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Veteran journalist, author and former parliamentarian MJ Akbar has described the Partition of India as a continuing tragedy, arguing that its consequences continue to shape India's present and future. Speaking about his book Gandhi's Hinduism, the Struggle Against Jinnah's Islam, Akbar said the events that led to Partition remain one of the deepest wounds in the history of the subcontinent.&nbsp;“The partition of India is a continuing tragedy. Most tragedies tend to end at some point. This tragedy is bleeding our nation, bleeding our future really,” Akbar said. He argued that the cost of Partition should not be measured only through defence expenditure or the continuing tensions in the region, but also through what he described as the destruction of India's potential. “The destruction of the potential of India,” he said.&nbsp;Akbar also reflected on what India could have looked like had Partition not taken place, pointing to the country's historical and geographical links with regions stretching towards Afghanistan and Myanmar. “Do you think any other power would have been able to enter West Asia? Without India having a dominant strategic role in the peace of the region. Not in the wars of the region. We would have been a preventive factor in the wars of the region,” he said.&nbsp;He described Pakistan as an ‘artificial intrusion’ within what he called the psychological geography of India and questioned the idea that religion could serve as the foundation of a nation. “The idea is that Islam can be the basis of nationalism of a nation. That is an absurdity. I will put it very simply,” Akbar said. He pointed to the existence of multiple Arab nations despite their shared religion and argued that national identity cannot be reduced to faith.&nbsp;Akbar contrasted this with Mahatma Gandhi's understanding of Hinduism, which he said was rooted in the idea of unity and an expansive conception of faith. “God is older than religion,” Akbar said. Explaining the idea, he said, “If God is older than religion then God made you. I don't know what your faith is. But I am a Muslim. God made you. The Hindu, the Christian, the Parsi. As much as God made a Muslim.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-party-sought-meeting-till-4-pm-says-ec-on-india-bloc-protest-against-cec-gyanesh-kumar-1791308835817">‘No party sought meeting till 4 pm,’ says EC on INDIA bloc protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar</a>&nbsp;Akbar said Gandhi's conception of religion was fundamentally about finding different paths to the same creator. “He said one God is the creator of all of us. All religions are different paths to the same God,” he said. According to Akbar, this understanding made it impossible to confine religion within the boundaries of nation states. “Once you accept that. Then how do you, how can you imprison religion into blocks of nation states. Even Islam. Islam lives in a mosque. It doesn't, it can't be imprisoned in a nation,” he said.&nbsp;Akbar also highlighted Gandhi's practice of including the Surah Fatiha in his prayers alongside Hindu devotional hymns, arguing that Gandhi's religious philosophy was fundamentally inclusive. “Allah is Rabbul Alameen. The Lord of the Alam, the Lord of the Universe. Universe. He is not Rabbul Muslimeen,” he said. “He is not God only of Muslims. He created the whole universe.”&nbsp;Akbar further argued that religion should not become a source of division, saying that the idea of one creator could instead serve as a unifying force. “Once we accept that he is both a symbol of unity as well as a unifier of human beings then many of the divisions that have been created in the name of religion would disappear,” he said. He also criticised the tendency to impose narrow interpretations on faith. “You can't turn what I could call the liquidity, the breadth of faith into narrow sectarianism,” Akbar said. “Let God be the judge. Why are we choosing to become petty little Gods ourselves.”&nbsp;On Jinnah, Akbar acknowledged his intelligence but offered a sharply critical assessment of his political role in the events leading up to Partition. “The fact that he was an intelligent man is not in doubt whatsoever. Perhaps even a fantastic project could only be implemented by an intelligent man,” he said. But Akbar argued that Jinnah's political project ultimately resulted in a devastating outcome for the subcontinent.&nbsp;Describing the circumstances surrounding Jinnah's pursuit of Pakistan, he said it became “a dying man's obsession” and “a dying man's dream”. “And can you imagine that an intelligent man's final obituary would be written in the blood of violence. In the blood of vivisection, in the blood of partition, in the blood of millions dead. And so many more millions devastated,” Akbar said. “But his role in history is a role written in red, the red of blood.”&nbsp;Akbar also placed significant responsibility for Partition on British colonial policy, arguing that the British were determined to leave behind what he called a parting wound on India's destiny. “I think the British were determined to inflict this parting wound on the destiny of India,” he said. He was particularly scathing about the legacy of European colonialism. “The history of the British Empire is a history of famine,” Akbar said. He added, “Europe has been the most malevolent and barbaric perpetrators of massacres.”&nbsp;Akbar argued that colonialism had also distorted the understanding of India's own history. “One of the great tragedies of our history is that the British actually interfered and came between us and the facts that have been reported and recorded by contemporary sources. They removed large chunks of pre-British history from our collective memory,” he said. Ultimately, Akbar said his book was an attempt to encourage readers to confront history through facts rather than inherited narratives.&nbsp;“I wanted every reader and perhaps larger circumference than just the readership to look at the facts and not to become victims of the twists and the misappropriation of the truths that was done so effectively by the British historians and with British writers,” he said. He described a book as a modest contribution to a much larger historical conversation. “A book at best can be a very small lamp on a very broad highway. But every lamp is useful,” Akbar said.

MJ Akbar discusses partition, Gandhi's Hinduism, Jinnah, British colonialism and religion, calling partition a continuing tragedy for India

Veteran journalist, author and former parliamentarian MJ Akbar has described the Partition of India as a continuing tragedy, arguing that its consequences continue to shape India's present and future. Speaking about his book Gandhi's Hinduism, the Struggle Against Jinnah's Islam, Akbar said the events that led to Partition remain one of the deepest wounds in the history of the subcontinent. “The partition of India is a continuing tragedy. Most tragedies tend to end at some point. This tragedy is bleeding our nation, bleeding our future really,” Akbar said. He argued that the cost of Partition should not be measured only through defence expenditure or the continuing tensions in the region, but also through what he described as the destruction of India's potential. “The destruction of the potential of India,” he said. Akbar also reflected on what India could have looked like had Partition not taken place, pointing to the country's historical and geographical links with regions stretching towards Afghanistan and Myanmar. “Do you think any other power would have been able to enter West Asia? Without India having a dominant strategic role in the peace of the region. Not in the wars of the region. We would have been a preventive factor in the wars of the region,” he said. He described Pakistan as an ‘artificial intrusion’ within what he called the psychological geography of India and questioned the idea that religion could serve as the foundation of a nation. “The idea is that Islam can be the basis of nationalism of a nation. That is an absurdity. I will put it very simply,” Akbar said. He pointed to the existence of multiple Arab nations despite their shared religion and argued that national identity cannot be reduced to faith. Akbar contrasted this with Mahatma Gandhi's understanding of Hinduism, which he said was rooted in the idea of unity and an expansive conception of faith. “God is older than religion,” Akbar said. Explaining the idea, he said, “If God is older than religion then God made you. I don't know what your faith is. But I am a Muslim. God made you. The Hindu, the Christian, the Parsi. As much as God made a Muslim.” Also Read: ‘No party sought meeting till 4 pm,’ says EC on INDIA bloc protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar Akbar said Gandhi's conception of religion was fundamentally about finding different paths to the same creator. “He said one God is the creator of all of us. All religions are different paths to the same God,” he said. According to Akbar, this understanding made it impossible to confine religion within the boundaries of nation states. “Once you accept that. Then how do you, how can you imprison religion into blocks of nation states. Even Islam. Islam lives in a mosque. It doesn't, it can't be imprisoned in a nation,” he said. Akbar also highlighted Gandhi's practice of including the Surah Fatiha in his prayers alongside Hindu devotional hymns, arguing that Gandhi's religious philosophy was fundamentally inclusive. “Allah is Rabbul Alameen. The Lord of the Alam, the Lord of the Universe. Universe. He is not Rabbul Muslimeen,” he said. “He is not God only of Muslims. He created the whole universe.” Akbar further argued that religion should not become a source of division, saying that the idea of one creator could instead serve as a unifying force. “Once we accept that he is both a symbol of unity as well as a unifier of human beings then many of the divisions that have been created in the name of religion would disappear,” he said. He also criticised the tendency to impose narrow interpretations on faith. “You can't turn what I could call the liquidity, the breadth of faith into narrow sectarianism,” Akbar said. “Let God be the judge. Why are we choosing to become petty little Gods ourselves.” On Jinnah, Akbar acknowledged his intelligence but offered a sharply critical assessment of his political role in the events leading up to Partition. “The fact that he was an intelligent man is not in doubt whatsoever. Perhaps even a fantastic project could only be implemented by an intelligent man,” he said. But Akbar argued that Jinnah's political project ultimately resulted in a devastating outcome for the subcontinent. Describing the circumstances surrounding Jinnah's pursuit of Pakistan, he said it became “a dying man's obsession” and “a dying man's dream”. “And can you imagine that an intelligent man's final obituary would be written in the blood of violence. In the blood of vivisection, in the blood of partition, in the blood of millions dead. And so many more millions devastated,” Akbar said. “But his role in history is a role written in red, the red of blood.” Akbar also placed significant responsibility for Partition on British colonial policy, arguing that the British were determined to leave behind what he called a parting wound on India's destiny. “I think the British were determined to inflict this parting wound on the destiny of India,” he said. He was particularly scathing about the legacy of European colonialism. “The history of the British Empire is a history of famine,” Akbar said. He added, “Europe has been the most malevolent and barbaric perpetrators of massacres.” Akbar argued that colonialism had also distorted the understanding of India's own history. “One of the great tragedies of our history is that the British actually interfered and came between us and the facts that have been reported and recorded by contemporary sources. They removed large chunks of pre-British history from our collective memory,” he said. Ultimately, Akbar said his book was an attempt to encourage readers to confront history through facts rather than inherited narratives. “I wanted every reader and perhaps larger circumference than just the readership to look at the facts and not to become victims of the twists and the misappropriation of the truths that was done so effectively by the British historians and with British writers,” he said. He described a book as a modest contribution to a much larger historical conversation. “A book at best can be a very small lamp on a very broad highway. But every lamp is useful,” Akbar said.

