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From OpenAI CEO SAM Altman to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, the artificial intelligence industry leaders have largely been united in seeking a coordinated slowdown of AI development.&nbsp;Even as the doomsday debate intensifies, US President Donald Trump is viewing AI as a domain of competition with China.&nbsp;Framing calls for AI regulation as a 'sick conspiracy', Trump claimed that China is the only one happy about this.&nbsp;He also announced the formation of an AI force and boasted that America is leading China and would continue to do so...&nbsp;The US President said, “Whoever wins AI, wins.”&nbsp;Now, this has brought back into focus the US-China rivalry over AI, as Xi is set to meet Trump later this week.&nbsp;A few hours earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that his meeting with the Chinese vice premier over trade and AI was very successful.&nbsp;He added that US had proposed a mechanism with China pertaining to AI.&nbsp;The Chinese president outlined his vision for AI at the BRICS Summit earlier this month.&nbsp;Calling for evolving a consensus-based Global AI governance framework, Xi stated that China will be a pioneer in establishing a BRICS AI open source community.&nbsp;Now, US clearly leads China in terms of total market valuation of its artificial intelligence firms.&nbsp;For instance, Google and Meta's market valuation runs into trillions of dollars.&nbsp;This is followed by Anthropic and OpenAI.&nbsp;On the other hand, Alibaba ranks among China's top revenue-generating AI heavyweights, having a market value of 299 billion US Dollars.&nbsp;Next on the list are other firms like, DeepSeek and Moonshot.&nbsp;While America has a head start, China has been promoting its own low-cost AI models to the developing world.&nbsp;According to reports, tech giant Huawei offered Egypt to build a data centre powered by its own advanced computer chips.&nbsp;This prompted Washington to push a rival offer from a consortium LED by American companies, which finally clinched the deal worth one billion US Dollars.&nbsp;This competition is playing out across the globe.&nbsp;For instance, Brazil announced an investment of 444 million US Dollars to bolster its AI ecosystem splitting projects between US and Chinese tech firms.&nbsp;This was seen as a strategic move to balance ties with both superpowers.&nbsp;Even as fear spreads about the potential dangers of AI, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has emerged as Trump's key ally.&nbsp;Asserting that predictions of doom aren't grounded in science, Huang opined that model developers are responsible for securing their products before releasing them.&nbsp;This is not all. Trump called him while he was on the stage at an AI summit in Los Angeles.&nbsp;On that call which was put on speaker, Trump reiterated that robots are not going to be taking over and that concerns around AI and data centres are a hoax.&nbsp;Now, NVIDIA is a key player in the AI industry as it supplies the graphics processing units used by OpenAI, Anthropic and others to train their AI models.&nbsp;With growing concerns that AI could move beyond effective human supervision, all eyes will now be on the Xi-Trump meeting, to see whether they can take a step forward in ensuring AI regulation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined his vision for AI at the BRICS Summit earlier this month. Calling for evolving a consensus-based Global AI governance framework, Xi stated that China will be a pioneer in establishing a BRICS AI open-source community.

From OpenAI CEO SAM Altman to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, the artificial intelligence industry leaders have largely been united in seeking a coordinated slowdown of AI development. Even as the doomsday debate intensifies, US President Donald Trump is viewing AI as a domain of competition with China. Framing calls for AI regulation as a 'sick conspiracy', Trump claimed that China is the only one happy about this. He also announced the formation of an AI force and boasted that America is leading China and would continue to do so... The US President said, “Whoever wins AI, wins.” Now, this has brought back into focus the US-China rivalry over AI, as Xi is set to meet Trump later this week. A few hours earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that his meeting with the Chinese vice premier over trade and AI was very successful. He added that US had proposed a mechanism with China pertaining to AI. The Chinese president outlined his vision for AI at the BRICS Summit earlier this month. Calling for evolving a consensus-based Global AI governance framework, Xi stated that China will be a pioneer in establishing a BRICS AI open source community. Now, US clearly leads China in terms of total market valuation of its artificial intelligence firms. For instance, Google and Meta's market valuation runs into trillions of dollars. This is followed by Anthropic and OpenAI. On the other hand, Alibaba ranks among China's top revenue-generating AI heavyweights, having a market value of 299 billion US Dollars. Next on the list are other firms like, DeepSeek and Moonshot. While America has a head start, China has been promoting its own low-cost AI models to the developing world. According to reports, tech giant Huawei offered Egypt to build a data centre powered by its own advanced computer chips. This prompted Washington to push a rival offer from a consortium LED by American companies, which finally clinched the deal worth one billion US Dollars. This competition is playing out across the globe. For instance, Brazil announced an investment of 444 million US Dollars to bolster its AI ecosystem splitting projects between US and Chinese tech firms. This was seen as a strategic move to balance ties with both superpowers. Even as fear spreads about the potential dangers of AI, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has emerged as Trump's key ally. Asserting that predictions of doom aren't grounded in science, Huang opined that model developers are responsible for securing their products before releasing them. This is not all. Trump called him while he was on the stage at an AI summit in Los Angeles. On that call which was put on speaker, Trump reiterated that robots are not going to be taking over and that concerns around AI and data centres are a hoax. Now, NVIDIA is a key player in the AI industry as it supplies the graphics processing units used by OpenAI, Anthropic and others to train their AI models. With growing concerns that AI could move beyond effective human supervision, all eyes will now be on the Xi-Trump meeting, to see whether they can take a step forward in ensuring AI regulation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined his vision for AI at the BRICS Summit earlier this month. Calling for evolving a consensus-based Global AI governance framework, Xi stated that China will be a pioneer in establishing a BRICS AI open-source community.

US and China vie for AI dominance as calls grow for regulation | Gravitas

As Pakistan faces Saudi Arabia's pressure for trying to shirk its Mecca Pact commitment and growing internal turmoil, Asim Munir's diversionary tactics are back.&nbsp;His forces reignited another front by conducting fresh air strikes on Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday.&nbsp;According to Taliban, the Pakistani army bombarded civilian areas in the provinces of Kunar and Paktika.&nbsp;While a woman and two men were killed and four others were injured in Kunar's Nurgal district, no casualties were reported in the Paktika strike that damaged a house and a shop in the Barmal district.&nbsp;Condemning these strikes, Taliban accused the Pak military establishment of committing such a crime to divert attention from its security failures within its own country.&nbsp;It also vowed to respond appropriately to what it called... this aggression.&nbsp;Visuals showed the spate of destruction in Kunar province where the strikes took place.&nbsp;People were seen trying to search for their belongings in the rubble of their destroyed home.&nbsp;Remnants of a bomb were also recovered from the spot.&nbsp;After performing funeral prayers for the victims, residents lashed out at Pakistan for targeting innocent civilians.&nbsp;On its part though, Pakistan's information ministry claimed that the calibrated strikes were carried out on hideouts and safe havens of what it said were terrorist groups responsible for the recent terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;It added that 28 terrorists were killed after a suicide bombers' training centre was reportedly destroyed.&nbsp;This comes barely a few hours after six Pakistani soldiers were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district near the Afghan border.&nbsp;Earlier on September 18, the city of Kohat was rocked by a deadly attack.&nbsp;A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle at the police headquarters and terrorists stormed the compound thereafter, leading to 31 deaths and more than a hundred injuries.&nbsp;It is worth noting that Pakistan had issued a veiled warning to Afghanistan after this attack, asserting that it has the 'will and capability' to eliminate such threats wherever they are.&nbsp;Now, although both nations agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, the truce ended in February this year after Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan.&nbsp;The worst escalation took place in March, when Munir's forces bombed a Kabul hospital.&nbsp;While Taliban stated that about 400 people were killed, the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan independently verified the killing of at least 269 civilians whereas 122 others were wounded.&nbsp;In June-end, Pakistan killed at least 36 civilians with air strikes on the three eastern provinces of Paktika, Kunar and Paktia.&nbsp;Subsequently, Afghanistan claimed to have targeted ISIS centres in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, a claim which Pakistan denied.&nbsp;Now, Pakistan's targeting of civilians has been confirmed by UN itself.&nbsp;From April to June this year, UN documented killing of 57 Afghan civilians and injuries to 342 others due to Pakistan's attacks.&nbsp;It also flagged an increase in casualties caused by unexploded ordnance left behind in areas close to the border.&nbsp;Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration.&nbsp;Ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march to demand Khan's release from jail, the authorities have commenced a brutal crackdown.&nbsp;The PTI founder's sisters, Aleema Khan, Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, have been detained for 30 days under the pretext of maintaining public order.&nbsp;According to Khan's son Kasim, their children have been arrested as well.&nbsp;Stressing that no nation should tolerate this establishment, he called for global action.&nbsp;Munir's use of brute force on civilians as well as dissenters has yet again exposed Pakistan's real face on the global stage...

Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration. A brutal crackdown has been launcnhed ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march.

As Pakistan faces Saudi Arabia's pressure for trying to shirk its Mecca Pact commitment and growing internal turmoil, Asim Munir's diversionary tactics are back. His forces reignited another front by conducting fresh air strikes on Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday. According to Taliban, the Pakistani army bombarded civilian areas in the provinces of Kunar and Paktika. While a woman and two men were killed and four others were injured in Kunar's Nurgal district, no casualties were reported in the Paktika strike that damaged a house and a shop in the Barmal district. Condemning these strikes, Taliban accused the Pak military establishment of committing such a crime to divert attention from its security failures within its own country. It also vowed to respond appropriately to what it called... this aggression. Visuals showed the spate of destruction in Kunar province where the strikes took place. People were seen trying to search for their belongings in the rubble of their destroyed home. Remnants of a bomb were also recovered from the spot. After performing funeral prayers for the victims, residents lashed out at Pakistan for targeting innocent civilians. On its part though, Pakistan's information ministry claimed that the calibrated strikes were carried out on hideouts and safe havens of what it said were terrorist groups responsible for the recent terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It added that 28 terrorists were killed after a suicide bombers' training centre was reportedly destroyed. This comes barely a few hours after six Pakistani soldiers were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district near the Afghan border. Earlier on September 18, the city of Kohat was rocked by a deadly attack. A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle at the police headquarters and terrorists stormed the compound thereafter, leading to 31 deaths and more than a hundred injuries. It is worth noting that Pakistan had issued a veiled warning to Afghanistan after this attack, asserting that it has the 'will and capability' to eliminate such threats wherever they are. Now, although both nations agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, the truce ended in February this year after Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan. The worst escalation took place in March, when Munir's forces bombed a Kabul hospital. While Taliban stated that about 400 people were killed, the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan independently verified the killing of at least 269 civilians whereas 122 others were wounded. In June-end, Pakistan killed at least 36 civilians with air strikes on the three eastern provinces of Paktika, Kunar and Paktia. Subsequently, Afghanistan claimed to have targeted ISIS centres in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, a claim which Pakistan denied. Now, Pakistan's targeting of civilians has been confirmed by UN itself. From April to June this year, UN documented killing of 57 Afghan civilians and injuries to 342 others due to Pakistan's attacks. It also flagged an increase in casualties caused by unexploded ordnance left behind in areas close to the border. Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration. Ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march to demand Khan's release from jail, the authorities have commenced a brutal crackdown. The PTI founder's sisters, Aleema Khan, Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, have been detained for 30 days under the pretext of maintaining public order. According to Khan's son Kasim, their children have been arrested as well. Stressing that no nation should tolerate this establishment, he called for global action. Munir's use of brute force on civilians as well as dissenters has yet again exposed Pakistan's real face on the global stage...

Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration. A brutal crackdown has been launcnhed ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march.

Pakistan kills 3 civilians in air strikes on Afghanistan, Taliban vows retaliation | Gravitas

Despite Pak army chief Asim Munir's attempt to project Pakistan as a security provider in West Asia, the ground reality is stark. The internal security situation has deteriorated under his watch, with a spike in terrorism.Pak authorities have largely attributed this to Fitna al-Khawarij. Holding it responsible for the recent terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan claimed to have targeted its terrorist camps and hideouts in Afghanistan a few hours earlier.While Islamabad declared the killing of 28 terrorists, the Taliban stated that three civilians lost their lives...Now, it is worth noting that Pakistan announced that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, will be officially referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij in July 2024.What was the rationale behind this move?The name change was a bid to delegitimise this outfit, which Pakistan claimed had distorted the image of Islam.A notification issued by Pakistan's interior ministry stated that TTP's activities are detrimental and in contradiction to the true teachings of Islam. It also directed that religious titles such as Mufti and Hafiz should not be used for those associated with TTP.Let's break this down further.Formed in 2007 under Baitullah Mehsud's leadership, TTP saw disparate terror outfits coming together, with an aim of overthrowing the Pakistani government and ruling as per its interpretation of Islamic law.It is widely regarded as one of the deadliest terror groups operating on Pakistani soil, having killed hundreds of military personnel and civilians.In 2011, TTP was added to the UNSC sanctions list.Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has accused it of supporting TTP, leading to a further rise in terror attacks. But the Afghan Taliban has denied this claim.TTP is believed to have an estimated strength of up to five thousand fighters at present.Now, Pakistan's deteriorating security situation is also evident from hard data.According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan has already witnessed 1,880 terrorism-related incidents this year.This marks the highest tally since 2014, which saw over 2,700 such incidents.662 civilians and over 1,020 security personnel have lost their lives.As Pakistan struggles to deal with this and backs cross-border terrorism at the same time, it would do well to recall a warning issued in 2011.The then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, and I quote her, 'you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours'.

