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Delhi Assembly Budget Session Disrupted as AAP MLAs Stage Walkout

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Delhi Assembly Budget Session Disrupted as AAP MLAs Stage Walkout

New Delhi, India – The Delhi Assembly’s budget session was thrown into disarray on its first day as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs staged a walkout to protest Speaker Vijender Gupta’s decision to skip the name of one of their legislators during a discussion under Rule 280, citing repetition of the matter. Under Rule 280, MLAs are permitted to raise issues pertaining to their constituencies, but the speaker’s move to bypass an AAP legislator sparked outrage among the party members.

RELATED NEWS : Who is Kunal Kamra, and why is he trending on X? Also, what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

Led by Leader of Opposition Atishi, AAP MLAs raised their voices in protest before exiting the Assembly, accusing the speaker of stifling their right to speak on critical constituency concerns. The dramatic walkout intensified political tensions in the capital, with the opposition alleging neglect of key public issues like healthcare and education funding in the budget.

Terming the action by AAP MLAs a “strategic disruption,” Speaker Gupta warned the opposition members against forcing him to take disciplinary action. He further remarked, “In some time, the CAG report is about to be tabled. I think the opposition doesn’t like that,” hinting at underlying motives behind the protest. The session continued amidst the standoff, with both sides trading barbs over accountability and governance. Further developments are awaited as the budget discussions proceed.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj took to X, blaming the BJP over the Delhi Budget Session dispute. He wrote, “Those who leaked the CAG report to the newspapers are now troubled by the budget leak. Suddenly, they are remembering the Constitution and traditions.”

SOURCE : PTI |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Who is Kunal Kamra, and why is he trending on X? Also, what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

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Who is Kunal Kamra, and why is he trending on X? Also, what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

Mumbai, India – Kunal Kamra is dominating conversations on X due to a major controversy sparked by a recent stand-up performance in Mumbai. During a show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Kamra mocked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a “gaddar” (traitor) in a parody song set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai.

The jibe referenced Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena, a politically charged event that led to his rise as Deputy CM. A video clip of the performance, shared by Kamra himself on X, went viral, amassing over 360,000 views and igniting a firestorm of reactions.

The fallout was swift and intense. On March 23, 2025, Shiv Sena workers, enraged by the remarks, vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and Hotel Unicontinental in Khar, where the show was recorded.

The incident led to an FIR being filed against Kamra at Mumbai’s MIDC police station by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who demanded an apology within 48 hours, threatening to restrict Kamra’s movement in Mumbai if he didn’t comply. Another FIR was registered against Shiv Sena members, including Yuva Sena general secretary Rahool Kanal, for the vandalism.

Shiv Sena leaders escalated the situation with public threats. MP Naresh Mhaske warned that Kamra “won’t move freely in India” without an apology, alleging he was a “hired comedian” paid by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. Sanjay Nirupam, another Sena leader, promised to “teach Kamra a lesson” on March 24 at 11 AM. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) figures like Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray supported Kamra, with Raut calling it “Kunal Ka Kamal” and Thackeray labeling the vandalism “cowardly.”

Kamra’s response was characteristically defiant. On March 24, he posted a photo on X of himself holding a pocket edition of the Indian Constitution, captioned, “The only way forward,” signaling his intent to stand by his free speech rights. The incident has polarized X users, with some praising his courage and others condemning his provocation, fueling debates about comedy, politics, and censorship in India.

Who is Kunal Kamra?

Kunal Kamra is an Indian stand-up comedian, social media personality, and outspoken critic of political figures and policies. Born on October 3, 1988, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kamra initially worked in advertising before transitioning to comedy in 2013.

He gained prominence through his sharp political satire and observational humor, often targeting government policies, politicians, and societal issues. His YouTube channel, with over 2.29 million subscribers, features popular shows like Shut Up Ya Kunal, where he interviews public figures and discusses contentious topics.

