In a major legal blow, a Washington state jury has ruled that&nbsp;Monsanto must pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of the Sky Valley Education Centre in Monroe, Washington. &nbsp;

The plaintiffs claimed that exposure to chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from light fixtures made by Monsanto caused neurological, endocrine system, and other health concerns. &nbsp;

The jury found Monsanto liable for selling unsafe PCBs without adequate warnings, awarding $73 million in compensatory damages and $784 million in punitive damages.&nbsp;

Monsanto, now a part of Bayer, plans to challenge the verdict, calling the award "constitutionally excessive." The company asserts that it will seek to have the decision overturned or the damages reduced. &nbsp;

The U.S. Supreme Court typically recommends capping punitive damages at nine times compensatory damages, citing due process rights.&nbsp;

This verdict is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for Monsanto, which is already facing $870 million in verdicts related to alleged PCB exposure at the Sky Valley centre from other cases. &nbsp;

The company is currently appealing those previous decisions. Monsanto claims that tests conducted on blood, air, and other factors indicate that employees were not exposed to unsafe levels of PCBs at the school.&nbsp;

PCBs were widely used for insulating electrical equipment and in common products until the U.S. government banned them in 1979 due to links to cancer. Monsanto ceased PCB production in 1977.

The lawsuits against the company allege that exposure to PCBs at the Sky Valley centre led to various health problems, including cancer and thyroid conditions. Monsanto contends that the school was repeatedly warned since the 1990s about the need to retrofit its light fixtures, assertions that were allegedly ignored.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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In a major legal blow, a Washington state jury has ruled that Monsanto must pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of the Sky Valley Education Centre in Monroe, Washington.

In a major legal blow, a Washington state jury has ruled that Monsanto must pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of the Sky Valley Education Centre in Monroe, Washington. The plaintiffs claimed that exposure to chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from light fixtures made by Monsanto caused neurological, endocrine system, and other health concerns. The jury found Monsanto liable for selling unsafe PCBs without adequate warnings, awarding $73 million in compensatory damages and $784 million in punitive damages. Monsanto, now a part of Bayer, plans to challenge the verdict, calling the award "constitutionally excessive." The company asserts that it will seek to have the decision overturned or the damages reduced. The U.S. Supreme Court typically recommends capping punitive damages at nine times compensatory damages, citing due process rights. This verdict is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for Monsanto, which is already facing $870 million in verdicts related to alleged PCB exposure at the Sky Valley centre from other cases. The company is currently appealing those previous decisions. Monsanto claims that tests conducted on blood, air, and other factors indicate that employees were not exposed to unsafe levels of PCBs at the school. PCBs were widely used for insulating electrical equipment and in common products until the U.S. government banned them in 1979 due to links to cancer. Monsanto ceased PCB production in 1977. The lawsuits against the company allege that exposure to PCBs at the Sky Valley centre led to various health problems, including cancer and thyroid conditions. Monsanto contends that the school was repeatedly warned since the 1990s about the need to retrofit its light fixtures, assertions that were allegedly ignored. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Monsanto to pay $857 million in damages in PCB contamination case 

The European Union (EU) and the US have decided to prolong their ceasefire on steel and aluminium imports, averting the looming threat of tariffs impacting transatlantic trade. &nbsp;

According to Bloomberg, the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, revealed on Tuesday that retaliatory measures, initiated during the Trump era, will be put on hold for 15 months until March 31, 2025, providing a temporary respite in the steel tariff war.&nbsp;

While Brussels succeeded in extending the truce, negotiations failed to secure an improvement in the current tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) set by the US. The extension is anticipated to save EU steel and aluminium exporters around €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in annual tariffs. The EU, dissatisfied with the existing quota system, advocated for more flexibility, pushing for modifications such as annual quotas for the European market.&nbsp;

Expressing commitment, the EU asserted that it will continue engaging with the US to protect its legal rights and eliminate US 232 tariffs on EU exports permanently. The reference to Section 232 of US law highlights the authority granted to the president to impose duties on imports for national security reasons.&nbsp;

This development coincides with the ticking clock on the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA), poised to maintain tariff exemptions until after the upcoming US presidential election in November 2024. The GSA agreement holds the promise of a permanent resolution to the trade dispute sparked by Trump-era tariffs, with the EU insisting on lifting all tariff-rate quotas, a demand resisted by the US.&nbsp;

As the EU mulls its options, including a potential case at the World Trade Organisation or re-imposing tariffs, challenges loom large. Concerns among EU member states about escalating trade tensions in the lead-up to the election in 2024 cast a shadow over the prospect of decisive action.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Bloomberg)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The European Union (EU) and the US have decided to prolong their ceasefire on steel and aluminium imports, averting the looming threat of tariffs impacting transatlantic trade.

