India faces a challenging oil import scenario as U.S. sanctions affect Russian supplies, reducing BPCL’s Russian crude mix from 31% to 20%, and prompting a shift towards Middle Eastern oil amidst fluctuating global prices.

US sanctions on Russia impact India’s oil imports as discounts shrink

U.S. sanctions on Russia disrupt India's oil imports, reducing BPCL's Russian crude to 20%. With dwindling discounts and rising global oil prices, India shifts to Middle Eastern suppliers amidst geopolitical shifts.

US sanctions on Russia disrupt India's oil imports, with BPCL reporting reduced March cargoes. Russian oil discounts shrink to $3/barrel. India halts sanctioned tanker deliveries, turning to Middle East oil. Prices expected to stabilize soon.

India&rsquo;s crude oil imports from Russia are facing significant disruptions following the sweeping sanctions imposed by the United States on January 10 targeting the Russian energy sector. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has reported difficulty in securing Russian oil cargoes for March, with imports expected to drop to 20% of BPCL&rsquo;s overall crude mix, down from 31% in the October-December quarter.
The sanctions include restrictions on Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, blacklisting 183 vessels involved in Russian energy exports, and targeting oil traders, service providers, and tanker operators. BPCL Director (Finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta confirmed that Russian oil had been booked for January and February, but sufficient cargoes for March remain unavailable.
Russian oil, which accounted for 34-35% of BPCL&rsquo;s crude basket at the start of FY24, has been critical to India&rsquo;s energy needs due to its discounted prices. However, discounts have shrunk from $8.5 per barrel in FY23 to just $3-$3.2 currently. Gupta noted that BPCL would turn to Middle Eastern oil to replace Russian volumes.
India, the second-largest buyer of Russian crude since the Ukraine conflict, imported 1.7 million barrels per day in 2024, making Russia its top supplier. The rise was fueled by discounts as Western nations shunned Russian oil following a $60-per-barrel price cap imposed by the G7, EU, and Australia in 2022.
The latest sanctions target Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers used to bypass the price cap. India has decided to halt deliveries by sanctioned vessels, with exceptions for oil cargoes booked before January 10 and unloaded by March 12. The sanctions have temporarily pushed global oil prices to $83-84 per barrel, though Gupta expects prices to stabilize at $75-80.
These restrictions are part of broader efforts by Western nations to limit Russia&rsquo;s revenues for its war in Ukraine. While Russia has managed to reduce revenue losses from 23% to 9% monthly by expanding its shadow fleet and new markets, the sanctions are expected to create near-term disruptions for Indian refiners reliant on discounted Russian crude.

In a rare incident, a Canadian couple narrowly escaped a meteorite strike that was captured on their doorbell camera in July 2024. The space rock, named the Charlottetown meteorite, made history as the first to be filmed with sound.

Watch: Rare meteorite strike caught on camera

In a rare incident, a Canadian couple narrowly escaped a meteorite strike that was captured on their doorbell camera in July 2024. The space rock, named the Charlottetown meteorite, made history as the first to be filmed with sound.

A meteorite crash captured on a doorbell camera in Canada narrowly missed a couple, striking just outside their home moments after they left for a walk.&nbsp;
The incident, which occurred last July, saw the rock land with a loud explosion, sending a cloud of grey dust into the air.
Joe Velaidum and his wife, Laura Kelly, returned home after walking their dogs and noticed the sidewalk covered in debris shaped like a star. They reviewed the footage from their doorbell camera, revealing the meteorite's impact.
WATCH VIDEO:
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Meteorite impact recorded by a doorbell camera <a href="https://t.co/FL0VpH2yQL">pic.twitter.com/FL0VpH2yQL</a>
&mdash; curious side of 𝕏 (@curioXities) <a href="https://twitter.com/curioXities/status/1879817079748251850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Joe reflected on the close call, saying, "I never stop on that spot - ever, and looking back on it now, we noticed, because of the video, if I had stayed on that very spot for just two minutes longer, I absolutely would have been struck and probably killed by this meteor."
The meteorite, later confirmed to be from space, was named "Charlottetown" after the Canadian city in Prince Edward Island where it struck. It was included in the Meteoritical Society's database, and experts were amazed by the rare video footage, which includes sound.&nbsp;
Chris Herd, a professor at the University of Alberta, said, "To the best of my knowledge, it's the first time that a meteorite hitting the surface of the Earth has been recorded on video with sound."
While 69 meteorites have been discovered and registered across Canada, the Charlottetown meteorite is special due to the video footage that accompanied it. Although meteorite strikes have been captured on camera before, this instance stands out because it was filmed at close range and included sound.
Meteorites, which burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere or land in remote areas, rarely make an impact in populated places. Only a few people have witnessed one firsthand, making this footage particularly significant. According to NASA, about 43 tonnes of meteorite debris hit Earth every day, though most fall into oceans.
The Charlottetown meteorite's close-range, sound-included video is a first, making this discovery even more remarkable.

