American billionaire and entrepreneur Mark Cuban has raised serious concerns about former President Donald Trump&rsquo;s latest economic plans, warning that they could lead the United States into a crisis even deeper than the 2008 recession.
In a series of posts on the social media platform Bluesky, the Shark Tank star Mark Cuban said that Trump's new aggressive tariff policies, combined with federal workforce cuts led by the DOGE office, could do lasting damage to the US economy.
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&nbsp;"If these tariffs stay for years and are inflationary, and DOGE keeps cutting and firing people, we&rsquo;ll be in a far worse situation than 2008," Cuban said.
<h2 dir="ltr">What&rsquo;s behind Cuban&rsquo;s warning?</h2>
The Trump administration recently announced a wide set of tariffs on imported goods, aiming to protect domestic industries. However, these tariffs could raise prices on essential items like food, clothes, and cars, leading to inflation and reduced consumer spending.
At the same time, the DOGE office (a federal agency focused on government reform) has been cutting jobs in key agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the IRS&rsquo;s tax evasion unit, raising concerns about weakened oversight and reduced tax revenue.
While President Trump has admitted there may be "a little pain" in the short term, he insists the plan will make America stronger in the long run. On Saturday, he posted on Truth Social:&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<a href="https://t.co/qtE68AtBIT">pic.twitter.com/qtE68AtBIT</a>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpDailyPosts/status/1908747229134811443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">Markets react as fears grow</h2>
Following the announcement of the new tariff plan, the stock market took a sharp dip, and many Americans began stockpiling essential goods while cutting back on luxury spending. Economists and trade experts have warned that the plan could lead to higher import costs, making everyday items more expensive.
A top economist at JPMorgan Chase even issued a note titled "There Will Be Blood,"increasing the chances of a global recession from 40 per cent to 60 per cent.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Why this matters: Lessons from 2008</h2>
The 2008 financial crisis was one of the worst economic downturns in US history. During that time, GDP fell more than 4 per cent, unemployment hit 10 per cent, and the housing market collapsed.
Cuban&rsquo;s warning suggests that the current mix of trade protectionism and government downsizing could repeat or even worsen that scenario.
While Cuban didn&rsquo;t explain all the connections in detail, experts say weakening consumer protections and reducing tax enforcement could hurt middle and working-class Americans the most.

President Trump has admitted there may be "a little pain" in the short term; he insists the plan will make America stronger in the long run.

American billionaire and entrepreneur Mark Cuban has raised serious concerns about former President Donald Trump’s latest economic plans, warning that they could lead the United States into a crisis even deeper than the 2008 recession. In a series of posts on the social media platform Bluesky, the Shark Tank star Mark Cuban said that Trump's new aggressive tariff policies, combined with federal workforce cuts led by the DOGE office, could do lasting damage to the US economy. Also Read: Rajnath Singh inaugurates INS Sunayna and other navy infrastructure worth Rs 2000 crore "If these tariffs stay for years and are inflationary, and DOGE keeps cutting and firing people, we’ll be in a far worse situation than 2008," Cuban said. What’s behind Cuban’s warning? The Trump administration recently announced a wide set of tariffs on imported goods, aiming to protect domestic industries. However, these tariffs could raise prices on essential items like food, clothes, and cars, leading to inflation and reduced consumer spending. At the same time, the DOGE office (a federal agency focused on government reform) has been cutting jobs in key agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the IRS’s tax evasion unit, raising concerns about weakened oversight and reduced tax revenue. While President Trump has admitted there may be "a little pain" in the short term, he insists the plan will make America stronger in the long run. On Saturday, he posted on Truth Social: pic.twitter.com/qtE68AtBIT — Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 6, 2025 Markets react as fears grow Following the announcement of the new tariff plan, the stock market took a sharp dip, and many Americans began stockpiling essential goods while cutting back on luxury spending. Economists and trade experts have warned that the plan could lead to higher import costs, making everyday items more expensive. A top economist at JPMorgan Chase even issued a note titled "There Will Be Blood,"increasing the chances of a global recession from 40 per cent to 60 per cent. Also read: CBSE class 10 results 2025 expected shortly, class 12 updates also awaited Why this matters: Lessons from 2008 The 2008 financial crisis was one of the worst economic downturns in US history. During that time, GDP fell more than 4 per cent, unemployment hit 10 per cent, and the housing market collapsed. Cuban’s warning suggests that the current mix of trade protectionism and government downsizing could repeat or even worsen that scenario. While Cuban didn’t explain all the connections in detail, experts say weakening consumer protections and reducing tax enforcement could hurt middle and working-class Americans the most.

‘Worse than 2008 crisis’: Mark Cuban warns of deep recession fuelled by Trump-era tariffs and cuts

Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday rejected Washington&rsquo;s offer of direct negotiations with the United States, while calling them &ldquo;meaningless&rdquo;. Aragchi&rsquo;s statement came days after US President Donald Trump said he would prefer direct talks with the Islamic republic. On Thursday, Trump said that he believed that Iran was willing to engage in direct talks over its nuclear programme. &ldquo;I think it goes faster and you understand the other side a lot better than if you go through intermediaries,&rdquo; reported Bloomberg on Thursday, quoting Trump. In March, the US President called on Tehran to hold negotiations on its nuclear programme with Washington, and also threatened to bomb Iran if diplomacy fails. Tehran has repeatedly indicated its willingness to negotiate, but through intermediaries.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/old-relationship-is-over-canada-hits-us-with-25-tariffs-on-american-made-cars-over-3000-autoworkers-laid-off-8922496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Old relationship is over': Canada hits US with 25% tariffs on American-made cars; over 3000 autoworkers laid off</a> In his statement on Sunday, Araghchi said, &ldquo;Direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials.&rdquo; &ldquo;We remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations,&rdquo; the Iranian foreign ministry statement said, while quoting Aragchi. &ldquo;Iran keeps itself prepared for all possible or probable events, and just as it is serious in diplomacy and negotiations, it will also be decisive and serious in defending its national interests and sovereignty,&rdquo; the foreign minister said.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-man-arrested-for-barricading-himself-in-parliaments-east-block-8931596">Canada: Man arrested for barricading himself in parliament&rsquo;s east block</a> Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had said on Saturday that his country was willing to engage in dialogue with the US &ldquo;on equal footing&rdquo; but he questioned Washington&rsquo;s sincerity in calling for negotiations, saying &ldquo;If you want negotiations, then what is the point of threatening?&rdquo;
<h2>Iran&rsquo;s troublesome nuclear programme</h2>
The West, led by the United States, has for decades accused Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran has always rejected the allegation while maintaining that its nuclear activities are solely for civilian purposes. However, Iran continues to support groups like the Hamas, Hezbollah, etc., while refusing to admit the same openly, which raises questions on the credibility of its refusal. Hossein Salami, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Saturday the country was ready for war. &ldquo;We are not worried about war at all. We will not be the initiators of war, but we are ready for any war,&rdquo; IRNA, Iran&rsquo;s official news agency reported him as saying.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-us-official-heads-to-pakistan-with-focus-on-critical-minerals-deal-8930388">Senior US official heads to Pakistan with focus on critical minerals deal</a> In 2015, Iran reached a landmark deal with the permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely the United States, France, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, as well as Germany, to regulate its nuclear activities. The 2015 agreement&mdash;Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)&mdash;gave Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon. In 2018, during his first term in office, Trump withdrew US from the agreement and reinstated strict sanctions on Iran. A year later, Iran accelerated its nuclear programme. Last Monday, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei&rsquo;s close adviser Ali Larijani had warned that while Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, it would &ldquo;have no choice but to do so&rdquo; if it is attacked.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that his country was willing to engage in dialogue with the US “on equal footing” but questioned Washington’s sincerity, saying “If you want negotiations, then what is the point of threatening?”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday rejected Washington’s offer of direct negotiations with the United States, while calling them “meaningless”. Aragchi’s statement came days after US President Donald Trump said he would prefer direct talks with the Islamic republic. On Thursday, Trump said that he believed that Iran was willing to engage in direct talks over its nuclear programme. “I think it goes faster and you understand the other side a lot better than if you go through intermediaries,” reported Bloomberg on Thursday, quoting Trump. In March, the US President called on Tehran to hold negotiations on its nuclear programme with Washington, and also threatened to bomb Iran if diplomacy fails. Tehran has repeatedly indicated its willingness to negotiate, but through intermediaries. Also read | 'Old relationship is over': Canada hits US with 25% tariffs on American-made cars; over 3000 autoworkers laid off In his statement on Sunday, Araghchi said, “Direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials.” “We remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations,” the Iranian foreign ministry statement said, while quoting Aragchi. “Iran keeps itself prepared for all possible or probable events, and just as it is serious in diplomacy and negotiations, it will also be decisive and serious in defending its national interests and sovereignty,” the foreign minister said. Also Read | Canada: Man arrested for barricading himself in parliament’s east block Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had said on Saturday that his country was willing to engage in dialogue with the US “on equal footing” but he questioned Washington’s sincerity in calling for negotiations, saying “If you want negotiations, then what is the point of threatening?” Iran’s troublesome nuclear programme The West, led by the United States, has for decades accused Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran has always rejected the allegation while maintaining that its nuclear activities are solely for civilian purposes. However, Iran continues to support groups like the Hamas, Hezbollah, etc., while refusing to admit the same openly, which raises questions on the credibility of its refusal. Hossein Salami, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Saturday the country was ready for war. “We are not worried about war at all. We will not be the initiators of war, but we are ready for any war,” IRNA, Iran’s official news agency reported him as saying. Also Read | Senior US official heads to Pakistan with focus on critical minerals deal In 2015, Iran reached a landmark deal with the permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely the United States, France, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, as well as Germany, to regulate its nuclear activities. The 2015 agreement—Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—gave Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon. In 2018, during his first term in office, Trump withdrew US from the agreement and reinstated strict sanctions on Iran. A year later, Iran accelerated its nuclear programme. Last Monday, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s close adviser Ali Larijani had warned that while Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, it would “have no choice but to do so” if it is attacked. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s top diplomat rejects offer for direct nuclear talks with US, calls it ‘meaningless’

President Donald Trump is redefining the foreign and trade policies of the United States, with a focus on business, profits, tariffs, and deals. While the US-Ukraine deal on critical minerals is still hanging in limbo, Senior Bureau Official (SBO) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Eric Meyer, will soon be leading an interagency delegation to Islamabad for attending the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum to advance US interests in the critical minerals sector. As per a note from the US Department of State shared on Saturday, Meyer will be in Islamabad from April 8 to 10, and will meet senior Pakistani officials to expand opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan and promote the deepening of economic ties between the two countries.&nbsp; SBO Meyer will also engage with senior officials to highlight the importance of continued collaboration on counterterrorism.
The US-Pakistan ties, largely based on a security-centric focus till now, may be transformed as Islamabad aims to draw the Trump administration with stakes in its critical mineral reserves and other business ventures.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jklf-chief-yasin-malik-facing-trial-in-terror-cases-tells-sc-i-am-a-political-leader-not-a-terrorist-who-is-he-8925990">JKLF&rsquo;s Yasin Malik, facing trial in terror cases, tells SC, &lsquo;I am a political leader, not a terrorist&rsquo;. Who is he?</a>
The upcoming visit of Meyer will be a sigh of relief for Pakistan, which is worried about Washington&rsquo;s diminished interest in the country since the withdrawal of US forces from bordering Afghanistan that shrank Islamabad&rsquo;s strategic relevance, besides Washington&rsquo;s focus shifting to the Indo-Pacific. US investment in its mineral sector could provide Pakistan a much-needed economic boost, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure development.&nbsp; Pakistan has vast mineral wealth like the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan, while Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are said to have lithium reserves, critical for renewable energy technologies. However, in order to get US investment, Pakistan must prove its worth as a reliable partner and make some changes in its foreign policy by bringing down its reliance on China. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sam-altman-shares-his-ai-generated-cricketer-avatar-in-india-jersey-internet-sees-biz-strategy-roasts-him-8929622">Sam Altman shares his AI-generated cricketer avatar in India jersey; internet sees biz strategy, roasts him</a> The importance of minerals has changed geopolitics in the last few years as the demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper, used in batteries, will jump significantly in the coming years.&nbsp; Critical minerals are extremely important for the US military, as its drones, robots, and weapons will run on batteries. Unlike the traditional engines, electric vehicles operate silently and don&rsquo;t leave a thermal signature. All this fits perfectly in the US plans to have a non-tactical fleet that runs entirely on batteries, and hence critical minerals rank high in US national security priorities.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-making-a-u-turn-ex-maoist-guerrilla-leads-fight-for-return-of-monarchy-hindu-nation-8911280" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation</a> China currently dominates critical mineral supply chains and commands global battery cell production with access to mines across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.&nbsp; Pakistan's economy is struggling, and its foreign debt has skyrocketed, and hence its critical minerals offer it an avenue for growth.

World: US investment in its mineral sector could provide Pakistan a much-needed economic boost, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure development.

President Donald Trump is redefining the foreign and trade policies of the United States, with a focus on business, profits, tariffs, and deals. While the US-Ukraine deal on critical minerals is still hanging in limbo, Senior Bureau Official (SBO) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Eric Meyer, will soon be leading an interagency delegation to Islamabad for attending the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum to advance US interests in the critical minerals sector. As per a note from the US Department of State shared on Saturday, Meyer will be in Islamabad from April 8 to 10, and will meet senior Pakistani officials to expand opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan and promote the deepening of economic ties between the two countries. SBO Meyer will also engage with senior officials to highlight the importance of continued collaboration on counterterrorism. The US-Pakistan ties, largely based on a security-centric focus till now, may be transformed as Islamabad aims to draw the Trump administration with stakes in its critical mineral reserves and other business ventures. Also Read | JKLF’s Yasin Malik, facing trial in terror cases, tells SC, ‘I am a political leader, not a terrorist’. Who is he? The upcoming visit of Meyer will be a sigh of relief for Pakistan, which is worried about Washington’s diminished interest in the country since the withdrawal of US forces from bordering Afghanistan that shrank Islamabad’s strategic relevance, besides Washington’s focus shifting to the Indo-Pacific. US investment in its mineral sector could provide Pakistan a much-needed economic boost, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure development. Pakistan has vast mineral wealth like the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan, while Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are said to have lithium reserves, critical for renewable energy technologies. However, in order to get US investment, Pakistan must prove its worth as a reliable partner and make some changes in its foreign policy by bringing down its reliance on China. Also Read | Sam Altman shares his AI-generated cricketer avatar in India jersey; internet sees biz strategy, roasts him The importance of minerals has changed geopolitics in the last few years as the demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper, used in batteries, will jump significantly in the coming years. Critical minerals are extremely important for the US military, as its drones, robots, and weapons will run on batteries. Unlike the traditional engines, electric vehicles operate silently and don’t leave a thermal signature. All this fits perfectly in the US plans to have a non-tactical fleet that runs entirely on batteries, and hence critical minerals rank high in US national security priorities. Also Read | Nepal making a U-turn? Ex-Maoist guerrilla leads fight for return of monarchy, Hindu nation China currently dominates critical mineral supply chains and commands global battery cell production with access to mines across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Pakistan's economy is struggling, and its foreign debt has skyrocketed, and hence its critical minerals offer it an avenue for growth.

Senior US official heads to Pakistan with focus on critical minerals deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, is set to visit Washington to meet with top Trump official Steve Witkoff this week. The two will hold discussions aimed to strengthen relations between the two nations as they seek to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, CNN reported, citing a US official and sources familiar with the plans.
Dmitriev&rsquo;s visit will mark the first time a senior Russian official visited Washington since Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meeting also marks further steps in bolstering US-Russia relations since President Donald Trump&rsquo;s return to office in January for his second term.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-friendship-in-danger-russia-issues-chilling-warning-after-potuss-threat-to-bomb-iran-nuclear-facilities-8916152">Trump-Putin friendship rift? Russia issues chilling warning after POTUS's threat to bomb Iran nuclear facilities</a>
According to CNN, the US government temporarily lifted sanctions against Dmitriev to allow the State Department to grant him a US visa. A request has also been made to the Treasury Department for a temporary suspension of the sanctions. According to US sanctions statements, Dmitriev has been cast as &ldquo;a known Putin ally&rdquo;. He was not sanctioned by the European Union.
The Kremlin on Wednesday (Apr 2) confirmed ongoing communication with Washington and a &ldquo;possible&rdquo; US visit by Dmitriev.
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<h2>Who is Kirill Dmitriev?</h2>
Kirill Dmitriev, 49, is the chief of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, the Russian Direct Investment Fund since 2011. In February this year, he was appointed as Putin's special envoy on international economic and investment cooperation.
One of the most US-savvy members of Russia's elite, Dmitriev holds regular meetings with Putin and has close relations with key Trump officials.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-proposals-to-end-war-do-not-address-problems-behind-conflict-cant-accept-them-russia-8915219">US proposals to end war do not address problems behind conflict, can&rsquo;t accept them: Russia</a>
During Trump&rsquo;s first term in 2016, he played a major role in establishing early contacts with the US. He has also helped build relations with Saudi Arabia, leading to an oil price agreement under the expanded OPEC+ producers' forum.
The Russian envoy has met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman dozens of times. He held a meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff when he visited Moscow.
Dmitriev's wife, Natalya, is a deputy to one of Putin's daughters, Katerina Tikhonova, at a foundation that works with Moscow State University, where they both studied. Both daughters of Putin were sanctioned by the US in 2022.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-threat-russia-formally-declared-national-security-threat-to-britain-for-first-time-heres-why-8915070">'Unacceptable threat': Russia formally declared national security threat to Britain for first time. Here's why</a>
<h2>What will he discuss in Washington?</h2>
Although it has not been confirmed what Dmitriev will talk about in Washington, he has previously highlighted areas where Russia and the US could cooperate economically, financially and in space. These include the return of US companies to Russia, rare earths, energy prices, prisoner swaps, the Arctic, logistics and climate change, space and cooperation with Elon Musk.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The Kremlin on Wednesday (Apr 2) confirmed ongoing communication with Washington and a “possible” US visit by senior Russian official Kirill Dmitriev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, is set to visit Washington to meet with top Trump official Steve Witkoff this week. The two will hold discussions aimed to strengthen relations between the two nations as they seek to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, CNN reported, citing a US official and sources familiar with the plans. Dmitriev’s visit will mark the first time a senior Russian official visited Washington since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meeting also marks further steps in bolstering US-Russia relations since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January for his second term. Also read | Trump-Putin friendship rift? Russia issues chilling warning after POTUS's threat to bomb Iran nuclear facilities According to CNN, the US government temporarily lifted sanctions against Dmitriev to allow the State Department to grant him a US visa. A request has also been made to the Treasury Department for a temporary suspension of the sanctions. According to US sanctions statements, Dmitriev has been cast as “a known Putin ally”. He was not sanctioned by the European Union. The Kremlin on Wednesday (Apr 2) confirmed ongoing communication with Washington and a “possible” US visit by Dmitriev. Also read | Ukraine and Russia fire at each others energy sites, complain to US Who is Kirill Dmitriev? Kirill Dmitriev, 49, is the chief of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, the Russian Direct Investment Fund since 2011. In February this year, he was appointed as Putin's special envoy on international economic and investment cooperation. One of the most US-savvy members of Russia's elite, Dmitriev holds regular meetings with Putin and has close relations with key Trump officials. Also read | US proposals to end war do not address problems behind conflict, can’t accept them: Russia During Trump’s first term in 2016, he played a major role in establishing early contacts with the US. He has also helped build relations with Saudi Arabia, leading to an oil price agreement under the expanded OPEC+ producers' forum. The Russian envoy has met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman dozens of times. He held a meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff when he visited Moscow. Dmitriev's wife, Natalya, is a deputy to one of Putin's daughters, Katerina Tikhonova, at a foundation that works with Moscow State University, where they both studied. Both daughters of Putin were sanctioned by the US in 2022. Also read | 'Unacceptable threat': Russia formally declared national security threat to Britain for first time. Here's why What will he discuss in Washington? Although it has not been confirmed what Dmitriev will talk about in Washington, he has previously highlighted areas where Russia and the US could cooperate economically, financially and in space. These include the return of US companies to Russia, rare earths, energy prices, prisoner swaps, the Arctic, logistics and climate change, space and cooperation with Elon Musk. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Kirill Dmitriev? Senior Russian official to visit US this week

Elon Musk on Tuesday (Apr 1) called for the arrest of leaders of &ldquo;fake&rdquo; NGOs that receive federal funds. He alleged that they represent a politically connected &ldquo;uniparty&rdquo; involved in &ldquo;money laundering&rdquo; of taxpayer resources.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief&rsquo;s remarks come amid his efforts to cut annual federal spending by $1 trillion to half the deficit.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/teslas-european-sales-plunge-amidst-anti-musk-sentiment-and-chinese-competition-8917329">Tesla's European sales plunge amidst anti-Musk sentiment and Chinese competition</a>
<h2>Musk claims fake charities run by Democrats</h2>
&ldquo;With respect to the non-governmental organizations, these sort of fake NGOs, I think there needs to be a number of arrests,&rdquo; Musk told Fox News in an interview.
&ldquo;These are fake charities [run by] mostly Democrats&hellip; there&rsquo;s sometimes a little bit of Republican in there, because they sometimes throw the Republicans a bone to say, &lsquo;Hey, be quiet about this.&rsquo; So that&rsquo;s where you start getting the uniparty thing going on,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suffers-setback-as-democrat-susan-crawford-wins-wisconsin-supreme-court-despite-musks-millions-8915524">Trump suffers setback as democrat Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin supreme court despite Musk's millions</a>
&ldquo;But it is overwhelmingly to Democrats, and they give these billions of dollars to NGOs run by Democrats that then go through a whole network of additional NGOs &mdash; it&rsquo;s a giant money laundering scheme. Really at this point, I think the word NGO and money laundering are almost synonymous.&rdquo;
President Trump&rsquo;s supporters have commonly used the term &ldquo;uniparty&rdquo; to describe politicians of both major parties who hold a similar view on government operations, generally opposed to Trump&rsquo;s populist agenda.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/elon-musk-alleges-terrorism-in-rome-tesla-dealership-fire-amidst-arson-investigation-8914107">Elon Musk alleges "terrorism" in Rome Tesla dealership fire amidst arson investigation</a>
While Musk does not have the power to direct criminal investigations, he could influence the idea among Trump&rsquo;s appointees at the Justice Department and in US attorney offices.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The wheels of justice turn slowly, but surely,&rdquo; Musk said. &ldquo;I have a maniacal sense of urgency.&rdquo;
He did not mention any specific NGO or allegedly corrupt leaders.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-know-if-child-is-mine-musk-claims-giving-ashley-st-clair-500kyear-amid-child-support-cut-allegations-8913641">&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t know if child is mine&hellip;&rsquo;: Musk claims giving Ashley St Clair $500k/year amid child support cut allegations</a>
Recently, Republicans highlighted a $2 billion environmental grant awarded in 2024 by the Biden administration to a consortium of organizations connected to former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Although she maintains she did not personally benefit financially.
Last week, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin wrote on X that the &ldquo;DOJ/FBI are investigating&rdquo; that award.
Musk also revealed that he believes an arrest will be made &ldquo;hopefully this week&rdquo; for allegedly stealing 400,000 Social Security numbers.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The Department of Government Efficiency chief’s remarks come amid his efforts to cut annual federal spending by $1 trillion to half the deficit.

