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S Jaishankar Concludes US Visit, Shares Highlights From The Trip

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S Jaishankar Concludes US Visit, Shares Highlights From The Trip

Throughout his trip, S Jaishankar was accompanied by India’s envoy to the US, Taranjit Sandhu. (File)

New Delhi:

Concluding his week-long visit to the United States, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday posted a video on social media platform X, sharing the highlights from his trip.

In a post on X, S Jaishankar tagged a video with a message that read, “India and US: Expanding Horizons. As I conclude a visit to Washington D.C.”

The video showed glimpses from S Jaishankar’s meetings in Washington, DC with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Trade Representative Katherine Tai, among others.

The External Affairs Minister discussed India-US bilateral defence cooperation and global security challenges with Lloyd Austin.

“Delighted to meet Secretary of Defense @SecDefLlyod Austin. Productive conversation on our bilateral defence cooperation. Useful exchange on global security challenges,” he posted on X.

Throughout his stay in Washington, DC, S Jaishankar was accompanied by India’s envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

The EAM also met members of the Congress, administration, business and think tank heads at India House there. He also had “productive discussions” with think tanks in Washington, DC, discussing India-US collaboration in the emerging technology space and building resilient supply chains.

On Thursday, the EAM held a meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Both sides recognized the tremendous progress in bilateral relations this year and held discussions on taking it forward.

S Jaishankar posted on X, “Began my Washington DC visit with a meeting with NSA @JakeSullivan46. Recognized the tremendous progress in our bilateral relationship this year and discussed taking it forward.”

The Indian diplomat on Saturday, addressed the Indian community at the ‘Colours of Friendship’ event at India House in Washington, DC.

Hailing India’s success in hosting the G20 summit this year, S Jaishankar said India’s approach to the international summit was a success of the India-US partnership.

S Jaishankar emphasised the “support and understanding” India received from the United States to successfully host the G20 summit. Hundreds of people from Indian community gathered at the official residence of India’s envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, to welcome S Jaishankar at the event.

S Jaishankar said at the event, “The support and the understanding that we got from the United States to make a successful G20, I think that is something I would certainly like to recognise in public, in Washington. So it may have been our (Indian) success in a literal way. But I think, to me, the success of the G20 was also a success of the India-US partnership.”

The EAM also made several remarks about the legacy of Gandhi. Referring to India’s G20 presidency, the EAM stated that India’s presidency revolved around the message of Mahatma Gandhi, which focuses on doing the right thing and leaving no one behind.

“We are approaching Gandhi Jayanti; I would like to leave you a thought. To say he (Mahatma Gandhi) was an extraordinary man would be the understatement of this century. He said so many things so tellingly… The message at the end of the day was about doing the right thing, about doing the decent thing, and about leaving no one behind. Gandhi Ji’s message is very complicated, but its essence is actually very, very simple,” S Jaishankar said.

Several senior officials of the Biden administration, including US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, President Biden’s domestic policy advisor Neera Tanden, and Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Rahul Gupta, were part of the reception.

US lawmakers Shri Thanedar and Rick McCormick, Democrat and Republican, were also present at the event. S Jaishankar also addressed the 4th World Culture Festival being organised by the Art of Living on September 30.

Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden visited New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit under India’s Presidency. During the visit, Biden met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues ranging from defence cooperation, and technology sharing.

The US President also congratulated India on the success of its lunar landing mission – Chandrayaan-3. During the visit, India and the US also settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute. Notably, the six previous disputes were resolved during PM Modi’s state visit to the US.

The two leaders called on their governments to continue the work of transforming the India-US Strategic Partnership across all dimensions of our multifaceted global agenda, based on trust and mutual understanding.

After the meeting, both the leaders lauded the India-US relations saying that the friendship between the two nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good.

Notably, S Jaishankar was on a visit to the US from September 22-30.

He addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York while also holding meetings with several top US officials during his visit.

During his address, the EAM said “political convenience” should not be countenanced in determining responses to terrorism and extremism in an apparent reference to Canada amid a diplomatic standoff between the two countries.

He added that respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercised in cherry-picking.

