Facebook

This conversation marks the first direct communication between the two leaders since their summit meeting in Woodside, California, last November. According to the White House, the discussion was characterized as "candid and constructive," encompassing a wide spectrum of issues spanning bilateral, regional, and global realms.

The aerospace company SpaceX, led by Musk, achieved a significant milestone this week by executing the third successful test flight of its towering 400-foot Starship rocket, coupled with the Heavy booster.

During a daily news conference, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre conveyed President Joe Biden's pride in the achievements of the QUAD since its inception. The QUAD, comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, convened its inaugural summit at the White House in March 2021.

Over the past two years, Watson noted, the United States has made historic strides in advancing a vision for the Indo-Pacific characterized by freedom, openness, connectivity, prosperity, security, and resilience. President Biden's leadership has been instrumental in solidifying the United States' position in the region, she remarked.

The move is expected to benefit Indian professionals, who constitute a substantial portion of H-1B visa holders. The program aims to streamline the renewal process and address visa backlogs that have led to increased uncertainties for workers and employers, particularly from countries like India.

Addressing concerns about the impact of the allegations on bilateral ties and President Joe Biden's potential visit to India in 2024, Kirby stated, "India is a strategic partner. We are deepening that strategic partnership." However, he underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a comprehensive investigation, asserting that those responsible must be held accountable.

During the first week of the conflict (October 7-14), US-based for-profit organisation NewsGuard analysed the 250 most-engaged posts (likes, reposts, replies, and bookmarks) that promoted one of 10 prominent false or unsubstantiated narratives relating to the war.

While addressing a roundtable of Jewish community leaders on Wednesday afternoon, the President had said: “It matters that Americans see what's happening -- I mean, I have been doing this a long time, I never really thought that I would see, have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children.” 

Addressing a regular press briefing on Tuesday, National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan told reporters: "We believe that there are 20 or more Americans who at this point are missing. But I want to underscore and stress that does not mean, necessarily, that there are 20 or more American hostages, just that is the number who are currently unaccounted for.