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United News of India
35 minutes ago
- Business
- United News of India
Canadian PM says negotiations with U.S. "complex"
Ottawa, June 28 (UNI) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday called the negotiations with the United States "complex" when he responded to the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump to terminate all trade talks with Canada with potential new tariffs. "We'll continue to conduct these complex negotiations in the best interest of Canadians," Carney said to local media. "It's a negotiation." Trump announced Friday that the United States would terminate all trade talks with Canada due to Canada's digital services tax on U.S. tech companies. Canada's digital services tax on American technology companies is a direct and blatant attack on the United States, said Trump in a post on social media. Set to take effect on June 30, the digital services tax would have U.S. companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Uber and Airbnb pay a three percent levy on revenue from Canadian users. Canada and the United States have been in negotiations to get Trump to lift the tariffs on Canadian goods, which have already led to major economic shrinking. Canada's real gross domestic product edged down 0.1 percent in April, according to Statistics Canada. Transportation equipment manufacturing subsector was the largest contributor to the decline, coinciding with lower exports of passenger cars and light trucks as some motor vehicle manufacturers scaled back production amid uncertainty related to tariffs imposed on motor vehicle exports to the United States. UNI XINHUA ARN
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Jeff Bezos marries Lauren Sánchez in star-studded, lavish ceremony in Venice; all you need to know
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez tied the knot on Friday night (June 27, 2025) in a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. It was the second day of events spread across the Italian lagoon city, which added complexity to what would have been a massive logistical undertaking even on dry land. Emmy-winning journalist Sánchez, 55, posted a photo of her on social media platform Instagram in a white gown as she stood alongside tuxedo-clad Bezos, 61, the world's fourth-richest man. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lauren Sánchez Bezos (@laurensanchezbezos) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo The star-studded guest list for the couple's wedding included a plethora of athletes, celebrities, influencers, and business leaders. Dozens of private jets had flocked to Venice's airport, and yachts pulled into the city's famed waterways as guests converged to revel in extravagance that was as much a testament to the couple's love as to their extraordinary wealth. Venice is famed for its network of canals, where gondoliers croon for lovestruck couples and even ambulances are aquatic. But water transport of everything from bouquets to guests makes Venice among the world's most challenging cities for a party, according to Jack Ezon, CEO of Embark Beyond, a luxury travel advisory and destination event service. Live Events 'It's a very tight-knit community; everyone there knows everyone, and you need to work with the right people,' said Ezon, whose company has put on a dozen high-end events in Venice, news agency AP reported. "There's very tight control, especially on movement there with boats.' It at least triples the cost versus staging the same soiree in Rome or Florence, he said. Veneto Gov. Luca Zaia was first to give an estimated tally for the Bezos/Sánchez bash: He told reporters this week the most recent total he saw was between 40 million and 48 million euros (up to $56 million). It's over 1,000 times the $36,000 average cost of American couples' weddings in 2025, according to wedding planning website Zola's annual report. On Friday afternoon, Sánchez emerged from her hotel wearing a silk scarf on her head and blew a kiss to journalists before stepping into her water taxi. It carried her through the canals to San Giorgio Island, across the lagoon basin from St. Mark's Square, where the couple held their ceremony Friday night. Bezos followed two hours later. Then, in a string of water taxis, came their illustrious guests—Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, Bill Gates, Queen Rania of Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and more. Paparazzi trailed on their own boats, trying to capture them all on camera. According to AP, local media have reported a reception Saturday (June 28, 2025) in the Arsenale, a former navy base best known as a primary venue for the Venice Biennale.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
In 24 hours: Trump's 'full barrier' trade pitch to India, pact with China, cold shoulder to Canada - What's next?