MJ Akbar discusses partition, Gandhi, Jinnah and British colonialism, calling partition a continuing tragedy and stressing India's lost potential

'Partition is a continuing tragedy', says MJ Akbar on India's painful history

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has accused the Democratic Party of seeking to transform the United States into a ‘socialist country’ through immigration, while citing a response from ChatGPT to support his claim about changing the political makeup of Republican-leaning states. During an interview with Fox News on Monday, Mullin claimed that the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States had reached as high as' 23 million during the Biden administration. He further suggested the figure could rise to 50 million if the period of the Obama administration was also considered.&nbsp;Mullin did not provide specific data to substantiate those figures. According to data cited by Forbes, the Pew Research Center estimated that around 14 million undocumented immigrants were living in the US in 2023, while the Migration Policy Institute estimated the figure at approximately 15.8 million in 2024. The DHS secretary then alleged that Democrats were attempting to turn the US into a ‘socialist country’ and argued that doing so would require them to ‘change the demographics’.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-responds-after-trump-s-take-out-la-san-diego-iran-remarks-spark-backlash-1791312373204">White House responds after Trump's ‘take out’ LA, San Diego Iran remarks spark backlash</a>&nbsp;Mullin said that shortly before appearing on television, he asked ChatGPT, “How do you change a red state to blue?”According to Mullin, the first response he received was, “You must change the voting demographics.” He appeared to use the AI response as support for his broader argument linking immigration and changes in the political composition of Republican-leaning states.&nbsp;However, ChatGPT's responses to similar questions do not establish that immigration is a deliberate strategy by Democrats to change the political affiliation of red states. Forbes found that ChatGPT listed demographic change among several factors that can affect a state's electorate, including population growth, migration, age distribution and urbanisation. It also noted that demographic change does not automatically translate into votes for either political party.&nbsp;Other factors identified by ChatGPT included voter persuasion, turnout, candidate quality and changing political issues.US election law also prevents non-citizens, including undocumented immigrants, from voting in federal elections, state-level elections and most local elections. Mullin also ruled out the prospect of an immigration amnesty, saying that amnesty for undocumented migrants would never happen under President Trump’s watch or the Republicans’ watch.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin cited ChatGPT in claiming Democrats use immigration to change voting demographics and turn red states blue

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has accused the Democratic Party of seeking to transform the United States into a ‘socialist country’ through immigration, while citing a response from ChatGPT to support his claim about changing the political makeup of Republican-leaning states. During an interview with Fox News on Monday, Mullin claimed that the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States had reached as high as' 23 million during the Biden administration. He further suggested the figure could rise to 50 million if the period of the Obama administration was also considered. Mullin did not provide specific data to substantiate those figures. According to data cited by Forbes, the Pew Research Center estimated that around 14 million undocumented immigrants were living in the US in 2023, while the Migration Policy Institute estimated the figure at approximately 15.8 million in 2024. The DHS secretary then alleged that Democrats were attempting to turn the US into a ‘socialist country’ and argued that doing so would require them to ‘change the demographics’. Also Read: White House responds after Trump's ‘take out’ LA, San Diego Iran remarks spark backlash Mullin said that shortly before appearing on television, he asked ChatGPT, “How do you change a red state to blue?” According to Mullin, the first response he received was, “You must change the voting demographics.” He appeared to use the AI response as support for his broader argument linking immigration and changes in the political composition of Republican-leaning states. However, ChatGPT's responses to similar questions do not establish that immigration is a deliberate strategy by Democrats to change the political affiliation of red states. Forbes found that ChatGPT listed demographic change among several factors that can affect a state's electorate, including population growth, migration, age distribution and urbanisation. It also noted that demographic change does not automatically translate into votes for either political party. Other factors identified by ChatGPT included voter persuasion, turnout, candidate quality and changing political issues. US election law also prevents non-citizens, including undocumented immigrants, from voting in federal elections, state-level elections and most local elections. Mullin also ruled out the prospect of an immigration amnesty, saying that amnesty for undocumented migrants would never happen under President Trump’s watch or the Republicans’ watch.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin cited ChatGPT while claiming Democrats use immigration and demographic change to turn Republican-leaning states blue

Here’s how DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin says Democrats could turn red states blue—with help from ChatGPT

Videos circulating on social media on October 6, 2026, showed Ghanaian actress and fashion icon Nana Akua Addo receiving medical treatment with visible injuries, including a swollen lip, a cut under one eye, and blood on her clothes and the floor. The footage, along with clips of heated family confrontations and allegations that her husband Harold Duodu Norman slapped their daughter, sparked widespread concern and claims of domestic violence. Nana Akua Addo, who married Norman in a private civil ceremony in March 2022, publicly pleaded in a blogger’s comment section for the videos to be removed, citing concern for her daughters. A 2021 interview in which she discussed her husband’s infidelity and the couple’s decision to stay together for their children also resurfaced. Childhood friend and media personality Mona Gucci posted a supportive Instagram message, describing Nana as “precious to me before the spotlight.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-pm-offers-talks-to-imran-khan-supporters-marching-towards-islamabad-pti-calls-it-symbolic-1791313584119">Pakistan PM offers talks to Imran Khan supporters marching towards Islamabad; PTI calls it ‘symbolic’</a>&nbsp;Public reaction on platforms including X and Instagram was intense, with users expressing outrage, calling for justice, and urging Nana to leave the marriage. Posts highlighting the contrast between her glamorous public image and the alleged private ordeal gained significant traction. Some clips purported to show Norman being escorted in handcuffs, fueling reports of his arrest. Norman’s lawyers from Ba Law Consult issued a statement disputing the narrative. They claimed the visible injuries dated to a 2021 confrontation in which Nana allegedly accused him of infidelity and attempted to stab him; they said he acted in self-defence with a dressing mirror that broke. The lawyers noted an ongoing civil case (Rosemond Akua Adobea vrs Harold Duodu Norman) and confirmed the matter is under investigation by the Ghana Police Service’s Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). Norman himself shared a video displaying bite marks, scratches, and blood on his body and torn clothes, asserting that Nana had assaulted him. As of the evening of October 6, 2026, no official statement from the Ghana Police Service had independently confirmed an arrest or provided further details on the incident. The precise circumstances remain unclear amid the competing accounts.

Videos showing Ghanaian actress Nana Akua Addo with visible injuries have sparked domestic violence allegations, while her husband’s lawyers have disputed the narrative and the matter remains under investigation.

Videos circulating on social media on October 6, 2026, showed Ghanaian actress and fashion icon Nana Akua Addo receiving medical treatment with visible injuries, including a swollen lip, a cut under one eye, and blood on her clothes and the floor. The footage, along with clips of heated family confrontations and allegations that her husband Harold Duodu Norman slapped their daughter, sparked widespread concern and claims of domestic violence. Nana Akua Addo, who married Norman in a private civil ceremony in March 2022, publicly pleaded in a blogger’s comment section for the videos to be removed, citing concern for her daughters. A 2021 interview in which she discussed her husband’s infidelity and the couple’s decision to stay together for their children also resurfaced. Childhood friend and media personality Mona Gucci posted a supportive Instagram message, describing Nana as “precious to me before the spotlight.” Also Read: Pakistan PM offers talks to Imran Khan supporters marching towards Islamabad; PTI calls it ‘symbolic’ Public reaction on platforms including X and Instagram was intense, with users expressing outrage, calling for justice, and urging Nana to leave the marriage. Posts highlighting the contrast between her glamorous public image and the alleged private ordeal gained significant traction. Some clips purported to show Norman being escorted in handcuffs, fueling reports of his arrest. Norman’s lawyers from Ba Law Consult issued a statement disputing the narrative. They claimed the visible injuries dated to a 2021 confrontation in which Nana allegedly accused him of infidelity and attempted to stab him; they said he acted in self-defence with a dressing mirror that broke. The lawyers noted an ongoing civil case (Rosemond Akua Adobea vrs Harold Duodu Norman) and confirmed the matter is under investigation by the Ghana Police Service’s Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). Norman himself shared a video displaying bite marks, scratches, and blood on his body and torn clothes, asserting that Nana had assaulted him. As of the evening of October 6, 2026, no official statement from the Ghana Police Service had independently confirmed an arrest or provided further details on the incident. The precise circumstances remain unclear amid the competing accounts.

