US eyes travel ban expansion, targets 36 nations including Bhutan, DRC, Egypt
The administration of US President Donald Trump may expand its current travel ban by including citizens from 36 more countries, according to a memo from the State Department reviewed by the news agency Reuters. On June 4, Trump signed the proclamation banning travel from 12 countries. The White House said that this was needed to protect the United States against "foreign terrorists" and other national security threats. advertisementTrump has launched an immigration crackdown since assuming office for the second time. He deported thousands of Venezuelans suspected of gang activity and enforced stricter policies on foreign students in the US. The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated that the US is worried about how some countries manage the identity and security of their citizens. WHY THESE COUNTRIES ARE BEING TARGETED
The cable outlines several reasons why these 36 countries are being considered for a full or partial ban. In an internal diplomatic cable signed by Marco Rubio, the State Department outlined, "The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days." Other issues mentioned in the memo -- include poor passport security, citizens overstaying visas, lack of help in deportation cases, and involvement of some nationals in terrorist, antisemitic, or anti-American activities.advertisementHowever, the memo also pointed out that not every concern applies to every country on the list. Each nation will need to address the issues within 60 days to avoid being added to the expanded ban list.LIST OF COUNTRIES AT RISK OF BANThe countries that might face restrictions if they don't meet US standards include: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.This list adds to the 12 countries already banned earlier this month: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.Partial restrictions are already in place for travellers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.With inputs from ReutersMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
30 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Inside Marine Drive's new restaurant SoBo 20, serving bold Franco-American plates
In the early 18th century, the French landed on the Mississippi coast and founded New Orleans. Over centuries, it evolved into a major port and commercial hub, the birthplace of jazz, and a cultural gumbo of French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Among its most distinctive offerings is its bold, soulful Creole and Cajun cuisine, a delicious reflection of the city's layered history. Now, halfway across the world, that unmistakable NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) flavour has landed in Mumbai—courtesy of SoBo 20. Designed by Sarah Sham's Essajees Atelier, the newly opened 50-seater restaurant on the ground floor of InterContinental Marine Drive exudes retro-glam sophistication—think clean lines, curated lighting, and bold contrasts. One side features a chic no-reservations bar; on the other, plush seating with marble-topped tables and leather upholstery, anchored by a striking trumpet sculpture on the far wall. It's an easygoing spot, ideal for post-work drinks, laid-back dinners set to '80s and '90s tunes, or a leisurely Sunday brunch. SoBo 20 is named after the area and its pincode. 'We wanted the name to feel familiar and accessible,' said Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Dubai-based Atelier House Hospitality, the group behind New Delhi's award-winning INJA. 'When people hear 'French-American,' they often expect something uptight or formal. But we wanted to celebrate the fun of French flavours and the boldness of American ones.' She added that Creole and Cajun cuisine is ideal for the Indian palate, thanks to its spice levels, stews, and textures. The menu, curated by chef Sudeep Kashikar, is compact yet versatile, offering around 48 dishes, including bar bites, wafer-thin pizzettes, small and large plates, sides, and desserts. Every dish is technique-driven, artfully plated, and designed to surprise — even a humble salad like the Verde. This green salad arrives with a striking top layer: a delicate mousse-gelee hybrid made with spinach, citrus, and serrano pepper. It rests over a tartare of vegetables like onion, cucumber, edamame, kale, and baby spinach. Studded with candied walnuts, smoked cashew salsa, and sour cream, and crowned with a tiara of microgreens, it's a sensory delight. A spoonful of everything melts in your mouth, bringing together freshness, flavours, and crunch in a single bite. Other highlights include house-made focaccia glazed with honey and chilli, served with mascarpone white butter and fried sage; a sun-dried tomato and basil pizzette slicked with arrabbiata sauce and tapenade; and the Potato Mille Feuille — finely layered, crisped potatoes with Cajun seasoning, served with potato foam, rice crackers, and coriander-chive oil on the side. The cocktail menu, crafted by Supradeep Dey, blends French and American classics in inventive ways. Take the Sidecar Smoke, for instance, a clever fusion of the Old Fashioned and Sidecar. We tried the Night Cap, which arrives in two parts: a quick shot of Alexander No.1 with white chocolate, gin, and cream, followed by a citrusy Blood and Sand. Considering the culinary influences, the menu leans heavily toward non-vegetarian options. Think smoked prawns on crispy chicken skin (Gambas), soft shell crab linguine, salmon carpaccio, and crowd-favourite chicken paillard with caviar. 