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The US Senate confirmed John Ratcliffe as the new director of the CIA on Thursday, securing bipartisan support with a vote of 74-25. Ratcliffe, who previously served as the director of national intelligence from 2020 to 2021 under President Donald Trump, emphasized his commitment to delivering objective intelligence analysis free from political bias during his confirmation hearing. He highlighted the need for the CIA to intensify its focus on the threats posed by China and its Communist Party, as well as the critical importance of understanding technological advancements among adversaries. A former federal prosecutor and Texas representative from 2015 to 2020, Ratcliffe played a key role in defending Trump during his first impeachment. His appointment fills a vital position in the national security team, aiming to enhance the agency's analytical capabilities amid evolving global threats. 
Published: Jan 24 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn a historic display of endurance, New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker delivered the longest continuous speech in Senate history, lasting 25 hours and 5 minutes, to express opposition to President Donald Trump's policies. Beginning on Monday evening, Booker vowed to speak as long as he could physically manage, ultimately surpassing the record held by segregationist Strom Thurmond since 1957. His marathon address focused on the urgent need for Democrats to unite against perceived threats to American democracy, including cuts to social safety programs. Throughout the speech, Booker received support from fellow Democrats, who provided him with breaks by asking questions. He emphasized the necessity for the party to reflect on its resolve and called for Americans to respond to challenges with kindness and generosity. The event drew significant attention, with thousands tuning in online, and solidified Booker's position as a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 7 ameznews.inIsrael has announced the elimination of all tariffs on imports from the United States, according to a joint statement from the Prime Minister's Office and the finance and economy ministries. This decision is largely viewed as a diplomatic gesture rather than an economic necessity, as a longstanding free trade agreement already exempts 99% of US imports from duties. The remaining tariffs, primarily on agricultural goods, amount to approximately 42 million shekels ($11.4 million) annually. The move, pending approval from the parliament's finance committee, comes just before US President Donald Trump's anticipated announcement of new tariffs affecting all US trade partners, leading to speculation that Israel aims to mitigate potential reciprocal duties. The statement also emphasized that reducing tariffs could strengthen bilateral relations and help alleviate the cost of living in Israel. In 2024, the US remained Israel's top export destination, with exports reaching $17.2 billion.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 7 ameznews.inGlobal markets exhibited volatility on Tuesday as investors anticipated President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcements, aimed at alleviating trade-policy uncertainty. Set to be unveiled on Wednesday, these "reciprocal tariffs" will align US duties with those of other nations, impacting all countries, though specific details remain unclear. Reports suggest tariffs of around 20% on most imports, with a 25% levy on auto imports effective Thursday. While US stocks fluctuated, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended higher, contrasting with a slight decline in the Dow. European stocks rebounded after previous profit-taking, while India's Nifty 50 fell 1.5%. Gold prices eased after reaching record highs, reflecting investor concerns over a potential economic slowdown, as US manufacturing contracted in March. The dollar faced pressure amid cautious sentiment, with safe-haven assets like the yen and Swiss franc gaining ground. Meanwhile, China, Japan, and South Korea agreed to respond jointly to the US tariffs.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 8 ameznews.inRussia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held talks in Moscow on Tuesday, covering key regional issues including the Korean Peninsula and Iran's nuclear program, according to the Russian foreign ministry. Wang's three-day visit included a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic ties amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. Both nations recently asserted that nuclear negotiations with Tehran, requested by the U.S., should resume on the basis of "mutual respect" and the lifting of sanctions. The discussions also addressed the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace agreement following Russia's invasion in February 2022. The foreign ministry noted that the talks were conducted in a "friendly and open atmosphere," highlighting the alignment of positions on crucial bilateral and global issues.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday, with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress issuing whips to ensure their MPs' attendance. The bill, which follows a Joint Parliamentary Committee review, aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to address longstanding issues related to the management and regulation of Waqf properties, including mismanagement and corruption. Key proposals include renaming the Act, updating definitions, enhancing the registration process, and leveraging technology for better record management. Following the Question Hour, an eight-hour discussion on the bill is scheduled, with potential extensions. The opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party, has expressed strong criticism and has instructed its MPs to actively participate in debates. Both political factions appear set for a showdown, with bipartisan consensus unlikely as the outcomes hinge on majority support.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 6 ameznews.inBEIJING: The Chinese military announced new exercises on Wednesday in the Taiwan Strait, a day after conducting drills aimed at encircling Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that the exercises are designed to "test the troops' capabilities" in blockade, control, and precision strikes on key targets. These drills are taking place in the central and southern parts of the strait, a crucial route for global shipping. The escalation follows increased military activity around Taiwan, with China ramping up the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels amid rising tensions since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024. The situation is further complicated by U.S. support for Taipei, which Beijing vehemently opposes, asserting its claim over the island and threatening potential military action to assert control.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 6 ameznews.inDonald Trump is set to announce reciprocal tariffs targeting all countries, a move that has raised concerns among global markets and trade partners. During a press briefing, Trump emphasized that the tariffs would apply broadly, dismissing expectations of selective targeting. He claimed that countries like India would significantly reduce their tariffs on American goods, although the White House highlighted India's current 100% levy on U.S. agricultural products. As the U.S. remains India's largest trading partner, the impending tariffs have already led to a sharp decline in Indian stock markets, with the Sensex and Nifty dropping significantly. In response, the European Union and several Asian nations, including China, Japan, and South Korea, have expressed intentions to retaliate if necessary. The tariffs, dubbed "Liberation Day" by Trump, are expected to take effect immediately following the announcement, further escalating tensions in international trade relations.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 6 ameznews.inComments made by Bangladeshi leader Mohd Yunus, who referred to India's seven northeastern states as "an extension of the Chinese economy," have sparked outrage among Indian politicians, including Pradyot Manikya, founder of the Tipra Motha party in Tripura. Manikya suggested on social media that India should consider taking control of parts of Bangladesh, specifically the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which he claims have always desired to be part of India. He argued that this would provide northeastern states with access to the sea, a significant need that the interim Bangladeshi government has acknowledged. The controversy follows Yunus's invitation to China to leverage Bangladesh's strategic maritime position, raising concerns about potential threats to India's Chicken's Neck Corridor, the narrow land link to the northeast. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Yunus's remarks and urged the Indian government to enhance connectivity to the region.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 6 ameznews.inU.S. President Donald Trump is set to review a final proposal regarding TikTok on Wednesday, as the app faces an April 5 deadline to secure a non-Chinese buyer or risk a ban in the United States. CBS News reports that a meeting will take place in the Oval Office, involving key officials including Vice President JD Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The discussions come amid ongoing concerns about national security and data privacy related to the popular social media platform, which has faced scrutiny due to its Chinese ownership. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact TikTok's future operations in the U.S. market.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 3 ameznews.inAs China and India celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the importance of lessons learned for future cooperation during a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. Misri highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two nations, referencing influential figures like Bodhidharma and Rabindranath Tagore. He acknowledged recent tensions but noted that ongoing diplomatic efforts have led to resolutions regarding border issues, underscoring the necessity of peace for bilateral relations. Misri outlined steps taken to enhance cooperation, including the resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage and discussions on transport and air services. He urged both nations to focus on mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest as foundational principles for rebuilding ties. Concluding his remarks, he expressed optimism about transforming these promising beginnings into tangible benefits for both countries, signaling a commitment to a stable future.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 1 am
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