Elon Musk questions the credibility of a $500 billion AI infrastructure project announced by President Trump, stating that key investors, including SoftBank, lack the funds.

Elon Musk bashes Trump-backed AI mega project

Elon Musk questions the credibility of a $500 billion AI infrastructure project announced by President Trump, stating that key investors, including SoftBank, lack the funds.

Tech titan Elon Musk cast doubt Wednesday on a $500 billion AI project announced by US President Donald Trump, saying the money promised for the investment actually wasn't there.
The comments marked a rare instance of a split between the world's richest man and Trump, with Musk playing a key role in the newly installed administration after spending $270 million on the election campaign.
In his first full day in the White House, Trump on Tuesday announced a major investment to build infrastructure for artificial intelligence led by Japanese giant SoftBank and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.
Trump said the venture, called Stargate, "will invest $500 billion, at least, in AI infrastructure in the United States."
But in a post on his social media platform X, Musk said the main investors "don't actually have the money."
"SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority," Musk added in a subsequent post.
<h3> - 'Wrong' -</h3>
Musk's swipe could be particularly targeted at OpenAI, the world's leading AI startup that Musk helped found before leaving in 2018.
The Tesla boss and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, who was present at the White House on Tuesday, have been mired in a serious feud with Musk opening repeated lawsuits against the company behind ChatGPT.
"Wrong, as you surely know. Want to come visit the first site already under way?" Altman replied to Musk on X.
"This is great for the country. I realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies, but in your new role I hope you'll mostly put (country) first," he added.
OpenAI is one of the world's highest valued startups but loses money on the high costs of turning out its expensive technology.
According to the Wall Street Journal, cloud giant Oracle, which is also involved, has about $11 billion in cash and securities. SoftBank has roughly $30 billion of cash on hand.
"The American people should take President Trump and those CEOs words for it. These investments are coming to our great country and American jobs are coming along with them," Trump's spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.
The Stargate project is committed to invest an initial $100 billion in the project, and up to $500 billion over the next four years.
Abu Dhabi's AI-focused state fund MGX and Oracle are also providing funding for the project, while SoftBank-owned Arm, Microsoft and Nvidia will be technology partners.
According to the companies, the project is initially building a data center operation in Texas, where construction is already underway.
Ahead of taking office, Trump this month unveiled a $20 billion Emirati investment in US data centers, as well as a previous investment pledge from SoftBank.
<h3> - 'Immediately' -</h3>
SoftBank, headed by flamboyant Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son -- who announced Stargate on Tuesday with Trump, Altman and Oracle boss Larry Ellison -- declined to comment.
In its statement on Tuesday the Japanese investment group said it would "begin deploying $100 billion immediately" for the project.
The firm's shares were up around six percent on Thursday, having added more than 10 percent on Wednesday.
Technology news outlet Information said that SoftBank and OpenAI each plan to commit $19 billion of capital to Stargate, Bloomberg News reported.
The two companies would then both own 40 percent of it, the Information said, citing comments by Altman to colleagues.
It added that Oracle and MGX would contribute about $7 billion apiece, with the rest of the money coming from limited partners and debt financing.
Son, 67, founded SoftBank in his 20s. He made spectacularly successful early bets on Yahoo! and Alibaba but also some disastrous investments such as in WeWork.
In Trump's first term the rags-to-riches investor promised SoftBank would invest $50 billion in the United States and create 50,000 jobs.
Appearing alongside the then US president-elect in December, Son said he would now "double down" with $100 billion and generate employment for 100,000 Americans.

S. Jaishankar's visit to Washington boosted India-U.S. relations, with talks on defense, economy, and Indo-Pacific focus aligning both democracies.

Jaishankar concludes U.S. visit, lauds "confident" Trump administration 2.0

In Washington D.C., Jaishankar praised Trump's administration's confidence, held key talks with U.S. officials, and reinforced strategic partnerships.

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Jaishankar lauds Trump 2.0 as &ldquo;confident&rdquo; during his 4-day U.S. visit for the inauguration. He met top officials, attended Quad talks, and held key meetings with Secretary Rubio and NSA Waltz, strengthening India-U.S. ties.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrapped up his four-day visit to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, praising the incoming Trump 2.0 administration as &ldquo;confident and upbeat.&rdquo; The visit coincided with the swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20.
Speaking to Indian reporters, Jaishankar, 70, described the administration&rsquo;s strong resolve. &ldquo;What I saw was a very confident and upbeat incoming administration. There&rsquo;s a sense of &lsquo;we need to get things done,&rsquo;&rdquo; he remarked as he concluded his visit.
During his stay, Jaishankar represented India at the invitation of the U.S. government. He was seated in the front row at the Capitol Rotunda during the presidential inauguration and also attended the inaugural ball. In addition, he held bilateral talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, focusing on strengthening ties between the two nations.
Jaishankar also participated in a multilateral Quad meeting, reinforcing India&rsquo;s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. His visit included interactions with top officials from the Trump administration, highlighting India&rsquo;s proactive engagement with the U.S. under the renewed leadership.
The visit reflects India&rsquo;s intent to deepen strategic, economic, and defense ties with the U.S., as the two democracies continue to work together on global and regional challenges.

