<p>A US defence department report has said that China is possibly seeking military bases in friendly countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar, which, if it happens, would add to its strategic encircling of India, known as the ‘string of pearls’ policy. The Pentagon report was mainly to assess Chinese national strategy, military modernisation, its nuclear arsenal of over 600 warheads as of late 2024, its goal for nine aircraft carriers by 2035, and threats to US interests.<br>It noted that China’s defence spending nearly doubled since President Xi Jinping’s early terms.<br>The defence department assesses that China’s historic military buildup has made the US homeland increasingly vulnerable, including through activities in the South Asian region.</p><h2>What does the Pentagon report say?</h2><p>The report titled <i>Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China</i> discusses at length China's ambitions with regards to the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan.&nbsp;</p><p>The report, released on December 23, is focused on China’s strategies, capabilities, leadership, forces, and activities.&nbsp;</p><p>It talks about China’s activities in the Indo-Pacific, especially with regards to Taiwan and the South China Sea, its nuclear and conventional force modernisation, and global power projection.&nbsp;</p><p>But what should get the eyes of Indian strategists is the report's mentions about Chinese arms exports to countries like Pakistan, its all-weather ally, and ‘potential basing considerations’ for other nations in South and Southeast Asian regions.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-take-taiwan-by-brute-force-by-2027-pentagon-drafts-report-claims-beijing-loaded-more-than-100-icbms-in-silo-fields-1766472651526">China to take Taiwan by brute force by 2027? Pentagon draft report claims Beijing loaded more than 100 ICBMs in silo fields</a></p><h2>Military bases for China in South Asia? What the Pentagon report said</h2><p>While discussing Chinese overseas military facilities, the report said that Beijing has likely considered potential People's Liberation Army logistics or basing locations in several countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in South Asia as well as Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia in South East Asia.</p><p>The PLA’s primary interest, the report said, appears to be military access along key sea lines of communication, particularly the Malacca Strait, a crucial gateway to the Indo-Pacific.</p><p>"China has likely also considered basing in Angola, Bangladesh, Burma, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Vanuatu.</p><p>"The PLA is probably most interested in military access along the sea lines of communication in the Malacca Strait, the Strait of Hormuz, and other areas in Africa and the Middle East," it said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-military-shake-up-top-pla-generals-missing-xi-led-event-amid-anti-graft-purge-1766630933729/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-military-shake-up-top-pla-generals-missing-xi-led-event-amid-anti-graft-purge-1766630933729/embed</a></p><h2>China entered rapprochement with India to ensure it doesn't get closer to US?</h2><p>The report said that after the tensions around the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two nations disengaged from remaining standoff sites, followed by a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. That meeting set off monthly high-level engagements, discussing border management, direct flights, visa facilitation, and exchanges of academics and journalists.</p><p>But here, the Pentagon sees the possibility that China may be capitalising on the decrease in LAC tensions to not only stabilise ties with India, but also prevent the deepening of ties between New Delhi and the US.</p><p>It adds that India “probably remains sceptical of China’s actions and motives”, with continued mutual distrust limiting the relationship.<br>The report notes that China extends the term “core interest” to cover territorial disputes, including the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-report-highlights-china-s-military-ties-with-pakistan-and-cautious-thaw-with-india-1766558928586">Pentagon report highlights China's military ties with Pakistan and cautious thaw with India</a></p><h2>China’s arming of South Asian nations</h2><p>The report highlighted significant Chinese arms sales and exports to South Asian countries, with Pakistan being a major recipient. Chinese military equipment with Pakistan includes 20 J-10C multirole combat aircraft delivered in 2025 as part of a total of 36 since 2020. There are also strike-capable Caihong and Wing Loong UAVs, four frigates sold in 2018, as well as the co-production of the JF-17 light combat aircraft.</p><p>Bangladesh, meanwhile, has received two Ming-class submarines delivered in 2016, two frigates sold in 2017, and the first exports of VT-5 light tanks in 2024, the report notes.</p><h2>Why India should take note of Pentagon report on China</h2><p>What the Pentagon report mentioned as China’s ‘military basing’ ambitions in South Asia is one more step towards the already known ‘string of pearls’ strategy. This, in effect, is the strategic encirclement of India with commercial and military ports and bases around both its eastern and western coastlines. China's activities have been aimed at accessing and monitoring maritime routes along the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Its quest for military/commercial facilities or logistics hubs in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Myanmar would allow the PLA a consistent presence close to India’s eastern and western seaboards. This would require India to bolster its naval planning and improve its surveillance and response capabilities.&nbsp;</p><p>The ‘string of pearls’ strategy, recently presented as part of projects like the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, has been focused on ports and infrastructure across the Indian Ocean.</p><p>Now, it appears to be evolving into a more overt military access and potential basing.&nbsp;</p><p>China's near-term ambition appears to be to use its economic leverage, arms supplies, and dual-use infrastructure for regular PLA deployments or PLA Navy's port calls.</p><p>&nbsp;In the long-term, it would want to strengthens positions all across the Indo-Pacific while indirectly containing India.&nbsp;</p>

A Pentagon report warns China may seek military bases in South Asia, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This should make Indian strategic community sit up and take note, as China's well-known ‘string of pearls’ strategy to contain India may be expending.

A US defence department report has said that China is possibly seeking military bases in friendly countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar, which, if it happens, would add to its strategic encircling of India, known as the ‘string of pearls’ policy. The Pentagon report was mainly to assess Chinese national strategy, military modernisation, its nuclear arsenal of over 600 warheads as of late 2024, its goal for nine aircraft carriers by 2035, and threats to US interests. It noted that China’s defence spending nearly doubled since President Xi Jinping’s early terms. The defence department assesses that China’s historic military buildup has made the US homeland increasingly vulnerable, including through activities in the South Asian region. What does the Pentagon report say? The report titled Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China discusses at length China's ambitions with regards to the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan. The report, released on December 23, is focused on China’s strategies, capabilities, leadership, forces, and activities. It talks about China’s activities in the Indo-Pacific, especially with regards to Taiwan and the South China Sea, its nuclear and conventional force modernisation, and global power projection. But what should get the eyes of Indian strategists is the report's mentions about Chinese arms exports to countries like Pakistan, its all-weather ally, and ‘potential basing considerations’ for other nations in South and Southeast Asian regions. Also read: China to take Taiwan by brute force by 2027? Pentagon draft report claims Beijing loaded more than 100 ICBMs in silo fields Military bases for China in South Asia? What the Pentagon report said While discussing Chinese overseas military facilities, the report said that Beijing has likely considered potential People's Liberation Army logistics or basing locations in several countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in South Asia as well as Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia in South East Asia. The PLA’s primary interest, the report said, appears to be military access along key sea lines of communication, particularly the Malacca Strait, a crucial gateway to the Indo-Pacific. "China has likely also considered basing in Angola, Bangladesh, Burma, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Vanuatu. "The PLA is probably most interested in military access along the sea lines of communication in the Malacca Strait, the Strait of Hormuz, and other areas in Africa and the Middle East," it said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-military-shake-up-top-pla-generals-missing-xi-led-event-amid-anti-graft-purge-1766630933729/embed China entered rapprochement with India to ensure it doesn't get closer to US? The report said that after the tensions around the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two nations disengaged from remaining standoff sites, followed by a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. That meeting set off monthly high-level engagements, discussing border management, direct flights, visa facilitation, and exchanges of academics and journalists. But here, the Pentagon sees the possibility that China may be capitalising on the decrease in LAC tensions to not only stabilise ties with India, but also prevent the deepening of ties between New Delhi and the US. It adds that India “probably remains sceptical of China’s actions and motives”, with continued mutual distrust limiting the relationship. The report notes that China extends the term “core interest” to cover territorial disputes, including the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Also read: Pentagon report highlights China's military ties with Pakistan and cautious thaw with India China’s arming of South Asian nations The report highlighted significant Chinese arms sales and exports to South Asian countries, with Pakistan being a major recipient. Chinese military equipment with Pakistan includes 20 J-10C multirole combat aircraft delivered in 2025 as part of a total of 36 since 2020. There are also strike-capable Caihong and Wing Loong UAVs, four frigates sold in 2018, as well as the co-production of the JF-17 light combat aircraft. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has received two Ming-class submarines delivered in 2016, two frigates sold in 2017, and the first exports of VT-5 light tanks in 2024, the report notes. Why India should take note of Pentagon report on China What the Pentagon report mentioned as China’s ‘military basing’ ambitions in South Asia is one more step towards the already known ‘string of pearls’ strategy. This, in effect, is the strategic encirclement of India with commercial and military ports and bases around both its eastern and western coastlines. China's activities have been aimed at accessing and monitoring maritime routes along the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Its quest for military/commercial facilities or logistics hubs in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Myanmar would allow the PLA a consistent presence close to India’s eastern and western seaboards. This would require India to bolster its naval planning and improve its surveillance and response capabilities. The ‘string of pearls’ strategy, recently presented as part of projects like the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, has been focused on ports and infrastructure across the Indian Ocean. Now, it appears to be evolving into a more overt military access and potential basing. China's near-term ambition appears to be to use its economic leverage, arms supplies, and dual-use infrastructure for regular PLA deployments or PLA Navy's port calls. In the long-term, it would want to strengthens positions all across the Indo-Pacific while indirectly containing India.

<p>A Pentagon report warns China may seek military bases in South Asia, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This should make Indian strategic community sit up and take note, as China's well-known ‘string of pearls’ strategy to contain India may be expending.</p>

China wants military bases in friendly countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar? Why India should take note of Pentagon report

<p>Do Kwon was sentenced earlier this month to 15 years in prison by a New York court for crimes associated with the fall of his cryptocurrencies TerraUSD and Luna. Kwon joins the hall of shame of crypto kings, queens and geniuses who were celebrated at the heyday of the digital currencies a decade ago, but manipulated their systems to defraud customers. Kwon was charged with money laundering and fraud, having been apprehended after a years-long manhunt. This is his story.</p><h2>Do Kwon: the baby-faced crypto genius</h2><p>Do Kwon, born in South Korea on 6 September 1991 as Kwon Do-hyung, went from software engineer to cryptocurrency entrepreneur after graduating from Stanford University with a degree in computer science. He cut his teeth at Microsoft and Apple before co-founding Singapore-based Terraform Labs with Daniel Shin in 2018, and serving as CEO.</p><p>Terraform Labs developed the Terra blockchain, the Luna cryptocurrency, and the algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD (UST), which was marketed as maintaining a $1 peg through an automated mechanism involving Luna.<br>But before we move further, you need to know about the concept of stablecoins.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/markets-in-numbers-2025-precious-metals-rise-crypto-worst-performing-asset-1766467180818/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/markets-in-numbers-2025-precious-metals-rise-crypto-worst-performing-asset-1766467180818/embed</a></p><h2>What are dollar-pegged stablecoins?</h2><p>Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged as equal to, or 1:1 with, the US dollar or other fiat currencies.</p><p>The aim is to combine the benefits of crypto, such as fast and borderless transfers, with the stability of traditional money. The equal pegging to the dollar enabled stablecoins to be used in trading, remittances, and decentralised finance (DeFi) lending. Stablecoins were advertised as a “safe haven” during cryptocurrency volatility, something that Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and others are notorious for.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/why-are-crypto-markets-falling-1760706709071">Why are crypto markets falling? Explained</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There are three main types of dollar-pegged stablecoins.</p><p>The most common are fiat-collateralised cryptocurrencies. These dominate market capitalisation and are backed by 1:1 reserves of US dollars, usually in cash or treasuries held off-chain by a centralised issuer. Examples of such coins include Tether and USD Coin.</p><p>The second type are crypto-collateralised. These are over-collateralised, sometimes up to 200 per cent, by other cryptocurrencies locked in smart contracts. If the collateral value drops, positions can be liquidated to maintain the peg. Examples include DAI from MakerDAO, which is backed by Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies.</p><p>The third type are algorithmic stablecoins, which have minimal or no collateral. These use algorithms or incentives to adjust supply automatically through arbitrage operations, usually involving a more volatile “sister” tokens which absorbs price fluctuations. Fully decentralised, algorithmic stablecoins are the riskiest in volatile market conditions.</p><p>Do Kwon’s TerraUSD, or UST, was one such algorithmic stablecoin. It worked on what is known as a “burn-and-mint mechanism” using the sister coin Luna. In reality, UST was not actually backed by dollar reserves. In the ‘burn and mint operation’, when UST was down in value to US dollars, users would ‘burn’ UST and ‘mint’ more Luna coins, and when Luna was down, they would mint UST and burn Luna, and so on.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-coordinate-real-time-to-seize-cryptocurrency-assets-worth-150-million-1757086955195">India, US coordinate real time to seize cryptocurrency assets worth $150 Million</a></p><h2>The massive fraud of Kwon</h2><p>Kwon misled investors in his crypto assets about the stability and mechanics of TerraUSD, falsely claiming that the dollar peg was purely maintained by algorithms.</p><p>But the reality was different.</p><p>The dollar was “depegged” in May 2021, meaning UST temporarily lost its one-to-one value against the US dollar. But to hide this, Kwon secretly made arrangements with a trading firm to buy millions of dollars’ worth of UST to artificially restore the dollar peg.</p><p>This led to the inflation of Kwon’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, valued at $50 billion at its peak.</p><h2>The spectacular collapse of TerraUSD and Luna and crypto winter</h2><p>Crypto investments saw massive growth during the Covid pandemic. As the lockdowns eased, investments came down. In May 2022, Kwon’s crypto assets UST and Luna collapsed spectacularly, as a chain reaction of panic withdrawals contributed to the situation similar to run on the banks..</p><p>Nearly $40–50 billion in investor value was wiped out in days. Many retail investors lost their entire life savings.</p><p>The collapse highlighted algorithmic stablecoins’ vulnerability, a case of fake confidence without sufficient underlying mechanisms.&nbsp;</p><p>The fall of UST contributed to a broader crypto market crash known as “crypto winter”. It may have also partially caused the downfall of other firms like FTX, run by Sam Bankman-Fried.&nbsp;</p><p>Firms such as Three Arrows Capital, Voyager were also affected.</p><h2>After the fall: Kwon’s life as a fugitive</h2><p>After the 2022 collapse, Kwon disappeared. Reports claimed he fled first to Singapore, then to the Balkans, using false passports. But in March 2023, his escape from the law ended.<br>Kwon was arrested at Podgorica Airport in Montenegro while attempting to board a flight to Dubai using forged Costa Rican documents. He was given a short jail term in Montenegro for passport forgery.</p><p>Already, both the US and South Korea were on Kwon’s trail and wanted him extradited.</p><p>A legal battle ensued.</p><p>On 31 December 2024, Montenegro extradited Kwon to the US to stand trial at a federal court in Manhattan, New York. Kwon, the once-crypto king, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to defraud, wire fraud, and other related charges.<br>Nearly a year after his extradition, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison on December 11, with credit for time served in custody, including about 17 months in Montenegro.</p><h2>Do Kwon: Epic fraud</h2><p>The US judge described the TerraUSD fraud as “epic” and on a “generational scale”.</p><p>Kwon expressed remorse in court.</p><p>He and Terraform Labs had settled a separate civil case with the US securities watchdog, the SEC, for $4.55 billion, including an $80 million personal fine.</p><p>But his legal woes are not over.</p><p>The baby-faced entrepreneur may face additional charges in South Korea after serving his US sentence.</p>

