US President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat who served eight years in prison in a corruption case. Earlier also, his sentence was cut short by Trump during his first term.
"It&rsquo;s my honor to do it. I&rsquo;ve watched him. He was set up by a lot of bad people," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, after signing his pardon.&nbsp;
Trump's decision has created diverse reactions. The supporters consider his original sentence excessive, whilst critics argue the pardon weakens anti-corruption efforts and might encourage official misconduct.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-grants-blanket-pardon-to-almost-all-involved-in-capitol-riots-8640896" rel="dofollow"> Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to?</a>
<h2>Who is Rod Blagojevich?&nbsp;</h2>
Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 for several corruption charges, including an attempt to sell the US Senate seat that Barack Obama vacated following his 2008 presidential elections.&nbsp;
After Barack Obama was elected as president in 2008, his Illinois Senate position became vacant. As a governor, Blagojevich had the authority to name a replacement.&nbsp;
Federal agents monitoring Blagojevich, recorded him discussing ways to profit from the appointment. He was heard describing the seat as "f***ing golden", pointing to its worth.&nbsp;
The investigators claimed that Blagojevich was seeking various benefits in exchange for the appointment.&nbsp;
In 2020, Trump commuted his sentence, calling it "unfair". "I've watched him he was set up by a lot of bad people, some of the same people I had to deal with."
Following this, Blagojevich appreciated Trump, calling himself a "Trumpocrat".&nbsp;
Trump and Blagojevich have crossed each other's paths before. They met when the former governor appeared as a contestant on &ldquo;Celebrity Apprentice.&rdquo;
Moreover, in 2021, Blagojevich said he was suing the state of Illinois in an attempt to run for office again.
Presidential pardons remove legal consequences, however, they do not establish the person as innocent, according to the legal authorities. The pardon does not affect Blagojevich's disbarment or his ban from the Illinois state office.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: "It’s my honor to do it. I’ve watched him. He was set up by a lot of bad people," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, after signing his pardon. 

US President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat who served eight years in prison in a corruption case. Earlier also, his sentence was cut short by Trump during his first term. "It’s my honor to do it. I’ve watched him. He was set up by a lot of bad people," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, after signing his pardon. Trump's decision has created diverse reactions. The supporters consider his original sentence excessive, whilst critics argue the pardon weakens anti-corruption efforts and might encourage official misconduct. Also read: Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to? Who is Rod Blagojevich? Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 for several corruption charges, including an attempt to sell the US Senate seat that Barack Obama vacated following his 2008 presidential elections. After Barack Obama was elected as president in 2008, his Illinois Senate position became vacant. As a governor, Blagojevich had the authority to name a replacement. Federal agents monitoring Blagojevich, recorded him discussing ways to profit from the appointment. He was heard describing the seat as "f***ing golden", pointing to its worth. The investigators claimed that Blagojevich was seeking various benefits in exchange for the appointment. In 2020, Trump commuted his sentence, calling it "unfair". "I've watched him he was set up by a lot of bad people, some of the same people I had to deal with." Following this, Blagojevich appreciated Trump, calling himself a "Trumpocrat". Trump and Blagojevich have crossed each other's paths before. They met when the former governor appeared as a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice.” Moreover, in 2021, Blagojevich said he was suing the state of Illinois in an attempt to run for office again. Presidential pardons remove legal consequences, however, they do not establish the person as innocent, according to the legal authorities. The pardon does not affect Blagojevich's disbarment or his ban from the Illinois state office. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Rod Blagojevich? Former Illinois governor pardoned by Trump

As the world leaders attended the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday (Feb 11) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the Summit it seemed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was smirking at him. &nbsp;
PM Modi was speaking on the need for AI models to be efficient and sustainable in size.&nbsp;
He said that as India and France advance their partnership to AI, "it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-be-careful-about-ai-biases-stresses-pm-modi-at-ai-summit-in-paris-8710575" rel="dofollow">'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris</a>
"AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs, and resource requirements," he said.&nbsp;
PM Modi added that the human brain manages to compose poetry and design spaceships using less power than most light bulbs.
As he said this, it seemed like Canadian PM Trudeau smirked at PM Modi.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
As France and India advance our partnership... Sustainable AI does not only mean using clean energy. AI models must also be efficient, sustainable in size, data needs, and resources requirements: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AISummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AISummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModiInFrance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModiInFrance</a> <a href="https://t.co/m0ql734BbY">pic.twitter.com/m0ql734BbY</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1889269980807803390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
PM Modi further said that AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about."
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-warns-against-ai-deals-with-authoritarian-regimes-in-a-jab-at-china-at-paris-summit-8710681" rel="dofollow"> 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit</a>
PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders and "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust."
Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy.&nbsp;
"India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-meets-friend-emmanuel-macron-ahead-of-ai-summit-8709419" rel="dofollow"> Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit</a>
Amid the rift between India and Canada,&nbsp; Modi and Trudeau were seen sharing the stage together during the G20 Summit in 2024 in Rio de Janeiro.&nbsp;
All the world leaders were together for a group photo at the Museum of Modern Art. PM Modi was seen clasping former US President Joe Biden's hand. While, Trudeau was standing next to Biden.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pm-modi-congratulates-jd-vance-for-us-election-win-great-great-victory-8710012" rel="dofollow">WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory'</a>
The tensions between the two countries have simmered since Canada alleged India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India, however, dismissed the accusation as "absurd".&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy. 