A fierce wildfire near Castaic Lake has spread over 9,400 acres, prompting evacuations for 31,000 people. With high winds and dry conditions, firefighters work tirelessly to contain the flames, while evacuations extend to nearby facilities.

Mass evacuations after explosive new fire erupts near Los Angeles

A fierce wildfire near Castaic Lake has spread over 9,400 acres, prompting evacuations for 31,000 people. With high winds and dry conditions, firefighters work tirelessly to contain the flames, while evacuations extend to nearby facilities.

An explosive new wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes and setting nerves jangling in an area still reeling from two deadly blazes.
Ferocious flames devoured hillsides near Castaic Lake, spreading rapidly to cover more than 9,400 acres (3,800 hectares) in just a few hours.
The fire was fanned by strong, dry Santa Ana winds racing through the area, pushing a vast pall of smoke and embers ahead of the firefront.
Evacuations were ordered for 31,000 people around the lake, which sits 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, and close to the city of Santa Clarita.
"I'm just praying that our house doesn't burn down," one man told broadcaster KTLA as he packed his car.
The Hughes Fire came as the greater Los Angeles area was on edge after two enormous fires tore through America's second largest metropolis, killing more than two dozen people and wreaking billions of dollars of devastation.
As California faces a massive rebuild, President Donald Trump repeated his false claim that the state was improperly diverting water away from the site of the emergency, threatening to withhold federal funds as a result.
"I don't think we should give California anything until they let water flow down into their system" from the north of the state, Trump said in an interview on Fox News aired Wednesday evening.
Los Angeles's water supplies are mainly fed via aqueducts and canals originating from entirely separate river basins further east.
&nbsp;
<h3>- 'Dynamic' situation -</h3>
Around 4,000 firefighting personnel, backed up by aircraft and bulldozers, surged to the new blaze, a massive response that Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said was paying dividends.
"The situation remains dynamic, and the fire remains a difficult fire to contain, although we are getting the upper hand," he told an evening press conference.
"We are going to be on scene all night long, gaining more perimeter control, making sure that we can put out the hot spots, and then have enough resources and staging so that if we do have a flare up, we can move those resources to the fire line."
The hopeful tone came after a nervous day for the region, where many people remained glued to television coverage of the aerial firefight -- scenes that became common during lengthy battles to contain the Eaton and Palisades Fires.
Helicopters dropped water and planes dumped tens of thousands of fire retardant, laying down lines of red intended to corral the flames and pinch the firefront.
The fleet included two Super Scoopers -- enormous amphibious planes that can carry hundreds of gallons (liters) of water -- as well as DC-10 jets and dual rotor helicopters.
Crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest also attacked the blaze from the ground.
&nbsp;
<h3>- Inmates evacuated -</h3>
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic was under an evacuation order, and about 500 inmates had been moved to a neighboring facility.
Around 4,600 inmates held at other jails in the area were sheltering in place, but buses were on hand in case conditions changed and they needed to be moved, he said.
California Highway Patrol shuttered the I5 freeway for several hours, severing a major artery that runs the length of the US west coast.
The freeway re-opened during rush hour, but had bumper-to-bumper traffic, as thousands of drivers inched home.
Cal Fire's Brent Pascua said conditions had come together to make the fire especially volatile.
"We're getting the winds, we're getting the low humidities, and this brush hasn't seen any moisture in so long," he said.
"That all combined together is just making this fire spread extremely fast."
Winds were expected to continue overnight and into Thursday.
Human activity, including the unchecked burning of fossil fuels, is changing Earth's climate, increasing average global temperatures and altering weather patterns.
Even though January is the middle of the region's rainy season, Southern California has not seen any significant precipitation in around eight months, leaving the countryside tinder dry.

The Ukrainian Embassy in India commemorated Unity Day by forming a symbolic "Chain of Unity," reflecting the spirit of the historic 1990 unification. 