Elon Musk on Tuesday (Apr 1) called for the arrest of leaders of “fake” NGOs that receive federal funds. He alleged that they represent a politically connected “uniparty” involved in “money laundering” of taxpayer resources. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief’s remarks come amid his efforts to cut annual federal spending by $1 trillion to half the deficit. Also read | Tesla's European sales plunge amidst anti-Musk sentiment and Chinese competition Musk claims fake charities run by Democrats “With respect to the non-governmental organizations, these sort of fake NGOs, I think there needs to be a number of arrests,” Musk told Fox News in an interview. “These are fake charities [run by] mostly Democrats… there’s sometimes a little bit of Republican in there, because they sometimes throw the Republicans a bone to say, ‘Hey, be quiet about this.’ So that’s where you start getting the uniparty thing going on,” he said. Also read | Trump suffers setback as democrat Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin supreme court despite Musk's millions “But it is overwhelmingly to Democrats, and they give these billions of dollars to NGOs run by Democrats that then go through a whole network of additional NGOs — it’s a giant money laundering scheme. Really at this point, I think the word NGO and money laundering are almost synonymous.” President Trump’s supporters have commonly used the term “uniparty” to describe politicians of both major parties who hold a similar view on government operations, generally opposed to Trump’s populist agenda. Also read | Elon Musk alleges "terrorism" in Rome Tesla dealership fire amidst arson investigation While Musk does not have the power to direct criminal investigations, he could influence the idea among Trump’s appointees at the Justice Department and in US attorney offices. “The wheels of justice turn slowly, but surely,” Musk said. “I have a maniacal sense of urgency.” He did not mention any specific NGO or allegedly corrupt leaders. Also read | ‘Don’t know if child is mine…’: Musk claims giving Ashley St Clair $500k/year amid child support cut allegations Recently, Republicans highlighted a $2 billion environmental grant awarded in 2024 by the Biden administration to a consortium of organizations connected to former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Although she maintains she did not personally benefit financially. Last week, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin wrote on X that the “DOJ/FBI are investigating” that award. Musk also revealed that he believes an arrest will be made “hopefully this week” for allegedly stealing 400,000 Social Security numbers. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk calls for arrest of ‘fake’ NGO leaders engaged in ‘money laundering’

Russia&rsquo;s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview that the Kremlin takes the US proposals on Ukraine seriously but cannot accept them as is.
Speaking to the magazine International Affairs, Ryabkov said, &ldquo;We take the proposed models and solutions very seriously, but we also cannot accept all of this as is. All that exists today is an attempt to find some kind of scheme that would allow us to initially achieve a ceasefire, as the Americans envision it.&rdquo;
The current US proposals to end the war in Ukraine do not address problems due to which Moscow caused the conflict, he said, suggesting US-Russia talks had stalled.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-we-are-the-most-powerful-community-how-ukraine-is-paralysing-russia-one-cyber-attack-at-a-time-8910634" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Exclusive | Inside the Ukraine 'hacker army' paralysing Russia, one cyber attack at a time: 'We are the most powerful community'</a>
Ryabkov&rsquo;s comments suggest that Moscow and Washington have not succeeded in bridging the differences that President Vladimir Putin raised over two weeks ago when he said US proposals needed reworking.
US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly impatient and said he is &ldquo;pissed off&rdquo; with Putin and has spoken of imposing sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil if he feels Moscow is blocking a deal. &ldquo;As far as we can see, there is no place in them today for our main demand, namely to solve the problems related to the root causes of this conflict. It is completely absent, and that must be overcome.&rdquo;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/distorting-facts-for-political-narrative-india-slams-new-york-times-misleading-article-alleging-hal-russia-arms-agency-link-8910561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Distorting facts for political narrative': India slams New York Times' 'misleading' article alleging HAL-Russia arms agency link</a>
Putin wants Ukraine to drop its ambitions of joining NATO, Russia to control the entirety of four Ukrainian regions it has claimed as its own, and the Ukrainian army&rsquo;s size to be limited. Kyiv says Putin&rsquo;s demands are tantamount to demanding its capitulation.
Asked about Trump&rsquo;s remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters earlier on Tuesday, &ldquo;The subject is very complex. The substance that we are discussing, related to the Ukrainian settlement, is very complex. This requires a lot of extra effort.&rdquo; Russia also said on Tuesday it was fully complying with a U.S.-brokered moratorium on attacking Ukraine&rsquo;s energy facilities. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state TV that Defence Minister Andrei Belousov had briefed Putin on alleged Ukrainian violations during a meeting of Russia&rsquo;s Security Council on Tuesday and a list of the violations was passed to US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-couldnt-care-less-zelensky-calls-for-tough-measures-on-moscow-after-trumps-warning-to-russia-8910487" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Putin &lsquo;couldn&rsquo;t care less&rsquo;: Zelensky calls for &lsquo;tough measures&rsquo; on Moscow after Trump&rsquo;s warning to Russia</a>
Trump, who had till now taken a conciliatory approach towards Russia, has now adopted a tougher tone.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The current US proposals to end the war in Ukraine do not address problems due to which Moscow caused the conflict, he said, suggesting US-Russia talks had stalled.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview that the Kremlin takes the US proposals on Ukraine seriously but cannot accept them as is. Speaking to the magazine International Affairs, Ryabkov said, “We take the proposed models and solutions very seriously, but we also cannot accept all of this as is. All that exists today is an attempt to find some kind of scheme that would allow us to initially achieve a ceasefire, as the Americans envision it.” The current US proposals to end the war in Ukraine do not address problems due to which Moscow caused the conflict, he said, suggesting US-Russia talks had stalled. Also read: Exclusive | Inside the Ukraine 'hacker army' paralysing Russia, one cyber attack at a time: 'We are the most powerful community' Ryabkov’s comments suggest that Moscow and Washington have not succeeded in bridging the differences that President Vladimir Putin raised over two weeks ago when he said US proposals needed reworking. US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly impatient and said he is “pissed off” with Putin and has spoken of imposing sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil if he feels Moscow is blocking a deal. “As far as we can see, there is no place in them today for our main demand, namely to solve the problems related to the root causes of this conflict. It is completely absent, and that must be overcome.” Also read: 'Distorting facts for political narrative': India slams New York Times' 'misleading' article alleging HAL-Russia arms agency link Putin wants Ukraine to drop its ambitions of joining NATO, Russia to control the entirety of four Ukrainian regions it has claimed as its own, and the Ukrainian army’s size to be limited. Kyiv says Putin’s demands are tantamount to demanding its capitulation. Asked about Trump’s remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters earlier on Tuesday, “The subject is very complex. The substance that we are discussing, related to the Ukrainian settlement, is very complex. This requires a lot of extra effort.” Russia also said on Tuesday it was fully complying with a U.S.-brokered moratorium on attacking Ukraine’s energy facilities. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state TV that Defence Minister Andrei Belousov had briefed Putin on alleged Ukrainian violations during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council on Tuesday and a list of the violations was passed to US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Also read: Putin ‘couldn’t care less’: Zelensky calls for ‘tough measures’ on Moscow after Trump’s warning to Russia Trump, who had till now taken a conciliatory approach towards Russia, has now adopted a tougher tone. (With inputs from agencies)

US proposals to end war do not address problems behind conflict, can’t accept them: Russia

US President Donald Trump said that India is planning to reduce tariffs on American goods significantly.
Know more about Trump's agenda behind his visit to the Middle Eastern nation of Saudi Arabia amid ongoing wars in Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine.
Meanwhile, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has warned of a &ldquo;strong plan&rdquo; to retaliate against the US tariffs.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-claims-india-going-to-drop-tariffs-substantially-ahead-of-liberation-day-8914713">'Why didn't they do it sooner?': Trump claims India 'going to drop tariffs substantially' ahead of 'Liberation Day'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/06/nCUe9oATghzBWcdH86J9.png" alt=" Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (April 01) said that India is planning to reduce tariffs on American products significantly, one day before he imposes reciprocal tariffs, a day he dubbed as 'Liberation Day' for America.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-on-trumps-agenda-as-he-plans-to-visit-saudi-for-his-first-foreign-trip-is-it-israel-ukraine-or-something-else-8913763">What's on Trump's agenda as he plans to visit Saudi for his first foreign trip. Is it Israel, Ukraine or something else?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/zsihhJ6rqkoPA8YzoH7s.png" alt=" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Photograph: (Reuters/Wion web team) ">
US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle Eastern nations comes amid his efforts to end the ongoing wars in Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine. But what exactly is on his agenda? Let's dig deeper to know more.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-retaliate-if-necessary-eu-chief-warns-us-of-strong-plan-against-trump-tariffs-8914805">&lsquo;Will retaliate, if necessary&rsquo;: EU chief warns US of &lsquo;strong plan&rsquo; against Trump tariffs</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/dWrP6lk4F9fP4SAnvt5q.jpg" alt=" European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Photograph: (AFP) ">
The European Union has a &ldquo;strong plan&rdquo; to retaliate against the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, but would prefer to negotiate a solution, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday (Apr 1).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-earthquake-death-toll-nears-3000-what-are-the-survival-chances-of-people-trapped-under-rubble-8913117">Myanmar earthquake: Death toll nears 3,000, what are the survival chances of people trapped under rubble?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/gZKxWil9pnW0uLULXFvO.jpg" alt=" Rescue teams work to evacuate residents trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building 'Sky Villa Condominium development' in Mandalay on March 30, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
The death toll in Myanmar following a massive earthquake has risen to 2,719 on Tuesday (Apr 1), while 4,521 were wounded and over 400 remain missing, said junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The toll is expected to climb to 3,000.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reciprocal-tariffs-liberation-day-of-confusion-day-officials-scramble-to-implement-plan-that-can-hit-india-china-canada-8914082">Liberation Day or Confusion Day? Trump reciprocal tariffs are coming, but officials don't seem to agree on how to implement</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/11/j84ALTcHeouSqf2Ce2CF.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Trump tariff plan a secret till last minute? US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs will kick in from Wednesday (Apr 2), but there are still contradictory reports on how exactly it would be implemented. Ahead of the announcement day, which Trump described as 'Liberation Day', there is frenzied discussions inside the US administration to make it happen.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/planning-to-buy-a-new-car-heres-how-it-will-cost-an-arm-and-a-leg-after-trumps-reciprocal-tariffs-8914769">Planning to buy a new car? Here's how it will cost an arm and a leg after Trump's reciprocal tariffs</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/9oYzw0gyYHidyw1yzcxF.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters/Wion web team) ">
US President Donald Trump is set to impose reciprocal tariffs on America's Liberation Day, Wednesday (April 2), by slapping 25% on imported passenger vehicles and light trucks.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/waqf-bill-to-be-tabled-in-lok-sabha-april-2-why-is-oppn-against-it-what-is-the-row-8914426">Waqf Bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha April 2. Why is opposition against it, what is the row?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/H5WCX123C9GV9ckQHmSj.jpg" alt=" Union Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Photograph: (PTI) ">
The stage is finally set for the revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2. Union Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, &ldquo;On 2nd April, immediately after the Question Hour, I want to introduce the amendment bill for consideration and passing, after that, we have agreed for 8 hours of discussion.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/noida-crash-car-lamborghini-belongs-to-youtuber-mridul-tiwari-driver-already-out-on-bail-8913597">Noida crash car: Lamborghini belongs to Youtuber Mridul Tiwari ; driver already out on bail</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/01/eU6dMnl3XhO3U5apTsof.png" alt=" Noida crash car: Lamborghini belongs to Youtuber Mridul Tiwari ; driver already out on bail: (Credit: PTI) ">
On Sunday (Mar 30), a speeding luxury car rammed into construction workers, leaving two injured while others narrowly escaped the incident in Noida sector 94. The Lamborghini belongs to content creator Mridul Tiwari and the car was driven by Deepak, a car dealer from Rajasthan's Ajmer. It is said that he was testing the car and was on his way back when this incident took place.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/l2-empuraan-producer-says-there-were-no-threats-or-pressure-as-the-re-censored-version-hits-theatres-8914159">L2: Empuraan producer says there were 'no threats or pressure' as the re-censored version hits theatres</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/18/o4K1wsivmen8BPxlCOAp.jpg" alt=" Empuraan Photograph: (X/Mohanlal) ">
The re-censored version of Mohanlal's L2: Empuraan will be hitting theatres across India. The film has been mired in controversy since its release on March 27, 2025, facing backlash from right-wing groups over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat Riots.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-time-is-ticking-for-soon-to-be-38-rohit-sharma-after-his-worst-ipl-start-since-2020-8913176">IPL 2025: Time is ticking for soon to be 38 Rohit Sharma after his worst IPL start since 2020</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/30/ptc2ofsIo1FJqbNXAiaA.jpg" alt=" IPL 2025 &lsquo;He&rsquo;s not the Rohit Sharma of&hellip;,&rsquo; Sanjay Manjrekar comments on MI veteran&rsquo;s batting lapse Photograph: (Others) ">
Rohit Sharma will be 38 in about a month. He has played in Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008 and is one of the most successful captains as well as a player with six titles (five as captain) to his name. But is he getting old to play the fastest format? Is he no more quick enough on the field? Has the time come for him to hang his boots in T20s altogether?

India | Stay updated with our selection of the top international stories, delivering essential news and analysis from across the world to keep you in the loop.

US President Donald Trump said that India is planning to reduce tariffs on American goods significantly. Know more about Trump's agenda behind his visit to the Middle Eastern nation of Saudi Arabia amid ongoing wars in Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine. Meanwhile, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has warned of a “strong plan” to retaliate against the US tariffs. Click on the headlines for more 'Why didn't they do it sooner?': Trump claims India 'going to drop tariffs substantially' ahead of 'Liberation Day' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (April 01) said that India is planning to reduce tariffs on American products significantly, one day before he imposes reciprocal tariffs, a day he dubbed as 'Liberation Day' for America. What's on Trump's agenda as he plans to visit Saudi for his first foreign trip. Is it Israel, Ukraine or something else? US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle Eastern nations comes amid his efforts to end the ongoing wars in Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine. But what exactly is on his agenda? Let's dig deeper to know more. ‘Will retaliate, if necessary’: EU chief warns US of ‘strong plan’ against Trump tariffs The European Union has a “strong plan” to retaliate against the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, but would prefer to negotiate a solution, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday (Apr 1). Myanmar earthquake: Death toll nears 3,000, what are the survival chances of people trapped under rubble? The death toll in Myanmar following a massive earthquake has risen to 2,719 on Tuesday (Apr 1), while 4,521 were wounded and over 400 remain missing, said junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The toll is expected to climb to 3,000. Liberation Day or Confusion Day? Trump reciprocal tariffs are coming, but officials don't seem to agree on how to implement Trump tariff plan a secret till last minute? US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs will kick in from Wednesday (Apr 2), but there are still contradictory reports on how exactly it would be implemented. Ahead of the announcement day, which Trump described as 'Liberation Day', there is frenzied discussions inside the US administration to make it happen. Planning to buy a new car? Here's how it will cost an arm and a leg after Trump's reciprocal tariffs US President Donald Trump is set to impose reciprocal tariffs on America's Liberation Day, Wednesday (April 2), by slapping 25% on imported passenger vehicles and light trucks. Waqf Bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha April 2. Why is opposition against it, what is the row? The stage is finally set for the revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2. Union Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, “On 2nd April, immediately after the Question Hour, I want to introduce the amendment bill for consideration and passing, after that, we have agreed for 8 hours of discussion.” Noida crash car: Lamborghini belongs to Youtuber Mridul Tiwari ; driver already out on bail On Sunday (Mar 30), a speeding luxury car rammed into construction workers, leaving two injured while others narrowly escaped the incident in Noida sector 94. The Lamborghini belongs to content creator Mridul Tiwari and the car was driven by Deepak, a car dealer from Rajasthan's Ajmer. It is said that he was testing the car and was on his way back when this incident took place. L2: Empuraan producer says there were 'no threats or pressure' as the re-censored version hits theatres The re-censored version of Mohanlal's L2: Empuraan will be hitting theatres across India. The film has been mired in controversy since its release on March 27, 2025, facing backlash from right-wing groups over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat Riots. IPL 2025: Time is ticking for soon to be 38 Rohit Sharma after his worst IPL start since 2020 Rohit Sharma will be 38 in about a month. He has played in Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008 and is one of the most successful captains as well as a player with six titles (five as captain) to his name. But is he getting old to play the fastest format? Is he no more quick enough on the field? Has the time come for him to hang his boots in T20s altogether?

