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Phnom Penh, Nov 11 (IANS) Cambodia has launched a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) Multi-Age Cohort and catch-up vaccination campaign to expand cervical cancer protection for adolescent girls, according to a joint press release issued on Wednesday.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Cambodia, ranking as the second leading cancer among women of all ages. Because nearly all cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, vaccination stands as one of the most effective preventive measures available.

Building on the successful integration of the HPV vaccine into Cambodia's National Immunisation Programme in 2023, the new campaign will run alongside routine vaccinations for nine-year-old girls. The initiative provides free HPV vaccines to all girls aged 13 to 14, while offering catch-up doses for girls aged 10 to 12 who may have missed their routine vaccinations between 2023 and 2025, Xinhua News Agency reported.

To maximise coverage, the nationwide campaign will be rolled out in two phases from November to December 2026.

At the campaign launch on Tuesday, Cambodian Minister of Health Chheang Ra reaffirmed the country's commitment to protecting future generations.

"Every girl deserves protection from cervical cancer," he said. "By expanding HPV vaccination opportunities across the country, we are ensuring that girls who missed previous opportunities can still benefit from this safe, effective, and life-saving vaccine."

The campaign will utilise a coordinated approach, delivering vaccines through schools, community centers, and local health facilities.

Marianna Trias, the World Health Organisation representative to Cambodia, said HPV vaccination is one of the most effective tools for preventing cervical cancer.

"By expanding vaccination opportunities for girls up to age 14, Cambodia is accelerating progress towards eliminating cervical cancer while safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations," she said.

HPV vaccination is among the most impactful interventions, averting an estimated 13 deaths for every 1,000 children vaccinated, according to the joint press release.

Supporting these efforts, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed substantial financial resources to ensure the initiative's success.

"With more than three million US dollars in funding for this campaign, which aims to protect more than 700,000 girls in schools and communities, Gavi reaffirms our commitment to support Cambodia in its efforts to build stronger links between adolescent girls and essential health services," said Priya Gajraj, Gavi's director of core countries.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said that a Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national.

In a post on X, Sonowal said that the vessel was carrying six Indian seafarers when it came under attack on Tuesday.

He added that the injured Indian seafarer had suffered minor injuries and was safely taken ashore for further medical examination, while the remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were safe.

"On Nov 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other 5 Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for," the Union Minister stated.

"We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and wellbeing of our seafarers," he added.

Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that as many as 23 Indian nationals, including 15 Indian seafarers, lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while five Indian nationals died in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.

Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that one Indian national died after a ship that carried 14 Indian crew members came under attack. He thanked Omani authorities for rescuing 13 Indian nationals when the ship was attacked on November 2.

On the number of Indian nationals who lost their lives in the West Asia conflict, Jaiswal said, "In so far as the number of people who have died, Indian nationals who have died, last time I told you there were 22 Indian nationals whom we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of those 22 Indian nationals, we have 14 Indian seafarers, and today we have lost one more, yesterday, that is, which means there are 23 Indian nationals which we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of these, 15 of them are Indian seafarers."

--IANS

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Washington, Nov 11 (IANS) President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Natalie Baker as the next US ambassador to Pakistan, moving to fill a diplomatic post that has remained without a Senate-confirmed ambassador for nearly two years.

Baker, who has headed the American Embassy in Islamabad as charge d'affaires since January 2025, was among several diplomatic nominees whose names the White House sent to the Senate on Monday.

The White House identified Baker, of Texas, as "a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor" and nominated her to serve as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Pakistan.

Her nomination has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She will need Senate confirmation before formally assuming the ambassadorial position.

Baker arrived in Islamabad in August 2024 as deputy chief of mission. She assumed charge of the embassy in January 2025 following the departure of Ambassador Donald Blome, who had served in Pakistan since 2022.

Blome left the post on January 10, 2025.

A career diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East and North Africa, Baker previously served as deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Doha, Qatar, from August 2021 to July 2024.

Before that assignment, she headed the State Department's Office of North African Affairs in its Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

She has also served as deputy chief of mission and charge d'affaires at the US Mission to Libya, deputy director of the Iran Regional Presence Office at the American Consulate in Dubai and economic counsellor at the US Embassy in Kuwait.

