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California Fires: Biden Cancels Final Official Overseas Trip
Deutsche Welle
09 Jan 2025, 19:19
Photo: Ringo Chiu/REUTERS
Outgoing US President Joe Biden will not depart on what would have been the final overseas trip of his presidency so he can "remain focused on directing the full federal response" to the wildfires, the White House says.
In a short statement, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden had travelled to Los Angeles on Wednesday to meet with police, fire and emergency personnel.
After that trip, he decided to cancel the upcoming trip to Italy, Jean-Pierre said.
Biden had intended to have one more audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican on Friday. He had also planned to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the trip.
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Switzerland Revokes ‘Most Favored Nation’ Status for India
Switzerland has revoked the “Most Favored Nation” (MFN) status previously granted to India. Analysts suggest this move could pose new challenges for India’s export sector and impact trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Following this decision by the Swiss government, the withholding tax rate for Indian companies in Switzerland will revert to 10%. Previously, in 2021, this rate had been reduced to 5%. The report was published by India Today.
According to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, granting MFN status to a country requires the provision of special privileges related to tariffs and trade policies. Under the MFN clause, if India and a third OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) country enjoy lower tax rates on dividends, interest, royalties, or technical service fees, these benefits must also apply between India and Switzerland.
However, a ruling by India’s Supreme Court in September 2023 created a roadblock in this arrangement. The case involved the Swiss-based company Nestlé. The court ruled that, under Section 90(1) of India’s Income Tax Act, such provisions of a double taxation avoidance agreement cannot be enforced without a specific notification.
Following this ruling, Switzerland’s Finance Department announced on Wednesday that the MFN status granted to India cannot be directly applied without such a notification. Consequently, Switzerland decided to suspend the unilateral application of MFN benefits starting January 1 of the coming year.
During a weekly press briefing on Friday (December 13), Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed Switzerland’s decision. He stated, “I believe the matter will be revisited under the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) framework regarding the double taxation avoidance agreement. That’s one aspect. The other is the ‘Most Favored Nation’ clause. I don’t have any updates on this right now. We will provide details later.”
US Declares India as a 'Non-Cooperative' Country
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has listed India among the "non-cooperative" countries.
According to a report published by Indian news outlet NDTV on Saturday (December 14), the ICE categorizes countries as “non-cooperative” when they fail to adequately assist in deportation processes. Alongside India, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Venezuela are also included in this list.
ICE stated that these countries fail to provide the necessary cooperation, such as conducting interviews, issuing travel documents on time, and facilitating the return of their nationals on scheduled flights. Additionally, the US plans to deport 1.45 million undocumented immigrants, of which 18,000 are Indian.
In recent years, nearly 90,000 individuals from Indian states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have been apprehended while attempting to enter the United States illegally.
UK Joins Indo-Pacific Trade Bloc as First European Member
The United Kingdom became the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, as of Sunday. The previous British government signed the accession treaty last year, with most members of the bloc having since ratified the UK's entry.
Officials hope membership could boost Britain's struggling economy by as much as $2.5 billion (roughly €2.4 billion) per year.
The country is trying to strike new trade deals abroad in the aftermath of leaving the European Union following its 2016 referendum on Brexit, with EU member states still accounting for over 40% of UK exports and more than 50% of imports.
What is the CPTPP?
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership had 11 members before the UK: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
The CPTPP was salvaged from the ashes of the planned Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) bloc — which was supposed to also include the US — after Washington withdrew soon after the 2016 election of Donald Trump.
It retained most of the provisions of that deal, and lowers trade barriers between member states on a variety of goods. However, the pact offers far less comprehensive free trade than the uninhibited movement of goods and services with EU member states.
The bloc is seen as something of an economic counterweight to China in the Pacific region, though China is also one of several applicants currently seeking membership. Combined, its members currently account for roughly 15% of global GDP and a population of around half a billion.
Deal inked under previous Conservative government
The previous Conservative government signed Britain up in July 2023, with then Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch — now the leader of the opposition with Labour in power — calling it "the biggest trade deal" since the UK left the European Union.
Britain has secured a number of trade deals, including with Australia, New Zealand and Singapore since leaving the EU's single market at the start of 2021. Critics, however, contend that Brexit's economic impact dwarfs that of these deals.
Labour's Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the country was "uniquely placed to take advantage of exciting new markets, while strengthening existing relationships."
"Today's news is further proof that the UK is a wonderful place to do business, with an open, outward-looking economy driving the growth people can feel in their communities," Reynolds said.
He said his government would in 2025 publish a trade strategy that "will finally put in place a long-term, strategic plan for international trade that helps businesses and consumers and, ultimately, grows the economy."
Badenoch, meanwhile, said it had been her party that delivered the deal bringing the UK somewhat closer to the "fastest-growing economies in the world."
"However, joining a trade bloc is only the start. Labour spent the last parliament mocking our CPTPP negotiations, and they now have a responsibility to ensure that UK companies can make the most of this landmark deal," she said.
Iranian Singer Arrested for Performing without Hijab
A female singer has been arrested by authorities in Iran for not wearing a hijab while performing in a virtual concert on YouTube, a lawyer said. The singer, Parastoo Ahmady, has been detained for defying the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women.
A case was filed against the 27-year-old singer on Thursday over her concert performance wherein she performed wearing a long black sleeveless dress without a hijab.
