Is it possible to cover a five-hour journey in 30 minutes? May be YES! IIT Madras, with support from the Ministry of Railways, has developed a 422-metre-long India's first hyperloop test track. With the help of this, 350 km can be covered in just 30 minutes now.&nbsp;
It further means that once it becomes a reality, you can travel a distance of roughly 300 km from Delhi to Jaipur in less than half an hour.&nbsp;
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X, and wrote, "Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
The hyperloop project at <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a>; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. <a href="https://t.co/S1r1wirK5o">pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o</a>
&mdash; Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1894106186401943878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
The project, known as Avishkar Hyperloop, was built at the IIT Madras campus. Union Minister Vaishnav said that the first pod of 422 metres will go a long way in developing technologies.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-railways-minister-vaishnaw-lauds-bharats-first-hyperloop-test-track-watch-video-781953">India Railways Minister Vaishnaw lauds &lsquo;Bharat&rsquo;s first hyperloop test track,&rsquo; watch video</a>
"I think the time has come when, after the first two grants of one million dollars each, the third grant of one million dollars will be given to IIT Madras for further developing the hyperloop project," he added.&nbsp;
The railways plan to undertake the first commercial project soon.&nbsp;
The minister further said, "We&rsquo;ll decide on a site which can be used for good commercial transportation of, let&rsquo;s say, some 4,050 kilometres."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-elon-musks-hyperloop-still-popular-even-after-decade-of-setback-496171">Why is Elon Musk's 'hyperloop' still popular even after decade of setback?</a>
<h2>Know about a hyperloop track</h2>
Hyperloop, referred to as the "fifth mode of transport", is a high-speed transportation system for long-distance travel.&nbsp;
It further allows trains to travel at very high speeds via special capsules in vacuum tubes.&nbsp;
"It involves an electromagnetically levitating pod within a vacuum tube, thus eliminating friction and air drag and potentially allowing the pod to reach speeds up to Mach 1.0," according to an official press release.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/500-meter-long-hyperloop-test-facility-to-come-up-in-india-iit-madras-students-team-secures-funding-478140">500-metre-long hyperloop test facility to come up in India, IIT-Madras students' team secures funding</a>
A Mach is around 761 miles per hour at sea level on a standard day.
Swiss professor Marcel Juffer came up with the first Hyperloop concept in the 1970s.&nbsp;
These hyperloops' vision is to reach speeds that are comparable to or even higher than those of flights by significantly lowering air resistance and friction.&nbsp;
"Hyperloop will be marked by its immunity to weather, collision-free commute, which can move at twice the speed of a plane, with low power consumption and energy storage for 24-hour operations," the release added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/virgin-hyperloop-first-successful-human-passenger-test-341873">Virgin Hyperloop completes first successful human passenger test</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

India News: The project, known as Avishkar Hyperloop, was built at the IIT Madras campus. With the help of this technology, 350 km can be covered in just 30 minutes.

Is it possible to cover a five-hour journey in 30 minutes? May be YES! IIT Madras, with support from the Ministry of Railways, has developed a 422-metre-long India's first hyperloop test track. With the help of this, 350 km can be covered in just 30 minutes now. It further means that once it becomes a reality, you can travel a distance of roughly 300 km from Delhi to Jaipur in less than half an hour. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X, and wrote, "Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation." The hyperloop project at @iitmadras; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 24, 2025 The project, known as Avishkar Hyperloop, was built at the IIT Madras campus. Union Minister Vaishnav said that the first pod of 422 metres will go a long way in developing technologies. Also read: India Railways Minister Vaishnaw lauds ‘Bharat’s first hyperloop test track,’ watch video "I think the time has come when, after the first two grants of one million dollars each, the third grant of one million dollars will be given to IIT Madras for further developing the hyperloop project," he added. The railways plan to undertake the first commercial project soon. The minister further said, "We’ll decide on a site which can be used for good commercial transportation of, let’s say, some 4,050 kilometres." Also read: Why is Elon Musk's 'hyperloop' still popular even after decade of setback? Know about a hyperloop track Hyperloop, referred to as the "fifth mode of transport", is a high-speed transportation system for long-distance travel. It further allows trains to travel at very high speeds via special capsules in vacuum tubes. "It involves an electromagnetically levitating pod within a vacuum tube, thus eliminating friction and air drag and potentially allowing the pod to reach speeds up to Mach 1.0," according to an official press release. Also read: 500-metre-long hyperloop test facility to come up in India, IIT-Madras students' team secures funding A Mach is around 761 miles per hour at sea level on a standard day. Swiss professor Marcel Juffer came up with the first Hyperloop concept in the 1970s. These hyperloops' vision is to reach speeds that are comparable to or even higher than those of flights by significantly lowering air resistance and friction. "Hyperloop will be marked by its immunity to weather, collision-free commute, which can move at twice the speed of a plane, with low power consumption and energy storage for 24-hour operations," the release added. Also read: Virgin Hyperloop completes first successful human passenger test (With inputs from agencies)

Jaipur to Delhi in 30 mins: India's first hyperloop test track unveiled at IIT Madras

Chinese scientists have found a new bat coronavirus that carries the risk of animal-to-human transmission and is similar to the one that caused the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;
The virus named HKU5-CoV-2, was found to use the same human receptor as SARA-CoV-2, which was responsible for COVID-19, South China Morning Post reported.&nbsp;
Chinese research team led by virologist Shi Zhengli discovered HKU5-CoV-2. Zhengli is also known as "Batwoman" for her work on coronaviruses, especially at the Wuhan Institute, the centre of the theory suggesting COVID-19 came from a lab leak, which was denied by Zhengli.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-pandemic-to-inflation-defining-challenges-of-bidens-presidency-8636199">From pandemic to inflation: Challenges faced by Joe Biden in his presidency</a>
This comes after a surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China raised fears of another Covid-style pandemic.
At that time, images of hospitals overcrowded with masked patients were being circulated widely on social media. However, health experts clarified, saying that HMPV is not like COVID, and has been around for many years.&nbsp;
They added that China and other countries are just experiencing the seasonal increase in HMPV, which is usually seen in winter.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/how-to-stay-safe-from-hmpv-wion-asks-experts-as-virus-spreads-across-globe-8620790">How to stay safe from HMPV? WION asks experts as virus spreads across globe</a>
<h2>What is HKU5-CoV-2?</h2>
According to some studies, it originated in bats and jumped to humans through an intermediate animal host. However, there is still no consensus on the origin of the virus.&nbsp;
Shi Zhengli denied that the institute was to blame for the outbreak.&nbsp;
The latest discovery of this virus is a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus first identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-experts-calls-on-china-to-provide-key-information-on-hmpv-outbreak-as-cases-double-in-britain-8599149">UK experts call on China to provide key information on HMPV outbreak as cases double in Britain</a>
It comes from the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers).
Moreover, this research involved scientists from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell on Tuesday.
According to the report, HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor, the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-there-no-hmpv-vaccine-despite-the-viruss-discovery-24-years-ago-8598516">Why is there no HMPV vaccine despite the virus's discovery 24 years ago?</a>
"We report the discovery and isolation of a distinct lineage (lineage 2) of HKU5-CoV, which can utilise not only bat ACE2 but also human ACE2 and various mammalian ACE2 orthologs," the scientists said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The virus named HKU5-CoV-2, was found to use the same human receptor as SARA-CoV-2, which was responsible for COVID-19, South China Morning Post reported.

