English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest world news

Why Can’t We Be Friends?

Published

on

Why Can’t We Be Friends?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Trump has reached out to Modi, and the chemistry seems to be crackling between the two leaders, but for the Indian PM, nurturing the new friendship will prove to be a balancing act

By Sujit Bhar

Donald J Trump is not just the 45th President of the United States; he is a billionaire in his own right, a reality TV host and a successful one at that, and he has a family of ardent followers who believe a severely protectionist America would actually be a good thing.

What Trump probably lacks is a set of “friends” across the world. International geopolitics isn’t a reality television show, though often it looks like one. It is a hard world of deals and more deals, each defining a nation’s apparent effort at positioning itself on the world’s stage.  Friends need to back each other up – it is a Bigg Boss thing that Trump should understand – and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi fits firmly in that slot.

So when Trump called Modi ahead of calling Moscow or Beijing or Tokyo, read less of summit politics into it. It’s about a greenhorn president, one who has suddenly become the most powerful politician of the world, seeking an early friend who he can be officially comfortable with. And that friend should also be non-controversial. That’s it.

The problem is whether Modi would be as comfortable with Trump as he was with Barack Obama. Modi has to bring up the China-Pakistan issue, which is a favourite with Trump, but he also has to bring up the H1B visa issue, which, for Trump is anathema. The game of balancing policies will have to start all over again.

Modi has said that he has invited Trump to India – the Trump name has already landed, with a huge luxury real estate project coming up in Mumbai – (and vice-versa) and while British Prime Minister Theresa May will be the first top international leader to visit Washington (she has been berated by the UK media for this move), whether Modi’s future visit to the US swill be as spectacular as before will have to be seen.

Trump has made the right noises for India to feel comfortable in a growing relationship. And when Modi was among the first leaders to phone Trump and congratulate him on his victory, it was probably a move towards strengthening this relationship. It was a hint that India had taken from Trump’s campaign talk, in which he had said: “Under the Trump administration, we are going to become even better friends, in fact I would take the term better out and we would be best friends.”

Trump had said: “I love India, I love Hindu.”

Not that this had anything to do with the ruling party’s Hinduvta drive; if anything it was a generic term that Trump possibly used somewhat unknowingly. That is one part of the new president that Modi has to be careful in assessing.

The big issue is not just a friendship for friendship’s sake. What can India get out of this friendship? There could be more defence deals, and there could yet be a shadow on the Dassault Rafale deal. And if the Trump-Putin friendship holds, India’s joint venture with Russia in developing fifth generation stealth fighter project – known in India as the Perspective Multi-role Fighter (PMF) – could also go ahead smoothly.

The small problem is that Trump has remained as unpredictable in office as he was on campaign. International relations are bound and sealed with the understanding of a level of maturity and stability in dealings. Whether Modi and Trump would be able to reach a proper understanding in the wake of Trump’s strong protectionist attitude, is a delicate matter.

These, therefore, are early times, and early signs might not really be indicative of what the future holds. There is need for caution in dealing with Trump. A huge number of Indian technocrats would be looking forward to it. So would top Indian IT companies, who are already in a hire-local drive in the US.

The bigger bounty would be if Trump actually manages to put hurdles in front of China’s access to the US market. Why he said yes to a complicated deal with Alibaba chief Jack Ma remains an issue mired in complication. That Chinese connection was virtually sealed with “smart” comments from both. And that was even before Trump had taken oath.

If US-China trade relations do hit a roadblock, India must be prepared to take advantage of that. The only problems are India’s woeful infrastructure and absurd red tape.

There will have to be new tweaks in place for India to address a person like Trump; Modi’s personal equation notwithstanding. That will be a tough ‘mitroon’ to handle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Latest world news

Amazon to slash 14,000 managerial jobs in cost-cutting drive

Amazon is set to cut 14,000 managerial jobs by early 2025 as part of a cost-cutting drive, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining operations.

Published

on

Amazon headquarters with workforce restructuring news

Amazon is set to cut 14,000 managerial positions by early 2025 as part of its ongoing cost-reduction strategy, according to reports. This move, which accounts for a 13% reduction in its global management workforce, is expected to help the company save between Rs 210 crore and Rs 360 crore annually. Following the layoffs, Amazon’s total managerial headcount will drop from 1,05,770 to 91,936, according to the report.

Part of broader restructuring strategy

The job cuts come as Amazon continues to restructure its workforce, having previously trimmed roles in its communications and sustainability divisions. CEO Andy Jassy has been leading a strategic overhaul to eliminate bureaucratic layers and enhance operational efficiency.

In line with these changes, the company has launched a “bureaucracy tipline”, allowing employees to report inefficiencies. Additionally, Amazon has revised its managerial directives, focusing on:

  • Expanding the number of direct reports per manager
  • Limiting senior-level recruitment
  • Reviewing compensation structures

These steps are aimed at improving productivity and profitability while ensuring a leaner management structure.

Focus on core business operations

Amazon has also discontinued certain initiatives, including the ‘Try Before You Buy’ clothing programme and a rapid brick-and-mortar delivery service, as it shifts focus to its core business areas.

CEO Andy Jassy’s strategy includes raising the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% by 2025. His approach is designed to streamline decision-making and remove unnecessary management layers, facilitating faster operations.

