United News of Bangladesh

Former Vice President Kamala Harris used a high-profile speech to sharply criticize President Donald Trump amid speculation about whether she will mount another presidential campaign or opt to run for California governor. In her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January following her defeat to Trump, Harris said Wednesday she’s inspired by Americans fighting Trump’s agenda despite threats to their freedom or livelihood, reports AP. “Instead of an administration working to advance America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals,” Harris said a day after Trump reached 100 days in office. Before Wednesday, Harris had barely mentioned Trump by name since she conceded defeat to him in November. In a 15-minute speech, she spoke to the anxiety and confusion that have gripped many of her supporters since Trump took office but discouraged despair. “They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. But what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing that’s contagious,” Harris said. “Courage is contagious.” Trump went after Harris in a campaign-style rally Tuesday marking his 100th day in office. He sarcastically called her a “great border czar" and a “great candidate," and repeated some of the applause lines he routinely delivered during the campaign. Kamala Harris plans speech sharply criticising Trump's policies Until Harris replaced Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket last summer, Trump said, “I knew nothing about her." Harris cautioned Americans against viewing Trump’s administration as merely chaotic, casting it instead as a “high-velocity event,” the culmination of extensive work on the right to remake government. “A vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making," Harris said. “An agenda to slash public education. An agenda to shrink government and then privatize its services. All while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest among us.” Harris chose a friendly audience for her return to the political arena, addressing the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. It grew in part from Harris’ run for San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s. The speech was delivered below luminous chandeliers in a gold-trimmed ballroom in the landmark Palace Hotel. Harris is ramping up her public presence as Democrats nationally search for a path forward after November's election, in which Republicans also won control of Congress. While a slate of high-profile Democrats — from governors to businessmen — seek leadership roles within the party, the former vice president retains unique influence and would reshape any future race she chooses to enter.

India will include caste details in its next census, in a move likely to have sweeping socio-economic and political ramifications for the world's most populous country. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw didn’t say when the census would begin when he announced it would include caste information Wednesday. He said the decision demonstrated New Delhi’s commitment to the “values and interests of the society and country.” The count is likely lead to demands to raise the country’s quotas that reserve government jobs, college admissions and elected offices for some categories of castes, especially for a swathe of lower and intermediate castes that are recognized as Other Backward Classes, AP reports. India’s current policy caps quotas at 50%, with 27% reserved for OBCs. Caste is an ancient system of social hierarchy in India and is critical to Indian life and politics. There are hundreds of caste groups based on occupation and economic status across India, particularly among Hindus, but the country has limited, or outdated data on how many people belong to them. China celebrates May Day with travel boom and cultural festivities Successive Indian governments have resisted updating caste data, arguing that it could lead to social unrest. But its supporters say detailed demographic information is necessary to properly implementing India’s many social justice programs. Colonial ruler Britain began an Indian census in 1872 and counted all castes until 1931. However, independent India since 1951 only counted Dalits and Adivasis, who are referred to as scheduled castes and tribes, respectively. Everyone else’s caste was marked as general.

China is celebrating International Workers' Day, popularly known as May Day, with nationwide celebrations, cultural events, and a major surge in domestic travel. The five-day public holiday, starting from May 1, saw millions of citizens travelling to scenic spots, historical sites, and urban centres across the country. Marking this day, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended his greetings to workers, farmers, intellectuals and other working people from all ethnic groups, as well as to trade unions and their staff at all levels. Xi also expressed earnest expectations for the Chinese working class and the broad masses of workers as they forge ahead on a new journey and contribute to the new era. Dream of New Bangladesh not possible without better conditions for workers: Prof Yunus In this new era, Chinese workers, through their spirit of hard work, struggle, innovation and breakthrough, have not only laid a solid foundation for China's development and advancement, but also contributed Chinese wisdom and strength to the world. Meanwhile, China's railway network is expected to handle approximately 144 million passenger trips during the May Day holiday travel rush, the national railway operator said. Tourist hotspots like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xi’an witnessed high foot traffic, with hotels and restaurants operating at full capacity. In Beijing, workers and families gathered at Tiananmen Square for a flag-raising ceremony and cultural performances honouring the spirit of labour. Local governments organised parades, exhibitions, and award ceremonies to recognise outstanding contributions by workers in various sectors.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called senior officials in India and Pakistan in an effort to defuse the crisis that followed last week's deadly attack in Kashmir, the State Department said. Rubio urged Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to de-escalate tensions on Wednesday. India has vowed to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack, which Islamabad denies. The nuclear-armed rivals have since expelled each other's diplomats and citizens, ordered the border shut and closed their airspace to each other. New Delhi has suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad. Soldiers on each side have also exchanged fire along their de facto border, driving tensions between India and Pakistan to their highest point in recent years. The region of Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. The two countries have fought two wars and one limited conflict over the Himalayan territory. U.S. State Department’s Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio in his call with Jaishankar expressed sorrow over last week’s massacre. He also reaffirmed the U.S.’s "commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism,” Bruce said. Jaishankar on Thursday said he discussed the last week’s massacre in Indian-controlled Kashmir’s Pahalgam, in which 26 tourists, mostly Hindu men, were killed, with Rubio, adding that “perpetrators, backers and planners” of the attack “must be brought to justice.” Dozens of tourist resorts in Indian-controlled Kashmir are closed after deadly attack Rubio also spoke to Sharif on Wednesday evening and “emphasized the need for both sides to continue working together for peace and stability in South Asia,” according to a Pakistani statement. It said Sharif rejected the Indian allegations and “urged the U.S. to impress upon India to dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly.” Public anger has swelled in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the attackers “to the ends of the earth.” A Pakistani minister has said that Pakistan has “credible intelligence” that India is planning to attack it within days. Indian and Pakistani troops have exchange fire over the past six nights, with each side blaming the other for firing first. Tensions persist along India-Pakistan Kashmir border amid cross-border skirmishes The Indian army in a statement on Thursday said it responded to “unprovoked” small arms fire from Pakistan in the Kupwara, Uri and Akhnoor sectors of Indian-controlled Kashmir. The previous day, Pakistan’s state-run media said Indian forces had violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control by initiating fire with heavy weapons on troops in the Mandal sector of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The incidents could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes in the Himalayan region.

