Washington has insisted the ceasefire deal is close and has been pushing to put in place a truce by the start of Ramadan…reports Asian Lite News
Vice President Kamala Harris has demanded Palestinian militant group Hamas agree to an immediate six-week ceasefire while forcefully urging Israel to do more to boost aid deliveries into Gaza, where she said innocent people were suffering a “humanitarian catastrophe.”
In some of the strongest comments by a senior leader of the US government to date on the issue, Harris pressed the Israeli government and outlined specific ways on how more aid can flow into the densely-populated enclave where hundreds of thousands of people are facing famine, following five months of Israel’s military campaign.
“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire,” Harris said at an event in Selma, Alabama. “There is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let’s get a ceasefire.”
“People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act…The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses,” she said.
On Sunday, a Hamas delegation had arrived in Cairo for the latest round of ceasefire talks, billed by many as the final possible hurdle for a truce, but it was unclear if any progress was made. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth’s online version reported that Israel boycotted the talks after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages who are still alive.
Washington has insisted the ceasefire deal is close and has been pushing to put in place a truce by the start of Ramadan, a week away. A US official on Saturday said Israel has agreed on a framework deal.
An agreement would bring the first extended truce of the war, which has raged for five months so far with just a week-long pause in November. Dozens of hostages held by Hamas militants would be freed in return for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
One source briefed on the talks had said on Saturday that Israel could stay away from Cairo unless Hamas first presented its full list of hostages who are still alive. A Palestinian source told Reuters that Hamas had so far rejected that demand.
After the Hamas delegation arrived, a Palestinian official told Reuters the deal was “not yet there.” There was no official comment from Israel.
In past negotiations, Hamas has sought to avoid discussing the well-being of individual hostages until after terms for their release are set.
In other diplomatic moves, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz will meet Harris at the White House on Monday and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Tuesday. US envoy Amos Hochstein will visit Beirut on Monday to pursue efforts to de-escalate the conflict across the Lebanese-Israeli border.
It is a tight race between Trump and Biden but most voters feel Biden (81) and Trump (77) are too old to run for presidency….writes TN ASHOK
Vice President Kamala Harris has fared better than her boss, President Joe Biden, in three key swing states when pitched against former president Donald Trump, the GOP’s front-runner, ahead of the 2024 presidential election, according to various polls.
It is a tight race between Trump and Biden but most voters feel Biden (81) and Trump (77) are too old to run for presidency.
Biden will likely become the Democratic nominee as the incumbent, he is currently up against Marianne Williamson, best known for her work as a spiritual leader of the Church of Today, host of The Young Turks Cenk Uygur, and Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, media reports said.
Although Harris had made it clear that she is only up for a 2nd term as Biden’s running mate in 2024, she was included hypothetically for president as some Democrats say they do not want Biden to run for a second term. According to a CNN poll conducted from August 25 to August 31, two-thirds of Democrat-leaning voters said the party should not nominate Biden in 2024.
In a New York Times/Siena College poll that was conducted from October 22 to November 3, voters were asked to choose for president between Harris and Trump, 47 per cent in Michigan said Trump and 45 per cent said Harris. Meanwhile, in a matchup between Biden and Trump, 48 per cent of voters in Michigan chose the former president and 43 per cent chose Biden.
In Georgia, Trump received 45 per cent of the vote while the vice president nabbed 44 per cent.
However, when Trump is up against Biden, he received 49 per cent of the vote compared to Biden’s 43 per cent, the Newsweek said.
Harris secured more support in Nevada than Biden when either of them were pitched against Trump.
Approximately 48 per cent of voters in Nevada picked Trump over Harris, while Harris received 42 per cent of voter support. However, when Biden is on the ballot with Trump, the former president has an 11-point lead, 52 to 41 per cent.
Biden is better than Harris on the ballot with Trump in Wisconsin and Arizona. In Wisconsin, the former president grabbed 47 per cent of the vote while Harris received 46 per cent.
Biden had the lead over Trump in Wisconsin, 47 to 45 per cent. In Arizona, the former president beats Harris, 48 to 43 per cent. And while Trump still wins over Biden in Arizona, 49 to 44 per cent, the President still fared better than Harris in the state.