Pakistan has labelled Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna Al-Khawarij. Here's what the group is, why Islamabad considers it a major threat and its role in rising terror attacks.

Despite Pak army chief Asim Munir's attempt to project Pakistan as a security provider in West Asia, the ground reality is stark. The internal security situation has deteriorated under his watch, with a spike in terrorism. Pak authorities have largely attributed this to Fitna al-Khawarij. Holding it responsible for the recent terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan claimed to have targeted its terrorist camps and hideouts in Afghanistan a few hours earlier. While Islamabad declared the killing of 28 terrorists, the Taliban stated that three civilians lost their lives... Now, it is worth noting that Pakistan announced that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, will be officially referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij in July 2024. What was the rationale behind this move? The name change was a bid to delegitimise this outfit, which Pakistan claimed had distorted the image of Islam. A notification issued by Pakistan's interior ministry stated that TTP's activities are detrimental and in contradiction to the true teachings of Islam. It also directed that religious titles such as Mufti and Hafiz should not be used for those associated with TTP. Let's break this down further. Formed in 2007 under Baitullah Mehsud's leadership, TTP saw disparate terror outfits coming together, with an aim of overthrowing the Pakistani government and ruling as per its interpretation of Islamic law. It is widely regarded as one of the deadliest terror groups operating on Pakistani soil, having killed hundreds of military personnel and civilians. In 2011, TTP was added to the UNSC sanctions list. Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has accused it of supporting TTP, leading to a further rise in terror attacks. But the Afghan Taliban has denied this claim. TTP is believed to have an estimated strength of up to five thousand fighters at present. Now, Pakistan's deteriorating security situation is also evident from hard data. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan has already witnessed 1,880 terrorism-related incidents this year. This marks the highest tally since 2014, which saw over 2,700 such incidents. 662 civilians and over 1,020 security personnel have lost their lives. As Pakistan struggles to deal with this and backs cross-border terrorism at the same time, it would do well to recall a warning issued in 2011. The then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, and I quote her, 'you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours'.

Pakistan has labelled Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna Al-Khawarij. Here's what the group is, why Islamabad considers it a major threat and its role in rising terror attacks.

Fitna Al-Khawarij: Decoding biggest security threat to Pakistan | Gravitas

Pakistan signed the Mecca Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye with a very clear promise: an armed attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all three. So here's an uncomfortable question for Field Marshal Asim Munir: what is the impact of this pact?Where is this pact when the Saudis are being attacked by Houthis?Saudi Arabia is facing repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks. Riyadh has been seeking additional military assistance.And what's Pakistan's response?They condemned it. They called for restraint.But no military response under the Mecca Pact.And here's Munir's rather weak reason for not getting involved: the agreement still needs mechanisms and frameworks before its operationalised.That creates an awkward little problem: if an attack on one is an attack on all, when exactly does "all" actually mean all?There is another irony Pakistan cannot escape. While presenting itself as a pillar of regional security, Pakistan is killing civilians in Afghanistan.Just today, Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing 3 locals.Was the Mecca Pact designed as a defence alliance or as a diplomatic declaration that sounds strongest before the first shot is fired?Alliances are ultimately tested not by signatures, ceremonies or speeches. They are tested when an ally calls for help.The Mecca Pact is being tested by reality, and it seems to be failing so far.

The Mecca Defence Pact faces scrutiny as Houthi attacks target Saudi Arabia while Pakistan has not mounted a military response.

Pakistan signed the Mecca Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye with a very clear promise: an armed attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all three. So here's an uncomfortable question for Field Marshal Asim Munir: what is the impact of this pact? Where is this pact when the Saudis are being attacked by Houthis? Saudi Arabia is facing repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks. Riyadh has been seeking additional military assistance. And what's Pakistan's response? They condemned it. They called for restraint. But no military response under the Mecca Pact. And here's Munir's rather weak reason for not getting involved: the agreement still needs mechanisms and frameworks before its operationalised. That creates an awkward little problem: if an attack on one is an attack on all, when exactly does "all" actually mean all? There is another irony Pakistan cannot escape. While presenting itself as a pillar of regional security, Pakistan is killing civilians in Afghanistan. Just today, Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing 3 locals. Was the Mecca Pact designed as a defence alliance or as a diplomatic declaration that sounds strongest before the first shot is fired? Alliances are ultimately tested not by signatures, ceremonies or speeches. They are tested when an ally calls for help. The Mecca Pact is being tested by reality, and it seems to be failing so far.

The Mecca Defence Pact faces scrutiny as Houthi attacks target Saudi Arabia while Pakistan has not mounted a military response.

The Verdict | The Mecca Agreement is under scrutiny as Houthis attack Saudis

China has removed two top military leaders, Zhang Youxia and Liu ​Zhenli, from the Chinese Communist Party and the military, according to an official announcement on Monday, citing alleged disloyalty, corruption and other serious disciplinary breaches. The pair have been under investigation since January this year, and were removed from the state Central Military Commission in late August.Zhang was once a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the highest-ranking uniformed member of the Chinese Military Commission, only second to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was also a member of the party's 24-member Politburo. Liu was a CMC member and the chief of staff of its Joint Staff Department.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-tv-pool-halts-trump-coverage-cnn-banned-unga-1790007014153">White House TV pool halts Trump coverage after CNN barred from UNGA events</a>“Investigation found that Zhang and Liu … transgressed red lines and bottom lines,” according to the statement. “They severely violated political discipline and rules by forming cliques and factions, demonstrating disloyalty and dishonesty to the party.”Their offences included &nbsp;“taking advantage of their positions to seek promotional benefits for others in exchange for huge amounts of money”, “accepting gifts and money in violation of regulations”, “failing to fulfil political responsibilities for full and rigorous self-governance of the party” and “failing to properly educate and restrain their relatives and close staff”.While the Chinese Communist Party framed this as a crackdown on “corruption”, the Western media are framing these removals as purges. Corruption allegations are not unusual against senior PLA officers, "what is unprecedented is the charges of disloyalty that include forming cliques and factions", said Dennis Wilder, a former CIA China analyst and a senior fellow at Georgetown University.&nbsp;In recent years, the anti-corruption campaign has seen the downfall of dozens in the PLA's top brass. Before Zhang and Liu, CMC members &nbsp;He Weidong, Li Shangfu and Miao Hua were also removed, leaving only two Xi himself and Zhang Shengmin out of the seven-member commission elected in 2022.&nbsp;

China has expelled top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and military over alleged disloyalty, corruption and discipline breaches.

China has removed two top military leaders, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Chinese Communist Party and the military, according to an official announcement on Monday, citing alleged disloyalty, corruption and other serious disciplinary breaches. The pair have been under investigation since January this year, and were removed from the state Central Military Commission in late August. Zhang was once a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the highest-ranking uniformed member of the Chinese Military Commission, only second to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was also a member of the party's 24-member Politburo. Liu was a CMC member and the chief of staff of its Joint Staff Department. Also Read: White House TV pool halts Trump coverage after CNN barred from UNGA events “Investigation found that Zhang and Liu … transgressed red lines and bottom lines,” according to the statement. “They severely violated political discipline and rules by forming cliques and factions, demonstrating disloyalty and dishonesty to the party.” Their offences included “taking advantage of their positions to seek promotional benefits for others in exchange for huge amounts of money”, “accepting gifts and money in violation of regulations”, “failing to fulfil political responsibilities for full and rigorous self-governance of the party” and “failing to properly educate and restrain their relatives and close staff”. While the Chinese Communist Party framed this as a crackdown on “corruption”, the Western media are framing these removals as purges. Corruption allegations are not unusual against senior PLA officers, "what is unprecedented is the charges of disloyalty that include forming cliques and factions", said Dennis Wilder, a former CIA China analyst and a senior fellow at Georgetown University. In recent years, the anti-corruption campaign has seen the downfall of dozens in the PLA's top brass. Before Zhang and Liu, CMC members He Weidong, Li Shangfu and Miao Hua were also removed, leaving only two Xi himself and Zhang Shengmin out of the seven-member commission elected in 2022.

China has expelled top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and military over alleged disloyalty, corruption and discipline breaches.

China expels top generals Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli over ‘disloyalty’, corruption

The White House television press pool, which covers events by the US President Donald Trump on a rotating basis, has announced on Monday that it will stop covering these events as a response to White House's ban on CNN from acting as a member of that five-member pool when the president is visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly. In addition to CNN, the other members of the White House TV pool are NBC News, ABC News, CBS News and Fox News.Even Fox News, which is Trump's favourite broadcaster, pulled out of the coverage. Bryan Boughton, Fox News' Washington bureau chief and the acting chair of the TV pool consortium, in a note to pool members obtained by The New York Times, said, “Effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the President.”The decision to drop US President Donald Trump's events coverage comes as CNN, along with MS NOW and Politico, said they are filing a lawsuit against Trump to overturn a ban of those three media outlets from the White House. The lawsuit argued that the ban violated their rights to free speech and a free press under the US Constitution's First Amendment. Trump, however, denied these allegations, claiming that he “cherishes” a free press, and the ban was an assault on “fake news”.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8000-bees-stolen-queensland-hives-20000-suspected-inside-job-1789998442635">8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland</a>“The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America. It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW!” said Trump in a post on the Truth Social platform.&nbsp;The pool members, in a joint statement posted on X by NBC News’ communications department, said, “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government.”“No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting,” the statement said.&nbsp;

The White House TV pool, including Fox News, halted coverage of Donald Trump after CNN was barred from the pool during his UNGA visit.

The White House television press pool, which covers events by the US President Donald Trump on a rotating basis, has announced on Monday that it will stop covering these events as a response to White House's ban on CNN from acting as a member of that five-member pool when the president is visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly. In addition to CNN, the other members of the White House TV pool are NBC News, ABC News, CBS News and Fox News. Even Fox News, which is Trump's favourite broadcaster, pulled out of the coverage. Bryan Boughton, Fox News' Washington bureau chief and the acting chair of the TV pool consortium, in a note to pool members obtained by The New York Times, said, “Effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the President.” The decision to drop US President Donald Trump's events coverage comes as CNN, along with MS NOW and Politico, said they are filing a lawsuit against Trump to overturn a ban of those three media outlets from the White House. The lawsuit argued that the ban violated their rights to free speech and a free press under the US Constitution's First Amendment. Trump, however, denied these allegations, claiming that he “cherishes” a free press, and the ban was an assault on “fake news”. Also Read: 8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland “The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America. It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW!” said Trump in a post on the Truth Social platform. The pool members, in a joint statement posted on X by NBC News’ communications department, said, “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government.” “No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting,” the statement said.

The White House TV pool, including Fox News, halted coverage of Donald Trump after CNN was barred from the pool during his UNGA visit.

White House TV pool halts Trump coverage after CNN barred from UNGA events

China announced that President Xi Jinping will travel to the US starting from Sept. 23-25. Xi's visit comes after the US president’s invitation. Before this, Xi visited the US in 2015, marking 11 years of gap. Other than Xi, let's find out how many leaders visited the US before.

China announced that President Xi Jinping will travel to the US starting from Sept. 23-25. Xi's visit comes after the US president’s invitation. Before this, Xi visited the US in 2015, marking 11 years of gap. Other than Xi, let's find out how many leaders visited the US before.

From Deng to Xi Jinping: Every Chinese leader who visited White House - A look at history

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that all Iranian commercial airline operations across the globe will shut down on Wednesday. Bessent warned that any international hub servicing Iranian planes would face complete exclusion from the American banking system. Foreign operators can not refuel the aircraft, provide landing facilities, or sell passenger tickets without risking their access to dollar clearing."On September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," Bessent told US television network CNBC, outlining broad secondary sanctions aimed at isolating Tehran's civil aviation network.Bessent also added that they have sanctioned three banks: the Dubai branch of Banque Misr, Egypt’s second-largest bank, Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi, of Turkey and VTB Bank, Russia's second-largest bank. He emphasised that the Treasury is systematically moving to target foreign "enablers," warning international firms that continuing to deal with Iran poses an "extinction-level event" for their businesses.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8000-bees-stolen-queensland-hives-20000-suspected-inside-job-1789998442635">8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland</a>“We’ve seen enablers throughout the world. We know who they are. They know who they are, and we are putting a stop to it,” he said.When asked whether they have done anything in China, Bessent said, "We did. And with many countries, having quiet behind-the-scenes discussions is better than having a public display. And the Chinese and the Chinese financial authorities, including Governor Pan at the PBOC, have been very engaged in the process. "&nbsp;This broad aviation embargo is a massive escalation under the US Treasury's Operation Economic Fury. Iranian authorities have not responded to these claims made by the US Treasury Secretary.&nbsp;

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines will shut worldwide on September 23 and warned hubs servicing them of banking restrictions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that all Iranian commercial airline operations across the globe will shut down on Wednesday. Bessent warned that any international hub servicing Iranian planes would face complete exclusion from the American banking system. Foreign operators can not refuel the aircraft, provide landing facilities, or sell passenger tickets without risking their access to dollar clearing. "On September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," Bessent told US television network CNBC, outlining broad secondary sanctions aimed at isolating Tehran's civil aviation network. Bessent also added that they have sanctioned three banks: the Dubai branch of Banque Misr, Egypt’s second-largest bank, Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi, of Turkey and VTB Bank, Russia's second-largest bank. He emphasised that the Treasury is systematically moving to target foreign "enablers," warning international firms that continuing to deal with Iran poses an "extinction-level event" for their businesses. Also Read: 8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland “We’ve seen enablers throughout the world. We know who they are. They know who they are, and we are putting a stop to it,” he said. When asked whether they have done anything in China, Bessent said, "We did. And with many countries, having quiet behind-the-scenes discussions is better than having a public display. And the Chinese and the Chinese financial authorities, including Governor Pan at the PBOC, have been very engaged in the process. " This broad aviation embargo is a massive escalation under the US Treasury's Operation Economic Fury. Iranian authorities have not responded to these claims made by the US Treasury Secretary.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines will shut worldwide on September 23 and warned hubs servicing them of banking restrictions.