Top 10 world news: US claims India 'going to drop tariffs'; Trump's agenda for Saudi visit, and more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Mar 30) evening said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin &ldquo;couldn&rsquo;t care less about&rdquo; a ceasefire after reporting more drone strikes in seven regions in his country.&nbsp;
This comes after US President Donald Trump expressed his anger over the recent remarks made by the Russian president for questioning the leadership of Zelensky and suggesting a transitional government in Ukraine.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-angry-remarks-kremlin-says-putin-open-to-call-with-us-president-if-deemed-necessary-8910343">After Trump&rsquo;s &lsquo;angry&rsquo; remarks, Kremlin says Putin &lsquo;open&rsquo; to call with US president &lsquo;if deemed necessary&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia&rsquo;s fault, which it might not be, but if I think it was Russia&rsquo;s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,&rdquo; the US president had said.
<h2>&lsquo;Strikes and shelling&rsquo; in Ukraine</h2>
In a video address on Sunday, the Ukrainian president reported &ldquo;more strikes and shelling&rdquo; in seven regions of the country.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trump-pissed-off-over-anti-zelensky-comments-secondary-oil-tariffs-on-russia-8907533">&lsquo;Putin knows I&rsquo;m angry&rsquo;: Trump &lsquo;very angry&rsquo; over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia</a>
&ldquo;The geography and brutality of Russian strikes, not just occasionally, but literally every day and night, show that Putin couldn&rsquo;t care less about diplomacy,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;For several weeks now, there has been a US proposal for an unconditional ceasefire,&rdquo; Zelensky added. &ldquo;And almost every day, in response to this proposal, there are Russian drones, bombs, artillery shelling and ballistic strikes.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-exchange-for-military-support-us-proposes-new-minerals-deal-for-ukraine-zelensky-says-this-is-important-8901953">'In exchange for military support': US proposes new minerals deal for Ukraine, Zelensky says 'This is important'</a>
<h2>Zelensky calls for &lsquo;tough measures&rsquo;</h2>
The Ukrainian president called for further &ldquo;tough measures&rdquo; against Moscow to push Putin into a ceasefire deal. The fighting has continued despite the mediation efforts by the US to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine to end the three-year-long war.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-scared-of-trump-ukrainian-president-takes-a-step-back-after-advising-us-to-impose-sanctions-on-russia-8897942">Zelensky scared of Trump? Ukrainian president takes a step back after 'advising' US to impose sanctions on Russia</a>
&ldquo;Russia deserves increased pressure &ndash; all the tough measures that can break its capacity to wage war and sustain the system that wants nothing but war,&rdquo; Zelensky said. &ldquo;Sanctions against Russia are essential. More air defense for Ukraine is essential. More cooperation and unity among all partners is essential.&rdquo;
While both Kyiv and Moscow agreed to stop attacks in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure, both have accused the other of violating the agreement and attacking energy targets.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The Ukrainian president called for further “tough measures” against Moscow to push Putin into a ceasefire deal. The fighting has continued despite the mediation efforts by the US to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine to end the three-year-long war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Mar 30) evening said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “couldn’t care less about” a ceasefire after reporting more drone strikes in seven regions in his country. This comes after US President Donald Trump expressed his anger over the recent remarks made by the Russian president for questioning the leadership of Zelensky and suggesting a transitional government in Ukraine. Also read | After Trump’s ‘angry’ remarks, Kremlin says Putin ‘open’ to call with US president ‘if deemed necessary’ “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault, which it might not be, but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” the US president had said. ‘Strikes and shelling’ in Ukraine In a video address on Sunday, the Ukrainian president reported “more strikes and shelling” in seven regions of the country. Also read | ‘Putin knows I’m angry’: Trump ‘very angry’ over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia “The geography and brutality of Russian strikes, not just occasionally, but literally every day and night, show that Putin couldn’t care less about diplomacy,” he said. “For several weeks now, there has been a US proposal for an unconditional ceasefire,” Zelensky added. “And almost every day, in response to this proposal, there are Russian drones, bombs, artillery shelling and ballistic strikes.” Also read | 'In exchange for military support': US proposes new minerals deal for Ukraine, Zelensky says 'This is important' Zelensky calls for ‘tough measures’ The Ukrainian president called for further “tough measures” against Moscow to push Putin into a ceasefire deal. The fighting has continued despite the mediation efforts by the US to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine to end the three-year-long war. Also read | Zelensky scared of Trump? Ukrainian president takes a step back after 'advising' US to impose sanctions on Russia “Russia deserves increased pressure – all the tough measures that can break its capacity to wage war and sustain the system that wants nothing but war,” Zelensky said. “Sanctions against Russia are essential. More air defense for Ukraine is essential. More cooperation and unity among all partners is essential.” While both Kyiv and Moscow agreed to stop attacks in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure, both have accused the other of violating the agreement and attacking energy targets. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin ‘couldn’t care less’: Zelensky calls for ‘tough measures’ on Moscow after Trump’s warning to Russia

US President Donald Trump expressed his anger over recent remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is willing to allow Hamas leaders to leave the Gaza Strip, only if the group agrees to disarm.
Meanwhile, Trump warned Iran of bombing if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trump-pissed-off-over-anti-zelensky-comments-secondary-oil-tariffs-on-russia-8907533">&lsquo;Putin knows I&rsquo;m angry&rsquo;: Trump &lsquo;very angry&rsquo; over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/17/tNCauX3opsOWkLWCfO3E.png" alt=" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin Photograph: (AFP) ">
President Donald Trump on Sunday (March 30) voiced his anger over recent comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who questioned the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and suggested a transitional government in Ukraine.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-hamas-leaders-gaza-ceasefire-eid-al-fitr-8907209">'Lay down arms and leave': Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders way out of Gaza, but with one condition</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/14/pkD8fm8AKLa2JW7L3scc.png" alt=" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is willing to allow Hamas leaders to leave the Gaza Strip, but only if the group agrees to disarm. The announcement came as Israel continued its military operations in Gaza.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-bombing-like-never-before-trump-threatens-iran-with-strikes-tariffs-over-nuclear-deal-refusal-8907621">'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/11/j84ALTcHeouSqf2Ce2CF.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, saying on Sunday (March 30) that there would be bombing &ldquo;the likes of which they have never seen before&rdquo;.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-71-magnitude-earthquake-hits-near-tonga-tsunami-warning-issued-8907328">Strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Tonga</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/07/0xLiglWx8oyqVxSJ9vdq.jpg" alt=" Earthquake Photograph: (ANI) ">
A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga in the early morning hours of Monday (Mar 31) local time, according to the US Geological Survey. Following the tremors, a tsunami warning was issued in the region, which was later lifted for the Pacific island nation.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-law-proposed-health-bill-lets-patients-sue-insurers-draws-fire-over-murderer-inspired-name-8907444">Luigi Mangione law? Proposed health bill lets patients sue insurers, draws fire over &lsquo;murderer-inspired&rsquo; name</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/30/SSjXZKKsKnQHENrYN33F.png" alt=" Luigi Mangione Photograph: (AFP) ">
A newly proposed California ballot measure is making headlines not just for its content but for its provocative name. The "Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act," submitted by retired litigator Paul Eisner, aims to stop health insurance companies from refusing or delaying medical treatment recommended by doctors.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tree-falls-on-vehicles-following-landslide-near-manikaran-gurudrawa-in-himachal-kills-6-8907632">Tree falls on vehicles following landslide near Manikaran Gurudwara in Himachal, kills 6</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/30/wHCSzd5dfFmrO7mbQbnD.jpg" alt=" Himachal Pradesh: 6 dead, 5 injured as tree falls near Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib in Kullu Photograph: (ANI) ">
Six people lost their lives and five were wounded after a huge hollow tree got uprooted and fell on vehicles following a landslide near Gurudwara Manikarn Sahib in Himachal's Kullu district on Sunday (Mar 30).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmars-military-dropped-bombs-3-hours-after-quake-devastation-un-slams-junta-8907065">Myanmar&rsquo;s military dropped bombs 3 hours after quake devastation; UN slams junta</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/28/PXFu4M4NeNPIWE8IYjfM.jpg" alt=" Myanmar&rsquo;s military dropped bombs 3 hours after quake devastation; UN slams junta">
Major disasters that cause unfathomable devastation, usually cause a shake-up and restore peace to areas torn by conflict, but not in Myanmar where the military junta continued airstrikes on rebel-held areas even after more than 1,600 people were killed in the devastating earthquake, and that too within hours of the tragedy. The UN has described the attacks as &ldquo;completely outrageous and unacceptable&rdquo;.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-tariffs-to-take-effect-in-48-hours-and-india-could-lose-73-billion-in-exports-8906910">Clock's ticking! Trump&rsquo;s tariffs to take effect in 48 hours and India could lose $7.3 billion in exports</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/12/cJy6qCa4FLZ4ZkPtY3Tr.png" alt=" Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
As President Donald Trump&rsquo;s new tariffs are set to take effect in just two days, India and the United States have agreed to wrap up part of a trade agreement by the end of the year.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/regret-the-pain-caused-says-mohanlal-in-apology-for-uproar-over-l2-empuraan-8907159">'Regret the pain caused' says Mohanlal in apology for uproar over L2: Empuraan</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2018/09/12/51766-mohanlal.jpg" alt=" Photograph: (X) ">
L2: Empuraan controversy: South Indian superstar Mohanlal has apologised for hurting sentiments of his fans who called his film L2: Empuraan a &ldquo;propaganda&rdquo; and an anti-Hindu film. He said that he &ldquo;regrets the pain caused&rdquo; to his fans with certain portions of the film.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-who-is-aniket-verma-srh-newest-star-the-rookie-batter-who-loves-hitting-sixes-for-fun-dc-8907671">IPL 2025: Who is Aniket Verma, SRH&rsquo;s newest star who loves hitting sixes for fun</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/30/BpIVyT1P1xMUpicEq1Ka.jpg" alt=" IPL 2025 Who is Aniket Verma, SRH&rsquo;s newest star who loves hitting sixes for fun Photograph: (Others) ">
Aniket Verma has turned heads in IPL 2025, and it&rsquo;s not luck by chance. SunRisers Hyderabad&rsquo;s (SRH) newest star made bowlers suffer in his three outings this season, with his best coming against the Delhi Capitals in the just-concluded game in Vizag on Sunday. Coming in at a time when the chips were down, Aniket got a lifeline in the sixth over when Abishek Porel dropped him, later making the most of this chance and slamming bowlers to all parts of the ground.

World | India news | Stay informed with our selection of the top global stories. Explore significant events and updates that are making waves across continents and industries.

US President Donald Trump expressed his anger over recent remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is willing to allow Hamas leaders to leave the Gaza Strip, only if the group agrees to disarm. Meanwhile, Trump warned Iran of bombing if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States. Click on the headlines for more ‘Putin knows I’m angry’: Trump ‘very angry’ over anti-Zelensky remarks, warns of secondary oil tariffs on Russia President Donald Trump on Sunday (March 30) voiced his anger over recent comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who questioned the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and suggested a transitional government in Ukraine. 'Lay down arms and leave': Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders way out of Gaza, but with one condition Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is willing to allow Hamas leaders to leave the Gaza Strip, but only if the group agrees to disarm. The announcement came as Israel continued its military operations in Gaza. 'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, saying on Sunday (March 30) that there would be bombing “the likes of which they have never seen before”. Strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Tonga A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga in the early morning hours of Monday (Mar 31) local time, according to the US Geological Survey. Following the tremors, a tsunami warning was issued in the region, which was later lifted for the Pacific island nation. Luigi Mangione law? Proposed health bill lets patients sue insurers, draws fire over ‘murderer-inspired’ name A newly proposed California ballot measure is making headlines not just for its content but for its provocative name. The "Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act," submitted by retired litigator Paul Eisner, aims to stop health insurance companies from refusing or delaying medical treatment recommended by doctors. Tree falls on vehicles following landslide near Manikaran Gurudwara in Himachal, kills 6 Six people lost their lives and five were wounded after a huge hollow tree got uprooted and fell on vehicles following a landslide near Gurudwara Manikarn Sahib in Himachal's Kullu district on Sunday (Mar 30). Myanmar’s military dropped bombs 3 hours after quake devastation; UN slams junta Major disasters that cause unfathomable devastation, usually cause a shake-up and restore peace to areas torn by conflict, but not in Myanmar where the military junta continued airstrikes on rebel-held areas even after more than 1,600 people were killed in the devastating earthquake, and that too within hours of the tragedy. The UN has described the attacks as “completely outrageous and unacceptable”. Clock's ticking! Trump’s tariffs to take effect in 48 hours and India could lose $7.3 billion in exports As President Donald Trump’s new tariffs are set to take effect in just two days, India and the United States have agreed to wrap up part of a trade agreement by the end of the year. 'Regret the pain caused' says Mohanlal in apology for uproar over L2: Empuraan L2: Empuraan controversy: South Indian superstar Mohanlal has apologised for hurting sentiments of his fans who called his film L2: Empuraan a “propaganda” and an anti-Hindu film. He said that he “regrets the pain caused” to his fans with certain portions of the film. IPL 2025: Who is Aniket Verma, SRH’s newest star who loves hitting sixes for fun Aniket Verma has turned heads in IPL 2025, and it’s not luck by chance. SunRisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) newest star made bowlers suffer in his three outings this season, with his best coming against the Delhi Capitals in the just-concluded game in Vizag on Sunday. Coming in at a time when the chips were down, Aniket got a lifeline in the sixth over when Abishek Porel dropped him, later making the most of this chance and slamming bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Top 10 world news: Trump ‘very angry’ at Putin; Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders Gaza exit, and more

Donald Trump&rsquo;s newly announced &lsquo;Gold Card&rsquo; program, which offers permanent residency in the United States for $5 million per card, is reportedly off to a strong start. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claims that 1,000 of these cards were sold in a single day, generating $5 billion in revenue. &nbsp;
Lutnick made this announcement on the &lsquo;All-In Podcast,&rsquo; stating that demand for the program is high as individuals seek secure entry into the United States. He also confirmed that the program will officially launch in about two weeks, with tech billionaire Elon Musk currently developing the necessary software for its implementation. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crossfire-hurricane-investigation-trump-russia-hoax-declassifed-order-trump-pee-tape-steele-dossier-recap-8891581" aria-label="Trump 'pee tape' to 'Russia hoax': What is Crossfire Hurricane probe that US prez wants declassfied? Total recall of a complex web">Trump 'pee tape' to 'Russia hoax': What is Crossfire Hurricane probe that US prez wants declassfied? Total recall of a complex web</a>
<h2>&nbsp;Residency without global taxation &nbsp;</h2>
The Gold Card program is designed to attract wealthy individuals who want US residency without the obligation of paying global taxes. Unlike US citizens, who are taxed on their worldwide income, Gold Card holders will only be taxed on money earned within the United States. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-family-holds-billions-in-assets-despite-anti-corruption-drive-us-intelligence-report-finds-8891335" aria-label="Xi Jinping&rsquo;s family holds billions in assets despite anti-corruption drive, US intelligence report finds">Xi Jinping&rsquo;s family holds billions in assets despite anti-corruption drive, US intelligence report finds</a>
&nbsp;"If you are a US citizen, you end up paying global tax. So, outsiders will certainly not come to the US to pay global tax." Lutnick explained. "If you have a Green Card, now Gold Card, you will be a permanent resident of America without paying tax. You can choose to be a citizen, but you don't have to be." &nbsp;
<h2>Trump&rsquo;s ambitious target</h2>
According to research conducted with the Trump administration, Lutnick claims that approximately 37 million people worldwide have the financial means to purchase a Gold Card. He added that Trump believes the program could sell up to one million cards.
Proceeds from the Gold Card sales are reportedly intended to help reduce the US national debt. Trump had earlier stated that there would be no annual cap on the number of cards issued, making it an open-ended revenue-generating initiative. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies )

Trending | World | US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claims that 1,000 of these cards were sold in a single day, generating $5 billion in revenue.

Donald Trump’s newly announced ‘Gold Card’ program, which offers permanent residency in the United States for $5 million per card, is reportedly off to a strong start. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claims that 1,000 of these cards were sold in a single day, generating $5 billion in revenue. Lutnick made this announcement on the ‘All-In Podcast,’ stating that demand for the program is high as individuals seek secure entry into the United States. He also confirmed that the program will officially launch in about two weeks, with tech billionaire Elon Musk currently developing the necessary software for its implementation. Also Read | Trump 'pee tape' to 'Russia hoax': What is Crossfire Hurricane probe that US prez wants declassfied? Total recall of a complex web Residency without global taxation The Gold Card program is designed to attract wealthy individuals who want US residency without the obligation of paying global taxes. Unlike US citizens, who are taxed on their worldwide income, Gold Card holders will only be taxed on money earned within the United States. Also Read | Xi Jinping’s family holds billions in assets despite anti-corruption drive, US intelligence report finds "If you are a US citizen, you end up paying global tax. So, outsiders will certainly not come to the US to pay global tax." Lutnick explained. "If you have a Green Card, now Gold Card, you will be a permanent resident of America without paying tax. You can choose to be a citizen, but you don't have to be." Trump’s ambitious target According to research conducted with the Trump administration, Lutnick claims that approximately 37 million people worldwide have the financial means to purchase a Gold Card. He added that Trump believes the program could sell up to one million cards. Proceeds from the Gold Card sales are reportedly intended to help reduce the US national debt. Trump had earlier stated that there would be no annual cap on the number of cards issued, making it an open-ended revenue-generating initiative. (With inputs from agencies )

Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ sells 1,000 in a day, raising $5 billion: US officials

US President Donald Trump declared any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States from 2 April 2025.
In other news, more than 1,100 people, including journalists, have been detained by Turkish police after mass protests broke out following the arrest of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan&rsquo;s main political rival.
Meanwhile, Russia and the United States are holding discussions in Riyadh for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-hostile-trump-vows-25-tariff-on-countries-buying-oil-from-venezuela-8886461">'Very hostile': Trump vows 25% tariff on countries buying oil from Venezuela</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/22/DkFvyB3xdKnjS3YqE61X.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (AFP) ">
US President Donald Trump has declared that from 2 April 2025, any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States. The move marks a further escalation in Trump&rsquo;s trade disputes with both rivals and long-standing allies.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-triggered-mass-protests-in-turkey-over-1100-detained-after-opposition-leader-imamoglu-arrested-8886626">What triggered mass protests in Turkey? Over 1,100 detained after opposition leader Imamoglu arrested</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/24/usm0YuNfwzyubU55dVkA.png" alt=" The unrest, described as the most serious in years, began in Istanbul after the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu, and has since spread to over 55 of Turkey&rsquo;s 81 provinces. Photograph: (AFP) ">
More than 1,100 people, including journalists, have been detained by Turkish police after mass protests broke out following the arrest of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan&rsquo;s main political rival, according to a government minister on Monday.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-wants-to-restore-black-sea-grain-deal-with-ukraine-what-is-it-and-why-did-moscow-back-out-the-first-time-8885784">Russia wants to restore 'Black Sea Grain deal' with Ukraine: What is it and why did Moscow back out the first time?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/29/3dRQBDOLyvxL8gMTsWje.jpg" alt=" Russia wants to restore 'Black Sea Grain deal' with Ukraine: What is it and why did Moscow back out the first time? Photograph: (AFP) ">
Russia and the United States are holding discussions in Riyadh for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Aside from truce talks, both parties are set to discuss restarting a key agreement aimed at protecting merchant shipping in the Black Sea, the Kremlin announced on Monday (March 24). Moscow said that it believes important parts of the original deal were never fulfilled.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-vs-trump-latest-who-are-houthis-and-will-war-expand-to-israel-uae-saudi-iran-after-trump-warning-to-iran-8885607">Who are Houthis, directly challenging Trump's mighty military? Leaders taken out, missiles fly, war to expand?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/19/183529-houthis.jpg" alt=" Houthis in direct confrontation with the US (File picture) ">
Houthis vs Trump confrontation could expand to regional war? Houthis, the Iran-backed rebels of Yemen, are in direct confrontation with the US military in a fight that has intensified since President Donald Trump ordered air strikes on March 15. In the latest developments, the US national security advisor Mike Waltz said the strikes on Yemen have taken out some key Houthi leaders including their top missile specialist.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-being-a-good-ally-jd-vances-remarks-on-denmark-resurface-as-second-lady-set-to-visit-greenland-8886141">&lsquo;Not being a good ally&rsquo;: JD Vance&rsquo;s remarks on Denmark resurface as Second Lady set to visit Greenland</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/14/B3F0hFGEHS7tX6YuGM8m.png" alt=" US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance. Photograph: (AFP) ">
US Vice President JD Vance&rsquo;s comments attacking Denmark for not being a &ldquo;good ally&rdquo; have resurfaced again as his wife is set to visit the island country this week.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-vs-grok-3-will-modi-govt-ban-the-sharp-tongued-ai-bot-of-elon-musks-x-8885024">India vs Grok 3: Will Modi govt ban the sharp-tongued AI bot of Elon Musk's X? Your questions, answered</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/21/al3VYjaQHPovHugasYVR.png" alt=" Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok has gained massive attention in India and elsewhere since its launch. Internet users on social media platform X were seen asking not-so-normal questions to the chatbot. Photograph: (Reuters ) ">
There has been intense debate in India on Grok 3, the sharp-tongued AI chatbot of Elon Musk's social media platform X, which has been churning out answers to controversial and often politically sensitive questions. Depending on their political leanings, both the right-wing and left-wing observers and politicians have been interpreting Grok 3's responses to suit their narratives.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-130-year-old-hindu-temple-in-malaysia-faces-demolition-threat-to-make-way-for-a-mosque-8885684">A 130-year-old Hindu temple in Malaysia faces demolition threat, to make way for a mosque</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/24/Qu0rFyjnac34GXu1FSUg.jpg" alt=" Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photograph: (Facebook/Yuefo Amulets) ">
A 130-year-old Hindu temple in Malyasia&rsquo;s capital is facing the threat of being razed and relocated as the prime land it occupies in the heart of Kuala Lumpur has been sold to textile giant Jakel, which plans to build a mosque on the site.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/getting-a-us-student-visa-just-got-harder-f-1-rejections-hit-10-year-high-with-40-of-applicants-denied-8885707">Getting a US student visa just got harder: F-1 rejections hit 10-year high with 40% of applicants denied</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/24/UGv4xKq02LFlWouepP8e.jpg" alt=" Representative image. Photograph: (Freepik) ">
Amid US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s crackdown against immigration and tariffs, a recent analysis of State Department data revealed that US F-1 visa denials have soared high at 41 per cent in the last fiscal year. According to The Indian Express, the rejection rate has nearly doubled to that of the 2014 fiscal year.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/new-parents-alert-kl-rahul-and-athiya-shetty-welcome-baby-girl-8886498">New parents alert! KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty welcome baby girl</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2023/11/13/392797-horizons-2023-11-13t173128352.jpg" alt=" Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul Photograph: (X) ">
Good news as we have another Bollywood couple become parents this year. Actor Athiya Shetty and her cricketer husband KL Rahul have become parents to a baby girl. Making the announcement, the couple took to Instagram.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-on-his-relationship-with-virat-kohli-we-are-friends-but-theres-still-a-line-8886559">MS Dhoni on his relationship with Kohli - &lsquo;We are friends but there&rsquo;s still a line&hellip;&rsquo;</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/24/WYiNCy6v1GYtGjzhrazP.jpg" alt=" MS Dhoni on his relationship with Kohli - &lsquo;We are friends but there&rsquo;s still a line&hellip;&rsquo; Photograph: (Others) ">
MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are two cult figures in Indian cricket. While one is the most successful Indian captain, winning three out of the four ICC trophies, the other is the country's most prolific ODI run-scorer, having hit 51 centuries and counting. The two have shared the dressing room for over a decade, playing alongside and against each other since 2008.

