August 10, 2026

2026

Trump’s surprise announcement: How US blinked and said yes to trade deal with India

Trump’s surprise announcement: How US blinked and said yes to trade deal with India

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

PM Modi with Trump (file photo) India-US trade deal: Stuck for months since negotiations first began early, the India-US trade deal announcement by US President Donald Trump took everyone by surprise. Despite repeated rounds of talks, even after the US imposed 50% tariffs, the stalemate had continued with the Trump administration insisting that any trade…

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Site where Ajit Pawar’s plane crashed MUMBAI: India’s charter aviation sector has grown steadily, filling a crucial gap left by airlines by connecting smaller towns & airports. But industry insiders say safety compliance across non-scheduled operators is uneven and often weaker than airline standards. Implementation of pilots’ flight duty time limits, maintenance standards & weather-related decision-making vary widely between operatorsCharter flying offers speed, flexibility and access to places far beyond an airline’s scheduled network, making it the fastest way to reach remote destinations. But this convenience, which is the very core that defines charter operations, also exposes a fundamental difference in how safety is prioritised. Unlike in airline operations, decisions on whether to operate or land are often taken closer to the cockpit, where passenger urgency and convenience can weigh heavily, sometimes pushing safety to the second place.Ajit Pawar’s Sudden Air Crash Death Sparks Massive Shockwave Across Bollywood and Politics“Non-scheduled flights carry high-net-worth passengers with a fixed objective, an event, a meeting, a function. That creates immense pressure on pilots to land at the intended destination at all costs, even when diversion would be the safer option,” said Capt Manoj Hathi, former senior flight operations inspector at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Parliament panel on Ajit Pawar’s deathCapt R K Bali of the Business Aircraft Operators Association said India’s non-scheduled aircraft operators have a fleet of about 300 aircraft. “The need of the hour is a pre-flight open, clear communication between pilot and the passenger. The pilot should carry out an objective assessment of the risk involved for a given flight and brief the passenger especially when flying into a small uncontrolled airport with no landing aids in marginal weather conditions. The pilot should be under no duress from anyone to make the landing, because ultimately the buck stops at the pilot”.But that is often not the case. A senior pilot spoke about the pressure the crew comes under. “When a politician travels by road, traffic is stopped, junctions sealed and inconvenience is imposed on everyone else in the name of the VIP safety. When the same politician travels by air, the inconvenience quietly shifts to rest solely on the pilot. A chartered aircraft is expected to get in and get out, often to small airfields and on tight timelines because a meeting, a rally or a public appearance cannot be missed.”Then there are other aspects that influence the safety standards in charter aircraft operations. Unlike scheduled airlines, where pilot flight duty time limitations are tightly monitored and crew can be replaced at short notice, charter operations operate with limited manpower. “There is an expectation that you should be able to fly whenever you want. Passengers are frequently late, and replacement crew are rarely available except at the main base,” said Capt Hathi. Irregular schedules also impact pilot proficiency. Charter pilots often lack the consistency that airline crew benefit from, affecting skill retention and operational discipline. The sector also struggles to retain experienced flight crew. “Many first officers and captains see charter flying as a steppingstone to airlines. Attrition is high. Many captains are older, retired from airlines, or were not selected elsewhere,” said an operator.Capt Hathi said, “Training infrastructure is another weak point. Most non-scheduled operators do not have dedicated training departments comparable to airlines, largely due to cost constraints. Refresher training and procedural updates are often left to self-study. The problem is compounded when operators maintain multiple aircraft types within small fleets, making standardisation of procedures difficult.”Short-notice flights such as medical evacuations or emergency travel add another layer of complexity. “There is often insufficient time for proper briefing or preparation,” said a source. Compounding this, pilots in charter operations are responsible for tasks that airlines distribute across multiple departments. Flight preparation, loading calculations, technical documentation and coordination are often handled solely by pilots, meaning their effective duty begins hours before the recorded reporting time. These factors create a system where compliance depends heavily on individual operators and pilots rather than institutional safeguards as is the case with airlines.About the AuthorManju VManju V, senior Editor at the Times of India in Mumbai writes on civil aviation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Announces India-US Trade Deal, Reduces Reciprocal Tariffs On Delhi To 18%; PM Modi ReactsAir India Grounds Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Fuel Control Switch Issue in London-Bengaluru Flight’Nonsense, Lies’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi For Citing Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Memoir, Oppn Hits BackChina Slams Dalai Lama’s Grammy Win, Calls It Political Manipulation Warns Against Anti-China MovesShowdown In Parliament As Rahul Gandhi Quotes Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Book on China’Arrogant, Liar’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Attacks CEC Gyanesh After SIR Meet In DelhiPak Analyst Rips Munir Over Trump Minerals Pitch And IMF Loans After US Snubs Pakistan On Pax SilicaBalochistan Crisis: Pakistan-Origin Commentator Takes Apart Islamabad, Exposes Lies On India’India Showed…’: Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Remarks On Galwan Clash Resurface After Lok Sabha Row’Faster Than BrahMos’: DRDO Calls New Hypersonic Anti Ship Missile A Game Changer For India123Photostories8 baby boy names that are inspired by successful celebritiesFrom Melinda French Gates to Shikhar Dhawan: 5 celebrities whose lives became seemingly better after divorceIs your workplace really toxic or is it you? 5 honest signs to reflect onHow to make South Indian Beetroot and Paneer Paniyaram for breakfast at homeWhy ghosting hurts more than breakups, according to psychology10 best travel ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 weekend9 comforting amla dishes ideal for winter months10 luxury bikes that blend power, precision, and prestige‘The 50’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Laughter Chef’: Celebrity reality shows that never fail to entertainHrithik Roshan shares his post-workout meal photo and it is plateful of things we all love123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsFernando MendozaTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid

Site where Ajit Pawar’s plane crashed MUMBAI: India’s charter aviation sector has grown steadily, filling a crucial gap left by airlines by connecting smaller towns & airports. But industry insiders say safety compliance across non-scheduled operators is uneven and often weaker than airline standards. Implementation of pilots’ flight duty time limits, maintenance standards & weather-related decision-making vary widely between operatorsCharter flying offers speed, flexibility and access to places far beyond an airline’s scheduled network, making it the fastest way to reach remote destinations. But this convenience, which is the very core that defines charter operations, also exposes a fundamental difference in how safety is prioritised. Unlike in airline operations, decisions on whether to operate or land are often taken closer to the cockpit, where passenger urgency and convenience can weigh heavily, sometimes pushing safety to the second place.Ajit Pawar’s Sudden Air Crash Death Sparks Massive Shockwave Across Bollywood and Politics“Non-scheduled flights carry high-net-worth passengers with a fixed objective, an event, a meeting, a function. That creates immense pressure on pilots to land at the intended destination at all costs, even when diversion would be the safer option,” said Capt Manoj Hathi, former senior flight operations inspector at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Parliament panel on Ajit Pawar’s deathCapt R K Bali of the Business Aircraft Operators Association said India’s non-scheduled aircraft operators have a fleet of about 300 aircraft. “The need of the hour is a pre-flight open, clear communication between pilot and the passenger. The pilot should carry out an objective assessment of the risk involved for a given flight and brief the passenger especially when flying into a small uncontrolled airport with no landing aids in marginal weather conditions. The pilot should be under no duress from anyone to make the landing, because ultimately the buck stops at the pilot”.But that is often not the case. A senior pilot spoke about the pressure the crew comes under. “When a politician travels by road, traffic is stopped, junctions sealed and inconvenience is imposed on everyone else in the name of the VIP safety. When the same politician travels by air, the inconvenience quietly shifts to rest solely on the pilot. A chartered aircraft is expected to get in and get out, often to small airfields and on tight timelines because a meeting, a rally or a public appearance cannot be missed.”Then there are other aspects that influence the safety standards in charter aircraft operations. Unlike scheduled airlines, where pilot flight duty time limitations are tightly monitored and crew can be replaced at short notice, charter operations operate with limited manpower. “There is an expectation that you should be able to fly whenever you want. Passengers are frequently late, and replacement crew are rarely available except at the main base,” said Capt Hathi. Irregular schedules also impact pilot proficiency. Charter pilots often lack the consistency that airline crew benefit from, affecting skill retention and operational discipline. The sector also struggles to retain experienced flight crew. “Many first officers and captains see charter flying as a steppingstone to airlines. Attrition is high. Many captains are older, retired from airlines, or were not selected elsewhere,” said an operator.Capt Hathi said, “Training infrastructure is another weak point. Most non-scheduled operators do not have dedicated training departments comparable to airlines, largely due to cost constraints. Refresher training and procedural updates are often left to self-study. The problem is compounded when operators maintain multiple aircraft types within small fleets, making standardisation of procedures difficult.”Short-notice flights such as medical evacuations or emergency travel add another layer of complexity. “There is often insufficient time for proper briefing or preparation,” said a source. Compounding this, pilots in charter operations are responsible for tasks that airlines distribute across multiple departments. Flight preparation, loading calculations, technical documentation and coordination are often handled solely by pilots, meaning their effective duty begins hours before the recorded reporting time. These factors create a system where compliance depends heavily on individual operators and pilots rather than institutional safeguards as is the case with airlines.About the AuthorManju VManju V, senior Editor at the Times of India in Mumbai writes on civil aviation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Announces India-US Trade Deal, Reduces Reciprocal Tariffs On Delhi To 18%; PM Modi ReactsAir India Grounds Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Fuel Control Switch Issue in London-Bengaluru Flight’Nonsense, Lies’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi For Citing Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Memoir, Oppn Hits BackChina Slams Dalai Lama’s Grammy Win, Calls It Political Manipulation Warns Against Anti-China MovesShowdown In Parliament As Rahul Gandhi Quotes Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Book on China’Arrogant, Liar’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Attacks CEC Gyanesh After SIR Meet In DelhiPak Analyst Rips Munir Over Trump Minerals Pitch And IMF Loans After US Snubs Pakistan On Pax SilicaBalochistan Crisis: Pakistan-Origin Commentator Takes Apart Islamabad, Exposes Lies On India’India Showed…’: Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Remarks On Galwan Clash Resurface After Lok Sabha Row’Faster Than BrahMos’: DRDO Calls New Hypersonic Anti Ship Missile A Game Changer For India123Photostories8 baby boy names that are inspired by successful celebritiesFrom Melinda French Gates to Shikhar Dhawan: 5 celebrities whose lives became seemingly better after divorceIs your workplace really toxic or is it you? 5 honest signs to reflect onHow to make South Indian Beetroot and Paneer Paniyaram for breakfast at homeWhy ghosting hurts more than breakups, according to psychology10 best travel ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 weekend9 comforting amla dishes ideal for winter months10 luxury bikes that blend power, precision, and prestige‘The 50’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Laughter Chef’: Celebrity reality shows that never fail to entertainHrithik Roshan shares his post-workout meal photo and it is plateful of things we all love123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsFernando MendozaTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Site where Ajit Pawar’s plane crashed MUMBAI: India’s charter aviation sector has grown steadily, filling a crucial gap left by airlines by connecting smaller towns & airports. But industry insiders say safety compliance across non-scheduled operators is uneven and often weaker than airline standards. Implementation of pilots’ flight duty time limits, maintenance standards & weather-related…