As the world leaders attended the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday (Feb 11) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the Summit it seemed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was smirking at him. PM Modi was speaking on the need for AI models to be efficient and sustainable in size. He said that as India and France advance their partnership to AI, "it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future." Also read: 'Need to be careful about AI biases', PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris "AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs, and resource requirements," he said. PM Modi added that the human brain manages to compose poetry and design spaceships using less power than most light bulbs. As he said this, it seemed like Canadian PM Trudeau smirked at PM Modi. As France and India advance our partnership... Sustainable AI does not only mean using clean energy. AI models must also be efficient, sustainable in size, data needs, and resources requirements: PM Modi at #AISummit #PMModiInFrance pic.twitter.com/m0ql734BbY — WION (@WIONews) February 11, 2025 PM Modi further said that AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about." Also read: 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders and "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust." Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy. "India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit Amid the rift between India and Canada, Modi and Trudeau were seen sharing the stage together during the G20 Summit in 2024 in Rio de Janeiro. All the world leaders were together for a group photo at the Museum of Modern Art. PM Modi was seen clasping former US President Joe Biden's hand. While, Trudeau was standing next to Biden. Also read: WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory' The tensions between the two countries have simmered since Canada alleged India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India, however, dismissed the accusation as "absurd". (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Did Canada's Trudeau smirk at PM Modi during his speech at AI Summit in Paris?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb 11) said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the polity, economy, security and society, further stressing that there are "biases we need to think about."
AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about", PM Modi said while speaking at the Action AI Summit in Paris.&nbsp;
PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust."
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-warns-against-ai-deals-with-authoritarian-regimes-in-a-jab-at-china-at-paris-summit-8710681" rel="dofollow"> 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit</a>
He added that the governance is not just about managing rifts and rivalries "it is also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. So we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance."
PM Modi said he was grateful to his "friend" and French President Emmanuel Macron for hosting the Paris AI Action Summit and for inviting him to co-chair it.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pm-modi-congratulates-jd-vance-for-us-election-win-great-great-victory-8710012" rel="dofollow">WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory'</a>
<h2>'India leads in AI adoption'</h2>
Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy.&nbsp;
"India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-meets-friend-emmanuel-macron-ahead-of-ai-summit-8709419" rel="dofollow">Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit</a>
<h2>'Global South must have unrestricted access to AI'</h2>
The Indian PM highlighted the need for an open-source AI for transparency and said that countries in the Global South must have unrestricted access to the technology.
It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster, he stressed.
"To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases," PM Modi said at the Action AI Summit.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pm-modis-us-visit-trumps-top-economic-adviser-calls-indias-tariffs-enormously-high-8708633" rel="dofollow">Ahead of PM Modi&rsquo;s US visit, Trump&rsquo;s top economic adviser calls India&rsquo;s tariffs &lsquo;enormously high&rsquo;</a>
Moreover, PM Modi is likely to discuss key deals with French President Emmanuel Macron, including the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about", PM Modi said while speaking at the Action AI Summit in Paris. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Feb 11) said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the polity, economy, security and society, further stressing that there are "biases we need to think about." AI is writing the code of humanity in the 22nd century, but there are "biases we need to think about", PM Modi said while speaking at the Action AI Summit in Paris. PM Modi added there is a deep interdependence across borders "therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that upload our shared values, address risks, and build trust." Also read: 'Cheap tech': JD Vance warns against AI deals with 'authoritarian regimes' in a jab at China at Paris Summit He added that the governance is not just about managing rifts and rivalries "it is also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. So we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance." PM Modi said he was grateful to his "friend" and French President Emmanuel Macron for hosting the Paris AI Action Summit and for inviting him to co-chair it. Also read: WATCH: PM Modi congratulates JD Vance on US election win. 'Great, great victory' 'India leads in AI adoption' Emphasising that India has one of the world's largest AI talent pools, PM Modi said that the country is leading in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions for data privacy. "India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network," he said. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi meets 'friend' Emmanuel Macron ahead of AI Summit 'Global South must have unrestricted access to AI' The Indian PM highlighted the need for an open-source AI for transparency and said that countries in the Global South must have unrestricted access to the technology. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster, he stressed. "To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases," PM Modi said at the Action AI Summit. Also read: Ahead of PM Modi’s US visit, Trump’s top economic adviser calls India’s tariffs ‘enormously high’ Moreover, PM Modi is likely to discuss key deals with French President Emmanuel Macron, including the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines. (With inputs from agencies)

'Need to be careful about AI biases': PM Modi addresses AI Summit in Paris

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Feb 8) stressed that Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/putin" rel="dofollow">Putin</a> is not preparing for negotiations or peace, but for the continuation of war.&nbsp;
The Ukrainian president said that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities.&nbsp;
"This means one simple thing&mdash;Putin is preparing not for negotiations, not for peace, but for the continuation of the war&mdash;and not only against Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-open-to-face-to-face-talks-with-enemy-putin-but-only-under-one-condition-8691634" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Won't be kind to him&rsquo;: Zelensky open to face-to-face talks with 'enemy' Putin, but only under one condition</a>
He further said that Russia's cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand, adding that Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, "particularly drone technologies."&nbsp;
"They are now increasing their army by more than a hundred thousand soldiers," the Ukrainian president claimed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-calls-for-us-companies-to-invest-in-ukraines-rare-earths-8691277" rel="dofollow">Zelensky invites US companies to invest in Ukraine's rare earths</a>
He warned "All partners must be aware of this and see it clearly."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Intelligence reports confirm that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities. Their cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand. Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, particularly drone technologies.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/2r5Uw4IdGQ">pic.twitter.com/2r5Uw4IdGQ</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1888252053392159125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Earlier on Friday, Zelensky said that North Korean troops have returned to the frontline in Russia's Kursk region. A &ldquo;significant number&rdquo; of opposing troops had been &ldquo;destroyed&rdquo;, he said. &ldquo;We are talking about hundreds of Russian and North Korean soldiers.&rdquo;
North Korea sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia last year to help Moscow in its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-ready-for-peace-talks-but-rules-out-speaking-directly-with-illegitimate-zelensky-8662995" rel="dofollow"> Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky</a>
US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would "probably" meet Zelensky next week. The US president when asked by reporters in the White House whether such a meeting would be in Washington, replied that it &ldquo;could be Washington &ndash; well, I&rsquo;m not going there&rdquo;, referring to Kyiv.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re also planning meetings and talks at the teams&rsquo; level. Right now Ukrainian and American teams are working out the details," he said in a post on X.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Zelenskyy&rsquo;s chief of staff said Ukraine was looking forward to a visit this month by Trump&rsquo;s special envoy for the region.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Zelensky said that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities, adding Putin is preparing not for negotiations but for war. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Feb 8) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not preparing for negotiations or peace, but for the continuation of war. The Ukrainian president said that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities. "This means one simple thing—Putin is preparing not for negotiations, not for peace, but for the continuation of the war—and not only against Ukraine," Zelensky said. Also read: ‘Won't be kind to him’: Zelensky open to face-to-face talks with 'enemy' Putin, but only under one condition He further said that Russia's cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand, adding that Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, "particularly drone technologies." "They are now increasing their army by more than a hundred thousand soldiers," the Ukrainian president claimed. Also read: Zelensky invites US companies to invest in Ukraine's rare earths He warned "All partners must be aware of this and see it clearly." Intelligence reports confirm that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities. Their cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand. Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, particularly drone technologies.… pic.twitter.com/2r5Uw4IdGQ — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 8, 2025 Earlier on Friday, Zelensky said that North Korean troops have returned to the frontline in Russia's Kursk region. A “significant number” of opposing troops had been “destroyed”, he said. “We are talking about hundreds of Russian and North Korean soldiers.” North Korea sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia last year to help Moscow in its war with Ukraine. Also read: Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would "probably" meet Zelensky next week. The US president when asked by reporters in the White House whether such a meeting would be in Washington, replied that it “could be Washington – well, I’m not going there”, referring to Kyiv. “We’re also planning meetings and talks at the teams’ level. Right now Ukrainian and American teams are working out the details," he said in a post on X. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff said Ukraine was looking forward to a visit this month by Trump’s special envoy for the region. (With inputs from agencies)