Do Kwon, recently sentenced to 15 years in prison, had risen from Stanford graduate to crypto star before his tokens, TerraUSD and sister coin Luna collapsed, wiping out billions of dollars in value. Here is his story

Do Kwon was sentenced earlier this month to 15 years in prison by a New York court for crimes associated with the fall of his cryptocurrencies TerraUSD and Luna. Kwon joins the hall of shame of crypto kings, queens and geniuses who were celebrated at the heyday of the digital currencies a decade ago, but manipulated their systems to defraud customers. Kwon was charged with money laundering and fraud, having been apprehended after a years-long manhunt. This is his story. Do Kwon: the baby-faced crypto genius Do Kwon, born in South Korea on 6 September 1991 as Kwon Do-hyung, went from software engineer to cryptocurrency entrepreneur after graduating from Stanford University with a degree in computer science. He cut his teeth at Microsoft and Apple before co-founding Singapore-based Terraform Labs with Daniel Shin in 2018, and serving as CEO. Terraform Labs developed the Terra blockchain, the Luna cryptocurrency, and the algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD (UST), which was marketed as maintaining a $1 peg through an automated mechanism involving Luna. But before we move further, you need to know about the concept of stablecoins. https://www.wionews.com/videos/markets-in-numbers-2025-precious-metals-rise-crypto-worst-performing-asset-1766467180818/embed What are dollar-pegged stablecoins? Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged as equal to, or 1:1 with, the US dollar or other fiat currencies. The aim is to combine the benefits of crypto, such as fast and borderless transfers, with the stability of traditional money. The equal pegging to the dollar enabled stablecoins to be used in trading, remittances, and decentralised finance (DeFi) lending. Stablecoins were advertised as a “safe haven” during cryptocurrency volatility, something that Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and others are notorious for. Also read: Why are crypto markets falling? Explained There are three main types of dollar-pegged stablecoins. The most common are fiat-collateralised cryptocurrencies. These dominate market capitalisation and are backed by 1:1 reserves of US dollars, usually in cash or treasuries held off-chain by a centralised issuer. Examples of such coins include Tether and USD Coin. The second type are crypto-collateralised. These are over-collateralised, sometimes up to 200 per cent, by other cryptocurrencies locked in smart contracts. If the collateral value drops, positions can be liquidated to maintain the peg. Examples include DAI from MakerDAO, which is backed by Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. The third type are algorithmic stablecoins, which have minimal or no collateral. These use algorithms or incentives to adjust supply automatically through arbitrage operations, usually involving a more volatile “sister” tokens which absorbs price fluctuations. Fully decentralised, algorithmic stablecoins are the riskiest in volatile market conditions. Do Kwon’s TerraUSD, or UST, was one such algorithmic stablecoin. It worked on what is known as a “burn-and-mint mechanism” using the sister coin Luna. In reality, UST was not actually backed by dollar reserves. In the ‘burn and mint operation’, when UST was down in value to US dollars, users would ‘burn’ UST and ‘mint’ more Luna coins, and when Luna was down, they would mint UST and burn Luna, and so on. Also read: India, US coordinate real time to seize cryptocurrency assets worth $150 Million The massive fraud of Kwon Kwon misled investors in his crypto assets about the stability and mechanics of TerraUSD, falsely claiming that the dollar peg was purely maintained by algorithms. But the reality was different. The dollar was “depegged” in May 2021, meaning UST temporarily lost its one-to-one value against the US dollar. But to hide this, Kwon secretly made arrangements with a trading firm to buy millions of dollars’ worth of UST to artificially restore the dollar peg. This led to the inflation of Kwon’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, valued at $50 billion at its peak. The spectacular collapse of TerraUSD and Luna and crypto winter Crypto investments saw massive growth during the Covid pandemic. As the lockdowns eased, investments came down. In May 2022, Kwon’s crypto assets UST and Luna collapsed spectacularly, as a chain reaction of panic withdrawals contributed to the situation similar to run on the banks.. Nearly $40–50 billion in investor value was wiped out in days. Many retail investors lost their entire life savings. The collapse highlighted algorithmic stablecoins’ vulnerability, a case of fake confidence without sufficient underlying mechanisms. The fall of UST contributed to a broader crypto market crash known as “crypto winter”. It may have also partially caused the downfall of other firms like FTX, run by Sam Bankman-Fried. Firms such as Three Arrows Capital, Voyager were also affected. After the fall: Kwon’s life as a fugitive After the 2022 collapse, Kwon disappeared. Reports claimed he fled first to Singapore, then to the Balkans, using false passports. But in March 2023, his escape from the law ended. Kwon was arrested at Podgorica Airport in Montenegro while attempting to board a flight to Dubai using forged Costa Rican documents. He was given a short jail term in Montenegro for passport forgery. Already, both the US and South Korea were on Kwon’s trail and wanted him extradited. A legal battle ensued. On 31 December 2024, Montenegro extradited Kwon to the US to stand trial at a federal court in Manhattan, New York. Kwon, the once-crypto king, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to defraud, wire fraud, and other related charges. Nearly a year after his extradition, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison on December 11, with credit for time served in custody, including about 17 months in Montenegro. Do Kwon: Epic fraud The US judge described the TerraUSD fraud as “epic” and on a “generational scale”. Kwon expressed remorse in court. He and Terraform Labs had settled a separate civil case with the US securities watchdog, the SEC, for $4.55 billion, including an $80 million personal fine. But his legal woes are not over. The baby-faced entrepreneur may face additional charges in South Korea after serving his US sentence.

<p>Do Kwon, recently sentenced to 15 years in prison, had risen from Stanford graduate to crypto star before his tokens, TerraUSD and sister coin Luna collapsed, wiping out billions of dollars in value. Here is his story</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Crimes of Do Kwon: Freefall of South Korean crypto genius - fugitive life, forged passports and 15 years in jail

<p>Asim Munir’s past remarks were at least partially responsible for the chain of events that led to the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir and India's military response, ‘Operation Sindoor’, which brought the two nuclear-armed South Asian nations to the brink of an all-out war. The Pakistani army chief-turned field marshal has engaged in such rhetoric once again, this time exhorting Muslim nations to join forces against ‘enemies of Allah’. Speaking in Libya, Munir sought to portray Pakistan as a leading security actor and protector of the global Muslim community. He also did what is usually the role of a Pakistani prime minister: promising defence and military hardware to Libya and other Muslim nations, underlining his supremacy in Pakistan’s government decision-making apparatus. Here is what he said:</p><h2>What did Munir say to Muslim countries?</h2><p>Munir is on a tour of African and Arab nations. He delivered a speech last week in Libya, with whose armed forces Pakistan reportedly inked a $4 billion deal to sell weapons.</p><p>In remarks made in English and peppered with Quranic verses, Munir evoked religious ties among Muslim countries. He said Muslim nations do not currently have might “because other nations have taken from the Muslim countries the learnings of technology.”</p><p>He said that every piece of equipment and technology with Pakistan “is available for our brothers.”<br>“Any assistance you need from Pakistan will be available at your doorstep,” he said.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-divine-intervention-helped-pakistan-during-may-conflict-with-india-asim-munir-1766337259952">‘Divine intervention’ helped Pakistan during May conflict with India: Asim Munir</a></p><h2>Muslim countries destroyed in the past 20 years, claims Munir</h2><p>“If we look at the world, we find especially the Muslim world in great difficulty and pain,” he said, adding that seven or eight “magnificent Muslim countries, one after the other, have been destroyed” in the past 20 years.</p><p>“Unfortunately, today the Muslim world has fallen to the treacheries, the machinations, and the conspiracies of those who want to ensure its downfall,” he said.</p><p>He portrayed the contemporary world as one without the rule of law, saying it is the law of the jungle that prevails, where “might is right.”</p><p>This might, he said, lies somewhere else today and is not with the Muslim world, because of the possession of knowledge “that they have taken from us.”</p><p>Refering to “Iqra”, the first word in Quran, he said, “It is our religion in which Allah Almighty has ordained us to gather as much power as possible.”</p><p>“Iqra” refers to the first word revealed in the Quran, which means “read” or “recite,” and is interpreted as a command to seek knowledge, learning and understanding.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-asim-munir-s-law-in-death-cell-no-permission-to-meet-protest-for-imran-khan-reignites-in-pakistan-as-sons-fear-they-ll-never-see-him-again-1765944590902">'Asim Munir’s law, death cell, no permission to meet': Protest for Imran Khan reignites in Pakistan as sons fear they'll 'never see him again'</a></p><h2>‘We were asked to be ready to strike terror in hearts of enemies of Allah’</h2><p>“We were asked, as Muslims, and we were supposed to be ready with the utmost of our power to strike terror in the hearts of those who are the enemies of Allah, our enemies, and those whom we do not know but Allah knows.”</p><p>“That power is with someone else. And, my dear brothers, this is again a universal principle: who dares, wins. And who does not dare, cannot win. And again, it is a universal principle given to us by Allah Almighty,” he added, adding Quranic verses for impact.</p><p>He repeated unfounded claims of having shot down Indian planes during Operation Sindoor.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/munir-pakistan-got-divine-help-during-operation-sindoor-1766432922958/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/munir-pakistan-got-divine-help-during-operation-sindoor-1766432922958/embed</a></p><h2>Pakistan is seeking new markets for its defence equipment</h2><p>As hinted in Munir's remarks and made clear from the $4 billion deal with Libya, Pakistan is engaging in increased defence trade, looking for more buyers for its military hardware and technologies. He appears to be reprising his role described by some social media users as the salesman of Pakistan.</p>

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, speaking in Libya, urged Muslim nations to unite and build military power. He offered Pakistani arms and technology, invoking religious rhetoric. Why is it problematic?