Kamra’s comedic style is unapologetically bold, blending humor with biting commentary, which has earned him a loyal fanbase as well as significant controversy. Over the years, he has faced legal battles, including a contempt of court case in 2020 over tweets criticizing the Indian judiciary, and has been banned from several airlines after a verbal altercation with a news anchor on a flight. His global performances and online presence have solidified his reputation as a provocative yet influential figure in Indian comedy.

what is the Zero FIR filed against him?

A Zero FIR (First Information Report) is a type of FIR that can be filed at any police station, regardless of the location where the alleged offense occurred. Unlike a regular FIR, which is filed at the police station with jurisdiction over the crime scene, a Zero FIR is assigned a “zero” serial number and is later transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation. This mechanism, introduced in India following the 2013 Justice Verma Committee recommendations, ensures that victims or complainants can report a crime immediately without jurisdictional delays.

The Zero FIR Against Kunal Kamra

On March 24, 2025, the MIDC police station in Mumbai registered a Zero FIR against Kunal Kamra following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. This legal action stemmed from Kamra’s stand-up comedy performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, on March 23, 2025. During the show, Kamra performed a parody song set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai’s “Bholi Si Surat,” in which he indirectly referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). The remark alluded to Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena, a politically sensitive topic that led to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.

The viral video of this performance, posted by Kamra on X and YouTube (titled Naya Bharat), triggered outrage among Shinde’s supporters. Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and Hotel Unicontinental in Khar on March 23, prompting dual legal actions: one against Kamra and another against the vandals.

Details of the Zero FIR

  • Filed By: Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged the complaint at MIDC police station around 11 PM on March 23, 2025.
  • Legal Basis: The Zero FIR was registered under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal code effective from July 1, 2024:
    • Section 353(1)(b): Publishing or circulating false statements or rumors that may cause public mischief.
    • Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace.
    • Section 356(2): Defamation, defined as making or publishing an imputation intending to harm someone’s reputation.
  • Reason: Patel accused Kamra of defaming Eknath Shinde by making derogatory statements about his moral conduct and inciting hatred between political factions, specifically the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
  • Transfer: The Zero FIR was initially filed at MIDC police station (not the jurisdictional station) and was formally transferred to Khar police station, which oversees the area where the comedy show took place, for further investigation.

Why a Zero FIR?

The use of a Zero FIR in this case likely reflects practical or tactical considerations. Patel filed the complaint late at night at MIDC police station, possibly due to proximity or urgency, rather than waiting to approach Khar police station directly. The Zero FIR ensured immediate registration, allowing the legal process to begin without delay, after which it was transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction.

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Pope Francis to Be Released from Hospital Sunday After Life-Threatening Pneumonia Battle

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Pope Francis to Be Released from Hospital Sunday After Life-Threatening Pneumonia Battle

Pontiff Faces Months of Recovery Following 38-Day Ordeal, Doctors Say

ROME – Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, concluding a grueling 38-day struggle with a severe case of bilateral pneumonia that twice brought him to the brink of death and sparked speculation—now quelled—about a potential papal resignation or funeral. The 88-year-old pontiff’s release follows weeks of intensive care for an infection that ravaged both lungs, a recovery his doctors hailed as remarkable given the odds.

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Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led Francis’ medical team, announced at a Saturday evening press conference in the hospital atrium that the pope would require at least two months of rest, rehabilitation, and convalescence at the Vatican. “He’s been discouraged from big group meetings or overexerting himself,” Alfieri said, noting that Francis had been an “exemplary patient” despite his eagerness to return home.

The pontiff’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, added that with continued progress, Francis should eventually resume his full slate of duties. Sunday’s discharge will mark the first time the public has seen him since his February 14 admission, when he’ll offer a blessing from his hospital suite.

The update—the first in-person briefing in a month—shed light on the severity of Francis’ ordeal. Admitted with what began as bronchitis, the Argentine pope, who has chronic lung disease and lost part of one lung in his youth, soon faced a complex bacterial, viral, and fungal infection that escalated into double pneumonia. Blood tests revealed anemia, low platelets, and early kidney failure, later stabilized with two transfusions.

