Central News Hub

Month: December 2024

  • Sanjay Malhotra to Replace Shaktikanta Das as RBI Governor

    Sanjay Malhotra to Replace Shaktikanta Das as RBI Governor

    He has extensive experience in finance and taxation at the State as well as the Central Government. As a part of his present assignment, he plays an instrumental role in tax policy formulation in respect of direct and indirect taxes…reports Asian Lite News

    The Central government on Monday appointed Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary (Revenue) in the Ministry of Finance as the next Reserve Bank of India Governor. He will replace Shaktikanta Das, who with a six-year stint is the second-longest serving RBI Governor.

    Sanjay Malhotra is a 1990 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre. He is an Engineering Graduate in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and has a Master’s in Public Policy from Princeton University, US.

    With demonstrated leadership and excellence in his career of over 33 years, Sanjay Malhotra has worked in multifarious sectors including power, finance and taxation, information technology, mines etc. Presently he is Secretary (Revenue) in the Ministry of Finance. In his previous assignment, he held the post of Secretary in the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, according to the Finance Ministry website.

    He has extensive experience in finance and taxation at the State as well as the Central Government. As a part of his present assignment, he plays an instrumental role in tax policy formulation in respect of direct and indirect taxes.

    Shaktikanta Das was first appointed as RBI Governor in December 2018, after the then-central bank chief, Urjit Patel, resigned before his tenure was expected to end. Das had been the second longest-serving RBI Governor after Benegal Rama Rau’s seven-year-plus tenure.

    Das, who is also a former IAS officer with a long stint in the Finance Ministry, became governor after retiring from the service, his tenure as RBI Governor also ushered in a smoother functioning relationship between the central bank and the Finance Ministry after the friction that marked his predecessor’s tenure.

    Das served as a secretary in the Department of Revenue and Department of Economic Affairs of the Finance Ministry, where he directly worked on eight Union Budgets. He was also a member of the 15th Finance Commission and a Sherpa for India at the G20.

    Das has also served as India’s alternative governor in the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment.

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  • Parliament Adjourned Till Tuesday Amid Disruptions

    Parliament Adjourned Till Tuesday Amid Disruptions

    Nadda emphasised that Congress was aligning itself with those elements whose actions were undermining India’s democratic institutions…reports Asian Lite News

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will respond to the debate on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, December 14, sources said. According to the sources, Home Minister Amit Shah will initiate the debate in the Rajya Sabha on December 16.

    Meanwhile, both houses of the parliament – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha- have been adjourned till Tuesday during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament which is currently in its third week of functioning. The adjournments came after disruptions in the proceedings, with opposition parties demanding a discussion on various issues of national importance. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House JP Nadda accused the Congress party of becoming a “tool” of forces attempting to create instability in the country.

    Nadda emphasised that Congress was aligning itself with those elements whose actions were undermining India’s democratic institutions. He called for a structured debate on these matters to clear the air.Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly refuted Nadda’s allegations.

    Kharge rejected the claims that Congress was playing a disruptive role in Indian politics. He argued that the Congress party remained committed to upholding democratic values and that the BJP was using such accusations as a diversion from pressing issues affecting the country. The exchanges between the two leaders have intensified the ongoing political drama in Parliament, with both parties seemingly at odds over the direction of national discourse. On the twelfth day of the ongoing Winter Session, opposition MPs, including Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi staged a protest at the Parliament premises over the Adani matter.

    Rahul Gandhi joined Opposition MPs in their protest over the Adani matter. However, members of the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party did not participate in the protest. The first session of the winter Parliament commenced on November 25, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till December 20. (ANI)

    ALSO READ-Congress Attacks Govt Over Rajya Sabha Ruckus

  • Congress Attacks Govt Over Rajya Sabha Ruckus

    Congress Attacks Govt Over Rajya Sabha Ruckus

    He has served as a Governor before and has expressed concern about farmers’ issues. But it is unclear why today he was compelled not to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak,” Jairam Ramesh added…reports Asian Lite News

    Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday attacked the government over ruckus in Rajya Sabha on Monday and alleged that it does not want the House to function.

    He also alleged that the Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was not allowed to speak while Leader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda got a “a number of chances to speak”.