The European Union (EU) and the US have decided to prolong their ceasefire on steel and aluminium imports, averting the looming threat of tariffs impacting transatlantic trade. According to Bloomberg, the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, revealed on Tuesday that retaliatory measures, initiated during the Trump era, will be put on hold for 15 months until March 31, 2025, providing a temporary respite in the steel tariff war. While Brussels succeeded in extending the truce, negotiations failed to secure an improvement in the current tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) set by the US. The extension is anticipated to save EU steel and aluminium exporters around €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in annual tariffs. The EU, dissatisfied with the existing quota system, advocated for more flexibility, pushing for modifications such as annual quotas for the European market. Expressing commitment, the EU asserted that it will continue engaging with the US to protect its legal rights and eliminate US 232 tariffs on EU exports permanently. The reference to Section 232 of US law highlights the authority granted to the president to impose duties on imports for national security reasons. This development coincides with the ticking clock on the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA), poised to maintain tariff exemptions until after the upcoming US presidential election in November 2024. The GSA agreement holds the promise of a permanent resolution to the trade dispute sparked by Trump-era tariffs, with the EU insisting on lifting all tariff-rate quotas, a demand resisted by the US. As the EU mulls its options, including a potential case at the World Trade Organisation or re-imposing tariffs, challenges loom large. Concerns among EU member states about escalating trade tensions in the lead-up to the election in 2024 cast a shadow over the prospect of decisive action. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

EU and US call a truce, postpone steel tariff showdown until after elections

India's thriving equity sales market is predicted to continue to grow in the next year as investors are drawn away from China. Rising stock prices and high valuations also draw businesses and shareholders looking for funding.

India's booming IPO market to remain buoyant into 2024

In a massive blow to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump's campaign for the upcoming United States presidential election, the Colorado Supreme Court&nbsp;on Tuesday (Dec 19) barred him from appearing on the state’s ballots over his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.&nbsp;

The landmark decision that has deemed that the former president is not an eligible presidential candidate, has been placed on hold pending appeal until next month and does not apply to states outside Colorado.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign said it would “swiftly file an appeal” to the US Supreme Court, where conservatives hold a six to three majority. Three of them had been appointed by the former president.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the Colorado court rule?</h2>

The 4-3 ruling from the state’s top court makes Trump the first presidential candidate in US history to be deemed ineligible for the White House under a rarely used provision of the American Constitution that bars officials who have engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding office.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-says-trump-presidency-could-have-strong-impact-on-war-671508">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war</a>

While the ruling applies only to Colorado’s March 5 Republican primary, it could affect Trump’s status in the state for the general elections on November 5.&nbsp;

“We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us,” the justices wrote in their ruling.&nbsp;

They added, “We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.”&nbsp;

The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision does not go into effect until at least January 4, 2024.

The recent verdict which invokes Section 3 of the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment for the first time to disqualify a presidential candidate also reverses an earlier ruling from a Colorado judge who said that the insurrection ban did not apply to presidents since it does not explicitly name them.

This was after the lower court had established that the former president had participated in the insurrection at the US Capitol by inciting his supporters to violence but said that as president, Trump was not an “officer of the United States” who could be disqualified under the amendment.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-would-place-loyalists-in-pentagon-state-department-to-reshape-us-foreign-policy-report-671254">Trump would place loyalists in Pentagon, State Department to reshape US foreign policy: Report</a>

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington brought the case against the Republican frontrunner on behalf of a group of Colorado voters. The advocacy group’s president Noah Bookbinder called the court’s decision “not only historic and justified, but is necessary to protect the future of democracy in our country.”

<h2>‘Completely flawed’</h2>

Trump’s campaign, in a swift response, called the decision by the Colorado Supreme Court “undemocratic”.&nbsp;

“The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court,” said a spokesperson from the Trump campaign.