The gravest moments came on February 28, when an acute coughing fit led to aspiration of vomit, necessitating a noninvasive ventilation mask. Two subsequent respiratory crises required manual removal of “copious” mucus, and he slept with the mask nightly to clear lung fluid buildup.

“Not all patients survive such a severe case of bilateral pneumonia, let alone leave the hospital,” Alfieri said, crediting Francis’ resilience. “When he was in really bad shape, it was hard to see him in good spirits. But one morning, he said, ‘I’m still alive,’ and we knew he’d turned a corner.” Though the pneumonia is under control, Francis continues oral medication for a lingering fungal infection, expected to last months.

His voice remains weakened from lung damage and ventilation—a common setback, Alfieri noted—but should recover with time. “The respiratory muscles struggle after such an illness, especially in older patients. It’s normal to lose your voice a bit; it’ll return gradually.”

Despite his frailty, Francis remained alert and cooperative throughout, doctors said. “He realized he was improving—breathing better, working longer—and wanted to go home days ago,” Alfieri remarked. The decision to discharge him followed two weeks of stability and steady gains. Carbone emphasized that convalescing at the Vatican would be safer than remaining in a hospital, “the worst place to recover due to infection risks.”

Sunday’s release caps a chapter that tested the Vatican and its faithful. While the infection has abated, questions linger about Francis’ schedule. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni declined to confirm events like an April 8 audience with King Charles III or Easter services, though Carbone expressed hope that a May trip to Turkey for an ecumenical anniversary might be feasible if recovery holds. For now, the focus is on rest for a pope whose survival, Alfieri said, defied the odds: “He’s shown us once again why he’s called the Holy Father.”

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Tense Protests Grow in Turkey Over Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s Detention

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Tense Protests Grow in Turkey Over Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s Detention

Istanbul, Turkey – March 23, 2025 – Tensions escalated across Turkey today as thousands of protesters clashed with riot police in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, decrying the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu amid a controversial immigration crackdown backed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

The unrest, now in its third day, marks Turkey’s most significant wave of civil disobedience in over a decade, fueled by accusations that Imamoglu’s arrest is a politically motivated move to silence dissent against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.

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Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Erdogan’s chief political rival, was detained on March 20 in a predawn raid, charged with corruption and aiding a terrorist group—allegations his supporters call fabricated.

The arrest coincides with a sweeping immigration enforcement operation in Turkey, reportedly spurred by U.S. pressure to deport undocumented migrants, including those linked to Trump’s pledge to expel “millions” of “criminal aliens” globally. Turkish authorities have reassigned thousands of federal agents—previously tasked with fighting drug trafficking, child exploitation, and money laundering—to assist in the crackdown, a move mirrored in the U.S. and now igniting outrage in Istanbul.

People shout slogans as they march to protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, March 20, 2025. Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra

Protests erupted shortly after Imamoglu’s detention, with tens of thousands defying a four-day ban on gatherings imposed by Istanbul’s governor. On Saturday evening, an estimated 300,000 people rallied near the Istanbul Municipality building in Sarachane, where CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed the crowd.

“This is bigger than one man—it’s a fight for democracy,” Ozel declared, as police deployed water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Protesters retaliated, charging barricades and hurling projectiles, while chants of “Erdogan out!” and “Free Imamoglu!” echoed through the streets. Similar scenes unfolded in Izmir and Ankara, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reporting 343 detentions nationwide overnight for “disrupting public order.”

The unrest has drawn international attention, with European leaders condemning Imamoglu’s detention as a sign of democratic erosion in Turkey. The U.S. State Department, however, remained muted, focusing instead on its collaboration with Turkey on immigration enforcement—a partnership that includes military-assisted deportation flights and the use of Guantanamo Bay to hold detainees. Critics argue this reflects a quid pro quo: U.S. support for Erdogan’s crackdown in exchange for Turkey’s alignment with Trump’s immigration agenda.