During her posting in Kuwait, she worked with the US Defence Department to support the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.

From 2009 to 2011, Baker served as political and economic counsellor in Libya as Washington and Tripoli sought to normalise relations following nearly three decades of strained ties.

She remained in Libya until the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi forced the American Embassy to evacuate in February 2011.

Her earlier assignments included a previous posting in Islamabad as a consular officer, a cultural affairs position in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and service as a special assistant in the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

As charge d'affaires in Pakistan, Baker has emphasised commercial diplomacy and cooperation in emerging technologies.

During an August 11-12 visit to Lahore, she met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and provincial adviser Ali Dar to discuss opportunities in artificial intelligence, higher education, innovation and investment.

A graduate of Princeton University, Baker holds a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. She was a distinguished graduate of the National War College in 2017 and speaks Arabic, Spanish, Farsi and Russian.

The White House also nominated Jeffrey Colyer of Kansas as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Cynthia Kierscht to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, and Ian McCary to Mali, among other diplomatic appointments.

--IANS

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Seoul, Nov 11 (IANS) When Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited South Korea in June and shared soju and grilled pork belly with the heads of the country's technology giants, the high-profile gathering symbolised their deepening ties in artificial intelligence (AI), spanning semiconductors, robotics and autonomous driving.

Huang has met Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung on several occasions this year, forging partnerships across critical cutting-edge sectors, reports Yonhap news agency.

In July, Huang also met President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the San Francisco AI Summit, along with the three conglomerate chiefs and other industry leaders, to discuss ways to deepen AI cooperation.

But a scandal involving Huang, a central figure in the global AI boom, and a woman suspected of ties with Chinese intelligence has raised questions about potential regulatory scrutiny, uncertainty over Nvidia's leadership and possible repercussions for South Korea's AI supply chain.

The controversy has coincided with the cancellation of at least one high-profile engagement in Seoul.

Huang's daughter and Nvidia executive Madison Huang abruptly canceled her planned attendance at Nvidia AI Day on Monday, citing family reasons. She had been scheduled to meet Korean technology executives and government officials.

Asked whether the U.S. congressional investigation into Huang could affect the delivery of 260,000 graphic processing units (GPUs) pledged to South Korea or partnerships with Korean chipmakers, Nvidia officials declined to comment.

So far, there is no indication that the controversy has disrupted Nvidia's chip supplies or major AI projects in South Korea.

Ryu Je-myung, South Korea's second vice minister of Science and ICT, said Monday that Nvidia's GPU shipments to South Korea were expected to proceed as scheduled.

"We will have to wait and see how the controversy affects Nvidia, but we expect the contracted shipments to proceed without disruption," Ryu said during a parliamentary budget committee session.

The uncertainty comes at a time when Nvidia is expanding its presence in South Korea. The U.S. chipmaker has emerged as a key partner in Seoul's push to strengthen AI capabilities and build advanced computing infrastructure.

For Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc., major suppliers of high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in Nvidia's AI accelerators, one potential concern is whether the controversy could prompt heightened U.S. regulatory scrutiny, particularly over semiconductor supply chains linked to China.

Although existing supply agreements appear unaffected, any regulatory changes or disruptions to Nvidia's product road map could complicate the Korean chipmakers' production and investment plans.

The potential implications extend beyond semiconductors. At Nvidia AI Day, mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. and AI chip startup Rebellions announced plans to integrate Nvidia's GPUs with Rebellions' neural processing units (NPUs) in SK Telecom's AI data centres.

Ride-hailing service Kakao Mobility also unveiled plans to collaborate with Nvidia on Level 4 autonomous driving technology, initially focusing on Kia Corp.'s purpose-built vehicles.

Last week, Nvidia completed a US$1 billion investment in Naver Corp., acquiring a 4.13 percent stake in the South Korean portal operator to speed up a joint AI venture announced in June.

These deals highlight Nvidia's growing influence across South Korea's AI ecosystem, from telecommunications and mobility to software.

But the deepening ties also expose potential risks associated with South Korea's growing dependence on Nvidia for advanced computing technology, AI chip supplies and strategic tie-ups.