Ukrainian Embassy in India marks 'Unity Day', forms the symbolic 'Chain of Unity'

The Ukrainian Embassy in India commemorated Unity Day by forming a symbolic "Chain of Unity," reflecting the spirit of the historic 1990 unification.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian Embassy in India observed the "Chain of Unity" on Wednesday, commemorating a historic moment of national solidarity.&nbsp;
The embassy team, joined by members of the Ukrainian community in India, formed a symbolic "Chain of Unity" to honour the spirit of the original event held on January 21, 1990. On that day, millions of Ukrainians joined hands from Kyiv to Lviv to demonstrate their unyielding resolve and commitment to unity.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇺🇦 For the 3rd consecutive year, Ukraine celebrates Unity Day amidst a full-scale war. Our greatest strength remains our unity as we resist Russian aggression and fight for independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. <a href="https://t.co/taTXvsEgQM">pic.twitter.com/taTXvsEgQM</a>
&mdash; UKR Embassy in India (@UkrembInd) <a href="https://twitter.com/UkrembInd/status/1881978941856182369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Unity has always been a cornerstone of Ukrainian statehood, and history shows we have triumphed when standing together," the embassy said in its statement.&nbsp;
"The embassy team together with the Ukrainian community in India formed a symbolic 'Chain of Unity' to honour this historic occasion. This gesture reflects the spirit of the 'Chain of Unity' formed on January 21, 1990, when millions of Ukrainians joined hands from Kyiv to Lviv, demonstrating the unbreakable resolve of our people."
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790cb60cade5_1737542496.jpg" width="478" height="545">
The embassy highlighted the relevance of this act in the current context, stating, "Today, as we defend Ukraine from Russian aggression, we honour the memory of the defenders who gave their lives for freedom and unity. We thank every person safeguarding our country and call on the global Ukrainian community to remain united and work together to restore peace and justice. Together, with our collective efforts, the voice of Ukraine will continue to resonate powerfully across the world."
This year marks the third consecutive Unity Day celebrated amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The embassy emphasized that unity remains Ukraine&rsquo;s greatest strength in "resisting Russian aggression and fighting for independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790cb7610774_1737542518.jpg" width="480" height="640">
Reflecting on the historical significance, the embassy stated, "On January 22, we mark the 106th anniversary of the Act of Unification, when the Ukrainian People's Republic and the Western Ukrainian People's Republic came together, laying the foundation for a united Ukrainian state. The Unification Act, signed in St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, symbolized the fulfillment of the Ukrainian nation's long-standing aspiration for unity and independence."
In a post shared on X, the Ukrainian Embassy reiterated, "Signed at St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, the Unification Act symbolized the fulfillment of Ukraine's long-standing dream of unity and independence&mdash;a cornerstone of our statehood."
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790cb891e2ed_1737542537.jpg" width="463" height="617">
The embassy concluded by urging the global Ukrainian community to stay united, stating, "Together, we will restore peace, justice, and ensure the voice of Ukraine resonates loudly across the world."

A bomb threat on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-356, en route from Rome to Dhaka, led to an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. 

Bangladesh airport tightens security following bomb threat

A bomb threat on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-356, en route from Rome to Dhaka, led to an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The flight carrying 250 passengers and 13 crew members was evacuated after the threat.

A bomb threat was reported on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight traveling from Rome, Italy, to Dhaka.&nbsp;
The threat was communicated to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport through an anonymous call.&nbsp;
Group Captain Kamrul Islam, the airport&rsquo;s Executive Director, confirmed the incident to the media.&nbsp;
He stated that flight BG-356 received the bomb threat while en route from Rome to Dhaka.&nbsp;
As a result, the flight made an emergency landing at 9:20 am at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport.&nbsp;
The 250 passengers and 13 crew members were safely evacuated and taken to the terminal.

Trump's birthright citizenship order faces opposition from lawmakers and legal sectors due to its impact on U.S. immigration and the 14th Amendment.

Indian-American lawmakers condemn Trump's birthright citizenship order

Trump's executive order disrupting birthright citizenship invokes legal battles and political criticisms, affecting visa holders and challenging the 14th Amendment.

Indian-American lawmakers condemned President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship for certain immigrant children, calling it unconstitutional. The order faces lawsuits from 22 states and widespread opposition.

In a move that has sparked widespread opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday targeting birthright citizenship, a cornerstone of American immigration policy. The order, issued on the first day of his second term, denies automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and certain temporary visa holders, such as students and H-1B professionals.
The controversial decision, which challenges the 14th Amendment&rsquo;s guarantee of citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Indian-American lawmakers and immigrant rights groups.
Impact on Indian Professionals and Students
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna highlighted the far-reaching implications of the order. &ldquo;This move impacts not just undocumented immigrants but also children of legal residents on student, H-1B, or business visas,&rdquo; Khanna said, accusing the Trump administration of undermining even lawful immigration pathways.
Indian professionals are among the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire skilled workers for specialized roles. &ldquo;Trump's order strikes at the heart of a system that has brought some of the brightest minds from India and other nations to the U.S.,&rdquo; Khanna added.
Legal and Political Fallout
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal described the order as &ldquo;plainly unconstitutional.&rdquo; She stated, &ldquo;This cannot be done with the stroke of a pen. It disregards the Constitution and the legal precedents that uphold birthright citizenship.&rdquo;
The order has already triggered legal challenges. A coalition of 22 states, along with cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C., has filed lawsuits, arguing that the 14th Amendment guarantees automatic citizenship and cannot be altered by executive action.
&ldquo;President Trump&rsquo;s attempt to unilaterally end birthright citizenship is a flagrant violation of our Constitution,&rdquo; said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. California Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed this sentiment, calling the move &ldquo;un-American.&rdquo;
Community Response
Ajay Bhutoria, a Biden White House Commissioner and advocate for immigrant rights, condemned the order, urging South Asian and immigrant communities to unite against divisive policies. &ldquo;This executive order undermines the values of equality and justice that define America,&rdquo; he said.
The executive order, set to take effect on February 19, 2025, faces mounting opposition, with legal experts and lawmakers warning of its far-reaching consequences. As the debate intensifies, the issue underscores the deep divisions over immigration policy in the U.S., with birthright citizenship emerging as a critical battleground. &nbsp; &nbsp;

