
Trump Threatens to Take Control of Panama Canal Amid Rising Tensions with China
In a recent post on Truth Social, Donald Trump raised concerns about the growing influence of China over the Panama Canal, warning that the US would not allow the strategic waterway to fall into "the wrong hands." His remarks were sparked by rising tariffs imposed by Panama on the use of the canal, which Trump criticized as excessive. The Panama Canal, originally constructed by the US and transferred to Panama in 1999, is a critical trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean
Trump Threatens to Take Control of Panama Canal Amid Rising Tensions with China
In a recent post on Truth Social, Donald Trump raised concerns about the growing influence of China over the Panama Canal, warning that the US would not allow the strategic waterway to fall into "the wrong hands." His remarks were sparked by rising tariffs imposed by Panama on the use of the canal, which Trump criticized as excessive. The Panama Canal, originally constructed by the US and transferred to Panama in 1999, is a critical trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean

Centre Scraps 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8
In a significant change to school education, the Centre has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools under its control. This means that students who fail the year-end exams will no longer automatically be promoted. Instead, they will have the chance to retake the exam after additional coaching within two months of the results. If they still fail, they will be held back in the same grade. This move follows amendments to the Right to Education Act (RTE
Centre Scraps 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8
In a significant change to school education, the Centre has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools under its control. This means that students who fail the year-end exams will no longer automatically be promoted. Instead, they will have the chance to retake the exam after additional coaching within two months of the results. If they still fail, they will be held back in the same grade. This move follows amendments to the Right to Education Act (RTE

Sriram Krishnan Appointed Senior White House AI Policy Advisor by Trump
On Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Krishnan, who has held leadership roles at major tech companies such as Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will work alongside David O. Sacks, who will serve as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Krishnan's role will involve ensuring that
Sriram Krishnan Appointed Senior White House AI Policy Advisor by Trump
On Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Krishnan, who has held leadership roles at major tech companies such as Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will work alongside David O. Sacks, who will serve as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Krishnan's role will involve ensuring that

US Colleges Advise International Students to Return Before Trump’s Inauguration
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term in office, a growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before January 20, 2025, due to concerns that Trump may reinstate or expand travel restrictions. This advice follows the previous travel bans imposed during his first administration, which restricted entry to the U.S. for citizens from certain predominantly Muslim countries. Many schools, including Ivy League institu
US Colleges Advise International Students to Return Before Trump’s Inauguration
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term in office, a growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before January 20, 2025, due to concerns that Trump may reinstate or expand travel restrictions. This advice follows the previous travel bans imposed during his first administration, which restricted entry to the U.S. for citizens from certain predominantly Muslim countries. Many schools, including Ivy League institu

Biden Eases H-1B Visa Rules to Attract Skilled Workers
The Biden administration has introduced important modifications to the H-1B visa program, aimed at facilitating the hiring of highly-skilled foreign workers, particularly in the tech sector. These changes are expected to benefit thousands of Indian professionals seeking to work in the United States. The rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expands the definition of specialty occupations and introduces provisions for nonprofits and governmental research organizations t
Biden Eases H-1B Visa Rules to Attract Skilled Workers
The Biden administration has introduced important modifications to the H-1B visa program, aimed at facilitating the hiring of highly-skilled foreign workers, particularly in the tech sector. These changes are expected to benefit thousands of Indian professionals seeking to work in the United States. The rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expands the definition of specialty occupations and introduces provisions for nonprofits and governmental research organizations t

China Expands Visa-Free Transit Policy to Boost Tourism and Economy
China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days. Previously, the visa-f
China Expands Visa-Free Transit Policy to Boost Tourism and Economy
China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days. Previously, the visa-f

Bitcoin Hits Record High on Trump’s Support and MicroStrategy Nasdaq Inclusion
Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $107,791, surpassing its previous peak from December 5, as optimism surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s support for digital assets and MicroStrategy’s inclusion in the Nasdaq 100 Index fueled the rally. On Monday, Bitcoin surged more than 4.8%, reflecting growing market confidence. This positive momentum was amplified by MicroStrategy’s announcement that it had purchased an additional $1.5 billion in Bitcoin, further solidifying the
Bitcoin Hits Record High on Trump’s Support and MicroStrategy Nasdaq Inclusion
Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $107,791, surpassing its previous peak from December 5, as optimism surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s support for digital assets and MicroStrategy’s inclusion in the Nasdaq 100 Index fueled the rally. On Monday, Bitcoin surged more than 4.8%, reflecting growing market confidence. This positive momentum was amplified by MicroStrategy’s announcement that it had purchased an additional $1.5 billion in Bitcoin, further solidifying the