<h2>Vivek Ramaswamy pledges to ‘withdraw’ from Colorado ballot</h2>

Republican White House hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged to withdraw from the GOP primary ballot in Colorado after the state Supreme Court’s decision.&nbsp;

Ramaswamy took to X and called the decision an “unconstitutional maneuver” and called on fellow candidates in the GOP presidential primary to withdraw as well.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-trump-says-he-wont-be-a-dictator-if-he-becomes-president-american-media-lawmakers-say-otherwise-666905">Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise</a>

“I pledge to withdraw from the Colorado GOP primary unless Trump is also allowed to be on the state’s ballot, and I demand that Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Nikki Haley to do the same immediately — or else they are tacitly endorsing this illegal maneuver which will have disastrous consequences for our country,” Ramaswamy said in a statement on X. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a massive blow to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump's campaign for the upcoming United States presidential election, the Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday (Dec 19) barred him from appearing on the state’s ballots over his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

In a massive blow to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump's campaign for the upcoming United States presidential election, the Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday (Dec 19) barred him from appearing on the state’s ballots over his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters. The landmark decision that has deemed that the former president is not an eligible presidential candidate, has been placed on hold pending appeal until next month and does not apply to states outside Colorado. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign said it would “swiftly file an appeal” to the US Supreme Court, where conservatives hold a six to three majority. Three of them had been appointed by the former president. What did the Colorado court rule? The 4-3 ruling from the state’s top court makes Trump the first presidential candidate in US history to be deemed ineligible for the White House under a rarely used provision of the American Constitution that bars officials who have engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding office. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war While the ruling applies only to Colorado’s March 5 Republican primary, it could affect Trump’s status in the state for the general elections on November 5. “We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us,” the justices wrote in their ruling. They added, “We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.” The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision does not go into effect until at least January 4, 2024. The recent verdict which invokes Section 3 of the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment for the first time to disqualify a presidential candidate also reverses an earlier ruling from a Colorado judge who said that the insurrection ban did not apply to presidents since it does not explicitly name them. This was after the lower court had established that the former president had participated in the insurrection at the US Capitol by inciting his supporters to violence but said that as president, Trump was not an “officer of the United States” who could be disqualified under the amendment. ALSO READ | Trump would place loyalists in Pentagon, State Department to reshape US foreign policy: Report Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington brought the case against the Republican frontrunner on behalf of a group of Colorado voters. The advocacy group’s president Noah Bookbinder called the court’s decision “not only historic and justified, but is necessary to protect the future of democracy in our country.” ‘Completely flawed’ Trump’s campaign, in a swift response, called the decision by the Colorado Supreme Court “undemocratic”. “The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court,” said a spokesperson from the Trump campaign. Vivek Ramaswamy pledges to ‘withdraw’ from Colorado ballot Republican White House hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged to withdraw from the GOP primary ballot in Colorado after the state Supreme Court’s decision. Ramaswamy took to X and called the decision an “unconstitutional maneuver” and called on fellow candidates in the GOP presidential primary to withdraw as well. ALSO READ | Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise “I pledge to withdraw from the Colorado GOP primary unless Trump is also allowed to be on the state’s ballot, and I demand that Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Nikki Haley to do the same immediately — or else they are tacitly endorsing this illegal maneuver which will have disastrous consequences for our country,” Ramaswamy said in a statement on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump barred from Colorado ballot for role in January 6 attack on US Capitol

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has lashed out at the Pakistan military and said that India and the U.S. are not to blame for the miserable condition of the country. The three-time prime minister, who is eying his fourth term, slammed the judges for legitimising military dictators.

Not US or India, but Army to blame for Pakistan's woes: Nawaz Sharif | Race to Power

India has sent warships to the red sea to tackle the Houthi threat to the commercial boats in the region. INS Kochi and INS Kolkata are now patrolling in the gulf of Aden, which connects the red sea with the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy said in a statement it remains committed to being a first responder in the region and in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping.

India sends warships to the Gulf of Aden

Colorado Supreme Court disqualifies Donald Trump from primary ballot for inciting 2021 Capitol attack. Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged to withdraw from the race until Trump is allowed. What's next for Republican poster boy Trump? Senior journalist, Ray Locker answers from Washington, D.C.

Colorado kicks Donald Trump off 2024 ballot

Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag design, marking the end of a competition initiated to address concerns about the current flag's perceived offensiveness to Native Americans.

The winning design, submitted by 24-year-old artist and writer Andrew Prekker from Luverne, departs significantly from the existing flag, which has been described by a lawmakers as a "cluttered genocidal mess".

Prekker's winning proposal features a light blue right panel symbolising the state's numerous lakes, juxtaposed with a navy blue left panel resembling the outline of Minnesota.