Iranian airlines to shut worldwide on Sept 23, Bessent warns of US banking ban

Reaffirming Europe's and India's commitment to expanding cooperation in space, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an exchange of letters extending their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for five more years, until January 2032. The exchange between ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher took place in Paris on the margins of the International Space Summit earlier this month.&nbsp;The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities. Last year, the two sides also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation through a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration. This comes as India is working on sending its astronauts to space and returning them safely on homegrown rocket and spacecraft technology as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-has-lost-control-of-its-diesel-industry-calls-for-end-to-ridiculous-never-ending-war-1789999050401">Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war</a>&nbsp;"The partnership between ISRO and ESA has delivered tangible benefits for India and Europe and has demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities. The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of ISRO and ESA to pursue innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cooperative Agreement, which entered into force in January 2002, provides the framework for cooperation between ESA and ISRO across a broad range of space activities. Over the years, ESA and ISRO have worked together on a range of programmes and initiatives spanning Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international cooperation remains essential. ESA and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades, and this renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions together while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead,” stated ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.&nbsp;This extension of collaborative efforts reaffirms the commitment of both agencies to continue building on their established partnership and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in support of scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of space.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;When Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla trained at ESA facilities&nbsp;&nbsp;In late-2024, Indian astronaut candidate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 mission crewmates had trained at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for their 2025 spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. EAC is the main training hub for all European-built Space Station hardware and serves as a centre of excellence for astronaut selection, training, medical support, and surveillance, while also providing essential preparation for astronauts and their families throughout their missions.&nbsp;&nbsp;At EAC, the crew had familiarised themselves with ESA systems, including the Columbus module, Europe’s science laboratory on the Space Station. The Columbus laboratory is ESA’s largest contribution to the International Space Station and the first permanent European research facility in space. This lab, spanning 75 cubic metre, is fully equipped with research tools and autonomous facilities that support diverse scientific experiments in biology, physiology, fluid science, and more.&nbsp;Group Captain Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates undertook a commercial space mission from American soil, lasting nearly three weeks across June-July 2025. Shukla was the second Indian to travel to space, and his mission on the American Axiom-4 flight was meant to serve as a precursor and a hands-on spaceflight training ahead of India's own Gaganyaan crewed missions and related in-space experiments.

The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities.

Reaffirming Europe's and India's commitment to expanding cooperation in space, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an exchange of letters extending their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for five more years, until January 2032. The exchange between ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher took place in Paris on the margins of the International Space Summit earlier this month. The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities. Last year, the two sides also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation through a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration. This comes as India is working on sending its astronauts to space and returning them safely on homegrown rocket and spacecraft technology as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Also Read: Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war "The partnership between ISRO and ESA has delivered tangible benefits for India and Europe and has demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities. The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of ISRO and ESA to pursue innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India. The Cooperative Agreement, which entered into force in January 2002, provides the framework for cooperation between ESA and ISRO across a broad range of space activities. Over the years, ESA and ISRO have worked together on a range of programmes and initiatives spanning Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support. "As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international cooperation remains essential. ESA and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades, and this renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions together while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead,” stated ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher. This extension of collaborative efforts reaffirms the commitment of both agencies to continue building on their established partnership and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in support of scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of space. Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report When Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla trained at ESA facilities In late-2024, Indian astronaut candidate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 mission crewmates had trained at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for their 2025 spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. EAC is the main training hub for all European-built Space Station hardware and serves as a centre of excellence for astronaut selection, training, medical support, and surveillance, while also providing essential preparation for astronauts and their families throughout their missions. At EAC, the crew had familiarised themselves with ESA systems, including the Columbus module, Europe’s science laboratory on the Space Station. The Columbus laboratory is ESA’s largest contribution to the International Space Station and the first permanent European research facility in space. This lab, spanning 75 cubic metre, is fully equipped with research tools and autonomous facilities that support diverse scientific experiments in biology, physiology, fluid science, and more. Group Captain Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates undertook a commercial space mission from American soil, lasting nearly three weeks across June-July 2025. Shukla was the second Indian to travel to space, and his mission on the American Axiom-4 flight was meant to serve as a precursor and a hands-on spaceflight training ahead of India's own Gaganyaan crewed missions and related in-space experiments.

The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities.

ISRO, European Space Agency to focus on space weather, human & robotic exploration

New Delhi: India and New Zealand’s free trade agreement will come into force on 20 October, coinciding with Dussehra, after both governments completed ratification and exchanged diplomatic notes.Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the date in a video conference with New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, describing it as the next milestone in a partnership given fresh political impetus by recent prime ministerial visits.&nbsp;“I’m delighted that we are taking forward the next important milestone in our bilateral economic partnership: the entry into force of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which will come into force on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on 20th of October 2026,” Goyal said. He called the festival “the celebration of good over evil” and “a very auspicious day when people start something new,” adding that both sides had chosen it to open markets to each other.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-has-lost-control-of-its-diesel-industry-calls-for-end-to-ridiculous-never-ending-war-1789999050401">Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war</a>&nbsp;The pact, signed in New Delhi on 27 April after talks launched in March 2025 and concluded in nine months, gives Indian exporters duty-free access on 100% of tariff lines from day one. New Zealand has also committed to facilitate $20 billion of investment into India over 15 years and agreed an agriculture productivity partnership so that its farm technology can meet Indian demand.&nbsp;Goyal said the deal was “an important moment for our businesses, for our farmers, for our exporters and MSMEs, for our professionals and consumers who will all benefit from the commitments undertaken in this agreement.”The two countries have set an aspirational goal of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services within four to five years. India has kept dairy and several other farm products outside tariff cuts.&nbsp;McClay called it “a great day of celebration” that sent “a clear signal to the world” that like-minded countries can still conclude ambitious deals quickly amid rising tariffs and uncertainty.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;“Both New Zealand and India can be proud of the very high-quality agreement that will deliver significant benefits for the citizens of our two countries,” he said. “This is one of the highest quality agreements our two nations have been able to negotiate.”&nbsp;Talks were completed in nine months after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took New Zealand’s largest-ever trade delegation to India. “It’s actually the start, the beginning of a new era in the relationship,” McClay added.The FTA is the latest in a run of trade deals New Delhi has pushed this year. It follows the UK pact already in force and sits alongside a concluded EU agreement that could be signed in December during an expected visit of PM Modi to Brussels. Talks with Canada are also being fast-tracked, with a fifth negotiating round due on 5 October and a year-end target.

The pact, signed in New Delhi on 27 April after talks launched in March 2025 and concluded in nine months, gives Indian exporters duty-free access on 100% of tariff lines from day one. New Zealand has also committed to facilitate $20 billion of investment into India over 15 years.

New Delhi: India and New Zealand’s free trade agreement will come into force on 20 October, coinciding with Dussehra, after both governments completed ratification and exchanged diplomatic notes. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the date in a video conference with New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, describing it as the next milestone in a partnership given fresh political impetus by recent prime ministerial visits. “I’m delighted that we are taking forward the next important milestone in our bilateral economic partnership: the entry into force of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which will come into force on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on 20th of October 2026,” Goyal said. He called the festival “the celebration of good over evil” and “a very auspicious day when people start something new,” adding that both sides had chosen it to open markets to each other. Also Read: Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war The pact, signed in New Delhi on 27 April after talks launched in March 2025 and concluded in nine months, gives Indian exporters duty-free access on 100% of tariff lines from day one. New Zealand has also committed to facilitate $20 billion of investment into India over 15 years and agreed an agriculture productivity partnership so that its farm technology can meet Indian demand. Goyal said the deal was “an important moment for our businesses, for our farmers, for our exporters and MSMEs, for our professionals and consumers who will all benefit from the commitments undertaken in this agreement.” The two countries have set an aspirational goal of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services within four to five years. India has kept dairy and several other farm products outside tariff cuts. McClay called it “a great day of celebration” that sent “a clear signal to the world” that like-minded countries can still conclude ambitious deals quickly amid rising tariffs and uncertainty. Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report “Both New Zealand and India can be proud of the very high-quality agreement that will deliver significant benefits for the citizens of our two countries,” he said. “This is one of the highest quality agreements our two nations have been able to negotiate.” Talks were completed in nine months after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took New Zealand’s largest-ever trade delegation to India. “It’s actually the start, the beginning of a new era in the relationship,” McClay added. The FTA is the latest in a run of trade deals New Delhi has pushed this year. It follows the UK pact already in force and sits alongside a concluded EU agreement that could be signed in December during an expected visit of PM Modi to Brussels. Talks with Canada are also being fast-tracked, with a fifth negotiating round due on 5 October and a year-end target.

The pact, signed in New Delhi on 27 April after talks launched in March 2025 and concluded in nine months, gives Indian exporters duty-free access on 100% of tariff lines from day one. New Zealand has also committed to facilitate $20 billion of investment into India over 15 years.

India-New Zealand trade deal to take effect on Dussehra, 20 October

Around 8000 bees worth more than $20,000 have been stolen from Far North in Queensland. Investigators say frames of bees and their broods were taken from 41 commercial hives on the Atherton Tablelands, west of Cairns, and put into the thief's separate hive boxes. Jack Laughton, the commercial beekeeper, said that each hive contained about 15,000 bees, altogether 500,000 stolen in total.&nbsp;"Brood nests have been gutted, and hives put back together … which is an initial loss of property, somewhere around up to $20,000 worth of hives so far," &nbsp;said Tom Bidner, who managed Mr Laughton's beehives.&nbsp;According to Bidner and the Queensland Police, the crime required specialised knowledge and equipment, pointing heavily to an inside job by a commercial operator. The alleged theft happened at multiple different properties in different areas and required a sophisticated operation and specialist equipment. Rather than stealing the physical wooden hives, they used professional gear to swap out internal frames and remove the brood boxes where the bees reproduce. The honey in the hives was left untouched.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jamui-students-harassed-rahul-gandhi-pocso-action-bihar-1789986942835">Class X girl groped, boy dragged from bike in Jamui; Rahul Gandhi seeks POCSO</a>“They’re rocking up with a truckload of gear, basically, and they’re transferring our frames into their boxes … and putting our hives back together, so it doesn’t sort of alert any of the growers that it looks like someone’s been in and done such a thing,” said Bidner.The apiarists will not just lose the insects but also their pollination contracts. The incident happened as beekeepers are reeling from the arrival of the varroa mite parasite- a devastating bee parasite. Bidner said the thefts and the parasite were a “double whammy”.“This isn’t over yet,” he said. “We’ve got so many colonies to get through. We’re still getting around and checking all our different sites.”The Mareeba Rural and Stock Crime Squad is actively investigating the case. Bidner said that bee theft had happened before, but this was the biggest one by far in his memory. He suspects that the culprits are probably from within the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 8,000 bees and brood were allegedly stolen from 41 commercial hives in Queensland, with beekeepers suspecting an industry insider.

Around 8000 bees worth more than $20,000 have been stolen from Far North in Queensland. Investigators say frames of bees and their broods were taken from 41 commercial hives on the Atherton Tablelands, west of Cairns, and put into the thief's separate hive boxes. Jack Laughton, the commercial beekeeper, said that each hive contained about 15,000 bees, altogether 500,000 stolen in total. "Brood nests have been gutted, and hives put back together … which is an initial loss of property, somewhere around up to $20,000 worth of hives so far," said Tom Bidner, who managed Mr Laughton's beehives. According to Bidner and the Queensland Police, the crime required specialised knowledge and equipment, pointing heavily to an inside job by a commercial operator. The alleged theft happened at multiple different properties in different areas and required a sophisticated operation and specialist equipment. Rather than stealing the physical wooden hives, they used professional gear to swap out internal frames and remove the brood boxes where the bees reproduce. The honey in the hives was left untouched. Also Read: Class X girl groped, boy dragged from bike in Jamui; Rahul Gandhi seeks POCSO “They’re rocking up with a truckload of gear, basically, and they’re transferring our frames into their boxes … and putting our hives back together, so it doesn’t sort of alert any of the growers that it looks like someone’s been in and done such a thing,” said Bidner. The apiarists will not just lose the insects but also their pollination contracts. The incident happened as beekeepers are reeling from the arrival of the varroa mite parasite- a devastating bee parasite. Bidner said the thefts and the parasite were a “double whammy”. “This isn’t over yet,” he said. “We’ve got so many colonies to get through. We’re still getting around and checking all our different sites.” The Mareeba Rural and Stock Crime Squad is actively investigating the case. Bidner said that bee theft had happened before, but this was the biggest one by far in his memory. He suspects that the culprits are probably from within the industry.

Around 8,000 bees and brood were allegedly stolen from 41 commercial hives in Queensland, with beekeepers suspecting an industry insider.

