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Beyond

US withdraws from 66 global bodies under Trump

The United States has announced its withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including several United Nations bodies and the India- and France-backed International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a major shift in its approach to global cooperation. The decision follows a presidential directive issued by US President Donald Trump, citing the need to protect national interests, sovereignty and taxpayer money.

According to official statements, the list includes 31 UN-linked organisations and 35 non-UN bodies. These cover a wide range of areas such as climate change, renewable energy, social development, labour standards, peacebuilding and scientific cooperation. Among the prominent exits are climate-related platforms like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, along with the International Solar Alliance, which focuses on promoting solar energy in tropical countries.

The US administration has argued that many of these organisations are inefficient, overlap in their work, or promote policies that do not align with American priorities. Federal agencies have been instructed to end participation and funding in these bodies, subject to legal procedures, and to reassess international commitments going forward.

Supporters of the move say it allows the US to focus resources at home and avoid obligations they believe offer limited returns. However, the decision has triggered concern among diplomats, climate experts and global institutions. Critics warn that stepping away from multilateral platforms could weaken international efforts on climate action, public health, labour rights and conflict resolution.

There are also geopolitical implications. Analysts note that the US withdrawal may leave a leadership gap in several global forums, potentially allowing countries such as China to expand their influence by increasing funding and engagement. This concern has been highlighted particularly in the context of UN agencies and climate-related institutions.

India-led initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, are expected to continue their work despite the US exit, but experts say reduced American participation could slow progress and funding momentum.

The move continues a broader trend seen under the Trump administration, which has previously questioned or withdrawn from major international agreements. As the withdrawals take effect, global partners are assessing how the absence of the US will impact international cooperation and whether existing institutions can adapt to a changing geopolitical landscape.

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Beyond

Trump team to meet oil firms on Venezuela plans

The Trump administration is holding meetings with leading US oil companies to discuss re‑entry into Venezuela’s oil sector following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro Officials aim to explore how American energy firms could help revive and expand Venezuelan crude production, which has declined sharply over the past two decades.

Executives from Exxon Mobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips say they have not yet been approached, contradicting President Trump’s earlier claim that consultations were already complete The upcoming talks are seen as the first serious discussions between the administration and industry regarding Venezuela.

Venezuela has some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves and its heavy crude matches US refinery requirements However infrastructure is degraded and legal and political uncertainties make investment risky Chevron is currently the only US oil major operating under a special licence while Exxon and Conoco pursue restitution claims.

Analysts warn that even if US firms return, boosting production will take years and require massive investment The administration is reportedly aiming to fast-track discussions and provide incentives to encourage participation.

It is unclear which executives will attend or whether companies will negotiate collectively or individually Antitrust concerns may limit joint discussions Market observers say the move could eventually increase Venezuelan output but immediate impact on global oil prices is likely limited.

The meetings reflect a strategic push by the Trump administration to align US energy interests with foreign policy objectives leveraging private investment to stabilize and expand Venezuela’s oil sector Analysts say progress will depend on legal clarity, infrastructure repair and political stability.

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Beyond

Trump flags tariff risk over India’s Russian oil imports

US President Donald Trump has warned India that continuing to import oil from Russia could prompt the United States to raise tariffs on Indian goods. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said the US could act “very quickly” if New Delhi does not address Washington’s concerns, signaling potential economic implications for bilateral trade.

Trump also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a very good man” who had “tried to make me happy” regarding India’s Russian oil purchases. Despite the compliment, he stressed that the tariff threat remains a real possibility if India does not align more closely with US policy.

For businesses, the warning could affect Indian exporters, particularly in sectors sensitive to US tariffs. Any increase could raise costs and disrupt trade flows, potentially impacting markets that rely heavily on Indian products. Analysts note that industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services could face heightened risks if tariffs are applied.

The US‑India trade tension comes amid India’s reliance on Russian crude, purchased at discounted rates due to Western sanctions on Russia. While this helps Indian refiners manage energy costs, it has drawn criticism from the US, which sees these imports as undermining its geopolitical strategy. India maintains that its energy decisions are market-driven and focused on domestic energy security.

To address concerns, India has instructed refiners to submit weekly data on oil imports, aiming to maintain transparency and support ongoing trade negotiations. Experts say that how India balances energy needs with trade relations will be closely watched by investors and global markets.

Trump’s warning underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics and business. Companies in India and abroad are monitoring developments closely, as any tariff escalation could have ripple effects on trade, supply chains, and economic growth.

