USCIS tightens photo rules for immigration documents
Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) As part of its effort to strengthen national security and curb identity fraud, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday issued new policy guidance sharply limiting how old a photograph can be when used to produce immigration documents. Under the updated guidance, which takes effect immediately, USCIS will only […]
Trump tariffs narrow US trade deficit to five-year low: White House
Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) The US trade deficit narrowed to its smallest level since mid-2020, shrinking by more than 35 per cent from a year earlier, according to a White House press release that credited President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven trade strategy with delivering measurable gains for the American economy. The administration said the latest data […]
Trump invokes Cold War ‘miracle on ice’ while weighing Ukraine war
Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Friday drew explicit parallels between a Cold War-era sporting triumph and present-day global conflict, invoking the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union as he spoke about ongoing efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war. Speaking at the White House event during a bill-signing ceremony […]
Solidarity with Global South: India delivers 250,000 saline bottles to Peru
Lima, Dec 13 (IANS) India has handed over 250,000 saline bottles to Peru to help patients battling dehydration, reaffirming its commitment as a credible development partner for the South American nation. Indian Ambassador to Peru Vishvas Sapkal handed over the donation consignment to Peru’s Ministry of Health on Friday (local time). Several senior officials of […]
Indonesia flood death toll exceeds 1,000 as rescue, recovery efforts continue
Jakarta, Dec 13 (IANS) The death toll from floods and landslides that struck three provinces on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island has exceeded 1,000, with 218 people still missing, according to the latest data released Saturday by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The disasters have caused extensive infrastructure damage. BNPB data listed damage to about 1,200 […]
Malaysia to convene special ASEAN meeting on Cambodian-Thai border clashes
Kuala Lumpur, Dec 13 (IANS) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday that Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, will convene a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting soon on Cambodia-Thailand border tensions. He noted that the meeting will assess the situation and support de-escalation measures. The Prime Minister made the remarks on social media, saying he […]
No end to military operations until threats against territory, people cease: Thai PM
Bangkok, Dec 13 (IANS) Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a social media post on Saturday that his country will continue its military operations until Thailand’s territory and people are no longer under threat. Anutin also responded to US President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks, stating, “It’s definitely not a roadside accident.” Trump had previously […]
Iran confiscates oil tanker for smuggling fuel
Tehran, Dec 13 (IANS) Iran on Saturday announced seizure of a foreign oil tanker in the Sea of Oman on charges of carrying six million litres of smuggled fuel. Local media quoted Hormozgan Chief Justice Mojtaba Qahremani as saying that the seizure was carried out as part of ongoing intelligence monitoring and surveillance of suspicious […]
US Senate calls China’s Sri Lanka port role a global warning
Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) China’s role in Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure was cited in a US Senate hearing this week as a cautionary example of Beijing’s overseas financing practices, with lawmakers warning that such projects can undermine sovereignty and strategic independence in the Indo-Pacific. During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing this week, Chairman Jim […]
US sees Sri Lanka as key Indian Ocean security partner
Washington, Dec 13, (IANS) The United States views Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in safeguarding Indian Ocean security and protecting global shipping lanes, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the US Ambassador to Colombo told lawmakers. Eric Meyer said Sri Lanka’s geographic position places it at the centre of US efforts to promote maritime stability […]
