Panama has officially withdrawn from China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying that it will not renew the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join China’s overseas development initiative. Watch this report for more details!

Panama pulls out of China's belt and road initiative amid tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the United States for a meeting with President Donald Trump after attending the AI summit in Paris on February 10 and 11. Watch this report for more details!

Indian PM Modi set to travel to US, meet President Donald Trump

Indian PM Modi likely to visit US from February 12-14

In a further escalation of the US-China trade war, Beijing announced on Tuesday (Feb 4) that it would impose 15 per cent tariffs on imports of coal and liquefied natural gas from the United States.
"A 15 percent tariff will be imposed on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG)," Beijing's finance ministry said, adding the tariffs come into force next Monday.
The finance ministry also unveiled 10 percent tariffs on imports from the United States of crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-displacement vehicles and pickup trucks.
China said that the measures were retaliatory and in response to the "unilateral tariff hike" by Washington.
<h2>China files complaint with WTO over US tariffs</h2>
Beijing further said that it had filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization "to defend its legitimate rights and interests" in response to hiked US tariffs on Chinese goods.
"China has filed a case against the US tariff measures under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism," the commerce ministry said in a statement, adding the US actions were of a "malicious nature".&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-firmly-opposes-new-us-tariffs-vows-countermeasures-8682843">Also read: China 'firmly opposes' tariffs imposed by US, vows 'countermeasures'</a>
<h2>Beijing to probe Google over anti-monopoly violations</h2>
In addition to this, China said that it would launch a probe into the US tech Giant Google's violations of anti-monopoly laws.
Beijing's State Administration for Market Regulation said the US tech giant was "suspected of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China".
It has "launched an investigation into Google in accordance with the law" as a result, the administration said in a statement.
<h2>Trump says US-China tariff talks likely in next 24 hours</h2>
China's move comes hours after US President Donald Trump on Monday said that talks between Washington and Beijing over the tariffs he imposed would likely be held in the next 24 hours.
While speaking to reporters at the White House before a sweeping 10 per cent duty was set to come into effect on Chinese imports, Trump said the talks would occur "probably over the next 24 hours."
<h2>'No winners in trade war'</h2>
Beijing had earlier released a statement saying that there are "no winners in a trade war or tariff war", adding that the additional duties would "inevitably affect and damage future bilateral cooperation on drug control".
This comes after Trump announced an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, which he said would be imposed on top of existing duties.&nbsp;
China's commerce ministry released a statement on Sunday (Feb 2) slamming Washington's "erroneous practices", stating that Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it".
It added that the duties were "not only unhelpful in solving the US's own problems but also undermine normal economic and trade cooperation".
"China hopes that the United States will objectively and rationally view and deal with its own issues like fentanyl, rather than threatening other countries with tariffs at every turn," the ministry had said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: "A 15 percent tariff will be imposed on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG)," Beijing's finance ministry said, adding the tariffs come into force next Monday.

In a further escalation of the US-China trade war, Beijing announced on Tuesday (Feb 4) that it would impose 15 per cent tariffs on imports of coal and liquefied natural gas from the United States. "A 15 percent tariff will be imposed on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG)," Beijing's finance ministry said, adding the tariffs come into force next Monday. The finance ministry also unveiled 10 percent tariffs on imports from the United States of crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-displacement vehicles and pickup trucks. China said that the measures were retaliatory and in response to the "unilateral tariff hike" by Washington. China files complaint with WTO over US tariffs Beijing further said that it had filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization "to defend its legitimate rights and interests" in response to hiked US tariffs on Chinese goods. "China has filed a case against the US tariff measures under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism," the commerce ministry said in a statement, adding the US actions were of a "malicious nature". Also read: China 'firmly opposes' tariffs imposed by US, vows 'countermeasures' Beijing to probe Google over anti-monopoly violations In addition to this, China said that it would launch a probe into the US tech Giant Google's violations of anti-monopoly laws. Beijing's State Administration for Market Regulation said the US tech giant was "suspected of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China". It has "launched an investigation into Google in accordance with the law" as a result, the administration said in a statement. Trump says US-China tariff talks likely in next 24 hours China's move comes hours after US President Donald Trump on Monday said that talks between Washington and Beijing over the tariffs he imposed would likely be held in the next 24 hours. While speaking to reporters at the White House before a sweeping 10 per cent duty was set to come into effect on Chinese imports, Trump said the talks would occur "probably over the next 24 hours." 'No winners in trade war' Beijing had earlier released a statement saying that there are "no winners in a trade war or tariff war", adding that the additional duties would "inevitably affect and damage future bilateral cooperation on drug control". This comes after Trump announced an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, which he said would be imposed on top of existing duties. China's commerce ministry released a statement on Sunday (Feb 2) slamming Washington's "erroneous practices", stating that Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it". It added that the duties were "not only unhelpful in solving the US's own problems but also undermine normal economic and trade cooperation". "China hopes that the United States will objectively and rationally view and deal with its own issues like fentanyl, rather than threatening other countries with tariffs at every turn," the ministry had said. (With inputs from agencies)

US-China trade war: China to impose 15 per cent tariff on imports of coal, LNG from US

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington for talks with the new Trump administration on Israel's fragile truce with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has not yet been finalised.

