<p>As the war in Gaza drags on, Israel is planning to 'reconquer' the Palestinian enclave and stay there for the long term to defeat Hamas militant group decisively, according to reports in the Financial Times and Israeli media.&nbsp;The reports came as Israel continued to pound several parts of Gaza while talks on reviving the truce dragged on.</p>
<p>The proposal to reconquer Gaza for the first time in two decades was prepared by the Israeli military and aims to 'finally defeat Hamas', said the FT report. This, if approved by the Israeli cabinet, would lead to a long-term occupation of Gaza, an enclave freed by Israel in 2005 after it was taken by its forces during the 1967 war.</p>
<p>The FT report said the proposal was "formulated by the new Israel Defense Forces chief of staff with the unofficial backing of far-right ministers who have long demanded drastically harsher tactics" against Hamas.</p>
<p>Citing people aware of the plan, the report said it made possible now that Donald Trump is back as US president. His predecessor Joe Biden was against Israel reoccupying Gaza or annexing territory, it noted. The difference is that Trump wants to win the war as opposed to Biden administration's desire to end it.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-of-two-israeli-hostages-held-in-gaza-8886874">Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages held in Gaza</a></p>
<p>The fragile truce was broken last week when Israel struck various parts of Gaza and resumed ground operations. At least 400 people have been killed in the renewed offensive.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2403_SUMIT_GAZA_3PM_GUEST/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2403_SUMIT_GAZA_3PM_GUEST.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=276&amp;tags=Israel, Hamas, World News, WION" title="Israel-Hamas war: Several Hamas officials killed in recent air strikes in Gaza" id="PL_iframe_block-m8o2x4cc-fuwbj3ym-1x9pgj19"></iframe></p>
<p>Hamas authorities claimed most of the casualties were women and children, but the IDF said its targets were the military-political leadership of Hamas. One of them, Ismail Burhoum, was killed in an air strike at the &nbsp;Nasser Medical Complex on Sunday (Mar 25).</p>
<h2>What exactly is Israel's 'reconquer and control' plan for Gaza?</h2>
<p>The plan, as per the FT report, is as follows:</p>
<p>&gt; Use IDF combat divisions to reinvade and subdue Hamas</p>
<p>&gt; Control wide areas of the enclave&nbsp;</p>
<p>&gt; Confine the Gaza population into a small humanitarian zone along the Mediterranean coast</p>
<p>&gt; Administer Gaza through the military, which amounts to its reoccupation two decades after Israeli military pulled out in 2005.</p>
<p>&gt; Take over administering the humanitarian aid through military or private contracts, having estimated the calories each Palestinian would require, to ensure Hamas does not benefit from it.</p>
<h2>What will be the consequence of an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza?</h2>
<p>According to the FT report, the plan would uproot millions of Palestinians, moving them into a small, barren land and surviving on food aid.&nbsp;Hamas and other Palestinian militants are not going to sit quiet, with the report noting that the reconquering of Gaza will cause a long insurgency against Israeli troops.</p>
<p>Israeli media had already reported about plans for a renewed invasion of and possible reoccupation of Gaza.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrike-hits-gazas-nasser-hospital-kills-hamas-official-ismail-barhoum-8883614">Israel kills top Hamas official Ismail Barhoum in targeted airstrike at Gaza's Nasser hospital</a></p>
<p>This, if implemented, would be a &ldquo;completely different kind of fighting&rdquo; according to a senior military reservist cited in the FT report. The reservists have reportedly been told to be ready for long periods of &ldquo;combat, victory and administration&rdquo;, he said.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-special-envoy-witkoff-says-hamas-duped-him-as-he-blames-renewed-attack-in-gaza-on-militant-group-8883301">US special envoy Witkoff says Hamas &lsquo;duped&rsquo; him as he blames renewed attack in Gaza on militant group</a></p>
<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has always aimed at the complete destruction of Hamas, whose 7 October, 2023 attack on Israel killed at least 1,200. The Palestinian militant group also took some 250 people hostage, leading to Israel's invasion of Gaza that caused the deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinans according to Gaza authorities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

world news : What exactly is Israel's 'reconquer and control' plan for Gaza? Read the details here. The Israel-Hamas truce was broken last week when Israel struck Gaza

As the war in Gaza drags on, Israel is planning to 'reconquer' the Palestinian enclave and stay there for the long term to defeat Hamas militant group decisively, according to reports in the Financial Times and Israeli media. The reports came as Israel continued to pound several parts of Gaza while talks on reviving the truce dragged on. The proposal to reconquer Gaza for the first time in two decades was prepared by the Israeli military and aims to 'finally defeat Hamas', said the FT report. This, if approved by the Israeli cabinet, would lead to a long-term occupation of Gaza, an enclave freed by Israel in 2005 after it was taken by its forces during the 1967 war. The FT report said the proposal was "formulated by the new Israel Defense Forces chief of staff with the unofficial backing of far-right ministers who have long demanded drastically harsher tactics" against Hamas. Citing people aware of the plan, the report said it made possible now that Donald Trump is back as US president. His predecessor Joe Biden was against Israel reoccupying Gaza or annexing territory, it noted. The difference is that Trump wants to win the war as opposed to Biden administration's desire to end it. Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages held in Gaza The fragile truce was broken last week when Israel struck various parts of Gaza and resumed ground operations. At least 400 people have been killed in the renewed offensive. Hamas authorities claimed most of the casualties were women and children, but the IDF said its targets were the military-political leadership of Hamas. One of them, Ismail Burhoum, was killed in an air strike at the Nasser Medical Complex on Sunday (Mar 25). What exactly is Israel's 'reconquer and control' plan for Gaza? The plan, as per the FT report, is as follows: > Use IDF combat divisions to reinvade and subdue Hamas > Control wide areas of the enclave > Confine the Gaza population into a small humanitarian zone along the Mediterranean coast > Administer Gaza through the military, which amounts to its reoccupation two decades after Israeli military pulled out in 2005. > Take over administering the humanitarian aid through military or private contracts, having estimated the calories each Palestinian would require, to ensure Hamas does not benefit from it. What will be the consequence of an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza? According to the FT report, the plan would uproot millions of Palestinians, moving them into a small, barren land and surviving on food aid. Hamas and other Palestinian militants are not going to sit quiet, with the report noting that the reconquering of Gaza will cause a long insurgency against Israeli troops. Israeli media had already reported about plans for a renewed invasion of and possible reoccupation of Gaza. Israel kills top Hamas official Ismail Barhoum in targeted airstrike at Gaza's Nasser hospital This, if implemented, would be a “completely different kind of fighting” according to a senior military reservist cited in the FT report. The reservists have reportedly been told to be ready for long periods of “combat, victory and administration”, he said. US special envoy Witkoff says Hamas ‘duped’ him as he blames renewed attack in Gaza on militant group Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has always aimed at the complete destruction of Hamas, whose 7 October, 2023 attack on Israel killed at least 1,200. The Palestinian militant group also took some 250 people hostage, leading to Israel's invasion of Gaza that caused the deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinans according to Gaza authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

'Reconquer Gaza for final defeat of Hamas': What Israel plans to do as truce falters, as per reports | Details inside

<p><strong>Houthis vs Trump confrontation could expand to regional war? </strong>Houthis, the Iran-backed rebels of Yemen, are in direct confrontation with the US military in a fight that has intensified since President Donald Trump ordered air strikes on March 15. In the latest developments, the US national security advisor Mike Waltz said the strikes on Yemen have taken out some key Houthi leaders including their top missile specialist. In response, Houthis targeted US vessels in the Red Sea, the Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel and other parts of the Jewish nation. The flare-up, after Houthis threatened more attacks on Red Sea shipping in the wake of Israel-Hamas war, has embroiled the Middle East region in yet another potential regional war.<br><br>"We've hit their headquarters...communications nodes, weapons factories, and even some of their over-the-water drone production facilities" Waltz said while speaking to the US media. His comments came after the US bombed several Yemeni installations including an airport. Mansour al-Saadi, the commander of the Houthi naval forces was injured during the raids on a Yemeni naval base, soon after Trump&rsquo;s warning to &lsquo;annihilate&rsquo; Houthis and direct warnings to Iran.<br><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-indicate-to-limit-attacks-in-red-sea-corridor-to-israeli-ships-8637659">West Asia crisis: Houthis likely to limit attacks in Red Sea to Israel-affiliated ships</a></p>
<p>There were at least three US airstrikes on the Hodeidah Airport, aimed at missile and drone facilities, according to reports. The US also bombed Saada province in the north, Sahar and Kitaf districts, and the central Marib province.</p>
<p>So, is It now time to take Houthis more seriously than before? Who are they? How did they develop into a formidable force in Yemen and the Middle East region?</p>
<h2>Who are the Houthis? How did they become so powerful?</h2>
<p>Houthis are an Iran-backed rebel militia in Yemen. Once a rag-tag rebel army, they are now challenging the most powerful military in the world. They are the strongest rebel group in Yemen and control the capital Sanaa, which they captured in 2014.</p>
<p>They are members of the Zaydi sect belonging to Shia Islam. The group is named after the leader of their movement, Hussein al-Houthi.&nbsp;Zaydis had ruled Yemen for 1,000 years until 1962.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrike-hits-gazas-nasser-hospital-kills-hamas-official-ismail-barhoum-8883614">Israel kills top Hamas official Ismail Barhoum in targeted airstrike at Gaza's Nasser hospital</a></p>
<h2>Is Iran the handler of Houthis?</h2>
<p>Iran, the most prominent Shia nation in the Middle East, has tacitly supported the Houthis, but publicly denies it. Even in recent comments in the wake of Trump's direct criticism of Teheran, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said Houthis act independently.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, it is widely believed Teheran uses Houthis among the several rebel groups fighting proxy wars against the US, Israel and Western forces in the region These groups are thought to have received training from Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC and form its so-called 'Axis of Resistance'</p>
<p>The Islamic Republic reportedly provides them with arms, ammunition and high-tech equipment including missiles and drones.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-confirms-senior-political-official-his-wife-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-overnight-8882686">Hamas confirms senior political official, his wife killed in Israeli airstrike overnight</a></p>
<h2>Why did Houthi-US confrontation escalate?</h2>
<p>Since the Israel-Hamas war started in 2023, the Houthi rebels have been frequently attacking commercial and military ships of US, Israel and Western nations, mainly in the Red Sea.&nbsp;But things escalated amid uncertainty over the future of a ceasefire between the Jewish nation and the Palestinian militants</p>
<p>Houthi attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is fighting against Israel in Gaza.</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2303_WION_HOUTHIS_7PM_GUEST/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2303_WION_HOUTHIS_7PM_GUEST.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=304&amp;tags=Houthis, US, Trump, Yemen, World News, WION" title="US-Houthis conflict: Trump blames Iran for aiding Houthis" id="PL_iframe_block-m8n03v23-btzzoify-jzb7nf8b"></iframe></p>
<p>The US and Western powers have conducted strikes against Houthis since 2024 in retaliation for the rebel attacks on their shipping interests</p>
<p>Once back in power, US President Donald Trump ordered strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. That strike, on March 15, triggered a fresh outbreak in the war. Houthis responded by targeting US ships.<br><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/iran-released-french-citizen-olivier-grondeau-after-almost-900-days-confirms-president-emmanuel-macron-8872832">Iran released French citizen Olivier Grondeau after almost 900-days, confirms President Emmanuel Macron</a></p>
<p>Amid all this, Trump made a series of warnings against Houthis. He directly accused Iran of supporting them<br>&ldquo;We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective,&rdquo; he said in a social media post.</p>
<h2>What is the military strength of Houthis?</h2>
<p>Houthis are the strongest rebel group in Yemen and reportedly have at least 100,000 fighters. They are trained in land, air and marine warfare, and can operate complex weapon systems like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones.&nbsp;These include the ballistic missile Typhoon, remade from Iran's Qadr missile, with a range of 1600-1900 kilometres and the Iran-made Quds cruise missile with a range of 1650 km. Their drone arsenal includes Shahed 136 and Samad 3. These are either made in Iran or contain Iranian components, and have a range of 1600-2000 km.</p>
<h2>Will the Houthi-US conflagration lead to a regional war?</h2>
<p>Already, the Houthis have struck US ships at least five times, though not very successfully. The attacks and counterattacks are increasingly escalating as the US strikes targeted senior Houthi figures.</p>
<p>The Houthis have expanded their attacks beyond Red Sea, and targeted nations other than the US, particularly Israel.</p>
<p>That could expand further and could include commercial or military vessels of other, mostly Western nations operating in the region. They could also attack the energy infrastructure of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have been fighting the war in Yemen against the rebels</p>
<p>There is a clear danger of it becoming another regional war unless the current flare-up stops.</p>