An eight-pointed northern star adds a distinctive element to the design. The current flag incorporates the state seal, depicting a pioneer standing beside a rifle and a Native American on horseback with a spear – a composition criticised for its complexity and controversial imagery.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/alphabet-says-will-restrict-election-related-queries-on-bard-and-ai-based-search-671759">Also read |&nbsp;Alphabet says will restrict election-related queries on Bard and AI- based search</a>

<h2>The design that stood out</h2>

Amidst over 2,600 submissions, Prekker's design stood out to the commission appointed by the State Legislature to revamp both the flag and the state seal. His vision aims to create a flag that all Minnesotans, including Indigenous communities historically excluded, can embrace with pride and see themselves represented.

The commission, tasked with redesigning both the flag and the state seal, will present the winning design to the Legislature and governor by January 1 for final approval. The anticipated debut of the new flag is slated for May 11, coinciding with Minnesota's 166th birthday.

In addition to the flag redesign, the commission voted last week to implement changes to the state seal. The chosen design features a loon, the state bird, striking a pose amid waves, wild rice, pine trees, and stars – elements representing the distinct features of Minnesota. Despite the changes, the new seal maintains the original seal's shape, typography, and pattern, adopted in 1858, the year Minnesota became a state.

The selection process stirred passionate debates and introspection among Minnesotans as they envisioned their state's identity portrayed on a flag. Some defended the existing seal, asserting it was not racist, while others expressed concerns about the representation of farmers. Thesubmissions included varied interpretations, from a loon with laser eyes to a Labrador in a lush field.

Also watch |&nbsp;US court approves order for Binance to pay $2.7 billion to CFTC

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Though critiques emerged, with some deeming the winning design "boring" or "too nationalist," others applauded its simplicity. Prekker's initial design included a green stripe representing nature and agriculture, but it was later removed, sparking curiosity about the decision.

The competition, as highlighted by artist Sarah Agaton Howes, prompted uncomfortable yet necessary conversations about Minnesota's history and the evolving narrative of the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag design, marking the end of a competition initiated to address concerns about the current flag's perceived offensiveness to Native Americans.

Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag design, marking the end of a competition initiated to address concerns about the current flag's perceived offensiveness to Native Americans. The winning design, submitted by 24-year-old artist and writer Andrew Prekker from Luverne, departs significantly from the existing flag, which has been described by a lawmakers as a "cluttered genocidal mess". Prekker's winning proposal features a light blue right panel symbolising the state's numerous lakes, juxtaposed with a navy blue left panel resembling the outline of Minnesota. An eight-pointed northern star adds a distinctive element to the design. The current flag incorporates the state seal, depicting a pioneer standing beside a rifle and a Native American on horseback with a spear – a composition criticised for its complexity and controversial imagery. Also read | Alphabet says will restrict election-related queries on Bard and AI- based search The design that stood out Amidst over 2,600 submissions, Prekker's design stood out to the commission appointed by the State Legislature to revamp both the flag and the state seal. His vision aims to create a flag that all Minnesotans, including Indigenous communities historically excluded, can embrace with pride and see themselves represented. The commission, tasked with redesigning both the flag and the state seal, will present the winning design to the Legislature and governor by January 1 for final approval. The anticipated debut of the new flag is slated for May 11, coinciding with Minnesota's 166th birthday. In addition to the flag redesign, the commission voted last week to implement changes to the state seal. The chosen design features a loon, the state bird, striking a pose amid waves, wild rice, pine trees, and stars – elements representing the distinct features of Minnesota. Despite the changes, the new seal maintains the original seal's shape, typography, and pattern, adopted in 1858, the year Minnesota became a state. The selection process stirred passionate debates and introspection among Minnesotans as they envisioned their state's identity portrayed on a flag. Some defended the existing seal, asserting it was not racist, while others expressed concerns about the representation of farmers. Thesubmissions included varied interpretations, from a loon with laser eyes to a Labrador in a lush field. Also watch | US court approves order for Binance to pay $2.7 billion to CFTC Though critiques emerged, with some deeming the winning design "boring" or "too nationalist," others applauded its simplicity. Prekker's initial design included a green stripe representing nature and agriculture, but it was later removed, sparking curiosity about the decision. The competition, as highlighted by artist Sarah Agaton Howes, prompted uncomfortable yet necessary conversations about Minnesota's history and the evolving narrative of the state. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Minnesota panels unveils new state flag design to replace existing one deemed offensive

The Colorado Supreme Court declared on Tuesday that the so-called insurrection clause of the Constitution disqualifies former President Donald Trump from serving as president. The court also directed the secretary of state to remove Trump's name from the state's Republican presidential primary ballot.

Will more courts follow Colorado's lead & exclude Donald Trump?

