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CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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On Tuesday, December 3, China announced stringent export restrictions on “dual-use” technologies for both civilian and military use, specifically targeted at the United States. These restrictions double down on previously announced controls on these metals, going so far as to ban shipments of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the United States. The new restrictions marked several firsts in the trade war—the first time Chinese critical minerals export restrictions were targeted at the United States rather than all countries and the first time restrictions on critical minerals were a direct response to restrictions on advanced technologies. Critical mineral security is now intrinsically linked to the escalating tech trade war. China’s announcement comes on the heels of the Biden administration’s crackdown this week on the Chinese semiconductor industry, the latest retaliatory action in a tit-for-tat technology trade war that has permeated throughout the Biden administration. Therefore, this week’s announcement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce should not be viewed as a stand-alone development, but rather the latest move in a series of punitive export controls, justified by both nations as national security imperatives. Q1: What actions did the Biden administration take this week to curb China’s access to advanced semiconductors? A1: This week, the United States issued its most stringent crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry, limiting its ability to develop artificial intelligence (AI) for modern military applications and adopting regulatory reforms to strengthen the enforcement of previous controls. The new restrictions prohibit the export to China of 24 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and three related software tools. They also prohibit the export of advanced memory chips, chipmaking machinery, and other semiconductor technologies to 140 Chinese chipmaking companies including major Chinese chip manufacturers and toolmakers. These companies were also added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List —a blacklist that mandates U.S. firms to apply for export licenses that will be near impossible to secure. To make the blacklist more difficult to bypass, the United States will apply the foreign direct product rule, which will impact non-U.S. companies that utilize U.S. chips in their tools and make it difficult for U.S. firms to produce these tools in third countries and export to China. The rule is designed to tighten the chokehold on China’s semiconductor industry, preventing Chinese firms from circumventing the U.S. export bans by importing chips and machinery with U.S.-designed components. However, some allied countries may receive exemptions , affecting the efficacy of the rule. Q2: How has China retaliated against the United States for this week’s restrictions, and which minerals are impacted? A2: China’s Ministry of Commerce immediately responded by imposing export bans on several minerals used in semiconductor and defense technology manufacturing to the United States—a rapid retaliation by Beijing. China banned shipments of gallium, germanium, antimony, and so-called superhard materials to the United States due to their “dual military and civilian uses.” The export of graphite will now also be subject to greater scrutiny. These restrictions come on the heels of the release of an updated Dual-Use Export Control List by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The list expands and consolidates a list of items deemed to have dual civilian and military uses. This updated framework introduces a unified system and facilitates stricter oversight to tighten China’s export controls. This list not only streamlined the implementation of this week’s export controls but leaves the door open for China to implement new export bans on other strategic minerals on the list such as tungsten. Q3: What impact will these restrictions have on U.S. national security interests? A3: Gallium, germanium, and antimony are vital inputs for defense technologies. China is making significant investments in munitions and acquiring high-end weapons systems and equipment at a rate that is five to six times faster than that of the United States. In terms of strengthening military preparedness, China is operating in a wartime posture while the United States is operating in a peacetime posture. Even prior to the new restrictions, the U.S. defense industrial base lacked the capacity and surge capabilities to meet defense technology production needs. Bans on vital mineral inputs will only further allow China to outpace the United States in building these capabilities. One example of how restrictions undermine U.S. national security is antimony trade. Antimony has a number of defense technology-use cases. China is the world’s leading producer of antimony, accounting for 48 percent of global production and 63 percent of U.S. antimony imports. The United States has no domestic antimony production and severely limited stockpiles. Since antimony export restrictions were imposed in September 2024, antimony shipments from China dropped 97 percent while prices rose 200 percent. Elevating export controls from restrictions to a ban may not make a material difference in the antimony market considering U.S. firms have already had to adapt to the reality of an antimony supply gap over the last three months. By banning antimony exports and specifically targeting the U.S. market, Beijing sends a strong message to Washington that it is not afraid to further escalate the trade war by cutting off the United States from critical minerals needed for strategic industries. Q4: What are the economic security implications of the new restrictions? A4: Gallium and germanium are the two most vital minerals to develop the next generation of advanced chips. Gallium and germanium are increasingly being chosen over traditional silicon for high-performance chips used in defense applications due to their properties that boost device performance, speed, and energy efficiency. The future of semiconductors for defense applications depends on reliable supplies of high-purity gallium and germanium. A U.S. Geological Survey report last month estimated that a total export ban on gallium and germanium could result in a $3.4 billion loss in GDP for the U.S. economy. Graphite exports are not banned entirely, but Beijing is further tightening the restrictions it first imposed in 2023. This