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Feb 03, 2026, 08:55 IST

Feb 03, 2026, 08:55 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Arshdeep Singh (PTI Photo) KOCHI: Arshdeep Singh’s Powerplay numbers in the last five T20Is — 141 runs from 10 overs — may invite criticism, even alarm. But context matters. Those overs were less a reflection of decline and more a consequence of deployment.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Arshdeep has been used…

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Diaspora within touching distance of the ‘dream’: 40 Indian-origin players set to spice up T20 World Cup

Diaspora within touching distance of the ‘dream’: 40 Indian-origin players set to spice up T20 World Cup

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

40 Indian-origin players will participate in the T20 World Cup CHENNAI: They grew up with the dream of representing India. But in a cricketing powerhouse bursting at the seams, that can sometimes feel like threading the eye of a needle.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Even so, that hasn’t stopped the likes…

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BPSC exam calendar 2026 out: Tentative dates for CCE, ASO exams released, TRE 4.0 still not scheduled

BPSC exam calendar 2026 out: Tentative dates for CCE, ASO exams released, TRE 4.0 still not scheduled

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

BPSC exam calendar 2026 released The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released its Exam Calendar 2026 on its official website. This annual schedule gives tentative dates for many important competitive exams and recruitment stages that will take place in 2026. Candidates preparing for state government posts can now plan their preparation and mark key…

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Horoscope Tomorrow, February 4, 2026: Big news from the stars tomorrow, these zodiac signs could get a breakthrough