Chinese scientists have found a new bat coronavirus that carries the risk of animal-to-human transmission and is similar to the one that caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus named HKU5-CoV-2, was found to use the same human receptor as SARA-CoV-2, which was responsible for COVID-19, South China Morning Post reported. Chinese research team led by virologist Shi Zhengli discovered HKU5-CoV-2. Zhengli is also known as "Batwoman" for her work on coronaviruses, especially at the Wuhan Institute, the centre of the theory suggesting COVID-19 came from a lab leak, which was denied by Zhengli. Also read: From pandemic to inflation: Challenges faced by Joe Biden in his presidency This comes after a surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China raised fears of another Covid-style pandemic. At that time, images of hospitals overcrowded with masked patients were being circulated widely on social media. However, health experts clarified, saying that HMPV is not like COVID, and has been around for many years. They added that China and other countries are just experiencing the seasonal increase in HMPV, which is usually seen in winter. Also read: How to stay safe from HMPV? WION asks experts as virus spreads across globe What is HKU5-CoV-2? According to some studies, it originated in bats and jumped to humans through an intermediate animal host. However, there is still no consensus on the origin of the virus. Shi Zhengli denied that the institute was to blame for the outbreak. The latest discovery of this virus is a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus first identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. Also read: UK experts call on China to provide key information on HMPV outbreak as cases double in Britain It comes from the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers). Moreover, this research involved scientists from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell on Tuesday. According to the report, HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor, the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells. Also read: Why is there no HMPV vaccine despite the virus's discovery 24 years ago? "We report the discovery and isolation of a distinct lineage (lineage 2) of HKU5-CoV, which can utilise not only bat ACE2 but also human ACE2 and various mammalian ACE2 orthologs," the scientists said. (With inputs from agencies)

Another year, another pandemic? China discovers new bat coronavirus that poses risks to humans

On the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russia wants to declare "victory" in its war against Ukraine and NATO, Ukrainian intelligence claimed on Friday.&nbsp;
Russian propagandists have been instructed to promote "victorious" narratives on the symbolic date of Feb 24 to incite disbelief in Ukrainian society, destabilise the country, and discredit Kyiv partners as "enemies peace", Kyiv Independent reported, citing Ukrainian Military Intelligence, known as HUR.
The report comes amid the landmark shift in US foreign policy, as it appears to bond more with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and maintain distance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-years-of-russia-ukraine-war-who-started-it-kremlin-or-kyiv-8741215">Three years of Russia-Ukraine war: Who started it - Kremlin or Kyiv?</a>
HUR, in a Telegram post, claimed that the key narratives of the information campaign include slogans like "The West betrayed Ukraine,&rdquo; &ldquo;Neither Moscow nor Washington cares about the opinion of Europeans and Ukrainians,&rdquo; or that &ldquo;the Ukrainian government is illegitimate&rdquo;.&nbsp;
It has been a narrative that has been pushed in recent days not only by the Kremlin but also by the White House.&nbsp;
&ldquo;In addition, Russia is preparing to declare an alleged 'victory' in the war against Ukraine by the 'round date' of Feb. 24, 2025, the third anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale war,&rdquo; the HUR claimed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-ukraines-zelensky-really-a-dictator-without-elections-trumps-claim-vs-the-reality-of-wartime-voting-8744345">Is Ukraine's Zelensky really a 'dictator without elections'? Trump&rsquo;s claim vs. the reality of wartime voting</a>
<h2>'Russian victory over NATO'</h2>
It further read that Russia's plans may also include a "Russian victory over NATO", as Moscow propaganda has long portrayed the war against Ukraine as a war with the alliance.&nbsp;
Russia's further goal is to discredit Ukraine's European partners, who are aiming to shore up Kyiv's position amid ongoing Russian-American talks with a &euro;6 billion military aid package.&nbsp;
"For such European governments, the Kremlin is slapping on the 'enemies of peace' label,&rdquo; HUR warned.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-and-trump-could-meet-before-end-of-february-says-kremlin-report-8736169">Putin and Trump could meet before end of February, says Kremlin: Report</a>
February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What Russian President Vladimir Putin initially called a &ldquo;special military operation&rdquo; has since become Europe&rsquo;s largest conflict since World War II.&nbsp;
The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and pushed Russia into isolation from the West.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-drone-strikes-chernobyl-reactor-shield-claims-zelensky-8720532">WATCH | Russian drone strikes Chernobyl reactor shield, claims Zelensky; Kremlin denies</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides.

On the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russia wants to declare "victory" in its war against Ukraine and NATO, Ukrainian intelligence claimed on Friday. Russian propagandists have been instructed to promote "victorious" narratives on the symbolic date of Feb 24 to incite disbelief in Ukrainian society, destabilise the country, and discredit Kyiv partners as "enemies peace", Kyiv Independent reported, citing Ukrainian Military Intelligence, known as HUR. The report comes amid the landmark shift in US foreign policy, as it appears to bond more with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and maintain distance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Also read: Three years of Russia-Ukraine war: Who started it - Kremlin or Kyiv? HUR, in a Telegram post, claimed that the key narratives of the information campaign include slogans like "The West betrayed Ukraine,” “Neither Moscow nor Washington cares about the opinion of Europeans and Ukrainians,” or that “the Ukrainian government is illegitimate”. It has been a narrative that has been pushed in recent days not only by the Kremlin but also by the White House. “In addition, Russia is preparing to declare an alleged 'victory' in the war against Ukraine by the 'round date' of Feb. 24, 2025, the third anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale war,” the HUR claimed. Also read: Is Ukraine's Zelensky really a 'dictator without elections'? Trump’s claim vs. the reality of wartime voting 'Russian victory over NATO' It further read that Russia's plans may also include a "Russian victory over NATO", as Moscow propaganda has long portrayed the war against Ukraine as a war with the alliance. Russia's further goal is to discredit Ukraine's European partners, who are aiming to shore up Kyiv's position amid ongoing Russian-American talks with a €6 billion military aid package. "For such European governments, the Kremlin is slapping on the 'enemies of peace' label,” HUR warned. Also read: Putin and Trump could meet before end of February, says Kremlin: Report February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What Russian President Vladimir Putin initially called a “special military operation” has since become Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and pushed Russia into isolation from the West. Also read: WATCH | Russian drone strikes Chernobyl reactor shield, claims Zelensky; Kremlin denies (With inputs from agencies)