Colorado Supreme Court bars Donald Trump from state ballot

US President Joe Biden's gaffes are becoming more and more frequent but perhaps 2023 is the year he is going to close with a record number of them. From verbal slip-ups to near-fall incidents, Biden, whose age is often targeted by opposition leaders and remains a concern for voters, has had all. 81-year-old Biden has given hearty laughs to many and has shocked others with his blunder-prone personality. Here we have compiled a list of them rewinding his gaffes and oops moments in 2023.

Oops, He Did It Again! Joe Biden's 2023 Blunders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, for the first time, responded to allegations of an Indian assassination plot in the US, saying he will “look into” any evidence but a “few incidents” would not derail US-India ties.

India PM Narendra Modi responds to Khalistan row, says 'will look into any evidence provided' | WION

New immigration law will take effect in March next year. The Bill signed by Governor Greg Abbott has stirred controversy over the powers it grants to local authorities in dealing with suspected illegal immigrants who have entered the US state.

US-Mexico immigrant row: Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs new illegal immigration bill

In a highly unusual move, the US authorities have shut down several bridges and ports along the border with Mexico to contain illegal migration.

On Monday (Dec 18), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shut down a pair of railway bridges in Texas, closed another bridge for vehicles seeking entry into the US and reduced a third bridge to just one lane.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the move left thousands of migrants stuck on the border, but also disrupted cross-border activities ahead of the busy Christmas week.

<h2>Mexican president locks horns with Texas governor</h2>

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a law giving the state’s police full authority to arrest and deport migrants seen crossing the border illegally.

The move prompted a sharp rebuke from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.&nbsp;

He claimed that Texas had no jurisdiction in US federal matters.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US-Mexico border: Migrants risk death crossing treacherous Rio Grande River

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The American Civil Liberties Union and Texas Civil Rights Project on Tuesday (Dec 19) also filed suit to challenge the constitutionality of the new law.

According to data from CBP, about 3,000 migrants had already been detained on Monday by the authorities at Eagle Pass, most from Venezuela, Honduras and Nicaragua.

According to officials, above 10,000 arrests are being made every day along the entire US-Mexico border in the month of December.

<h2>Immigration fuelling US population growth</h2>

Meanwhile, a separate report released by the US Census Bureau revealed that the surge in immigration was fuelling growth in the US population in a manner never seen in the last two decades.

The United States added 1.6 million people, more than two-thirds of which came from international migration, bringing the nation's population total to 334.9 million, the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-empowers-local-officers-to-arrest-suspected-illegal-migrants-671214">Also read:&nbsp;Texas empowers local officers to arrest suspected illegal migrants</a>

Population growth saw a decline in the pandemic era, induced by COVID-19 restrictions and the crackdown on cross-border movement. However, immigration bounced back last year to almost one&nbsp;million people.

This year too, the trend continued as 1.1 million immigrants entered the US territory, a record only seen in 2001 in the past.

According to William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution, the US population was projected to decline in absence of the immigration.

"The immigration piece is going to be the main source of growth in the future," Frey said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a highly unusual move, the US authorities have shut down several bridges and ports along the border with Mexico to contain illegal migration. On Monday (Dec 18), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shut down a pair of railway bridges in Texas, closed another bridge for vehicles seeking entry into the US and reduced a third bridge to just one lane.

In a highly unusual move, the US authorities have shut down several bridges and ports along the border with Mexico to contain illegal migration. On Monday (Dec 18), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shut down a pair of railway bridges in Texas, closed another bridge for vehicles seeking entry into the US and reduced a third bridge to just one lane. The Wall Street Journal reported that the move left thousands of migrants stuck on the border, but also disrupted cross-border activities ahead of the busy Christmas week. Mexican president locks horns with Texas governor Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a law giving the state’s police full authority to arrest and deport migrants seen crossing the border illegally. The move prompted a sharp rebuke from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. He claimed that Texas had no jurisdiction in US federal matters. Watch: US-Mexico border: Migrants risk death crossing treacherous Rio Grande River × The American Civil Liberties Union and Texas Civil Rights Project on Tuesday (Dec 19) also filed suit to challenge the constitutionality of the new law. According to data from CBP, about 3,000 migrants had already been detained on Monday by the authorities at Eagle Pass, most from Venezuela, Honduras and Nicaragua. According to officials, above 10,000 arrests are being made every day along the entire US-Mexico border in the month of December. Immigration fuelling US population growth Meanwhile, a separate report released by the US Census Bureau revealed that the surge in immigration was fuelling growth in the US population in a manner never seen in the last two decades. The United States added 1.6 million people, more than two-thirds of which came from international migration, bringing the nation's population total to 334.9 million, the report said. Also read: Texas empowers local officers to arrest suspected illegal migrants Population growth saw a decline in the pandemic era, induced by COVID-19 restrictions and the crackdown on cross-border movement. However, immigration bounced back last year to almost one million people. This year too, the trend continued as 1.1 million immigrants entered the US territory, a record only seen in 2001 in the past. According to William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution, the US population was projected to decline in absence of the immigration. "The immigration piece is going to be the main source of growth in the future," Frey said. (With inputs from agencies)

