The United States quietly delivered hundreds of Hellfire missiles to Israel just days before Tel Aviv launched an unprecedented aerial assault on Iran, according to UK-based media outlet Middle East Eye.&nbsp;Roughly 300 Hellfire were shipped on Tuesday—just three days prior to the large-scale Israeli strike—at a time when the Trump administration was publicly signaling openness to continued nuclear negotiations with Tehran.&nbsp;Two US officials, speaking to MEE on condition of anonymity, said the scale and timing of the missile transfer suggest Washington was fully aware of Israel’s intent to target the Islamic Republic. The shipment, which has not been previously reported, was part of a broader arms resupply effort.&nbsp;The same officials confirmed that the US military helped intercept Iranian missiles launched in retaliation toward Israel during the Friday assault, corroborating earlier reporting by Reuters.&nbsp;Hellfire missiles, which are laser-guided and used for precision air-to-ground targeting, would not be suited for penetrating Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. However, they are ideal for high-value tactical targets. Israeli military sources said Friday’s strike, which involved over 100 aircraft, focused on senior leadership, nuclear scientists, and command infrastructure.&nbsp;“There is a time and place for Hellfires. They were useful to Israel,” one senior US defense official was quoted saying to MEE.<h3>What are hellfire missiles?</h3>The AGM-114 Hellfire is a widely used short-range, subsonic, air-to-ground missile system renowned for its precision and versatility. Originally developed by the United States in 1972 to counter Soviet armored formations, the missile has since evolved into a key component of modern warfare for both the US military and over 30 allied nations.&nbsp;Design and capabilities &nbsp;Initially designed for helicopter-based anti-tank roles, the Hellfire has proven effective against a broad range of targets, including armored vehicles, bunkers, radar installations, communication systems, and even low-flying or hovering helicopters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its laser-guided targeting system allows for pinpoint strikes, making it particularly effective in complex combat environments. The missile is a favored weapon for several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the MQ-1B Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, and MQ-1C Grey Eagle, further cementing its role in modern counterinsurgency and tactical operations.&nbsp;SpecificationsLength: 1.62 metersDiameter: 17.7 centimetersWingspan: 0.71 metersWeight: 45.4 kg to 49 kg (including an 8–9 kg warhead)Propulsion: Single-stage, solid-propellant rocket motorTop Speed: Up to 950 mphEffective Range: 7–11 kilometers<h3>The Hellfire Romeo (AGM-114R)</h3>The most advanced variant in the Hellfire II family is the AGM-114R, also known as the "Hellfire Romeo." This multipurpose missile consolidates the capabilities of earlier versions into a single, highly flexible system.&nbsp;&nbsp;It features a semi-active laser guidance system and a blast fragmentation sleeve warhead, allowing it to effectively engage a diverse range of targets that once required multiple missile types. The Hellfire Romeo can be launched from a variety of platforms, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, UAVs, ground vehicles, and naval vessels—enhancing its operational reach across land, air, and sea.

Behind the curtain: How the US armed Israel ahead of Operation Rising Lion

The United States quietly delivered hundreds of Hellfire missiles to Israel just days before Tel Aviv launched an unprecedented aerial assault on Iran, according to UK-based media outlet Middle East Eye. Roughly 300 Hellfire were shipped on Tuesday—just three days prior to the large-scale Israeli strike—at a time when the Trump administration was publicly signaling openness to continued nuclear negotiations with Tehran. Two US officials, speaking to MEE on condition of anonymity, said the scale and timing of the missile transfer suggest Washington was fully aware of Israel’s intent to target the Islamic Republic. The shipment, which has not been previously reported, was part of a broader arms resupply effort. The same officials confirmed that the US military helped intercept Iranian missiles launched in retaliation toward Israel during the Friday assault, corroborating earlier reporting by Reuters. Hellfire missiles, which are laser-guided and used for precision air-to-ground targeting, would not be suited for penetrating Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. However, they are ideal for high-value tactical targets. Israeli military sources said Friday’s strike, which involved over 100 aircraft, focused on senior leadership, nuclear scientists, and command infrastructure. “There is a time and place for Hellfires. They were useful to Israel,” one senior US defense official was quoted saying to MEE. What are hellfire missiles? The AGM-114 Hellfire is a widely used short-range, subsonic, air-to-ground missile system renowned for its precision and versatility. Originally developed by the United States in 1972 to counter Soviet armored formations, the missile has since evolved into a key component of modern warfare for both the US military and over 30 allied nations. Design and capabilities Initially designed for helicopter-based anti-tank roles, the Hellfire has proven effective against a broad range of targets, including armored vehicles, bunkers, radar installations, communication systems, and even low-flying or hovering helicopters. Its laser-guided targeting system allows for pinpoint strikes, making it particularly effective in complex combat environments. The missile is a favored weapon for several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the MQ-1B Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, and MQ-1C Grey Eagle, further cementing its role in modern counterinsurgency and tactical operations. Specifications Length: 1.62 meters Diameter: 17.7 centimeters Wingspan: 0.71 meters Weight: 45.4 kg to 49 kg (including an 8–9 kg warhead) Propulsion: Single-stage, solid-propellant rocket motor Top Speed: Up to 950 mph Effective Range: 7–11 kilometers The Hellfire Romeo (AGM-114R) The most advanced variant in the Hellfire II family is the AGM-114R, also known as the "Hellfire Romeo." This multipurpose missile consolidates the capabilities of earlier versions into a single, highly flexible system. It features a semi-active laser guidance system and a blast fragmentation sleeve warhead, allowing it to effectively engage a diverse range of targets that once required multiple missile types. The Hellfire Romeo can be launched from a variety of platforms, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, UAVs, ground vehicles, and naval vessels—enhancing its operational reach across land, air, and sea.

According to reports, Roughly 300 Hellfire were shipped on Tuesday, just three days prior to the large-scale Israeli strike

Behind the curtain: How the US armed Israel ahead of Operation Rising Lion, reveal reports

During a tense House Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday (June 12), United States Representative Salud Carbajal harshly criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, calling him an "embarrassment" to the country and demanding his resignation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The confrontation escalated after Hegseth dismissed Carbajal’s inquiry about political allegiance as a "silly question." Carbajal, visibly frustrated, remarked that "kindergartners can give me a yes or no" before questioning whether loyalty to former President Donald Trump was a requirement for military service.&nbsp;&nbsp;When Hegseth again called the question "silly," Carbajal ended the exchange, stating, "You're not worthy of my attention or my questions. You're an embarrassment to this country. You're unfit to lead," and urged him to step down so someone competent could take over.&nbsp;"You're an embarrassment to this country," Carbajal replied. "There's been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation. You should just get the hell out and let somebody competently lead this department." &nbsp;The congressman was grilling Hegseth on a variety of issues, including Marines' deployment to Los Angeles, the Signal chat leak and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Carbajal, who has served in the Marine Corps Reserve, said during the committee hearing he has "serious concern" regarding the deployment to LA and called it a “political theater.”&nbsp;This is not the first time Carbajal has called for Hegseth’s resignation. Rep. Pat Ryan also joined the call for resignation, saying on the record that Hegseth’s leadership has been "shameful and weak." &nbsp;

United States Representative Salud Carbajal told Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to "get the hell out" of the Department of Defense in an explosive exchange

During a tense House Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday (June 12), United States Representative Salud Carbajal harshly criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, calling him an "embarrassment" to the country and demanding his resignation. The confrontation escalated after Hegseth dismissed Carbajal’s inquiry about political allegiance as a "silly question." Carbajal, visibly frustrated, remarked that "kindergartners can give me a yes or no" before questioning whether loyalty to former President Donald Trump was a requirement for military service. When Hegseth again called the question "silly," Carbajal ended the exchange, stating, "You're not worthy of my attention or my questions. You're an embarrassment to this country. You're unfit to lead," and urged him to step down so someone competent could take over. "You're an embarrassment to this country," Carbajal replied. "There's been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation. You should just get the hell out and let somebody competently lead this department." The congressman was grilling Hegseth on a variety of issues, including Marines' deployment to Los Angeles, the Signal chat leak and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Carbajal, who has served in the Marine Corps Reserve, said during the committee hearing he has "serious concern" regarding the deployment to LA and called it a “political theater.” This is not the first time Carbajal has called for Hegseth’s resignation. Rep. Pat Ryan also joined the call for resignation, saying on the record that Hegseth’s leadership has been "shameful and weak."

United States Representative Salud Carbajal told Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to "get the hell out" of the Department of Defense in an explosive exchange

'Get the hell out': US Congressman slams Pete Hegseth in tense hearing, calls him 'embarrassment to the country'

Tensions rise in the Middle East as a war is impending between Iran and Israel. The Jewish state is preparing for an attack on the nuclear facilities in Iran, a move Tehran warns will compel it to retaliate. The Trump administration has already initiated its evacuation for non-essential diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad and is offering voluntary departure for military families stationed in Gulf nations like Bahrain and Kuwait., According to reports from the Washington Post, there is an increasing fear that the talks between Washington and Tehran involving Iran's nuclear program are likely to fall apart. “They are being moved out, because it could be a dangerous place… Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, very simple,” said President Trump.&nbsp;<h2>Nuclear talks on the brink of collapse</h2>The sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, in Muscat of Oman. However, both sides have lost confidence in the diplomatic talks. As reported by CBS, Israel has repeatedly vowed to attack nuclear sites in Iran. It has created an atmosphere of war. When both sides are preparing for war, there is little room left for diplomacy.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The E3 have had SEVEN YEARS to implement their JCPOA commitments. They have utterly failed, either by design or ineptitude. Instead of displaying remorse or a desire to facilitate diplomacy, the E3 is today promoting confrontation through the absurd demand that Iran must be…&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/1932831248180777215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Moreover, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, has blamed the E3 countries for their failure to uphold the commitment of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). Tehran argues that Europe couldn't keep its promises of shielding Iran from economic sanctions from the US, as it promised in 2015. Notably, the US under the Obama administration had agreed to a deal with Iran to halt its uranium enrichment, but in 2018 Trump administration walked out of that deal. Iran argues that it allows Iran the scope to pursue its enrichment plans. Iran now claims that it has lost faith in the US and the European Union, which is using diplomacy as a delaying tactic as Israel prepares for an attack. Iran has repeatedly demanded guarantees that no future U.S. president could unilaterally leave the deal again, a promise Washington cannot legally make.Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to cap uranium enrichment at 3.67 per cent, well below the level required for weaponisation and agreed to reduce its stockpile and dismantle key centrifuges. In return US would lift sanctions on oil exports, banking and international trade. But in 2018, since Trump walked out of the deal, calling it the "worst deal ever", imposing sweeping sanctions, Iran increased its enrichment to 20-60 per cent and reduced access to the IAEA inspections.&nbsp;"The E3 have had SEVEN YEARS to implement their JCPOA commitments. They have utterly failed, either by design or ineptitude,” said Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran.Iran warns it will strike back. Defence Minister of Iran Aziz Nasirzadeh warned: “Any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities will result in a direct, forceful response—U.S. bases and allied positions will be targeted.”For over two decades, Israel had been hell bent on stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear power. It had taken multiple overt and covert operations to achieve the objective, including intelligence, sabotage, targeted assassinations, cyberwarfare, and international lobbying. Even though these actions have seemed to make Iran's enrichment process costlier, slower and more politically volatile, all have failed in the end.&nbsp;Now Western officials fear that Iran is just weeks away from acquiring weapon-grade Uranium enrichment at 90 per cent, which shifts the balance of power in the region and makes Israel extremely insecure, as it was the only nation to hold nuclear weapons in the Middle East.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tensions soar as Israel prepares to strike Iran's nuclear sites, risking war. U.S. evacuates personnel amid collapsing nuclear talks in Oman.

Tensions rise in the Middle East as a war is impending between Iran and Israel. The Jewish state is preparing for an attack on the nuclear facilities in Iran, a move Tehran warns will compel it to retaliate. The Trump administration has already initiated its evacuation for non-essential diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad and is offering voluntary departure for military families stationed in Gulf nations like Bahrain and Kuwait., According to reports from the Washington Post, there is an increasing fear that the talks between Washington and Tehran involving Iran's nuclear program are likely to fall apart. “They are being moved out, because it could be a dangerous place… Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, very simple,” said President Trump. Nuclear talks on the brink of collapse The sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, in Muscat of Oman. However, both sides have lost confidence in the diplomatic talks. As reported by CBS, Israel has repeatedly vowed to attack nuclear sites in Iran. It has created an atmosphere of war. When both sides are preparing for war, there is little room left for diplomacy.

Tensions soar as Israel prepares to strike Iran's nuclear sites, risking war. U.S. evacuates personnel amid collapsing nuclear talks in Oman.

Tensions escalate in Middle East as war between Israel and Iran appears imminent

US President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-origin Paul Kapur for the role of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. If confirmed, Kapur will hold a diplomatic position where he will oversee America’s intersections with India and its neighbours—Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.&nbsp;Kapur is known for his extensive research on South Asian security and nuclear policy.&nbsp;During his hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 10, Kapur stressed his interest in pursuing security and strategic partnership with India that aligns with the best interests of America.He said he would “pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to the US interest, seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment”.&nbsp;Paul Kapur, born in Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, said at the Senate hearing that he visited India often as a child, became interested in studying it in graduate school, and further worked on the region as a scholar and government official.&nbsp;“If confirmed, I will work to further advance US-India relations and put our partnership on course to realise its tremendous promise,” he added.“We will promote long-standing security interests with India, Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and fight against terrorism,” Kapur said.&nbsp;Kapur said India and the US share common goals like an open Indo-Pacific free from Chinese dominance, and stressed the need to boost trade, enhance technology sharing, and improve energy access between the two democracies.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Who is Paul Kapur?</h2>&nbsp;Trump’s February 2025 nomination of Kapur for Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs marks a significant development in US foreign policy. If confirmed, Kapur, a security expert, would assume the position from Donald Lu, whose tenure concluded on January 17, 2025.&nbsp;Kapur, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the US Naval Postgraduate School, is widely recognised for his scholarly contributions to South Asian security and nuclear policy.&nbsp;Kapur, author of several impactful works, like ‘Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State’ and ‘Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia’, holds a BA from Amherst College and a PhD from the University of Chicago.

Paul Kapur, born in Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, said at the Senate hearing that he visited India often as a child, became interested in studying it in graduate school, and further worked on the region as a scholar and government official.

US President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-origin Paul Kapur for the role of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. If confirmed, Kapur will hold a diplomatic position where he will oversee America’s intersections with India and its neighbours—Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Kapur is known for his extensive research on South Asian security and nuclear policy. During his hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 10, Kapur stressed his interest in pursuing security and strategic partnership with India that aligns with the best interests of America. He said he would “pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to the US interest, seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment”. Paul Kapur, born in Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, said at the Senate hearing that he visited India often as a child, became interested in studying it in graduate school, and further worked on the region as a scholar and government official. “If confirmed, I will work to further advance US-India relations and put our partnership on course to realise its tremendous promise,” he added. “We will promote long-standing security interests with India, Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and fight against terrorism,” Kapur said. Kapur said India and the US share common goals like an open Indo-Pacific free from Chinese dominance, and stressed the need to boost trade, enhance technology sharing, and improve energy access between the two democracies. Who is Paul Kapur? Trump’s February 2025 nomination of Kapur for Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs marks a significant development in US foreign policy. If confirmed, Kapur, a security expert, would assume the position from Donald Lu, whose tenure concluded on January 17, 2025. Kapur, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the US Naval Postgraduate School, is widely recognised for his scholarly contributions to South Asian security and nuclear policy. Kapur, author of several impactful works, like ‘Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State’ and ‘Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia’, holds a BA from Amherst College and a PhD from the University of Chicago.

Paul Kapur, born in Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, said at the Senate hearing that he visited India often as a child, became interested in studying it in graduate school, and further worked on the region as a scholar and government official.