'Big announcement on war anniversary': Russia to declare 'victory' over Ukraine on Feb 24, claims Kyiv intel

US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg called the talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "extensive and positive" as the two met on Thursday in Kyiv.&nbsp;
The Palestinian militant group Hamas admitted that the body of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas had been burried in the rubble along with other human remains after an Israeli air strike hit the place.&nbsp;
<h2>Click on the headlines for more</h2>
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US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg on Friday (Feb 21) called his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "extensive and positive".&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evil-violation-of-truce-amid-outrage-hamas-says-shiri-bibass-remains-mixed-in-rubble-of-israeli-strike-8743938" rel="dofollow">'Evil violation of truce': Amid outrage, Hamas says Shiri Bibas's remains 'mixed in rubble' of Israeli strike</a>
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After Israel claimed that a body returned by Hamas Thursday was not of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, the Palestinian militant group on Friday (Feb 21) said that the Israeli hostage's remains had been burried in the rubble alomg with other human remains after an Israeli air strike hit the place where she was being held captive.&nbsp;
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Indian Foreign Ministry on Friday (Feb 21) said that the Trump administration's claim that $21 million USAID funding was allegedly allocated for 'voter turnout in India' was 'deeply concerning'.
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US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, calling him a &ldquo;modestly successful comedian&rdquo; and a &ldquo;dictator without elections.&rdquo;
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Weeks after US President Donald Trump granted an extension to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tiktok" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">TikTok&nbsp;</a>to find a US buyer, the app has returned to US mobile stores. Meanwhile, the rival social media app Xiaohongshu has suffered a 91 per cent drop in downloads.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-should-engage-in-mutual-beneficial-cooperation-eam-jaishankar-meets-his-chinese-counterpart-in-johannesberg-8743741" rel="dofollow">'We should engage in mutual beneficial cooperation': Jaishankar meets Chinese FM Wang Yi on sidelines of G20</a>
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India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday (Feb 21) on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meet.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/28/q6iYGbxEgFlGojSaAInP.png" alt=" Ruby Dhalla Photograph: (Instagram/rubydhalla1) ">
Indo-Canadian politician Ruby Dhalla has strongly denied allegations suggesting she is linked to Indian authorities, calling them an attempt to &ldquo;discredit&rdquo; her leadership bid for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-detects-malicious-activity-by-china-targeting-liberal-partys-leadership-candidate-chrystia-freeland-8703062" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Liberal Party</a>.
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Elon Musk, the billionaire leading deep spending cuts in the US federal government, took to the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday with an unusual prop&mdash;a chainsaw.
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/21/sDUwzKUR0soEFbywIG9K.jpg" alt=" PCB upset over Pakistan&rsquo;s name missing from broadcasting logo during IND vs BAN Champions Trophy tie Photograph: (Others) ">
The PCB is upset over Pakistan&rsquo;s name missing from the logo during the live broadcast of the recently concluded India vs Bangladesh&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;game in Dubai. The absence of Pakistan&rsquo;s name in the CT branding forced the host board to write to the ICC seeking an explanation.
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On Friday (Feb 21), Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Vicky Kaushal's recently released film Chhaava. The period drama is currently garnering a lot of appraise from all quarters, especially for its engaging storytelling and prolific performance from the lead cast.&nbsp;

World: Hamas admitted that the body of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas had been mixed in the rubble along with other human remains after an Israeli air strike hit the place.

US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg called the talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "extensive and positive" as the two met on Thursday in Kyiv. The Palestinian militant group Hamas admitted that the body of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas had been burried in the rubble along with other human remains after an Israeli air strike hit the place. Click on the headlines for more 'Extensive and productive': US envoy Kellogg praises talks with 'courageous leader' Zelensky US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg on Friday (Feb 21) called his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "extensive and positive". 'Evil violation of truce': Amid outrage, Hamas says Shiri Bibas's remains 'mixed in rubble' of Israeli strike After Israel claimed that a body returned by Hamas Thursday was not of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, the Palestinian militant group on Friday (Feb 21) said that the Israeli hostage's remains had been burried in the rubble alomg with other human remains after an Israeli air strike hit the place where she was being held captive. 'Deeply concerning': Indian foreign ministry reacts to Trump's $21M funding for 'voter turnout in India' claim Indian Foreign Ministry on Friday (Feb 21) said that the Trump administration's claim that $21 million USAID funding was allegedly allocated for 'voter turnout in India' was 'deeply concerning'. Is Ukraine's Zelensky really a 'dictator without elections'? Trump’s claim vs. the reality of wartime voting US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, calling him a “modestly successful comedian” and a “dictator without elections.” Rednote downloads drop by 91 per cent as TikTok returns to US stores Weeks after US President Donald Trump granted an extension to TikTok to find a US buyer, the app has returned to US mobile stores. Meanwhile, the rival social media app Xiaohongshu has suffered a 91 per cent drop in downloads. 'We should engage in mutual beneficial cooperation': Jaishankar meets Chinese FM Wang Yi on sidelines of G20 India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday (Feb 21) on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meet. ‘Unacceptable and wrong’: Canada’s PM hopeful Ruby Dhalla slams ‘false’ media allegations of India link Indo-Canadian politician Ruby Dhalla has strongly denied allegations suggesting she is linked to Indian authorities, calling them an attempt to “discredit” her leadership bid for the Liberal Party. Elon Musk’s ‘chainsaw for bureaucracy’ stunt: ‘Cringe AF’ or ‘fire’? Internet divided Elon Musk, the billionaire leading deep spending cuts in the US federal government, took to the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday with an unusual prop—a chainsaw. PCB upset over Pakistan’s name missing from broadcasting logo during IND vs BAN Champions Trophy tie The PCB is upset over Pakistan’s name missing from the logo during the live broadcast of the recently concluded India vs Bangladesh Champions Trophy game in Dubai. The absence of Pakistan’s name in the CT branding forced the host board to write to the ICC seeking an explanation. 'In dino to Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai': PM Narendra Modi applauds Vicky Kaushal's period drama On Friday (Feb 21), Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Vicky Kaushal's recently released film Chhaava. The period drama is currently garnering a lot of appraise from all quarters, especially for its engaging storytelling and prolific performance from the lead cast.