Israel has declared a national emergency and deployed military forces to combat a massive wildfire spreading near Jerusalem. The blaze has forced the closure of the main highway linking the capital to Tel Aviv, the country’s economic and tech hub. Authorities have canceled all Independence Day events, scheduled for Thursday, to ensure emergency services remain fully available. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the fire, which is concentrated in villages southwest of Jerusalem, as a “national emergency.” A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a general mobilization was underway. Carolina wildfires continue to rage Eyal Caspi, head of the Israel National Fire and Rescue Authority, told reporters it would take at least 24 hours to bring the fire under control. The wildfire spread rapidly due to high temperatures, strong winds, and abnormally dry vegetation following a mild winter. Four communities — Nahshon, Ezor Latrun, Neve Shalom, and Mesilat Zion — along the affected highway are being evacuated. The national ambulance service, Magen David Adom, reported treating 22 people for injuries, although no deaths have been reported. In a bid for international support, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has reached out to his counterparts in Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Greece to request firefighting aircraft. Israeli military rescue teams and air force reconnaissance planes are already aiding in the firefighting efforts. Israel committing ‘Livestreamed Genocide’ in Gaza: Amnesty Officials have also urged the public to refrain from visiting cemeteries on Wednesday, a Memorial Day tradition, due to the ongoing emergency. Source: With input from agency

The United States and Ukraine on Wednesday finalized a long-anticipated agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s extensive reserves of critical minerals and natural resources. The deal, known as the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, is intended to compensate the U.S. for its ongoing support in helping Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion. While specific terms of the agreement remain largely undisclosed, officials indicated it will allow the U.S. to tap into Ukraine’s rich deposits of rare earth elements. In return, the deal is expected to provide Ukraine with added reassurance of continued American backing as the war with Russia continues. “This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.” Kamala Harris plans speech sharply criticising Trump's policies The announcement comes at a critical moment in the three-year war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with both sides. The signing comes two months after a different but similar agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, saying he didn’t “have the cards” to win the war and blaming him for prolonging the killing by not giving up Crimea, but in recent days has rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin as well, saying he was complicating negotiations with “very bad timing” in launching deadly strikes on Kyiv. Trump said Wednesday night on NewsNation that the deal, “in theory,” means that the U.S. will get more from Ukraine than it contributed. “I wanted to be protected,” he said, adding that he didn’t want to be looking “foolish” by not getting money back for the investment. Ukraine praises signing as an ‘equal and good international deal’ For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid. “Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. “This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.” Ukraine’s economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal. “Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country,” she said in a post on X after the signing.   White House had raised doubts that agreement was ready Earlier Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House — hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized — that there was still work to do. “The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes,” Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. “We’re sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.” He didn’t elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made. The U.S. has been seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are Ukraine’s deposits of titanium, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries. After Kyiv felt the initial U.S. draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns. According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new U.S. military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership — a key provision for Kyiv.     The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it can take effect. Putin wants answers before committing to a ceasefire The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washington’s push to stop the war. Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, “but before it’s done, it’s necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added. “We realize that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly,” Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters.   Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war. Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory since Moscow’s forces launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money — a complaint he repeated Wednesday during his Cabinet meeting. That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.    

Former Vice President Kamala Harris plans to use a high-profile speech Wednesday to sharply criticise President Donald Trump amid speculation about whether she will mount another presidential campaign or opt to run for California governor. Harris will address the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office that grew in part from Harris’ run for San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s, according to AP. Her speech comes the day after Trump reached 100 days in office. It is expected to be her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January following her defeat to Trump, with planned critiques of the Republican president's handling of the economy, US institutions and foreign policy. US inflation eases in March as consumers rush to beat Trump tariffs Harris is ramping up her public presence as Democrats nationally search for a path forward after November's election, in which Republicans also won control of Congress. While a slate of high-profile Democrats — from governors to businessmen — seek leadership roles within the party, the former vice president retains unique influence and would reshape any future race she chooses to enter. Harris, a former state attorney general and US senator from California, has not discouraged speculation that she might enter the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, himself a potential contender for president. And she has not ruled out another run for the White House. She continues to fundraise, using a joint committee that includes Harris for President, the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties. The committee, the Harris Victory Fund, reported having about $4.5 million on hand at the end of March, according to federal records.

