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US lawmakers warned Chinese-made vehicles could spy on Americans, disrupt transport, and threaten the auto industry. Experts cited forced tech transfers, overproduction, EV market dominance, cybersecurity risks, and forced labor. They urged stricter restrictions, highlighting broader US-China tensions and implications for supply chains and national security.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul received royal approval to dissolve Parliament, setting general elections 45-60 days later. He will lead a caretaker govt with limited powers and can’t approve a new budget. Anutin said the move “returns power to the people,” amid ongoing border clashes with Cambodia and political transitions in Thailand.
Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his 1st in-person court appearance in Provo, Utah. His lawyers sought to limit media access for a fair trial. Robinson attended with family, while proceedings went into a closed session. Judge Tony Graf will later decide on courtroom camera access and public disclosure from prior […]
Reddit has challenged Australia’s under-16 social media ban in the High Court, arguing it forces intrusive age verification on adults and isolates teens. The company, primarily an adult forum, says the law infringes political communication rights, lacks clear scope, and has implemented age-assurance measures while complying with regulations.
Rasmussen Reports CEO Mark Mitchell vowed to “de-Indianize” US companies and even launch a consultancy as Trump-era scrutiny of H-1B visas intensifies. Indians, who receive over 70% of annual H-1B slots, remain central to the debate. Tech expert Kartik Gada criticized the backlash, calling it symptomatic of deeper dysfunction in American attitudes.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the US should sign the free trade agreement if satisfied with India’s “best ever” offer, welcoming the Trump administration’s response. He declined to reveal details and prioritizing national interest. Goyal noted five negotiation rounds, adding the US envoy’s visit is not focused on talks.
Democrats say Trump’s sweeping tariffs have cost the average US household nearly $1,200 this year, citing Treasury data and economic estimates. They argue the sharp rise in import taxes is driving prices higher, while the White House defends the policy as boosting US industry. Importers largely pass Trump’s tariff costs on to consumers.
Lawyers for Tyler Robinson sought to restrict media access to ensure a fair trial as he made his first in-person court appearance. The Utah judge temporarily closed proceedings to review what information from sessions could be released and consider a request to ban cameras. Robinson is accused of shooting activist Charlie Kirk during an event.
The US trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed 10.9% to $52.8 billion in September, the lowest since 2020, as exports rose 3% and imports only 0.6%. Delayed data showed Trump’s tariffs weighed on trade, with importers stockpiling ahead of hikes. Economists noted the decline largely reflected a surge in gold exports, not broad economic improvement.
PM Narendra Modi and Trump discussed strengthening bilateral trade and advancing cooperation in defense, energy, and critical technologies. Their first call since October followed a US trade envoy’s visit to India. Both leaders reviewed regional issues and agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and deepen strategic ties.
Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his support for Venezuela during a phone call with President Nicolas Maduro after the United States seized an oil tanker off the country’s coast. According to the Kremlin, Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and backed Maduro’s efforts to defend national interests and sovereignty amid increasing external pressure.
More than 600 British Empire and Commonwealth artefacts were stolen from a Bristol Museum storage site, leading police to release images of four suspects. The valuable items include medals, jewellery, carvings and figurines. Officials called the theft a major cultural loss and urged public help, noting Bristol’s complex historical ties to the slave trade.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro denounced the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, branding the operation an escalation of tensions with Washington. He accused US authorities of “kidnapping” the crew and stealing the vessel in what he called a new era of Caribbean naval. Maduro vowed to protect ships and ensure oil trade worldwide.
Donald Trump said he plans to sign an executive order on artificial intelligence aimed at preempting the increasing number of state laws by establishing a unified national standard. Trump told reporters he wants “one central source of approval,” while standing with top advisers, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as he outlined the initiative.
Umar Khalid, former JNU student and activist, has been granted 14-day interim bail from December 16 to 29 to attend his sister’s wedding on December 27. He is an accused in the Delhi riots case under the UAPA. Earlier bail requests were denied, but temporary release has been allowed for family events before.