Jaishnankar said there is a thrust on the promotion of a rules-based order and respect for the UN Charter is also invoked and that rules will work only when they apply equally to all.

“But for all the talk, it is still a few nations who shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This cannot go on indefinitely. Nor will it go unchallenged. A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge, once we all put our minds to it. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule-makers do not subjugate rule-takers. After all, rules will work only when they apply equally to all,” he said.

He further called on the United Nations to ring in urgent reforms to stay relevant in the modern world saying that the issue cannot remain “indefinite” and “unchallenged”.

 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"PM Revealed 2 Aspects Where He's Not Disciplined": Fitness Influencer

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'PM Revealed 2 Aspects Where He's Not Disciplined': Fitness Influencer

PM Modi asked Ankit Baiyanpuriya about his 75-day challenge.

New Delhi:

Recalling his nearly 40-minute meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuriya on Sunday said that the PM opened up about his eating and sleeping habits.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi met social media sensation Ankit Baiyanpuriya, who had started a 75-day challenge to imbibe the culture of fitness among the youth.

“The Prime Minister told me that he can’t eat on time and has a problem regarding sleep. Then I told him that if the countrymen have to sleep comfortably then someone will have to work. Aur aap toh raja ho desh ke,” Ankit said. 

The fitness icon said that he had messaged the Prime Minister’s Office that he wanted to meet him. 

“It was great to meet him. I had wanted to meet him for a long time. I had messaged PMO, days ago, that I wanted to meet him. Then I got a call from there, I couldn’t believe it at first, then I came to Delhi and in the morning we met and were together for 30-40 minutes,” he told ANI. 

“PM Modi asked me about that (75 days) challenge. Then I told him that there are five rules. The first one is to drink six litres of water a day then take a selfie… two workout sessions for 45 minutes each and follow a specific diet… And reading 10 pages of our ‘granth’…” he said further. 

Earlier this morning, PM Modi shared a video on his X timeline, showing the duo discussing fitness and cleanliness as they participated in the Swachh Bharat initiative. 

Ankit has garnered 4.9 million followers on his Instagram profile.

“Today, as the nation focuses on Swachhata, Ankit Baiyanpuriya and I did the same! Beyond just cleanliness, we blended fitness and well-being also into the mix. It is all about that Swachh and Swasth Bharat vibe!” the video caption stated.

The video starts with PM Modi saying, “Ankit, I will learn something from you today.” How will Swachhata Abhiyan help fitness, PM Modi asked Ankit.

“Keeping the environment clean is our duty. If the environment remains healthy then we too will,” Ankit replied to PM Modi.

PM Modi also asked how was the awareness regarding cleanliness back in his village in Sonipat. He says people are more aware now towards cleanliness.

PM Modi has said Swachh Bharat is the collective responsibility of all citizens of the country and that public participation is very important in this direction. He had asked everyone to take out an hour on Sunday at 10 am to maintain cleanliness and help build a brighter future for the country.

In the video which lasted 281 seconds, PM Modi went on to ask Ankit how much time he dedicated towards physical activities, to which he said 4-5 hours.

“I get motivated seeing you exercise,” Ankit told PM Modi. PM Modi then says “I don’t do much exercise. I do sufficient exercise that is needed to accomplish my day-to-day activities.”

“I follow discipline. There are two aspects of my life where I am not disciplined. One, the timing of meal. Second, I should give more time on sleep but I am unable to,” PM Modi continued.

PM Modi praised Ankit and said he noticed many youths are following his activities on social media. Ankit also praised PM Modi for promoting sports and standing with the sportspersons.

“I was a sportsperson but I am away from sports now due to some injury. I saw you personally calling sportspersons when they win medals. Fit India and Khelo India initiatives are motivating athletes,” Ankit said.

Finally, PM Modi asked Ankit what was his 75-day challenge.

“I follow five rules. First, I workout two times a day, one indoor and other outdoor. Both outdoor is also fine. Next, I drink four litres of water. Read 10 pages of any book. First, I studied Srimad Bhagavat, now I am reading Shiva Puran. Fourth, I follow a strict diet. Lastly, I take a selfie to document the progression in me,” Ankit said.