A rain-triggered landslide in Central Java, Indonesia, has killed 18 people and left nine missing. Over 200 rescuers work tirelessly to search thick mud and debris as the area faces continued rainfall and a declared emergency.

Indonesia rescuers search for survivors as landslide kills at least 17

A rain-triggered landslide in Central Java, Indonesia, has killed 18 people and left nine missing. Over 200 rescuers work tirelessly to search thick mud and debris as the area faces continued rainfall and a declared emergency.

Hundreds of rescuers were searching through thick mud and debris to find survivors Wednesday after a rain-triggered landslide in Indonesia killed at least 17 people and left nine missing.
Intense rainfall in a mountainous area near Pekalongan city in Central Java province sparked the landslide on Monday, collapsing bridges and burying cars and houses.
Search and rescue agency Basarnas said in a statement Wednesday that the toll remained unchanged from Tuesday at 17 dead, nine missing and 13 people injured.
But another body was found, Mohammad Yulian Akbar, a local official told AFP later Wednesday, giving a higher toll of 18.
Heavy machinery was deployed to clear road access for search teams and around 200 rescue personnel have been sent to help, Akbar said.
"The focus is to search for the victims," he said, adding that the local government had declared an emergency in the district for two weeks.
The worst hit area was Kasimpar village according to the local official, where the landslide struck a coffee shop and people who were trying to shelter from the rain.
Police, soldiers and volunteers have joined the search alongside rescue workers, which is taking place around 90 kilometres (60 miles) west of the city of Semarang.
But efforts were intermittently suspended Tuesday as heavy rain continued to pound the area.
The weather forecast for the next three days suggests moderate rain that could "cause floods, flash floods and landslides", warned Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), on Tuesday.
Indonesia is prone to landslides during the rainy season, typically between November and April.
In November, flooding triggered by intense rains in western Indonesia killed 27 people.
But some disasters caused by adverse weather have taken place outside that season in recent years. Climate change has also increased the intensity of storms, leading to heavier rains, flash floods and stronger gusts.
In May, at least 67 people died after heavy rains caused flash floods in West Sumatra, pushing a mixture of ash, sand, and pebbles from the eruption of Mount Marapi into residential areas.

Trump's controversial Day One policies target immigration reform, climate agreements, trade tariffs, and government restructuring.

What executive orders did Trump sign on day one of his second term?

President Trump immediately pursued bold policies in immigration, climate, and trade, likely inciting legal challenges and debates.

On day one, Trump reinstated strict immigration policies, exited the Paris Agreement, rolled back EV targets, declared an energy emergency, and issued mass pardons for January 6 defendants, marking a bold start to his term.

Donald Trump, sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, wasted no time exercising his executive powers, signing a series of sweeping executive orders on his first day back in the Oval Office. These orders signal significant policy reversals and bold new initiatives, focusing on immigration, climate policy, and government reforms.
&nbsp; Immigration Overhaul
Immigration took center stage as Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. He ordered the military to "seal the borders," citing concerns over drug trafficking, human smuggling, and crime. His administration reinstated the controversial &ldquo;Remain in Mexico&rdquo; policy, forcing asylum seekers to wait across the border for their hearings, and suspended the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program for four months.
Trump also attempted to end birthright citizenship, challenging the 14th Amendment. This controversial move seeks to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents, a policy likely to face immediate legal challenges.
He further pledged to restart mass deportation efforts, describing it as "the largest deportation program in American history." Other measures include the reinstatement of the death penalty for certain crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
&nbsp; Climate and Energy
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement once again, calling it a &ldquo;one-sided deal&rdquo; that unfairly targeted American industries while allowing major polluters like China to escape accountability. He declared a national energy emergency to fast-track fossil fuel infrastructure projects, rolled back electric vehicle targets, and lifted restrictions on drilling in Alaska.
&nbsp; TikTok and Trade
In a shift, Trump temporarily paused a federal ban on TikTok, giving the Chinese-owned social media platform 75 days to negotiate a deal with a U.S. buyer. He also announced plans for 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, aiming to protect American industries.
&nbsp; Government and Social Policies
Trump signed orders reinstating "Schedule F," making it easier to fire federal employees and reduce government bureaucracy. He also launched the Department of Government Efficiency, appointing Elon Musk to lead efforts to cut costs.
The administration rolled back diversity and inclusion programs and ended federal recognition of gender identities beyond male and female. Trump emphasized creating a "color-blind and merit-based" society.
&nbsp; Pardons and National Security
Fulfilling a campaign promise, Trump issued pardons to around 1,500 people charged or convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol attack. He also revoked security clearances from key figures from the previous administration, including John Bolton and James Clapper.
&nbsp; Bold Start with Challenges Ahead
Trump&rsquo;s flurry of executive orders marks a dramatic return to power, aimed at reshaping America&rsquo;s domestic and international policies. While these measures have energized his supporters, many are expected to face legal challenges and pushback from critics. For now, Trump has set a clear tone for his presidency: bold, controversial, and unapologetically America First.

