US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning against those who intended to “threaten or attack America” as the States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS targets in Syria. The move came after two American soldiers were killed in the Syrian desert“Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria, whose beautiful souls I welcomed home to American soil earlier this week in a very dignified ceremony, I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible,” he said.“We are striking very strongly against ISIS strongholds in Syria, a place soaked in blood which has many problems, but one that has a bright future if ISIS can be eradicated. The Government of Syria, led by a man who is working very hard to bring Greatness back to Syria, and is fully in support. All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE IF YOU, IN ANY WAY, ATTACK OR THREATEN THE USA,” he added. Syrian state television said the strikes struck locations in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, as well as the Jabal al-Amour area near Palmyra, AP reported. According to the report, the attacks were aimed at weapons depots and command centers used by the Islamic State group to plan and launch operations in the region.The US Army identified the two National Guard members killed in Syria on Saturday as Sgt Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Also killed was Ayad Mansoor Sakat of Macomb, Michigan, a US civilian serving as an interpreter. The shooting, which occurred nearly a week earlier near the historic city of Palmyra, injured three additional US service members along with several Syrian security personnel, while the attacker was fatally shot.

The US Justice Department has begun releasing a large batch of previously unseen files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following lengthy efforts to make government records about the case public.The release comes under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by US President Donald Trump in November. It required unclassified documents in the department’s possession to be made public by December 19, 2025.Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News on Friday that the Justice Department would publish “several hundred thousand” pages of documents on the deadline, but he said that the full set will not be released at once and additional batches are expected over the coming weeks. Blanche said the department needed extra time to protect victim identities and ensure that names and identifying details are appropriately redacted.The newly released documents include a wide range of investigative material generated over nearly two decades of federal scrutiny into Epstein’s conduct and network. These materials may comprise photographs, internal law enforcement communications, evidence inventories, and other records related to multiple aspects of the Epstein investigation, according to CBS news.In addition to Friday’s Justice Department release, lawmakers and committees have previously made thousands of pages of materials public through subpoenas and voluntary disclosures. In September, the House Oversight Committee released tens of thousands of pages of files ranging from court records and flight logs to videos of Epstein’s jail cell before his death. The earlier revelations included previously available material as well as a new context for Epstein’s relationships with powerful figures. No formal accusations have been made against political leaders whose names appear in the records.The Epstein Files Transparency Act also requires the government to publish a list of all politically exposed persons and government officials named in the records, along with explanations for any redactions and withheld portions, within 15 days of the documents’ release.Despite the milestone release, the Justice Department is facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who say the department is violating the law by not releasing all of the files by the legal deadline, which was 30 days fromt he president’s signing.

US President Donald Trump introduced the US visa scheme aimed at wealthy foreigners willing to pay at least $1 million to gain permanent residency in the country. The programme is called the Trump Gold Card, and it is designed for high-level professionals who can prove they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States.Speaking as he revealed the card, Trump described it as “the green card on steroids. It is a pathway, it is an amazing thing.” He criticised the Biden administration, claiming that around 25 million people had entered the US during its tenure, including “drug dealers and all sorts of people… from jails all over the world: Venezuela, the Congo, everywhere.”Trump said the Gold Card scheme would prioritise talent over mass migration. “Now, when people come in, they have to pay $1 million. And we’ve seen a tremendous surge,” he said. The MAGA chief added that the programme would allow graduates of top US universities to remain and work for American companies. “Someone graduates top of their class at the best school, wants to work for a great American company and now they can. The company will pay a little bit, but that’s okay. They’ll be able to keep the talent.”Under the scheme, companies sponsoring workers must pay $2 million, plus additional charges. A higher-tier “platinum” option offering preferential tax treatment will also be available for $5 million. All applicants must first pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee, with further payments to the government potentially required depending on individual circumstances.Trump compared the Gold Card to a standard green card, which allows immigrants of all income levels to live and work permanently in the United States, often leading to citizenship after five years. He suggested that the new programme was targeted at “high-level” professionals who are “productive,” rather than low-skilled migrants.The announcement comes alongside Trump’s hardline immigration stance, which included a crackdown on illegal migration and measures discouraging legal immigration. According to the POTUS, the Gold Card programme would generate revenue for the US Treasury while ensuring that top talent can remain in the country to contribute to American businesses.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has provided for extensive rights and protections of air travelers. It gives clear guidelines on flight delays, cancellations, baggage, ticket management among other things.These provisions become significant to understand to ensure consumer rights especially after the recent flight disruption crisis. Here’s a glimpse at certain key provisions to ensure passenger convenience:

