Donald Trump appoints John Ratcliffe as CIA chief, sidelines Kash Patel
Washington, D.C.: US President-elect Donald Trump has selected John Ratcliffe as the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), bypassing Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, who was previously considered a leading candidate for the position. Ratcliffe, a former Director of National Intelligence and a Texas Congressman, is known for his conservative political stance and close alignment with Trump’s policy views.
Ratcliffe has previously served as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) during Trump’s administration, holding office in the final eight months of Trump's presidency. A lawyer by training, Ratcliffe's career includes representing Texas in the US House of Representatives from 2015 to 2020 and serving as mayor of a Texas town for four terms.
Trump’s statement praised Ratcliffe's "fearless commitment to Constitutional Rights and national security" and expressed confidence in Ratcliffe's leadership at the CIA, particularly on issues like Israel and China. Ratcliffe has voiced strong criticism of President Joe Biden’s foreign policies, particularly regarding Israel and the US approach to China.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
_vb_69.jpeg)
Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
