<p>Hamas said on Saturday that the United States, a mediator in the Gaza truce deal, must ensure that Israel abides by the agreement to secure the release of hostages still held in the Palestinian territory.</p>
<p>"The United States must compel the occupation to adhere to the agreement if it truly cares about the prisoners' (hostages) lives," said Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, in a statement issued after Gaza militants freed three captives earlier in the day.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-back-their-decision-trump-says-israel-must-decide-on-todays-deadline-to-free-all-hostages-8724421">'Will back their decision': Trump says Israel must decide on today's deadline to free 'ALL HOSTAGES'</a></strong></p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>

World: "The United States must compel the occupation to adhere to the agreement if it truly cares about the prisoners' (hostages) lives, Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas said.

Hamas said on Saturday that the United States, a mediator in the Gaza truce deal, must ensure that Israel abides by the agreement to secure the release of hostages still held in the Palestinian territory. "The United States must compel the occupation to adhere to the agreement if it truly cares about the prisoners' (hostages) lives," said Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, in a statement issued after Gaza militants freed three captives earlier in the day. Also read: 'Will back their decision': Trump says Israel must decide on today's deadline to free 'ALL HOSTAGES' Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'US must compel Israel to abide by ceasefire deal' to secure hostage release', says Hamas

<p>Hours after Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday (Feb 15), US President Donald Trump said that now Israel will decide what they will do about "12:00 O&rsquo;CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE " imposed on the release of all hostages.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trump further stressed that the US will back whatever decision Israel makes.</p>
<p>"Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O&rsquo;CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES. The United States will back the decision they make!," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114007859463769499/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>
</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-sasha-troufanov-iair-horn-sagui-dekel-chen-israeli-hostages-freed-by-hamas-in-latest-ceasefire-swap-8723961">Meet Sasha Troufanov, Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen - Israeli hostages freed by Hamas in latest ceasefire swap</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This comes after Hamas released three hostages from Gaza, including an American citizen. Later, Israel also released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, 36 of them have been serving life sentences, and 333 were detained without charges.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages," the US president posted.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-hamas-militants-lead-3-israeli-hostages-on-stage-8723396">Gaza ceasefire: 3 Hamas hostages, dozens of Palestinian prisoners released in latest swap</a></strong></p>
<p>The deadline Trump is referring to is one he mentioned earlier this week, saying Hamas needed to release "all" hostages by noon today. However, it is unclear what time zone he was referring to, but earlier he said that Israel should let "all hell" break out if the deadline was not met.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the beginning of this week, the Palestinian militant group said it would not release any hostages, claiming Israel violated the terms of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-accept-american-and-israeli-threats-hamas-warns-trump-netanyahu-over-gaza-ceasefire-ultimatum-8715064">ceasefire</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buffer-zone-physical-barrier-trump-fund-inside-the-arab-nations-alternative-to-trumps-gaza-plan-8721926">'Buffer zone, physical barrier, 'Trump Fund': Inside the Arab nations' alternative to Trump's Gaza plan</a></strong></p>
<p>Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas it would end the ceasefire if Hamas does not return hostages by Saturday.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

World: This comes after Hamas released three hostages from Gaza, including an American citizen. Later, Israel also released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Hours after Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday (Feb 15), US President Donald Trump said that now Israel will decide what they will do about "12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE " imposed on the release of all hostages. Trump further stressed that the US will back whatever decision Israel makes. "Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES. The United States will back the decision they make!," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Also read: Meet Sasha Troufanov, Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen - Israeli hostages freed by Hamas in latest ceasefire swap This comes after Hamas released three hostages from Gaza, including an American citizen. Later, Israel also released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, 36 of them have been serving life sentences, and 333 were detained without charges. "Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages," the US president posted. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: 3 Hamas hostages, dozens of Palestinian prisoners released in latest swap The deadline Trump is referring to is one he mentioned earlier this week, saying Hamas needed to release "all" hostages by noon today. However, it is unclear what time zone he was referring to, but earlier he said that Israel should let "all hell" break out if the deadline was not met. At the beginning of this week, the Palestinian militant group said it would not release any hostages, claiming Israel violated the terms of the ceasefire. Also read: 'Buffer zone, physical barrier, 'Trump Fund': Inside the Arab nations' alternative to Trump's Gaza plan Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas it would end the ceasefire if Hamas does not return hostages by Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

