Trump Signs Executive Orders to Push ‘America First’ in Foreign Policy and Immigration

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January 21, 2025

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US President-elect Donald Trump has signed an executive order emphasizing that the nation’s foreign policy must prioritize “core American interests” and put the country and its citizens first. The order, signed on Monday shortly after the US Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, marks a strong reiteration of Trump’s “America First” agenda.

“From this day forward, the foreign policy of the United States shall champion core American interests and always put America and American citizens first,” the executive order declared. Trump directed the Secretary of State to align the Department of State’s policies, programs, and operations with this vision as swiftly as possible.

In a separate executive order, Trump introduced measures to enhance the screening of visa applicants, aiming to safeguard national security and the cultural integrity of the United States. “The United States must identify [threats] before their admission or entry into the country,” the order stated.

The order outlined strict requirements to ensure that foreign nationals entering the US do not harbor hostile intentions toward American citizens, culture, or institutions and do not support foreign terrorist organizations or other threats. It called for restoring a baseline for screening standards that aligns with practices as of January 19, 2021.

Under the new guidelines, countries with insufficient vetting procedures or security risks could face partial or full suspension of visa admissions. Trump also ordered a comprehensive evaluation of all visa programs to ensure they are not exploited by foreign states or hostile actors to harm US interests.

Further, the order directed a review of immigrant assimilation programs to ensure they foster a “unified American identity” and adherence to the Constitution, laws, and founding principles of the United States.

The executive orders underline Trump’s consistent focus on national security and sovereignty while reiterating his administration’s stance on tightening immigration policies and reinforcing the “America First” doctrine in diplomacy. These moves have sparked heated debate, with critics questioning the inclusivity of such measures and supporters praising the prioritization of US interests.

Sanjay Roy Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Till Death in Rape, Murder of RG Kar Hospital Doctor

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PTI

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January 20, 2025

sanjay roy, roy, rg kar, rg kar hospital — Sanjay Roy Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Till Death in Rape, Murder of RG Kar Hospital Doctor 4

A Kolkata court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment till death on Monday after he was convicted of rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das in Sealdah had on Saturday held Roy guilty of the crime committed against the postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital on August 9 last year, which sparked off unprecedented and prolonged nationwide protests.

Judge Das said the crime did not fall under the “rarest of the rare” category as justification for not giving death penalty to the convict.

The court also directed the state to pay a compensation of Rs 17 lakh to the family of the deceased doctor.

The sentence was passed after the judge heard the final statements of the convict and his counsels placed in self-defence as well as those of the victim’s family, and the CBI.

Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was held guilty under Sections 64 (rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Kerala Court Hands Death Sentence to Greeshma in Sharon Raj Murder Case

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Web Team

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January 20, 2025

greeshma, death sentence, kerala, sharon raj murder case, sharon raj — Kerala Court Hands Death Sentence to Greeshma in Sharon Raj Murder Case 6

In a verdict that has sent shockwaves across Kerala, the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court sentenced Greeshma, the primary accused in the high-profile Sharon Raj murder case, to death. Greeshma was found guilty of poisoning her boyfriend, 23-year-old Sharon Raj, by lacing an ayurvedic decoction with pesticide.

The court also sentenced Greeshma’s uncle, Nirmalakumaran Nair, to three years of rigorous imprisonment, while her mother, Sindhu, was acquitted of all charges.

Delivering the judgement, the court described the crime as cold-blooded and premeditated, stating, “The act of inviting Sharon under the guise of intimacy and committing this heinous crime is indefensible. The evidence, including Sharon’s video recording of the suspicious juice despite being asked not to, clearly indicates that he sensed danger but trusted Greeshma. He fought for his life for 11 agonising days without consuming even water.”

The court noted that Greeshma betrayed Sharon’s trust, emotionally manipulated him, and plotted his murder while remaining in contact with her fiancé. It dismissed her claims of mental pressure and allegations of abuse by Sharon, citing a lack of evidence. Instead, the court highlighted Sharon’s unwavering commitment to the accused, contrasting it with her calculated deception.

Greeshma faced charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 302 (murder), 364 (abduction with intent to murder), 328 (administering poison), and 203 (obstruction of justice). The court rejected her defense of youthful age, emphasizing the severity and premeditated nature of the crime.

The case traces back to October 14, 2022, when Greeshma allegedly poisoned Sharon at her residence. Sharon, unaware of her intentions, consumed the herbal medicine and succumbed 11 days later while in the ICU. Investigations revealed that Greeshma, who was planning to marry another man, sought to end her relationship with Sharon and resorted to murder when he refused to break up.

A pivotal moment in the case was Sharon’s dying declaration, in which he revealed that he had consumed the concoction given by Greeshma, believing it to be harmless. Forensic evidence and the testimony of over 95 witnesses further solidified the prosecution’s case.