Industry observers say the potential fallout from the U.S. investigation will depend on whether it leads to regulatory action, leadership changes at Nvidia or shifts in its business strategy.

Despite the uncertainty, Seoul officials have stressed the importance of maintaining ties with Nvidia, viewing the partnership as a way to help domestic companies expand into global markets and advance the country's AI ambitions.

"The competitiveness of the AI industry can be further enhanced when diverse capabilities are interconnected and integrated, beyond advances in individual technologies," Lee Do-kyu, a senior official at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said during the Nvidia event.

"We hope South Korean companies will identify opportunities for technological and business cooperation with Nvidia and ultimately expand into global markets together."

—IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Chip major NVIDIA’s independent directors have appointed Joon H. Kim, former acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to probe if its founder and CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a Chinese intelligence effort.

Kim's law firm, called Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, will assist with the inquiry, according to a statement issued by the independent directors.

The company's board earlier described US national and economic security as paramount to the company's interests and those of its shareholders. It also said it would provide further updates as appropriate.

NVIDIA also said it had no reason to believe that US national security or company secrets had been compromised but would examine all available information.

Huang has backed the investigation in an email to employees, saying he would cooperate fully and was committed to protecting NVIDIA and US national security.

"I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America's national security," he wrote. "I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it," Huang said.

Huang also asked for privacy for his family, saying they bore no responsibility for his actions.

Meanwhile, Nvidia shares closed at $168.8 on Tuesday (US time), down $9.8744, or 5.53 per cent, from the previous close of $178.67. Its latest market capitalisation stood at approximately $4.07 trillion.

The stock has also witnessed sustained selling pressure, falling 14 per cent over the past week and 22 per cent over the last 30 days.

It has declined 18 per cent over three months and 17 per cent over six months.

The latest sell-off has also pushed Nvidia below Microsoft in the global market-capitalisation rankings, with the software giant reclaiming the position of the world's second-most valuable company.

Nvidia's quarterly results, scheduled for November 17, will provide another reading of demand for AI chips and the outlook for its business.

--IANS

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Berlin, Nov 11 (IANS) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that the European Union (EU) must fully integrate its Ukraine policy into the bloc's budget, and that future financial support for Ukraine should be part of the negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget.

Merz made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar on Tuesday (local time). He said negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget were entering a critical stage.

Merz stressed that the EU must not reduce its financial support for Ukraine, as it was a matter of collective European security.

He said a key condition for reaching a budget agreement was a common understanding among EU members on how to support Ukraine in the coming years. Supporting Ukraine was a shared responsibility of the EU, rather than that of individual member states, he added.

Merz said Ukraine policy must be fully included in the EU budget, while acknowledging that at least four member states held different views, according to Xinhua news agency.

Magyar said reaching an agreement on a common budget among the 27 EU members would not be easy, as each country had its own national interests.

He said Hungary believed that funding for traditional areas, including agricultural and cohesion policies, should not be reduced, and that changes were also needed to member states' contributions.

Magyar added that the current budget proposal still needed changes. Hungary would remain a constructive partner in the negotiations but would not compromise on its national interests, he said.

--IANS

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Washington, Nov 11 (IANS) A Trump administration proposal to eliminate the 60-day grace period that allows laid-off H-1B visa holders to find new jobs in the United States has drawn more than 31,000 public comments, as the deadline for submissions approached.

The proposal, which could have major consequences for Indian professionals working in America, had received 31,383 posted comments by Tuesday night (local time).

The number had risen from about 27,000 on November 2 to 30,382 early Tuesday, reflecting growing public engagement with one of the administration's latest immigration proposals.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the proposed rule on September 11. It seeks to remove a regulation allowing certain foreign workers up to 60 days after losing their jobs to secure new employment, change immigration status or prepare to leave the country.

The provision covers H-1B workers and several other temporary visa categories, including L-1, O-1 and TN. Their dependants are also covered.

Under existing rules, eligible workers can remain for up to 60 days after employment ends, or until their authorised stay expires, whichever comes first.

If the proposal takes effect, workers who lose their jobs would no longer receive this discretionary protection. They would generally have to leave the United States unless otherwise authorised to remain.

DHS argues that immigration status should remain directly linked to the employment for which a foreign worker was admitted.

