‘This is not my job': Marco Rubio explodes at Rep. Meeks over USAID cuts & foreign policy
At a heated House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio fiercely pushed back against Rep. Greg Meeks (D-NY), who accused him of betraying his ideals and undermining USAID and U.S. foreign policy. The exchange came during a review of the FY26 State Department Budget Request.
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh government calls for tenders to fast track river linking project
1 2 3 Vijayawada: State govt is determined to launch the dream river linking project by initiating Godavari-Banakacharla major irrigation scheme. Notwithstanding the objections and uproar from the neighbouring Telangana, Andhra Pradesh govt has decided to put the project on fast track by calling tenders. The project will be taken up under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The Centre has raised several doubts about the economical feasibility of Godavari-Banakacherla project. However, the State has decided to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) in order to secure further clearances from the Centre for the Godavari diversion scheme. State-level technical committee and oversight committees will be appointed to screen the project DPR. The Polavaram–Banakacherla linkage project is being undertaken under the Jalaharathi Corporation, a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The project is expected to cost 81,900 crore. Govt requested the Centre to arrange financial assistance through external aided projects (EAP) from the multinational lending agencies and also from the Union budget. It requested the Centre to ensure that at least 50% of the project cost (₹40,950 crore) is raised as EAP loans. It requested the Centre to spare another 20% (₹16,380 crore) as grant. AP govt is getting ready to take burden to the tune of ₹8,190 crore which is 10% of the total project cost. It proposed to involve private players to share the remaining 20% load, which is around ₹16,380 crore, under the hybrid annuity model (HAM). A high-level delegation from state govt visited New Delhi and shared the details of Godavari-Banakacherla project with the senior officials from the Union finance ministry. However, Sajjan Singh Yadav, additional secretary of finance ministry,reportedly asked the state officials to explain as to how the project could be technically and financially feasible when so many lift schemes are part of it. He had also wanted to know from state govt as to what would be the fate of existing projects on Krishna river when it is proposed to divert 200 tmc ft of Godavari water to Krishna basin. He reportedly asked about the power required to operate the lift schemes, included as part of the scheme, and as to how the State wanted to generate such a huge quantum of energy. It was also said that Yadav asked the state team how they wanted to utilise the flood waters from both Krishna and Godavari simultaneously, since flood hits both the rivers either simultaneously or with little gap. Former agriculture minister and social activist, Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao objected the proposal to take up Godavari-Banakacherla without completion of ongoing irrigation projects. "Several projects launched during NTR regime between1983-89 could not be completed even after 40 years and also his grandson Lokesh became minister. How could we expect Godavari-Banakacharla, proposed with Rs.1 lakh crore, would be completed anytime soon?" fumed Vadde. He alleged that state govt is proposing the projects only to benefit the contractors, and not the state.
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First Post
6 hours ago
- First Post
All-party Parliamentary delegation wraps up US trip, highlights India's anti-terror resolve
The delegation, which was led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was on the final stage of a multi-nation journey to inform key interlocutors on Operation Sindoor read more A multi-party delegation of India, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, during an interaction with members of the Indian community, in USA. PTI The all-party Parliamentary delegation concluded its tour to the United States by meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, among other political and diplomatic figures, to emphasise India's strong determination to tackle terrorism coming from Pakistan. The delegation, which was led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was on the final stage of a multi-nation journey to inform key interlocutors on Operation Sindoor, which India launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist assault that killed 26 people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The delegation was one of seven multi-party delegations entrusted by India with visiting 33 worldwide capitals to raise awareness of Pakistan's links to terrorism. The delegation arrived in the US capital on June 3 and over the course of three days held a wide array of meetings on Capitol Hill as well as in Washington, briefing the American government officials as well as lawmakers about India's stance on cross-border terrorism. The Indian team met Vice President Vance, Landau, House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) leadership, India Caucus leadership and Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders and also held meetings and interactions with a host of US Congressmen, think tanks, policy experts, media as well as members of the Indian-American community. Tharoor described the meeting with Vance at the White House for about 25 minutes on Thursday as 'an excellent meeting,' and said the vice president was 'warm and welcoming and receptive.' 'Vance expressed complete understanding, first of all, outrage of what happened in Pahalgam and support and respect for India's restrained response in Operation Sindoor,' Tharoor told PTI after that meeting. After the delegation met Landau on Friday, a statement by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the Deputy Secretary of State 'reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries.' 