'Will back their decision': Trump says Israel must decide on today's deadline to free 'ALL HOSTAGES'

<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 14) announced that he planned to unveil tariffs for imported cars &ldquo;around April 2&rdquo;. This adds to a number of levies he has already introduced since his inauguration less than one month earlier on Jan 20, 2025.</p>
<p>Trump said that the tariffs were originally planned for April 1, but he delayed them - at a huge cost - to April 2, because he was superstitious.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-dismisses-nearly-half-of-disease-detectives-even-as-bird-flu-concerns-rise-8722503">Trump administration dismisses nearly half of 'disease detectives' even as bird flu concerns&nbsp;rise</a></strong></p>
<p>Netizens were quick to troll the Republican president for avoiding April 1, which happens to be April Fools Day.</p>
<h2><strong>What did Trump say?</strong></h2>
<p>Donald Trump, according to CBS journalist Jennifer Jacobs' post on social media platform X said: &ldquo;I would have done them on April 1. Believe it or not, I'm a little superstitious&rdquo;.</p>
<p>&ldquo;No literally we had it planned for April 1. I said, 'let's make it April 2.' You know how much money that costs? That costs a lot of money just that one day,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7622a7e-4x1sl6lx-iigsz872">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Superstition is the reason the car tariffs won't be in place on April 1, Trump says in Oval. <br><br>He says auto tariffs be imposed "maybe around April 2."<br><br>"I would have done them on April 1. Believe it or not, I'm a little superstitious," he said. "No literally we had it planned for&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/PLgIvp3TY4">pic.twitter.com/PLgIvp3TY4</a></p>
&mdash; Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/1890499124459438157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-welcomes-pm-narendra-modi-to-white-house-but-warns-whatever-tariffs-india-charges-we-charge-them-8719329">Trump welcomes Modi with a bear hug and a warning: 'Whatever tariffs India charges, we charge them'</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Netizens troll Trump</strong></h2>
<p>Trump&rsquo;s statement was met with ridicule on social media as netizens trolled him for avoiding April 1.</p>
<p>On X, one user &lsquo;FekuBuster&rsquo; suggested that Trump &ldquo;didn't want to insult his voters on All Fools Day&rdquo;.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7622qyl-8zsrjcy4-qqwua7kd">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Usually new rules are applicable from 1st of a month.<br><br>Trump chose 2nd of April to make imported cars more expensive for Americans.<br><br>He didn't want to insult his voters on All Fools Day 😃😃😃<a href="https://t.co/W0Q9dQCYxo">https://t.co/W0Q9dQCYxo</a></p>
&mdash; Jumla Buster (@FekuBuster) <a href="https://twitter.com/FekuBuster/status/1890623835730272759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Another user, &lsquo;SamTClemens&rsquo; made a wisecrack that April 1 was &ldquo;a sacred day for his people.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;He would have launched them on April 1st except that's a sacred day for his people,&rdquo; joked the X user.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7623fq1-glf0v7pc-3mmzm01j">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He would have launched them on April 1st except that's a sacred day for his people.<br><br>Trump says auto tariffs to come &lsquo;around April 2&rsquo;<a href="https://t.co/pjQMhrnAxC">https://t.co/pjQMhrnAxC</a></p>
&mdash; Sam Clemens - Fuck Conservatives (@SamTClemens) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamTClemens/status/1890557421816287482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/widow-of-alexei-navalny-slams-putin-says-any-ceasefire-deal-with-him-will-fail-he-will-betray-8723580">Widow of Alexei Navalny slams Putin, says any ceasefire deal with him will fail: 'He will betray'</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Trump&rsquo;s auto tariffs</strong></h2>