    He said the opposition wants the House to run and raise various issues.
    Speaking to ANI, Jairam Ramesh also said that several BJP MPs were selectively called upon to speak by the Chairman. “What we witnessed in the Rajya Sabha today was surprising and unfortunate. The chairman is like an umpire and is neutral but today the Leader of the Opposition as not get an opportunity to speak. The leader of the House was got multiple chances and specific BJP MPs were given chances to speak,” he said. “We hold the chairman in high regard. He has served as a Governor before and has expressed concern about farmers’ issues. But it is unclear why today he was compelled not to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak,” Jairam Ramesh added.

    The Congress MP emphasized that they will continue raising issues and submitting notices, whether the government accepts them or not.
    “Whether it’s about Adani, Manipur, or the farmers’ concerns, there should be debates, and bills should be passed. Our promise of constructive cooperation remains firm even today. However, in recent days, it has become evident that the government does not want the House to function,” he said. “Running the House is primarily the government’s responsibility. The opposition also has its duties, and we are not shying away from them. I have a question in my mind whether these people will allow discussion on the Constitution in Lok Sabha on December 13, 14 and in Rajya Sabha on December 16, 17,” he added. (ANI)

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  • Arab States Commit to Women’s Empowerment

    Arab States Commit to Women’s Empowerment

    Discussions focused on combating violence against women, boosting women’s economic participation, advancing their decision-making roles, and protecting women in conflicts…reports Asian Lite News

    Oman hosted a high-level regional meeting on Monday to review progress in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, nearly 30 years after its adoption, the Lebanon-based UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) announced.

    The meeting, attended by ministers, officials, civil society representatives, and UN agencies, concluded with the Muscat Declaration, reaffirming Arab countries’ commitment to advancing women’s rights under the Beijing framework, Xinhua news agency reported.

    Omani Minister of Social Development Laila Al Najjar emphasised the progress witnessed in Oman in terms of laws and regulations that guarantee the protection of women’s rights.

    ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti highlighted over 100 legislative amendments issued across Arab states in the past two years to improve women’s rights but acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the impact of armed conflicts on 15 million women in the region.

    Discussions focused on combating violence against women, boosting women’s economic participation, advancing their decision-making roles, and protecting women in conflicts. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous stressed that sustainable development and peace require women’s full empowerment and called for transforming commitments into impactful actions.

    Adopted in 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains a global framework for advancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality.

    ALSO READ: White House on guard against Daesh resurgence in Syria 

  • Mulk, Patil Groups Unveil Virtual Hospital   

    Mulk, Patil Groups Unveil Virtual Hospital   

    Mulk International and DY Patil Group Launch Regional First Virtual Hospital with AED 100M Investment and more than 20,000 doctors on board. The new Initiative introduces Mulk Med Virtual Hospitals ecosystem across the globe, one that has already been implemented in countries like Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea and is in advanced stages of implementation in other territories…reports Asian Lite News

    In a groundbreaking partnership, Mulk International, a UAE-based conglomerate, and India’s Ajeenkya DY Patil Group have joined forces to acquire equal stakes in Mulk Med Healthcare. Together, they aim to establish the region’s first large-scale virtual hospital, a revolutionary initiative with more than 20,000 doctors on board. To support this vision, both groups have committed an investment of AED 100 million to transform healthcare across the MENA and Asia-Pacific regions through cutting-edge virtual solutions. 

    Dr. Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, Founder & President of Mulk Med Healthcare, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “This strategic partnership represents a major milestone in advancing innovation and inclusivity in healthcare. Our shared vision with the DY Patil Group is set to redefine how healthcare is delivered globally.” 

    The initiative will expand the Mulk Med Virtual Hospitals ecosystem, which is already operational in countries like Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea, with plans for further global rollouts. Powered by the Mulk Med App and a video conferencing system available in over 170 countries, this comprehensive platform offers: 

    • 24/7 Telehealth Services 

    • Doorstep Delivery of Discounted Medicines 

    • Smart Ambulances and Mobile Clinics 

    • Round-the-Clock Home Care 

    These innovations are tailored to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, ensuring convenience for both urban and remote communities. 