World Trending news : Who are the Houthis? How did they become so powerful?  Read the latest developments in the war between the Yemen rebels and Trump military

Houthis vs Trump confrontation could expand to regional war? Houthis, the Iran-backed rebels of Yemen, are in direct confrontation with the US military in a fight that has intensified since President Donald Trump ordered air strikes on March 15. In the latest developments, the US national security advisor Mike Waltz said the strikes on Yemen have taken out some key Houthi leaders including their top missile specialist. In response, Houthis targeted US vessels in the Red Sea, the Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel and other parts of the Jewish nation. The flare-up, after Houthis threatened more attacks on Red Sea shipping in the wake of Israel-Hamas war, has embroiled the Middle East region in yet another potential regional war. "We've hit their headquarters...communications nodes, weapons factories, and even some of their over-the-water drone production facilities" Waltz said while speaking to the US media. His comments came after the US bombed several Yemeni installations including an airport. Mansour al-Saadi, the commander of the Houthi naval forces was injured during the raids on a Yemeni naval base, soon after Trump’s warning to ‘annihilate’ Houthis and direct warnings to Iran. West Asia crisis: Houthis likely to limit attacks in Red Sea to Israel-affiliated ships There were at least three US airstrikes on the Hodeidah Airport, aimed at missile and drone facilities, according to reports. The US also bombed Saada province in the north, Sahar and Kitaf districts, and the central Marib province. So, is It now time to take Houthis more seriously than before? Who are they? How did they develop into a formidable force in Yemen and the Middle East region? Who are the Houthis? How did they become so powerful? Houthis are an Iran-backed rebel militia in Yemen. Once a rag-tag rebel army, they are now challenging the most powerful military in the world. They are the strongest rebel group in Yemen and control the capital Sanaa, which they captured in 2014. They are members of the Zaydi sect belonging to Shia Islam. The group is named after the leader of their movement, Hussein al-Houthi. Zaydis had ruled Yemen for 1,000 years until 1962. Israel kills top Hamas official Ismail Barhoum in targeted airstrike at Gaza's Nasser hospital Is Iran the handler of Houthis? Iran, the most prominent Shia nation in the Middle East, has tacitly supported the Houthis, but publicly denies it. Even in recent comments in the wake of Trump's direct criticism of Teheran, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said Houthis act independently. Nevertheless, it is widely believed Teheran uses Houthis among the several rebel groups fighting proxy wars against the US, Israel and Western forces in the region These groups are thought to have received training from Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC and form its so-called 'Axis of Resistance' The Islamic Republic reportedly provides them with arms, ammunition and high-tech equipment including missiles and drones. Hamas confirms senior political official, his wife killed in Israeli airstrike overnight Why did Houthi-US confrontation escalate? Since the Israel-Hamas war started in 2023, the Houthi rebels have been frequently attacking commercial and military ships of US, Israel and Western nations, mainly in the Red Sea. But things escalated amid uncertainty over the future of a ceasefire between the Jewish nation and the Palestinian militants Houthi attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is fighting against Israel in Gaza. The US and Western powers have conducted strikes against Houthis since 2024 in retaliation for the rebel attacks on their shipping interests Once back in power, US President Donald Trump ordered strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. That strike, on March 15, triggered a fresh outbreak in the war. Houthis responded by targeting US ships. Iran released French citizen Olivier Grondeau after almost 900-days, confirms President Emmanuel Macron Amid all this, Trump made a series of warnings against Houthis. He directly accused Iran of supporting them “We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective,” he said in a social media post. What is the military strength of Houthis? Houthis are the strongest rebel group in Yemen and reportedly have at least 100,000 fighters. They are trained in land, air and marine warfare, and can operate complex weapon systems like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. These include the ballistic missile Typhoon, remade from Iran's Qadr missile, with a range of 1600-1900 kilometres and the Iran-made Quds cruise missile with a range of 1650 km. Their drone arsenal includes Shahed 136 and Samad 3. These are either made in Iran or contain Iranian components, and have a range of 1600-2000 km. Will the Houthi-US conflagration lead to a regional war? Already, the Houthis have struck US ships at least five times, though not very successfully. The attacks and counterattacks are increasingly escalating as the US strikes targeted senior Houthi figures. The Houthis have expanded their attacks beyond Red Sea, and targeted nations other than the US, particularly Israel. That could expand further and could include commercial or military vessels of other, mostly Western nations operating in the region. They could also attack the energy infrastructure of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have been fighting the war in Yemen against the rebels There is a clear danger of it becoming another regional war unless the current flare-up stops.

Who are Houthis, directly challenging Trump's mighty military? Leaders taken out, missiles fly, war to expand?

<p>There has been intense debate in India on Grok 3, the sharp-tongued AI chatbot of Elon Musk's social media platform X, which has been churning out answers to controversial and often politically sensitive questions. Depending on their political leanings, both the right-wing and left-wing observers and politicians have been interpreting Grok 3's responses to suit their narratives.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Indian government sources told media that they have noted the abusive language used by Grok in some of the answers, which social media users shared widely in the last few days. Meanwhile, in a parallel yet separate development, X has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government over its content blocking and takedowns on the social media platform.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-backs-musks-claim-of-white-genocide-in-south-africa-grok-fact-check-calls-them-out-8883153">Trump backs Musk's claim of &lsquo;white genocide&rsquo; in South Africa, Grok fact-check calls them out</a></p>
<p>So are Elon Musk's X and the Indian government on a collision course? Can India potentially ban Grok, which is currently integrated into the user interface of X?</p>
<p>Let us look at the key issues here.</p>
<h2>First up, why is X suing the Indian government?</h2>
<p>Please note that the current controversy over Grok is not directly mentioned in the court case involving X and the Indian government. The key contention in the lawsuit filed in March by X is what it claimed to be the unlawful expansion of the Indian government's censorship powers. The social media platform is alleging that the legal provisions used by the government to block its content are bypassing safeguards established under Indian law. More specifically, the lawsuit filed in the Karnataka High Court on March 5 alleged that the Indian Ministry of Information Technology is expanding its censorship authority in asking for takedowns for certain X posts. The X lawsuit questioned the use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act for content takedown orders, saying it bypasses the safeguards of Section 69A of the same act, which mandates judicial scrutiny and oversight for such actions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The case is ongoing and a hearing is scheduled on March 27.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bold-blunt-and-banned-groks-indian-journey-hangs-in-balance-8877176">Bold, Blunt, and Banned? Grok&rsquo;s Indian Journey Hangs in Balance</a></p>
<p>The issue is in the larger context of how the Indian government monitors online content. X contends that the new methods used by the government infringes upon constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.</p>
<h2>So what is Grok 3?</h2>
<p>Grok is a chatbot and AI assistant developed by xAI, the artificial intelligence venture of Elon Musk's X.&nbsp;While it was already available on X, the bot exploded in popularity when Grok came out with its third version, Grok 3.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Its answers were unfiltered, and some were controversial.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/having-fun-asking-questions-to-grok-you-may-face-criminal-charges-now-8874974">Having fun asking questions to Grok? You may face criminal charges now</a></p>
<p>The bot responded with Hindi slang and abusive language while answering some questions related to Indian politicians and even Elon Musk himself. But in many cases, the bad language was in response to questions that themselves contained abuses. In short, it was a case of tit for tat.</p>
<p>Some of the Grok responses contained Hindi slang words commonly used as misogynistic insults, which raised eyebrows both regarding obscenity laws and cultural context of India.</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2003_ARJUN_HINDI_12PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2003_ARJUN_HINDI_12PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=104&amp;tags=Elon Musk, AI, Grok, World News, WION" title="Musk's AI bot Grok under scrutiny: IT Mnistry looking into what led to the use of abusive language" id="PL_iframe_block-m8mwzsmu-x3n1turl-f77amdro"></iframe></p>
<p>Some of these interactions were posted on X (these become public only when the users share it on X, otherwise it's essentially a private interaction) and went viral.</p>
<p>Questions included those about Indian politicians, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.</p>
<h2>What is the Indian government's stance on Grok? Will Grok be banned in India?</h2>
<p>The information technology ministry is looking into Grok's use of abusive language, and hasn't made any comment on the political nature of its answers, or their accuracy. The Indian government is reportedly discussing with the relevant people of X on the issue.</p>
<p>At the time of writing this, a ban on Grok seems highly unlikely.</p>
<p>The IT ministry said it is engaging with X, and contrary to initial reports, made it clear that there was no formal notice or ban issued against X.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-x-grok-will-india-take-action-after-musks-x-sues-modi-govt-over-alleged-censorship-8874168">'In talks with X, Grok': Will India take action after Musk's X sues Modi govt over alleged censorship?</a></p>
<p>But the political ramifications of some of the answers could make the government think more deeply about a ban or restrictions on Grok in future.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is also a view that some of the Grok answers could endanger India's national security, or law and order.</p>
<p>Some media reports said that those posing such inflammatory questions to Grok could face charges, along with X, but no such case has come up so far.</p>
<h2>Is Grok banned or facing pressure in other countries?</h2>
<p>At the time of writing this, Grok is facing scrutiny only in India, partly as a consequence of its sudden popularity. It has not been censored or criticised in other countries.</p>
<p>Under its new laws on artificial intelligence, the European Union has banned 'unacceptably risky' AI systems, though Grok itself is not named. &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>The current tussles involving X and the Indian government is of importance to Musk, as he is planning to launch his other businesses in India: the Starlink satellite internet service and Tesla electric vehicles. Issues related to Grok and X could potentially affect these ventures.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

India world trending : Are Elon Musk's X and the Indian government on a collision course? Can India potentially ban Grok, which is currently integrated into the user interface of X?