8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland

President Donald Trump said on Monday that major Ukrainian military strikes have hit Russian energy infrastructure hard following which Russia has lost control of its diesel oil industry and called for an end to the “ridiculous, never-ending” war.&nbsp;“A large number of their Diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social following a call with Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky.&nbsp;“Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry due to its War with Ukraine,” Trump said and called for the war to end.&nbsp;“This ridiculous and never ending War with Ukraine must be ended. The whole World suffers as 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are being killed each month. What a shame!”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive drone strike against Russia overnight between Saturday and Sunday. More than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations.&nbsp;Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The US president has repeatedly called on Ukraine to stop long-range drone attacks on Russian oil facilities to allow the energy market to stabiliae.&nbsp;Average US diesel prices hit a record high of $6.51 per gallon as of Monday morning, according to the latest data from AAA, up from $6.23 last week. The average price of a gallon of regular gas stood at $4.48, up from $4.31 a week ago.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ships-in-indian-ocean-will-be-attacked-if-war-resumes-warns-iran-1789934092587">US ships in Indian Ocean ‘will be attacked’ if war resumes, warns Iran</a>&nbsp;While the US hasn’t allowed imports of Russian petroleum products since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the devastation at processing plants inside Russia has shrunk the availability of diesel worldwide and has had ripple effects in America.&nbsp;“The single biggest factor has been the Ukrainian destruction of Russian refineries,” Energy Secretary Christopher Wright told CNN earlier this month.&nbsp;Ukraine has been targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure both in retaliation for the Kremlin’s attacks on its facilities and as part of an effort to weaken Moscow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-in-deciding-mode-on-iran-says-very-big-things-going-to-happen-soon-1789921963152">Trump in ‘deciding mode’ on Iran, says ‘very big things’ going to happen soon</a>&nbsp;Ahead of his visit to the US, Zelensky revealed that he had a call with the US president and teased that the upcoming meeting “could change a lot.”&nbsp;The high diesel prices, coupled with rising gasoline prices due to the war with Iran, have given Trump political headaches as he heads into the midterm elections.Trump has taken aggressive measures to put downward pressure on gasoline prices, including by having the military escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but tackling diesel prices has proven more difficult.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-military-command-claims-us-planning-to-resume-strikes-american-embassies-issue-security-alerts-1789909017741">Iran’s military command claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; American embassies issue ‘security alerts’</a>&nbsp;Earlier this month, Trump dispatched his top envoys for negotiations, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to Moscow and Kyiv for talks on ending the war.&nbsp;Secretary of State Marco Rubio may meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN summit, said reports.

President Donald Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive strike against Russia as more than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that major Ukrainian military strikes have hit Russian energy infrastructure hard following which Russia has lost control of its diesel oil industry and called for an end to the “ridiculous, never-ending” war. “A large number of their Diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social following a call with Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky. “Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry due to its War with Ukraine,” Trump said and called for the war to end. “This ridiculous and never ending War with Ukraine must be ended. The whole World suffers as 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are being killed each month. What a shame!” Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive drone strike against Russia overnight between Saturday and Sunday. More than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations. Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The US president has repeatedly called on Ukraine to stop long-range drone attacks on Russian oil facilities to allow the energy market to stabiliae. Average US diesel prices hit a record high of $6.51 per gallon as of Monday morning, according to the latest data from AAA, up from $6.23 last week. The average price of a gallon of regular gas stood at $4.48, up from $4.31 a week ago. Also Read: US ships in Indian Ocean ‘will be attacked’ if war resumes, warns Iran While the US hasn’t allowed imports of Russian petroleum products since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the devastation at processing plants inside Russia has shrunk the availability of diesel worldwide and has had ripple effects in America. “The single biggest factor has been the Ukrainian destruction of Russian refineries,” Energy Secretary Christopher Wright told CNN earlier this month. Ukraine has been targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure both in retaliation for the Kremlin’s attacks on its facilities and as part of an effort to weaken Moscow. Also Read: Trump in ‘deciding mode’ on Iran, says ‘very big things’ going to happen soon Ahead of his visit to the US, Zelensky revealed that he had a call with the US president and teased that the upcoming meeting “could change a lot.” The high diesel prices, coupled with rising gasoline prices due to the war with Iran, have given Trump political headaches as he heads into the midterm elections. Trump has taken aggressive measures to put downward pressure on gasoline prices, including by having the military escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but tackling diesel prices has proven more difficult. Also Read: Iran’s military command claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; American embassies issue ‘security alerts’ Earlier this month, Trump dispatched his top envoys for negotiations, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to Moscow and Kyiv for talks on ending the war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio may meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN summit, said reports.

President Donald Trump’s post came after Ukraine launched a massive strike against Russia as more than 1,600 drones travelled nearly 280 miles into the country, striking oil refineries in Moscow, causing fires and triggering a pause in operations.

Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war

Two Indian students have died in a tragic aviation accident while undergoing flight training in Canada, according to the Consulate General of India in Vancouver. The deceased students have been identified as Manoj Sivakumar, who hailed from Tamil Nadu, and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham, from Puducherry. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver confirmed their demise on the social media platform X on Sunday (September 20). The exact cause of the accident is still emerging, while local reports and aviation officials indicate the incident took place during a routine training exercise. Canadian search and rescue services, along with local law enforcement, have opened a probe into the accident to figure out the exact sequence of events that lead to the tragedy. In a post on X, the Consulate General of India said, "The Consulate General of India, Vancouver, expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Shri Manoj Sivakumar and Shri Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham, two Indian students from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, who lost their lives in a tragic air accident in Canada during their flight training."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-bombay-student-death-faculty-backs-professor-says-he-was-merely-discharging-duties-1789968081392">IIT Bombay student death: Faculty backs professor, says he was ‘merely discharging duties’</a><h3>Consulate General of India offers condolences&nbsp;</h3>Offering condolences to the grieving families, it further wrote on X, "Our heartfelt sympathies are with their bereaved families and loved ones during this difficult time. The Consulate stands ready to extend all possible consular assistance to the families in connection with the repatriation of the mortal remains to India. May the departed souls rest in peace." &nbsp;Separately, Canadian broadcaster CBC reported a second aircraft accident on Saturday, this one involving a Cessna 172 operated by Harv's Air, a flight school based in St Andrews, Manitoba. That aircraft went down near Kisbey, Saskatchewan, in the early hours of Friday morning local time, killing both people on board. The plane, carrying two licensed pilots, was on a night cross-country flight from Regina to Steinbach, Manitoba, with a planned stop in Carlyle, Saskatchewan. According to CBC, citing Harv's Air president Adam Penner, the two pilots had rented the aircraft to log flight hours toward their commercial pilot licences. The plane was reported to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada after it failed to reach its intended destination by 10:30 am Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Canadian search and rescue services, along with local law enforcement, have opened a probe into the accident to figure out the exact sequence of events that lead to the tragedy.

Two Indian students have died in a tragic aviation accident while undergoing flight training in Canada, according to the Consulate General of India in Vancouver. The deceased students have been identified as Manoj Sivakumar, who hailed from Tamil Nadu, and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham, from Puducherry. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver confirmed their demise on the social media platform X on Sunday (September 20). The exact cause of the accident is still emerging, while local reports and aviation officials indicate the incident took place during a routine training exercise. Canadian search and rescue services, along with local law enforcement, have opened a probe into the accident to figure out the exact sequence of events that lead to the tragedy. In a post on X, the Consulate General of India said, "The Consulate General of India, Vancouver, expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Shri Manoj Sivakumar and Shri Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham, two Indian students from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, who lost their lives in a tragic air accident in Canada during their flight training." Also read: IIT Bombay student death: Faculty backs professor, says he was ‘merely discharging duties’ Consulate General of India offers condolences Offering condolences to the grieving families, it further wrote on X, "Our heartfelt sympathies are with their bereaved families and loved ones during this difficult time. The Consulate stands ready to extend all possible consular assistance to the families in connection with the repatriation of the mortal remains to India. May the departed souls rest in peace." Separately, Canadian broadcaster CBC reported a second aircraft accident on Saturday, this one involving a Cessna 172 operated by Harv's Air, a flight school based in St Andrews, Manitoba. That aircraft went down near Kisbey, Saskatchewan, in the early hours of Friday morning local time, killing both people on board. The plane, carrying two licensed pilots, was on a night cross-country flight from Regina to Steinbach, Manitoba, with a planned stop in Carlyle, Saskatchewan. According to CBC, citing Harv's Air president Adam Penner, the two pilots had rented the aircraft to log flight hours toward their commercial pilot licences. The plane was reported to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada after it failed to reach its intended destination by 10:30 am Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Canadian search and rescue services, along with local law enforcement, have opened a probe into the accident to figure out the exact sequence of events that lead to the tragedy.

Two Indian students undergoing flight training in Canada die in aviation accident

A confidential Russian government document outlines a wide-ranging strategy for deepening ties and cooperation with Iran, including alternative payment systems, nuclear energy, aircraft-parts manufacturing, energy projects, and new transport links toward the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;&nbsp;The plan, reviewed by Fox News Digital, for the 2024-2026 timeframe was approved on September 2, 2024, and assigns specific ministries and state companies to projects with set deadlines. The 44-page Russian-language document, titled “Plan for Cooperation Between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran for 2024-2026,” is marked “For official use”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ships-in-indian-ocean-will-be-attacked-if-war-resumes-warns-iran-1789934092587">US ships in Indian Ocean ‘will be attacked’ if war resumes, warns Iran</a><h2>Seeking financial independence from the West</h2>&nbsp;The plan pushes for greater use of national currencies in trade and aims to raise their share of bilateral transactions from 68% to 71% by 2026, along with the development of central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments and independent channels for financial messaging outside systems like SWIFT. Analyst Keti Korkiya of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies analysed the Russian document for Fox News Digital and pointed out that the individual measures in the plan are less consequential than the overall architecture Moscow is building to preclude the impact of sanctions.&nbsp;The plan was drafted and approved after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and before the Iran War. Some of the measures mentioned in the plan have already been acknowledged publicly. Like, Russian officials said in February 2025 that bilateral settlements had largely shifted to national currencies using proprietary messaging systems, with Iran’s ambassador to Moscow adding that the countries no longer needed SWIFT.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-in-deciding-mode-on-iran-says-very-big-things-going-to-happen-soon-1789921963152">Trump in ‘deciding mode’ on Iran, says ‘very big things’ going to happen soon</a>&nbsp;A US official said Washington continues monitoring of any alternative payment mechanisms and insisted they cannot match the reach of the dollar-based financial system.&nbsp;<h2>Nuclear cooperation at Bushehr</h2>&nbsp;Russia’s Rosatom continues to shoulder the responsibility for Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, supporting Unit 1 and continuing construction on Units 2 and 3. Rosatom confirmed in September 2026&nbsp;that additional Russian specialists were expected to arrive&nbsp;for maintenance and fuel work.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-to-ban-burqa-and-hijab-in-schools-limit-foreign-students-per-class-pm-giorgia-meloni-1789914231910">Italy to ban burqa and hijab in schools, limit foreign students per class: PM Giorgia Meloni</a>&nbsp;<h2>Energy projects and confidential financing</h2>&nbsp;The roadmap names Iranian oil and gas fields at Shadegan, Kish, and North Pars for Russian involvement, though funding sources for several projects are marked “Confidential”.News reports in February 2026 had confirmed that Russian state firm ZN-Vostok was developing Shadegan.&nbsp;<h2>Aviation manufacturing efforts</h2>&nbsp;Significantly, the plan seeks to start Iranian production of Russian aircraft components, with certification and localisation deadlines set through 2026. Things seem to have progressed on this front as well as Iranian firms were cleared to service Russian aircraft in early 2025.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-military-command-claims-us-planning-to-resume-strikes-american-embassies-issue-security-alerts-1789909017741">Iran’s military command claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; American embassies issue ‘security alerts’</a><h2>Focus on new transport corridors</h2>&nbsp;The document also envisions a Russian-gauge railway toward Iranian Gulf ports in the Persian Gulf and progress on the Rasht-Astara rail link, part of the International North-South Transport Corridor.&nbsp;In the latter project, engineering surveys began in May 2025.&nbsp;Moscow also sought to advance the Rasht-Astara railway, a roughly 162 km missing link in the International North-South Transport Corridor.&nbsp;<h2>Putin’s personal touch in the partnership</h2>&nbsp;Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, who leads the bilateral commission overseeing this cooperation, is married to Deputy Defence Minister Anna Tsivileva, daughter of Putin’s late cousin, revealing a family connection that one European intelligence source called evidence of how highly Moscow prioritizes the relationship.&nbsp;Russian and Iranian officials did not respond to Fox News Digital requests for comment.

The plan pushes for greater use of national currencies in trade and aims to raise their share of bilateral transactions from 68% to 71% by 2026, besides the development of central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments and independent channels for financial messaging outside SWIFT.