Biden and Harris got the same verdict in Pennsylvania. Trump received 47 per cent of the vote when up against the vice president who received 44 per cent. Biden also nabbed 44 per cent against Trump, who received 48 per cent.
Donald Trump gets great news in 5 key swing states — the poll’s sample size was 3,662 registered voters and the margin of error for all swing states combined was plus or minus 1.8 percentage points for all registered voters and plus or minus 2 percentage points for the likely electorate.
Kevin Wagner, a pollster and professor at Florida Atlantic University, previously told Newsweek via email that “it is important to remember that this is one poll, and it is over a year before the general election”.
“This often means that voters are not concentrating on the race and answers that they give can be highly changeable this far out. In a year, many things can change in the political environment as well causing voters to shift,” Wagner added. Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.
One critique that Biden has been receiving is about his age and mental capacity to run for a second term as he turns 81 later this month.
Biden is better than Harris on the ballot with Trump in Wisconsin and Arizona. In Wisconsin, the former president grabbed 47 per cent of the vote while Harris received 46 per cent…reports Asian Lite News
US Vice President Kamala Harris has fared better than her boss, President Joe Biden, in three key swing states when pitched against former president Donald Trump, the GOP’s front-runner, ahead of the 2024 presidential election, according to various polls.
It is a tight race between Trump and Biden but most voters feel Biden (81) and Trump (77) are too old to run for presidency.
Biden will likely become the Democratic nominee as the incumbent, he is currently up against Marianne Williamson, best known for her work as a spiritual leader of the Church of Today, host of The Young Turks Cenk Uygur, and Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, media reports said.
Although Harris had made it clear that she is only up for a 2nd term as Biden’s running mate in 2024, she was included hypothetically for president as some Democrats say they do not want Biden to run for a second term. According to a CNN poll conducted from August 25 to August 31, two-thirds of Democrat-leaning voters said the party should not nominate Biden in 2024.
In a New York Times/Siena College poll that was conducted from October 22 to November 3, voters were asked to choose for president between Harris and Trump, 47 per cent in Michigan said Trump and 45 per cent said Harris. Meanwhile, in a matchup between Biden and Trump, 48 per cent of voters in Michigan chose the former president and 43 per cent chose Biden.
In Georgia, Trump received 45 per cent of the vote while the vice president nabbed 44 per cent.
However, when Trump is up against Biden, he received 49 per cent of the vote compared to Biden’s 43 per cent, the Newsweek said.
Harris secured more support in Nevada than Biden when either of them were pitched against Trump.
Approximately 48 per cent of voters in Nevada picked Trump over Harris, while Harris received 42 per cent of voter support. However, when Biden is on the ballot with Trump, the former president has an 11-point lead, 52 to 41 per cent.
Biden is better than Harris on the ballot with Trump in Wisconsin and Arizona. In Wisconsin, the former president grabbed 47 per cent of the vote while Harris received 46 per cent.
Biden had the lead over Trump in Wisconsin, 47 to 45 per cent.
In Arizona, the former president beats Harris, 48 to 43 per cent. And while Trump still wins over Biden in Arizona, 49 to 44 per cent, the President still fared better than Harris in the state.
Biden and Harris got the same verdict in Pennsylvania.
Trump received 47 per cent of the vote when up against the vice president who received 44 per cent. Biden also nabbed 44 per cent against Trump, who received 48 per cent.
Donald Trump gets great news in 5 key swing states — the poll’s sample size was 3,662 registered voters and the margin of error for all swing states combined was plus or minus 1.8 percentage points for all registered voters and plus or minus 2 percentage points for the likely electorate.
Kevin Wagner, a pollster and professor at Florida Atlantic University, previously told Newsweek via email that “it is important to remember that this is one poll, and it is over a year before the general election”.
“This often means that voters are not concentrating on the race and answers that they give can be highly changeable this far out. In a year, many things can change in the political environment as well causing voters to shift,” Wagner added.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.
One critique that Biden has been receiving is about his age and mental capacity to run for a second term as he turns 81 later this month.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was officially sworn in as the US Ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris at a ceremonial event.
The swearing-in ceremony on Friday was attended by Garcetti’s close family members, including his wife and daughter, who held the Hebrew Bible.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was officially sworn in as the US Ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris at a ceremonial event.