poses a significant challenge to the United States. China accounts for 77 percent of natural graphite production, over 95 percent of synthetic graphite production, and nearly 100 percent of graphite refining. The United States, meanwhile, contains less than 1 percent of the world’s graphite reserves and is 100 percent import reliant. Synthetic graphite manufacturing projects are in the pipeline, but capacity remains limited. Graphite is an important input for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Gasoline and diesel vehicles do not require any graphite—but EVs require an average of 136 pounds of graphite. The EV industry is important for the U.S. economy . In June 2024, domestic automotive manufacturing jobs reached a 34-year high. The Inflation Reduction Act helped mobilize $114 billion in private sector investments in the EV ecosystem, which is expected to generate 99,600 jobs. Without graphite, there will be no EV industry. Q5: How has the United States used targeted export controls against China over the last five years, and how have they impacted critical mineral supply chains? A5: The United States and China began a trade war related to critical minerals and strategic technologies in 2019 when the Trump administration targeted Chinese communications giant Huawei with a series of export restrictions. The U.S. Department of Commerce added Huawei to the Entity List, curbing the company’s access to U.S. chips and barring it from the U.S. market. Huawei was able to circumvent some of the restrictions by importing chips from other foreign manufacturers. To close this loophole, the Trump administration followed with tighter restrictions blocking Huawei’s access to chips sold by third parties made with tools acquired from the United States. The Trump administration did not stop at Huawei, restricting dozens of other Chinese tech companies deemed national security threats, such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, via the Entity List. Over the last four years, the Biden administration has accelerated the trade war, rolling out tit-for-tat export restrictions on crucial products to the cutting-edge semiconductor industry. In October 2022, the Biden administration first issued semiconductor export controls designed to address the national security risks associated with China accessing advanced U.S. AI chips. The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security listed the types of chips that it intended to be subject to the rule, including graphics processing units, tensor processing units, application-specific integrated circuits, and others. In July of 2023, Beijing retaliated by announcing export restrictions on gallium and germanium , two semiconductor minerals that the United States does not domestically produce. Under these restrictions, U.S. firms were still able to import some Chinese materials with the correct licensing, although imports have fallen drastically. In October 2023, the Biden administration expanded the 2022 controls with further restrictions on the export of AI chips and manufacturing equipment to China. China responded with restrictions on high-purity and high-quality graphite, citing national security concerns. This action concerned not only the U.S. chipmaking industry but also the EV industry still reliant on Chinese graphite as there was no U.S. graphite mine or synthetic graphite facility in operation at the time. Over the last five years, the United States has focused on denying China cutting-edge AI chips and manufacturing equipment to prevent Beijing from producing advanced weaponry and AI systems. China has retaliated by targeting vulnerable U.S. critical minerals supply chains, restricting the export of vital semiconductor minerals like gallium, germanium, and graphite, and antimony for defense needs With each iteration of export controls, the number of products has expanded, the controls have tightened, and the U.S. Entity List of essentially blacklisted Chinese companies has grown. This week, the trade war escalated with some of the most direct and drastic export controls for minerals needed for dual-use technologies—particularly semiconductors and military applications—specifically targeted at the United States for the first time rather than all jurisdictions. Q6: How can the incoming administration ensure that U.S. firms have access to these critical minerals without imports from China? A6: There is ample evidence that the trade war will escalate given the new administration is even more hawkish toward China and intends to impose higher tariffs . China’s Ministry of Commerce noted that Washington is “weaponizing trade and technology” under the guise of national security. The United States will need to deploy incentives and financing instruments to encourage investments with “existing friends” and “new friends” to secure a supply of vital resources. For example, amidst the new graphite restrictions, investments in three African countries, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania—which cumulatively have 21 percent of the world’s graphite resources, compared to China’s 15.8 percent—will be important. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation issued a $150 million loan to a graphite mining project in Mozambique in 2024. For tungsten, which is facing potential restrictions and is vital for defense technologies, South Korea will be an important ally. The United States currently does not produce any tungsten. But Canadian firm Almonty Industries, which will reopen its Sandong mine and processing plant in South Korea in 2025, has committed 45 percent of its output to the United States through a long-term supply contract. At present, the restrictions will have a limited impact given the affected commodities have already been hit by export restrictions. Following Chinese antimony restrictions in August of 2024, China’s shipments of antimony products plunged 97 percent . No shipments of Chinese wrought or unwrought germanium or gallium have been sent to the United States from China in the past year, despite the United States being a large market for the materials. Therefore, China’s announcement this week seems to be largely symbolic rather than practical. However, China has dominance in a much larger number of commodities than these four minerals. Additional export controls—including bans—are likely as a new administration takes office with ambitious tariff policies and a history of trade wars. Gracelin Baskaran is the director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. Meredith Schwartz is a research associate for the Critical Minerals Security Program at CSIS.