A confidential Russian government document outlines a wide-ranging strategy for deepening ties and cooperation with Iran, including alternative payment systems, nuclear energy, aircraft-parts manufacturing, energy projects, and new transport links toward the Persian Gulf. The plan, reviewed by Fox News Digital, for the 2024-2026 timeframe was approved on September 2, 2024, and assigns specific ministries and state companies to projects with set deadlines. The 44-page Russian-language document, titled “Plan for Cooperation Between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran for 2024-2026,” is marked “For official use”. Also Read: US ships in Indian Ocean ‘will be attacked’ if war resumes, warns Iran Seeking financial independence from the West The plan pushes for greater use of national currencies in trade and aims to raise their share of bilateral transactions from 68% to 71% by 2026, along with the development of central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments and independent channels for financial messaging outside systems like SWIFT. Analyst Keti Korkiya of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies analysed the Russian document for Fox News Digital and pointed out that the individual measures in the plan are less consequential than the overall architecture Moscow is building to preclude the impact of sanctions. The plan was drafted and approved after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and before the Iran War. Some of the measures mentioned in the plan have already been acknowledged publicly. Like, Russian officials said in February 2025 that bilateral settlements had largely shifted to national currencies using proprietary messaging systems, with Iran’s ambassador to Moscow adding that the countries no longer needed SWIFT. Also Read: Trump in ‘deciding mode’ on Iran, says ‘very big things’ going to happen soon A US official said Washington continues monitoring of any alternative payment mechanisms and insisted they cannot match the reach of the dollar-based financial system. Nuclear cooperation at Bushehr Russia’s Rosatom continues to shoulder the responsibility for Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, supporting Unit 1 and continuing construction on Units 2 and 3. Rosatom confirmed in September 2026 that additional Russian specialists were expected to arrive for maintenance and fuel work. Also Read: Italy to ban burqa and hijab in schools, limit foreign students per class: PM Giorgia Meloni Energy projects and confidential financing The roadmap names Iranian oil and gas fields at Shadegan, Kish, and North Pars for Russian involvement, though funding sources for several projects are marked “Confidential”. News reports in February 2026 had confirmed that Russian state firm ZN-Vostok was developing Shadegan. Aviation manufacturing efforts Significantly, the plan seeks to start Iranian production of Russian aircraft components, with certification and localisation deadlines set through 2026. Things seem to have progressed on this front as well as Iranian firms were cleared to service Russian aircraft in early 2025. Also Read: Iran’s military command claims US ‘planning’ to resume strikes; American embassies issue ‘security alerts’ Focus on new transport corridors The document also envisions a Russian-gauge railway toward Iranian Gulf ports in the Persian Gulf and progress on the Rasht-Astara rail link, part of the International North-South Transport Corridor. In the latter project, engineering surveys began in May 2025. Moscow also sought to advance the Rasht-Astara railway, a roughly 162 km missing link in the International North-South Transport Corridor. Putin’s personal touch in the partnership Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, who leads the bilateral commission overseeing this cooperation, is married to Deputy Defence Minister Anna Tsivileva, daughter of Putin’s late cousin, revealing a family connection that one European intelligence source called evidence of how highly Moscow prioritizes the relationship. Russian and Iranian officials did not respond to Fox News Digital requests for comment.

The plan pushes for greater use of national currencies in trade and aims to raise their share of bilateral transactions from 68% to 71% by 2026, besides the development of central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments and independent channels for financial messaging outside SWIFT.

Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report

Chinese shipment of rare earth to the US has fallen to 512 tonnes in August, 20 per cent lower than the previous month in July and 13 per cent lower than the same month in the previous year. Rare earths are among one of the many things that have been a point of friction between China and the US, ahead of the scheduled summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. &nbsp;China is the world's largest producer of rare earths and their magnets. These are among the dozens of Chinese-controlled critical minerals that are necessary in advanced and high-tech hardware production used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and military hardware. China has previously used the access to rare earths as a bargaining chip against US tariffs. The average monthly export volume so far this year stands at approximately 504 tons, well below the 621-ton monthly average recorded in 2024 before controls took effect.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jamui-students-harassed-rahul-gandhi-pocso-action-bihar-1789986942835">Class X girl groped, boy dragged from bike in Jamui; Rahul Gandhi seeks POCSO</a>US believes that China has not completely lived up to its commitment to uninterrupted supply, a key part of the one-year fragile trade truce agreed between the two leaders in Busan last November. People familiar with Beijing's strategy have indicated that China hopes to offer more export licenses as a bargaining chip during the summit, though they did not specify what concessions the government would seek from Washington in return.“Beijing appears willing to test the limits of the truce. It has deliberately kept licence approvals slow and selective,” said analysts from Capital Economics, pointing out the falling volume of Chinese shipments of rare earth metals to the US.&nbsp;Ahead of the summit, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met in New York on Sunday. The two spent a full-day session at JPMorgan Chase's headquarters, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participating. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the two sides had agreed to set up a dialogue mechanism for AI and also discussed an extension of the trade truce.&nbsp;

China’s rare earth shipments to the US fell 20% in August, adding to trade tensions ahead of the scheduled Trump-Xi summit.

Chinese shipment of rare earth to the US has fallen to 512 tonnes in August, 20 per cent lower than the previous month in July and 13 per cent lower than the same month in the previous year. Rare earths are among one of the many things that have been a point of friction between China and the US, ahead of the scheduled summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. China is the world's largest producer of rare earths and their magnets. These are among the dozens of Chinese-controlled critical minerals that are necessary in advanced and high-tech hardware production used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and military hardware. China has previously used the access to rare earths as a bargaining chip against US tariffs. The average monthly export volume so far this year stands at approximately 504 tons, well below the 621-ton monthly average recorded in 2024 before controls took effect. Also Read: Class X girl groped, boy dragged from bike in Jamui; Rahul Gandhi seeks POCSO US believes that China has not completely lived up to its commitment to uninterrupted supply, a key part of the one-year fragile trade truce agreed between the two leaders in Busan last November. People familiar with Beijing's strategy have indicated that China hopes to offer more export licenses as a bargaining chip during the summit, though they did not specify what concessions the government would seek from Washington in return. “Beijing appears willing to test the limits of the truce. It has deliberately kept licence approvals slow and selective,” said analysts from Capital Economics, pointing out the falling volume of Chinese shipments of rare earth metals to the US. Ahead of the summit, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met in New York on Sunday. The two spent a full-day session at JPMorgan Chase's headquarters, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participating. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the two sides had agreed to set up a dialogue mechanism for AI and also discussed an extension of the trade truce.

China’s rare earth shipments to the US fell 20% in August, adding to trade tensions ahead of the scheduled Trump-Xi summit.

China’s rare earth shipments to US fall 20% ahead of Trump-Xi summit

French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out at US President Donald Trump after he shared a map on social media showing France’s archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon as US territory. Trump shared the post earlier this month, showing the US flag covering Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Central America, the Caribbean, and Iceland. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a small French overseas territory off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The area has a population of just over 5,500. After the Trump post, the French President said it was “obvious” that the archipelago remains French territory. “We’re not going to reiterate this every morning because some people have strange ideas or say strange things,” he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-to-pay-state-visit-to-us-from-september-23-25-chinese-foreign-ministry-1789985928318">Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry</a><h3>Macron's two-day visit in Saint-Pierre</h3>Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday (September 19) for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights. Previously, in July, the mission had hit out at Washington for voting against extending the mandate of UN human rights chief Volker Türk. “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali &amp; Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it,” the mission said in a post on social media platform X at the time. In response, Washington delayed approval of Macron ally Aurelien Lechevallier as France’s new ambassador to the US. Since returning to office in early 2025, Trump has revived claims on Greenland, suggested Canada become the 51st US state, vowed to seize the Panama Canal, and threatened Mexico and Cuba, while saying the US should "own" Gaza. In January, he ordered a raid capturing Venezuelan President Maduro over alleged cartel ties. Trump's Greenland push initially angered Copenhagen, rallying European NATO allies behind Denmark. However, the US, Denmark, and Greenland recently reached an agreement that Trump claims grants Washington "permanent control" over the territory's security.

Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights.

French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out at US President Donald Trump after he shared a map on social media showing France’s archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon as US territory. Trump shared the post earlier this month, showing the US flag covering Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Central America, the Caribbean, and Iceland. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a small French overseas territory off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The area has a population of just over 5,500. After the Trump post, the French President said it was “obvious” that the archipelago remains French territory. “We’re not going to reiterate this every morning because some people have strange ideas or say strange things,” he added. Also read: Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry Macron's two-day visit in Saint-Pierre Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday (September 19) for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights. Previously, in July, the mission had hit out at Washington for voting against extending the mandate of UN human rights chief Volker Türk. “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali & Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it,” the mission said in a post on social media platform X at the time. In response, Washington delayed approval of Macron ally Aurelien Lechevallier as France’s new ambassador to the US. Since returning to office in early 2025, Trump has revived claims on Greenland, suggested Canada become the 51st US state, vowed to seize the Panama Canal, and threatened Mexico and Cuba, while saying the US should "own" Gaza. In January, he ordered a raid capturing Venezuelan President Maduro over alleged cartel ties. Trump's Greenland push initially angered Copenhagen, rallying European NATO allies behind Denmark. However, the US, Denmark, and Greenland recently reached an agreement that Trump claims grants Washington "permanent control" over the territory's security.

Macron’s remarks came after arriving in Saint-Pierre on Saturday for a two-day visit following the French UN mission's apologies for a social media post that called into question the US commitment to human rights.

Emmanuel Macron hits back after Trump shares map of US claiming France's Saint-Pierre, Miquelon

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, called for a period of calm, highlighting the immense pressure that had followed ever since the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He urged that Doha needs a “peaceful year 2027” as fallout from the war between the US, Israel and Iran has been weighing on the country.Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum's UNGA Special Edition, he noted, "I didn't have peace since the World Cup (in 2022). October 7 followed, and since that, no one is willing to give us a break. I'm begging everyone that we need a peaceful year for 2027. Please, we need some rest."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jamui-students-harassed-rahul-gandhi-pocso-action-bihar-1789986942835">Class X girl groped, boy dragged from bike in Jamui; Rahul Gandhi seeks POCSO</a>Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which was mired with controversy both on and off the field. The issues ranged from he treatment of migrant labourers who built the stadiums and infrastructure, dodging the bidding process for hosting rights, to on-field decision controversy around the Argentina and Netherlands fixture. “When we bid for the World Cup, everyone was telling us, 'No one would give it to you. No one will award it to you'. And when we were awarded it, everyone said that it would be a failure,” said Al Thani, reflecting on the &nbsp;World Cup.Regarding Qatar's role in the crisis in the region, he stressed that Qatar will remain a committed partner in mediation efforts, a reliable energy supplier, and a long-term investment partner. He emphasised that the region requires a framework grounded in respect for the principle of sovereignty, where no state poses a threat to another. He also added that Doha has worked with regional and international partners to keep channels of communication open, de-escalate tensions, and support diplomatic understandings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged a “peaceful year 2027” as Doha faces fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, called for a period of calm, highlighting the immense pressure that had followed ever since the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He urged that Doha needs a “peaceful year 2027” as fallout from the war between the US, Israel and Iran has been weighing on the country. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum's UNGA Special Edition, he noted, "I didn't have peace since the World Cup (in 2022). October 7 followed, and since that, no one is willing to give us a break. I'm begging everyone that we need a peaceful year for 2027. Please, we need some rest." Also Read: Class X girl groped, boy dragged from bike in Jamui; Rahul Gandhi seeks POCSO Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which was mired with controversy both on and off the field. The issues ranged from he treatment of migrant labourers who built the stadiums and infrastructure, dodging the bidding process for hosting rights, to on-field decision controversy around the Argentina and Netherlands fixture. “When we bid for the World Cup, everyone was telling us, 'No one would give it to you. No one will award it to you'. And when we were awarded it, everyone said that it would be a failure,” said Al Thani, reflecting on the World Cup. Regarding Qatar's role in the crisis in the region, he stressed that Qatar will remain a committed partner in mediation efforts, a reliable energy supplier, and a long-term investment partner. He emphasised that the region requires a framework grounded in respect for the principle of sovereignty, where no state poses a threat to another. He also added that Doha has worked with regional and international partners to keep channels of communication open, de-escalate tensions, and support diplomatic understandings.

Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged a “peaceful year 2027” as Doha faces fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war.