There has been intense debate in India on Grok 3, the sharp-tongued AI chatbot of Elon Musk's social media platform X, which has been churning out answers to controversial and often politically sensitive questions. Depending on their political leanings, both the right-wing and left-wing observers and politicians have been interpreting Grok 3's responses to suit their narratives. Indian government sources told media that they have noted the abusive language used by Grok in some of the answers, which social media users shared widely in the last few days. Meanwhile, in a parallel yet separate development, X has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government over its content blocking and takedowns on the social media platform. Trump backs Musk's claim of ‘white genocide’ in South Africa, Grok fact-check calls them out So are Elon Musk's X and the Indian government on a collision course? Can India potentially ban Grok, which is currently integrated into the user interface of X? Let us look at the key issues here. First up, why is X suing the Indian government? Please note that the current controversy over Grok is not directly mentioned in the court case involving X and the Indian government. The key contention in the lawsuit filed in March by X is what it claimed to be the unlawful expansion of the Indian government's censorship powers. The social media platform is alleging that the legal provisions used by the government to block its content are bypassing safeguards established under Indian law. More specifically, the lawsuit filed in the Karnataka High Court on March 5 alleged that the Indian Ministry of Information Technology is expanding its censorship authority in asking for takedowns for certain X posts. The X lawsuit questioned the use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act for content takedown orders, saying it bypasses the safeguards of Section 69A of the same act, which mandates judicial scrutiny and oversight for such actions. The case is ongoing and a hearing is scheduled on March 27. Bold, Blunt, and Banned? Grok’s Indian Journey Hangs in Balance The issue is in the larger context of how the Indian government monitors online content. X contends that the new methods used by the government infringes upon constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. So what is Grok 3? Grok is a chatbot and AI assistant developed by xAI, the artificial intelligence venture of Elon Musk's X. While it was already available on X, the bot exploded in popularity when Grok came out with its third version, Grok 3. Its answers were unfiltered, and some were controversial. Having fun asking questions to Grok? You may face criminal charges now The bot responded with Hindi slang and abusive language while answering some questions related to Indian politicians and even Elon Musk himself. But in many cases, the bad language was in response to questions that themselves contained abuses. In short, it was a case of tit for tat. Some of the Grok responses contained Hindi slang words commonly used as misogynistic insults, which raised eyebrows both regarding obscenity laws and cultural context of India. Some of these interactions were posted on X (these become public only when the users share it on X, otherwise it's essentially a private interaction) and went viral. Questions included those about Indian politicians, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. What is the Indian government's stance on Grok? Will Grok be banned in India? The information technology ministry is looking into Grok's use of abusive language, and hasn't made any comment on the political nature of its answers, or their accuracy. The Indian government is reportedly discussing with the relevant people of X on the issue. At the time of writing this, a ban on Grok seems highly unlikely. The IT ministry said it is engaging with X, and contrary to initial reports, made it clear that there was no formal notice or ban issued against X. 'In talks with X, Grok': Will India take action after Musk's X sues Modi govt over alleged censorship? But the political ramifications of some of the answers could make the government think more deeply about a ban or restrictions on Grok in future. There is also a view that some of the Grok answers could endanger India's national security, or law and order. Some media reports said that those posing such inflammatory questions to Grok could face charges, along with X, but no such case has come up so far. Is Grok banned or facing pressure in other countries? At the time of writing this, Grok is facing scrutiny only in India, partly as a consequence of its sudden popularity. It has not been censored or criticised in other countries. Under its new laws on artificial intelligence, the European Union has banned 'unacceptably risky' AI systems, though Grok itself is not named. The current tussles involving X and the Indian government is of importance to Musk, as he is planning to launch his other businesses in India: the Starlink satellite internet service and Tesla electric vehicles. Issues related to Grok and X could potentially affect these ventures.

India vs Grok 3: Will Modi govt ban the sharp-tongued AI bot of Elon Musk's X? Your questions, answered

<p><strong>Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron </strong>controversy not the only one in Korean showbiz: Sex scandals, dating controversies, bribery and corruption have been plaguing South Korean entertainment industry. South Korea's globally famous showbiz, which includes K-Pop, K-dramas and cinema, is a multi-billion dollar industry. But the sharp focus on the private lives of its stars, along with their own crimes, have been tumbling down over the past few years. The latest is the controversy over whether famous actor &nbsp;<strong>Kim Soo-hyun </strong>dated <strong>Kim Sae-ron </strong>- who died by suicide this year - when she was a minor. Here's the lowdown on that, as well as other scandals that hit South Korean entertainment in the past years.</p>
<h2>Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron dating controversy of 2025</h2>
<p>Veteran Actor Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with younger co-star Kim Sae-ron became a massive controversy this year after allegations that the relationship started when she was a minor. Down on luck, Kim Seo-ron was found dead in February, which was ruled a suicide. Intense backlash over the age difference of their relationship led to many brands dropping deals with Kim soo-hyun, essentially throwing his career into turmoil.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br></p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kim-soo-hyun-faces-possible-900k-penalty-in-taiwan-after-cancelling-fan-meet-8878606">Kim Soo-hyun faces possible $900K penalty in Taiwan after cancelling fan meet</a></p>
<h2 dir="auto">Burning Sun Scandal of 2019</h2>
<div dir="auto">The scandal gets its name from the Burning Sun nightclub in Seoul, the site of sexual assaults, prostitution, drug trafficking, and police corruption involving celebrities and businesspeople.&nbsp; Seungri, a famous singer of Big Bang, real name Lee Seung-hyun, was accused of arranging prostitutes for investors in his businesses. He was also allegedly involved in illegal gambling. He was sentenced to three years in prison and retired from the entertainment industry. Another musician&nbsp;Jung Joon-young was charged with filming and distributing illegal sex videos without consent and participating in gang rape. He was sentenced to six years in prison. Choi Jong-hoon of the rock band FT Island was also accused of gang rape and sharing sex videos. He&nbsp;was sentenced to five years in jail, but this was later brought down to 2.5 years.</div>
<div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kim-soo-hyun-controversy-halts-production-of-disneys-knock-off-series-8877559">Kim Soo-hyun controversy halts production of Disney+'s 'Knock-Off' series</a></div>
<h2 dir="auto">Kang Ji-hwan rape case of 2019</h2>
<div dir="auto">Actor Kang Ji-hwan, famous for <em>Monster</em> and <em>Big Man</em>, was accused of raping a woman and sexually assaulting another at his home.&nbsp;He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison which halted his career in entertainment.<br><br></div>
<div dir="auto"><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1702_Manav_KOREAN_1PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1702_Manav_KOREAN_1PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=64&amp;tags=korea, korean actor, kim sae-ron, seoul, k-drama" title="24-year-old Korean actor Kim Sae-Ron found dead in Seoul" id="PL_iframe_block-m8mqws4h-ng4i7cqp-r28lpsl5"></iframe></div>
<h2 dir="auto">Kim Seon-ho forced abortion row of 2021</h2>
<div dir="auto">An unnamed woman who claimed to be the former girlfriend of Kim Seon-ho accused the&nbsp;<em>Start-Up</em> actor of having coerced her into an abortion. Kim lost several projects and brand endorsements and apologised. But later developments, including leaked chats, revealed that the abortion was agreed upon mutually. Contrary to the accusations of mistreatment, it emerged that Kim had supported his ex, helping him regain his reputation and career.</div>
<h2 dir="auto">Yang Hyun-suk drug investigation and gambling controversies of 2019-2022</h2>
<div dir="auto">Yang Hyun-suk, a powerful name in South Korean showbiz, was embroiled in scandal after being accused of threatening a person who leaked information about an artist in his YG Entertainment talent agency. The information was about an ongoing drug investigation. Yang Hyun-suk was also investigated for overseas gambling and was fined in 2022. Yang resigned from YG Entertainment, which he had founded, though he was found not guilty.</div>
<div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/even-if-kim-soo-hyun-dated-kim-sae-ron-as-a-minor-he-could-still-get-away-heres-why-8865785">Even if Kim Soo-Hyun dated Kim Sae-Ron as a minor, he could still get away. Here&rsquo;s why</a></div>
<h2 dir="auto">HyunA and Dawn dating controversy of 2018&ndash;2019&nbsp;</h2>
<div dir="auto">The music stars HyunA and Dawn announced their industry-breaking relationship and eventually exited their K-Pop bands Triple H and Pentagon. They were dropped by their agency Cube Entertainment but continued their careers independently, later announcing their engagement. Despite all the drama, they broke up after six years of dating.</div>
<h2 dir="auto"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/heres-what-kim-soo-hyun-has-to-say-about-dating-late-actor-kim-sae-ron-when-she-was-a-minor-8845120">Here's what Kim Soo Hyun said about dating late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor</a></h2>
<h2 dir="auto">Jennie (Blackpink) and Kai (EXO) dating row of 2019</h2>
<div dir="auto">Over the years, the dating histories of Korean entertainment stars have led to fan responses, ranging from curiosity to outrage. One such case was the relationship between Jennie, the singer of the top K-Pop girl band Blackpink, and Kai from the boyband EXO. Much of the fan reactions were negative, and they ended the relationship amid intense scrutiny but managed to continue their careers. However, some reports claimed that the whole thing was a publicity stunt.</div>
<h2 dir="auto">Kim Ji-soo sexual assault and bullying claims of 2021&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
<div dir="auto">At the height of the #MeToo movement in South Korea, actor Kim Ji-soo was accused by former classmates of sexual assault and bullying, some of which he admitted. He was removed from <em>River Where the Moon Rises&nbsp;</em>and hasn't got a lot of new work even as the case continued.<br><br></div>
<h2 dir="auto">Idol trainee sexual harassment case of 2024</h2>
<div dir="auto">In 2024, a South Korean idol trainee accused her agency&rsquo;s CEO of sexual harassment. The singer who was part of a multinational girl group was allegedly sexually harassed by the agency&rsquo;s co-founder identified in media reports as 'A.' The case is ongoing.</div>
<h2 dir="auto">Talent agency embezzlement case of 2024&nbsp;</h2>
<div dir="auto">Ahn, the former chief of the now-defunct K-Stars, was accused of using the profits from the talent agency to operate its parent group K Media, a video production group also run by him. He was given a suspended jail sentence for illegal transfer of profits.</div>
<h2 dir="auto">Music chart manipulation and bribery case&nbsp; of 2024&nbsp;</h2>
<div dir="auto">In 2024, a group of entertainment industry figures including a former music producer were arrested for manipulating K-pop shows. The 11 people, including Kim, who used to be the CEO of entertainment agency, were charged with manipulating music charts to artificially boost the rankings of 15 K-Pop songs.&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto">These are not the only scandals rocking the industry. But they give an overview of the kind of crimes, double standards, corruption and violation of privacy of scores of stars in K-Pop, K-Drama and South Korea's world-famous movie industries.&nbsp;</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Entertainment Korean showbusiness: K pop K drama Korean movies Kim Soo Hyun - Kim Sae Ron dating row is not the only scandal to hit South Korean showbiz.

Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron controversy not the only one in Korean showbiz: Sex scandals, dating controversies, bribery and corruption have been plaguing South Korean entertainment industry. South Korea's globally famous showbiz, which includes K-Pop, K-dramas and cinema, is a multi-billion dollar industry. But the sharp focus on the private lives of its stars, along with their own crimes, have been tumbling down over the past few years. The latest is the controversy over whether famous actor Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron - who died by suicide this year - when she was a minor. Here's the lowdown on that, as well as other scandals that hit South Korean entertainment in the past years. Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron dating controversy of 2025 Veteran Actor Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with younger co-star Kim Sae-ron became a massive controversy this year after allegations that the relationship started when she was a minor. Down on luck, Kim Seo-ron was found dead in February, which was ruled a suicide. Intense backlash over the age difference of their relationship led to many brands dropping deals with Kim soo-hyun, essentially throwing his career into turmoil. Kim Soo-hyun faces possible $900K penalty in Taiwan after cancelling fan meet Burning Sun Scandal of 2019 The scandal gets its name from the Burning Sun nightclub in Seoul, the site of sexual assaults, prostitution, drug trafficking, and police corruption involving celebrities and businesspeople. Seungri, a famous singer of Big Bang, real name Lee Seung-hyun, was accused of arranging prostitutes for investors in his businesses. He was also allegedly involved in illegal gambling. He was sentenced to three years in prison and retired from the entertainment industry. Another musician Jung Joon-young was charged with filming and distributing illegal sex videos without consent and participating in gang rape. He was sentenced to six years in prison. Choi Jong-hoon of the rock band FT Island was also accused of gang rape and sharing sex videos. He was sentenced to five years in jail, but this was later brought down to 2.5 years. Kim Soo-hyun controversy halts production of Disney+'s 'Knock-Off' series Kang Ji-hwan rape case of 2019 Actor Kang Ji-hwan, famous for Monster and Big Man, was accused of raping a woman and sexually assaulting another at his home. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison which halted his career in entertainment. Kim Seon-ho forced abortion row of 2021 An unnamed woman who claimed to be the former girlfriend of Kim Seon-ho accused the Start-Up actor of having coerced her into an abortion. Kim lost several projects and brand endorsements and apologised. But later developments, including leaked chats, revealed that the abortion was agreed upon mutually. Contrary to the accusations of mistreatment, it emerged that Kim had supported his ex, helping him regain his reputation and career. Yang Hyun-suk drug investigation and gambling controversies of 2019-2022 Yang Hyun-suk, a powerful name in South Korean showbiz, was embroiled in scandal after being accused of threatening a person who leaked information about an artist in his YG Entertainment talent agency. The information was about an ongoing drug investigation. Yang Hyun-suk was also investigated for overseas gambling and was fined in 2022. Yang resigned from YG Entertainment, which he had founded, though he was found not guilty. Even if Kim Soo-Hyun dated Kim Sae-Ron as a minor, he could still get away. Here’s why HyunA and Dawn dating controversy of 2018–2019 The music stars HyunA and Dawn announced their industry-breaking relationship and eventually exited their K-Pop bands Triple H and Pentagon. They were dropped by their agency Cube Entertainment but continued their careers independently, later announcing their engagement. Despite all the drama, they broke up after six years of dating. Here's what Kim Soo Hyun said about dating late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor Jennie (Blackpink) and Kai (EXO) dating row of 2019 Over the years, the dating histories of Korean entertainment stars have led to fan responses, ranging from curiosity to outrage. One such case was the relationship between Jennie, the singer of the top K-Pop girl band Blackpink, and Kai from the boyband EXO. Much of the fan reactions were negative, and they ended the relationship amid intense scrutiny but managed to continue their careers. However, some reports claimed that the whole thing was a publicity stunt. Kim Ji-soo sexual assault and bullying claims of 2021 At the height of the #MeToo movement in South Korea, actor Kim Ji-soo was accused by former classmates of sexual assault and bullying, some of which he admitted. He was removed from River Where the Moon Rises and hasn't got a lot of new work even as the case continued. Idol trainee sexual harassment case of 2024 In 2024, a South Korean idol trainee accused her agency’s CEO of sexual harassment. The singer who was part of a multinational girl group was allegedly sexually harassed by the agency’s co-founder identified in media reports as 'A.' The case is ongoing. Talent agency embezzlement case of 2024 Ahn, the former chief of the now-defunct K-Stars, was accused of using the profits from the talent agency to operate its parent group K Media, a video production group also run by him. He was given a suspended jail sentence for illegal transfer of profits. Music chart manipulation and bribery case of 2024 In 2024, a group of entertainment industry figures including a former music producer were arrested for manipulating K-pop shows. The 11 people, including Kim, who used to be the CEO of entertainment agency, were charged with manipulating music charts to artificially boost the rankings of 15 K-Pop songs. These are not the only scandals rocking the industry. But they give an overview of the kind of crimes, double standards, corruption and violation of privacy of scores of stars in K-Pop, K-Drama and South Korea's world-famous movie industries.

Sex, lies and videotapes: Kim Soo Hyun Kim Sae Ron dating row is not the only scandal to hit South Korean showbiz | See list

<p><strong>JFK Assassination Files reveal CIA secret bases: </strong>Skeletons from history are tumbling out from the unsealed documents on the assassination of former US president John F Kennedy. The more than 80,000 pages unsealed under orders from US President Donald Trump have thrown sharp light on the undercover activities of Central Intelligence Agency, including the use of figures from organised crime and drug trade for spying, and several 'black ops' and assassination plots. One page from the trove particularly stands out: the CIA secret bases in various cities across the world.</p>
<h2>Is New Delhi in the list?</h2>
<p>Yes, if a page from the declassified documents shared by the Russian state media outlet RT is to be believed.</p>
<p>The Indian national capital is listed under a page titled 'Field Distribution'. Not just Delhi, but the east Indian city of Kolkata, known at the time as Calcutta, is also mentioned.</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1903_ARJUN_JFK_230PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1903_ARJUN_JFK_230PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=156&amp;tags=John F Kennedy, US, World News, WION" title="What do newly released JFK files reveal?" id="PL_iframe_block-m8fwzwvh-357vsws7-8hch85sy"></iframe></p>
<p>The two Indian cities are listed along with some others in Europe, Middle East and South Asia, with a subtitle 'NE Division'.<br>The other cities are: Athens (in Greece), Beirut (Lebanon), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Rawalpindi (Pakistan), Ankara and Istanbul (both in Turkey) and Tehran (Iran).</p>
<p>It is interesting to note that Rawalpindi is known to be the military headquarters city of Pakistan.</p>
<h2>Which other cities did CIA have the bases?</h2>
<p>From the declassified page, it appears CIA used to have a vast network of bases, practically spanning the entire world.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jfk-files-released-when-jfk-jr-called-biden-a-traitor-8868249">JFK Files: When JFK Jr called ex-president Joe Biden a 'traitor'. 'Dear Sen. Biden: You are...'</a></strong><br><br>AF DIVISION, which possibly refers to African region, lists Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Pretoria and Rabat.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CIA 'secret bases' worldwide exposed by JFK Files<br><br>Is your city on the list? <a href="https://t.co/Gh37fstX8C">pic.twitter.com/Gh37fstX8C</a></p>
&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/1902215802113126746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>EUR DIVISION, which could be referring to Europe, is among the largest with CIA bases, going by the list of cities: Barcelona, Berlin, Bern, Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, The Hague, Hamburg, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Munich.</p>
<p>Interestingly, there is a 'Liaison Base' and an 'Ops Base (Laurion)' in the German city of Munich.</p>
<p>Other cities listed include Oslo, Ottava, Rome, Salzburg, Stockholm, Vienna and Zurich.<br><br><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-discovers-2400-hidden-jfk-assassination-files-61-years-after-his-killing-all-thanks-to-donald-trumps-order-8709938">FBI 'discovers' 2,400 hidden JFK assassination files 61 years after his killing</a></p>
<p>In Asia, CIA possibly had bases in Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Manila, going by the declassified page shared by RT.</p>
<p>There were bases in Okinava, Rangoon and Saigon. Note that Saigon is in Vietnam, where America was fighting a war in the 1960s.</p>
<p>Other Asian cities with CIA bases include Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Vientiane, and Surabaya.</p>
<p>Wellington in New Zealand and Melbourne in Australia were also on the list.</p>
<p>Practically all major cities in Latin America are in the list too. Notably, the US is known to have intervened in local politics and governments in the region, particularly at the height of Cold War.</p>
<p>Listed as 'WH DIVISION', the cities include Bogota, Brasilia, Rio de Janerio, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Georgetown, Guatemala City,<br>Guayaquil, Kingston, La Pas, Lima, Managua, Mexico City, Monterrey, Panama City, Port au Prince and Porto Alegre.</p>
<p>Other cities in the list from the Latin American and Caribbean region include Quito, Recife, San Jose, San Salvador, Santiago, Santiago de los Caballeros,&nbsp;Santo Domingo, Sao Paulo, and Tegucigalpa.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

World Trending JFK Assassination Files: Two Indian cities are listed along with some other cities in Europe, Middle East and South Asia, with a subtitle 'NE Division'. Which are the cities?

JFK Assassination Files reveal CIA secret bases: Skeletons from history are tumbling out from the unsealed documents on the assassination of former US president John F Kennedy. The more than 80,000 pages unsealed under orders from US President Donald Trump have thrown sharp light on the undercover activities of Central Intelligence Agency, including the use of figures from organised crime and drug trade for spying, and several 'black ops' and assassination plots. One page from the trove particularly stands out: the CIA secret bases in various cities across the world. Is New Delhi in the list? Yes, if a page from the declassified documents shared by the Russian state media outlet RT is to be believed. The Indian national capital is listed under a page titled 'Field Distribution'. Not just Delhi, but the east Indian city of Kolkata, known at the time as Calcutta, is also mentioned. The two Indian cities are listed along with some others in Europe, Middle East and South Asia, with a subtitle 'NE Division'. The other cities are: Athens (in Greece), Beirut (Lebanon), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Rawalpindi (Pakistan), Ankara and Istanbul (both in Turkey) and Tehran (Iran). It is interesting to note that Rawalpindi is known to be the military headquarters city of Pakistan. Which other cities did CIA have the bases? From the declassified page, it appears CIA used to have a vast network of bases, practically spanning the entire world. Also read: JFK Files: When JFK Jr called ex-president Joe Biden a 'traitor'. 'Dear Sen. Biden: You are...' AF DIVISION, which possibly refers to African region, lists Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Pretoria and Rabat. CIA 'secret bases' worldwide exposed by JFK Files Is your city on the list? pic.twitter.com/Gh37fstX8C — RT (@RT_com) March 19, 2025 EUR DIVISION, which could be referring to Europe, is among the largest with CIA bases, going by the list of cities: Barcelona, Berlin, Bern, Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, The Hague, Hamburg, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Munich. Interestingly, there is a 'Liaison Base' and an 'Ops Base (Laurion)' in the German city of Munich. Other cities listed include Oslo, Ottava, Rome, Salzburg, Stockholm, Vienna and Zurich. Also read: FBI 'discovers' 2,400 hidden JFK assassination files 61 years after his killing In Asia, CIA possibly had bases in Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Manila, going by the declassified page shared by RT. There were bases in Okinava, Rangoon and Saigon. Note that Saigon is in Vietnam, where America was fighting a war in the 1960s. Other Asian cities with CIA bases include Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Vientiane, and Surabaya. Wellington in New Zealand and Melbourne in Australia were also on the list. Practically all major cities in Latin America are in the list too. Notably, the US is known to have intervened in local politics and governments in the region, particularly at the height of Cold War. Listed as 'WH DIVISION', the cities include Bogota, Brasilia, Rio de Janerio, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Georgetown, Guatemala City, Guayaquil, Kingston, La Pas, Lima, Managua, Mexico City, Monterrey, Panama City, Port au Prince and Porto Alegre. Other cities in the list from the Latin American and Caribbean region include Quito, Recife, San Jose, San Salvador, Santiago, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santo Domingo, Sao Paulo, and Tegucigalpa.

JFK Assassination Files: CIA secret bases 'revealed', is your city in the list? New Delhi is...