Adding fuel to the fire, Istanbul University annulled Imamoglu’s degree on March 18, potentially barring him from the 2028 presidential race—an eligibility blow the CHP calls “legally baseless.” With elections not due until 2028 unless called early, Erdogan, now 71 and in power for 22 years, faces growing pressure from Imamoglu’s popularity, underscored by polls showing the mayor leading him.

“The nation won’t forgive this attack on our votes,” Ozel told Reuters, vowing to resist any attempt to replace Imamoglu with a government appointee.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that at least 97 individuals were detained across the country amid the ongoing protests.

People light flares as they protest against the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, March 21, 2025. Photo : AP/Khalil Hamra

Turkey’s economy felt the strain, with the lira plunging 12% to an all-time low on Wednesday and Istanbul shares dropping nearly 8% by Friday. The central bank burned through $10 billion in reserves to stabilize the currency, while inflation hovered at 39% last month. Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek assured bankers that “temporary fluctuations” were under control, but the financial fallout underscored the protests’ broader impact.

Erdogan, addressing supporters in Ankara, dismissed the demonstrations as “street terrorism” and defended the detention, insisting the judiciary is independent. “Pointing to the streets instead of the courts is a dead end,” he said, accusing the opposition of shielding “theft and illegality.” Yet, the detention of Imamoglu—coupled with over 100 others, including journalists and municipal staff—caps a months-long legal offensive against dissent, raising fears of an authoritarian pivot reminiscent of the 2013 Gezi Park crackdown.

As a court ruling on Imamoglu’s formal arrest looms this weekend, tensions show no sign of abating. Protesters, including university students and non-CHP supporters, frame the movement as a stand against systemic injustice.

This isn’t just about Imamoglu—it’s about our rights,” said Azra, a 26-year-old demonstrator in Istanbul, withholding her full name amid fears of reprisals. With police reinforcements massing and bridges to the city center blocked, Turkey braces for what could be a defining moment in its political landscape.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Thousands of Agents Reassigned for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

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Thousands of Agents Reassigned for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Washington, US – Recent reports indicate that thousands of federal agents have been reassigned to support President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, a significant shift in law enforcement priorities.

These agents, typically tasked with investigating crimes such as child exploitation, drug trafficking, and money laundering, are now being redirected to enforce immigration laws across the United States. This move aligns with Trump’s pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, focusing initially on those labeled as “criminal aliens.”

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The reassignment includes personnel from various agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), such as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as other federal entities like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. For example, HSI agents, who have historically focused on complex cases like child sexual exploitation—helping over 3,000 victims in the past two years—are now being deployed to conduct raids on businesses and communities to apprehend undocumented immigrants.

A memo from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, dated February 18, 2025, authorized State Department agents to assist in locating and apprehending undocumented individuals, marking a notable expansion of their usual duties protecting diplomats.

This shift has sparked concerns about resource allocation. Critics, including former HSI official Matthew Allen, argue that diverting specialized agents could leave other critical areas, like child exploitation and national security threats, understaffed and vulnerable. Allen noted that such changes might result in some child victims continuing to be exploited due to reduced investigative capacity.

Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests have surged, with reports indicating a daily average of 800 arrests in late January 2025, compared to 300 under the Biden administration in 2024, though the pace of deportations—37,660 in Trump’s first month—remains below Biden’s monthly average of 57,000.

Logistical efforts include military-assisted deportation flights to Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela, and the use of Guantanamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 detainees. In response to Reuters inquiries, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the government is “mobilizing federal and state law enforcement to find, arrest, and deport illegal aliens.” The FBI, when asked about staffing shifts, declined to comment beyond stating it is “protecting the U.S. from many threats.” The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

The policy has ignited debate. Supporters view it as a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promises to secure the border, while detractors question its impact on public safety and legality. Legal experts suggest the administration’s use of obscure laws to justify the reassignments could invite lawsuits challenging executive authority.

As ICE ramps up operations and agents adapt to unfamiliar roles, the long-term effects on both immigration enforcement and other crime-fighting efforts remain uncertain, making this a developing story with far-reaching implications.

