Disclaimer https://indiamirror.net Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:23:39 +0000 Joomla! - Open Source Content Management en-gb Thousands of Migrants Form Caravan to Reach U.S. Before Trump Takes Office https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4017-thousands-of-migrants-form-caravan-to-reach-u-s-before-trump-takes-office https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4017-thousands-of-migrants-form-caravan-to-reach-u-s-before-trump-takes-office

As fears grow over stricter immigration policies in the United States, thousands of migrants are making desperate efforts to reach the U.S.-Mexico border.

Donald Trump’s return to power has sparked urgency among those seeking asylum, as he promises to implement the toughest measures yet against undocumented migration.

A new caravan has formed, with migrants hoping to cross the border before Trump’s inauguration, according to Digi24.

Around 1,500 migrants departed from Tapachula in southern Mexico, near the Guatemalan border, aiming to reach the United States.

Trump Wants to Use Military

Many are trying to secure asylum appointments using the "CBP One" app before Trump assumes office. Yamel Enriquez, a migrant from Colombia, explained his urgency.

"My idea is to arrive and secure an appointment before he takes power," he said. "If I can’t get this appointment before he takes over, I leave it in God’s hands."

Donald Trump has pledged to use the military to enforce what he calls "the largest deportation operation in U.S. history."

He has described the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border as an "invasion" and has vowed to stop it.

Zuleika Carreno, a Venezuelan migrant, shared her fears about being stranded in Mexico if she cannot cross the border in time.

"I’m scared I’ll be stuck on this side of the border, and everything I’ve been through to get here will have been for nothing," she said.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her government is preparing a document to present to Trump.

It emphasizes the contributions of Mexicans to the U.S. economy and stresses the importance of maintaining the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.

Trump has previously threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican exports if the Mexican government fails to curb the flow of "criminals and drugs" into the United States.

For years, migrants have formed caravans to request transit documents from Mexican authorities.

These groups became widely known in 2018 during Trump’s first term as president. Now, with his return on the horizon, migrants see this as their last chance to seek a new life in the United States.

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:22:50 +0000
ICC Issues Arrest Warrant For Benjamin Netanyahu https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4015-icc-issues-arrest-warrant-for-benjamin-netanyahu https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4015-icc-issues-arrest-warrant-for-benjamin-netanyahu

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and several Hamas officials.

The court accuses them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that sparked Israel's offensive in Palestinian territory.These warrants make Netanyahu, and others, internationally wanted suspects, likely deepening their diplomatic isolation and complicating efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the 13-month-long conflict. However, the practical influence of the warrants may be limited, as Israel and its key ally, the United States, are not members of the ICC. Additionally, several Hamas officials named in the warrants have since been killed in the fighting.

srael's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses lawmakers in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem. Monday Nov. 18, 2024. On Thursday, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war in Gaza. Ohad Zwigenberg

Allegations Against Israeli Leaders and Hamas Figures

The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of intentionally depriving Gaza's civilian population of essential resources, including food, water, and medical supplies. The court also issued a warrant for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.

Although ICC prosecutors initially sought warrants for two other senior Hamas officials, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, both were killed in the conflict. Sinwar was killed in October, and Haniyeh was believed to have been assassinated by an Israeli strike in July.

The court's ruling claims that Netanyahu and Gallant played a role in depriving the civilian population of Gaza of the necessary resources to survive. The alleged acts are deemed to be part of a broader pattern of violence in the region, which has led to widespread death and destruction.

 
Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's War Cabinet and the top political rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leaves after a meeting at the State Department, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Washington. Gantz has condemned Thursday's decision, saying it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.”

Responses to the ICC Warrants

Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the ICC's actions, saying the court had overstepped its jurisdiction and had not given Israel the chance to investigate the claims independently.

Netanyahu's government has long maintained that Israel's legal system, which it regards as independent, should address such allegations.

U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed strong support for Israel, calling the request for warrants "disgraceful" and reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas.

Challenges to Enforcing ICC Warrants

Despite the international legal significance of the warrants, it remains unlikely that Netanyahu and Gallant will be arrested anytime soon.

Because Israel is not a member state of the ICC, the court has no authority to compel Israeli officials to appear before it.

The ICC also depends on cooperation from its member states to enforce arrest warrants, and given Israel's nonmembership, the court's jurisdiction and ability to enforce these warrants may be limited.

Additionally, high-profile figures subject to ICC arrest warrants, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, have demonstrated that international travel remains possible.


 
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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:21:48 +0000
Russia deploys 24 ships with Kalibr missile carriers to Black Sea https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4014-russia-deploys-24-ships-with-kalibr-missile-carriers-to-black-sea https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4014-russia-deploys-24-ships-with-kalibr-missile-carriers-to-black-sea

This morning, November 21, nearly two dozen Russian ships deployed for combat duty were spotted in the Black Sea. Five of these ships are equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, according to the Ukrainian Navy.

According to the military, these five missile carriers in the Black Sea can launch up to 28 Kalibr missiles in a single volley if fired.

At the same time, no enemy ships have been detected in the Sea of Azov.

The Ukrainian Navy also reported that two Russian ships have been spotted in the Mediterranean Sea, one of which is a Kalibr missile carrier capable of launching up to 16 missiles.

Russian forces' use of Kalibr missiles in attacks on Ukraine

On November 17, during the latest large-scale combined strike on Ukraine, Russian forces launched 90 drones and 120 missiles, including Kalibrs, fired from the Black Sea.