Top 10 world news: US envoy praises talks with Zelensky; Gaza ceasefire updates, and more

US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg on Friday (Feb 21) called his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "extensive and positive".&nbsp;
US envoy Kellogg met with Ukrainian leader on Thursday in Kyiv as the American diplomat is on a three-day visit to the war-torn country.
&ldquo;A long and intense day with the senior leadership of Ukraine. Extensive and positive discussions with @ZelenskyyUa, the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war, and his talented national security team,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-keith-kellogg-cancels-press-conference-in-ukraines-kyiv-after-meeting-with-volodymyr-zelensky-as-both-nations-engage-in-war-of-words-8741256" rel="dofollow">Zelensky says had 'productive meeting' with Keith Kellogg after Trump envoy cancels press conference</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A long and intense day with the senior leadership of Ukraine. Extensive and positive discussions with <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a>, the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war and his talented national security team. <a href="https://t.co/kLu9roZ5z1">https://t.co/kLu9roZ5z1</a>
&mdash; Keith Kellogg (@generalkellogg) <a href="https://twitter.com/generalkellogg/status/1892928578641162487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
This comes amid US President Donald Trump and Zelensky entangled in a war of words, over the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;
The US envoy's remarks came a day after his meeting with Zelensky, after which the US side cancelled the joint press conference meeting with the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-may-be-russian-someday-says-trump-ahead-of-envoy-keith-kelloggs-meeting-with-zelensky-8710008" rel="dofollow">Ukraine 'may be Russian someday', says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky</a>
Trump accused Zelensky of being a "dictator" and blamed him for the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;
While the Ukrainian president said that Trump was living in a Russian "disinformation bubble".&nbsp;
<h2>'No alternative but to work with Trump'</h2>
Polish president Andrzej Duda on Friday posted on X, saying that he had a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-gen-keith-kellogg-for-ukraine-envoy-to-end-war-how-will-he-do-it-779767" rel="dofollow">Will Trump's pick for Ukraine envoy Gen Keith Kellogg end war?</a>
Duda, who has been a supporter of Trump, told Zelensky in a "candid conversation" that "there is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States.&rdquo;
&ldquo;For this reason, I suggested to President Zelenskyy to remain committed to the course of calm and constructive cooperation with @POTUS Donald Trump,&rdquo; he said. &nbsp;
Polish President Duda said that he trusted that "goodwill and honesty form the foundation of the US negotiation strategy,&rdquo; and had &ldquo;no doubt&rdquo; that Trump was &ldquo;guided by a deep sense of responsibility for global stability and peace.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tone-it-down-us-security-adviser-urges-zelenskyy-as-tensions-escalate-with-trump-administration-8742761" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Tone it down&rsquo;, US security adviser urges Zelensky as tensions escalate with Trump administration</a>
The Polish president&rsquo;s comments are one of the most supportive from any head of state or government in Europe after Trump&rsquo;s recent criticism of Zelenskyy and Ukraine.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US envoy Keith Kellogg met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday in Kyiv as the American diplomat is on a three-day visit to the war-torn country.

US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg on Friday (Feb 21) called his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "extensive and positive". US envoy Kellogg met with Ukrainian leader on Thursday in Kyiv as the American diplomat is on a three-day visit to the war-torn country. “A long and intense day with the senior leadership of Ukraine. Extensive and positive discussions with @ZelenskyyUa, the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war, and his talented national security team,” he said. Also read: Zelensky says had 'productive meeting' with Keith Kellogg after Trump envoy cancels press conference A long and intense day with the senior leadership of Ukraine. Extensive and positive discussions with @ZelenskyyUa, the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war and his talented national security team. https://t.co/kLu9roZ5z1 — Keith Kellogg (@generalkellogg) February 21, 2025 This comes amid US President Donald Trump and Zelensky entangled in a war of words, over the Russia-Ukraine war. The US envoy's remarks came a day after his meeting with Zelensky, after which the US side cancelled the joint press conference meeting with the Ukrainian president. Also read: Ukraine 'may be Russian someday', says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky Trump accused Zelensky of being a "dictator" and blamed him for the Russia-Ukraine war. While the Ukrainian president said that Trump was living in a Russian "disinformation bubble". 'No alternative but to work with Trump' Polish president Andrzej Duda on Friday posted on X, saying that he had a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Also read: Will Trump's pick for Ukraine envoy Gen Keith Kellogg end war? Duda, who has been a supporter of Trump, told Zelensky in a "candid conversation" that "there is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States.” “For this reason, I suggested to President Zelenskyy to remain committed to the course of calm and constructive cooperation with @POTUS Donald Trump,” he said. Polish President Duda said that he trusted that "goodwill and honesty form the foundation of the US negotiation strategy,” and had “no doubt” that Trump was “guided by a deep sense of responsibility for global stability and peace.” Also read: ‘Tone it down’, US security adviser urges Zelensky as tensions escalate with Trump administration The Polish president’s comments are one of the most supportive from any head of state or government in Europe after Trump’s recent criticism of Zelenskyy and Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

'Extensive and productive': US envoy Kellogg praises talks with 'courageous leader' Zelensky

Weeks after US President Donald Trump granted an extension to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tiktok" rel="dofollow">TikTok </a>to find a US buyer, the app has returned to US mobile stores. Meanwhile, the rival social media app Xiaohongshu suffered a 91 per cent drop in downloads.&nbsp;
In the five days of TikTok being relisted on Apple's iPhone app store and Google Play, downloads of Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, plummeted by 91 per cent, according to Sensor Tower data.&nbsp;
The social media app Rednote is referred to as China's version of Instagram and gained popularity when TikTok was about to face a ban in the US.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-uncertainity-tiktok-returns-to-apple-and-google-app-stores-8720701">Amid uncertainty TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores</a>
Daily active users on Rednote are still about a quarter higher than they were prior to TikTok's delisting.&nbsp;
After being brought back, TikTok more than doubled its usual downloads.
The popular short-video platform, which has approximately 170 million users in the US, briefly went offline ahead of a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the app or face a nationwide ban. The law was set to take effect on 19 January.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-parents-sue-tiktok-over-childrens-death-over-this-reason-8700375">TikTok sued by UK teen parents over THIS reason</a>
After assuming office on 20 January, Trump signed an order delaying the enforcement of the ban on TikTok by 75 days. He has since confirmed discussions with various parties about acquiring TikTok and indicated that a decision regarding its future is likely in February.
Earlier this month, Trump mentioned that Microsoft was among the companies interested in acquiring the platform. &ldquo;I would say yes&hellip; A lot of interest in TikTok. There&rsquo;s great interest in TikTok," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-executive-order-us-treasury-department-sovereign-wealth-fund-tiktok-8687925">Trump signs executive order to create US sovereign wealth fund, says it may 'buy' TikTok</a>
Notably, the company has rejected the idea of selling it to a US company.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: In the five days of TikTok being relisted on Apple's iPhone app store and Google Play, Xiaohongshu's downloads plummeted by 91 per cent, according to Sensor Tower data.