Netanyahu in U.S: Donald Trump to host Netanyahu for Gaza ceasefire talks

Asia stocks jumped while the dollar was on a rollercoaster ride as U.S. President Donald Trump paused the tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month. The deep sell-off and the reversal in markets within 24 hours reflect Trump's dealmaking underscores that everything was negotiable.

Stocks recoup losses after Trump delays tariffs

A US military aircraft is deporting illegal migrants to India, marking the farthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration, according to a Reuters report.
The migrants have departed for the country aboard C-17 aircraft and would arrive after at least 24 hours, said a senior US official on Monday (Feb 3).
Additionally, the Pentagon has begun offering flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants currently in US custody in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
The military aircraft has so far transported migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras, as part of the deportation efforts.
Deporting migrants via a military flight is an expensive option, as a recent military deportation flight to Guatemala was estimated to have cost approximately $4,675 per migrant, according to Reuters.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-to-impose-15-tariff-on-imports-of-coal-lng-from-us-8688674">Also read: US-China trade war: China to impose 15 per cent tariff on imports of coal, LNG from US</a>
<h2>'Will facilitate return of Indian nationals,' says MEA</h2>
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on January 24, had stated that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals "overstaying" or residing without proper documentation in the United States or "anywhere in the world."
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a press briefing in New Delhi, said, "We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime."
He added, "For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India."
The remarks came after the White House Press Secretary announced that the "largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway."
Karoline Leavitt, in a post on X, said, "The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6q3uz2c-xbj1jr0k-gqgg57kr">
The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept.
&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1882614534609027221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
In another post, she said, "The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences."
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on January 24, had stated that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals "overstaying" or residing without proper documentation in the United States or "anywhere in the world."

A US military aircraft is deporting illegal migrants to India, marking the farthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration, according to a Reuters report. The migrants have departed for the country aboard C-17 aircraft and would arrive after at least 24 hours, said a senior US official on Monday (Feb 3). Additionally, the Pentagon has begun offering flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants currently in US custody in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. The military aircraft has so far transported migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras, as part of the deportation efforts. Deporting migrants via a military flight is an expensive option, as a recent military deportation flight to Guatemala was estimated to have cost approximately $4,675 per migrant, according to Reuters. Also read: US-China trade war: China to impose 15 per cent tariff on imports of coal, LNG from US 'Will facilitate return of Indian nationals,' says MEA India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on January 24, had stated that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals "overstaying" or residing without proper documentation in the United States or "anywhere in the world." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a press briefing in New Delhi, said, "We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime." He added, "For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India." The remarks came after the White House Press Secretary announced that the "largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway." Karoline Leavitt, in a post on X, said, "The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept." The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept. — Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 In another post, she said, "The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration deporting illegal migrants to India aboard military aircraft: Report

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the US-Mexico border in New Mexico to meet with US troops and review operations. Watch this report for more details!

US Defense Secretary Hegseth visits troops on the US-Mexico border

Indian PM Modi set to pay 2-day visit to US

Indian PM Modi to visit US after concluding France trip

US President Donald Trump delayed the start of tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month Monday after the US neighbors struck last-minute deals to tighten border measures. Watch this report for more details!

Donald trump announces 30-day halt in Canada, Mexico tariffs

Donald Trump halts Canada, Mexico tariffs after last-ditch talks

US Defence Secretary and border czar visit US-Mexico border

Panama ends Belt and Road Deal with China amid US pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to take control of the Panama canal, repeatedly accusing China of having control over it. Now panama, acting under pressure, has pledged to terminate a key deal with China. What is China's interest in Panama? Why has the U.S. President singled out China in his threats about Panama?

China's secret Panama project that has frightened U.S.

It’s not just South Africa feeling the impact of Trump’s policies. The U.S. president is also taking measures to cut off financial supply to key international organizations, as well as other U.S. initiatives. On the day of his inauguration, Trump withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization, putting the WHO in a worrisome state. Watch in for more details!