With the Iran–Israel war seemingly in his rear-view mirror, US President Donald Trump has swiftly reset his global focus—once again time zeroing in on trade, tariffs and new deals. In the past 24 hours, Trump has dramatically suspended trade talks with Canada over its digital services tax, vaguely confirmed a fresh agreement with China, and teased a 'very big' breakthrough soon with India. Central to this flurry of announcements is his revived strategy of issuing reciprocal tariffs—by letter—to nations wishing to access the US market. Trump's decision to halt negotiations with Canada came after Ottawa unveiled a 3 per cent levy on major US tech firms, which he denounced as 'a direct and blatant attack on our country.' He declared via social media that he would determine and impose appropriate tariffs within a week, citing the US's dominant position in the relationship. Meanwhile, officials in Washington emphasise that Canada holds more to lose, reinforcing Trump's image of maximum leverage. But Trump also struck a softer tone on India, calling a potential trade deal 'very big.' He hinted this could result in sweeping access for US businesses, dismantling barriers that have thus far kept them at bay: 'Right now, it's restricted. You can't walk in there… we agree that going to India and trade…' He added that the China deal was already underway, giving US firms a shot at rare earths and other vital commodities, though details remain under wraps. Trump tariff : What happened in the last 24 hours President Donald Trump's trade agenda took a dramatic turn over the past 24 hours, as he announced a series of sweeping moves on tariffs, suspended trade talks with Canada, signalled a breakthrough with China, and hinted at a 'very big' deal with India. The moves mark a sharp escalation in his second-term strategy to assert US dominance over global trade, even as allies and rivals alike push back. Trump halts Canada trade talks over digital tax Trump stunned officials on both sides of the border by immediately halting trade negotiations with Canada. 'Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately,' Trump posted on his social media network. 'We will let Canada know the Tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America within the next seven day period.' Canada's new digital services tax, due to take effect Monday, imposes a 3% levy on tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta and Airbnb — applying retroactively and totalling nearly \$2 billion in US company obligations. 'We have all the cards,' says Trump on Canada Speaking from the White House, Trump reinforced his hardline stance. 'They did something with our tech companies today trying to copy Europe. It's not going to work out well for Europe either. And it's not going to work out well for Canada. They were foolish to do it,' he said. When asked if Canada could reverse his decision, Trump responded, 'No… It doesn't matter to me. We have all the cards.' Tariff deadline looms on July 9 The broader context is Trump's push to impose reciprocal tariffs — some as high as 50% — on countries with whom the US runs a trade deficit. The 90-day negotiation window, set to expire on July 9, could usher in a new wave of tariffs. 'We have 200 countries, you could say 200 countries plus. You can't do that,' Trump said. 'So at a certain point over the next week and a half or so, or maybe before we're going to send out a letter.' Canadian PM Carney: 'It's a negotiation' Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sought to downplay tensions, saying, 'We will continue to conduct these complex negotiations in the best interests of Canadians. It's a negotiation.' But Trump appears unmoved, accusing Canada of levying 'very, very severe' taxes on American companies, including tariffs of up to 400% on dairy products. Digital services tax: The flashpoint The Canadian tax mirrors EU regulations and specifically targets companies with significant online revenues generated from Canadian users. Trump blasted the policy as 'a direct and blatant attack on our country.' Matt Schruers, head of the Computer & Communications Industry Association, praised Trump's swift response: 'We appreciate the Administration's decisive response to Canada's discriminatory tax on US digital exports.' Tariff letters coming soon, says Trump At a White House press conference, Trump confirmed that the US is preparing to send letters to several countries within the next 10 days. 'We're just going to tell them what they have to pay to do business in the United States,' he said. 'We can do whatever we want. We could extend it. We could make it shorter. I'd like to just send letters out to everybody: Congratulations, you're paying 25 per cent.' Trump: 'India trade deal coming soon' Turning to India, Trump expressed optimism that a long-pending deal may soon materialise. 'India, I think we are going to reach a deal where we have the right to go and do trade,' Trump told reporters. 'Right now, it's restricted. You can't walk in there, you can't even think about it. We are looking to get a full trade barrier dropping, which is unthinkable and I am not sure that that is going to happen. But as of this moment, we agree that going to India and trade…' 'A very big one deal' with India In remarks during the 'Big Beautiful Bill' event, Trump said: 'We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we're going to open up India, in the China deal, we're starting to open up China.' Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed that sentiment, saying: 'You should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future because I think we found a place that really works for both countries.' Commerce minister Piyush Goyal confirmed talks were ongoing, stressing that the goal was a 'fair, equitable and balanced agreement.' US-China pact confirmed, details sparse Trump also confirmed that a deal had been signed with China 'the other day,' though details remain limited. China's Commerce Ministry acknowledged the agreement, mentioning a review of rare earth exports, but offered no timeline. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China had agreed to make it easier for American firms to acquire key minerals. 'What we're seeing here is a de-escalation under President Trump's leadership,' he told Fox Business. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Man and wife: Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez tie knot in Venice; A-listers in attendance
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos Billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez tied the knot at a sumptuous ceremony on an island in Italy's Venice on Friday, with several A-listers in attendance for the couple's wedding. Amazon founder Bezos exchanged vows with Sanchez on the iconic San Giorgio Maggiore island, news agency AFP reported citing Italian media. Later, the bride posted a photo on Instagram under a new name - laurensanchezbezos - showing her in a long flowing white dress and the groom in black tie. Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, are staying at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the famous Rialto bridge. Their celebrity guests are staying at the Gritti Palace and the St. Regis. The celebrations are set to end on Saturday with a party likely at the Arsenale - a vast shipyard complex dating back to when the Italian city was a naval powerhouse. While Bezos was previously married to novelist MacKenzie Scott, Sanchez's ex-husband is businessman Patrick Whitesell. However, the wedding was not without its share of controversy. Protesters wondered how long Venice can "endure" - while the billionaires party, activists say the "fragile" city is "sinking", overrun by tourists, and is a victim of depopulation as locals unable to pay soaring rents are forced out. Environmental activists have also pointed to the carbon footprint of the mega yachts and dozens of private jets - at least 95 - bringing the rich and famous to Venice, which is known for its canals and waterways, and also hosted the 2014 wedding of Hollywood star George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin. On the other hand, Italy's tourism ministry said it expects the festivities to generate nearly one billion euros, of which about 895 million is estimated to come from the "media visibility." The newly-married couple are donating three million euros ($3.5 million) to the city, according to Luca Zaia, the regional president of the Veneto region of which Venice is the capital.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jeff Bezos weds Lauren Sanchez in lavish Venice ceremony: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Natasha Poonawalla, Oprah and others attend- PICS INSIDE
Billionaire and are officially married! The couple tied the knot on Friday night in a lavish ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, marking the second day of extravagant celebrations in Venice that reportedly cost up to $56 million. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sanchez confirmed the happy news on Instagram, sharing a radiant photo of herself in a white gown standing beside Bezos, who looked dapper in a tuxedo. The three-day affair has taken over the Italian lagoon city, with athletes, Hollywood celebrities, global influencers, and business titans arriving by private boats and water taxis. Friday's ceremony, held at the stunning 16th-century San Giorgio monastery complex, came after days of buildup and buzz across the city. Guests at the celebration included Oprah Winfrey, , Vittoria Ceretti, Kim Kardashian, , , , Tom Brady, , Queen Rania of Jordan, Bill Gates, and Indian socialite Natasha Poonawalla. Vogue magazine, which had exclusive access to the wedding, reported that the bride walked down the aisle in a Dolce & Gabbana gown that took 900 hours to make. Inspired by Sophia Loren's look in the 1958 film Houseboat, the dress featured high-necked lace, 180 silk chiffon-covered priest buttons, and hand-appliquéd detailing. On Friday afternoon, Sanchez hid her look by appearance outside her hotel in a skirt suit with a scarf around her head. Bezos followed two hours later, looking dapper in a three-piece suit. Their guests, including some of the world's most recognisable faces, arrived in a procession of speedboats trailed closely by paparazzi, who had rented boats to keep up with the action. Local authorities confirmed the magnitude of the event. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Veneto Governor Luca Zaia told reporters that the latest estimate for the wedding's total cost ranged between 40 and 48 million euros. Bezos and Sanchez's relationship first made headlines in 2019, shortly after the Amazon founder announced his divorce from MacKenzie Scott, his wife of 25 years. The couple got engaged in May 2023 and have since been inseparable, regularly appearing together at high-profile events. Sanchez, a former TV anchor and helicopter pilot, was previously married to talent agent Patrick Whitesell, with whom she shares two children. She also has a son, Nikko, from her relationship with NFL star Tony Gonzalez. The Venice wedding celebrations will wrap up on June 28.