<p>Donald Trump, as per AFP, has referred to tariffs as a way to raise revenue, remedy trade imbalances and pressure countries to act on US concerns.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Friday, he announced the auto tariff, which some reports suggest can go up to 25 per cent. Trump in his statement did not specify whether the tariffs would apply to all auto imports.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As per AFP, about 50 per cent of the cars sold in the US are manufactured within the country&rsquo;s borders, rest are imported from Mexico, Canada and major auto producing countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany, Britain, Italy and Sweden.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Trending News | Donald Trump announces auto tariffs set for April 2, citing superstition as the reason for avoiding April 1, sparking online trolls and discussions.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 14) announced that he planned to unveil tariffs for imported cars “around April 2”. This adds to a number of levies he has already introduced since his inauguration less than one month earlier on Jan 20, 2025. Trump said that the tariffs were originally planned for April 1, but he delayed them - at a huge cost - to April 2, because he was superstitious. Also read | Trump administration dismisses nearly half of 'disease detectives' even as bird flu concerns rise Netizens were quick to troll the Republican president for avoiding April 1, which happens to be April Fools Day. What did Trump say? Donald Trump, according to CBS journalist Jennifer Jacobs' post on social media platform X said: “I would have done them on April 1. Believe it or not, I'm a little superstitious”. “No literally we had it planned for April 1. I said, 'let's make it April 2.' You know how much money that costs? That costs a lot of money just that one day,” he added. Superstition is the reason the car tariffs won't be in place on April 1, Trump says in Oval. He says auto tariffs be imposed "maybe around April 2." "I would have done them on April 1. Believe it or not, I'm a little superstitious," he said. "No literally we had it planned for… pic.twitter.com/PLgIvp3TY4 — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) February 14, 2025 Also read | Trump welcomes Modi with a bear hug and a warning: 'Whatever tariffs India charges, we charge them' Netizens troll Trump Trump’s statement was met with ridicule on social media as netizens trolled him for avoiding April 1. On X, one user ‘FekuBuster’ suggested that Trump “didn't want to insult his voters on All Fools Day”. Usually new rules are applicable from 1st of a month. Trump chose 2nd of April to make imported cars more expensive for Americans. He didn't want to insult his voters on All Fools Day 😃😃😃https://t.co/W0Q9dQCYxo — Jumla Buster (@FekuBuster) February 15, 2025 Another user, ‘SamTClemens’ made a wisecrack that April 1 was “a sacred day for his people.” “He would have launched them on April 1st except that's a sacred day for his people,” joked the X user. He would have launched them on April 1st except that's a sacred day for his people. Trump says auto tariffs to come ‘around April 2’https://t.co/pjQMhrnAxC — Sam Clemens - Fuck Conservatives (@SamTClemens) February 15, 2025 Also read | Widow of Alexei Navalny slams Putin, says any ceasefire deal with him will fail: 'He will betray' Trump’s auto tariffs Donald Trump, as per AFP, has referred to tariffs as a way to raise revenue, remedy trade imbalances and pressure countries to act on US concerns. On Friday, he announced the auto tariff, which some reports suggest can go up to 25 per cent. Trump in his statement did not specify whether the tariffs would apply to all auto imports. As per AFP, about 50 per cent of the cars sold in the US are manufactured within the country’s borders, rest are imported from Mexico, Canada and major auto producing countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany, Britain, Italy and Sweden. (With inputs from agencies)