'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims

As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring people from updating the sex on their passports, Lisa Suhay took her daughter Mellow to a passport office, as they want her&nbsp; to leave America before it becomes unbearable for transgenders.&nbsp;
Mellow, who is 21 years old, was taken to a passport office in Norfolk, Virginia, where they live.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-order-banning-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports-in-teh-us-to-push-for-similar-ban-in-olympics-next-8694512" rel="dofollow">'War on women sports'? Donald Trump signs order banning transgender athletes from women's sports</a>
Trump signed an executive order, using a narrow definition of the sexes instead of a broader conception of gender. According to the order, a person is either a male or a female.&nbsp;
It also rejects the idea that someone can transition from the sex assigned at birth to another gender.&nbsp;
Mellow's family wants her to be able to leave the country if things become unbearable for transgender people in the US.&nbsp;
&ldquo;If the worst was to come to worst and things were to threaten my life,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;I would have some way out.&rdquo;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-executive-order-banning-transgender-from-female-sports-8694059" rel="dofollow"> Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports</a>
Mellow checked on the "male" box, even though that's different from her state-issued driver's license.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We had to swear an oath to the fact that the information that we presented was true, even if what we had to do was not truthful to ourselves,&rdquo; Mellow said. &ldquo;It was emotional because it was in a way lying to yourself.&rdquo;
Mellow's mother said she is worried that her daughter might not be granted a passport or that it could create legal problems if her documents don't match or because she swore to something where she was not true.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-transgender-people-us-military-executive-orders-8661366" rel="dofollow">Trump signs order banning transgender people from US military. What are the new guidelines?</a>
Following Trump's order, seven people filed a federal lawsuit challenging the State Department's refusal to issue passports with accurate sex designations.&nbsp;
The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Massachusetts, and law firm Covington &amp; Burling LLP, on behalf of those seven people. The complaint was filed in the federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Under the ensuing Passport Policy, within 24 hours, the State Department began holding some passports and other relevant documents, submitted by the transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people who had applied to update the sex designation on their US passports.&nbsp;
They further returned the documents and passports with their applications rejected and their newly-issued passport marked with their sex assigned at birth.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-deserve-this-jo-ellis-transgender-pilot-wrongly-named-in-washington-plane-crash-speaks-out-who-is-she-8682211" rel="dofollow">'I don&rsquo;t deserve this': Jo Ellis, transgender pilot wrongly named in Washington plane crash speaks out. Who is she? | WATCH</a>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve lived virtually my entire adult life as a man. Everyone in my personal and professional life knows me as a man, and any stranger on the street who encountered me would view me as a man,&rdquo; said Reid Solomon-Lane of North Adams, Massachusetts.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I thought that 18 years after transitioning, I would be able to live my life in safety and ease. Now, as a married father of three, Trump&rsquo;s executive order and the ensuing passport policy have threatened that life of safety and ease. If my passport were to reflect a sex designation that is inconsistent with who I am, I would be forcibly outed every time I used my passport for travel or identification, causing potential risk to my safety and my family&rsquo;s safety," Reid said.&nbsp;
Earlier, the State Department permitted people to change the sex designation on their passports to be aligned with their gender identity.&nbsp;
However, since Trump's new order, the department publicly announced that applications to obtain a sex designation consistent with their gender identity rather than their sex assigned at birth have been "suspended".&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump signed an executive order, using a narrow definition of the sexes instead of a broader conception of gender. As per the order, a person is either a male or a female. 

As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring people from updating the sex on their passports, Lisa Suhay took her daughter Mellow to a passport office, as they want her to leave America before it becomes unbearable for transgenders. Mellow, who is 21 years old, was taken to a passport office in Norfolk, Virginia, where they live. Also read: 'War on women sports'? Donald Trump signs order banning transgender athletes from women's sports Trump signed an executive order, using a narrow definition of the sexes instead of a broader conception of gender. According to the order, a person is either a male or a female. It also rejects the idea that someone can transition from the sex assigned at birth to another gender. Mellow's family wants her to be able to leave the country if things become unbearable for transgender people in the US. “If the worst was to come to worst and things were to threaten my life,” she said, “I would have some way out.” Also read: Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports Mellow checked on the "male" box, even though that's different from her state-issued driver's license. “We had to swear an oath to the fact that the information that we presented was true, even if what we had to do was not truthful to ourselves,” Mellow said. “It was emotional because it was in a way lying to yourself.” Mellow's mother said she is worried that her daughter might not be granted a passport or that it could create legal problems if her documents don't match or because she swore to something where she was not true. Also read: Trump signs order banning transgender people from US military. What are the new guidelines? Following Trump's order, seven people filed a federal lawsuit challenging the State Department's refusal to issue passports with accurate sex designations. The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Massachusetts, and law firm Covington & Burling LLP, on behalf of those seven people. The complaint was filed in the federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Under the ensuing Passport Policy, within 24 hours, the State Department began holding some passports and other relevant documents, submitted by the transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people who had applied to update the sex designation on their US passports. They further returned the documents and passports with their applications rejected and their newly-issued passport marked with their sex assigned at birth. Also read: 'I don’t deserve this': Jo Ellis, transgender pilot wrongly named in Washington plane crash speaks out. Who is she? | WATCH “I’ve lived virtually my entire adult life as a man. Everyone in my personal and professional life knows me as a man, and any stranger on the street who encountered me would view me as a man,” said Reid Solomon-Lane of North Adams, Massachusetts. “I thought that 18 years after transitioning, I would be able to live my life in safety and ease. Now, as a married father of three, Trump’s executive order and the ensuing passport policy have threatened that life of safety and ease. If my passport were to reflect a sex designation that is inconsistent with who I am, I would be forcibly outed every time I used my passport for travel or identification, causing potential risk to my safety and my family’s safety," Reid said. Earlier, the State Department permitted people to change the sex designation on their passports to be aligned with their gender identity. However, since Trump's new order, the department publicly announced that applications to obtain a sex designation consistent with their gender identity rather than their sex assigned at birth have been "suspended". (With inputs from agencies)

Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy

Canada has detected a malicious "information operation" on Chinese social media targeting Liberal Party candidate and former Deputy Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chrystia-freeland" rel="dofollow">Chrystia Freeland</a>.&nbsp;
The suspected interference has been traced to a WeChat account linked to the Chinese government.&nbsp;
Global Affairs Canada&rsquo;s Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM Canada), while monitoring the digital information ecosystem, identified an information operation targeting Freeland, the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force (SITE) said in a statement on Friday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chrystia-freeland-enters-race-to-replace-trudeau-as-canadas-prime-minister-who-is-she-8630992" rel="dofollow">Chrystia Freeland enters race to replace Trudeau as Canada's prime minister. Who is she?</a>
&ldquo;RRM Canada detected coordinated and malicious activity about Ms. Freeland. The launch of this information operation was traced to WeChat&rsquo;s most popular news account &ndash; an anonymous blog that has been previously linked by experts at the China Digital Times to the People&rsquo;s Republic of China,&rdquo; the statement read.
According to the release, the members of Freeland's campaign and the executive of the Liberal Party of Canada have been briefed on the findings.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-times-up-dozens-of-canadian-liberal-mps-revolt-after-freelands-exit-786333" rel="dofollow">Trudeau&rsquo;s time&rsquo;s up? Dozens of Canadian Liberal MPs revolt after Freeland&rsquo;s exit</a>
Freeland took to X on Friday and responded to the suspected interference.&nbsp;
She said that she would not be intimidated by Chinese foreign interference.&nbsp;
"Having spent years confronting authoritarian regimes, I know firsthand the importance of defending our freedoms,&rdquo; she further said.
Freeland announced on Jan 17 that she will run for leadership of Canada's Liberal Party, stressing that it is time to fight as US President-elect Donald Trump is threatening the country.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-tries-to-downplay-freelands-resignation-challenge-to-leadership-as-family-spat-784898" rel="dofollow">Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat</a>
This comes a day after Trudeau said that he will not be contesting the upcoming federal elections scheduled for October this year and also hinted at quitting politics.&nbsp;
The 56-year-old Chrystia Freeland is a former journalist turned senior government minister. Trudeau, in 2013, asked Freeland to leave the media and join politics. Later after winning a seat in Toronto, Freeland was quickly elevated to vaunted ministerial roles in the Trudeau government.&nbsp;
Freeland resigned as the country's finance minister in December, after facing clashes with PM Trudeau, over how to handle the looming threat of US tariffs.
If elected as PM, Freeland will be the second female prime minister in the country&rsquo;s history.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Freeland took to X on Friday and responded to the suspected interference, saying that she would not be intimidated by Chinese foreign interference. 

Canada has detected a malicious "information operation" on Chinese social media targeting Liberal Party candidate and former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The suspected interference has been traced to a WeChat account linked to the Chinese government. Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM Canada), while monitoring the digital information ecosystem, identified an information operation targeting Freeland, the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force (SITE) said in a statement on Friday. Also read: Chrystia Freeland enters race to replace Trudeau as Canada's prime minister. Who is she? “RRM Canada detected coordinated and malicious activity about Ms. Freeland. The launch of this information operation was traced to WeChat’s most popular news account – an anonymous blog that has been previously linked by experts at the China Digital Times to the People’s Republic of China,” the statement read. According to the release, the members of Freeland's campaign and the executive of the Liberal Party of Canada have been briefed on the findings. Also read: Trudeau’s time’s up? Dozens of Canadian Liberal MPs revolt after Freeland’s exit Freeland took to X on Friday and responded to the suspected interference. She said that she would not be intimidated by Chinese foreign interference. "Having spent years confronting authoritarian regimes, I know firsthand the importance of defending our freedoms,” she further said. Freeland announced on Jan 17 that she will run for leadership of Canada's Liberal Party, stressing that it is time to fight as US President-elect Donald Trump is threatening the country. Also read: Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat This comes a day after Trudeau said that he will not be contesting the upcoming federal elections scheduled for October this year and also hinted at quitting politics. The 56-year-old Chrystia Freeland is a former journalist turned senior government minister. Trudeau, in 2013, asked Freeland to leave the media and join politics. Later after winning a seat in Toronto, Freeland was quickly elevated to vaunted ministerial roles in the Trudeau government. Freeland resigned as the country's finance minister in December, after facing clashes with PM Trudeau, over how to handle the looming threat of US tariffs. If elected as PM, Freeland will be the second female prime minister in the country’s history. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada detects 'malicious activity' linked to China targeting Liberal party candidate Chrystia Freeland

