United States

Muizzu Meets US Delegation, Discusses Plans and Aid Initiatives

President Mohamed Muizzu met with a US delegation led by USAID Administrator Samantha Power and US Ambassador Hugo Yue-Ho Yon at the President's Office on 18 November 2023. Discussions focused on climate change adaptation, disaster reduction, early warning systems, reducing tariff rates on Maldivian fisheries exports, developing agriculture for food security, and climate funding. Ambassador Yon sought support for economic recovery, nature park conservation, and maritime security.

US Invests US$553 Million in Sri Lanka’s West Container Terminal to Counterbalance China’s Influence

The US International Development Finance Corp. (DFC) announced a US$553 million investment in Sri Lanka's West Container Terminal, its largest infrastructure investment in Asia. The project, co-developed with John Keells Holdings and Adani Ports, aims to counterbalance China's influence in the region. DFC CEO Scott Nathan highlighted Sri Lanka's strategic importance. The loan is structured to avoid impacting Sri Lanka's sovereign debt. This investment is part of DFC's global portfolio reaching US$9.3 billion in 2023, and is seen as a US effort to bolster allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Apple Launches New M3 Chip Series, Refreshes MacBook Pro and iMac

Apple announced the launch of its third-generation Apple Silicon M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, built using 3-nanometer technology. The chips feature a next-generation GPU with Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and AV1 decode support. They are used in refreshed MacBook Pro and iMac models, offering up to 22 hours of battery life and significant performance improvements over M1. Orders began immediately, with shipping starting November 7.

US Rejects Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza

The United States has opposed a ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that Hamas must release all hostages first. White House spokesperson John Kirby, backed by President Joe Biden, stated this position. The US urged Israel to postpone a ground assault to facilitate hostage release and aid delivery, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military officials disagreed on timing. Israel continued airstrikes, and the Pentagon sent military advisers and air defense systems. Shortages of food, water, and shelter have caused some residents to return to northern Gaza. Israel ordered nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people to evacuate on October 13, displacing nearly two-thirds of the population, per the UN. Hamas released two Israeli hostages Monday night, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The US and Qatar are negotiating release of 50 dual nationals. UN and EU called for a humanitarian pause. Gaza’s health authority reports over 5,000 killed since the bombing began after the October 7 attack by Palestinian fighters, which killed about 1,300 Israelis.

US State Department Warns Diplomats Against Calling for ‘End to Violence’ in Gaza

US Commits to Bolstering Relations With New Maldivian Administration

Israel-Hamas War: US Military Deploys to Eastern Mediterranean

In response to the Hamas attack on Israel that killed over 700 and kidnapped over 100, the US deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier, missile cruiser, four destroyers, and fighter jets to the eastern Mediterranean. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the deployment, and the White House plans additional military aid. Israel retaliated with airstrikes in Gaza, killing over 400 Palestinians. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi supported the attack, but US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there is no direct evidence of Iranian involvement. Iran denied involvement at the UN Security Council, which scheduled a meeting. The US has historically provided billions in annual military aid to Israel.

US Delivers Iranian Bullets to Ukraine

The United States delivered approximately 1.1 million confiscated Iranian bullets to Ukraine. The ammunition was seized from a ship en route to Yemen on 9 December 2022 by US naval forces, and the US took ownership in July 2023 via civil forfeiture. The transfer was orchestrated by US Central Command (Centcom) amid concerns that Ukraine's ammunition consumption exceeds production. Iran faces accusations of supplying arms to Russia and supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen, despite a UN arms embargo. The move underscores US commitment to counter Iranian lethal aid while supporting Ukraine, though opposition within the Republican Party has stalled additional aid in the House.

New York City Flash Floods Expose Infrastructure Shortcomings

Intense rainfall caused flash floods across New York City, paralyzing transport, stranding commuters, and flooding homes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Friday for NYC, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for about 8.5 million residents. The floods exposed infrastructure shortcomings, with overwhelmed sewers and blocked natural drainage due to concrete. This was the wettest day since Hurricane Ida, which caused 13 fatalities. Subways and buses were disrupted. Emergency officials urged caution. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to FEMA requesting preparedness.

US President Plans to Arm Ukraine with Long-Range Missiles

US President Joe Biden plans to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles to boost counter-offensive efforts. The missiles have a range of up to 190 miles and will be armed with cluster bomblets. This follows Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles supplied by Britain and France to strike Russia's Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Crimea. The delivery is expected in coming weeks. During a meeting at the White House, Biden also announced a $325 million military aid package including artillery and ammunition. Abrams tanks are scheduled for delivery soon. Neither the US nor Ukraine has officially confirmed the reports. President Zelensky expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.

Family Sues Google Over Man’s Death Due to Bridge Collapse

The family of Philip Paxson, who drowned after driving off a collapsed bridge in Hickory, North Carolina, in September 2022, is suing Google for negligently failing to update Google Maps to show the bridge collapse. The lawsuit filed in Wake County civil court claims local residents notified Google about the collapse in 2013, but the map was not updated. Barriers missing due to vandalism allowed Paxson to drive onto the damaged bridge. The suit also targets three local companies, alleging they had a duty to maintain the bridge. Paxson's wife, Alicia, expressed grief that those responsible acted with little regard for human life. Google stated it is reviewing the allegations and aims to provide accurate routing information.