'What has surprisingly been a huge favourite is the Louisiana fried chicken burger,' said Mahendra. 'Not many people can do justice to the flavours and get a burger right.' Desserts, given the French influence, were much anticipated—and they didn't disappoint. The Burrata Ice Cream, for instance, is a mildly sweet, almost salad-like dessert featuring cheese turned into ice cream, topped with an olive oil vinaigrette with orange and honey, and toasted almonds. Chef Kashikar's favourite is the SoBo Chocolate Pate—inspired by the classic liver pate—but reimagined with 70 per cent dark Valrhona chocolate and bourbon whiskey, finished with frozen grated chilli and a sprinkle of salt for heat and contrast. Our top pick? The fried beignets with a ginger creme brulee centre, served with caviar for non-vegetarians and without for vegetarians. 'It's a classic New Orleans pastry—just fried dough with powdered sugar on top. But I wanted to bring in a French touch with creme brulee,' said Kashikar. 'We baked the creme, churned and froze it into bonbon moulds, then stuffed it into the beignet batter and fried it. Of course, creme brulee isn't complete without a sugar crust, so we torch the whole beignet.' The result is magical: a crisp shell that gives way to a warm, custardy centre with hints of ginger and caramelised sugar.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
5 Features Android borrowed From iPhone!
Hamas Rains Rocket On Israel From Gaza After Iran War; 'FURIOUS' IDF Warns Palestinians | Watch The Israel Defense Forces issued a warning for Palestinians to evacuate parts of Central Gaza after a rocket was launched from the area at Israel. The IDF said it will destroy all terrorists in the area from where the rocket was fired. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be achieved within the next week. 4.1K views | 1 day ago
Hindustan Times
40 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Russia launches major airstrike on Ukraine; F-16 pilot killed while repelling it
A Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot was killed while defending against a massive Russian aerial assault involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, authorities said on Sunday. Explosion lights up the sky over the city during a Russian drone, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 29, 2025. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY(REUTERS) The attack, one of the largest in recent weeks, marks a renewed escalation in Russia's night-time air raids as the war enters its fourth year. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for greater Western support to bolster Ukraine's air defences following the overnight onslaught, which damaged homes and infrastructure and injured at least seven people. 'This war must be brought to an end – pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection. Protection from ballistic and other missiles, from drones, and from terror. Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defence – the thing that best protects lives,' Zelenskyy said in a post on X. He added, 'Just this week alone, there have been more than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs.' According to the Ukrainian military, Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles of various types overnight. Ukrainian forces destroyed 211 drones and 38 missiles, they said. 'To repel the massive attack, all available means of the defence forces that can operate on enemy air assets were deployed,' the military added. Airstrikes leave trail of destruction The airstrikes, recorded in six locations, left a trail of destruction across several regions. Explosions were heard in Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, and Ivano-Frankivsk, according to regional governors. In the central Cherkasy region, six people including a child were injured. Three multi-storey buildings and a college were damaged, governor Ihor Taburets said. One woman was injured in Ivano-Frankivsk. Industrial sites were also hit in Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk. Photos released by local authorities showed buildings with charred walls and shattered windows, and rescuers evacuating residents. Ukraine confirmed that it had lost its third F-16 jet since the start of the war during this operation. The Ukrainian Air Force paid tribute to the pilot, who it said 'used all of his onboard weapons and shot down seven air targets.' 'While shooting down the last one, his aircraft was damaged and began to lose altitude. The pilot did everything he could to steer the jet away from a settlement but did not have time to eject,' they added. The military said 225 drones were likely lost in the attack, either neutralised through electronic warfare or decoys without warheads. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's urgent need for advanced defence systems, urging the United States and allies to act with 'leadership' and 'political will.' During a recent meeting in The Hague, he appealed to former US President Donald Trump to facilitate the sale of more Patriot missile batteries. Ukraine has not publicly disclosed how many F-16s it currently operates, but they have become a key component of its air defence strategy. Meanwhile, officials in the western Lviv region said critical infrastructure had been targeted, though they did not elaborate on the damage. With Reuters inputs
