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Why Trumpism faces testing times

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Flynn (above) resigned as the US national security adviser after reports that he misled Vice-President Pence over discussions with the Russian ambassador

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Michael Flynn’s sudden exit as NSA puts The Donald in troubled waters 

By Sujit Bhar

The brouhaha over US President Donald Trump’s whimsical national policy decisions is facing what those policies were destined for—early death. His executive order on a travel ban from seven Muslim nations was virtually stubbed out by federal courts and even by a three-judge bench of the appellate court. And now his random senior appointments in key positions are coming in the line of fire.

The second part was apparent in the resignation of Trump’s National Security Adviser in the White House, Michael Flynn. He had no option when it was apparent from published reports that he had misled Trump’s team about his contacts with the Russian ambassador in the US and on his talks with him about the US sanctions on Russia.

Reports have maintained that Flynn’s loyalty to Trump was in no way a saviour for his links with Russia, causing the very Trump administration he was part of to be concerned. Russia, despite Trump’s pre-election exhortations, still remains pretty much the bogeyman in the White House and in the US in general.

Trump was certainly pitching in the dark about great relations with Vladimir Putin, disregarding complaints and allegations that Russia had a hacker’s hand in the US election process, making Trump king.

But when it came to an insider-job on information being passed, it was too much. It has now been revealed by a spokesman that Trump knew for weeks that Flynn wasn’t truthful about his Russian calls, leading to the conclusion that he couldn’t be trusted. That led to his firing.

This has left Trump in the unenviable position of having defended Putin, while failing to defend his own aide. The only way to get out this dilemma before this too assumed the huge proportion that his travel ban did, was to fire the man, he did just that.

What did Flynn do to earn his sacking? Flynn, an army general, had several telephonic discussions with Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak during the administration of Barack Obama. That he had telephonic conversations wasn’t a secret, its contents were.

Before his appointment, Vice-President Mike Pence had asked him if he had discussed any special issues with Kislyak, specifically on the sanctions. Pence is a seasoned hand in the world of politics and his questioning was in order. It was only after Flynn had categorically said that none of the discussions had been on sensitive issues that Pence had recommended his name to Trump.

Later Flynn went back on his words and admitted to having had conversations on the sanctions. That made his position untenable.

Technically, this is none of Trump’s fault. Neither is it Pence’s. However, the aura of disquiet that Trump has already created has magnified this into a mega issue, with experts branding this as a potential security issue.

What Trump is facing today has little to do with the intransigence of Flynn. It has everything to do with the reckless and thoughtless posturing by Trump. Hence it will be Trump who will be left to pick up the pieces if the system collapses on itself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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