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Beyond

Trump blocks Chinese‑linked chip deal

US President Donald Trump has blocked a Chinese‑linked semiconductor deal, saying it could threaten national security. An executive order issued on January 2 requires HieFo Corporation to sell certain Emcore Corp. assets within 180 days. The move reflects growing concern over foreign access to sensitive US technology.

The deal, completed in 2024, involved HieFo, a Delaware‑registered company, buying Emcore’s computer chip business and wafer fabrication operations for $2.9 million. Emcore, based in New Jersey, was a public aerospace and defense technology company before the sale.

Trump’s order said there is “credible evidence” that HieFo is controlled by a Chinese national and that the deal could harm US security. The order did not give full details but shows the government’s worry about foreign control of important technology.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviewed the transaction and identified risks. HieFo now has six months to divest all rights and assets globally unless CFIUS allows more time.

The assets include technology and facilities used for chip design and wafer production, which are important for both commercial and defense purposes. The move highlights the US effort to stop Chinese-linked companies from accessing advanced semiconductor technology amid global tech competition.

Neither HieFo nor Emcore has commented publicly yet.

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Corporate

Trump strikes drug price deal with 9 pharma giants

On December 19, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced landmark agreements with nine leading pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of prescription medicines in the United States. The companies involved include Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech (Roche), Gilead Sciences, GSK, Merck, Novartis, and Sanofi.

Under these deals, participating companies have agreed to lower prices for drugs purchased under Medicaid and for patients paying out of pocket, bringing US prices closer to those in other wealthy nations. The agreements also introduce “most‑favoured‑nation” pricing, ensuring new medicines sold in the US will not be priced higher than in comparable countries.

As part of the initiative, the administration plans to launch TrumpRx.gov in January 2026, an online platform that will allow patients to access discounted drugs directly from manufacturers. The platform targets individuals without insurance or those facing high out-of-pocket costs, offering a more affordable route to essential medications.

Some companies have also pledged additional support. For instance, Bristol Myers Squibb will provide its widely used blood thinner, Eliquis, for free to Medicaid recipients. Others will donate raw materials and emergency medical supplies to a national reserve.

In exchange for these concessions, the pharmaceutical firms receive a three-year exemption from potential new tariffs that had previously been under consideration. The Trump administration describes these agreements as a major step toward tackling the high cost of medicines in the US, which historically remains higher than in most other developed nations.

However, experts have cautioned that while these deals may lower costs for some patients, especially the uninsured or low-income, the majority of Americans with standard health insurance may see limited immediate savings.

This move follows earlier agreements earlier in 2025 with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk, reflecting a broader strategy by the administration to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers rather than imposing strict price controls.

With TrumpRx.gov and these pricing deals, the administration aims to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible, signaling a major policy push on one of the US’s most pressing healthcare issues.

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Beyond

Trump signals potential tariffs on Indian rice

US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States may impose additional tariffs on rice imports from India, citing concerns that Indian rice is being “dumped” at low prices. Speaking at a White House roundtable with US agricultural representatives, he questioned why India is allowed to export rice to the US and indicated that new duties could address the issue.

India already faces some of the highest tariffs globally on rice exports. Despite this, Indian rice—especially premium basmati—remains strong in the US market. According to the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), India exported around 274,213 metric tonnes of basmati rice, valued at US $337 million, and 61,341 metric tonnes of non-basmati rice, worth US $54.6 million, to the US in 2024–25.

IREF notes that Indian rice appeals to ethnic communities in the US, who prefer its aroma, texture, and cooking quality—qualities that US-grown rice often cannot match. Analysts say any new tariffs would likely have minimal impact on Indian exporters but could increase prices for US consumers. Many experts view Trump’s remarks as politically motivated, aimed at domestic farm interests ahead of upcoming elections rather than as a major shift in trade policy.

Market observers highlight that Indian rice exporters have diversified global markets, ensuring resilience against potential US trade restrictions. While US producers may gain politically from tariff discussions, the economic burden is expected to fall more on consumers than on Indian exporters.

This development underscores the complexity of global trade, where political moves, domestic industry pressures, and international demand intersect. Despite the uncertainty, Indian rice exporters remain confident in sustaining growth, supported by strong overseas demand, premium positioning, and established supply chains.

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1 Minute-Read

Trump approves Nvidia H200 AI chip sales to China

The US government, under former President Donald Trump, has cleared Nvidia to sell its powerful H200 AI chips to selected customers in China. These chips, designed for artificial intelligence and large-scale computing, were previously restricted from export due to security concerns.