Qatar PM urges ‘peaceful 2027’ after years of pressure since FIFA World Cup

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died at the age of 76 on Monday. From military and security service to sport, business and horse racing, he held several prominent roles in Dubai over decades. Dubai is mourning the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of the emirate's ruling family and a prominent figure in its public, sporting and business life.&nbsp;Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 76. Following his death, the Dubai Ruler's Court announced a 10-day period of official mourning, during which flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast. His elder brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid tribute to him following his death. But who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and what was his role in Dubai's public life?<h2>Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?</h2>Sheikh Ahmed was born on July 12, 1950, in Bur Dubai. He was the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai, and the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Over a career spanning several decades, Sheikh Ahmed held positions connected to Dubai's military and security establishment, business sector and sporting institutions. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, while also holding senior business positions and serving as chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club.<h2>Military career and public service</h2>Military service was an important part of Sheikh Ahmed's career. He received his military education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before returning to Dubai and joining the Central Military Command. He eventually rose to become commander of the Central Military Zone. His career later extended into Dubai's security establishment, where he served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security. His military and security responsibilities placed him among the senior figures involved in the development of Dubai's institutions during a period when the emirate was undergoing rapid transformation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-to-pay-state-visit-to-us-from-september-23-25-chinese-foreign-ministry-1789985928318">Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry</a><h2>His association with Al Wasl</h2>Beyond his public-service career, Sheikh Ahmed was closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club, one of Dubai's best-known sporting institutions. He served as chairman of the club, and his tenure included the club's 2006-07 UAE League championship. He was also associated with Al Wasl's development over several decades. His involvement made him a familiar figure in Dubai's sporting landscape, particularly through his long association with the club.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I extend my sincere condolences to Mohammed bin Rashid on the passing of his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose longstanding contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding continue to inspire our nation’s journey of progress. May God rest his soul… <a href="https://t.co/kR3ZqSHsnK">pic.twitter.com/kR3ZqSHsnK</a>&mdash; محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://x.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/2101948549504057562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>A prominent figure in horse racing</h2>Sheikh Ahmed also developed a major presence in Thoroughbred horse racing. His racing operation, associated with distinctive yellow-and-black colours, competed internationally and produced a number of high-profile winners. Among the horses associated with his operation were Mtoto, who won major races in Britain in the late 1980s, and Wassl, winner of the 1983 Irish 2,000 Guineas. His racing interests continued into later decades, with horses competing successfully at the highest level. His involvement in racing was another part of the wider Al Maktoum family's long-standing connection to the international Thoroughbred industry.<h2>Business interests</h2>Sheikh Ahmed's career also extended into Dubai's business sector. He served as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre, adding corporate and real-estate responsibilities to his military, security and sporting roles. His public profile therefore extended well beyond his position within the ruling family, covering several major areas of Dubai's institutional and economic life.<h2>Philanthropic work</h2>Sheikh Ahmed was also involved in charitable initiatives. In 2021, he provided philanthropic support through Dubai Police and Public Security towards the establishment of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital through the Al Jalila Foundation.His charitable activities formed another part of his public life alongside his official responsibilities.<h2>Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's legacy</h2>Sheikh Ahmed's career stretched across several of Dubai's most prominent institutions. From his military education at Sandhurst and subsequent service in Dubai's military establishment to his role with Dubai Police and Public Security, he remained closely associated with public service.&nbsp;His decades-long connection with Al Wasl and international horse racing also gave him a significant presence in the sporting world, while his business positions linked him to Dubai's corporate sector. His death at 76 marks the passing of a senior member of the Al Maktoum family whose career encompassed military service, security, sport, business, horse racing and philanthropy.Dubai has now entered a 10-day official mourning period in his memory, with flags across the emirate to remain at half-mast.

Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum? Know about his life, military career, Dubai Police role, Al Wasl connection, business and horse-racing legacy

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died at the age of 76 on Monday. From military and security service to sport, business and horse racing, he held several prominent roles in Dubai over decades. Dubai is mourning the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of the emirate's ruling family and a prominent figure in its public, sporting and business life. Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 76. Following his death, the Dubai Ruler's Court announced a 10-day period of official mourning, during which flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast. His elder brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid tribute to him following his death. But who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and what was his role in Dubai's public life? Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum? Sheikh Ahmed was born on July 12, 1950, in Bur Dubai. He was the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai, and the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Over a career spanning several decades, Sheikh Ahmed held positions connected to Dubai's military and security establishment, business sector and sporting institutions. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, while also holding senior business positions and serving as chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club. Military career and public service Military service was an important part of Sheikh Ahmed's career. He received his military education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before returning to Dubai and joining the Central Military Command. He eventually rose to become commander of the Central Military Zone. His career later extended into Dubai's security establishment, where he served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security. His military and security responsibilities placed him among the senior figures involved in the development of Dubai's institutions during a period when the emirate was undergoing rapid transformation. Also Read: Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry His association with Al Wasl Beyond his public-service career, Sheikh Ahmed was closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club, one of Dubai's best-known sporting institutions. He served as chairman of the club, and his tenure included the club's 2006-07 UAE League championship. He was also associated with Al Wasl's development over several decades. His involvement made him a familiar figure in Dubai's sporting landscape, particularly through his long association with the club.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed, served in the military, Dubai Police and held key roles in sport and business

Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum? From Dubai Royal family to police, sports and racing

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. "At the invitation of President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an official announcement. Xi’s visit comes as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions over trade, tariffs and other areas of strategic competition between the world’s two largest economies.&nbsp;Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is already leading a delegation to the US for economic and trade consultations. His visit began on September 19 and is scheduled to continue through September 23. "The two sides will hold consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday.&nbsp;The timing of He’s visit means the economic and trade discussions will overlap with the beginning of Xi’s state visit to the US.Trump had on September 18 said Washington was making progress in its relationship with Beijing and indicated that he expected several agreements to be discussed when Xi visits the White House. “We’re doing very well with China. I would say others maybe not so well, but we’re doing very well with China. And President Xi and I have a good relationship. We’re going to have a lot of different deals,” Trump said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-s-united-russia-party-wins-355-seats-in-duma-election-beats-2016-tally-1789981460937">Putin's United Russia party wins 355 seats in Duma election, beats 2016 tally</a>&nbsp;“We intend, we're not just doing it for our health. We’re going to have some pretty important meetings,” he added. Trump also referred to the tariff dispute between the two countries, recalling that US tariffs on Chinese imports had previously reached 145 per cent before being reduced. “China is paying us a lot of tariffs. And, you remember, I had it up to 145% at one point, but it was too much. It was really hurting them badly, and I didn’t want to do that,” Trump said.&nbsp;Xi’s visit will mark his return to Washington after more than a decade and is expected to bring the leaders of the world's two largest economies together for discussions covering trade, artificial intelligence and Taiwan. The state visit follows Trump’s trip to Beijing in May, where Xi hosted the US president at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders subsequently described their relationship as a “constructive, strategic and stable relationship”. Trump is now expected to reciprocate with full state-visit honours as Xi prepares for talks at the White House.

Xi Jinping will visit the US from September 23-25 at Donald Trump’s invitation as Washington and Beijing prepare for talks on trade, AI, tariffs and Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. "At the invitation of President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an official announcement. Xi’s visit comes as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions over trade, tariffs and other areas of strategic competition between the world’s two largest economies. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is already leading a delegation to the US for economic and trade consultations. His visit began on September 19 and is scheduled to continue through September 23. "The two sides will hold consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday. The timing of He’s visit means the economic and trade discussions will overlap with the beginning of Xi’s state visit to the US. Trump had on September 18 said Washington was making progress in its relationship with Beijing and indicated that he expected several agreements to be discussed when Xi visits the White House. “We’re doing very well with China. I would say others maybe not so well, but we’re doing very well with China. And President Xi and I have a good relationship. We’re going to have a lot of different deals,” Trump said. Also Read: Putin's United Russia party wins 355 seats in Duma election, beats 2016 tally “We intend, we're not just doing it for our health. We’re going to have some pretty important meetings,” he added. Trump also referred to the tariff dispute between the two countries, recalling that US tariffs on Chinese imports had previously reached 145 per cent before being reduced. “China is paying us a lot of tariffs. And, you remember, I had it up to 145% at one point, but it was too much. It was really hurting them badly, and I didn’t want to do that,” Trump said. Xi’s visit will mark his return to Washington after more than a decade and is expected to bring the leaders of the world's two largest economies together for discussions covering trade, artificial intelligence and Taiwan. The state visit follows Trump’s trip to Beijing in May, where Xi hosted the US president at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders subsequently described their relationship as a “constructive, strategic and stable relationship”. Trump is now expected to reciprocate with full state-visit honours as Xi prepares for talks at the White House.

Xi Jinping will visit the United States from September 23-25 at Donald Trump’s invitation, with trade, tariffs, AI and Taiwan expected to dominate talks

Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Despite the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran, US has granted visas to Iranian officials so that they can travel to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkia, who will travel to New York for the meet is slated to deliver a major address outlining the Islamic Republic’s principled foreign policy doctrine and regional diplomacy.&nbsp;Alongside his speech Pezeshkia is scheduled to conduct a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state and top international dignitaries on the sidelines of the summit.&nbsp;US had earlier denied visas to the entire Iranian media delegation accompanying the president. However, visas has now been granted to President Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and essential members of the core official delegation.&nbsp;“Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week,” the State Department spokesman said.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-trump-meet-how-much-is-the-us-china-bilateral-trade-and-what-is-on-agenda-1789977664165">Xi-Trump meet: How much is the US, China bilateral trade and what is on agenda</a>&nbsp;But the Iranian delegation faces severe geographic travel restrictions claim Iranian media.&nbsp;"Washington has imposed stringent, punitive operational limitations. The Iranian delegation faces severe geographic travel restrictions confining officials strictly to areas in and around the UN precinct, coupled with a series of petty prohibitions on basic commercial transactions and local store memberships," reported Tehrantimes.&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei strongly censured the hostile maneuvers, and called it a “crude propaganda” of Washington.&nbsp;“It treats the world as if it were Pluribus: a hive in which minds are expected to switch off, eyes lock onto Washington’s lips, and its narrative is swallowed whole,” Baghaei wrote on X.&nbsp;

US has now granted visa to President Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and essential members of the core official delegation.

Despite the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran, US has granted visas to Iranian officials so that they can travel to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkia, who will travel to New York for the meet is slated to deliver a major address outlining the Islamic Republic’s principled foreign policy doctrine and regional diplomacy. Alongside his speech Pezeshkia is scheduled to conduct a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state and top international dignitaries on the sidelines of the summit. US had earlier denied visas to the entire Iranian media delegation accompanying the president. However, visas has now been granted to President Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and essential members of the core official delegation. “Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week,” the State Department spokesman said. ALSO READ: Xi-Trump meet: How much is the US, China bilateral trade and what is on agenda But the Iranian delegation faces severe geographic travel restrictions claim Iranian media. "Washington has imposed stringent, punitive operational limitations. The Iranian delegation faces severe geographic travel restrictions confining officials strictly to areas in and around the UN precinct, coupled with a series of petty prohibitions on basic commercial transactions and local store memberships," reported Tehrantimes. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei strongly censured the hostile maneuvers, and called it a “crude propaganda” of Washington. “It treats the world as if it were Pluribus: a hive in which minds are expected to switch off, eyes lock onto Washington’s lips, and its narrative is swallowed whole,” Baghaei wrote on X.

US has now granted visa to President Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and essential members of the core official delegation.

Stringent operational limitations for Iranian delegation at UNGA, claims state media

President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party won after securing 355 seats in Russia's 450-seat Duma, the lower house of parliament. Electoral chief Ella Pamfilova has released the preliminary results of the election on Monday (September 21). With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016.&nbsp;According to the ​Central Election Commission, the United Russia party won 57.83 per cent of the vote, a sharp rise from 49.8 per cent, which it ‌won ⁠in 2021, the last time an election for the State Duma, the lower ​house ​of parliament, ⁠was held. Based on the result, the party is set to hold 355 seats of ​the ⁠450-seat Duma, allowing it to retain its ⁠constitutional ​majority, the commission ​noted.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-to-pay-state-visit-to-us-from-september-23-25-chinese-foreign-ministry-1789985928318">Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry</a><h3>Other parties clear threshold to enter parliament</h3>Four other parties also crossed the threshold needed to enter parliament: the Communist Party, which won 40 seats; the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), with 25; New People, with 20; and A Just Russia, with four. United Russia has held a dominant position in Russian politics since the early 2000s, coinciding with Putin's hold on power since taking office on New Year's Eve 1999. Pamfilova said more than 95 per cent of votes had been counted so far, with final results expected to be announced later this week. Voting also extended to Ukrainian territories that Russia has occupied and annexed. On the final day of polling, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes on Moscow and its surrounding region, killing two people and igniting a fire at an oil refinery, officials said.&nbsp;Russia vowed to "intensify" its strikes on Kyiv in response. Meanwhile, the defence ministry accused Ukraine of attempting to "disrupt the democratic will of Russian citizens".

With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016.

President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party won after securing 355 seats in Russia's 450-seat Duma, the lower house of parliament. Electoral chief Ella Pamfilova has released the preliminary results of the election on Monday (September 21). With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016. According to the Central Election Commission, the United Russia party won 57.83 per cent of the vote, a sharp rise from 49.8 per cent, which it ‌won ⁠in 2021, the last time an election for the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, ⁠was held. Based on the result, the party is set to hold 355 seats of the ⁠450-seat Duma, allowing it to retain its ⁠constitutional majority, the commission noted. Also read: Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry Other parties clear threshold to enter parliament Four other parties also crossed the threshold needed to enter parliament: the Communist Party, which won 40 seats; the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), with 25; New People, with 20; and A Just Russia, with four. United Russia has held a dominant position in Russian politics since the early 2000s, coinciding with Putin's hold on power since taking office on New Year's Eve 1999. Pamfilova said more than 95 per cent of votes had been counted so far, with final results expected to be announced later this week. Voting also extended to Ukrainian territories that Russia has occupied and annexed. On the final day of polling, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes on Moscow and its surrounding region, killing two people and igniting a fire at an oil refinery, officials said. Russia vowed to "intensify" its strikes on Kyiv in response. Meanwhile, the defence ministry accused Ukraine of attempting to "disrupt the democratic will of Russian citizens".

With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016.