At that time, the Ukrainian Navy reported that four Russian missile carriers were in the Black Sea, with a combined salvo of up to 24 Kalibr missiles.

The Ukrainian Air Force also noted that in repelling the attack, 144 enemy targets were shot down, including Kalibr missiles.

Additionally, early this morning, November 21, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported the takeoff of a Russian MiG-31K, a carrier of air-launched ballistic missiles, the Kinzhal, which led to the declaration of a large-scale air alert in Ukraine.

Afterward, a high-speed target was tracked, moving toward Dnipropetrovsk, where explosions were heard in the city.

Later, it was confirmed that Russian Tu-95 aircraft were in the air, likely launching X-101 missiles toward Ukraine.

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:14:39 +0000
Putin lowers the bar for using nuclear weapons in new warning over Ukraine https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4013-putin-lowers-the-bar-for-using-nuclear-weapons-in-new-warning-over-ukraine https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4013-putin-lowers-the-bar-for-using-nuclear-weapons-in-new-warning-over-ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for his country's use of nuclear weapons Tuesday, days after the United States allowed Ukraine to strike inside Russia using American missiles.

The Kremlin announced that Putin had approved an updated nuclear doctrine — a document that governs how Russia uses its nuclear arsenal — including the declaration that Moscow could unleash a nuclear strike if subject to an attack by a nonnuclear country that has the support of a nuclear state.

The Russian Defense Ministry said later Tuesday that Ukraine had carried out its first strike on Russian territory using U.S.-supplied long-range weapons, hitting a military facility in the Bryansk region with an ATACMS missile.

Russian air defenses shot down five ATACMS missiles but fragments of another “fell on the technical territory of a military facility in the Bryansk region, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. There were no casualties or damage,” it said in a statement.

"According to confirmed data, the deployed ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were American-made," it said.

Two U.S. officials later confirmed to NBC News that Ukraine had fired ATACMS near the city of Karachev in the Bryansk region, across the country's northern border, marking the first use of the U.S-supplied weapons inside Russia.

Although Ukraine has struck targets deep inside Russia already, they it has used homemade drones and not Western missiles with the fire power of the ATACMs, they said.

Ukraine's military said that it had hit a military arsenal near the city of Karachev in Bryansk. It did not specify what weapons were used in the attack.

The changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine mark the most significant saber-rattling yet by the Kremlin, which has consistently warned about possible nuclear war throughout the now 1,000 days since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“The nuclear doctrine update was required to bring the document in line with the current political situation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the TASS state news agency in comments published early Tuesday.

Peskov outlined Moscow’s new threat in light of Washington’s shift in policy: that the use of Western nonnuclear missiles by Ukraine’s military against Russia under the new doctrine could lead to a nuclear response.

Still, the use of nuclear weapons would be a “last resort measure,” he added.

Putin had signaled the update to his country’s policy earlier this year as he sought to warn the West against loosening restrictions on Kyiv's use of long-range weapons to strike deep inside Russia.

Russia also reserved the rise to use the weapons even if Belarus was attacked, he said then. And the new doctrine matches that shift.

"Aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies by a non-nuclear country with the support of a nuclear state will be considered a joint attack," it reads.

The doctrine also says that “The Russian Federation may use nuclear weapons in the event of a critical threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of itself and Belarus,” a shift from previous language that said it may use nuclear weapons “when the very existence of the state is at risk.”

The changes follow Putin's warning to the U.S. and its NATO allies that any use of their long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine against Russian territory would mean NATO and Russia are at war.

The Biden administration had long resisted Kyiv's calls to relax restrictions on the weapons it has supplied to its ally.

But after the U.S. and others said that thousands of North Korean troops had joined the fight alongside the Kremlin's military, U.S. officials told NBC News that the Biden administration had authorized use of the long-range ATACMS missile systems for limited strikes inside Russia.

The shift drew condemnation from the Kremlin, with Peskov saying Monday that Washington was pouring "oil on the fire" and was provoking "further escalation of tension around this conflict."

The changes “create more leeway for a Russian nuclear response to Ukrainian — or, as the Kremlin frames it, Western — strikes on Russian territory” said Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the founder and head of the political analysis firm R.Politik.

She pointed to the change in leadership in Washington as a possible motive behind the timing of the updated nuclear doctrine.

“Putin may see the current situation as a strategic ‘in-between’ moment — anticipating possible peace initiatives from (President-elect Donald) Trump while emphasizing what he views as the “irresponsibility” of Biden’s policy. Putin may seek to present the West with two stark choices: ‘Do you want a nuclear war? You will have it,’ or ‘Let’s end this war on Russia’s terms,’ Stanovaya said in a post on X.

“This marks an extraordinarily dangerous juncture,” she added.

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:41:32 +0000
Trump transition live coverage: Latest updates after Trump tapped Gaetz, Rubio, Gabbard https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4006-trump-transition-live-coverage-latest-updates-after-trump-tapped-gaetz-rubio-gabbard https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4006-trump-transition-live-coverage-latest-updates-after-trump-tapped-gaetz-rubio-gabbard

President-elect Donald Trump is still choosing his nominees for his second term in the White House − and making some surprising picks.

Trump on Wednesday announced that he chose Matt Gaetz, the firebrand who has been a harsh critic of the Justice Department even as he was investigated by it, as attorney general.