Uncover the latest developments from every corner of the world. Our top stories bring you the headlines that matter, offering a snapshot of global events.

US President Donald Trump declared any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States from 2 April 2025. In other news, more than 1,100 people, including journalists, have been detained by Turkish police after mass protests broke out following the arrest of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival. Meanwhile, Russia and the United States are holding discussions in Riyadh for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Click on the headlines for more 'Very hostile': Trump vows 25% tariff on countries buying oil from Venezuela US President Donald Trump has declared that from 2 April 2025, any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States. The move marks a further escalation in Trump’s trade disputes with both rivals and long-standing allies. What triggered mass protests in Turkey? Over 1,100 detained after opposition leader Imamoglu arrested More than 1,100 people, including journalists, have been detained by Turkish police after mass protests broke out following the arrest of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival, according to a government minister on Monday. Russia wants to restore 'Black Sea Grain deal' with Ukraine: What is it and why did Moscow back out the first time? Russia and the United States are holding discussions in Riyadh for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Aside from truce talks, both parties are set to discuss restarting a key agreement aimed at protecting merchant shipping in the Black Sea, the Kremlin announced on Monday (March 24). Moscow said that it believes important parts of the original deal were never fulfilled. Who are Houthis, directly challenging Trump's mighty military? Leaders taken out, missiles fly, war to expand? Houthis vs Trump confrontation could expand to regional war? Houthis, the Iran-backed rebels of Yemen, are in direct confrontation with the US military in a fight that has intensified since President Donald Trump ordered air strikes on March 15. In the latest developments, the US national security advisor Mike Waltz said the strikes on Yemen have taken out some key Houthi leaders including their top missile specialist. ‘Not being a good ally’: JD Vance’s remarks on Denmark resurface as Second Lady set to visit Greenland US Vice President JD Vance’s comments attacking Denmark for not being a “good ally” have resurfaced again as his wife is set to visit the island country this week. India vs Grok 3: Will Modi govt ban the sharp-tongued AI bot of Elon Musk's X? Your questions, answered There has been intense debate in India on Grok 3, the sharp-tongued AI chatbot of Elon Musk's social media platform X, which has been churning out answers to controversial and often politically sensitive questions. Depending on their political leanings, both the right-wing and left-wing observers and politicians have been interpreting Grok 3's responses to suit their narratives. A 130-year-old Hindu temple in Malaysia faces demolition threat, to make way for a mosque A 130-year-old Hindu temple in Malyasia’s capital is facing the threat of being razed and relocated as the prime land it occupies in the heart of Kuala Lumpur has been sold to textile giant Jakel, which plans to build a mosque on the site. Getting a US student visa just got harder: F-1 rejections hit 10-year high with 40% of applicants denied Amid US President Donald Trump’s crackdown against immigration and tariffs, a recent analysis of State Department data revealed that US F-1 visa denials have soared high at 41 per cent in the last fiscal year. According to The Indian Express, the rejection rate has nearly doubled to that of the 2014 fiscal year. New parents alert! KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty welcome baby girl Good news as we have another Bollywood couple become parents this year. Actor Athiya Shetty and her cricketer husband KL Rahul have become parents to a baby girl. Making the announcement, the couple took to Instagram. MS Dhoni on his relationship with Kohli - ‘We are friends but there’s still a line…’ MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are two cult figures in Indian cricket. While one is the most successful Indian captain, winning three out of the four ICC trophies, the other is the country's most prolific ODI run-scorer, having hit 51 centuries and counting. The two have shared the dressing room for over a decade, playing alongside and against each other since 2008.

Top 10 world news: Trump vows 25% tariff on countries buying oil from Venezuela; Turkey mass protests, and more

Bradley Bartell, a Wisconsin man and supporter of President Donald Trump, is facing an unexpected crisis after his wife, Camila Munoz, was detained by federal immigration authorities.
Munoz, a Peruvian citizen, was arrested upon their return from their long-delayed honeymoon. Despite the ordeal, Bartell remains firm in his support for Trump, who has promised the largest mass deportation effort in US history. &nbsp;
"I don&rsquo;t regret the vote," Bartell told Newsweek. "He didn&rsquo;t create the system, but he does have an opportunity to improve it." &nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usha-vance-to-visit-greenland-with-delegation-including-mike-waltz-only-purpose-is-to-show-8884160" aria-label="Usha&nbsp;Vance to visit Greenland with delegation including Mike Waltz: 'Only purpose is to show...'">Usha&nbsp;Vance to visit Greenland with delegation including Mike Waltz: 'Only purpose is to show...'</a>
<h2>Overstayed visa amid COVID-19</h2>
Munoz first arrived in Wisconsin Dells in 2019 on a work-study visa. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted international travel, her visa expired. She continued working in farming and hospitality, where she met Bartell. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-expensive-is-education-under-taliban-british-couple-spent-decades-educating-afghan-girls-now-facing-rage-of-dictatorship-8884141" aria-label="How expensive is education under Taliban? British couple spent decades educating Afghan girls, now facing rage of dictatorship">How expensive is education under Taliban? British couple spent decades educating Afghan girls, now facing rage of dictatorship</a>
After initially losing touch, the couple reconnected on Facebook and eventually got married. Due to the pandemic, they postponed their honeymoon until February this year. But as they returned from Puerto Rico, immigration officials detained Munoz, questioning her legal status. Despite being in the process of obtaining a green card, she was taken to an ICE detention centre in Louisiana. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-usa-trump-receives-cheerful-welcome-by-fans-that-biden-would-never-8883718" aria-label="'USA! USA!': Trump receives cheerful welcome by 'fans' that Biden 'would never'">'USA! USA!': Trump receives cheerful welcome by 'fans' that Biden 'would never'</a>
<h2>Concerns over Trump&rsquo;s deportation policies</h2>
Trump has vowed mass deportations, initially focusing on individuals with criminal records. However, recent enforcement actions suggest a broader crackdown. ICE agents have detained legal residents and nonviolent individuals, raising concerns over the agency&rsquo;s approach. &nbsp;
Bartell criticised ICE for its lack of efficiency and communication. "ICE never really has any information, it seems. The system needs to be revamped for better processes and communication between departments," he said.
&nbsp;

Trending | World | Munoz first arrived in Wisconsin Dells in 2019 on a work-study visa. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted international travel, her visa expired. She continued working in farming and hospitality, where she met Bartell.

Bradley Bartell, a Wisconsin man and supporter of President Donald Trump, is facing an unexpected crisis after his wife, Camila Munoz, was detained by federal immigration authorities. Munoz, a Peruvian citizen, was arrested upon their return from their long-delayed honeymoon. Despite the ordeal, Bartell remains firm in his support for Trump, who has promised the largest mass deportation effort in US history. "I don’t regret the vote," Bartell told Newsweek. "He didn’t create the system, but he does have an opportunity to improve it." Also Read | Usha Vance to visit Greenland with delegation including Mike Waltz: 'Only purpose is to show...' Overstayed visa amid COVID-19 Munoz first arrived in Wisconsin Dells in 2019 on a work-study visa. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted international travel, her visa expired. She continued working in farming and hospitality, where she met Bartell. Also Read | How expensive is education under Taliban? British couple spent decades educating Afghan girls, now facing rage of dictatorship After initially losing touch, the couple reconnected on Facebook and eventually got married. Due to the pandemic, they postponed their honeymoon until February this year. But as they returned from Puerto Rico, immigration officials detained Munoz, questioning her legal status. Despite being in the process of obtaining a green card, she was taken to an ICE detention centre in Louisiana. Also Read | 'USA! USA!': Trump receives cheerful welcome by 'fans' that Biden 'would never' Concerns over Trump’s deportation policies Trump has vowed mass deportations, initially focusing on individuals with criminal records. However, recent enforcement actions suggest a broader crackdown. ICE agents have detained legal residents and nonviolent individuals, raising concerns over the agency’s approach. Bartell criticised ICE for its lack of efficiency and communication. "ICE never really has any information, it seems. The system needs to be revamped for better processes and communication between departments," he said.

Trump supporter’s wife arrested over visa issue, says he doesn’t regret his vote

Russian President Vladimir Putin prayed for Donald Trump&rsquo;s recovery after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally last summer, according to Trump&rsquo;s envoy Steve Witkoff. &nbsp;
Speaking on Tucker Carlson&rsquo;s podcast, Witkoff said Putin visited his local church, met his priest, and prayed for Trump. &ldquo;He had a friendship with him and was praying for his friend,&rdquo; he explained. Trump was reportedly &ldquo;clearly touched&rdquo; when he heard this.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"This is the kind of connection that we have been able to reestablish through a simple word called communication, which many people would say I shouldn't have had because Putin is a bad guy. I don't regard Putin as a bad guy. That is a complicated situation, that war... You know,&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/KRcFmWl0dl">pic.twitter.com/KRcFmWl0dl</a>
&mdash; Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1903349969571954914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read |<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-targets-immigration-lawyers-with-new-doj-crackdown-on-frivolous-lawsuits-8880503" aria-label="'Unreasonable and vexatious': Trump targets immigration lawyers with new DOJ crackdown on &lsquo;frivolous&rsquo; lawsuits">'Unreasonable and vexatious': Trump targets immigration lawyers with new DOJ crackdown on &lsquo;frivolous&rsquo; lawsuits</a>
<h2>Trump survived shooting at rally &nbsp;</h2>
The assassination attempt took place when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was grazed by a bullet but survived. The Kremlin had blamed the attack on his political rivals. &nbsp;
Also Read |<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/planning-a-us-trip-know-your-rights-before-you-land-to-avoid-getting-detained-or-deported-8879888" aria-label="Planning a US trip? Know your rights before you land to avoid getting detained or deported">Planning a US trip? Know your rights before you land to avoid getting detained or deported</a>
<h2>Putin&rsquo;s special gift to Trump &nbsp;</h2>
Putin also commissioned a &ldquo;beautiful portrait&rdquo; of Trump by a Russian artist and had it sent to him as a gift. Trump has often praised Putin, calling him a &ldquo;strong leader.&rdquo; &nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/x-gender-dont-risk-it-denmark-finland-join-list-of-nations-warning-transgender-travellers-heading-to-us-8880406" aria-label="&lsquo;X&rsquo; gender? Don&rsquo;t risk it: Denmark, Finland join list of nations warning transgender tourists heading to US">&lsquo;X&rsquo; gender? Don&rsquo;t risk it: Denmark, Finland join list of nations warning transgender tourists heading to US</a>
<h2>Talks between the two leaders &nbsp;</h2>
Recently, Trump and Putin had a two-hour phone call discussing ways to end the Ukraine war. Trump described the conversation as &ldquo;very good and productive.&rdquo; Their relationship continues to be closely watched, especially amid global tensions.
(With inputs from agencies)

World| The assassination attempt took place when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was grazed by a bullet but survived. The Kremlin had blamed the attack on his political rivals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin prayed for Donald Trump’s recovery after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally last summer, according to Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. Speaking on Tucker Carlson’s podcast, Witkoff said Putin visited his local church, met his priest, and prayed for Trump. “He had a friendship with him and was praying for his friend,” he explained. Trump was reportedly “clearly touched” when he heard this. "This is the kind of connection that we have been able to reestablish through a simple word called communication, which many people would say I shouldn't have had because Putin is a bad guy. I don't regard Putin as a bad guy. That is a complicated situation, that war... You know,… pic.twitter.com/KRcFmWl0dl — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 22, 2025 Also Read |'Unreasonable and vexatious': Trump targets immigration lawyers with new DOJ crackdown on ‘frivolous’ lawsuits Trump survived shooting at rally The assassination attempt took place when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was grazed by a bullet but survived. The Kremlin had blamed the attack on his political rivals. Also Read |Planning a US trip? Know your rights before you land to avoid getting detained or deported Putin’s special gift to Trump Putin also commissioned a “beautiful portrait” of Trump by a Russian artist and had it sent to him as a gift. Trump has often praised Putin, calling him a “strong leader.” Also Read | ‘X’ gender? Don’t risk it: Denmark, Finland join list of nations warning transgender tourists heading to US Talks between the two leaders Recently, Trump and Putin had a two-hour phone call discussing ways to end the Ukraine war. Trump described the conversation as “very good and productive.” Their relationship continues to be closely watched, especially amid global tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin prayed for Trump after assassination attempt, says top US envoy Steve Witkoff

US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Israel's deadly air and ground operations in Gaza, the White House said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told EU leaders that Russian President Vladimir Putin must stop making "unnecessary demands" that extend the war.
The Indian government on Thursday (March 20) said that it is in talks with X and Grok after Elon Musk's X sued India over alleged censorship.&nbsp;
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US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Israel's deadly resumption of air and ground operations in Gaza, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday, blaming Hamas for the violence.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Thursday (Mar 20), said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin must stop making "unnecessary demands" that extend the war.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-x-grok-will-india-take-action-after-musks-x-sues-modi-govt-over-alleged-censorship-8874168">'In talks with X, Grok': Will India take action after Musk's X sues Modi govt over alleged censorship</a>
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The Indian government on Thursday (March 20) said that it is in talks with Elon Musk's X and Grok to determine which Indian law has been violated.&nbsp;
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Russia and the US are set to hold another set of talks on Monday (March 24) or early next week, the Kremlin said on Thursday.&nbsp;
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Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Thursday (Mar 20), said that the deadly US strikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen were a "crime that must be stopped".
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Ukraine on Thursday (Mar 20) struck a strategic Russian bomber airfield in Engels with drones. The massive attack triggered a huge blast and fire about 700 km (435 miles) from the front lines of the war, according to Russian and Ukrainian officials, as reported by Reuters.
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US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Wednesday (Mar 19) condemned the violence against minorities in Bangladesh. When asked about recent remarks made by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, she said that Washington welcomes efforts by the interim government to reduce instances of violence.
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/20/d6vkuzcuSXQ8p1oLwzY5.jpg" alt=" Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
Elon Musk and Tesla are facing a &ldquo;brand tornado crisis moment&rdquo; and the electric vehicle company's CEO needs to cut back his work for US President Donald Trump to control the damage, one of the biggest supporters of the company said. This comes as Tesla announced the recalling of 46,000 Cybertrucks in the US on Thursday (Mar 20) to fix an exterior panel.
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Nearly five years after her tragic death, celebrity manager Disha Salian is back in the news. Disha&rsquo;s father, Satish Salian has stated that he has approached the Bombay High Court seeking a CBI probe into Disha's death and accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray of being involved in the alleged rape and murder of his daughter.
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Kush Maini is a name that resonates with resilience, ambition, and an unwavering passion for motorsport. For Kush, racing isn&rsquo;t just a sport&mdash;it&rsquo;s a lifelong pursuit, a dream carved from years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. Now, as Alpine&rsquo;s test and reserve driver, he stands at the doorstep of Formula One, a milestone that not only marks his personal achievement but also a proud moment for his country and family.

India news | Stay ahead of the curve with our top global stories that capture the essence of current world affairs and provide insightful context.

US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Israel's deadly air and ground operations in Gaza, the White House said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told EU leaders that Russian President Vladimir Putin must stop making "unnecessary demands" that extend the war. The Indian government on Thursday (March 20) said that it is in talks with X and Grok after Elon Musk's X sued India over alleged censorship. Click on the headlines for more Trump 'fully supports' Israeli actions in Gaza: White House US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Israel's deadly resumption of air and ground operations in Gaza, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday, blaming Hamas for the violence. Putin must stop 'unnecessary demands' that prolong war, Zelensky tells EU Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Thursday (Mar 20), said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin must stop making "unnecessary demands" that extend the war. 'In talks with X, Grok': Will India take action after Musk's X sues Modi govt over alleged censorship The Indian government on Thursday (March 20) said that it is in talks with Elon Musk's X and Grok to determine which Indian law has been violated. Russia says will hold talks with US in Riyadh on Monday Russia and the US are set to hold another set of talks on Monday (March 24) or early next week, the Kremlin said on Thursday. Iran's Khamenei says US strikes on Yemen 'a crime that must be stopped' Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Thursday (Mar 20), said that the deadly US strikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen were a "crime that must be stopped". VIDEO | Massive explosion erupts as Ukrainian drone strike Russia's strategic Engels airfield Ukraine on Thursday (Mar 20) struck a strategic Russian bomber airfield in Engels with drones. The massive attack triggered a huge blast and fire about 700 km (435 miles) from the front lines of the war, according to Russian and Ukrainian officials, as reported by Reuters. US clarifies Tulsi Gabbard’s ‘misleading and damaging’ remark on Bangladesh US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Wednesday (Mar 19) condemned the violence against minorities in Bangladesh. When asked about recent remarks made by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, she said that Washington welcomes efforts by the interim government to reduce instances of violence. ‘Musk needs to step back’: Tesla backer says CEO must reduce Trump work amid protests, dropping shares Elon Musk and Tesla are facing a “brand tornado crisis moment” and the electric vehicle company's CEO needs to cut back his work for US President Donald Trump to control the damage, one of the biggest supporters of the company said. This comes as Tesla announced the recalling of 46,000 Cybertrucks in the US on Thursday (Mar 20) to fix an exterior panel. Who was Disha Salian and why is her father blaming Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray for her death? Nearly five years after her tragic death, celebrity manager Disha Salian is back in the news. Disha’s father, Satish Salian has stated that he has approached the Bombay High Court seeking a CBI probe into Disha's death and accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray of being involved in the alleged rape and murder of his daughter. Exclusive | Chasing speed, defying barriers: How Kush Maini is putting India on Formula 1 map Kush Maini is a name that resonates with resilience, ambition, and an unwavering passion for motorsport. For Kush, racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong pursuit, a dream carved from years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. Now, as Alpine’s test and reserve driver, he stands at the doorstep of Formula One, a milestone that not only marks his personal achievement but also a proud moment for his country and family.

