Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praises India’s ties with Russia but presses expedited delivery of remaining S-400..
In the meeting, Rajnath Singh showcased new opportunities in India for Russian defence industries in joint production of various military hardware, noting that India-Russia engagement is very strong, and it has lived up to the “responsibilities” of a special and privileged strategic partnership.
Opposition leaders back West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as INDIA bloc head, TMC MP says alliance is…
The Rajya Sabha MP also said Banerjee’s ability to defeat the BJP electorally has spurred many leaders to express a desire to see her in a larger leadership role.
‘Our homes were destroyed’ Palestinian residents return to Yarmouk camp
NewsFeed Residents of the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp have started returning to their homes, after years of violent clashes during the Syrian civil war. Yarmouk camp was left in ruins, lacking essentials for survival. Published On 10 Dec 202410 Dec 2024 Adblock test (Why?)
Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO attacker Mangione fights New York extradition
Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a Midtown Manhattan attack last week, has signalled he will fight being extradited to New York to face murder charges. Mangione appeared in court in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, a day after he was arrested in the town of Altoona following a tip from a McDonald’s employee. He was charged with Thompson’s New York killing hours after his arrest, as well as a slate of lesser offences in Pennsylvania. Emerging from a police car, Mangione gave a partly unintelligible message to reporters, although he made reference to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people”. At the brief hearing, his defence lawyer, Thomas Dickey, told the court that Mangione would contest extradition to New York, requesting a hearing on the issue. He has 14 days to lodge a formal challenge to being relocated to New York, and in the meantime, he will be held in Pennsylvania without bail. While in court, Mangione wore an orange prison jumpsuit, alternating between staring forward, looking at papers and looking back at the gallery. He was quieted at one point by his lawyer when he attempted to speak. Advertisement The court appearance came six days after a gunman fatally shot Thompson, the head of one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, outside of a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The brazen nature of the attack – and the days-long manhunt – garnered national intrigue. Even while condemning the violence, many experts, doctors and US citizens said it was emblematic of the undercurrent of anger in the country towards the healthcare industry, where high costs leave many patients vulnerable to the will of insurers. Bullet casings found at the scene of the killing bore the words “deny”, “defend” and “depose”, appearing to reference a phrase used by critics to describe how health insurers avoid claim payouts. The gunman fled via electric bike to Central Park, and later, he boarded a bus out of the city. In the days since the attack, many have taken to social media to share accounts of insurance companies denying claims. The sentiment has led authorities to gird for copycat attacks, according to a law enforcement memo obtained by US media. The White House has also weighed in. “Obviously, this is horrific,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Tuesday. “Violence to combat any sort of corporate greed is unacceptable.” Further details emerge The law enforcement memo, which was based on Mangione’s writings, some of which were recovered at the time of his arrest, said that Mangione was likely motivated by what he described as “parasitic” health insurance companies and an overall disdain for corporate greed. Advertisement Authorities have said a 3D-printed gun, a suppressor and several fake IDs, including one believed to be used by the attacker to check into a hostel in New York before the shooting, were recovered when Mangione was arrested. According to the memo, Mangione had written that the US has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not. The document added that Mangione may have been inspired by the so-called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski, who he called a “political revolutionary”. Kaczynski had carried out a series of bombings from the late 1970s to mid 1990s railing against modern society, technology and the destruction of the environment. His attacks killed three. The profile that has emerged since Mangione’s arrest also bears some similarities to Kaczynski, who was considered a maths prodigy. Mangione comes from an influential family in Baltimore, Maryland, and was the valedictorian at an elite Baltimore prep school. He went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious Ivy League school. Known as affable and intelligent, some friends have said in interviews with US media that Mangione’s demeanour changed after recent surgery on his spine. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Delaware state legislator Nino Mangione. Advertisement “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson, and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Adblock test (Why?)
