cost efficiency. Several are already turning to global delivery models—hiring remote teams or expanding satellite offices in Europe and Canada. This is offshoring by other means, a strategy designed to offset the financial impact of the new visa policy. Despite the “hire American” rhetoric, many US tech firms see no financial upside to hiring domestically for high-cost, specialised roles. Instead, they are looking to alternative visa categories such as the L‑1—used for intracompany transfers—which may allow them to bypass the H‑1B system entirely. Also read: Trump proposes to scrap H-1B lottery system, proposes visa process favouring better-paid workers Smaller firms and startups are scaling back on hiring Many reports suggest that smaller firms—especially those without deep financial reserves—are quietly scaling back their hiring plans. Strategies include delaying international recruitment, hiring green card holders who may not be US citizens, or restructuring teams to reduce dependency on H‑1B talent. But hiring based on availability rather than skill match comes with long-term risks to competitiveness and product quality. For larger firms, the concern is less about immediate cost and more about innovation bottlenecks. If they’re blocked from hiring global talent, development timelines will slow, product roadmaps could be derailed. The US may eventually lose its edge in high-stakes fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and next-generation biotech. Enormous economic stakes await US tech industry JPMorgan analysts estimated that the new fee could reduce H‑1B petition filings by up to 5,500 cases per month. This would affect not only software developers, but also researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals who rely on H‑1B visas in critical and often underserved areas. While the Trump administration has hinted at possible exceptions for healthcare, the broader tech industry remains the hardest hit—caught between legal opposition and operational paralysis. Universities and hospitals—particularly those in rural states—have already begun lobbying for relief, arguing that the sudden cost spike will create workforce shortages in essential services. But unlike academia and healthcare, the tech industry must also navigate investor pressure, global competition, and product delivery cycles—all of which magnify the impact of talent disruption. https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-work-visa-options-top-countries-opening-work-visas-for-indians-1758778533092/embed Seeking a way out: will courts or government exemptions save the day for US tech? Some industry observers are hopeful that courts will intervene to delay, modify, or strike down the surcharge. Others believe the real battle will be fought through behind-the-scenes negotiations, regulatory tweaks, or last-minute compromises introduced during the 2026 budget cycle. However, several firms are already restructuring their operating models to prepare for a future where foreign labour is either too costly—or simply too politically fraught—to rely on. Will the Trump administration step back from the visa fee hike? The White House has said the surcharge is a temporary measure, subject to a 12-month review clause, but few in Silicon Valley believe that a quiet reversal is likely. Companies are building contingency plans, reworking budgets, and preparing for a prolonged fight. Even if the fee is softened later, the uncertainty it has already created is affecting recruitment, retention, and planning. One thing is clear: the Trump administration’s unexpected and sweeping H‑1B surcharge has triggered a defining moment for the US tech industry. American firms now face a set of imperfect options: to sue, to seek exemptions, to move operations abroad, or to wait out the storm and hope for policy change. In 2025, in an industry built on agility, the H‑1B visa fee has become a new kind of test—not of code, but of strategy, resilience, and political calculus.

If you think H-1B visa fee hike is going to affect only Indian tech firms and skilled professionals, read this. From Big Tech firms to startups, American IT industry is staring at massive disruptions and weighing their options for a fightback. What can they do to offset the visa fee impact?

H-1B visa fee hike a knockout punch for US tech sector? To sue, adapt, lay off, or wait it out is the question. What are their options?