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The use of English or any other foreign language would invite a fine of up to &euro;100,000 or $108,705, as per the proposed legislation.

Italy govt wants to ban English in official communication

The use of English or any other foreign language would invite a fine of up to &euro;100,000 or $108,705, as per the proposed legislation.

Italy's right-wing government is planning to ban the use of English in official communication, as per reports.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's party Brothers of Italy has reportedly introduced a legislation which seeks to punish the use of any foreign language in formal communication.
The use of English or any other foreign language would invite a fine of up to &euro;100,000 or $108,705, as per the proposed legislation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with US President Donald Trump regarding the Ukraine conflict but is waiting for signals from Washington.

Putin ready to talk to Trump, waiting for 'signals', Kremlin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with US President Donald Trump regarding the Ukraine conflict but is waiting for signals from Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to talk to US counterpart Donald Trump but is waiting for signals from Washington first, the Kremlin said on Friday, fuelling expectations the two would be in contact.
The Ukraine conflict has plunged relations between the two nuclear powers to their lowest levels since the Cold War, with Trump repeatedly promising to end the fighting with a "deal".
He told reporters on Thursday he would meet Putin "immediately", and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to negotiate.
"Putin is ready. We are waiting for signals," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of Trump's overtures.
Peskov said that he could not comment further on a possible meeting between the leaders, saying it was "hard to read coffee grounds" to predict the future.
Trump has threatened Russia with tougher economic sanctions if it does not agree to end its nearly three-year offensive.
"If they don't settle this war soon, like almost immediately, I'm going to put massive tariffs on Russia, and massive taxes, and also big sanctions," the Republican said during a Fox News interview on Thursday.
The Kremlin rejected Trump's claim that the conflict in Ukraine could be ended by lowering the price of oil used to fund Moscow's budget, saying: "This conflict does not depend on oil prices."
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump had said that he would ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, saying: "If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately."
Peskov said the conflict was instead based on "threats to Russia's national security", "threats to Russians" living in Ukraine and "the lack of desire and complete refusal of Americans and Europeans to listen to Russia's concerns".
 - Three dead near Kyiv -
Neither side has shown signs of de-escalating hostilities since Trump's inauguration on Monday.
Russian aerial attacks near Kyiv killed three people and wounded several others, Ukrainian officials said Friday, while Ukraine fired 120 drones at at least 12 Russian regions, including the capital Moscow.
The Kremlin has launched drone or missile attacks at Kyiv almost every day since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, ostensibly targeting military and energy facilities.
"Three people were killed in an enemy attack in the Kyiv region," the emergency services said in a statement on social media.
It said fragments of a drone had struck a 10-storey residential building after the head of the region said a private home had also been hit.
Black smoke billowed from a residential building damaged in the strike as rescue workers hauled out the bodies of the victims, official images from the scene showed.
In Russia, the Ukrainian military said it launched an overnight drone attack striking an oil refinery, power station facilities and an electronics plant.
State media reported that a microelectronics factory had halted work after six Ukrainian drones damaged production and storage facilities in the Bryansk region.
Moscow and Kyiv are both vying to gain the upper hand ahead of possible negotiations in the early days of Trump's administration.
Prior to his inauguration, Trump vowed to end the Ukraine conflict immediately upon taking office, raising concerns in Ukraine it would be forced to make major territorial concessions to Russia.
Moscow has been advancing on the battlefield for months, closing in on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.
On Friday, Russia said its forces captured the village of Tymofiivka about 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of the key industrial hub.

The Trump administration has launched a large-scale deportation operation, arresting 538 individuals across the U.S. and deporting hundreds. This initiative follows President Trump's promises to crack down on illegal immigration.