Iran said Wednesday the next round of negotiations over its rapidly advancing nuclear program it will have with the United States will be in Rome on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the comment on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting, adding that Iran also anticipated having a meeting Friday with France, Germany and the United Kingdom to discuss the talks, AP reports. The talks with the US again will be mediated by Oman. The sultanate has hosted two rounds of talks in Oman's capital, Muscat, and one round at its embassy in Rome. Massive wildfire near Jerusalem triggers evacuations and closes key highway The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the US has imposed on the Islamic Republic closing in on a half-century of enmity. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran’s program if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.

Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. Footage shared on social media showed drivers fleeing on foot as flames and thick black smoke loomed in the distance. The Fire and Rescue Services said about 120 teams from across the country, supported by firefighting planes and helicopters, were deployed to contain the flames, and another 22 teams were on their way. Five communities were evacuated, and others were instructed to prepare for possible evacuation. A section of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed by the police. US inflation eases in March as consumers rush to beat Trump tariffs The Magen David Adom medical emergency service said in a statement that medics were treating 12 people for mild smoke inhalation, including two babies. Fire and Rescue Authority Commissioner Eyal Caspi said he had activated the fire service's national emergency plans and raised the alert level to its highest. "Following a situational assessment, firefighting teams were being mobilized from all districts nationwide," he said. Eyal Cohen, deputy commander of the Jerusalem District of the Fire and Rescue Authority, said Israel had requested firefighting assistance from regional neighbors. State-owned Kan TV reported that the countries include Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Italy. The Israel Defense Forces said the military has sent forces to firefighting and evacuation, adding that "aerial support has also been deployed to provide a real-time operational picture." 14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel in Burrabazar Unseasonably high temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius, combined with wind gusts of up to 70 km per hour, were fanning the flames and complicating firefighting efforts, officials said. As Israel marks Memorial Day for fallen soldiers from sunset, April 29, to nightfall, April 30 this year, ceremonies at the Latrun Armored Corps Memorial were cancelled due to the wildfire. The Defense Ministry urged the public to avoid traveling to military cemeteries, where tens of thousands are expected to gather for commemorative events.

A closely watched inflation gauge cooled last month in a sign that prices were steadily easing before most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs were implemented. At the same time, consumers accelerated their spending, particularly on cars, likely in an effort to get ahead of the duties. Wednesday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer prices rose just 2.3% in March from a year earlier, down from 2.5% in February. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 2.6% compared with a year ago, below February’s 2.8%. Economists track core prices because they typically provide a better read on where inflation is headed. The slowdown in inflation could be a temporary respite until the widespread duties imposed by Trump begin to push up prices in many categories. Economists forecast that inflation could reverse its recent decline and reach 3% or higher by the end of this year. Wednesday’s report also showed that consumer spending increased 0.7% from February to March, a healthy gain. Much of the increase appeared to be driven by efforts to get ahead of duties, such as Trump's 25% duty on imported cars, which took effect April 3. Spending on autos surged 8.1% in March, the government said. But spending on restaurants and hotels also jumped after falling in February, a sign Americans are still willing to splurge a little on travel and dining out. Car sales spiked last month as consumers and businesses accelerated acquisitions to get ahead of tariffs. That means auto sales may fade in the coming months because those assets have already been secured. Earlier Wednesday, the government reported that consumer spending slowed in the first three months of the year, compared with last year’s final quarter, as bad weather depressed shopping and Americans took a breather after healthy spending over the winter holidays. The nation’s economy actually shrank 0.3% in the January-March quarter as imports surged as companies sought to get ahead of Trump’s tariffs. Pakistan warns of imminent Indian Military Strike amid rising tensions Trump benefited in last year’s election from broad dissatisfaction among voters about the steep rise in prices that began in 2021 and that, on average, pushed prices up about 25% by the middle of last year. Grocery costs shot up nearly 30%. As a candidate, Trump said he would immediately lower prices if elected. Yet the president has slapped 25% duties on steel and aluminum, as well as cars, and a 10% tariff on nearly all other imports. And China, the United States’ third-largest trading partner, now faces a 145% duty on its exports. The inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve target a 2% inflation rate and pay close attention to Wednesday’s inflation gauge, known as the personal consumption expenditures price index. The better-known consumer price index was released earlier this month and also showed a steady decline. Trump has pushed the Fed to cut its key short-term interest rate because inflation has cooled. But Fed Chair Jerome Powell has underscored that the central bank is likely to remain on the sidelines as officials gauge how tariffs will impact the economy. The Fed isn’t expected to lower its rate at its policy meeting next week.