WHO asks member countries to make efforts to bring US back

President Donald Trump has announced to stop all future funding to South Africa, accusing the country of confiscating land and treating certain classes of people very badly.. However, the South African government has denied the allegations from U.S. President Donald Trump. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa minister suggests withholding mineral supplies to US

A United Airlines flight traveling from Houston to New York was evacuated after an engine issue was reported. The incident raised safety concerns but was handled promptly by the airline and emergency crews.

US: United Airlines flight receives alert for engine before take-off; over 100 people evacuated

Donald Trump criticizes USAID after reports surfaced about its potential merger with the U.S. State Department, calling the agency "run by a bunch of radical lunatics." His remarks add to ongoing debates about the future of U.S. foreign aid.

Donald Trump to decide on future of overseas aid & development agency

US President Donald Trump announced that he would cut off all future funding for South Africa until it investigated how certain classes of people were being treated very badly. Watch this report for more details!

Trump stops future aid to South Africa over mistreatment of certain people

Donald Trump stops future aid to South Africa over mistreatment of certain people

President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs, imposing a 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. The justification? An emergency declaration under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, citing the threats of fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration.

Legal experts warn of court battles over tariff legality

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has kicked off his first official foreign trip with a stop in Panama, a longtime US ally shaken by President Donald Trump’s extraordinary threat to seize the Panama Canal. Watch this report for more details!

US Secretary of State Rubio meets Panama President amid Trump's Canal threat

Canada and Mexico ordered retaliatory tariffs on American goods in response to sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Watch this report for more details!

Canada and Mexico order retaliatory tariffs on US as Trump's tariffs spur trade war

President Donald Trump has vowed to impose sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. There will be 25% tariffs on goods coming into the US from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on imports from China from this weekend. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada & China shake global trade

Days after the Washington DC plane crash, US First Lady Melania Trump expressed her condolences to the families of those killed in the mid-air collision. Netizens were impressed by her post on social media, saying she showed "true compassion".&nbsp;
The helicopter and the American Airlines passenger plane collision killed at least 67 people.&nbsp;
Melania in a heartfelt message for the families of the victims, said, "My heart goes out to those impacted by last night&rsquo;s terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families &amp; loved ones, &amp; the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flight-data-from-the-mid-air-collision-in-dc-shows-discrepancy-in-altitudes-8683481" rel="dofollow">Washington DC Crash: Flight data raises more questions as discrepancies arise</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My heart goes out to those impacted by last night&rsquo;s terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families &amp; loved ones, &amp; the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time.
&mdash; First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1884991986073059607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
Her post gained over 2.5 million views and more than 2000 comments.&nbsp;
However, on the contrary, when asked if he would be visiting the crash site, US President Donald Trump sarcastically replied, "You tell me, what&rsquo;s the site? The water? You want me to go swimming?&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-helicopter-black-box-found-41-of-67-victim-bodies-recovered-divers-continue-to-search-for-remaining-26-8679585" rel="dofollow">Washington Plane Crash: Helicopter black box found; 41 bodies recovered, search for remaining 26 victims on</a>
He also took to Truth Social, saying, "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!!."
<h2>Netizens call Trump 'classless'</h2>
The netizens commented on Melania's post, expressing gratitude to her for her sympathies, and saying that it is so heartwarming to have true compassion from our White House.
&ldquo;Thank you for being such a compassionate First Lady in time of need. We should all join together to pray,&rdquo; another commented.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-too-complicated-to-understand-trump-says-helicopter-involved-in-washington-crash-was-flying-too-high-8678961" rel="dofollow"> 'Not too complicated to understand', Trump says helicopter involved in Washington crash was flying 'too high'</a>
Another user commented, "Thank You First Lady Trump. Hearing it come from you with your grace and sincere empathy must mean a lot to the grieving families during this horrific tragedy."
However, some other users asked the First Lady to note her husband's reaction to the incident. They said that Melania should talk to her husband about being "more human".&nbsp;
"Maybe talk to your husband about being a little more human about this event. Oh and ask why he gutted the FAA. Always thoughts and prayers with this administration and nothing else,&rdquo; a user said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-hawk-pilot-atc-missteps-obama-or-dei-hiring-whos-really-to-blame-8678560" rel="dofollow">Black Hawk pilot, ATC missteps, Obama, or DEI hiring: Who's really to blame for the Washington DC plane crash?</a>
&ldquo;Better response than your classless husband gave,&rdquo; another stated.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The netizens commented on Melania's post, expressing gratitude to her for her sympathies, and saying that it is so heartwarming to have true compassion from our White House.