Weeks after US President Donald Trump granted an extension to TikTok to find a US buyer, the app has returned to US mobile stores. Meanwhile, the rival social media app Xiaohongshu suffered a 91 per cent drop in downloads. In the five days of TikTok being relisted on Apple's iPhone app store and Google Play, downloads of Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, plummeted by 91 per cent, according to Sensor Tower data. The social media app Rednote is referred to as China's version of Instagram and gained popularity when TikTok was about to face a ban in the US. Also read: Amid uncertainty TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores Daily active users on Rednote are still about a quarter higher than they were prior to TikTok's delisting. After being brought back, TikTok more than doubled its usual downloads. The popular short-video platform, which has approximately 170 million users in the US, briefly went offline ahead of a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the app or face a nationwide ban. The law was set to take effect on 19 January. Also read: TikTok sued by UK teen parents over THIS reason After assuming office on 20 January, Trump signed an order delaying the enforcement of the ban on TikTok by 75 days. He has since confirmed discussions with various parties about acquiring TikTok and indicated that a decision regarding its future is likely in February. Earlier this month, Trump mentioned that Microsoft was among the companies interested in acquiring the platform. “I would say yes… A lot of interest in TikTok. There’s great interest in TikTok," he said. Also read: Trump signs executive order to create US sovereign wealth fund, says it may 'buy' TikTok Notably, the company has rejected the idea of selling it to a US company. (With inputs from agencies)

Rednote downloads drop by 91 per cent as TikTok returns to US stores

After Israel claimed that a body returned by Hamas Thursday was not of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, the Palestinian militant group on Friday (Feb 21) said that the Israeli hostage's remains had been burried in the rubble along with other human remains after an Israeli air strike hit the place where she was being held captive.&nbsp;
Hamas official Ismail al-Thawabteh claimed that Shiri's body was "turned into pieces" after apparently being mixed with other bodies under the rubble in the attack. He stressed that Israel was behind her death.&nbsp;
For the last one year, Hamas has been claiming that Shiri and her two young sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-accuses-hamas-of-murdering-months-old-kfir-bibas-and-4-year-old-ariel-bibas-says-body-of-their-mother-not-returned-as-promised-8741958">Hamas murdered youngest hostages Ariel and Kfir Bibas, says Israel, mother's body missing</a>
They said the remains placed in a coffin labeled with Shiri&rsquo;s face were actually that of an unidentified Gazan woman.
On Thursday, Hamas handed over the remains of what it claimed were of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, along with the body of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli journalist and advocate for Palestinian rights. This marked the first return of Israeli bodies under the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Hamas in a statement, said that it will examine these allegations "very seriously" and announce the results of its investigation.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-cult-netanyahu-vows-vengeance-against-hamas-after-it-parades-dead-bodies-of-israeli-hostages-8741079">&lsquo;Death cult&rsquo;: Netanyahu vows vengeance against Hamas after it &lsquo;parades dead bodies&rsquo; of Israeli hostages</a>
<h2>'Unspeakable cynicism'</h2>
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday slammed "unspeakable cynicism" of Hamas after Israeli forensic authorities determined that the body handed over yesterday which Hamas said was of Shiri, is not her's.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The cruelty of the Hamas monsters knows no bounds,&rdquo; Netanyahu said in a video statement.
He added, "Not only did they kidnap the father, Yarden Bibas, but the young mother, Shiri, and their two small babies. But in an unspeakably cynical manner, they did not return Shiri alongside her young children, the little angels, and they put the body of a Gazan woman in the coffin.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-hoped-prayed-for-different-ending-families-crushed-as-hamas-releases-israeli-hostages-bodies-8740171">&lsquo;We hoped, prayed for a different ending&rsquo;: Families crushed as Hamas releases Israeli hostages&rsquo;&nbsp;bodies</a>
He vowed to act "resolutely to bring Shiri home along with all our hostages, both living and dead, and ensure that Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and evil violation of the agreement.&rdquo;
<h2>Herzog slams Hamas for 'horrific violation' of deal&nbsp;</h2>
Israeli President Isaac Herzog slammed the Palestinian militant group of &ldquo;horrific violation&rdquo; after it handed over the body of an unidentified Gazan woman.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The bodies of Ariel and Kfir, so pure and innocent, were identified, while their beloved mother, Shiri, remains in captivity,&rdquo; says Herzog in a statement. &ldquo;This is a shocking and horrific violation of the ceasefire agreement, another cruel act by the terrorists of Hamas, who continue to show utter disregard for humanity.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-bat-yam-hit-by-multiple-bus-explosions-in-suspected-terrorist-attack-8742042">Israel's Bat Yam hit by multiple bus explosions in 'suspected terrorist attack'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Hamas official said that Shiri's body was "turned into pieces" after apparently being mixed with other bodies under the rubble, reiterating Israel was behind her death.

After Israel claimed that a body returned by Hamas Thursday was not of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, the Palestinian militant group on Friday (Feb 21) said that the Israeli hostage's remains had been burried in the rubble along with other human remains after an Israeli air strike hit the place where she was being held captive. Hamas official Ismail al-Thawabteh claimed that Shiri's body was "turned into pieces" after apparently being mixed with other bodies under the rubble in the attack. He stressed that Israel was behind her death. For the last one year, Hamas has been claiming that Shiri and her two young sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Also read: Hamas murdered youngest hostages Ariel and Kfir Bibas, says Israel, mother's body missing They said the remains placed in a coffin labeled with Shiri’s face were actually that of an unidentified Gazan woman. On Thursday, Hamas handed over the remains of what it claimed were of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, along with the body of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli journalist and advocate for Palestinian rights. This marked the first return of Israeli bodies under the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas in a statement, said that it will examine these allegations "very seriously" and announce the results of its investigation. Also read: ‘Death cult’: Netanyahu vows vengeance against Hamas after it ‘parades dead bodies’ of Israeli hostages 'Unspeakable cynicism' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday slammed "unspeakable cynicism" of Hamas after Israeli forensic authorities determined that the body handed over yesterday which Hamas said was of Shiri, is not her's. “The cruelty of the Hamas monsters knows no bounds,” Netanyahu said in a video statement. He added, "Not only did they kidnap the father, Yarden Bibas, but the young mother, Shiri, and their two small babies. But in an unspeakably cynical manner, they did not return Shiri alongside her young children, the little angels, and they put the body of a Gazan woman in the coffin.” Also read: ‘We hoped, prayed for a different ending’: Families crushed as Hamas releases Israeli hostages’ bodies He vowed to act "resolutely to bring Shiri home along with all our hostages, both living and dead, and ensure that Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and evil violation of the agreement.” Herzog slams Hamas for 'horrific violation' of deal Israeli President Isaac Herzog slammed the Palestinian militant group of “horrific violation” after it handed over the body of an unidentified Gazan woman. “The bodies of Ariel and Kfir, so pure and innocent, were identified, while their beloved mother, Shiri, remains in captivity,” says Herzog in a statement. “This is a shocking and horrific violation of the ceasefire agreement, another cruel act by the terrorists of Hamas, who continue to show utter disregard for humanity.” Also read: Israel's Bat Yam hit by multiple bus explosions in 'suspected terrorist attack' (With inputs from agencies)

'Evil violation of truce': Amid outrage, Hamas says Shiri Bibas's remains 'mixed in rubble' of Israeli strike