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Feb 8), while addressing party workers at BJP headquarters said that there is excitement and relief in the minds of the people for making 'Delhi AAP-da' free."&nbsp;
He said the people of Delhi were filled with both "enthusiasm and relief" after "freeing Delhi from AAPda", a wordplay used for linking AAP with disaster (aapda).&nbsp;
Modi further gave credit for his victory to the people's trust in BJP's governance and his vision for Delhi's future.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biggest-losers-of-delhi-election-ex-cm-kejriwal-sisodia-and-other-heavyweights-suffer-defeats-8702614" rel="dofollow">Biggest losers of Delhi election: Ex-CM Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other heavyweights suffer defeats</a>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) headquarters in Delhi to celebrate the party's historic victory in the Delhi Assembly Election. Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda welcomed Modi.&nbsp;
The people of Delhi have handed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a historic win in the assembly elections, ending a 27-year-long wait. The results, announced on Saturday (Feb 08), saw the BJP win 47 seats, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was reduced to just 21.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reasons-why-aap-swiped-out-from-delhi-after-ruling-for-10-years-8702516" rel="dofollow">Delhi Election Results: Reasons why AAP is swept out of power after ruling for 10 years</a>
<h2>'We'll return Delhi's love with development'</h2>
PM Modi thanked the voters saying that Delhi has given us love wholeheartedly and "I once again assure the people that will return you double the love in the form of development."&nbsp;
He further said that the people of Delhi have never disappointed him in the Lok Sabha polls. "In 2014, 2019, and 2024, they ensured BJP&rsquo;s victory in all seven seats," he added.&nbsp;
PM Modi stressed that this mandate reflects the people's trust in "Modi's guarantee".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-election-results-2025-full-list-of-winners-from-bjp-aap-8702617" rel="dofollow">Delhi Election Results 2025: Who won which seat? Check list.</a>
<h2>'Delhi people real owners of city'</h2>
PM Modi said that people have freed Delhi of a decade of AAP-da (disaster), adding that the mandate to BJP is for development, vision, and trust.
&ldquo;The people of Delhi have made it clear they are the real owners of the city. They have rejected those who treated it as their property," he continued.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-election-result-2025-sandeep-dixit-loses-seat-but-challenges-kejriwals-longstanding-hold-8702594" rel="dofollow">Delhi Election Result 2025: Sandeep Dixit loses seat but challenges Kejriwal's longstanding hold</a>
<h2>"A new chapter of governance"</h2>
PM Modi, while addressing the party workers said, "I was seeing that BJP workers across the country had a pain in their hearts. It was about not being able to serve Delhi fully. But today, Delhi has accepted our request.&rdquo;
He added that the youth born in the 21st century will not witness BJP's good governance in Delhi for the first time.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Today's results show how much trust the country has in BJP's double-engine government," he said.&nbsp;
<h2>'Every section of society has voted for BJP'</h2>
Modi while especially thanking Delhi voters from "Poorvanchal", said, &ldquo;Every section of society has voted for BJP in Delhi. Today, the country has rejected appeasement and accepted the BJP's policy of 'santushtikaran'.&rdquo;
&ldquo;A huge roadblock has now been removed from Delhi's path of development," he added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: PM Modi said the people of Delhi were filled with both "enthusiasm and relief" after "freeing Delhi from AAPda", a wordplay used for linking AAP with disaster (aapda). 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Feb 8), while addressing party workers at BJP headquarters said that there is excitement and relief in the minds of the people for making 'Delhi AAP-da' free." He said the people of Delhi were filled with both "enthusiasm and relief" after "freeing Delhi from AAPda", a wordplay used for linking AAP with disaster (aapda). Modi further gave credit for his victory to the people's trust in BJP's governance and his vision for Delhi's future. Also read: Biggest losers of Delhi election: Ex-CM Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other heavyweights suffer defeats Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) headquarters in Delhi to celebrate the party's historic victory in the Delhi Assembly Election. Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda welcomed Modi. The people of Delhi have handed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a historic win in the assembly elections, ending a 27-year-long wait. The results, announced on Saturday (Feb 08), saw the BJP win 47 seats, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was reduced to just 21. Also read: Delhi Election Results: Reasons why AAP is swept out of power after ruling for 10 years 'We'll return Delhi's love with development' PM Modi thanked the voters saying that Delhi has given us love wholeheartedly and "I once again assure the people that will return you double the love in the form of development." He further said that the people of Delhi have never disappointed him in the Lok Sabha polls. "In 2014, 2019, and 2024, they ensured BJP’s victory in all seven seats," he added. PM Modi stressed that this mandate reflects the people's trust in "Modi's guarantee". Also read: Delhi Election Results 2025: Who won which seat? Check list. 'Delhi people real owners of city' PM Modi said that people have freed Delhi of a decade of AAP-da (disaster), adding that the mandate to BJP is for development, vision, and trust. “The people of Delhi have made it clear they are the real owners of the city. They have rejected those who treated it as their property," he continued. Also read: Delhi Election Result 2025: Sandeep Dixit loses seat but challenges Kejriwal's longstanding hold "A new chapter of governance" PM Modi, while addressing the party workers said, "I was seeing that BJP workers across the country had a pain in their hearts. It was about not being able to serve Delhi fully. But today, Delhi has accepted our request.” He added that the youth born in the 21st century will not witness BJP's good governance in Delhi for the first time. “Today's results show how much trust the country has in BJP's double-engine government," he said. 'Every section of society has voted for BJP' Modi while especially thanking Delhi voters from "Poorvanchal", said, “Every section of society has voted for BJP in Delhi. Today, the country has rejected appeasement and accepted the BJP's policy of 'santushtikaran'.” “A huge roadblock has now been removed from Delhi's path of development," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Excitement for victory, relief from AAP-da’: PM Modi thanks people of Delhi for BJP's historic comeback

A US federal judge on Saturday (Feb 8) blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Treasury Department records which contain sensitive personal data, including Social Security and bank account numbers for millions of Americans.&nbsp;
District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued the preliminary injunction after 19 Democratic attorneys general sued US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-in-a-poll-on-x-asks-if-he-should-rehire-doge-staffer-who-resigned-over-racist-tweets-8700501" rel="dofollow">Musk in a poll on X asks if he should rehire DOGE staffer who resigned over racist tweets</a>
The payment system handles several domains, including tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and veterans' benefits, sending out trillions of dollars every year while containing an expansive network of Americans' personal and financial data.&nbsp;
According to the case filed in federal court in New York City, the Trump administration allegedly allowed Musk's team access to the Treasury Department's central payment system in violation of federal law.&nbsp;
The district judge, Engelmayer, was appointed by former President Barack Obama. He said that anyone prohibited from having access to the sensitive information since January 20 this year, must immediately destroy all copies of material downloaded from Treasury Department systems.&nbsp;
Engelmayer set a hearing for February 14.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/normalise-indian-hate-elon-musks-highly-trained-doge-employee-resigns-after-questions-on-racist-posts-online-8697917" rel="dofollow">'Normalise Indian hate': Elon Musk's 'highly trained' DOGE employee resigns after questions on racist posts online</a>
Earlier, the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit being filed.&nbsp;
Musk's DOGE was created to discover and eliminate what the Trump administration has considered wasteful government spending.&nbsp;
Notably, DOGE's access to Treasury records has triggered widespread concern among critics over the increasing power of Musk in Trump's administration, while supporters have cheered at the idea of reining in bloated government finances.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-hints-at-leash-on-elon-musk-as-doge-ramps-up-government-purge-8690491" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Can&rsquo;t do anything without our approval&rsquo;: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up govt purge</a>
New York Attorney General Letitia James's office filed the lawsuit, saying DOGE's access to the Treasury Department's data raises security problems and the possibility of an illegal freeze in federal funds.&nbsp;
"This unelected group, led by the world's richest man, is not authorized to have this information, and they explicitly sought this unauthorized access to illegally block payments that millions of Americans rely on, payments for health care, child care, and other essential programs," James said in a video message on Friday.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doge-digging-its-own-grave-internet-slams-billionaire-elon-musk-over-doges-long-work-hours-remark-8689072" rel="dofollow"> &lsquo;DOGE digging its own grave&rsquo;: Internet slams billionaire Elon Musk over DOGE&rsquo;s long work hours remark</a>
The suit alleged that DOGE's access to the Treasury records could interfere with funding already appropriated by Congress, which would exceed the Treasury Department's statutory authority.&nbsp;
The case further argued that the DOGE access violates federal administrative law and the US Constitution's separation of powers doctrine.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued the preliminary injunction after 19 Democratic attorneys general sued US President Donald Trump. 