Compensation rulesThe Ministry has laid down regulations regarding compensation and assistance for disrupted flights, such as:Delays: Passengers are entitled to free meals in flights delayed between 2 to 4 hours, while alternative flights or refunds have to be given for flights that are delayed for over 6 hours. Meanwhile, in case of delays beyond 24 hours, hotel accommodation needs to be provided.Cancellations: The compensation offered varies from Rs 5,000 for 1-hour cancellation to Rs 10,000 for over 2 hours delay.Overbooking: Airlines are required to provide alternate flights within one hour. Additionally, compensation worth a maximum of Rs.20,000 is given for delayed rebooking after more than 24 hours.Accessibility and emergenciesThere are certain safety guidelines when it comes emergency or unprecedented situations, such as: Disability rights: Airlines cannot refuse service to passengers with disabilities. They must provide assistive devices, accessible seating, and prior support, provided the passenger has given 48-hour prior notice.Medical emergencies: Airlines are required to provide medical assistance, including doctors, paramedics, or ambulance services.Flight diversions: The passengers are entitled to disembarkation and refreshments, depending on the waiting time.Baggage and liabilityThe charter defines compensation limits for lost or damaged baggage and cargo, such as:Domestic: Rs 20,000 per passenger for baggage, Rs 350 per kg for cargo.International: 1,131 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) for baggage, 19 SDR per kg for cargo.Fatality: Fatality liability means the compensation an airline must pay to a passenger’s family in case of death during air travel. It is set at Rs 20 lakh for domestic flights, while for international flights it is 113,100 SDRTicket management and refundsPassengers have the ability to cancel and/or reschedule their tickets for a full refund of all the taxes and fees. This comes with a 24-hour free cancellation window up to 7 days before the flight. Refund timelines are immediate for cash payments and up to seven days for credit card transactions.Protections and escalationThe rules cover also covers exceptions due to strikes, weather, security, or air traffic control issues. The passengers can complain about the matter to the help desk, Air Sewa app, or any statutory authority. The additional benefits specified for the passengers are free Wi-Fi at all airports, with the right to written notice about their rights.

Modi, Priyanka At Post-Session Tea Meeting

NEW DELHI: Rancour and blame game inside Parliament made way for conviviality and cordiality at a customary post-parliamentary session get-together of govt functionaries, including PM Narendra Modi, and opposition MPs at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber over tea on Friday.Congress and other opposition parties, which had skipped the meeting in a few previous sessions to convey their protest with happenings inside Parliament, were present in full force in an informal setting marked by Modi’s wit and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s relaxed and easy presence.Sources said Priyanka made polite enquiries from Modi about his foreign trip, setting the tone for a rare convivial setting involving govt & opposition members, some of whom nudged for a longer session as the 15-day sitting of winter session, which was adjourned sine die, was one of the shortest ever.With her brother Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in LS being in Germany, first-time MP Priyanka was the main Congress voice in the meeting. Her confidence but easy manner was a change from Rahul’s more aggressive and confrontational approach, a source said.Modi, sources said, asked opposition MPs about the session and praised RSP MP NK Premachandran, a Congress ally, for his diligence in parliamentary business. Several others too echoed the positive view of the seasoned parliamentarian. The PM made some light comments, evoking smiles from everyone.Sources said that Priyanka spoke about the health benefits that she got using a herb from her constituency Wayanad in Kerala.Modi used the Tamil greeting ‘Vanakkam’ for Manickam Tagore, and Priyanka quipped that she too has learnt a line in the language which means ‘Vote for Congress’, eliciting smiles from everyone, sources said. There was all-round laughter when a vocal opposition MP’s pitch for a longer session drew a quip from govt side that a short sitting might have given his throat some rest.Birla, sources said, emphasised the opportunity given to so many of the members from different parties to speak on bills and different issues despite the relatively short session. This was acknowledged by members at the meeting. Lok Sabha’s productivity was 111% in this session.Defence minister Rajnath Singh was among the ministers present at the meeting, which was also attended by Kumari Selja, Mohammad Jawed, from Congress, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav, DMK’s A Raja and NCP(SP)’s Supriya Sule, besides several BJP allies.After returning last night from his three-nation tour, Modi joined LS as Vande Mataram was played to mark the session’s end moments after it convened at 11am. This Parliament session was headlined by the passage of VB-G RAM G bill to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA amid fierce opposition protest. The session marked by high productivity ended with govt and opposition benches trading punches.As Birla read out his valedictory statement in LS, opposition raised slogans of “Mahatma Gandhi ki jai” to highlight their protest against removal of Gandhi’s name from the rural job guarantee scheme. A debate listed on air pollution, which was jointly moved by Priyanka, DMK’s Kanimozhi, did not take place due to what a govt functionary described as “bad atmosphere” inside the House.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, players Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson after the team’s victory (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)

NEW DELHI: India ended the T20I series against South Africa on a high by winning the fifth and final match and sealing the five-match series 3-1 on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this win, India have managed to extend their unbeaten streak. They are now on a streak of 10 consecutive series wins (including major tournaments).

With the 4th T20I in Lucknow being abandoned earlier because of heavy fog, everyone wanted to see a full game, and the players didn’t disappoint at all.India put up a big total of 231 for 5 after South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. The batting effort was led by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Tilak played a steady and attacking knock, scoring 73 runs off 42 balls. Hardik provided the late surge with a quick 63 off just 25 balls, hitting five 4s and five 6s. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma also gave India a strong start at the top.Chasing 232, South Africa began well. Quinton de Kock was in fine form and attacked the Indian bowlers from the start. South Africa matched India’s Powerplay score and stayed in the hunt. When Dewald Brevis joined de Kock, the visitors picked up momentum. The pair played freely and took South Africa to 118 runs at the halfway mark, putting pressure back on the Indian side.At that point, the match seemed evenly balanced. That is when India captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to his most trusted bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah made an immediate impact by dismissing de Kock with a sharp return catch. That wicket changed the game.South Africa suddenly lost their rhythm. From 120 for 1, they slipped to 135 for 5 in a short span. The middle order could not recover from the collapse. Varun Chakaravarthy added to South Africa’s problems with an impressive spell, picking up four wickets and breaking key partnerships.While Varun took the wickets, Bumrah’s spell stood out in a high-scoring match. He finished with excellent figures of 2 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs, controlling the game when it mattered most.South Africa eventually finished on 201/8 in their 20 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target.With this victory, India won the match by 30 runs and closed the series 3-1. Hardik Pandya, who also took one wicket during his bowling, has been named the Man of the Match.