The department said the existing grace period "is not mandated by statute" and creates additional administrative work.

According to DHS, immigration officials had to consider whether the provision applied in more than 1.9 million petitions and applications between October 2017 and May 2026.

Using revoked employment petitions as a measure, the department estimated that an average of 65,752 foreign workers annually lost or changed jobs between fiscal 2021 and 2025.

Of those, about 3,795 had new employer petitions filed within the grace period each year.

DHS acknowledged that eliminating the provision could cause some workers to lose income, incur relocation expenses or face immigration proceedings.

The proposal carries particular significance for Indians, who account for the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries.

According to USCIS figures cited in its fiscal 2025 report to Congress, about 70 per cent of 406,348 approved H-1B petitions involved beneficiaries born in India. China accounted for approximately 12 per cent.

The grace-period proposal has attracted more posted comments than two other pending DHS measures affecting international students and skilled foreign workers.

A separate proposal to charge institutions $70,000 for initial Optional Practical Training and $30,000 for subsequent training had received 8,947 posted comments by Tuesday night. Its comment period ended on Monday.

Another proposal would remove the practice of generally deferring to previous USCIS approvals when reviewing extension applications involving unchanged circumstances. That measure had received 686 posted comments. Its deadline is November 13.

The volume of comments does not by itself establish how many respondents support or oppose the proposals.

DHS must review the submissions before deciding whether to issue a final rule. Any final regulation would specify when the changes take effect.

The 60-day grace period was established through a 2016 regulation that took effect on January 17, 2017.

The H-1B programme permits American employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised occupations, particularly in technology, engineering and other skilled fields.

--IANS

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Quetta, Nov 11 (IANS) The Baloch National Movement (BNM) on Wednesday has raised serious concerns over the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF26), scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 12–13, alleging that the government is seeking to turn the exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources into an international economic enterprise by involving foreign investors and multinational corporations.

According to the BNM, the forum, which is to be held under the banners of investment and development, is an attempt to deprive the people of Balochistan of their own resources and perpetuate poverty, deprivation, and economic subjugation in the region.

"We describe this as mineral colonialism, a system in which external powers reap the benefits of a region's natural wealth while its indigenous population is subjected to exploitation and marginalisation," the BNM stated.

The group said that no foreign investment, mining project, or extraction of natural resources in Balochistan could be considered acceptable without the free, genuine, and collective consent of the people in the province.

It stressed that any agreements concluded by disregarding the will and political status of the people would remain "illegitimate and unacceptable", further deepening the ongoing conflict and potentially escalating violence in the region.

"We urge all international mining companies, investors, and financial institutions to refrain from investing in Balochistan. Balochistan is an occupied territory and a region experiencing an ongoing conflict. Under these circumstances, the international community has a moral and political responsibility to support the Baloch nation's right to self-determination and their struggle for freedom, rather than becoming complicit in the economic interests of an occupying state," the BNM stated.

Highlighting the escalating abuses by Pakistani authorities, the group said that enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, unlawful arrests of political activists and leaders, fabricated criminal cases and systematic efforts to silence political voices in Balochistan were part of a broader strategy to suppress the political and economic rights of the Baloch people.

It said that these measures were also aimed at maintaining control over the region's natural resources.

For decades, the BNM said, people of Balochistan have struggled for their national identity, homeland, and the right to exercise control over their resources.

"The continued sacrifices of Baloch men, women, and youth are a testament to the enormous human cost of this struggle. Claims of development and prosperity in Balochistan that disregard these realities are nothing more than an illusion. International companies must recognise that exploiting Balochistan's resources without the consent of the Baloch nation risks making them complicit in a contested and exploitative enterprise," it noted.

The BNM called on the United Nations, international financial institutions, and the wider international community to make the free consent of the Baloch people a fundamental condition for any project involving Balochistan's natural resources and to take notice of human rights violations in the region.

"Any project imposed against the will of the Baloch nation will only perpetuate exploitation, resistance, and further instability," it warned.

--IANS

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Washington, Nov 11 (IANS) The United States has extended exemptions from additional tariffs on 178 categories of Chinese goods until January 9, 2027, as Washington and Beijing continue negotiations over trade commitments.