SOURCE : REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

More than 40 Schoolchildren Rescued from Flooded Retreat in Southern Spain

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More than 40 Schoolchildren Rescued from Flooded Retreat in Southern Spain

Ávila, Spain — Firefighters rescued more than 40 children from a religious retreat in southern Spain on Friday, officials said.

Also rescued were three monitors after floods from the overflowing Adaja and Chico rivers trapped the students inside a religious retreat center in Ávila.

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The children, aged around 10, had been staying at the Santa Teresa religious house when rising waters flooded the orchard, garden, sewer system, and basement.

Nun Purificación Martín, who remains at the site with around 30 elderly nuns, told EFE they realized the extent of the flooding at 7 am when they found the entire outside area submerged.

This marks the second major flood in the southern part of Ávila in two weeks, though this time the water level is higher, worsening the impact.

The Santa Teresa de Jesús School students from San Juan de Aznalfarache (Seville) were evacuated with assistance from firefighters, local police, and civil protection forces.

Before the floods hit, the retreat had housed 350 students from Seville, Salamanca, Calahorra, Zaragoza, and Toledo, most of whom had left on Thursday.

The 31 nuns residing in the convent have stayed behind, though power and heating have been lost due to the flooded basement, which houses the boilers and cold storage.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

U.S. Sanctions Former Argentine President and Ex-Minister Over Corruption Allegations

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U.S. Sanctions Former Argentine President and Ex-Minister Over Corruption Allegations

Washington, US – The United States government announced sanctions on Friday against former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (2007-2015) and former Federal Planning Minister Julio De Vido (2003-2015), citing their “involvement in significant corruption during their time in public office.” The measures, unveiled by the Donald Trump administration, bar Fernández, De Vido, and their immediate family members from entering the United States.

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In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the former officials of abusing their authority “by orchestrating and financially benefiting from multiple bribery schemes involving public works contracts, resulting in millions of dollars stolen from the Argentine government.” Rubio emphasized that both individuals have faced convictions for corruption in Argentina, underscoring the U.S. commitment to combating international graft.

The sanctions come amid ongoing legal battles for Fernández in her home country. In November 2024, Argentina’s Federal Criminal Cassation Chamber upheld a six-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from public office against Fernández in the high-profile “Vialidad” case. The investigation exposed irregularities in the allocation of 51 road construction contracts to companies linked to businessman Lázaro Báez during Fernández’s presidency and that of her late husband, former President Néstor Kirchner (2003-2007). The ruling, originally issued in December 2022, marked Fernández’s first criminal conviction and sent shockwaves through Argentina’s political landscape. However, she has not been detained as the sentence remains under appeal.

On February 14, 2025, Fernández appealed to have her conviction overturned. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Attorney General’s Office, also appealing the decision, has pushed for a harsher 12-year sentence, arguing for the additional charge of illicit association. The Federal Criminal Cassation Chamber now faces a critical decision: whether to allow the case to proceed to the Supreme Court via extraordinary appeals or reject them, leaving the parties to appeal directly to the nation’s highest court. Legal experts suggest the Supreme Court’s final ruling could take months—or even years—to materialize, leaving Fernández’s fate uncertain.

De Vido, a key figure in the Kirchner administrations, has also faced multiple corruption convictions tied to his oversight of public works projects. The U.S. sanctions signal a broader effort to hold accountable foreign officials implicated in systemic corruption, with Rubio noting that such actions undermine democratic governance and economic stability.

