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Trump‑Backed GOP Redistricting: Texas Democrats Flee State as Abbott Orders Arrests

Trump‑Backed GOP Redistricting: Texas Democrats Flee State as Abbott Orders Arrests

News1818 hours ago
In a high-stakes political showdown, over 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers fled the state to block a Republican redistricting plan aimed at adding five GOP U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The move denied the Legislature the required two-thirds quorum, halting the session altogether.Governor Greg Abbott responded with threats of civil arrest warrants, daily $500 fines, and even removal from office for those who left. While the warrants only apply within Texas, most lawmakers are now in Democratic strongholds like Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts—outside the state's jurisdiction. Experts point out legal uncertainty surrounding removal and bribery charges. News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
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‘I Never Said A Percentage': Trump Backtracks On Russian Oil Tariff Threat — What It Means For India, China And Who's Really In The Crosshairs
‘I Never Said A Percentage': Trump Backtracks On Russian Oil Tariff Threat — What It Means For India, China And Who's Really In The Crosshairs

India.com

time37 minutes ago

  • India.com

‘I Never Said A Percentage': Trump Backtracks On Russian Oil Tariff Threat — What It Means For India, China And Who's Really In The Crosshairs

Washington: What began as a routine press briefing on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics quickly turned into a window into Donald Trump's evolving global agenda. Fielding an unexpected question, the U.S. president pivoted, hinting at fresh tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. The off-the-cuff remark, though brief, sent ripples through foreign capitals, exposing a potentially dramatic shift in U.S. economic pressure tactics that could hit allies like India, even as China avoids similar scrutiny. 'I never said a percentage. But we will be doing quite a bit of that. We will see what happens over the next fairly short period of time. We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow. We are going to see what happens,' Trump clarified when asked about plans for a 100% tariff. This statement followed earlier his remarks, suggesting he could raise tariffs on Indian imports 'very substantially' within 24 hours. He explained that the reason was India's continued energy trade with Russia. 'They are fueling the war machine, and if they are going to do that, then I am not going to be happy,' Trump told CNBC in an interview, as reported by Reuters. He also flagged India's existing tariff structure as a sticking point in bilateral trade. Trump first posted the warning on his social media platform Truth Social. There, he said, 'India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!' Former U.S, Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, also weighed in on the matter. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she called attention to how the Trump administration has treated China during this time. She pointed out that China, which she described as an adversary and the 'number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil', had been granted a 90-day tariff pause. 'India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Don't give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India,' she posted. Haley previously competed in the Republican primaries but was the last of Trump's major rivals to exit the race. While Trump continues to signal tariff hikes, Haley's statement serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical implications. The conversation around oil imports, strategic alliances and tariff policy now includes strong voices from within the U.S. political establishment. The days ahead may bring new policy decisions and further clarification on tariffs, as the White House prepares for its meeting with Russia.

Fast Lane To Growth: Maharashtra's Vadhavan Port To Link Directly With Samruddhi Expressway
Fast Lane To Growth: Maharashtra's Vadhavan Port To Link Directly With Samruddhi Expressway

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

Fast Lane To Growth: Maharashtra's Vadhavan Port To Link Directly With Samruddhi Expressway

This strategic corridor aims to reduce travel distance, save fuel and time, and boost trade connectivity for regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra In a major step towards transforming Maharashtra's transport and logistics infrastructure, the state government has approved the construction of a 104.89-km high-speed freight corridor connecting the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar district to the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg at Bharvir in Nashik district. The decision was taken during the state cabinet meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This strategic corridor aims to reduce travel distance, save fuel and time, and boost trade connectivity for regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra. The project will be executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), with financial assistance of Rs 1,500 crore from HUDCO. The total estimated cost stands at Rs 2,528.90 crore, and the project is targeted to be completed in the next three years. Vadhavan Port is being developed as a major transshipment hub through Vadhavan Port Project Limited. Once operational, the port is expected to handle large volumes of international cargo. By linking it directly to the Samruddhi Expressway, this new corridor will enable faster, more cost-effective transport of goods to and from the port across Maharashtra and other parts of India. Currently, travel from Vadhavan to the Samruddhi Expressway requires a 183.48 km journey via the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. The new corridor will cut this distance down to 104.89 km—saving 78.58 km. Travel time will also shrink from the current 4-5 hours to just about 1 to 1.5 hours. This high-speed route will pass through key regions like Dahanu, Vikramgad, Jawhar, and Mokhada in Palghar district, and Trimbakeshwar and Igatpuri in Nashik district. The improved connectivity is expected to benefit local businesses, including small and medium industries, agri-enterprises, educational institutions, and IT companies. Local communities stand to gain significantly through new employment opportunities and access to wider markets. By integrating port and highway infrastructure, officials say the state government is not just building roads—it's building a future-ready Maharashtra. As per sources within the state government, to boost connectivity in the region, a plan for an airport in Palghar district is also under consideration. The feasibility report of this has been submitted to the state government. view comments First Published: August 06, 2025, 05:56 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

'Most Favoured At This Point': Trump Backs JD Vance As Heir Apparent For 2028
'Most Favoured At This Point': Trump Backs JD Vance As Heir Apparent For 2028

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

'Most Favoured At This Point': Trump Backs JD Vance As Heir Apparent For 2028

In addition to praising Vance, the President also expressed admiration for Secretary of State Marco Rubio. US President Donald Trump has hinted at his preferred successor, giving a strong endorsement to Vice President JD Vance as a leading contender for the presidency in 2028. While Trump acknowledged it was too early to make a definitive decision, he stated that Vance is 'most likely" to carry forward the legacy of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, according to a report by CBS News. 'It's too early, obviously, to talk about it. But certainly, he's doing a great job, and he would be probably favoured at this point," Trump said during a recent executive order-signing ceremony at the White House. In addition to praising Vance, the President also expressed admiration for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggesting that Rubio could also play a significant role in the future of the Republican Party. Trump noted that Rubio is 'somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form," while commending the 'incredible people" currently within the GOP. Although this is not the first time Trump has spoken positively about both Rubio and Vance, it is among the clearest indications yet of where his preferences may lie. In a May interview with NBC News, Trump had previously stated that he didn't 'want to get involved" in picking a future leader. However, he did admit that vice presidents typically have a natural advantage in such scenarios. As of now, both JD Vance and Marco Rubio are viewed as likely contenders for the 2028 GOP presidential nomination. Trump, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, will not be eligible to run again. However, earlier this year, there were reports suggesting that Trump and his allies were privately exploring legal avenues that could potentially allow him to serve beyond two terms. Speculation about a third Trump presidency was further fueled in April when merchandise such as hats bearing the slogan 'Trump 2028" began appearing in the market. It's worth noting that both Rubio and Vance were once vocal critics of Trump. Rubio, in particular, ran against him during the 2016 Republican primaries. Over time, however, both men have aligned with Trump and have taken on prominent roles within his administration. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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