US busts China-linked AI chip smuggling ring worth $50 million

IANS | December 9, 2025 9:01 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) US authorities have dismantled what they described as a major China-linked smuggling operation that covertly moved advanced Nvidia artificial intelligence processors out of the country, seizing more than $50 million in GPUs and cash and arresting multiple individuals accused of violating export-control laws.

IMF approves $1.2 billion for Pakistan as stability efforts advance

IANS | December 9, 2025 7:26 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved nearly $1.2 billion in new financing for Pakistan, giving the country a critical infusion of support as it struggles to maintain macroeconomic stability amid severe flooding, rising inflation, and persistent fiscal pressures.

US lawmakers seek end to OPT, calling it unregulated system

IANS | December 9, 2025 7:22 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) A group of Republican lawmakers is urging the White House to shut down the Optional Practical Training program, saying the long-standing work authorization pathway for foreign students was never approved by Congress and has grown into what they call a costly and unregulated system.

Trump clears conditional NVIDIA H200 sales to China; Warren warns risk

IANS | December 9, 2025 7:10 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will permit NVIDIA to ship its advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips to approved customers in China under what he described as strict national security conditions, drawing an immediate and sharp warning from Senator Elizabeth Warren, who said the move could “risk turbocharging China’s bid for technological and military dominance.”

US gas prices hit multi-year low as White House cites economic gains

IANS | December 9, 2025 7:02 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) Gasoline prices in the United States have plunged to their lowest level in more than 4.5 years, with new data showing a steady decline across most of the country, and the White House attributing the trend to its push for what it calls American energy dominance.

Young Americans sour on Trump, slam ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, split on Israel: Yale poll

IANS | December 9, 2025 6:53 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) Young American voters have turned sharply against President Donald Trump and are deeply sceptical of his flagship One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), even as they show more traditional views on gender roles and more negative attitudes towards Israel than older generations, according to a new Yale Youth Poll released on Monday.

US revokes 85K visas cites public-safety concerns

Lalit K Jha | December 9, 2025 6:45 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) The United States has revoked 85,000 visas across multiple categories this year, a senior State Department official said, describing the action as part of an intensified effort to protect American communities and enforce public-safety standards.

Trump announces $12 billion aid, vows new ‘golden age’ for US farmers

IANS | December 9, 2025 6:40 AM

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping assistance package for American farmers, unveiling up to $12 billion in what he called “economic assistance” funded through tariff revenues, as he used a White House roundtable to accuse the previous administration of leaving behind “a total mess” marked by “the highest inflation in the country's history.”