Fernández, a polarizing Peronist leader, has maintained her innocence, framing the legal challenges as political persecution. Her supporters argue the cases reflect a concerted effort to discredit her legacy, while critics hail the sanctions and convictions as long-overdue justice for Argentina’s taxpayers.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Maiduguri, a Nigerian City, Recovers Swiftly from Catastrophic Floods, Driven by Community Strength

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Maiduguri, a Nigerian City, Recovers Swiftly from Catastrophic Floods, Driven by Community Strength

Abuja, Nigeria — Six months after catastrophic flooding submerged Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s embattled Borno State, the city’s main market buzzes with life once more. Traders like Elizabeth Felix, 43, arrange their wares—vibrant fabrics, shoes, fresh produce, and the pungent scent of dried fish—amid the clamor of haggling customers. It’s a scene of renewal that stands in sharp contrast to the devastation of September 2024, when torrential rains and a collapsed dam plunged 15% of the city underwater, marking one of the worst climate-driven disasters in Central and West Africa in decades.

“It was the worst moment of my life,” Felix recalled. Her fish stall was engulfed, and goods worth 2 million naira ($1,332) were swept away. “I lost everything.” The floods claimed dozens of lives, displaced hundreds of thousands, and ravaged Maiduguri’s infrastructure—cracking roads, destroying markets, and killing nearly 80% of the animals at Sanda Kyarimi Zoo. Already strained by a 15-year insurgency led by Islamic extremists, the city faced a humanitarian crisis that threatened to break its spirit.

1.People walk through floodwaters following a dam collapse in Maiduguri, Nigeria Sept 10, 2024. (AP Photos/ Joshua Olatunji, File) | 2. Taxis drive on a street in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Joshua Olatunji)

Yet, against steep odds, Maiduguri has staged a remarkable recovery. Seven key roads, including the heavily photographed Fori Road, have been rebuilt. Markets are thriving again, and displaced residents are piecing their lives back together. Locals and officials attribute this turnaround to a potent blend of financial aid and the unyielding community resilience forged through years of adversity.

Adam Bababe, Executive Secretary of the Borno Geographic Information Service, detailed the financial lifeline: 18 billion naira ($12 million) was distributed to over 100,000 affected households, supplemented by 4.3 billion naira ($2.8 million) from U.N. agencies and partners for relief efforts. The state government added 20 billion naira ($13.2 million) for infrastructure repairs and food supplies. Still, the official response lagged initially, with camps for the displaced opening days after the worst flooding hit.

An elephant walks in an enclosure at a zoo in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joshua Olatunji)

In that gap, the community took charge. “My friends and I donated clothes and cooking materials,” said Ijasini Ijani, a local resident. Shop owners in less-affected areas offered shelter, bridging the gap until official camps were established three days later. Lawan Maigana, a media professional, rallied young volunteers and used his Facebook platform to raise millions of naira, funding meals for women, children, and the elderly. In the hardest-hit zones, where cooking was impossible, his team delivered food by canoe, courtesy of military support.

For Felix, personal networks proved a lifeline. Friends and family pooled funds to help her restart her business. “My business is back, and in fact, it’s even better than last year,” she said with pride.

This resilience is no accident. More than a decade of insurgency has honed Maiduguri’s collective strength. “People quickly moved on and were helping one another,” Ijani noted. “Even amid the disaster, they went out struggling to trade and live normally.” Maigana’s efforts and countless small acts of solidarity—neighbors sharing resources, youth organizing aid—kept the city afloat when formal systems faltered.

The recovery transcends reopened markets and repaired roads. It’s a testament to a community accustomed to crisis, where solidarity has become second nature. As Felix surveys the market’s vibrant chaos, she sees not just a return to normalcy, but a triumph of spirit over calamity. Maiduguri, battered by floods and war, stands as a beacon of hope—proof that even in the face of overwhelming loss, unity can pave the way to renewal.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth to Visit Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions

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U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth to Visit Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions

Manila, Philippines — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to arrive in the Philippines next week, marking his first trip to the Indo-Pacific region since taking office under President Donald Trump’s administration. The visit, scheduled for March 28-29, 2025, aims to bolster U.S.-Philippine defense ties and address escalating tensions in the South China Sea, a Philippine official confirmed on Friday, March 21, 2025.

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Hegseth will meet with his counterpart, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila. The discussions will focus on countering Beijing’s increasingly assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea, alongside plans for “more significant support” to the Philippine security forces from the Trump administration, according to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez in an interview with The Associated Press.

“It’s a strong message to China on solid bilateral relations between the U.S. and the Philippines,” Romualdez said, underscoring the strategic importance of Hegseth’s visit. The South China Sea, a vital global trade route and resource-rich region, remains a flashpoint of contention. China claims nearly the entire waterway, overlapping with claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. In recent years, confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces have intensified, raising fears of broader conflict.

The visit comes as Trump’s “America First” foreign policy has sparked uncertainty about the depth of U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific. Hegseth’s trip signals an effort to reassure allies amid these concerns. In his first call with Teodoro on February 5, 2025, Hegseth “reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and its importance for maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot reported. The treaty obligates the U.S. to defend the Philippines if its forces, ships, or aircraft face an armed attack in the Pacific, including the South China Sea—a stance the Biden administration repeatedly emphasized following major territorial clashes in the region.

During that February call, Hegseth and Teodoro discussed “reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners,” Ullyot noted. They also explored ways to enhance the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a priority as Manila seeks to modernize its military in response to regional threats.

China, however, has sharply criticized U.S. involvement. Beijing has warned Washington to refrain from interfering in what it deems a “purely Asian dispute,” accusing the U.S. of destabilizing regional harmony. Chinese officials have defended their actions in the South China Sea as lawful and necessary to protect national sovereignty, often citing historical claims rejected by a 2016 international tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines.

Hegseth’s visit, the first leg of his Indo-Pacific tour, underscores the Trump administration’s intent to maintain a robust presence in the region despite its domestic-focused rhetoric. For the Philippines, the talks offer a chance to secure greater military assistance and reinforce its position against China’s maritime advances. As tensions persist, the outcome of these discussions could shape the balance of power in one of the world’s most contested waterways.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Dallas Rapper Yella Beezy Charged with Capital Murder in 2020 Shooting Death of Mo3

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Dallas Rapper Yella Beezy Charged with Capital Murder in 2020 Shooting Death of Mo3

Houston, US — Dallas-based rapper Yella Beezy, whose legal name is Markies Conway, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in the 2020 shooting death of fellow rapper Mo3, according to court records released this week. The 33-year-old was indicted by a Dallas County grand jury on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, on a charge of capital murder while remuneration, alleging he hired 26-year-old Kewon White to kill Mo3, born Melvin Noble.

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The fatal incident occurred on November 11, 2020, on Interstate 35 in south Dallas. Authorities allege that White drove alongside Noble’s vehicle on the busy freeway, exited his car armed with a handgun, and opened fire. Noble, 28, attempted to flee on foot but was gunned down, while a bystander inside another vehicle was also shot but survived. Noble was pronounced dead at a hospital. The indictment does not specify a motive behind Conway’s alleged orchestration of the killing.

Court documents do not list an attorney for Conway, and attempts to reach his representatives by phone and email were not immediately successful. Following Conway’s arrest, Noble’s mother, Nichole Williams Noble, took to Facebook to express her relief, writing, “Justice for my baby!!!!”

White and another suspect, 32-year-old Devin Brown, were previously indicted in connection with Noble’s death, with their cases still pending. In a separate 2022 case, White received a nearly nine-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Yella Beezy rose to prominence with his 2017 hit “That’s On Me” and later collaborated with Quavo and Gucci Mane on the 2019 track “Bacc At It Again.” Conway himself survived a shooting in October 2018, when an assailant opened fire on his vehicle on a tollway in Lewisville, a Dallas suburb, striking him three times.

Mo3, a Dallas native, had cultivated a significant following, amassing over 800,000 Instagram followers by the time of his death. He gained recognition for his 2019 remix of “Errybody,” featuring Baton Rouge rapper Boosie Badazz.

The capital murder charge carries the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole in Texas. As of Friday, March 22, 2025, Conway remains in custody, with further details on his arraignment yet to be released. The case continues to unfold as authorities seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the high-profile killing that shocked the Dallas rap community.

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