Who is Paul Kapur? Indian-origin diplomat picked by Trump to handle South Asia affairs

Indian-origin Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is competing to become New York's next mayor. He is vying to beat ex-governor Andrew Cuomo and is inching towards a win, as per the latest polling data. His innovative political campaign might have something to do with Mamdani's progress in the polls. The Indian-American is playing on his heritage to attract voters, using Bollywood-style promotional ads in Hindi, complete with songs. Mamdani is Indian filmmaker Mira Nair's son and has used the filmmaking facility to his advantage.&nbsp;He starts the video by telling people that the choice is between him and Andrew Cuomo. "If you are only now learning about the election, then this is what Andrew Cuomo is offering," he says.The video cuts to a shot of the epic scene from the movie Deewar where Amitabh Bachchan asks Shashi Kapoor, "Mere paas building hain, property hain, bangla hain, gaadi hain, bank balance hai, kya hai tumhare paas?" (I have buildings, properties, bungalows, cars, bank balance. What do you have?).&nbsp;<h2>Mamdani poses in classic Shah Rukh Khan style</h2>&nbsp;Cut to Mamdani standing on the street in Shah Rukh Khan's popular pose of open arms, as he says, "You," as the theme music of the song Om Shanti Om plays in the background.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-to-deploy-national-guard-to-maintain-order-after-protests-governor-greg-abbott-1749621774191">Texas to deploy National Guard to 'maintain order' after protests: Governor Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;He then tells in the video in Hindi that they have “raised $8 million because of the people, knocked on six lakh doors and are now this close to choosing the city's first South Asian mayor.” &nbsp;

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Mamdani then hits the nail on the head, saying that it is now about "what he'll become", but about "what he'll do" for every New Yorker.&nbsp;<h2>Will make "roti, kapda aur makaan" affordable, says Mamdani</h2>&nbsp;He lists the problems New Yorkers are facing, saying they are barely able to afford "roti, kapda aur makaan" (food, clothes and house), another famous Bollywood film.&nbsp;"I am fighting to change all this," he says, "through rent freeze, free buses, universal childcare and cheap groceries."&nbsp;<h2>Mamdani channels Rishi Kapoor from Karz</h2>&nbsp;"But I want to ask you one question? He says, before breaking into another famous Bollywood song from the movie Karz. "Hey, tumne kabhi kisi ko vote kiya?" (Have you ever voted for someone?), as a group of Indians reply, "Yes."&nbsp;Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kabhi kisi ko rank kiya? (Ever ranked someone?), to which the people go, "What?"&nbsp;Then, Mamdani goes on to explain the rank-choice voting system used in New York, by using five tumblers of lassi (Indian milkshake made with curd), pouring the contents from one to another to explain how a candidate gains a majority. He basically tried to simplify things for the people who are not fully familiar with the process.&nbsp;He asks people to rank him, Zohran Mamdani, as their first choice on the ballot to help him win. He also lists the other three candidates they can choose, and strictly requests them not to vote for Andrew Cuomo because "his campaign is being run using funds from Trump's donors", and a win will "give them control over New York along with DC."&nbsp;He ends the video with another Hindi film song.&nbsp;According to the latest data for the Progress Survey of likely Democratic primary voters. Mamdani is only seven points behind Cuomo in the first round of New York City's ranked-choice voting system.

New York Mayor race: Zohran Mamdani, Indian filmmaker Mira Nairs son, is campaigning Bollywood style in Hindi, complete with famous songs of Shah Rukh Khan and Rishi Kapoor, and an iconic dialogue of Amitabh Bachchan.

Indian-origin Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is competing to become New York's next mayor. He is vying to beat ex-governor Andrew Cuomo and is inching towards a win, as per the latest polling data. His innovative political campaign might have something to do with Mamdani's progress in the polls. The Indian-American is playing on his heritage to attract voters, using Bollywood-style promotional ads in Hindi, complete with songs. Mamdani is Indian filmmaker Mira Nair's son and has used the filmmaking facility to his advantage. He starts the video by telling people that the choice is between him and Andrew Cuomo. "If you are only now learning about the election, then this is what Andrew Cuomo is offering," he says. The video cuts to a shot of the epic scene from the movie Deewar where Amitabh Bachchan asks Shashi Kapoor, "Mere paas building hain, property hain, bangla hain, gaadi hain, bank balance hai, kya hai tumhare paas?" (I have buildings, properties, bungalows, cars, bank balance. What do you have?). Mamdani poses in classic Shah Rukh Khan style Cut to Mamdani standing on the street in Shah Rukh Khan's popular pose of open arms, as he says, "You," as the theme music of the song Om Shanti Om plays in the background. Also Read: Texas to deploy National Guard to 'maintain order' after protests: Governor Greg Abbott He then tells in the video in Hindi that they have “raised $8 million because of the people, knocked on six lakh doors and are now this close to choosing the city's first South Asian mayor.”

New York Mayor race: Zohran Mamdani, Indian filmmaker Mira Nair's son, is campaigning Bollywood style in Hindi, complete with famous songs of Shah Rukh Khan and Rishi Kapoor, and an iconic dialogue of Amitabh Bachchan.

Zohran Mamdani channels Shah Rukh Khan, Rishi Kapoor for New York mayor campaign. Watch

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping immigration crackdown, ordering mass deportations and implementing fresh legal and financial restrictions on undocumented immigrants. The White House has reinstated a controversial travel ban impacting 12 countries, restricted in-state tuition for undocumented students in Texas, and begun dismantling humanitarian parole programs that protected over 500,000 immigrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua.US President Donald Trump has argued these moves are essential to restoring law and order and securing the southern border. However, critics, including judges, lawmakers, and civil rights groups, have raised serious concerns about the legality and humanity of the tactics, particularly the erosion of due process rights in rapid deportation proceedings.<h2>Immigrants pay more than billionaires</h2>Amid this policy blitz, a recent report from Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF) is turning heads in Washington. Contrary to political rhetoric portraying undocumented immigrants as a drain on the US economy, the report finds that they pay significantly more in taxes than many of the nation's wealthiest individuals and largest corporations.In 2022 alone, undocumented immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in taxes—$51.8 billion in federal taxes and $37.3 billion in state and local taxes. Their average state and local tax rate of 10.1 per cent is higher than the 7.2 per cent paid by the top 1 per cent of earners in most states.At the federal level, their effective tax rate of 5.27 per cent surpassed that of five billionaires profiled by ProPublica and dozens of Fortune 500 companies.In sharp contrast, 55 of the nation’s largest corporations paid just $3.7 billion in total federal taxes on over $200 billion in profits.<h2>Public support used and misused</h2>The ATF report also dismantles the notion that undocumented workers are an undue burden on public resources. In 2018, they received just $2.6 billion in emergency Medicaid—only 0.4 per cent of the program’s total costs. By law, undocumented immigrants are barred from Medicaid except in life-threatening emergencies.Meanwhile, corporations like Walmart and Amazon are offloading labour costs onto taxpayers. Just 17 major corporations had more than 40,000 workers on Medicaid and nearly 60,000 on food stamps (SNAP), a result of paying wages too low to support basic living costs.<h2>Corporate welfare vs human labour</h2>Perhaps most strikingly, the report notes that Elon Musk’s companies alone have received $13 billion in federal subsidies, which is five times what undocumented immigrants received in emergency aid. And yet, undocumented immigrants are over-represented in essential industries like agriculture, construction, elder care, and healthcare.“This report confirms what we already knew,” said David Kass, Executive Director of Americans for Tax Fairness. “Trump and his billionaire backers want Americans to blame immigrants for a broken economy—when it’s billionaires and mega-corporations who are rigging the system and getting the handouts.”As the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a new set of numbers demands attention. Far from being a burden, undocumented workers are a vital part of the US economy, paying more in taxes than the ultra-wealthy and receiving far fewer public benefits in return.

Undocumented workers pay more in taxes than billionaires and major corporations, a report by ATF claims.

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping immigration crackdown, ordering mass deportations and implementing fresh legal and financial restrictions on undocumented immigrants. The White House has reinstated a controversial travel ban impacting 12 countries, restricted in-state tuition for undocumented students in Texas, and begun dismantling humanitarian parole programs that protected over 500,000 immigrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. US President Donald Trump has argued these moves are essential to restoring law and order and securing the southern border. However, critics, including judges, lawmakers, and civil rights groups, have raised serious concerns about the legality and humanity of the tactics, particularly the erosion of due process rights in rapid deportation proceedings. Immigrants pay more than billionaires Amid this policy blitz, a recent report from Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF) is turning heads in Washington. Contrary to political rhetoric portraying undocumented immigrants as a drain on the US economy, the report finds that they pay significantly more in taxes than many of the nation's wealthiest individuals and largest corporations. In 2022 alone, undocumented immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in taxes—$51.8 billion in federal taxes and $37.3 billion in state and local taxes. Their average state and local tax rate of 10.1 per cent is higher than the 7.2 per cent paid by the top 1 per cent of earners in most states. At the federal level, their effective tax rate of 5.27 per cent surpassed that of five billionaires profiled by ProPublica and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. In sharp contrast, 55 of the nation’s largest corporations paid just $3.7 billion in total federal taxes on over $200 billion in profits. Public support used and misused The ATF report also dismantles the notion that undocumented workers are an undue burden on public resources. In 2018, they received just $2.6 billion in emergency Medicaid—only 0.4 per cent of the program’s total costs. By law, undocumented immigrants are barred from Medicaid except in life-threatening emergencies. Meanwhile, corporations like Walmart and Amazon are offloading labour costs onto taxpayers. Just 17 major corporations had more than 40,000 workers on Medicaid and nearly 60,000 on food stamps (SNAP), a result of paying wages too low to support basic living costs. Corporate welfare vs human labour Perhaps most strikingly, the report notes that Elon Musk’s companies alone have received $13 billion in federal subsidies, which is five times what undocumented immigrants received in emergency aid. And yet, undocumented immigrants are over-represented in essential industries like agriculture, construction, elder care, and healthcare. “This report confirms what we already knew,” said David Kass, Executive Director of Americans for Tax Fairness. “Trump and his billionaire backers want Americans to blame immigrants for a broken economy—when it’s billionaires and mega-corporations who are rigging the system and getting the handouts.” As the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a new set of numbers demands attention. Far from being a burden, undocumented workers are a vital part of the US economy, paying more in taxes than the ultra-wealthy and receiving far fewer public benefits in return.

Undocumented workers pay more in taxes than billionaires and major corporations, a report by ATF claims.

The true cost of Trump’s immigration crackdown: Who really pays?

President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ with sweeping tax and spending cuts would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, says an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.The CBO also found that the legislation would also increase the number of people without health insurance by 10.9 million by 2034 due to historic spending cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.&nbsp;The sweeping Republican bill for President Trump’s domestic agenda would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, it said.The estimate factors in all last-minute revisions GOP leaders made to placate holdouts before the House passed the legislation last month. The changes include a higher state and local tax (SALT) deduction. &nbsp;Overall, CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation found that over a 10-year period, the bill would decrease revenues by $3.7 trillion, while cutting net spending by $1.3 trillion, leading to a $2.4 trillion shortfall.The CBO estimates contradict the claims by the White House and GOP leaders that the bill won’t worsen the national debt.&nbsp;The CBO figures endorse the criticism of the bill by Trump’s billionaire former adviser Elon Musk, who denounced the bill as a “disgusting abomination”.&nbsp;In a post on X, Musk said, “I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”In a later X post, he added, “Interest payments already consume 25% of all government revenue. If the massive deficit spending continues, there will only be money for interest payments and nothing else! No social security, no medical, no defense … nothing.”The legislation is now in the hands of the Senate, where top Republicans want to pass a revised version by July 4.&nbsp;The CBO analysis also adds fuel to Democrats’ and budget watchdogs’ claims that the package would worsen the nation’s fiscal outlook while providing big tax cuts for the wealthy. &nbsp;“It’s shocking House Republicans rushed to vote on this bill without an accounting from CBO on the millions of people who will lose their health care or the trillions of dollars it would add to the national debt,” Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said in a statement.“The truth is Republican leaders raced to pass this bill under cover of night because they didn’t want the American people or even their own members to know about its catastrophic consequences.”

Overall, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation found that over a 10-year period, the bill would decrease revenues by $3.7 trillion, while cutting net spending by $1.3 trillion, leading to a $2.4 trillion shortfall.

President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ with sweeping tax and spending cuts would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, says an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The CBO also found that the legislation would also increase the number of people without health insurance by 10.9 million by 2034 due to historic spending cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The sweeping Republican bill for President Trump’s domestic agenda would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, it said. The estimate factors in all last-minute revisions GOP leaders made to placate holdouts before the House passed the legislation last month. The changes include a higher state and local tax (SALT) deduction. Overall, CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation found that over a 10-year period, the bill would decrease revenues by $3.7 trillion, while cutting net spending by $1.3 trillion, leading to a $2.4 trillion shortfall. The CBO estimates contradict the claims by the White House and GOP leaders that the bill won’t worsen the national debt. The CBO figures endorse the criticism of the bill by Trump’s billionaire former adviser Elon Musk, who denounced the bill as a “disgusting abomination”. In a post on X, Musk said, “I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.” In a later X post, he added, “Interest payments already consume 25% of all government revenue. If the massive deficit spending continues, there will only be money for interest payments and nothing else! No social security, no medical, no defense … nothing.” The legislation is now in the hands of the Senate, where top Republicans want to pass a revised version by July 4. The CBO analysis also adds fuel to Democrats’ and budget watchdogs’ claims that the package would worsen the nation’s fiscal outlook while providing big tax cuts for the wealthy. “It’s shocking House Republicans rushed to vote on this bill without an accounting from CBO on the millions of people who will lose their health care or the trillions of dollars it would add to the national debt,” Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said in a statement. “The truth is Republican leaders raced to pass this bill under cover of night because they didn’t want the American people or even their own members to know about its catastrophic consequences.”

Overall, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation found that over a 10-year period, the bill would decrease revenues by $3.7 trillion, while cutting net spending by $1.3 trillion, leading to a $2.4 trillion shortfall.

Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ would increase deficit by $2.4 trillion, says CBO

A disabled woman got stuck in a hotel for six weeks after its elevator broke down. She was living on the fourth floor of a WoodSpring Suites in Chesapeake, Virginia, Wavy reported. However, on April 17, the elevator in the building stopped working. There was no backup and no other facility she could use to leave the building. Her ordeal stretched for 42 days before she could finally step outside.&nbsp;Joy Patton uses a motorised wheelchair to move around. She had been putting up at the extended-stay hotel while waiting for a more permanent residence which was accessible to her.&nbsp;However, disaster struck when the elevator broke down. The management had a look and promised they would fix it soon. But nothing happened for weeks, forcing Patton to remain in her fourth-floor room. She missed her doctor's appointments and could not buy food or any other groceries. She was essentially held captive in the hotel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/brain-eating-amoeba-kills-texas-woman-tap-water-to-clean-sinuses-how-to-avoid-brain-infection-1749031013931">Woman dies after contracting rare brain infection through tap water. How to avoid Naegleria fowleri?</a>&nbsp;Patton told local media outlet Wavy that she suffers from "depression, anxiety, PTSD" and has "zero cartilage in either hip."&nbsp;"I have arthritis in my knees and my ankles that are degenerative. Just a disease in my spine in Stage 3, and going on Stage 4 for congestive heart failure."&nbsp;“Right now, if I could get away with strangling somebody right now, I would do it,” Joy Patton said.&nbsp;Her husband, Matt Patton, says he walked up and down the stairs four to five times a day to run errands after an “out of service” sign appeared on the elevator on the first floor on April 10.&nbsp;<h2>Hotel staff did not offer any help, Pattons claim</h2>&nbsp;The Pattons say the hotel did not offer any help. Meanwhile, Jim Darter, president and CEO of Sandpiper Hospitality, told the outlet that, according to the local team, the couple refused to relocate to a lower floor. "We would be more than happy to re-accommodate Ms. Patton to another floor of the hotel if that would be her preference," he said.&nbsp;However, Joy and Matt claim they were never offered a first-floor room. "We asked about a first floor for us, and they said nothing is available. We were offered nothing by the local management," she said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The elevator was finally fixed on May 29, after 42 days, and the woman was finally able to step outside following the weeks-long ordeal.

A disabled woman in Virginia got stuck on the fourth floor of a hotel for 42 days after the elevator broke down. She claims the hotel did nothing to help her.