As per reports, Ankit Baiyanpuria started his 75-hard challenge on June 28, 2023, and finally completed this gruelling challenge on September 11, 2023. He used to put an Instagram video each day during the course of his 75-day challenge.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

World

EU’s top diplomat urges US to reconsider dropping Ukrainian aid from stop-gap budget bill

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The legislation approved Saturday to keep the federal government running until November 17 dropped provisions on providing additional aid to Ukraine

Published Date – 11:43 PM, Sun – 1 October 23


EU’s top diplomat urges US to reconsider dropping Ukrainian aid from stop-gap budget bill

A woman reacts during the All-National minute of silence in commemoration of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the country’s war against Russia on Independence square in Kyiv, Ukraine. AP Photo.

London: The European Union’s foreign policy chief called on US lawmakers Sunday to reconsider their decision to omit financial support for Ukraine from a stop-gap budget bill Congress passed to halt a federal government shutdown.

The legislation approved Saturday to keep the federal government running until November 17 dropped provisions on providing additional aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of Republican lawmakers.

Speaking in Kyiv after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said European officials were surprised by the last-minute agreement in Washington and pledged the 27-nation bloc would carry on helping the invaded country defeat Russia.

“I have hope that this will not be a definitive decision and Ukraine will continue having the support of the US”, Borrell said.

“We are facing an existential threat. Ukrainians are fighting with all their courage and capacities, and if we want them to be successful, then you have to provide them with better arms, and quicker,“ the Spanish diplomat added.

Ukrainian officials stressed that US backing for Ukraine would continue despite the stop-gap legislation.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said America’s relationship with Ukraine had not changed and that Ukrainian officials meet regularly with representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties.

“All of Ukraine’s key partners are determined to support our country until its victory in this war,” he wrote on Telegram.

However, the omission of additional Ukrainian aid from the package has raised concerns in Kyiv, which relies heavily on Western financial aid and military equipment in its fight against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

A little more than a week ago, lawmakers met in the Capitol with Zelenskyy, who sought to assure them his military was winning the war but stressed that additional aid would be crucial for continuing the fight.

Yet recent voting in the House has pointed to increased US isolationism and a growing resistance to providing further aid as the war, now in its 20th month, grinds on.

In a sign of a partisan divide on the issue, nearly half of House Republicans voted to strip $300 million from a defense spending bill to train Ukrainian soldiers and purchase weapons. The money later was approved separately, but opponents of Ukraine support celebrated their growing numbers.

Writing on Telegram, Ukrainian parliament member Oleksiy Goncharenko said Sunday that Kyiv needed to adopt new measures to receive the continued support of both American officials and the general public. Without it, Goncharenko said, Ukrainians have “practically no chance” of defending themselves.

He set forward a list of proposals that included permanently posting Ukrainian delegates in Washington.

“We need to speak the language of money with the US: How will the United States benefit from Ukraine’s victory? What will the US get? What will American taxpayers get?” Goncharenko wrote. “We need to change strategy. We need to act differently. Let’s fix this situation. We cannot lose.”

Elsewhere, Britain’s new defense secretary stressed his support of Ukraine, suggesting that British military training of Ukrainian soldiers, which currently takes place at UK bases, could move into western Ukraine.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Grant Shapps said he was in discussions with the British army about “eventually getting the training brought closer and actually into Ukraine as well.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was quick to rule out speculation of an imminent deployment of British soldiers to Ukraine.

Shapps’ suggestion was not for the “here and now,” Sunak told reporters, but a possibility “for the long term.”  “There are no British soldiers that will be sent to fight in the current conflict. That’s not what’s happening,” Sunak said.

Russian politicians immediately criticized the proposal. Former President Dmitry Medvedev, who is deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council, claimed Shapps was actively pushing “towards a Third World War.” The British minister “will be turning his instructors into a legal target for our armed forces, knowing perfectly well that they’ll be mercilessly destroyed — not as mercenaries, but as NATO specialists,” Medvedev wrote on social media.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine more than 19 months ago, Medvedev, a law school graduate, has emerged as one of the most hawkish Russian officials, regularly issuing blustery remarks that combine Latin mottos and legal expressions with four-letter words.