    Patients can benefit from global consultations with over 20,000 doctors, supported by a network of more than 500 pharmacies and service providers. Non-insured patients and UAE visitors will also enjoy substantial discounts on laboratory tests, radiology, hospital admissions, surgeries, and wellness services through the newly launched Mulk Medicare Privilege Health Card. 

    This card further provides access to precision medicine centres, genomics labs, and advanced treatments, making high-quality healthcare more accessible and affordable. 

    Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk International, reiterated the group’s commitment to social impact:”Our global investments reflect our dedication to driving meaningful change. By collaborating with governments and communities, we aim to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth in healthcare.” 

    The initiative is set to redefine emergency care with smart ambulances and will reach underserved communities through mobile clinics. Cutting-edge technologies such as ICU Pods, AI-enhanced vital sign monitoring devices, and kiosks will improve chronic disease management, optimize recovery times, and enhance hospital efficiency. 

    For travellers, comprehensive tourist healthcare insurance will offer robust medical coverage, ensuring peace of mind. 

    Highlighting the collaboration’s potential for medical tourism, Dr. Ajeenkya Patil, Chairman of DY Patil Group, stated: “India is witnessing strong demand for medical tourism from Africa and other regions. Through our network of world-class hospitals in Maharashtra and beyond, we aim to deliver exceptional care that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and quality.” 

    DY Patil Group currently operates one of India’s largest hospital chains with over 8,000 beds, including seven new hospitals under development across the country. 

    Dr. Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk further emphasized the initiative’s global ambition: “Innovation is at the heart of solving global healthcare challenges. Mulk Med Healthcare’s hybrid model of digital and on-site services not only addresses immediate needs but lays a foundation for a scalable, sustainable healthcare future.” 

    Mulk Med Healthcare has already extended its reach to over one million insured patients in Dubai, Northern Emirates, and Abu Dhabi. This collaboration represents a bold step forward in healthcare delivery, combining innovation, investment, and a shared commitment to making world-class healthcare accessible to all. 

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  • India Raises Minority Safety in Dhaka Talks

    India Raises Minority Safety in Dhaka Talks

    During his meetings, the top Indian diplomat emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News

    Alarmed by the surge in extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocations — especially against the Hindu community — in Bangladesh, India on Monday once again raised its concerns about the safety and welfare of minorities in the neighbouring country.

    Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is on a day-long visit to Dhaka, conveyed New Delhi’s concerns during his meetings with the Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin.

    “We had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities,” Misri told local reporters after his meeting with Hossain.

    “We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious and diplomatic properties. We expect overall a constructive approach on all these issues by the Bangladesh authorities and we look forward to moving the relationship forward in a positive, forward-looking and constructive direction,” he added.

    During his meetings, the top Indian diplomat emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh.

    “We have always seen in the past, and we continue to see in the future, this relationship as a people-centric and people-oriented relationship, one that has the benefit of all the people as its central motivational force. This is reflected on a daily basis in the development projects that have been executed on the ground in Bangladesh and that continue to be developed.

    “It is also reflected in the mutually-beneficial engagements we have on a whole set of issues ranging from trade, commerce, connectivity, power, water and energy and development cooperation, consular cooperation and cultural cooperation. There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interests of both our peoples and to that, and therefore I have underlined today India’s desire to work closely with the interim Government of Bangladesh authorities,” Misri stated.

    Referring to it as an “extremely important” bilateral relationship, the Indian Foreign Secretary mentioned that during the Foreign Office Consultations held earlier in the day, discussions and consultations were held on an entire gamut of issues between the two countries.

    “Since the political changes in Bangladesh in August this year, there has, of course, been contact between our leaderships. The Prime Minister was the first world leader to greet the Chief Advisor on his assumption of office. The two of them had a very cordial telephone conversation thereafter and the Chief Advisor also accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to speak at the third voice of the Global South Summit that was held in August.

    He also highlighted the meeting between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Touhid Hossain in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York which was the first high-level engagement between the two countries after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024.

    “My visit follows those interactions and is the first Foreign Secretary level structured engagement between the two sides. Following those developments, today’s discussions have given both of us the opportunity to take stock of our relations, and I appreciate the opportunity today to have had a frank, candid and constructive exchange of views with all my interlocutors,” Misri said.