The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on Tuesday (local time) announced the two-month extension in a Federal Register notice published Tuesday, preventing the exclusions from expiring after November 9.

The decision allows American importers to continue bringing in specified Chinese products without paying the additional duties imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The extension covers goods entering the United States from November 10, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 9, 2027.

"In light of ongoing discussions with China, the Trade Representative has determined that it is appropriate to further extend all 178 current exclusions until January 10, 2027," the notice said.

The exclusions cover 164 product categories carried forward from earlier tariff relief measures and 14 categories involving equipment used in solar manufacturing.

They apply only to products meeting specific customs classifications and descriptions. Other Chinese imports remain subject to applicable tariffs.

USTR said it considered public comments received during previous reviews, recommendations from advisory committees and advice from the interagency Section 301 Committee before granting the extension.

The agency also left open the possibility of further changes.

"The Trade Representative may continue to consider further extensions or additional modifications as appropriate," the notice said.

The announcement comes four days after US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held a videoconference with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on November 6.

During the discussion, Greer pressed Beijing to fulfil commitments made under earlier trade agreements, particularly those involving American agricultural exports, rare earth elements and other critical minerals.

Greer emphasised the importance of China taking concrete steps to implement those commitments.

The administration said it would continue monitoring compliance while pursuing a more balanced trading relationship that benefits American farmers, manufacturers and workers.

The extension, among other things, builds on a trade understanding reached between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in November 2025.

Under that arrangement, Washington agreed to maintain exclusions from certain additional tariffs, while Beijing committed to extending its own exclusions on American goods through December 31, 2026.

The agreement addressed Chinese purchases of US agricultural products, restrictions on rare earth exports and trade measures affecting American semiconductor companies.

USTR subsequently extended the 178 exclusions through November 9, 2026. Tuesday's decision provides another two months for businesses relying on the exemptions.

The agency said US Customs and Border Protection would issue instructions governing customs entries and implementation of the extension.

--IANS

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Washington, Nov 11 (IANS) A California-led coalition of state attorneys general has urged the US government to withdraw a proposal requiring universities to pay as much as $100,000 for an international student's post-study work training, warning that the measure could deter foreign enrolment and hurt the American economy.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said on Tuesday (local time) that the coalition had submitted formal objections to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday. The proposed rule targets Optional Practical Training (OPT), a programme that allows foreign students on F-1 visas to work in fields related to their studies.

Under the proposal, colleges and universities would pay $70,000 when they first recommend a student for OPT and another $30,000 for a subsequent recommendation, including an extension available to eligible graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The institutions would be required to send the payments to DHS. They could seek reimbursement from students or employers, potentially shifting some of the burden to graduates looking for work.

The proposal was published on October 8. It has not taken effect.

Bonta said the plan threatened students, campuses and employers that rely on international talent.

"We have already fought and won against this Administration's attempt to impose an unauthorised $100,000 tax on H-1B visas, yet it continues to pursue unlawful overreach at the expense of our students, universities, and economy," he said.

The coalition argued that DHS lacked congressional authority to impose what it described as a tax disguised as a fee. It said the proposal violated the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Administrative Procedure Act because the government had not adequately weighed the costs to states, schools and the wider economy.

The attorneys general also objected to the 30-day public comment period, saying it was too short for a policy with potentially sweeping financial consequences.

More than 294,000 international students participated in OPT nationwide during the 2024-25 academic year. It is estimated that maintaining current participation levels under the proposed charges could cost educational institutions $12.9 billion a year.

The coalition warned that the fees could force some universities to stop recommending students for the programme. Others could face falling international enrolment, reduced tuition income and difficulties attracting skilled graduates.

For Indian students considering American universities, the dispute raises questions about access to work experience after graduation. The proposed payment would formally fall on institutions, but the rule would allow them to recover the costs from students or employers.

"International students bring diverse perspectives, strengthen our communities, and help drive discoveries and technological advancements that benefit us all," Bonta said.

He also cited the economic stakes in California, where international students contributed $6.3 billion and supported more than 52,000 jobs in the 2024-25 academic year.

Attorneys general from states including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, Washington and Virginia joined California's submission. The District of Columbia was also among the signatories.

--IANS

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