US President Donald Trump (AP Image)

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Thursday railed against a federal judge’s ruling that continues to block above-ground construction of the $400 million White House ballroom, allowing work only below ground on bunkers and other “national security facilities” at the site. The latest ruling from U.S. District Judge Richard Lyons comes in response to an appeals court directive asking him to clarify an earlier ruling on a 90,000-square-foot (8,400 square meter) ballroom planned for the site where he demolished the East Wing of the White House. Trump took to social media to criticize Lyon, whom Republican President George W. He was nominated to the bench by Bush, calling the judge a “Trump hater” who “has gone out of his way to undermine national security, and to ensure that this great gift to America is delayed, or not built.” Lyon said work below ground is exempt from his order to suspend construction above ground over safety measures. Government lawyers have argued that the project includes significant security features to protect against potential threats such as drones, ballistic missiles and bio-threats. Lyon’s latest decision comes several days after a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was directed to reconsider the potential national security implications of halting construction. In his previous order, Lyon had prevented above-ground work on the ballroom from proceeding without congressional approval. The judge also ruled on March 31 that any construction work necessary to ensure the security of the White House is exempt from the injunction. Lyon said he reviewed material the government had personally submitted to him, before concluding that halting construction would not threaten national security. Lyon had suspended his March 31 order for two weeks. He put his latest decision on hold for another week, giving the administration more time to seek a Supreme Court review. Lyons said he is ordering a halt only to above-ground construction of the planned ballroom, except for any work necessary to cover or secure that portion of the project. Otherwise, the Trump administration is free to proceed with the construction of any excavations, bunkers, military installations and medical facilities beneath the ballroom. “Defendants argue that the entire ballroom construction project, end-to-end, falls within the safety-and-security exception and therefore can proceed unimpeded,” the judge wrote. “This is neither a fair nor true meaning of my order!” On Saturday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said it did not have enough information to decide how much of the project could be suspended without endangering the safety of the president, his family or White House staff. Lyons said he recognized the security implications of the case, but stressed that “national security is not a blank check to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity.” He also said that he “has no desire or intention to be dragged into the role of construction manager.” On April 2, two days after Lyon’s previous decision, Trump’s ballroom won final approval from the 12-member National Capital Planning Commission, which is charged with approving construction on federal property in the Washington area. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed the lawsuit in December, a week after the White House demolished the East Wing to make room for a ballroom that Trump said could seat 999 people. Trump says the project is funded by private donations, although bunker construction and security upgrades are being paid for with public money.

Asia’s wealthiest families will continue to consolidate their power in 2026 by accumulating more wealth in traditional sectors and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and energy infrastructure. According to Bloomberg’s latest ranking, most of the family empires that have been around for some time not only retain their position but also become richer. International demand for AI technology, improving real estate market and higher commodity prices have led to the creation of more wealth. In fact, India has become a leader in this regard with three families featuring in the top 10. While the Ambani family remains at the number one spot, other family names include Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, China and India.

list of 10 richest family in asia 2026

Source: Bloomberg

Asia’s richest family

Ambani family – $89.7 billion

The Ambani family tops Bloomberg’s 2026 list with a net worth of $89.7 billion. This net worth is earned through the business operations of Reliance Industries, which spans sectors ranging from oil refinery, telecom, retail, digital to finance. Additionally, they are expanding their reach by investing in AI infrastructure.

Kwok family – $50.2 billion

Second in the list is Kwok, whose net worth is $50.2 billion. The Kwok family owns Sun Hung Kai Properties, which operates in the Hong Kong real estate market. The wealth of this family mainly depends on real estate development. A positive change in the real estate market in Hong Kong has made him more wealthy due to his investments in urban properties.

Lee family – $45.5 billion

In South Korea, the Lee family, thanks to Samsung Group, is in third place with a wealth of $ 45.5 billion. The source of their fortune stems from Samsung’s prominence in the world in terms of semiconductor, electronics and technology manufacturing. The increase in demand for artificial intelligence chips and semiconductors has played a significant role in their expansion.

Cheravanont family – $44.8 billion

Chiaravanonts has an estimated net worth of $44.8 billion through his Charoen Pokphand Group based in Thailand. The company engages in food manufacturing, agricultural development, retailing and telecommunications. The group was founded as a seed-trading firm, but grew to become one of the largest diversified companies in Asia.