Netizens troll Donald Trump's April 2 auto tariff announcement, say April Fools 'sacred day for his people'

According to the top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific, China's military exercises around Taiwan have become so extensive that they could soon be used to conceal an attack on the island.

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US Indo-Pacific military commander cautions Taiwan against China

US President Donald Trump issued orders to lay off probationary employees in a move to downsize the federal workforce. This comes as several workers across the US responded with anger and frustration. Watch in for more details!

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US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his aggressive trade stance, announcing plans to impose tariffs on imported automobiles as early as April 2. This move follows a series of tariff measures since his second term began on January 20.

New US auto tariffs coming soon

<p dir="ltr"><span>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has voiced confidence in the trajectory of India's democracy, emphasising its effectiveness in delivering results. He highlighted the robust electoral process in India, citing the recent Delhi elections and the 2024 parliamentary elections as examples.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Jaishankar's optimism comes amid concerns from some quarters about the health of India's democracy.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reiterates-his-call-on-hamas-to-release-hostages-dont-know-what-will-happen-tomorrow-8722652">'I don't know what's going to happen': Trump expresses uncertainty about hostage release by Hamas</a></strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Jaishankar highlights India&rsquo;s democracy</strong><b></b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>While participating in a panel discussion on the topic 'Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience' at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, alongside Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, US Senator Elissa Slotkin and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowsk, Jaishankar said that he differs in the view that democracy is in trouble globally and highlighted India's democracy.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Sharing his thoughts on Western democracy, the Indian External Affairs Minister said, "I think I appeared to be an optimist in what is relatively a pessimistic panel if not room. I will begin by sticking up my finger and don't take it badly, it is the index finger. This, the mark you see on my nail, is a mark of a person who has just voted. We just had an election in my state (Delhi). Last year, we had a national election. In Indian elections, roughly two-thirds of the eligible voters vote. At the national elections, (out of) the electorate of about 900 million, about 700 million voted. We count the votes in a single day."</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-says-indirect-negotiations-for-second-phase-of-ceasefire-with-israel-to-begin-next-week-8722630">Hamas says indirect negotiations for second phase of ceasefire with Israel to begin next week</a></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"Nobody disputes the result after it's announced and by the way, from the time we started voting in the modern era, 20 per cent of people more vote today than they did decades ago. So, the first message is that somehow democracy is in trouble globally, worldwide, I am sorry, I have to differ with it. I mean, right now, we are living well. We are voting well. We are optimistic about the direction of our democracy and for us democracy is actually delivered," he added.</span><b></b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>&ldquo;India's democratic framework provides nutrition support to 800 million citizens&rdquo;</strong><b></b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Jaishankar also responded to Senator Slotkin, who on the panel said that democracy "doesn't put food on your table", emphasising that India's democratic framework enables the country to provide essential services, such as nutrition support to 800 million citizens.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Started the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSC2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSC2025</a> with a panel on &lsquo;Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience&rsquo;. Joined PM <a href="https://twitter.com/jonasgahrstore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jonasgahrstore</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ElissaSlotkin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElissaSlotkin</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/trzaskowski_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trzaskowski_</a>.<br><br>Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/h3GUmeglst">pic.twitter.com/h3GUmeglst</a></p>
&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1890472492529308014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><span>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"Actually, in my part of the world, it does because we are a democratic society, we give nutrition support, and food to 800 million people and for whom that is a matter of how healthy they are and how full their stomachs are. The point I want to make is look different parts of the world are going through different conversations. Please do not assume that this is a kind of universal phenomenon, it is not," he said.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-dismisses-nearly-half-of-disease-detectives-even-as-bird-flu-concerns-rise-8722503">Trump administration dismisses nearly half of 'disease detectives' even as bird flu concerns rise</a></strong><span></span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>West "treated democracy as a Western characteristic"</strong><b></b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Responding to whether the countries in the Global South still aspire to a democratic system, Jaishankar said, &ldquo;Look, to an extent, all big countries are unique to an extent. But, we would certainly hope, I mean to the extent, we think of democracy as a universal aspiration, ideally a reality, but at least an aspiration, in large part because India chose a democratic model after independence and it chose a democratic model because we had fundamentally a consultative pluralistic society."</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>He added that there was a time when the West "treated democracy as a Western characteristic" and "was busy encouraging" non-democratic forces in the Global South.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-cm-mann-slams-centre-over-deliberately-choosing-amritsar-to-land-planes-carrying-illegal-indian-migrants-bid-to-defame-punjab-8722798">Punjab CM Mann slams Centre over 'deliberately choosing' Amritsar to land planes carrying illegal Indian migrants</a></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Jaishankar also said India, despite "all the challenges" it faced, even at a low income, "stayed true" to the democratic model.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"When you look at our part of the world, we are pretty much the only country that has done that. So, I think this is something the West should look at because if you do want democracy eventually to prevail, it important the West also embraces the successful models outside the West," he said.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

