us agency for international development

The US government is set to deploy new software, developed under Elon Musk's DOGE initiative, to accelerate mass layoffs across federal agencies. This updated tool, called Workforce Reshaping tool, transforms the Pentagon's AutoRIF into a web-based system. Legal experts warn of potential widespread dismissals with minimal oversight, despite Musk's departure from DOGE.

The UN World Food Programme warns of rising hunger in West and Central Africa. Over 36 million people face food shortages. This number may rise to 52 million. Conflict, displacement, and weather are the causes. Funding cuts worsen the crisis. USAID aid programs are halted. The WFP may reduce its workforce. Millions risk losing aid without urgent funding.

A viral social media post alleged major news outlets received millions from USAID, sparking debate over government influence. However, these outlets clarified that funds were primarily for subscriptions or contracts with affiliate services, not direct grants. They maintain editorial independence, emphasizing that government revenue constitutes a small portion of their overall income.

UNAIDS faces a severe crisis due to funding cuts from major donors like the US, potentially reversing decades of progress in the global fight against HIV. The agency plans to halve its workforce and relocate posts to cheaper locations.

USAID employees, already facing job losses due to Elon Musk's DOGE-led cuts, are now under investigation for unauthorized media interviews. Despite believing their employment had ended, these workers are accused of violating agency policy. Union leaders and legal experts condemn the move as intimidation, raising concerns about stifling criticism and violating constitutional rights.

During President Trump's first 100 days, USCIS implemented stricter screening, vetting, and fraud detection measures. The agency revoked approximately 4,000 student visas and began scrutinizing social media for anti-American activity. USCIS also reaffirmed its stance on binary gender and emphasized that visiting the U.S. is a privilege, not a right, for those who respect its laws.

Bill Gates has criticized Elon Musk's cuts to the us agency for international development, claiming they risk a resurgence of deadly diseases among the world's poorest children. Gates warned that these funding cuts could reverse decades of progress in reducing mortality rates.

Donald Trump's initiative to prioritize American-made prescription drugs poses significant challenges for Indian pharmaceutical companies. The policy shift aims to reshore drug manufacturing, potentially disrupting the global supply chain and eroding the cost advantages that Indian firms have long enjoyed in the US generics market. Increased regulatory scrutiny and stricter compliance checks could further impact Indian drug exports.

Gold prices in the national capital experienced a significant surge of Rs 550, reaching Rs 97,350 per 10 grams, mirroring strong international market trends. This increase occurred ahead of the US Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting, driven by a weaker dollar. Silver prices, however, saw a decline of Rs 400, settling at Rs 96,700 per kg.

A US district court granted a preliminary injunction to 133 international students, many from India, challenging the termination of their SEVIS records by ICE. The court found ICE's actions arbitrary and without sufficient justification, likely violating the Administrative Procedure Act. This ruling protects the students' legal status and educational opportunities while the lawsuit proceeds, preventing potential deportation.

Moody's Ratings has revised India's GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.3% due to global policy uncertainty and trade limitations. Geopolitical friction with Pakistan and terror attacks present additional risks. While maintaining a 6.5% growth prediction for 2026, Moody's anticipates the RBI will implement rate cuts to bolster domestic economic growth.

Bill Gates has accused Elon Musk of endangering the lives of the world's poorest children. Gates criticized Musk's decision to shut down USAID through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he claims has led to life-saving aid expiring and increased cases of diseases like HIV. Gates also highlighted Musk's cancellation of hospital grants, impacting HIV transmission prevention.

The DEA has quietly ended its body camera program, aligning with a recent executive order from the Trump administration that revoked the requirement for federal law enforcement to use them. This decision, communicated internally, contrasts with other Justice Department agencies that continue to require body cameras.

Syria's finance minister has said Qatar will help the Islamist-led government to pay public sector salaries for the coming months through a mechanism he said had been exempted from US sanctions. "We thank the Qatari government for the generous grant provided to pay part of the current wages and salary bill," Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA late Wednesday.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has announced revised tariffs for Mumbai's CSMI Airport, effective from May 16, 2025, to March 31, 2029. These revisions include a fixed User Development Fee (UDF) of Rs 175 for domestic passengers and differential UDFs for international travelers based on class, with economy at Rs 615 and business at Rs 695.

A new ICE memo threatens international students whose SEVIS records were recently reinstated, potentially creating gaps in their records and jeopardizing their legal status. This policy allows for SEVIS termination based on visa revocations, raising concerns about due process and potential deportation. Immigration attorneys anticipate legal challenges to address these issues and protect students from adverse consequences.

China's finance minister has criticized US tariffs for destabilizing the global economy, while the foreign ministry insists the US must drop its threatening stance for any agreement. The ongoing trade dispute escalates as the US imposes high tariffs, prompting retaliation from Beijing. Despite hints of possible trade talks, China demands the removal of tariffs, a condition President Trump has dismissed.

Tensions escalate as Denmark confronts the US over alleged espionage activities in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly stated, "You cannot spy against an ally," following reports that US intelligence agencies were probing Greenland's independence movement and resource attitudes. The incident has prompted diplomatic summons and strong reactions, highlighting the delicate balance between alliance and sovereignty.

US intelligence agencies rejected a claim by President Donald Trump used to justify the deportation of more than 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador, according to a declassified memo released on Monday. The memo by the National Intelligence Council, dated April 7, shows US spy agencies do not believe Trump's claims that the Tren de Aragua (TDA) criminal gang is linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.