Will ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis serve in the military?
The government is under growing pressure to end a decades-long exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews. For generations, ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis have been exempt from military service. But a court order could soon change that. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has filed a last-minute application to the Supreme Court for a ruling to be deferred for 30 days. And the controversy isn’t going anywhere. Israel’s war on Gaza is fuelling a sense of urgency and anger among Israelis required to sign up. So how much of a threat does this pose to Netanyahu’s coalition? And would his government survive the fallout from such a change of policy? Presenter: James Bays Guests: Efraim Inbar – President of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security Yossi Mekelberg – Associate fellow at Chatham House specialising in Israeli and Middle East politics Meron Rapoport – Editor of Hebrew-language news site Local Call Adblock test (Why?)
Photos: Aftermath of an Israeli air strike on hospital courtyard
At least two people have been killed and several others wounded after an Israeli air strike hit the courtyard of the crowded Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, Palestinian authorities said. The Government Media Office in Gaza, which is governed by the Palestinian group Hamas, said the attack struck a tent where displaced people were sheltering and journalists were working. At least two displaced people were killed in the air strike and three journalists were wounded, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence. Israel’s military said the attack targeted a command centre operated by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group. Adblock test (Why?)
Massive storm wreaks havoc in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri, 4 killed
Four persons were killed and at least 70 people injured as a storm wreaked havoc in parts of Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal on Sunday.
Opposition INDIA Bloc calls for unity at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan
Top leaders of the INDIA bloc on Sunday exhorted the people to defeat the BJP to save democracy and the Constitution and alleged that the opposition has been deprived of a level playing field in the Lok Sabha elections due to the government’s “dictatorial” actions.
Blinken calls for ‘celebration’ of trans holiday on Easter
Secretary of State Antony Blinken became the latest Biden administration official to mark Transgender Day of Visibility, which has sparked controversy for being celebrated the same day as Easter. “Transgender Day of Visibility is a celebration of the courage and resilience of transgender, nonbinary and gender non-confirming persons who exist in every country and culture around the world,” Blinken said in a statement Sunday. “On this day, the United States recognizes the achievements and progress that trans persons have made in the global struggle for equality and re-affirms its commitment to supporting the equality, inclusion and full recognition of the human rights of transgender persons.” The statement comes after President Biden sparked backlash with a similar statement Friday, marking Sunday as a day to “honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans.” TRUMP DEMANDS BIDEN ISSUE APOLOGY OVER ‘BLASPHEMOUS’ TRANS VISIBILITY DAY ON EASTER SUNDAY: ‘APPALLING’ Conservatives on social media questioned the timing of the White House celebration, noting the day falls on Easter Sunday, one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar. “The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter — which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said on X. “Banning sacred truth and tradition—while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day’—is outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note.” “I am absolutely disgusted that Joe Biden has declared the most Holy of Holy days — a self proclaimed devout Catholic — as Transgender Day of Visibility,” former Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete Caitlyn Jenner said. “The only thing you should be declaring on this day is ‘HE is Risen’.” The White House celebration also earned the scorn of former President Trump, and Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, called on Biden to issue an apology for the statement. BIDEN SLAMMED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER ANNOUNCING TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY ON EASTER SUNDAY “We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and the White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe (Sunday) is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Leavitt said. In Blinken’s statement, the secretary of state noted that “trans persons face violence, suppression, and infringements on their human rights and fundamental freedoms” in other parts of the world, but he argued the United States is urging “partners around the globe to work with the United States in fighting for a world in which transgender persons are free to live safely and openly as themselves.” The White House argued the celebration always falls on March 31 and that Easter is not always the same day, and it issued a statement in response Saturday, calling the backlash over its celebration of the day divisive. “As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” the statement said. “Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.” The State Department did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.