India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday (Feb 21) on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meet.&nbsp;
Both the leaders discussed bilateral relations and global challenges.&nbsp;
Chinese foreign minister Yi said that the country's leaders have set out in the direction of improving the relationship.&nbsp;
"We affirm that China and India as two Asian civilisations and neighbours should engage in mutually beneficial cooperation," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-possible-trump-eyes-new-trade-deal-with-china-8738910">&lsquo;It&rsquo;s possible&rsquo;: Trump eyes new trade deal with China</a>
Yi said that in the bilateral relationship, the most important thing last year was the summit meeting between President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Narendra Modi in Kazan.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and China's Wang Yi hold bilateral talks in Johannesburg on the sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Foreign Ministers' meet WION correspondent <a href="https://twitter.com/KaldenOngmu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kaldenongmu</a> joins Diksha Bisla with the latest <a href="https://t.co/WSDhsx2v3v">pic.twitter.com/WSDhsx2v3v</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1892887524709978587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
Prior to the meeting, EAM Jaishankar stressed that India and China are members of BRICS, SCO and G20. "There are also regional and global issues of mutual interests wherein the exchange of perspectives will be to our mutual benefit. I look forward to our conversation today."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-chief-general-upendra-dwivedi-highlights-border-de-escalation-efforts-with-china-8738572">Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlights border de-escalation efforts with China</a>
He pointed that gatherings like the G20 have provided opportunities for dialogue even during challenging phases in India-China relations.&nbsp;
Jaishankar acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both the countries in supporting G20 amid a polarized global landscape, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
&ldquo;Such gatherings have provided an opportunity for our interaction even when our ties were going through a difficult phase,&rdquo; Jaishankar said. &ldquo;We should also recognize that in a polarized global situation, our two countries have worked hard to preserve and protect the G20 as an institution.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-nsa-ajit-doval-china-fm-wang-yi-hold-vital-talks-on-peace-along-lac-784914">India NSA Ajit Doval, China FM Wang Yi hold vital talks on peace along LAC</a>
He further mentioned key visits by the Indian NSA and Foreign Secretary to China since the leaders' last meeting during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November last year.
&ldquo;Our discussions have included the management of peace and tranquility in the border areas as well as other dimensions of our ties. I am glad today to have a further exchange of views,&rdquo; Jaishankar said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-after-trump-inauguration-putin-dials-dear-friend-xi-jinping-heres-what-they-talked-about-8641637">Hours after Trump inauguration, Putin dials 'dear friend' Xi Jinping - Here's what they talked about</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said that the country's leaders have set out the overall direction of improving India-China relationship.

India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday (Feb 21) on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meet. Both the leaders discussed bilateral relations and global challenges. Chinese foreign minister Yi said that the country's leaders have set out in the direction of improving the relationship. "We affirm that China and India as two Asian civilisations and neighbours should engage in mutually beneficial cooperation," he said. Also read: ‘It’s possible’: Trump eyes new trade deal with China Yi said that in the bilateral relationship, the most important thing last year was the summit meeting between President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Narendra Modi in Kazan. India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and China's Wang Yi hold bilateral talks in Johannesburg on the sidelines of #G20 Foreign Ministers' meet WION correspondent @kaldenongmu joins Diksha Bisla with the latest pic.twitter.com/WSDhsx2v3v — WION (@WIONews) February 21, 2025 Prior to the meeting, EAM Jaishankar stressed that India and China are members of BRICS, SCO and G20. "There are also regional and global issues of mutual interests wherein the exchange of perspectives will be to our mutual benefit. I look forward to our conversation today." Also read: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlights border de-escalation efforts with China He pointed that gatherings like the G20 have provided opportunities for dialogue even during challenging phases in India-China relations. Jaishankar acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both the countries in supporting G20 amid a polarized global landscape, highlighting the importance of international cooperation. “Such gatherings have provided an opportunity for our interaction even when our ties were going through a difficult phase,” Jaishankar said. “We should also recognize that in a polarized global situation, our two countries have worked hard to preserve and protect the G20 as an institution.” Also read: India NSA Ajit Doval, China FM Wang Yi hold vital talks on peace along LAC He further mentioned key visits by the Indian NSA and Foreign Secretary to China since the leaders' last meeting during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November last year. “Our discussions have included the management of peace and tranquility in the border areas as well as other dimensions of our ties. I am glad today to have a further exchange of views,” Jaishankar said. Also read: Hours after Trump inauguration, Putin dials 'dear friend' Xi Jinping - Here's what they talked about (With inputs from agencies)

'We should engage in mutual beneficial cooperation': Jaishankar meets Chinese FM Wang Yi on sidelines of G20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv on Thursday (Feb 20) as the American diplomat is on a three-day visit to the war-torn country.
This comes after US President Donald Trump accused Zelensky of being a "dictator" and blamed him for the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president said that Trump was living in a Russian "disinformation bubble".&nbsp;
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had "productive meeting" with Trump envoy.
<h2>Press conference cancelled</h2>
Kellogg, a retired US general and a longtime adviser to Trump on security matters, cancelled the press conference scheduled after his meeting with Zelensky. Kellogg would not be taking questions from the press, Ukrainian officials said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-starmer-compares-zelensky-to-winston-churchill-defends-ukraine-prez-against-trumps-dictator-allegations-8738197">UK PM Starmer defends Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' jibe, compares Ukraine prez to Winston Churchill</a>
They added that the US envoy would only come for a photocall and protocol handshake.&nbsp;
Kellogg's trip to Ukraine has coincided with recent heat between Trump and Zelensky, which has been raising questions about the US's relations with Ukraine.&nbsp;
This majorly came after the US held talks with Russia in Riyadh without the presence of Kyiv.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-blasts-ukrainian-president-zelensky-russia-ukraine-war-putin-8737582">&lsquo;Dictator Without Elections&rsquo;: Trump blasts Zelensky after &lsquo;disinformation&rsquo; dig, warns Ukraine could collapse</a>
Moreover, there are concerns that Kellogg has been sidelined from the Trump administration's negotiating team as he was not included in the US delegation that held talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.
Kellogg said that the US is conducting separate discussions on a potential peace deal with Russia and with Ukraine and that he is leading the US-Ukraine track and Steve Witkoff, Trump&rsquo;s Middle East envoy, is in charge of the US-Russia track.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-refuses-to-co-sponsor-un-draft-resolution-backing-ukraine-report-8741220">US refuses to co-sponsor UN draft resolution backing Ukraine: Report</a>
Following this, the two envoys will return to Washington and compare notes and examine the next steps.&nbsp;
Kellogg, while speaking from the city's railway station after arrival, said that his mission would be to "sit and listen" to Ukraine's concerns.&nbsp;
He added that he understood Ukraine's "need for security guarantees&rdquo; in any postwar settlement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-military-spy-suggests-ceasefire-with-russia-could-happen-this-year-8740476">'How long, how effective?' Ukraine&rsquo;s military spy suggests ceasefire with Russia could happen this year</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World: Kellogg's trip to Ukraine has coincided with recent heat between Trump and Zelensky, which has been raising questions about the US's relations with Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv on Thursday (Feb 20) as the American diplomat is on a three-day visit to the war-torn country. This comes after US President Donald Trump accused Zelensky of being a "dictator" and blamed him for the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president said that Trump was living in a Russian "disinformation bubble". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had "productive meeting" with Trump envoy. Press conference cancelled Kellogg, a retired US general and a longtime adviser to Trump on security matters, cancelled the press conference scheduled after his meeting with Zelensky. Kellogg would not be taking questions from the press, Ukrainian officials said. Also read: UK PM Starmer defends Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' jibe, compares Ukraine prez to Winston Churchill They added that the US envoy would only come for a photocall and protocol handshake. Kellogg's trip to Ukraine has coincided with recent heat between Trump and Zelensky, which has been raising questions about the US's relations with Ukraine. This majorly came after the US held talks with Russia in Riyadh without the presence of Kyiv. Also read: ‘Dictator Without Elections’: Trump blasts Zelensky after ‘disinformation’ dig, warns Ukraine could collapse Moreover, there are concerns that Kellogg has been sidelined from the Trump administration's negotiating team as he was not included in the US delegation that held talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. Kellogg said that the US is conducting separate discussions on a potential peace deal with Russia and with Ukraine and that he is leading the US-Ukraine track and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, is in charge of the US-Russia track. Also read: US refuses to co-sponsor UN draft resolution backing Ukraine: Report Following this, the two envoys will return to Washington and compare notes and examine the next steps. Kellogg, while speaking from the city's railway station after arrival, said that his mission would be to "sit and listen" to Ukraine's concerns. He added that he understood Ukraine's "need for security guarantees” in any postwar settlement. Also read: 'How long, how effective?' Ukraine’s military spy suggests ceasefire with Russia could happen this year (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says had 'productive meeting' with Keith Kellogg after Trump envoy cancels press conference

