TRUMP NAMES ELON MUSK, VIVEK RAMASWAMY TO HEAD US GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY DEPARTMENT

WORLD NEWS

13th NOVEMBER, 2024

By Oyenike

TRUMP NAMES ELON MUSK, VIVEK RAMASWAMY TO HEAD US GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY DEPARTMENT

United States President-elect Donald Trump has revealed that tech mogul Elon Musk will take on a role in the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk will collaborate with American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy to lead this department. This announcement was made in a statement from Trump on 12 November 2024, and shared through Musk’s X account the following day.

Trump emphasised that their roles aim to help his administration eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, reduce excessive regulations, cut unnecessary spending, and reorganise federal agencies. The Republican, who triumphed over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, noted that the department, known as DOGE, will work closely with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to initiate significant structural reforms and foster an unprecedented entrepreneurial approach to governance.

In the statement, Trump expressed satisfaction in appointing Musk and Ramaswamy to lead DOGE, stating that their efforts are crucial for the “Save America” movement. Musk remarked that their initiative could potentially be the “Manhattan Project” of their era, as Republican leaders have long aspired to achieve the goals set forth by DOGE.

Musk also indicated that the department would seek external advice and collaborate with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to implement large-scale reforms, aiming for a transformative approach to government operations.

---

ARREST MADE FOLLOWING PASSING OF MAN AT LUXURY HOTEL

A man has been detained following the passing of a man in his sixties at a hotel in County Laois, Republic of Ireland. Gardaí reported that they were summoned to the hotel shortly before 8:00 PM local time on Tuesday.

According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, the establishment is Ballyfin Demesne, a luxurious five-star hotel located on a 614-acre estate near the Slieve Bloom mountains. It has been suggested that the arrested individual, in his thirties, was accompanying the deceased man.

Gardaí have classified the death as a deadly assault and are examining all aspects surrounding the incident. An incident room has been established at Portlaoise Garda Station, and a family liaison officer has been designated to support the family of the deceased.

A man has been detained following the passing of a man in his sixties at a hotel in County Laois, Republic of Ireland

---

BULLDOZERS CANNOT BE EMPLOYED AS A PUNISHMENT DEVICE: INDIA COURT

India’s highest court has ruled that homes cannot be demolished solely based on a person’s criminal accusations, establishing strict protocols for such actions. This decision responds to numerous appeals against the use of demolition as punishment for those accused or convicted of crimes.

The Supreme Court emphasised that the government cannot act as judge and destroy properties, likening the act to lawlessness. It ordered that individuals affected must be given adequate time to contest the demolition order or vacate their homes.

This ruling comes amid numerous cases where authorities, especially in states led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have used demolitions as punitive measures, often citing illegal construction. Critics argue that such actions disproportionately target Muslims, particularly following religious unrest or protests.

The court condemned these arbitrary actions, stating they have no place in a constitutional democracy, and called for accountability for officials who overstep their authority. New guidelines require a 15-day notice to occupants before any demolition, detailing the reasons for the action. If there is no response within this period, authorities may proceed with the demolition.

India’s highest court has ruled that homes cannot be demolished solely based on a person’s criminal accusations, establishing strict protocols for such actions

---

RAPID INCREASE IN RUSSIAN DRONE ATTACKS CHALLENGE UKRAINIAN DEFENCES AND SHATTER FAMILIES

Maria Troyanivska was at home when a Russian drone struck her bedroom, causing a devastating fire. Her mother, Viktoria, recounted the terrifying moment when they rushed to find their daughter’s room engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire, it was too intense, forcing them to flee. Tragically, the 14-year-old died instantly, leaving her family to bury her in a closed coffin.

The frequency of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine has increased dramatically, with over 2,000 drones launched in October alone, marking a record high. This increase is part of a broader offensive by Russian forces, who are making gains along the front lines. The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of North Korean troops supporting Russia.

The majority of these drones are Iranian-designed Shaheds, known for their distinctive shape and lethal payloads. In addition to these, Russia has begun deploying decoy drones that lack explosives to mislead Ukraine’s air defence systems, forcing them to waste valuable resources.

In contrast to missiles, these drones are relatively inexpensive to produce and simpler to deploy, contributing to their increased use in the ongoing conflict. As the war continues, the uncertainty surrounding international support for Ukraine grows, especially with the potential re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. president.

A Russian drone struck Maria’s bedroom, causing a devastating fire

---

ISRAELI ATTACKS IN MOUNT LEBANON TOWNS CLAIM 23 LIVES, SAYS MINISTRY

Israeli attacks on two residences in central Lebanon have claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals, where displaced families were reportedly residing, according to the Lebanese health ministry. In Joun, 15 people, primarily women and children, were killed, while eight others died near Baalchmay. Both villages are situated in the Mount Lebanon region, away from areas heavily influenced by the armed group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military stated it is investigating the airstrikes, which followed attacks on various Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut. In another incident, two fatalities occurred in the northern Israeli town of Nahariya due to Hezbollah rocket fire, a day after Israel’s defence minister dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire with Hezbollah until its objectives were achieved.

The Israeli military has intensified its operations against Hezbollah, which it labels a terrorist organisation, following nearly a year of cross-border skirmishes ignited by the conflict in Gaza. Israel aims to guarantee the safe return of numerous residents from the northern border area who have been displaced due to rocket fire launched by Hezbollah in solidarity with Palestinians after Hamas’s lethal assault on Israel on 7 October 2023.

Since the onset of the conflict, over 3,200 individuals have died in Lebanon, including 2,600 during the past seven weeks of Israel’s extensive air campaign and subsequent ground invasion in the south, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Additionally, around 1.2 million people have been displaced. On Tuesday morning, the Israeli military conducted at least 10 strikes on southern Beirut’s suburbs, known as Dahieh, following evacuation orders for 11 locations, resulting in the destruction of several buildings, including a medical centre, although no casualties were reported.

Israeli attacks on two residences in central Lebanon, has claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals

About Author