Donald Trump's second term as president began with a clear focus on his MAGA base. He declared a break with global multilateralism and pardoned nearly all of the rioters who stormed the Capitol to overturn the 2020 election. Immigration was the main theme of Trump's speeches and executive orders on Day 1, and his actions will especially impact children of temporary Indian workers in the US. Trump also promised a review of US trade policies and could impose a universal tariff on all imports.
Donald Trump's Second Term: A Focus on MAGA and Immigration
Background
Donald Trump's second term as President of the United States began on January 20, 2021, amidst heightened tensions in the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection. Trump had taken office in 2017 on a campaign of "America First" and had pursued a nationalist and isolationist agenda.
MAGA Focus
Trump's second term began with a clear focus on his MAGA (Make America Great Again) base. He declared a break with global multilateralism, announcing the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate agreement. He also pardoned nearly all of the rioters involved in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Immigration
Immigration was a major theme of Trump's speeches and executive orders on Day 1 of his second term. He imposed a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries and announced plans to build a wall on the US-Mexico border. His actions had a significant impact on children of temporary Indian workers in the US, who were at risk of being separated from their parents.
Trade Policies
Trump promised to review US trade policies and indicated that he could impose a universal tariff on all imports. This move was met with concern from economists who warned of potential economic repercussions.
FAQs
1. What was the significance of Trump's break with global multilateralism?
Trump's departure from international agreements such as the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord signaled a shift in US foreign policy towards isolationism and unilateralism.
2. How did Trump's immigration policies impact children of temporary Indian workers?
Trump's executive orders allowed for the separation of children of Indian workers who were in the US on H-1B visas from their parents. This policy was widely criticized as cruel and inhumane.
3. What were the economic implications of Trump's potential universal tariff?
Economists argued that a universal tariff would increase prices for consumers, hurt American exporters, and potentially lead to a trade war with other countries.
4. What was the rationale behind Trump's pardons for Capitol rioters?
Trump claimed that the rioters were exercising their First Amendment rights and that their actions were not politically motivated. However, many critics questioned the legitimacy of these pardons, arguing that they sent a dangerous message and undermined the rule of law.
5. What is the legacy of Donald Trump's second term?
Trump's second term was marked by continued division and controversy. His policies on immigration, foreign policy, and trade had significant impacts on American society and the global stage. The long-term legacy of his presidency remains a subject of ongoing debate.
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.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, security forces are undertaking a massive operation in the dense Karregutta hills forest to eliminate the heart of Naxal command. This operation, involving 7,000 personnel and cutting-edge technology, aims to strike a blow at Naxalism by targeting top leaders of the PLGA Battalion No. 1. This bold move by the CRPF, with the Director General personally overseeing the operation, marks a turning point in the fight against Maoist insurgency. With five Naxals already killed and more likely to come, the operation is being hailed as a decisive victory and could potentially spell the end of Naxalism in India.