US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with India during a White House press briefing on Thursday. Describing the talks as ‘going good,’ Trump also hinted at a potential visit to India next year, praising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘a friend’ and ‘a great man.’ Trump reiterated his claim that India has ‘largely stopped buying oil from Russia,’ a statement he has made repeatedly in recent weeks. This comes after the US imposed 50% tariffs on India in August, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil and arms, which Trump argues funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine—a claim India denies. The trade talks, which had stalled over India’s Russian oil imports, have now resumed as both nations aim to finalize a high-stakes trade deal this fall. Trump’s remarks also addressed the possibility of his attendance at the Quad Summit, a strategic alliance between Japan, the US, Australia, and India, scheduled to be hosted by India later this year. While the exact dates for the 2025 summit remain unconfirmed, Trump emphasized his commitment to strengthening US-India ties. Despite Trump’s assertions, India has not directly confirmed a reduction in Russian oil imports. Preliminary data from October showed a slight increase in India’s Russian oil purchases, though major refiners have reportedly scaled back following new US sanctions on Russian producers. India, the second-largest importer of Russian crude, has defended its energy strategy, citing the need to secure affordable oil for its population. The Trump administration has urged India to diversify its energy sources by increasing purchases from the US. Despite recent tensions, bilateral relations appear to be improving, with Trump and Modi frequently communicating and publicly reaffirming their commitment to enhancing trade and cooperation. In 2024, bilateral trade between the US and India reached $190 billion, with both leaders aiming to more than double this figure to $500 billion.
作者： admin
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Cafe leads aid drive for hurricane-hit Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, a family-run cafe in Wolverhampton, UK, has stepped up to organize a significant relief effort. The L’ouis-Mella Cafe Patisserie, owned by Camille Lange and her family, is spearheading a donation drive to ensure aid reaches all 14 parishes of Jamaica, particularly the most remote and hardest-hit areas. The category five hurricane, with winds reaching 185 mph (297 km/h), has claimed at least 30 lives and left many communities isolated, without access to food, power, or clean water. Camille Lange, who has personal ties to Jamaica, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, ‘This is bigger than us. It’s going to take a community.’ The cafe is coordinating with local volunteers to distribute essential items such as food, water, and baby supplies, including pre-made milk formula. The Jamaican government has also provided a list of urgently needed items and online donation options. The L’ouis-Mella Cafe has already received generous contributions from the local community and is urging anyone with connections to affected areas to reach out for assistance. ‘Everything adds up,’ Lange added, ‘and everything will create some kind of aid to someone in need.’ The initiative highlights the resilience and solidarity of both the Jamaican diaspora and the global community in times of crisis.
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Ten photos from across China: Oct 31 – Nov 6
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At the 6-months mark, Pope Leo finds his footing and starts charting his own path and style
VATICAN CITY — Six months into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is steadily adapting to his role, demonstrating a blend of continuity with his predecessor, Pope Francis, and a willingness to carve out his own path. During a historic visit to the Vatican last month, King Charles III remarked on the omnipresent television cameras, to which Leo responded with a casual, “You get used to it.” This offhand comment underscores the pontiff’s growing comfort in his position, according to Vatican observers.
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France mourns its stolen crown jewels as their uncomfortable colonial past returns to view
The recent theft of crown jewels from the Louvre in Paris has not only triggered a high-profile police investigation but also reignited a contentious debate about the origins of museum artifacts and the ethics of colonial-era acquisitions. While the stolen jewels were crafted in France, their gemstones trace back to former colonies, including Ceylon (Sri Lanka), India, Brazil, the Persian Gulf, and Colombia. This revelation has prompted calls for greater transparency from the Louvre and other European museums about the provenance of their collections. Experts argue that the heist presents an opportunity to confront the uncomfortable histories tied to these treasures and to push for restitution. The stolen items, including tiaras, necklaces, and brooches, once belonged to 19th-century French royalty, but their raw materials were sourced through imperial networks that exploited global labor and resources. Critics emphasize that while the theft is criminal, the colonial context of these jewels complicates the narrative of loss. The case parallels other high-profile restitution battles, such as India’s claim over the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is currently held by the British Crown. France has taken limited steps toward restitution, returning some artifacts to Benin and Senegal, but critics argue that legal and institutional barriers hinder broader action. The Louvre, meanwhile, has been accused of narrowly defining what constitutes “looted” artifacts and demanding excessive proof for restitution claims. Scholars and activists advocate for museums to adopt a decolonized approach, providing honest accounts of how artifacts were acquired and acknowledging the exploitation involved. The Louvre heist, they say, could catalyze a broader reckoning with colonial legacies in Western museums.