Zhang family – $44.7 billion

The Zhang family is ranked fifth, with a fortune of $44.7 billion, by China Hongqiao Group, which specializes in aluminum manufacturing, an essential component of artificial intelligence infrastructure, electric cars and alternative energy sources. Their situation has improved due to increase in demand for their products in all these areas.

Tsai family – $34.3 billion

The Tsai family has a fortune of $34.3 billion through its financial services in Taiwan. He owns several large corporations such as Cathay Financial Holdings and Fubon Financial. These assets come from their banking, insurance and investment management companies. The family wields great influence in Taiwan’s financial industry.

Yovidhya family – $32.9 billion

The Yuvidhya family has an estimated net worth of $32.9 billion, derived from TCP Group which was the birthplace of Red Bull. This company mainly deals in the production of energy drinks and beverages. The company has gained recognition across the world due to its international demand and business alliances.

Hartono family – $30.2 billion

The Hartono family owns $30.2 billion from Jeram and Bank Central Asia in Indonesia. His wealth originated in tobacco manufacturing and later expanded into banking. Bank Central Asia remains one of the largest financial institutions in Indonesia. Their diverse portfolio combines legacy industrial business with strong financial sector holdings.

Mistry family – $29.5 billion

The Mistry family has assets worth $29.5 billion in India through the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. His businesses include infrastructure, construction, engineering and real estate development. The group has worked on major projects in India and international markets. His assets are linked to long-term infrastructure development and construction activities.

Jindal family – $29.4 billion

The Jindal family from the OP Jindal Group is in tenth place with $29.4 billion. Their businesses include steel production, power generation, cement and energy sectors. The group is a major industrial player in India. His assets are linked to manufacturing and heavy industry operations in infrastructure sectors.

Mennu Batra’s daughter appeals for her mother’s release from illegal ICE detention in the US. (Photo: CBS)

Amrita Singh, daughter of Texas-based Indian-origin legal interpreter Meenu Batra, who was detained by ICE since March 17, has broken her silence on the inhumane treatment of people in America’s ‘broken’ immigration system. “Who is benefiting from breaking up families? This country was built by immigrants and I am proud to be their daughter. Please help us bring my mother home,” Singh wrote in a social media post. “She immigrated to this country from India in the early 90s after my grandparents tragically passed away. Despite experiencing unimaginable grief and trauma, she came to the United States to be reunited with the rest of her family. He applied for asylum upon arrival (after a 9-year wait), and was granted a stay of removal by an immigration judge in Newark, New Jersey in 2000. With that security, Amrita wrote, she has been working and living in the United States for 35 years now. Four siblings, Amrita, Lucas, Aryan, Jasper sat down for an interview with CBS News and spoke to their mother over video call. Batra said in the CBS interview, “I have lived an honest life, worked hard, raised four children by myself. My work speaks for itself.” When Batra was asked what her ‘stay on removal’ status meant, she said, “I’m here, I’m legal, and I won’t be removed, so I have nothing to worry about. I can live and work. And that’s all I wanted to do.” Batra’s lawyers fear that DHS may send him to a third country because they cannot send him back to India.

Did Meenu Batra come to America legally?

After the incident became widely known, a major controversy arose over whether Batra had come to the US legally. Based on what we know so far, Batra fled to the US when her parents were murdered. He applied for asylum which was not granted; But he was given a status that cannot be removed. This status allowed Batra to live and work in the US legally, but she could never apply for citizenship. DHS said Batra’s legal work authorization in the US does not make him a legal resident.

Quote of the Day by Barack Obama

No matter how much time passes, some quotes still mean something. This one by Barack Obama Is one of them. At first glance it seems easy to understand. But if you read it carefully, it will make you think in a new way about the world and the problems people face every day. It does not use complex words or ideas that are not clear. Instead, it focuses on a simple truth: many problems in society are caused by people, and people can also fix them. This quote reminds people that solutions are not out of reach, even when global problems like climate change, economic inequality, and technological disruption seem too big to handle. This shifts the focus from feeling powerless to taking responsibility, showing that progress starts with people working hard.

Quote of the Day by Barack Obama

“Our problems are man-made, so they can be solved by man, and man can be as big as we want.”