    India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities.

    “Our position on the matter is very clear. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated last month after the arrest and jailing of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote who is also associated with Iskcon Bangladesh.

    Hindus all over the world have also been shocked by multiple attacks on the community and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.

    “We are concerned about the surge in extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocations. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for protection of all minorities,” the MEA has stated previously.

    ALSO READ: Protests across Bengal over Bangladesh situation

  • Trump says Putin not interested in protecting Assad 

    Trump says Putin not interested in protecting Assad 

    Highlighting that Iran and Russia have weakened amid sustained conflicts, the President-elect pointed to China’s potential role in resolving the situation. …reports Asian Lite News

    After Syrian rebels entered Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee for an unknown destination on Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump criticised Russian President Vladimir, for ‘not protecting’ Assad, and suggested that China can ‘help’ in mitigating the situation. 

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Russia — which has suffered around 600,000 casualties in the Ukraine war — has lost all interest in protecting Syria. Calling for a ceasefire, he warned that if it keeps going, it can turn into something “much bigger” and “far worse.” 

    “Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer. There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever,” he said in the post. 

    Highlighting that Iran and Russia have weakened amid sustained conflicts, the President-elect pointed to China’s potential role in resolving the situation. 

    “Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success. Likewise, Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians. There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!” he said. 

    Earlier on Sunday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday bringing an end to his over two-decade-long rule, Reuters reported. 

    The news agency cited two senior army officers, whom it did not name as rebels Syrian groups said they entered the capital, Damascus, in the early hours of Sunday. 

    The development came hours after rebels claimed to have captured Syria’s third-largest city, Homs, to the north of the country. 

    The head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian said that Damascus is now “without Bashar al-Assad” according to Reuters. 

    This came after Syrian rebels claimed capturing Damascus. 

    “The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled,” the armed opposition said in a statement. “We declare Damascus free of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” they said. 

    The rebels earlier claimed to have entered the capital and taken control of the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison north of Damascus, CNN reported. 

    CNN cited the Military Operations Command’s post on Telegram which said, “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.” The statement added, “To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you.” 

    The civil war in the country that had remained dormant for a few years has resurfaced and within a span of a few weeks, the Syrian rebel groups have taken over several key cities like Aleppo, Homs and Daraa. 

    Meanwhile, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt Iraq, Russia, Turkey, and Iran expressed their support for the cessation of hostilities in Syria to pave the way for the launch of a political process, according to a joint statement issued following their meeting on the Syrian crisis in Doha. (ANI)

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  • End of brutal oppression in Syria, says Trudeau 

    End of brutal oppression in Syria, says Trudeau 

    Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to closely monitoring the country’s transition…reports Asian Lite News

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed optimism about Syria’s future following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. 

    Trudeau described the event as marking the end of decades of “brutal oppression” under Assad’s dictatorship and highlighted the potential for a “new chapter” in Syria’s history. 

    Sharing a post on X, Trudeau wrote, “The fall of Assad’s dictatorship ends decades of brutal oppression. A new chapter for Syria can begin here — one free of terrorism and suffering for the Syrian people.” 

    Trudeau also emphasized Canada’s commitment to closely monitoring the country’s transition. 

    “Canada is monitoring this transition closely. We urge order, stability, and respect for human rights,” the post added. 

    Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday also welcomed the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s two-decade-long regime in Syria, calling it a “historic day” for the Middle East region. 

    Netanyahu further acknowledged that while the collapse presents great opportunities, it also poses significant dangers. He extended a “hand of peace” for all beyond Israeli borders, “who want to live in peace.” 

    Netanyahu shared a video on X and stated, “This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers. We send a hand of peace to all those beyond our border in Syria: to the Druze, to the Kurds, to the Christians, and to the Muslims who want to live in peace with Israel.” 

    Following the Syrian Army abandoning its positions, Netanyahu said that he had ordered the Israeli Army to take over these positions to ensure that no hostile force embeds itself right next to the border of Israel. 

    “This collapse is a direct result of our forceful action against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s main supporters. It set off a chain reaction of all those who want to free themselves from this tyranny and its suppression. But it also means we have to take action against possible threats. One of them is the collapse of the Separation of Forces agreement from 1974 between Israel and Syria. This agreement held for 50 years. Last night it collapsed,” he said. 