While posting the video on YouTube, Ahmady said: "I am Parastoo, a girl who wants to sing for the people I love. This is a right I could not ignore; singing for the land I love passionately."
Her concert has garnered over 1.4 million views online while she has been praised by people online for her courage.
Where is Parastoo Ahmady now?
Her lawyer, Milad Panahipour, said on Saturday that she was arrested in the north of the country, while two musicians from her band were arrested at their music studio in Tehran.
"Unfortunately, we do not know the charges against Ms. Ahmady, who arrested her, or her place of detention, but we will follow up on the matter through legal authorities," Panahipour told the news agency The Associated Press.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, women's rights have been a contentious issue in the country.
In 2022, Iran saw a wave of mass protests following the custodial death of a Kurdish Iranian woman, Jina Mahsa Amini. The government brutally clamped down on the demonstrations and targeted leading activists. Many Iranian women say they are against the strict dress code, particularly the mandatory headscarf.
7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Vanuatu, Killing 14 and Leaving Thousands Affected
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation. At least 14 people have been killed, and over 50 others injured, according to local media and the United Nations. The earthquake also damaged two main water reservoirs and a hospital, leaving critical infrastructure compromised.
Scenes of Destruction
The national broadcaster, VBTC, aired harrowing footage of vehicles crushed under debris from collapsed buildings and boulders blocking major highways. Drone footage revealed landslides near a shipping terminal, underscoring the scale of the disaster. Security camera recordings captured the moment of the quake, showing people fleeing in panic as cars rocked violently.
State of Emergency Declared
Caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency on Tuesday evening and announced a seven-day curfew in the worst-affected areas. He described the event as a “sad and devastating time” for Port Vila and expressed condolences to families who had lost loved ones. The government has requested international assistance to cope with the disaster.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Search and rescue teams worked tirelessly into the night to locate survivors trapped under rubble. A police official confirmed ongoing rescue operations in the capital. Port Vila’s hospital reported significant damage, with its operating theatre rendered inoperable. Emergency triage tents have been set up outside to manage the influx of patients.
Widespread Impact
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 116,000 people have been affected by the earthquake. The disruption of communication lines delayed coordination with the National Disaster Management Office until Tuesday evening, when Starlink satellite services were deployed to restore connectivity.
Global Responses and Support
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Australia is preparing to send urban search and rescue teams, along with emergency medical personnel, to assist. New Zealand’s High Commission building in Port Vila, which houses multiple foreign missions, sustained significant damage, including the U.S., British, and French embassies. The U.S. Embassy spokesperson confirmed that all personnel had safely evacuated, though the building suffered "considerable damage."
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his condolences on social media, calling the disaster “a tragedy that has claimed lives and devastated families in Vanuatu.” Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland also voiced concern over the extensive damage and loss of life.
Aftershocks and Tsunami Concerns
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). Several aftershocks, some strong enough to be felt in Port Vila, followed the initial quake. While a tsunami warning was initially issued, it was later canceled by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.
Political Context
Vanuatu’s government is currently in caretaker mode ahead of national elections, following the recent dissolution of parliament. This has added to the challenges of responding effectively to the crisis.
A Nation in Mourning
The earthquake has left a lasting scar on Vanuatu’s capital, with thousands reeling from the destruction. As rescue efforts continue and international aid begins to arrive, the resilience of the Vanuatu people will be tested in the days ahead.
Trump Threatens to Impose Additional Tariffs on Indian Goods
US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Indian goods even before taking oath. He has also announced similar plans for Brazil.
According to a report by Indian news agency PTI, Trump made these remarks on Tuesday (December 17) while speaking to journalists at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
"If any country imposes excessive tariffs on us, the United States will impose equally high tariffs on their goods," Trump said, referring to India and Brazil. He claimed these countries impose significant tariffs on American products in nearly all sectors, whereas the US has not reciprocated similarly.
Trump emphasized the need for fairness in trade. "If India imposes a 100% tariff on American goods, the U.S. will impose the same rate of tariff on Indian goods. They can impose tariffs on us if they wish, but we will do the same,'' he added.
Earlier, Trump's designated Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had made similar statements. He said, "The principle of mutual benefit will be crucial for the new administration. The way you treat us will reflect how we treat you — that's a fair expectation."
On November 5, Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, won the US presidential election, marking a historic return to power. However, he has not yet formally assumed office. Trump is set to be sworn in as the US President on January 20.
Germany: Dresden Opera Visitors Fall Sick
Several opera house visitors in the eastern German city of Dresden had to be treated for nausea and dizziness on Tuesday evening, the cause of which still remained unclear on Wednesday morning.
Three women, aged 62, 66, and 68, said they felt unwell at the end of a concert at the famous Semperoper in the regional Saxony state capital.
Four paramedics who treated the women then also suffered similar symptoms, prompting specialist fire brigade services to be alerted.
What caused the illness?
Air quality tests revealed no measurable quantities of toxic material and oxygen levels were also found to be normal.
Of the seven victims, two were taken to hospital, while local police have opened an investigation into grievous bodily harm.
Opera house visitors and employees were on Wednesday being questioned, but the causes remained unclear.
The concert at the historic Semperoper featured the Saxon State Orchestra, conducted by Philippe Herreweghe, performing works by Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
