Trump says Israel has agreed to finalise 60-day Gaza ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept deal
"Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," Mr. Trump said on social media.
"The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE."
Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer was in Washington on Tuesday for talks with senior administration officials to discuss a potential Gaza ceasefire, Iran and other matters. Dermer was expected to meet with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The development came as over 150 international charities and humanitarian groups called Tuesday for disbanding a controversial Israeli- and U.S.-backed system to distribute aid in Gaza because of chaos and deadly violence against Palestinians seeking food at its sites.
(With inputs from Reuters and AP)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
India, China in US crosshairs as Trump backs bill pushing 500% tariffs on Russia's trade partners
Strategic gamble or bargaining chip? If enacted, the proposed tariffs would mark a significant escalation in the US economic campaign against Russia, with wide-ranging global implications. The bill targets not only Russian goods, but also imports from countries that maintain substantial trade relations with Moscow, particularly in the energy sector. India and China, the two largest buyers of discounted Russian crude, are directly in the firing line. Their purchases have provided a critical economic lifeline to Russia, helping fund military operations in Ukraine even as Western sanctions have tightened. The economic consequences could be far-reaching. A 500% tariff on goods from China, which accounts for a major share of US consumer imports, could trigger price spikes, further strain fragile global supply chains, and risk inflationary surges and job losses in the US. Similarly, India, a key US partner in pharmaceuticals, IT and textiles, could face reduced trade access just as it seeks to diversify and grow its export sectors. Yet, the US itself remains dependent on enriched uranium imports from Russia to fuel its nuclear reactors — a reliance that could put its energy interests at odds with the very sanctions it aims to enforce. The bill, first introduced in March, initially encountered resistance from the Trump-aligned administration. According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House had sought to soften the draft by changing enforcement from mandatory ('shall') to discretionary ('may'), thereby preserving executive flexibility. Graham appears to have accommodated those concerns. In recent weeks, he offered a carve-out for countries actively supporting Ukraine, likely to address European apprehensions and secure broader international support. 'We are going to give President Trump a tool in the toolbox,' Graham said, referring to the bill's latest version. 'For the first time yesterday, the president told me … 'It's time to move your bill.'' Trump's direct intervention, reportedly during a golf game with Graham, could accelerate legislative momentum. However, how the bill evolves through Congress remains to be seen, and more critically, whether Trump would ultimately enforce it or use it as a strategic bargaining chip with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The legislation could also serve as leverage in potential negotiations with Russia. Trump could, for instance, use the threat of punitive tariffs against India, China or even European partners to extract concessions from Putin on Ukraine. To a degree, this duality — rhetorical toughness paired with tactical flexibility — has long characterised Trump's approach to foreign policy. India, which maintains that its Russian oil purchases are legal and aligned with national energy security interests, could find itself in an increasingly precarious position if the bill passes. It may be forced to intensify diplomatic engagement with Washington. Although still making its way through legislative channels, the Sanctioning Russia Act signals an escalation in US sanctions policy. With broad bipartisan support and Trump's personal endorsement, its passage appears increasingly likely. Whether it is used as an enforcement tool or a diplomatic lever, however, remains uncertain — as does the possibility of Trump changing course midway.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tariffs, trade and the green pivot: How Indian exporters can navigate a shifting global order
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) The global trade environment is in flux, ever since the new tariffs have been announced, while also changing the market priorities. The United States has imposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, and that affects key sectors including steel, aluminum, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and policy is part of President Trump's trade strategy, which has been brought in to protect U.S. industries. But as it turns out, it might create challenges for Indian exporters by increasing costs and reducing the competitiveness in the U.S. market. For global manufacturers, this means re-routing trade flows to avoid higher practice, companies are considering alternate suppliers and markets. For example, major electronics firms are moving production from China to Vietnam and India to dodge Chinese tariffs. In metals, exports are being redirected to friendlier markets. The