3 months and 28 days: LGBTQ events clog calendar as White House faces backlash over Easter announcement
Amid backlash about the White House proclaiming Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, Fox News Digital found an extensive list of LGBT-focused holidays celebrated throughout the year, including a handful recognized by the White House. “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives,” said a White House statement recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, the most holy holiday for Christians. “Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back,” it added. “Now, therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility.” BIDEN SLAMMED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER ANNOUNCING TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY ON EASTER SUNDAY Conservatives and other critics of the White House ripped the decision to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter, calling it an attack on Christianity. International Transgender Day of Visibility was created by activists more than 10 years ago and is celebrated each year on March 31, while the date of Easter Sunday changes from year to year. AMERICANS AREN’T BUYING BIDEN’S ‘DEVOUT CATHOLIC’ LABEL, POLL FINDS The Trump campaign called on Biden to apologize for the proclamation. “We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and the White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Karoline Leavitt said. BIDEN SKEWERED AS ‘WORLD’S WORST CATHOLIC’ WHO CHEAPENS IRISH AND CATHOLIC IDENTITY Others on social media pointed out that cities, universities, LGBT organizations and government officials celebrate similar calendar events throughout the year. Fox News Digital found at least 28 other related holidays celebrated in the U.S., including International Asexuality Day, International Day of Pink, Day of Silence, Harvey Milk Day, Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness Day and International Drag Day. There are also entire months devoted to LGBT causes or commemorations, including Pride Month in June, LGBT History Month in October and Transgender Awareness Month in November. Not every holiday throughout the year is recognized by the White House or high-ranking lawmakers, but holidays are celebrated by advocacy groups in cities such as Seattle or on college campuses. The Biden White House has celebrated at least seven other holidays celebrating and commemorating LGBT issues, including National Coming Out Day in October; Lesbian Day of Visibility in April; International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in May; Pride Month in June; Spirit Day in October; Intersex Awareness Day in October; and Transgender Day of Remembrance in November. The Biden administration has celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility each year since 2021 on March 31, and White House spokesman Andrew Bates told multiple media outlets Biden, as a Christian, is working to bring “people together” with the event. “As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” Bates said. WHITE HOUSE DOUBLES DOWN ON INCLUSIVENESS MESSAGE AMID BACKLASH OVER TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY ON EASTER “Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.” Biden, who is Catholic, did post a message Sunday celebrating Easter and Jesus’ resurrection. “Jill and I send our warmest wishes to Christians around the world celebrating the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection this Easter Sunday,” he posted Sunday morning. The Biden administration has a long history promoting and supporting the LGBT community, including last year when the president hosted the White House’s largest Pride celebration in its history, according to Reuters. Biden has repeatedly vowed to combat discrimination against the gay community and spoke in support of the trans community during his State of the Union address earlier this month. The White House has previously come under fire from critics during events heralding the LGBT community, including last year when a transgender model and activist took off her top at a Pride event at the White House and cupped her breasts in photos and for inviting an anti-police nonbinary drag queen to attend the Respect for Marriage Act signing in 2022. Republicans have continued hammering the Biden administration online for celebrating the holiday on the same day as Easter.
‘India is still paying for misdoings of..’: PM Modi slams Congress at Meerut mega rally
The Prime Minister further asserted that the preparations for the government’s third term have already started.
Hochul echoes WH with New York Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter, orders landmarks lit for occasion
The state of New York will have 13 landmarks lit in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility Sunday, joining the White House in observation of the day. One World Trade Center, the Empire State Plaza and Niagara Falls are just a few of the locations that “will be lit light pink, white and light blue,” a press release from the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul states. “I am proud of the strength transgender New Yorkers display every day and want to make one thing clear: You are always welcome in New York. You are loved,” Hochul said. Events scheduled around the world include panels and speakers in Cincinnati and Atlanta, marches in Melbourne and Philadelphia and an inclusive roller derby league game on New York’s Long Island. A picnic is planned in the English town of Hitchin. TRUMP DEMANDS BIDEN ISSUE APOLOGY OVER ‘BLASPHEMOUS’ TRANS VISIBILITY DAY ON EASTER SUNDAY: ‘APPALLING’ Perhaps the highest-profile U.S. event is a rally scheduled for Sunday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Biden was slammed on social media Saturday after marking Easter Sunday, the most solemn Christian holiday, “Transgender Day of Visibility.” BIDEN SLAMMED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER ANNOUNCING TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY ON EASTER SUNDAY While March 31 has been designated to honor the transgender movement in the U.S. since Biden took