News for 'State Senate'

India downplays US Senate rejecting bill on special status

India downplays US Senate rejecting bill on special status

Rediff.com16 Jun 2016

India on Thursday downplayed the United States Senate rejecting a key amendment recognising the country as "global strategic and defence partner", saying it would be "premature" to speculate about its final content.

Bill to reform H-1B, L-1 visa programme introduced in US Senate

Bill to reform H-1B, L-1 visa programme introduced in US Senate

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

A group of influential lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan legislation in the US Senate to comprehensively overhaul the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes and usher in more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of raising questions on sensitive defence matters in Parliament after his marriage to a British citizen. Sarma alleged that Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, has links with the Pakistani establishment, including working for an organisation allegedly a front for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Gogoi has rejected the allegations as "baseless" and said the BJP is trying to divert attention from its own failures.

US Senate blocks $300 million aid to Pakistan, puts conditions

US Senate blocks $300 million aid to Pakistan, puts conditions

Rediff.com16 Jun 2016

The Senate said that Pakistan should show that its taking demonstrable steps against the dreaded Haqqani Network terror outfit.

US Senate confirms Hayden to lead CIA

US Senate confirms Hayden to lead CIA

Rediff.com27 May 2006

Bush nominated Hayden on May 8 to replace Goss.

Veteran Ami Bera makes it as 5th Indian American elected to US Congress

Veteran Ami Bera makes it as 5th Indian American elected to US Congress

Rediff.com10 Nov 2022

A record five Indian-American lawmakers from the ruling Democrat Party, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera have been elected to the US House of Representatives, while several others were elected in state legislatures, in one of the most polarised midterm elections in the country.

Kamala Harris: 'Female Obama' who didn't make it to White House

Kamala Harris: 'Female Obama' who didn't make it to White House

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Kamala's role as vice president was more than just symbolic. Unlike her predecessors, she wielded considerable power during Biden's presidency.

Infosys distressed at 'chop shop' slur by US senator

Infosys distressed at 'chop shop' slur by US senator

Rediff.com9 Aug 2010

Software giant Infosys on Monday took strong objection to a United States senator describing it as a 'chop shop' and asserted that the company was a responsible corporate that creates jobs and provides high quality services across the world

Will Trump Be Adani's Saviour?

Will Trump Be Adani's Saviour?

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

'If the criminal or civil charges are deemed unworthy or defective, Trump's new justice department and SEC can withdraw the criminal and civil cases.'

US SC upholds law banning TikTok, app to be removed from stores

US SC upholds law banning TikTok, app to be removed from stores

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

The US Supreme Court has upheld a law requiring TikTok's China-based parent company to divest from the app, paving the way for the popular platform to be banned from the US starting Sunday. The court's decision was unanimous, with the justices citing national security concerns related to TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. While existing users may still access the app, new users will be unable to download it and updates will no longer be available. The decision comes as the Biden administration prepares to hand over the reins to the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to review the situation before making a final determination on TikTok's fate.

Mysuru layoffs: Infosys denies using force, intimidation tactics

Mysuru layoffs: Infosys denies using force, intimidation tactics

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

IT services company Infosys on Wednesday said it did not use force or intimidation tactics when it laid off trainees at Mysuru campus over performance-related issues, and that it was explaining the circumstances to the labour department authorities. In an interview to PTI, Shaji Mathew, chief human resources officer at Infosys, however, conceded that assessment failure percentages this time around have been "slightly higher" than in the past but dismissed charges that the tests had been designed for failure.

US Senate to discuss easing Green Card rules

US Senate to discuss easing Green Card rules

Rediff.com31 Oct 2005

A political floor fight is expected over the budget package that has provisions to make available thousands of green cards for new permanent immigrants.

Elon Musk joins Trump to address thousands in US city where ex-prez shot at

Elon Musk joins Trump to address thousands in US city where ex-prez shot at

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

Joined by high-profile figures like Tesla owner Elon Musk and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, Trump (78) made a passionate plea to "defeat" Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate in the November 5 presidential poll.

Would have chosen Usha Vance as my VP, but...: Trump

Would have chosen Usha Vance as my VP, but...: Trump

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Usha Chilukuri Vance, the wife of newly sworn-in Vice President JD Vance, has made history as the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States. Usha, a lawyer and daughter of Indian immigrants, held the Bible during Vance's oath of office, signifying her role in supporting her husband's political journey. Her background and her husband's rise to the Vice Presidency highlight the growing political influence of Indian Americans and their increasing representation in national politics.

John Kerry to replace Clinton as US secretary of state

John Kerry to replace Clinton as US secretary of state

Rediff.com30 Jan 2013

The United States senate on Tuesday approved Democratic Senator John Kerry as the next secretary of state, who is set to replace Hillary Clinton.

PIO outfit urges US Senate to lift cap on green card

PIO outfit urges US Senate to lift cap on green card

Rediff.com8 Nov 2019

In a policy paper submitted to US Senators, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) said the excessive delays in the processing of permanent residency applications due to country-wise quota contributed to America's loss of revenue, market leadership and competitive edge.

Mahatma Carter

Mahatma Carter

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Carter was in politics, but not a politician, certainly not a transactional politician, points out Shreekant Sambrani.

Senate confirms Nisha Desai as US asst secretary of state

Senate confirms Nisha Desai as US asst secretary of state

Rediff.com17 Oct 2013

The US Senate has confirmed Indian-American woman administrator Nisha Desai Biswal as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, making her the first person from the community to hold the top diplomatic position.

