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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Republican lawmaker sparks outrage with plan for ICE facility surrounded by alligator-filled moat
A Republican lawmaker from Florida, Attorney General James Uthmeier, has shocked many people with a wild new idea. He wants to build an immigrant detention center in the middle of the Everglades, surrounded by a moat full of alligators. He's calling it 'Alligator Alcatraz', and says it would help carry out mass deportations for ICE. The plan has sparked outrage and strong reactions from both supporters and critics, as per reports. He shared the idea on X in a short 1-minute video. Uthmeier said the Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility is a good place for this, it's 39 square miles and not being used much. He said it could hold 1,000 migrants within 1–2 months. He said it's cheap because they wouldn't need a big fence, alligators and pythons act like natural guards. His words, 'People get out, there's not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide', as stated by Newsweek. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo He strongly supports Trump's immigration and deportation plans, and said Florida will keep helping. 'This presents a great opportunity for Florida to work with Miami-Dade and Collier counties,' he said. The Department of Homeland Security reposted Uthmeier's video and seems to agree with the plan. DHS posted on X, " ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ " will help state and local law enforcement arrest and detain immigrants under the 287g Program. Florida has 43% of all 287g ICE agreements in the U.S., followed by Texas with 14%, as stated in the report by Newsweek. Live Events What are people saying Tom Homan, Trump's former border chief, praised Trump: said the U.S. had the most secure border ever, and only 95 illegal border crossings were reported in 24 hours. Rep. Maxwell Frost, Democrat from Florida, said Trump's immigration plan is a 'taxpayer-funded kidnapping operation.' Sen. Alex Padilla, Democrat from California, said Trump's ICE is not focused on criminals, but going after families and taxpayers, according to the report by Newsweek. FAQs Q1. What is 'Alligator Alcatraz'? A proposed ICE detention center in the Everglades, surrounded by alligators. Q2. Who is planning the alligator moat ICE facility? Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
What is the Emerald Triangle that may lead to a war between two neighbors and bring down a prime minister
The Emerald Triangle dispute: Could this border clash bring war and topple a prime minister? Tensions are rising fast around the Emerald Triangle, a remote but highly sensitive area where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. It may look like a quiet border zone on the map, but recent clashes and military moves have made it a flashpoint that's now threatening to spark a regional conflict—and possibly bring down Thailand's Prime Minister. The Emerald Triangle came into global headlines when Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire near the disputed border in late May 2025. Since then, both countries have fortified positions, villagers have been caught in fear, and political pressure is mounting. At the heart of the issue: a long-standing disagreement over where exactly the border lies in this mountainous zone. But now, it's not just a cartography issue—it's a test of leadership, diplomacy, and peace in Southeast Asia. Why is the Emerald Triangle suddenly a crisis point? The Emerald Triangle border dispute isn't new. Thailand and Cambodia have had overlapping claims in this forested, rugged area for years. But things turned dangerous on May 28, when both sides confirmed that troops had exchanged gunfire, leading to injuries and panic among border communities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo According to Thailand's military, Cambodian soldiers had started digging trenches in the disputed zone. Cambodia later said this was to protect its border post. In response, Thailand deployed reinforcements, closed local checkpoints, and put residents on alert. Some families began digging bunkers, fearing the worst. By early June, Cambodia agreed to stop the trench digging and restore the land, but not before the conflict stirred up political debate at home and across the region. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, now President of the Senate, claimed the land was rightfully Cambodian, based on internationally recognized maps. He also urged both countries to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle it legally. Live Events Why did a leaked call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen cause such a storm? The phone call, reportedly shared by Hun Sen with 80 politicians before being leaked, featured Paetongtarn speaking candidly about a sensitive border dispute. She addressed Hun Sen — a long-time friend of her family — as 'uncle' and criticized a Thai army officer involved in managing the flare-up at the Thai-Cambodian border. 