He also tapped former congresswoman and Army veteran Tulsi Gabbard as his nominee for director of national intelligence, a cabinet-level post. Gabbard is a former Democrat who has become one of Trump's most vocal supporters.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

But there are still plenty of pivotal roles for Trump to fill as he prepares for a second term. He'll even have full control of Congress in 2025 after Republicans managed to win enough seats to keep the House on Wednesday.

Keep up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba not interested in White House press secretary job

Donald Trump’s lawyer won’t be sparring with the press after all. At least not from the White House briefing room.

Alina Habba, who joined Trump’s legal team three years ago, ended speculation Thursday that she was in line to become White House press secretary when the president-elect takes office next year.

“While I am flattered by the support and speculation, the role of Press Secretary is not a role I am considering,” she wrote on X. “Although I love screaming from a podium I will be better served in other capacities.”

Habba has represented Trump in several high-profile legal cases, including author E. Jean Carroll’s defamation suit that ended in a $83.3 million verdict against him.

– Michael Collins

Elon Musk: John Bolton is 'staggeringly dumb' but Matt Gaetz is 'great'

Elon Musk, billionaire tech titan and friend of Donald Trump, is defending the president-elect’s nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general.

Musk pushed back against John Bolton’s criticism of Gaetz, a former Florida congressman, to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement officer. Bolton, who served for more than a year as national security adviser during Trump’s first term, called Trump’s choice of Gaetz as “the worst” Cabinet nomination in history.

“John Bolton, who is a staggeringly dumb warmonger, being against someone is a great sign!” Musk fired back in a message on X. “Gaetz will be great.”

Musk has landed a job of his own in the incoming Trump administration. Trump has tapped him and former Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, which will work to slash federal government spending, waste and regulations.

– Michael Collins

Nikki Haley: Donald Trump can be 'shallow' at times

Nikki Haley is hitting back at her old boss.

The former South Carolina Republican governor who served as Donald Trump’s first U.N. ambassador took a swipe at the president-elect after he announced she would not be given a job in his incoming administration.

“I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation,” Trump wrote last week on Truth Social. “I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country.”

Haley, who was highly critical of Trump during her own unsuccessful bid for the GOP presidential nomination earlier this year, said on her radio show on SiriusXM that, despite Trump’s public pronouncement, she had already made it known that she wanted no role in his new administration.

“I know the game he was playing," she said. "I don’t need to play that game." She later added: “He can be shallow at times, and I think he showed that.”

– Michael Collins

Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick for attorney general, resigns from Congress

Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to nominate the Florida Republican as attorney general.

Gaetz, a firebrand who represented Florida's 1st congressional district since 2017, submitted his resignation, effective immediately, on Wednesday following Trump’s decision to make him the country’s chief law enforcement officer.

 
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Gaetz’s resignation came just days before the House Ethics Committee was to decide whether to release a report on its investigation into allegations he had engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use and had accepted improper gifts. Gaetz’s resignation effectively ends that investigation.

Gaetz also was investigated by the Justice Department, which Trump has tapped him to lead, on suspicion of having sex with a 17-year-old girl and allegedly paying for her to travel with him. The department ended its investigation last year without charging him.

– Michael Collins

Matt Gaetz attorney general nomination sparks criticism

Donald Trump's choice of Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general signaled a like-minded approach to overhauling the Justice Department after both men were investigated criminally.

But the choice also sparked some of the first criticism of Trump's cabinet selections, as senators questioned whether Gaetz would be a serious choice to become the country's top law enforcement official.

After Trump announced Gaetz's nomination, the Florida Republican resigned from office "effective immediately," setting a special election for the western Florida district in motion.

 

Check out USA TODAY's five takeaways from the surprising announcement.

- Bart Jansen

Trump picks Tulsi Gabbard as his director of national intelligence

Trump on Wednesday picked former congresswoman and Army veteran Tulsi Gabbard as his nominee for director of national intelligence, a cabinet-level post.

"I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our intelligence community, championing our constitutional rights, and securing peace through strength," Trump said in a statement.

 

Gabbard was a Democrat when she served in the House of Representatives from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021. She ran for president in the Democratic primary in 2020 before leaving the party in 2022 and becoming a Republican this year.

− Tom Vanden Brook and Erin Mansfield

Marco Rubio given nod for Secretary of State

Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed he's chosen Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to serve as Secretary of State in his next administration.

Rubio has deep foreign policy experience and has transformed from a Trump opponent to a close ally who was a finalist to serve as Trump's vice president.

He is currently the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee and serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Rubio, a Cuban American, would be the first Latino person to serve as Secretary of State.

Rubio has expressed support for Ukraine's war effort against Russia, but voted against additional aid for the country last year. He recently said the war in Ukraine is going to end with "a negotiated settlement," something Trump has also supported. He's also advocated for a tough approach to American adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela.

 

Trump and Rubio, 53, ran against each other in the 2016 Republican primary, which turned nasty as they lobbed insults at each other. But they patched up their relationship and worked together on shared foreign policy goals during Trump’s first administration. They grew closer during the 2024 campaign, when Rubio was on the short list to be Trump’s running mate and campaigned relentlessly for him.

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:04:11 +0000
17 Happiest Countries in the World: What Is Their Secret? https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4005-17-happiest-countries-in-the-world-what-is-their-secret https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4005-17-happiest-countries-in-the-world-what-is-their-secret

17 Happiest Countries in the World: What Is Their Secret?

17 Happiest Countries in the World: What Is Their Secret?

Do you ever wonder why some countries consistently top the happiness charts? It’s not just about wealth or natural beauty; it’s about how they build communities, support individuals, and embrace cultural values that foster genuine joy. Let’s talk about the world’s happiest countries to see what lessons they can teach us about creating a happier society.

