Donald Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on Monday. JD Vance also took the oath of office as the Vice-President. The 60th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony https://t.co/kTB4w2VCdI — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2025 In keeping with tradition, outgoing President Joe Biden accompanied Trump to the US Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony while outgoing Vice-President Kamala Harris joined Vance at the White House before heading to the Capitol. Prior to the ceremony, Trump and his wife Melania had pre-inauguration tea with Joe and Jill Biden at the White House. CNN reported that Joe Biden left a letter for Trump in the Oval Office, a customary gesture between outgoing and incoming presidents. The ceremonial proceedings began with Vance being sworn in as Vice President, followed by Trump taking the presidential oath of office and delivering his inaugural address. The ceremony occurred roughly two weeks after Congress certified Trump’s electoral college victory.
20 January,2025 10:45 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentUS Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson on Monday showed the 'behind the scenes activity' before the inauguration of the 47th US President-Elect Donald Trump, ANI reported. In a video posted on X, Johnson revealed the grandeur of the Capitol and said that he acknowledged the sentiments of the people who wished to attend the inauguration ceremony but couldn't. In a video captioned "Tomorrow begins a new Golden Age in America!", Johnson showed the interior of the US Capitol building. Tomorrow begins a new Golden Age in America! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/o8W7K0D2Bg — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 19, 2025 "Hey everybody, Speaker Mike Johnson here. We're right outside the people's house in the people's rotunda. As you can see as we pan around, there's a lot of activity being done here for the inauguration of our 47th President," he said. Johnson stated that the weather would be 'fierce' on the day of the inauguration, and hence the event would take place indoors. "We had to kind of call an audible here. The weather outside is pretty fierce. It will be really even worse tomorrow. And so I know there are a lot of people disappointed because they wanted to be out on that national mall. We would have had hundreds of thousands of people, but we had to do it this way. And I think it's better as President Trump said because of the weather for everyone in their best interest. But I just wanted to show you very briefly this stage here in the rotunda. Many of you I'm sure have been here before. This is normally a blank and open," he said. Johnson also acknowledged the work put in by staff who made a lot of arrangements in the last 24 hours, ANI cited. "They built this entire apparatus in about a 24-hour period. The staff's done an extraordinary job having called this audible to do this. Haven't been done like this in 40 years, since 1985 under Ronald Reagan. This one, they tell me though, will be even more grand," he said. Johnson further pointed at the entrance and said that he would be walking the President-Elect from there, and showcased the beautiful design on the roof. "So I'll be walking the President out here tomorrow for a glorious day and the beginning of a new golden age in America. The Capitol building. This Capitol Dome is the most recognized symbol in the world. It recognizes it symbolizes freedom to people everywhere. And tomorrow, we will celebrate our great republic here and the inauguration of our 47th president, Donald J Trump. We're so excited. You can watch along on television, but I know so many of you will be here in spirit. God bless you. Go America," he said. According to ANI, as the meteorologists predicted one of the coldest inauguration days in recent history, Trump moved his upcoming inauguration ceremony indoors. "There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don't want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way," Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social. Yet, many of Trump's supporters braved the icy polar vortex on Saturday (local time) to catch a glimpse of the inaugural events leading up to his swearing-in ceremony. Visuals showed several supporters filming the fireworks that took place at Trump National Golf Club and wearing "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) caps. (With ANI inputs)
20 January,2025 10:43 AM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondentExpressing gratitude to US President-elect Donald Trump for "providing the necessary clarity and assurance," the Chinese short-form video service app TikTok has confirmed that it was in the process of restoring service in the United States. This development comes after Trump pledged to restore access to TikTok, which had stopped functioning in the US on Saturday night to comply with the Biden dispensation's ban order. STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK:In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170… — TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025 In a post on X on Sunday, TikTok stated, "In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive." "It's a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States," the post added. Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to issue an executive order on Monday to delay the enforcement of the TikTok ban for 90 days. "I'm asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect so that we can make a deal to protect our national security," he said, reported ANI. "The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations," he added. He further, outlined a proposal for the US to hold a 50 per cent ownership stake in a joint venture involving TikTok. "I would like the United States to have a 50 per cent ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up. Without US approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions," he said, reported ANI. "Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the US gets a 50 per cent ownership in a joint venture set up between the US and whichever purchase we so choose," he added, reported ANI. TikTok went offline in the US on Saturday night (local time), just hours before a law banning the app was set to take effect, CNN reported. The users who tried to access the platform were met with a message stating, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now." The ban follows a Supreme Court ruling on Friday that upheld a law passed with bipartisan support in Congress and signed by US President Joe Biden in April. According to CNN, the law prohibits US companies from hosting or serving content for the Chinese-owned platform unless TikTok is sold to a US-based or allied company. (With inputs from ANI)