A US federal judge on Saturday (Feb 8) blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Treasury Department records which contain sensitive personal data, including Social Security and bank account numbers for millions of Americans. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued the preliminary injunction after 19 Democratic attorneys general sued US President Donald Trump. Also read: Musk in a poll on X asks if he should rehire DOGE staffer who resigned over racist tweets The payment system handles several domains, including tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and veterans' benefits, sending out trillions of dollars every year while containing an expansive network of Americans' personal and financial data. According to the case filed in federal court in New York City, the Trump administration allegedly allowed Musk's team access to the Treasury Department's central payment system in violation of federal law. The district judge, Engelmayer, was appointed by former President Barack Obama. He said that anyone prohibited from having access to the sensitive information since January 20 this year, must immediately destroy all copies of material downloaded from Treasury Department systems. Engelmayer set a hearing for February 14. Also read: 'Normalise Indian hate': Elon Musk's 'highly trained' DOGE employee resigns after questions on racist posts online Earlier, the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit being filed. Musk's DOGE was created to discover and eliminate what the Trump administration has considered wasteful government spending. Notably, DOGE's access to Treasury records has triggered widespread concern among critics over the increasing power of Musk in Trump's administration, while supporters have cheered at the idea of reining in bloated government finances. Also read: ‘Can’t do anything without our approval’: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up govt purge New York Attorney General Letitia James's office filed the lawsuit, saying DOGE's access to the Treasury Department's data raises security problems and the possibility of an illegal freeze in federal funds. "This unelected group, led by the world's richest man, is not authorized to have this information, and they explicitly sought this unauthorized access to illegally block payments that millions of Americans rely on, payments for health care, child care, and other essential programs," James said in a video message on Friday. Also read: ‘DOGE digging its own grave’: Internet slams billionaire Elon Musk over DOGE’s long work hours remark The suit alleged that DOGE's access to the Treasury records could interfere with funding already appropriated by Congress, which would exceed the Treasury Department's statutory authority. The case further argued that the DOGE access violates federal administrative law and the US Constitution's separation of powers doctrine. (With inputs from agencies)

Judge blocks Musk's DOGE from accessing US Treasury Department's sensitive personal data

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal conceded defeat in the Delhi Assembly election on Saturday (Feb 8) and stressed that his party would play a "constructive role" in opposition while serving the people.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a historic victory after 27 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his victory message promised that all-round development of Delhi will be a guarantee of the new BJP government.&nbsp;
BJP&rsquo;s Parvesh Sahib Singh, a probable chief minister face of the party, secured 30,088 votes from the New Delhi constituency, while, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal managed 25,999 votes. Congress's Sandeep Dikshit could only manage 4,568 votes.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-election-result-2025-congress-stares-at-another-downfall-priyanka-gandhi-reacts-8702170" rel="dofollow">Delhi Election Result 2025: Congress gives another poor performance; Priyanka Gandhi reacts</a>
However, AAP's defeat could be because of several reasons.&nbsp;
<h2>Sheesh Mahal&nbsp;</h2>
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) scored major victories in the 2015 and 2020 polls. Before the election, the BJP attacked Arvind Kejriwal with a focus on "Sheesh Mahal", a term used to refer to the renovated CM residence during Kejriwal's term.&nbsp;
A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India added fuel to BJP's charges. According to news reports, the CAG probe found that the estimate for the renovation was Rs 7.91 crore.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-election-results-2025-pm-modi-reacts-to-bjps-victory-8701992" rel="dofollow">Delhi Election Results 2025: PM Modi reacts to BJP's victory; 'development wins, good governance triumphs'</a>
It went up to 8.6 crore when work was awarded in 2020. But, by the time the Public Works Department completed the job in 2022, the cost hiked to Rs 33.66 crore.&nbsp;
Kejriwal's party responded to the "Sheesh Mahal" charge with the "Rajmahal" barb, accusing PM Modi of an opulent lifestyle and daring the BJP to show the Prime Minister's residence.&nbsp;
This campaign might have influenced voters, especially because it played out against AAP's promise of clean politics and Kejriwal's claims of eradicating the VIP culture.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-election-results-2025-arvind-kejriwal-concedes-defeat-accepts-peoples-mandate-8702166" rel="dofollow">Delhi Election Results 2025: Arvind Kejriwal concedes defeat, accepts 'people's mandate'</a>
<h2>Anti-Incumbency&nbsp;</h2>
The first two terms of AAP witnessed impressive work in sectors including health and education. The power and water subsidies provided by Kejriwal's party made voters happy and the BJP, despite sweeping Lok Sabha polls, struggled to win the Delhi Assembly election that time.&nbsp;
The AAP also asserted that the BJP government at the Centre was creating obstacles in its functioning. However, after ruling for ten years, voters saw such allegations as excuses.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-aap-shuts-office-door-after-arvind-kejriwal-manish-sisodia-loses-delhi-assembly-election-8702118" rel="dofollow">Watch | AAP shuts office door after Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia lose Delhi Assembly election</a>
<h2>Liquor Policy&nbsp;</h2>
The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) current term witnessed a row over corruption allegations revolving around Delhi's now-scrapped liquor policy. The party brought "Buy 1 Get 1" offers on liquor bottles.&nbsp;
The BJP accused the Kejriwal government of "turning Delhi into a city of drunkards".&nbsp;
The AAP consistently denied any allegation in the liquor policy, which was scrapped less than a year after it was implemented.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh secured 30,088 votes, while, AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal got 25,999. On the other hand, Congress's Sandeep Dikshit got just 4,568 votes. 