Asim Munir’s past remarks were at least partially responsible for the chain of events that led to the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir and India's military response, ‘Operation Sindoor’, which brought the two nuclear-armed South Asian nations to the brink of an all-out war. The Pakistani army chief-turned field marshal has engaged in such rhetoric once again, this time exhorting Muslim nations to join forces against ‘enemies of Allah’. Speaking in Libya, Munir sought to portray Pakistan as a leading security actor and protector of the global Muslim community. He also did what is usually the role of a Pakistani prime minister: promising defence and military hardware to Libya and other Muslim nations, underlining his supremacy in Pakistan’s government decision-making apparatus. Here is what he said: What did Munir say to Muslim countries? Munir is on a tour of African and Arab nations. He delivered a speech last week in Libya, with whose armed forces Pakistan reportedly inked a $4 billion deal to sell weapons. In remarks made in English and peppered with Quranic verses, Munir evoked religious ties among Muslim countries. He said Muslim nations do not currently have might “because other nations have taken from the Muslim countries the learnings of technology.” He said that every piece of equipment and technology with Pakistan “is available for our brothers.” “Any assistance you need from Pakistan will be available at your doorstep,” he said. Also read: ‘Divine intervention’ helped Pakistan during May conflict with India: Asim Munir Muslim countries destroyed in the past 20 years, claims Munir “If we look at the world, we find especially the Muslim world in great difficulty and pain,” he said, adding that seven or eight “magnificent Muslim countries, one after the other, have been destroyed” in the past 20 years. “Unfortunately, today the Muslim world has fallen to the treacheries, the machinations, and the conspiracies of those who want to ensure its downfall,” he said. He portrayed the contemporary world as one without the rule of law, saying it is the law of the jungle that prevails, where “might is right.” This might, he said, lies somewhere else today and is not with the Muslim world, because of the possession of knowledge “that they have taken from us.” Refering to “Iqra”, the first word in Quran, he said, “It is our religion in which Allah Almighty has ordained us to gather as much power as possible.” “Iqra” refers to the first word revealed in the Quran, which means “read” or “recite,” and is interpreted as a command to seek knowledge, learning and understanding. Also read: 'Asim Munir’s law, death cell, no permission to meet': Protest for Imran Khan reignites in Pakistan as sons fear they'll 'never see him again' ‘We were asked to be ready to strike terror in hearts of enemies of Allah’ “We were asked, as Muslims, and we were supposed to be ready with the utmost of our power to strike terror in the hearts of those who are the enemies of Allah, our enemies, and those whom we do not know but Allah knows.” “That power is with someone else. And, my dear brothers, this is again a universal principle: who dares, wins. And who does not dare, cannot win. And again, it is a universal principle given to us by Allah Almighty,” he added, adding Quranic verses for impact. He repeated unfounded claims of having shot down Indian planes during Operation Sindoor. https://www.wionews.com/videos/munir-pakistan-got-divine-help-during-operation-sindoor-1766432922958/embed Pakistan is seeking new markets for its defence equipment As hinted in Munir's remarks and made clear from the $4 billion deal with Libya, Pakistan is engaging in increased defence trade, looking for more buyers for its military hardware and technologies. He appears to be reprising his role described by some social media users as the salesman of Pakistan.

<p>Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, speaking in Libya, urged Muslim nations to unite and build military power. He offered Pakistani arms and technology, while using religious rhetoric. Why is it problematic?</p>

Asim Munir provokes again: This time, he wants Muslim nations to join forces to ‘strike terror’ on enemies

<p>In an alternative world, 2025 would be called the year of Vladimir Putin. But we do not live in that alternative world. The Russian president was in the headlines for most of the year because of the Ukraine war, in which his military continued to make gains. In spite of the European Union-led West’s attempts to ostracise him, Putin emerged from the wilderness, mainly due to a more conciliatory stance by US President Donald Trump, who invited him to a summit in Alaska that set the ball rolling for a peace process, though no concrete results have come out of it so far. Domestically, in spite of efforts by the West to sanction the Russian economy out of existence, the nation continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace.</p><p>For the first part of the year, Putin still remained a pariah for the West, skipping international events due to the 2023 International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant hanging over him in connection with alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Yet Putin continued to be a voice to reckon with, making Russia’s independent position clear on issues including current US actions against Venezuela. Here is a snapshot of Putin in 2025.</p><h2>Ostracised by West, Putin gets the red carpet treatment in US</h2><p>The credit goes to Trump for going against the grain and calling Putin for a summit in Alaska's Anchorage in August. This could be described as the most important diplomatic outing of Putin since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Nothing substantial came out of it, though it would be fair to say that at least a first move was made towards peace. This marked a sharp departure from Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden’s approach of arming Ukraine and keeping Russia away from the international spotlight.</p><p>Putin stood his ground on the war, refusing to cede territory gained by Russia during the three-year military operation in Ukraine. Europe, mainly led by figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, attempted to squeeze Russia out of the global oil trade, while providing billions of dollars in military and financial aid to Ukraine.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-s-marathon-annual-presser-turns-into-ask-me-anything-1766288066564/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-s-marathon-annual-presser-turns-into-ask-me-anything-1766288066564/embed</a></p><h2>Core 5: A US-led grouping with Russia that didn't take off</h2><p>Late this year, there were reports of a leaked draft US national security document that argued for bringing Russia back into the fold of the international community. It spoke of a so-called “Core Five”, reportedly envisaged as a grouping of the US, Russia, China and Japan, as an alternative to the G7. The G7 itself had once been the G8 before Russia was expelled following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The report containing the 'Core Five' idea was spiked, and possibly leaked deliberately to kill it before it could gain traction. If the germinating idea is taken at face value, it reflects American thinking that, no matter how hard the West tries, Putin and his nation cannot be wiped off from the global chessboard.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-end-war-condition-west-respect-security-interests-1766151258220">Putin says Russia will end ‘special military operations’ if West respects its security interests</a></p><h2>Putin’s diplomacy: Hosting leaders in Russia, skipped summits and in-person outings</h2><p>Most of Putin's diplomatic engagements were done from Moscow. He hosted global leaders, and participated in several summits via video conferencing.</p><p>Putin resumed limited international travel with the Alaska summit. He followed this with participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China.</p><p>He topped off the year with a state visit to India, after having skipped the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi due to the prevailing hostile approach towards Russia at the time.</p><p>He skipped the BRICS summit in Brazil in July, due to the ICC warrant, choosing instead to attend virtually. Putin also did not attend the G20 summit in South Africa, possibly because the host nation, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would have been obligated to act on the ICC arrest warrant.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-3i-atlas-comet-secret-weapon-joke-press-conference-1766232102632">Putin jokes about 3I/ATLAS comet as 'Russia’s secret weapon' at annual press conference</a></p><h2>Putin’s intentions are questioned, but he remains an important player</h2><p>Putin’s legacy will be judged depending on the lens one uses. The Western media narrative will make you believe that he is an autocratic expansionist who wants to invade not only Ukraine but possibly other parts of Europe, drawing comparisons with historical aggressors like Hitler.&nbsp;</p><p>Or he could be considered a nationalist leader who does not want NATO or Europe to gain a strategic foothold in Ukraine or other former Soviet states. From this perspective, he is attempting to create a territorial buffer along Russia’s borders, with the invasion of Ukraine being one of the steps towards that goal.</p><p>Putin remains a popular leader in a system best described as a democracy with Russian characteristics. One way or another, he will go down in history as a leader who openly challenged the established hegemonies of the West.</p><h2>Russian economic growth will determine Putin’s future</h2><p>Under normal circumstances, the Russian economy might have grown more strongly. However the Russian oil, one of its key exports, has faced restrictions in energy markets through punitive sanctions and price caps imposed by Western countries. In spite of the pressures of war, the Russian economy recorded roughly 3–4 per cent growth in 2024, driven largely by state spending and defence-related production. As sanctions and structural constraints began to bite, growth slowed markedly in 2025, hovering around 1 per cent and only narrowly avoiding contraction.</p><p>The future of Putin’s popularity will depend on whether ordinary Russians begin to face sustained economic hardship due to the war. That is arguably what the West hopes for: internal unrest triggered by economic turmoil that could weaken his regime. So far, however, Putin has managed to prevent a collapse of the Russian economy. If the war ends in 2026 and diplomatic efforts bear fruit, Putin may yet avoid that ignominy.</p>

The year 2025 saw Vladimir Putin emerge back on the global stage, despite sanctions and isolation. As an ICC arrest warrant loomed, he attended the Trump-led Alaska summit, and went on state visit to India, reaffirming Russia’s central role in world politics

In an alternative world, 2025 would be called the year of Vladimir Putin. But we do not live in that alternative world. The Russian president was in the headlines for most of the year because of the Ukraine war, in which his military continued to make gains. In spite of the European Union-led West’s attempts to ostracise him, Putin emerged from the wilderness, mainly due to a more conciliatory stance by US President Donald Trump, who invited him to a summit in Alaska that set the ball rolling for a peace process, though no concrete results have come out of it so far. Domestically, in spite of efforts by the West to sanction the Russian economy out of existence, the nation continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace. For the first part of the year, Putin still remained a pariah for the West, skipping international events due to the 2023 International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant hanging over him in connection with alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Yet Putin continued to be a voice to reckon with, making Russia’s independent position clear on issues including current US actions against Venezuela. Here is a snapshot of Putin in 2025. Ostracised by West, Putin gets the red carpet treatment in US The credit goes to Trump for going against the grain and calling Putin for a summit in Alaska's Anchorage in August. This could be described as the most important diplomatic outing of Putin since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Nothing substantial came out of it, though it would be fair to say that at least a first move was made towards peace. This marked a sharp departure from Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden’s approach of arming Ukraine and keeping Russia away from the international spotlight. Putin stood his ground on the war, refusing to cede territory gained by Russia during the three-year military operation in Ukraine. Europe, mainly led by figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, attempted to squeeze Russia out of the global oil trade, while providing billions of dollars in military and financial aid to Ukraine. https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-s-marathon-annual-presser-turns-into-ask-me-anything-1766288066564/embed Core 5: A US-led grouping with Russia that didn't take off Late this year, there were reports of a leaked draft US national security document that argued for bringing Russia back into the fold of the international community. It spoke of a so-called “Core Five”, reportedly envisaged as a grouping of the US, Russia, China and Japan, as an alternative to the G7. The G7 itself had once been the G8 before Russia was expelled following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The report containing the 'Core Five' idea was spiked, and possibly leaked deliberately to kill it before it could gain traction. If the germinating idea is taken at face value, it reflects American thinking that, no matter how hard the West tries, Putin and his nation cannot be wiped off from the global chessboard. Also read: Putin says Russia will end ‘special military operations’ if West respects its security interests Putin’s diplomacy: Hosting leaders in Russia, skipped summits and in-person outings Most of Putin's diplomatic engagements were done from Moscow. He hosted global leaders, and participated in several summits via video conferencing. Putin resumed limited international travel with the Alaska summit. He followed this with participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China. He topped off the year with a state visit to India, after having skipped the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi due to the prevailing hostile approach towards Russia at the time. He skipped the BRICS summit in Brazil in July, due to the ICC warrant, choosing instead to attend virtually. Putin also did not attend the G20 summit in South Africa, possibly because the host nation, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would have been obligated to act on the ICC arrest warrant. Also read: Putin jokes about 3I/ATLAS comet as 'Russia’s secret weapon' at annual press conference Putin’s intentions are questioned, but he remains an important player Putin’s legacy will be judged depending on the lens one uses. The Western media narrative will make you believe that he is an autocratic expansionist who wants to invade not only Ukraine but possibly other parts of Europe, drawing comparisons with historical aggressors like Hitler. Or he could be considered a nationalist leader who does not want NATO or Europe to gain a strategic foothold in Ukraine or other former Soviet states. From this perspective, he is attempting to create a territorial buffer along Russia’s borders, with the invasion of Ukraine being one of the steps towards that goal. Putin remains a popular leader in a system best described as a democracy with Russian characteristics. One way or another, he will go down in history as a leader who openly challenged the established hegemonies of the West. Russian economic growth will determine Putin’s future Under normal circumstances, the Russian economy might have grown more strongly. However the Russian oil, one of its key exports, has faced restrictions in energy markets through punitive sanctions and price caps imposed by Western countries. In spite of the pressures of war, the Russian economy recorded roughly 3–4 per cent growth in 2024, driven largely by state spending and defence-related production. As sanctions and structural constraints began to bite, growth slowed markedly in 2025, hovering around 1 per cent and only narrowly avoiding contraction. The future of Putin’s popularity will depend on whether ordinary Russians begin to face sustained economic hardship due to the war. That is arguably what the West hopes for: internal unrest triggered by economic turmoil that could weaken his regime. So far, however, Putin has managed to prevent a collapse of the Russian economy. If the war ends in 2026 and diplomatic efforts bear fruit, Putin may yet avoid that ignominy.