Open RK Beach road stretch round the clock for tourists, members of A.P. Chambers request Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner
A political party in North Macedonia on Saturday demanded authorities ban social networks whose content incites violence and self-destructive behavior after several young people were seriously injured in connection with the popular "Superman challenge" on TikTok. Health authorities said at least 17 students, ages 10 to 17, were brought to hospitals in the capital Skopje and other towns over the past week with broken bones, contusions and bruises. The children were injured after being thrown into the air by their friends to fly like superheroes and get applause on the internet. The Liberal-Democratic Party, which was part of the left-led coalition that ruled the country from 2016 to earlier in 2024, issued a press statement Saturday strongly condemning "the irresponsible spread of dangerous content on social media, such as the latest TikTok 'challenge' known as 'Superman,' which has injured six children across (the country) in the past 24 hours." "The lack of adequate control over the content of social media allows such 'games' to reach the most vulnerable users," the party statement said. It demanded the "immediate introduction of measures to ban content that incites violence and self-destructive behavior, increase surveillance, and sanction platforms that enable dangerous trends." North Macedonia's education minister Vesna Janevska said students should focus on education, not TikTok challenges. "The ban on mobile phones in schools will not have an effect. Phones will be available to children in their homes, neighborhoods and other environments," she said. Psychologists have warned that the desire to be "in" with the trends on social networks, combined with excessive use of mobile phones, is the main reason for the rise in risky behaviors among children. They urged parents and schools to talk with students.AI Data Centers, EV, and Mobile markets being penetrated by disruptive, next-gen GaN and SiC power semis, displacing legacy silicon chips. TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navitas Semiconductor (Nasdaq: NVTS) has announced that the company's revenue growth has been acknowledged for the third consecutive year, by Deloitte's Technology Fast 500TM . Navitas growth was driven by strong demand for its advanced, high-efficiency, wide-bandgap gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) power components, across a growing number of global markets and customers. Now in its 30 th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies - both public and private - in North America. Based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023, Navitas achieved 571% growth as GaN and SiC technology enabled efficient, sustainable applications and displaced legacy silicon chips. "As a 'pure-play', next-gen, semiconductor company, Navitas continues to outperform the overall power semiconductor market, with record sales into mobile fast chargers, now ramping AI data center revenues and a strong customer pipeline for EV opportunities,” said Gene Sheridan, CEO and co-founder. "Recent introductions like GaNSafeTM, Gen-3 'Fast' SiC, and a newly-announced, 48V-focused range in partnership with Infineon, have built a strong foundation for further revenue growth in applications from 20W to 20MW, and with a market opportunity of over $22B per year.” About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 ® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact, at www.deloitte.com. About Navitas Navitas Semiconductor (Nasdaq: NVTS) is the only pure-play, next-generation power-semiconductor company, celebrating 10 years of power innovation founded in 2014. GaNFastTM power ICs integrate gallium nitride (GaN) power and drive, with control, sensing, and protection to enable faster charging, higher power density, and greater energy savings. Complementary GeneSiCTM power devices are optimized high-power, high-voltage, and high-reliability silicon carbide (SiC) solutions. Focus markets include AI datacenters, EV, solar, energy storage, home appliance / industrial, mobile and consumer. Over 300 Navitas patents are issued or pending, with the industry's first and only 20-year GaNFast warranty . Navitas was the world's first semiconductor company to be CarbonNeutral ® -certified . Navitas Semiconductor, GaNFast, GaNSense, GeneSiC and the Navitas logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Navitas Semiconductor Limited and affiliates. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners. Contact Information Stephen Oliver, VP Investor Relations [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cffa5421-88e3-46de-8f52-2e8e1815b4ed
Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024COLUMBUS — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defense. Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Fox attorneys seek to dismiss shareholder lawsuit over reporting of vote rigging allegations in 2020None
“Facts on the ground” is a term that seeks to distinguish between an abstract principle and reality – such as the situation in previously independent territory recently invaded by a military force. But the term’s definition encompasses many variations, including Connecticut’s “HUSKY for Immigrants” program. And the implications can be seriously sinister. Nearly two years ago, the legislature agreed to make immigrant children eligible for the state’s HUSKY (Health Care for Uninsured Kids and Youth) program, regardless of their immigration status. “When the program ... launched in January 2023, officials predicted 4,250 kids would sign up,” the Connecticut Mirror reported Dec. 2. “But by April 2024, 11,000 children had enrolled. In July 2024, the program expanded to include children up to age 16, by which time 15,000 children had enrolled, more than double the projections of 7,000 sign-ups for fiscal year 2025.” Were the “officials” who proffered this prediction incompetent, or did they lie? There is no middle ground; it’s one or the other. And the legislators who supported this addition to Connecticut taxpayers’ burden are just as culpable. At the time this extension of the HUSKY program was authorized, America’s southern border had been open for two years. Hartford, New Haven, New London and Windham are sanctuary cities, where illegal immigrants enjoy protection from federal agents, and Connecticut is considered a sanctuary state. Is it any surprise that Connecticut is a magnet for people whose immigration status is sketchy or nonexistent? The HUSKY for Immigrants program is defensible on humanitarian grounds, but it is also