Observers have interpreted Medvedev’s rhetoric, which sounds tougher than the statements of even old-time Kremlin hardliners, as an apparent attempt to curry favor with Putin.  Yan Gagin, advisor to the head of the Russian-occupied part of eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, also dismissed Shapps’ idea but without Medvedev’s fiery warnings. “Even if British instructors do organize training for Ukraine’s armed forces inside Ukraine, it won’t bring any results,” Gagin told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.  “Ukraine’s failed counter-offensive has already shown the level of such training,” he added.

More than 23,500 recruits from Ukraine have received combat training at army bases across the UK since the start of 2022, receiving instruction on skills that include weapons handling and battlefield first aid. Earlier this year, Britain’s government committed to training another 20,000 recruits.

The training is part of a broader package of support for Ukraine that includes a pledge of 2.3 billion pounds (USD 2.8 billion) of anti-tank weapons, rocket systems and other hardware this year.

Shapps, who took over as defense secretary from predecessor Ben Wallace in August, said he also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in recent days about Britain’s Royal Navy helping to defend commercial vessels in the Black Sea. He did not provide details.

He added that UK defense companies should consider setting up production in Ukraine.

“Particularly in the west of the country, I think the opportunity now is to bring more things in country, and not just training. We’re seeing BAE, for example, move into manufacturing in country,” he said, referring to the leading British defense and aerospace manufacturer. “I’m keen to see other British companies do their bit as well by doing the same thing.”

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Indian-Origin UK MP Hails Yogi Adityanath For UP's "Changed Perception"

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Indian-Origin British MP Congratulates Yogi Adityanath For UP's 'Changed Perception'

Virendra Sharma praised Yogi Adityanath for “bringing peace to UP” (File)

Lucknow:

A British MP sent a postcard to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, congratulating him for the “changed perception” of the state.

The British MP of Indian origin, Virendra Sharma, in his postcard, wrote, “Honorable Yogi Adityanath, I would like to congratulate you for achieving great successes in UP and bringing peace to the state”.

On this occasion, author Shantanu Gupta presented his best-selling graphic novel – “Ajay to Yogi Adityanath” to the British MP. Each of his graphic novels contains a postcard to send a message to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Virendra Sharma also wrote a message.

Speaking at the House of Commons, author Shantanu Gupta discussed the developmental journey of Uttar Pradesh.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created ‘Brand India’ across the world, because of which Indians are given more importance across the world today, and ‘Brand UP’ has become a strong brand across India.

Shantanu Gupta further said that the same Uttar Pradesh, which was once known for anarchy, corruption, and inefficient governance, is now a top investment destination under the Yogi government. In the ranking of ‘Ease of Doing Business’, UP jumped from 14th place before 2017 to second position.

The author also mentioned that Uttar Pradesh is currently ranked number 1 in the implementation of more than 40 schemes of the Central Government. Today, Uttar Pradesh is known for its achievements such as the Uttar Pradesh Expressway, new airports, 24-hour electricity, and a strong law and order situation.

Mr Gupta shared some fascinating conversations between him and Yogi Adityanath’s father, Anand Singh Bisht.

The author told the British Parliament that during his research, Anand Bisht revealed that a small blue one-and-a-half-room house in Uttarakhand’s Panchur village was his only possession in life. This was all he could earn in his lifetime from the humble job of a forest guard.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

World

Any changes in region's geography causes insecurity, crisis

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The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan was received for a meeting by General Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Sunday in Tehran.

In the meeting, General Ahmadian pointed to the latest developments in the Caucasus region and stressed the necessity of efforts on the part of every party to establish peace and security in the region. “Any change in the geography of the region brings insecurity and instability and escalates the crisis,” he stressed.

Explaining the fundamental and unalterable the Islamic Republic of Iran’s policy in the development of cooperation and interaction with its neighbors and creating a region free from any tension and conflict, the SNSC secretary added, “Transparent and constructive dialogues between the countries of the region lay the ground for stable security, balanced development and prosperity and comfort of the people of the region.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide the necessary ground and hold a meeting between the countries of the region,” Ahmadian further said.