Judge Rejects Trump's Bid to Dismiss Hush Money Conviction
A New York judge recently denied US President-elect Donald Trump's request to have his conviction for covering up hush money payments to a porn star thrown out on the grounds of presidential immunity. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that the immunity typically granted to presidents for official actions does not apply to the conduct involved in this case, which he deemed as "unofficial." This ruling keeps Trump's felony conviction intact, despite his legal team's attempt to use
Judge Rejects Trump's Bid to Dismiss Hush Money Conviction
A New York judge recently denied US President-elect Donald Trump's request to have his conviction for covering up hush money payments to a porn star thrown out on the grounds of presidential immunity. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that the immunity typically granted to presidents for official actions does not apply to the conduct involved in this case, which he deemed as "unofficial." This ruling keeps Trump's felony conviction intact, despite his legal team's attempt to use

Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing
Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing

Indian Rupee Weakens Amid RBI Leadership Change and Central Bank Decisions
The Indian rupee opened at 84.83 against the US dollar on Monday, a depreciation of 4 paise compared to the previous close of 84.79. The decline in the rupee is largely attributed to the uncertainty following the announcement of a leadership transition at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Shaktikanta Das will be succeeded by Sanjay Malhotra, sparking initial concerns in the market. However, markets quickly adjusted to the news, with experts noting that the RBI is closely monitoring banking sys
Indian Rupee Weakens Amid RBI Leadership Change and Central Bank Decisions
The Indian rupee opened at 84.83 against the US dollar on Monday, a depreciation of 4 paise compared to the previous close of 84.79. The decline in the rupee is largely attributed to the uncertainty following the announcement of a leadership transition at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Shaktikanta Das will be succeeded by Sanjay Malhotra, sparking initial concerns in the market. However, markets quickly adjusted to the news, with experts noting that the RBI is closely monitoring banking sys

Elon Musk's Tesla and the Impact of H-1B Visa Changes
Elon Musk’s Tesla has become one of the top employers of H-1B workers, with over 1,700 H-1B visas approved for Tesla employees in 2020. This marks a significant reliance on skilled foreign workers as Tesla continues to grow. Musk’s early career began with illegal work on a student visa in the U.S., but now Tesla’s future is intertwined with the availability of H-1B workers, a visa program that is crucial for attracting talent to the tech industry. The Trump adminis
Elon Musk's Tesla and the Impact of H-1B Visa Changes
Elon Musk’s Tesla has become one of the top employers of H-1B workers, with over 1,700 H-1B visas approved for Tesla employees in 2020. This marks a significant reliance on skilled foreign workers as Tesla continues to grow. Musk’s early career began with illegal work on a student visa in the U.S., but now Tesla’s future is intertwined with the availability of H-1B workers, a visa program that is crucial for attracting talent to the tech industry. The Trump adminis

India Hits $1 Trillion in Foreign Direct Investment
India has achieved a major milestone by surpassing $1 trillion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) since the turn of the century. Latest data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reveals that from April 2000 to September 2024, India attracted a total of $1,033.40 billion in FDI. This surge underscores India’s growing appeal as a global investment hub. Significant contributions have come from countries like Mauritius (25%), Singapore (24%), an
India Hits $1 Trillion in Foreign Direct Investment
India has achieved a major milestone by surpassing $1 trillion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) since the turn of the century. Latest data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reveals that from April 2000 to September 2024, India attracted a total of $1,033.40 billion in FDI. This surge underscores India’s growing appeal as a global investment hub. Significant contributions have come from countries like Mauritius (25%), Singapore (24%), an

India May Benefit from US Tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico
In light of US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariff measures on China, Canada, and Mexico, India is poised to capitalize on potential shifts in global manufacturing. With Trump’s plan to impose tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China, manufacturers may seek alternative locations to bypass the 60% levy on Chinese goods. India, with its low-cost labor, skilled workforce, and growing tech sector, is an attractive destination for this shift. Invest
India May Benefit from US Tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico
In light of US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariff measures on China, Canada, and Mexico, India is poised to capitalize on potential shifts in global manufacturing. With Trump’s plan to impose tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China, manufacturers may seek alternative locations to bypass the 60% levy on Chinese goods. India, with its low-cost labor, skilled workforce, and growing tech sector, is an attractive destination for this shift. Invest

Trump Appoints Kimberly Guilfoyle as Ambassador to Greece Amid Personal Rumors
US President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and political fundraiser, as the next ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, who has been engaged to Donald Trump Jr. since December 2020, has been described as a "close friend and ally" of Trump but her relationship with his son was not mentioned in the official announcement. Trump praised her for her leadership and experience in law, media, and politics, stating she was well-suited to strengthen rela
Trump Appoints Kimberly Guilfoyle as Ambassador to Greece Amid Personal Rumors
US President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and political fundraiser, as the next ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, who has been engaged to Donald Trump Jr. since December 2020, has been described as a "close friend and ally" of Trump but her relationship with his son was not mentioned in the official announcement. Trump praised her for her leadership and experience in law, media, and politics, stating she was well-suited to strengthen rela