Videos showing Ghanaian actress Nana Akua Addo with visible injuries have sparked domestic violence allegations, while her husband’s lawyers have disputed the narrative and the matter remains under investigation.

Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo injury videos trigger domestic violence allegations

Texas Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections are staring at an unusual political challenge—a highly competitive Senate race that has drawn national attention and overcoming the internal divisions within a party that has dominated statewide politics for decades.&nbsp;Republican Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general and a prominent figure in the party’s conservative wing, is challenging Democrat James Talarico, a state representative who has emerged as one of the party’s most visible candidates in Texas.&nbsp;Recent polls put Talarico narrowly ahead or the race effectively tied, an unusual development in a state where Republicans have won every statewide election for more than three decades.&nbsp;&nbsp;Paxton’s nomination came following a bruising Republican primary in which he defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn. The contest exposed deep divisions between Republicans who rallied around Paxton and those who viewed him as a polarising figure. National Republican leaders subsequently supported his general-election campaign.&nbsp;Talarico has been trying to make those divisions part of his campaign. He emphasised economic issues and his personal background while seeking support from independents and Republicans dissatisfied with Paxton instead of just relying exclusively on the Democratic base.&nbsp;Some Republican voters are reluctant to support Paxton, while others intend to vote for him because of his conservative positions and alignment with President Donald Trump.&nbsp;The campaign has also become a major financial contest as Republican-aligned groups have poured tens of millions of dollars into advertising supporting Paxton, while Democratic organisations have invested heavily in Talarico. The huge spending reflects the importance both parties attach to Texas and the Senate seat.&nbsp;Paxton has to bring together competing elements of the Republican Party, including establishment conservatives, Trump-aligned voters and Republicans concerned about party unity.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, the task for Talarico is to translate Democratic gains among suburban and independent voters into a statewide coalition.&nbsp;Republicans hold most statewide offices and maintain substantial advantages in many parts of the state while Democrats see opportunities created by demographic and political changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;A strong Republican showing in the midterms could reinforce the party’s hold on Texas, while a competitive Democratic performance would intensify debate over the state’s changing political landscape.&nbsp;Early voting begins October 19, while November 3 is the election day.&nbsp;The Paxton-Talarico contest will be closely watched and test the strength of Texas Republicans, while it will also reveal how a party divided by its primary can reunite when faced with a serious general-election challenge.

The campaign has become a major financial contest as Republican-aligned groups have poured tens of millions of dollars into advertising supporting Paxton, while Democratic organisations have invested heavily in Talarico. The huge spending reflects the importance both parties attach to Texas.

Texas Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections are staring at an unusual political challenge—a highly competitive Senate race that has drawn national attention and overcoming the internal divisions within a party that has dominated statewide politics for decades. Republican Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general and a prominent figure in the party’s conservative wing, is challenging Democrat James Talarico, a state representative who has emerged as one of the party’s most visible candidates in Texas. Recent polls put Talarico narrowly ahead or the race effectively tied, an unusual development in a state where Republicans have won every statewide election for more than three decades. Paxton’s nomination came following a bruising Republican primary in which he defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn. The contest exposed deep divisions between Republicans who rallied around Paxton and those who viewed him as a polarising figure. National Republican leaders subsequently supported his general-election campaign. Talarico has been trying to make those divisions part of his campaign. He emphasised economic issues and his personal background while seeking support from independents and Republicans dissatisfied with Paxton instead of just relying exclusively on the Democratic base. Some Republican voters are reluctant to support Paxton, while others intend to vote for him because of his conservative positions and alignment with President Donald Trump. The campaign has also become a major financial contest as Republican-aligned groups have poured tens of millions of dollars into advertising supporting Paxton, while Democratic organisations have invested heavily in Talarico. The huge spending reflects the importance both parties attach to Texas and the Senate seat. Paxton has to bring together competing elements of the Republican Party, including establishment conservatives, Trump-aligned voters and Republicans concerned about party unity. On the other hand, the task for Talarico is to translate Democratic gains among suburban and independent voters into a statewide coalition. Republicans hold most statewide offices and maintain substantial advantages in many parts of the state while Democrats see opportunities created by demographic and political changes. A strong Republican showing in the midterms could reinforce the party’s hold on Texas, while a competitive Democratic performance would intensify debate over the state’s changing political landscape. Early voting begins October 19, while November 3 is the election day. The Paxton-Talarico contest will be closely watched and test the strength of Texas Republicans, while it will also reveal how a party divided by its primary can reunite when faced with a serious general-election challenge.

The campaign has become a major financial contest as Republican-aligned groups have poured tens of millions of dollars into advertising supporting Paxton, while Democratic organisations have invested heavily in Talarico. The huge spending reflects the importance both parties attach to Texas.

US Midterms 2026: Texas Republicans face a test of unity as Paxton takes on Talarico

Imagine if a person's loved ones are forcefully picked up by security agencies and kept in arbitrary detention for years without any disclosure of their whereabouts.&nbsp;Well, this is a stark reality for thousands of families in Balochistan.&nbsp;Under Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir's watch, enforced disappearances have skyrocketed. In the garb of counter-terrorism, Pakistani forces have used enforced disappearances as a tool to silence the voices of political opponents, human rights activists, students, women and children.&nbsp;For instance, human rights activist Mahrang Baloch, who led multiple protests against enforced disappearances in Balochistan, was arrested in March last year. Subsequently, she was sentenced to life imprisonment over the murder of a paramilitary personnel.&nbsp;According to a latest report published by an NGO named Asian Centre for Human Rights, over 1,400 cases of enforced disappearances were reported in Balochistan last year.&nbsp;This was a staggering rise of 308% as compared to five years ago.&nbsp;In the first seven months of 2026 alone, it flagged 793 enforced disappearances, which amounts to nearly four cases per day.&nbsp;Now, the Pakistani government itself acknowledged the gravity of the issue by forming a Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in March 2011.&nbsp;Until 2026, it received close to 11,000 cases, the maximum of which were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by Balochistan.&nbsp;However, it is important to remember that the official figures may not reflect the full scale of the problem, as many cases remain unreported or unregistered.&nbsp;While Pakistan has claimed that over 7,000 persons have been traced, over 1,000 of them are detained in illegal internment centres, whereas 740 others are in jail.&nbsp;Around 1,400 individuals are yet to be traced.&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;309 people were found dead.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-talks-to-end-war-still-on-qatar-says-despite-differences-over-hormuz-1791307873592">US-Iran talks to end war still on, Qatar says, despite differences over Hormuz</a>&nbsp;What is glaring, though, is the sheer lack of accountability.&nbsp;According to the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances, no perpetrator has been held accountable in any case so far.&nbsp;Now, the consequences for the families of the disappeared are severe.&nbsp;They are often socially ostracised, emotionally drained and financially vulnerable, with no closure, and continue to be harassed by the authorities for demanding justice.&nbsp;Last month, UN experts expressed concern over the enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing of Balochistan-based student Imran Ali.&nbsp;They said, and I am quoting them:&nbsp;"Any deprivation of liberty followed by the authorities’ refusal to acknowledge the detention or by the concealment of the fate or whereabouts of that person is an enforced disappearance."&nbsp;Thereafter, they urged Pakistan to conduct an impartial probe into his death.&nbsp;In the wake of a spike in Balochistan's enforced disappearances, the Asian Centre for Human Rights called upon the US to sanction Pakistani entities and personnel involved in this major human rights violation.&nbsp;Now, Pakistan's crackdown on civilians has also led to fierce retaliation from rebel groups such as the BLA.&nbsp;In 2026 so far, 572 incidents of killing have taken place in Balochistan, in which 705 Pakistani security personnel have been killed.

Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have surged in recent years, prompting fresh concerns over human rights violations, lack of accountability and calls for US sanctions against Pakistani entities and personnel.