<p>It will be a bunch of historical oddities and awkward moments on Monday (Jan 6), when Donald Trump will be officially certified as the winner of the presidential election held on November 5, 2024.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is the day when House of Representatives and Senate will hold a joint meeting for the certification process.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What is odd about January 6 certification of Donald Trump's election as president?</h2>
<p>The day will be awkward for Kamala Harris, the incumbent vice-president who was Trump's Democratic rival for presidency in November.</p>
<p>Because it is the vice president who signs off on the election certification, as per law.</p>
<p>But for Trump, it will be a sort of 'life comes full circle' moment.</p>
<p>Because the certification process is taking place at Capitol Hill, the very same place where a crowd, instigated by his denial of the election results of November 2020 that he lost, went on a rampage.&nbsp;<br><br>Some of the Capitol riot cases are still ongoing&mdash;including those where Trump is an accused&mdash;and it would be interesting to see what he says on Monday.</p>
<h2>What happens on election certification day?</h2>
<p>As per the law, the US Congress meets to open, read aloud, and approve the sealed certificates from the states containing the electoral college votes, which are the ultimate deciders of US presidential elections.</p>
<p>The votes, kept in mahogany boxes meant only for this process, will be certified and approved at the joint sitting of the House and Senate.</p>
<p>In case there's any tie, then the House will vote again to break it, with each delegation representing the electoral college getting one vote. But such a tie hasn't happened in a couple of centuries.</p>
<p>The meeting is presided over by Harris in her role as president of the Senate.</p>
<p>She will eventually declare the winner, who this time happens to be the same person she fought vehemently on the campaign trail.</p>
<p>There is no scope for any election result denial or recount, as Trump has won a decisive 312 electoral college votes against 226 for Harris.<br><br><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slams-joe-biden-mourning-for-jimmy-carter-or-democrat-conspiracy-trump-criticises-biden-for-half-mast-flags-8592688" rel="dofollow">Mourning for Jimmy Carter or Democrat conspiracy? Trump slams Biden for half-mast flags</a></strong></p>
<h2>Will there be scenes similar to 2021?</h2>
<p>It is highly unlikely that the situation that had led to Capitol riot in 2021 will repeat this time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>During the riot, Trump supporters entered the chambers of Congress in a bid to physically stop the count of electoral votes that had declared Democrat Joe Biden, the current president, the winner.<br><br><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nypd-veteran-convicted-of-assaulting-police-officer-during-capitol-riots-475866" rel="dofollow">NYPD veteran convicted of assaulting police officer during Capitol riots</a></strong></p>
<p>In any case, high security is in place in and around the Capitol Hill, coming as it does just days after the New Orleans terror attack on New Year's night.</p>
<p>&ldquo;There will be no violence. There will be no attempt to mount an insurrection against the Constitution,&rdquo; Associated Press news agency quoted Democratic representative Jamie Raskin as saying. &ldquo;It will be a lot more like what we&rsquo;ve seen for the rest of American history.&rdquo;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

World | Trending : January 6 holds significant historical importance as it will see both the certification of Donald Trump in the US election and the anniversary of the Capitol riot.

It will be a bunch of historical oddities and awkward moments on Monday (Jan 6), when Donald Trump will be officially certified as the winner of the presidential election held on November 5, 2024. This is the day when House of Representatives and Senate will hold a joint meeting for the certification process. What is odd about January 6 certification of Donald Trump's election as president? The day will be awkward for Kamala Harris, the incumbent vice-president who was Trump's Democratic rival for presidency in November. Because it is the vice president who signs off on the election certification, as per law. But for Trump, it will be a sort of 'life comes full circle' moment. Because the certification process is taking place at Capitol Hill, the very same place where a crowd, instigated by his denial of the election results of November 2020 that he lost, went on a rampage. Some of the Capitol riot cases are still ongoing—including those where Trump is an accused—and it would be interesting to see what he says on Monday. What happens on election certification day? As per the law, the US Congress meets to open, read aloud, and approve the sealed certificates from the states containing the electoral college votes, which are the ultimate deciders of US presidential elections. The votes, kept in mahogany boxes meant only for this process, will be certified and approved at the joint sitting of the House and Senate. In case there's any tie, then the House will vote again to break it, with each delegation representing the electoral college getting one vote. But such a tie hasn't happened in a couple of centuries. The meeting is presided over by Harris in her role as president of the Senate. She will eventually declare the winner, who this time happens to be the same person she fought vehemently on the campaign trail. There is no scope for any election result denial or recount, as Trump has won a decisive 312 electoral college votes against 226 for Harris. Also read: Mourning for Jimmy Carter or Democrat conspiracy? Trump slams Biden for half-mast flags Will there be scenes similar to 2021? It is highly unlikely that the situation that had led to Capitol riot in 2021 will repeat this time. During the riot, Trump supporters entered the chambers of Congress in a bid to physically stop the count of electoral votes that had declared Democrat Joe Biden, the current president, the winner. Also read: NYPD veteran convicted of assaulting police officer during Capitol riots In any case, high security is in place in and around the Capitol Hill, coming as it does just days after the New Orleans terror attack on New Year's night. “There will be no violence. There will be no attempt to mount an insurrection against the Constitution,” Associated Press news agency quoted Democratic representative Jamie Raskin as saying. “It will be a lot more like what we’ve seen for the rest of American history.” (With inputs from agencies)

On January 6 Capitol riot anniversary, Trump will be officially certified election winner

<p>For a family in Mizoram, the birth of a baby was not just a New Year gift but a moment in India's history. At a hospital in the northeastern state's capital Aizawl, the first baby in the country from the so-called 'Generation Beta' was born.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Named Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, the baby boy was born at 1203 AM on Wednesday (Jan 1) at Synod Hospital in Durtlang, Aizawl.</p>
<p>According to multiple reports in Indian media, the bundle of joy weighed a little over three kilogrammes at birth, and is healthy and hearty.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/quite-quitters-why-2024-was-the-year-of-burnout-784196">Quiet quitters: Why 2024 was the year of burnout?</a></strong></p>
<p>The state-run All India Radio reported citing a nurse at the hospital that the baby had no complications and is in good health.</p>
<p>Generation Beta is the name given to those born in 2025, which will mark the beginning of a new generation that follows Gen Z.</p>
<h2>More about India's first Generation Beta baby</h2>
<p>Born to ZD Remruatsanga and his wife Ramzirmawii from Khatla East in Aizawl, Frankie has an older sister.</p>
<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-the-gen-z-influence-revolutionizing-fashion--beauty-775494">The Gen-Z Influence: Revolutionizing fashion &amp; beauty</a></p>
<p>AIR cited Ramzirmawii as saying she is deeply happy to have given birth to the first Gen Beta boy of India.</p>
<h2>What is Generation Beta?</h2>
<p>The Generation Beta, which followed Gen Z and Millennials before them, will be a term applicable to those born between 2025 and 2039.</p>
<p>The term was reportedly coined by futurist Mark McCrindle.</p>
<p>According to experts, Gen Beta will have the advantages of new technologies and benefit from breakthroughs in medicine and health care.</p>
<p>They will be 'digitally fluent' and highly adaptable, having been born in the age of artificial Intelligence.</p>
<p>In their lifetime, they could witness major scientific discoveries and cures for many diseases.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Trending | India News | Lifestyle | Entertainment: India has welcomed its first baby from Generation Beta, marking a significant milestone in the country's demographic timeline and capturing public interest nationwide.

For a family in Mizoram, the birth of a baby was not just a New Year gift but a moment in India's history. At a hospital in the northeastern state's capital Aizawl, the first baby in the country from the so-called 'Generation Beta' was born. Named Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, the baby boy was born at 1203 AM on Wednesday (Jan 1) at Synod Hospital in Durtlang, Aizawl. According to multiple reports in Indian media, the bundle of joy weighed a little over three kilogrammes at birth, and is healthy and hearty. Also read: Quiet quitters: Why 2024 was the year of burnout? The state-run All India Radio reported citing a nurse at the hospital that the baby had no complications and is in good health. Generation Beta is the name given to those born in 2025, which will mark the beginning of a new generation that follows Gen Z. More about India's first Generation Beta baby Born to ZD Remruatsanga and his wife Ramzirmawii from Khatla East in Aizawl, Frankie has an older sister. Also read: The Gen-Z Influence: Revolutionizing fashion & beauty AIR cited Ramzirmawii as saying she is deeply happy to have given birth to the first Gen Beta boy of India. What is Generation Beta? The Generation Beta, which followed Gen Z and Millennials before them, will be a term applicable to those born between 2025 and 2039. The term was reportedly coined by futurist Mark McCrindle. According to experts, Gen Beta will have the advantages of new technologies and benefit from breakthroughs in medicine and health care. They will be 'digitally fluent' and highly adaptable, having been born in the age of artificial Intelligence. In their lifetime, they could witness major scientific discoveries and cures for many diseases. (With inputs from agencies)

India has got its first Generation Beta baby, and it's a boy

<p>Days after the New Orelans terror attack left 14 people dead on New Year's night, reports are saying it could have been prevented if authorities had paid heed to safety warnings issued as far back as 2019. The warnings came from a security firm that put the risk of terrorism in the French Quarter as 'highly possible,' multiple US media reports said. And the barricades in place at the area on the night of the attack were not capable of blocking the vehicle, even as better equipment had already been contracted.</p>
<p>The security firm's warning in 2019 had even specifically mentioned mass shootings and vehicular attacks as 'highly possible and moderately probable', said a report on CNN.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosives-discovered-at-new-orleans-attackers-home-say-officials-8592470">Explosives discovered at New Orleans attacker's home, say officials</a></strong></p>
<p>Texas-based US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar rammed his 6,000-pound, seven-foot-wide pickup truck through a sidewalk at 3.15 am local time on Wednesday (Jan 1) in an attack inspired by terror group Islamic State.</p>
<p>He was shot dead by police.</p>
<h2>Better barriers were available, but not deployed</h2>
<p>NBC News channel noted in a report that new, 700-pound steel barriers were put on Bourbon Street only a day after Jabbar rammed his car into the holiday crowd.<br><br><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-visit-new-orleans-on-monday-to-grieve-with-victims-families-meet-officials-8589173">Biden to visit New Orleans on Monday; to grieve with victims' families, meet officials</a></strong></p>
<p>It said the barriers had in fact been already contracted and available with the city.</p>
<p>On New Year's Day, the French Quarter lacked these barriers, which made it easy for Jabbar to plow into the crowd.</p>
<h2><strong>New Orleans security planners chose ease of passing over safety: Report</strong></h2>
<p>An investigative report by the Reuters news agency said the city 'chose ease over safety' with regards to street barriers. It installed barriers meant for attacks at the speed of 10 miles per hour.</p>
<p>This decision, according Reuters, was made after assessing possible scenarios of a potential attack. That assessment was done using a Ford F-150, which was similar to the vehicle used in the New Year attack.</p>
<p>Such a vehicle could ram in at speeds as high as 70mph, far above the resisting power of the barriers that had been in place on the fateful night.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-orleans-attackers-recordings-reveal-extreme-religious-views-on-music-sex-intoxicants-8587834">New Orleans attacker&rsquo;s recordings reveal extreme religious views on music, sex, intoxicants</a></strong></p>
<p>Reuters looked into contract documents for barriers, or bollards, as well as engineering analysis done ahead of the attack.</p>
<p>Newly contracted barriers were supposed to have been put in place only by 9 February, when New Orleans is set to host the NFL Super Bowl.</p>
<p>"The documents reviewed by Reuters...make clear that the system won&rsquo;t be able to prevent vehicle attacks at moderate to high speeds," said the news agency.</p>
<h2>An 'open road' led to preventable tragedy?</h2>
<p>The Reuters report pointed out that Bourbon Street, the site of the carnage, is usually open to vehicular traffic for much of the day, with some blockades put in parts of it during evenings.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-orleans-terror-attack-by-shamsud-din-jabbar-victims-identities-age-family-what-we-know-about-them-8590856">New Orleans terror attack victims' stories: 'He said he'll be alright, but...'</a></strong></p>
<p>On the night of the attack, the specific road from which the attacker entered - Canal and Bourbon- had no bollards.</p>
<p>The only security on that road was a police SUV cruiser, parked sideways.</p>
<p>Another gap in security preparation was that the authorities, during security planning, did not anticipate the attacker to ram through a sidewalk, which he did.</p>
<h2>The 2019 warning</h2>
<p>According to multiple reports, a private security consultancy firm had warned that the bollards in the area "did not appear to work".&nbsp;</p>
<p>They were 'being fixed' when the attack took place, New York Times reported.</p>
<p>The security firm, based out of New York, had suggested that barriers should be fixed immediately.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The two modes of terror attack likely to be used are vehicular ramming and active shooting,&rdquo; NYT quoted the firm as having warned.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Trending | World | New Orleans terror attack safety issues revealed: Attack could have been prevented if barriers were in place. Report had warned of attacks in 2019

