New Delhi: Rainfall occurred in parts of the National Capital Region of Delhi on Wednesday, with a noticeable change in weather conditions and a drop in temperature. Indira Bhawan’s video showed persistent rain under overcast skies, while scenes at Moolchand Metro Station captured commuters moving through light to moderate showers. Rain and gusty winds were also reported from Palam district, indicating widespread weather activity across Delhi.High-speed winds sweeping through Delhi caused power outages and chaos in several areas of the capital, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning urging residents to stay indoors and avoid fragile structures. People are warned to stay away from windows, poles and overhead power lines, while loose objects are secured to prevent accidents.Farmers were advised to temporarily halt outdoor work and move livestock to safer areas, while motorists caught in the storm were told to pull over safely and stay in their vehicles rather than drive through strong winds and flying debris.according to India Meteorological DepartmentThe city is likely to continue experiencing light rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds until March 20. Wind speeds are likely to be between 20-30 km/h, with gusts up to 40-50 km/h, especially in the afternoon and evening.The weather change has been attributed to active western disturbance and cyclonic circulation affecting northwest India, leading to increased thunderstorm activity in the region.The rainfall has caused temperatures to drop, with maximum temperatures expected to drop from around 32–34°C to 26–28°C over the next two days, still below normal for this time of year. The minimum temperature is likely to remain between 16°C and 20°C.The brief rains provided some relief from the early summer heat and improved overall weather conditions in the city.The IMD advises residents to take precautions, exercise caution during thunderstorms, avoid flooded areas and trees, and drive with caution.
Rand Paul clashes with Markwayne Mullin: 5 things to know about Trump’s heated confirmation hearings for DHS nominee
senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Senate confirmation hearings begin Markwayne Mullin In a high-profile challenge, the nominee for Homeland Security secretary was urged to “tell me to my face” why Paul was attacked and suffered broken ribs.
The hearings for Mullin, Trump’s pick for the Department of Homeland Security, apparently began in chaos. He has been nominated to take over Kristi Noem.
Paul slams Mullin’s ‘anger issues’ during heated confirmation hearing: Five things to know
- Paul, the committee chairman, rebuked Mullin in his opening remarks, saying he “understands” why Paul was violently attacked by a neighbor in 2017. “I just wonder whether someone who celebrates violence against a political opponent is appropriate to lead an institution that has struggled to accept limits on the appropriate use of force,” he said.
- Paul said Mullin’s criticism was indicative of a larger “pattern” of confrontational behavior, showing footage of previous altercations involving Mullin and questioning whether Americans should trust a “person with anger issues to set an appropriate example for ICE and Border Patrol agents.”
- Mullin responded to Paul by acknowledging that he was “very forthright” and “could understand why [Paul’s] neighbor did what he did,” but said he does not support political violence. He stressed that his differences with Paul and other senators “do not stop me from doing my job as secretary of Homeland Security at all,” further asserting that “I will protect everyone” and that the position is “bigger than our partisan bickering.”
- “I’m not afraid of challenges,” Mullin said. “I’m afraid of failure.” He added: “We have to Department of Homeland Security funding,” referring to the looming shutdown.
- Paul has yet to reveal his vote for Mullin’s confirmation; however, the Oklahoma senator apparently lacks supporters for his position as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “The record should show — and I think will show — a lack of contrition, no apology, no regret for your support,” Paul responded.
“I will not apologize for pointing out your character,” Mullin added.
Mullin’s confirmation hearing is scheduled to take place all day Wednesday, and senators on the Homeland Security Committee are expected to vote on Mullin’s nomination on Thursday, Politico reported.
The hearing comes as the Department of Homeland Security shuts down for 32 days, resulting in longer airport security lines and leaving employees without pay for weeks.
Joe Kent resigns: White House says Joe Kent was not involved in Iran action negotiations, reiterates Donald Trump’s confidence in Tulsi Gabbard
The White House said Joe Kent was not involved in negotiations over Iran action (Image: AP)
White House press secretary Carolyn Levitt on Wednesday sought to contain the fallout from Joe Kent’s resignation over the Iran war. She said the former head of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) was not involved in any discussions related to U.S. actions in Iran and stressed that President Donald Trump maintains “full trust” in the director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Levitt distances Kent from Iran war decisions
Levitt told Fox News that Kent, the first senior Trump administration official to resign over the Iran conflict, “has not been involved in any discussions about Iran’s actions.”The comments appeared aimed at undermining the significance of Kent’s public break with the government, especially as his resignation raised questions about the intelligence foundation of the war and whether dissent existed within the national security apparatus.Levitt used the interview to solidly support Tulsi Gabbard, saying Trump has “full confidence” in the director of national intelligence despite the political firestorm caused by Kent’s exit.
