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Nothing definitive reached about Iran during Netanyahus visit with Trump

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Gold-hungry traders tap NRIs to cater to humongous demand
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are bringing gold into the country by taking advantage of rules that allow each individual to carry 1 kg of the metal, helping traders cope with restrictions on imports during the peak wedding season. India, vying with China to be the top buyer of gold, has choked imports to narrow its trade gap and curb the outflow of dollars. The measures included raising the import duty to a record 10 percent and making it mandatory to export as jewellery 20 percent of all gold imports. But non-residents who have stayed abroad for more than six months can bring in gold on payment of the import duty, irrespective of end use. Such is the demand that some traders are paying passengers' air fares if they agree to carry gold. About 80 kg of gold was brought in by non-resident Indians (NRIs) this month on a flight from Dubai to Calicut in the southern state of Kerala, said an airport official who did not want to be identified. Travel agents typically book about 20-30 tickets on a flight on behalf of NRIs, who are accompanied by people working for traders, said Bachhraj Bamalwa, director of the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, an umbrella body of more than 300,000 jewellers. "These NRIs pay the duty, so there is nothing illegal about it," Bamalwa said. "These people are mainly labourers from Tamil Nadu or Kerala, who are given a free ticket." Government officials estimate NRIs have imported a tonne of gold since mid-November, compared to nearly nothing in previous months. That's a boon for jewellers, many of which have been operating at half capacity due to a lack of stock. Official gold imports fell to about 21 tonnes in November, less than half the monthly requirement, data from metals consultancy Thomson Reuters GFMS showed. Gold premiums in India rose to a record $160 per ounce on London prices earlier in December. Gold-hungry traders tap NRIs to cater to humongous demand

Nothing definitive reached about Iran during Netanyahus visit with Trump

**White House Summit Yields Cautious Optimism on Iran Diplomacy, Gaza Progress**

**Washington D.C.** – A high-stakes meeting at the White House between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded Tuesday, with both leaders signaling a continued commitment to diplomatic engagement with Iran and expressing cautious optimism regarding developments in Gaza. While no definitive breakthroughs were announced regarding the complex Iranian nuclear program, President Trump emphasized his administration’s unwavering stance on pursuing negotiations.

The discussions, held behind closed doors, reportedly focused on a range of pressing regional security issues, with Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its destabilizing influence in the Middle East taking center stage. Prime Minister Netanyahu, a vocal critic of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has consistently advocated for a more robust international approach to curbing Tehran’s activities. President Trump, who withdrew the United States from the aforementioned deal in 2018, has pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran, aiming to force concessions through economic sanctions.

During a joint press conference following the summit, President Trump stated, “We insisted that negotiations with Iran will continue.” This assertion suggests that despite the ongoing sanctions and diplomatic pressure, the door remains open for dialogue, albeit on terms dictated by the United States. The President did not elaborate on the specific nature or timeline of these potential negotiations, nor did he offer details on what “progress” might entail. However, his remarks indicate a strategic continuity in the administration’s approach, seeking to leverage economic leverage to achieve diplomatic objectives.

The meeting also touched upon the volatile situation in Gaza, where recent escalations in violence have raised international concern. President Trump reported “progress” being made in addressing the ongoing conflict, though details remained scarce. The United States has been actively involved in mediating between Israeli and Palestinian factions, often in coordination with regional partners. The nature of this “progress” is likely to be closely scrutinized by international observers and regional stakeholders alike, as any significant de-escalation in Gaza would represent a welcome development.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, while acknowledging the importance of the discussions, echoed the sentiment of ongoing diplomatic efforts. His administration has consistently prioritized its security concerns, particularly in relation to Iran’s regional activities and its alleged support for militant groups. The visit provided an opportunity for the two leaders to align their strategies and reinforce their shared commitment to regional stability.

The White House summit underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of Middle East diplomacy. While concrete outcomes were not publicly revealed, the emphasis on continued dialogue with Iran and the reported progress in Gaza suggest a strategic recalibration or, at the very least, a sustained effort to manage ongoing challenges. The coming weeks and months will likely reveal the tangible impact of these discussions on the ground, as the international community watches for further developments in these critical arenas. The commitment to negotiation, coupled with a firm stance on security, appears to be the guiding principle of the current US-Israel engagement on these pressing issues.


This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.

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