Garcetti was confirmed as the next US Ambassador earlier this month, ending a logjam that had left an important American mission abroad without a regular envoy for almost two years and his fate in the balance.
The swearing-in ceremony on Friday was attended by Garcetti’s close family members, including his wife and daughter, who held the Hebrew Bible.
When asked about his new diplomatic assignment, the former Mayor said: “I cannot wait to serve.”
The US Senate confirmed him in a 52-42 vote with cross-voting from both parties, with several Democrats voting against Garcetti, a nominee of the Democratic President Joe Biden, and several Republicans siding voting for him.
Garcetti was once a rising star in the Democratic party, but had had come under severe criticism lately for ignoring complaints of sexual harassment against one of senior aides.
His nomination had been stalled over these allegations, which came up during his confirmation hearing.
President Biden had first nominated him in July 2021, but it did not proceed and it was technically deemed as returned to the White House, to either be re-sent or replaced.
The last US envoy in New Delhi was Kenneth Juster, who stepped down after the change of government in the US in January 2021.
A brief meeting between Xi and US Vice President was held on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ conference in Bangkok, reports Asian Lite News
Chinese President Xi Jinping met US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday and expressed hope that the United States and China will jointly reduce misunderstanding and return the relations to a stable track.
This brief meeting between Xi and US Vice President was held on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ conference in Bangkok.
“On 19 November local time, President Xi Jinping had a brief exchange with Vice President Kamala Harris of the United States at the latter’s request on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.
In the Chinese readout of the meeting, Xi said that his recent meeting with US President Joe Biden was strategic, constructive, and had important guiding significance for the next stage of China-US relations .
The Chinese leader expressed the hope that both countries would “further enhance mutual understanding, reduce misunderstanding and misjudgment, and jointly drive China-US relations back to a healthy and stable track.” The readout said that the US Vice President will hopefully play an active role to this end.
US President Joe Biden told his China counterpart Xi Jinping that he is committed to keeping lines of communication open with the latter.
Harris, meanwhile, said that the US does not seek “confrontation or conflict with Beijing,” adding that both nations should cooperate on global issues and keep channels of communication open.
“Today in Bangkok, I greeted President Xi before the APEC Leaders Retreat. I noted a key message that President Biden emphasized in his November 14 meeting with President Xi: we must maintain open lines of communication to responsibly manage the competition between our countries,” Harris tweeted.
At the recently concluded G20 summit in Bali, Biden met with Xi on Monday for a face-to-face meeting as leaders of their respective countries.
They discussed a range of issues during their meeting on Monday, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the conflict in Ukraine, human rights situation in China and Taiwan.
The two leaders reached a mutual understanding with one another in the course of their talks, Biden said.
Modi describes Kamala Harris as a “source of inspiration” for many people around the world and expressed confidence that bilateral relations will touch new heights under President Joe Biden and her leadership, reports Asian Lite News
During his ongoing US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Vice President Kamala Harris and presented her with a bunch of unique gifts from India.
PM Modi presented Kamala Harris with a copy of old notifications related to her grandfather, PV Gopalan, in a wooden handicraft frame. PV Gopalan was a respected government officer who served in various positions in India.
PM Narendra Modi also gifted Kamala Harris a gulabi meenakari chess set. The craft of gulabi meenakari is closely associated with Kashi, one of the oldest cities of the world, which is also the constituency of PM Modi.
Each piece on this particular chess set is remarkably handcrafted while the bright colours reflect the vibrancy of Kashi. PM Modi and Kamala Harris hold a round of talks at the White House and later issued a joint statement on strengthening the Indo-US ties, tackling Covid-19 and other global issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Kamala Harris as a “source of inspiration” for many people around the world and expressed confidence that bilateral relations will touch new heights under President Joe Biden and her leadership.
Later, PM Modi met with other Quad leaders. He gifted Australian PM Scott Morrison a silver gulabi meenakari ship, which is also distinctly handcrafted and reflects Kashi’s dynamism.
Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was gifted a sandalwood Buddha statue.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga
Buddhism plays a big role in bringing India and Japan together. The thoughts and ideas of Lord Buddha reverberate far and wide in Japan. During his previous visits to Japan, PM Modi has visited the Buddhist temples as well.
In one of the highly-anticipated engagements of his three-day US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday.
This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.