World | India News | S Jaishankar praises India's democracy, highlighting its efficiency and success in delivering outcomes through a strong electoral process.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has voiced confidence in the trajectory of India's democracy, emphasising its effectiveness in delivering results. He highlighted the robust electoral process in India, citing the recent Delhi elections and the 2024 parliamentary elections as examples. Jaishankar's optimism comes amid concerns from some quarters about the health of India's democracy. Also read | 'I don't know what's going to happen': Trump expresses uncertainty about hostage release by Hamas Jaishankar highlights India’s democracy While participating in a panel discussion on the topic 'Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience' at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, alongside Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, US Senator Elissa Slotkin and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowsk, Jaishankar said that he differs in the view that democracy is in trouble globally and highlighted India's democracy. Sharing his thoughts on Western democracy, the Indian External Affairs Minister said, "I think I appeared to be an optimist in what is relatively a pessimistic panel if not room. I will begin by sticking up my finger and don't take it badly, it is the index finger. This, the mark you see on my nail, is a mark of a person who has just voted. We just had an election in my state (Delhi). Last year, we had a national election. In Indian elections, roughly two-thirds of the eligible voters vote. At the national elections, (out of) the electorate of about 900 million, about 700 million voted. We count the votes in a single day." Also read | Hamas says indirect negotiations for second phase of ceasefire with Israel to begin next week "Nobody disputes the result after it's announced and by the way, from the time we started voting in the modern era, 20 per cent of people more vote today than they did decades ago. So, the first message is that somehow democracy is in trouble globally, worldwide, I am sorry, I have to differ with it. I mean, right now, we are living well. We are voting well. We are optimistic about the direction of our democracy and for us democracy is actually delivered," he added. “India's democratic framework provides nutrition support to 800 million citizens” Jaishankar also responded to Senator Slotkin, who on the panel said that democracy "doesn't put food on your table", emphasising that India's democratic framework enables the country to provide essential services, such as nutrition support to 800 million citizens. Started the #MSC2025 with a panel on ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’. Joined PM @jonasgahrstore, @ElissaSlotkin and @trzaskowski_. Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on… pic.twitter.com/h3GUmeglst — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 14, 2025 "Actually, in my part of the world, it does because we are a democratic society, we give nutrition support, and food to 800 million people and for whom that is a matter of how healthy they are and how full their stomachs are. The point I want to make is look different parts of the world are going through different conversations. Please do not assume that this is a kind of universal phenomenon, it is not," he said. Also read | Trump administration dismisses nearly half of 'disease detectives' even as bird flu concerns rise West "treated democracy as a Western characteristic" Responding to whether the countries in the Global South still aspire to a democratic system, Jaishankar said, “Look, to an extent, all big countries are unique to an extent. But, we would certainly hope, I mean to the extent, we think of democracy as a universal aspiration, ideally a reality, but at least an aspiration, in large part because India chose a democratic model after independence and it chose a democratic model because we had fundamentally a consultative pluralistic society." He added that there was a time when the West "treated democracy as a Western characteristic" and "was busy encouraging" non-democratic forces in the Global South. Also read | Punjab CM Mann slams Centre over 'deliberately choosing' Amritsar to land planes carrying illegal Indian migrants Jaishankar also said India, despite "all the challenges" it faced, even at a low income, "stayed true" to the democratic model. "When you look at our part of the world, we are pretty much the only country that has done that. So, I think this is something the West should look at because if you do want democracy eventually to prevail, it important the West also embraces the successful models outside the West," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘It does’: S Jaishankar responds to US Senator saying democracy doesn't put food on table

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US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to hold talks with Russia and China to reduce military spending, with a potential summit involving leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump wants talks on military spending cuts with Russia, China