Days after the New Orelans terror attack left 14 people dead on New Year's night, reports are saying it could have been prevented if authorities had paid heed to safety warnings issued as far back as 2019. The warnings came from a security firm that put the risk of terrorism in the French Quarter as 'highly possible,' multiple US media reports said. And the barricades in place at the area on the night of the attack were not capable of blocking the vehicle, even as better equipment had already been contracted. The security firm's warning in 2019 had even specifically mentioned mass shootings and vehicular attacks as 'highly possible and moderately probable', said a report on CNN. Also read: Explosives discovered at New Orleans attacker's home, say officials Texas-based US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar rammed his 6,000-pound, seven-foot-wide pickup truck through a sidewalk at 3.15 am local time on Wednesday (Jan 1) in an attack inspired by terror group Islamic State. He was shot dead by police. Better barriers were available, but not deployed NBC News channel noted in a report that new, 700-pound steel barriers were put on Bourbon Street only a day after Jabbar rammed his car into the holiday crowd. Also read: Biden to visit New Orleans on Monday; to grieve with victims' families, meet officials It said the barriers had in fact been already contracted and available with the city. On New Year's Day, the French Quarter lacked these barriers, which made it easy for Jabbar to plow into the crowd. New Orleans security planners chose ease of passing over safety: Report An investigative report by the Reuters news agency said the city 'chose ease over safety' with regards to street barriers. It installed barriers meant for attacks at the speed of 10 miles per hour. This decision, according Reuters, was made after assessing possible scenarios of a potential attack. That assessment was done using a Ford F-150, which was similar to the vehicle used in the New Year attack. Such a vehicle could ram in at speeds as high as 70mph, far above the resisting power of the barriers that had been in place on the fateful night. Also read: New Orleans attacker’s recordings reveal extreme religious views on music, sex, intoxicants Reuters looked into contract documents for barriers, or bollards, as well as engineering analysis done ahead of the attack. Newly contracted barriers were supposed to have been put in place only by 9 February, when New Orleans is set to host the NFL Super Bowl. "The documents reviewed by Reuters...make clear that the system won’t be able to prevent vehicle attacks at moderate to high speeds," said the news agency. An 'open road' led to preventable tragedy? The Reuters report pointed out that Bourbon Street, the site of the carnage, is usually open to vehicular traffic for much of the day, with some blockades put in parts of it during evenings. Also read: New Orleans terror attack victims' stories: 'He said he'll be alright, but...' On the night of the attack, the specific road from which the attacker entered - Canal and Bourbon- had no bollards. The only security on that road was a police SUV cruiser, parked sideways. Another gap in security preparation was that the authorities, during security planning, did not anticipate the attacker to ram through a sidewalk, which he did. The 2019 warning According to multiple reports, a private security consultancy firm had warned that the bollards in the area "did not appear to work". They were 'being fixed' when the attack took place, New York Times reported. The security firm, based out of New York, had suggested that barriers should be fixed immediately. “The two modes of terror attack likely to be used are vehicular ramming and active shooting,” NYT quoted the firm as having warned. (With inputs from agencies)

New Orleans terror attack could have been prevented? Shocking reports reveal warnings

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jan 5) launched the first section of Delhi Metro's Phase 4 expansion, which falls under the so-called Magenta Line, as part of a slew of inaugurations ahead of the Delhi elections.</p>
<p>He also laid the foundation stone for the Rithala-Kundli corridor of the Delhi Metro which will run over 26 kilometres.</p>
<p>These infrastructure launches come ahead of Delhi elections where Modi's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-major-projects-in-delhi-amid-controversy-over-veer-savarkar-college-8587875">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) is in a three-way contest with Congress and Aam Aadmi Party governing Delhi, which he has slammed in recent days at every possible occasion.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Modi now prefers to call AAP, led by former chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-delhi-cm-kejriwal-promises-to-waive-inflated-water-bills-if-aap-returns-to-power-8591981">Arvind Kejriwal</a>, 'AAP-da', which translates to 'disaster or crisis.</p>
<h2>What is the Phase IV expansion in Magenta Line? Know the route and other details</h2>
<p>The section in the Magenta Line was opened to the public from 3 pm local time after Modi inaugurated the line.</p>
<p>The line, which has been going up to Janakpuri West, will now be extended to Krishna Park Extension.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-delhis-first-namo-bharat-train-from-uttar-pradeshs-sahibabad-to-new-ashok-nagar-8592826" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">PM Modi inaugurates Delhi's first 'Namo Bharat' train</a></strong></p>
<p>The Magenta line, which starts at Botanical Garden station in Noida, will eventually be extended up to RK Ashram in south Delhi.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on X: "With the addition of Krishna Park Extension Station, the Delhi Metro network now comprises 289 stations spanning a total length of 394.448 km."</p>
<p>It said the extension of the Magenta Line "ensures that metro services will now run up to Krishna Park Extension, offering enhanced connectivity to commuters in the nearby areas."&nbsp;</p>
<p>The service between Janakpuri West and Krishna Park Extension will run every 16 minutes.</p>
<p>With the addition of this section, said the DMRC, the Magenta Line will now become about 40 kilometres long.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>PM Modi attacks AAP government amid inauguration spree</h2>
<p>Modi, in a fresh salvo, said the AAP government has wasted 10 years of the people of Delhi.</p>
<p>Speaking at a BJP event, he accused AAP of not resolving issues like water problems and pollution, and said it had turned every season into a crisis, or 'AAP-da'.<br><br><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-delhi-cm-kejriwal-promises-to-waive-inflated-water-bills-if-aap-returns-to-power-8591981">Former Delhi CM Kejriwal promises to waive 'inflated' water bills if AAP returns to power</a></strong></p>
<p>News agency ANI quoted him as saying: "The entire city takes pride in Bharat Mandapam, YashoBhoomi, and Kartavya Path... I feel disheartened that the 'AAP-da' administration has wasted 10 years of the people of Delhi."</p>
<p>"There are several places in Delhi where cabs and autos refuse to come because of long traffic jams."&nbsp;<br>"While the people of Delhi were battling Covid, they were focused on building 'Sheesh Mahal'," he said, referring to the official residence of Kejriwal.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Kejriwal strikes back at Modi</h2>
<p>In response to Modi inaugurating the Metro line, Kejriwal said it was made possible because AAP cooperated with the Centre.</p>
<p>"Today's inauguration is an example that shows that AAP only works for the people of Delhi," he said, while alleging that the central government "sent our top leadership to jail".</p>
<p>"But...we didn't make that an issue - otherwise these projects would not have been inaugurated,&rdquo; ANI quoted Kejriwal as saying.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

India News | Trending : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial segment of the Delhi Metro Phase IV expansion, marking a significant milestone in the city's transit development.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jan 5) launched the first section of Delhi Metro's Phase 4 expansion, which falls under the so-called Magenta Line, as part of a slew of inaugurations ahead of the Delhi elections. He also laid the foundation stone for the Rithala-Kundli corridor of the Delhi Metro which will run over 26 kilometres. These infrastructure launches come ahead of Delhi elections where Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in a three-way contest with Congress and Aam Aadmi Party governing Delhi, which he has slammed in recent days at every possible occasion. Modi now prefers to call AAP, led by former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, 'AAP-da', which translates to 'disaster or crisis. What is the Phase IV expansion in Magenta Line? Know the route and other details The section in the Magenta Line was opened to the public from 3 pm local time after Modi inaugurated the line. The line, which has been going up to Janakpuri West, will now be extended to Krishna Park Extension. Also read: PM Modi inaugurates Delhi's first 'Namo Bharat' train The Magenta line, which starts at Botanical Garden station in Noida, will eventually be extended up to RK Ashram in south Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on X: "With the addition of Krishna Park Extension Station, the Delhi Metro network now comprises 289 stations spanning a total length of 394.448 km." It said the extension of the Magenta Line "ensures that metro services will now run up to Krishna Park Extension, offering enhanced connectivity to commuters in the nearby areas." The service between Janakpuri West and Krishna Park Extension will run every 16 minutes. With the addition of this section, said the DMRC, the Magenta Line will now become about 40 kilometres long. PM Modi attacks AAP government amid inauguration spree Modi, in a fresh salvo, said the AAP government has wasted 10 years of the people of Delhi. Speaking at a BJP event, he accused AAP of not resolving issues like water problems and pollution, and said it had turned every season into a crisis, or 'AAP-da'. Also read: Former Delhi CM Kejriwal promises to waive 'inflated' water bills if AAP returns to power News agency ANI quoted him as saying: "The entire city takes pride in Bharat Mandapam, YashoBhoomi, and Kartavya Path... I feel disheartened that the 'AAP-da' administration has wasted 10 years of the people of Delhi." "There are several places in Delhi where cabs and autos refuse to come because of long traffic jams." "While the people of Delhi were battling Covid, they were focused on building 'Sheesh Mahal'," he said, referring to the official residence of Kejriwal. Kejriwal strikes back at Modi In response to Modi inaugurating the Metro line, Kejriwal said it was made possible because AAP cooperated with the Centre. "Today's inauguration is an example that shows that AAP only works for the people of Delhi," he said, while alleging that the central government "sent our top leadership to jail". "But...we didn't make that an issue - otherwise these projects would not have been inaugurated,” ANI quoted Kejriwal as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi inaugurates first section of Delhi Metro's Phase IV, slams AAP govt

<p>Airports in several UK cities have had to close runways as a severe snowstorm hit parts of the country on Sunday (Jan 5). The John Lennon Airport in Liverpool and the Birmingham Airport are among those that shut their runways for some time after heavy snowfall overnight, which has disrupted travel and life in several areas. The bad weather is being attributed to an 'Arctic blast' sweeping across the northern hemisphere.</p>
<p>Manchester Airport reopened its runway but warned of further delays. In spite of snow-time operating procedures in place, security checks could take longer.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-snow-blankets-s-koreas-wider-seoul-eastern-regions">Heavy snow blankets S. Korea's wider Seoul, eastern regions</a></strong></p>
<h2>Bad weather causes power cuts, road travel disruptions</h2>
<p>Parts of Britain are facing power cuts due to heavy snow, even as temperatures fell below 11 degrees Celcius in Scotland.<br><br>National Highways warned that northern England roads could see heavy snowfall of up to 25 centimetres.</p>
<p>There has been traffic chaos on the air and road in much of the UK.&nbsp;<br><br></p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/half-of-united-states-to-witness-heaviest-snowfall-of-decade-with-frigid-conditions-8592925" rel="dofollow">&nbsp;Half of United States to witness heaviest snowfall of decade with frigid conditions</a></strong></p>
<p>Two amber alerts are in place in England, Wales, and Scotland. Amber warning means there's increased risk and severity due to the bad weather.</p>
<h2>UK weather: Met Office forecast for snow, sleet and rains</h2>
<p>In an advisory on its website, the UK Met Office predicted snow and sleet across the north of the country on Sunday. It expected sleet to spread across northern England and into southern Scotland.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Freezing rain will affect parts of north Wales and central England in the couple of days ahead, it warned.</p>
<p>The situation with heavy rains and sleet will continue into Monday in both north and south.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

UK weather | UK flights | World | Trending: A severe snowstorm has swept across the United Kingdom, bringing significant disruptions to daily life. This intense weather event has led to the closure of several airport runways.