Imagine if a person's loved ones are forcefully picked up by security agencies and kept in arbitrary detention for years without any disclosure of their whereabouts. Well, this is a stark reality for thousands of families in Balochistan. Under Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir's watch, enforced disappearances have skyrocketed. In the garb of counter-terrorism, Pakistani forces have used enforced disappearances as a tool to silence the voices of political opponents, human rights activists, students, women and children. For instance, human rights activist Mahrang Baloch, who led multiple protests against enforced disappearances in Balochistan, was arrested in March last year. Subsequently, she was sentenced to life imprisonment over the murder of a paramilitary personnel. According to a latest report published by an NGO named Asian Centre for Human Rights, over 1,400 cases of enforced disappearances were reported in Balochistan last year. This was a staggering rise of 308% as compared to five years ago. In the first seven months of 2026 alone, it flagged 793 enforced disappearances, which amounts to nearly four cases per day. Now, the Pakistani government itself acknowledged the gravity of the issue by forming a Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in March 2011. Until 2026, it received close to 11,000 cases, the maximum of which were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by Balochistan. However, it is important to remember that the official figures may not reflect the full scale of the problem, as many cases remain unreported or unregistered. While Pakistan has claimed that over 7,000 persons have been traced, over 1,000 of them are detained in illegal internment centres, whereas 740 others are in jail. Around 1,400 individuals are yet to be traced. This is not all. 309 people were found dead. Also Read: US-Iran talks to end war still on, Qatar says, despite differences over Hormuz What is glaring, though, is the sheer lack of accountability. According to the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances, no perpetrator has been held accountable in any case so far. Now, the consequences for the families of the disappeared are severe. They are often socially ostracised, emotionally drained and financially vulnerable, with no closure, and continue to be harassed by the authorities for demanding justice. Last month, UN experts expressed concern over the enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing of Balochistan-based student Imran Ali. They said, and I am quoting them: "Any deprivation of liberty followed by the authorities’ refusal to acknowledge the detention or by the concealment of the fate or whereabouts of that person is an enforced disappearance." Thereafter, they urged Pakistan to conduct an impartial probe into his death. In the wake of a spike in Balochistan's enforced disappearances, the Asian Centre for Human Rights called upon the US to sanction Pakistani entities and personnel involved in this major human rights violation. Now, Pakistan's crackdown on civilians has also led to fierce retaliation from rebel groups such as the BLA. In 2026 so far, 572 incidents of killing have taken place in Balochistan, in which 705 Pakistani security personnel have been killed.

Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have surged in recent years, prompting fresh concerns over human rights violations, lack of accountability and calls for US sanctions against Pakistani entities and personnel.

Balochistan disappearances surge 308%: U.S. urged to sanction Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has renewed his offer to hold talks with jailed former premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but has made it clear that negotiations can begin only after the opposition calls off its long march towards Islamabad.&nbsp;The offer comes amid a fresh escalation in political tensions, with thousands of PTI supporters continuing their march through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government has warned that prolonged protests and sit-ins could further affect Pakistan’s already fragile economic recovery.&nbsp;Addressing the PTI leadership on Tuesday, Sharif urged the opposition to end its protest before returning to the negotiating table.&nbsp;“I still ask them to come to their senses. End your long marches and sit-ins. Once you end them, we will certainly sit down with you and talk,” he said.&nbsp;The latest appeal followed several rounds of talks between the government and the opposition that failed to resolve their differences. Discussions held in the chambers of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq recently ended without an agreement. Sharif has accused the PTI of altering issues that had already been discussed and negotiating in bad faith.<h3>PTI dismisses offer as ‘merely symbolic’</h3>PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan rejected the government’s latest offer, saying it remained “merely symbolic” and that no concrete step had been taken apart from extending an invitation for talks, local media reported.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, Gohar also raised the issue of access to Imran Khan, saying PTI leaders had not been permitted to meet the party founder for a year. He said their last meeting with Khan took place in October last year.&nbsp;Gohar’s remarks came only hours after Sharif again called on the PTI to abandon its march and sit-in before negotiations could resume.&nbsp;Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Sharif said the politics of long marches and sit-ins could have an adverse impact on Pakistan’s economy.&nbsp;“I urge you to come to your senses, end the long march and sit-in, and then we will sit with you,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/earthquake-tremors-felt-across-delhi-ncr-after-4-9-magnitude-quake-hits-uttarakhand-1791306947777">Earthquake tremors felt across Delhi-NCR after 4.9-magnitude quake hits Uttarakhand</a><h3>PTI march moves through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa</h3>The latest standoff began on Sunday when PTI supporters set out on a long march demanding Imran Khan’s release. The protest had initially been planned for September 27 but was later postponed as authorities prepared for a possible mobilisation in Islamabad.&nbsp;Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday called on PTI workers to join the march as the convoy reached Kohat.&nbsp;The continuing march has added to the political confrontation between the PTI and the government, with Sharif insisting that the opposition must first end its street agitation before the two sides can return to formal negotiations.

Shehbaz Sharif has renewed his offer for talks with Imran Khan’s PTI on the condition that it end its Islamabad-bound march, but the opposition has dismissed the offer as “merely symbolic”.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has renewed his offer to hold talks with jailed former premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but has made it clear that negotiations can begin only after the opposition calls off its long march towards Islamabad. The offer comes amid a fresh escalation in political tensions, with thousands of PTI supporters continuing their march through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government has warned that prolonged protests and sit-ins could further affect Pakistan’s already fragile economic recovery. Addressing the PTI leadership on Tuesday, Sharif urged the opposition to end its protest before returning to the negotiating table. “I still ask them to come to their senses. End your long marches and sit-ins. Once you end them, we will certainly sit down with you and talk,” he said. The latest appeal followed several rounds of talks between the government and the opposition that failed to resolve their differences. Discussions held in the chambers of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq recently ended without an agreement. Sharif has accused the PTI of altering issues that had already been discussed and negotiating in bad faith. PTI dismisses offer as ‘merely symbolic’ PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan rejected the government’s latest offer, saying it remained “merely symbolic” and that no concrete step had been taken apart from extending an invitation for talks, local media reported. Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, Gohar also raised the issue of access to Imran Khan, saying PTI leaders had not been permitted to meet the party founder for a year. He said their last meeting with Khan took place in October last year. Gohar’s remarks came only hours after Sharif again called on the PTI to abandon its march and sit-in before negotiations could resume. Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Sharif said the politics of long marches and sit-ins could have an adverse impact on Pakistan’s economy. “I urge you to come to your senses, end the long march and sit-in, and then we will sit with you,” he said. Also Read: Earthquake tremors felt across Delhi-NCR after 4.9-magnitude quake hits Uttarakhand PTI march moves through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The latest standoff began on Sunday when PTI supporters set out on a long march demanding Imran Khan’s release. The protest had initially been planned for September 27 but was later postponed as authorities prepared for a possible mobilisation in Islamabad. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday called on PTI workers to join the march as the convoy reached Kohat. The continuing march has added to the political confrontation between the PTI and the government, with Sharif insisting that the opposition must first end its street agitation before the two sides can return to formal negotiations.

Shehbaz Sharif has renewed his offer for talks with Imran Khan’s PTI on the condition that it ends its Islamabad-bound march, but the opposition has dismissed the offer as “merely symbolic”.

Pakistan PM offers talks to Imran Khan supporters marching towards Islamabad; PTI calls it ‘symbolic’

Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting that Iran could ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego have triggered a sharp political backlash in California, with state leaders condemning the comments and the White House strongly defending the president’s meaning. California Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump’s comments ‘deranged and dangerous’, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said they amounted to threats and could ‘encourage attacks on American lives’.&nbsp;The White House, however, rejected that interpretation. Officials said Trump was referring to the potential threat American cities would have faced from Iran if the US had not taken military action against Tehran earlier this year.Both Los Angeles and San Diego are home to significant US military facilities, including major naval and air-force installations. Speaking at a campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday while discussing the Iran conflict, Trump said, “It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe. They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego.”&nbsp;Some members of the crowd cheered after Trump mentioned the two California cities. The following morning, Newsom said the comments had prompted him to instruct California’s State Threat Assessment Center to monitor the situation. He described the remarks as ‘dangerous, if not treasonous’ and said officials needed to watch for any possibility that foreign actors could interpret them as an invitation to target California.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/penpa-tsering-says-us-support-for-tibet-remains-strong-despite-dalai-lama-ladakh-meeting-snub-1791311356739">Penpa Tsering says US support for Tibet remains strong despite Dalai Lama-Ladakh meeting not happening</a>&nbsp;The State Threat Assessment Center is responsible for identifying and helping prevent potential security threats across the state. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also pushed back against Trump’s remarks, saying the city was not collateral damage and urging the president to keep San Diego out of his ‘reckless war talk’. Trump has not publicly responded to the criticism from California’s political leaders.&nbsp;The White House, meanwhile, maintained that the president’s comments had been misunderstood. White House Communications Director Stephen Cheung dismissed what he called the ‘media freakout’ and said the reaction was ‘not rooted in reality’. “He was clearly stating US cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn't been stopped,” Cheung wrote. “America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money”. The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that military action against Iran’s nuclear programme was necessary to protect US national security. Officials have also maintained that the consequences of the conflict were justified by the broader security threat.&nbsp;The White House rapid response account separately attacked coverage of Trump’s remarks by the Los Angeles Times, referring to its journalists as ‘buffoons’. The account again argued that Trump had been describing what Iran could have done if it had developed a nuclear weapon. “He was saying the US is fighting to STOP Iran from having the ability to take out LA and San Diego with a nuclear weapon, which they would if they had the chance,” the account added.<h2>Why San Diego was mentioned</h2>San Diego sits around 17 miles (27km) from the US-Mexico border and is the country’s eighth-largest city. It is home to Naval Base San Diego, the Pacific Fleet’s principal home port, as well as Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, a major West Coast training centre for Navy SEALs. The region also includes Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where approximately 70,000 military personnel, civilians and others work. Los Angeles, roughly 120 miles (193km) north of San Diego, is the second-largest city in the United States. The city and surrounding region have major links to the US military and aerospace sectors, including the Space Systems Command headquarters and Los Angeles Air Force Base.<h2>Trump-Newsom tensions</h2>Trump’s latest clash with Newsom is part of a long-running political confrontation between the president and California governor, who has been discussed as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028. Trump previously accused Newsom of incompetence over his response to violent incidents during protests against immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Newsom, in turn, accused Trump of a ‘brazen abuse of power’ after military personnel were deployed to protect federal buildings during the unrest. Earlier this year, Trump also mocked Newsom’s dyslexia, saying presidents should not have learning disabilities. The remarks drew criticism from dyslexia advocacy organisations.