'He just wanted to look cool and said things that are not useful,' she said of the Thai military commander, sparking a backlash over perceived disrespect to the powerful Thai military. While Paetongtarn later defended her comments as a 'negotiation technique,' critics say the call showed weakness in leadership and compromised Thailand's stance on a long-standing territorial dispute. Who has left Paetongtarn's coalition and why does it matter? On Wednesday, the Bhumjaithai Party, Thailand's second-largest political party and a key member of the ruling coalition, officially withdrew support for Paetongtarn's government. With its departure, the Peu Thai-led coalition now holds a razor-thin majority in parliament. Two more coalition parties are scheduled to meet later today to decide their stance — meaning a complete collapse of the ruling alliance is a real possibility. Paetongtarn apologized on Thursday, stating, 'I would like to apologise for the leaked audio… which has caused public resentment,' but the damage might already be done. Is this dispute putting Thailand's Prime Minister in danger? The Emerald Triangle conflict has become a serious test for Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin , who is already under pressure from coalition struggles and growing economic challenges. With the military on alert and the public nervous, any misstep could cost him his job—or worse, risk dragging the country into a deeper conflict. Srettha's government is still new and doesn't have full control over the military, which has a history of acting independently. The Thai armed forces are monitoring the border closely and may push for more aggressive moves if tensions flare up again. If the military loses faith in Srettha's handling of national security, it could spark calls for a change in leadership. Political analysts in Bangkok have warned that the Emerald Triangle issue could become a "trigger event" —something that starts as a local skirmish but ends up breaking apart the government . And in Thailand's history, military pressure has often led to either reshuffling the Cabinet or full-blown coups. Can this be resolved without war? There's still hope that diplomacy will win. On June 12, both Cambodia and Thailand agreed to de-escalate after a high-level meeting. Cambodia promised to fill the trenches, and both countries said they'd avoid further moves in disputed areas. But the story isn't over. Hun Sen continues to press the ICJ route, saying only the international court can fairly settle the boundary issue. Thailand, on the other hand, hasn't yet confirmed if it will agree to ICJ arbitration. Both sides claim to have official documents and maps backing their claims, and neither wants to back down publicly. That means the peace is fragile. While both governments may want to avoid war, border tensions can escalate quickly , especially if local commanders or military units act on their own. That's why experts are calling for immediate talks, a ceasefire agreement, and third-party observers —possibly from ASEAN or the UN. How did the leaked call impact Thai-Cambodian relations? The leak added fuel to a simmering border row between the two nations. In May, a deadly clash at a contested border zone led to the death of a Cambodian soldier. Since then, tensions have escalated. In response to Thai restrictions, Cambodia banned the import of Thai fruits and vegetables, halted Thai dramas on TV and in cinemas, and reduced Thai internet and power usage. Meanwhile, Thailand also imposed tighter border controls and entry restrictions on Cambodian citizens. In a diplomatic letter, Thailand's foreign ministry called the leak 'deeply disappointing,' adding it 'will severely affect ongoing efforts… to resolve the problem in good faith.' What's behind the long-running border dispute? The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute stretches back more than a century, linked to a 1907 map drawn under French colonial rule. Cambodia has cited that map to support its territorial claims, while Thailand rejects it as inaccurate. Disputed areas include sites like Mom Bei (Chong Bok) — where the May clash happened — and three ancient temples, including the Preah Vihear Temple, which was awarded to Cambodia in a 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand accepted that ruling, but disputes about land surrounding the temple have continued to spark violence. Most recently, Cambodia submitted a new case to the ICJ over four disputed border points. Thailand, however, does not accept the court's jurisdiction and prefers bilateral negotiations. Could Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign over the controversy? The pressure on Paetongtarn, the youngest and only the second female prime minister in Thailand's history, is growing. She took office in August 2024 after her predecessor Srettha Thavisin was removed by the Constitutional Court for violating appointment rules. Opposition leaders and even some of her own coalition members have called for her to step down. Paetongtarn, daughter of exiled and now-returned former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, also faces scrutiny over her family's close ties with the Cambodian Hun political dynasty. Hun Sen, Cambodia's former leader, has said he will no longer engage in private phone calls with Paetongtarn. He also admitted sharing the leaked audio and later posted the full 17-minute conversation on his official Facebook