Following a stunning political comeback, incumbent President Donald Trump declared victory in the US election, cementing a disastrous night for Democrat candidate Kamala Harris and her party. Despite expected calls from Biden and Harris, Trump secures a second term in the White House, sparking stock market jumps and concerns over potential high tariffs under his administration. Stay tuned for live updates on this historic election from both Sky News and our US partner network, NBC News.
Trump Secures Second Term in Stunning Political Comeback
Following a dramatic and unexpected political resurgence, incumbent President Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the 2024 US presidential election. The results sent shockwaves through the nation and the global community, upending expectations and leaving many stunned.
Background
President Trump's first term was marked by controversy and polarization, with his policies and rhetoric dividing the nation. He faced widespread criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his withdrawal from international agreements. However, he retained a loyal base of support among his core voters.
The Election
The election campaign was fiercely contested, with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris offering a stark contrast to Trump's policies and leadership style. Harris, a former senator from California, sought to unite the country and restore normalcy to the White House.
Polling in the lead-up to the election consistently showed a close race, with Trump trailing slightly behind Harris. However, in a stunning upset, Trump managed to secure key electoral victories in several swing states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
The Aftermath
Trump's victory has sparked a range of reactions, from jubilation among his supporters to dismay and disappointment among those opposed to him. The stock market surged in response to the news, while concerns have been raised about the potential for increased tariffs under Trump's administration.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Trump win?
Trump's victory can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong economic performance, the appeal of his populist message to key demographics, and divisions within the Democratic electorate.
2. What will Trump's second term be like?
Trump has not released a detailed policy platform for his second term, but he is expected to continue pursuing his economic agenda and his "America First" foreign policy.
3. How will Trump's victory impact the United States?
Trump's victory is likely to have a profound impact on the United States, both domestically and internationally. It could lead to increased polarization, further erosion of congressional bipartisanship, and changes in trade and immigration policies.
4. How will Trump's victory impact the world?
Trump's victory is expected to send reverberations around the globe, with potential implications for international alliances, climate change negotiations, and trade relationships.
5. What does the future hold for the Democratic Party?
The Democratic Party faces a difficult path ahead following Trump's victory. It must grapple with internal divisions, rebuild its infrastructure, and find a way to appeal to a broader cross-section of the electorate.
Indian Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responds sharply to Pakistani leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's threatening statement on the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price. Puri also mentions the recent throat-slitting gesture made by a Pakistani Colonel during a protest by Indians at the Pakistan High Commission in London, emphasizing the deteriorating state of Pakistan.
Ranjana Sonawane, the first recipient of India's Aadhar card, still lacks access to government schemes 13 years later. Despite being eligible for the Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Behen Yojana, Ranjana has not received any money due to an issue with her Aadhar being linked to someone else's bank account. This case brings to light the flaws in the implementation of government schemes in rural and tribal areas, where women like Ranjana often have their funds misdirected or lack necessary information.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has announced its plans to launch a month-and-a-half-long campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The purpose of the campaign is to demand the restoration of statehood and to further the “Save the Constitution” movement. With the recent appointment of Syed Naseer Hussain as the new J&K in-charge, the party hopes to regain its lost support in the Union Territory. This campaign comes at a crucial time, as former supporters of the Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad have recently dissolved their party, raising questions about their political future. The Congress hopes to use this opportunity to highlight the BJP's failures in empowering elected governments and its betrayal over statehood.
Thousands of citizens in Pune are rallying together through an online petition to demand the protection of their city's hills and hill slopes from any construction. The petition is addressed to the former Pune Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the state-appointed Committee on Bio-Diversity Park and Hill Top Hill Slopes. The citizens are concerned that the committee's review may result in allowing construction on the hills, while strict measures have already been mandated by the government to prevent it. The citizens stress the importance of preserving these natural areas for the city's ecological balance and urge the government to uphold its promise to future generations.
After the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This decision was made during a key meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with discussions on potential actions being taken against Pakistan. As tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, Indian leaders have condemned Pakistan for their involvement in the attack and have vowed to take strong measures in response.
The Indian Army made its first major move since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, as they killed top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Altaf Lalli in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. The security forces are on the hunt for the terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of 26 civilians and have launched a massive anti-terror operation. In other developments, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar for a security review meeting and the authorities demolished the houses of two suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
In a hearing at the Supreme Court, the bench rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "irresponsible" comments about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The judges highlighted the need to show respect for India's freedom fighters and questioned whether Gandhi was aware of his grandmother and Mahatma Gandhi praising Savarkar. The court also stayed an Allahabad High Court order that refused to dismiss a lower court's summons against Gandhi over his alleged remarks about Savarkar.
The Supreme Court has stepped in to warn Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his comments about India's independence activist Veer Savarkar, staying a trial court's summons to the politician. The top court emphasized that Savarkar is a highly respected figure in Maharashtra and stated that no one would be allowed to make derogatory remarks about freedom fighters. The court also pointed out that Gandhi's family has had a history of praising Savarkar and Gandhi himself has been warned that the court will take suo motu cognizance of any such remarks. Additionally, the article also mentions an attack in Jammu and Kashmir that has led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
In a successful operation by the security forces, a Lashkar-e-Taliba (LeT) terrorist associate, identified as Altaf Lalli, was killed in an ongoing encounter in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter began after the security forces received intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area. Two security personnel have also been injured in the exchange of fire and are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. The clash highlights the continued efforts of the security forces to combat terrorism in the region.
The Telangana-Chhattisgarh border is a hotbed of tension as security forces step up their efforts to root out Maoist activity from the region. Top Maoist leader Hidma is the target of current high-security operations, with forces strategically advancing through previously inaccessible areas. With mounting pressure, sources indicate that the hold of the Maoists in the region is gradually weakening, making for a tense and critical situation.