US Issues Rules to Prevent Semiconductor Subsidies Benefiting China

The US Commerce Department issued final rules to prevent semiconductor manufacturing subsidies from benefiting China and other national security concerns. These rules establish 'guardrails' for the $39 billion in subsidies under the CHIPS and Science Act. Recipients are prohibited from expanding semiconductor manufacturing in China or Russia, and from participating in collaborative research or technology licensing with foreign entities of concern. The rules also allow the department to reclaim awards if not followed. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stressed vigilance to ensure no funding supports China's technological progress. The final rules are the last step before distributing subsidies.

Neuralink Receives Approval for Human Trials of Brain Implant for Paralysis

Elon Musk's Neuralink received approval from an independent review board to recruit for its first human trial of a brain implant for paralysis. The study targets individuals with paralysis from cervical spinal cord injuries or ALS. The trial uses a robot to implant a brain-computer interface in the brain region for movement intention. Initial goal is to control a computer cursor or keyboard with thoughts. Neuralink negotiated with FDA for potentially lower number of patients due to safety concerns. Elon Musk envisions treating conditions like obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia. Even if safe, commercial clearance may take over a decade.

Joby Aviation to Invest $500 Million in New Electric Air Taxi Facility in Ohio

Joby Aviation plans to invest up to US$500 million in a new facility in Dayton, Ohio, for serial production of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis. The 140-acre site at Dayton International Airport will be its first serial production location, shifting from prototype production. Joby aims for FAA certification and commercial passenger services by 2025. Construction is set to begin in 2024 with operations in 2025. The state of Ohio offered up to $325 million in incentives. The facility could generate 2,000 jobs and produce 500 aircraft annually. Joby's business model is similar to rideshare apps.

NASA Report: More Research Planned into UFO Sightings

NASA released a 36-page report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs), detailing plans for further research using advanced sensors and AI. The report finds no evidence of extraterrestrial origin but does not rule it out. It notes that UAPs must have traveled through the solar system. NASA will appoint a new Director of UAP Research, whose name will be withheld to protect from harassment. The report highlights a lack of high-quality data. Meanwhile, self-declared UFO expert Jaime Maussan presented alleged alien corpses to Mexican authorities, sparking debate.

California Legislature Passes Bill to Protect South Asians from Caste Discrimination

California's legislature passed a bill to add caste as a protected category in anti-discrimination laws, sponsored by state Senator Aisha Wahab. The bill passed 31-5 and now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's decision. Supporters say it addresses discrimination faced by South Asians, while opponents, including the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), argue it is divisive and unnecessary. Seattle became the first US city to ban caste discrimination earlier in February.

Hurricane Lee Intensifies, Threatens Eastern Seaboard and Canada

Hurricane Lee, currently in the Atlantic Ocean, threatens the eastern seaboard of the United States and coastal Canada. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects the storm to intensify into a massive hurricane with sustained winds reaching 110 mph by Friday night. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency due to flash floods, road washouts, and building damage. The hurricane is Category 2 with hurricane-force winds extending up to 115 miles and tropical storm force winds up to 240 miles. Landfall is most likely between Maine and Nova Scotia as early as Sunday or Monday. Hurricane Lee is the 12th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and underwent rapid intensification from Category 1 to Category 5 in 24 hours on 8 September, the third-fastest in 40 years.

US Speaker Launches Impeachment Inquiry Against President Biden

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy formally initiated an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, citing allegations of Biden's involvement in his son Hunter Biden's financial dealings. McCarthy claimed Biden family members received payments from shell companies flagged by the US Treasury, and an FBI informant alleged Biden accepted a bribe during his vice presidency. The inquiry follows weeks of suggestions of serious misconduct, though Republicans lack concrete evidence. McCarthy drew parallels to the Nixon administration, and the outcome is uncertain due to the narrow Republican majority. The investigation will scrutinize payments and witness testimony.

US-Vietnam Relations: Biden, Trong Ink Partnership

US President Joe Biden visited Hanoi on 10 September and signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, upgrading diplomatic ties. The agreement covers trade, investment, security, and climate change. Biden was the first US President invited by the Communist Party. Vietnam's young workforce and entrepreneurial spirit attract US investors, with companies like Dell, Google, Microsoft, and Apple moving supply chains. The US aims to help Vietnam become a key player in semiconductors. Human rights concerns persist, but Vietnamese public opinion of the US is favorable. China views the partnership as a cold-war mentality.

Maldives Accepts First Resident U.S. Ambassador

Hugo Yue-Ho Yon presented credentials as the first resident U.S. Ambassador to Maldives to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on September 6. Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Maldives were established in 1965. Previously, the U.S. embassy in Sri Lanka handled relations. President Solih called the establishment of a U.S. embassy in Maldives and the reopening of the Maldives embassy in Washington D.C. a momentous occasion. Ambassador Yon expressed eagerness to build bilateral relations, focusing on climate change resilience.