US authorities start closing bridges with Mexico to contain surge in immigration

PM Modi breaks silence on assassination plot claims by US

Big blow to Donald Trump: Colorado court disqualifies Trump from state’s 2024 ballot

Former US President barred from Colorado ballot | World News | WION

A US Court has ordered the company to pay a whopping 857 million dollars to a group of seven ex-students and parent volunteers at a school in Washington state. They had claimed that the company's chemicals made them sick.

US court orders Monsanto to pay $857 million in damages

Colorado Supreme Court declares Donald Trump ‘ineligible’ for White House

India is poised to be the top recipient of remittances globally in 2023, with an anticipated surge of over 11 per cent, reaching $125 billion, according to the World Bank's latest Migration and Development Brief reported by Moneycontrol. <o:p></o:p>

This growth solidifies India's position ahead of countries like Mexico ($67 billion) and China ($50 billion). The report underscored the importance of remittances to India's economy, helping offset the impact of declining foreign direct investment and higher trade deficits.<o:p></o:p>

The World Bank highlighted a global growth of approximately 3.8 per cent in remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2023, totalling $669 billion. Resilient labour markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contribute to migrants' ability to send money home.<o:p></o:p>

However, the World Bank expressed concern about the risk of a decline in real income for migrants in 2024, given the backdrop of global inflation and low growth prospects.<o:p></o:p>

Remittances to South Asia, estimated to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2023, reaching $189 billion, are primarily driven by remittances to India. The US remains the largest source of remittances globally, with Saudi Arabia ranking second. Factors contributing to India's robust remittance growth include declining inflation and strong labour markets in high-income source countries, particularly the US, UK, and Singapore.<o:p></o:p>

The regional breakdown reveals varied trends, with remittances growing for Latin America and the Caribbean (8 per cent), East Asia and the Pacific (3 per cent), and Sub-Saharan Africa (1.9 per cent). However, flows to the Middle East and North Africa experienced a 5.3 per cent decline for the second consecutive year, primarily attributed to a sharp drop in flows to Egypt. Remittances to Europe and Central Asia also saw a dip of 1.4 per cent after substantial gains in 2022.<o:p></o:p>

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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India is poised to be the top recipient of remittances globally in 2023, with an anticipated surge of over 11 per cent, reaching $125 billion, according to the World Bank's latest Migration and Development Brief reported by Moneycontrol.

India is poised to be the top recipient of remittances globally in 2023, with an anticipated surge of over 11 per cent, reaching $125 billion, according to the World Bank's latest Migration and Development Brief reported by Moneycontrol. This growth solidifies India's position ahead of countries like Mexico ($67 billion) and China ($50 billion). The report underscored the importance of remittances to India's economy, helping offset the impact of declining foreign direct investment and higher trade deficits. The World Bank highlighted a global growth of approximately 3.8 per cent in remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2023, totalling $669 billion. Resilient labour markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contribute to migrants' ability to send money home. However, the World Bank expressed concern about the risk of a decline in real income for migrants in 2024, given the backdrop of global inflation and low growth prospects. Remittances to South Asia, estimated to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2023, reaching $189 billion, are primarily driven by remittances to India. The US remains the largest source of remittances globally, with Saudi Arabia ranking second. Factors contributing to India's robust remittance growth include declining inflation and strong labour markets in high-income source countries, particularly the US, UK, and Singapore. The regional breakdown reveals varied trends, with remittances growing for Latin America and the Caribbean (8 per cent), East Asia and the Pacific (3 per cent), and Sub-Saharan Africa (1.9 per cent). However, flows to the Middle East and North Africa experienced a 5.3 per cent decline for the second consecutive year, primarily attributed to a sharp drop in flows to Egypt. Remittances to Europe and Central Asia also saw a dip of 1.4 per cent after substantial gains in 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India leads global remittance surge with projected 23pc increase to $125 bn in 2023

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