sudden policy shift has effectively reshuffled supply chains, prompting Indian manufacturers to rethink export strategies. Exporters are scrutinizing their footprints and looking beyond the U.S. – and beyond China – for has so far largely avoided direct U.S. targeting, but it will feel the repercussions. In the short term, Indian firms face added volatility: commodity input costs can spike under global tariffs, and demand in tariff-affected markets may soften. With U.S. markets effectively walled off for some exports, India risks surplus domestic output and dumping pressures. India's Steel Association warns that a sudden collapse in U.S. orders (85% down) could flood India's market with excess capacity. The U.S. tariff surge could even depress world prices, squeezing Indian term, experts emphasize the need for 'future-ready' export strategies. India's competitive position is improving – Indian products currently face lower U.S. tariffs than Chinese goods – which could make Indian exports more attractive if Chinese shipments shrink. However, it is important to understand that gains are not automatic. The IMF stresses that tariff wars curb growth and investment, which may translate into slower global demand (especially from developed markets). The Indian industry is already diversifying. In sum, while India avoids the immediate brunt of recent U.S. tariff moves, second-order effects – supply-chain flux, higher input costs, shifting orders – highlight the urgency of broadening trade links and building the US is taking a protectionist stance, the European Union is aggressively aligning trade policy with climate goals. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposes a carbon levy on imports of energy-intensive goods. CBAM, which expects foreign producers to match EU carbon prices on embedded emissions, creates a level playing field for EU industry but raises costs for higher-emitting the same time, new EU regulations tighten social and environmental rules in value chains. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires large companies to identify and mitigate human-rights and environmental harms across their global supply chains. Importers and traders of major commodities (rubber, soy, wood, cocoa…etc.) across the EU are asked to ensure their supplies are deforestation-free under EU Deforestation Directive (EUDR). Non-EU firms that supply EU companies will thus face direct scrutiny: sourcing from an Indian supplier now implies liability for that supplier's practices under EU law. Similarly, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) (with European Sustainability Reporting Standards, ESRS) mandates that EU-listed companies disclose detailed sustainability metrics. These transparency rules will trickle down, as manufacturers must now provide data to their EU most affected are those with heavy carbon footprints or extended value chains. EU buyers will demand precise 'embodied emissions' data for every tonne imported under CBAM. In short, the EU has essentially made sustainability compliance a prerequisite for market access. Exporters to Europe must navigate a web of new rules – carbon pricing, supply-chain due diligence and rigorous sustainability reporting – in order to Indian exporters who embrace transparency, this new reality can be an opportunity rather than an obstacle. The EU's carbon taxes and procurement policies mean that low-carbon, traceable supply chains now enjoy a competitive edge. Case in point is CBAM which explicitly aims to 'incentivize foreign producers to adopt greener practices'. Indeed, producers who can furnish accurate emissions data will avoid hefty CBAM charges and may even be eligible for rebates if they've already priced carbon costs. With India's Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS) gaining momentum, manufacturers can align with global sustainability standards and enhance their access to international raw materials, exporters with certified sustainable practices earn market trust. Consumer and corporate buyers increasingly reward 'green' suppliers. A recent survey indicates that globally, compliance to external supply chain regulations is cited (by 59% of surveyed companies) as one of the key drivers of sustainable procurement practices. Many EU companies require their suppliers to meet net-zero targets. Thus, Indian firms that invest in traceability (logging of Scope 1,2,3 emissions) and transparent reporting can position themselves as preferred partners. Sustainability is no longer just a 'nice-to-have'; it's quickly becoming a gatekeeper for market access. Early movers – those who adopt renewable energy, optimize material use, and embed sustainability into their processes – can brand themselves as premium, compliant exporters and capture new demand in eco-conscious markets challenge is that most Indian SMEs are still far behind. Large Indian corporations (mandated to disclose) have made progress – recent data show about 94% of top listed companies now report Scope 1 and 2 emissions and energy usage. But at the micro, small and medium levels, sustainability tracking is scant. A global survey of small businesses found only ~4% could even provide data on their total emissions, and only 5% measured their renewable energy use. Most lack formal GHG accounting, have limited digital infrastructure, and do not issue sustainability are signs of change: a recent SIDBI MSME survey reported that 39% of