<p>The year 2025 saw Vladimir Putin emerge back on the global stage, despite sanctions and isolation. As an ICC arrest warrant loomed, he attended the Trump-led Alaska summit, and went on state visit to India, reaffirming Russia’s central role in world politics</p>

Year-ender 2025: The year of Putin, when the ostracised leader returned to the global stage

<p>Jeffrey Epstein’s story is a classic example of how people distance themselves from someone whose hospitality they enjoyed, whether knowing or not knowing of his criminal activities. The new tranche of Epstein files reveals not much, except some more heavily redacted text and strategically concealed photos. The only thing it really reveals is the activities of the American elite. At the top, everyone is connected. Epstein can be described whichever way one wants: a financial whizz kid who had deep links with the business, academic, entertainment and political world, or a paedophile-pimp who hosted, wined and dined the rich and the famous while secretly collecting compromising material about them.</p><h2>Epstein file names: From entertainers to politicians, royals and everyone in between</h2><p>While an undue amount of attention is focused on Bill Clinton’s ties with Epstein, there is no denying that incumbent president Donald Trump also had a pally relationship with the late disgraced financier. The talk of a ‘client list’ of Epstein – for whom he allegedly supplied girls – is still in the conspiracy theory realm. But the photos tell a level of everyone's &nbsp;familiarity with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-link-in-epstein-files-first-lady-s-documentary-director-brett-ratner-in-new-photos-released-1766387633331">Melania Trump link in Epstein files: First Lady’s documentary director Brett Ratner in new photos released</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The names include former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson, and figures such as former US vice-president Al Gore, former UK royal Sarah Ferguson, former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, lawyer Alan Dershowitz, and former US Treasury secretary Larry Summers.</p><p>From the entertainment world, there’s Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Chris Tucker, David Copperfield and Kevin Spacey. Other familiar names that surface in various documents or social references include Naomi Campbell, Woody Allen, Courtney Love, Ralph Fiennes, David Blaine, journalist Michael Wolff, and academics such as Noam Chomsky and the late Stephen Hawking.</p><p>Also read: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-epstein-files-new-photos-show-michael-jackson-kevin-spacey-and-other-high-profile-figures-1766204935927/1766204935928">In pics | Epstein files new photos show Michael Jackson, Kevin Spacey, and other high-profile figures</a></p><p><br>There are also mentions of news anchor Walter Cronkite and musician Phil Collins, alongside technology and media figures such as Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, Peter Thiel and former YouTube chief executive Salar Kamangar, all appearing in different contexts rather than as allegations.</p><p>Many individuals had already appeared in the 2024 unsealed court filings from the Giuffre v. Maxwell case.&nbsp;</p><p>In the new files, Donald Trump, Ehud Barak and (now-former) Prince Andrew are again referenced, largely through photographs, contact lists or travel records rather than as fresh claims.</p><p>Most of them are mentioned in flight logs, photos, emails, stays at Epstein properties, meeting photos and documents, and in redacted parts of the Epstein files.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/doj-releases-first-batch-of-epstein-files-former-us-president-bill-clinton-features-prominently-1766243930733/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/doj-releases-first-batch-of-epstein-files-former-us-president-bill-clinton-features-prominently-1766243930733/embed</a></p><p>Business people like Bill Gates and Leslie Wexner of Victoria’s Secret, Leon Black and Glenn Dubin are also mentioned in some form or the other, reinforcing the breadth of Epstein’s social reach across finance and philanthropy.</p><h2>Not guilty until proven, but…</h2><p>The presence of these people in the Epstein files, either released in December or before, does not imply any wrongdoing. In other words, none is guilty by association.&nbsp;</p><p>But it clearly shows that Epstein, with some help from Maxwell, was a constant social climber.&nbsp;</p><p>He exchanged favours for access. The favours could be flying someone on his planes, hosting them at his properties, or appearing at parties, social or academic events with them.&nbsp;</p><h2>Everyone knew Epstein, or Epstein knew everyone&nbsp;</h2><p>Everyone in the political, business or entertainment crème de la crème of late 1990s to late 2010s America had some association with Epstein.</p><p>Even then, the onion is not peeled in full. We may never know exactly what the people knew about Epstein, or what Epstein knew about them. Some people, like Clinton’s spokesperson, are finding the alibi that Clinton stopped all contact after Epstein’s criminal activities and involvement in prostitution came to light. But that is only a technical clarification. Some people, like Andrew, continued to be in touch after the Palm Beach, Florida case, which Epstein managed to survive legally.</p><p>Everyone now wants to distance themselves from Epstein.&nbsp;</p><p>And Epstein is not coming back to tell the truth as he died in custody in 2019 before trial. This only reinforces conspiracy theorists who say he was ‘bumped off’ in jail. The truth is somewhere in between.</p>

The latest dump of Epstein files reveals hardly anything new. But they exposed the depth of elite connections across politics, business and entertainment, with the paedophile as the central character. Power, access and silence shaped Epstein’s world, and he's not around to prove anyone guilty

Jeffrey Epstein’s story is a classic example of how people distance themselves from someone whose hospitality they enjoyed, whether knowing or not knowing of his criminal activities. The new tranche of Epstein files reveals not much, except some more heavily redacted text and strategically concealed photos. The only thing it really reveals is the activities of the American elite. At the top, everyone is connected. Epstein can be described whichever way one wants: a financial whizz kid who had deep links with the business, academic, entertainment and political world, or a paedophile-pimp who hosted, wined and dined the rich and the famous while secretly collecting compromising material about them. Epstein file names: From entertainers to politicians, royals and everyone in between While an undue amount of attention is focused on Bill Clinton’s ties with Epstein, there is no denying that incumbent president Donald Trump also had a pally relationship with the late disgraced financier. The talk of a ‘client list’ of Epstein – for whom he allegedly supplied girls – is still in the conspiracy theory realm. But the photos tell a level of everyone's familiarity with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Also read: Melania Trump link in Epstein files: First Lady’s documentary director Brett Ratner in new photos released The names include former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson, and figures such as former US vice-president Al Gore, former UK royal Sarah Ferguson, former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, lawyer Alan Dershowitz, and former US Treasury secretary Larry Summers. From the entertainment world, there’s Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Chris Tucker, David Copperfield and Kevin Spacey. Other familiar names that surface in various documents or social references include Naomi Campbell, Woody Allen, Courtney Love, Ralph Fiennes, David Blaine, journalist Michael Wolff, and academics such as Noam Chomsky and the late Stephen Hawking. Also read: In pics | Epstein files new photos show Michael Jackson, Kevin Spacey, and other high-profile figures There are also mentions of news anchor Walter Cronkite and musician Phil Collins, alongside technology and media figures such as Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, Peter Thiel and former YouTube chief executive Salar Kamangar, all appearing in different contexts rather than as allegations. Many individuals had already appeared in the 2024 unsealed court filings from the Giuffre v. Maxwell case. In the new files, Donald Trump, Ehud Barak and (now-former) Prince Andrew are again referenced, largely through photographs, contact lists or travel records rather than as fresh claims. Most of them are mentioned in flight logs, photos, emails, stays at Epstein properties, meeting photos and documents, and in redacted parts of the Epstein files. https://www.wionews.com/videos/doj-releases-first-batch-of-epstein-files-former-us-president-bill-clinton-features-prominently-1766243930733/embed Business people like Bill Gates and Leslie Wexner of Victoria’s Secret, Leon Black and Glenn Dubin are also mentioned in some form or the other, reinforcing the breadth of Epstein’s social reach across finance and philanthropy. Not guilty until proven, but… The presence of these people in the Epstein files, either released in December or before, does not imply any wrongdoing. In other words, none is guilty by association. But it clearly shows that Epstein, with some help from Maxwell, was a constant social climber. He exchanged favours for access. The favours could be flying someone on his planes, hosting them at his properties, or appearing at parties, social or academic events with them. Everyone knew Epstein, or Epstein knew everyone Everyone in the political, business or entertainment crème de la crème of late 1990s to late 2010s America had some association with Epstein. Even then, the onion is not peeled in full. We may never know exactly what the people knew about Epstein, or what Epstein knew about them. Some people, like Clinton’s spokesperson, are finding the alibi that Clinton stopped all contact after Epstein’s criminal activities and involvement in prostitution came to light. But that is only a technical clarification. Some people, like Andrew, continued to be in touch after the Palm Beach, Florida case, which Epstein managed to survive legally. Everyone now wants to distance themselves from Epstein. And Epstein is not coming back to tell the truth as he died in custody in 2019 before trial. This only reinforces conspiracy theorists who say he was ‘bumped off’ in jail. The truth is somewhere in between.

<p>The latest dump of Epstein files hardly revealed anything new. But they exposed the depth of elite connections across politics, business and entertainment, with the paedophile as a central character. Power, access and silence shaped Epstein’s world, and he's not around to prove anyone guilty</p>

Epstein knew them all: What files release reveals about the American elite and the nature of friendships

<p>The prices of gold and silver have hit record highs, in a pattern seen throughout 2025. This reflects the risk-averse sentiment of investors, who have amassed gold and silver. Its been the pattern in past decades too, with the price of gold rising in anticipation of, and during, crises. The current high prices, particularly since the Ukraine–Russia war of 2022 onwards, could indicate that the gloom and doom is likely to continue in 2026, if one goes by historical precedents.</p><h2>The rise of gold and silver in 2025</h2><p>Gold, which was around $2,624 per ounce at the start of 2025, is at a record high of around $4,400 per ounce by late December, a rise of around 68 per cent on the year. Silver is up from $29 per ounce to $69 per ounce, an even higher spike of 133 per cent on the year. This is one of the biggest annual rises for both metals since 1979.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-bet-to-surge-to-5-000-ounce-in-2026-1766295259367/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-bet-to-surge-to-5-000-ounce-in-2026-1766295259367/embed</a></p><h2>Gold and silver: Safe-haven assets amid uncertainties</h2><p>Investors flock to these so-called safe-haven assets when geopolitical tensions continue, most of which have a direct impact on oil prices: the Ukraine–Russia war, US–Venezuela tensions, and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Gaza war.</p><p>Silver is not only a safe haven, but also has strong industrial use in current technologies such as electric vehicles, solar energy and electronics.</p><p>US tariffs under President Donald Trump, and trade wars have added to the uncertainties. There are also fears about inflation, both in the US and elsewhere. One of the longest US government shutdowns exacerbated the situation.&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asia-largest-undersea-gold-deposit-jiaodong-1766215700701">China uncovers Asia’s largest offshore gold deposit in East China Sea</a></p><h2>Interest rate cuts by central banks make gold more attractive</h2><p>The US central bank, the Federal Reserve, made several interest rate cuts in 2025, with more such cuts likely in 2026.<br>Such interest rate cuts are leading more investors to opt for gold. When central banks cut interest rates, assets like bonds and savings become less attractive because they stop giving good yields to investors. Therefore, rate cuts often increase the demand for gold - which is a non-yield asset - as an alternative investment, boosting its price.&nbsp;</p><p>Central banks, like the Reserve Bank of India, are also adding to their gold reserves, which crossed 880 metric tonnes by late 2025, as against 820 MT in mid 2024.</p><h2>A pattern in history: How precious metals rise ahead of and during global shocks and tensions</h2><p>Historically, investment in gold has risen as a hedge against ongoing uncertainties and as a way to counter the lowering of currency values.&nbsp;</p><p>There is a clear pattern in which the prices of gold, and often silver to a lesser extent, rise ahead of or during major shocks such as wars, oil crises or economic turmoil.</p><p>Gold often behaves like an earthquake predictor, surging beforehand as investors price in risk. It stabilises or dips as the crisis resolves.</p><h2>Gold price spike patterns since 1973</h2><p>After the Yom Kippur War and the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, oil prices quadrupled, causing both stagflation and inflation in America and globally. Gold price doubled from around $100 per ounce to over $200 per ounce by 1974. This was in anticipation of the crisis amid the fall in value of the dollar, the world’s reserve currency.</p><p>The next big rise in gold prices was during the 1979–1980 oil crisis that came after events such as the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That ‘oil shock’ led to high inflation, and gold peaked at around $850 per ounce. This remains the strongest bull run in gold connected to geopolitical shocks.</p><p>The next big spike in the yellow metal took place during the Gulf War of 1990–1991, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Gold rose by around 20 per cent.</p><p>The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was another growth point for gold, which got sustained gains by around 50 per cent during the conflict that followed.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-us-dollar-dying-slowly-this-economist-thinks-so-as-gold-silver-surge-countries-including-india-trim-us-treasury-holdings-1765964339109">Is US dollar dying slowly? This economist thinks so as gold, silver surge, countries including India trim US Treasury holdings</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During the global financial crisis of 2008, which followed the collapse of subprime mortgage market in the US, gold saw a period of growth until around 2009. Amid the disruption of global banking and stock crashes across the world, gold surged by around 25 per cent, in a classic case of a safe-haven response.</p><p>The next big spike for gold was during the Covid pandemic that started in 2020. Global lockdowns and the shutdown of entire national economies led to a then-record growth in gold prices of nearly 27 per cent, to about $2,000 per ounce.&nbsp;</p><p>Uncertainty about the economic future of the world, combined with stimulus packages by various governments, drove demand for the precious metal.</p><h2>Gold prices are a predictor of impending global tremors</h2><p>The current rally in gold is mainly due to the Russia–Ukraine war and other conflicts, and talk of another world war, which is yet to materialise. Geopolitical crises add a premium to gold prices, which grow as a pre-emptive measure to absorb shocks. Investors usually sense rising anxiety and risk before it becomes fully visible.</p><p>That explains why gold, which was at around $2,624 at the start of 2025, rose with each shock this year: from the initial tariff threats by Trump, to the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, to trade tensions with various countries and US sanctions on Venezuela. As mentioned, the US government shutdown, the Ukraine–Russia war amid a failing peace process, ongoing Middle East tensions and supply-chain disruptions are all adding to the rise.</p>

Gold and silver prices are now at record highs,  reflecting rising global uncertainty. The precious metals usually surge ahead of wars, inflation and economic shocks, signalling crises before they unfold. Here is how