<p dir="ltr"><span>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Feb 14) shared the highlights from his "extremely fruitful" visit to the US.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared a 03:45 min video with the caption, &ldquo;Here are highlights from an extremely fruitful USA visit. From energy to education, trade to technology and AI to space&hellip;many issues discussed.&rdquo;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The video posted by him showed key moments from his visit to Washington, during which he met and interacted with top US officials, businessmen and President Donald Trump.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-zelensky-says-trump-talks-not-enough-for-peace-as-russia-skips-munich-security-conference-8721175">Ukraine's Zelensky says Trump talks &lsquo;not enough&rsquo; for peace as Russia skips Munich Security Conference</a></strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>The video</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The video starts with the Prime Minister getting a ceremonial welcome as he arrives at the Blair House, the President&rsquo;s Guest House, in Washington DC.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>It shows him shaking hands and interacting with Secretary of State Mark Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and tech billionaire Elon Musk. In the video, Trump and Modi can be seen warmly embracing each other as they meet for the first time since the former returned to the White House.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The video shared by the PM also featured highlights from his media briefing with Trump.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-threatens-economic-military-sanctions-against-russia-if-putin-denies-peace-talk-with-ukraine-8720983">JD Vance threatens 'economic,' 'military' sanctions against Russia if Putin denies peace talk with Ukraine</a></strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Modi, Trump discuss strengthening bilateral partnerships</strong><b></b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday (local time) to discuss strengthening the India-US bilateral partnership across various sectors.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office stated, "PM @narendramodi and @POTUS @realDonaldTrump held productive discussions in Washington DC. They deliberated on ways to strengthen the India-US partnership across various sectors."</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>US President Donald Trump also shared pictures from his meeting with PM Modi. While sharing the pictures on X, Trump stated, "President Donald J. Trump and Indian Prime Minister @NarendraModi."</span></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><b id="docs-internal-guid-7aa0bd0c-7fff-d3ce-26f3-c228cf8eb981"><br><br><br></b></p>

India News: Explore the Prime Minister's USA visit highlights in a 3:45 min video. Discover discussions ranging from energy and education to AI, trade, technology, and space.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Feb 14) shared the highlights from his "extremely fruitful" visit to the US. In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared a 03:45 min video with the caption, “Here are highlights from an extremely fruitful USA visit. From energy to education, trade to technology and AI to space…many issues discussed.” The video posted by him showed key moments from his visit to Washington, during which he met and interacted with top US officials, businessmen and President Donald Trump. Also read | Ukraine's Zelensky says Trump talks ‘not enough’ for peace as Russia skips Munich Security Conference The video The video starts with the Prime Minister getting a ceremonial welcome as he arrives at the Blair House, the President’s Guest House, in Washington DC. It shows him shaking hands and interacting with Secretary of State Mark Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and tech billionaire Elon Musk. In the video, Trump and Modi can be seen warmly embracing each other as they meet for the first time since the former returned to the White House. The video shared by the PM also featured highlights from his media briefing with Trump. Also read | JD Vance threatens 'economic,' 'military' sanctions against Russia if Putin denies peace talk with Ukraine Modi, Trump discuss strengthening bilateral partnerships Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday (local time) to discuss strengthening the India-US bilateral partnership across various sectors. In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office stated, "PM @narendramodi and @POTUS @realDonaldTrump held productive discussions in Washington DC. They deliberated on ways to strengthen the India-US partnership across various sectors." US President Donald Trump also shared pictures from his meeting with PM Modi. While sharing the pictures on X, Trump stated, "President Donald J. Trump and Indian Prime Minister @NarendraModi." (With inputs from agencies)

‘Extremely fruitful’ PM Modi shares highlights from his US visit

In a high-profile diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met at the White House for their first bilateral meeting since Trump’s return to office for a second term. PM Modi is among the first global leaders to visit Washington following Trump’s electoral win, marking a key moment in India-US relations.