Airports in several UK cities have had to close runways as a severe snowstorm hit parts of the country on Sunday (Jan 5). The John Lennon Airport in Liverpool and the Birmingham Airport are among those that shut their runways for some time after heavy snowfall overnight, which has disrupted travel and life in several areas. The bad weather is being attributed to an 'Arctic blast' sweeping across the northern hemisphere. Manchester Airport reopened its runway but warned of further delays. In spite of snow-time operating procedures in place, security checks could take longer. Also read: Heavy snow blankets S. Korea's wider Seoul, eastern regions Bad weather causes power cuts, road travel disruptions Parts of Britain are facing power cuts due to heavy snow, even as temperatures fell below 11 degrees Celcius in Scotland. National Highways warned that northern England roads could see heavy snowfall of up to 25 centimetres. There has been traffic chaos on the air and road in much of the UK. Also read: Half of United States to witness heaviest snowfall of decade with frigid conditions Two amber alerts are in place in England, Wales, and Scotland. Amber warning means there's increased risk and severity due to the bad weather. UK weather: Met Office forecast for snow, sleet and rains In an advisory on its website, the UK Met Office predicted snow and sleet across the north of the country on Sunday. It expected sleet to spread across northern England and into southern Scotland. Freezing rain will affect parts of north Wales and central England in the couple of days ahead, it warned. The situation with heavy rains and sleet will continue into Monday in both north and south. (With inputs from agencies)

UK snow: Arctic blast snowstorm leads to airport runway closures, powercuts

<p>As the year 2024 winds up, does anyone remember Kamala Harris? The US vice president's presidential candidacy was probably the costliest cameo in American politics. She came, she saw, but she didn't conquer. How does one assess the sudden burst into fame and subsequent fading away of the president's deputy, which made her boss Joe Biden the only president who beat Trump, and had the last laugh?</p>
<p>Harris' forced entry into the presidential race sometime in August was fraught with moral and political disgust and disbelief from the word go. For one, it reeked of conspiracy and backstabbing.</p>
<p>Those who were campaigning for Biden, including Barack Obama, suddenly ditched him. Biden, as per reports, resisted till the last moment. A multitude of media stories were planted against him, focused on his physical ability and mental acuity to run for office, let alone do the job if elected.</p>
<p>Nancy Pelosi and other senior leaders put pressure on him to quit the race just days after his dismal performance at the presidential debate, which made eventual winner Trump look good.</p>
<p>But if Biden was incoherent due to his advanced age, Harris was incoherent due to her sheer ignorance. That's unforgivable. She was widely derided for making up phrases and 'word salads ' out of thin air to dodge important questions being asked of her. This was most evident in how she answered a question on the Israel-Hamas war and the US position on it.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-calls-supporters-not-to-let-anybody-take-your-power-netizens-ask-is-this-a-joke-779583" rel="dofollow">Kamala Harris calls supporters not to let 'anybody take your power', netizens ask 'is this a joke?'</a></strong></p>
<p>The answer was so bad that CBS edited it out (or edited it 'in' depending on who you ask), to make it better than it really was. But the only problem was that both 'versions' ended up airing, probably due to some editorial oversight (or ingenuity?).</p>
<p>The CBS interview was only one of a media blitzkrieg that the Harris campaign unleashed between August and November. She was everywhere: on news channels, streaming platforms, online and social media. Most of her appearances only served to expose how out of touch she was with the American public and its concerns, even while stressing at every opportunity that she was from the middle class.</p>
<p>The woman card didn't play out either: Democrats had hoped that the abortion ban in much of America in the wake of a Supreme Court judgement would be a big election issue. Harris even tried painting Trump as anti-women, citing his stance on abortion and the hush money case involving porn performer Stormy Daniels. In the final reckoning, none of that washed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trump's campaign deployed several women to speak in favour of him, including some evening TV news regulars who, frankly, were more famous than Harris.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They openly advocated for Trump's alpha male personality, giving legitimacy to the 'give such a big job to a man' chauvinist chorus.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Frankly, Harris' Indian and African mixed heritage did hardly anything to bolster her numbers. For one, many African Americans were mighty displeased with her back in the day when she was a public prosecutor in California.</p>
<p>She sent to jail many African Americans and that was a record that couldn't be white-washed. In her appearances before the African Americans, she and other established leaders like the Obamas appeared to be lecturing and even hectoring the crowd.</p>
<p>The ad implied that Black men who do not vote Democrat would not have luck with the ladies boomeranged severely. It appeared to reassert the stereotype that Black males are promiscuous and would rather vote for Harris than not get the girls.</p>
<p>Indian Americans, to whom Harris partially belonged, weren't enthused either by her candidacy or not by the Indian government establishment, given her stance on issues like Kashmir which was seen as anti-India.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, it appeared for some time that the media in India was more interested in her candidacy than in America.</p>
<p>The US left-liberal media indeed tried to make her look like the winner. Till the election night, there was smug confidence that the results were a foregone conclusion in favour of Harris.</p>
<p>That misplaced confidence was a result of stage-managed opinion polls in the weeks leading up to the election. Practically every pollster, except the clearly right-wing biased ones, said Harris was winning.</p>
<p>It was not to be.</p>
<p>The studios of left-liberal news channels saw meltdowns as Harris lost state after state after state. None of the expected supporters of Harris voted for her in large numbers: not women, not Blacks.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-campaign-never-paid-any-artist-for-celebrity-endorsement-ahead-of-election-says-ex-advisor-776741" rel="dofollow">Kamala Harris' campaign 'never paid' any artist for celebrity endorsement ahead of election, says ex-advisor</a></strong></p>
<p>Even then, to her credit, Harris did give a tough fight, given how late she entered the race. This makes one wonder: was she given a raw deal, being made to run an unwinnable race? Did the Democrats make her the fall guy, a stop-gap arrangement that they can shift the blame to, in case they lose?</p>
<p>Harris took the defeat hard.&nbsp;</p>
<p>She didn't address her supporters gathered at her alma mater. She didn't issue a formal concession statement or speech as is customary. The supporters were merely told to disperse, saying Harris would not be making remarks. All this made her look like a sour loser.</p>
<p>Her conduct afterwards left much to be desired. Harris and her camp made statements that appeared to suggest she almost won. There was also an attempt by her surrogates to force Biden out and make her the first woman president of the US albeit briefly, till Trump takes over in January 2025.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-where-did-kamala-harris-campaign-money-of-1-billion-go-776930" rel="dofollow">US election: Where did Kamala Harris' campaign money of $1 billion go?</a></strong></p>
<p>Biden was not going to allow any of this nonsense anymore. In subsequent public appearances, Biden and First Lady Jill appeared to snub or ignore Harris and her husband. Jill even appeared to mock Harris' use of empty words like 'joy' during the campaign. Her banter with Trump when both attended the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris made the internet wonder if she had voted for Trump.</p>
<p>Some years, some people see the best and the worst happen to them, almost simultaneously. This was the case for Kamala Harris in 2024. What will happen to her political career once she leaves office as vice president in January? Can she win back support, first within the Democratic party and later with the voters? That will take a lot of reinvention. But then, politics is the art of the possible. Isn't it?</p>

Indian Americans, to whom Harris partially belonged, weren't enthused either by her candidacy or her stance on issues like Kashmir, which was seen as anti-India.

As the year 2024 winds up, does anyone remember Kamala Harris? The US vice president's presidential candidacy was probably the costliest cameo in American politics. She came, she saw, but she didn't conquer. How does one assess the sudden burst into fame and subsequent fading away of the president's deputy, which made her boss Joe Biden the only president who beat Trump, and had the last laugh? Harris' forced entry into the presidential race sometime in August was fraught with moral and political disgust and disbelief from the word go. For one, it reeked of conspiracy and backstabbing. Those who were campaigning for Biden, including Barack Obama, suddenly ditched him. Biden, as per reports, resisted till the last moment. A multitude of media stories were planted against him, focused on his physical ability and mental acuity to run for office, let alone do the job if elected. Nancy Pelosi and other senior leaders put pressure on him to quit the race just days after his dismal performance at the presidential debate, which made eventual winner Trump look good. But if Biden was incoherent due to his advanced age, Harris was incoherent due to her sheer ignorance. That's unforgivable. She was widely derided for making up phrases and 'word salads ' out of thin air to dodge important questions being asked of her. This was most evident in how she answered a question on the Israel-Hamas war and the US position on it. Also read | Kamala Harris calls supporters not to let 'anybody take your power', netizens ask 'is this a joke?' The answer was so bad that CBS edited it out (or edited it 'in' depending on who you ask), to make it better than it really was. But the only problem was that both 'versions' ended up airing, probably due to some editorial oversight (or ingenuity?). The CBS interview was only one of a media blitzkrieg that the Harris campaign unleashed between August and November. She was everywhere: on news channels, streaming platforms, online and social media. Most of her appearances only served to expose how out of touch she was with the American public and its concerns, even while stressing at every opportunity that she was from the middle class. The woman card didn't play out either: Democrats had hoped that the abortion ban in much of America in the wake of a Supreme Court judgement would be a big election issue. Harris even tried painting Trump as anti-women, citing his stance on abortion and the hush money case involving porn performer Stormy Daniels. In the final reckoning, none of that washed. Trump's campaign deployed several women to speak in favour of him, including some evening TV news regulars who, frankly, were more famous than Harris. They openly advocated for Trump's alpha male personality, giving legitimacy to the 'give such a big job to a man' chauvinist chorus. Frankly, Harris' Indian and African mixed heritage did hardly anything to bolster her numbers. For one, many African Americans were mighty displeased with her back in the day when she was a public prosecutor in California. She sent to jail many African Americans and that was a record that couldn't be white-washed. In her appearances before the African Americans, she and other established leaders like the Obamas appeared to be lecturing and even hectoring the crowd. The ad implied that Black men who do not vote Democrat would not have luck with the ladies boomeranged severely. It appeared to reassert the stereotype that Black males are promiscuous and would rather vote for Harris than not get the girls. Indian Americans, to whom Harris partially belonged, weren't enthused either by her candidacy or not by the Indian government establishment, given her stance on issues like Kashmir which was seen as anti-India. However, it appeared for some time that the media in India was more interested in her candidacy than in America. The US left-liberal media indeed tried to make her look like the winner. Till the election night, there was smug confidence that the results were a foregone conclusion in favour of Harris. That misplaced confidence was a result of stage-managed opinion polls in the weeks leading up to the election. Practically every pollster, except the clearly right-wing biased ones, said Harris was winning. It was not to be. The studios of left-liberal news channels saw meltdowns as Harris lost state after state after state. None of the expected supporters of Harris voted for her in large numbers: not women, not Blacks. Also read | Kamala Harris' campaign 'never paid' any artist for celebrity endorsement ahead of election, says ex-advisor Even then, to her credit, Harris did give a tough fight, given how late she entered the race. This makes one wonder: was she given a raw deal, being made to run an unwinnable race? Did the Democrats make her the fall guy, a stop-gap arrangement that they can shift the blame to, in case they lose? Harris took the defeat hard. She didn't address her supporters gathered at her alma mater. She didn't issue a formal concession statement or speech as is customary. The supporters were merely told to disperse, saying Harris would not be making remarks. All this made her look like a sour loser. Her conduct afterwards left much to be desired. Harris and her camp made statements that appeared to suggest she almost won. There was also an attempt by her surrogates to force Biden out and make her the first woman president of the US albeit briefly, till Trump takes over in January 2025. Also read | US election: Where did Kamala Harris' campaign money of $1 billion go? Biden was not going to allow any of this nonsense anymore. In subsequent public appearances, Biden and First Lady Jill appeared to snub or ignore Harris and her husband. Jill even appeared to mock Harris' use of empty words like 'joy' during the campaign. Her banter with Trump when both attended the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris made the internet wonder if she had voted for Trump. Some years, some people see the best and the worst happen to them, almost simultaneously. This was the case for Kamala Harris in 2024. What will happen to her political career once she leaves office as vice president in January? Can she win back support, first within the Democratic party and later with the voters? That will take a lot of reinvention. But then, politics is the art of the possible. Isn't it?