The prices of gold and silver have hit record highs, in a pattern seen throughout 2025. This reflects the risk-averse sentiment of investors, who have amassed gold and silver. Its been the pattern in past decades too, with the price of gold rising in anticipation of, and during, crises. The current high prices, particularly since the Ukraine–Russia war of 2022 onwards, could indicate that the gloom and doom is likely to continue in 2026, if one goes by historical precedents. The rise of gold and silver in 2025 Gold, which was around $2,624 per ounce at the start of 2025, is at a record high of around $4,400 per ounce by late December, a rise of around 68 per cent on the year. Silver is up from $29 per ounce to $69 per ounce, an even higher spike of 133 per cent on the year. This is one of the biggest annual rises for both metals since 1979. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-bet-to-surge-to-5-000-ounce-in-2026-1766295259367/embed Gold and silver: Safe-haven assets amid uncertainties Investors flock to these so-called safe-haven assets when geopolitical tensions continue, most of which have a direct impact on oil prices: the Ukraine–Russia war, US–Venezuela tensions, and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Gaza war. Silver is not only a safe haven, but also has strong industrial use in current technologies such as electric vehicles, solar energy and electronics. US tariffs under President Donald Trump, and trade wars have added to the uncertainties. There are also fears about inflation, both in the US and elsewhere. One of the longest US government shutdowns exacerbated the situation. Also read: China uncovers Asia’s largest offshore gold deposit in East China Sea Interest rate cuts by central banks make gold more attractive The US central bank, the Federal Reserve, made several interest rate cuts in 2025, with more such cuts likely in 2026. Such interest rate cuts are leading more investors to opt for gold. When central banks cut interest rates, assets like bonds and savings become less attractive because they stop giving good yields to investors. Therefore, rate cuts often increase the demand for gold - which is a non-yield asset - as an alternative investment, boosting its price. Central banks, like the Reserve Bank of India, are also adding to their gold reserves, which crossed 880 metric tonnes by late 2025, as against 820 MT in mid 2024. A pattern in history: How precious metals rise ahead of and during global shocks and tensions Historically, investment in gold has risen as a hedge against ongoing uncertainties and as a way to counter the lowering of currency values. There is a clear pattern in which the prices of gold, and often silver to a lesser extent, rise ahead of or during major shocks such as wars, oil crises or economic turmoil. Gold often behaves like an earthquake predictor, surging beforehand as investors price in risk. It stabilises or dips as the crisis resolves. Gold price spike patterns since 1973 After the Yom Kippur War and the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, oil prices quadrupled, causing both stagflation and inflation in America and globally. Gold price doubled from around $100 per ounce to over $200 per ounce by 1974. This was in anticipation of the crisis amid the fall in value of the dollar, the world’s reserve currency. The next big rise in gold prices was during the 1979–1980 oil crisis that came after events such as the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That ‘oil shock’ led to high inflation, and gold peaked at around $850 per ounce. This remains the strongest bull run in gold connected to geopolitical shocks. The next big spike in the yellow metal took place during the Gulf War of 1990–1991, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Gold rose by around 20 per cent. The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was another growth point for gold, which got sustained gains by around 50 per cent during the conflict that followed. Also read: Is US dollar dying slowly? This economist thinks so as gold, silver surge, countries including India trim US Treasury holdings During the global financial crisis of 2008, which followed the collapse of subprime mortgage market in the US, gold saw a period of growth until around 2009. Amid the disruption of global banking and stock crashes across the world, gold surged by around 25 per cent, in a classic case of a safe-haven response. The next big spike for gold was during the Covid pandemic that started in 2020. Global lockdowns and the shutdown of entire national economies led to a then-record growth in gold prices of nearly 27 per cent, to about $2,000 per ounce. Uncertainty about the economic future of the world, combined with stimulus packages by various governments, drove demand for the precious metal. Gold prices are a predictor of impending global tremors The current rally in gold is mainly due to the Russia–Ukraine war and other conflicts, and talk of another world war, which is yet to materialise. Geopolitical crises add a premium to gold prices, which grow as a pre-emptive measure to absorb shocks. Investors usually sense rising anxiety and risk before it becomes fully visible. That explains why gold, which was at around $2,624 at the start of 2025, rose with each shock this year: from the initial tariff threats by Trump, to the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, to trade tensions with various countries and US sanctions on Venezuela. As mentioned, the US government shutdown, the Ukraine–Russia war amid a failing peace process, ongoing Middle East tensions and supply-chain disruptions are all adding to the rise.

<p>Gold and silver prices are now at record highs, &nbsp;reflecting rising global uncertainty. The precious metals usually surge ahead of wars, inflation and economic shocks, signalling crises before they unfold. Here is how</p>

Gold and silver at record highs mean the world is heading for bigger crises? Lessons from history

<p>For Bangladesh, the year 2025 could best be described as one of transition,tinged with continuing bloodshed between rival political factions, months after the ouster of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. The former prime minister, who fled to India, was sentenced to death in cases associated with her tenure and the crackdown of the violent uprising that led to her ouster and flight to India in August 2025. The elections announced by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus have already been rocked by the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi after being shot at. The South Asian nation was on edge for most of the year, and the violence escalated again with Hadi’s killing. Mobs went on attacking media houses, Awami League party offices and even Indian diplomatic missions. Here is a roundup of the main events from 2025:</p><h2>The year started with political and economic reforms</h2><p>The interim government led by Nobel laureate Yunus began with earnest democratic reforms, accountability for past abuses, and preparations for elections. However, instability, violence and challenges to the once-shining Bangladesh economy continued. The government sought to bring in institutional reforms through various commissions on the constitution, judiciary, elections and other sectors. Grievances from the violence during the 2024 uprising were addressed, including probes into the deaths of protesters.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-want-my-political-assassination-hasina-refuses-return-to-bangladesh-thanks-india-for-continued-hospitality-1766375949870">They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh, thanks India for continued hospitality</a></p><h2>Sheikh Hasina’s trials and asset freeze</h2><p>Bangladeshi courts tried Hasina in absentia, even as she gave occasional interviews while in exile in India, denying any wrongdoing and refusing to return to the country. In March, assets linked to her family were frozen amid corruption investigations.&nbsp;<br>Violence continued unabated throughout the year, with sporadic attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as various acts of political retribution targeting Awami League activists and leaders.&nbsp;<br>The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sought elections by late 2025, while the student groups at the centre of the 2024 uprising sought reforms first.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-extremists-emboldened-hasina-blames-yunus-govt-for-anti-india-hostility-in-bangladesh-1766380925403">'Extremists emboldened': Hasina blames Yunus govt for anti-India hostility in Bangladesh</a></p><h2>The July Charter</h2><p>Protests continued over delays in reforms and demands for justice. The interim government came out with the so-called July Charter, which was subsequently signed by major parties, but not the student-led National Citizen Party. The charter outlined reforms including a reductions of executive power, changes to the conduct of elections, and assertions of judicial independence. A plan was also announced for a referendum on the July national charter during the next general elections. Yunus announced that the elections would be held in February, possibly before Ramadan.<br>Notably, Hasina’s Awami League was banned from politics under anti-terror laws.</p><h2>Hasina sentenced to death amid corruption trials and unrest</h2><p>Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November for crimes against humanity related to the crackdowns during the 2024 uprising. She and her associates faced other cases over alleged corruption. She also received a separate 21-year sentence for alleged land grabs. After much legal tussle, the Supreme Court restored the non-party caretaker government system of Bangladesh for future elections.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-leader-s-house-torched-in-lakshmipur-party-demands-justice-1766378056607/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-leader-s-house-torched-in-lakshmipur-party-demands-justice-1766378056607/embed</a></p><h2>Killing of Sharif Osman Hadi</h2><p>The killing of Hadi, one of the key faces of the 2024 uprising, led to another spike in violence. Hadi was shot by masked assailants on December 15 while returning from a mosque during his election campaign as an independent candidate. After being airlifted to Singapore for further treatment, Hadi died on December 18.</p><p>Protests erupted, with mobs going on a rampage of arson and killings. Allegations against India led to heightened anti-India sentiment, even as calls for New Delhi to extradite Hasina intensified. India has so far not accepted the demand to send back Hasina.</p><h2>A turbulent year. Another in the making?</h2><p>Bangladesh is at an inflexion point in its revenge-laden politics of decades. A country that appeared to be doing well economically under Hasina is slowly plunging into chaos and uncertainty. The turbulence is likely to continue into 2026, as the country makes a slow transition from autocracy to reform and a return to democratic governance. The events since August 2024 have strained the economy, with high inflation and low GDP growth, even as ties with long-term ally India are under severe strain over New Delhi’s hosting of Hasina. It remains to be seen whether the election will be held as planned in February or rescheduled.<br>&nbsp;</p>

For Bangladesh, the year 2025 was one of fragile calm under an interim government, marred by political and communal violence. Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence was shocking, but the violence spiralled again after youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s killing ahead of elections.

For Bangladesh, the year 2025 could best be described as one of transition,tinged with continuing bloodshed between rival political factions, months after the ouster of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. The former prime minister, who fled to India, was sentenced to death in cases associated with her tenure and the crackdown of the violent uprising that led to her ouster and flight to India in August 2025. The elections announced by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus have already been rocked by the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi after being shot at. The South Asian nation was on edge for most of the year, and the violence escalated again with Hadi’s killing. Mobs went on attacking media houses, Awami League party offices and even Indian diplomatic missions. Here is a roundup of the main events from 2025: The year started with political and economic reforms The interim government led by Nobel laureate Yunus began with earnest democratic reforms, accountability for past abuses, and preparations for elections. However, instability, violence and challenges to the once-shining Bangladesh economy continued. The government sought to bring in institutional reforms through various commissions on the constitution, judiciary, elections and other sectors. Grievances from the violence during the 2024 uprising were addressed, including probes into the deaths of protesters. Also read: They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh, thanks India for continued hospitality Sheikh Hasina’s trials and asset freeze Bangladeshi courts tried Hasina in absentia, even as she gave occasional interviews while in exile in India, denying any wrongdoing and refusing to return to the country. In March, assets linked to her family were frozen amid corruption investigations. Violence continued unabated throughout the year, with sporadic attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as various acts of political retribution targeting Awami League activists and leaders. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sought elections by late 2025, while the student groups at the centre of the 2024 uprising sought reforms first. Also read: 'Extremists emboldened': Hasina blames Yunus govt for anti-India hostility in Bangladesh The July Charter Protests continued over delays in reforms and demands for justice. The interim government came out with the so-called July Charter, which was subsequently signed by major parties, but not the student-led National Citizen Party. The charter outlined reforms including a reductions of executive power, changes to the conduct of elections, and assertions of judicial independence. A plan was also announced for a referendum on the July national charter during the next general elections. Yunus announced that the elections would be held in February, possibly before Ramadan. Notably, Hasina’s Awami League was banned from politics under anti-terror laws. Hasina sentenced to death amid corruption trials and unrest Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November for crimes against humanity related to the crackdowns during the 2024 uprising. She and her associates faced other cases over alleged corruption. She also received a separate 21-year sentence for alleged land grabs. After much legal tussle, the Supreme Court restored the non-party caretaker government system of Bangladesh for future elections. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-leader-s-house-torched-in-lakshmipur-party-demands-justice-1766378056607/embed Killing of Sharif Osman Hadi The killing of Hadi, one of the key faces of the 2024 uprising, led to another spike in violence. Hadi was shot by masked assailants on December 15 while returning from a mosque during his election campaign as an independent candidate. After being airlifted to Singapore for further treatment, Hadi died on December 18. Protests erupted, with mobs going on a rampage of arson and killings. Allegations against India led to heightened anti-India sentiment, even as calls for New Delhi to extradite Hasina intensified. India has so far not accepted the demand to send back Hasina. A turbulent year. Another in the making? Bangladesh is at an inflexion point in its revenge-laden politics of decades. A country that appeared to be doing well economically under Hasina is slowly plunging into chaos and uncertainty. The turbulence is likely to continue into 2026, as the country makes a slow transition from autocracy to reform and a return to democratic governance. The events since August 2024 have strained the economy, with high inflation and low GDP growth, even as ties with long-term ally India are under severe strain over New Delhi’s hosting of Hasina. It remains to be seen whether the election will be held as planned in February or rescheduled.

<p>For Bangladesh, the year 2025 was one of fragile calm under an interim government, marred by political and communal violence. Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence was shocking, but the violence spiralled again after youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s killing ahead of elections.</p>

YEAR-ENDER 2025: Bangladesh’s uneasy calm after the storm disturbed by youth leader Hadi’s killing