page. What's next for the Thai-Cambodian border conflict? The fallout from the leaked call could shift regional dynamics. Cambodia has asked the ICJ to intervene, while Thailand remains firm in preferring bilateral talks. Both countries have shortened visa stays for each other's citizens, and economic retaliation continues on both sides. Tensions remain high, with mass rallies in Phnom Penh on Wednesday drawing tens of thousands of Cambodians in support of their government's firm stance. Hun Manet, Cambodia's new Prime Minister and son of Hun Sen, addressed the crowds, saying, 'When the country faces a threat… we will stand up in united spirit.' With national pride and political futures at stake in both nations, observers say the situation could deteriorate further unless cooler heads prevail. FAQs: Q1: Why is Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra under pressure to resign? Because of a leaked phone call with Hun Sen that upset the public and political allies. Q2: What triggered the latest Thailand-Cambodia border tensions? A fatal border clash in May and fallout from the leaked call escalated the dispute.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Chandigarh, Punjab, Delhi among top performers in school education during 2023-24: MoE report
Chandigarh, Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat and Odisha are among top performers in the 2023-24 Performing Grade Index that assesses school education at the district level, according to a report of the Ministry of Education . Other top performing states and Union territories include Kerala, Daman and Diu, Haryana, Goa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, the report said. Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) measures the performance of states and UTs in school education. Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has so far released PGI report for states and UTs for the years 2017-18 to 2021-22. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo Meghalya has been adjudged as the lowest performing state in the latest report. Puducherry, Himachala Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and West Bengal are among the average performers as per the index. Live Events "The PGI has been conceptualized as a tool to catalyse transformational change in the field of school education with an objective of assessment of the relative performance of all the districts in a uniform scale," a senior ministry official said. The PGI-D structure comprises total weightage of 600 points across 74 indicators, which are grouped under six categories -- Outcomes, Effective Classroom Transaction, Infrastructure Facilities and Student Entitlements, School Safety and Child Protection , Digital Learning and Governance Process. These categories are further divided into 11 domains -- Learning Outcomes and Quality, Access Outcomes, Teacher Availability and Professional Development Outcomes, Learning Management, Learning Enrichment Activities, Infrastructure Facilities, Student Entitlements, School Safety and Child Protection, Digital Learning, Funds Convergence and Utilisation, Attendance Monitoring Systems and School Leadership Development. Following the same approach of state PGI, districts are graded. In PGI-D, the nomenclature for PGI scores is classified into various grades. Highest achievable grade in PGI-D is 'Utkarsh', which is for districts scoring more than 90 per cent of the total points in that category or overall. The category and overall scores are then reduced by an equal width of 10 per cent of total points in that category or overall points for arriving to the next grade.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Fire breaks out at office building in New Delhi's Janpath Road, no casualties
A fire broke out in an office building here on Saturday morning, prompting authorities to rush 15 fire tenders, a DFS official said. No casualties have been reported so far, he said. A call regarding the blaze breaking out on the third floor of an office building located on Janpath road was received at 11.13 am, the Delhi Fire Services official (DFS) said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo "We rushed 15 fire tenders to the location and the blaze was doused off by 12.20 pm. No injuries have been reported so far," he added. A fire broke out in an office building here on Saturday morning, prompting authorities to rush 15 fire tenders, a DFS official said. Live Events No casualties have been reported so far, he said. A call regarding the blaze breaking out on the third floor of an office building located on Janpath road was received at 11.13 am, the Delhi Fire Services official (DFS) said. "We rushed 15 fire tenders to the location and the blaze was doused off by 12.20 pm. No injuries have been reported so far," he added.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Foreign students scrub social media as US expands visa vetting