office and internationally since 2009, this year it falls on Easter Sunday, one of the most important days for Christians celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives,” a statement released by the White House said. HUCKABEE SLAMS BIDEN FOR RECOGNIZING ‘TRANS VISIBILITY DAY’ ON EASTER SUNDAY: ‘GONE TO LA LA LAND’ “Transgender persons deserve to live authentically, safely and with dignity,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement released Easter Sunday. International Transgender Day of Visibility was first organized in 2009 by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the executive director and co-founder of Transgender Michigan, according to The Associated Press. “I think that once a person understands us, it’s hard to discriminate against us,” she said in an interview. “I created it because I wanted a time that we don’t have to be so lonely. I wanted a day that we’re all together all over the world as one community. And that’s exactly what we are.” Fox News’ Haley Chi-Sing, Anders Hagstrom and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
White House doubles down on inclusiveness message amid backlash over Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter
As President Biden faces heated backlash over marking March 31 as “Transgender Day of Visibility,” which falls on Easter Sunday this year, the White House has issued a response standing by the president’s remarks. White House spokesman Andrew Bates released a statement saying those critical of Biden’s inclusiveness message are trying to further divide the country. “As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” Bates said in a statement. “Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.” While March 31 has been designated to honor the transgender movement internationally since 2009, this year it falls on Easter Sunday, one of the most important days for Christians celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. BIDEN SLAMMED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER ANNOUNCING TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY ON EASTER SUNDAY “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives,” a statement released by the White House Saturday said. “Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back,” it added. “Now, therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility.” After the announcement, prominent Christians, politicians and commenters on social media unleashed a firestorm of vitriol directed at Biden and his administration. Former President Trump called for an immediate apology to millions of Christians and Catholics, and his national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, described Biden’s proclamation as an example of the Biden administration’s “years-long assault on the Christian faith.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accused the Biden administration of betraying what Easter Sunday stands for after the White House also banned religious egg designs in its Easter Art Event, which, like the annual Easter Egg Roll, is part of the White House’s Easter traditions. “The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter — which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Johnson posted on X. “Banning sacred truth and tradition—while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day’—is outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note.” Franklin Graham, a prominent Christian evangelist and son of the late Billy Graham, wrote that Biden and his administration have “little respect” for God. “This once again shows how little respect President Biden and his administration have for God,” Graham wrote, in part. “On the most significant day of the Christian calendar, when the Church around the world celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ who died and shed His blood for the sins of mankind, the Biden administration uses this opportunity to flaunt sin, to glorify sin, and to celebrate sin.” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves called Biden’s declaration a “shocking” and “intentional attempt” at insulting Christians across America. BIDENS ANNOUNCE THEME FOR EASTER EGG ROLL ON WHITE HOUSE LAWN “President Biden has declared that Easter Sunday is now Transgender Day,” Reeves wrote. “This is an intentional attempt to insult and mock Christians across America. Shocking — but not surprising. In Mississippi, we will proudly celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sinners.” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem echoed Tate’s sentiments, writing that the Biden White House is making it clear that people of faith “have no place in America.” “Joe Biden and his White House have made it clear that people of faith, particularly Christians and our Bible-believing views, have no place in his America. We must change that on November 5 by electing @realdonaldtrump.” Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy called Biden out in a post on X, writing, “Joe Biden just proclaimed that ‘Transgender Visibility Day’ is on Sunday, March 31st. I wonder how he came up with that date.” Caitlyn Jenner, former Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete, wrote on X that the “only thing you should be declaring on this day is ‘HE is Risen’.” “I am absolutely disgusted that Joe Biden has declared the most Holy of Holy days – a self proclaimed devout Catholic – as Transgender Day of Visibility,” Jenner wrote. “The only thing you should be declaring on this day is ‘HE is Risen’.” America’s top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, released his own statement Sunday affirming “Transgender Day of Visibility” as a “celebration” of the “courage and resilience” of trans persons, though he noted it is “clear that there is still much work to do.” Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Haley Chi-Sing and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
Ganganagar Rajasthan Lok Sabha constituency: Check polling date, candidates list, past election results
The voting date for the Ganganagar Lok Sabha Constituency Election 2024 is set for April 19, marking Phase 1 of the electoral process.