<p>China is reportedly building one of the most fundamental components of AI computing: the lithograph machines that make advanced AI chips using Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) light source technology. According to Reuters and other reports, this high-security research initiative is taking place at a laboratory in Shenzhen. The official target for the project is 2028, and if successful, it could allow China to become self-sufficient in advanced AI semiconductor production. Here is what you should know, and why it matters.</p><h2>China’s ‘Manhattan Project’ aims to challenge Western dominance in advanced AI chips</h2><p>The project, dubbed in Western media as China’s own “Manhattan Project” in reference to the US nuclear bomb programme, is intended to enable domestic production of cutting-edge chips used in AI computing, smartphones and defence.&nbsp;</p><p>A top state priority under President Xi Jinping, the project comes amid US-led export controls on advanced chips and chipmaking equipment to China. &nbsp;Chinese technology giant Huawei is reportedly coordinating much of the supply chain for the project.</p><p>Chinese research institutions are also involved, including the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), which has contributed to optical system development.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chip-wars-bill-moved-in-us-to-ban-ai-chip-sales-to-china-over-national-security-1766129590201">Chip wars: Bill moved in US to ban AI chip sales to China over national security</a></p><h2>ASML reverse-engineering? Prototype machine is being tested</h2><p>A prototype machine was reportedly completed in early 2025 and is currently undergoing testing. Former engineers from world's top semiconductor equipment maker ASML are reportedly involved in the efforts. Lin Nan, a former head of light-source technology at the Dutch company, is among those recruited for the Chinese project, according to the reports. This has led to suggestions that the researchers are drawing on insider expertise and attempting to replicate key elements of ASML’s technology, or even reverse-engineer it.</p><p>Note that what is being tested is a light-source prototype rather than a production-ready &nbsp;EUV lithography machine. The system can generate EUV light at the required wavelength, but it has not yet been used to manufacture working chips.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-block-nvidia-s-sale-of-scaled-down-ai-chip-to-china-report-1762519125702/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-block-nvidia-s-sale-of-scaled-down-ai-chip-to-china-report-1762519125702/embed</a></p><h2>A bulky machine under heavy security</h2><p>According to Reuters, the prototype occupies almost an entire factory floor and is described by sources as bulky and inefficient compared with ASML’s commercial systems, by far the global leader in EUV lithography machines used for advanced AI chip production.</p><p>Security around the Shenzhen project is reportedly extremely tight. The facility operates with compartmentalised teams, isolated work areas, and workers using aliases or false identities to prevent information leaks.</p><h2>High payments and incentives to those who join Shenzhen project</h2><p>The importance attached to the project is reflected in unusually generous recruitment packages: very high salaries, multimillion-yuan signing bonuses, housing subsidies, and rare tolerance of dual citizenship in order to attract foreign experts and protect them from potential sanctions.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-chip-wars-of-2025-saw-firms-caught-between-policy-trump-and-china-1765872817301">YEARENDER 2025: Chip wars led to firms being caught between policy, Trump and China</a></p><h2>Major technical challenges remain</h2><p>Reuters reported that the Chinese government aims to begin producing chips using domestic EUV technology by 2028, although sources close to the project suggest that 2030 is a more realistic timeframe.</p><p>According to the report, unresolved issues include precision optics, overlay accuracy, defect control, throughput, long-term reliability, and ecosystem maturity.</p><p>China appears to have achieved in roughly six years what took ASML 18 years. But this comparison is misleading. ASML took decades to become the dominant player as it had to build ts expertise from the ground up. China, on the other hand, may be able to accelerate development by building on existing global research and using ASML designs as reference points, supported by massive state funding. It also benefits from skipping much of the foundational scientific research, supplier creation, and multiple failed generations of prototypes that ASML had to endure.</p><h2>China's advances in AI chipmaking machinery: Why this matters&nbsp;</h2><p>EUV technology enables the production of transistors thousands of times thinner than a human hair. It's behind the most advanced AI chips and accelerators designed by companies such as Nvidia and AMD and manufactured by firms like TSMC.</p><p>China has been blocked from purchasing ASML’s EUV tools, which has pushed it to pursue domestic development of these machines. The eventual aim is to reduce dependence on ASML and other foreign firms for advanced chipmaking capacity.</p>

China is secretly developing an EUV lithography system to make advanced AI chips domestically. The aim is to achieve AI chipmaking capacity by around 2028. This could challenge US export controls and ASML’s global dominance. Here is why it matters

China is reportedly building one of the most fundamental components of AI computing: the lithograph machines that make advanced AI chips using Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) light source technology. According to Reuters and other reports, this high-security research initiative is taking place at a laboratory in Shenzhen. The official target for the project is 2028, and if successful, it could allow China to become self-sufficient in advanced AI semiconductor production. Here is what you should know, and why it matters. China’s ‘Manhattan Project’ aims to challenge Western dominance in advanced AI chips The project, dubbed in Western media as China’s own “Manhattan Project” in reference to the US nuclear bomb programme, is intended to enable domestic production of cutting-edge chips used in AI computing, smartphones and defence. A top state priority under President Xi Jinping, the project comes amid US-led export controls on advanced chips and chipmaking equipment to China. Chinese technology giant Huawei is reportedly coordinating much of the supply chain for the project. Chinese research institutions are also involved, including the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), which has contributed to optical system development. Also read: Chip wars: Bill moved in US to ban AI chip sales to China over national security ASML reverse-engineering? Prototype machine is being tested A prototype machine was reportedly completed in early 2025 and is currently undergoing testing. Former engineers from world's top semiconductor equipment maker ASML are reportedly involved in the efforts. Lin Nan, a former head of light-source technology at the Dutch company, is among those recruited for the Chinese project, according to the reports. This has led to suggestions that the researchers are drawing on insider expertise and attempting to replicate key elements of ASML’s technology, or even reverse-engineer it. Note that what is being tested is a light-source prototype rather than a production-ready EUV lithography machine. The system can generate EUV light at the required wavelength, but it has not yet been used to manufacture working chips. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-block-nvidia-s-sale-of-scaled-down-ai-chip-to-china-report-1762519125702/embed A bulky machine under heavy security According to Reuters, the prototype occupies almost an entire factory floor and is described by sources as bulky and inefficient compared with ASML’s commercial systems, by far the global leader in EUV lithography machines used for advanced AI chip production. Security around the Shenzhen project is reportedly extremely tight. The facility operates with compartmentalised teams, isolated work areas, and workers using aliases or false identities to prevent information leaks. High payments and incentives to those who join Shenzhen project The importance attached to the project is reflected in unusually generous recruitment packages: very high salaries, multimillion-yuan signing bonuses, housing subsidies, and rare tolerance of dual citizenship in order to attract foreign experts and protect them from potential sanctions. Also read: YEARENDER 2025: Chip wars led to firms being caught between policy, Trump and China Major technical challenges remain Reuters reported that the Chinese government aims to begin producing chips using domestic EUV technology by 2028, although sources close to the project suggest that 2030 is a more realistic timeframe. According to the report, unresolved issues include precision optics, overlay accuracy, defect control, throughput, long-term reliability, and ecosystem maturity. China appears to have achieved in roughly six years what took ASML 18 years. But this comparison is misleading. ASML took decades to become the dominant player as it had to build ts expertise from the ground up. China, on the other hand, may be able to accelerate development by building on existing global research and using ASML designs as reference points, supported by massive state funding. It also benefits from skipping much of the foundational scientific research, supplier creation, and multiple failed generations of prototypes that ASML had to endure. China's advances in AI chipmaking machinery: Why this matters EUV technology enables the production of transistors thousands of times thinner than a human hair. It's behind the most advanced AI chips and accelerators designed by companies such as Nvidia and AMD and manufactured by firms like TSMC. China has been blocked from purchasing ASML’s EUV tools, which has pushed it to pursue domestic development of these machines. The eventual aim is to reduce dependence on ASML and other foreign firms for advanced chipmaking capacity.

<p>China is secretly developing an EUV lithography system to make advanced AI chips domestically. The aim is to achieve AI chipmaking capacity by around 2028. This could challenge US export controls and ASML’s global dominance. Here is why it matters</p>

China is secretly building an AI chipmaking machine in Shenzhen. How its ‘Manhattan Project’ could change the AI era

<p>The death of radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi on Thursday (Dec 18), days after being shot by unidentified assailants, has sparked overnight protests in Bangladesh, with rampaging violent mobs attacking the Indian High Commission, media houses and the party offices of the Awami League (AL). A year after AL leader and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and fled to India, Hadi was campaigning to fight the elections as an independent candidate. Bangladesh interim government chief Muhammad Yunus promised to bring to justice those behind his killing. There is no proof linking the AL or India to the killing but the anti-India sentiment is rising. Here are the top developments:</p><h2>Who was Sharif Osman Hadi, and how did he die?</h2><p>Sharif Osman Hadi was a 32-year-old leader of Inqilab Mancha, a radical student group of Dhaka University at the forefront of the violent student-led street protests that led to the downfall of Hasina’s government. In his rousing speeches, he had made several provocative statements, including some that targeted India for the perceived support of the Hasina regime. Along with other youth leaders, Hadi emerged as a face of the Bangladesh uprising of August 2024.</p><p>On December 12, Hadi was shot in the head by masked attackers in Dhaka while leaving a mosque during his election campaign as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency for the general elections scheduled for next February. He was airlifted to Singapore on December 15 for advanced treatment, having sustained injuries and brain stem damage. He died at the Singapore General Hospital’s neurosurgical ICU on Thursday (Dec 18) in Singapore.</p><h2>Who killed Sharif Osman Hadi?</h2><p>A manhunt was launched by police, who released the names of two key suspects.One of them is Foysal Karim Masud, whose family members were arrested. Police also offered a reward of 5 million taka (around $42,000) for any information leading to the apprehension of the suspects. At least 20 people have been held so far. The investigation is continuing.</p><p>Immediately after the shooting, unfounded allegations were made against the Awami League and India, with the killing seen in Bangladesh as politically motivated to destabilise the country ahead of the elections.</p><p>Hadi was known for his anti-India rhetoric, having threatened to join India’s north-eastern states with Bangladesh. His supporters are alleging, without proof, that some suspects have fled to India and are demanding their extradition.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-violence-protesters-set-fire-to-major-media-offices-after-youth-leader-s-death-1766113879433">Bangladesh violence: Protesters set fire to major media offices after youth leader’s death | WATCH</a></p><h2>Indian diplomatic missions targeted in Hadi death protests</h2><p>Since the news of Hadi’s death, protesters took to the streets, attacking government property and media houses, including the offices of prominent newspapers like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Some journalists were reportedly trapped during the attacks on the media houses.</p><p>India’s High Commission in Dhaka and the diplomatic mission in Chattogram were also targeted, according to reports. Some in the crowds were seen chanting anti-India slogans and accusing authorities of failing to protect Hadi.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-violence-angry-protesters-target-indian-mission-in-chittagong-after-sharif-osman-hadi-s-death-1766116747294">Bangladesh protest: Vandals attack Indian Mission in Chittagong after Sharif Osman Hadi’s Death</a></p><p>The offices of the Awami League and several cultural institutions were attacked, with student groups from Dhaka University and other institutions joining the rallies.</p><p>The protesters are demanding justice and the resignation of the home affairs adviser&nbsp;</p><p>Inqilab Mancha declared Hadi a “martyr in the struggle against Indian hegemony”. While calling for calm, groups like the National Citizen Party (NCP) and others urged unity against “fascist forces”.</p><h2>What did Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus say?</h2><p>In a televised address on Thursday night, the interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called Hadi’s death an “irreparable loss to the nation’s political and democratic sphere”.</p><p>He described the attack on Hadi as a premeditated effort by a “powerful network” to derail democracy and elections.</p><p>Yunus also promised a transparent investigation with “no leniency” towards perpetrators. He urged calm and restraint, and asked people to allow law enforcement agencies to do their work.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-violence-erupts-after-uprising-leader-osman-hadi-s-death-1766113429184/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-violence-erupts-after-uprising-leader-osman-hadi-s-death-1766113429184/embed</a></p><h2>Bangladesh mourns Hadi as questions are raised on free and fair elections</h2><p>The government has declared a day of state mourning on Friday (Dec 19). &nbsp;National flags will be flown at half-mast, and special prayers will be held nationwide to honour Hadi and in support of his family.&nbsp;</p><p>The situation in the South Asian nation remains tense, bringing into doubt whether the interim government can ensure a violence-free and fair election, the first since the 2024 uprising, in February</p>

The death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi has led to violent protests across Bangladesh. Indian diplomatic missions, media houses and Awami League offices are being targeted. 

The death of radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi on Thursday (Dec 18), days after being shot by unidentified assailants, has sparked overnight protests in Bangladesh, with rampaging violent mobs attacking the Indian High Commission, media houses and the party offices of the Awami League (AL). A year after AL leader and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and fled to India, Hadi was campaigning to fight the elections as an independent candidate. Bangladesh interim government chief Muhammad Yunus promised to bring to justice those behind his killing. There is no proof linking the AL or India to the killing but the anti-India sentiment is rising. Here are the top developments: Who was Sharif Osman Hadi, and how did he die? Sharif Osman Hadi was a 32-year-old leader of Inqilab Mancha, a radical student group of Dhaka University at the forefront of the violent student-led street protests that led to the downfall of Hasina’s government. In his rousing speeches, he had made several provocative statements, including some that targeted India for the perceived support of the Hasina regime. Along with other youth leaders, Hadi emerged as a face of the Bangladesh uprising of August 2024. On December 12, Hadi was shot in the head by masked attackers in Dhaka while leaving a mosque during his election campaign as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency for the general elections scheduled for next February. He was airlifted to Singapore on December 15 for advanced treatment, having sustained injuries and brain stem damage. He died at the Singapore General Hospital’s neurosurgical ICU on Thursday (Dec 18) in Singapore. Who killed Sharif Osman Hadi? A manhunt was launched by police, who released the names of two key suspects.One of them is Foysal Karim Masud, whose family members were arrested. Police also offered a reward of 5 million taka (around $42,000) for any information leading to the apprehension of the suspects. At least 20 people have been held so far. The investigation is continuing. Immediately after the shooting, unfounded allegations were made against the Awami League and India, with the killing seen in Bangladesh as politically motivated to destabilise the country ahead of the elections. Hadi was known for his anti-India rhetoric, having threatened to join India’s north-eastern states with Bangladesh. His supporters are alleging, without proof, that some suspects have fled to India and are demanding their extradition. Also read: Bangladesh violence: Protesters set fire to major media offices after youth leader’s death | WATCH Indian diplomatic missions targeted in Hadi death protests Since the news of Hadi’s death, protesters took to the streets, attacking government property and media houses, including the offices of prominent newspapers like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Some journalists were reportedly trapped during the attacks on the media houses. India’s High Commission in Dhaka and the diplomatic mission in Chattogram were also targeted, according to reports. Some in the crowds were seen chanting anti-India slogans and accusing authorities of failing to protect Hadi. Also read: Bangladesh protest: Vandals attack Indian Mission in Chittagong after Sharif Osman Hadi’s Death The offices of the Awami League and several cultural institutions were attacked, with student groups from Dhaka University and other institutions joining the rallies. The protesters are demanding justice and the resignation of the home affairs adviser Inqilab Mancha declared Hadi a “martyr in the struggle against Indian hegemony”. While calling for calm, groups like the National Citizen Party (NCP) and others urged unity against “fascist forces”. What did Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus say? In a televised address on Thursday night, the interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called Hadi’s death an “irreparable loss to the nation’s political and democratic sphere”. He described the attack on Hadi as a premeditated effort by a “powerful network” to derail democracy and elections. Yunus also promised a transparent investigation with “no leniency” towards perpetrators. He urged calm and restraint, and asked people to allow law enforcement agencies to do their work. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-violence-erupts-after-uprising-leader-osman-hadi-s-death-1766113429184/embed Bangladesh mourns Hadi as questions are raised on free and fair elections The government has declared a day of state mourning on Friday (Dec 19). National flags will be flown at half-mast, and special prayers will be held nationwide to honour Hadi and in support of his family. The situation in the South Asian nation remains tense, bringing into doubt whether the interim government can ensure a violence-free and fair election, the first since the 2024 uprising, in February