Finland

Finland© Photo credit: Canva Pro

Finland is the happiest country in the world, yet again, and for the right reasons. People in Finland are often really happy because of their great school system and a strong sense of community. On top of that, this country is filled with breathtaking landscapes that might be another reason behind their ever-so-happy souls. 

Denmark

Denmark© Photo credit: Canva Pro

In Denmark, a good work-life balance, a safe environment, and excellent healthcare might be among the reasons people are happy. Another reason that might contribute to their happiness is having one of the smallest wealth gaps in the world. And don’t forget its beautiful landscapes, which keep attracting locals and visitors alike.

Iceland

Iceland© Photo credit: Canva Pro

Icelandic people are happy because everyone knows each other in such a small community, and the stunning landscapes are definitely a mood booster. Iceland has a highly educated, English-speaking workforce, a high standard of living, and low social inequality. Having the best quality of life and a peaceful environment might also play a major role in why the people of Iceland are grateful. 

Sweden

Sweden© Photo credit: Canva Pro

Swedes are probably happy because everyone is treated equally, and the government provides a lot of support in case anything goes wrong. Being outdoors and enjoying nature are also significant parts of their lifestyle, which might help keep them cheerful and satisfied. Additionally, its stable political climate, low corporate taxes, and efficient regulations make it an attractive spot for foreign direct investment.

Netherlands

Netherlands© Photo credit: Canva Pro

Happiness in the hearts of Netherlanders might come from living in an open and progressive place where biking through beautiful, flat landscapes is an everyday thing. The solid welfare system might also make people feel safe and cared for. The combination of a thriving economy and stunning landscapes makes its locals happier.

Norway

Norway© Photo credit: Canva Pro

Norwegians might be so happy because their country is rich with natural resources, which makes for a comfortable life and also the surreal landscapes. They love spending time outdoors, and having a government that cares about their needs might make them feel respected and secure. Additionally, Norway’s economy is highly diversified, with industries such as seafood, minerals, and forestry further contributing toward its GDP.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg© Photo credit: Canva Pro

People in Luxembourg are likely happy because they live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Some of the things that contribute to Luxembourg’s GDP include tourism, logistics, and information technology. The mix of different cultures living together peacefully and good governance might make life there pretty satisfying. Luxembourg also offers a plethora of things to enjoy, which makes it an attractive destination.

Switzerland

Switzerland© Photo credit: Canva Pro

The happiness of the Swiss people could be because of the stable politics and strong economy, which give a sense of security. Switzerland’s wealth comes from its strong banking and insurance industries, thriving tourism, and the export of luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, precision instruments, and medical technology. Living near the Alps and being able to enjoy stunning views every day makes life better tenfold, contributing to their happiness.

Australia

Australia© Photo credit: Canva Pro

Australia's laid-back approach to life and good weather overall might be the reason why its people are happy and satisfied with their lives. A strong economy with a focus on people's well-being, safety, and attractive wages might also contribute to their happiness. Additionally, Australia's close ties to booming Asian markets and its wealth of natural resources give it a solid economic edge.

New Zealand

New Zealand© Photo credit: Canva Pro

In New Zealand, being surrounded by incredible nature, enjoying thrilling adventures, and having a fair society could be key reasons for their happiness. Also, New Zealand’s strong rule of law, equality for everyone, amazing healthcare, and multi-faceted economy make it worth living in the country. Furthermore, its proximity to Asia and Australia, low public debt, and high living standards make it an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica© Photo credit: Canva Pro

Costa Ricans might be happy because of their relaxed lifestyle and the emphasis on enjoying life, or as they say, ‘Pura Vida’. Being surrounded by incredible wildlife and leading in environmental protection likely makes them proud and satisfied with the country they call home. Additionally, their strong sense of community and excellent universal healthcare system contribute to their overall well-being.

Kuwait

Kuwait© Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Known for its massive oil and gas reserves, Kuwait’s economy is booming. This economic success ensures a high standard of living and generous social welfare for its citizens, resulting in a happy and content population. The government’s Vision 2035 project will also focus on diversifying the economy beyond oil, aiming to make Kuwait a hub for finance and commerce.

 

 

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:14:22 +0000
Which countries are competing in Miss Universe 2024? Full list of contestants https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4004-which-countries-are-competing-in-miss-universe-2024-full-list-of-contestants https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4004-which-countries-are-competing-in-miss-universe-2024-full-list-of-contestants

The 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant has arrived. Over the coming days, the world‘s most prestigious beauty contest is being held in Mexico City, with the 22,000-capacity Arena Ciudad de México the venue for this weekend’s grand final.

How many delegates are competing in Miss Universe 2024?

Miss Universe 2024 involves a record field of contestants: in total, competitors from 127 countries are set to battle it out for the crown in the Mexican capital, where several nations will be making their debut in the pageant.

For the 2024 event, the Miss Universe Organization has widened the eligibility criteria, allowing all women over 18 to take part; previously, the contest was limited to participants aged 18 to 28.

