US President Donald Trump has called for the repeal of the 2022 CHIPS Act, which includes $39 billion in subsidies for US semiconductor manufacturing. Despite its success in attracting investments, Trump believes the funds would better serve reducing national debt. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and New York Governor Kathy Hochul defended the act's economic benefits.
Related news
Pete Alonso re-signed with the New York Mets for $54 million, with Mets owner Steve Cohen criticizing Alonso’s agent Scott Boras for his lack of input during negotiations. Cohen emphasized the importance of connecting personally with Alonso during the process and praised the team's lineup for the 2025 MLB season.
In Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists attacked near Pahalgam. Twenty-eight people died in the assault. The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack happened during US Vice President JD Vance’s India visit. Attackers demanded victims recite Islamic verses. Some survived by reciting the kalma. Pakistan's military posture and mineral ambitions are under scrutiny.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautions against divisive efforts based on caste during his speech at the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav in New Delhi, emphasizing the need to maintain harmony and unity in villages, and reflects on his ongoing narrative of social cohesion amid the potential decision on conducting the decennial census.
The Indiana University Indianapolis men's basketball team safely evacuated after their bus caught fire on the way back from a game against Northern Kentucky. No injuries were reported, but the team lost all their gear and some personal belongings.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, causing significant damage and loss of life. India expressed condolences and extended a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support recovery efforts, emphasizing the strong relationship under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). India's commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster response is reaffirmed in this gesture.
Delhi chief minister Atishi became emotional during a press conference after BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri made personal remarks about her father, who is unwell at 80. Bidhuri claimed Atishi changed her father's name for election purposes, which she refuted, highlighting her father's dedication as a teacher and condemning the personal attack.
Space exploration is set to see significant advancements in 2025 with major missions including India's Gaganyaan, NASA's Artemis 3, and the construction of the first space hotel. Other notable missions are the Europa Clipper, ExoMars rover, and asteroid mining tests. These missions will push the boundaries of human capability in space travel and exploration.
Hardeep Singh Puri and Shashi Tharoor clashed over a 2009 New York dinner with George Soros. Puri said Tharoor, then a minister, gave him the guest list including Soros. Tharoor had previously tweeted about meeting Soros. The BJP questioned Soros's intentions toward India. Tharoor denied any ongoing relationship or funding from Soros. The BJP accused Congress of working with Soros.
Armed criminals in Pakistan's Punjab province kidnapped three Hindus and demanded the release of their accomplices from police custody. The victims were taken to a crime-ridden riverine area. The kidnappers threatened to kill the captives and attack police if their demands were not met.
India and France partnered to transform New Delhi's North and South Blocks into the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted this as a key cultural collaboration and a demonstration of India's soft power. The museum will showcase India's 5,000-year history and is envisioned as a global cultural landmark.