firms increased investment in environmental measures during 2024, and 44% plan further investments next year. But these remain minority actions. Without urgent upgrades, thousands of small exporters risk being disqualified from lucrative contracts. With EU buyers demanding digital data on emissions and supply-chain practices, any gap in reporting or traceability could effectively shut small manufacturers out. Only a tiny fraction of India's MSMEs are equipped to measure or disclose this footprint. If unaddressed, this gap endangers India's competitive access to high-value technology can help close the gap cost-effectively. Smart digital platforms and AI tools are increasingly available to simplify compliance. The UN-backed SME Climate Hub, for example, offers Indian MSMEs free online tools – a Business Carbon Calculator to identify emissions sources and a web-based reporting portal to log annual emissions – making it easier to start the climate disclosure process. In the private sector, a new generation of startups and software solutions are applying AI to sustainability. By detecting inefficiencies in real time, such systems guide business leaders to reduce emissions, waste and power draw without manual data the face of recent U.S. tariffs, Indian exporters cannot afford complacency. These policies bring near-term headaches, but they also reinforce a vital lesson: diversification is essential. For Indian industry, the EU market – Europe's $18 trillion economy – now presents a clear opportunity for growth. Success in Europe will require a dual focus on digitalization and decarbonization. Exporters who can digitize their operations, embed carbon tracking into routine practice, and transparently disclose their environmental footprint will not only meet new EU trade rules but also unlock new disruptions from trade barriers should galvanize Indian firms to accelerate their sustainability journey. Those who act decisively today stand to transform uncertainty into a long-term advantage, cementing India's place as a reliable, green supplier on the global writer is CEO and Co-founder, Sprih
News18
21 minutes ago
- News18
Donald Trump Administration Proposes 'Time Limit' On Student Visas Amid Overhaul
Last Updated: The rule, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would scrap the current flexible "duration of status" policy and replace it with a fixed period of stay. In another blow to the foreign students in the US, the Donald Trump administration has proposed a controversial rule that could significantly alter the lives of international students in the US. The rule, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would scrap the current flexible 'duration of status" policy and replace it with a fixed period of stay for F, J, and I visa holders—including students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives. The rule, currently under final review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), comes amid Trump's aggressive stance on removing illegal immigrants and eliminating anti-semitism on campuses in the US. If approved, each foreign visa will have an expiry date. This proposal marks a revival of a 2020 Trump-era move that was never finalised. Presently, international students holding F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas are granted a 'duration of status' that allows foreign students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media to stay in the US as long as they maintain full-time enrollment. However, with the new proposal, they will receive a fixed period of stay in the US. Post its review, the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register, reported Times of India. Prior to finalisation of a rule, typically a 30 or 60 day window is open for public comments and it takes months before a rule is final. However, experts worry this one may be issued as an 'interim final rule," bypassing public input and taking immediate effect. Earlier, the United States mandated for all the visa applicants to disclose all social media usernames and handles from the past five years for background checks. The US Embassy in India said that the omission of this rule could lead to rejection of visas and ineligibility for future visas. Moreover, days after the US State Department resumed processing of student visa applications, the country mandated the applicants for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas to change the privacy settings of their personal social media accounts to 'public'. It also noted that since 2019, the US has been collecting social media identifiers as part of its visa application process. The Trump administration in May ordered all of its consulates worldwide to stop new student visa interviews and applications for exchange visitor visas. The development came alongside a broader travel policy overhaul for 2025, in which the US government has introduced a new travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries, mostly in the Middle East and Africa. Trump's crackdown on top universities in the United States began aggressively within a few months of taking office. Harvard was the latest to bear the brunt of the crackdown when the White House put a $2.2 billion freeze on federal funding. He also barred foreign nationals from entering the US to study at the Ivy League university. Last month, however, a federal judge blocked Trump from implementing his plan. First Published:
