In a significant operation indicating the deepening cooperation between the United States and India, a US military aircraft has repatriated 205 Indian nationals who had previously entered the US illegally. The deportation was carried out using a C-17 aircraft from Texas, underscoring the enforcement of stringent immigration policies championed by US President Donald Trump.

The operation aligns with Trump’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration, a policy cornerstone that has seen similar deportations to countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The deported individuals were thoroughly verified, a process suggesting active involvement by the Indian government, which is handling the logistics of repatriation in collaboration with the US.

This deportation comes ahead of a planned visit to the US by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his first since Trump’s re-election. The timing of the deportation underscores ongoing discussions between the two nations regarding the management of Indian nationals residing in the US without legal status. Earlier statements from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to accept nationals who are verified as Indians and found to be staying illegally abroad.

The US embassy in New Delhi reiterated the US government’s resolve to enforce immigration laws and eliminate illegal migration. This joint operation could potentially be the precursor to more such flights intended to address the issue of illegal Indian immigrants in the US, with estimates suggesting up to 18,000 Indians could be affected.

This coordinated approach demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding immigration laws and addressing challenges associated with illegal residency, aiming to deter the associated risks and underline the consequences of non-compliance with immigration policies.

President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on nearly all US imports from Canada sparked immediate and forceful retaliation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hours after the executive order was signed, Trudeau addressed the nation and the American people directly, deploying a carefully calibrated blend of diplomacy and defiance.

Trudeau’s press conference in Ottawa served as a powerful counterpoint to Trump’s unilateral action. He acknowledged the long and intertwined history of the two nations, invoking shared sacrifices on battlefields from Normandy to Kandahar. “From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of the Korean peninsula,” he stated, emphasizing the deep bonds forged through military cooperation and shared values. This appeal to shared history was a strategic move, designed to resonate with American audiences and underscore the absurdity of the trade war.

He directly challenged Trump’s rationale, arguing that partnership, not punitive tariffs, was the optimal path for both countries’ prosperity. “If President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us,” Trudeau declared. This carefully worded statement avoided direct confrontation while firmly asserting Canada’s position.

While acknowledging Canada’s desire to avoid escalation, Trudeau made it unequivocally clear that his government would not passively accept the economic harm inflicted by the tariffs. “We are certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” he asserted, signalling a firm commitment to retaliatory measures.

He painted a stark picture of the potential consequences for American consumers and businesses, warning of job losses in the auto industry and increased costs for everyday goods. “Tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities,” Trudeau warned, highlighting the interconnectedness of the North American economy.

The tariffs, imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, were justified by the White House as a response to a “major threat” from illegal immigration and drugs. However, the lack of specific criteria for lifting the tariffs left a cloud of uncertainty over the future of North American trade relations.

Trudeau’s response signalled a willingness to defend Canadian interests while simultaneously appealing to reason and the long-standing relationship between the two nations. The coming weeks promised to be fraught with tension as both countries grappled with the implications of Trump’s protectionist policies.

IShowSpeed, the globally renowned YouTuber Darren Watkins Jr., made a spectacular, albeit short-lived, appearance at the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble. His surprise entry, following Akira Tozawa’s elimination, immediately injected chaotic energy into the match. Speed, true to his unpredictable nature, wasted no time making his mark.

He unexpectedly aided Bron Breakker in eliminating Otis, showcasing a surprising level of involvement for a non-wrestler. However, his actions quickly transitioned from helpful to highly entertaining, as he punctuated his brief contribution with a backflip and a celebratory rendition of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siu” pose, a move that quickly became a highlight reel moment despite its brevity.

This brazen display of showmanship, however, proved to be his undoing. The Intercontinental Champion swiftly retaliated, delivering a powerful spear that sent Speed reeling. His elimination wasn’t clean; even after being tossed from the ring, Otis, eliminated mere moments before, added to Speed’s misfortune by catching and subsequently launching him onto the announce table. The impact left Speed visibly injured, prompting him to show his wounds to fellow YouTuber Logan Paul backstage and prematurely end his livestream.

While the WWE likely orchestrated Speed’s elimination, the intensity and speed of his downfall were unexpected. The brutal sequence, involving multiple wrestlers and culminating in a significant impact, made for a memorable, albeit painful, experience for the YouTuber. This wasn’t Speed’s first foray into the WWE universe; he previously experienced a memorable, albeit unwanted, encounter with Randy Orton, who delivered a swift and decisive RKO during a prior appearance.

The contrast between Speed’s initial enthusiastic participation and his rapid, violent ejection highlights the unpredictable nature of both the Rumble and IShowSpeed himself. His brief but chaotic appearance will undoubtedly be a talking point among WWE fans and his substantial online audience alike, solidifying his position as an unlikely, yet memorable, participant in one of professional wrestling’s most iconic events. Logan Paul, meanwhile, entered the Rumble later, securing the coveted number 30 entry slot, adding another layer of intrigue to an already exciting night.