Donald Trump’s Iran remarks about Los Angeles and San Diego trigger backlash from Gavin Newsom and California leaders as the White House defends his comments

Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting that Iran could ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego have triggered a sharp political backlash in California, with state leaders condemning the comments and the White House strongly defending the president’s meaning. California Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump’s comments ‘deranged and dangerous’, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said they amounted to threats and could ‘encourage attacks on American lives’. The White House, however, rejected that interpretation. Officials said Trump was referring to the potential threat American cities would have faced from Iran if the US had not taken military action against Tehran earlier this year. Both Los Angeles and San Diego are home to significant US military facilities, including major naval and air-force installations. Speaking at a campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday while discussing the Iran conflict, Trump said, “It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe. They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego.” Some members of the crowd cheered after Trump mentioned the two California cities. The following morning, Newsom said the comments had prompted him to instruct California’s State Threat Assessment Center to monitor the situation. He described the remarks as ‘dangerous, if not treasonous’ and said officials needed to watch for any possibility that foreign actors could interpret them as an invitation to target California. Also Read: Penpa Tsering says US support for Tibet remains strong despite Dalai Lama-Ladakh meeting not happening The State Threat Assessment Center is responsible for identifying and helping prevent potential security threats across the state. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also pushed back against Trump’s remarks, saying the city was not collateral damage and urging the president to keep San Diego out of his ‘reckless war talk’. Trump has not publicly responded to the criticism from California’s political leaders. The White House, meanwhile, maintained that the president’s comments had been misunderstood. White House Communications Director Stephen Cheung dismissed what he called the ‘media freakout’ and said the reaction was ‘not rooted in reality’. “He was clearly stating US cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn't been stopped,” Cheung wrote. “America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money”. The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that military action against Iran’s nuclear programme was necessary to protect US national security. Officials have also maintained that the consequences of the conflict were justified by the broader security threat. The White House rapid response account separately attacked coverage of Trump’s remarks by the Los Angeles Times, referring to its journalists as ‘buffoons’. The account again argued that Trump had been describing what Iran could have done if it had developed a nuclear weapon. “He was saying the US is fighting to STOP Iran from having the ability to take out LA and San Diego with a nuclear weapon, which they would if they had the chance,” the account added. Why San Diego was mentioned San Diego sits around 17 miles (27km) from the US-Mexico border and is the country’s eighth-largest city. It is home to Naval Base San Diego, the Pacific Fleet’s principal home port, as well as Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, a major West Coast training centre for Navy SEALs. The region also includes Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where approximately 70,000 military personnel, civilians and others work. Los Angeles, roughly 120 miles (193km) north of San Diego, is the second-largest city in the United States. The city and surrounding region have major links to the US military and aerospace sectors, including the Space Systems Command headquarters and Los Angeles Air Force Base. Trump-Newsom tensions Trump’s latest clash with Newsom is part of a long-running political confrontation between the president and California governor, who has been discussed as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028. Trump previously accused Newsom of incompetence over his response to violent incidents during protests against immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Newsom, in turn, accused Trump of a ‘brazen abuse of power’ after military personnel were deployed to protect federal buildings during the unrest. Earlier this year, Trump also mocked Newsom’s dyslexia, saying presidents should not have learning disabilities. The remarks drew criticism from dyslexia advocacy organisations.

Donald Trump's remarks about Iran targeting Los Angeles and San Diego spark backlash from Newsom and California leaders as the White House defends him

White House responds after Trump's ‘take out’ LA, San Diego Iran remarks spark backlash

Penpa Tsering, the elected political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, has said Washington’s support for Tibet remains intact, even as a speculated meeting between the US ambassador to India and the Dalai Lama in Ladakh did not take place. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi before travelling to Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Germany for the Forum 2000 conference, Tsering said Ambassador Sergio Gor had already met the Dalai Lama in the Indian capital in June. There had been talk of a further meeting while the 91-year-old spiritual leader was in Ladakh, he said, but it did not happen.&nbsp;“It didn’t happen. There would be many reasons,” he said. “We don’t know the real reason...You know how diplomacy and politics work. We are also watching the situation but we do have very good support from the state department.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he said, had championed Tibetan issues as a senator and had issued supportive statements since taking office. Trump had also named a special coordinator for Tibetan issues at the start of the second year of his second term, earlier, he noted, than in the first term, when the appointment came in the fourth year.&nbsp;Aid cuts had affected Tibetan programmes, he acknowledged, but we also managed to retrieve some of it back through congressional appropriations. A bipartisan House delegation led by Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast met the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala on 29 and 30 September. “We keep engaging with each other,” Tsering said. At the recent summit between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, he said analysts had watched the agenda closely, but the outcome was more optics than concrete results, apart from a temporary extension of a tariff truce. “We haven’t seen that much dramatic change on Tibet,” he said, though some decisions had been delayed. Tibet policy, he added, would have to be judged over a longer period.&nbsp;US presidents have not met the Dalai Lama for years. Tsering said the Tibetan side does not request such meetings. “Everybody who wants to see His Holiness, they come to see him because of his age. He’s not able to travel as much as he used to.” On India, where the exile administration has been based since 1959, he was more emphatic. “We don’t have to shout out loud. As we exist here because of the government and the sympathy of the people of India, we won’t exist here,” he said. Tibetan script and Buddhist tradition, he argued, trace to India, and we always think that India will be on the right side of history.&nbsp;On the Dalai Lama’s succession, Tsering said China had been preparing for more than 20 years, citing regulations adopted in 2007 that give the state a role in recognising reincarnate lamas. Beijing, he said, was less concerned with the present Dalai Lama than with controlling the next one.

Penpa Tsering says US support for Tibet remains intact as he discusses Sergio Gor, the Dalai Lama, China’s Tibet policy and succession

Penpa Tsering, the elected political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, has said Washington’s support for Tibet remains intact, even as a speculated meeting between the US ambassador to India and the Dalai Lama in Ladakh did not take place. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi before travelling to Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Germany for the Forum 2000 conference, Tsering said Ambassador Sergio Gor had already met the Dalai Lama in the Indian capital in June. There had been talk of a further meeting while the 91-year-old spiritual leader was in Ladakh, he said, but it did not happen. “It didn’t happen. There would be many reasons,” he said. “We don’t know the real reason...You know how diplomacy and politics work. We are also watching the situation but we do have very good support from the state department.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he said, had championed Tibetan issues as a senator and had issued supportive statements since taking office. Trump had also named a special coordinator for Tibetan issues at the start of the second year of his second term, earlier, he noted, than in the first term, when the appointment came in the fourth year. Aid cuts had affected Tibetan programmes, he acknowledged, but we also managed to retrieve some of it back through congressional appropriations. A bipartisan House delegation led by Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast met the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala on 29 and 30 September. “We keep engaging with each other,” Tsering said. At the recent summit between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, he said analysts had watched the agenda closely, but the outcome was more optics than concrete results, apart from a temporary extension of a tariff truce. “We haven’t seen that much dramatic change on Tibet,” he said, though some decisions had been delayed. Tibet policy, he added, would have to be judged over a longer period. US presidents have not met the Dalai Lama for years. Tsering said the Tibetan side does not request such meetings. “Everybody who wants to see His Holiness, they come to see him because of his age. He’s not able to travel as much as he used to.” On India, where the exile administration has been based since 1959, he was more emphatic. “We don’t have to shout out loud. As we exist here because of the government and the sympathy of the people of India, we won’t exist here,” he said. Tibetan script and Buddhist tradition, he argued, trace to India, and we always think that India will be on the right side of history. On the Dalai Lama’s succession, Tsering said China had been preparing for more than 20 years, citing regulations adopted in 2007 that give the state a role in recognising reincarnate lamas. Beijing, he said, was less concerned with the present Dalai Lama than with controlling the next one.