Who are the Miss Universe 2024 contestants? Full list:

Albania - Franceska Rustem (19)

Angola - Nelma Ferreira (26)

Argentina - Magali Benejam (29)

Armenia - Emma Avanesyan (32)

Aruba - Anouk Eman (32)

Australia - Zoe Creed (23)

Bahamas - Selvinique Wright (32)

Bahrain - Shereen Ahmed (30)

Bangladesh - Aniqa Alam (32)

Belarus - Eleanora Kachalovskaya (24)

Belgium - Kenza Ameloot (22)

Belize - Halima Hoy (30)

Bolivia - Juliana Barrientos (27)

Bonaire - Ruby Pouchet (29)

Botswana - Thanolo Keutwile (28)

Brazil - Luana Cavalcante (25)

British Virgin Islands - Deyounce Lowenfield (20)

Bulgaria - Elena Vian (38)

Cambodia - Davin Prasath (33)

Cameroon - Noura Njikam (25)

Canada - Ashley Callingbull (35)

Cayman Islands - Raegan Rutty (22)

Chile - Emilia Dides (25)

China - Jia Qi (26)

Colombia - Daniela Toloza (30)

Costa Rica - Elena Hidalgo (32)

Croatia - Zrinka Coric (23)

Cuba - Marianela Ancheta (31)

Curaçao - Kimberly de Boer (19)

Cyprus - Katerina Dimitriou (29)

Czech Republic - Marie Danci (28)

Denmark - Victoria Kjær Theilvig (21)

Dominican Republic - Celinee Santos (24)

DR Congo - Ilda Amani (26)

Ecuador - Tema Mara (30)

Egypt - Logina Salah (34)

El Salvador - Florence Garcia (26)

Eritrea - Cortar Tewoldemedhin (25)

Equatorial Guinea - Diana Angono Mouhafo (25)

Estonia - Valeria Vasilieva (22)

Fiji - Manshika Prasad (24)

Finland - Matilda Wirtavuori (24)

France - Indira Ampiot (20)

Germany - Pia Theissen (26)

Gibraltar - Shyanne McIntosh (25)

Great Britain - Christina Dela Cruz Chalk (31)

Greece - Christianna Katsieri (22)

Guadaloupe - Coraly Desplan (20)

Guatemala - Ana Gabriela Villanueva (22)

Guinea - Saran Bah (29)

Guyana - Ariana Blaize (26)

Honduras - Stephanie Cam (32)

Hong Kong - Joanne Rhodes (24)

Hungary - Nora Kenez (28)

Iceland - Sóldís Vala Ívarsdóttir (18)

India - Rhea Singha (19)

Iran - Ava Vahneshan (26)

Ireland - Sofía Good (21)

Israel - Ofir Korsia (23)

Italy - Glenany Cavalcante (30)

Ivory Coast - Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala (20)

Jamaica - Rachel Silvera (25)

Japan - Kaya Chakraborty (23)

Kazakhstan - Madina Almukhanova (24)

Kenya - Irene Ng’endo (26)

Kosovo - Edona Bajrami (37)

Kyrgyzstan - Maya Turdalieva (25)

Laos - Phiranya Thipphomvong (28)

Latvia - María Vicinska (26)

Lebanon - Nada Koussa (26)

Macau - Cassandra Chiu (23)

Malaysia - Sandra Lim (23)

Maldives - Mariyam Shaina (21)

Malta - Beatrice Njoya (40)

Martinique - Catherine Edouard (25)

Mauritius - Tania René (27)

Mexico - María Fernanda Beltrán (24)

Moldovia - Djulieta Calalb (20)

Mongolia - Nominzul Zandangiin (19)

Montenegro - Rumina Ivezaj (20)

Myanmar - Thet San Andersen (27)

Namibia - Prisca Anyolo (24)

Nepal - Sampada Ghimire (23)

Netherlands - Faith Landman (28)

New Zealand - Victoria Velasquez Vincent (29)

Nicaragua - Geyssell Garcia (29)

Nigeria - Chidimma Adetshina (23)

North Macedonia - Tea Gjorgievska (21)

Norway - Lilly Sødal (21)

Pakistan - Noor Xarmina (29)

Paraguay - Naomi Mendez (32)

Peru - Tatiana Calmell (30)

Philippines - Chelsea Manalo (25)

Poland - Kasandra Zawal (29)

Portugal - Andreia Correia (26)

Puerto Rico - Jennifer Colin (36)

Romania - Loredana Salanta (32)

Russia - Valentina Alekseeva (18)

Santa Lucía - Skye Faucher (26)

Samoa - Haylanı Kuruppu (26)

Senegal - Fatou Bintou Gueye (23)

Serbia - Ivana Trisic (30)

Singapore - Charlotte Chia (26)

Slovakia - Petra Sivakova (24)

Somalia - Khadija Omar (23)

South Africa - Mia le Roux (29)

South Korea - Ariel Han (22)

Spain - Michelle Jimenez (21)

Sri Lanka - Melloney Dassanayake (25)

Suriname - Pooja Chotkan (23)

Switzerland - Laura Bircher (24)

Tanzania - Judith Ngusa (26)

 

Thailand - Opal Suchata Chuangsri (21)

Trinidad and Tobago - Jenelle Thongs (32)

Turkey - Ayliz Duman (20)

Turks and Caicos - Raynae Myers (23)

UAE - Emilia Dobreva (27)

Ukraine - Alina Ponomarenko (21)

Uruguay - Yanina Lucas (28)

United States - Alma Cooper (22)

US Virgin Islands - Stephany Andujar (28)

Uzbekistan - Nigina Fakhriddinova (25)

Venezuela - Ileana Márquez (28)

Vietnam - Ky Duyen Nguyen (28)

Zambia - Brandina Lubuli (28)

Zimbabwe - Sakhile Dube (28)

How many contestants will reach the Miss Universe 2024 grand final?