A disabled woman got stuck in a hotel for six weeks after its elevator broke down. She was living on the fourth floor of a WoodSpring Suites in Chesapeake, Virginia, Wavy reported. However, on April 17, the elevator in the building stopped working. There was no backup and no other facility she could use to leave the building. Her ordeal stretched for 42 days before she could finally step outside. Joy Patton uses a motorised wheelchair to move around. She had been putting up at the extended-stay hotel while waiting for a more permanent residence which was accessible to her. However, disaster struck when the elevator broke down. The management had a look and promised they would fix it soon. But nothing happened for weeks, forcing Patton to remain in her fourth-floor room. She missed her doctor's appointments and could not buy food or any other groceries. She was essentially held captive in the hotel. Also Read: Woman dies after contracting rare brain infection through tap water. How to avoid Naegleria fowleri? Patton told local media outlet Wavy that she suffers from "depression, anxiety, PTSD" and has "zero cartilage in either hip." "I have arthritis in my knees and my ankles that are degenerative. Just a disease in my spine in Stage 3, and going on Stage 4 for congestive heart failure." “Right now, if I could get away with strangling somebody right now, I would do it,” Joy Patton said. Her husband, Matt Patton, says he walked up and down the stairs four to five times a day to run errands after an “out of service” sign appeared on the elevator on the first floor on April 10. Hotel staff did not offer any help, Pattons claim The Pattons say the hotel did not offer any help. Meanwhile, Jim Darter, president and CEO of Sandpiper Hospitality, told the outlet that, according to the local team, the couple refused to relocate to a lower floor. "We would be more than happy to re-accommodate Ms. Patton to another floor of the hotel if that would be her preference," he said. However, Joy and Matt claim they were never offered a first-floor room. "We asked about a first floor for us, and they said nothing is available. We were offered nothing by the local management," she said. The elevator was finally fixed on May 29, after 42 days, and the woman was finally able to step outside following the weeks-long ordeal.

A disabled woman in Virginia got stuck on the fourth floor of a hotel for 42 days after the elevator broke down. She claims the hotel did nothing to help her.

'If I could strangle...': Disabled woman got stuck on 4th floor of hotel for 42 days after elevator broke down

A Virginia hunter was sentenced to only one day in prison after he poisoned and killed over 20 young hawks and bald eagles. He wanted to kill the ducks in the area, according to authorities. But the predatory birds were instead attacking the ducks. So he decided to kill them all.&nbsp;Despite the massacre, William Custis Smith escaped with a light punishment - a day in prison and a $9,800 fine. He said in his statement that the red-shouldered hawks and bald eagles were "encroaching" on his duck hunting impoundment, as per court documents.&nbsp;“He’s a big duck hunter, and he was in the process of trying to really get it going," Virginia Conservation Police Master Officer Brian Bratton said of Smith in a statement, saying several ducks were entering his compound.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/brain-eating-amoeba-kills-texas-woman-tap-water-to-clean-sinuses-how-to-avoid-brain-infection-1749031013931">Woman dies after contracting rare brain infection through tap water. How to avoid Naegleria fowleri?</a>&nbsp;He wanted to kill the ducks, but instead, the hawks and eagles were attacking them. Bratton added, “He was killing the hawks and eagles because they were killing all the ducks.”&nbsp;<h2>He poisoned the birds using banned insecticide</h2>&nbsp;The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said that Smith used rotting fish heads to poison the birds by adding the insecticide carbofuran to them. He also set up pole traps which snap a bird's legs.&nbsp;The police received an anonymous tip and raided his premises. Right then, they found a "fresh carcass of a juvenile bald eagle" which was taken as evidence. They also installed a "plot watcher camera" near the illegal pole trap and saw several birds getting caught and killed. One of the birds struggled for seven hours, and Smith killed it with a pole, according to court documents.&nbsp;The insecticide carbofuran was found in the bald eagle on which a necropsy was conducted. Notably, it was banned in 2008 because it was found to be extremely toxic for humans.&nbsp;Bratton said that the insecticide works extremely fast, and any animal or bird poisoned with it "dies with whatever they’re eating still in their claws."&nbsp;Smith has admitted to poisoning the birds and handed the leftover poison to officials. Violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act can lead to a fine of $100,000 and jail for up to one year, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.&nbsp;According to VDWR, Smith was offered a plea deal. He has been ordered to pay $9,800 in restitution, serve 24 months’ probation, 50 hours of community service, and spend one day in jail. &nbsp;

A hunter in Virginia killed over red-shouldered hawks and bald eagles because they were attacking the ducks, which he wanted to kill. He will spend only a day in jail for the offence.

A Virginia hunter was sentenced to only one day in prison after he poisoned and killed over 20 young hawks and bald eagles. He wanted to kill the ducks in the area, according to authorities. But the predatory birds were instead attacking the ducks. So he decided to kill them all. Despite the massacre, William Custis Smith escaped with a light punishment - a day in prison and a $9,800 fine. He said in his statement that the red-shouldered hawks and bald eagles were "encroaching" on his duck hunting impoundment, as per court documents. “He’s a big duck hunter, and he was in the process of trying to really get it going," Virginia Conservation Police Master Officer Brian Bratton said of Smith in a statement, saying several ducks were entering his compound. Also Read: Woman dies after contracting rare brain infection through tap water. How to avoid Naegleria fowleri? He wanted to kill the ducks, but instead, the hawks and eagles were attacking them. Bratton added, “He was killing the hawks and eagles because they were killing all the ducks.” He poisoned the birds using banned insecticide The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said that Smith used rotting fish heads to poison the birds by adding the insecticide carbofuran to them. He also set up pole traps which snap a bird's legs. The police received an anonymous tip and raided his premises. Right then, they found a "fresh carcass of a juvenile bald eagle" which was taken as evidence. They also installed a "plot watcher camera" near the illegal pole trap and saw several birds getting caught and killed. One of the birds struggled for seven hours, and Smith killed it with a pole, according to court documents. The insecticide carbofuran was found in the bald eagle on which a necropsy was conducted. Notably, it was banned in 2008 because it was found to be extremely toxic for humans. Bratton said that the insecticide works extremely fast, and any animal or bird poisoned with it "dies with whatever they’re eating still in their claws." Smith has admitted to poisoning the birds and handed the leftover poison to officials. Violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act can lead to a fine of $100,000 and jail for up to one year, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. According to VDWR, Smith was offered a plea deal. He has been ordered to pay $9,800 in restitution, serve 24 months’ probation, 50 hours of community service, and spend one day in jail.

A hunter in Virginia killed over red-shouldered hawks and bald eagles because they were attacking the ducks, which he wanted to kill. He will spend only a day in jail for the offence.

Hunter poisons over 20 hawks and eagles that were killing his game, gets away with only a day in jail

FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed that two Chinese scientists were arrested in the United States for allegedly trying to smuggle a dangerous pathogen into the country.Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Kazem Gharibabadi, said that Iran remains a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but in case of any politically motivated move from the Board of Governors, Iran will be compelled to restrict access to the IAEA.Presently, Trump's previous TikTok ban, which mandates that its parent company, China's ByteDance, divest from the US version of the video-sharing app, is set to expire on June 19.Having announced his retirement from Test cricket last month, Kohli was ecstatic but said nothing is more satisfying than excelling in the traditional format.Click on the headlines to read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-nationals-with-links-to-ccp-china-arrested-in-us-for-smuggling-biological-pathogen-fbi-director-kash-patel-calls-it-agroterrorism-1749001374673">Two Chinese nationals with links to CCP arrested in US for smuggling biological pathogen, FBI Director calls it 'agroterrorism'</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250604/image-1749002534516.jpg?rect=(0,61,958,719)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Two Chinese nationals with links to CCP arrested in US for smuggling biological pathogen, FBI Director calls it 'agroterrorism'"></figure>FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed that two Chinese nationals were arrested in the United States for allegedly trying to smuggle "a dangerous pathogen into the country."<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-to-withdraw-access-to-iaea-in-case-of-a-politically-motivated-move-1749004055987">Iran warns to withdraw access to IAEA in case of a politically motivated move</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250604/image-1749007391799.jpg?rect=(0,197,1206,904)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Iran warns to withdraw access to IAEA in case of a politically motivated move"></figure>Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that in case of any politically motivated move from some governments on the Board of Governors regarding two alleged unproven issues will create challenges in Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-to-be-banned-on-june-19-in-us-here-s-what-we-know-1749008228091">TikTok to be banned on June 19 in US? Here's what we know</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250604/image-1749008367932.jpg?rect=(0,217,3566,2675)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="TikTok to be banned on June 19 in US? Here's what we know"></figure>As US talks with China ramp up, American President Donald Trump is likely to delay the ban on TikTok, a social media platform that has long been in discussion in the US. Presently, Trump's previous TikTok ban, which mandates that its parent company, China's ByteDance, divest from the US version of the video-sharing app, is set to expire on June 19.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-this-moment-is-right-up-there-but-five-levels-below-test-cricket-kohli-after-winning-ipl-1748977437514">IPL 2025: Virat Kohli reflects after lifting maiden title as RCB beat Punjab Kings by six runs in final</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250604/image-1748977671841.png?rect=(0,160,960,720)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="IPL 2025: Virat Kohli reflects after lifting maiden title as RCB beat Punjab Kings by six runs in final"></figure>

Having finally lifted that elusive trophy, Kohli fell to the ground with tears in his eyes. He couldn’t control his emotions, having waited for this moment for 18 years.&nbsp;South Korea elections: Lee Jae-myung set to become South Korea's 21st president

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldDNA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldDNA</a> | South Korea elections: Lee Jae-myung set to become South Korea&#39;s 21st president<a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivanChanana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivanChanana</a> bring you this report <a href="https://t.co/yL7scDyUTi">pic.twitter.com/yL7scDyUTi</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1930101077447454851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stay ahead of the day's events with WION's morning news brief, providing a quick yet comprehensive overview of the most important news from around the world.

FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed that two Chinese scientists were arrested in the United States for allegedly trying to smuggle a dangerous pathogen into the country. Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Kazem Gharibabadi, said that Iran remains a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but in case of any politically motivated move from the Board of Governors, Iran will be compelled to restrict access to the IAEA. Presently, Trump's previous TikTok ban, which mandates that its parent company, China's ByteDance, divest from the US version of the video-sharing app, is set to expire on June 19. Having announced his retirement from Test cricket last month, Kohli was ecstatic but said nothing is more satisfying than excelling in the traditional format. Click on the headlines to read more Two Chinese nationals with links to CCP arrested in US for smuggling biological pathogen, FBI Director calls it 'agroterrorism' FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed that two Chinese nationals were arrested in the United States for allegedly trying to smuggle "a dangerous pathogen into the country." Iran warns to withdraw access to IAEA in case of a politically motivated move Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that in case of any politically motivated move from some governments on the Board of Governors regarding two alleged unproven issues will create challenges in Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). TikTok to be banned on June 19 in US? Here's what we know As US talks with China ramp up, American President Donald Trump is likely to delay the ban on TikTok, a social media platform that has long been in discussion in the US. Presently, Trump's previous TikTok ban, which mandates that its parent company, China's ByteDance, divest from the US version of the video-sharing app, is set to expire on June 19. IPL 2025: Virat Kohli reflects after lifting maiden title as RCB beat Punjab Kings by six runs in final

Stay ahead of the day's events with WION's morning news brief, providing a quick yet comprehensive overview of the most important news from around the world.

Morning news brief: Two Chinese scientists arrested in US; Iran warns to withdraw access to IAEA, and more

US manufacturing contracted for the third consecutive month in May, signalling continued uncertainty in the sector as tariffs and trade tensions weighed heavily on businesses.The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported on June 2 that the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to a six-month low of 48.5 in May, slightly down from 48.7 in April. A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction, which represents about 10.2 per cent of the economy.Despite the drop, the PMI remained above the threshold of 42.3, a level that indicates expansion of the broader economy according to ISM. However, economists were expecting a higher reading, with many forecasting a rise to 49.3. Instead, the survey’s findings underscored a manufacturing sector still navigating a volatile trade environment, compounded by rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting tariff policies.The New Orders Index, a key measure of future demand, showed continued contraction for the fourth month in a row. It rose marginally to 47.6 in May, from 47.2 in April, but remained in negative territory.Similarly, the Backlog of Orders Index improved slightly, registering 47.1—up 3.4 percentage points from April, signalling a slower pace of decline in order backlogs. However, both of these indices suggest a muted demand outlook, as businesses continue to struggle with supply chain delays and rising costs.&nbsp;Tariff uncertainty exacerbates supply chain bottlenecks&nbsp;One of the most notable aspects of the ISM report was the sharp decline in the Imports Index, which plummeted to 39.9, a 7.2 percentage point drop from April. This marked the lowest reading for imports in 16 years and highlighted the growing strain on the supply chain as businesses hesitate to commit to new international orders due to unpredictable tariffs and trade policies.The uneven rollout and frequent changes to tariffs, particularly in the US-China trade relationship, have led to significant uncertainty. As a result, many manufacturers are pulling back from imports, and the forecast for future shipments remains bleak.The New Export Orders Index also contracted sharply to 40.1, reflecting retaliatory tariffs from other countries on US goods and a slowing global demand for US goods.Further complicating matters, the Supplier Deliveries Index rose to 56.1 in May, indicating that suppliers are taking longer to deliver goods. This is typically a sign of an economy in growth, but in this context, it suggests bottlenecks and delays caused by supply chain inefficiencies exacerbated by the tariff war.US port operators have reported declines in cargo volumes, further indicating disruptions in the movement of goods.Employment in manufacturing also remained sluggish, with the Employment Index inching up slightly to 46.8 in May from 46.5 in April. While the index indicates a slight improvement, it remains firmly in contraction territory, reflecting ongoing layoffs in the sector.Manufacturers are increasingly turning to layoffs rather than natural attrition to reduce labour costs, with headcount reductions continuing across several industries.&nbsp;Factories face rising costs, but hope for resolution lingers&nbsp;The ISM’s Price Index, which measures the cost of materials and inputs for manufacturers, remained elevated at 69.4, down slightly from 69.8 in April. Though prices have slightly moderated, they continue to reflect the strain on businesses as tariffs and supply chain issues push up costs.Despite the ongoing contraction in the sector, there is cautious optimism among some industry leaders. Susan Spence, Chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, emphasised that the overall economy remains in expansion, and she expressed hope that tariff uncertainties would soon be resolved.“We are really hopeful that the tariff uncertainties can come to a conclusion nd that purchasing managers can focus on the normality of what their job should be,” Spence said.

US manufacturing PMI dips to six-month low of 48.5 amid ongoing supply chain challenges and unpredictable tariff policies.

US manufacturing contracted for the third consecutive month in May, signalling continued uncertainty in the sector as tariffs and trade tensions weighed heavily on businesses. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported on June 2 that the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to a six-month low of 48.5 in May, slightly down from 48.7 in April. A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction, which represents about 10.2 per cent of the economy. Despite the drop, the PMI remained above the threshold of 42.3, a level that indicates expansion of the broader economy according to ISM. However, economists were expecting a higher reading, with many forecasting a rise to 49.3. Instead, the survey’s findings underscored a manufacturing sector still navigating a volatile trade environment, compounded by rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting tariff policies. The New Orders Index, a key measure of future demand, showed continued contraction for the fourth month in a row. It rose marginally to 47.6 in May, from 47.2 in April, but remained in negative territory. Similarly, the Backlog of Orders Index improved slightly, registering 47.1—up 3.4 percentage points from April, signalling a slower pace of decline in order backlogs. However, both of these indices suggest a muted demand outlook, as businesses continue to struggle with supply chain delays and rising costs. Tariff uncertainty exacerbates supply chain bottlenecks One of the most notable aspects of the ISM report was the sharp decline in the Imports Index, which plummeted to 39.9, a 7.2 percentage point drop from April. This marked the lowest reading for imports in 16 years and highlighted the growing strain on the supply chain as businesses hesitate to commit to new international orders due to unpredictable tariffs and trade policies. The uneven rollout and frequent changes to tariffs, particularly in the US-China trade relationship, have led to significant uncertainty. As a result, many manufacturers are pulling back from imports, and the forecast for future shipments remains bleak. The New Export Orders Index also contracted sharply to 40.1, reflecting retaliatory tariffs from other countries on US goods and a slowing global demand for US goods. Further complicating matters, the Supplier Deliveries Index rose to 56.1 in May, indicating that suppliers are taking longer to deliver goods. This is typically a sign of an economy in growth, but in this context, it suggests bottlenecks and delays caused by supply chain inefficiencies exacerbated by the tariff war. US port operators have reported declines in cargo volumes, further indicating disruptions in the movement of goods. Employment in manufacturing also remained sluggish, with the Employment Index inching up slightly to 46.8 in May from 46.5 in April. While the index indicates a slight improvement, it remains firmly in contraction territory, reflecting ongoing layoffs in the sector. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to layoffs rather than natural attrition to reduce labour costs, with headcount reductions continuing across several industries. Factories face rising costs, but hope for resolution lingers The ISM’s Price Index, which measures the cost of materials and inputs for manufacturers, remained elevated at 69.4, down slightly from 69.8 in April. Though prices have slightly moderated, they continue to reflect the strain on businesses as tariffs and supply chain issues push up costs. Despite the ongoing contraction in the sector, there is cautious optimism among some industry leaders. Susan Spence, Chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, emphasised that the overall economy remains in expansion, and she expressed hope that tariff uncertainties would soon be resolved. “We are really hopeful that the tariff uncertainties can come to a conclusion nd that purchasing managers can focus on the normality of what their job should be,” Spence said.