Penpa Tsering says US support for Tibet remains strong, despite no Ladakh meeting between Ambassador Sergio Gor and the Dalai Lama

Penpa Tsering says US support for Tibet remains strong despite Dalai Lama-Ladakh meeting not happening

In the latest news coming in, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage.As the multi-nation probe into the Flydubai hijacking attempt intensifies, Israel's handling of the situation is now under the lens. It has now emerged that Israel was prepared to shoot down the Flydubai jet despite nearly 166 Israeli passengers being on board.On September 30, the flight which started from Dubai to Tel Aviv proceeded normally until it was roughly one hour away from its destination. Suddenly, the plane swiftly lost altitude, plunging nearly 14,000 feet in less than a minute.According to CBS News, the Israeli Air Force tried to contact the cockpit at this juncture, but got no answer. Thereafter, a pre-established committee was activated, and a command centre was established as part of a longstanding protocol.While Israel reportedly scrambled fighter jets and closed its airspace, the bravery of Indian pilot Smit Machchhar helped avert a certain catastrophe.Despite being brutally attacked by his co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami, he fought back and managed to unlock the cockpit door. Subsequently, a group of Israeli passengers and staff overpowered the co-pilot.Two off-duty pilots who were on the flight managed to gain control of the aircraft and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk.According to CBS News, Israel recalled its jets after the plane turned towards Saudi Arabia, which then scrambled its own jets.If the flight would have continued its designated path, Israeli fighter jets would have reportedly tried to get as close as possible to make visual contact with the pilots to assess the situation.In the scenario that the hijacking was confirmed and no demands were made, the report claimed that the prime minister as well as the defence minister would have held a joint call. At this point, the prime minister could have made the decision to shoot down the aircraft.But what would be the rationale for such a big decision? According to CBS News, shooting down the passenger jet would be preferred as hundreds more could be killed if it crashed into prominent buildings in Israel.This assumes significance as Al-Hammami reportedly told investigators that he planned to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport or a tower block in the Israeli city.However, is there a global protocol on opening fire at civilian aircraft? Article 3 bis of the 1944 Convention on Civil Aviation has the most clear take on this. It urges nations to refrain from using weapons against civilian aircraft in flight. In case of interception, it stipulates that lives of people onboard must not be endangered.At the same time, this convention does not modify the rights of countries under the UN Charter, which includes the right to self-defence. Thus, individual nations have created their own domestic protocols.According to The New York Times, after the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in September 2001, the then U.S. President George Bush ordered the downing of any more passenger jets that posed a harm to the country.Military jets even scrambled to intercept the fourth hijacked plane, but it crashed into a field before they could take any action.In wake of security failures on multiple fronts, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a comprehensive review to assess all aspects of aviation security concerning foreign civilian flights to Israel.Now, even as the probe into the attacker co-pilot's alleged radical Islamist indoctrination is underway, U.S. President Donald Trump jumped the gun yet again. He blamed Iran for the attack, even as no connection has been established yet.However, just before Trump's remarks, U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a very different take. He saw no conclusive material linking Iran to the Flydubai attack. At the same time, he revealed that the incident had prompted US to review its security procedures.Listen to his observation...According to reports, Israel is also taking part in the questioning of the attacker co-pilot.Al-Hammami reportedly told the investigators that he had planned the attack before joining Flydubai, in revenge for the war in Gaza.Authorities are also reportedly examining whether Al-Hammami acted alone, or whether he has links to any organisation.&nbsp;

Israel reportedly prepared to intercept and potentially shoot down a Flydubai jet after it plunged 14,000 feet, amid a probe into the hijacking attempt.

In the latest news coming in, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage. As the multi-nation probe into the Flydubai hijacking attempt intensifies, Israel's handling of the situation is now under the lens. It has now emerged that Israel was prepared to shoot down the Flydubai jet despite nearly 166 Israeli passengers being on board. On September 30, the flight which started from Dubai to Tel Aviv proceeded normally until it was roughly one hour away from its destination. Suddenly, the plane swiftly lost altitude, plunging nearly 14,000 feet in less than a minute. According to CBS News, the Israeli Air Force tried to contact the cockpit at this juncture, but got no answer. Thereafter, a pre-established committee was activated, and a command centre was established as part of a longstanding protocol. While Israel reportedly scrambled fighter jets and closed its airspace, the bravery of Indian pilot Smit Machchhar helped avert a certain catastrophe. Despite being brutally attacked by his co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami, he fought back and managed to unlock the cockpit door. Subsequently, a group of Israeli passengers and staff overpowered the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots who were on the flight managed to gain control of the aircraft and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk. According to CBS News, Israel recalled its jets after the plane turned towards Saudi Arabia, which then scrambled its own jets. If the flight would have continued its designated path, Israeli fighter jets would have reportedly tried to get as close as possible to make visual contact with the pilots to assess the situation. In the scenario that the hijacking was confirmed and no demands were made, the report claimed that the prime minister as well as the defence minister would have held a joint call. At this point, the prime minister could have made the decision to shoot down the aircraft. But what would be the rationale for such a big decision? According to CBS News, shooting down the passenger jet would be preferred as hundreds more could be killed if it crashed into prominent buildings in Israel. This assumes significance as Al-Hammami reportedly told investigators that he planned to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport or a tower block in the Israeli city. However, is there a global protocol on opening fire at civilian aircraft? Article 3 bis of the 1944 Convention on Civil Aviation has the most clear take on this. It urges nations to refrain from using weapons against civilian aircraft in flight. In case of interception, it stipulates that lives of people onboard must not be endangered. At the same time, this convention does not modify the rights of countries under the UN Charter, which includes the right to self-defence. Thus, individual nations have created their own domestic protocols. According to The New York Times, after the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in September 2001, the then U.S. President George Bush ordered the downing of any more passenger jets that posed a harm to the country. Military jets even scrambled to intercept the fourth hijacked plane, but it crashed into a field before they could take any action. In wake of security failures on multiple fronts, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a comprehensive review to assess all aspects of aviation security concerning foreign civilian flights to Israel. Now, even as the probe into the attacker co-pilot's alleged radical Islamist indoctrination is underway, U.S. President Donald Trump jumped the gun yet again. He blamed Iran for the attack, even as no connection has been established yet. However, just before Trump's remarks, U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a very different take. He saw no conclusive material linking Iran to the Flydubai attack. At the same time, he revealed that the incident had prompted US to review its security procedures. Listen to his observation... According to reports, Israel is also taking part in the questioning of the attacker co-pilot. Al-Hammami reportedly told the investigators that he had planned the attack before joining Flydubai, in revenge for the war in Gaza. Authorities are also reportedly examining whether Al-Hammami acted alone, or whether he has links to any organisation.

Israel reportedly prepared to intercept and potentially shoot down a Flydubai jet after it plunged 14,000 feet, amid a probe into the hijacking attempt.

Israel nearly shot down Flydubai jet with 166 Israeli passengers aboard | GRAVITAS

Qatar said on Tuesday that indirect talks between the United States and Iran were still underway, despite growing differences between Washington and Tehran over how to end the seven-month-old Middle East war.&nbsp;Qatari Foreign Ministry official Ibrahim Al-Hashmi said messages were continuing to pass between the two sides through Qatar and its regional partners. He said the talks were taking into account the concerns of all parties involved.&nbsp;"I can confirm that the talks are continuing and the exchange of messages between different parties is continuing via Qatar and its regional partners," Al-Hashmi said.&nbsp;He added that the scale of the conflict and its impact on the world made it necessary to find a negotiated solution and bring the fighting to an end.<h3>Hormuz remains a key sticking point</h3>The latest diplomatic efforts come despite a series of attempts to ease tensions. The United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in April, followed by a memorandum of understanding in June. The two sides also held talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last month.&nbsp;However, they remain divided over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key issue in the ongoing negotiations.&nbsp;Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that talks with Washington were "meaningless" and had only been followed by renewed attacks, according to Iranian state media.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/earthquake-tremors-felt-across-delhi-ncr-after-4-9-magnitude-quake-hits-uttarakhand-1791306947777">Earthquake tremors felt across Delhi-NCR after 4.9-magnitude quake hits Uttarakhand</a><h3>Iran’s interior minister visits Doha</h3>Against this backdrop, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni travelled to Doha on Monday, October 5, for talks with senior Qatari officials on regional security and tensions.&nbsp;Momeni met Qatar's Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani.&nbsp;The discussions covered security cooperation, organised crime, coast guard coordination, drug-related crimes and other security issues. Momeni said expert-level meetings between the two countries would continue after his visit.&nbsp;According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, the officials also discussed developments in the region and ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and strengthen regional and international stability.&nbsp;Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also met Momeni in Doha on Tuesday, according to a statement from the royal palace.&nbsp;Qatar's Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who also commands the country's Internal Security Force, and Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi attended the meeting.