In a departure statement ahead of his US visit, PM Modi had said that he will review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with President Biden and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Australian counterpart Scott Morrison (PIB)
Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla had earlier informed that PM Modi and Biden will review “robust and multifaceted” India-US bilateral ties and will hold a discussion to bolster bilateral trade and investment ties. Both leaders will discuss the current regional security situation following the recent developments in Afghanistan in a bilateral meeting on September 24, he had said.
Biden will also host the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit on September 24, which will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
The leaders will review progress made since their first virtual Summit on 12 March 2021 and discuss regional issues of shared interest, the Ministry of External Affairs informed in a statement on September 14.
“As a part of their ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, they will review the Quad Vaccine initiative which was announced in March this year. They will also exchange views on contemporary global issues such as critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, climate change and education. The Summit would provide a valuable opportunity for dialogue and interactions among the Leaders, anchored in their shared vision of ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” it said.
Earlier in April this year, President Biden spoke with PM Modi on a phone call, committing that the United States and India will work closely together in the fight against COVID-19.
PM Modi was also one of the first world leaders to congratulate Biden after he became 46th President of the United States of America.
The Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris and exchanged views on recent global and regional developments.
“Strong commitment to further deepen bilateral relations! PM Narendra Modi and VP Kamala Harris exchanged views on recent global & regional developments. Discussed our vibrant bilateral partnership, covering emerging and critical technologies, healthcare, education and P2P linkages,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.
The Prime Minister held meetings with his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga, Australian PM Scott Morrison, US Vice President Kamala Harris and held meetings with five global CEOs for potential investment in India on Thursday.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Washington on Wednesday for his much-touted US visit.
PM Modi’s US visit will conclude on September 25 with an address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit abroad beyond the neighbourhood since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. PM Modi is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and senior officials.
The high-level session of the UNGA began on Tuesday in New York. The theme for this year’s General Debate is ‘Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations’.
Prince Charles’ charity British Asian Trust, Indian-origin British peers Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Karan Bilimoria, American Vice-President Kamala Harris among prominent NRIs join the campaign to support India as Covid-19 mutants return to haunt world’s second most populous country. The US, France, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the UAE, Kuwait and Russia have assured medical aid to India with much of the aid on its way … reports Kaliph Anaz
World is rushing to help India as Covid-19 mutants wreak havoc in the country. Prince Charles’ charity British Asian Trust, Lord Karan Bilimoria, President of the Confederation of British Industry, Lord Rami Ranger, American Vice President Kamala Harris were among the prominent NRIs rush to help India.
Nations across the world have come forward to help India in its fight against the second wave of coronavirus pandemic which is extremely virulent and ravaged the country in the last few weeks. The Covid cases have crossed the record 400k mark every day.
The US, the UK, France, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the UAE, Kuwait and Russia have assured medical aid to India with much of the aid on its way.
After US President Joe Biden spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone, the US has committed to provide a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials and therapeutics.
The UK is sending 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators this week. Out of these, 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators have already arrived on Tuesday.
France is sending relief material in two phases. In the first phase, eight large oxygen generating units that can be installed quickly, liquid oxygen, 28 respirators and their consumables and 200 electric syringe pushers are arriving this week. In the second phase, five liquid oxygen containers will arrive next week. Similarly, Ireland is sending 700 oxygen concentrators this week.
Sources said that Germany is sending a mobile oxygen production unit which will be made available for three months along with 120 ventilators and 80 million KN95 masks.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Tuesday that his government will send 500 ventilators, one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2 and N95 masks, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000 face shields to India.
Kuwait and Russia have also committed to send medical supplies.
Some of the medical supplies are also coming through private channels from various countries. For example, Singapore is sending 500 BiPAPs, 250 oxygen concentrators, four Cryogenic oxygen containers and other medical supplies.
“There is no question that it is a great tragedy, in terms of the loss of life, and as I have said before, and I will say again, we as a country have made a commitment to the people of India to support them,” the US Vice President said.
“We have already made a commitment in terms of a dollar amount that will go to PPE and a number of other things. But it is tragic. My prayers go to the people on the suffering, the blatant suffering that is happening,” Harris said in response to a question.