Top 10 world news: Trump backs Israeli acts in Gaza; Zelensky says Putin must stop 'unnecessary demands', and more

Is the famous American Green Card turning red? Or is that a part of the fifty shades of grey that has become the hallmark of US immigration laws? The answer is not quite blowing in the wind. It is clear as day that under President Donald Trump and his belligerent right-wing administration, very little is left to the imagination. But then, there is something called the letter of the law. Here is where it is becoming increasingly evident that even if you are a legal alien in the US of A, perhaps, even a legal local, there is little to stop law enforcers from violating the law. I want to call this &ldquo;legal stalking,&rdquo; taking a pick from some Indian journalists who describe as &ldquo;legal terrorism&rdquo; the practice of some entities to stop the publication or broadcast of some content by invoking libel laws to erect roadblocks. It is easy for women to understand stalking: there is somebody who hovers close to you or walks steadily behind with snooping eyes as if nothing is abnormal, but there is somebody out to get you. It feels like that.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-berates-doj-lawyer-over-migrant-flights-in-alien-enemies-act-case-8863775">US Judge berates DOJ lawyer over migrant flights in Alien Enemies Act case</a>
Official stalking is only the latest from what could be seen as a key part of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) toolkit: You have administrative powers to breathe down the necks of those you do not like. Who these people are can be of any hue: from a country you suspect, a race or nationality you are not comfortable with, a legal status you do not respect, a cause that goes against your own, a political party that you defeated, or an ideology you do not support (though permitted under the US Constitution). The latest, and possibly the most controversial among a series of actions from the Trump administration is its way of dealing with US Green Card holders, who are eligible for US citizenship but have chosen to not use the facility. The net seems to include some other usually convenient visa categories that come pretty close to Green Cards, such as the H-1B visa (long-term resident work permit) or the F1 visa (for non-immigrant international students). Attorneys are reported to be advising clients with such visas not to leave the US because American consulates are causing delays in stamping of visas in home countries. Other constricting actions include secondary inspection of permits including &ldquo;extreme vetting&rdquo; and detention at US airports on the return of such visa or Green Card holders.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-instructed-elon-musk-to-bring-abandoned-astronauts-sunita-williams-and-butch-wilmore-back-8863553" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump says he instructed Elon Musk to bring &lsquo;abandoned&rsquo; astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back</a>
This is what I call immigrant-stalking, including in its sweep anybody who fits into the current state of visitor profiling favoured by the Trump administration. Think of this as the opposite of the old rock hit Hotel California that ends with &ldquo;You can check out anytime you like/but you can never leave&rdquo;. Under America&rsquo;s new-normal regime, &ldquo;You sure have the permission to return/but they may never let you in!&rdquo; You only have to look back at various measures Trump and his cohort have imposed or talked about since taking power &ndash; or even during the presidential election campaign that preceded the White House diktats -- to see a distinct xenophobic pattern.
Recent efforts to discourage immigration include potentially imposing travel bans on visitors from as many as 43 countries to veiled threats held out to students like India&rsquo;s Ranjani Srinivasan, who &ldquo;self-deported&rdquo; under administrative snooping because she allegedly supported the militant Hamas group. All that has been evident is that the 37-year-old PhD scholar took part in a democratic protest on Palestine permitted under US law.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-would-be-speaking-german-without-us-white-house-slams-french-politician-over-statue-of-liberty-demand-8863473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">France would be &lsquo;speaking German&rsquo; without US: White House slams French politician over Statue of Liberty demand</a>
The &ldquo;red list&rdquo; for a planned travel ban includes citizens of not just usual suspects such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria, but even peaceful Bhutan, on the ground that data reported a surge in Bhutanese visa violations. The country&rsquo;s proximity to China may be a factor.
Red-flag measures include mass deportation of undocumented immigrants; suspension of admission of refugees fleeing persecution; closure of entry of individuals from crisis-hit regions like Haiti, Venezuela and Ukraine; and a proposal to create a registry for undocumented immigrants -- with potential penalties. One White House order calls for &ldquo;detaining, to the maximum extent authorized by law, aliens apprehended on suspicion of violating Federal or State law, until such time as they are removed from the United States.&rdquo;
Read that again: Suspicion is enough; conviction is not imperative or necessary. Law enforcement has now taken the place of justice authorised by an independent judiciary after due process.
White House is not exactly white anymore, unless you swap the colour of purity with the preferred colour of skin. This is not a mere pushback from the DEI (Diversity-Equity-Inclusion) of the Democrats, but a virtual 180-degree turn. The Green Card is flashing red signals, while various shades of visitors and residents sing the American blues. This is not quite the rainbow that wannabe US citizens were chasing.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-christopher-luxon-cheekily-reminds-pm-modi-of-indias-test-series-loss-to-kiwis-at-home-watch-8863479" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand PM Luxon cheekily reminds PM Modi of India&rsquo;s Test series loss to Kiwis at home &ndash; Watch</a>
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)
&nbsp;

World: Official stalking is only the latest from what could be seen as a key part of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) toolkit: You have administrative powers to breathe down the necks of those you do not like.

Is the famous American Green Card turning red? Or is that a part of the fifty shades of grey that has become the hallmark of US immigration laws? The answer is not quite blowing in the wind. It is clear as day that under President Donald Trump and his belligerent right-wing administration, very little is left to the imagination. But then, there is something called the letter of the law. Here is where it is becoming increasingly evident that even if you are a legal alien in the US of A, perhaps, even a legal local, there is little to stop law enforcers from violating the law. I want to call this “legal stalking,” taking a pick from some Indian journalists who describe as “legal terrorism” the practice of some entities to stop the publication or broadcast of some content by invoking libel laws to erect roadblocks. It is easy for women to understand stalking: there is somebody who hovers close to you or walks steadily behind with snooping eyes as if nothing is abnormal, but there is somebody out to get you. It feels like that. Also read | US Judge berates DOJ lawyer over migrant flights in Alien Enemies Act case Official stalking is only the latest from what could be seen as a key part of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) toolkit: You have administrative powers to breathe down the necks of those you do not like. Who these people are can be of any hue: from a country you suspect, a race or nationality you are not comfortable with, a legal status you do not respect, a cause that goes against your own, a political party that you defeated, or an ideology you do not support (though permitted under the US Constitution). The latest, and possibly the most controversial among a series of actions from the Trump administration is its way of dealing with US Green Card holders, who are eligible for US citizenship but have chosen to not use the facility. The net seems to include some other usually convenient visa categories that come pretty close to Green Cards, such as the H-1B visa (long-term resident work permit) or the F1 visa (for non-immigrant international students). Attorneys are reported to be advising clients with such visas not to leave the US because American consulates are causing delays in stamping of visas in home countries. Other constricting actions include secondary inspection of permits including “extreme vetting” and detention at US airports on the return of such visa or Green Card holders. Also read: Trump says he instructed Elon Musk to bring ‘abandoned’ astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back This is what I call immigrant-stalking, including in its sweep anybody who fits into the current state of visitor profiling favoured by the Trump administration. Think of this as the opposite of the old rock hit Hotel California that ends with “You can check out anytime you like/but you can never leave”. Under America’s new-normal regime, “You sure have the permission to return/but they may never let you in!” You only have to look back at various measures Trump and his cohort have imposed or talked about since taking power – or even during the presidential election campaign that preceded the White House diktats -- to see a distinct xenophobic pattern. Recent efforts to discourage immigration include potentially imposing travel bans on visitors from as many as 43 countries to veiled threats held out to students like India’s Ranjani Srinivasan, who “self-deported” under administrative snooping because she allegedly supported the militant Hamas group. All that has been evident is that the 37-year-old PhD scholar took part in a democratic protest on Palestine permitted under US law. Also read: France would be ‘speaking German’ without US: White House slams French politician over Statue of Liberty demand The “red list” for a planned travel ban includes citizens of not just usual suspects such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria, but even peaceful Bhutan, on the ground that data reported a surge in Bhutanese visa violations. The country’s proximity to China may be a factor. Red-flag measures include mass deportation of undocumented immigrants; suspension of admission of refugees fleeing persecution; closure of entry of individuals from crisis-hit regions like Haiti, Venezuela and Ukraine; and a proposal to create a registry for undocumented immigrants -- with potential penalties. One White House order calls for “detaining, to the maximum extent authorized by law, aliens apprehended on suspicion of violating Federal or State law, until such time as they are removed from the United States.” Read that again: Suspicion is enough; conviction is not imperative or necessary. Law enforcement has now taken the place of justice authorised by an independent judiciary after due process. White House is not exactly white anymore, unless you swap the colour of purity with the preferred colour of skin. This is not a mere pushback from the DEI (Diversity-Equity-Inclusion) of the Democrats, but a virtual 180-degree turn. The Green Card is flashing red signals, while various shades of visitors and residents sing the American blues. This is not quite the rainbow that wannabe US citizens were chasing. Also read: New Zealand PM Luxon cheekily reminds PM Modi of India’s Test series loss to Kiwis at home – Watch (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

White House, green cards, red signals: New Trump card against immigrants involves legal stalking that violates US law

US President Donald Trump said that he spoke with NASA's Acting Administrator Janet Petro, who agreed to bring the stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth, prior to the two-week period originally approved by the space agency.
Trump claimed that he instructed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to bring the "abandoned" astronauts back, alleging that the Biden administration "was incapable of doing so".
"I just spoke with the Acting Administrator of NASA, Janet Petro. She is coordinating our Team of highly respected Scientists, Space Engineers, and various other &ldquo;geniuses,&rdquo; who has agreed to let our Astronauts come home long prior to the two week period originally approved by NASA. Janet was great. She said, &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s bring them home NOW, Sir!&rdquo; &mdash; And I thanked her," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
"This began when I asked Elon Musk to go up and get the abandoned Astronauts because the Biden Administration was incapable of doing so. They shamefully forgot about the Astronauts, because they considered it to be a very embarrassing event for them &ndash; Another thing I inherited from that failed group of incompetents," he added.
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<h2>'After eight long months, it is time,' says Trump</h2>
The US president said that he, along with Musk, helmed the project and sent SpaceX Dragon, which has "successfully docked" and is expected to land on Wednesday.
"Elon and I have taken on the project, sending up the SpaceX Dragon, which has successfully docked and, hopefully, while there is always danger involved in such a mission, they will soon be on their way home &mdash; Taking off tomorrow, and landing on Wednesday. Exact times will be provided to you. Safety always comes first, and maximum standards are being adhered to. But after eight long months for a mission that was supposed to be eight days, IT IS TIME. I look forward to seeing Butch and Suni, and thank you again to NASA and Janet Petro!" Trump said.
What was scheduled to be a 10-day mission in space turned out to be a nearly 10-month expedition after astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the space station.&nbsp;
The duo embarked on the journey aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5, 2024. However, they were unable to return after the spacecraft experienced thruster malfunctions during its approach and docking manoeuvres.
Following an extensive investigation on the ground by NASA and Boeing, the spacecraft was deemed too risky to carry the astronauts back home, resulting in their unexpected extended stay at the space station.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World news: The US president said that he along with Musk, helmed the project and sent SpaceX Dragon, which has "successfully docked" and is expected to land on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump said that he spoke with NASA's Acting Administrator Janet Petro, who agreed to bring the stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth, prior to the two-week period originally approved by the space agency. Trump claimed that he instructed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to bring the "abandoned" astronauts back, alleging that the Biden administration "was incapable of doing so". "I just spoke with the Acting Administrator of NASA, Janet Petro. She is coordinating our Team of highly respected Scientists, Space Engineers, and various other “geniuses,” who has agreed to let our Astronauts come home long prior to the two week period originally approved by NASA. Janet was great. She said, “Let’s bring them home NOW, Sir!” — And I thanked her," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "This began when I asked Elon Musk to go up and get the abandoned Astronauts because the Biden Administration was incapable of doing so. They shamefully forgot about the Astronauts, because they considered it to be a very embarrassing event for them – Another thing I inherited from that failed group of incompetents," he added. 'After eight long months, it is time,' says Trump The US president said that he, along with Musk, helmed the project and sent SpaceX Dragon, which has "successfully docked" and is expected to land on Wednesday. "Elon and I have taken on the project, sending up the SpaceX Dragon, which has successfully docked and, hopefully, while there is always danger involved in such a mission, they will soon be on their way home — Taking off tomorrow, and landing on Wednesday. Exact times will be provided to you. Safety always comes first, and maximum standards are being adhered to. But after eight long months for a mission that was supposed to be eight days, IT IS TIME. I look forward to seeing Butch and Suni, and thank you again to NASA and Janet Petro!" Trump said. What was scheduled to be a 10-day mission in space turned out to be a nearly 10-month expedition after astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the space station. The duo embarked on the journey aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5, 2024. However, they were unable to return after the spacecraft experienced thruster malfunctions during its approach and docking manoeuvres. Following an extensive investigation on the ground by NASA and Boeing, the spacecraft was deemed too risky to carry the astronauts back home, resulting in their unexpected extended stay at the space station. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says he instructed Elon Musk to bring ‘abandoned’ astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back

US President Donald Trump Iran said 'will be held responsible' for the Houthi attacks on American aircraft, warning of 'dire consequences'.
In other news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday (Mar 17) in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, PM Modi expressed concerns regarding the growing activities of anti-India Khalistani elements in New Zealand during a meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines for more
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US President Donald Trump on Monday (March 17) blamed Iran for the Houthi attacks on American aircraft, warning that any further aggression would be met with "great force."
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday (Mar 17) in New Delhi.
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New Delhi expressed its concerns about anti-India activities linked to Khalistani elements during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/17/6RTY9e1QzcohvEtLJER7.jpg" alt="'Looking forward to interacting with passionate voices': PM Modi joins Trump's Truth Social platform Photograph: (X)">
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday (Mar 17), joined Truth Social and posted two Truths (how posts are known on this medium). This is a medium that is used frequently by US President Donald Trump. Earlier in the day, President Trump posted PM Modi's Podcast with Lex Fridman on his Truth Social platform.
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The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said on Monday that a direct dialogue has been ongoing between India and the US at the very top over the tariffs issue. Gabbard is currently on a two-and-a-half-day trip to India as part of a multi-nation visit and arrived in the national capital early Sunday (Mar 16).
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A 45-year-old woman from Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), according to media reports. She has been experiencing a persistent fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days. Currently, she is under medical care at a private hospital in South Kolkata, and her condition is reported to be stable.
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The family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron has submitted a complaint with the police against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for allegedly spreading false claims about her past relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun. During a press conference held in Seoul on March 17, Bu Ji Seok, the legal representative of Kim Sae Ron&rsquo;s family also demanded a public apology from Kim Soo Hyun.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has slapped a fine of over a million Pakistani rupees ($4000 approx.) on seam-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal for showing a slogan supporting former Pakistan Prime Minister and captain Imran Khan.

Stay updated with our selection of the top international stories, bringing you the most significant news events shaping the world right now.

US President Donald Trump Iran said 'will be held responsible' for the Houthi attacks on American aircraft, warning of 'dire consequences'. In other news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday (Mar 17) in New Delhi. Meanwhile, PM Modi expressed concerns regarding the growing activities of anti-India Khalistani elements in New Zealand during a meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Click on the headlines for more US President Trump says Iran 'will be held responsible' for Houthi strikes, warns of ‘dire consequences’ US President Donald Trump on Monday (March 17) blamed Iran for the Houthi attacks on American aircraft, warning that any further aggression would be met with "great force." PM Modi meets Tulsi Gabbard hours after India raises concerns with US over Khalistani terror Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday (Mar 17) in New Delhi. India flags growing activities of anti-India Khalistani elements in New Zealand New Delhi expressed its concerns about anti-India activities linked to Khalistani elements during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. 'Looking forward to interacting with passionate voices': PM Modi joins Trump's Truth Social platform Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday (Mar 17), joined Truth Social and posted two Truths (how posts are known on this medium). This is a medium that is used frequently by US President Donald Trump. Earlier in the day, President Trump posted PM Modi's Podcast with Lex Fridman on his Truth Social platform. ‘Direct dialogue is happening at the very top’: US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard on US-India tariff issue The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said on Monday that a direct dialogue has been ongoing between India and the US at the very top over the tariffs issue. Gabbard is currently on a two-and-a-half-day trip to India as part of a multi-nation visit and arrived in the national capital early Sunday (Mar 16). Who is Raisha Alawieh? Brown professor deported from US over deleted ‘sympathetic photos’ of Hezbollah leaders Dr. Raisha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown University, was deported to Lebanon on Friday, despite holding a valid H-1B visa and a court order that was meant to prevent her deportation. Americans smuggling eggs from Mexico, here’s why it is concerning The border agents in El Paso, Texas, were left stunned when they noticed trays of eggs while seizing the drugs last month amid a shortage in the United States. The high cost of eggs in the US has made the Americans desperate, as they are cleaning out supermarket shelves and also attempting to bring them from Mexico. Rare human coronavirus detected in Kolkata woman: What is HKU1, and how does it spread? A 45-year-old woman from Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), according to media reports. She has been experiencing a persistent fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days. Currently, she is under medical care at a private hospital in South Kolkata, and her condition is reported to be stable. Kim Sae Ron’s family demands apology from Kim Soo Hyun, sues YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for defamatory comments The family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron has submitted a complaint with the police against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for allegedly spreading false claims about her past relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun. During a press conference held in Seoul on March 17, Bu Ji Seok, the legal representative of Kim Sae Ron’s family also demanded a public apology from Kim Soo Hyun. PCB slaps huge fine on Pakistan seamer for slogan supporting Imran Khan The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has slapped a fine of over a million Pakistani rupees ($4000 approx.) on seam-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal for showing a slogan supporting former Pakistan Prime Minister and captain Imran Khan.