US manufacturing PMI dips to six-month low of 48.5 amid ongoing supply chain challenges and unpredictable tariff policies.

US manufacturing slows as tariff uncertainty drives contraction in May

When Washington announced its ambitious Golden Dome plan worth $175 billion, it raised alarms in Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang. Russia and China have described the move as 'deeply destabilising' in nature.At a press conference, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defence, warned, “The U.S. actions will once again open the Pandora's box”.&nbsp;The term Golden Dome is derived from a massive biblical concept of divine protection, and it is designed to shield the United States from threats incoming from land, air, and sea. It is a technological artefact that holds the power to redefine modern warfare. It is also similar to Israel's Iron Dome, only larger in scale. This risks escalating tension in space, and while setting a precedent for other nations to develop their space-based program. This might also encourage other countries to develop sophisticated missiles to overcome the defences of the Golden Dome. Moreover, the effectiveness of missile interception might prompt the US to engage less in diplomatic talks and embolden it to follow riskier military operations.&nbsp;The Russian foreign affairs spokesperson said the development “violates the spirit” of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, an agreement that was supposed to protect the militarisation of space by prohibiting the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space.&nbsp;Article IV of the treaty states, "Parties to the Treaty undertake not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction..."&nbsp;The treaty leaves scope for the peaceful utilisation of space. Hence, it does not implicitly forbid the installation of a defence system or satellites in orbit or technology that might use directed energy or laser weapons. But the defensive and offensive potential of technological artefacts in space is blurry, leaving a legal and strategic gray area and raising ethical questions.<h2>Technological artefacts and the politics they embody</h2>'Do artefacts have politics?' Philosopher Langdon Winner did not pose this as a rhetorical question, he posed this to challenge the neutrality of technology. He argued that the technologies of any society reflect values, power structures and ambitions of those who built them.&nbsp;The United States denied any implications that the project would militarise space, they said, “All we care about is protecting the homeland”. They have cited strategic defence from China's hypersonic glide vehicles and North Korea's Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.&nbsp;Technological artefacts like the Golden Dome seem mostly strategic and technical. But technology often moves faster than diplomacy. These weapons, whether offensive or defensive, embody a politics of their own, irrespective of the anarchy in international affairs. This politics can be either by design of the technology or by the consequences of its utility.&nbsp;According to Winner, “to recognise the political dimensions in the shapes of technology does not require that we look for conscious conspiracies or malicious intentions”. For example, nuclear technology by design is centralised and requires sophisticated facilities and control that is exclusive to authority and power. On the other hand, solar technology is democratic; it can be used and harnessed by individuals at a micro scale.&nbsp;Golden Dome is far from just a defensive shield; it embodies the expansionist ambitions of our society. It initiates an arms race between superpowers like the US, Russia, China, North Korea and many more. The fate of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty is hanging by a thread. This might just be the initiation of a new era of military competition that extends beyond Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US Golden Dome plan raises global alarm, risking space militarization and challenging the 1967 Outer Space Treaty’s relevance.

When Washington announced its ambitious Golden Dome plan worth $175 billion, it raised alarms in Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang. Russia and China have described the move as 'deeply destabilising' in nature. At a press conference, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defence, warned, “The U.S. actions will once again open the Pandora's box”. The term Golden Dome is derived from a massive biblical concept of divine protection, and it is designed to shield the United States from threats incoming from land, air, and sea. It is a technological artefact that holds the power to redefine modern warfare. It is also similar to Israel's Iron Dome, only larger in scale. This risks escalating tension in space, and while setting a precedent for other nations to develop their space-based program. This might also encourage other countries to develop sophisticated missiles to overcome the defences of the Golden Dome. Moreover, the effectiveness of missile interception might prompt the US to engage less in diplomatic talks and embolden it to follow riskier military operations. The Russian foreign affairs spokesperson said the development “violates the spirit” of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, an agreement that was supposed to protect the militarisation of space by prohibiting the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space. Article IV of the treaty states, "Parties to the Treaty undertake not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction..." The treaty leaves scope for the peaceful utilisation of space. Hence, it does not implicitly forbid the installation of a defence system or satellites in orbit or technology that might use directed energy or laser weapons. But the defensive and offensive potential of technological artefacts in space is blurry, leaving a legal and strategic gray area and raising ethical questions. Technological artefacts and the politics they embody 'Do artefacts have politics?' Philosopher Langdon Winner did not pose this as a rhetorical question, he posed this to challenge the neutrality of technology. He argued that the technologies of any society reflect values, power structures and ambitions of those who built them. The United States denied any implications that the project would militarise space, they said, “All we care about is protecting the homeland”. They have cited strategic defence from China's hypersonic glide vehicles and North Korea's Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. Technological artefacts like the Golden Dome seem mostly strategic and technical. But technology often moves faster than diplomacy. These weapons, whether offensive or defensive, embody a politics of their own, irrespective of the anarchy in international affairs. This politics can be either by design of the technology or by the consequences of its utility. According to Winner, “to recognise the political dimensions in the shapes of technology does not require that we look for conscious conspiracies or malicious intentions”. For example, nuclear technology by design is centralised and requires sophisticated facilities and control that is exclusive to authority and power. On the other hand, solar technology is democratic; it can be used and harnessed by individuals at a micro scale. Golden Dome is far from just a defensive shield; it embodies the expansionist ambitions of our society. It initiates an arms race between superpowers like the US, Russia, China, North Korea and many more. The fate of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty is hanging by a thread. This might just be the initiation of a new era of military competition that extends beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The US Golden Dome plan raises global alarm, risking space militarisation and challenging the 1967 Outer Space Treaty’s relevance.&nbsp;

US Golden Dome: Prelude to a new arms race

Amid America's crackdown on Chinese students over visas, US President Donald Trump's ally and far-right political commentator Laura Loomer, has demanded that Xi Mingze, the daughter of Chinese President Xi Jinping, be deported from the US. Quoting sources, Loomer claimed that Jinping's daughter is in Massachusetts and Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) guards are providing her security.&nbsp;Loomer was responding to a post on X by Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio in which he said that the country will revoke visas of all Chinese students, including those who have ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “The US will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,” Rubio wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LET’S GO! DEPORT XI JINPING’S DAUGHTER! She lives in Massachusetts and went to Harvard! Sources tell me PLA guards from the CCP provide her with private security on US soil in Massachusetts! <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marcorubio</a>&mdash; Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraLoomer/status/1927860259827155365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There is no publicly available evidence confirming Loomer's claim. A 2015 report by The New Yorker stated that she studied in Harvard under a fake name, and returned to China after completing her studies. Xi Mingze was born in 1992 and is the only daughter of Chinese President Xi Jinping and wife Peng Liyuan. Very little is publicly known about Xi Mingze.&nbsp;Loomer's post comes amid Trump administration's action on Harvard University. Citing links with CCP and antisemitism on campus, Trump administration revoked Harvard's power to enrol foreign students. Rubio also said the government will “revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong.”&nbsp;&nbsp;China is the second-largest country of origin for international students, behind only India. The Chinese foreign ministry condemned the move and said it had lodged formal protests with Washington. The Chinese Embassy in the US said that the announcement is "firmly opposed to this politically motivated and discriminatory action," and urged the administration to "immediately correct its mistakes and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students." &nbsp;

Trump ally and far-right political commentator Laura Loomer has demanded that Xi Mingze the daughter of Chinese President Xi Jinping be deported 

Amid America's crackdown on Chinese students over visas, US President Donald Trump's ally and far-right political commentator Laura Loomer, has demanded that Xi Mingze, the daughter of Chinese President Xi Jinping, be deported from the US. Quoting sources, Loomer claimed that Jinping's daughter is in Massachusetts and Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) guards are providing her security. Loomer was responding to a post on X by Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio in which he said that the country will revoke visas of all Chinese students, including those who have ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “The US will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,” Rubio wrote on X.

Trump ally and far-right political commentator Laura Loomer has demanded that Xi Mingze the daughter of Chinese President Xi Jinping be deported&nbsp;

Trump ally Laura Loomer wants daughter of Xi Jinping deported from US, claims 'she is in Massachusetts'

British and French officials are considering situations where Trump might abandon the role of the mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The “Coalition of the Willing” is developing plans to support Ukraine if the scenario arises.&nbsp;“Let’s get real and admit the US will never be on board”, said an unnamed western diplomat. According to the Russian news agency TASS, the European officials are considering deploying a peacekeeping force in Ukraine.&nbsp;The report claims that the mood at the meeting in the Dutch Capital was gloomy.&nbsp;They stressed that they need to put more economic pressure on Russia. “It was mostly about how to sustain the necessary support to Ukraine when we assume that the US would only continue providing some specific assets, such as intelligence", said a European official.&nbsp;The “Coalition of the Willing” is a meeting devised by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, which is shifting focus to maintaining a ceasefire if that has been pursued by the United States. The Daily Telegraph noted that Washington has repeatedly failed to bring Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukrainian territories and lashed out at him by calling him “crazy”. Trump had repeatedly praised Putin on several occasions, and the European Union have been critical of Trump's commitment to put Ukraine under any serious pressure.&nbsp;In case of any ceasefire being brokered, the European Union wants to focus on protecting the sovereignty of Ukraine independently of Washington.Britain’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, is expected to be present at the latest round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine on Monday. Along with Keith Kellogg of the United States envoy, in Istanbul.Russia is expected to present the conditions for peace with Ukraine on Monday. Both the European and the US counterparts have ruled out scenarios of Ukraine joining NATO.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With growing concerns around Trump's potential withdrawal from peace efforts, European leaders plan independent support for Ukraine, including a possible peacekeeping force and increased pressure on Russia.

British and French officials are considering situations where Trump might abandon the role of the mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The “Coalition of the Willing” is developing plans to support Ukraine if the scenario arises. “Let’s get real and admit the US will never be on board”, said an unnamed western diplomat. According to the Russian news agency TASS, the European officials are considering deploying a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. The report claims that the mood at the meeting in the Dutch Capital was gloomy. They stressed that they need to put more economic pressure on Russia. “It was mostly about how to sustain the necessary support to Ukraine when we assume that the US would only continue providing some specific assets, such as intelligence", said a European official. The “Coalition of the Willing” is a meeting devised by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, which is shifting focus to maintaining a ceasefire if that has been pursued by the United States. The Daily Telegraph noted that Washington has repeatedly failed to bring Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukrainian territories and lashed out at him by calling him “crazy”. Trump had repeatedly praised Putin on several occasions, and the European Union have been critical of Trump's commitment to put Ukraine under any serious pressure. In case of any ceasefire being brokered, the European Union wants to focus on protecting the sovereignty of Ukraine independently of Washington. Britain’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, is expected to be present at the latest round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine on Monday. Along with Keith Kellogg of the United States envoy, in Istanbul. Russia is expected to present the conditions for peace with Ukraine on Monday. Both the European and the US counterparts have ruled out scenarios of Ukraine joining NATO.

With growing concerns around Trump's potential withdrawal from peace efforts, European leaders plan independent support for Ukraine, including a possible peacekeeping force and increased pressure on Russia.

Europe prepares for Ukraine support without US as Trump may abandon mediator role

An Indian-American student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), identified as Megha Vemuri, delivered a speech supporting Palestine on graduation day. &nbsp;Wearing a red keffiyeh, a scarf that shows support for Palestine, she addressed to fellow graduates, families, and faculty, saying, “You showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine.” She criticised MIT’s links with the Israeli military, calling it a serious concern. &nbsp;“As scientists, engineers, academics, and leaders, we have a commitment to support life, support aid efforts, call for an arms embargo, and keep demanding now, as alumni, that MIT cuts the ties,” she said. &nbsp;Vemuri's speech comes at a time when Trump administration has tightened its visa rules and launched a crackdown on those promoting anti-semitism, groups like Hamas and even China.<h2>Vemuri's speech</h2>“The Israeli occupation forces are the only foreign military that MIT has research ties with; this means that Israel’s assault on the Palestinian people is not only aided and abetted by our country, but our school,” Vemuri said. She also added, “We are watching Israel try to wipe Palestine off the face of the earth, and it is a shame that MIT is a part of it.” &nbsp;Vemuri further praised students who have stood up in support of Palestine. &nbsp;“Last spring, MIT's undergraduate body and Graduate Student Union voted overwhelmingly to cut ties with the genocidal Israeli military. You called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and you stood in solidarity with the pro-Palestine activists on campus," She said, praising students for standing their ground despite facing “threat, intimidation, and suppression coming from all directions, especially your university officials."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MIT’s class president, Megha Vemuri, spent her graduation speech bashing Israel. Then President Sally Kornbluth spoke immediately after and oh boy was that awkward. <a href="https://t.co/PjsBNEQxmy">pic.twitter.com/PjsBNEQxmy</a>&mdash; Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassyAkiva/status/1928233466627318135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

She compared the situation of MIT graduates with students in Gaza: “While we prepare to graduate and move forward with our lives, there are no universities left in Gaza.” At the end of her speech, Vemuri asked her classmates to turn their class rings outward, a tradition that represents graduates stepping into the world.&nbsp;She ended her speech saying, “We carry with us the obligation to do everything we can to stop it.”&nbsp;

We are watching Israel try to wipe Palestine off the face of the earth and it is a shame that MIT is a part of it says Indian-American student at MIT

An Indian-American student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), identified as Megha Vemuri, delivered a speech supporting Palestine on graduation day. Wearing a red keffiyeh, a scarf that shows support for Palestine, she addressed to fellow graduates, families, and faculty, saying, “You showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine.” She criticised MIT’s links with the Israeli military, calling it a serious concern. “As scientists, engineers, academics, and leaders, we have a commitment to support life, support aid efforts, call for an arms embargo, and keep demanding now, as alumni, that MIT cuts the ties,” she said. Vemuri's speech comes at a time when Trump administration has tightened its visa rules and launched a crackdown on those promoting anti-semitism, groups like Hamas and even China. Vemuri's speech “The Israeli occupation forces are the only foreign military that MIT has research ties with; this means that Israel’s assault on the Palestinian people is not only aided and abetted by our country, but our school,” Vemuri said. She also added, “We are watching Israel try to wipe Palestine off the face of the earth, and it is a shame that MIT is a part of it.” Vemuri further praised students who have stood up in support of Palestine. “Last spring, MIT's undergraduate body and Graduate Student Union voted overwhelmingly to cut ties with the genocidal Israeli military. You called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and you stood in solidarity with the pro-Palestine activists on campus," She said, praising students for standing their ground despite facing “threat, intimidation, and suppression coming from all directions, especially your university officials."

We are watching Israel try to wipe Palestine off the face of the earth, and it is a shame that MIT is a part of it, says Indian-American student at MIT

Indian-American student delivers graduation speech supporting Palestine at MIT: 'We are watching Israel try to wipe off...'