“British business stands in solidarity with India in light of the devastating health crisis which is unfolding,” Lord Karan Bilimoria said in a statement. “At this crucial moment we are urging UK firms to donate critical resources and supplies where they can. This includes: ventilators and breathing apparatus, lateral flow tests, empty refillable oxygen cylinders with 10 litres and 45 litres LMO capacity, ISO containers to facilitate transport of liquid oxygen to deficient areas, oxygen concentrators, in situ oxygen manufacturing plants for hospitals, oxygen generator plants, bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) machines, PPE, warehousing, transport & logistics. There is also an urgent need for Remidisvir and Favipiravir to help treat those with the virus.”
“The UK and India share a close bond based on our enduring ties and ongoing close cooperation. The global challenge of the pandemic must be tackled on a united front. If we are not able collectively to control the spread of the virus it will remain a huge risk for lives and economies around the world. The B7 Summit hosted by the CBI on 11th and 12th May will be a crucial moment to show solidarity and strong support to our Indian friends in a moment of need and ensure a resilient global recovery from this devastating pandemic.”
Lord Karan Bilimoria
“I welcome the initiative launched by the CBI to unite the British Industries to help India. The Covid pandemic is a global issue and needs a global response. No country can escape from it in isolation. Every nation must unite to defeat the scourge collectively,” said Lord Rami Ranger, the Chairman of Sun Mark group. “The initiative will prove effective and bring much-needed relief to the people of India who are suffering an unprecedented challenge due to the second wave. Lives must be saved, and support must be given to those fighting for their lives. This is a real service to humanity.”
Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Mr Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India will get around 550 oxygen generating plants, 4,000 oxygen concentrators and 10,000 oxygen cylinders from abroad to deal with the second wave of coronavirus pandemic.
Lord Rami Ranger
“It’s an unprecedented situation. We are sourcing many of oxygen, drugs from many countries. Many countries have come forward on their own to offer us assistance. Countries said they appreciated our assistance and they’re giving us in return,” the Foreign Secretary said during a special media briefing.
The Foreign Secretary said over 40 countries have come forward to offer assistance to India to help in view of the unprecedented situation.
He said India is looking at procuring 400,000 units of Remdesivir medicine from Egypt besides exploring to get it from countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.
The Foreign Secretary said the government has been majorly focusing on procuring oxygen generators, concentrators, oxygen cylinders, cryogenic tankers as well as liquid oxygen.
India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla
He said the medical supplies are being sourced through direct procurement and other modes. He also said that the two special aircraft carrying large amounts of medical supplies from the US are expected to reach India by Friday and another one is likely in the next few days.
Chinese Help
China assured India that it would do everything to support India.
An official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a phone conversation on Friday evening with the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi.
“The call was arranged at the request of the Chinese side to convey their sympathy and solidarity with India at this juncture,” the statement said.
After thanking Wang Yi for his sentiments, Jaishankar emphasised that serious challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected all the countries, require serious international cooperation.
Indian entities are already in the process of commercially procuring required products and raw materials from suppliers in China. The minister said that this process would be facilitated if various transport corridors and cargo flights remain open and the necessary logistics support is ensured expeditiously.
China had suspended its state-run cargo flights for medical supplies to India as Covid-19 cases surged in the country.
Wang Yi described Covid-19 “as a common enemy of mankind” and agreed that there was a need for “coordination on a concerted response”.
The ministry statement said Wang Yi told Jaishankar that China supports the efforts of the government of India and would ensure that all the required materials are flown to Indian entities without any delay.
UAE, Saudi Support
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates sent consignments to India.
Official sources said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had received a call of support from UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on April 25.
The UAE Foreign Minister had expressed his solidarity with India as the rise in Covid-19 infections have triggered a massive crisis. To convey their support, iconic buildings in the UAE were lit up in the Indian tricolour.
A special cargo for medical aid of 157 ventilators, 480 BiPAPs and other medical supplies arrived from UAE to India. India will also get six Cryogenic oxygen containers from the UAE.
Saudi Arabia’s aid of 80 MT of liquid oxygen is enroute via the sea route, Hong Kong is sending 800 oxygen concentrators, while Thailand is sending four Cryogenic oxygen tanks.
An IAF C-17 has so far airlifted 18 cryogenic oxygen containers from Dubai Airport and landed at Panagarh Air Base in three sorties since April 26.
Also, India’s Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) is importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany.