Understanding the Meaning Behind Barack Obama’s Quotes

The first part of the quote makes a clear point: “People make our problems.” This does not mean that every problem in the world is directly caused by people, but rather shows that many major problems are caused by human systems, choices, and actions. People create and run things like political systems, economic systems, and industrial activities. After all, these systems can create problems that were not planned for.The second part of the quote directly answers this question: “Therefore they can be solved by man.” This makes sense as a continuation of the first idea. If people can create problems, people can also come up with smart ideas, work together, and find new ways to fix them. This strengthens the belief that solutions are attainable and not solely dependent on external factors.The last part, “Man can be as big as we want,” gives us the big picture. It talks about what people can do. The phrase means that there are no set limits to what people can accomplish when they work together and set big goals. It helps people think about growth, responsibility and ambition.

Historical context of quote

Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. This was a time when there were many problems at home and around the world. During his tenure as leader, the world was still reeling from the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, wars were still going on in many places, and more and more people were talking about climate change and health care reform.This quote exemplifies a larger idea that came up in many of his speeches: the idea that people working together can solve even the most difficult problems. Policies regarding economic recovery, expanding healthcare, and protecting the environment during his presidency were often based on the idea that people can create change when they take responsibility and work toward common goals.This quote also fits his way of speaking to the public, which was often aimed at involving people and making them believe that they could make change rather than waiting for things to get better on their own.

Why does this quote still matter today?

This quote is still important even though it was said years ago. Most of the problems we face today are directly related to the choices people make and the systems we have in place. People generally agree that climate change is caused by things like industrial activity, cutting down trees, and how we use energy. People also do things like renewable energy, conservation efforts, and policy change.In the same way, new technologies have made things easier and harder. How technology is created and used impacts issues such as data privacy, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and digital inequality. The quote reminds us that these problems can be solved. They can be dealt with by making smart choices, planning and being creative.This idea also works on a more personal level. Choices and actions often have a big impact on everyday problems, whether they relate to work, relationships or personal development. Knowing that things can change can help people take more proactive steps to fix these problems.

Take a closer look at the idea of ​​responsibility

One of the main ideas in the quote is duty. When you say that problems are created by people, you are placing the blame solely on people’s actions rather than external factors. This approach can change the way people and groups deal with problems.This way of thinking does not see problems as set in stone or inevitable; Instead, it encourages thinking and taking action about them. It says that finding the cause of a problem is the first step towards fixing it. After figuring out what’s causing the problem, planning, working together, and making consistent efforts can help find a solution.This method is common in fields such as public policy, science, and engineering, where finding out what people do that affects things is important for good solutions. It also fits with problem solving approaches that focus on cause and effect rather than just treating symptoms.

The idea of ​​human potential and development

The last part of the quote talks about human potential. The saying “Man can be as big as we want” does not mean how big a person is; It means how much they can achieve and how big their dreams can be. This implies that limitations are often influenced by mindset and effort rather than immutable limitations.This idea has been used many times in history to make progress. People who thought change was possible have led to scientific discoveries, new technologies, and social change. These achievements show how humans can learn and do more, from exploring space to making medical breakthroughs.The quote makes you think the same way. This means that progress depends on how people and groups decide to act. By working together and setting big goals it’s possible to make a real difference.

How does this idea connect with everyday life?

The quote talks about big problems, but it can also be used to talk about smaller problems. In everyday life, problems often come from choices, habits, or situations that can be changed by taking action.For example, problems at school, at work, or in personal relationships often have causes that can be fixed with effort and new ways of thinking. Understanding this can help you find better ways to solve problems.The quote also emphasizes how important it is to look at things from different perspectives. Seeing problems as something that can be solved can motivate you to act more positively and proactively. This helps people not to get too stressed by the problem and focus on finding the solution.

role of collective action

Another important part of the quote is the idea of ​​working together. People can help create and fix problems, but many problems require more people working together to solve them.Many people, including governments, groups, and communities, are often involved in issues such as public health, protecting the environment, and keeping the economy stable. To deal with these problems, everyone needs to work together and take responsibility.The quote supports this idea by making it clear that people can work together to solve problems. This shows how important it is to work together to reach common goals rather than relying on individual efforts.

Other famous quotes from Barack Obama

A message that continues to inspire

Barack Obama’s quote is memorable because it is clear and relevant. It does not provide any complex theory or complete answers. It doesn’t give you any specific answers; Instead, it gives you a way of thinking that can be used in many different situations.It encourages people to be responsible and work hard by linking problems and solutions directly to people’s actions. It also shows how important it is to be ambitious and believe that progress is possible.This approach is useful in a world where problems often seem too big to handle. This means that people can always find out what is wrong and work towards a solution.

