Month: December 2025

As the US administration makes several moves on country’s immigration policy, President Donald Trump said that he intends to pause asylum “for a long time”.

“They are the people who shouldn’t be in our country, including Somalians and plenty of others,” Trump told reporters while referring to the Afghan national accused of shooting near White House.

He was speaking to reporters on board Air Force One. When asked about the duration of the pause on asylum, Trump said that it would be for a long time since “most of them are no good”.

“For a long time. No time limit. We don’t want those people. We have enough problems. You know why? Because many of them are no good and they shouldn’t be in our country,” he added.

Launching a scathing attack on immigrants from countries like Somalia, Trump said that they don’t have governments or police and “go around killing each other”.

“These people are the people from different countries that aren’t friendly to the us and the countries that are out of control themselves. Countries like Somalia that have virtually no governmnet, military or police. All they do is go around killing each other. Then they come into our country and tell us how to run our country. We don’t want them,” Trump said.

Although Trump did not elaborate on the number of countries targeted, he said it is likely more than 19.

“They are not good countries. They are very crime-ridden countries. They are countries that don’t register from a standpoint of success. We, frankly, don’t need their people in our country and telling us what to do,” he added.

Speaking on the attack on two members of the National Guard, Trump said, “Andrew is fighting for his life”.

He added that he intends to honour both of them at the White House.

Trump on Sunday (local time) lambasted the previous Joe Biden administration, accusing its leaders of “screwing the country” by admitting “unchecked and unvetted” immigrants.

The President also hit out at former Vice President Kamala Harris for letting “anyone and everyone come in” to the US, who was responsible for overseeing the country’s border security policies and immigration enforcement efforts.

“Crooked Joe Biden, Mayorkas, and so-called ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris really screwed our Country by letting anyone and everyone come in totally unchecked and unvetted,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also accused the previous Biden administration of committing an “act of national self-sabotage” by letting immigrants like Lakanwal into the country. The department further stated that immigration requests for Afghan nationals have been suspended indefinitely.

Kristi Noem, Secretary at the DHS, has held the previous Joe Biden administration responsible for the killing of National Guard member Spec. Sarah Beckstrom in the White House shooting.

“This individual’s application to be in this country started under the Joe Biden administration. The consequences of the shooting and the death of Sarah are directly on the shoulders of Joe Biden and his administration,” Noem said while referring to suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal being charged with first-degree murder after one of the two severely wounded National Guard members died.

Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe (24), the other National Guard member, battles for his life as he recovers from severe injuries from the shooting.

Lakanwal (29) migrated from Afghanistan in 2021 under “Operation Allies Welcome” during Joe Biden’s tenure, after the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in Afghanistan. (ANI)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his “drama nahi, delivery” remark ahead of the winter session of the Parliament, asserting that raising and discussing issues in the houses is not drama but a core part of democratic functioning.

Speaking to reporters following PM Modi’s address ahead of the 6th session of the 18th Lok Sabha and 269th Rajya Sabha, the Congress MP from Wayanad asserted that raising pressing public concerns like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and severe air pollution is the very purpose of Parliament.

“There are urgent issues. Election situation, SIR, and pollution are huge issues. Let us discuss them. What is the Parliament for? Let’s discuss them. It’s not drama. Speaking about issues, raising issues is not drama. Drama is not allowing discussions. Drama is not having a democratic discussion about issues that matter to the public,” Gandhi said.

Meanwhile, according to sources, INDIA bloc parties have decided to raise the SIR issue in both Houses of Parliament today, with the parties unanimously agreeing that the SIR will be treated as the prime agenda and will be debated first during the ongoing Winter Session.

Priyanka Gandhi’s remark comes at the backdrop of PM Modi’s address ahead of the winter parliament session, calling on the opposition parties to focus on delivering a productive parliament session for the people.

Taking a jibe at the Opposition, he said they appear “unsettled” due to the recent defeat in the Bihar elections, he called upon them to put aside differences and work for ensuring sound policy and laws are passed in parliament, in order to not repeat the washout of the monsoon session.

“I would request that everyone think about the issues at hand. There are a lot of places for doing drama; whoever wants to do drama can do it. Yaha drama nahi, delivery honi chahiye (There should be delivery here, no drama). Whoever wants to say slogans, the whole country is there; you have already said it during the defeat of Bihar elections. But here the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans,” PM Modi said ahead of the winter parliament session.

“It is possible that negativity can work in politics but ultimately positive thinking is needed for nation building. Negativity should be kept aside and nation-building should be the focus,” he added. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day, lauding the Naga culture for being “rooted in service, courage and compassion.”

In an X post, PM Modi wished for prosperity and progress for Nagaland.

“Greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day. The glorious Naga culture, rooted in service, courage and compassion, is widely admired. The people of Nagaland have distinguished themselves across many fields. May the state keep moving ahead with prosperity and progress in the years ahead,” the Prime Minister said.

In 1957, Naga leaders formed the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) and met with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960. The NPC and the central government reached a 16-point agreement to create a separate region of the Naga Hills. On September 4, 1962, with the Bill for the formation of Nagaland receiving the President’s assent, the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, was passed. Nagaland was formally recognised as the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963, with Kohima being declared its capital.

Since then, December 1 has been celebrated annually as Nagaland Statehood Day.

Earlier, the Naga Hills were a district in Assam.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also extended wishes on the occasion, calling Nagaland the “land of festivals” and hoping for the peace and harmony to continue among the tribes and communities residing there.

