house appropriations committee

President Trump has signed an executive order for early government access to advanced AI models, aiming to assess cybersecurity risks and protect critical infrastructure. This voluntary collaboration with tech firms allows US agencies to review cutting-edge AI up to 30 days before public release, bolstering national security and combating AI-enabled cyber threats.

A devastating fire ripped through the ICU of Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, early Thursday, claiming the lives of at least five critically ill patients. The blaze, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, led to a frantic evacuation of 27 patients. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and accountability.

Former US attorney general Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee. She admitted to redaction errors in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi defended the Justice Department's actions under her leadership. Democrats and survivors criticized the closed-door interview format. They demanded greater transparency and accountability in the handling of these sensitive documents.

President Donald Trump last week halted a planned executive order. This order would have required government safety checks for advanced artificial intelligence models. Major tech companies like Google and Microsoft were to be affected. Trump cited a desire to maintain America's lead over China as the reason for the cancellation. The decision came after his state visit to China.

Operation Epic Fury, initiated under the leadership of Donald Trump, saw the U.S. military suffer grave losses, with 42 aircraft—comprising fighter jets and drones—sustaining damage or being lost entirely. This aggressive strike prompted swift and vigorous reprisal from Iran, bringing the region to a boiling point.

Washington's campaign against Iran has surged to nearly $29 billion, surpassing initial Pentagon estimates. Experts warn the escalating costs, driven by operational and equipment replacement, could ultimately reach a staggering $1 trillion. This financial burden is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of US elections, with concerns over inflation.

In a charged political atmosphere, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth is facing tough questions from lawmakers, including some from his own party, regarding the prolonged conflict in Iran and its controversial lack of congressional authorization. The Trump administration's ambitious military spending plan is taking a backseat to growing concerns about economic fallout and rising international tensions.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK is poised to form the government in Tamil Nadu, emerging as the single-largest party but needing allies. The Congress has reportedly pledged support for a secular government, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the DMK. Meanwhile, a faction within the AIADMK is reportedly considering backing Vijay.

US authorities are investigating a concerning pattern of American scientists, with access to sensitive research, going missing or dying since mid-2024. The White House, FBI, and Congress are collaborating to uncover potential links, including foreign actor involvement. Multiple agencies are reviewing at least eleven cases, some dating back to 2022, to assess national security implications.

Parliament considers crucial delimitation bills, raising concerns for democratic legitimacy and India's federal balance. These proposals could alter political power distribution significantly. The article argues for careful deliberation and public consultation before any constitutional changes are enacted. Statesmanship demands scrutiny, not speed, to ensure fairness and preserve the Union's integrity.

The house appropriations committee on Wednesday approved by voice vote the 2018 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which seeks certification from Rex Tillerson for disbursement of US aid to Pakistan, making it conditional for Islamabad to take action against terrorist groups.

Overall, the labour codes aim to balance protection, flexibility and clarity—supporting both employee welfare and organisational efficiency in a unified legal framework.

India & Pak may be cautiously optimistic about their bilateral relationship, but Pakistan’s ties with the US is set to go further south, if pending legislation in the US Congress goes through.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers regarding his controversial vaccine views and proposed budget cuts. Despite a measles outbreak, Kennedy stated Americans shouldn't seek medical advice from him. He defended slashing billions from health agencies, claiming it would save taxpayer money.

As per the draft of the bill, the Secretary of State is asked to certify that Pakistan is cooperating with the US in counter-terrorism efforts against the Haqqani Network, the Quetta Shura Taliban, Lashkar e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and al-Qaida.

A Congressional Committee in its budgetary proposals for the year 2013 has prohibited economic and security assistance to Pakistan till it co-operates with the US in the fight against terrorism.

The state assembly on Tuesday passed the Appropriation Bill-2011 without any debate amidst procedural wrangle and heated exchanges between the treasury and the opposition benches.

A parliamentary committee has recommended giving protection to retired babus similar to what is available to serving bureaucrats under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act where mandatory sanction is required before prosecuting an official.