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal conceded defeat in the Delhi Assembly election on Saturday (Feb 8) and stressed that his party would play a "constructive role" in opposition while serving the people. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a historic victory after 27 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his victory message promised that all-round development of Delhi will be a guarantee of the new BJP government. BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh, a probable chief minister face of the party, secured 30,088 votes from the New Delhi constituency, while, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal managed 25,999 votes. Congress's Sandeep Dikshit could only manage 4,568 votes. Also read: Delhi Election Result 2025: Congress gives another poor performance; Priyanka Gandhi reacts However, AAP's defeat could be because of several reasons. Sheesh Mahal Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) scored major victories in the 2015 and 2020 polls. Before the election, the BJP attacked Arvind Kejriwal with a focus on "Sheesh Mahal", a term used to refer to the renovated CM residence during Kejriwal's term. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India added fuel to BJP's charges. According to news reports, the CAG probe found that the estimate for the renovation was Rs 7.91 crore. Also read: Delhi Election Results 2025: PM Modi reacts to BJP's victory; 'development wins, good governance triumphs' It went up to 8.6 crore when work was awarded in 2020. But, by the time the Public Works Department completed the job in 2022, the cost hiked to Rs 33.66 crore. Kejriwal's party responded to the "Sheesh Mahal" charge with the "Rajmahal" barb, accusing PM Modi of an opulent lifestyle and daring the BJP to show the Prime Minister's residence. This campaign might have influenced voters, especially because it played out against AAP's promise of clean politics and Kejriwal's claims of eradicating the VIP culture. Also read: Delhi Election Results 2025: Arvind Kejriwal concedes defeat, accepts 'people's mandate' Anti-Incumbency The first two terms of AAP witnessed impressive work in sectors including health and education. The power and water subsidies provided by Kejriwal's party made voters happy and the BJP, despite sweeping Lok Sabha polls, struggled to win the Delhi Assembly election that time. The AAP also asserted that the BJP government at the Centre was creating obstacles in its functioning. However, after ruling for ten years, voters saw such allegations as excuses. Also read: Watch | AAP shuts office door after Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia lose Delhi Assembly election Liquor Policy The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) current term witnessed a row over corruption allegations revolving around Delhi's now-scrapped liquor policy. The party brought "Buy 1 Get 1" offers on liquor bottles. The BJP accused the Kejriwal government of "turning Delhi into a city of drunkards". The AAP consistently denied any allegation in the liquor policy, which was scrapped less than a year after it was implemented. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Election Results: Reasons why AAP is swept out of power after ruling for 10 years

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 7) said that he would sign an executive order next week to undo efforts by former President Joe Biden to push for the use of paper straws instead of plastic straws.
Trump said that he would end the "ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws".
In a post on Truth Social, the US president said, "I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don&rsquo;t work. BACK TO PLASTIC!."&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113963246096886557/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kamala-harris-divorce-doug-emhoff-plastic-ban-hypocrite-kamala-plstic-bags-8650853" rel="dofollow">'Hypocrite': Kamala Harris spotted shopping with husband, carrying plastic bags after supporting ban</a>
Biden announced a target to eliminate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/single-use-plastics" rel="dofollow">single-use plastic</a> items like drinking straws by 2035 in government departments.&nbsp;
This move is the latest on environmental issues by the Republican president. Notably, Trump pulled out of the Paris climate change agreement soon after his inauguration for a second term.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/increase-of-plastic-can-cause-autism-heres-what-the-latest-study-determined-749551" rel="dofollow">Increase of plastic can cause autism? Here&rsquo;s what the latest study determined</a>
<h2>Musk reacts</h2>
American billionaire Elon Musk also shared Trump's Truth Social post, calling him the "greatest President ever".&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Greatest President ever! <a href="https://t.co/U8BuPVwSwd">pic.twitter.com/U8BuPVwSwd</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1887886625318818292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
Earlier during a campaign rally for the 2020 elections, Trump had shown his criticism of the growing trend of paper drinking straws.&nbsp;
"They want to ban straws. Has anyone tried those paper straws? They're not working too good," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-ban-single-use-plastics-in-cafes-and-restaurants-by-2030-696622" rel="dofollow">EU to ban single-use plastic in cafes and restaurants by 2030</a>
"It disintegrates as you drink it, and if you have a nice tie like this tie, you've got no choice," Trump added.&nbsp;
Moreover, his campaign team has also sold branded plastic straws with the slogan "Liberal paper straws don't work."
In 2019, Trump's campaign sold red plastic straws labelled with &ldquo;Trump&rdquo; as an alternative to the &ldquo;liberal&rdquo; paper straws, which he claimed were ineffective.&nbsp;
Notably, Trump is expected to place over 160 environmental justice employees on paid leave as part of broader government restructuring efforts.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Former US President Joe Biden announced a target to eliminate single-use plastic utensils like drinking straws by 2035 in government departments. 

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 7) said that he would sign an executive order next week to undo efforts by former President Joe Biden to push for the use of paper straws instead of plastic straws. Trump said that he would end the "ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws". In a post on Truth Social, the US president said, "I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don’t work. BACK TO PLASTIC!." Also read: 'Hypocrite': Kamala Harris spotted shopping with husband, carrying plastic bags after supporting ban Biden announced a target to eliminate single-use plastic items like drinking straws by 2035 in government departments. This move is the latest on environmental issues by the Republican president. Notably, Trump pulled out of the Paris climate change agreement soon after his inauguration for a second term. Also read: Increase of plastic can cause autism? Here’s what the latest study determined Musk reacts American billionaire Elon Musk also shared Trump's Truth Social post, calling him the "greatest President ever". Greatest President ever! pic.twitter.com/U8BuPVwSwd — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2025 Earlier during a campaign rally for the 2020 elections, Trump had shown his criticism of the growing trend of paper drinking straws. "They want to ban straws. Has anyone tried those paper straws? They're not working too good," he said. Also read: EU to ban single-use plastic in cafes and restaurants by 2030 "It disintegrates as you drink it, and if you have a nice tie like this tie, you've got no choice," Trump added. Moreover, his campaign team has also sold branded plastic straws with the slogan "Liberal paper straws don't work." In 2019, Trump's campaign sold red plastic straws labelled with “Trump” as an alternative to the “liberal” paper straws, which he claimed were ineffective. Notably, Trump is expected to place over 160 environmental justice employees on paid leave as part of broader government restructuring efforts. (With inputs from agencies)

'BACK TO PLASTIC': Trump to sign executive order to end Biden's push for paper straws

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 7) said that the USAID is driving the "radical left" crazy but they can not do anything about it. He stressed that the "corruption" is at levels rarely seen before".&nbsp;
Trump took to Truth Social and posted, "USAID is driving the radical left crazy, and there is nothing they can do about it because the way in which the money has been spent, so much of it fraudulently, is totally unexplainable."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-condoms-worth-15mn-for-taliban-to-1mn-for-lgbtq-propaganda-shocking-spending-by-usaid-under-biden-8698860" rel="dofollow">From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ propaganda, shocking spending by USAID under Biden</a>
He further stressed to "close it down".&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113963085497636545/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

The US aid agency could see its staff reduced from about 10,000 workers to around 300 workers amid Trump's move.&nbsp;
Some of the essential staff are already set to be placed on administration leave at midnight on Friday. According to an online notice, a plan is being prepared for return travel and the termination of non-essential contractors.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-places-usaid-global-staff-on-leave-orders-them-to-return-home-8694295" rel="dofollow">Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home</a>
Amid this cut on USAID, hundreds of programmes have already been frozen in countries worldwide.&nbsp;
Moreover, the US president signed an executive order to pause foreign assistance by the agency for 90 days, alleging &ldquo;USAID is being run by radical lunatics", vowing he would end the "waste, fraud and abuse" by the agency.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, in a video on the social media platform YouTube, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast exposed a list of shocking spending by the agency. It included allocating condoms worth millions to the Taliban for funding LGBTQ propaganda.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-elon-musk-usaid-staff-told-to-work-remotely-us-news-8687844" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t allow insubordination&rsquo;: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director</a>
The critics reacted to the foreign aid cuts, saying that it could have dire consequences for global aid efforts.&nbsp;
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s outrageous,&rdquo; said J Brian Atwood, who led USAID for over six years. He warned that gutting the agency would effectively dismantle a program that has saved millions of lives. &ldquo;A lot of people will not survive,&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790" rel="dofollow">President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The US aid agency could see its staff reduced from about 10,000 workers to around 300 workers amid US President Donald Trump's move. 