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi on Thursday (Feb 20), PTI reported, citing sources.&nbsp;
According to sources, she is doing fine, and is likely to be discharged on Friday.&nbsp;
She is under observation of a team of doctors at the Ganga Ram Hospital, the sources said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-sonia-gandhi-over-poor-lady-comment-on-president-murmu-watch-what-she-said-8677800">'Unfortunate, entirely avoidable': Rashtrapati Bhavan condemns Sonia Gandhi's remark on President Murmu's speech</a>
The Congress leader turned 78 in last December.&nbsp;
She was admitted at 8:30 am in the morning, due to stomach related issues. She had for a routine check-up and is now stable, ANI reported.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi this morning at 8:30 am due to stomach related issues. She underwent a routine check-up and is now stable and is under observation: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1892628171784134729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi this morning at 8:30 am due to stomach related issues. She underwent a routine check-up and is now stable and is under observation: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital," Indian news agency ANI said in a post on X.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-kiren-rijiju-calls-sonia-gandhi-george-soros-link-serious-concern-congress-refutes-782630">BJP's Kiren Rijiju calls Sonia Gandhi-George Soros link 'serious concern', Congress pushes back</a>
<h2>'Likely to be discharged tomorrow'</h2>
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman said that there is no major concern and confirmed that she is likely to be discharged tomorrow morning.
&ldquo;She was admitted today for some abdomen-related issue. However, there is no major concern and in all likelihood she will be discharged by tomorrow morning,&rdquo; according to Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman- Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhis-emotional-appeal-to-people-of-raebareli-i-am-handing-over-my-son-to-you-722576">Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you'</a>
She is under the care of Dr Samiran Nundy, gastroenterology specialist.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

India news: According to sources, she is doing fine and is likely to be discharged on Friday. She is under observation of a team of doctors at the Ganga Ram Hospital

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi on Thursday (Feb 20), PTI reported, citing sources. According to sources, she is doing fine, and is likely to be discharged on Friday. She is under observation of a team of doctors at the Ganga Ram Hospital, the sources said. Also read: 'Unfortunate, entirely avoidable': Rashtrapati Bhavan condemns Sonia Gandhi's remark on President Murmu's speech The Congress leader turned 78 in last December. She was admitted at 8:30 am in the morning, due to stomach related issues. She had for a routine check-up and is now stable, ANI reported. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi this morning at 8:30 am due to stomach related issues. She underwent a routine check-up and is now stable and is under observation: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2025 "Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi this morning at 8:30 am due to stomach related issues. She underwent a routine check-up and is now stable and is under observation: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital," Indian news agency ANI said in a post on X. Also read: BJP's Kiren Rijiju calls Sonia Gandhi-George Soros link 'serious concern', Congress pushes back 'Likely to be discharged tomorrow' Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman said that there is no major concern and confirmed that she is likely to be discharged tomorrow morning. “She was admitted today for some abdomen-related issue. However, there is no major concern and in all likelihood she will be discharged by tomorrow morning,” according to Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman- Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Also read: Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you' She is under the care of Dr Samiran Nundy, gastroenterology specialist. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi admitted to Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 20) slammed the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a "death cult" after it displayed coffins containing the bodies of four Israeli hostages.&nbsp;
The hostages included a baby and a small child.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Hamas is not a resistance movement. Hamas is a death cult that murders, tortures, and parades dead bodies,&rdquo; government spokesman David Mencer told journalists.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-hoped-prayed-for-different-ending-families-crushed-as-hamas-releases-israeli-hostages-bodies-8740171">&lsquo;We hoped, prayed for a different ending&rsquo;: Families crushed as Hamas releases Israeli hostages&rsquo;&nbsp;bodies</a>
<h2>Netanyahu vows vengeance&nbsp;</h2>
Israeli PM Netanyahu, in a message of victory over Hamas, said, &ldquo;We are all united in unbearable grief.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;We all ache with pain that is mixed with rage. We are all furious at the monsters of Hamas,&rdquo; he said, adding that Israel must &ldquo;settle the score with the vile murderers&mdash;and we will settle the score.&rdquo;
The Israeli PM promised to achieve the longstanding goals of the war.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-of-grief-for-israel-says-netanyahu-as-hamas-confirms-youngest-hostage-kfir-bibass-body-among-dead-to-be-released-today-8738314">&lsquo;Day of grief&rsquo;, says Netanyahu as Hamas prepares to return baby Kfir Bibas&rsquo;s body</a>
&ldquo;We will bring back all our hostages, destroy the murderers, eliminate Hamas, and together&mdash;with God&rsquo;s help&mdash;we will secure our future,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
<h2>'Hamas will be destroyed'&nbsp;</h2>
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
&ldquo;The heart of the entire nation is mourning today,&rdquo; Katz posted on X.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-will-release-all-remaining-israeli-hostages-in-single-swap-during-second-phase-of-gaza-agreement-8737579">Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce</a>
&ldquo;Hamas abducted, Hamas murdered, Hamas will be destroyed,&rdquo; he stressed, adding that Israel will take revenge against their enemies and secure its future.
Hamas on Thursday (Feb 20) revealed black coffins in southern Gaza, displaying the names and photos of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, pinned to the casket.
According to Hamas, the bodies handed over include those of Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were just nine months and four years old when they were taken hostage.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-hands-over-bodies-of-four-israeli-hostages-including-mother-and-young-sons-8739430">'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel mourns after receiving bodies of dead Gaza hostages</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World Middle East: “Hamas is not a resistance movement. Hamas is a death cult that murders, tortures, and parades dead bodies,” government spokesman David Mencer told journalists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 20) slammed the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a "death cult" after it displayed coffins containing the bodies of four Israeli hostages. The hostages included a baby and a small child. “Hamas is not a resistance movement. Hamas is a death cult that murders, tortures, and parades dead bodies,” government spokesman David Mencer told journalists. Also read: ‘We hoped, prayed for a different ending’: Families crushed as Hamas releases Israeli hostages’ bodies Netanyahu vows vengeance Israeli PM Netanyahu, in a message of victory over Hamas, said, “We are all united in unbearable grief.” “We all ache with pain that is mixed with rage. We are all furious at the monsters of Hamas,” he said, adding that Israel must “settle the score with the vile murderers—and we will settle the score.” The Israeli PM promised to achieve the longstanding goals of the war. Also read: ‘Day of grief’, says Netanyahu as Hamas prepares to return baby Kfir Bibas’s body “We will bring back all our hostages, destroy the murderers, eliminate Hamas, and together—with God’s help—we will secure our future,” he added. 'Hamas will be destroyed' Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant group Hamas. “The heart of the entire nation is mourning today,” Katz posted on X. Also read: Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce “Hamas abducted, Hamas murdered, Hamas will be destroyed,” he stressed, adding that Israel will take revenge against their enemies and secure its future. Hamas on Thursday (Feb 20) revealed black coffins in southern Gaza, displaying the names and photos of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, pinned to the casket. According to Hamas, the bodies handed over include those of Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were just nine months and four years old when they were taken hostage. Also read: 'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel mourns after receiving bodies of dead Gaza hostages (With inputs from agencies)