White House rejects Kent’s claim that there is “no imminent threat”
Kent resigned on Tuesday, saying he could not “in good conscience” support Iran’s ongoing war.In his resignation statement, Kent argued that “Iran poses no imminent threat to our country” and claimed the war was started due to “pressure from Israel and its powerful U.S. lobby,” a charge the White House has repeatedly and strongly denied.Levitt responded to Kent’s letter on Tuesday, calling parts of it misleading.“There are a lot of false claims in this letter, but let me talk about one specifically: ‘Iran does not pose an imminent threat to our country,'” Levitt said, according to Fox News.“This is the same false claim repeated over and over again by Democrats and some liberal media outlets,” she added.Levitt further said Trump has “strong and compelling evidence” that Iran is preparing to attack the United States first.
‘Trump will never operate in a vacuum’
Levitt said the intelligence behind the president’s decision came from multiple sources.“The evidence was gathered from many sources and factors,” she said, according to Fox News. “President Trump would never make a decision to deploy military assets against a foreign adversary in a vacuum,” she added.She also defended the broader rationale for the attack, calling Iran “the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism” and saying the regime “proudly kills Americans” and openly threatens the United States before launching military action.According to Fox News, Levitt said that Iran has been actively expanding its short-range ballistic missile capabilities and intends to use these missiles as a shield while pursuing its “ultimate goal” of acquiring nuclear weapons.“The regime’s intent is to use these ballistic missiles as a shield to continue to pursue its ultimate goal of nuclear weapons,” she said.She added that Trump had concluded that a joint strike with Israel would “significantly reduce the imminent threat to U.S. national security interests” and thereby “significantly reduce the risk to American lives.”
Trump has already lashed out at Kent
Levitt’s latest comments come a day after Trump himself publicly attacked Kent following his resignation.Shortly after Kent resigned, Trump said he had always considered Kent “weak on security” and called his departure “a good thing.”“I’ve always thought he was weak on security, very weak on security,” Trump said.He also said that after reading Kent’s statement, “I realized it was a good thing he was out.” Trump argued that if there were people in his administration who believed Iran was not a threat, “we wouldn’t need those people.”
Kent’s exit puts pressure on intelligence chiefs
Kent’s resignation intensifies scrutiny of the administration just as top intelligence officials prepare to face Congress.Kent’s criticism is expected to be highlighted when lawmakers ask intelligence leaders about U.S.-Israeli assessments ahead of the war with Iran.Wednesday’s Senate Intelligence Committee hearing included testimony from Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel and senior officials from the National Security Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency.Kent’s resignation letter, particularly his assertion that Iran does not pose “an imminent threat to the United States,” will likely become a focal point for Democrats to pressure the administration to ask whether intelligence warrants military action.According to the New York Times, Rep. Jim Himes, the Democratic leader on the House Intelligence Committee, said, “I have seen absolutely no evidence that Iran is about to launch an attack.”
MEA: 2.6 lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia since February 28
New Delhi: Amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, the government said on Wednesday that around 260,000 people have returned to India from the region since February 28.At an inter-ministerial briefing on the situation in West Asia, Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said that around 70 flights are expected to fly from various airports in the UAE to different destinations in India on Wednesday.
He said the flight situation was “reassuring”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke about the phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday.“The two leaders discussed the current situation in West Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks against the UAE, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure,” he said.Jaiswal said the two leaders agreed on the importance of “ensuring safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”“The two leaders will continue to work together to promote the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region,” an MEA spokesperson said.This is Modi’s second phone call with the President of the United Arab Emirates since the US-Israeli coalition launched an attack on Iran on February 28.Tehran retaliated by attacking several Gulf states that host U.S. military bases.Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Tehran was helping Indian nationals, especially students. He said many more Indians have expressed a desire to cross the Iranian border to Armenia and Azerbaijan.“Our embassy has issued a warning and we call on everyone to adhere to it to ensure safe crossing of the Iran-Armenia and Iran-Azerbaijan borders,” he added.Asked about the supply of fuel to some of India’s neighboring countries, an MEA spokesperson said: “I have discussed this specific issue before. I would like to reiterate that we have received these requests and we are reviewing them, taking into account our own requirements and availability. ” Mahajan said the MEA “continues to monitor closely” developments in the Gulf and West Asia region.“We will continue to provide visas, consular services and logistical support to seafarers, stranded Indian nationals and short-term visitors where required… We have made special efforts to help Indian students in the Gulf region. “Mahajan told reporters that around 260,000 passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28.He said the mandate in these districts has reached down to schools, including those affiliated to CBSE.He said the Grade 10 exams were canceled on Sunday, as were the Grade 12 exams. ICSE and Kerala board exams have also been cancelled, he said.Additional secretary (Gulf) of the MEA said: “The formulation and determination of scores in these cases will be announced by the various committees in due course.”In Tehran, the Indian embassy facilitated the resettlement of several Indian students, he added.Regarding the flight situation, Mahajan said that although some countries have shut down flights, “overall, the flight situation continues to improve” as more flights are operated.On March 17, around 70 flights departed from UAE airports to India.He said that around 70 flights are currently expected to fly from various airports in the UAE to different destinations in India.Qatar’s airspace remains partially open. Qatar Airways operated five flights to India yesterday.Qatar Airways also announced the launch of flights to nine destinations today, MEA officials said.Kuwait’s airspace has been closed since February 28, he said.Kuwait’s Al Jazeera Airways is expected to operate special non-scheduled commercial flights from Saudi Arabia’s Qaysouma International Airport to India in the coming days, Middle East and Africa officials said.Jaiswal was also asked about US President Donald Trump’s comments on NATO. “Yes, we have seen the reports,” he said.Trump said on Tuesday that NATO and most other U.S. allies had rejected his calls to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The United States has cut citizenship renunciation fees by 80%. What is the new fee?