<p>The death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi has led to violent protests across Bangladesh. Indian diplomatic missions, media houses and Awami League offices are being targeted.&nbsp;</p>

Sharif Osman Hadi death brings Bangladesh to the boil again - Protests, anti-India sentiment, Yunus address, and other top developments

<p>There have been several Gen Z protests across the world in 2025, but the most prominent one in South Asia happened in Nepal. In a year marked by political upheaval, &nbsp;the Himalayan nation’s Gen Z protests were not only about the incumbent government, but also a reflection of youth frustration with established parties and leaders. “Nepo kids” and other members of the same generation were at odds in a country rife with corruption and governance failures. Here is a roundup of how Nepal changed in 2025.</p><h2>Gen Z protests: Youth say enough is enough</h2><p>Weeks of often violent protests led to the collapse of the Oli government of the CPN-UML. An interim administration took its place and preparations are on for a fresh election in which new parties and youth are expected to play a key role.</p><p>The seeds of this change were sown in the early months of 2025, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli facing criticism over corruption scandals and Nepal’s economic woes. There were long-standing frustrations over governance failures, economic stagnation, unemployment, and scandals like the Pokhara airport contract.</p><p>In spite of some policy moves aimed at addressing corruption, economic growth and infrastructure, no tangible changes were seen for months.&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-infiltration-took-place-kp-oli-alleges-conspiracy-behind-nepal-protests-questions-automatic-weapons-used-1758279122146">‘Infiltration took place’: KP Oli alleges conspiracy behind Nepal protests, questions automatic weapons used</a></p><h2>Social media ban triggers Gen Z protest</h2><p>Gen Z, which used social media to share its anger, was triggered when the government banned 26 apps, including Facebook and Instagram on 4 September 2025. This was seen as a move to curb free speech and dissent and to silence criticism of nepotism and privileges enjoyed by the political, bureaucratic and military elite.</p><p>Particularly on September 8–9, mass demonstrations, pitched street battles and even gun violence were reported. Several government buildings were either vandalised or set on fire, including Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office. Protesters clashed with security forces, leading to at least 51 deaths according to some reports, including protesters and police. The army was briefly deployed amid the widespread destruction.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-s-kp-sharma-oli-seeks-third-term-amid-youth-support-surge-1765980237066/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-s-kp-sharma-oli-seeks-third-term-amid-youth-support-surge-1765980237066/embed</a></p><h2>A change of guard: Nepal gets first woman prime minister</h2><p>On September 9, Prime Minister Oli resigned along with several ministers, and former chief justice Sushila Karki took over as the first female prime minister of Nepal to lead an interim government.&nbsp;</p><p>Her selection was unique: it involved an online youth vote through the Discord platform, as well as discussions with the army, protesters and President Ramchandra Paudel.</p><p>The social media ban was subsequently lifted. &nbsp;Nepal’s Parliament was dissolved, and elections are scheduled for 5 March 2026.</p><p>The interim government is investigating corruption even as it restores order and prepares for the elections. However, there is already criticism, as traditional parties like the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML are terming the processes unconstitutional.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2025-from-nepal-to-madagascar-how-gen-z-took-to-streets-to-protest-against-governments-1765784385043">Fire, tear-gas, graffiti and more: From Nepal to Madagascar, how Gen Z protests shook governments | YEARENDER 2025</a></p><h2>Traditional parties are not leaving ground</h2><p>The Nepali government estimated that the GenZ protests caused losses of nearly 586 million US dollars. Traditional parties are slowly recovering after the shock of the protests. The CPN-UML held its 11th general convention in December, and was addressed by Oli who is seeking re-election despite internal challenges. Meanwhile, several leftist parties merged into the Nepali Communist Party in November, led by former Maoist leader-turned prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and Madhav Kumar Nepal. They are setting aside differences in order to consolidate votes and emerge victorious in the 2026 general elections.</p><p>In spite of the optimism, it remains to be seen if the unprecedented youth activism will bring about long-lasting change in Nepal.&nbsp;</p><p>Will next year’s elections bring back the old political guard or herald a new generation of leadership?</p>

The main event of Nepal in 2025 was the Gen Z protests, but it has been in the making for months before erupting in September. The protest, triggered by a social media ban led to PM Oli’s resignation. Here is a recap of the key events in Nepal's pivotal year

There have been several Gen Z protests across the world in 2025, but the most prominent one in South Asia happened in Nepal. In a year marked by political upheaval, the Himalayan nation’s Gen Z protests were not only about the incumbent government, but also a reflection of youth frustration with established parties and leaders. “Nepo kids” and other members of the same generation were at odds in a country rife with corruption and governance failures. Here is a roundup of how Nepal changed in 2025. Gen Z protests: Youth say enough is enough Weeks of often violent protests led to the collapse of the Oli government of the CPN-UML. An interim administration took its place and preparations are on for a fresh election in which new parties and youth are expected to play a key role. The seeds of this change were sown in the early months of 2025, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli facing criticism over corruption scandals and Nepal’s economic woes. There were long-standing frustrations over governance failures, economic stagnation, unemployment, and scandals like the Pokhara airport contract. In spite of some policy moves aimed at addressing corruption, economic growth and infrastructure, no tangible changes were seen for months. Also read: ‘Infiltration took place’: KP Oli alleges conspiracy behind Nepal protests, questions automatic weapons used Social media ban triggers Gen Z protest Gen Z, which used social media to share its anger, was triggered when the government banned 26 apps, including Facebook and Instagram on 4 September 2025. This was seen as a move to curb free speech and dissent and to silence criticism of nepotism and privileges enjoyed by the political, bureaucratic and military elite. Particularly on September 8–9, mass demonstrations, pitched street battles and even gun violence were reported. Several government buildings were either vandalised or set on fire, including Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office. Protesters clashed with security forces, leading to at least 51 deaths according to some reports, including protesters and police. The army was briefly deployed amid the widespread destruction. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-s-kp-sharma-oli-seeks-third-term-amid-youth-support-surge-1765980237066/embed A change of guard: Nepal gets first woman prime minister On September 9, Prime Minister Oli resigned along with several ministers, and former chief justice Sushila Karki took over as the first female prime minister of Nepal to lead an interim government. Her selection was unique: it involved an online youth vote through the Discord platform, as well as discussions with the army, protesters and President Ramchandra Paudel. The social media ban was subsequently lifted. Nepal’s Parliament was dissolved, and elections are scheduled for 5 March 2026. The interim government is investigating corruption even as it restores order and prepares for the elections. However, there is already criticism, as traditional parties like the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML are terming the processes unconstitutional. Also read: Fire, tear-gas, graffiti and more: From Nepal to Madagascar, how Gen Z protests shook governments | YEARENDER 2025 Traditional parties are not leaving ground The Nepali government estimated that the GenZ protests caused losses of nearly 586 million US dollars. Traditional parties are slowly recovering after the shock of the protests. The CPN-UML held its 11th general convention in December, and was addressed by Oli who is seeking re-election despite internal challenges. Meanwhile, several leftist parties merged into the Nepali Communist Party in November, led by former Maoist leader-turned prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and Madhav Kumar Nepal. They are setting aside differences in order to consolidate votes and emerge victorious in the 2026 general elections. In spite of the optimism, it remains to be seen if the unprecedented youth activism will bring about long-lasting change in Nepal. Will next year’s elections bring back the old political guard or herald a new generation of leadership?

<p>The main event of Nepal in 2025 was the Gen Z protests, but it has been in the making for months before erupting in September. The protest, triggered by a social media ban, led to PM Oli’s resignation. Here is a recap of the key events in Nepal's pivotal year</p>

Year-Ender: Nepal politics saw a tectonic shift after Gen Z protests of 2025

<p>For Pakistan, the year 2025 was marked by political unrest, a deepening of the military’s influence in the nation’s government, and a brief military conflict with India. Throughout the year, the government continued its crackdown on the opposition, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.</p><h2>An elected government that functioned as semi-authoritarian</h2><p>Since the disputed election that brought in a coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N, tensions have continued. Pakistan increasingly functioned as an authoritarian government propped up by the military. The army chief, Asim Munir, delivered provocative speeches that at least partially contributed to heightened regional tensions, which later culminated in India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. At the same time, the central government of Pakistan continued to face tensions in the provinces, particularly separatist and militant activity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-charges-pakistan-based-terrorists-over-deadly-pahalgam-tourist-attack-lashkar-e-taiba-pahalgam-terror-attack-1765805815429">India charges Pakistan-based terrorists over deadly Pahalgam tourist attack</a><br>The country’s government was accused of authoritarian measures even as it faced ongoing economic challenges that were not resolved despite successive tranches of aid from the International Monetary Fund. The Pakistani economy continued to stutter, due to inflation, debt servicing pressures, and IMF-mandated structural reforms that remained unpopular and politically contentious.</p><h2>From jail, Imran Khan dominated headlines&nbsp;</h2><p>Imran Khan remained imprisoned throughout 2025. PTI demanded the release of Khan from jail even as he continued to battle multiple court cases, while protests were repeatedly suppressed. In January, Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi received 14-year jail sentences in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which PTI described as politically motivated. The party later withdrew from reconciliation talks with the government, demanding judicial commissions to probe the violence against its activists. Protests and arrests continued in the subsequent months. By the end of the year, calls for the release of Imran Khan and renewed PTI protests reached a crescendo, with Khan’s British-born sons also increasing pressure on the government.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-india-pakistan-congratulates-bhutan-ends-up-praising-india-1766034263350/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-india-pakistan-congratulates-bhutan-ends-up-praising-india-1766034263350/embed</a></p><h2>The rise and rise of Pakistani military led by Asim Munir</h2><p>The year was widely described as the most powerful yet for Pakistan’s military. Throughout 2025, the military–intelligence complex further strengthened its role as a political arbiter and a dominant influence on governance.</p><p>After extensive political debate, a constitutional amendment created the role of Field Marshal, which was given to Asim Munir. The 27th Amendment also made Munir the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The reform, passed in November, granted him lifelong immunity and control over all branches of the Pakistani military. Critics described the move as a consolidation of military authority and a serious erosion of democratic principles.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-chemical-spray-used-on-pti-workers-pak-police-use-water-cannons-on-protesters-outside-adiala-jail-video-1765972907601">Was ‘chemical spray’ used on PTI workers? Pak police use water cannons on protesters outside Adiala Jail — VIDEO</a></p><h2>A war-like situation: Tensions between India and Pakistan</h2><p>Tensions between India and Pakistan flared after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. India launched missile and air strikes under Operation Sindoor on 7 May, followed by Pakistani retaliation. The four-day conflict ended with a ceasefire on 10 May. The confrontation brought Pakistan’s political and military leadership closer and boosted the popularity of the armed forces. Pakistan subsequently embarked on a revamp of its defence. The military was restructured, and an Army Rocket Force Command was created in August. Pakistan also signed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia in September.</p><h2>Tensions and terrorism in the provinces</h2><p>Protests intensified in Balochistan against perceived oppression, with some groups openly calling for independence. The government responded with crackdowns on activists and protest organisers.</p><p>Pakistan also faced a number of terror incidents throughout 2025, highlighting persistent security challenges. Groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) remained active, launching suicide attacks and ambushes targeting military and police personnel.</p><h2>Another conflict brewing: Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions</h2><p>Throughout the year, Pakistan’s relations with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan deteriorated. Pakistan’s deportation of Afghan nationals and the occasional closure of border crossings caused resentment, with tensions felt most acutely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The two countries’ forces engaged in border skirmishes and heated rhetoric, even as Taliban-aligned groups such as the TTP continued their operations against Pakistani security forces.</p>

The year 2025 for Pakistan was one of political unrest, a further rise of military dominance, Imran Khan’s continued imprisonment and a brief military conflict with India. Here is a roundup