Of Miss Universe 2024’s 127 participants, who are already in Mexico taking part in build-up activities, only 30 will actually be involved in this weekend’s final show. This group of contestants will be chosen in a preliminary competition held on Thursday, with one of the final-show qualifier selected in a fan vote.

 

At the final show, the 30 semi-finalists will take part in a swimsuit round, before being reduced to 12 delegates, who will walk the catwalk in evening dress. Five finalists will then progress to a closing question-and-answer round. The winner of this deciding Q&A will be declared the new Miss Universe.

Miss Universe 2024: start time, how to watch

Hosted by former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, alongside the TV presenter Mario Lopez, the Miss Universe 2024 grand final will take place on Saturday November 16, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Viewers in the United States will be able to watch the event live on Apple TV (English-language coverage) and on Telemundo (Spanish-language coverage).

 

Who won Miss Universe 2023?

The current Miss Universe is Sheynnis Palacios, who became Nicaragua’s first ever winner when she triumphed in San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 months ago.

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:09:12 +0000
Turkey Cuts Off Relations With Israel: Reports https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4002-turkey-cuts-off-relations-with-israel-reports https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/4002-turkey-cuts-off-relations-with-israel-reports

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey has officially severed relations with Israel, according to reports in Turkish media.

News outlet Medya Ege reported Erdogan to have said, "We, as the State and Government of the Republic of Turkey, have cut off relations with Israel. We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point. Period."

 

Erdogan made these comments to journalists aboard his plane following his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan highlighted his condemnation of what he termed genocide in Gaza and Lebanon.

He emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid and an immediate ceasefire, "As you know, intense efforts are being made to keep the pressure on Israel alive and to take coercive measures against this country on the basis of international law We show it," he is reported to have said.

At the time of writing the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv is still operating and Jerusalem has not made any official statement about Erdogan's comments.

Newsweek has reached out to the Turkish Embassy in Israel for comment by email.

 
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a news conference in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, May 13, 2024. On Wednesday, Erdogan said that Turkey can't continue to develop its relationship with Israel, according to reports. Burhan Ozbilici/AP Photo© Burhan Ozbilici/AP Photo

Erdogan's Advocacy for Humanitarian Aid

The Turkish president has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Israel in recent years, and his latest announcement marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

He has urged the United Nations and other international bodies to take stronger action to ensure the free flow of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical resources, to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

 

Turkey has positioned itself as a key player in the regional efforts to provide aid to Palestinians and refugees in neighboring countries, offering both logistic support and political advocacy.

A Shift in Regional Alliances

Erdogan's declaration of severing ties with Israel also comes at a time when Turkey is seeking to strengthen its relationships with other regional powers, notably Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.

His recent visits to both countries were seen as part of an effort to recalibrate Turkey's foreign policy and enhance its influence in the Middle East and Caucasus. By distancing Turkey from Israel, Erdogan is signaling a shift toward more supportive ties with nations critical of Israeli policies.

 
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, prior to their meeting in New York, Sept. 26, 2018. The reported severing of relations with Israel is part of Turkey's long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. Presidential Press Service/AP Photo© Presidential Press Service/AP Photo

At the same time, the announcement is likely to have broader implications for the geopolitical landscape in the region, while Turkey's decision will likely reverberate through its alliances with NATO and its role in the ongoing Syrian conflict.

Turkey's foreign policy moves, especially in the context of Middle Eastern affairs, have often been a balancing act between opposing regional factions.

Turkey's Commitment to Palestinian Cause

The severing of relations with Israel is part of Turkey's long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, which has been central to Erdogan's foreign policy for over a decade.

His government has frequently denounced Israeli military actions in Gaza, calling for stronger international measures to hold Israel accountable for its treatment of Palestinians. Erdogan's rhetoric has struck a chord with many in the Muslim world, positioning Turkey as a vocal defender of Palestinian rights and a prominent advocate for ending the Israeli occupation.

While the diplomatic break with Israel may have consequences for Turkey's relations with Western allies, including the U.S., it also reflects the increasingly assertive role that Turkey is taking in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:36:14 +0000
What Trump's mass deportation plan would mean for immigrant workers and the economy https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/3996-what-trump-s-mass-deportation-plan-would-mean-for-immigrant-workers-and-the-economy https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/3996-what-trump-s-mass-deportation-plan-would-mean-for-immigrant-workers-and-the-economy

President-Elect Trump has said he has "no choice" but to pursue mass deportation after the election results, and told NBC News there is "no price tag."

 

  • If that plan targets undocumented workers and temporary workers in addition to migrants who have recently crossed the border, the construction industry will be hit hard, as will housing and agriculture sectors.
  • By one estimate from an immigration policy group, GDP could shrink by $1.1 trillion to $1.7 trillion, but in his recent comments Trump has also said his plan will bring more businesses into the country and the U.S. needs more workers to grow.
 
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump visits the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, as seen from Piedras Negras, Mexico, February 29, 2024. 