Nigerian student Owolabi has been meticulously scrubbing his X feed, deleting tweets and comments about U.S. policies, especially those relating to then President Donald Trump's 2018 reference to "shithole countries" in Africa. Owolabi, 23, got a place at the University of New Haven in Connecticut for a master's degree in cybersecurity this year, but with the Trump administration pausing student visa appointments ahead of new social media vetting guidelines, he is worried. "I don't know what to write on Facebook or X now that won't put me in trouble. It feels like someone is watching my every move," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo Owolabi, who only wanted to be identified by his last name for fear of repercussions, was about to schedule a visa interview at the U.S embassy in the capital Abuja when he heard about the appointment pause for all applicants. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Around 50,000 students from sub-Saharan Africa come to the United States every year to study, though China and India send many more. Live Events Around 20,000 Nigerian students went to study at U.S. colleges in 2024 - the highest number from Africa. The United States is a top destination for international students because of the post-degree career opportunities. In May, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed embassies to stop scheduling new visa appointments, saying the Trump administration would review the process and expand vetting of students' social media profiles. The directive is part of a broader crackdown on international students with the administration seeking to revoke visas, and increasing deportations of international students. The U.S. administration has also taken aim at elite universities, notably Harvard. In early June, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump from barring U.S. entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programmes at the Ivy League school. The policies on foreign students are part of a broader immigration crackdown, which the White House says aims to tighten borders and enhance national security. UNWARRANTED DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE Since 2019, most U.S. visa applicants have been required to disclose their social media identifiers, such as their Facebook or X handles. But Rubio's announcement marks an escalation of the scrutiny applicants will face and raises questions about digital surveillance and the data privacy of applicants, according to digital rights lawyers. They argue that the level of scrutiny that appears to be under consideration could set a dangerous precedent for digital surveillance in immigration processes. While details about the new procedures have yet to be revealed, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States was prepared to use "every tool" to vet anyone who wanted to enter the country. Scrutinising visa applicants' social media activities as part of the immigration process blurs the line between legitimate security concerns and unwarranted digital surveillance, said Khadijah El-Usman, a digital rights lawyer from Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise. El-Usman said profiling applicants based on their online activity meant innocuous posts on X or Facebook might be misinterpreted, and applicants could be denied visas based on opinions or political jokes. "We've seen how even social media companies, mostly U.S.-based, misinterpret posts. What this means is that attempts at humour or political critique can be unfairly flagged as security threats," El-Usman said. 'CHILLING EFFECT' Digital rights campaigners warned the U.S. move could prompt other countries to normalise digital surveillance as part of immigration processes. If that happens, all social media users are at risk of being wrongly profiled, said Mojirayo Ogunlana, executive director of Nigeria-based DiGiCiVic Initiative. "If someone in a moment of anger says, 'Why is America supporting Israel?' and they post that on X or Facebook, does that mean they are a terrorist? Or that they are a national security threat? Is that a legitimate reason to deny them visas?" Ogunlana said. She said people would increasingly self-censor online by sharing content that aligned with the religious and political ideologies of the U.S government in case they needed to apply for visas. This has a "chilling effect on freedom of expression" globally, she said adding that young people, who use social media to express frustrations and draw the world's attention to specific causes, will be afraid to do so. "Knowing that a foreign government might review their tweets or Instagram stories would lead to self-censorship," El-Usman said. "It encourages the idea that being authentic about your thoughts is risky and forces potential visa applicants and asylum seekers to conform to a government agenda - the U.S in this case." Barbadian student Blackman, who lives in the capital Bridgetown and also only wanted to give his last name, said he deleted his X and Facebook accounts after receiving an email in May saying his visa application was on administrative hold. Blackman, 20, who has been accepted for a master's degree in pharmacy at the University of Massachusetts, said classes start in August, but he has yet to hear back about his application. He has deleted his social media accounts, but is worried about his blog posts in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States as they are still visible online. "The internet gave young people like me a voice to speak about racism and police brutality. Now, I feel silenced and monitored," Blackman said.