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 7) said that the USAID is driving the "radical left" crazy but they can not do anything about it. He stressed that the "corruption" is at levels rarely seen before". Trump took to Truth Social and posted, "USAID is driving the radical left crazy, and there is nothing they can do about it because the way in which the money has been spent, so much of it fraudulently, is totally unexplainable." Also read: From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ propaganda, shocking spending by USAID under Biden He further stressed to "close it down". The US aid agency could see its staff reduced from about 10,000 workers to around 300 workers amid Trump's move. Some of the essential staff are already set to be placed on administration leave at midnight on Friday. According to an online notice, a plan is being prepared for return travel and the termination of non-essential contractors. Also read: Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home Amid this cut on USAID, hundreds of programmes have already been frozen in countries worldwide. Moreover, the US president signed an executive order to pause foreign assistance by the agency for 90 days, alleging “USAID is being run by radical lunatics", vowing he would end the "waste, fraud and abuse" by the agency. Meanwhile, in a video on the social media platform YouTube, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast exposed a list of shocking spending by the agency. It included allocating condoms worth millions to the Taliban for funding LGBTQ propaganda. Also read: ‘Won’t allow insubordination’: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director The critics reacted to the foreign aid cuts, saying that it could have dire consequences for global aid efforts. “That’s outrageous,” said J Brian Atwood, who led USAID for over six years. He warned that gutting the agency would effectively dismantle a program that has saved millions of lives. “A lot of people will not survive,” Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk (With inputs from agencies)

'Close it down': Trump says 'nothing can be done now' as he orders USAID to cut staff from 10,000 to 300

American billionaire Elon Musk on Friday posted a poll on his social media X, asking users if he should rehire the staffer at Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) who resigned over his social media posts advocating for racism and eugenics.&nbsp;
Tesla CEO Musk posted, "Bring back @DOGE staffer who made inappropriate statements via a now deleted pseudonym?&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bring back <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DOGE</a> staffer who made inappropriate statements via a now deleted pseudonym?
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1887867644814020902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
The post had nearly 2.9 million views and more than 2,32,000 votes. Notably, more than 80 per cent of users who answered the poll, replied "yes".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/normalise-indian-hate-elon-musks-highly-trained-doge-employee-resigns-after-questions-on-racist-posts-online-8697917" rel="dofollow">'Normalise Indian hate': Elon Musk's 'highly trained' DOGE employee resigns after questions on racist posts online</a>
25-year-old Marko Elez resigned on Thursday (Feb 6) after questions were raised about his connection with a social media account promoting racism against various ethnicities, including Indians.&nbsp;
Elez had a profile on Elon Musk's social media platform, where he supported "eugenic immigration policy." He also called for the repeal of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-team-has-read-only-access-to-payments-data-says-us-treasury-department-8694317" rel="dofollow">Musk team has 'read-only' access to payments data, says US Treasury department</a>
In one of his posts in September 2024, Elez reportedly said one "can not pay" him for marrying outside his ethnicity.&nbsp;
In another post, he referred to the Indian nationals working in the technology sector in Silicon Valley and encouraged others to "normalise Indian hate".&nbsp;
Elez also had a post in which he said, "Just for the record, I was racist before it was cool", according to the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-delays-deadline-for-elon-musks-resign-or-be-fired-buyout-scheme-for-federal-employees-8697881" rel="dofollow">US judge delays deadline for Musk's 'resign or be fired' buyout scheme for federal employees</a>
On Thursday, US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed his resignation.&nbsp;
Moreover, he also commented on the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying, &ldquo;I would not mind at all if Gaza and Israel were both wiped off the face of the Earth.&rdquo;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-hints-at-leash-on-elon-musk-as-doge-ramps-up-government-purge-8690491" rel="dofollow"> &lsquo;Can&rsquo;t do anything without our approval&rsquo;: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up govt purge</a>
However, it is not clear whether Musk will reinstate Elez based on the outcome of the X poll.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The post had nearly 2.9 million views and more than 2,32,000 votes. Notably, more than 80 per cent of users who answered the poll, replied "yes". 

American billionaire Elon Musk on Friday posted a poll on his social media X, asking users if he should rehire the staffer at Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) who resigned over his social media posts advocating for racism and eugenics. Tesla CEO Musk posted, "Bring back @DOGE staffer who made inappropriate statements via a now deleted pseudonym?” Bring back @DOGE staffer who made inappropriate statements via a now deleted pseudonym? — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2025 The post had nearly 2.9 million views and more than 2,32,000 votes. Notably, more than 80 per cent of users who answered the poll, replied "yes". Also read: 'Normalise Indian hate': Elon Musk's 'highly trained' DOGE employee resigns after questions on racist posts online 25-year-old Marko Elez resigned on Thursday (Feb 6) after questions were raised about his connection with a social media account promoting racism against various ethnicities, including Indians. Elez had a profile on Elon Musk's social media platform, where he supported "eugenic immigration policy." He also called for the repeal of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Also read: Musk team has 'read-only' access to payments data, says US Treasury department In one of his posts in September 2024, Elez reportedly said one "can not pay" him for marrying outside his ethnicity. In another post, he referred to the Indian nationals working in the technology sector in Silicon Valley and encouraged others to "normalise Indian hate". Elez also had a post in which he said, "Just for the record, I was racist before it was cool", according to the Wall Street Journal. Also read: US judge delays deadline for Musk's 'resign or be fired' buyout scheme for federal employees On Thursday, US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed his resignation. Moreover, he also commented on the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying, “I would not mind at all if Gaza and Israel were both wiped off the face of the Earth.” Also read: ‘Can’t do anything without our approval’: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up govt purge However, it is not clear whether Musk will reinstate Elez based on the outcome of the X poll. (With inputs from agencies)

Musk in a poll on X asks if he should rehire DOGE staffer who resigned over racist tweets

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Mansi Arora

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.