Changes in workplace policies

The restructuring follows Amazon’s decision to enforce an in-office work policy, requiring employees to return five days a week starting January 2025. Jassy previously stated that office-based work would enhance collaboration and efficiency.

According to an October 2024 report by Morgan Stanley, Amazon’s restructuring is expected to eliminate around 13,834 managerial roles by early 2025.

Workforce expansion and previous layoffs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon saw a surge in its workforce, growing from 7.98 lakh employees in 2019 to over 16 lakh by the end of 2021. However, the company later scaled back, cutting 27,000 jobs in 2022 and 2023.

With these latest layoffs, Amazon continues its transition towards a more cost-effective and streamlined workforce, prioritizing efficiency over managerial expansion.

Continue Reading

Latest world news

Sunita Williams returns home after 286 days at space, greeted with smiles and applause

Astronaut Sunita Williams returned home after an unplanned 286-day mission in space, originally intended to last only eight days.

Published

on

Sunita Williams waving after returning from space

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth after spending an unexpected 286 days in space. Originally meant to be an eight-day mission, the duo faced prolonged delays due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which left them stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Williams and Wilmore finally made their journey back aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the ocean near Florida. The mission, which initially launched on June 5 last year, concluded with a safe landing early this morning.

Splashdown near Florida

After spending 17 hours in transit back to Earth, the capsule deployed its parachute, ensuring a controlled descent before making a water landing. NASA teams were on standby to retrieve the astronauts, assisting them onto mobility aids as they adapted to Earth’s gravity.

Williams was seen waving and flashing thumbs-up signs as she emerged from the capsule, signaling a positive return despite the physical challenges posed by prolonged space travel.

SpaceX ensures safe return

The return of the astronauts was made possible through SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. The Dragon capsule, which was launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, was sent to replace Crew-9 at the ISS. The spacecraft undocked at 10:35 am (IST), with NASA sharing visuals of the departure.

From an eight-day mission to nine months in space

Williams and Wilmore initially traveled to the ISS on what was to be the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, the Starliner developed propulsion issues and was deemed unfit for the return journey. NASA reassigned them to SpaceX’s Crew-9, and in September, a Dragon capsule was sent with a two-member crew to ensure their safe return.

After multiple delays, a relief team finally arrived on Sunday, paving the way for their journey home.

Challenges faced by returning astronauts

A prolonged stay in space presents multiple health challenges. Astronauts experience muscle and bone density loss due to the lack of gravity, which can lead to long-term physical impairments. NASA estimates that for every month in space, astronauts’ weight-bearing bones lose approximately one percent of their density.

Radiation exposure is another concern, as the Earth’s atmosphere provides protection that is unavailable in space. Vision impairment and weakened muscles are also common issues faced by astronauts after extended space travel.

PM Modi acknowledges Sunita Williams’ achievements

Ahead of her return, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter to Sunita Williams, praising her resilience and contribution to space exploration. The letter, dated March 1 and shared publicly by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, expressed India’s pride in Williams’ achievements.

PM Modi mentioned that he had discussed Williams’ mission with both former US President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, during his visits to the United States. “1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance,” the letter read.

Williams’ return marks the end of an eventful mission filled with challenges and triumphs, further reinforcing her legacy as a seasoned space traveler.

Continue Reading

Latest world news

Russia condemns Israel’s new airstrikes on Gaza, urges both sides to return to negotiations

Hamas, in a statement on Tuesday, blamed the U.S. for the deadly airstrikes, citing Washington’s “unlimited political and military support” for Israel.

Published

on

Russia on Tuesday expressed “deep regret” over Israel’s renewed airstrikes on Gaza, condemning actions that result in civilian casualties and urging both sides to return to negotiations.

The statement came after Palestinian health authorities reported that more than 400 people were killed in what Israel described as a “preemptive offensive” against Hamas militants, who are still holding 59 Israeli hostages.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, “Moscow learned with deep regret of Israel’s renewal of its military operation in the Gaza Strip. As experience shows, it is impossible to resolve the issue of freeing hostages by force. Russia strongly condemns any actions that lead to the death of civilians and the destruction of social infrastructure.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed these concerns, highlighting the alarming reports of civilian casualties. “We are monitoring the situation very closely and, of course, are waiting for it to return to a peaceful course,” Peskov said.

The Israeli airstrikes, which began early Tuesday, shattered a ceasefire that had been in place since January, threatening to reignite the 17-month-long conflict. According to hospital officials, at least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in the bombardment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused to modify the terms of the ceasefire agreement. The operation, described as open-ended, is expected to expand further. The White House confirmed it had been consulted and expressed support for Israel’s actions.

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for eastern Gaza, including parts of Beit Hanoun and other southern communities, signalling the possibility of renewed ground operations. Netanyahu’s office stated, “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.”

The surprise attack disrupted a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, raising fears of a full-scale return to violence in a conflict that has already claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.

Hamas, in a statement on Tuesday, blamed the U.S. for the deadly airstrikes, citing Washington’s “unlimited political and military support” for Israel. “With its unlimited political and military support for the occupation (Israel), Washington bears full responsibility for the massacres and the killing of women and children in Gaza,” the group said.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com