Surprisingly, the U.S. Department of State has significantly reduced the fee for renunciation of citizenship by approximately 80%, from $2,350 to $450.
The new rules, expected to take effect on April 13, will make it less expensive for Americans, especially those living overseas, to formally renounce their citizenship.
Although announced in 2023, it is only now being implemented. The action reverses a 2015 rule that made the waiver process U.S. citizenship One of the most expensive countries in the world.
The fees now are equivalent to those in 2010, when the U.S. State Department first began charging fees for Americans who wanted to formally renounce their citizenship.
This fee increased to US$2,350 in 2015 due to an increase in the number of applications for Certificates of Loss of Nationality (CLN). According to the Guardian, the IRS said that approximately 4,820 people will renounce their citizenship in 2024.
“While the law does not require individuals to declare a motive for relinquishing U.S. citizenship, anecdotal evidence suggests that difficulties are at least partially attributable to reporting requirements,” State Council pointed out.
Also read: Can savings of $120,000 last for 9 years in India? Calculations for H-1B visa holders ‘impressive’
Overview of the process of renouncing U.S. citizenship
Despite the reduced fees, the act of renouncing U.S. citizenship remains complex and lengthy.
Applicants must:
– Go in person to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
– Fulfill multiple written and verbal confirmations
– Formal oath of renunciation
– Pending final approval and issuance of Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN)
The duration of the process may extend to several months or longer, depending on availability at U.S. consulates and embassies.
Reasons for surge in renunciation of U.S. citizenship
The number of Americans choosing to renounce their citizenship has increased significantly in recent years. According to a Boundless report on renunciation of U.S. citizenship, the number of people renounced U.S. citizenship each year has surged from a few hundred before 2009 to more than 5,000 in recent years.
Key factors contributing to this trend include:
– The United States has complex tax reporting requirements for citizens living abroad
– Financial and banking restrictions imposed by other countries
– personal or political motives
U.S. citizens are obligated to file annual tax returns regardless of their place of residence. This requirement creates ongoing compliance difficulties for many people, particularly those who are designated as incidental Americans.
About to retire? Buttler makes honest admission after poor performance in T20 WC
New Delhi: Former England captain If the housekeeper Admits his performance at the T20 World Cup was disappointing but insists his international career is not over yet. The veteran batsman scored just 87 runs in eight innings england cricket team Reached the semi-finals before losing to the Indian cricket team. Despite the setback, he believes he can get back to his best.
Reflecting on his performance, Buttler said, “Obviously my game was poor, which is disappointing,” but he remained hopeful, adding, “But I’ve been playing the best cricket of my (career) in recent years, so hopefully I can get back to my best.” He also made it clear that he still wanted to play for England, saying: “Of course I have ambitions (to play for England again) but no longer as captain, I’m not a selector and so on, so what happens.”
‘It didn’t quite happen’: Jos Buttler
After the World Cup, Butler went to France with his family to rest and adjust his mental state. “I had moved away from cricket, which was perfect for me at the time,” he explains of the need to take a step back. He added, “That’s exactly what I needed,” he continued. The break helped him reflect on his game and mentality. “It was really refreshing and I really enjoyed it, a complete release,” he said. Butler acknowledged that things didn’t go his way, concluding: “It wasn’t a lack of effort, it was just that things didn’t quite happen.”