Explainer: Oldest democracy votes differently from largest one

Explainer: Oldest democracy votes differently from largest one

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

And voters could also be asked to participate in "referendums" on issues before the lawmakers in that particular state.

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Subramanyam's mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport, watched her son being sworn-in on the Bhagavad Gita.

Israel, Hezbollah agree for ceasefire after months of all-out war

Israel, Hezbollah agree for ceasefire after months of all-out war

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Describing the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as the deadliest in decades, Biden said lasting security for the people of the two countries cannot be achieved only on the battlefield.

Trump picks anti-vaccine activist as health secretary

Trump picks anti-vaccine activist as health secretary

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

President-elect Donald Trump announced a slate of key Cabinet nominations, including tapping former Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Congressman Doug Collins of Georgia as Secretary for Veterans Affairs. Trump also named Jay Clayton as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Todd Blanche as Deputy Attorney General, and Dean John Sauer as Solicitor General of the United States.

US Senate votes to override Obama's 9/11 bill veto

US Senate votes to override Obama's 9/11 bill veto

Rediff.com29 Sep 2016

This is a severe blow to Obama, who lobbied hard against the bill, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.

US senators vote in favour of debating Obamacare repeal

US senators vote in favour of debating Obamacare repeal

Rediff.com26 Jul 2017

Obamacare was signed into law by former President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.

Senate confirms Dr Vivek Murthy as US Surgeon General

Senate confirms Dr Vivek Murthy as US Surgeon General

Rediff.com24 Mar 2021

Dr Murthy, 43, would occupy the position of America's Surgeon General for the second time. In 2011, president Barack Obama tapped him to serve on the advisory group on prevention, health promotion, and integrative and public health.

The Oldest POTUS In History

The Oldest POTUS In History

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

The pundits said it would take days to decide the winner of the 2024 US presidential election, but by midnight Eastern on November 5, 2024, it was clear that Donald J Trump would take office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.

Why US Senate will approve $7.5 bn aid to Pak

Why US Senate will approve $7.5 bn aid to Pak

Rediff.com15 May 2009

The massive $7.5 billion aid legislation to Pakistan, authored by United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman John F Kerry and Republican Richard Lugar, would be approved without any difficulty in the coming weeks. The massive aid to Pakistan will be approved in spite of the serious doubts raised by some members of the committee, including a senior Democrat and a few Republicans, they said.

'Kamala-Trump Race Is Very Close'

'Kamala-Trump Race Is Very Close'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

'If Trump wins the election, there's not going to be much turmoil.' 'But if he loses, he will not accept the results.' 'And if it is close, which I think it's going to be, he's going to contest it.' 'But at the end of the day, the truth will prevail.'

Biden may quit race in favour of Kamala Harris

Biden may quit race in favour of Kamala Harris

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Most of the media reports said that Biden's announcement on his re-election bid might come after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a group of bombers near Alaska, marking the first instance of joint Russian and Chinese operations prompting such a response from the United States, CNN reported, citing, a United States defence official.

US Senate confirms Lloyd Austin as 1st black Pentagon chief

US Senate confirms Lloyd Austin as 1st black Pentagon chief

Rediff.com23 Jan 2021

A day earlier, the House of Representatives voted 326-78 to pass a waiver exempting Austin from the seven-year 'cooling off period' for retired generals taking over as defence secretary. The senate approved the waiver by 69-27 votes.

Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris as party's presidential candidate

Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris as party's presidential candidate

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Harris, 59, is mostly likely to be the presidential nominee of the Democratic party now that she has been endorsed by President Joe Biden, who announced on Sunday that he will not seek re-election, as well as other top party leaders including former president Bill Clinton.

US Senate passes immigration bill, killer H-1B norms remain

US Senate passes immigration bill, killer H-1B norms remain

Rediff.com28 Jun 2013

The United States Senate has passed the landmark comprehensive immigration reform bill that will provide a pathway to citizenship to some 11 million illegal immigrants, including over 240,000 Indians.

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Pak was considering Taliban govt as a partner to counter India: US Senator

Pak was considering Taliban govt as a partner to counter India: US Senator

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

Pak's role in Kabul is not sending a good message to India, a top American lawmaker has said

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Rediff.com24 Dec 2022

Verma, 54, who served as a former US ambassador to India from January 16, 2015, to January 20, 2017 is currently the chief legal officer and head of global public policy at Mastercard.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

God spared my life for a reason: Trump in victory speech

God spared my life for a reason: Trump in victory speech

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Former US President Donald Trump addressed his supporters on Wednesday, thanking them for giving Republicans an unprecedented and powerful mandate, and said this moment will help the country "heal".

CIA misled public on torture, says US Senate report

CIA misled public on torture, says US Senate report

Rediff.com10 Dec 2014

The Central Investigation Agency's terrorist detainees during the Bush era were far more brutal than previously acknowledged and delivered no 'ticking time bomb' information that prevented an attack, a long-delayed United States Senate report said on Tuesday.

'One of us': A R Rahman dedicates song to 'Kamala ji'

'One of us': A R Rahman dedicates song to 'Kamala ji'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris' White House bid gets a boost from legendary Indian music composer A R Rahman, who has come out in support of her 'vision for an equitable world', and recording some of his popular songs like 'Jai Ho' to inspire Indian American voters.