Horoscope Tomorrow, February 4, 2026: Big news from the stars tomorrow, these zodiac signs could get a breakthrough

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Life is all about perspective! Tomorrow’s horoscope unveils the big picture synthesised by each Zodiac sign out there. Astrology serves as a basis for understanding and interpreting the equilibrium of all aspects of life: relationships, professional life, and personal introspection. Stand rigorous; trust your inner voice; welcome the day with confidence. Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)…

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Maharashtra deputy CM Sunetra Pawar paid a condolence visit to the family of the late PSO Vidhit Jadhav (ANI photo) MUMBAI: Monday saw claims and counter-claims about meetings to plan a merger between the two NCP groups — with Sharad Pawar’s faction confirming the meetings and more voices in Ajit Pawar’s outfit denying them. Pawar Sr, meanwhile, hit back at CM Devendra Fadnavis over his statement that Ajit Pawar would have informed him if there were merger talks. Pawar Sr informally told journalists that those who were not present at the meetings would not know what transpired.NCP MP and state president Sunil Tatkare asked on Monday, “We had taken a collective decision to join the BJP-led NDA and people of the state have stamped their approval of Ajit dada’s decision in the 2024 assembly elections. Those speaking of a merger should answer whether they are fine with it.”NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal agreed with the view that if merger talks were serious, BJP would have been informed. “Today, Sunetra Pawar is the deputy CM. She will speak to others and come to a decision.”“We are with the BJP govt and with NDA. If such talks were held, BJP would have to be informed and decisions would have to be taken about who would be part of NDA at the Centre,” Bhujbal said.He added Ajit Pawar had not informed him about any merger talks. NCP minister Hasan Mushrif also said he was not present at any of the talks. “As far as I know, there was no meeting in which leaders of both parties were present.”But NCP (SP)’s Jitendra Awhad said, “It is 2000% true that merger talks were on.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Announces India-US Trade Deal, Reduces Reciprocal Tariffs On Delhi To 18%; PM Modi ReactsAir India Grounds Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Fuel Control Switch Issue in London-Bengaluru Flight’Nonsense, Lies’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi For Citing Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Memoir, Oppn Hits BackChina Slams Dalai Lama’s Grammy Win, Calls It Political Manipulation Warns Against Anti-China MovesShowdown In Parliament As Rahul Gandhi Quotes Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Book on China’Arrogant, Liar’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Attacks CEC Gyanesh After SIR Meet In DelhiPak Analyst Rips Munir Over Trump Minerals Pitch And IMF Loans After US Snubs Pakistan On Pax SilicaBalochistan Crisis: Pakistan-Origin Commentator Takes Apart Islamabad, Exposes Lies On India’India Showed…’: Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Remarks On Galwan Clash Resurface After Lok Sabha Row’Faster Than BrahMos’: DRDO Calls New Hypersonic Anti Ship Missile A Game Changer For India123Photostories8 baby boy names that are inspired by successful celebritiesHow to make South Indian Beetroot and Paneer Paniyaram for breakfast at home10 best travel ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 weekend9 comforting amla dishes ideal for winter months10 luxury bikes that blend power, precision, and prestige‘The 50’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Laughter Chef’: Celebrity reality shows that never fail to entertainHrithik Roshan shares his post-workout meal photo and it is plateful of things we all loveKriti Sanon pens a special note for ‘Special Friend’ after Nupur Sanon’s Hindu wedding- See pictures8 ways to experience a different side of DelhiJustin Bieber’s performance to Lola Young’s win: Highlights from the 68th Annual Grammy Awards night123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsFernando MendozaTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid

Maharashtra deputy CM Sunetra Pawar paid a condolence visit to the family of the late PSO Vidhit Jadhav (ANI photo) MUMBAI: Monday saw claims and counter-claims about meetings to plan a merger between the two NCP groups — with Sharad Pawar’s faction confirming the meetings and more voices in Ajit Pawar’s outfit denying them. Pawar Sr, meanwhile, hit back at CM Devendra Fadnavis over his statement that Ajit Pawar would have informed him if there were merger talks. Pawar Sr informally told journalists that those who were not present at the meetings would not know what transpired.NCP MP and state president Sunil Tatkare asked on Monday, “We had taken a collective decision to join the BJP-led NDA and people of the state have stamped their approval of Ajit dada’s decision in the 2024 assembly elections. Those speaking of a merger should answer whether they are fine with it.”NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal agreed with the view that if merger talks were serious, BJP would have been informed. “Today, Sunetra Pawar is the deputy CM. She will speak to others and come to a decision.”“We are with the BJP govt and with NDA. If such talks were held, BJP would have to be informed and decisions would have to be taken about who would be part of NDA at the Centre,” Bhujbal said.He added Ajit Pawar had not informed him about any merger talks. NCP minister Hasan Mushrif also said he was not present at any of the talks. “As far as I know, there was no meeting in which leaders of both parties were present.”But NCP (SP)’s Jitendra Awhad said, “It is 2000% true that merger talks were on.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Announces India-US Trade Deal, Reduces Reciprocal Tariffs On Delhi To 18%; PM Modi ReactsAir India Grounds Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Fuel Control Switch Issue in London-Bengaluru Flight’Nonsense, Lies’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi For Citing Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Memoir, Oppn Hits BackChina Slams Dalai Lama’s Grammy Win, Calls It Political Manipulation Warns Against Anti-China MovesShowdown In Parliament As Rahul Gandhi Quotes Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Book on China’Arrogant, Liar’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Attacks CEC Gyanesh After SIR Meet In DelhiPak Analyst Rips Munir Over Trump Minerals Pitch And IMF Loans After US Snubs Pakistan On Pax SilicaBalochistan Crisis: Pakistan-Origin Commentator Takes Apart Islamabad, Exposes Lies On India’India Showed…’: Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Remarks On Galwan Clash Resurface After Lok Sabha Row’Faster Than BrahMos’: DRDO Calls New Hypersonic Anti Ship Missile A Game Changer For India123Photostories8 baby boy names that are inspired by successful celebritiesHow to make South Indian Beetroot and Paneer Paniyaram for breakfast at home10 best travel ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 weekend9 comforting amla dishes ideal for winter months10 luxury bikes that blend power, precision, and prestige‘The 50’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Laughter Chef’: Celebrity reality shows that never fail to entertainHrithik Roshan shares his post-workout meal photo and it is plateful of things we all loveKriti Sanon pens a special note for ‘Special Friend’ after Nupur Sanon’s Hindu wedding- See pictures8 ways to experience a different side of DelhiJustin Bieber’s performance to Lola Young’s win: Highlights from the 68th Annual Grammy Awards night123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsFernando MendozaTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Maharashtra deputy CM Sunetra Pawar paid a condolence visit to the family of the late PSO Vidhit Jadhav (ANI photo) MUMBAI: Monday saw claims and counter-claims about meetings to plan a merger between the two NCP groups — with Sharad Pawar’s faction confirming the meetings and more voices in Ajit Pawar’s outfit denying them. Pawar…

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Interview | ‘Simplification of processes to help faster turnaround for businesses’: Vivek Chaturvedi

Interview | ‘Simplification of processes to help faster turnaround for businesses’: Vivek Chaturvedi

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

CBIC chairman Vivek Chaturvedi CBIC chairman Vivek Chaturvedi is confident about meeting Budget targets and details number of reform measures that have been announced to shore up approvals using technology. Excerpts:A number of reform measures have been announced on the Customs side in the Budget. What is the strategy behind this?■ The FM, in her…

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Accused of body-shaming professor, Gujarat nursing student hangs himself; had issued written apology thrice

Accused of body-shaming professor, Gujarat nursing student hangs himself; had issued written apology thrice

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

AHMEDABAD: A student’s suicide, the emotional note he left behind and the alleged circumstances leading up to the incident have rocked Nadiad. Jay Vijaykumar Patil, 21, a first-year nursing student of Dinsha Patel Nursing College in Nadiad, was found hanging at his residence in the town’s Manjipura area on Monday. In his suicide note addressed…

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Who is Emily Austin? Influencer who remained seated during anti-ICE standing ovation at Grammys

Who is Emily Austin? Influencer who remained seated during anti-ICE standing ovation at Grammys

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

A conservative influencer and sports journalist stirred row after her reaction to a political moment at the 2026 Grammy Awards.During the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday night, singer Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for “Wildflower.” In her acceptance speech, she addressed immigration issues and criticized US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying, “no…

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