‘Death cult’: Netanyahu vows vengeance against Hamas after it ‘parades dead bodies’ of Israeli hostages

Some of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists have been told to stop using the words "woman", "disabled", and "elderly" in external communications, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.&nbsp;
The FDA scientists said that a list with the file name "prohibited words" has been circulating since at least last week in official chats.&nbsp;
As the issue came under the spotlight, the White House spokesman said that a part of the list of banned terms had misinterpreted President Donald Trump's executive order.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deloitte-orders-us-staff-to-remove-gender-pronouns-from-email-amid-trumps-crackdown-on-transgenders-8712132">Deloitte orders US staff to remove gender pronouns from email amid Trump's crackdown on transgenders</a>
The list is creating further confusion at an agency struggling with the Trump administration's sweeping firings.&nbsp;
Two FDA scientists, who requested anonymity, said that neither they nor their managers knew who issued the directive or why many of the more than two dozen words were included.&nbsp;
"I don't understand why we can't use a word like 'woman'," one FDA source who received the list told Reuters. "The words on the list would make it almost impossible to do our jobs."
The list reviewed by Reuters includes words like underrepresented, underserved, understudied, sex, identity, diverse, women, woman, promote, definition, continuum, ideology, self-assessed, special populations, elderly, and disabled.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transgenders-people-with-history-of-gender-dysphoria-can-no-longer-join-us-military-defense-secretary-hegseth-memo-enforces-trumps-order-8709166">Transgenders, people with 'history of gender dysphoria' can no longer join US military: Hegseth memo</a>
Meanwhile, in recent weeks, another federal health agency was told to remove words such as gender, transgender, LGBT, and nonbinary from its communications to ensure that they comply with executive orders.&nbsp;
To follow the order, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed publicly available health information, including HIV datasets, and withdrew research papers that were being considered for publication in scientific journals for review by Trump appointees.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-transgenders-woe-as-passport-process-gets-complicated-for-them-amid-trumps-new-policy-8703305">Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy</a>
<h2>White House calls it an &lsquo;error&rsquo;</h2>
The White House spokesman told Reuters that most of the words on the FDA list did not need to be removed from communications, adding that an error may have resulted from the FDA officials misinterpreting Trump's executive order against "gender ideology."
Further clarifying, the spokesman said that the FDA does need to prohibit the use of the words gender, inclusion, identity, diversity, inter, intersex, equity, equitable, transgender, and trans to comply with the order.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-executive-order-banning-transgender-from-female-sports-8694059">Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports</a>
<h2>Public health experts react</h2>
The experts stressed that such a move can threaten their ability to address all kinds of medical needs as they affect different groups, including those with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.&nbsp;
Moreover, the two FDA sources said that their colleagues told them the list had originated within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, which has more than 2,000 workers and is tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: As the issue came under the spotlight, the White House spokesman said that a part of the list of banned terms had misinterpreted President Donald Trump’s executive order.

Some of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists have been told to stop using the words "woman", "disabled", and "elderly" in external communications, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The FDA scientists said that a list with the file name "prohibited words" has been circulating since at least last week in official chats. As the issue came under the spotlight, the White House spokesman said that a part of the list of banned terms had misinterpreted President Donald Trump's executive order. Also read: Deloitte orders US staff to remove gender pronouns from email amid Trump's crackdown on transgenders The list is creating further confusion at an agency struggling with the Trump administration's sweeping firings. Two FDA scientists, who requested anonymity, said that neither they nor their managers knew who issued the directive or why many of the more than two dozen words were included. "I don't understand why we can't use a word like 'woman'," one FDA source who received the list told Reuters. "The words on the list would make it almost impossible to do our jobs." The list reviewed by Reuters includes words like underrepresented, underserved, understudied, sex, identity, diverse, women, woman, promote, definition, continuum, ideology, self-assessed, special populations, elderly, and disabled. Also read: Transgenders, people with 'history of gender dysphoria' can no longer join US military: Hegseth memo Meanwhile, in recent weeks, another federal health agency was told to remove words such as gender, transgender, LGBT, and nonbinary from its communications to ensure that they comply with executive orders. To follow the order, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed publicly available health information, including HIV datasets, and withdrew research papers that were being considered for publication in scientific journals for review by Trump appointees. Also read: Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy White House calls it an ‘error’ The White House spokesman told Reuters that most of the words on the FDA list did not need to be removed from communications, adding that an error may have resulted from the FDA officials misinterpreting Trump's executive order against "gender ideology." Further clarifying, the spokesman said that the FDA does need to prohibit the use of the words gender, inclusion, identity, diversity, inter, intersex, equity, equitable, transgender, and trans to comply with the order. Also read: Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports Public health experts react The experts stressed that such a move can threaten their ability to address all kinds of medical needs as they affect different groups, including those with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, the two FDA sources said that their colleagues told them the list had originated within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, which has more than 2,000 workers and is tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices. (With inputs from agencies)

FDA scientists told not to use words ‘women’, ‘disabled’, ‘elderly’; White House calls it ‘error’

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