Top 10 world news: US President Trump blames Iran for Houthi strikes; PM Modi meets Tulsi Gabbard, and more

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially joined Truth Social, a social media platform owned by US President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 17).
"Delighted to be on Truth Social! Looking forward to interacting with all the passionate voices here and engaging in meaningful conversations in the times to come," PM Modi wrote in his first post on the platform.&nbsp;
This comes after Trump shared PM Modi's recent podcast interview with Lex Fridman on the platform.&nbsp;
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In another post on the platform, he thanked Trump saying, "Thank you my friend, President Trump. I&rsquo;ve covered a wide range of topics, including my life journey, India&rsquo;s civilisational outlook, global issues and more."
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<h2>'We connect so well': Trump shares Modi's podcast&nbsp;</h2>
Donald Trump shared PM Modi's podcast with the American podcaster Fridman on Truth Social where the Indian Prime minister praised the US president for his "America First" approach and talked about how he "connects so well" with him.
&ldquo;His reflection showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first,&rdquo; Modi said.
&ldquo;I stand for India first and that&rsquo;s why we connect so well.&rdquo;
PM Modi also called Trump a "man of courage" for making independent decisions and for remaining "dedicated" towards his country.&nbsp;
"I have seen him during his first term and now as he sees a second. This time, he seems far more prepared. He has a clear roadmap with well-planned steps to achieve his goals. I also had the chance to meet his team, and I believe he has gathered a strong, capable group," Modi said in the podcast.&nbsp;
Fridman asked Modi, "You recently visited the United States and reinvigorated your friendship with Donald Trump. What do you like about Donald Trump as a friend, as a leader?"
"I'd like to share an event that stands out in my memory. Perhaps from that, you'll understand my perspective. At 'Howdy Modi', both President Trump and I were present, and the stadium was completely full. A large crowd at a political event in the US is quite remarkable," the Indian PM added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
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India news: Donald Trump shared PM Modi's podcast with the American podcaster Fridman on Truth Social where the Indian prime minister praised the US president for his "America First" approach and talked about how he "connects so well" with him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially joined Truth Social, a social media platform owned by US President Donald Trump on Monday (Mar 17). "Delighted to be on Truth Social! Looking forward to interacting with all the passionate voices here and engaging in meaningful conversations in the times to come," PM Modi wrote in his first post on the platform. This comes after Trump shared PM Modi's recent podcast interview with Lex Fridman on the platform. In another post on the platform, he thanked Trump saying, "Thank you my friend, President Trump. I’ve covered a wide range of topics, including my life journey, India’s civilisational outlook, global issues and more." 'We connect so well': Trump shares Modi's podcast Donald Trump shared PM Modi's podcast with the American podcaster Fridman on Truth Social where the Indian Prime minister praised the US president for his "America First" approach and talked about how he "connects so well" with him. “His reflection showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first,” Modi said. “I stand for India first and that’s why we connect so well.” PM Modi also called Trump a "man of courage" for making independent decisions and for remaining "dedicated" towards his country. "I have seen him during his first term and now as he sees a second. This time, he seems far more prepared. He has a clear roadmap with well-planned steps to achieve his goals. I also had the chance to meet his team, and I believe he has gathered a strong, capable group," Modi said in the podcast. Fridman asked Modi, "You recently visited the United States and reinvigorated your friendship with Donald Trump. What do you like about Donald Trump as a friend, as a leader?" "I'd like to share an event that stands out in my memory. Perhaps from that, you'll understand my perspective. At 'Howdy Modi', both President Trump and I were present, and the stadium was completely full. A large crowd at a political event in the US is quite remarkable," the Indian PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Looking forward to interacting with passionate voices’: PM Modi joins Trump’s Truth Social platform

The Congress party on Monday (Mar 16) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of &ldquo;going out of his way&rdquo; to keep US President Donald Trump &ldquo;in good humour,&rdquo; following his remarks on the relevance of global organisations during a podcast.
PM Modi appeared on a podcast with Lex Fridman where he talked about a wide range of topics, including global conflicts and the role of organisations like the United Nations. He said that those organisations have become &ldquo;almost irrelevant&rdquo; with &ldquo;no real reforms&rdquo; happening.
Congress MP and general secretary in charge for communication Jairam Ramesh took to X to slam the prime minister&rsquo;s remarks.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-listens-to-india-pm-modi-on-global-conflicts-says-un-is-failing-to-fulfil-its-role-8859632">&lsquo;World listens to India&rsquo;: PM Modi on global conflicts, says UN is failing to fulfil its role</a>
<h2>&lsquo;Modi repeating his good friend&rsquo;s chant&rsquo;</h2>
&ldquo;[PM Modi] says international organisations, from which India has benefitted immensely, have become irrelevant. This is the US President&rsquo;s language. In fact, it is Mr. Trump who is doing his best to make them irrelevant and now Mr. Modi is repeating &lsquo;his good friend&rsquo;s&rsquo; chant,&rdquo; he wrote on the social media platform.
Ramesh further questioned PM Modi about whether the global organisations are not good for India.
He said, &ldquo;Is the WHO not good for India? Is the WTO not good for India? Is the Paris Agreement on Climate Change not good for India? Has the UN, inspite of all its weaknesses, not provided for opportunities for Indian peacekeepers abroad?&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-connect-so-well-trump-shares-pm-modis-podcast-on-his-social-media-after-he-praised-us-president-8861206">'We connect so well': Trump shares Modi's podcast on Truth Social after Indian PM praises US president</a>
&ldquo;Multilateralism needs reforms but does not deserve wholesale condemnation of the type President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are indulging in,&rdquo; the Congress leader added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8d0zt3z-145ofuk2-y7fc4up0">
Mr. Modi clearly is going out of his way to keep Mr. Trump in good humour. He says international organisations, from which India has benefitted immensely, have become irrelevant. This is the US President's language. In fact, it is Mr. Trump who is doing his best to make them&hellip;
&mdash; Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1901491229642404058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>What did PM Modi say on podcast?</h2>
During the interview with Fridman, the prime minister said, &ldquo;International organisations that were once powerful have become almost irrelevant, no real reforms are happening. Institutions like the UN are failing to fulfil their roles. People who disregard international laws and rules continue to act freely, and no one can stop them.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-who-is-afraid-of-facing-media-congress-takes-a-dig-at-pm-modis-podcast-with-lex-fridman-8860157">Modi - Lex Fridman podcast slammed by Congress as hypo(d)crisy: 'He who is afraid of facing media...'</a>
He added that these organisations have failed to evolve with the times, and &ldquo;this inability to adapt has sparked a global debate on their relevance.&rdquo;
<h2>PM Modi praises Trump</h2>
PM Modi also praised President Trump for his &ldquo;resilience&rdquo; and &ldquo;humility&rdquo;, adding that he appears &ldquo;far more prepared&rdquo; now than in his first term.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-he-was-shot-pm-modi-praises-trumps-resilience-recalls-special-moment-on-lex-fridman-podcast-8859467">&lsquo;When he was shot&hellip;&rsquo;: PM Modi praises Trump&rsquo;s resilience, recalls &lsquo;special&rsquo; moment on Lex Fridman podcast</a>
The prime minister said that Trump has a &ldquo;clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals&rdquo;. He further said that while Trump stands for &lsquo;America First&rsquo;, he stands for &lsquo;India First&rsquo;.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | PM Modi appeared on a podcast with Lex Fridman where he talked about a wide range of topics, including global conflicts and the role of organisations like the United Nations.

The Congress party on Monday (Mar 16) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “going out of his way” to keep US President Donald Trump “in good humour,” following his remarks on the relevance of global organisations during a podcast. PM Modi appeared on a podcast with Lex Fridman where he talked about a wide range of topics, including global conflicts and the role of organisations like the United Nations. He said that those organisations have become “almost irrelevant” with “no real reforms” happening. Congress MP and general secretary in charge for communication Jairam Ramesh took to X to slam the prime minister’s remarks. Also read | ‘World listens to India’: PM Modi on global conflicts, says UN is failing to fulfil its role ‘Modi repeating his good friend’s chant’ “[PM Modi] says international organisations, from which India has benefitted immensely, have become irrelevant. This is the US President’s language. In fact, it is Mr. Trump who is doing his best to make them irrelevant and now Mr. Modi is repeating ‘his good friend’s’ chant,” he wrote on the social media platform. Ramesh further questioned PM Modi about whether the global organisations are not good for India. He said, “Is the WHO not good for India? Is the WTO not good for India? Is the Paris Agreement on Climate Change not good for India? Has the UN, inspite of all its weaknesses, not provided for opportunities for Indian peacekeepers abroad?” Also read | 'We connect so well': Trump shares Modi's podcast on Truth Social after Indian PM praises US president “Multilateralism needs reforms but does not deserve wholesale condemnation of the type President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are indulging in,” the Congress leader added. Mr. Modi clearly is going out of his way to keep Mr. Trump in good humour. He says international organisations, from which India has benefitted immensely, have become irrelevant. This is the US President's language. In fact, it is Mr. Trump who is doing his best to make them… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 17, 2025 What did PM Modi say on podcast? During the interview with Fridman, the prime minister said, “International organisations that were once powerful have become almost irrelevant, no real reforms are happening. Institutions like the UN are failing to fulfil their roles. People who disregard international laws and rules continue to act freely, and no one can stop them.” Also read | Modi - Lex Fridman podcast slammed by Congress as hypo(d)crisy: 'He who is afraid of facing media...' He added that these organisations have failed to evolve with the times, and “this inability to adapt has sparked a global debate on their relevance.” PM Modi praises Trump PM Modi also praised President Trump for his “resilience” and “humility”, adding that he appears “far more prepared” now than in his first term. Also read | ‘When he was shot…’: PM Modi praises Trump’s resilience, recalls ‘special’ moment on Lex Fridman podcast The prime minister said that Trump has a “clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals”. He further said that while Trump stands for ‘America First’, he stands for ‘India First’. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress accuses PM Modi of speaking Trump’s language in remarks on global bodies

The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said on Monday that a direct dialogue has been ongoing between India and the US at the very top over the tariffs issue. Gabbard is currently on a two-and-a-half-day trip to India as part of a multi-nation visit and arrived in the national capital early Sunday (Mar 16).
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the think tank Observer Research Foundation&rsquo;s annual multilateral conference Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Gabbard talked about the economic relationship between the two nations, saying there was an opportunity to strengthen them.
&ldquo;What I have heard from the Indian government officials that I&rsquo;ve spoken to over the last few days, there is an opportunity here to see,&rdquo; she said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tulsi-gabbard-meets-indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-8861248">Tulsi Gabbard meets India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a>
&ldquo;There is more potential for strengthening our economic relationship, and I&rsquo;m glad to see that they&rsquo;re looking at it in a more positive light than just one that is focused in a negative way when we look at tariffs,&rdquo; she added.
She further said, &ldquo;Prime Minister Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India&rsquo;s economy and the opportunities available to the people of India. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the United States, our economic interests, and the interests of the American people.&rdquo;
<h2>Leaders looking for &lsquo;good solutions&rsquo;</h2>
The US intelligence chief said that both President Trump and PM Modi are looking for a &ldquo;good solution.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-national-intelligence-director-tulsi-gabbard-to-visit-india-8844076">US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard to visit India</a>
&ldquo;What I see as a great positive is that we have two leaders who have common sense and who are looking for good solutions.&rdquo;
She added that direct dialogues are taking place at the very top in both nations.
&ldquo;This direct dialogue is happening at the very top in both of our countries, but also at the different secretaries and the cabinet members is going to be key to laying down what that path forward really looks like. And I am excited because there&rsquo;s keen interest in the private sector here in India and in the United States,&rdquo; she said.
<h2>Tulsi on China threat in Asia-Pacific region</h2>
When asked about the Chinese threat in Asia-Pacific region and India's role as a key player in countering China, Gabbard said, &ldquo;What I appreciate about President Trump and his approach and some comments I heard PM Modi make recently is that they are very practical and pragmatic and are looking to strike that balance that will allow us to prevent any conflict.&rdquo;
She added that while there are challenges relating to China, there are also opportunities.
&ldquo;The goal we all share is to achieve peace and ensure stability.&rdquo;
<h2>Tulsi Gabbard meets Rajnath Singh</h2>
Earlier in the day, the US Director of National Intelligence held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The discussion focused on enhancing the overall India-US strategic ties, particularly in areas of defence and information sharing.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-revokes-security-clearances-of-top-biden-administration-officials-8842468">Tulsi Gabbard revokes security clearances of top Biden administration officials</a>
Following the meet, Singh posted on X that he was &ldquo;happy&rdquo; to meet the US intelligence chief to discuss ways to deepen the India-US partnership.
&ldquo;We discussed a wide range of issues which include defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership,&rdquo; he wrote on the social media platform.
Gabbard also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday (Mar 16) to discuss the Indo-US relationship.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | The US intelligence chief said that both President Trump and PM Modi are looking for a “good solution.” She added that direct dialogues are taking place at the very top in both nations.

The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said on Monday that a direct dialogue has been ongoing between India and the US at the very top over the tariffs issue. Gabbard is currently on a two-and-a-half-day trip to India as part of a multi-nation visit and arrived in the national capital early Sunday (Mar 16). Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the think tank Observer Research Foundation’s annual multilateral conference Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Gabbard talked about the economic relationship between the two nations, saying there was an opportunity to strengthen them. “What I have heard from the Indian government officials that I’ve spoken to over the last few days, there is an opportunity here to see,” she said. Also read | Tulsi Gabbard meets India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “There is more potential for strengthening our economic relationship, and I’m glad to see that they’re looking at it in a more positive light than just one that is focused in a negative way when we look at tariffs,” she added. She further said, “Prime Minister Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India’s economy and the opportunities available to the people of India. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the United States, our economic interests, and the interests of the American people.” Leaders looking for ‘good solutions’ The US intelligence chief said that both President Trump and PM Modi are looking for a “good solution.” Also read | US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard to visit India “What I see as a great positive is that we have two leaders who have common sense and who are looking for good solutions.” She added that direct dialogues are taking place at the very top in both nations. “This direct dialogue is happening at the very top in both of our countries, but also at the different secretaries and the cabinet members is going to be key to laying down what that path forward really looks like. And I am excited because there’s keen interest in the private sector here in India and in the United States,” she said. Tulsi on China threat in Asia-Pacific region When asked about the Chinese threat in Asia-Pacific region and India's role as a key player in countering China, Gabbard said, “What I appreciate about President Trump and his approach and some comments I heard PM Modi make recently is that they are very practical and pragmatic and are looking to strike that balance that will allow us to prevent any conflict.” She added that while there are challenges relating to China, there are also opportunities. “The goal we all share is to achieve peace and ensure stability.” Tulsi Gabbard meets Rajnath Singh Earlier in the day, the US Director of National Intelligence held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The discussion focused on enhancing the overall India-US strategic ties, particularly in areas of defence and information sharing. Also read | Tulsi Gabbard revokes security clearances of top Biden administration officials Following the meet, Singh posted on X that he was “happy” to meet the US intelligence chief to discuss ways to deepen the India-US partnership. “We discussed a wide range of issues which include defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership,” he wrote on the social media platform. Gabbard also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday (Mar 16) to discuss the Indo-US relationship. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Direct dialogue is happening at the very top’: US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard on US-India tariff issue

President Donald Trump's administration on Saturday put journalists at Voice of America and other US-funded broadcasters on leave, abruptly freezing decades-old outlets long seen as critical to countering Russian and Chinese information offensives.&nbsp;
Hundreds of staffers at VOA, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe and other outlets received a weekend email saying they will be barred from their offices and should surrender press passes and office-issued equipment.
Trump, who has already eviscerated the US global aid agency and the Education Department, on Friday issued an executive order listing the US Agency for Global Media as among "elements of the federal bureaucracy that the president has determined are unnecessary."
Kari Lake, a firebrand Trump supporter put in charge of the media agency after she lost a US Senate bid, said in an email to the outlets that federal grant money "no longer effectuates agency priorities."
The White House said the cuts would ensure "taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda," marking a dramatic tone shift towards the networks established to extend US influence overseas.
White House press official Harrison Fields wrote "goodbye" on X in 20 languages, a jab at the outlets' multilingual coverage.
VOA director Michael Abramowitz said he was among 1,300 staffers placed on leave Saturday.
"VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard. But today's action will leave Voice of America unable to carry out its vital mission," he said on Facebook, noting that its coverage -- in 48 languages -- reaches 360 million people each week.
The head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which started broadcasting into the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, called the cancellation of funding "a massive gift to America's enemies."
"The Iranian ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years," its president, Stephen Capus, said in a statement.
<h2>Uncensored reporting </h2>
US-funded media have reoriented themselves since the end of the Cold War, dropping much of the programming geared toward newly democratic Central and Eastern European countries and focusing on Russia and China.
Chinese state-funded media have expanded their reach sharply over the past decade, including by offering free services to outlets in the developing world that would otherwise pay for Western news agencies.
Radio Free Asia, established in 1996, sees its mission as providing uncensored reporting into countries without free media, including China, Myanmar, North Korea, and Vietnam.
The outlets have an editorial firewall, with a stated guarantee of independence despite government funding.
The policy has angered some around Trump, who has long railed against media and suggested that government-funded outlets should promote his policies.
The move to end US-funded media is likely to meet challenges, much like Trump's other sweeping cuts. Congress, not the president, has the constitutional power of the purse, and Radio Free Asia in particular has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past.
<h2>'Chaos'</h2>
Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders condemned the decision, saying it "threatens press freedom worldwide and negates 80 years of American history in supporting the free flow of information."
Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and senior Democratic congresswoman Lois Frankel said in a joint statement that Trump's move would "cause lasting damage to US efforts to counter propaganda around the world."
One VOA employee, who requested anonymity, described Saturday's message as another "perfect example of the chaos and unprepared nature of the process," with VOA staffers presuming that scheduled programming is off but not told so directly.
A Radio Free Asia employee said: "It's not just about losing your income. We have staff and contractors who fear for their safety. We have reporters who work under the radar in authoritarian countries in Asia. We have staff in the US who fear deportation if their work visa is no longer valid."
"Wiping us out with the strike of a pen is just terrible."&nbsp;
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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&nbsp;audience. 
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WORLD | US-funded media have reoriented themselves since the end of the Cold War, dropping much of the programming geared toward newly democratic Central and Eastern European countries and focusing on Russia and China.

President Donald Trump's administration on Saturday put journalists at Voice of America and other US-funded broadcasters on leave, abruptly freezing decades-old outlets long seen as critical to countering Russian and Chinese information offensives. Hundreds of staffers at VOA, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe and other outlets received a weekend email saying they will be barred from their offices and should surrender press passes and office-issued equipment. Trump, who has already eviscerated the US global aid agency and the Education Department, on Friday issued an executive order listing the US Agency for Global Media as among "elements of the federal bureaucracy that the president has determined are unnecessary." Kari Lake, a firebrand Trump supporter put in charge of the media agency after she lost a US Senate bid, said in an email to the outlets that federal grant money "no longer effectuates agency priorities." The White House said the cuts would ensure "taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda," marking a dramatic tone shift towards the networks established to extend US influence overseas. White House press official Harrison Fields wrote "goodbye" on X in 20 languages, a jab at the outlets' multilingual coverage. VOA director Michael Abramowitz said he was among 1,300 staffers placed on leave Saturday. "VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard. But today's action will leave Voice of America unable to carry out its vital mission," he said on Facebook, noting that its coverage -- in 48 languages -- reaches 360 million people each week. The head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which started broadcasting into the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, called the cancellation of funding "a massive gift to America's enemies." "The Iranian ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years," its president, Stephen Capus, said in a statement. Uncensored reporting US-funded media have reoriented themselves since the end of the Cold War, dropping much of the programming geared toward newly democratic Central and Eastern European countries and focusing on Russia and China. Chinese state-funded media have expanded their reach sharply over the past decade, including by offering free services to outlets in the developing world that would otherwise pay for Western news agencies. Radio Free Asia, established in 1996, sees its mission as providing uncensored reporting into countries without free media, including China, Myanmar, North Korea, and Vietnam. The outlets have an editorial firewall, with a stated guarantee of independence despite government funding. The policy has angered some around Trump, who has long railed against media and suggested that government-funded outlets should promote his policies. The move to end US-funded media is likely to meet challenges, much like Trump's other sweeping cuts. Congress, not the president, has the constitutional power of the purse, and Radio Free Asia in particular has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past. 'Chaos' Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders condemned the decision, saying it "threatens press freedom worldwide and negates 80 years of American history in supporting the free flow of information." Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and senior Democratic congresswoman Lois Frankel said in a joint statement that Trump's move would "cause lasting damage to US efforts to counter propaganda around the world." One VOA employee, who requested anonymity, described Saturday's message as another "perfect example of the chaos and unprepared nature of the process," with VOA staffers presuming that scheduled programming is off but not told so directly. A Radio Free Asia employee said: "It's not just about losing your income. We have staff and contractors who fear for their safety. We have reporters who work under the radar in authoritarian countries in Asia. We have staff in the US who fear deportation if their work visa is no longer valid." "Wiping us out with the strike of a pen is just terrible." 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.

Trump freezes US-funded media outlets

Fabian Schmidt, a German national holding a US green card, was arrested by the US immigration authorities when he returned to the country on March 7. The 34-year-old was stripped naked, "violently interrogated", and later transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, his family alleged.&nbsp;
Schmidt claimed he has lived in the US since his teenage years and currently resides in New Hampshire. He was stopped and detained from the Logan International Airport in Massachusetts after returning from Luxembourg, reported Newsweek.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liars-in-trumps-immigration-department-dhs-performs-polygraph-tests-on-staff-to-prosecute-raid-leaks-8836753">Liars in Trump&rsquo;s immigration department? DHS performs polygraph tests on staff to &lsquo;prosecute&rsquo;&nbsp;raid&nbsp;&lsquo;leaks&rsquo;</a>
His mother, Astrid Senior, said the incident has shaken her up. "It's unbelievable what's happening now," she told the Boston Globe.
"It was just said that his green card was flagged," Senior told WGBH. She said her son was "violently interrogated," stripped naked by immigration officials, and put into a cold shower.
She further said that Schmidt's green card was reissued in 2023, legally. Despite this, it was flagged when he tried to reenter the United States.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-immigration-a-greater-threat-than-putin-dont-end-up-like-europe-8772393">Trump calls immigration a greater threat than Putin; 'Don't end up like Europe'</a>
Meanwhile, the assistant commissioner of public affairs at ICE referred inquiries to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said, "If statutes or visa terms are violated, travellers may be subject to detention and removal."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8bfwtj3-m83qfknc-b9ncofv3">
So they just tortured some German guy for no reason? <a href="https://t.co/3JHDH5qqCn">pic.twitter.com/3JHDH5qqCn</a>
&mdash; Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattyglesias/status/1900969358832161047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
The case is the latest among those in which legal residents of the US are being detained at airports under increased immigration scrutiny under the Trump administration.&nbsp;
<h2>How internet reacted?&nbsp;</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-new-immigration-plan-includes-online-registry-with-names-fingerprints-and-addresses-8758382">Trump's immigration crackdown: Mandatory online registry with names, fingerprints to track illegal immigrants</a>
The case has sparked outrage online, raising questions about enforcement and misuse of immigration laws.
One of the internet users on the media platform X asked, &ldquo;So they just tortured some German guy for no reason?&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;Make no mistake this isn&rsquo;t about protecting our national security, this is simply the Trump admin&rsquo;s xenophobic agenda,&rdquo; another opined.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-spied-they-lied-but-they-failed-trump-says-biden-turned-doj-into-department-of-injustice-8855032">'They Spied, They Lied, But They Failed': Trump says Biden turned DOJ into 'Department of Injustice'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | Fabian Schmidt, a German national holding a US green card, was arrested by the US immigration authorities when he returned to the country on March 7.