Days after the Washington DC plane crash, US First Lady Melania Trump expressed her condolences to the families of those killed in the mid-air collision. Netizens were impressed by her post on social media, saying she showed "true compassion". The helicopter and the American Airlines passenger plane collision killed at least 67 people. Melania in a heartfelt message for the families of the victims, said, "My heart goes out to those impacted by last night’s terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families & loved ones, & the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time." Also read: Washington DC Crash: Flight data raises more questions as discrepancies arise My heart goes out to those impacted by last night’s terrible tragedy. I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families & loved ones, & the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time. — First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 30, 2025 Her post gained over 2.5 million views and more than 2000 comments. However, on the contrary, when asked if he would be visiting the crash site, US President Donald Trump sarcastically replied, "You tell me, what’s the site? The water? You want me to go swimming?” Also read: Washington Plane Crash: Helicopter black box found; 41 bodies recovered, search for remaining 26 victims on He also took to Truth Social, saying, "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!!." Netizens call Trump 'classless' The netizens commented on Melania's post, expressing gratitude to her for her sympathies, and saying that it is so heartwarming to have true compassion from our White House. “Thank you for being such a compassionate First Lady in time of need. We should all join together to pray,” another commented. Also read: 'Not too complicated to understand', Trump says helicopter involved in Washington crash was flying 'too high' Another user commented, "Thank You First Lady Trump. Hearing it come from you with your grace and sincere empathy must mean a lot to the grieving families during this horrific tragedy." However, some other users asked the First Lady to note her husband's reaction to the incident. They said that Melania should talk to her husband about being "more human". "Maybe talk to your husband about being a little more human about this event. Oh and ask why he gutted the FAA. Always thoughts and prayers with this administration and nothing else,” a user said. Also read: Black Hawk pilot, ATC missteps, Obama, or DEI hiring: Who's really to blame for the Washington DC plane crash? “Better response than your classless husband gave,” another stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Netizens praise Melania's 'compassion' towards DC crash victims, ask her to speak to 'classless' Trump

The website of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) went offline on Saturday without giving any explanation as thousands of furloughs, layoffs, and program shutdowns continued.&nbsp;
This comes after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-0" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump </a>froze US-funded foreign aid and development across the world.&nbsp;
Congressional Democrats have been raising concerns saying that Trump may be headed toward ending the USAID as an independent agency and absorbing it into the State Department.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-donald-trump-freezes-foreign-aid-military-funding-for-israel-egypt-8651682" rel="dofollow">'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine; military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted</a>
They stressed that Trump has no legal authority to eliminate a congressionally funded independent agency, adding that the work of USAID is important to national security.&nbsp;
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut shared a post on X, saying, presidents cannot eliminate congressionally appropriated federal agencies by executive order, adding that Trump was poised to "double down on a constitutional crisis.&rdquo;
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what a despot &mdash; who wants to steal the taxpayers&rsquo; money to enrich his billionaire cabal &mdash; does,&rdquo; Murphy said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-unveils-sweeping-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-and-china-8682715" rel="dofollow">US President Trump unveils sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China</a>
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, while advising Trump, endorsed the posts on his X site, calling for dissolving USAID.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Live by executive order, die by executive order,&rdquo; Musk posted Saturday in reference to USAID.&nbsp;
The US president and other congressional Republicans have said that the foreign aid and development programs are wasteful.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hints-at-major-steps-with-putin-to-end-ukraine-conflict-8679710" rel="dofollow">Trump hints he and Putin could soon take 'decisive steps' to end Ukraine conflict</a>
Notably, America is the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid by far as it spends less than one percent of its budget on foreign aid, a smaller share overall than some other countries.
USAID was created by former President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence. Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961, and Kennedy signed that law and an executive order establishing USAID as an independent agency.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Congressional Democrats have been saying that Trump may be headed toward ending the USAID as an independent agency and absorbing it into the State Department. 

The website of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) went offline on Saturday without giving any explanation as thousands of furloughs, layoffs, and program shutdowns continued. This comes after US President Donald Trump froze US-funded foreign aid and development across the world. Congressional Democrats have been raising concerns saying that Trump may be headed toward ending the USAID as an independent agency and absorbing it into the State Department. Also read: 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine; military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted They stressed that Trump has no legal authority to eliminate a congressionally funded independent agency, adding that the work of USAID is important to national security. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut shared a post on X, saying, presidents cannot eliminate congressionally appropriated federal agencies by executive order, adding that Trump was poised to "double down on a constitutional crisis.” “That’s what a despot — who wants to steal the taxpayers’ money to enrich his billionaire cabal — does,” Murphy said. Also read: US President Trump unveils sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China Meanwhile, Elon Musk, while advising Trump, endorsed the posts on his X site, calling for dissolving USAID. “Live by executive order, die by executive order,” Musk posted Saturday in reference to USAID. The US president and other congressional Republicans have said that the foreign aid and development programs are wasteful. Also read: Trump hints he and Putin could soon take 'decisive steps' to end Ukraine conflict Notably, America is the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid by far as it spends less than one percent of its budget on foreign aid, a smaller share overall than some other countries. USAID was created by former President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence. Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961, and Kennedy signed that law and an executive order establishing USAID as an independent agency. (With inputs from agencies)