President-Elect Donald J. Trump won the White House based partly on his promises to rein in immigration, with targeted policies that range from sending criminals to their home countries to more sweeping ones like

 
Trump's mass deportation proposal is a 'logistical, operational nightmare': Stifel's Brian Gardner
 

During the campaign, Trump pledged to end the Temporary Protected Status that allows workers from select countries to come to the U.S. to work. If some of the larger deportation efforts, like rolling back TPS,  come to fruition, experts say that there will be ripple effects felt in most sectors of the economy, in particular construction, housing and agriculture.

Economists and labor specialists are most worried about the economic impact of policies that would deport workers already in the U.S., both documented and undocumented.

Staffing agencies were watching the election especially closely.

"The morning after the election, we sat down as a leadership team and explored what does this mean for talent availability?" said Jason Leverant, president and COO of the AtWork Group, a franchise-based national staffing agency. AtWork provide commercial staffing in immigrant-heavy verticals like warehouses, industrial, and agriculture in 39 states. 

Workers – "talent" in industry parlance – are already in short supply. While the worst of the labor crisis spurred by the post-Covid economic boom has passed, and labor supply and demand has come back into balance in recent months, the number of workers available to fill jobs across the U.S. economy remains a closely watched data point. Mass deportation would exacerbate this economic issue, say employers and economists.

"If the proposed immigration policies come into reality, there could be a significant impact," Leverant said, pointing to estimates that a mass deportation program could leave as many as one million difficult-to-fill potential job openings.

How many undocumented immigrants work in the U.S.

There are various statistics offered up about the undocumented immigrant population in the United States. The left-leaning Center for American Progress puts the number at around 11.3 million, with 7 million of them working. The American Immigration Council, an advocacy group in favor of expanding immigration, citing data from an American Community Survey, also puts the number of undocumented people in the United States around 11 million. The non-partisan Pew Research Center puts the number at closer to 8 million people.

"There are millions, many millions who are undocumented who are in the trades; we don't have the Americans to do the work," said Chad Prinkey, the CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting, which works with construction companies. "We need these workers; what we all want is for them to be documented; we want to know who they are, where they are, and make sure they are paying taxes; we don't want them gone."

 Leverant says it is still being determined how jobs lost from a mass deportation would be filled.

"Do we pull talent from one area to another, but then someone else loses it," Leverant said. "This is pretty significant and we have to stay ahead of it."

Leverant says he is not concerned about losing any of the 20,000 workers AtWork sends to various places because document status is strenuously checked, but if other companies lose workers, they will be leaning even more heavily on staffing agencies like AtWork for talent that is already in short supply. And supply and demand dictate worker wages, which will be forced upwards. And that will ripple throughout the supply chain right into the supermarket or sporting goods store.

"We are playing the long game now, the pain will be felt and we will see shortages, and slow-downs and delays on every front," he said.

Produce not making it to market because there are not enough workers to bring it to distribution, or delayed construction projects, are among likely outcomes from limited labor supply.

Worries about workforce extend to skilled labor, tech

There are also concerns about how stricter immigration policy could negatively impact skilled workers.

"This is more than low-skilled labor; this ripples into tech workers and engineers. We don't have enough skilled talent there either to fill the jobs," Leverant said, adding that he is not envisioning doctors and scientists being rounded up and deported, but restrictions on H-1B visas and a generally more unwelcoming atmosphere could deter talent from coming.

Janeesa Hollingshead, head of expansion at Uber Works, an on-demand staffing arm of the ride-share company, agrees tech will be impacted, if past is prologue.

 

"The tech industry relies heavily on immigrants to fill highly technical, crucial roles," Hollinghead said, recalling that Uber informed all tech workers on H-1B visas during Trump's first presidency that if they went to their home countries for holidays, they may not be able to return.

According to the American Immigration Council, during the first Trump administration, the government's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied a larger percentage of H-1B petitions than in the preceding four years, but many of the denials were overturned, leading to a lower level of denials by fiscal 2020, 13%, versus 24% in 2018. Fiscal years 2021and 2022 had the lowest denial rates ever recorded.

Hollingshead says that tech companies in the United States are going to be forced to find tech talent from currently overlooked pools of people already in the country.

 

"U.S. companies are going to need to figure out how to do this or face an even more dire labor shortage," Hollingshead says.

"I would not write off his mass deportation process as rhetoric. We have to assume he means what he says," according to David Leopold, chair of the immigration practice group at law firm U.B. Greensfelder.

Still, despite the impact that could churn through the labor market, in practice, the mass deportations might be difficult to pull off.

"It is very expensive to remove 11 million people," Leopold said, predicting that Trump will use ICE and federal agencies but also lean on local law enforcement to round up immigrants.

In a phone interview with NBC News anchor telling Kristen Welker shortly after the election results, Trump invoked the darker rhetoric on migrants that proved successful during the campaign while saying he isn't opposed to people coming into the country — in fact, he said more people will be required if his administration's strategy of requiring businesses to set up operations within the U.S. is successful. "We want people to come in," Trump said. "We're gonna have a lot of businesses coming into our country. They want to come into our country. ... We want companies and factories and plants and automobile factories to come into our country, and they will be coming. And therefore we need people, but we want people that aren't necessarily sitting in a jail because they murdered seven people."

 

The American Immigration Council estimates that in a longer-term mass deportation operation targeting one million people per year — which it said reflects "more conservative proposals" made by mass-deportation proponents — the cost would average out to $88 billion annually, for a total cost of $967.9 billion over the course of more than a decade.

In his interview with NBC News, Trump dismissed concerns about cost. "It's not a question of a price tag," he said. "Wwe have no choice. When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries and now they're going to go back to those countries because they're not staying here. ... there is no price tag," Trump said.