Houthis clash with US Navy ships in the Gulf of Aden
The US military says it has intercepted a barrage of missiles and drones fired by the Yemen-based group. The United States military has said its forces successfully fended off an attack by the Houthis, a Yemen-based armed group, while escorting a group of three commercial vessels through the Gulf of Aden. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military activities in the Middle East, said on Tuesday that two destroyers intercepted a barrage of cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen. “The destroyers were escorting three US owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or US Naval,” CENTCOM said in a statement. CENTCOM Forces Defeat Houthi Attacks on U.S. Navy and U.S.-Flagged Ships in the Gulf of Aden. U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 9 – 10. The… pic.twitter.com/Jz4AtqBuEL — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 10, 2024 US forces in the region have exchanged fire with the Houthis for months, as the group seeks to block certain commercial ships from travelling through the Red Sea. The group says those actions are a means of exerting pressure to end Israel’s war in Gaza, of which the US is a key supporter. Advertisement But the US has depicted the Houthi attacks as a threat to trade and freedom of navigation. “These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect US personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis,” CENTCOM said. The three US-flagged commercial vessels were sailing towards Djibouti when the US said they came under attack by “uncrewed aerial systems” and one antiship cruise missile. Two US Navy ships, the USS Stockdale and the USS O’Kane, responded to the attack. Citing an unnamed official, The Associated Press (AP) news agency reported that a US Navy helicopter and French Air Force aircraft also helped repel the attack. Together, they shot down four of the drones and a missile, according to the AP. Despite months of US efforts to put an end to the attacks, including numerous strikes on Yemen, the Houthis have continued to target military and shipping vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. At the start of this year, the US military reported that the Houthis had conducted 27 such attacks in less than two months, from November 19, 2023, to January 11. The Yemeni group also claimed responsibility for a drone attack in central Israel on Monday. Adblock test (Why?)
Trump selects FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson to chair agency
President-elect Trump has tapped Andrew Ferguson to serve as chair of the Federal Trade Commission, the anti-trust agency of which he already serves as a commissioner. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump said in a Tuesday statement posted to his Truth Social network. “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History,” he added. LARA TRUMP ANNOUNCES SHE IS STEPPING DOWN AS RNC CO-CHAIR AMIDST TALK SHE MAY BE UP FOR FLORIDA SENATE SEAT Ferguson is one of two Republican commissioners on the five-member panel chaired by Lina Khan. Ferguson, who also served as the solicitor general of Virginia, was appointed to the commission by President Biden and joined the FTC on April 2. The FTC is charged with acting as an anti-trust and consumer protection agency. The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement. The new chair is expected to appoint new directors of the FTC’s antitrust and consumer protection divisions. Khan became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars’ worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. Under Khan, the FTC blocked a proposed merger between Korger and Albertsons, two large supermarket chains which forged a $24.6 billion deal in 2022. TRUMP’S TARIFF THREATS GO BEYOND ‘TRADE AGREEMENT’ TO ADVANCE AMERICAN INTERESTS: EXPERT On Tuesday, a judge halted the merger after the FTC filed a lawsuit to block the move, alleging it would lead to high prices and lower wages for workers. Ferguson’s experience could signal continued scrutiny of large tech companies. In a statement earlier this month, he called for the prosecution of “unlawful collision” between online platforms that could limit “Americans’ ability to exchange ideas freely and openly.” “In particular, we must vigorously enforce the antitrust laws against any platforms found to be unlawfully limiting Americans’ ability to exchange ideas freely and openly,” he wrote. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Trump announces more picks, nominates Kimberly Guilfoyle to serve as ambassador to Greece
President-elect Trump on Tuesday announced several picks to join his incoming administration, including tapping Jacob Helberg to serve as his Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment and Kimberly Guilfoyle to serve as ambassador to Greece Trump announced the picks on his Truth Social platform. “In this role Jacob will be a champion of our America First Foreign Policy,” he wrote. “He will guide State Department policy on Economic statecraft, promoting America’s Economic security and growth, and American technological dominance abroad. Jacob is a successful technology executive, has the knowledge, expertise, and pragmatism to defend America’s Economic interests abroad, and always puts AMERICA FIRST!” TRUMP’S TARIFF THREATS GO BEYOND ‘TRADE AGREEMENT’ TO ADVANCE AMERICAN INTERESTS: EXPERT Guilfoyle was nominated to serve as ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, 55, who dated Donald Trump Jr., appeared on stage with the Trump family on election night. “For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally. Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad,” Trump said. In a post on X, Guilfoyle said she was “honored” to accept the nomination. “President Trump’s historic victory is bringing hope and optimism to the American people and to freedom-loving allies across the world,” she wrote. “It was the democratic values born in Greece that helped shape the founding of America.” The nomination would require Senate confirmation. MUSK, STALLONE AMONG STAR-STUDDED NAMES PARTYING AT TRUMP’S MAR-A-LAGO CLUB FOR THANKSGIVING Tom Barrack, a private equity real estate investor and founder of Colony Capital LLC, was tapped to serve as ambassador to Turkey. “He is a well respected and experienced voice of reason to a wide range of thought leaders in both political and business circles,” Trump wrote. Attorney Mark Meador was tapped to serve as a commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission. Meador previously served as deputy chief counsel for antitrust and competition policy to Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah., the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee. Ed Martin will serve as the next Chief of Staff at the Office of Management and Budget, Trump also announced. “Together with Phyllis Schlafly, they co-wrote ‘The Conservative Case for Trump,’” he said, referring to the deceased anti-feminist activist. U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, R- N.C., was named the deputy director for the Budget at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). In that role, Bishop will implement Trump’s “cost-cutting and deregulatory agenda” and root out the “Weaponized Deep State.” “I’m so honored to be nominated by President Trump to serve in the stellar OMB team led by @russvought,” Bishop wrote on X. “Much work to do to fight for and implement President Trump’s agenda. I’m ready to get down to it. Let’s go!”
California county votes to ramp up sanctuary policies ahead of Trump deportation push: ‘Radical policy’
San Diego County has voted to further block county cooperation with federal immigration authorities ahead of an expected deportation push by the incoming Trump administration next year – a move quickly slammed by a top local Republican. The resolution goes further than California’s existing ‘sanctuary’ law, which generally limits law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE. The vote was approved in a 3-1 vote by San Diego County’s board of supervisors. The resolution says that the county will not provide assistance or cooperation to ICE “including by giving ICE agents access to individuals or allowing them to use County facilities for investigative interviews or other purposes, expending County time or resources responding to ICE inquiries or communicating with ICE regarding individuals’ incarceration status or release dates, or otherwise participating in any civil immigration enforcement activities.” BLUE STATE COUNTY TEES UP VOTE ON ‘KNEE-JERK’ RESOLUTION TO PROTECT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM DEPORTATION When ICE is aware of a suspected illegal immigrant in local or state custody, it will lodge a detainer with law enforcement, typically requesting that the agency is notified ahead of their release and in some cases held until ICE can take custody of them. ICE says this helps detain illegal immigrants without having to go into communities and gets illegal immigrant offenders off the streets. Sanctuary proponents say that such policies chill cooperation between law enforcement and otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants. “When federal immigration authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Border Patrol, coerce local law enforcement to carry out deportations, family members are separated and community trust in law enforcement and local government is destroyed,” an overview of the resolution claims. “Witnesses and victims who are undocumented or who have loved ones who are undocumented are afraid to come to the County for help, which includes calling local law enforcement. This puts the public safety of all San Diegans at risk.” ANOTHER MAJOR BLUE CITY DOUBLES DOWN ON VOW TO OBSTRUCT TRUMP’S MASS DEPORTATION PLAN The vote comes just over a month before President-elect Trump will be sworn into office. He has pledged to launch a “historic” mass deportation operation once in office to remove millions of illegal immigrants from the country. San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas said that California’s current sanctuary laws restricting ICE deportations don’t go far enough. “While the California Values Act significantly expanded protection from deportation to California residents, it fell short of protecting all residents, because it allowed agencies to still notify ICE of release dates and transfers individuals to ICE without a warrant in some circumstances,” she said. The resolution echoes a similar policy enacted in 2019 by Santa Clara County. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE BORDER SECURITY CRISIS Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican who provided the sole nay vote on the resolution, slammed the passage of the law. He previously told Fox News Digital that the move was part of an effort by some Democrats to “Trump-proof” the state. On Tuesday he said the vote is a “direct betrayal of the people we are sworn to protect.” “This reckless measure not only goes far beyond California’s already extreme Sanctuary State laws but actively endangers our communities by shielding illegal immigrant criminals from deportation. Consider this: under this policy, law enforcement is prohibited from notifying ICE about individuals, in custody, who have committed violent and heinous crimes, including: Rape and stalking, Assault and battery, Burglary, Child abuse and more,” he said. He said he has already been in touch with members of the incoming Trump administration and “will fight relentlessly to undo this disastrous policy and ensure that illegal immigrant criminals are removed from our neighborhoods.”