End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team have been granted access to the US Treasury Department's payment systems, The New York Times reported.&nbsp;
It comes after a standoff between Musk's team and a top Treasury official David Lebryk, who refused to give access to the department's payment system.&nbsp;
The official was later put on leave and then retired after the dispute.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-turns-washingtons-doge-office-into-his-bedroom-8678366" rel="dofollow"> Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom</a>
US Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat) confirmed the news in a post on Bluesky, saying, "Sources tell my office that Treasury Secretary Bessent has granted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/doge" rel="dofollow">DOGE </a>*full* access to this system. Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, and payments to government contractors, including those that compete directly with Musk's own companies. All of it."&nbsp;
The billionaire's allies, who were granted access to the payment systems, were reportedly made employees of the department and underwent government vetting and received security clearances.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doge-chief-musk-wants-to-delete-irs-and-people-agree-with-him-779792" rel="dofollow">DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him</a>
The Treasury Payments system controls more than USD 6 trillion annually and handles key functions including Social Security benefits, tax refunds and federal employee salaries.&nbsp;
As the Musk team has now access to the system, the Trump administration could restrict the disbursement of money approved by Congress for specific purposes, according to a New York Times report.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-and-ramaswamy-led-doge-plan-to-stop-work-from-home-for-federal-employees-777953" rel="dofollow">Musk and Ramaswamy led DOGE plan to stop work-from-home for federal employees</a>
<h2>Critics react&nbsp;</h2>
Democrats have criticised the move, stressing political interference in the Treasury's payment systems.&nbsp;
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) in a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent said, "To put it bluntly, these payment systems simply cannot fail, and any politically motivated meddling in them risks severe damage to our country and the economy."
Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) called for an investigation into the matter, pointing to the dangers of allowing Musk's team to oversee payments that affect millions of US citizens.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: It comes after a standoff between Musk's team and a top Treasury official David Lebryk, who refused to give access to the department's payment system. 

Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team have been granted access to the US Treasury Department's payment systems, The New York Times reported. It comes after a standoff between Musk's team and a top Treasury official David Lebryk, who refused to give access to the department's payment system. The official was later put on leave and then retired after the dispute. Also read: Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom US Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat) confirmed the news in a post on Bluesky, saying, "Sources tell my office that Treasury Secretary Bessent has granted DOGE *full* access to this system. Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, and payments to government contractors, including those that compete directly with Musk's own companies. All of it." The billionaire's allies, who were granted access to the payment systems, were reportedly made employees of the department and underwent government vetting and received security clearances. Also read: DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him The Treasury Payments system controls more than USD 6 trillion annually and handles key functions including Social Security benefits, tax refunds and federal employee salaries. As the Musk team has now access to the system, the Trump administration could restrict the disbursement of money approved by Congress for specific purposes, according to a New York Times report. Also read: Musk and Ramaswamy led DOGE plan to stop work-from-home for federal employees Critics react Democrats have criticised the move, stressing political interference in the Treasury's payment systems. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) in a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent said, "To put it bluntly, these payment systems simply cannot fail, and any politically motivated meddling in them risks severe damage to our country and the economy." Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) called for an investigation into the matter, pointing to the dangers of allowing Musk's team to oversee payments that affect millions of US citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk team now can access US Treasury's payment system? What does it mean

A California-based snack company, Cal Yee Farm LLC, has issued a recall for several chocolate and yogurt-covered products after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified them under Class I, the highest risk level. The recall follows the discovery of undeclared allergens, including milk, soy, wheat, sesame, synthetic dye, and almonds, in some of the company's products. These allergens could potentially trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Watch in for more details!

Cal Yee products recalled after FDA inspection

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers a strong warning to American citizens about the consequences of President Trump’s tariffs. He highlights the potential risks to U.S. jobs, security, and everyday costs like food and gas. Trudeau also emphasizes that the tariffs violate the Free Trade Agreement, escalating tensions in the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade dispute.

Trade war: Canada announces retaliatory tariffs on US

President Donald Trump has signed an order authorizing tariffs, following through on his promise to impose significant taxes on goods imported from Canada, Mexico, and China.

Trade war: China says 'firmly opposes' new US tariffs

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