Fabian Schmidt, a German national holding a US green card, was arrested by the US immigration authorities when he returned to the country on March 7. The 34-year-old was stripped naked, "violently interrogated", and later transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, his family alleged. Schmidt claimed he has lived in the US since his teenage years and currently resides in New Hampshire. He was stopped and detained from the Logan International Airport in Massachusetts after returning from Luxembourg, reported Newsweek. Also read: Liars in Trump’s immigration department? DHS performs polygraph tests on staff to ‘prosecute’ raid ‘leaks’ His mother, Astrid Senior, said the incident has shaken her up. "It's unbelievable what's happening now," she told the Boston Globe. "It was just said that his green card was flagged," Senior told WGBH. She said her son was "violently interrogated," stripped naked by immigration officials, and put into a cold shower. She further said that Schmidt's green card was reissued in 2023, legally. Despite this, it was flagged when he tried to reenter the United States. Also read: Trump calls immigration a greater threat than Putin; 'Don't end up like Europe' Meanwhile, the assistant commissioner of public affairs at ICE referred inquiries to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said, "If statutes or visa terms are violated, travellers may be subject to detention and removal." So they just tortured some German guy for no reason? pic.twitter.com/3JHDH5qqCn — Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) March 15, 2025 The case is the latest among those in which legal residents of the US are being detained at airports under increased immigration scrutiny under the Trump administration. How internet reacted? Also read: Trump's immigration crackdown: Mandatory online registry with names, fingerprints to track illegal immigrants The case has sparked outrage online, raising questions about enforcement and misuse of immigration laws. One of the internet users on the media platform X asked, “So they just tortured some German guy for no reason?” “Make no mistake this isn’t about protecting our national security, this is simply the Trump admin’s xenophobic agenda,” another opined. Also read: 'They Spied, They Lied, But They Failed': Trump says Biden turned DOJ into 'Department of Injustice' (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stripped naked, violently interrogated’: Permanent resident with green card detained by US immigration force: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top aide Yuri Ushakov said that the US proposal on the Ukraine ceasefire gives Russia "nothing".
In other news, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a whopping 200 per cent tariff on wine, champagne, and other alcoholic products from European Union nations.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there is still no "meaningful response from Russia" to the ceasefire proposal, which shows Moscow seeks to prolong the war.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines for more
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Yuri Ushakov, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said on Thursday (March 13) that the US proposal on the Ukraine ceasefire gives Russia "nothing", stressing that it only gives Ukrainians an opportunity to regroup.&nbsp;
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (March 13) said that the world has still not heard a "meaningful response from Russia" to the ceasefire proposal, stressing that this shows Moscow seeks to prolong the war.&nbsp;
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England white-ball vice-captain Harry Brook has been banned for two years from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after he opted out of Delhi Capitals. Brook for the second consecutive season opted out of the IPL after he was purchased by Delhi Capitals in the November auctions. The ban means he won&rsquo;t be available for selection in the upcoming seasons while DC now search for other options.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's top aide Yuri Ushakov said that the US proposal on the Ukraine ceasefire gives Russia "nothing". In other news, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a whopping 200 per cent tariff on wine, champagne, and other alcoholic products from European Union nations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there is still no "meaningful response from Russia" to the ceasefire proposal, which shows Moscow seeks to prolong the war. Click on the headlines for more 'There's nothing for Russia': Putin aide slams US ceasefire proposal to end Ukraine war Yuri Ushakov, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said on Thursday (March 13) that the US proposal on the Ukraine ceasefire gives Russia "nothing", stressing that it only gives Ukrainians an opportunity to regroup. Trump threatens 200 per cent tariff on wine, champagne from France, other EU countries US President Donald Trump, on Thursday (Mar 13), threatened to slap a whopping 200 per cent tariff on wine, champagne, and other alcoholic products from France and other European Union countries. 'No meaningful response shows Russia seeks to prolong war': Zelensky hopes US compels them to end war Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (March 13) said that the world has still not heard a "meaningful response from Russia" to the ceasefire proposal, stressing that this shows Moscow seeks to prolong the war. Tamil Nadu drops rupee symbol from budget, escalating three-language row The Tamil Nadu government has dropped the national rupee symbol, replacing it with the Tamil letter ‘Ru’ in the state budget logo, escalating the ongoing three-language controversy. 'Anti-Israel circus known as UN Human Rights Council': Netanyahu rejects UN finding on Gaza 'genocidal acts' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday (Mar 13), strongly rejected a UN investigation's findings, labeling them "false and absurd". The investigation alleged that Israel had committed "genocidal acts" in the Gaza Strip. Who is Aleksej Besciokov? India arrests Russian resident at US request for running $96 bn crypto scam India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Lithuanian national and Russian resident Aleksej Besciokov for allegedly using the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex to launder criminal proceeds. Watch: Brawl breaks out in Argentina parliament amid pensioners protest against President Javier Milei Argentina witnessed massive political upheaval on Wednesday (Mar 12), with politicians punching each other in parliament over the crypto scandal and protesters taking to the streets against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will return to Earth on THIS date | Check here Long-time stranded NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return to Earth has once again got delayed after SpaceX and NASA postponed the launch of a replacement crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday (March 12). Aamir Khan introduces girlfriend Gauri to media at meet-and-greet event ahead of his 60th birthday Aamir Khan has found love again. A day before his 60th birthday, Aamir met media persons for an informal meeting and revealed that he is in a committed relationship. Khan introduced Gauri to the media and stated that the two have known each other for over 25 years. England's Harry Brook banned for two years after opting out of IPL 2025 - Report England white-ball vice-captain Harry Brook has been banned for two years from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after he opted out of Delhi Capitals. Brook for the second consecutive season opted out of the IPL after he was purchased by Delhi Capitals in the November auctions. The ban means he won’t be available for selection in the upcoming seasons while DC now search for other options.

Top 10 world news: Putin aide slams US ceasefire proposal; Trump warns 200% tariff on EU alcohol, and more

Hamas has welcomed the US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s apparent withdrawal from his plan to permanently displace nearly two million Palestinians from Gaza, urging him not to align with the vision of the &ldquo;extreme Zionist right.&rdquo;
The statement by the Palestinian militant group comes after Trump on Wednesday (Mar 12) said that &ldquo;nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza&rdquo; when asked about it during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Miche&aacute;l Martin at the White House.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-says-us-hostage-envoys-direct-meeting-with-hamas-hasnt-borne-fruit-8841077">Rubio says US hostage envoy&rsquo;s direct meeting with Hamas &lsquo;hasn&rsquo;t borne fruit&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;If US President Trump's statements represent a retreat from any idea of ​​displacing the people of the Gaza Strip, they are welcomed,&rdquo; Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said, as quoted by Reuters.
&ldquo;We call for this position to be reinforced by obligating the Israeli occupation to implement all the terms of the ceasefire agreements,&rdquo; he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-offers-flexibility-in-gaza-negotiations-pressures-israel-to-move-forward-8839816">'Continues to renege'; Hamas accuses Israel of backtracking on Gaza truce deal</a>
Last month, Trump put forward a proposal of the US takeover of Gaza, suggesting Palestinians living in the area should be permanently displaced.
<h2>US-Hamas talks</h2>
On Sunday (Mar 9), Taher Al-Nono, political adviser to the leader of Hamas, said that the militant group had direct talks with Washington in the Qatari capital last week. He added that the talks focused on the release of an American-Israeli national who was held by Hamas in Gaza.
He said that the meetings, which happened between the US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler and Hamas leaders, also discussed the implementation of the phased truce agreement to end the Israel-Gaza war.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-surprised-after-trump-official-says-us-working-for-itself-says-hamas-militants-pretty-nice-guys-8837672">&lsquo;Hamas militants are pretty nice guys&rsquo;: US &lsquo;surprises&rsquo; Israel after envoy says Washington working for itself</a>
<h2>Gaza ceasefire truce</h2>
As mediators pushed talks to extend the 42-day truce that started in January, Israel and Hamas hinted that they were preparing for the next phase of the ceasefire negotiations.
A Hamas delegation also held talks with Egyptian mediators and reaffirmed its willingness to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli negotiators held discussions in Doha on Monday (Mar 10).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-confirms-multiple-meetings-with-us-on-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8836747">Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US on Gaza ceasefire deal</a>
Under the first phase of the ceasefire deal, the Palestinian militant group handed over 25 living hostages, and eight bodies in exchange for the release of about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, taking 251 people captive, out of which 58 still remain in Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed that at least 34 of these captives are dead.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Last month, Trump put forward a proposal of the US takeover of Gaza, suggesting Palestinians living in the area should be permanently displaced.

Hamas has welcomed the US President Donald Trump’s apparent withdrawal from his plan to permanently displace nearly two million Palestinians from Gaza, urging him not to align with the vision of the “extreme Zionist right.” The statement by the Palestinian militant group comes after Trump on Wednesday (Mar 12) said that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza” when asked about it during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House. Also read | Rubio says US hostage envoy’s direct meeting with Hamas ‘hasn’t borne fruit’ “If US President Trump's statements represent a retreat from any idea of displacing the people of the Gaza Strip, they are welcomed,” Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said, as quoted by Reuters. “We call for this position to be reinforced by obligating the Israeli occupation to implement all the terms of the ceasefire agreements,” he added. Also read | 'Continues to renege'; Hamas accuses Israel of backtracking on Gaza truce deal Last month, Trump put forward a proposal of the US takeover of Gaza, suggesting Palestinians living in the area should be permanently displaced. US-Hamas talks On Sunday (Mar 9), Taher Al-Nono, political adviser to the leader of Hamas, said that the militant group had direct talks with Washington in the Qatari capital last week. He added that the talks focused on the release of an American-Israeli national who was held by Hamas in Gaza. He said that the meetings, which happened between the US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler and Hamas leaders, also discussed the implementation of the phased truce agreement to end the Israel-Gaza war. Also read | ‘Hamas militants are pretty nice guys’: US ‘surprises’ Israel after envoy says Washington working for itself Gaza ceasefire truce As mediators pushed talks to extend the 42-day truce that started in January, Israel and Hamas hinted that they were preparing for the next phase of the ceasefire negotiations. A Hamas delegation also held talks with Egyptian mediators and reaffirmed its willingness to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli negotiators held discussions in Doha on Monday (Mar 10). Also read | Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US on Gaza ceasefire deal Under the first phase of the ceasefire deal, the Palestinian militant group handed over 25 living hostages, and eight bodies in exchange for the release of about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, taking 251 people captive, out of which 58 still remain in Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed that at least 34 of these captives are dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas welcomes Trump’s withdrawal from plans to relocate Palestinians

US President Donald Trump, on Monday (Mar 10), said that the arrest of the leader of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in New York is "the first arrest of many to come."
Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in Columbia University's protest movement against Israel's actions in Gaza that erupted in 2024, was detained by immigration officials over the weekend.
"We know there are more students at Columbia and other Universities across the Country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The Department of Homeland Security said that the move was "in support of President Trump's executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism, and in coordination with the Department of State."
Khalil, a Columbia graduate, held a permanent residency green card at the time he was arrested, said the Student Workers of Columbia union.
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114139222625284782/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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The US president, in his post, had threatened further action against other campus protesters.
<h2>'Will apprehend, deport terrorist sympathisers'</h2>
He alleged that some of the demonstrators were "paid agitators."
"Many are not students, they are paid agitators. We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathisers from our country &mdash; never to return again," he wrote.
"If you support terrorism, including the slaughtering of innocent men, women, and children, your presence is contrary to our national and foreign policy interests, and you are not welcome here. We expect every one of America&rsquo;s Colleges and Universities to comply," he added.
US college campuses, including Columbia, saw widespread student protests condemning Israel's actions in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. These protests sparked controversy and accusations of anti-Semitism.
Protests on campus turned heated, with some escalating into violence, building occupations, and lecture disruptions. The demonstrations drew a sharp divide between students protesting Israel's actions and pro-Israel advocates, including many Jewish students.
(With inputs from agencies)
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World: US college campuses, including Columbia, saw widespread student protests condemning Israel's actions in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. These protests sparked controversy and accusations of anti-Semitism.

US President Donald Trump, on Monday (Mar 10), said that the arrest of the leader of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in New York is "the first arrest of many to come." Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in Columbia University's protest movement against Israel's actions in Gaza that erupted in 2024, was detained by immigration officials over the weekend. "We know there are more students at Columbia and other Universities across the Country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. The Department of Homeland Security said that the move was "in support of President Trump's executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism, and in coordination with the Department of State." Khalil, a Columbia graduate, held a permanent residency green card at the time he was arrested, said the Student Workers of Columbia union. The US president, in his post, had threatened further action against other campus protesters. 'Will apprehend, deport terrorist sympathisers' He alleged that some of the demonstrators were "paid agitators." "Many are not students, they are paid agitators. We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathisers from our country — never to return again," he wrote. "If you support terrorism, including the slaughtering of innocent men, women, and children, your presence is contrary to our national and foreign policy interests, and you are not welcome here. We expect every one of America’s Colleges and Universities to comply," he added. US college campuses, including Columbia, saw widespread student protests condemning Israel's actions in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. These protests sparked controversy and accusations of anti-Semitism. Protests on campus turned heated, with some escalating into violence, building occupations, and lecture disruptions. The demonstrations drew a sharp divide between students protesting Israel's actions and pro-Israel advocates, including many Jewish students. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says pro-Palestinian campus protester ‘first arrest of many to come’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (March 8) thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting Israel against Hamas.&nbsp;
This comes after Palestinian militant group Hamas said that they held direct talks with a US envoy on freeing hostages held in Gaza. While Israel said that they were unaware of progress in talks.&nbsp;
However, on Saturday, Israeli PM Netanyahu took to X, saying in a post, "Thank you President Trump for once again boldly supporting Israel in our just war against the monstrous Hamas terrorists."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-50-freed-israeli-hostages-urge-netanyahu-to-implement-gaza-deal-in-full-8833789">Over 50 freed Israeli hostages urge Netanyahu to implement Gaza deal &lsquo;in full&rsquo;</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you President Trump for once again boldly supporting Israel in our just war against the monstrous Hamas terrorists. <a href="https://t.co/n49QOk3zsH">https://t.co/n49QOk3zsH</a>
&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1898412767230497061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2025</a>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</blockquote>
Netanyahu, in his thank-you post to Trump, reshared a post by Trump in which he again warned Hamas that if it doesn't free the hostages it is holding in Gaza, "there will be hell to pay later".&nbsp;
Trump also shared photos of his White House meeting with eight released Israeli hostages.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahus-key-confidant-lashed-out-at-us-envoy-for-holding-direct-talks-with-hamas-8832212">Netanyahu's key confidant 'lashed out' at US envoy for holding 'direct talks' with Hamas</a>
On Friday, Israel Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Netanyahu's top confidant "lashed out" at US hostage envoy Adam Boehler after Israel learned that Trump aide held a meeting with a senior Hamas delegation to discuss the release of American hostages from Gaza.
Trump aide held an unprecedented meeting in Doha with a senior Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya to discuss the potential release of American hostages from Gaza, a Western official told The Times of Israel.
Dermer lashed out at Boehler, during a phone call held on Tuesday, for discussing the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel would release in exchange for the five American hostages without Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's consent, the official said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-negotiations-with-hamas-helping-israel-because-were-talking-about-israeli-hostages-8829353">Trump says direct talks with Hamas helping Israel: 'We&rsquo;re talking about Israeli hostages'</a>&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Israeli PM Netanyahu took to X, "Thank you President Trump for once again boldly supporting Israel in our just war against the monstrous Hamas terrorists."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (March 8) thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting Israel against Hamas. This comes after Palestinian militant group Hamas said that they held direct talks with a US envoy on freeing hostages held in Gaza. While Israel said that they were unaware of progress in talks. However, on Saturday, Israeli PM Netanyahu took to X, saying in a post, "Thank you President Trump for once again boldly supporting Israel in our just war against the monstrous Hamas terrorists." Also read: Over 50 freed Israeli hostages urge Netanyahu to implement Gaza deal ‘in full’ Thank you President Trump for once again boldly supporting Israel in our just war against the monstrous Hamas terrorists. https://t.co/n49QOk3zsH — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 8, 2025 Netanyahu, in his thank-you post to Trump, reshared a post by Trump in which he again warned Hamas that if it doesn't free the hostages it is holding in Gaza, "there will be hell to pay later". Trump also shared photos of his White House meeting with eight released Israeli hostages. Also read: Netanyahu's key confidant 'lashed out' at US envoy for holding 'direct talks' with Hamas On Friday, Israel Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Netanyahu's top confidant "lashed out" at US hostage envoy Adam Boehler after Israel learned that Trump aide held a meeting with a senior Hamas delegation to discuss the release of American hostages from Gaza. Trump aide held an unprecedented meeting in Doha with a senior Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya to discuss the potential release of American hostages from Gaza, a Western official told The Times of Israel. Dermer lashed out at Boehler, during a phone call held on Tuesday, for discussing the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel would release in exchange for the five American hostages without Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's consent, the official said. Also read: Trump says direct talks with Hamas helping Israel: 'We’re talking about Israeli hostages' (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu thanks Trump for backing Israel against ‘monstrous’ Hamas after US prez warns ‘hell to pay’

Veteran Hollywood director James Cameron has spoken out against US President Donald Trump and shared his relief that he will soon become a New Zealand citizen. Cameron, who has owned a large dairy farm in South Wairarapa since 2012, has revealed plans to permanently relocate to the country.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/james-gunn-shares-first-look-of-the-dcus-lanterns-series-8764492"> James Gunn shares first look of the DCU's Lanterns series</a>
<h2>Cameron&rsquo;s strong criticism of Trump</h2>
Speaking to Stuff, Cameron expressed his dismay over Trump&rsquo;s leadership, stating, "I think it&rsquo;s horrific, I think it&rsquo;s horrifying &hellip; I see it as a turn away from everything decent. America doesn&rsquo;t stand for anything if it doesn&rsquo;t stand for what it has historically stood for. It becomes a hollow idea, and I think they&rsquo;re hollowing it out as fast as they can for their own benefit."
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/get-ready-for-a-supernatural-reunion-on-the-boys-season-5-8764323">Get ready for a Supernatural reunion on The Boys season 5</a>
<h2>Seeking distance from US politics</h2>
Cameron further explained his frustration with the current state of American politics, adding, "I don&rsquo;t know if I feel any safer here, but I certainly feel like I don&rsquo;t have to read about it on the front page every single day. And it&rsquo;s just sickening. There&rsquo;s something nice about the New Zealand outlets &ndash; at least they&rsquo;ll put it on page three &hellip; I just don&rsquo;t want to see that guy&rsquo;s face any more, on the front page of the paper. It&rsquo;s inescapable there, it&rsquo;s like watching a car crash over and over and over."
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/slow-horses-star-jack-lowden-rumoured-to-be-a-frontrunner-for-amazons-james-bond-8763950">Slow Horses star Jack Lowden rumoured to be a frontrunner for Amazon's James Bond</a>
<h2>Comparing New Zealand to Canada</h2>
The Titanic and Avatar director also compared New Zealand to his birth country, Canada, highlighting the similarities in culture and values, "I grew up in Canada, and I see a lot of similarities here in the way people behave. I actually like it here a little better. There&rsquo;s an innate respect and a demand for respect. Everybody has this kind of equal status in terms of personhood. And I love that &ndash; that&rsquo;s what I wanted my kids to experience."
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/malayalam-investigation-thriller-officer-on-duty-gets-ott-release-date-8764062">Malayalam investigation thriller Officer on Duty gets OTT release date</a>
&nbsp;

Veteran Hollywood director James Cameron has spoken out against US President Donald Trump and shared his relief that he will soon become a New Zealand citizen.