Applications for US jobless benefits rose unexpectedly last week, signalling potential cracks in the labour market as economic uncertainty, driven by trade policies and slow growth, starts to take a toll.According to data released on May 29 by the US Department of Labor, the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 14,000, reaching a seasonally adjusted total of 240,000 for the week ending May 24. This surge is slightly higher than economists' expectations of 230,000 claims.The data also showed that the number of people receiving unemployment benefits rose by 26,000 to 1.92 million in mid-May, marking the largest increase in this figure since November 2021. These developments suggest that layoffs are rising, potentially signalling the start of a broader weakening in the labour market.&nbsp;Impact of economic uncertainty and trade policy&nbsp;The uptick in jobless claims coincides with growing concerns over the state of the US economy. The economy of the United States contracted at a 0.2 per cent annualised rate in the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to a sharp increase in imports.Companies rushed to bring in goods before President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on foreign imports came into effect, leading to a temporary surge in trade activity and distorting growth figures.At the same time, corporate profits, which had already been under pressure, took a significant hit. Profits from current production dropped by $118.1 billion in the first quarter, according to a separate report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The overall economic slowdown has been further exacerbated by Trump’s tariffs, which continue to cloud the economic outlook.The recent US Trade Court ruling blocked most of the tariffs from going into effect, which was soon followed by the imposition of a stay on the order, and has added yet another layer of uncertainty.Despite the challenges, the labour market had remained relatively strong until now. Employers had been reluctant to lay off workers, partly because of the difficulty in finding labour during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. However, as the trade war intensifies and profits decline, businesses are becoming increasingly cautious, leading to layoffs in some sectors.The rise in both initial and continuing claims raises the possibility of an uptick in the unemployment rate, which stood at 4.2 per cent in April. Economists are particularly concerned that this may signal a longer-lasting trend.The Federal Reserve has also expressed concern about the weakening economic conditions. In minutes from its May meeting, policymakers acknowledged that the labour market could soften in the coming months due to economic uncertainties, particularly from trade policies.&nbsp;Layoffs and economic forecasts&nbsp;The rising jobless claims are part of a broader trend of increased layoffs, particularly in sectors most affected by trade uncertainties, such as manufacturing and retail. Companies, including Walmart, Microsoft, Chevron, Volvo, and Nissan, have recently announced plans to cut their headcount by a few thousand.However, a survey by the Conference Board found that most US CEOs do not expect to significantly alter their workforce sizes in the coming year, even though nearly 83 per cent foresee a recession within the next 12 to 18 months.For now, businesses are reluctant to make major cuts to their workforce, but the rising jobless claims and economic headwinds suggest that this may change if the economic outlook continues to deteriorate.With inflationary pressures and trade uncertainties looming, the path forward for the US economy remains uncertain, and many are watching closely to see whether jobless claims continue to climb in the coming months.The data underscores the fragility of the US economy as it navigates a challenging global landscape, with the potential for further labour market deterioration if the economic outlook continues to worsen.

The data showed that the number of people receiving unemployment benefits rose by 26,000 to 1.92 million in mid-May, marking the largest increase in this figure since November 2021.

Applications for US jobless benefits rose unexpectedly last week, signalling potential cracks in the labour market as economic uncertainty, driven by trade policies and slow growth, starts to take a toll. According to data released on May 29 by the US Department of Labor, the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 14,000, reaching a seasonally adjusted total of 240,000 for the week ending May 24. This surge is slightly higher than economists' expectations of 230,000 claims. The data also showed that the number of people receiving unemployment benefits rose by 26,000 to 1.92 million in mid-May, marking the largest increase in this figure since November 2021. These developments suggest that layoffs are rising, potentially signalling the start of a broader weakening in the labour market. Impact of economic uncertainty and trade policy The uptick in jobless claims coincides with growing concerns over the state of the US economy. The economy of the United States contracted at a 0.2 per cent annualised rate in the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to a sharp increase in imports. Companies rushed to bring in goods before President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on foreign imports came into effect, leading to a temporary surge in trade activity and distorting growth figures. At the same time, corporate profits, which had already been under pressure, took a significant hit. Profits from current production dropped by $118.1 billion in the first quarter, according to a separate report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The overall economic slowdown has been further exacerbated by Trump’s tariffs, which continue to cloud the economic outlook. The recent US Trade Court ruling blocked most of the tariffs from going into effect, which was soon followed by the imposition of a stay on the order, and has added yet another layer of uncertainty. Despite the challenges, the labour market had remained relatively strong until now. Employers had been reluctant to lay off workers, partly because of the difficulty in finding labour during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. However, as the trade war intensifies and profits decline, businesses are becoming increasingly cautious, leading to layoffs in some sectors. The rise in both initial and continuing claims raises the possibility of an uptick in the unemployment rate, which stood at 4.2 per cent in April. Economists are particularly concerned that this may signal a longer-lasting trend. The Federal Reserve has also expressed concern about the weakening economic conditions. In minutes from its May meeting, policymakers acknowledged that the labour market could soften in the coming months due to economic uncertainties, particularly from trade policies. Layoffs and economic forecasts The rising jobless claims are part of a broader trend of increased layoffs, particularly in sectors most affected by trade uncertainties, such as manufacturing and retail. Companies, including Walmart, Microsoft, Chevron, Volvo, and Nissan, have recently announced plans to cut their headcount by a few thousand. However, a survey by the Conference Board found that most US CEOs do not expect to significantly alter their workforce sizes in the coming year, even though nearly 83 per cent foresee a recession within the next 12 to 18 months. For now, businesses are reluctant to make major cuts to their workforce, but the rising jobless claims and economic headwinds suggest that this may change if the economic outlook continues to deteriorate. With inflationary pressures and trade uncertainties looming, the path forward for the US economy remains uncertain, and many are watching closely to see whether jobless claims continue to climb in the coming months. The data underscores the fragility of the US economy as it navigates a challenging global landscape, with the potential for further labour market deterioration if the economic outlook continues to worsen.

The data showed that the number of people receiving unemployment benefits rose by 26,000 to 1.92 million in mid-May, marking the largest increase in this figure since November 2021.

Jobless claims rise as tariffs and layoffs weigh on US labour market

Iran on Monday (May 26) rejected suspending its nuclear enrichment programme as part of any potential nuclear agreement with the United States.This comes as US President Donald Trump claimed that the latest rounds of talks were "very good".Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran can survive even if negotiations with the US fall through.<h2>No suspension of uranium enrichment: Iran</h2>During a press briefing in Tehran, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, when asked about the possibility of Iran freezing its uranium enrichment, said, "Iran will never accept that.""This information is a figment of the imagination and totally false," he added."If there is goodwill from the American side, we are also optimistic, but if negotiations are aimed at curbing Iran's rights, then talks will get nowhere," Baghaei stressed.<h2>Iran not scared of US sanctions</h2>The Oman-mediated talks are the highest-level contact between the two nations since the US, during Trump's first term as POTUS, quit the landmark 2015 nuclear accord.Since his return to office as the POTUS for the second time, Trump has revived the "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran and warned Tehran of military action if diplomacy fails.Dismissing Trump's threats of crippling sanctions, Pezeshkian, as quoted by state media, said that "It's not like we will die of hunger if they refuse to negotiate with us or impose sanctions.""We will find a way to survive," he insisted.<h2>Trump claims 'good news' coming soon</h2>Speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Morristown airport before boarding Air Force One, Trump described the fifth round of negotiations as "very, very good" and said there might be "good news" soon."I think we could have some good news on the Iran front," said the US President. Revealing an expected timeline for the announcement, he said it could come "over the next two days."

During a press briefing in Tehran, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, when asked about the possibility of Iran freezing its uranium enrichment, said: "Iran will never accept that."

Iran on Monday (May 26) rejected suspending its nuclear enrichment programme as part of any potential nuclear agreement with the United States. This comes as US President Donald Trump claimed that the latest rounds of talks were "very good". Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran can survive even if negotiations with the US fall through. No suspension of uranium enrichment: Iran During a press briefing in Tehran, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, when asked about the possibility of Iran freezing its uranium enrichment, said, "Iran will never accept that." "This information is a figment of the imagination and totally false," he added. "If there is goodwill from the American side, we are also optimistic, but if negotiations are aimed at curbing Iran's rights, then talks will get nowhere," Baghaei stressed. Iran not scared of US sanctions The Oman-mediated talks are the highest-level contact between the two nations since the US, during Trump's first term as POTUS, quit the landmark 2015 nuclear accord. Since his return to office as the POTUS for the second time, Trump has revived the "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran and warned Tehran of military action if diplomacy fails. Dismissing Trump's threats of crippling sanctions, Pezeshkian, as quoted by state media, said that "It's not like we will die of hunger if they refuse to negotiate with us or impose sanctions." "We will find a way to survive," he insisted. Trump claims 'good news' coming soon Speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Morristown airport before boarding Air Force One, Trump described the fifth round of negotiations as "very, very good" and said there might be "good news" soon. "I think we could have some good news on the Iran front," said the US President. Revealing an expected timeline for the announcement, he said it could come "over the next two days."

During a press briefing in Tehran, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, when asked about the possibility of Iran freezing its uranium enrichment, said, "Iran will never accept that."

Iran won't stop uranium enrichment, dismisses Trump's sanction threat 'not like we'll die of hunger'

A report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claims that Washington is considering scaling back its military presence in South Korea. However, reports from Seoul indicate that the South Korean Defence Ministry have not received any formal communication from Washington.If the reports were to be true, Washington is reviewing proposals to withdraw approximately 4500 troops from South Korea. There are approximately 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, part of the United States Forces Korea (USFK). These forces serve as a critical deterrent to the nuclear-armed North Korea. They organise and participate in joint operations and drills as part of trilateral security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;The report at WSJ also states that Washington is planning to relocate these forces to other parts of the Indo-Pacific region, such as Guam. Even though no concrete official reports confirm this, Trump's rhetoric indicates the same. Trump historically called South Korea a ‘money machine’ in October before his second term at the White House. He insisted back then that if he were to be the next President, South Korea would have to pay billions more to host the American Army.&nbsp;The US &nbsp;and South Korea agreed on a new deal which sees the cost of deploying the US army in South Korea rise by 8.3 per cent to $1.1 billion in 2026.<h2>North Korea's growing threat&nbsp;</h2>A senior researcher of Carnegie Endowment, an international think tank, states that North Korea is in the ‘strongest strategic position in decades’. According to the intelligence report of the United States Defence Intelligence Agency, '2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment', North Korea is most certainly in a position to launch a prolonged war. It has now developed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the continental United States. Military experts in South Korea believe that it is actively receiving aid from Russia, including military cooperation, SA-22 surface-to-air missile systems, and electronic warfare equipment. It is also reciprocating by providing military and material support to Russia against Ukraine. These two nations also signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement last year. Frequent missile tests and provocative actions have heightened tensions in the region. On the other hand, &nbsp;North Korea’s critical economic and political dependence on China underpins the bilateral relationship between these two. The presence of US military troops acts as a deterrent to hinting to Pyongyang that any aggression would be reciprocated with a strong military response.&nbsp;<h2>South Korea's Military Autonomy</h2>South Korea ranks 5th in the 2025 Global Firepower Index, with advanced weaponry, military readiness, and cybersecurity. It isn't entirely dependent on the US for deterrence. It allocates $222 billion to defence spending.&nbsp;It has a Three-Axis Defence System comprising of Kill Chain preemptive strike strategy, a multi-layered Korea Air and Missile Defence System, and Korea's Massive Punishment and Retaliation doctrine. It also has other advanced weaponry, such as a fleet of F-35 stealth fighters, Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles capable of penetrating underground bunkers. It has indigenously developed AI-powered military tech that enables drones and fighter jets to fly autonomously.&nbsp;"Territorial defence can no longer rely solely on human resources,” said Seong Tae Jeong, chief technology officer at the Advanced Defence Science and Technology Research Institute at South Korea’s Agency for Defence DevelopmentSouth Korea and Japan have been working towards less reliance on the US, as Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was pushing for an ‘Asian NATO’- a long-term strategy for a viable ally in the region.&nbsp;Despite not having its nuclear arsenal, it comes under the US nuclear umbrella. Seoul does have civil nuclear technology and a missile system capable of delivering a payload if it ever chooses to pursue nuclear ambitions.<h2>Deterrence Dynamics and Risks</h2>Maintaining a credible deterrent in the face of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions remains a challenge for the United States. Indo-Pacific Security Initiative (IPSI), with the support of the Defence Threat Reduction Agency, produced a report on the United States' readiness for deterrence in the region. The report's striking findings indicate that if a conflict starts with China or North Korea, the United States will not be able to deter the other one either North Korea or China from escalating the conflict. What could start from one flash point could escalate into much more. The US-South Korea conflict with North Korea could quickly spill into a Nuclear War. Other flashpoints, like Taiwan, is also facing growing military, diplomatic, and information pressure from China towards its long-term objective of unification. North Korea continues to support its nuclear weapon program by increasing its plutonium and highly enriched uranium, adding to its arsenal.&nbsp;Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea, met with Gen. Ken-ichiro Nagumo, commander of the Japanese Joint Operations Command, on May 20.&nbsp;Brunson reiterated that USFK is committed to maintaining the momentum of trilateral cooperation. "The partnership between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan is evolving beyond confidence-building measures and is maturing into a cornerstone of regional stability", stated Brunson.However, scaling back does not necessarily mean a reduction in deterrence; the US could possibly justify this scaling down by citing the advanced technology and increased military spending of South Korea. Still in South Korea, this reduction might spark the debate of having its own nuclear arsenal and stepping out of the US umbrella. Domestically, this will resonate with the USA's ‘America first’ policy.&nbsp;Nonetheless, this potentially emboldens China and North Korea, destabilising the balance of power in the region. Beijing might pursue its expansionist ambitions and push territorial integrity of Taiwan if the US seems increasingly adamant about its ‘America first’ policy. In a conflict situation, the United States is likely to face operational and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific and the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest a scaling down of USFK in South Korea. How could this move potentially alter the power dynamics in the Korean Peninsula 

A report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claims that Washington is considering scaling back its military presence in South Korea. However, reports from Seoul indicate that the South Korean Defence Ministry have not received any formal communication from Washington. If the reports were to be true, Washington is reviewing proposals to withdraw approximately 4500 troops from South Korea. There are approximately 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, part of the United States Forces Korea (USFK). These forces serve as a critical deterrent to the nuclear-armed North Korea. They organise and participate in joint operations and drills as part of trilateral security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan. The report at WSJ also states that Washington is planning to relocate these forces to other parts of the Indo-Pacific region, such as Guam. Even though no concrete official reports confirm this, Trump's rhetoric indicates the same. Trump historically called South Korea a ‘money machine’ in October before his second term at the White House. He insisted back then that if he were to be the next President, South Korea would have to pay billions more to host the American Army. The US and South Korea agreed on a new deal which sees the cost of deploying the US army in South Korea rise by 8.3 per cent to $1.1 billion in 2026. North Korea's growing threat A senior researcher of Carnegie Endowment, an international think tank, states that North Korea is in the ‘strongest strategic position in decades’. According to the intelligence report of the United States Defence Intelligence Agency, '2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment', North Korea is most certainly in a position to launch a prolonged war. It has now developed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the continental United States. Military experts in South Korea believe that it is actively receiving aid from Russia, including military cooperation, SA-22 surface-to-air missile systems, and electronic warfare equipment. It is also reciprocating by providing military and material support to Russia against Ukraine. These two nations also signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement last year. Frequent missile tests and provocative actions have heightened tensions in the region. On the other hand, North Korea’s critical economic and political dependence on China underpins the bilateral relationship between these two. The presence of US military troops acts as a deterrent to hinting to Pyongyang that any aggression would be reciprocated with a strong military response. South Korea's Military Autonomy South Korea ranks 5th in the 2025 Global Firepower Index, with advanced weaponry, military readiness, and cybersecurity. It isn't entirely dependent on the US for deterrence. It allocates $222 billion to defence spending. It has a Three-Axis Defence System comprising of Kill Chain preemptive strike strategy, a multi-layered Korea Air and Missile Defence System, and Korea's Massive Punishment and Retaliation doctrine. It also has other advanced weaponry, such as a fleet of F-35 stealth fighters, Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles capable of penetrating underground bunkers. It has indigenously developed AI-powered military tech that enables drones and fighter jets to fly autonomously. "Territorial defence can no longer rely solely on human resources,” said Seong Tae Jeong, chief technology officer at the Advanced Defence Science and Technology Research Institute at South Korea’s Agency for Defence Development South Korea and Japan have been working towards less reliance on the US, as Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was pushing for an ‘Asian NATO’- a long-term strategy for a viable ally in the region. Despite not having its nuclear arsenal, it comes under the US nuclear umbrella. Seoul does have civil nuclear technology and a missile system capable of delivering a payload if it ever chooses to pursue nuclear ambitions. Deterrence Dynamics and Risks Maintaining a credible deterrent in the face of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions remains a challenge for the United States. Indo-Pacific Security Initiative (IPSI), with the support of the Defence Threat Reduction Agency, produced a report on the United States' readiness for deterrence in the region. The report's striking findings indicate that if a conflict starts with China or North Korea, the United States will not be able to deter the other one either North Korea or China from escalating the conflict. What could start from one flash point could escalate into much more. The US-South Korea conflict with North Korea could quickly spill into a Nuclear War. Other flashpoints, like Taiwan, is also facing growing military, diplomatic, and information pressure from China towards its long-term objective of unification. North Korea continues to support its nuclear weapon program by increasing its plutonium and highly enriched uranium, adding to its arsenal. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea, met with Gen. Ken-ichiro Nagumo, commander of the Japanese Joint Operations Command, on May 20. Brunson reiterated that USFK is committed to maintaining the momentum of trilateral cooperation. "The partnership between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan is evolving beyond confidence-building measures and is maturing into a cornerstone of regional stability", stated Brunson. However, scaling back does not necessarily mean a reduction in deterrence; the US could possibly justify this scaling down by citing the advanced technology and increased military spending of South Korea. Still in South Korea, this reduction might spark the debate of having its own nuclear arsenal and stepping out of the US umbrella. Domestically, this will resonate with the USA's ‘America first’ policy. Nonetheless, this potentially emboldens China and North Korea, destabilising the balance of power in the region. Beijing might pursue its expansionist ambitions and push territorial integrity of Taiwan if the US seems increasingly adamant about its ‘America first’ policy. In a conflict situation, the United States is likely to face operational and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific and the Korean Peninsula.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest a scaling down of USFK in South Korea. How could this move potentially alter the power dynamics in the Korean Peninsula&nbsp;

What would happen if the US scales down its military presence in South Korea, and how could it impact deterrence against North Korea?

Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah wants to criminalize online pornography as he has introduced a bill warning against the harmful impact of porn on American society. This is Lee's third attempt to pass the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) bill since 2022. Lee has tabled this bill along with Illinois Representative Mary Miller.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/self-pleasure-not-forbidden-fruit-indian-court-rules-wife-masturbating-watching-porn-not-grounds-for-divorce-8873384">&lsquo;Self-pleasure not forbidden fruit&rsquo;: Indian court rules wife masturbating, watching porn not grounds for divorce</a>
<h2>What's in the bill?</h2>
As per the bill, any content is considered obscene if it appeals to prurient interests, depicts sexual acts, and lacks literary, artistic, or scientific value. It specifically wants to restrict the content that "depicts, describes or represents actual or simulated sexual acts with the objective intent to arouse, titillate, or gratify the sexual desires of a person".
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The act would also remove &ldquo;the &lsquo;intent&rsquo; requirement that only prohibits the transmission of obscenity for the purposes [of] abusing, threatening or harassing a person,&rdquo; according to a release from Lee&rsquo;s office.
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"Our bill updates the legal definition of obscenity for the internet age so this content can be taken down and its peddlers prosecuted," Senator Lee said. "Obscenity isn't protected by the First Amendment, but hazy and unenforceable legal definitions have allowed extreme pornography to saturate American society," he added.
Miller added that they take it as their responsibility to safeguard American families. "Safeguard American families and ensure this dangerous material is kept out of our homes and off our screens", Miller said. The bill aims to&nbsp;widen the scope of obscenity defined by Supreme Court cases&nbsp;Jacobellis v. Ohio&nbsp;and&nbsp;Miller v. California, which helped shape the current American definition of the word.
If passed, IODA would make it illegal to transmit obscene content across state lines, making it easier to prosecute offenders.&nbsp;
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World | Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah wants to criminalize online pornography via  Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) bill, says 'Obscenity isn't protected by the First Amendment'

Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah wants to criminalize online pornography as he has introduced a bill warning against the harmful impact of porn on American society. This is Lee's third attempt to pass the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) bill since 2022. Lee has tabled this bill along with Illinois Representative Mary Miller. Read More | ‘Self-pleasure not forbidden fruit’: Indian court rules wife masturbating, watching porn not grounds for divorce What's in the bill? As per the bill, any content is considered obscene if it appeals to prurient interests, depicts sexual acts, and lacks literary, artistic, or scientific value. It specifically wants to restrict the content that "depicts, describes or represents actual or simulated sexual acts with the objective intent to arouse, titillate, or gratify the sexual desires of a person". Read More | Who is Elliston Berry? Trump recognises teen victim of deepfake pornography in Congress address The act would also remove “the ‘intent’ requirement that only prohibits the transmission of obscenity for the purposes [of] abusing, threatening or harassing a person,” according to a release from Lee’s office. Read More | 'Ban Pornhub in US': Canada's 'nuclear weapon' against Trump's trade war "Our bill updates the legal definition of obscenity for the internet age so this content can be taken down and its peddlers prosecuted," Senator Lee said. "Obscenity isn't protected by the First Amendment, but hazy and unenforceable legal definitions have allowed extreme pornography to saturate American society," he added. Miller added that they take it as their responsibility to safeguard American families. "Safeguard American families and ensure this dangerous material is kept out of our homes and off our screens", Miller said. The bill aims to widen the scope of obscenity defined by Supreme Court cases Jacobellis v. Ohio and Miller v. California, which helped shape the current American definition of the word. If passed, IODA would make it illegal to transmit obscene content across state lines, making it easier to prosecute offenders. Read More | Facebook blocked in THIS country over ‘fake news, hate speech, and porn’; government warns it’s national threat

US to punish those who visit porn websites? Senators introduce new bill to 'protect American families'

World, Photos | From claiming that he wants Canada as '51sthe t state' to his new claim on Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: Here's a list of places that Trump wants US to take over

Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-a-lago-banner-seen-near-trumps-palm-beach-home-amid-controversy-over-400-mn-qatari-jet-9069570">Donald Trump</a> claimed on Thursday (May 15) that India had put forward a proposal for a trade agreement with "no tariffs" or 'zero tariffs". Speaking at a business event in Qatar, the US president claimed that India is "willing to literally charge us no tariff." Meanwhile, the Sensex jumped 1,300 points after Trump's statement.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-qatar-after-meeting-syrian-leader-in-saudi-arabia-announces-200-billion-boeing-deal-9069455">Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir</a>
Last month, US President JD Vance, during his visit to India, indicated that the US and India had finalised "terms of reference" for a potential tariff deal. Vance made the big announcement the day after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that it sets a roadmap towards a final deal between the two nations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also suggested that India is likely to be the first country to finalise a bilateral trade agreement with the US.&nbsp;
In March, the US imposed 25% levies on steel and aluminium imports - an extension of tariffs first imposed in 2018 during US President Donald Trump's first term.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-attend-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-in-istanbul-heres-what-we-know-volodymyr-zelensky-donald-trump-vladimir-putin-turkey-talks-9070912">Will Trump attend Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul? Here's what we know</a>
<h2>Trump's Qatar trip</h2>
Trump reached Qatar on Wednesday (May 14) - his second stop on a tour of West Asia. On Day 1 of Qatar trip, Trump announced that Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. Trump also expressed his hopes about the Iran nuclear deal and said in Doha, "I have a feeling it&rsquo;s going to work out." His remark came a day after Trump called Iran the "most destructive force" in the Middle East. "The biggest and most destructive force [in the Middle East] is Iran which has caused unthinkable suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen and beyond,&rdquo; he said during his visit to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-meets-ahmed-al-sharaa-becomes-first-us-president-to-meet-syrian-leader-in-25-years-see-pics-9067927">Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics</a>
<h2>Trump meets Syrian leader</h2>
Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. No US president has met a Syrian leader since Bill Clinton saw Hafez al-Assad, Bashar&rsquo;s father, in Geneva in 2000 in a failed effort to persuade him to make peace with Israel. Trump announced that he was lifting &ldquo;brutal and crippling" Assad-era sanctions on Syria. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was seen in a meeting with Saudi officials including Crown Prince MBS, US President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-meets-ahmed-al-sharaa-becomes-first-us-president-to-meet-syrian-leader-in-25-years-see-pics-9067927" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics</a>

World | US President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday (May 15) that India had put forward a proposal for a trade agreement with "no tariffs" or 'zero tariffs".

US President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday (May 15) that India had put forward a proposal for a trade agreement with "no tariffs" or 'zero tariffs". Speaking at a business event in Qatar, the US president claimed that India is "willing to literally charge us no tariff." Meanwhile, the Sensex jumped 1,300 points after Trump's statement. Read More | Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir Last month, US President JD Vance, during his visit to India, indicated that the US and India had finalised "terms of reference" for a potential tariff deal. Vance made the big announcement the day after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that it sets a roadmap towards a final deal between the two nations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also suggested that India is likely to be the first country to finalise a bilateral trade agreement with the US. In March, the US imposed 25% levies on steel and aluminium imports - an extension of tariffs first imposed in 2018 during US President Donald Trump's first term. Read More | Will Trump attend Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul? Here's what we know Trump's Qatar trip Trump reached Qatar on Wednesday (May 14) - his second stop on a tour of West Asia. On Day 1 of Qatar trip, Trump announced that Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. Trump also expressed his hopes about the Iran nuclear deal and said in Doha, "I have a feeling it’s going to work out." His remark came a day after Trump called Iran the "most destructive force" in the Middle East. "The biggest and most destructive force [in the Middle East] is Iran which has caused unthinkable suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen and beyond,” he said during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Read More | Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics Trump meets Syrian leader Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. No US president has met a Syrian leader since Bill Clinton saw Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father, in Geneva in 2000 in a failed effort to persuade him to make peace with Israel. Trump announced that he was lifting “brutal and crippling" Assad-era sanctions on Syria. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was seen in a meeting with Saudi officials including Crown Prince MBS, US President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Read More | Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics

'India offered trade deal with literally no tariffs': Donald Trump's big claim amid tariff war

Police in South Carolina responded to a 911 call and walked into a house and saw a large rat "eating" a six-month-old baby girl. They saw bite marks on the other twin baby and arrested the parents for letting the rats gnaw at their children.
The mother had made the call to the police, telling them that her baby was covered in blood. The police showed up and witnessed the horrific scene. The sheriff&rsquo;s office said a "large rat started eating the child." Anderson County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office informed that the parents, Akayla and Justin Bearden, have been charged with two counts of unlawful conduct towards a child.
The sheriff's office said that the mother saw the six-month-old baby girl and her bassinet covered in blood and called 911. "Deputies responded to D and M Drive as soon as the mother called 911, finding blood covering the bassinet and the infant," the sheriff's department said. "The bite marks span across the baby's arms, back of the head, ears and face."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-couple-planned-rape-of-their-own-child-before-birth-digitally-abused-her-8988494" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">US couple planned rape of their 2-month-old even before birth, digitally abused her</a>
Another baby, a twin, also had bite marks on its feet. The baby girl was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment.&nbsp;
<h2>South Carolina parents knew about the rats</h2>
A spokesperson for the police department said that during the investigation, the parents admitted that rats had been a menace in their home. "The parents admitted to field rats being an ongoing issue inside their single-wide home for the last several months, however, they continued to allow their children to live there," the department said.
The couple also have an older child who has been handed over to child protection services, along with the second twin baby. The baby girl will remain in the hospital for now.
The parents cannot meet the children unless allowed by CPS. They will appear before a judge again on July 31.

South Carolina police walked into a house and witnessed a horrific scene - "a large rat started eating the child." The parents have been arrested, and the baby is in the hospital. World Trending

Police in South Carolina responded to a 911 call and walked into a house and saw a large rat "eating" a six-month-old baby girl. They saw bite marks on the other twin baby and arrested the parents for letting the rats gnaw at their children. The mother had made the call to the police, telling them that her baby was covered in blood. The police showed up and witnessed the horrific scene. The sheriff’s office said a "large rat started eating the child." Anderson County Sheriff’s Office informed that the parents, Akayla and Justin Bearden, have been charged with two counts of unlawful conduct towards a child. The sheriff's office said that the mother saw the six-month-old baby girl and her bassinet covered in blood and called 911. "Deputies responded to D and M Drive as soon as the mother called 911, finding blood covering the bassinet and the infant," the sheriff's department said. "The bite marks span across the baby's arms, back of the head, ears and face." Also Read: US couple planned rape of their 2-month-old even before birth, digitally abused her Another baby, a twin, also had bite marks on its feet. The baby girl was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment. South Carolina parents knew about the rats A spokesperson for the police department said that during the investigation, the parents admitted that rats had been a menace in their home. "The parents admitted to field rats being an ongoing issue inside their single-wide home for the last several months, however, they continued to allow their children to live there," the department said. The couple also have an older child who has been handed over to child protection services, along with the second twin baby. The baby girl will remain in the hospital for now. The parents cannot meet the children unless allowed by CPS. They will appear before a judge again on July 31.

South Carolina police arrest parents after seeing 'large rat eating the child'

World | Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader as he held a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa - the interim president of Syria

Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sweeping sanctions on more than 20 companies accused of operating within a vast international network that facilitates the shipment of Iranian crude oil worth billions of dollars to China.
The move is part of the Trump administration&rsquo;s ongoing &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; campaign aimed at curbing Iran&rsquo;s oil revenues and deterring its military and nuclear ambitions.
The sanctioned network is allegedly tied to Iran&rsquo;s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and its front company, Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, which the US says uses complex smuggling tactics involving front companies, fake documentation, and shadow fleet tankers to evade sanctions and funnel money into Iran&rsquo;s defence and missile programs, as well as support for terrorist groups across the region.
<h2 dir="ltr">Oil revenue linked to weapons development</h2>
According to the Treasury&rsquo;s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned entities operate in multiple jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and the Seychelles. The network includes companies such as CCIC Singapore PTE Ltd, Huangdao Inspection and Certification Co. Ltd, and Qingdao Linkrich International Shipping Agency Co. Ltd, all of which played roles in masking the Iranian origin of crude shipments and facilitating their delivery to China&rsquo;s independent &ldquo;teapot&rdquo; refineries.
OFAC said revenue from these sales directly funds Iran&rsquo;s development of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and nuclear proliferation activities, as well as attacks by the Houthi group on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and against US and Israeli interests.
Reuters reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, &ldquo;This action underscores our continued focus on intensifying pressure on every aspect of Iran&rsquo;s oil trade&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We will continue targeting this primary source of revenue so long as the regime supports terrorism and proliferation of deadly weapons,&rdquo; he added.
<h2 dir="ltr">US warns of further measures amid fragile diplomacy</h2>
The sanctions come just days after the conclusion of a fourth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. While both countries have expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution to the decades-long nuclear standoff, deep disagreements remain over key issues such as uranium enrichment levels.
US President Donald Trump, speaking at a US-Saudi investment conference, offered Iran &ldquo;a new and better path&rdquo; but warned that rejection would be met with even harsher measures, including driving Iranian oil exports &ldquo;to zero&rdquo;.
This latest round of sanctions also targets ships, shadow fleet tankers like BALU and ROC, and financial facilitators involved in laundering proceeds back to the AFGS. US officials have signalled that unless China&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises are brought into the sanctions regime, the measures may have limited long-term impact.
Meanwhile, Beijing has criticised the US for what it calls &ldquo;long-arm jurisdiction&rdquo; that undermines international trade, reaffirming its opposition to unilateral sanctions.

Business & Economy: The move is part of the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s oil revenues and deterring its military ambitions

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sweeping sanctions on more than 20 companies accused of operating within a vast international network that facilitates the shipment of Iranian crude oil worth billions of dollars to China. The move is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s oil revenues and deterring its military and nuclear ambitions. The sanctioned network is allegedly tied to Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and its front company, Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, which the US says uses complex smuggling tactics involving front companies, fake documentation, and shadow fleet tankers to evade sanctions and funnel money into Iran’s defence and missile programs, as well as support for terrorist groups across the region. Oil revenue linked to weapons development According to the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned entities operate in multiple jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and the Seychelles. The network includes companies such as CCIC Singapore PTE Ltd, Huangdao Inspection and Certification Co. Ltd, and Qingdao Linkrich International Shipping Agency Co. Ltd, all of which played roles in masking the Iranian origin of crude shipments and facilitating their delivery to China’s independent “teapot” refineries. OFAC said revenue from these sales directly funds Iran’s development of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and nuclear proliferation activities, as well as attacks by the Houthi group on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and against US and Israeli interests. Reuters reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “This action underscores our continued focus on intensifying pressure on every aspect of Iran’s oil trade”. “We will continue targeting this primary source of revenue so long as the regime supports terrorism and proliferation of deadly weapons,” he added. US warns of further measures amid fragile diplomacy The sanctions come just days after the conclusion of a fourth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. While both countries have expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution to the decades-long nuclear standoff, deep disagreements remain over key issues such as uranium enrichment levels. US President Donald Trump, speaking at a US-Saudi investment conference, offered Iran “a new and better path” but warned that rejection would be met with even harsher measures, including driving Iranian oil exports “to zero”. This latest round of sanctions also targets ships, shadow fleet tankers like BALU and ROC, and financial facilitators involved in laundering proceeds back to the AFGS. US officials have signalled that unless China’s state-owned enterprises are brought into the sanctions regime, the measures may have limited long-term impact. Meanwhile, Beijing has criticised the US for what it calls “long-arm jurisdiction” that undermines international trade, reaffirming its opposition to unilateral sanctions.