US arrests, deports hundreds of 'illegal immigrants': Trump press chief

The Trump administration has launched a large-scale deportation operation, arresting 538 individuals across the U.S. and deporting hundreds. This initiative follows President Trump's promises to crack down on illegal immigration.

US authorities arrested 538 migrants and deported hundreds in a mass operation just days into President Donald Trump's second administration, his press secretary said late Thursday.
"The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals," Karoline Leavitt said in a post on social platform X, adding "hundreds" were deported by military aircraft.
"The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept," she said.
Trump promised a crackdown on illegal immigration during the election campaign and began his second term with a flurry of executive actions aimed at overhauling entry to the United States.
On Thursday Newark city mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents "raided a local establishment... detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant".
The mayor said one of those detained during the raid was a US military veteran, "this egregious act is in plain violation" of the US Constitution.
An ICE post on X said: "Enforcement update ... 538 arrests, 373 detainers lodged".
New Jersey Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim said they were "deeply concerned" about the Newark raid by immigration agents.
"Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities &mdash; and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics," they said in a joint statement.
Trump has vowed to carry out "the largest deportation operation in American history," impacting an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States.
On his first day in office he signed orders declaring a "national emergency" at the southern border and announced the deployment of more troops to the area while vowing to deport "criminal aliens."
His administration said it would also reinstate a "Remain in Mexico" policy that prevailed during Trump's first presidency, under which people who apply to enter the United States from Mexico must remain there until their application has been decided.
The White House has also halted an asylum program for people fleeing authoritarian regimes in Central and South America, leaving thousands of people stranded on the Mexican side of the border.
Earlier in the week the Republican-led US Congress green-lit a bill to expand pretrial incarceration for foreign criminal suspects.
Trump frequently invoked dark imagery about how illegal migration was "poisoning the blood" of the nation, words that were seized upon by opponents as reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

A federal judge has ruled against President Trump’s controversial executive order attempting to limit birthright citizenship in the United States.

Federal judge blocks Donald Trump bid to restrict birthright citizenship

A federal judge has ruled against President Trump&rsquo;s controversial executive order attempting to limit birthright citizenship in the United States.

A federal judge &nbsp;blocked Donald Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States on Thursday as liberal states scored their first victory against the new president's hardline agenda.
The ruling imposes a 14-day stay on the enforcement of one of the most controversial executive orders Trump signed in the hours after he was sworn into office for a second term.
"This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," US District Judge John Coughenour was reported as saying during the hearing in Washington state.
"I've been on the bench for over four decades, I can't remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is," said Coughenour, who was appointed by a Republican president, Ronald Reagan.
Trump told reporters his administration would "obviously" appeal the ruling, while the Department of Justice said it would defend the executive order, which a spokesman said "correctly interprets" the US Constitution.
"We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the court and to the American people, who are desperate to see our nation's laws enforced," the spokesman said.
Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the US Constitution under the 14th Amendment which decrees that anyone born on US soil is a citizen.
It says, in part: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."
Trump's order was premised on the idea that anyone in the United States illegally, or on a visa, was not "subject to the jurisdiction" of the country, and therefore excluded from this category.
An incredulous Coughenour chided Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate over his assertion that Trump's order was constitutional.
"Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order," Coughenour said.
"It just boggles my mind."
 - 'On a whim' -
The ruling comes after a flurry of lawsuits filed by 22 states, two cities and numerous civil rights groups.
It was hailed by states that took part in the legal actions.
"No president can change the constitution on a whim and today's decision affirms that," Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said.
The ruling is "the first of many wins to come as my office fights instances of executive overreach and any illegal actions the new administration may take."
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said Trump's order was "un-American."
"Birthright citizenship makes clear that citizenship cannot be conditioned on one's race, ethnicity or where their parents came from," he said after the ruling.
"It's the law of our nation, recognized by generations of jurists, lawmakers and presidents, until President Trump's illegal action."
Ted Lieu, a congressman from California said the matter was clear.
"Birthright citizenship is as American as apple pie," he wrote on social media.
"If you're born in America, you're a citizen."
The legal challenge was no surprise, and Trump had acknowledged it was likely when he signed the order.
He has repeatedly -- and wrongly -- asserted that the United States is the only country in the world with birthright citizenship; in fact more than 30 others also have it, including Canada and Mexico.
Trump's opponents have argued that the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868 as the United States sought to knit itself back together after the Civil War, has been settled law for over a century.
They have cited an 1898 US Supreme Court ruling in the case of a San Francisco-born Chinese American man named Wong Kim Ark.
Wong was denied entry back into the United States after visiting relatives in China on the grounds that he was not a citizen.
The court affirmed that children born in the United States, including those born to immigrants, could not be denied citizenship.

Thailand joins progressive nations by legalizing marriage equality. LGBTQ couples gain equal rights as the country sets a precedent for inclusive reforms.