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<div>US President Donald Trump's administration has begun laying off probationary employees as it moves to the next stage of its plans to aggressively shrink the federal workforce.</div>
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<div>The US Department of Veteran's Affairs was one of the first departments to publicly confirm the layoffs, announcing in a statement that it dismissed more than 1,000 probationary employees on Thursday in non "mission critical" positions.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>"The dismissals announced today are part of a government-wide Trump Administration effort to make agencies more efficient, effective and responsive to the American People," it said in a statement.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Also read | <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-threatens-economic-military-sanctions-against-russia-if-putin-denies-peace-talk-with-ukraine-8720983">JD Vance threatens 'economic,' 'military' sanctions against Russia if Putin denies peace talk with Ukraine</a></strong></div>
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<div>Although the exact number of federal employees affected is unclear, more than 200,000 recently hired workers are currently serving out their probationary period, according to the most recently available government data.</div>
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<div>The Trump administration directed agency heads to terminate most trial and probationary staff -- who have fewer civil service protections -- US media reported Thursday.</div>
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<div>An employee who was laid off from her job at the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) told AFP on condition of anonymity that she had been fired during a video call to which close to 100 employees had been invited.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>The employee, and several other participants, were still serving out their probationary periods. All were told they were being let go for performance purposes.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Also read | <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/id-love-to-help-says-us-president-donald-trump-on-india-china-border-dispute-new-delhi-responds-8720925">&lsquo;I&rsquo;d love to help,&rsquo; says Trump on India-China border dispute; New Delhi responds</a></strong></div>
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<div>Shortly after the call ended, the employee received a letter from acting OPM director Charles Ezell confirming she had been fired. Her access was cut off less than an hour later.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Spokespeople for OPM and the White House press offices did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Thursday's actions follow a White House push -- led by OPM -- to shrink the number of government workers by offering them eight months' pay to resign.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>The email with the resignation offer, titled "Fork in the Road," also noted that those who did not accept risked being let go in future culls.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>More than 65,000 federal employees accepted the buyout offer from OPM, the White House said.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>One employee at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) who spoke with AFP reported accepting the OPM's offer to resign out of concern for otherwise being fired.</div>
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<div>"This was my dream job," said the employee, who was not on probation but who had been at HUD for less time -- and thus had less job security -- than many other colleagues.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>"It just became very clear to me that the writing is on the wall," the employee said. "I might as well take the best cushion I have to put myself in the best situation to take the time I need to find a new position."</div>
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<div>A HUD spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></div>
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World: The Trump administration initiates layoffs of probationary staff, marking a pivotal step in its strategy to significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce.

US President Donald Trump's administration has begun laying off probationary employees as it moves to the next stage of its plans to aggressively shrink the federal workforce. The US Department of Veteran's Affairs was one of the first departments to publicly confirm the layoffs, announcing in a statement that it dismissed more than 1,000 probationary employees on Thursday in non "mission critical" positions. "The dismissals announced today are part of a government-wide Trump Administration effort to make agencies more efficient, effective and responsive to the American People," it said in a statement. Also read | JD Vance threatens 'economic,' 'military' sanctions against Russia if Putin denies peace talk with Ukraine Although the exact number of federal employees affected is unclear, more than 200,000 recently hired workers are currently serving out their probationary period, according to the most recently available government data. The Trump administration directed agency heads to terminate most trial and probationary staff -- who have fewer civil service protections -- US media reported Thursday. An employee who was laid off from her job at the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) told AFP on condition of anonymity that she had been fired during a video call to which close to 100 employees had been invited. The employee, and several other participants, were still serving out their probationary periods. All were told they were being let go for performance purposes. Also read | ‘I’d love to help,’ says Trump on India-China border dispute; New Delhi responds Shortly after the call ended, the employee received a letter from acting OPM director Charles Ezell confirming she had been fired. Her access was cut off less than an hour later. Spokespeople for OPM and the White House press offices did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Thursday's actions follow a White House push -- led by OPM -- to shrink the number of government workers by offering them eight months' pay to resign. The email with the resignation offer, titled "Fork in the Road," also noted that those who did not accept risked being let go in future culls. More than 65,000 federal employees accepted the buyout offer from OPM, the White House said. One employee at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) who spoke with AFP reported accepting the OPM's offer to resign out of concern for otherwise being fired. "This was my dream job," said the employee, who was not on probation but who had been at HUD for less time -- and thus had less job security -- than many other colleagues. "It just became very clear to me that the writing is on the wall," the employee said. "I might as well take the best cushion I have to put myself in the best situation to take the time I need to find a new position." A HUD spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

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