cruel in its own way. Connecticut is not an ideal environment for people with limited English language and employable skills. Winters can be unforgiving, and the cost of living is daunting even for people who rely on public benefits. As part of a $26 billion state budget, the HUSKY immigrants component is small – $11.5 million this year and $18.9 through the summer of 2025. “(B)ut those figures assumed lower enrollment projections,” the Mirror reported. “The Department of Social Services, which administers the program, still does not have a clear understanding of how much HUSKY for Immigrants cost the state last fiscal year, or what it’s on track to cost this year.” Based on the available data, however, the bill could reach $50 million in 2025 – and activists predictably are calling for HUSKY for all immigrants – children and adults. DSS officials are holding out hope that some beneficiaries qualify for federal Medicaid services. That would ease the burden on state taxpayers, but Uncle Sam, muddling through on borrowed money, is far from fiscally sound. “According to draft estimates from the Office of Fiscal Analysis, the cost of coverage for children was nearly $10 million over budget in fiscal year 2024. In fiscal year 2025, it is on track to run between roughly $12 million and $20 million over budget,” the Mirror reported. The “facts on the ground,” in this case, are these: HUSKY for Immigrants costs at least double what was expected, and the immigrant tide is unlikely to recede. Lawmakers continue to lie about this, and hope their constituents will remain in a state of ignorance, until the dire circumstances state leaders have created finally prove irreversible.
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:56 p.m. EST
The United States on Saturday announced a new $988 million security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump's November election victory has cast doubt on the future of American aid for Ukraine, providing a limited window for billions of dollars in already authorized assistance to be disbursed before he is sworn in next month. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement. Trump met in Paris earlier Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said any resolution of the war with Russia should be a "just" settlement that includes "strong security guarantees for Ukraine." The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky, given fears in Kyiv that Trump may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. The latest aid will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it will not immediately arrive on the battlefield. It follows a $725 million package announced on Monday that included a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armor weapons. The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump -- who has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed he could secure a ceasefire within hours -- takes over. Trump's comments have triggered fears in Kyiv and Europe about the future of US aid, and Ukraine's ability to withstand Russian attacks in the absence of further American support. "Our job has been to try and put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Saturday. In the closing weeks of Biden's term, the goal is "a massive surge of assistance and to up the economic pressure on Russia," he said. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday warned that failure to continue opposing Russia's actions would have dire consequences. "We can continue to stand up to the Kremlin. Or we can let (Russian President Vladimir) Putin have his way -- and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict," said Austin, who like Sullivan was speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. "This administration has made its choice. And so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice." The defense chief also emphasized the importance of US allies and partners in his remarks -- a contrast to Trump's go-it-alone "America first" world view. "Here is the stark military fact: our allies and partners are huge force multipliers," Austin said. "Ultimately, America is weaker when it stands alone. And America is smaller when it stands apart," he said. "There is no such thing as a safe retreat from today's interwoven world." The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging a coalition to back Kyiv after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and coordinating aid from dozens of countries. Ukraine's international supporters have since then provided tens of billions of dollars in weapons, ammunition, training and other security aid that has been key to helping Kyiv resist Russian forces. wd/mlm/acbNew Delhi, Nov 23 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the 'Odisha Parba 2024' programme on Sunday (November 24) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, an official said on Saturday. PM Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion. The Prime Minister is expected to take part in the event at around 5.30 p.m. on Sunday evening. Odisha Parba is a flagship event organised by Odia Samaj, a trust in Delhi. Through the programme, the Odia Samaj has been engaged in providing valuable support towards the preservation and promotion of Odia heritage, a statement read. "Continuing with the tradition, this year Odisha Parba is being organised from 22nd to 24th November. It will showcase the rich heritage of Odisha displaying colourful cultural forms and will exhibit the vibrant social, cultural and political ethos of the state. A National Seminar or Conclave led by prominent experts and distinguished professionals across various domains will also be conducted," the statement said. Meanwhile, on Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu graced the Odisha Parba 2024 in the national capital. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was also present on the occasion. Speaking at the event, President Murmu said that Odisha Parba has played an important role in making people aware of the rich heritage of Odisha's art, literature, dance, music and cuisine. She appreciated all stakeholders for organising this event for a decade in Delhi. "The President said that the Kalinga War turned 'Chandashoka' into 'Dharmashoka'. This war teaches us that peace is important for progress. Some parts of today’s world are facing conflicts. The Kalinga war chapter of Odisha’s history can show the path of peace to the world," a statement read. President Murmu said that the most important aspect of Odisha's culture is tolerance. She urged people to live with affection and harmony and work to the best of their ability for India and Odisha.