US sanctions over 20 companies for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-embarks-on-middle-east-tour-with-focus-on-business-regional-tensions-9057057" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> has arrived in Saudi Arabia, in what will be the first stop of a three-day tour that will also see him visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS greeted him on his arrival.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Cover (87)" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/13/2I0plMnOD1EipAExO0Kh.png" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
</figure>
&ldquo;The era of peace will return, and the commander-in-chief of the US armed forces will be in Washington to help safeguard the Gulf&rsquo;s security and stand by its people &ndash; because he knows them well and believes in the importance of their friendship,&rdquo; said Eric Trump while speaking to&nbsp;Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520">Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?</a>
As Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, Royal Saudi Air Force's F-15 fighter jets escorted Air Force One.&nbsp;At least five fighter jets came flanking of the AF1's wings, three on the right side, two on the left side, just as the plane approached for landing.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-embarks-on-middle-east-tour-with-focus-on-business-regional-tensions-9057057" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US President Trump embarks on Middle East tour with focus on business &amp; regional tensions</a>
&ldquo;On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU!&rdquo; Dan Scavino, Assistant to Trump and the White House Deputy Chief of Staff posted on X with a video from the flight. WATCH here&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mambtcsy-advjyh09-rq12pcg7">
Air Force One about to go wheels down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with Saudi F-15 fighter jets bringing us in. On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU! 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/UDzPyylyF8">https://t.co/UDzPyylyF8</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nd6DnRGtZD">pic.twitter.com/Nd6DnRGtZD</a>
&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1922191139546812793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
While Israel&rsquo;s war in Gaza and Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions remain front and center, the White House has framed the visit as a &ldquo;historic return&rdquo; to a region Trump first visited as president in 2017&mdash;when he famously posed over a glowing orb with Saudi and Egyptian leaders in Riyadh. By choosing again to begin his overseas travels within the oil-producing Gulf&mdash;instead of with long-standing Western partners&mdash;Trump is demonstrating the rising geopolitical influence of the region, and also emphasising his long-established personal and commercial connections there.

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, in what will be the first stop of a three-day tour that will also see him visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, in what will be the first stop of a three-day tour that will also see him visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS greeted him on his arrival. Photograph: (AFP) “The era of peace will return, and the commander-in-chief of the US armed forces will be in Washington to help safeguard the Gulf’s security and stand by its people – because he knows them well and believes in the importance of their friendship,” said Eric Trump while speaking to Saudi Arabia’s Asharq al-Awsat newspaper. Read More | Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords? As Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, Royal Saudi Air Force's F-15 fighter jets escorted Air Force One. At least five fighter jets came flanking of the AF1's wings, three on the right side, two on the left side, just as the plane approached for landing. Read More | US President Trump embarks on Middle East tour with focus on business & regional tensions “On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU!” Dan Scavino, Assistant to Trump and the White House Deputy Chief of Staff posted on X with a video from the flight. WATCH here Air Force One about to go wheels down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with Saudi F-15 fighter jets bringing us in. On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU! 🇺🇸🇸🇦 https://t.co/UDzPyylyF8 pic.twitter.com/Nd6DnRGtZD — Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) May 13, 2025 While Israel’s war in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain front and center, the White House has framed the visit as a “historic return” to a region Trump first visited as president in 2017—when he famously posed over a glowing orb with Saudi and Egyptian leaders in Riyadh. By choosing again to begin his overseas travels within the oil-producing Gulf—instead of with long-standing Western partners—Trump is demonstrating the rising geopolitical influence of the region, and also emphasising his long-established personal and commercial connections there.

US President Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia on his first trip of second term; MBS welcomes him | Pics here

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Sunday (May 11) that they reached "substantial progress" in high-stakes talks with China amid ongoing trade war. They also said that a deal with China has been reached to cut the trade deficit, but offered no details as two days of negotiations concluded in Geneva. Bessent and Greer did not mention any plans to cut US tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and China's 125% tariffs on US goods.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/response-measured-non-escalatory-responsible-from-day-1-vice-admiral-an-pramod-9058675">"Response measured, non-escalatory &amp; responsible from day 1": Vice Admiral AN Pramod</a>
<h2>What the US said?</h2>
Greer said that the talks were "constructive". "It was done in a spirit of cooperation, shared interests, mutual respect," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells reporters in Geneva. Bessent told reporters that details would be announced on Monday and that US President Donald Trump was fully aware of the results of the "productive talks" with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and two Chinese vice ministers. Greer described the Geneva meetings' conclusion as "a deal we struck with our Chinese partners" that will help reduce the $1.2 trillion US global goods trade deficit. He called Vice Premier He, Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang and Vice Finance Minister Liao Min "tough negotiators." "And this was, as the secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days," Greer said. "It's important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought," Greer said.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-conclude-difficult-but-useful-fourth-round-of-nuclear-talks-iranian-prez-wont-dismantle-facilities-9058591">Iran, US conclude &lsquo;difficult but useful&rsquo; fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won&rsquo;t &lsquo;dismantle&rsquo; facilities</a>
<h2>What China said?</h2>
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said that Beijing and Washington had agreed during weekend talks in Geneva to create a "consultation mechanism", as they strive to de-escalate trade tensions. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, He Lifeng said that the closed-door discussions with US Treasury Secretary&nbsp; Bessent and Trade Representative Greer resulted in agreement on "establishing a consultation mechanism". China's international trade representative Li Chenggang explained the mechanism would enable "regular and irregular communications related to trade and commercial issues".
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-donald-trump-xi-jinping-call-us-president-trade-war-9011352">'First stop threatening, blackmailing China': Beijing calls out Trump over 'fake' Xi call. Was US prez bluffing to end trade war?</a>
<h2>US-China Trade War</h2>
The meeting was the first face-to-face interaction between senior American and Chinese economic officials since Trump took office and launched a global tariff blitz that started with declaring a national emergency over the U.S. fentanyl crisis, imposing a new 20% tariff on Chinese goods in February. Trump followed with a 34% "reciprocal" duty on Chinese imports in April, and subsequent rounds pushed the rates into triple digits, bringing nearly $600 billion in two-way trade to a standstill.
This development comes after Trump said on Friday that an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right," suggesting for the first time a specific reduction target.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520">Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?</a>

World | US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that they reached "substantial progress" in talks with China on trade deal

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Sunday (May 11) that they reached "substantial progress" in high-stakes talks with China amid ongoing trade war. They also said that a deal with China has been reached to cut the trade deficit, but offered no details as two days of negotiations concluded in Geneva. Bessent and Greer did not mention any plans to cut US tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and China's 125% tariffs on US goods. Read More | "Response measured, non-escalatory & responsible from day 1": Vice Admiral AN Pramod What the US said? Greer said that the talks were "constructive". "It was done in a spirit of cooperation, shared interests, mutual respect," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells reporters in Geneva. Bessent told reporters that details would be announced on Monday and that US President Donald Trump was fully aware of the results of the "productive talks" with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and two Chinese vice ministers. Greer described the Geneva meetings' conclusion as "a deal we struck with our Chinese partners" that will help reduce the $1.2 trillion US global goods trade deficit. He called Vice Premier He, Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang and Vice Finance Minister Liao Min "tough negotiators." "And this was, as the secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days," Greer said. "It's important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought," Greer said. Read More | Iran, US conclude ‘difficult but useful’ fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won’t ‘dismantle’ facilities What China said? Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said that Beijing and Washington had agreed during weekend talks in Geneva to create a "consultation mechanism", as they strive to de-escalate trade tensions. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, He Lifeng said that the closed-door discussions with US Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Representative Greer resulted in agreement on "establishing a consultation mechanism". China's international trade representative Li Chenggang explained the mechanism would enable "regular and irregular communications related to trade and commercial issues". Read More | 'First stop threatening, blackmailing China': Beijing calls out Trump over 'fake' Xi call. Was US prez bluffing to end trade war? US-China Trade War The meeting was the first face-to-face interaction between senior American and Chinese economic officials since Trump took office and launched a global tariff blitz that started with declaring a national emergency over the U.S. fentanyl crisis, imposing a new 20% tariff on Chinese goods in February. Trump followed with a 34% "reciprocal" duty on Chinese imports in April, and subsequent rounds pushed the rates into triple digits, bringing nearly $600 billion in two-way trade to a standstill. This development comes after Trump said on Friday that an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right," suggesting for the first time a specific reduction target. Read More | Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?

US-China trade deal finalised? Trump's trade representative says Geneva talks 'productive,' 'substantial progress' made

India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday (May 10). While US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, India's statement did not mention the United States. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;reiterated India's commitment to fighting against terrorism but did not mention Trump or the US in his statement. Moreover, India's Ministry of Defence also briefed the nation on Pakistan's misinformation campaign, Operation Sindoor and ceasefire but did not mention the United States.
However, Trump and his team have claimed credit for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-operation-sindoor-pahalgam-terror-attack-agree-for-ceasefire-foreign-secretary-vikram-misri-9055414" rel="dofollow">ceasefire </a>between the two nuclear nations. This is despite US Vice President JD Vance saying a day before that America would not directly "intervene" in the matter as it is "none of America's business".
<h2>Trump and his team take credit</h2>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indo-pak-war-i-am-pleased-to-announce-that-india-and-pakistan-have-agreed-to-a-full-to-a-full-and-immediate-ceasefire-trump-on-truth-social-9055334" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> shared a post on Truth Social announcing that India and Pakistan "have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire" and that "common sense and great intelligence" have prevailed. He congratulated both the countries for the ceasefire. The US Department of State in a statement called the ceasefire a 'US-brokered.'&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maife4q7-yb8rxwby-ya1yw0h1">
<a href="https://t.co/lRPhZpugBV">pic.twitter.com/lRPhZpugBV</a>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1921174163848401313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maie4pv2-3lugjno3-1t01jqvw">
US claims credit for India, Pakistan 'understanding' achieved on ceasing military hostilities. State dept says it was a "U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire" between India and Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/ycqOdH1rB6">pic.twitter.com/ycqOdH1rB6</a>
&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1921210971873309069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X said that US Vice President JD Vance and Rubio engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials over 48 hours to confirm the ceasefire. Rubio also said that they spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani&nbsp;Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Indian National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Pakistani NSA Asim Malik.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maie1icb-ev5oo6r0-a14mmm1y">
Over the past 48 hours, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit&hellip;
&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1921175185836708140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-s-400-to-brahmos-missile-base-india-exposes-pakistans-misinformation-campaign-after-announcing-ceasefire-9055483">From S-400 to BrahMos missile base: India EXPOSES Pakistan&rsquo;s misinformation campaign after announcing ceasefire</a>
US Vice President JD Vance congratulated President Trump on the ceasefire, particularly Secretary Rubio. He also praised Indian and Pakistani leaders for their hard work and willingness for a ceasefire.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maie1368-btasffej-koxrpez8">
Great work from the President&rsquo;s team, especially Secretary Rubio. And my gratitude to the leaders of India and Pakistan for their hard work and willingness to engage in this ceasefire. <a href="https://t.co/ddDzFMAT3H">https://t.co/ddDzFMAT3H</a>
&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1921188620452393411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif also gave credit to Trump and his team for "proactive role for peace in the region." He thanked US Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia. He hailed the United States "for facilitating" the ceasefire and highlighted that Pakistan&nbsp;accepted it in the interest of regional peace and stability.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maifo46k-qtct1n3c-ihopmxd0">
We thank President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region . Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability. We also thank Vice President JD Vance and&hellip;
&mdash; Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1921220993101525318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>'None of our business': Vance</h2>
A day before, in an interview with&nbsp;Fox News, US V-P Vance had said, "What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit. But we're not going to get involved in the middle of a war that&rsquo;s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America&rsquo;s ability to control it."
<h2>No mention of Trump in India's statement</h2>
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a press conference but did not mention Trump, Rubio, Vance or the United States. Misri said, "Pakistan's Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time. Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours ."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maie2pbk-qvo6q6uy-9c3ulfjo">
Foreign Secretary ShriVikram Misri has confirmed the implementation of a ceasefire under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a>. At 15:35 hrs today, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart, and both sides agreed to halt all military action&mdash;on&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/a1PfmiBZpg">pic.twitter.com/a1PfmiBZpg</a>
&mdash; Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1921209160370102660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-rollback-of-action-pakistan-after-pahlagam-indus-waters-treaty-visa-cancellation-diplomatic-action-9055595">India firm on its stance on terror, no rollback of actions against Pakistan including Indus Waters Treaty: Govt Sources after ceasefire</a>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW98635770 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{72e8589b-a918-43af-8099-c19f10be8cb5}{39}" paraid="1106180353" >Operation Sindoor</h2>
In a powerful and strategic response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-operation-sindoor-top-jem-and-let-members-killed-reports-9054511" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indian Armed Forces</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;early&nbsp;Wednesday (May 7) launched a series of precision strikes against nine terror camps&nbsp;located&nbsp;deep inside Pakistan and&nbsp;Pakistan-occupied Kashmir&nbsp;(PoK) under&nbsp;code-named&nbsp;Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;As per reports, at least five dreaded terrorists from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jaish-e-mohammed" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>&nbsp;(JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)&mdash;two Pakistan-based terror outfits have been eliminated.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a briefing on May 10 said that Operation Sindoor that Pakistan targeted hospitals and schools during its attack by violating airspace in 26 locations.&nbsp;
Earlier on May 7, when India conducted Operation Sindoor, women officers Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that India exercised its right to respond. They said that India's actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-tensions-india-to-consider-any-future-act-of-terror-as-act-of-war-govt-sources-9055241">Indo-Pak tensions | 'India to consider any future act of terror as act of war': Govt sources</a>

While US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, India's statement did not mention the United States | India News, World, Pakistan

India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday (May 10). While US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, India's statement did not mention the United States. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to fighting against terrorism but did not mention Trump or the US in his statement. Moreover, India's Ministry of Defence also briefed the nation on Pakistan's misinformation campaign, Operation Sindoor and ceasefire but did not mention the United States. However, Trump and his team have claimed credit for the ceasefire between the two nuclear nations. This is despite US Vice President JD Vance saying a day before that America would not directly "intervene" in the matter as it is "none of America's business". Trump and his team take credit Donald Trump shared a post on Truth Social announcing that India and Pakistan "have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire" and that "common sense and great intelligence" have prevailed. He congratulated both the countries for the ceasefire. The US Department of State in a statement called the ceasefire a 'US-brokered.' pic.twitter.com/lRPhZpugBV — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2025 US claims credit for India, Pakistan 'understanding' achieved on ceasing military hostilities. State dept says it was a "U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire" between India and Pakistan pic.twitter.com/ycqOdH1rB6 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 10, 2025 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X said that US Vice President JD Vance and Rubio engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials over 48 hours to confirm the ceasefire. Rubio also said that they spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Indian National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Pakistani NSA Asim Malik. Over the past 48 hours, @VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit… — Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 10, 2025 Read More | From S-400 to BrahMos missile base: India EXPOSES Pakistan’s misinformation campaign after announcing ceasefire US Vice President JD Vance congratulated President Trump on the ceasefire, particularly Secretary Rubio. He also praised Indian and Pakistani leaders for their hard work and willingness for a ceasefire. Great work from the President’s team, especially Secretary Rubio. And my gratitude to the leaders of India and Pakistan for their hard work and willingness to engage in this ceasefire. https://t.co/ddDzFMAT3H — JD Vance (@JDVance) May 10, 2025 Meanwhile, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif also gave credit to Trump and his team for "proactive role for peace in the region." He thanked US Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia. He hailed the United States "for facilitating" the ceasefire and highlighted that Pakistan accepted it in the interest of regional peace and stability. We thank President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region . Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability. We also thank Vice President JD Vance and… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 10, 2025 'None of our business': Vance A day before, in an interview with Fox News, US V-P Vance had said, "What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit. But we're not going to get involved in the middle of a war that’s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it." No mention of Trump in India's statement India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a press conference but did not mention Trump, Rubio, Vance or the United States. Misri said, "Pakistan's Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time. Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours ." Foreign Secretary ShriVikram Misri has confirmed the implementation of a ceasefire under #OperationSindoor. At 15:35 hrs today, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart, and both sides agreed to halt all military action—on… pic.twitter.com/a1PfmiBZpg — Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 10, 2025 Read More | India firm on its stance on terror, no rollback of actions against Pakistan including Indus Waters Treaty: Govt Sources after ceasefire Operation Sindoor In a powerful and strategic response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the Indian Armed Forces on early Wednesday (May 7) launched a series of precision strikes against nine terror camps located deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under code-named Operation Sindoor. As per reports, at least five dreaded terrorists from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—two Pakistan-based terror outfits have been eliminated. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a briefing on May 10 said that Operation Sindoor that Pakistan targeted hospitals and schools during its attack by violating airspace in 26 locations. Earlier on May 7, when India conducted Operation Sindoor, women officers Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that India exercised its right to respond. They said that India's actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. Read More | Indo-Pak tensions | 'India to consider any future act of terror as act of war': Govt sources

From 'none of our business' to Trump claiming credit for Indo-Pak ceasefire: Here's what we know

The United States has lost a second fighter jet that went overboard the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on Tuesday, NBC News reported. The jet went into the Red Sea after it failed to land safely. The two aviators on board the two-seater F/A-18F Super Hornet ejected safely. The incident happened when it was landing around 9:45 p.m. local time.&nbsp;
The plane went overboard after it failed to catch the wire, known as a &ldquo;failed arrestment,&rdquo; one of the officials said. An investigation has been opened into the matter.
Aircraft landing on such carriers use a tail hook that grabs onto another wire to slow down. An officer said that the tail hook of this aircraft failed to catch onto the wire on the carrier and kept speeding, falling into the sea.
<h2>$67 million aircraft lost at sea</h2>
Almost eight days ago, another aircraft met a similar fate while trying to land on USS Harry S. Truman. The F/A-18E fell into the sea in the Middle East. The F/A-18E Super Hornet costs $67 million.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-need-anything-from-canada-trump-blasts-canada-ahead-of-first-meeting-with-pm-carney-at-white-house-9041768" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump blasts Canada ahead of first meeting with PM Carney at White House</a>
The aircraft, along with the tow tractor that was pulling it, fell off the deck and plunged into the sea. The office of the Navy Chief of Information in Bahrain issued a statement, which stated that a sailor suffered a minor injury in the incident. The crew on deck assessed the situation quickly and got out of the way.
&ldquo;The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard,&rdquo; the statement said
&ldquo;Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway,&rdquo; it continued.
The aircraft was part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which consists of nine airborne squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, the three guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 28, plus the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg. The carrier is more than 1,000 feet long and holds up to 85 planes.