Qatar says indirect US-Iran talks are continuing despite differences over the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran’s interior minister holds security discussions with senior Qatari officials in Doha.

Qatar said on Tuesday that indirect talks between the United States and Iran were still underway, despite growing differences between Washington and Tehran over how to end the seven-month-old Middle East war. Qatari Foreign Ministry official Ibrahim Al-Hashmi said messages were continuing to pass between the two sides through Qatar and its regional partners. He said the talks were taking into account the concerns of all parties involved. "I can confirm that the talks are continuing and the exchange of messages between different parties is continuing via Qatar and its regional partners," Al-Hashmi said. He added that the scale of the conflict and its impact on the world made it necessary to find a negotiated solution and bring the fighting to an end. Hormuz remains a key sticking point The latest diplomatic efforts come despite a series of attempts to ease tensions. The United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in April, followed by a memorandum of understanding in June. The two sides also held talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last month. However, they remain divided over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key issue in the ongoing negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that talks with Washington were "meaningless" and had only been followed by renewed attacks, according to Iranian state media. Also Read: Earthquake tremors felt across Delhi-NCR after 4.9-magnitude quake hits Uttarakhand Iran’s interior minister visits Doha Against this backdrop, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni travelled to Doha on Monday, October 5, for talks with senior Qatari officials on regional security and tensions. Momeni met Qatar's Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani. The discussions covered security cooperation, organised crime, coast guard coordination, drug-related crimes and other security issues. Momeni said expert-level meetings between the two countries would continue after his visit. According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, the officials also discussed developments in the region and ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and strengthen regional and international stability. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also met Momeni in Doha on Tuesday, according to a statement from the royal palace. Qatar's Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who also commands the country's Internal Security Force, and Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi attended the meeting.

Qatar says indirect US-Iran talks are continuing despite differences over the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran’s interior minister holds security discussions with senior Qatari officials in Doha.

US-Iran talks to end war still on, Qatar says, despite differences over Hormuz

Israel’s ambassador to India has hit out at some West Asian and Western media outlets for mischaracterising the Flydubai flight terror incident as an “altercation” between pilots, saying the incident was a reminder that “suicidal hatred” against his country can take many forms. Reuven Azar made the remarks while commemorating three years since the 7 October 2023 terror attack by Hamas, which he described as “the most atrocious terrorist attack against our nation since the establishment of the State of Israel”. “Last week we shared the frustration of seeing again disinformation campaigns and attempts of some West Asian and Western Media outlets to categorise the flydubai terrorist attack as an ‘altercation’,” he said. “These are the same outlets which are hasty to blame us for every accusation made by dubious elements until proven wrong, and many times even after being proven wrong.” The flight, FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Saudi Arabia on 30 September after the aircraft plunged thousands of feet. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani citizen, attacked the Indian captain with an emergency axe and tried to seize the controls. The United Arab Emirates’ attorney general has said the co-pilot attempted a “terrorist act”.&nbsp; Azar credited the outcome to the Indian captain and passengers on board. “Only last week we witnessed a stark reminder that suicidal hatred against our state can come in many ways, and thanks to a brave Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar and brave Israeli passengers, we averted a 9/11 style mega terrorist attack,” he said. Captain Machchhar, who was seriously injured, has said he opened the cockpit door while the aircraft was descending so that others could enter. Israeli passengers subdued the attacker; two people with flying experience helped stabilise the Boeing 737, which landed safely. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the captain a “true hero” and said the intervention prevented “a 9/11 disaster”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-its-weapons-production-is-up-by-250-defence-cooperation-with-russia-and-china-reinforced-1791303071777">Iran claims its weapons production is up by 250%; defence cooperation with Russia and China reinforced</a>&nbsp;India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also praised him. About 170 to 180 people were on board. Azar linked the incident to a wider argument about how the 7 October attacks are remembered.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Unfortunately, the attempts to vilify Israel have been successful in many places around the world,” he said. “We are outnumbered in many circles by those who are succeeding in reversing reality and in erasing the undeniable reality of October 7th while ironically turning it into an indictment against Israel.” He said Israel “was caught by surprise” on 7 October 2023. “It was one of the greatest intelligence and operational failures in our history,” when the terror attack “was launched by Hamas terrorists and their accomplices”. Drawing a parallel with India, he said: “We know that here in India the vast majority of people understand exactly how we feel, because India has suffered dearly from decades of terrorist attacks. The Pahalgam massacre drove inspiration from October 7th.” He stressed co-operation. “However, our friends here in India know the truth. And we will continue to work together hand in hand, Israelis and Indians, to defeat terrorism while cherishing our heritage, our democratic values”. Ambassadors of Argentina, Colombia, Sri Lanka and diplomats from some Western countries were present on the occasion.

Israel’s ambassador to India Reuven Azar criticised media reports describing the Flydubai cockpit attack as an “altercation”, while praising Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Israeli passengers for helping prevent what he called a potential mass-casualty terrorist attack.

Israel’s ambassador to India has hit out at some West Asian and Western media outlets for mischaracterising the Flydubai flight terror incident as an “altercation” between pilots, saying the incident was a reminder that “suicidal hatred” against his country can take many forms. Reuven Azar made the remarks while commemorating three years since the 7 October 2023 terror attack by Hamas, which he described as “the most atrocious terrorist attack against our nation since the establishment of the State of Israel”. “Last week we shared the frustration of seeing again disinformation campaigns and attempts of some West Asian and Western Media outlets to categorise the flydubai terrorist attack as an ‘altercation’,” he said. “These are the same outlets which are hasty to blame us for every accusation made by dubious elements until proven wrong, and many times even after being proven wrong.” The flight, FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Saudi Arabia on 30 September after the aircraft plunged thousands of feet. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani citizen, attacked the Indian captain with an emergency axe and tried to seize the controls. The United Arab Emirates’ attorney general has said the co-pilot attempted a “terrorist act”. Azar credited the outcome to the Indian captain and passengers on board. “Only last week we witnessed a stark reminder that suicidal hatred against our state can come in many ways, and thanks to a brave Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar and brave Israeli passengers, we averted a 9/11 style mega terrorist attack,” he said. Captain Machchhar, who was seriously injured, has said he opened the cockpit door while the aircraft was descending so that others could enter. Israeli passengers subdued the attacker; two people with flying experience helped stabilise the Boeing 737, which landed safely. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the captain a “true hero” and said the intervention prevented “a 9/11 disaster”. Also Read: Iran claims its weapons production is up by 250%; defence cooperation with Russia and China reinforced India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also praised him. About 170 to 180 people were on board. Azar linked the incident to a wider argument about how the 7 October attacks are remembered. “Unfortunately, the attempts to vilify Israel have been successful in many places around the world,” he said. “We are outnumbered in many circles by those who are succeeding in reversing reality and in erasing the undeniable reality of October 7th while ironically turning it into an indictment against Israel.” He said Israel “was caught by surprise” on 7 October 2023. “It was one of the greatest intelligence and operational failures in our history,” when the terror attack “was launched by Hamas terrorists and their accomplices”. Drawing a parallel with India, he said: “We know that here in India the vast majority of people understand exactly how we feel, because India has suffered dearly from decades of terrorist attacks. The Pahalgam massacre drove inspiration from October 7th.” He stressed co-operation. “However, our friends here in India know the truth. And we will continue to work together hand in hand, Israelis and Indians, to defeat terrorism while cherishing our heritage, our democratic values”. Ambassadors of Argentina, Colombia, Sri Lanka and diplomats from some Western countries were present on the occasion.

Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, criticised media reports describing the Flydubai cockpit attack as an “altercation”, while praising Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Israeli passengers for helping prevent what he called a potential mass-casualty terrorist attack.

Capt Smit Machchhar helped 'stop mega terror attack', Israel envoy Azar says

Iran’s weapons and defence equipment production capacity has increased by 250% compared to before the US and Israel launched war on the country more than seven months ago, the Islamic Republic’s defence ministry claimed on Tuesday. It further claimed that the production of some weapons has even risen by more than three times.&nbsp;Iranian Defence Ministry spokesman Brig. Ge. Reza Talaei-Nik said, “The country’s capacity to produce weapons and defence equipment compared with before the Ramadan War has increased 2.5 times, and in some weapons, the level of production has increased by more than three times.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-prize-in-physics-awarded-to-francis-halzen-for-ice-cube-neutrino-discovery-1791280882679">Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 awarded to Francis Halzen for ice neutrino discovery</a>&nbsp;“In some weapons, production has increased by more than three times in secure facilities and with the participation of the private sector,” Talaei-Nik said. He said the ministry was also upgrading weapons and increasing production to reflect a shift toward a more offensive military doctrine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iran’s Ministry of Defense spokesperson:
Iran’s capacity to produce weapons and defense equipment has increased 2.5 times compared with before the Ramadan war. Production of some weapons has risen by more than three times.&mdash; IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) <a href="https://x.com/iribnews_irib/status/2107433200196968740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that the increase had taken place over more than seven months of war and involved greater use of private-sector and technology companies in the defence industry. Three months ago, the ministry had put the increase at about twofold, he said.&nbsp;The spokesman also warned that any renewed attack on Iran by the US would see Iran’s foes “face heavier defeats”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-move-to-honour-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-with-a-resolution-1791299684835">US lawmakers move to honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with a resolution</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration has repeatedly insisted that most of Iran’s military and defence production capacities have been destroyed during the war.Iran’s defence cooperation with Russia and China has neither been halted nor diminished, but, in fact, it has been reinforced and remains ongoing in certain areas, he added.&nbsp;“Iran’s defence cooperation with Russia and China has not stopped or decreased, and in some areas, it has also been strengthened and continues,” he said.

