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US lawmakers demand reversal of USCIS pause on immigration cases

IANS | December 19, 2025 9:05 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) More than 100 Democratic lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to immediately lift an indefinite pause on immigration and citizenship applications affecting nationals from 19 countries named in President Donald Trump’s travel ban, warning that the move is inflicting widespread harm on legally vetted immigrants and their families.

US Senators urge seizure of Russian 'shadow fleet'

IANS | December 19, 2025 8:46 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) Two senior US senators have introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the Trump administration to seize vessels involved in transporting sanctioned Russian oil, arguing that the so-called “shadow fleet” is financing Moscow’s war in Ukraine and undermining US national security.

Texas City honours Sewa International for flood relief

IANS | December 19, 2025 8:40 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) The City of Kerrville in Texas has honoured Sewa International and partner Indian American organisations for their leadership and service during the July 4 flash floods that devastated the city, recognising their role in emergency response and long-term recovery efforts, according to a statement released.

Trump signs NDAA seeking expanded military engagement with India

IANS | December 19, 2025 7:57 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026, a sweeping defence measure that, among other things, explicitly calls for expanded US military engagement with India and deeper cooperation through the Quad as part of Washington’s Indo-Pacific policy.

Trump says he is close to naming next Federal Reserve chair

IANS | December 19, 2025 7:44 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said he is close to deciding on the next chair of the US Federal Reserve, telling reporters he is interviewing a small group of candidates and expects to announce in the coming weeks.

Indian team’s satellite internet concept wins NASA’s 2025 Space Apps Challenge

IANS | December 19, 2025 7:37 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) An Indian team proposing a sovereign, phased-array satellite internet infrastructure to expand broadband access across remote regions has emerged as a global winner of NASA’s 2025 International Space Apps Challenge, the US space agency announced.

Trump signs order to ease federal restrictions on medical marijuana

IANS | December 19, 2025 7:09 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to move marijuana from the most restrictive category of controlled substances, arguing the step would expand medical research and improve access for patients suffering from severe and chronic illnesses.

Trump orders closure of federal offices on Dec 24 and Dec 26

IANS | December 19, 2025 6:44 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump ordered the closure of federal executive departments and agencies on December 24 and December 26, granting government employees two additional days off around the Christmas holiday.

Former Iraq President Salih elected UN High Commissioner for Refugees

IANS | December 19, 2025 6:44 AM

United Nations, Dec 19 (IANS) Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president who was himself once a refugee, has been elected the UN High Commissioner for Refugees at a time when the agency faces the twin crises of shrinking resources and a huge increase in people needing its help.

Trump signs order to assert US space dominance, reaffirms Moon return by 2028

IANS | December 19, 2025 6:26 AM

Washington, Dec 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump signed an executive order laying out an “America First” vision for space, committing the United States to a return to the Moon by 2028, the establishment of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, and the expansion of national security, commercial, and technological capabilities beyond Earth.