“We extend our warmest wishes to the people of Nagaland on the 63rd Statehood Day. Known as the ‘Land of Festivals,’ Nagaland wonderfully reflects the rich diversity of India. The state is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, valiant people, and lively cultural traditions. May the different tribes and communities continue to live together in harmony, peace, and shared prosperity,” Kharge wrote on X. (ANI)

The last batch of stranded passengers at the Bandarnaike International Airport in Colombo have arrived back home, as shared by the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka.

The High Commission wrote on X, “#OperationSagarBandhu. Last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo have reached home. 104 stranded Indians reached Thiruvananthapuram, onboard @IAF_MCC aircraft, around 6.30 am today.”

The High Commission shared that the departing passengers chanted “Bharat Mata ki jai” as they prepared to leave under the coordinated evacuation effort.

“Operation Sagar Bandhu bringing smiles. The last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah chants ‘Bharat Maata ki jai’ as High Commissioner Santosh Jha sees them off before boarding Indian Air Force aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram,” it said.

India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to aid Sri Lanka following the devastation triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft landed in Colombo on Sunday carrying disaster response supplies.

In a post on X, he said, “Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft C130J carrying approx 10 tons of disaster response supplies, BHISHM Cubes and a medical team for on-site training and support has landed in Colombo.”

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated that commercial aircraft and the IAF continue to evacuate Indians stuck amid deadly floods.In a post on X, the High Commission said, “Evacuation of Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah continues through commercial airlines and Indian Air Force flights. Two Indian Air Force flights, an IL 76 with 247 passengers to Thiruvananthapuram and a C 130 J with 76 passengers to Delhi (Hindon), have taken off from Colombo. Further evacuation of stranded passengers through commercial airlines is also underway.”

“Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka is providing all assistance to stranded Indian passengers and facilitating their swift travel back home. Any stranded Indian passenger in Sri Lanka can reach out on the Emergency Help Desk No: +94 773727832 or reach out to the Airline counters now operational at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo,” it added.

The Indian Air Force on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune. The ongoing operation has tapped into domestic support operations.

India launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation. The Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo to assist those affected by severe floods. (ANI)

At least 334 people have been confirmed dead, while 370 remain missing in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, Daily Mirror reported on Monday, citing Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

According to the Daily Mirror, in the wake of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the worst-hit district is Kandy, where 88 deaths and 150 missing persons have been recorded. Badulla recorded 71 deaths, Nuwara Eliya recorded 68 deaths and Matale reported 23 deaths along with significant casualties. According to the DMC, the disaster has affected 11,18,929 people from 3,09,607 families across the country.

One of the gravest natural disasters in Sri Lanka’s recent history, Daily Mirror reported that rising river levels, rising to historic highs, have left entire towns submerged, major bridges swept away and critical infrastructure collapsing.

Daily Mirror also mentioned that Starlink has offered free connectivity in Indonesia and Sri Lanka reel from the deadly cyclone. The company said it is providing free service to all new and existing customers in the affected regions through December 2025.

India launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to aid Sri Lanka following the devastation triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Swinging into swift action, India has helped its neighbour with HADR operations, rescue and relief, to provide aid and assistance to the country.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft landed in Colombo on Sunday carrying disaster response supplies.

The Indian Air Force on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune. The ongoing operation has tapped into domestic support operations.

India launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation. The Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo to assist those affected by severe floods.

The scale and speed of these missions underscore India’s steadfast commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in its hour of need, as the Indian Air Force delivers swift, coordinated, and compassionate HADR support under challenging conditions. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Monday ahead of the winter parliament session, calling on the Opposition parties to focus on delivering a productive parliament session for the people.

Taking a jibe at the Opposition, he said they appear “unsettled,” due to the recent defeat in the Bihar elections, he called upon them to put aside differences and work for ensuring sound policy and laws are passed in parliament, in order to not repeat the washout of the monsoon session.

“I would request that everyone thinks about the issues at hand. There is a lot of place for doing drama, whoever wants to do drama can do it. Yaha drama nahi, delivery honi chahiye (There should delivery here, no drama). Whoever wants to say slogans, the whole country is there, you have already said it during the defeat of Bihar elections. But here the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans,” PM Modi said ahead of the winter parliament session.

“It is possible that negativity can work in politics but ultimately positive thinking is needed for nation building. Negativity should be kept aside and nation building should be the focus,” he added.

Calling on the Opposition to raise relevant and strong issues, he said that he felt the parties could have gotten over their recent defeat in Bihar, but clearly they are still unsettled.

“The opposition should also raise strong, relevant issues in Parliament. They should come out of being upset (from their election defeat) and participate. I thought that it has been a long time since Bihar elections, so they would have composed themselves, but yesterday it seemed that defeat has clearly affected them,” he said.

He further urged all parties that the winter session should not become a battleground for frustration born out of defeat, nor should it turn into an arena for arrogance born out of victory.

“This session should focus on issues like what Parliament is thinking for the country, what Parliament wants to do for the country, and what Parliament is going to do for the country. The opposition should also fulfill its responsibility and raise strong issues in the discussion,” PM Modi said.

Earlier, members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) met on Monday to discuss the strategy of the Opposition bloc ahead of the nearly three-week session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs did not attend the coalition meeting, citing that they are occupied with their own party meeting ahead of the winter session, according to Congress sources.

The Parliament is set to have 15 sittings across 19 days. Private Members’ Bills are set to be taken for consideration on December 5 and 19, and Private Members’ resolutions on December 12.

While the previous monsoon session was considered as a “washout” amid repeated sloganeering and protests by the Opposition parties regarding the ongoing SIR, the opposition parties seek to raise the issue of the recent Delhi blast near red fort, the air quality in the national capital and foreign policy too. (ANI)