Veteran Hollywood director James Cameron has spoken out against US President Donald Trump and shared his relief that he will soon become a New Zealand citizen. Cameron, who has owned a large dairy farm in South Wairarapa since 2012, has revealed plans to permanently relocate to the country. Also Read: James Gunn shares first look of the DCU's Lanterns series Cameron’s strong criticism of Trump Speaking to Stuff, Cameron expressed his dismay over Trump’s leadership, stating, "I think it’s horrific, I think it’s horrifying … I see it as a turn away from everything decent. America doesn’t stand for anything if it doesn’t stand for what it has historically stood for. It becomes a hollow idea, and I think they’re hollowing it out as fast as they can for their own benefit." Also Read: Get ready for a Supernatural reunion on The Boys season 5 Seeking distance from US politics Cameron further explained his frustration with the current state of American politics, adding, "I don’t know if I feel any safer here, but I certainly feel like I don’t have to read about it on the front page every single day. And it’s just sickening. There’s something nice about the New Zealand outlets – at least they’ll put it on page three … I just don’t want to see that guy’s face any more, on the front page of the paper. It’s inescapable there, it’s like watching a car crash over and over and over." Also Read: Slow Horses star Jack Lowden rumoured to be a frontrunner for Amazon's James Bond Comparing New Zealand to Canada The Titanic and Avatar director also compared New Zealand to his birth country, Canada, highlighting the similarities in culture and values, "I grew up in Canada, and I see a lot of similarities here in the way people behave. I actually like it here a little better. There’s an innate respect and a demand for respect. Everybody has this kind of equal status in terms of personhood. And I love that – that’s what I wanted my kids to experience." Also Read: Malayalam investigation thriller Officer on Duty gets OTT release date

James Cameron criticises Trump and plans permanent move to New Zealand

President Donald Trump shared a light moment with his cabinet while praising tech billionaire Elon Musk. During the cabinet meeting, Trump joked that anyone unhappy with Musk would be "thrown out."&nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-holds-first-cabinet-meeting-confirms-zelenskys-visit-to-us-on-friday-8759830" aria-label="Trump holds first Cabinet meeting, confirms Zelensky's visit to US on Friday">Trump holds first Cabinet meeting, confirms Zelensky's visit to US on Friday</a>
Trump invited Musk to speak first, highlighting their close relationship. He praised Musk for his contributions and the criticism he faces, saying, &ldquo;He&rsquo;s sacrificing a lot&hellip; and getting a lot of praise, but he&rsquo;s also getting hit.&rdquo; &nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-to-hand-over-bodies-of-four-slain-israeli-hostages-tonight-without-public-ceremony-confirms-netanyahu-8759720" aria-label="Hamas to hand over bodies of four slain Israeli hostages 'tonight' without public ceremony, confirms Netanyahu">Hamas to hand over bodies of four slain Israeli hostages 'tonight' without public ceremony, confirms Netanyahu</a>
When a reporter asked Musk about Trump&rsquo;s claim that the cabinet fully supported him, Trump jumped in, saying, &ldquo;Elon, let the cabinet speak just for a second.&rdquo; He then added, &ldquo;Is anybody unhappy with Elon? If you are, we will throw you out of here.&rdquo; The room erupted in laughter and applause.
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-un-peacekeepers-stood-the-ground-in-congo-un-peacekeeping-chief-jean-pierre-lacroix-8759622" aria-label="Indian UN peacekeepers stood the ground in Congo: UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix">Indian UN peacekeepers stood the ground in Congo: UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix</a>
<h2>Musk responded by calling it the 'best cabinet ever'&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Beyond the humour, Trump spoke about his commitment to balancing the national budget. Musk also admitted to a brief mistake in Ebola prevention funding, saying it was quickly corrected. He said, "Doge will certainly make mistakes as we proceed, but when we make mistakes, we'll fix it very quickly."&nbsp;
Also Read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-refuses-to-freeze-ukraine-war-rejects-proposal-for-ceasefire-along-the-frontline-in-ukraine-8759521" aria-label="Russia refuses to freeze Ukraine war, rejects proposal for ceasefire along frontline">Russia refuses to freeze Ukraine war, rejects proposal for ceasefire along frontline</a>
He added, "We accidentally cancelled &ndash; very, very briefly &ndash; Ebola prevention. I think we all want Ebola prevention, so we restored Ebola prevention immediately. There was no disruption."
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World: Trump invited Musk to speak first, highlighting their close relationship. He praised Musk for his contributions and the criticism he faces, saying, “He’s sacrificing a lot… and getting a lot of praise, but he’s also getting hit.”

President Donald Trump shared a light moment with his cabinet while praising tech billionaire Elon Musk. During the cabinet meeting, Trump joked that anyone unhappy with Musk would be "thrown out." Also Read | Trump holds first Cabinet meeting, confirms Zelensky's visit to US on Friday Trump invited Musk to speak first, highlighting their close relationship. He praised Musk for his contributions and the criticism he faces, saying, “He’s sacrificing a lot… and getting a lot of praise, but he’s also getting hit.” Also Read | Hamas to hand over bodies of four slain Israeli hostages 'tonight' without public ceremony, confirms Netanyahu When a reporter asked Musk about Trump’s claim that the cabinet fully supported him, Trump jumped in, saying, “Elon, let the cabinet speak just for a second.” He then added, “Is anybody unhappy with Elon? If you are, we will throw you out of here.” The room erupted in laughter and applause. Also Read | Indian UN peacekeepers stood the ground in Congo: UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix Musk responded by calling it the 'best cabinet ever' Beyond the humour, Trump spoke about his commitment to balancing the national budget. Musk also admitted to a brief mistake in Ebola prevention funding, saying it was quickly corrected. He said, "Doge will certainly make mistakes as we proceed, but when we make mistakes, we'll fix it very quickly." Also Read | Russia refuses to freeze Ukraine war, rejects proposal for ceasefire along frontline He added, "We accidentally cancelled – very, very briefly – Ebola prevention. I think we all want Ebola prevention, so we restored Ebola prevention immediately. There was no disruption." (With inputs from agencies)

'Is anybody unhappy with Elon? We’ll throw you out': Trump jokes about firing cabinet members

US President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), slamming its alleged allocation of funds to interfere in India's electoral process. Trump questioned the need for US aid to India, claiming that the country already benefits from high tariffs on American goods.&nbsp;
"Eighteen million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don't we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn't that be nice? We're giving money to India for elections. They don't need money," Trump said on Saturday (Feb 22), addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington.
"They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something. They have a 200 per cent tariff. And then we're giving them a lot of money to help them with their election," the US President continued.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7hj6ndh-77nm878t-8fey6v3x">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, US President Donald Trump says, "$29 million goes to strengthen the political landscape and help them out so that they can vote for a radical left communist in Bangladesh. You got to see who&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/IzgE6NMDiP">pic.twitter.com/IzgE6NMDiP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1893419979695104283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
On Saturday (Feb 22), India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern over the USAID funds, stating that New Delhi was investigating the "concerning and worrisome" claims.
"Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning... I think, as a government, we're looking into it. My sense is that the facts will come out...USAID was allowed here in good faith, to do good faith activities; now, suggestions are being laid out from America that there are activities which are in bad faith. It's worrisome, and if there's something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it," Jaishankar said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-21-million-doge-cut-have-lot-of-respect-for-india-but-8734405">Also read: Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...'</a>
<h2>Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India'</h2>
Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15).
The official DOGE handle on X announced the cancellation of various US taxpayer-funded expenditures, including the notable $21 million allocation for "voter turnout in India".
"US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," the Musk-led department announced.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7hjbqdj-q89nz9y1-ky319qtr">
US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening&hellip;
&mdash; Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE/status/1890849405932077378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
The cancelled funding was part of a larger list of expenditures scrapped by DOGE, which also included:
- $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening independent voices in Cambodia" - $32M to the Prague Civil Society Centre - $40M for "gender equality and women empowerment hub" - $14M for "improving public procurement" in Serbia - $486M to the &ldquo;Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,&rdquo; including $22M for "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India - $29M to "strenghening political landscape in Bangladesh" - $20M for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal - $19M for "biodiversity conversation" in Nepal - $1.5M for "voter confidence" in Liberia - $14M for "social cohesion" in Mali - $2.5M for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa" - $47M for "improving learning outcomes in Asia" - $2M to develop "sustainable recycling models" to "increase socio-economic cohesion among marginalized communities of Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, and Egypt"
 (With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World: Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15).

US President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), slamming its alleged allocation of funds to interfere in India's electoral process. Trump questioned the need for US aid to India, claiming that the country already benefits from high tariffs on American goods. "Eighteen million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don't we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn't that be nice? We're giving money to India for elections. They don't need money," Trump said on Saturday (Feb 22), addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington. "They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something. They have a 200 per cent tariff. And then we're giving them a lot of money to help them with their election," the US President continued. #WATCH | Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, US President Donald Trump says, "$29 million goes to strengthen the political landscape and help them out so that they can vote for a radical left communist in Bangladesh. You got to see who… pic.twitter.com/IzgE6NMDiP — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2025 On Saturday (Feb 22), India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern over the USAID funds, stating that New Delhi was investigating the "concerning and worrisome" claims. "Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning... I think, as a government, we're looking into it. My sense is that the facts will come out...USAID was allowed here in good faith, to do good faith activities; now, suggestions are being laid out from America that there are activities which are in bad faith. It's worrisome, and if there's something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it," Jaishankar said. Also read: Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...' Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India' Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15). The official DOGE handle on X announced the cancellation of various US taxpayer-funded expenditures, including the notable $21 million allocation for "voter turnout in India". "US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," the Musk-led department announced. US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening… — Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025 The cancelled funding was part of a larger list of expenditures scrapped by DOGE, which also included: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening independent voices in Cambodia" - $32M to the Prague Civil Society Centre - $40M for "gender equality and women empowerment hub" - $14M for "improving public procurement" in Serbia - $486M to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22M for "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India - $29M to "strenghening political landscape in Bangladesh" - $20M for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal - $19M for "biodiversity conversation" in Nepal - $1.5M for "voter confidence" in Liberia - $14M for "social cohesion" in Mali - $2.5M for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa" - $47M for "improving learning outcomes in Asia" - $2M to develop "sustainable recycling models" to "increase socio-economic cohesion among marginalized communities of Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, and Egypt" (With inputs from agencies)

Trump slams USAID funding to India, says, ‘They take advantage of US’

The Trump administration&rsquo;s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers.
Experts have warned that freezing the funds could exacerbate the spread of mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern last year in August as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to other African countries. USAID has been working to contain the outbreak through vaccination, testing, and surveillance.
Until weeks ago, the United States has been leading response efforts, with USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contributing $55 million in emergency assistance last year.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we&rsquo;re still able to,&rdquo; The Guardian quoted Stephen Morse as saying, who is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University focusing on risk assessment of infectious diseases. &ldquo;Taking huge steps backwards is only going to make everything worse.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-alludes-to-usaid-interference-in-indias-elections-they-were-trying-to-get-somebody-else-elected-8738323">Trump alludes to USAID interference in India's elections: 'They were trying to get somebody else elected'</a>
According to an aid worker, the funding freeze has resulted in some provinces in the country, which depend solely on USAID funds, being stripped of any resources to contain the virus.
&ldquo;We were working on creating a sustainable system that can respond not just to the current mpox outbreak but can be used in the future for any other outbreak, and now we&rsquo;re not sure if that will succeed,&rdquo; said a USAID worker with knowledge of the mpox response, according to The Guardian report.
&ldquo;Just like all these increased cases of Ebola and Marburg in neighbouring countries, it&rsquo;s not if, but when the next one in the DRC will be and how the country is going to be ready.&rdquo;
<h2>Risk of global spread of disease</h2>
Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox of other pandemics reaching the US.
&ldquo;Disaster and catastrophe are the appropriate words for shutting down USAID,&rdquo; a US-based researcher told the Guardian. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not just about people overseas who will be affected, but there&rsquo;s a likelihood of mpox or the next pandemic spreading to the United States.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-blocks-trumps-foreign-aid-freeze-as-usaid-faces-mass-layoffs-8721486">Judge blocks Trump&rsquo;s foreign aid freeze as USAID faces mass layoffs</a>
In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox led to over 100,000 being infected in 122 countries, marking the first time the virus spread outside Africa.
While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued guidance allowing life-saving assistance through a waiver, USAID workers said no waiver has been approved to continue mpox programmes in the DRC, the report added. Experts argue that this unpredictability makes it challenging to run a disease control programme.
<h2>Legal challenges</h2>
Trump&rsquo;s order has also faced legal troubles, with one federal judge recently ruling to halt the move, giving the government five days to comply. However, aid workers expressed that the ruling has created confusion on how to restart programmes, which may face further cuts in future.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-fires-usaid-inspector-general-report-8714191">US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report</a>
USAID workers have also shared how the current situation has been affecting them as their careers remain in limbo after being brought to the US from DRC.
&ldquo;I have been experiencing health consequences related to extreme stress, anguish, and sleep deprivation due to worrying about staff, partners, and the situation in general in DRC and not being able to respond in the way that I normally would,&rdquo; a USAID employee said, as quoted by The Guardian.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox or other pandemics reaching the US.

The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers. Experts have warned that freezing the funds could exacerbate the spread of mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern last year in August as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to other African countries. USAID has been working to contain the outbreak through vaccination, testing, and surveillance. Until weeks ago, the United States has been leading response efforts, with USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contributing $55 million in emergency assistance last year. “It’s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we’re still able to,” The Guardian quoted Stephen Morse as saying, who is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University focusing on risk assessment of infectious diseases. “Taking huge steps backwards is only going to make everything worse.” Also read | Trump alludes to USAID interference in India's elections: 'They were trying to get somebody else elected' According to an aid worker, the funding freeze has resulted in some provinces in the country, which depend solely on USAID funds, being stripped of any resources to contain the virus. “We were working on creating a sustainable system that can respond not just to the current mpox outbreak but can be used in the future for any other outbreak, and now we’re not sure if that will succeed,” said a USAID worker with knowledge of the mpox response, according to The Guardian report. “Just like all these increased cases of Ebola and Marburg in neighbouring countries, it’s not if, but when the next one in the DRC will be and how the country is going to be ready.” Risk of global spread of disease Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox of other pandemics reaching the US. “Disaster and catastrophe are the appropriate words for shutting down USAID,” a US-based researcher told the Guardian. “It’s not just about people overseas who will be affected, but there’s a likelihood of mpox or the next pandemic spreading to the United States.” Also read | Judge blocks Trump’s foreign aid freeze as USAID faces mass layoffs In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox led to over 100,000 being infected in 122 countries, marking the first time the virus spread outside Africa. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued guidance allowing life-saving assistance through a waiver, USAID workers said no waiver has been approved to continue mpox programmes in the DRC, the report added. Experts argue that this unpredictability makes it challenging to run a disease control programme. Legal challenges Trump’s order has also faced legal troubles, with one federal judge recently ruling to halt the move, giving the government five days to comply. However, aid workers expressed that the ruling has created confusion on how to restart programmes, which may face further cuts in future. Also read | US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report USAID workers have also shared how the current situation has been affecting them as their careers remain in limbo after being brought to the US from DRC. “I have been experiencing health consequences related to extreme stress, anguish, and sleep deprivation due to worrying about staff, partners, and the situation in general in DRC and not being able to respond in the way that I normally would,” a USAID employee said, as quoted by The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Does Trump’s decision to dismantle USAID risk mpox global emergency? Here’s what experts say

US President Donald Trump has once again denounced the Biden administration's decision to allocate $21 million to India to boost "voter turnout", questioning the necessity of such funding.&nbsp;
He also quipped if his predecessor was "trying to get somebody else elected".
"Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government... This is a total breakthrough," he said at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Wednesday (Feb 19).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7cta1ao-cn12icyy-2dbzasn6">
President Trump reads some examples of the massive fraud, waste and abuse his administration has CUT from the federal government. PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT. <a href="https://t.co/br9a1AKihY">pic.twitter.com/br9a1AKihY</a>
&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1892350282182410728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
His remarks come a day after Trump defended the decision by the Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cancel the $21 million funding.&nbsp;
Trump questioned the use of US taxpayers' money for this initiative, sparking a debate about foreign interference in India's electoral process.
"Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?" Trump said at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7ct9mob-zpy4cvci-86ycovlo">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/W26OEGEejT">pic.twitter.com/W26OEGEejT</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1891968054420177129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-21-million-doge-cut-have-lot-of-respect-for-india-but-8734405">Also read: Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...'</a>
<h2>Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India'</h2>
Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15).
The official DOGE handle on X announced the cancellation of various US taxpayer-funded expenditures, including the notable $21 million allocation for "voter turnout in India".
"US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," the Musk-led department announced.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7ctba0d-eifrvp2g-s5wzvvvb">
US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening&hellip;
&mdash; Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE/status/1890849405932077378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
The cancelled funding was part of a larger list of expenditures scrapped by DOGE, which also includes:
- $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening independent voices in Cambodia" - $32M to the Prague Civil Society Centre - $40M for "gender equality and women empowerment hub" - $14M for "improving public procurement" in Serbia - $486M to the &ldquo;Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,&rdquo; including $22M for "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India - $29M to "strenghening political landscape in Bangladesh" - $20M for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal - $19M for "biodiversity conversation" in Nepal - $1.5M for "voter confidence" in Liberia - $14M for "social cohesion" in Mali - $2.5M for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa" - $47M for "improving learning outcomes in Asia" - $2M to develop "sustainable recycling models" to "increase socio-economic cohesion among marginalized communities of Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, and Egypt"
<h2>BJP responds</h2>
The Bharatiya Janata Party labelled the now-cancelled $21 million funding for "voter turnout in India" as "external interference" in India's electoral process.&nbsp;
BJP leader Amit Malviya criticised the initial funding allocation and alleged "systematic infiltration" of Indian institutions by foreign forces.
"$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!" his post on X read.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7ctbxnd-cv77ysmc-sbze7m8c">
Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process. In 2012, under the leadership of S.Y. Quraishi, the Election Commission signed an MoU with The International Foundation for Electoral&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/PO13Iyroee">https://t.co/PO13Iyroee</a> <a href="https://t.co/gdgAQoDbPh">pic.twitter.com/gdgAQoDbPh</a>
&mdash; Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1890989529781215669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
He also criticised billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros, specifically targeting his alleged network of global influence through the Open Society Foundations.&nbsp;
"Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process," Malviya claimed.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15).

US President Donald Trump has once again denounced the Biden administration's decision to allocate $21 million to India to boost "voter turnout", questioning the necessity of such funding. He also quipped if his predecessor was "trying to get somebody else elected". "Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government... This is a total breakthrough," he said at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Wednesday (Feb 19). President Trump reads some examples of the massive fraud, waste and abuse his administration has CUT from the federal government. PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT. pic.twitter.com/br9a1AKihY — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 19, 2025 His remarks come a day after Trump defended the decision by the Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cancel the $21 million funding. Trump questioned the use of US taxpayers' money for this initiative, sparking a debate about foreign interference in India's electoral process. "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?" Trump said at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India… pic.twitter.com/W26OEGEejT — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025 Also read: Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...' Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India' Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15). The official DOGE handle on X announced the cancellation of various US taxpayer-funded expenditures, including the notable $21 million allocation for "voter turnout in India". "US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," the Musk-led department announced. US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening… — Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025 The cancelled funding was part of a larger list of expenditures scrapped by DOGE, which also includes: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening independent voices in Cambodia" - $32M to the Prague Civil Society Centre - $40M for "gender equality and women empowerment hub" - $14M for "improving public procurement" in Serbia - $486M to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22M for "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India - $29M to "strenghening political landscape in Bangladesh" - $20M for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal - $19M for "biodiversity conversation" in Nepal - $1.5M for "voter confidence" in Liberia - $14M for "social cohesion" in Mali - $2.5M for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa" - $47M for "improving learning outcomes in Asia" - $2M to develop "sustainable recycling models" to "increase socio-economic cohesion among marginalized communities of Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, and Egypt" BJP responds The Bharatiya Janata Party labelled the now-cancelled $21 million funding for "voter turnout in India" as "external interference" in India's electoral process. BJP leader Amit Malviya criticised the initial funding allocation and alleged "systematic infiltration" of Indian institutions by foreign forces. "$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!" his post on X read. Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process. In 2012, under the leadership of S.Y. Quraishi, the Election Commission signed an MoU with The International Foundation for Electoral… https://t.co/PO13Iyroee pic.twitter.com/gdgAQoDbPh — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 16, 2025 He also criticised billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros, specifically targeting his alleged network of global influence through the Open Society Foundations. "Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process," Malviya claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump alludes to USAID interference in India's elections: 'They were trying to get somebody else elected'

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