‘Abusive relationship’: Devi Gowda responds to Haq’s ‘love us, marry Modiji’ dig
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday responded to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s jibes accusing him of choosing the BJP over the Congress as an alliance partner.Hours after Kharg’s speech in the House of Commons, Dev Gowda wrote a letter saying he had a “forced marriage” to the old party but had to “divorce” it because it was an “abusive relationship.”
The letter read: “My dear old friend Shri Mallikarjun Kharge made light-hearted comments in the House today that I had ‘loved’ them (Congress) but ended up ‘marrying’ Modi ji (BJP). He also said that he did not know the reason for my doing so. I was not in the House when Shri Kharge was speaking as I had to travel to Bengaluru to attend Ugadi celebrations tomorrow,” the letter read.“If I were to respond to my friend in the language of marriage, I would say I was in a ‘forced marriage’ to Congress but had to be ‘divorced’ because it was an abusive relationship,” he added.Furthermore, the former prime minister accused the Congress of “abandoning” his party after awarding the Karnataka chief ministership to Deve Gowda’s son Kumaraswamy in 2018.“Shri Kharge will remember that in 2018 Congress sent Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and proposed Shri Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister. I did not agree with this. I said in front of everyone that Shri Kharge should be made Chief Minister. Shri Siddaramaiah was also present. However, Shri Azad insisted on Shri Kumaraswamy leadership. But after all this song, dance and a wedding, they abandoned us in 2019,” he said.“How many Congress MLAs defected to the BJP, and who sent them there, is now a known matter. Had the Congress taken action that day against those who instigated defections, my friend Shri Kharge’s position as AICC president would have been better today. So, to clarify, I did not abandon the Congress alliance. It was them who left. They left me with no option but to ‘divorce’ them and seek a more stable alliance,” he added.Earlier in the day, Mallikarjun Kharge said at the farewell ceremony that he had known Deve Gowda for more than 54 years and had worked closely with the former prime minister before his party aligned with the BJP.“I have known Deve Gowda ji for more than 54 years and I worked with him for many years. Later, I don’t know what happened… ‘Wo mohabbat humare saath kiye, shadi Modi sahab ke sath’,” Kharg said, drawing laughter from other MPs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The collaboration entered a critical phase in 1996 when Deve Gowda became prime minister and led a Congress-backed United Front government. In Karnataka, his party JD(S) later alternated between opposing and cooperating with the Congress party.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi also addressed the House, thanking the outgoing members for their contributions and expressing similar sentiments.“Politics has no end. The future awaits you,” the prime minister said, urging retired MPs to continue contributing to public life. He also called on the newly elected MPs to learn from senior leaders like Deve Gowda, Kharge and Sharad Pawar, pointing out their decades of parliamentary experience.Prime Minister Modi also paid special tribute to Ramdas Atharwale’s wit, saying humor and satire in the House had declined in recent years but remained alive through characters like him. Athawale is one of the 37 members who completed their term, along with other leaders including Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva and Abhishek Manu Singhvi.These retirements follow elections for 37 federal parliamentary seats in 10 states, in which 26 candidates ran unopposed. The composition of the upper house has been further reshaped by political developments in states such as Bihar, where opposition abstentions helped pass the NDA.
‘Hinduism doesn’t convert’: Indian-American Frisco residents fight H-1B hate and misinformation about Indian-Americans
Indian-American women speak out against H-1B hate at Frisco City Council meeting.
As a Frisco council meeting turned into an outlet for anger over H-1B and the Indian community, one Indian-American resident who has lived in Texas since 2016 took issue with the narrative, which she said was based on misinformation. Ms. Neha Suratran said Frisco is one of the safest cities, not in spite of its diversity or Indian-American community, but in conjunction with it. Neha said there have been no confirmed reports of H-1B fraud in Frisco, and the Frisco City Council does not even have authority to do so. The video of her speech went viral on social media platforms. Suratran said some activists choose to speak about the H-1B visa program at city council meetings simply to spread hate because they fear those who are different from them. She said people express strong opinions based on group chats and viral posts without fact-checking. She argued that the H-1B visa program is not a simple system, as she elaborated that a person must have a specialized job opportunity, whether in a tech field or in medicine; they must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and companies must prove they are not hiring cheap labor from foreign countries and pay the same wages they pay U.S. citizens. The system is selective, competitive, and regulated, and stopping H-1B will lead to a brain drain because not enough U.S. students are taking STEM or machine learning courses in college, and there are more foreign students than U.S. students taking these courses at U.S. universities. She said American Indian communities have better education, higher incomes and lower crime rates, but they are being maligned in the new narrative of an “Indian takeover” that dominated the Frisco Council meeting. She added that the Hindu Indian-American community also celebrates Christmas and Thanksgiving and that Hinduism will not be converted.Another U.S.-born Indian-American, Sahas Kaur, spoke of anti-Indian hatred and said the police chief told him that most cities with Frisco’s population would envy Frisco’s low crime rate.
