By Lalit K Jha In Washington, DC

Stories by By Lalit K Jha In Washington, DC

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com   14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Anti-Trump protests rock Washington ahead of inauguration

Anti-Trump protests rock Washington ahead of inauguration

Rediff.com   19 Jan 2025

Thousands of people gathered in Washington to protest against Donald Trump's policies ahead of his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The People's March, a coalition of nonprofit bodies, organized the demonstration to voice their opposition to Trump's policies and values. The protesters, displaying anti-Trump posters and banners, chanted slogans against Trump and his supporters, including Tesla owner Elon Musk. Similar protests, though on a smaller scale, were also held in cities like New York, Seattle, and Chicago.

US SC upholds law banning TikTok, app to be removed from stores

US SC upholds law banning TikTok, app to be removed from stores

Rediff.com   18 Jan 2025

The US Supreme Court has upheld a law requiring TikTok's China-based parent company to divest from the app, paving the way for the popular platform to be banned from the US starting Sunday. The court's decision was unanimous, with the justices citing national security concerns related to TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. While existing users may still access the app, new users will be unable to download it and updates will no longer be available. The decision comes as the Biden administration prepares to hand over the reins to the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to review the situation before making a final determination on TikTok's fate.

Trump moves inauguration ceremony indoors due to severe windchill

Trump moves inauguration ceremony indoors due to severe windchill

Rediff.com   18 Jan 2025

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that his inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors due to a forecast of severe windchill. The ceremony will now be held at the Capitol Rotunda instead of outside the US Capitol facing the National Mall. Trump expressed concern for the safety of attendees, law enforcement, and first responders in the frigid weather conditions.

TikTok has interfered in polls, including India: US senators

TikTok has interfered in polls, including India: US senators

Rediff.com   16 Jan 2025

US senators have alleged that TikTok, owned by the Chinese Communist Party, has interfered in elections of various countries, including India, and called for extending the deadline for a ban on the platform in the US. They applauded India's ban on the social media platform, citing concerns about Chinese propaganda and data harvesting. Lawmakers, including Democrats and Republicans, introduced legislation to delay the ban by 270 days, arguing it would allow for a more thorough review of the implications and potential alternatives to a ban. They also criticized the rushed nature of the ban and its potential impact on free speech and the livelihoods of American users.

US 'not trying to hold global power China down'

US 'not trying to hold global power China down'

Rediff.com   3 Jun 2011

The United States on Thursday said that it is not trying to 'hold China down,' despite crucial differences over issues like supplying arms to Taiwan and was trying to 'manage' differences with the 'global power.'

Pak needs reassurance over India threat: Pentagon

Pak needs reassurance over India threat: Pentagon

Rediff.com   29 Apr 2010

As Pakistan combats the terrorist threat along the Af-Pak border by moving about one lakh troops from its India border, a top Pentagon official told United States lawmakers on Thursday that Washington needs to reassure Islamabad that it is not exposing itself to increased risk along its eastern border.

Indian American joins Ex-Im Bank's advisory board

Indian American joins Ex-Im Bank's advisory board

Rediff.com   26 Apr 2010

The Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank, the official export-credit agency of the United States, has appointed Indian American entrepreneur and investor Frank F Islam, of McLean, Virginia, as a member of the Bank's Advisory Committee for 2010 to provide expert guidance of small business.

Kalam's cure for the Naxalite problem

Kalam's cure for the Naxalite problem

Rediff.com   19 Apr 2010

The former President also predicted that the conflict between India and Pakistan would be resolved by people power where "the people are going to force the nations to work for the prosperity of the nation and the peace of the nation."

India to be among top 5 aviation markets: Patel

India to be among top 5 aviation markets: Patel

Rediff.com   26 Mar 2010

India will be among the top five aviation markets in the world - both in terms of size and scale in the next five years, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said.

Indian aviation to have hi-tech GPS soon

Indian aviation to have hi-tech GPS soon

Rediff.com   26 Mar 2010

India's aviation sector would have a fully functioning satellite based navigation system (GPS) in place next year, Aviation Minister Praful Patel said.

Headley's guilty plea: 'Good deal'

Headley's guilty plea: 'Good deal'

Rediff.com   19 Mar 2010

Law enforcement sources rubbished allegations that Headley was a double agent for US intelligence and that this was why he was not being made available for interrogation by Indian intelligence.

India asks US to relax visa norms for workers

India asks US to relax visa norms for workers

Rediff.com   19 Mar 2010

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said he had strongly brought up India's concern over the denial of professional visas for its workers, in his meetings with senior Obama Administration officials.

Single policy for FDI in banking, insurance soon

Single policy for FDI in banking, insurance soon

Rediff.com   19 Mar 2010

India will unveil a single policy for foreign direct investment, including in sectors such as financial services, insurance and banking by March 31, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has disclosed.

Al Qaeda planning attack on US facilities

Al Qaeda planning attack on US facilities

Rediff.com   13 Feb 2010

Al-Qaeda and other terror groups like the Taliban and their affiliates are planning to strike against American facilities and its nationals in South and Central Asia, the United States said on Saturday.

I have been cleared of all charges: Chatwal

I have been cleared of all charges: Chatwal

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2010

Flamboyant and controversial New York hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal, a major political contributor and fundraiser for the Clintons and several high profile Democratic politicians, is elated that he is in line to receive a Padma Bhushan in this year's Republic Day honours list, and rubbished concerns that he is undeserving of the award.

There are tensions between US and Pak: Pentagon

There are tensions between US and Pak: Pentagon

Rediff.com   18 Dec 2009

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan is complex, the Pentagon said on Thursday, acknowledging that there were tensions on both sides.

Terror suspect Headley not our agent: CIA

Terror suspect Headley not our agent: CIA

Rediff.com   17 Dec 2009

America's Central Intelligence Agency on Thursday strongly refuted reports that Pakistani-origin US national David Coleman Headley, charged with criminal conspiring in the 26/11 terror attacks, was its agent at any point of time.

India cancels visas of Headley and Rana

India cancels visas of Headley and Rana

Rediff.com   17 Dec 2009

The Indian government has cancelled visas of Pakistani-origin terror suspects and Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Rana, according to sources.

Headley helping FBI to avoid death penalty?

Headley helping FBI to avoid death penalty?

Rediff.com   14 Dec 2009

Pakistani-origin American national David Coleman Headley, a Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative charged with criminal conspiracy in the 26/11 terror attacks, now appears to have turned into an informant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to avoid death penalty.