Highlighting the need for stepped-up economic interactions and cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia and also an increase in bilateral trade exchanges, he announced Iran’s readiness to enhance the level of relations in all areas.

The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, for his part, pointed to the long-standing relations between the two countries and announced his country’s readiness for all-out development of relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Pointing to the effective role of the Islamic Republic in establishing peace and stability in the Caucasus region, Grigoryan called for the continuation of Iran’s role in that regard.

He further attached great importance to the economic, commercial and industrial projects between the two countries and stressed their implementation as soon as possible.

KI/5900356

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CM KCR congratulates Nikhat Zareen, Nandini for Asian Games medals

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Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen secured a well-deserved bronze medal in the Asian Games, while Agasara Nandini earned a bronze medal in the Heptathlon event

Published Date – 11:49 PM, Sun – 1 October 23


CM KCR congratulates Nikhat Zareen, Nandini for Asian Games medals

File Photo

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has congratulated athletes from Telangana who continued to make their mark at the ongoing Asian Games in China, bringing home medals that have made the State and the nation proud.

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen secured a well-deserved bronze medal in the Asian Games, while Agasara Nandini, a student from Telangana State Residential Welfare Educational Institutions, earned a bronze medal in the Heptathlon event.

The Chief Minister, expressing his delight over these achievements by Telangana’s sports talents, lauded Nikhat Zareen and Agasara Nandini for their outstanding performances and bringing laurels to the State.

He commended the Gurukul schools of Telangana on its role in nurturing talent not only in academics but also in sports. He emphasized that Telangana’s athletes have not only brought fame to the State but also to the entire nation.

The Chief Minister reiterated the State government’s commitment to support sports by promoting and nurturing the talents of Telangana’s youth. He affirmed that this support will continue, encouraging more young athletes to excel on both national and international platforms.

 

India

Will seek votes of Muslims living in Char area only after 10 years: Assam CM

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According to the Chief Minister, he will urge them to vote for the BJP only after they stop doing child marriages, take themselves off the hardline stand, send their daughters to school, etc.

Published Date – 09:44 PM, Sun – 1 October 23


Will seek votes of Muslims living in Char area only after 10 years: Assam CM



Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that he does not need the votes of Muslims living in the Char Chapori area of the state, at least the next 10 years.

In Assam, Char Chapori is an area of the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries made up of flood plain sediments. Speaking at a programme in Guwahati, Sarma told reporters: “The BJP government works for the betterment of all people in society, including those who live in the Char areas. However, I will not seek their votes during the election.”

According to the Chief Minister, he will urge them to vote for the BJP only after they stop doing child marriages, take themselves off the hardline stand, send their daughters to school, etc.

“There are a few criteria to vote for the BJP. We seek the votes of people who do not have more than two or three children,” Sarma said.

He further added that the mindset among the Muslims living in Char areas is changing but it will take time. “It needs at least 10 years of time. After that, I personally will go to Char areas and urge them to vote in favor of the BJP,” the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, Sarma also claimed that the people of Assam would spontaneously vote for Narendra Modi. He said: “The voters of the state will vote in large numbers for Modi next year. Whether they will vote for me in 2026, that is another aspect.”

World

Biden vows to support Ukraine, despite budget fiasco

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The temporary measure, pushed through to avert a government shutdown, did not include $6bn (£4.92bn) in military aid for Kyiv – a top White House priority.

Hardline Republicans oppose further military aid, with many openly opposing Biden’s approach to the war.

But on Sunday Biden said Ukraine could “count on” US support, BBC reported.

“We cannot, under any circumstances, allow US support to Ukraine to be interrupted,” Biden said.

“I can reassure [Ukraine] we’ll get there, that we’re going to get it done,” he said on restoring funding for the war. “I want to assure our American allies… that you can count on our support, we will not walk away.”

The US has already supplied some $46bn (£37bn) in military aid to Ukraine since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022.

President Biden has requested another $24bn (£19bn).