2024: The Kamala Harris cameo

<p>Donald Trump was elected president of the United States in November 2024, becoming only the second leader ever to win a second non-consecutive term at the White House. But he was coming to the position slowly from the start of the year, inch by inch.</p>
<p>The year started with the first major opponent of Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, pulling out of the race after Trump threatened to expose him. Soon, other contenders came in, including Indian-origin leaders Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley. While Ramaswamy, a political newcomer, switched alliances with Trump, Haley remained a holdout till the last moment, eventually accepting him as the Republican candidate, albeit grudgingly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trump rewarded Ramaswamy for his newly expressed loyalty by putting him in charge of the upcoming Department of Government Efficiency, along with the world's richest man, Elon Musk. But he did not forget the vitriol unleashed by Haley on the campaign trail, by not including her in his cabinet even after making the right noises. Not only that, he went on to openly say that she'll not be included in his team, adding insult to injury.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jimmy-carters-personal-relationship-with-indias-carterpuri-trip-down-memory-lane-8577172">Jimmy Carter&rsquo;s &lsquo;personal relationship&rsquo; with India&rsquo;s Carterpuri: Trip down memory lane</a></strong></p>
<p>Was Trump's victory a foregone conclusion? In many ways, yes. Trump was able to articulate and exaggerate 'the fear of the other' among the mostly white majority who supported him. But more than that, he appears to have chipped into the traditional Democratic voting base of minorities and women too. Every community that had grievances against the Democratic administration of Joe Biden seems to have voted for Trump, or stayed away from voting, 'in revenge'. Particularly prominent among such voters were the Muslim and Arab Americans. Their community leaders were vocal against the continuing support of the US for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for the October 7, 2023 terror attack. In spite of massive casualties of Palestinian civilians and a humanitarian catastrophe, Biden continued to support and arm Israel, and Democrats paid a heavy price at the election.</p>
<p>Blacks and Hispanics who voted for Trump may have done so due to the continuing slow economic growth and a perception that migrants -legal and illegal - were taking away American jobs. By promising to revive local manufacturing and create jobs, Trump played the right tunes they wanted to hear.</p>
<p>The white majority voted for Trump to maintain their way of life. That involved jobs, without the threat of cheap labour replacing them at the workplace, and maintaining sentimental and religious beliefs they hold dear. Trump's antagonist approach to LGBTQ and transgender rights, in the view of his supporters, was advocating traditional family and marriage (as the one between a man and a woman).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Many of his supporters believed Trump when he said on the campaign trail that he was the only one who could stop the wars raging in Ukraine and West Asia. It's true, though the mainstream media hardly gives him any credit, that Trump did bring about rapprochement between Israel and some of its traditional Arab rivals through the Abraham Accords. It's also true that Trump has a direct line with Russian President Vladimir Putin and could bring about an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump is no fan of either Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky or the NATO military alliance that's propping up his country against the mighty Russians even when aware that the two countries are no match in military terms. Zelensky suddenly started talking about a peace deal soon after Trump won, clearly aware that the flow of arms and cash would end once Biden exits the White House.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rewind-2024-wion-yearender-a-year-of-shocking-defeats-and-historic-victories-elections-around-the-world-in-2024-8576088">Reigns lost, majorities gained: Major elections that shaped the world in 2024</a></strong></p>
<p>Trump is also the only president who has had a direct meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Kim, whose troops have now joined Russia in the Ukraine war, has vowed the strongest anti-US policy as Trump takes over, but Trump might still have the ability to bring him to the negotiation table, which Biden didn't even attempt.</p>
<p>The Trump phenomenon was not only helped by his strong stance on domestic issues, illegal migrants, the economy and the traditional American way of life. His stance was boosted by the continuous efforts of what his backers call the deep state to discredit him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The only way to ensure Trump doesn't win was to prevent him from running for office. Throughout 2024, the Democratic establishment hounded him with court cases: from 2020 election interference to Stormy Daniels hush money case and tax evasion. Had he not been as rich as he is, Trump would have fallen victim to these. With money in the bank, boosted by the rise of his social media platform Truth Social, Trump not only fought the cases but successfully turned them in his favour in the eyes of his supporters. They believed him when he said it was all a witch hunt.</p>
<p>Those who felt sympathy towards Trump but were still sitting on the fence about voting for him were fully converted when Trump survived an assassination attempt. What could have changed the course of events, worked massively in favour of Trump.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's partly the boost to his popularity following the bid on his life, that led Democrats to reconsider Biden as the rival for Trump. Till then, Biden was fully confident of winning a second term and pushed back against attempts within the party to persuade him to exit the race. But eventually, the palace coup won. Biden, who even did a presidential debate with Trump, was forced to exit the race by his own party, which brought in his vice president Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate.</p>
<p>Coming in at the fag end of the election year, Harris suffered at the election from what could only be called 'too much in too little time'. Contrary to what mainstream media and paid punditry made one believe, Harris didn't stand a chance. The electorate was divided almost evenly. It was only a question of who will win the electoral votes. And Trump eventually won both the electoral votes and the popular vote.</p>
<p>The Trump phenomenon is only resuming in 2024. It had made its impact in his first term. And it will be at full display after he takes over on January 20. By vocalising the prejudices and fears of the majority, Trump has managed to divide the polity. There's going to be a rise in hateful rhetoric, racism, police brutality and border crackdowns which were the hallmarks of his first term. Trump is re-entering a country and world roiled by divisions and conflicts not seen in recent memory. Will he ameliorate them, or accelerate them? Will Trump the candidate be different from Trump the president? Going by his current priorities as president-in-waiting - accession of Greenland, control of Panama Canal and making Canada the 51st state - the lunacy is only beginning.</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</em></p>

Understand the key factors behind Trump's victory, including his appeal to traditional Republican voters and his ability to sway some Democratic constituencies.

Donald Trump was elected president of the United States in November 2024, becoming only the second leader ever to win a second non-consecutive term at the White House. But he was coming to the position slowly from the start of the year, inch by inch. The year started with the first major opponent of Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, pulling out of the race after Trump threatened to expose him. Soon, other contenders came in, including Indian-origin leaders Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley. While Ramaswamy, a political newcomer, switched alliances with Trump, Haley remained a holdout till the last moment, eventually accepting him as the Republican candidate, albeit grudgingly. Trump rewarded Ramaswamy for his newly expressed loyalty by putting him in charge of the upcoming Department of Government Efficiency, along with the world's richest man, Elon Musk. But he did not forget the vitriol unleashed by Haley on the campaign trail, by not including her in his cabinet even after making the right noises. Not only that, he went on to openly say that she'll not be included in his team, adding insult to injury. Also read | Jimmy Carter’s ‘personal relationship’ with India’s Carterpuri: Trip down memory lane Was Trump's victory a foregone conclusion? In many ways, yes. Trump was able to articulate and exaggerate 'the fear of the other' among the mostly white majority who supported him. But more than that, he appears to have chipped into the traditional Democratic voting base of minorities and women too. Every community that had grievances against the Democratic administration of Joe Biden seems to have voted for Trump, or stayed away from voting, 'in revenge'. Particularly prominent among such voters were the Muslim and Arab Americans. Their community leaders were vocal against the continuing support of the US for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for the October 7, 2023 terror attack. In spite of massive casualties of Palestinian civilians and a humanitarian catastrophe, Biden continued to support and arm Israel, and Democrats paid a heavy price at the election. Blacks and Hispanics who voted for Trump may have done so due to the continuing slow economic growth and a perception that migrants -legal and illegal - were taking away American jobs. By promising to revive local manufacturing and create jobs, Trump played the right tunes they wanted to hear. The white majority voted for Trump to maintain their way of life. That involved jobs, without the threat of cheap labour replacing them at the workplace, and maintaining sentimental and religious beliefs they hold dear. Trump's antagonist approach to LGBTQ and transgender rights, in the view of his supporters, was advocating traditional family and marriage (as the one between a man and a woman). Many of his supporters believed Trump when he said on the campaign trail that he was the only one who could stop the wars raging in Ukraine and West Asia. It's true, though the mainstream media hardly gives him any credit, that Trump did bring about rapprochement between Israel and some of its traditional Arab rivals through the Abraham Accords. It's also true that Trump has a direct line with Russian President Vladimir Putin and could bring about an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump is no fan of either Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky or the NATO military alliance that's propping up his country against the mighty Russians even when aware that the two countries are no match in military terms. Zelensky suddenly started talking about a peace deal soon after Trump won, clearly aware that the flow of arms and cash would end once Biden exits the White House. Also read | Reigns lost, majorities gained: Major elections that shaped the world in 2024 Trump is also the only president who has had a direct meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Kim, whose troops have now joined Russia in the Ukraine war, has vowed the strongest anti-US policy as Trump takes over, but Trump might still have the ability to bring him to the negotiation table, which Biden didn't even attempt. The Trump phenomenon was not only helped by his strong stance on domestic issues, illegal migrants, the economy and the traditional American way of life. His stance was boosted by the continuous efforts of what his backers call the deep state to discredit him. The only way to ensure Trump doesn't win was to prevent him from running for office. Throughout 2024, the Democratic establishment hounded him with court cases: from 2020 election interference to Stormy Daniels hush money case and tax evasion. Had he not been as rich as he is, Trump would have fallen victim to these. With money in the bank, boosted by the rise of his social media platform Truth Social, Trump not only fought the cases but successfully turned them in his favour in the eyes of his supporters. They believed him when he said it was all a witch hunt. Those who felt sympathy towards Trump but were still sitting on the fence about voting for him were fully converted when Trump survived an assassination attempt. What could have changed the course of events, worked massively in favour of Trump. It's partly the boost to his popularity following the bid on his life, that led Democrats to reconsider Biden as the rival for Trump. Till then, Biden was fully confident of winning a second term and pushed back against attempts within the party to persuade him to exit the race. But eventually, the palace coup won. Biden, who even did a presidential debate with Trump, was forced to exit the race by his own party, which brought in his vice president Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate. Coming in at the fag end of the election year, Harris suffered at the election from what could only be called 'too much in too little time'. Contrary to what mainstream media and paid punditry made one believe, Harris didn't stand a chance. The electorate was divided almost evenly. It was only a question of who will win the electoral votes. And Trump eventually won both the electoral votes and the popular vote. The Trump phenomenon is only resuming in 2024. It had made its impact in his first term. And it will be at full display after he takes over on January 20. By vocalising the prejudices and fears of the majority, Trump has managed to divide the polity. There's going to be a rise in hateful rhetoric, racism, police brutality and border crackdowns which were the hallmarks of his first term. Trump is re-entering a country and world roiled by divisions and conflicts not seen in recent memory. Will he ameliorate them, or accelerate them? Will Trump the candidate be different from Trump the president? Going by his current priorities as president-in-waiting - accession of Greenland, control of Panama Canal and making Canada the 51st state - the lunacy is only beginning. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

2024: Year of the Trump phenomenon

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vinod Janardhanan

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