New Jersey leader calls for limited state of emergency as drone mystery deepens
A New Jersey state senator called for a limited state of emergency Tuesday as the mystery surrounding large drones flying over the Garden State continues to deepen. “The State of New Jersey should issue a limited state of emergency banning all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings,” Republican New Jersey state Sen. Jon Bramnick said in a press release. Reports of large drones flying over President-elect Trump’s Bedminster golf course and near military research sites in New Jersey have been on the rise in recent weeks. On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced there were dozens of reports of drones on Sunday alone. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that drones flying over New Jersey were not foreign, adding that President Biden has been made aware of the situation, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI are investigating. FBI LEADER SAYS IT’S ‘CONCERNING’ HOW LITTLE HIS AGENCY KNOWS ABOUT MYSTERIOUS DRONES SEEN OVER NEW JERSEY “So, we are certainly aware. The president is aware, so we are closely tracking the activity and coordinating closely with relevant agencies, including DHS and FBI, to continue to investigate these incidents,” Jean-Pierre said before adding she did not have anything else to share. “Obviously, this is something the DHS and FBI are tracking very, very closely.” When pressed if the federal government had ruled out that the drones are being controlled by foreign entities, Jean-Pierre promptly responded, “Yeah.” The Federal Aviation Administration first received reports of drone activity Nov. 18 in Morris County, which is nearly 2 miles north of Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. NEW JERSEY DRONE SIGHTINGS: MILITARY ANALYSTS BREAK DOWN NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS, DOUBT HOBBYISTS AT PLAY Since then, sightings have occurred a few miles north of Bedminster in Mendham and Parsippany and other places across the Garden State. On Monday, Murphy said there were 49 reports of drones Sunday, mostly in Hunterdon County. The Democratic governor said his numbers also included possible sightings and potentially the same drone being reported more than once. Federal lawmakers from the state have expressed a degree of concern about the drones, regardless of the side of the aisle they stand on. DRONE ACTIVITY NEAR TRUMP BEDMINSTER, ARMY ARSENAL SPURS NJ FLIGHT RESTRICTION: FAA “My office has been in communication with Governor Murphy’s office and our federal agency partners,” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said in a post on X. “While the drones currently pose no known threat to the public, my team and I will continue to monitor the situation closely.” Booker also penned a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Tuesday, seeking better transparency and a comprehensive briefing on drone activity over New Jersey. “Over the past several weeks, there have been multiple confirmed sightings of unexplained drone activity over New Jersey communities and military installations,” Booker wrote. “I recognize the need to maintain operational security of ongoing investigations and that this situation requires complex Interagency coordination. “However, there is a growing sense of uncertainty and urgency across the state — from constituents and local officials alike — despite assurances that the drones pose no known threats to public safety. As such, I urge you to share any relevant information about these drone sightings with the public. Without transparency, I believe that rumors, fear, and misinformation will continue to spread.” NEW JERSEY GOV PHIL MURPHY CALLS FOR FEDERAL HELP AMID ‘VERY SOPHISTICATED’ DRONE SIGHTINGS: ‘WE NEED MORE’ Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the recent drone sightings in New Jersey are “not only scary for residents.” They point to the need for change in the state and in the U.S. “There has been no transparency with the public, and this lack of communication is unacceptable,” Van Drew said. “Constituents have been told the drones are not a threat, but no further information has been provided. People need, want and deserve answers now so they can stop worrying about their safety and privacy.” As concerns continue to mount, Robert Wheeler, the FBI’s assistant director of the Critical IIncident Response Group, told Congress the federal agency knows concerningly little about the mysterious drones that have been spotted hovering over New Jersey. When asked if Americans are at risk, Wheeler said, “There is nothing that is known that would lead me to say that, but we just don’t know. And that’s the concerning part.” While the FBI has been investigating the incidents, the agency has called on the public for additional information. The FAA confirmed earlier this month that it had issued two flight restrictions in response to the questionable drone activity reported near Trump’s Bedminster golf club. Upon request from “federal security partners,” the agency issued two temporary flight restrictions. One restriction covers an area near Solberg-Hunterdon County Airport that consists of airspace above Trump Bedminster. Flights are also banned over Picatinny Arsenal, a major U.S. Army hub in Dover, N.J., geared toward research and development via its CCDCAC armaments center. The ban remained in place over Trump Bedminster through last week, snd the ban over Picatinny Arsenal will remain in place until Dec. 26. Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.