American forces lost another $60 million aircraft at sea when the  F/A-18F Super Hornet failed to land safely on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. World

The United States has lost a second fighter jet that went overboard the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on Tuesday, NBC News reported. The jet went into the Red Sea after it failed to land safely. The two aviators on board the two-seater F/A-18F Super Hornet ejected safely. The incident happened when it was landing around 9:45 p.m. local time. The plane went overboard after it failed to catch the wire, known as a “failed arrestment,” one of the officials said. An investigation has been opened into the matter. Aircraft landing on such carriers use a tail hook that grabs onto another wire to slow down. An officer said that the tail hook of this aircraft failed to catch onto the wire on the carrier and kept speeding, falling into the sea. $67 million aircraft lost at sea Almost eight days ago, another aircraft met a similar fate while trying to land on USS Harry S. Truman. The F/A-18E fell into the sea in the Middle East. The F/A-18E Super Hornet costs $67 million. Also Read: Trump blasts Canada ahead of first meeting with PM Carney at White House The aircraft, along with the tow tractor that was pulling it, fell off the deck and plunged into the sea. The office of the Navy Chief of Information in Bahrain issued a statement, which stated that a sailor suffered a minor injury in the incident. The crew on deck assessed the situation quickly and got out of the way. “The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard,” the statement said “Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway,” it continued. The aircraft was part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which consists of nine airborne squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, the three guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 28, plus the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg. The carrier is more than 1,000 feet long and holds up to 85 planes.

US loses a second $60 million aircraft at sea as jet shoots past carrier

The US Department of Homeland Security on Monday said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-an-alien-breaks-law-trump-admins-big-warning-to-green-card-holders-says-its-a-privilege-not-a-right-9038846">Trump</a>&nbsp;administration will offer a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance to migrants who elect to voluntarily "self-deport" from America.&nbsp;The stipend and potential airfare for migrants who voluntarily depart would cost less than an actual deportation, the agency said. The average cost of arresting, detaining and deporting someone without legal status is currently about $17,000, according to DHS.
"If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,&rdquo; Secretary Kristi Noem said, according to news agency AP.
In the announcement, DHS said people who choose to leave "may help preserve" the ability to return legally, but did not cite any specific pathway or program. "If they're good, if we want them back in, we're going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can," he said.
&ldquo;The first use of travel assistance has already proven successful. An illegal alien that the Biden Administration allowed into our country recently utilized the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras,&rdquo; the agency said.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-trump-orders-new-limitations-on-research-aimed-at-enhancing-pathogen-9039052">US President Trump orders new limitations on research aimed at enhancing pathogen</a>
The Trump administration has deported 152,000 people since January 20, according to DHS, lower than the 195,000 deported from February-April last year under his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. This is despite&nbsp;Trump pledging to deport millions of people ahead of his oath-taking in January. Trump's administration has tried to encourage migrants to leave voluntarily by threatening steep fines, trying to strip away legal status, and deporting migrants to notorious prisons in Guantanamo Bay and El Salvador.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pak-tensions-centre-orders-civil-defence-drills-to-test-public-alert-system-response-9040211">India-Pak tensions: Centre orders civil defence drills to test public alert system &amp; response</a> However, the immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York criticised the stipend program and said migrants considering the offer should consult with an attorney.
Natalia Aristizabal, the group's deputy director, while speaking to news agency Reuters called the program "cruel" and "misleading" and said the Trump administration failed to note the barriers that many migrants would face to return to the U.S. Trump administration will offer a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance to migrants who elect to voluntarily "self-deport" from The US, the Department of Homeland Security said on Monday.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-in-us-begins-student-loan-collections-after-almost-four-years-9039056">Took student loan in US? It's time to pay back or Trump admin will deduct it from your salary: All you need to know</a>
&nbsp;

World | The Trump administration will offer a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance to migrants who elect to voluntarily "self-deport" from America

The US Department of Homeland Security on Monday said that the Trump administration will offer a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance to migrants who elect to voluntarily "self-deport" from America. The stipend and potential airfare for migrants who voluntarily depart would cost less than an actual deportation, the agency said. The average cost of arresting, detaining and deporting someone without legal status is currently about $17,000, according to DHS. "If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,” Secretary Kristi Noem said, according to news agency AP. In the announcement, DHS said people who choose to leave "may help preserve" the ability to return legally, but did not cite any specific pathway or program. "If they're good, if we want them back in, we're going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can," he said. “The first use of travel assistance has already proven successful. An illegal alien that the Biden Administration allowed into our country recently utilized the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras,” the agency said. Read More | US President Trump orders new limitations on research aimed at enhancing pathogen The Trump administration has deported 152,000 people since January 20, according to DHS, lower than the 195,000 deported from February-April last year under his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. This is despite Trump pledging to deport millions of people ahead of his oath-taking in January. Trump's administration has tried to encourage migrants to leave voluntarily by threatening steep fines, trying to strip away legal status, and deporting migrants to notorious prisons in Guantanamo Bay and El Salvador. Read More | India-Pak tensions: Centre orders civil defence drills to test public alert system & response However, the immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York criticised the stipend program and said migrants considering the offer should consult with an attorney. Natalia Aristizabal, the group's deputy director, while speaking to news agency Reuters called the program "cruel" and "misleading" and said the Trump administration failed to note the barriers that many migrants would face to return to the U.S. Trump administration will offer a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance to migrants who elect to voluntarily "self-deport" from The US, the Department of Homeland Security said on Monday. Read More | Took student loan in US? It's time to pay back or Trump admin will deduct it from your salary: All you need to know

'If we want them back in...': Trump admin's new deportation plan includes $1000 stipend, flight assistance and more

The Trump administration on Monday has said that it will resume collecting defaulted student loans stating that "there will not be any mass loan forgiveness." It&rsquo;s expected to affect the more than 5 million borrowers who are in default. The Department of Education stated in a release that it&nbsp;has not collected on defaulted loans since March 2020. The Education Department urged student borrowers in default to contact the student aid office&rsquo;s Default Resolution Group and make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation.
"American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies," said US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a statement.
The Education Department in its release also said, "The previous Administration failed to process applications for borrowers who applied for income-driven repayment and continued to push misguided &ldquo;on-ramps&rdquo; and illegal loan forgiveness schemes to win points with borrowers and mask rising delinquency and default rates."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mac2l611-wxz0ngq5-gr4wklri">
Starting today, May 5, the Department is resuming collections to protect taxpayers from shouldering the cost of student loans. Federal student loans are financed by the American people and must be paid back. <a href="https://t.co/yQmP12Tojy">https://t.co/yQmP12Tojy</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIlSBPLHhB">pic.twitter.com/BIlSBPLHhB</a>
&mdash; U.S. Department of Education (@usedgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/usedgov/status/1919422713854132389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-trump-okay-us-president-gives-offtrack-reply-to-alcatraz-question-internet-calls-him-a-word-salad-video-9038757">Is Trump okay? US president gives off-track reply to Alcatraz question, internet calls him 'a word salad' | VIDEO</a>
As part of its move to resume collection of these debts, the government has restarted the Treasury Offset Program, which collects debts by garnishing federal and state payments, such as tax returns or social security benefits.
"Going forward, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Treasury, will shepherd the student loan program responsibly and according to the law, which means helping borrowers return to repayment&mdash;both for the sake of their own financial health and our nation&rsquo;s economic outlook," it added.
This comes as the Trump administration attempts to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-forgives-an-additional-74-billion-in-student-loans-710506" rel="dofollow">roll back former President Joe Biden&rsquo;s policies</a>, including those around student loan forgiveness.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-pakistans-army-cant-handle-a-real-war-9039201">Why Pakistan's army can't handle a real war?</a>
<h2>Who will be affected by student loan collections?</h2>
Federal student loans go into default after 270 days without payment. When a student loan goes in default, it is reflected on the credit report, as per CNN. A student can check on the status of loan by reaching out to student loan servicer or visiting the Federal Student Aid website for more information.
According to the Department of Education&rsquo;s website, student can no longer receive deferment or forbearance, which allows them to temporarily stop making payments on your loan.&nbsp;
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World | The Trump administration on Monday has said that it will resume collecting defaulted student loans stating that "there will not be any mass loan forgiveness."

The Trump administration on Monday has said that it will resume collecting defaulted student loans stating that "there will not be any mass loan forgiveness." It’s expected to affect the more than 5 million borrowers who are in default. The Department of Education stated in a release that it has not collected on defaulted loans since March 2020. The Education Department urged student borrowers in default to contact the student aid office’s Default Resolution Group and make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation. "American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies," said US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a statement. The Education Department in its release also said, "The previous Administration failed to process applications for borrowers who applied for income-driven repayment and continued to push misguided “on-ramps” and illegal loan forgiveness schemes to win points with borrowers and mask rising delinquency and default rates." Starting today, May 5, the Department is resuming collections to protect taxpayers from shouldering the cost of student loans. Federal student loans are financed by the American people and must be paid back. https://t.co/yQmP12Tojy pic.twitter.com/BIlSBPLHhB — U.S. Department of Education (@usedgov) May 5, 2025 Read More | Is Trump okay? US president gives off-track reply to Alcatraz question, internet calls him 'a word salad' | VIDEO As part of its move to resume collection of these debts, the government has restarted the Treasury Offset Program, which collects debts by garnishing federal and state payments, such as tax returns or social security benefits. "Going forward, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Treasury, will shepherd the student loan program responsibly and according to the law, which means helping borrowers return to repayment—both for the sake of their own financial health and our nation’s economic outlook," it added. This comes as the Trump administration attempts to roll back former President Joe Biden’s policies, including those around student loan forgiveness. Read More | Why Pakistan's army can't handle a real war? Who will be affected by student loan collections? Federal student loans go into default after 270 days without payment. When a student loan goes in default, it is reflected on the credit report, as per CNN. A student can check on the status of loan by reaching out to student loan servicer or visiting the Federal Student Aid website for more information. According to the Department of Education’s website, student can no longer receive deferment or forbearance, which allows them to temporarily stop making payments on your loan. Read More | 'If an alien breaks law...': Trump admin's big warning to Green card holders, says it's a 'privilege, not a right'

Took student loan in US? It's time to pay back or Trump admin will deduct it from your salary: All you need to know

An Army veteran who has just gotten married died by suicide a day after returning from his honeymoon. The newlywed bride is shocked by her husband's death and says she is not aware of any reason why he would take his own life. The woman from North Carolina, United States, adds she never noticed any signs of depression in her husband.&nbsp;
Isabel Coles met her husband Christopher on a dating app and tied the knot 18 months later in September last year. The 32-year-old said both of them were thrilled to be married. For their honeymoon, they chose to go to a beachfront music festival. Coles says it was the "perfect" honeymoon.
But things took a dark turn only a day after they returned. The 28-year-old army veteran walked out of the home into the woods with a handgun. He shockingly shot himself, leaving his near and dear ones devastated.
Isabel recalled that Christopher started acting strangely after returning from the honeymoon. He didn't want to speak to her and appeared to be a different person. She tried to stop him from leaving the house, but he didn't listen and left.
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"In the morning, he was folding laundry, and things were a little weird. I asked him what was wrong, and he said 'nothing'. He went downstairs and tried to get out. I stood at the front door and asked what was going on," Isabel said.
<h2>Christopher went to the woods with a gun</h2>
The next day, Isabel was told that Christopher had done the unthinkable. Isabel had a hard time wrapping her head around the news. She failed to understand what prompted her husband to kill himself, as just a day before, he was doing regular chores in the house.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strange-hum-on-scottish-island-is-making-people-dizzy-its-source-is-a-mystery-9024537" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">What's that noise? A hum is driving residents of a Scottish island crazy</a>
Her heart burst with sadness when she received flowers from Christopher after his death. He had booked the flowers to be delivered on this day months before.
Isabel is trying to pinpoint the signs she may have missed about his struggle with mental health. "My husband was very successful and very driven and motivated, and he was such a good person, so looking back, I think, 'were there signs?'"
"He was very hard on himself, always pushing himself. There were no signs, it did take me really off guard."
However, she admits there must be something going on with him that led him to take the extreme step. "He was obviously fighting demons," she said.
Meanwhile, Isabel has people around her blaming her for his death. "I know it's not true, my husband and I were very happy. No one can change that or take that away from me."
&nbsp;
If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602
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Isabel recalled that Christopher started acting strangely after returning from the honeymoon. He didn't want to speak to her. World Trending

An Army veteran who has just gotten married died by suicide a day after returning from his honeymoon. The newlywed bride is shocked by her husband's death and says she is not aware of any reason why he would take his own life. The woman from North Carolina, United States, adds she never noticed any signs of depression in her husband. Isabel Coles met her husband Christopher on a dating app and tied the knot 18 months later in September last year. The 32-year-old said both of them were thrilled to be married. For their honeymoon, they chose to go to a beachfront music festival. Coles says it was the "perfect" honeymoon. But things took a dark turn only a day after they returned. The 28-year-old army veteran walked out of the home into the woods with a handgun. He shockingly shot himself, leaving his near and dear ones devastated. Isabel recalled that Christopher started acting strangely after returning from the honeymoon. He didn't want to speak to her and appeared to be a different person. She tried to stop him from leaving the house, but he didn't listen and left. Also Read: 80 years ago, Hitler died. But some secrets remain buried. Bombshell report will reveal them "In the morning, he was folding laundry, and things were a little weird. I asked him what was wrong, and he said 'nothing'. He went downstairs and tried to get out. I stood at the front door and asked what was going on," Isabel said. Christopher went to the woods with a gun The next day, Isabel was told that Christopher had done the unthinkable. Isabel had a hard time wrapping her head around the news. She failed to understand what prompted her husband to kill himself, as just a day before, he was doing regular chores in the house. Also Read: What's that noise? A hum is driving residents of a Scottish island crazy Her heart burst with sadness when she received flowers from Christopher after his death. He had booked the flowers to be delivered on this day months before. Isabel is trying to pinpoint the signs she may have missed about his struggle with mental health. "My husband was very successful and very driven and motivated, and he was such a good person, so looking back, I think, 'were there signs?'" "He was very hard on himself, always pushing himself. There were no signs, it did take me really off guard." However, she admits there must be something going on with him that led him to take the extreme step. "He was obviously fighting demons," she said. Meanwhile, Isabel has people around her blaming her for his death. "I know it's not true, my husband and I were very happy. No one can change that or take that away from me." If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

28-year-old veteran kills himself after honeymoon, sends wife flowers from beyond the grave

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