_{EasyJet flight halted before takeoff as weight limit causes last-minute chaos}

Security concerns stop flight from Southend to Málaga An easyJet flight from London Southend Airport to Málaga delayed its takeoff on Saturday morning after the crew determined that the aircraft’s weight had exceeded its safe operating weight in the current conditions. Because of this, the safety margin fell below acceptable levels. While passengers were waiting inside the staff recalculated the limit. Load reduction was required for the 08:40 BST service. Five people stood up without asking, resulting in a significant weight loss just before takeoff.Hot weather played a role. The length of the runway at Southend was added to this. Together, these affect how planes fly. The airline clarified that the problem arose from those conditions. EasyJet reported that their team managed it on site. Standard procedures were followed in the decisions. No risk was taken. Everyone kept moving forward peacefully.Passenger Kelly Wayland, who was running her own travel business, remained inside the cabin as the captain spoke. His peace was broken a little. Flying has never felt safe lately, especially with a storm raging outside. A quiet fear grew even deeper as he asked everyone to wait. Volunteers stepped forward under time pressureSome cabin staff looked at different solutions, such as sending bags to another plane, but time was short. About ten minutes later, five people decided it was best to deplane without being asked. The others on board the ship applauded as he moved away. That moment ended silently, just like that. Immediately, EasyJet ensured that volunteers received help. The journey from Essex to London Gatwick was covered free of charge by the airline. Later that day, new flights prompted them to move forward again. Payments were promised as required, closely following official rules.The UK aviation regulator says when flights are delayed on medium journeys, people could have to pay between £175 and £350. How long they wait decides the amount. As of now, EasyJet has not revealed how much profit it will make here. The rules depend greatly on time.Industry standards set operating limitsAirlines use set numbers rather than checking each person’s exact weight. In 2022, Europe’s Air Safety Group ran tests; This shows that people and their bags generally weigh 84 kg. Weather also plays a role, as does how much fuel is on board, as well as how long the runway is. These details help the crew decide whether it is really okay to abandon the ground. Such shocks remind us of another flight in 2014, on the same route, from Southend to Málaga, where passengers had to get off the plane because it tipped the scales. These moments come around once in a while; Still, they show how tightly each number must fit before takeoff. Airline staff again talked about safety, emphasizing the care of passengers and team members during each leg of the flight. Most importantly it is clearly visible how the flights are managed from start to finish.

The H-2B visa is for non-agricultural guest workers employed mostly in the hospitality industry in the US.

The Donald Trump administration quietly went back on the less-targeted visa program and restored its quota after reducing it, because the president’s personal businesses largely depend on workers coming to the US on that visa. While the H-1B visa program is notorious for abuse and fraud, the H-2B visa program allows guest workers to come to the US to work for a limited period of time. These are for non-agricultural workers who are employed in hotels and similar companies. wall street journal It was reported that late last year, the administration announced it would cut H-2B visas in half. But the administration quietly returned to the existing quota in January after a key meeting in Florida. Bernd Lembke, former manager of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, and longtime Mar-a-Lago member Peter Petrina convinced the president that the hospitality industry needs more workers ahead of the peak tourist season of winter and spring. Trump’s businesses have also relied on this visa program to hire temporary foreign workers. The report said Trump took lobbying seriously and called his advisers and asked them to expand the allocation of the H-2B visa program. As the WSJ contacted the White House about the expedited change in the H-2B visa program, they said it was done because the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration took away work authorization for more than a million immigrants by terminating their temporary legal status. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said, “The Trump administration’s number one priority is protecting American jobs and wages, as well as adequately responding to President Trump’s demands for a booming economy.”

What is H-2B visa?

Since 2016, Congress allocated 33,000 visas for the winter and summer recruiting seasons, out of a total of 66,000. The law allows the President to nearly double that number if he determines the economy could use the additional visa slots.This program is used by landowners, fisheries and vacation towns because they cannot find enough Americans willing to work for only a few months a year. The Trump administration announced on December 31 that it would grant only 35,000 additional visas for fiscal year 2026, far short of the approximately 65,000 maximum allowed by Congress. Two weeks after the January meeting at Trump’s Florida golf club, the administration changed its stance, saying it would authorize an additional 64,716 H-2B visas for the fiscal year, the WSJ reported.