As part of the approval, the US will receive 25% of the sales revenue. Nvidia welcomed the decision, saying it supports American manufacturing and jobs while maintaining safeguards. Investors responded positively, and experts note the move could accelerate Chinese AI development while benefiting the US economically.

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Beyond

SC to review Trump birthright citizenship order

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a major case that could determine the future of birthright citizenship in the country. The decision comes after a series of legal battles over an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January 2025, which seeks to deny automatic US citizenship to children born in the United States if their parents are undocumented or living in the country on temporary visas.

For more than 125 years, the United States has followed the principle that almost anyone born on American soil becomes a US citizen at birth. This practice is rooted in the 14th Amendment, which states that all persons born in the country and “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States are citizens. Trump’s order challenges this interpretation, arguing that children of non-citizen parents do not fall under this jurisdiction.

Multiple lawsuits were filed soon after the order was announced, leading to nationwide injunctions from lower courts. Judges consistently ruled that the executive order likely contradicts the Constitution and longstanding legal precedent. One of the key cases, which began as a class-action suit on behalf of families who would be directly affected, eventually made its way to the Supreme Court after the administration appealed these lower-court decisions.

By accepting the case, the Supreme Court will now decide whether the executive branch has the authority to limit birthright citizenship without a constitutional amendment or congressional action. The hearing is expected to take place in the spring of 2026, with a final ruling anticipated by early summer.

The stakes are extremely high. If the Supreme Court upholds the order, hundreds of thousands of children born each year could lose the automatic right to citizenship, marking a dramatic shift in US immigration and nationality law. It would also redefine how the 14th Amendment is applied in modern America. On the other hand, if the Court strikes down the order, the traditional interpretation of birthright citizenship will remain firmly intact.

Until the ruling is delivered, the executive order remains blocked and unenforceable across the United States. The upcoming decision is expected to become one of the most consequential immigration rulings in decades, with long-term implications for families, legal status, and national identity.

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Leaders

Trump receives FIFA Peace Prize for global leadership

FIFA made a decisive and attention-grabbing statement at the 2026 World Cup draw by awarding its first-ever Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. The ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., underscored FIFA’s ambition to extend its influence into conversations about leadership, diplomacy and global cooperation.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, announced that the award was designed to honour leaders who have demonstrated “extraordinary actions for peace.” By choosing Trump for its inaugural recognition, FIFA showcased its willingness to engage with global governance, a notable departure from its traditionally sport-centric mandate.

Trump accepted the prize with conviction, asserting that leadership in uncertain times requires courage, clarity and an unwavering commitment to stability. He linked the award to the collaborative spirit behind the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US., Canada and Mexico, calling the tournament an example of how strategic partnerships can bridge divides and build trust across borders.

However, the honour has sparked a wide spectrum of responses. Critics have questioned the transparency of the process, while rights groups noted that several conflicts Trump referenced as achievements remain unresolved. Yet supporters interpret FIFA’s decision as a recognition of influence, the ability to shape global narratives, encourage dialogue and use one’s platform to shift conversations toward peace.

The award reflects a strategic repositioning of FIFA as a global institution capable of addressing more than sport. By elevating leadership that transcends national boundaries, FIFA signals its belief that sport can be leveraged as a diplomatic tool, one that reaches millions and fosters unity.

In choosing Trump, FIFA has amplified its message: leadership today requires engagement with complex global realities, and international platforms must recognise those who attempt to navigate them. The Peace Prize serves as both a symbol and a call for leaders worldwide to use their influence for stability and collaboration.

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Beyond

Trump orders green card check for 19 countries

The US government has ordered a nationwide review of all green cards held by immigrants from 19 countries after a shooting near the White House left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured.

The accused shooter, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US under the 2021 evacuation program. Former President Donald Trump directed a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination” of permanent residency permits for immigrants from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will oversee the review, which will cover current green card holders, as well as pending and new applications from these countries, effective November 27, 2025. Officials said the applicant’s country of origin will now be a key factor in eligibility, citing national security concerns.

Supporters say the move is necessary to protect US citizens, while critics argue it unfairly targets immigrants based solely on nationality.

The review reflects a stricter, security-focused approach to immigration, shifting away from broad humanitarian resettlement programs. Thousands of residents from the 19 countries may face renewed scrutiny, and applicants seeking residency or asylum could encounter stricter requirements and longer processing times.

Authorities maintain the review aims to balance safety with fairness, but the decision has sparked debates over civil liberties and the treatment of immigrants from the targeted nations.

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