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Typhoon Kalmaegi kills 5 people in Vietnam as the Philippines prepares for a new storm
Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc across Vietnam and the Philippines, claiming lives and causing extensive damage in its path. The storm, which had already battered the Philippines earlier in the week, struck Vietnam on Friday with fierce winds and torrential rains, resulting in at least five fatalities and widespread destruction. Three deaths occurred in Dak Lak province, while two were reported in Gia Lai. Three individuals remain missing in Quang Ngai, and six others sustained injuries. The storm caused 52 houses to collapse and damaged nearly 2,600 more, with over 2,400 homes in Gia Lai alone losing their roofs. Power outages affected more than 1.6 million households. In the Philippines, where Kalmaegi had previously made landfall, the death toll rose to 188, with 135 still missing. Over half a million people were displaced, and nearly 450,000 sought refuge in shelters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national emergency as the country prepared for another impending storm, Typhoon Fung-wong. In Vietnam, recovery efforts are underway as residents and authorities clear debris and repair damaged infrastructure. The storm’s impact was exacerbated by recent record-breaking floods in the central region, which had already displaced over 537,000 people. Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying storms and rainfall in Southeast Asia, making such disasters increasingly frequent and destructive.
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What a reporter found when she investigated US military strikes on Venezuelan drug boats
In the aftermath of recent U.S. military strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats off Venezuela’s northeastern coast, Regina Garcia Cano, a reporter for The Associated Press, embarked on a mission to uncover the identities and stories of the men killed. Her investigation, conducted through dozens of interviews in local villages, revealed a stark contrast between the U.S. government’s portrayal of the victims as narco-terrorists and the reality of their lives. Most of the nine men identified were first-time or occasional crew members, earning modest sums for their work. Among the dead were a fisherman, a struggling bus driver, a former military cadet, and a local crime boss, alongside laborers and a motorcycle driver. Garcia Cano’s reporting highlighted the pervasive fear among residents, many of whom were reluctant to speak due to potential repercussions from the Venezuelan government. The region’s stifling poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and the government’s refusal to confirm the deaths have left families unable to properly mourn their loved ones. This story sheds light on the human toll of geopolitical conflicts and the challenges of reporting in repressive environments.
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Trump has accused boat crews of being narco-terrorists. The truth, AP found, is more nuanced
In the coastal towns of Venezuela, the U.S. military’s recent crackdown on alleged drug smuggling has left a trail of devastation, claiming the lives of over 60 individuals since early September. Among the dead are a struggling fisherman, a career criminal, a former military cadet, and a bus driver facing financial ruin. These men, hailing from the impoverished Paria Peninsula, were drawn into the dangerous world of drug trafficking by economic desperation.
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China commissions new aircraft carrier as it seeks to extend power far from its coast
China has officially commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a significant milestone in its naval modernization efforts. The ceremony, held in Sanya on Hainan Island, was attended by President Xi Jinping, underscoring the strategic importance of the vessel. The Fujian is China’s first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier, representing a leap forward in its military capabilities. Equipped with an electromagnetic launch system, the Fujian can deploy advanced aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter and KJ-600 early warning plane, enhancing its operational range and versatility. This development aligns with China’s broader goal of transforming its navy into a “blue-water” force capable of projecting power far beyond its coastal waters. Experts suggest that the Fujian could play a pivotal role in China’s ambitions to contest control over the Second Island Chain in the Pacific, including areas near Guam. While China’s naval expansion is seen as a challenge to U.S. dominance, it still lags behind in key areas such as nuclear-powered carriers and overseas base networks. Nevertheless, the Fujian symbolizes China’s growing military prowess and its intent to reshape the international order.
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The Parthenon in Athens briefly shed its scaffolding. Here’s a look at its restoration
For the first time in years, the iconic Parthenon stood free of scaffolding, offering residents and visitors in Athens an unobstructed view of the ancient marble temple atop the Acropolis. This rare sight, lasting roughly four weeks, was a testament to the ongoing restoration efforts that have spanned decades. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni described the scene as “breathtaking,” likening the gleaming temple to its appearance nearly 2,500 years ago. However, the scaffolding returned in late September, albeit in a lighter and less intrusive form, to continue fine-tuning work on the western façade. The Parthenon has been under restoration since 1975, a process that has already taken more than three times longer than its original construction. The project involves 161 highly specialized professionals, including engineers, archaeologists, and marble craftsmen, who meticulously work to stabilize and preserve the temple. The restoration includes replacing rusted iron clamps with titanium fasteners and reassembling over 1,500 marble blocks like pieces of a colossal puzzle. The Parthenon, built between 447 and 432 BC, remains a symbol of Greece’s Golden Age, showcasing the unmatched skill of its ancient builders. With 4.5 million visitors in 2024, the Acropolis is Greece’s most-visited site, and the current restoration phase is expected to conclude in 2026, marking a significant milestone in preserving this architectural marvel.