The investigation, led by a special team under then-Superintendent of Police Shilpa, culminated in the filing of the charge sheet on January 25, 2023. The trial, which began on October 15 last year, concluded on January 3 this year.

The verdict has been hailed as a landmark decision, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice in cases of such brutal and premeditated crimes.

SC Halts Criminal Proceedings Against Rahul Gandhi in Defamation Case

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PTI

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January 20, 2025

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The Supreme Court on Monday stayed trial court proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case filed against him for alleged defamatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Naveen Jha, a BJP worker, had filed the case against Gandhi in 2019 for his alleged remarks against Shah.

During one of his public speeches in Chaibasa before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi had allegedly referred to Shah as a “murderer”.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the Jharkhand government and the BJP leader while seeking their response on Gandhi’s appeal.

Gandhi has challenged the Jharkhand High Court order, which rejected his petition to quash proceedings against him in a trial court in connection with the complaint.

Maharastra Govt Stays Appointment of Guardian Ministers for Nashik, Raigad

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PTI

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January 20, 2025

devendra fadnavis, fadnavis, beed, santosh deshmukh, walmik karad — Maharastra Govt Stays Appointment of Guardian Ministers for Nashik, Raigad 10

Cracks have started showing in the Mahayuti government, as a day after announcing district guardian ministers, it issued an order staying the appointments for Nashik and Raigad districts.

The general administration department issued an order to this effect on Sunday.

The state government announced the appointment of guardian ministers for 36 districts on Saturday, with NCP’s Aditi Tatkare getting Raigad and BJP leader Girish Mahajan given the responsibility of Nashik.

The appointment of guardian ministers was awaited after the formation of the new BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena government last month.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum to attract investments in the state, had to intervene, and the general administration department, which is under him, issued an order to stay the appointments for the two districts until further orders.

District guardian ministers are responsible for distributing funds for various developmental works in their areas. According to political observers, such control over fund distribution is also used to corner the political opponents in districts.

In Raigad, where the new international airport is coming up along with a large number of residential buildings, the district guardian ministership given to Tatkare has irked Shiv Sena leader and state Minister Bharat Gogawale, who is also from the coastal district.

Gogawale had said in the past that he was keen to be the guardian minister of Raigad.

Similarly, Shiv Sena leader and Minister Dada Bhuse from Nashik was keen on becoming the guardian minister of his home district. The post, however, went to Mahajan, a close confidant of CM Fadnavis.

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing: Suspect Nabbed at Chhattisgarh’s Durg Railway Station

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January 18, 2025

aakash kailash kannojia, saif ali khan, saif, chattisgarh, kannojia, suspect, mumbai police, rpf — Saif Ali Khan Stabbing: Suspect Nabbed at Chhattisgarh's Durg Railway Station 12

In a dramatic development, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) detained a 31-year-old man suspected of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan during an attempted robbery at the actor’s Bandra residence in Mumbai. The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning, left Khan, 54, with multiple injuries. Doctors have since reported that the actor is recovering steadily.

The suspect, identified as Aakash Kailash Kannojia, was apprehended at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh while traveling on the Jnaneshwari Express, which operates between Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Kolkata Shalimar.

Mumbai Police, acting on mobile tower data and a photograph, alerted the RPF at around 12:30 pm, tracking the suspect’s movement on the train. Initial efforts to intercept him at Rajnandgaon station were unsuccessful. However, two teams were deployed at Durg station, where he was finally detained.

Sources revealed that Kannojia was traveling in the general class bogie just behind the engine. Following the detention, a Mumbai Police team flew to Chhattisgarh to take custody of the suspect. Both the Mumbai Police and RPF are now jointly interrogating him as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, with questions being raised about the security of high-profile individuals in their own homes. Khan’s fans and the film fraternity continue to express their support and relief at his recovery.

Israel Approves Ceasefire Agreement: Hostage Release and Fragile Calm in Gaza Awaited

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Web Team

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January 18, 2025

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Israel’s Cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement early Saturday to halt the 15-month war with Hamas, aiming to release dozens of hostages from Gaza. The deal, mediated by Qatar and the United States, marks only the second ceasefire during the prolonged conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the agreement after resolving last-minute complications attributed to Hamas. The ceasefire is set to commence Sunday, starting with the release of 33 hostages during a six-week first phase. However, uncertainty persists over the list of hostages and their current status.

The Cabinet convened past the Jewish Sabbath, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Netanyahu has tasked a special committee with preparing for the return of hostages, informing their families about the deal’s progress.

As part of the agreement, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian detainees, including younger prisoners and women. Israel’s Justice Ministry has published the names of 95 detainees to be freed in the initial phase, emphasizing their involvement in activities like incitement, vandalism, and terror-related charges. Unlike the first ceasefire, Israel’s Prison Services will oversee prisoner transfers to avoid celebratory displays during the process.