    Notably, the situation in Syria remains a focal point for all the neighbouring nations after Syrian rebels on Sunday entered Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee for an unknown destination, ending his over two-decade rule in the country. 

    The development came hours after rebels claimed to have captured Syria’s third-largest city, Homs, to the north of the country. (ANI) 

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  • White House on guard against Daesh resurgence in Syria 

    White House on guard against Daesh resurgence in Syria 

    Militant forces are in the midst of a lightning offensive and say they have begun to encircle Syria’s capital Damascus. ..reports Asian Lite News

    The White House said Saturday that US priorities in Syria now are to ensure the country’s conflict does not encourage a resurgence of the Daesh militant group or lead to a “humanitarian catastrophe.” 

    Spillover “is a concern,” said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, with particular worry about the so-called Daesh, also known as Daesh. 

    In previous phases of Syria’s long-running civil war, “at its worst, we saw the explosion of Daesh onto the scene,” he said at a conference in Simi Valley, California run by the Reagan National Defense Forum. 

    The main priority is to ensure “that the fighting in Syria not lead to a resurgence of Daesh,” Sullivan said. “We are going to take steps ourselves, directly and working with the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurds, to ensure that does not happen.” 

    Militant forces are in the midst of a lightning offensive and say they have begun to encircle Syria’s capital Damascus. 

    Sullivan said the administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden is working to ensure allies Israel, Jordan, Iraq and others in the region, “who would potentially face spillover effects from Syria, are strong and secure, and we’re in touch with them every day.” 

    Washington is also alert to stopping a “humanitarian catastrophe, both in terms of civilians, access to life-saving necessities, and in terms of the protection of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria,” Sullivan said. 

    “Of course, an event like this happens and Daesh immediately looks to take advantage. We have seen reports of Daesh trying… to reconstitute to a certain extent.” 

    So the United States will seek to “contain the potential violence and instability,” protect allies and ensure that Daesh not “get new oxygen out of this” that could lead them to threaten US or allies’ interests, Sullivan added. 

    Sullivan’s remarks come as Washington prepares for a transition of power next month back to former president Donald Trump, who defeated Biden in November’s election. 

    Trump, who visited Paris on Saturday, warned against US involvement in Syria, saying the country is “a mess” and “not our friend.” 

    “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. 

    Sullivan, addressing Trump’s remarks, agreed, saying “the United States is not going to… militarily dive into the middle of a Syrian civil war.” 

    ALSO READ: Arab League Urges Syrians to Uphold Peace      

  • Trump taps his attorney Habba to serve as counselor  

    Trump taps his attorney Habba to serve as counselor  

    Alina Habba, 40, defended Trump earlier this year, also serving as his legal spokesperson…reports Asian Lite News

    President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he is appointing one of his defense attorneys in the New York hush money case as counselor to the president. 

    Alina Habba, 40, defended Trump earlier this year, also serving as his legal spokesperson. Habba has been spending time with the president-elect since the election at his Florida club Mar-a-Lago. 

    “She has been unwavering in her loyalty and unmatched in her resolve — standing with me through numerous ‘trials,’ battles and countless days in Court,” Trump posted on his social network Truth Social. “Few understand the Weaponization of the ‘Injustice’ System better than Alina.” 

    Trump became the first former American president to be convicted of felony crimes when a New York jury in May found him guilty of all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. 

    In Trump’s first term, the position of counselor was held by Republican strategist Kellyanne Conway. Habba has Iraqi ancestry and is Chaldean, which is Iraq’s largest Christian denomination and one of the Catholic Church’s Eastern rites. 

    Habba frequently accompanied Trump on the campaign trail and was one of the speakers at the late October rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden. 

    On Sunday, Trump also announced he is bringing back former staffer Michael Anton to serve as director of policy planning at the State Department. Anton served as the National Security Council spokesman from 2017 to 2018. 

    Trump said he also will be appointing Michael Needham, a former chief of staff for Sen. Marco Rubio, as counselor of the State Department. The Florida senator was chosen by Trump to be his next secretary of state. 

    ALSO READ: Arab League Urges Syrians to Uphold Peace