Leopold says depending in the severity of the plan, changes could reach consumers in the form of increasing prices, supply problems, and restricted access to goods and services. 

 

Construction and housing damage

Nan Wu, research director of the American Immigration Council, echoes the concerns of others in predicting turmoil for consumers if deportations tick upward under Trump.

"Mass deportation would exacerbate ongoing U.S. labor shortages, especially in industries that rely heavily on undocumented immigrant workers," Wu said, citing AIC's research that shows the construction industry would lose one in eight workers, citing AIC"s research that 14 percent of construction workers in the United States are undocumented.

"The removal of so many workers within a short period would push up construction costs and lead to delays in building new homes, making housing even less affordable in many parts of the country," Wu said.

The same, she says, applies to the agriculture industry which would also see a loss of one in eight workers.

"Looking at specific occupations, about one-quarter of farm workers, agricultural graders, and sorters are undocumented workers. Losing the agricultural workers who grow, pick, and pack our food would hurt domestic food production and raise food prices," Wu said.

 

Figures from the USDA put the number of undocumented farm workers at 41 percent in 2018, the most recent year figures are available, with California having the highest number.

The AIC estimates that the U.S. GDP would shrink by $1.1 trillion to $1.7 trillion.

Prinkey says the impact of a mass deportation program would be dramatic. "One of the natural problems with undocumented workers, we don't know how many are here because they are undocumented. It isn't straightforward. I would wager that half or more of on-site labor is undocumented in specific geographic regions," he said.

"If you are building a nuclear facility or colleges and universities, you might be working with very few undocumented workers because there is a much higher level of oversight," Prinkey said. "Those are sectors that will shrug and go forward." He expected the same for union workers.

 

But there will be big impacts on single-family and multi-family housing construction, according to Prinkey, sectors of the housing market which he thinks could be "paralyzed."

"There will be incredible delays; the average 18-month project could take five years to complete because there are so few bodies," Prinkey said. "It will be less devastating in Boston than Austin; in Austin, it would shut down every project," he added.

Despite the dire forecast, Prinkey doesn't think mass deportation will come to pass. "Donald Trump is a developer; he understands what is going on. A mass deportation is not possible without crippling economic impact," he said.

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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Sun, 10 Nov 2024 14:55:17 +0000
US election results map 2024: How does it compare to 2020? https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/3995-us-election-results-map-2024-how-does-it-compare-to-2020 https://indiamirror.net/index.php/hi/disclaimer/item/3995-us-election-results-map-2024-how-does-it-compare-to-2020

With all states now counted, US President-elect Donald Trump has won 312 of 538 electoral votes, including all seven battleground states, while Democratic rival Kamala Harris secured 226.

Republicans also lead the popular vote by about 4 million votes, with 95 percent of votes counted.

So, how do these results compare to 2020, and which states have shifted most to the right?

(Al Jazeera)

 

States ranked from most red to most blue

The Republicans won majorities in 31 out of the country’s 50 states with their biggest victories in Wyoming (72.3 percent), West Virginia (70.1 percent), North Dakota (67.5 percent), Idaho (66.8 percent) and Oklahoma (66.1 percent).

Meanwhile, the Democrats won 19 states as well as the capital DC where they received 92.4 percent of votes, followed by Vermont (64.3 percent), Maryland (61.5 percent), Massachusetts (61.2 percent) and Hawaii (60.6 percent).

The table below shows each state’s results, from the most Republican votes to the least with 95 percent of votes reported nationwide.

 

The table below shows each state’s results, from the most Republican votes to the least with 95 percent of votes reported nationwide.

 
US election results map 2024: How does it compare to 2020?

Battleground state results

Leading up to the November 5 elections, pollsters identified seven battleground states with polls within a few percentage points, making them too close to call.

In the US Electoral College, a candidate needs at least 270 out of 538 Electoral votes to win the presidency.

Each state is allocated a certain number of Electoral votes based on its population. Some states consistently favour one party, making them safe for either Democrats or Republicans, while “battleground” or “swing states” can shift, making them crucial in deciding the election.

The seven battleground states, totalling 93 Electoral votes, included:

Pennsylvania (19), Georgia (16), North Carolina (16), Michigan (15), Arizona (11), Wisconsin (10) and Nevada (6).

 
US election results map 2024: How does it compare to 2020?

US election results: 2020 v 2024

In 2020, Democrats, led by Joe Biden, won 306 electoral votes across 25 states and the capital, Washington, DC, while Trump secured 232 by winning the remaining 25 states.

In 2024, Donald Trump’s Republican party flipped six states to win the 2024 election.

 
(Al Jazeera)

All 50 states shifted red in 2024

Republicans have won a larger share of votes in every state in 2024 compared to 2020, with 95 percent of votes counted nationwide.

In the 2020 election, Trump received 37.74 percent of the vote in New York, while Biden secured 60.87 percent. However, in 2024, Trump earned 44.17 percent of the vote, compared to 55.83 percent for Harris. This marks the biggest shift, with a 6.43 percent change, and nearly 97 percent of the vote counted.

Other notable swings to the right include New Jersey (4.92 percent), Florida (4.88 percent), California (4.61 percent) and Massachusetts (4.38 percent).

The map below shows the percentage shift in each state across the country.

 
(Al Jazeera)
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kaazmi2012@gmail.com (Super User) International Sun, 10 Nov 2024 14:41:56 +0000