Jimmy Gracie Update: Big update on missing University of Alabama student’s phone in Spain
Worried mother of University of Alabama student James Paul Gracie A heartfelt appeal for help in locating a son reported missing in Spain.
According to Theresa Gracie, James, who is from Elmhurst, Ill., had been visiting friends who were currently studying in Elmhurst, Ill. barcelona. She mentioned in the Facebook post that he went out with friends on Monday night but did not return to the AirBnb he booked for March 16.
According to James’ mother, James was last seen by friends at the Shoko nightclub in Spain around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. He has since been reported missing to the police barcelona.
According to his mother, James was believed to be wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants (most likely joggers) when he disappeared.
“He did not return to the Airbnb. Has anyone seen him?” she asked the public on social media.
“He was wearing a gold chain with a rhinestone cross,” Teresa said in her Facebook post, urging the public to contact her if they have any information about his whereabouts.
According to NBC 5 Chicago, Jimmy is approximately 6 feet 1 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds.
Where is James Paul Gracie’s cell phone?
Teresa further revealed that police “took his phone.” However, it is unclear why police have it or what impact it may have on the investigation.
University of Alabama releases statement
The University of Alabama issued a statement last night requesting assistance in locating James.
“James Paul Gracey is a UA student on a personal trip,” the university said.
“UA staff are in contact with the family and those involved to provide support and assistance in any way possible.”
In October, Gracie announced that he had been selected to serve as pastor of the Alpha Phi chapter of Theta Chi fraternity, the New York Post reported.
Other college students reported seeing Gracie and encouraged his family to contact local politicians and embassy representatives to intensify the search for him.
Evening News Coverage: PM Modi speaks to Kuwait Crown Prince; Punjab seeks water bill from Rajasthan; & more
- As the United States and Israel launched attacks on key Iranian gas facilities, Trump hinted at “eliminating” Iran, while Israel warned of further escalation.
- Prime Minister Modi told Kuwait’s Crown Prince that safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is India’s top priority.
- The Center will provide 10 per cent additional commercial LPG to states if they support a long-term shift from LPG to PNG.
- Haqq joked in the Union House that Dev Gowda “loves” the Congress but is “married” to Modi, triggering laughter in the House.
- Punjab will demand Rs 144 crore from Rajasthan for unpaid water bills since 1960.
Here are the day’s top stories:
Trump proposes ‘eliminating’ Iran as US, Israel strikes key natural gas facilities
US President Donald Trump sparked fresh alarm when he suggested on The Truth Society that the US could “eliminate” the remnants of Iran’s power while criticizing allies for “not responding”. The United States and Israel reportedly attacked Iran’s main gas facility in South Pars, sparking fires in Bushehr province. Separately, Israel’s defense minister claimed that Iran’s intelligence minister had been killed and warned Israelis to “expect the unexpected” as the war intensifies on multiple fronts. Follow real-time updates
PM Modi speaks to Kuwait Crown Prince, condemns attacks in Gulf conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid and condemned attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty amid the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. Prime Minister Modi said safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains India’s top priority and stressed the need for sustained diplomacy to restore peace in the region. Read more
Center provides additional commercial LPG as government says supply issues persist
The Center said it has offered an additional 10 per cent of commercial LPG allocations to all states and territories if they support a long-term shift away from LPG to Papua New Guinea, as supply concerns persist during the Middle East crisis. The Ministry of Petroleum said that domestic LPG production increased by 40%, online booking rate increased to 93%, and door-to-door delivery covered 81% of cylinders. However, it acknowledged that many dealers still had long queues and said the supply of LPG “remains a matter of concern.”” Follow real-time updates
Haq joked about Deve Gowda’s collaboration with PPP in his farewell speech in the House of Commons
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Union House Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to the outgoing members while taking a light-hearted swipe at former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda over the JD(S)’s alliance with the BJP. Haggar, whose humorous remarks drew laughter from Congress members and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Dev Gowda had shared “love” with the Congress but later “married” Modi. Read more
Punjab seeks Rs 144 crore from Rajasthan for water bills: CM Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said his government will seek water dues from Rajasthan, claiming Rs 144 crore has not been paid since 1960 under the 1920 tripartite agreement. Mann said Rajasthan still receives 18,000 cusecs of water through the Rajasthan feeder line and royalties were paid before 1960. Read more
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