Fox News Politics: A New Trump in Town
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… –DNC fundraiser Lindy Li takes aim at ‘vindictive’ torrent of criticism over Hegseth comments -Republicans rip Hochul’s ‘inflation refunds’ as a bribe to ‘make NYers like her’ –Trump shooting task force says DHS, Secret Service haven’t produced docs on golf course incident President-elect Trump is pressing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to name his daughter-in-law Lara Trump to fill Sen. Marco Rubio’s seat in the Sunshine State, Fox Digital has learned. President-elect Trump named Rubio as his pick for secretary of state last month, leaving DeSantis the decision to name a successor to the position. DeSantis said last month that he will likely name his pick for the seat by early January. Speculation has mounted in recent weeks that Lara Trump is a likely choice for the role, as Republican lawmakers such as Sens. Rick Scott, Lindsey Graham, Katie Britt and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida voiced support for her filling Rubio’s Senate shoes. Lara Trump is married to the 45th president’s son, Eric Trump, and co-chaired the RNC amid the 2024 presidential campaign…Read more ‘DEBANKED’: Biden admin’s cold-shoulder approach to crypto concerns industry leaders: ‘needs to be looked at’…Read more ‘LAST DITCH EFFORT’: Biden admin report could slow Trump’s efforts to unleash domestic natural gas, experts say…Read more LEAST THEY CAN DO: Biden administration approves project to limit Trump-era oil and gas lease mandate in Alaska…Read more ‘ENVY OF THE WORLD’: Biden says Trump inheriting ‘strongest economy in modern history,’ slams tariff plan as ‘major mistake’…Read more ‘EYES AND EARS’: Meet Natalie Harp, Trump’s ‘valuable resource’ who lawmakers say is ‘critical’ to his operation…Read more ‘GREAT STATE OF CANADA’: Trump taunts ‘Governor’ Trudeau of ‘Great State of Canada’ as he continues tariffs push…Read more HEGSETH HYPE: Trump transition rolls out Hegseth hype video amid Capitol Hill meetings…Read more ‘TOP PRIORITY’: GOP senator reveals ‘transformational’ bill Republicans want to pass in 2025…Read more ‘IT’S OFFENSIVE’: GOP senator wages war on airline industry’s ‘discriminatory pricing’ targets…Read more RAKING IT IN: McConnell’s Senate money machine makes transition to Thune as new era begins…Read more ‘HE IS FINE’: Sen. McConnell reportedly fine after falling during GOP lunch…Read more ‘UNIFIED GOVERNMENT’: Incoming House Republican reveals agenda for new Congress after ousting Dem incumbent…Read more ‘LIBERTY IN LAUNDRY’: House set to challenge Biden green energy standards for washing machines with ‘Liberty in Laundry’ bill vote…Read more UNDER REVIEW: SCOTUS hears arguments in case that could reshape environmental law…Read more ‘FULL FORCE OF THE LAW’: DOJ arrests five Guatemalan nationals in connection with deaths of over 50 migrants…Read more ‘PROBLEMATIC’: Wisconsin mom mulls lawsuit alleging school district is pushing ‘horrifying’ race-based policy…Read more ‘COWARD’: Pennsylvania Dem Gov. Shapiro condemns UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect: ‘Coward, not a hero’…Read more SANCTUARY SHUTDOWN: Blue city announces shuttering of migrant shelters as numbers drop…Read more SWITCHING SIDES: DeSantis welcomes Florida state lawmaker to Republican Party as she ditches Democrats…Read more Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.