20 January,2025 10:25 AM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondentRev Homero Sanchez said he didn't realise the depth of fear in the Chicago immigrant community he serves until someone asked him to handle the sale of their family's home and other finances if they are picked up this week when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Immigrants in large cities have been preparing for mass arrests since Trump won the election last November, but reports that his initial push would be in the Chicago area has brought a new sense of urgency and fear. "They feel they have been targeted for who they are. They feel like they're reviving this fear they had eight years ago," said Sanchez of St Rita of Cascia Parish on Chicago's South Side. "They're feeling like something is going to happen. This is not their city because of the threat." Sanchez, whose congregation has consisted mostly of people of Mexican descent since the 1980s, devoted Sunday mass "to solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters". Some immigrants in the country without legal status have been designating power of attorney to trusted friends, making plans for childcare in case of separations and installing security cameras on their doors in case immigration agents come. Others have left voluntarily, as Trump aides have encouraged them to do. Plans for deportation arrests are in flux, but federal immigration officers will target more than 300 people with histories of egregious, violent crimes after Trump takes office Monday, one official said Saturday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the plans have not been made public. The operation will be concentrated in the Chicago area and continue all week, subject to potential weather delays, the official said. The temperature in Chicago dipped to -14.4 degrees Celsius with cold temperatures forecast throughout the week. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests a fraction of its targets in such operations, though Trump is expected to cast a wider net than President Joe Biden, whose focus on picking up people away from the border was largely limited to those with serious criminal histories or who pose a risk to national security. Biden's administration also ended the practice of mass worksite arrests, which were common under Trump, including a 2019 operation targeting Mississippi chicken plants. Trump aides have said they will arrest others, such as spouses or roommates, who are not targets but happen to be in the country illegally. Trump told NBC News on Saturday that mass deportations remain a top priority. He didn't give an exact date or city where they'll start, but he said they would begin soon. "It'll begin very early, very quickly," he said, adding: "I can't say which cities because things are evolving. And I don't think we want to say what city. You'll see it firsthand." Sanctuary cities, which limit how local police can cooperate with federal immigration agents, have been one of Trump's favourite targets -- especially Chicago. The nation's third-largest city became a so-called sanctuary city in the 1980s and has beefed up its policies multiple times since, including after Trump first took office in 2017. Last week, the City Council heartily rejected a longshot plan calling for exceptions allowing local police to work with ICE agents on deportation cases for people accused or convicted of crimes. Trump's incoming so-called "border czar" Tom Homan blasted top Democratic leaders in the state during a visit to the Chicago area last month where he indicated enforcement would start there. But in recent days he told media outlets that plans were evolving. Homan told Fox News on Sunday that Chicago was still on the table but that the new administration was "reconsidering when and how we do it". An ICE spokesperson referred questions on Sunday to the Trump transition team, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The plan was reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal, which said the operation is expected to begin Tuesday. Community and religious leaders in Chicago said they were disappointed with the potential operation, but ready. On Sunday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said on X that his "commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering". Cardinal Blase Cupich, who leads the Archdiocese of Chicago, spoke out as well. "The reports being circulated of planned mass deportations targeting the Chicago area are not only profoundly disturbing but also wound us deeply," Cupich said during a visit to Mexico City on Sunday, according to a copy of his prepared remarks. "We are proud of our legacy of immigration that continues in our day to renew the city we love." Immigrant rights advocates in Chicago rallied on Saturday, including Democratic US Reps Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and Delia Ramirez. They urged immigrants in Chicago to remain calm and exercise their rights, particularly to remain silent and refuse to allow officers into their homes without warrants. Some advocacy groups have planned legal workshops anticipating mass arrests next week. Ramirez planned to skip Monday's inauguration to post flyers in immigrant-heavy Chicago neighbourhoods with information on what to do in case of an encounter with immigration agents. "We won't let our guard down in Chicago," Garcia wrote on X. Carlos, an immigrant from Mexico, has lived in the Chicago area for decades. The 56-year-old doesn't have legal status to stay in the country, but has work authorisation in construction and welding. He declined to give his last name and discuss details of his immigration status for fear of being targeted for deportation. He has three children who have legal status to stay in the country through the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, which remains in legal limbo. Carlos said the family's contingency planning for deportation includes finding someone to manage their bank accounts, home and car. They've also installed a camera on their suburban Chicago home and plan to screen all visitors. "If people come to the house, don't open the door," he explained. "Ask who it is. Don't open it unless they have an order." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 January,2025 08:20 AM IST | Chicago | AP | PTIJoe Biden spent his final full day as president Sunday in South Carolina, urging Americans to "keep the faith in a better day to come" and reflecting on the impact of the civil rights movement in pushing him into politics. On the eve of Monday's inauguration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, Biden delivered a final farewell from a state that holds special meaning after his commanding win in its 2020 Democratic primary set him up to achieve his life's goal of being elected president of the United States. Biden spoke to the congregation of Royal Missionary Baptist Church about why he entered public service " Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were political heroes, he said " and he thanked South Carolina for its support: "I owe you big." Monday is the federal holiday honouring King, the slain civil rights leader. "We know the struggle to redeeming the soul of this nation is difficult and ongoing," Biden said. "We must hold on to hope. We must stay engaged. We must always keep the faith in the better day to come." He added: "I'm not going anywhere" " and the congregation applauded. Before the service, as hostages started to be released under a Middle East ceasefire that the US helped broker, Biden said "the guns in Gaza have gone silent." The agreement to halt the fighting between Israel and Hamas was one he had outlined in May. "Now it falls on the next administration to help implement this deal. I was pleased to have our team speak as one voice in the final days," Biden said. He noted that the three hostages released Sunday "appear to be in good health" and he offered some advice to Trump on maintaining the hard-won deal. "Success is going to require persistence, and continuing support for our friends in the region and the belief in diplomacy backed by deterrence," Biden said. After Biden spoke on the ceasefire, he and first lady Jill Biden took their seats in the front pew at the church. At least several hundred congregants sang gospel songs, rising to their feet and swaying and clapping. A choir led the musical selections from behind the pulpit before the program later shifted to focus on King. Biden was introduced by Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-SC, a key ally who referred to the president as his "longtime friend". Clyburn cited a number of presidents who were underappreciated during their time in office but are now looked on more fondly with the passage of time. He added Biden to that list. "So I want to say to you, good friend, very little appreciation has been shown recently but faint not. History will be very proud of you," Clyburn said. The Bidens also will tour the International African American Museum in South Carolina. It was built on a waterfront site where tens of thousands of enslaved Africans were brought to the US from the late 1760s through 1808, according to the museum's website. Back in 2020, Biden saw his campaign flounder after he lost the opening contests in New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada. But at the fourth stop, South Carolina " where Black voters make up a majority of the Democratic electorate " he was lifted to victory after Clyburn's endorsement. "I know Joe. We know Joe. But most importantly, Joe knows us," Clyburn said at the time. After winning election and taking office, Biden pushed for South Carolina to move to the head of the line and be the state that opened the Democratic Party's nominating process for 2024, instead of New Hampshire. He easily won the state's primary that year. "In 2020, it was the voters of South Carolina who proved the pundits wrong, breathed new life into our campaign, and set us on the path to winning the presidency," Biden said in a statement after winning the primary for the second time. "Now in 2024, the people of South Carolina have spoken again and I have no doubt that you have set us on the path to winning the Presidency again " and making Donald Trump a loser " again." It didn't turn out that way. After faltering in a debate against Trump, Biden dropped out of the race under pressure from many Democrats, though Clyburn notably was not among them. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced him as the Democrats' nominee. She lost to Trump. Clyburn said Biden told him he wanted to visit the African American history museum, which Clyburn helped start. They were planning to spend some time together there. "This is his way of saying thank you,'" Clyburn said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 January,2025 08:19 AM IST | North Charleston (US) | AP | PTIA long-awaited cease-fire in Gaza has begun after a nearly three-hour delay. The truce was postponed after Hamas did not name the three hostages it planned to release later on Sunday. Israel vowed to keep fighting until it received the names, which were posted on social media by Hamas’ armed wing around two hours later. That appeared to pave the way for the start of the ceasefire, which Israel said would begin at 11.15 am local time. Airstrike kills 8 in Gaza Deir Al-BalahAn Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire was delayed. Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis confirmed the casualties from Sunday’s strike, which it said had occurred around two hours after the truce was supposed to take effect. Palestinians celebrate Dozens of people took to the streets in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis to celebrate the ceasefire, according to an Associated Press reporter. Four masked and armed Hamas fighters arrived in two vehicles as the celebrations were underway, with people welcoming them and chanting slogans in support of the militant group. The Hamas-run police began deploying in public after mostly lying low for months due to Israeli airstrikes. Gaza City residents said they had seen them operating in parts of the city, and the AP reporter in Khan Younis saw a small number out on the streets. Palestinian residents began returning to their homes in Gaza City early Sunday, even as tank shelling continued to the east, closer to the Israeli border, overnight. Families could be seen making their way back on foot, with their belongings loaded on donkey carts. Delay underscores fragility of deal Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. Pic/PTI The planned ceasefire, agreed after a year of intensive mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, is the first step in a long and fragile process aimed at winding down the 15-month war. Netanyahu said he had instructed the military that the ceasefire “will not begin until Israel has in its possession the list of hostages to be freed, which Hamas committed to provide”. He had issued a similar warning the night before. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see a total of 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Israeli forces should pull back into a buffer zone inside Gaza, and many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. The devastated territory should also see a surge in humanitarian aid. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than the weeklong pause over a year ago, with the potential to end the fighting for good.Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the six-week first phase and how the rest of the nearly 100 hostages in Gaza will be freed. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 January,2025 08:14 AM IST | Deir Al-Balah | AgenciesTikTok’s app effectively shut down in the US, just hours before a law banning the popular video-sharing platform was set to go into effect. The app was shut down on Saturday. “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” a message reads when American users open the app. “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!” While the Biden administration dismissed TikTok’s shutdown threat as a “stunt” and handed enforcement to the Trump administration, TikTok maintained that without clear assurances, it had no choice but to suspend its services. Trump vows solution An internal email to employees stated that Trump has expressed his intention to work on a solution to restore TikTok once he assumes office. TikTok assured teams are working to resume services as soon as possible. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 January,2025 08:13 AM IST | Houston | AgenciesAhead of the implementation of the ceasefire deal with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel cannot proceed with the agreed framework until Hamas provides the list of hostages to be released. He further emphasised that any violations of the agreement will not be tolerated. Quoting Netanyahu, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X wrote, "We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible." On Saturday, the Israeli government approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas by a vote of 24-8, according to a report by Times of Israel. Earlier on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet had approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it. The Israel government's hostages and missing persons coordination unit on Friday notified the families of the 33 Israeli hostages expected to be set free in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Israel has not been told how many of the 33 are alive, though it expects the majority are. Israel will receive a full status report on all those on the list seven days into the ceasefire. The order of release is not yet known. The identities of those set to return are expected to be provided 24 hours before each release, as reported by the Times of Israel. Beyond the 33 hostages set for release in phase one, Israel says 65 more hostages are currently held in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed dead. As the first phase progresses, talks will focus on the release of remaining hostages, ending the war, and Gaza's future reconstruction. Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies have pressured him not to agree to end the fighting, with families of the remaining 65 hostages fearing the second phase may never happen, and their loved ones could remain in terrorists' hands. Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams signed the deal in Doha early Friday after clearing the final hurdles. Both the US and Qatar, who mediated the negotiations, announced on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached to end the 15-month war in Gaza triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 10:57 AM IST | Tel Aviv | ANISouth Korea's impeached president on Saturday argued for his release before a Seoul judge as the court reviewed whether to grant a law enforcement request for his formal arrest. His appearance at the Seoul Western District Court triggered chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of his fervent supporters rallied for hours calling for his release. They clashed with police, who detained around 40 protesters including about 20 who climbed over a fence in an attempt to approach the court. At least two vehicles carrying anti-corruption investigators were damaged as they left the court after arguing for Yoon's arrest. Yoon has been in detention since he was apprehended on Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residence. He faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which set off the country's most serious political crisis since its democratisation in the late 1980s. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, requested the Seoul Western District Court to grant a warrant for Yoon's formal arrest. Yoon's lawyers said he spoke for about 40 minutes to the judge during the nearly five-hour closed-door hearing. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies presented opposing arguments about whether he should be held in custody. The lawyers did not share his specific comments. The judge is expected to make a decision by late Saturday or early Sunday. Yoon's motorcade was seen leaving the court Saturday evening for the detention centre, where Yoon will await the decision. If Yoon is arrested, investigators can extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment. If the court rejects the investigators' request, Yoon will be released and return to his residence. Chaotic scenes outside the court Yoon was transported to the court from a detention centre in Uiwang, near Seoul, in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and the presidential security service. The motorcade entered the court's basement parking space as thousands of Yoon's supporters gathered in nearby streets despite a heavy police presence. Some protesters broke through the police lines and tapped on the windows of his van approaching the court. Yoon did not speak to reporters. After its investigators were attacked by protesters, the anti-corruption agency asked media companies to obscure the faces of its members attending the hearing. It hadn't been clear until Saturday morning whether Yoon would choose to attend the hearing. Yoon insists his martial law decree was legitimate Defence lawyers met Yoon at the detention centre and he accepted his legal team's advice to appear personally before the judge, said Yoon Kab-keun, one of the president's lawyers. The lawyer said the president was to argue that his decree was a legitimate exercise of his powers and that accusations of rebellion would not hold up before a criminal court or the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him. Nine people, including Yoon's defence minister, police chief, and several top military commanders, have already been arrested and indicted for their roles in the enforcement of martial law. The crisis began when Yoon, in an attempt to break through legislative gridlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure. The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14. If Yoon is formally arrested, it could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody for him, lasting months or more. If prosecutors indict Yoon on rebellion and abuse of power charges, which are the allegations now being examined by investigators, they could keep him in custody for up to six months before trial. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. Yoon's lawyers have argued that there is no need to detain him during the investigation, saying he doesn't pose a threat to flee or destroy evidence. Investigators respond that Yoon ignored several requests to appear for questioning, and that the presidential security service blocked an attempt to detain him on January 3. His defiance has raised concerns about whether he would comply with criminal court proceedings if he's not under arrest. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 10:54 AM IST | Seoul | APThousands of people from across the country gathered in the American Capital two days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. Trump, 78, succeeds Joe Biden, 82, on Tuesday as the new occupant of the White House. A coalition of nonprofit bodies, including Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, under the banner of People's March, held the demonstration here to protest against the policies of Trump. Displaying anti-Trump posters and banner, the protestors raised slogans against the next President and also against some of his close supporters including Tesla owner Elon Musk. The same group had also held a similar protest on January 2017, when Trump was inaugurated for the first time. There were a series of three protests which started from three different parks and culminated near the Lincoln Memorial. 'Mass protest is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate to our communities that we are not obeying in advance or bowing to fascism, and invites them to do the same,' People's March said. Amongst the coalition members are Abortion Action Now, Time to Act, SisterSong, Women's March, Popular Democracy In Action, Harriet's Wildest Dreams, The Feminist Front, NOW, Planned Parenthood, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Sierra Club, and the Frontline. Women's March is anchoring the logistics of the mobilization. Similar marches, though at a smaller scale, were also held in various other cities including New York, Seattle and Chicago. 'We really wanted to come to support women, equality, immigration, everything that really feels like we don't have much of a say in right now," Brittany Martinez, one of the protesters, told USA TODAY. Law enforcement officials said protests and major events are being planned throughout the weekend ahead of the inauguration on Monday. The protestors condemned Trump's policies and values. Many of them chanted 'F**k Trump!", "Trans Lives Matter!", 'Stand up, fight back!', 'Trust Black women!' and 'We cannot be silent.' This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 10:49 AM IST | Washington | PTITaiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected 17 aircraft and six naval vessels of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating around the island as of 6 am (UTC+8) today. Among them, 13 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, "17 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today." The post added, "13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." MND on Friday detected 13 PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). Among the detected aircraft, 11 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In recent weeks, China has been visibly boosting its ability to invade Taiwanese beaches with innovative new naval equipment. This includes the formal launching of an enormous landing helicopter assault (LHA) vessel, the likes of which no other navy in the world possesses, and mass production of floating bridge docks to assist the unloading of ships during beach landings. Both type of equipment are strong indications that China is serious about one day invading Taiwan. The Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state. However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2025 10:48 AM IST | Taipei | ANIADVERTISEMENT