Thailand legalises same-sex and transgender marriages, thousands celebrate landmark day

On January 23, 2025, history was made as the Thai Marriage Equality Act came into effect, granting equal rights to LGBTQ couples. Thailand's step fosters hope for regional equality.

Thailand becomes Southeast Asia's first nation to legalise same-sex marriage, with 2,000 couples tying the knot on day one. The law grants LGBTQ+ couples equal rights, marking a milestone for equality and inspiring global advocacy.

The Thai Marriage Equality Act, passed by the Thai Parliament in 2024 and endorsed by King Vajiralongkorn, officially came into effect on January 23, 2025. Nearly 2,000 same-sex and transgender couples formalised their unions on the first day of implementation.
Celebrations were held across the country, including a mass wedding ceremony at a luxury mall in Bangkok, where over 200 couples exchanged vows. Couples showcased diverse attire, ranging from traditional Thai outfits and white wedding dresses to Western suits and ceremonial uniforms. Thailand&rsquo;s Parliament displayed rainbow flags in honour of the occasion. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, wrote on Facebook, "The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand."
&nbsp; The Thai Marriage Equality Act
The new law amends Article 1448 of Thailand&rsquo;s Civil and Commercial Code, replacing terms such as "man and woman" and "husband and wife" with "individuals" and "marriage partners." It ensures LGBTQ+ couples have the same legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples, including the ability to manage joint assets, handle tax obligations, adopt children, inherit property, and make critical decisions in medical emergencies.
Thailand&rsquo;s reputation as a progressive and LGBTQ+-friendly nation is further solidified by this development, which has received overwhelming public support, according to opinion polls.
&nbsp; Decade-Long Fight for Equality
The road to legalising same-sex marriage in Thailand was long and challenging. Advocacy efforts began as early as 2013 when LGBTQ+ couples sought marriage certificates at district offices. Progress was disrupted by the 2014 military coup but gained momentum with the emergence of reformist political parties like Future Forward in 2019 and its successor, Move Forward, in 2023.
"This is a very important issue for me and everyone in our LGBTQ+ community," said transgender activist Dr Ranjita Sinha. An Oxford graduate and member of the Association of Transgender/Hijra in Bengal (ATHB), she is a social activist associated with multiple NGOs in Kolkata. Ranjita further stated, "Even though it is so late, people have learned to respect the dignity and love of every human being. I hope that other Asian countries, just like Thailand, will gradually move forward in that direction."
&nbsp; Regional and Global Context
Thailand is now the third jurisdiction in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalise same-sex marriages. Taiwan legalised same-sex unions in 2019 and later allowed gay couples to jointly adopt children. Nepal began registering same-sex marriages in 2023. However, many Asian countries, influenced by conservative ideologies, continue to resist such measures.
In India, same-sex relationships were decriminalised in 2018, but marriage equality remains unrecognised. Adam Harry, India&rsquo;s first transman pilot, shared his thoughts on this progress. Adam became India&rsquo;s first transgender trainee pilot in 2019, and in 2020, the Kerala government supported his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. He said, "In India, while homosexuality was decriminalised in 2018, we still don't have marriage equality. Thailand's move sets such a positive example. It's proof that progress is possible even when it feels like the world is going backward."
&nbsp; Challenges Ahead for Thailand
Despite this victory, activists highlight areas needing further reform. Gender-specific laws still exist in the Thai legal system, and same-sex couples face restrictions in surrogacy and the ability to use their preferred gender on official documents.
Thailand&rsquo;s move is expected to boost its economy, especially its LGBTQ+ tourism sector, and attract same-sex couples from across Asia. However, the journey to full equality continues. As Ranjita Sinha notes, "Thailand opened our eyes to the path that needs to be taken to raise awareness of this type of action."
This landmark moment serves as a powerful example of progress and hope, inspiring advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights globally.
&nbsp;

Gaza's Health Ministry reports 47,283 deaths in its conflict with Israel; fatalities continue to rise post-ceasefire as victims are found in debris.

Health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says war toll at 47,283

Gaza's Health Ministry reports 47,283 deaths in its conflict with Israel; fatalities continue to rise post-ceasefire as victims are found in debris.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Thursday the death toll from the war with Israel had reached 47,283, with numbers rising in spite of a ceasefire as new bodies are found under the rubble.
The ministry said hospitals in the Gaza Strip had received 122 bodies in the past 24 hours, including 120 that "were recovered from under the rubble", as well as 306 injured people, bringing the total number of injured to 111,472.
It did not specify how the other two died.
Some Gazans have died since the cessation of hostilities from wounds inflicted before the ceasefire, with the health system in the Palestinian territory largely destroyed by more than 15 months of fighting and bombardment.
The ministry reiterated its appeal for Gazans to submit information about dead or missing people to help update its records.
The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was sparked by the militant group's October 7, 2023 attack which resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people on the Israeli side, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

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