Pakistan allegedly carried out airstrikes on civilian homes in two eastern Afghan provinces early on Monday, killing three members of the same family and injuring four others, according to Afghanistan's Taliban government. Taliban government deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said an attack around 3:00 am on Monday in Nurgal district of Kunar province ‘completely destroyed’ a house, leaving three people dead and four others wounded.&nbsp;Kunar police spokesman Farid Dehqan told AFP that ‘Pakistani jets carried out’ the strike. Fitrat also said two locations in Paktika province were bombarded. The attacks reportedly destroyed a shop and an unoccupied house but caused no casualties. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned what he described as "aggression" and said that "Afghans will give it an appropriate response". The reported strikes came days after an explosive and gun attack on a police headquarters in northern Pakistan on Friday left at least 31 people dead, including 16 police officers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-xi-three-meetings-11-months-what-changed-from-busan-to-beijing-to-washington-1789969676104">Trump and Xi, three meetings, 11 months: What changed from Busan to Beijing to Washington</a>&nbsp;The local group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, described as a faction linked to the jihadist group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan to operate from Afghan territory. The Taliban government has denied the allegations.&nbsp;The latest reported strikes also come amid a history of cross-border tensions between the two countries. Pakistan's previous deadly airstrikes in Afghanistan took place in June, when around 30 people were reportedly killed in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces. Pakistan said those strikes targeted a TTP faction and killed fighters, while the Taliban government reported civilian casualties. Relations between the neighbouring countries have deteriorated significantly since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Pakistan intensified its bombing campaign, including strikes in Kabul. The deadliest reported attack struck a drug addiction hospital in the Afghan capital on March 16, with the United Nations reporting at least 269 civilian deaths. The latest alleged strikes are likely to further intensify tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, as both sides continue to trade accusations over militant activity and cross-border attacks.

Pakistan allegedly bombed civilian homes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Paktika provinces, killing three people as tensions with the Taliban escalate

Pakistan allegedly carried out airstrikes on civilian homes in two eastern Afghan provinces early on Monday, killing three members of the same family and injuring four others, according to Afghanistan's Taliban government. Taliban government deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said an attack around 3:00 am on Monday in Nurgal district of Kunar province ‘completely destroyed’ a house, leaving three people dead and four others wounded. Kunar police spokesman Farid Dehqan told AFP that ‘Pakistani jets carried out’ the strike. Fitrat also said two locations in Paktika province were bombarded. The attacks reportedly destroyed a shop and an unoccupied house but caused no casualties. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned what he described as "aggression" and said that "Afghans will give it an appropriate response". The reported strikes came days after an explosive and gun attack on a police headquarters in northern Pakistan on Friday left at least 31 people dead, including 16 police officers. Also Read: Trump and Xi, three meetings, 11 months: What changed from Busan to Beijing to Washington The local group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, described as a faction linked to the jihadist group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan to operate from Afghan territory. The Taliban government has denied the allegations. The latest reported strikes also come amid a history of cross-border tensions between the two countries. Pakistan's previous deadly airstrikes in Afghanistan took place in June, when around 30 people were reportedly killed in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces. Pakistan said those strikes targeted a TTP faction and killed fighters, while the Taliban government reported civilian casualties. Relations between the neighbouring countries have deteriorated significantly since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Earlier this year, Pakistan intensified its bombing campaign, including strikes in Kabul. The deadliest reported attack struck a drug addiction hospital in the Afghan capital on March 16, with the United Nations reporting at least 269 civilian deaths. The latest alleged strikes are likely to further intensify tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, as both sides continue to trade accusations over militant activity and cross-border attacks.

Pakistan allegedly bombed homes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Paktika provinces, killing three civilians and worsening tensions with the Taliban government

Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions escalate after deadly strikes kill three in Kunar

Chinese president Xi Jingping will travel to US for a state visit this week. It is for the first time in a decade that Xi will make an official trip to Washington - September 23 to 25 - and hold talks with US President Donald Trump. According to White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly and senior U.S. officials, the event will revolve around bilateral diplomatic activities between Trump and Xi.&nbsp;As both the leaders meet, trade will also be the centre of focus among the two countries. Here's how much trade is there between US and China.&nbsp;Including both goods and services, the US in financial year 2025 exported about $163.2B to China and imported about $331.5B, producing an overall deficit of roughly $168.3B.&nbsp;Negotiators are expected to discuss further tariff reductions, including potentially removing or reducing China's 15% tariff on US LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as part of a broader package involving energy and agriculture.&nbsp;In the field of agriculture China is committed to buying at least $17 billion annually of US agricultural products in 2026–28, in addition to soybean commitments made earlier.&nbsp;While in Defence China is expected to buy 200 Boeing aircraft, according to the US and Chinese announcements.&nbsp;<h2>US goods imports from China</h2>&nbsp;US goods imports from China that largely consist of electronics, machinery, and everyday consumer goods, totaled roughly $308.7 billion, despite trade tensions.&nbsp;Electrical and Electronic Equipment valued at over $84 billion, covering computers, smartphones, and lithium-ion batteries. Imports in machinery &amp; nuclear reactors stood at around $52 billion and consumer goods &nbsp;and toys, including games, sports equipment was $20+ billion.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the White House has officially released the schedule for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington.&nbsp;On Wednesday (Sept 23), Trump will be present at the Joint Base Andrews, just outside Washington, to welcome Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for the state visit.&nbsp;On Friday, the leaders will participate in a military review in the Rose Garden before their closed-door meeting which will revolve around bilateral diplomatic activities and trade relations.&nbsp;

In the field of agriculture China is committed to buying at least $17 billion annually of US agricultural products in 2026–28, in addition to soybean commitments made earlier.

Chinese president Xi Jingping will travel to US for a state visit this week. It is for the first time in a decade that Xi will make an official trip to Washington - September 23 to 25 - and hold talks with US President Donald Trump. According to White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly and senior U.S. officials, the event will revolve around bilateral diplomatic activities between Trump and Xi. As both the leaders meet, trade will also be the centre of focus among the two countries. Here's how much trade is there between US and China. Including both goods and services, the US in financial year 2025 exported about $163.2B to China and imported about $331.5B, producing an overall deficit of roughly $168.3B. Negotiators are expected to discuss further tariff reductions, including potentially removing or reducing China's 15% tariff on US LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as part of a broader package involving energy and agriculture. In the field of agriculture China is committed to buying at least $17 billion annually of US agricultural products in 2026–28, in addition to soybean commitments made earlier. While in Defence China is expected to buy 200 Boeing aircraft, according to the US and Chinese announcements. US goods imports from China US goods imports from China that largely consist of electronics, machinery, and everyday consumer goods, totaled roughly $308.7 billion, despite trade tensions. Electrical and Electronic Equipment valued at over $84 billion, covering computers, smartphones, and lithium-ion batteries. Imports in machinery & nuclear reactors stood at around $52 billion and consumer goods and toys, including games, sports equipment was $20+ billion. Meanwhile, the White House has officially released the schedule for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington. On Wednesday (Sept 23), Trump will be present at the Joint Base Andrews, just outside Washington, to welcome Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for the state visit. On Friday, the leaders will participate in a military review in the Rose Garden before their closed-door meeting which will revolve around bilateral diplomatic activities and trade relations.

In the field of agriculture China is committed to buying at least $17 billion annually of US agricultural products in 2026–28, in addition to soybean commitments made earlier.

Xi-Trump meet: How much is the US, China bilateral trade and what is on agenda

Thousands of users across the United States experienced outages on Meta's social networking platforms, Facebook and Instagram, on Sunday, according to Downdetector.com. As of 9:11 PM ET, over 17,000 reported issues with Facebook, and more than 5,000 reported outages on Instagram. However, Meta had not responded to a request for comment from Reuters at the time of reporting. Since Downdetector's figures rely on reports submitted by users, the actual number of people affected could differ from what's shown.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/baby-boy-born-in-kfc-parking-lot-in-england-named-after-colonel-sanders-1789974759448">Baby boy born in KFC parking lot in England named after Colonel Sanders</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Downdetector's India pages do not show any problem with either Instagram or Facebook as of around 1:30 pm IST on Monday (September 21). The Instagram India status page recorded no user-reported disruptions, and the Facebook India page similarly showed no active problem signals.&nbsp;That said, disruptions were reported in several other countries earlier on Monday. According to CNA, users in Singapore faced issues with both Facebook and Instagram, with Downdetector reports peaking around 9:20 am local time. Similar problems were also reported by users in the Philippines, Australia, the US and Mexico.

Meta had not responded to a request for comment from Reuters at the time of reporting. Since Downdetector's figures rely on reports submitted by users, the actual number of people affected could differ from what's shown.

Thousands of users across the United States experienced outages on Meta's social networking platforms, Facebook and Instagram, on Sunday, according to Downdetector.com. As of 9:11 PM ET, over 17,000 reported issues with Facebook, and more than 5,000 reported outages on Instagram. However, Meta had not responded to a request for comment from Reuters at the time of reporting. Since Downdetector's figures rely on reports submitted by users, the actual number of people affected could differ from what's shown. Also read: Baby boy born in KFC parking lot in England named after Colonel Sanders Meanwhile, Downdetector's India pages do not show any problem with either Instagram or Facebook as of around 1:30 pm IST on Monday (September 21). The Instagram India status page recorded no user-reported disruptions, and the Facebook India page similarly showed no active problem signals. That said, disruptions were reported in several other countries earlier on Monday. According to CNA, users in Singapore faced issues with both Facebook and Instagram, with Downdetector reports peaking around 9:20 am local time. Similar problems were also reported by users in the Philippines, Australia, the US and Mexico.

Meta had not responded to a request for comment from Reuters at the time of reporting. Since Downdetector's figures rely on reports submitted by users, the actual number of people affected could differ from what's shown.

Meta's Facebook, Instagram face widespread outages in US; thousands report issues

From a trade-war ceasefire in South Korea to new economic mechanisms in Beijing, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have spent the past 11 months trying to manage one of the world's most consequential rivalries. Now, their Washington meeting puts that fragile arrangement to another test. When Donald Trump and Xi Jinping sit down in Washington on September 24, their meeting will mark the latest chapter in an 11-month cycle of negotiations between the leaders of the world's two largest economies.&nbsp;Xi Jinping arrives in the United States on September 23 for a state visit, with Trump expected to personally welcome him at Joint Base Andrews. The leaders' principal talks are scheduled for September 24, with tariffs, rare earths, artificial intelligence and the future of the US-China trade truce among the issues on the table. The encounter comes nearly a year after their meeting in Busan, South Korea, and four months after Trump's visit to Beijing. Across the three meetings, the pattern has been broadly consistent: de-escalation, new economic commitments and continued negotiations, but few signs that the fundamental US-China rivalry has been resolved.<h2>October 30, 2025: Busan, South Korea</h2><h3>The trade-war truce</h3>Trump and Xi's Busan meeting came after months of escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures. Their encounter produced a one-year trade truce aimed at pulling the world's two largest economies back from a deeper confrontation. Under the arrangement, Washington reduced some tariffs on Chinese goods, including the fentanyl-related tariff, while Beijing agreed to resume major purchases of US agricultural products, including soybeans, strengthen measures against fentanyl-related chemicals and pause or ease some new restrictions on rare-earth exports. The agreement also included a suspension of several Chinese retaliatory measures against US products and companies.<h3>What was achieved?</h3>The immediate escalation was halted. The agreement prevented the trade war from moving towards another major tariff escalation and gave businesses in both countries a period of greater predictability. But Busan did not produce a comprehensive settlement. The agreement was structured as a temporary truce, with several contentious issues left for further negotiations.Busan's legacy: Stop the escalation, buy time and reopen negotiations.<h2>May 14-15, 2026: Beijing, China</h2><h3>From truce to economic mechanisms</h3>Seven months later, Trump travelled to Beijing for talks with Xi, the first visit by a sitting US president to China since 2017.The Beijing summit sought to build on the Busan understanding and move the relationship towards a more structured economic framework. The two governments agreed to establish a US-China Board of Trade to address trade in non-sensitive goods and a US-China Board of Investment to provide a government-to-government channel for investment-related issues.&nbsp;There were also commitments involving critical minerals, US agricultural exports and Boeing aircraft. According to the White House, China committed to an initial purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, while also agreeing to purchase at least $17 billion a year of US agricultural products in 2026, 2027 and 2028, alongside earlier soybean commitments. China also agreed to address US concerns over rare earths and other critical minerals.<h3>What was achieved?</h3>The Beijing meeting produced a broader economic framework than the Busan truce, particularly through the creation of new trade and investment mechanisms. But the summit did not eliminate the central sources of friction between Washington and Beijing. Questions remained over tariffs, technology, rare-earth controls, market access and the longer-term structure of the relationship. Beijing's legacy: Create mechanisms to manage economic competition while keeping the broader relationship stable.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-mysterious-lights-over-tehran-caught-on-video-drone-aircraft-or-something-else-1789967394276">WATCH | Mysterious lights over Tehran caught on video. Drone, aircraft or something else?</a><h2>September 23-25, 2026: Washington&nbsp;</h2><h3>The test of the truce</h3>Now Xi is heading to Washington. His September 23 arrival will be followed by the main Trump-Xi talks on September 24. Trump is expected to host a formal state ceremony and discussions with Xi, with economic and strategic issues dominating the agenda.The timing matters. The trade truce reached in Busan is approaching its November deadline, while Washington and Beijing are still negotiating its extension. US officials have also raised concerns about China's implementation of commitments involving rare-earth exports.<h3>What is on the table?</h3>Trade and tariffs: Both sides are discussing the possibility of reducing tariffs on selected non-sensitive goods, while seeking to preserve the broader trade relationship. Rare earths: China's control over critical minerals remains a major issue for Washington, particularly because rare earths are crucial to advanced manufacturing and technology supply chains.&nbsp;Artificial intelligence: The two countries have agreed to establish an AI dialogue mechanism covering issues including safety and national-security risks. A proposed notification mechanism for serious AI incidents is also being discussed. Agriculture and trade: Previous commitments on US agricultural purchases and broader market access remain part of the economic negotiations. Taiwan and strategic tensions: While economic issues are expected to dominate, Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in the wider US-China relationship.<h3>What has Washington achieved, so far?</h3>Unlike Busan and Beijing, the Washington meeting has not happened yet. The key question is therefore not what Trump and Xi have already agreed to, but whether the two leaders can turn the arrangements of the previous 11 months into a longer-lasting framework. Recent negotiations have produced a Board of Trade and an AI dialogue mechanism, while discussions continue over tariffs, rare earths and the duration of the trade truce.<h2>From trade wars to managed competition?</h2>The trajectory of the three meetings tells a story of crisis management rather than a final settlement. Busan stopped the immediate escalation. Beijing attempted to put economic relations on a more structured footing. Washington now comes with the truce nearing a deadline and new areas of cooperation, particularly AI, entering the conversation.&nbsp;The relationship remains defined by a combination of cooperation and competition. The two governments have continued to negotiate even as disagreements persist over trade, technology, critical minerals and strategic issues.

