Lalit K Jha And K J M Varma

Stories by Lalit K Jha And K J M Varma

White House rules out Russia's ouster from UN Security Council

White House rules out Russia's ouster from UN Security Council

Rediff.com   9 Apr 2022

Suspension is the only method provided for in the UN resolution that established the Human Rights Council back in 2005.

H-4 visa holders may get an automatic right to work in America

H-4 visa holders may get an automatic right to work in America

Rediff.com   8 Apr 2022

Two US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that aims at granting an automatic right to H-4 visa holders to work in the country, a move which will benefit the spouses of thousands of foreigners, including Indians, and also address the labour shortage affecting American businesses. H-4 visas are issued to dependent spouses and children who accompany H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders to the United States. Many H-4 visa holders are highly skilled people in their own right and previously had careers of their own or worked to support their families.

Biden hails Russia's ouster from UN human rights council

Biden hails Russia's ouster from UN human rights council

Rediff.com   8 Apr 2022

The 193-member UN General Assembly on Thursday voted to adopt a draft resolution moved by the US to suspend Russia from the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over allegations that Russian soldiers killed civilians while retreating from towns near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed as first Black woman judge of US SC

Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed as first Black woman judge of US SC

Rediff.com   8 Apr 2022

The United States Senate took the historic decision by 53-47 votes after three Republican Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney voted in her favour along with 50 members of the ruling Democratic Party.

Key Congressional committee passes bill to end Green Card cap

Key Congressional committee passes bill to end Green Card cap

Rediff.com   8 Apr 2022

A Green Card, known officially as a permanent resident card, is a document issued to immigrants as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently in the US.

US 'ready to help' India cut Russian oil imports

US 'ready to help' India cut Russian oil imports

Rediff.com   7 Apr 2022

"We do not think India should accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities even as, obviously, those decisions are made by individual countries," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

Ukraine crisis: US and allies target Putin's daughters, Russian banks

Ukraine crisis: US and allies target Putin's daughters, Russian banks

Rediff.com   7 Apr 2022

These sweeping financial sanctions follow the action earlier this week to cut off Russia's frozen funds in the United States to make debt payments.

Not in India's best interest to continue investing in Russian equipment: US

Not in India's best interest to continue investing in Russian equipment: US

Rediff.com   6 Apr 2022

The defence secretary was responding to a question from Congressman Joe Wilson, a friend of India in the Congress who, of late, has been critical of India deciding to take an independent position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Shanghai starts new round of mass testing amid record Covid surge

Shanghai starts new round of mass testing amid record Covid surge

Rediff.com   6 Apr 2022

Shanghai's single-day infection numbers also beat China's previous all-time high of 13,436 cases recorded in Wuhan on February 12, 2020, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged.

It's becoming difficult for Putin to fund Ukrainian war: US

It's becoming difficult for Putin to fund Ukrainian war: US

Rediff.com   6 Apr 2022

The White House is planning another set of sanctions on Russia. This is likely to be announced on Wednesday.

Biden urged to enter into a trade deal with India

Biden urged to enter into a trade deal with India

Rediff.com   5 Apr 2022

A top Republican lawmaker has welcomed India signing a trade deal with Australia, and urged the Biden administration to enter into a similar arrangement with New Delhi that can advance Washington's strong economic agenda in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. "I'm pleased to see #Australia & #India sign a strong trade deal," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch said in a tweet. "The US needs to do the same and advance a strong economic agenda in the #IndoPacific. "The Biden Admin's failure to lead hurts US growth and our partnership in the region," Risch said in another tweet.

US seeks Russia's suspension from Human Rights Council

US seeks Russia's suspension from Human Rights Council

Rediff.com   5 Apr 2022

Observing that 140 United Nations member states have already voted to condemn Russia over its unprovoked war and the humanitarian crisis it has unleashed upon the people of Ukraine, Thomas-Greenfield said Russia should not have a position of authority in that body, nor should the international community allow Russia to use their role on the Council as a tool of propaganda to suggest they have a legitimate concern about human rights.

US rubbishes Imran's charge of 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him

US rubbishes Imran's charge of 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him

Rediff.com   1 Apr 2022

"There is no truth to these allegations," a State Department spokesperson said soon after Khan made the allegations in a live televised speech from Islamabad on Thursday.

Putin 'misled' by Russian military on Ukraine war: US

Putin 'misled' by Russian military on Ukraine war: US

Rediff.com   31 Mar 2022

They are now publicly trying to redefine the goals of their invasion to be different than they were at the outset, she noted when asked about some declassified American intelligence information that Putin had bad information from his military.

Biden's point person on Russian sanctions to visit India

Biden's point person on Russian sanctions to visit India

Rediff.com   30 Mar 2022

In New Delhi, Singh will continue US administration's ongoing consultations with India, and advance a range of issues in the US-India economic relationship and strategic partnership.

'We'll see': Biden suspicious of Russia reducing Ukraine ops

'We'll see': Biden suspicious of Russia reducing Ukraine ops

Rediff.com   30 Mar 2022

I don't read anything into it until I see what their actions are, Biden told reporters.

'Keenly felt' India and China are no threat to each other: Wang Yi

'Keenly felt' India and China are no threat to each other: Wang Yi

Rediff.com   29 Mar 2022

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that during his recent visit to India, he "keenly felt" that both sides had agreed to adhere to the leaders' consensus that the two countries are not a threat to each other and handle and manage their differences.

Indian American Raj Subramaniam to be new CEO of FedEx

Indian American Raj Subramaniam to be new CEO of FedEx

Rediff.com   29 Mar 2022

Indian American Raj Subramaniam would be the new chief executive officer of FedEx, according to an announcement made Monday by the US multinational courier delivery giant.

'No apologies': Biden on Putin 'can't remain in power' remark

'No apologies': Biden on Putin 'can't remain in power' remark

Rediff.com   29 Mar 2022

'I was expressing the moral outrage I felt toward the way Putin is dealing ..., which is just brutality, half the children of Ukraine.'

Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine: US

Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine: US

Rediff.com   24 Mar 2022

Russian troops have targeted areas where civilians are present, including apartment buildings, schools and hospitals.