And in recent months the US has sent state of the art equipment to Kyiv – including long-range missiles and Abrams tanks. It comes as Kyiv’s forces continue to launch a slow moving counter-offensive in the south of the country.

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Billionaire investor issues dire warning for American economy

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American billionaire investor Ray Dalio has issued a dire warning about the “risky” situation of the US economy, saying the country’s growth is at risk of falling to zero. 

“We’re going to have a debt crisis in this country,” the 74-year-old founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, warned Americans on CNBC in an interview that aired on Thursday.

“I think you’re going to get a meaningful slowing of the economy,” he said, citing America’s record $33 trillion of debt as being “risky”.

“How fast it transpires, I think, is going to be a function of that supply-demand issue, so I’m watching that very closely,” he added.

The veteran investor said the huge imbalance between the massive scale of public borrowing and insufficient demand for government bonds is a major factor in the looming economic collapse.

Dalio has previously flagged America’s financial challenges —a historic debt pile, higher interest rates, and quantitative tightening — as well as tarnished international relations with Russia and China, as a “perfect storm” for the US economy.

He has also sounded the alarm that high debt levels could spark a “balance sheet recession,” where growth stops because people and companies focus on paying off their debts rather than investing in expansion.

In this regard, some economists have forecast worse predictions, where they’ve predicted stocks and house prices will collapse, and a full-blown recession will take place.

The economists’ concerns have mounted since the US inflation rate hit 40-year highs last year, prompting the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates from almost zero to over 5 percent.

American credit rating agency Fitch, in August, slashed US credit rating, citing fiscal deterioration over the next three years and unresolved debt-ceiling dispute.

Moody’s rating agency, earlier this week, warned that a possible government shutdown next week would mount added pressure on US credit ratings.

US hardline Republicans in the House have disputed a deal the Republican-led House negotiated with the Democratic president Joe Biden for $1.59 trillion in discretionary spending in fiscal 2024, paving the way for large portions of the government to shut down on Sunday.

Biden said this week that the shutdown would hit Black Americans disproportionately hard, including by reducing nutritional benefits, cutting inspections of hazardous waste sites and lack of enforcement of fair housing laws.

Economists, analysts and government experts predict that everything from childcare funding and economic data releases to food benefits may be suspended beginning on Sunday, and some 2.2mn government workers may be furloughed or forced to work without pay.

The Census Bureau reckons out of the 333mn US population, about 41mn people live at or below the poverty line, which is set at close to $30k for a 4-member family household.

Middle East

Terrorists will never succeed in destroying Turkey’s peace: Erdogan

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated that Turkey will continue its fight against terrorism, saying the terrorists who attempt to disrupt peace and security in the country will never succeed.

Erdogan made the remarks in his opening speech to the new legislative year of the Parliament on Sunday, after an explosion near Turkey’s parliament in Ankara left two police officers injured earlier in the day.

“We have largely solved the separatist terrorism issue, which has made our country pay heavy human and economic costs for 40 years, within our borders,” he said while stressing the need for solidarity in the fight against terrorism.

“We will not allow the terrorist group to direct politics or prevent the sacred march of our country,” he added.

Erdogan further reiterated that Turkey will continue to fight terrorism with determination until the last terrorist at home or abroad is eliminated.

He also hailed the timely intervention of the police during Sunday’s attack which he said was a “final flutters of terrorism,” noting that the burden of instilling morale in terror groups with political calculations will be very heavy.

On Sunday, Turkish media reported that a loud explosion was heard near the parliament and ministerial buildings, and broadcasters showed footage of debris scattered on a street near the interior ministry. Some reports said the explosion was followed by gunfire.

One of the terrorists died in the explosion and the other was “neutralized” by authorities there. Two police officers were “slightly injured” in the fire caused by the blast.

The injured police officers are still being treated, and their injuries are not life-threatening, according to the Turkish interior minister.

Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the terrorist attack.

The outlawed Kurdistan’s Workers; Party (PKK) has accepted responsibility for the terrorist attack in Ankara, according to a news website close to the group.

The bombing, the first to hit Ankara in a number of years, comes almost a year after six people were killed and 81 wounded in an explosion in a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul on Nov 13, 2022.