The deal also promises increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, with trucks already lined up at the Rafah border crossing from Egypt. Discussions between Israeli and Egyptian officials are underway regarding border reopening protocols.

Israeli forces plan to withdraw from key areas in Gaza, enabling hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their devastated homes. However, restrictions will remain in areas near Israeli troop presence or the Israel-Gaza border, with the military warning of “forceful responses” to any perceived threats.

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas cross-border assault killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives, with women and children reportedly making up more than half the casualties.

The fragile truce is set against a backdrop of escalating violence, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 88 fatalities in the past 24 hours. Historically, both sides have ramped up military operations in the hours leading to ceasefires.

The ceasefire represents a tentative step toward de-escalation, though the road to lasting peace remains uncertain amid widespread destruction and profound mistrust.

Woman’s Head, Lower Limbs Found In Satara, Cops Probe Black Magic Angle

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PTI

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January 18, 2025

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The dismembered body of woman was found on Friday in Maharashtra’s Satara district, a police official said, adding the angle of black magic was being probed.

A part of her head and lower limbs were found close to a sugarcane farm near Vidani village, while the torso is missing, Senior Inspector Sunil Mahadik of Phaltan police station said.

The police official said that an angle of black magic was being probed. “The body parts are decomposed. All angles, including that of black magic and superstition, are being probed,” the official said.

Mysterious Disease Claims 16 Lives in Rajouri; J&K on High Alert

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ANI

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January 18, 2025

rajouri, mysterious deaths, mysterious disease, jammu and kashmir, j&k — Mysterious Disease Claims 16 Lives in Rajouri; J&K on High Alert 17

A mysterious disease has caused widespread panic in Badhal village, with 16 reported fatalities and 38 affected individuals since early December 2024.

The cause of the illness remains unidentified, despite extensive efforts by medical experts and organisations such as PGIMER Chandigarh, the National Institute of Virology, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

On Saturday, one woman from Badhaal Village was admitted to the Government Medical College (GMC) after showing symptoms of a mysterious illness.

Authorities are on high alert, with the Rajouri district administration, health department, and police working in coordination to investigate the deaths and provide assistance to the affected families. The outbreak has primarily impacted three interlinked families in the village.

In the absence of concrete information regarding the cause of the disease, efforts to implement targeted measures have been hindered, leaving local authorities to intensify their investigations and preventive actions in a race against time to avoid further casualties.

The medical team present there is also inspecting the chaotic situation of ‘mysterious illness’.

An official said, “We’re closely monitoring the situation. Reports of illnesses and deaths due to a mysterious disease will be available within 8–10 days. Medical assistance has been provided in 4 wards, and door-to-door counselling and surveillance are ongoing. ICMR has collected samples, and we’re taking daily samples. Doctors are available 24/7, and village surveillance has been ongoing since December 7.”

Another member of the team said, “From a paediatric perspective, all necessary tests have been conducted. The symptoms and progression of the illness have been observed. The ill children’s condition deteriorates rapidly within 2-3 days, leading to coma and eventually death despite ventilation. Notably, these incidents are confined to three specific families, suggesting a non-infectious cause. Therefore, there’s no need for the general public to worry.”

The situation continues to evolve, with all relevant departments committed to identifying the origin of the disease and ensuring the safety of the local population.

RG Kar Incident: Kolkata Court to Deliver Verdict in Abhaya’s Rape-Murder Case Today

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PTI

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January 18, 2025

rg kar hospital, rg kar, abhaya, kolkata high court, kolkata — RG Kar Incident: Kolkata Court to Deliver Verdict in Abhaya's Rape-Murder Case Today 19

The judgement in the brutal rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital will be delivered later on Saturday.

Sanjay Roy, who was a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was charged with committing the crime on the postgraduate trainee at the state-run hospital in the northern part of the city on August 9 last year.

The judgement will be delivered by Anirban Das, the additional district and sessions judge of the Sealdah court, 57 days after the in-camera trial commenced on November 12.

The Kolkata Police, which was investigating the case initially arrested Roy on August 10, a day after the medic’s body was recovered from the seminar room of the hospital. The Calcutta High Court later transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The in-camera trial in the rape and murder of the doctor commenced on November 12.

The hearing in Roy’s trial was concluded on January 9, during which 50 witnesses were examined. The parents of the deceased doctor have claimed that other persons were involved in the crime and expected that they would also be arrested and tried before the court.

The victim’s parents have also filed an application before the court seeking further investigation into the case.

The crime led to nationwide outrage and prolonged protests by junior doctors in Kolkata, demanding justice for the victim and adequate security arrangements in state-run hospitals.