For Pakistan, the year 2025 was marked by political unrest, a deepening of the military’s influence in the nation’s government, and a brief military conflict with India. Throughout the year, the government continued its crackdown on the opposition, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. An elected government that functioned as semi-authoritarian Since the disputed election that brought in a coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N, tensions have continued. Pakistan increasingly functioned as an authoritarian government propped up by the military. The army chief, Asim Munir, delivered provocative speeches that at least partially contributed to heightened regional tensions, which later culminated in India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. At the same time, the central government of Pakistan continued to face tensions in the provinces, particularly separatist and militant activity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Also read: India charges Pakistan-based terrorists over deadly Pahalgam tourist attack The country’s government was accused of authoritarian measures even as it faced ongoing economic challenges that were not resolved despite successive tranches of aid from the International Monetary Fund. The Pakistani economy continued to stutter, due to inflation, debt servicing pressures, and IMF-mandated structural reforms that remained unpopular and politically contentious. From jail, Imran Khan dominated headlines Imran Khan remained imprisoned throughout 2025. PTI demanded the release of Khan from jail even as he continued to battle multiple court cases, while protests were repeatedly suppressed. In January, Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi received 14-year jail sentences in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which PTI described as politically motivated. The party later withdrew from reconciliation talks with the government, demanding judicial commissions to probe the violence against its activists. Protests and arrests continued in the subsequent months. By the end of the year, calls for the release of Imran Khan and renewed PTI protests reached a crescendo, with Khan’s British-born sons also increasing pressure on the government. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-india-pakistan-congratulates-bhutan-ends-up-praising-india-1766034263350/embed The rise and rise of Pakistani military led by Asim Munir The year was widely described as the most powerful yet for Pakistan’s military. Throughout 2025, the military–intelligence complex further strengthened its role as a political arbiter and a dominant influence on governance. After extensive political debate, a constitutional amendment created the role of Field Marshal, which was given to Asim Munir. The 27th Amendment also made Munir the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The reform, passed in November, granted him lifelong immunity and control over all branches of the Pakistani military. Critics described the move as a consolidation of military authority and a serious erosion of democratic principles. Also read: Was ‘chemical spray’ used on PTI workers? Pak police use water cannons on protesters outside Adiala Jail — VIDEO A war-like situation: Tensions between India and Pakistan Tensions between India and Pakistan flared after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. India launched missile and air strikes under Operation Sindoor on 7 May, followed by Pakistani retaliation. The four-day conflict ended with a ceasefire on 10 May. The confrontation brought Pakistan’s political and military leadership closer and boosted the popularity of the armed forces. Pakistan subsequently embarked on a revamp of its defence. The military was restructured, and an Army Rocket Force Command was created in August. Pakistan also signed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia in September. Tensions and terrorism in the provinces Protests intensified in Balochistan against perceived oppression, with some groups openly calling for independence. The government responded with crackdowns on activists and protest organisers. Pakistan also faced a number of terror incidents throughout 2025, highlighting persistent security challenges. Groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) remained active, launching suicide attacks and ambushes targeting military and police personnel. Another conflict brewing: Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions Throughout the year, Pakistan’s relations with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan deteriorated. Pakistan’s deportation of Afghan nationals and the occasional closure of border crossings caused resentment, with tensions felt most acutely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The two countries’ forces engaged in border skirmishes and heated rhetoric, even as Taliban-aligned groups such as the TTP continued their operations against Pakistani security forces.

<p>The year 2025 for Pakistan was one of political unrest, a further rise of military dominance and Imran Khan’s continued imprisonment and a brief military conflict with India. Here is a roundup</p>

YEARENDER: 2025 saw Pakistan's democracy deteriorate as Army gained unfettered powers

<p>Amid the US blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the Navy to escort the country’s oil tankers. This came as reports said President Donald Trump wants US oil firms to enter the Latin American country’s energy market. These developments, amid the escalating so-called anti-narcotics raids on Venezuelan ships, are leading to strong suspicions that the tensions are actually about oil, in order to force the entry of American oil giants. If that happens, it wouldn’t be the first time. American energy companies were in Venezuela a century ago, and stayed there for decades, before being thrown out after exploitative practices that drained the nation’s resources while the people did not benefit. Here is the story of American oil firms in Venezuela.</p><h2>What the reports said about re-entry of American oil firms in Venezuela</h2><p>Trump administration is clearly planning for a post-Maduro Venezuela, in which US oil companies might enter the nation's energy market. The Politico reported that the Trump administration has been asking US oil companies if they would consider returning to Venezuela if Maduro were no longer in power. It said the White House has reached out privately to US oil firms to gauge interest in returning to Venezuelan oil production if Maduro falls or flees. The firms have reportedly declined, citing political risk, low oil prices, and the deterioration of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-export-operations-for-crude-and-byproducts-continue-normally-says-venezuela-despite-trump-blockade-1765984907247">'Export operations for crude and byproducts continue normally', says Venezuela despite Trump 'blockade'</a></p><h2>US oil firms were in Venezuela nearly a century ago</h2><p>Oil was discovered in Venezuela more than a century ago, mainly starting from the Maracaibo Basin in 1914. Since then, Standard Oil - which later became ExxonMobil - Gulf Oil, and other major oil firms dominated Venezuela’s energy industry for decades. By the 1930s, mostly American and some British-Dutch oil firms controlled nearly 98 per cent of Venezuela’s production.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-venezuela-us-deploys-fighter-jets-helicopters-to-puerto-rico-amid-venezuela-tensions-1766026146184/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-venezuela-us-deploys-fighter-jets-helicopters-to-puerto-rico-amid-venezuela-tensions-1766026146184/embed</a></p><h2>When American oil profits went to the US</h2><p>When American companies operated in Venezuela, their profits were repatriated to the US, with almost no significant reinvestment in local development or infrastructure. It became clear to Venezuelans that the oil wealth was only benefiting foreign shareholders rather than local populations. Neither the local communities, nor the Venezuelan state receive much benefit, and the resentment led to nationalist sentiments.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-turns-up-heat-on-venezuela-with-total-and-complete-blockade-of-oil-tankers-1765933286118">Trump turns up heat on Venezuela with ‘total and complete blockade’ of oil tankers</a></p><h2>Poor treatment of labour, environmental and social damage</h2><p>The American and other oil firms in Venezuela had a poor track record on labour relations. The oil extraction was causing pollution, and water sources were contaminated. Local farming and fishing communities bore the brunt. In the 1920s and 1930s, several complaints were made about destroyed freshwater supplies and impacts on indigenous and rural populations.</p><h2>Authoritarian rulers gave favourable concessions</h2><p>Under dictator Juan Vicente Gómez (1908–1935), American companies received generous terms and conditions to operate, including low taxation and large land concessions. This was part of the larger corruption of the dictatorship, which was propped up by foreign powers as it submitted to their interests.</p><h2>1940s reforms and nationalisation</h2><p>In 1943, Venezuela introduced a Hydrocarbons Law. This made sure that the government got 50 per cent of the energy profits, in the first move towards greater government control.<br>In 1976, Venezuela moved for full nationalisation of oil under President Carlos Andrés Pérez and created PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.). This effectively started the end of foreign energy dominance.</p><p>Under the socialist leader Hugo Chávez, the contracts with US companies, which they said was bringing investment and technology to Venezuela, were scrapped. The nationalisation was further strengthened during the 2007–2010 Chávez era, in which the government sought majority control in joint ventures with multinationals.&nbsp;<br>Venezuela viewed this as a sovereign right over its resources; while Chavez supporters saw it as correcting historical exploitation. These policies were continued by Maduro, who came to power after Chavez died of cancer.</p><h2>The ouster and arbitration fights of American oil giants in Venezuela</h2><p>Some US companies like Chevron agreed and stayed, but others, mainly ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, refused, and their assets were seized. This led to major arbitration disputes, with the companies alleging that there were expropriations without adequate compensation.</p><p>As Venezuela offered only limited payouts, the companies claimed billions of dollars in losses. After many years of disputes, international tribunals ruled in favour of the firms, with ExxonMobil winning some $1.6 billion in compensation in 2014, while ConocoPhillips won nearly $8.7 billion in 2019. But much of this compensation is yet to be paid.</p><h2>Chevron is the only major US firm in Venezuela</h2><p>Chevron continued to operate in Venezuela through joint ventures with PDVSA. There is criticism that this money helped the Maduro regime. US sanctions waivers in past years allowed limited operations of some American companies. Trump revoked some of the waivers and is essentially blockading the oil trade of Venezuela to pressure Maduro.<br>It is true that foreign companies built the oil industry of Venezuela. &nbsp;The US views nationalisations as theft of investments, but these investments often came at the expense of the welfare Venezeualans.</p>

The US govt has reportedly asked its oil firms if they’d return to Venezuela after Maduro. The US is blocking sanctioned tankers, and Maduro has deployed Navy to escort oil shipments. So it's increasingly about oil. But what happened the last time the American oil firms were in Venezuela?


Amid the US blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the Navy to escort the country’s oil tankers. This came as reports said President Donald Trump wants US oil firms to enter the Latin American country’s energy market. These developments, amid the escalating so-called anti-narcotics raids on Venezuelan ships, are leading to strong suspicions that the tensions are actually about oil, in order to force the entry of American oil giants. If that happens, it wouldn’t be the first time. American energy companies were in Venezuela a century ago, and stayed there for decades, before being thrown out after exploitative practices that drained the nation’s resources while the people did not benefit. Here is the story of American oil firms in Venezuela. What the reports said about re-entry of American oil firms in Venezuela Trump administration is clearly planning for a post-Maduro Venezuela, in which US oil companies might enter the nation's energy market. The Politico reported that the Trump administration has been asking US oil companies if they would consider returning to Venezuela if Maduro were no longer in power. It said the White House has reached out privately to US oil firms to gauge interest in returning to Venezuelan oil production if Maduro falls or flees. The firms have reportedly declined, citing political risk, low oil prices, and the deterioration of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Also read: 'Export operations for crude and byproducts continue normally', says Venezuela despite Trump 'blockade' US oil firms were in Venezuela nearly a century ago Oil was discovered in Venezuela more than a century ago, mainly starting from the Maracaibo Basin in 1914. Since then, Standard Oil - which later became ExxonMobil - Gulf Oil, and other major oil firms dominated Venezuela’s energy industry for decades. By the 1930s, mostly American and some British-Dutch oil firms controlled nearly 98 per cent of Venezuela’s production. https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-venezuela-us-deploys-fighter-jets-helicopters-to-puerto-rico-amid-venezuela-tensions-1766026146184/embed When American oil profits went to the US When American companies operated in Venezuela, their profits were repatriated to the US, with almost no significant reinvestment in local development or infrastructure. It became clear to Venezuelans that the oil wealth was only benefiting foreign shareholders rather than local populations. Neither the local communities, nor the Venezuelan state receive much benefit, and the resentment led to nationalist sentiments. Also read: Trump turns up heat on Venezuela with ‘total and complete blockade’ of oil tankers Poor treatment of labour, environmental and social damage The American and other oil firms in Venezuela had a poor track record on labour relations. The oil extraction was causing pollution, and water sources were contaminated. Local farming and fishing communities bore the brunt. In the 1920s and 1930s, several complaints were made about destroyed freshwater supplies and impacts on indigenous and rural populations. Authoritarian rulers gave favourable concessions Under dictator Juan Vicente Gómez (1908–1935), American companies received generous terms and conditions to operate, including low taxation and large land concessions. This was part of the larger corruption of the dictatorship, which was propped up by foreign powers as it submitted to their interests. 1940s reforms and nationalisation In 1943, Venezuela introduced a Hydrocarbons Law. This made sure that the government got 50 per cent of the energy profits, in the first move towards greater government control. In 1976, Venezuela moved for full nationalisation of oil under President Carlos Andrés Pérez and created PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.). This effectively started the end of foreign energy dominance. Under the socialist leader Hugo Chávez, the contracts with US companies, which they said was bringing investment and technology to Venezuela, were scrapped. The nationalisation was further strengthened during the 2007–2010 Chávez era, in which the government sought majority control in joint ventures with multinationals. Venezuela viewed this as a sovereign right over its resources; while Chavez supporters saw it as correcting historical exploitation. These policies were continued by Maduro, who came to power after Chavez died of cancer. The ouster and arbitration fights of American oil giants in Venezuela Some US companies like Chevron agreed and stayed, but others, mainly ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, refused, and their assets were seized. This led to major arbitration disputes, with the companies alleging that there were expropriations without adequate compensation. As Venezuela offered only limited payouts, the companies claimed billions of dollars in losses. After many years of disputes, international tribunals ruled in favour of the firms, with ExxonMobil winning some $1.6 billion in compensation in 2014, while ConocoPhillips won nearly $8.7 billion in 2019. But much of this compensation is yet to be paid. Chevron is the only major US firm in Venezuela Chevron continued to operate in Venezuela through joint ventures with PDVSA. There is criticism that this money helped the Maduro regime. US sanctions waivers in past years allowed limited operations of some American companies. Trump revoked some of the waivers and is essentially blockading the oil trade of Venezuela to pressure Maduro. It is true that foreign companies built the oil industry of Venezuela. The US views nationalisations as theft of investments, but these investments often came at the expense of the welfare Venezeualans.

<p>The US govt has reportedly asked its oil firms if they’d return to Venezuela after Maduro. The US is blocking sanctioned tankers, and Maduro has deployed Navy to escort oil shipments. So it's increasingly about oil. But what happened the last time the American oil firms were in Venezuela?</p>

Trump administration reportedly wants US oil firms to re-enter Venezuela. But what happened the last time they were there?

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