Trump-Xi summit timeline: Track the key meetings in Busan, Beijing and Washington, the trade deals, rare earths, tariffs and what remains unresolved

From a trade-war ceasefire in South Korea to new economic mechanisms in Beijing, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have spent the past 11 months trying to manage one of the world's most consequential rivalries. Now, their Washington meeting puts that fragile arrangement to another test. When Donald Trump and Xi Jinping sit down in Washington on September 24, their meeting will mark the latest chapter in an 11-month cycle of negotiations between the leaders of the world's two largest economies. Xi Jinping arrives in the United States on September 23 for a state visit, with Trump expected to personally welcome him at Joint Base Andrews. The leaders' principal talks are scheduled for September 24, with tariffs, rare earths, artificial intelligence and the future of the US-China trade truce among the issues on the table. The encounter comes nearly a year after their meeting in Busan, South Korea, and four months after Trump's visit to Beijing. Across the three meetings, the pattern has been broadly consistent: de-escalation, new economic commitments and continued negotiations, but few signs that the fundamental US-China rivalry has been resolved. October 30, 2025: Busan, South Korea The trade-war truce Trump and Xi's Busan meeting came after months of escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures. Their encounter produced a one-year trade truce aimed at pulling the world's two largest economies back from a deeper confrontation. Under the arrangement, Washington reduced some tariffs on Chinese goods, including the fentanyl-related tariff, while Beijing agreed to resume major purchases of US agricultural products, including soybeans, strengthen measures against fentanyl-related chemicals and pause or ease some new restrictions on rare-earth exports. The agreement also included a suspension of several Chinese retaliatory measures against US products and companies. What was achieved? The immediate escalation was halted. The agreement prevented the trade war from moving towards another major tariff escalation and gave businesses in both countries a period of greater predictability. But Busan did not produce a comprehensive settlement. The agreement was structured as a temporary truce, with several contentious issues left for further negotiations. Busan's legacy: Stop the escalation, buy time and reopen negotiations. May 14-15, 2026: Beijing, China From truce to economic mechanisms Seven months later, Trump travelled to Beijing for talks with Xi, the first visit by a sitting US president to China since 2017. The Beijing summit sought to build on the Busan understanding and move the relationship towards a more structured economic framework. The two governments agreed to establish a US-China Board of Trade to address trade in non-sensitive goods and a US-China Board of Investment to provide a government-to-government channel for investment-related issues. There were also commitments involving critical minerals, US agricultural exports and Boeing aircraft. According to the White House, China committed to an initial purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, while also agreeing to purchase at least $17 billion a year of US agricultural products in 2026, 2027 and 2028, alongside earlier soybean commitments. China also agreed to address US concerns over rare earths and other critical minerals. What was achieved? The Beijing meeting produced a broader economic framework than the Busan truce, particularly through the creation of new trade and investment mechanisms. But the summit did not eliminate the central sources of friction between Washington and Beijing. Questions remained over tariffs, technology, rare-earth controls, market access and the longer-term structure of the relationship. Beijing's legacy: Create mechanisms to manage economic competition while keeping the broader relationship stable. Also Read: WATCH | Mysterious lights over Tehran caught on video. Drone, aircraft or something else? September 23-25, 2026: Washington The test of the truce Now Xi is heading to Washington. His September 23 arrival will be followed by the main Trump-Xi talks on September 24. Trump is expected to host a formal state ceremony and discussions with Xi, with economic and strategic issues dominating the agenda. The timing matters. The trade truce reached in Busan is approaching its November deadline, while Washington and Beijing are still negotiating its extension. US officials have also raised concerns about China's implementation of commitments involving rare-earth exports. What is on the table? Trade and tariffs: Both sides are discussing the possibility of reducing tariffs on selected non-sensitive goods, while seeking to preserve the broader trade relationship. Rare earths: China's control over critical minerals remains a major issue for Washington, particularly because rare earths are crucial to advanced manufacturing and technology supply chains. Artificial intelligence: The two countries have agreed to establish an AI dialogue mechanism covering issues including safety and national-security risks. A proposed notification mechanism for serious AI incidents is also being discussed. Agriculture and trade: Previous commitments on US agricultural purchases and broader market access remain part of the economic negotiations. Taiwan and strategic tensions: While economic issues are expected to dominate, Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in the wider US-China relationship. What has Washington achieved, so far? Unlike Busan and Beijing, the Washington meeting has not happened yet. The key question is therefore not what Trump and Xi have already agreed to, but whether the two leaders can turn the arrangements of the previous 11 months into a longer-lasting framework. Recent negotiations have produced a Board of Trade and an AI dialogue mechanism, while discussions continue over tariffs, rare earths and the duration of the trade truce. From trade wars to managed competition? The trajectory of the three meetings tells a story of crisis management rather than a final settlement. Busan stopped the immediate escalation. Beijing attempted to put economic relations on a more structured footing. Washington now comes with the truce nearing a deadline and new areas of cooperation, particularly AI, entering the conversation. The relationship remains defined by a combination of cooperation and competition. The two governments have continued to negotiate even as disagreements persist over trade, technology, critical minerals and strategic issues.

Trump and Xi have met twice in 11 months, from Busan's trade truce to Beijing's economic deals. Washington now tests whether the fragile detente can last

Trump and Xi, three meetings, 11 months: What changed from Busan to Beijing to Washington

Latest News Today Live Updates: At least three people were killed and several others injured after Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Afghanistan's northeastern Kunar province, Tolo News reported on Monday, citing a provincial official. The strike comes two days after a police facility in northwestern Pakistan was attacked, raising concerns of renewed fighting between the two neighbouring countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan were involved in their worst conflict in years in February.At least eight people were killed and one person injured after a fire broke out at a textile factory in Foshan, in China's southern Guangdong Province, at around 3 p.m. on Sunday, local authorities said on Monday. Rescue operations remain underway.The Trump administration is preparing sweeping sanctions against the International Criminal Court, according to US officials, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s campaign against the institution after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under the proposed measures, most transactions involving the ICC would be prohibited after a six- to seven-month grace period, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and US officials.The Special Intensive Revision (SIR), a large-scale verification exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls in Delhi has created a stir as prominent political figures including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, former CM Arvind Kejriwal, BJP veteran LK Advani, former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, BJP MLA Kailash Gahlot, EAM S Jaishankar were among the 3.31 million electors who received notices over discrepancies in their details.

French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out at US President Donald Trump after he shared a map on social media showing France’s archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon as US territory. Trump shared the post earlier this month, showing the US flag covering Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Central America, the Caribbean, and Iceland.<a href="http://wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-hits-back-after-trump-shares-map-of-us-claiming-france-s-saint-pierre-miquelon-1789993047297">Read More</a>

President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party won after securing 355 seats in Russia's 450-seat Duma, the lower house of parliament. Electoral chief Ella Pamfilova has released the preliminary results of the election on Monday (September 21). With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-s-united-russia-party-wins-355-seats-in-duma-election-beats-2016-tally-1789981460937">Read More</a>

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, called for a period of calm, highlighting the immense pressure that has followed ever since the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He urged that Doha needs a “peaceful year 2027”, as fallout from the war between the US, Israel and Iran has been weighing on the country.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-pm-peaceful-2027-us-israel-iran-war-fifa-world-cup-1789990664026">Read More</a>

Chinese shipment of rare earth to the US has fallen to 512 tonnes in August, 20 per cent lower than the previous month in July and 13 per cent lower than the same month in the previous year. Rare earths are among one of the many things that have been a point of friction between China and the US, ahead of the scheduled summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rare-earth-shipments-us-fall-trump-xi-summit-1789993811213">Read More</a>&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday.

Xi Jinping to visit to US from September 23-25

Israeli forces launched an attack in Deraa province at dawn with artillery and opened fire with machine guns, Syria’s state news agency SANA reports; however, no casualties were reported. The military struck the Abidin and Ruqad valleys with several artillery shells, and simultaneously targeted the outskirts of Jamlah village in the Yarmouk Basin area.

Western Deraa attacked in Syria

Israel’s military launched a series of air raids overnight on southern Lebanon as the “ceasefire” and occupation continue. Shelling was also reported in the Nabatieh governorate, including the towns of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Zoutar al-Sharqiyah, and Khallet Mayfadoun. In Bint Jbeil district, the towns of Beit Lif and Hadatha and the outskirts of Baraachit were also attacked.

Israeli air strikes hit several towns in southern Lebanon

The United States has approved visas for a scaled-down Iranian delegation to attend the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the US Department of State said.

US approves visas for Pezeshkian, Araghchi to attend UN General Assembly

Smoke rises over Al-Eis, near Aleppo in northern Syria, after a series of explosions at an army munitions depot injured at least four people.&nbsp;

Explosions reported at Syrian army depot near Aleppo

Despite the arrival of a new class of drugs and a growing pipeline of medical care, clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease continue to face a global shortage of participants.

Clinical trials for Alzheimer’s treatment face global shortage of participants

The recent fighting between Yemen's Houthi group and government forces has displaced more than 125,000 people in Yemen within just a few weeks, said an official with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Yemen.

Renewed fighting in Yemen displaces over 125,000 civilians

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Moments ago, another US Army MQ-1 drone was intercepted and shot down by Iranian air defense over the Strait of Hormuz.&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) &lt;a href="https://x.com/iribnews_irib/status/2101919123668144398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;September 21, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Iran claims it intercepted and shot down US Army MQ-1 drone 

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to list a petition filed by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI) interim decision to freeze the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) name and its reserved ‘Flowers &amp; Grass’ election symbol.

Supreme Court agrees to list Mamata Banerjee plea against ECI freeze on Trinamool Congress name, symbol

Eighteen suspects accused in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transferred to Florida to face trial, US officials said on Sunday. Moise, 53, was shot dead on July 7, 2021, at his private residence by a group of around 20 Colombian mercenaries with military training. His security detail did not intervene to protect him. "Today's multi-location and international arrests underscore the FBI's continued commitment to bringing all participants in this plot to justice," FBI special agent Brett Skiles said on X.

US arrests 18 suspects in killing of Haitian president

A record number of New Zealanders cast their ballots this month, not in a national election but in the country's annual Bird of the Year contest, backing the critically endangered black robin. The small native bird is found on the remote Chatham Islands, located about 800 kilometres (500 miles) off the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. The species was on the brink of extinction in 1980, when just five black robins remained, including only one breeding female. Their population has since recovered to around 350.<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260921/image-1789970405204.jpg">

New Zealanders pick endangered black robin as Bird of the Year

US President Donald Trump is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday in New York, where both leaders are attending the United Nations General Assembly, the White House said. The meeting is scheduled for 5:35 pm local time (2135 GMT), according to Trump's schedule released on Sunday evening.

Trump to meet Macron in New York on Monday: White House

At least four people were injured after a series of explosions struck an army site near Aleppo in northern Syria early Monday, state media reported. The cause of the blasts was not immediately known. Syrian state media SANA reported that the explosions occurred at an 'army site' near the town of Al-Eis.

Explosions at Aleppo munitions depot in northern Syria injures four

Three South Korean military officers were injured in an explosion during an operation near the heavily mined border with North Korea, Seoul's military said on Monday. The blast occurred south of the Military Demarcation Line inside the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), one of the world's most heavily fortified and mined borders. Two of the injured officers were evacuated by helicopter, while the third was initially scheduled to be transported by road before being airlifted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

Three South Korean soldiers injured in DMZ blast: Military

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including at least three killed in Pakistani airstrike on Afghanistan, Trump admin preparing to impose sanctions on ICC and other major breaking developments

Latest News Today Live Updates: At least three people were killed and several others injured after Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Afghanistan's northeastern Kunar province, Tolo News reported on Monday, citing a provincial official. The strike comes two days after a police facility in northwestern Pakistan was attacked, raising concerns of renewed fighting between the two neighbouring countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan were involved in their worst conflict in years in February. At least eight people were killed and one person injured after a fire broke out at a textile factory in Foshan, in China's southern Guangdong Province, at around 3 p.m. on Sunday, local authorities said on Monday. Rescue operations remain underway. The Trump administration is preparing sweeping sanctions against the International Criminal Court, according to US officials, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s campaign against the institution after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under the proposed measures, most transactions involving the ICC would be prohibited after a six- to seven-month grace period, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and US officials. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR), a large-scale verification exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls in Delhi has created a stir as prominent political figures including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, former CM Arvind Kejriwal, BJP veteran LK Advani, former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, BJP MLA Kailash Gahlot, EAM S Jaishankar were among the 3.31 million electors who received notices over discrepancies in their details.

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including at least three killed in Pakistani airstrike on Afghanistan, Trump admin preparing to impose sanctions on ICC and other major breaking developments

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