Trump's Plan to End Birthright Citizenship Faces Legal Hurdles
President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his plan to end birthright citizenship, a policy that grants U.S. citizenship to children born within the country, regardless of their parents' citizenship. This right, enshrined in the 14th Amendment for more than 150 years, could soon be under scrutiny after Trump takes office on January 20th. Trump has called the practice "ridiculous," stating that the U.S. needs to "get it changed," and that "maybe we&rsquo
Trump's Plan to End Birthright Citizenship Faces Legal Hurdles
President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his plan to end birthright citizenship, a policy that grants U.S. citizenship to children born within the country, regardless of their parents' citizenship. This right, enshrined in the 14th Amendment for more than 150 years, could soon be under scrutiny after Trump takes office on January 20th. Trump has called the practice "ridiculous," stating that the U.S. needs to "get it changed," and that "maybe we&rsquo

Trump Announces Plans to End Birthright Citizenship and Deport Undocumented Families
President-elect Donald Trump has outlined his vision for major immigration changes in an interview with Meet the Press. His plans include ending birthright citizenship, deporting families with mixed immigration status, and finding a solution for Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Ending Birthright Citizenship Currently, the U.S. grants citizenship to anyone born on its soil, regardless of their parents' immigr
Trump Announces Plans to End Birthright Citizenship and Deport Undocumented Families
President-elect Donald Trump has outlined his vision for major immigration changes in an interview with Meet the Press. His plans include ending birthright citizenship, deporting families with mixed immigration status, and finding a solution for Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Ending Birthright Citizenship Currently, the U.S. grants citizenship to anyone born on its soil, regardless of their parents' immigr

India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise to $658.1 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves saw an increase to $658.1 billion for the week ending November 29, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This rise followed an eight-week decline, with a $1.5 billion increase from the previous week. In comparison, the reserves had dropped by $1.31 billion in the prior week, reaching $656.58 billion. Foreign investors have invested Rs 1.75 lakh crore into India's debt and equity markets in 2024. However, the month of November witness
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise to $658.1 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves saw an increase to $658.1 billion for the week ending November 29, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This rise followed an eight-week decline, with a $1.5 billion increase from the previous week. In comparison, the reserves had dropped by $1.31 billion in the prior week, reaching $656.58 billion. Foreign investors have invested Rs 1.75 lakh crore into India's debt and equity markets in 2024. However, the month of November witness

Indian Rupee Strengthens as RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged
The Indian rupee ended the trading session stronger after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged, while unveiling measures aimed at improving liquidity in the banking system. The domestic currency gained 3 paise, closing at 84.70 against the US dollar, compared to 84.73 in the previous session. As part of the monetary policy changes, the RBI raised the interest rate ceiling on one-year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits by 200 basis p
Indian Rupee Strengthens as RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged
The Indian rupee ended the trading session stronger after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged, while unveiling measures aimed at improving liquidity in the banking system. The domestic currency gained 3 paise, closing at 84.70 against the US dollar, compared to 84.73 in the previous session. As part of the monetary policy changes, the RBI raised the interest rate ceiling on one-year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits by 200 basis p

Trump Appoints David Sacks as AI and Crypto Czar
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed David Sacks, former PayPal COO and prominent podcaster, as the White House czar for artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. This newly created role will see Sacks guide the administration's policy on these crucial sectors, which are seen as vital for America's future competitiveness. However, the specifics of how this new role will function within the government remain unclear. Trump praised Sacks for his business acumen, intelligenc
Trump Appoints David Sacks as AI and Crypto Czar
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed David Sacks, former PayPal COO and prominent podcaster, as the White House czar for artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. This newly created role will see Sacks guide the administration's policy on these crucial sectors, which are seen as vital for America's future competitiveness. However, the specifics of how this new role will function within the government remain unclear. Trump praised Sacks for his business acumen, intelligenc

Oil Prices Rangebound Ahead of OPEC+ Decision and Trump Risks
Oil prices have shown remarkable stability, remaining in a narrow range since mid-October, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fluctuating around $70 per barrel. This rangebound trend has been characterized by a significant drop in volatility, with recent levels at their lowest since August. Despite ongoing geopolitical risks, such as the tensions between Iran and Israel and the potential impacts of a second Donald Trump presidency, traders have remained cautious. The market's curren
Oil Prices Rangebound Ahead of OPEC+ Decision and Trump Risks
Oil prices have shown remarkable stability, remaining in a narrow range since mid-October, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fluctuating around $70 per barrel. This rangebound trend has been characterized by a significant drop in volatility, with recent levels at their lowest since August. Despite ongoing geopolitical risks, such as the tensions between Iran and Israel and the potential impacts of a second Donald Trump presidency, traders have remained cautious. The market's curren