'We discussed the US-India strategic relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster growth and prosperity for both countries,' Landau said. The Indian Embassy said in a statement that during the meeting with Landau, the delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. On the last day of the delegation's scheduled meetings, the delegation oaid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue opposite the Indian Embassy here. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It is striking how many world capitals are adorned with statues or busts of the Mahatma, the 20th century's greatest apostle of peace, nonviolence, and human freedom,' Tharoor posted on X afterwards. The team, which had arrived from India in New York on May 24, had travelled to Guyana, Panama, Colombia and Brazil before arriving in Washington for the last leg of the tour. The other members of the delegation were Sarfaraz Ahmad (JMM), Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Tejasvi Surya (BJP) and India's former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The on-ground hostilities from Indian and Pakistan sides that lasted for four days ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD diplomatic figures, to emphasise India's strong determination to tackle terrorism coming from Pakistan. The delegation, which was led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was on the final stage of a multi-nation journey to inform key interlocutors on Operation Sindoor, which India launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist assault that killed 26 people. The delegation was one of seven multi-party delegations entrusted by India with visiting 33 worldwide capitals to raise awareness of Pakistan's links to terrorism. The delegation arrived in the US capital on June 3 and over the course of three days held a wide array of meetings on Capitol Hill as well as in Washington, briefing the American government officials as well as lawmakers about India's stance on cross-border terrorism. The Indian team met Vice President Vance, Landau, House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) leadership, India Caucus leadership and Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders and also held meetings and interactions with a host of US Congressmen, think tanks, policy experts, media as well as members of the Indian-American community. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tharoor described the meeting with Vance at the White House for about 25 minutes on Thursday as 'an excellent meeting,' and said the vice president was 'warm and welcoming and receptive.' 'Vance expressed complete understanding, first of all, outrage of what happened in Pahalgam and support and respect for India's restrained response in Operation Sindoor,' Tharoor told PTI after that meeting. After the delegation met Landau on Friday, a statement by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the Deputy Secretary of State 'reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries.' 'We discussed the US-India strategic relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster growth and prosperity for both countries,' Landau said. The Indian Embassy said in a statement that during the meeting with Landau, the delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the last day of the delegation's scheduled meetings, the delegation oaid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue opposite the Indian Embassy here. 'It is striking how many world capitals are adorned with statues or busts of the Mahatma, the 20th century's greatest apostle of peace, nonviolence, and human freedom,' Tharoor posted on X afterwards. The team, which had arrived from India in New York on May 24, had travelled to Guyana, Panama, Colombia and Brazil before arriving in Washington for the last leg of the tour. The other members of the delegation were Sarfaraz Ahmad (JMM), Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi (TDP), Shashank Mani Tripathi (BJP), Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Tejasvi Surya (BJP) and India's former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The on-ground hostilities from Indian and Pakistan sides that lasted for four days ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
New disputes emerge ahead of US-China meet in London
Beijing: US-China trade talks in London this week are expected to take up a series of fresh disputes that have buffeted relations, threatening a fragile truce over tariffs. Both sides agreed in Geneva last month to a 90-day suspension of most of the 100%-plus tariffs they had imposed on each other in an escalating trade war that had sparked fears of recession. Since then, the US and China have exchanged angry words over advanced semiconductors that power artificial intelligence, "rare earths" that are vital to carmakers and other industries, and visas for Chinese students at American universities. President Trump spoke at length with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by phone last Thursday in an attempt to put relations back on track. Trump announced the next day that trade talks would be held on Monday in London. The latest frictions began just a day after the May 12 announcement of the Geneva agreement to "pause" tariffs for 90 days. Live Events The US Commerce Department issued guidance saying the use of Ascend AI chips from Huawei, a leading Chinese tech company, could violate US export controls. That's because the chips were likely developed with American technology despite restrictions on its export to China, the guidance said. The Chinese government wasn't pleased. One of its biggest beefs in recent years has been over US moves to limit the access of Chinese companies to technology, and in particular to equipment and processes needed to produce the most advanced semiconductors. "The Chinese side urges the US side to immediately correct its erroneous practices," a Commerce Ministry spokesperson said. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick wasn't in Geneva but will join the talks in London. Analysts say that suggests at least a willingness on the US side to hear out China's concerns on export controls. China indicated Saturday that it is addressing the concerns, which have come from European companies as well. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