The increase in weapons and defence equipment production had taken place over more than seven months of war and involved greater use of private-sector and technology companies in the defence industry, said Iranian Defence Ministry spokesman Brig. Ge. Reza Talaei-Nik.

Iran’s weapons and defence equipment production capacity has increased by 250% compared to before the US and Israel launched war on the country more than seven months ago, the Islamic Republic’s defence ministry claimed on Tuesday. It further claimed that the production of some weapons has even risen by more than three times. Iranian Defence Ministry spokesman Brig. Ge. Reza Talaei-Nik said, “The country’s capacity to produce weapons and defence equipment compared with before the Ramadan War has increased 2.5 times, and in some weapons, the level of production has increased by more than three times.” Also Read: Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 awarded to Francis Halzen for ice neutrino discovery “In some weapons, production has increased by more than three times in secure facilities and with the participation of the private sector,” Talaei-Nik said. He said the ministry was also upgrading weapons and increasing production to reflect a shift toward a more offensive military doctrine.

The increase in weapons and defence equipment production had taken place over more than seven months of war and involved greater use of private-sector and technology companies in the defence industry, said Iranian Defence Ministry spokesman Brig. Ge. Reza Talaei-Nik.

Iran claims its weapons production is up by 250%; defence cooperation with Russia and China reinforced

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blamed the French “out-of-control migration” for the ongoing unrest within the country. He pushed the global Islamophobic conspiracy theory that the country is being absorbed by “Islam”. Trump made similar remarks at the United Nations General Assembly speech last month and blamed the global assembly for contributing to "uncontrolled migration"."What's happening in France is nothing less than out-of-control mass migration. This isn't about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!" Trump said in a post on the Truth Social platform.Trump's remarks come against the backdrop of the students' protest in France, which French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described as the ​most violent school protests in decades. Demonstrations have swept across France; at least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff have so far been injured in clashes, "the heaviest toll in decades paid by the school system". His office said more than 700 police officers were also hurt.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-german-spy-chief-august-hanning-arrested-espionage-1791288041052">Former German spy chief August Hanning arrested on espionage charges</a><h2>Far Right misinformation campaign</h2>According to France 24, several other conservative leaders have made similar remarks, including Alex Jones of the US and Tommy Robinson of the UK. US far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has shared lengthy video compilations with undated and unverified visuals claiming that France is experiencing an "anti-white civil war", with “dead bodies everywhere”, without any evidence. No deaths have been reported to date in the current protests. UK Far-right activist Tommy Robinson shared old videos claiming evidence of a “green/Islamic holy alliance”; he tactfully shared some genuine videos along with some unverified ones, claiming that what is happening in France would spread to other countries.<h2>Western structural pressure</h2>These protests began in September in the deprived suburbs of Paris over a poor education system, and soon shifted from localised school grievances to what many are calling a broader class rebellion. The French government is facing a severe debt crisis; to manage the crisis, the government is introducing billions of euros in sweeping public spending cuts and a salary freeze. Similar protests were also seen in Spain over the housing crisis, which prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call for a snap election.The whole of Western Europe is undergoing structural pressure on its budget, along with demographic decline. Now it has been pushed to the edge by the ongoing supply shock and inflation due to the US-Iran war. Many political analysts suggest that US fiscal discipline points to a similar future of civil unrest in Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump has blamed France’s ongoing school protests on mass migration and claimed, without evidence, that Islam seeks to take over the country.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blamed the French “out-of-control migration” for the ongoing unrest within the country. He pushed the global Islamophobic conspiracy theory that the country is being absorbed by “Islam”. Trump made similar remarks at the United Nations General Assembly speech last month and blamed the global assembly for contributing to "uncontrolled migration". "What's happening in France is nothing less than out-of-control mass migration. This isn't about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!" Trump said in a post on the Truth Social platform. Trump's remarks come against the backdrop of the students' protest in France, which French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described as the most violent school protests in decades. Demonstrations have swept across France; at least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff have so far been injured in clashes, "the heaviest toll in decades paid by the school system". His office said more than 700 police officers were also hurt. Also Read: Former German spy chief August Hanning arrested on espionage charges Far Right misinformation campaign According to France 24, several other conservative leaders have made similar remarks, including Alex Jones of the US and Tommy Robinson of the UK. US far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has shared lengthy video compilations with undated and unverified visuals claiming that France is experiencing an "anti-white civil war", with “dead bodies everywhere”, without any evidence. No deaths have been reported to date in the current protests. UK Far-right activist Tommy Robinson shared old videos claiming evidence of a “green/Islamic holy alliance”; he tactfully shared some genuine videos along with some unverified ones, claiming that what is happening in France would spread to other countries. Western structural pressure These protests began in September in the deprived suburbs of Paris over a poor education system, and soon shifted from localised school grievances to what many are calling a broader class rebellion. The French government is facing a severe debt crisis; to manage the crisis, the government is introducing billions of euros in sweeping public spending cuts and a salary freeze. Similar protests were also seen in Spain over the housing crisis, which prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call for a snap election. The whole of Western Europe is undergoing structural pressure on its budget, along with demographic decline. Now it has been pushed to the edge by the ongoing supply shock and inflation due to the US-Iran war. Many political analysts suggest that US fiscal discipline points to a similar future of civil unrest in Washington.

Donald Trump has blamed France’s ongoing school protests on mass migration and claimed, without evidence, that Islam seeks to take over the country.

Trump blames France unrest on ‘out-of-control migration’ and 'Islam'

New Delhi: India has condemned two attacks on commercial vessels in which Indian seafarers were among those caught in the violence, one in the Black Sea and one in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that strikes on merchant shipping are undermining global trade.&nbsp;In a statement issued in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said it condemned the attack on the MV Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea, “in which two foreign seafarers were killed and some members of the crew, including Indian nationals, were injured.” The three Indian nationals on board were safe, it said, and thanked Romanian authorities for rescuing the injured and providing medical care.&nbsp;The vessel, a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship owned by a Turkish company, was carrying corn from the Ukrainian Danube port of Izmail toward Ravenna in Italy when it was struck, caught fire and sank about 30 nautical miles south of Sfântu Gheorghe, inside Romania’s exclusive economic zone, according to Indian and Romanian reports.&nbsp;India’s embassy in Bucharest later said all three Indians were safe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the ship was hit by two Russian drones in neutral waters. New Delhi has not attributed the strike.&nbsp;The Indian foreign ministry issued a second statement on an attack on the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace, which was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. Of a crew of 19, 17 were Indian.&nbsp;Twelve seafarers were injured, including 11 Indians. With Omani assistance, the injured were evacuated and are receiving treatment in Khasab. India thanked the Omani authorities for their support.&nbsp;“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern for India,” the ministry said. “We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region.”&nbsp;It added that “the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.”&nbsp;New Delhi said it viewed attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers “with grave concern,” arguing that “the targeting of traffic in international waterways is severely undermining global commerce and welfare of people across the world.” It again called for “dialogue and diplomacy to bring an end to the ongoing conflicts.”&nbsp;On the sidelines of UNGA, Liberia formed a 25-nation “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers", aimed at protecting merchant crews against targeted attacks. Indian officials have issued several similar condemnations this year as strikes on shipping have continued in both theatres.&nbsp; &nbsp;

New Delhi said it viewed attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers with grave concern and that the targeting of traffic in international waterways is hitting global commerce and the welfare of people across the world. It again called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflicts.

New Delhi: India has condemned two attacks on commercial vessels in which Indian seafarers were among those caught in the violence, one in the Black Sea and one in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that strikes on merchant shipping are undermining global trade. In a statement issued in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said it condemned the attack on the MV Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea, “in which two foreign seafarers were killed and some members of the crew, including Indian nationals, were injured.” The three Indian nationals on board were safe, it said, and thanked Romanian authorities for rescuing the injured and providing medical care. The vessel, a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship owned by a Turkish company, was carrying corn from the Ukrainian Danube port of Izmail toward Ravenna in Italy when it was struck, caught fire and sank about 30 nautical miles south of Sfântu Gheorghe, inside Romania’s exclusive economic zone, according to Indian and Romanian reports. India’s embassy in Bucharest later said all three Indians were safe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the ship was hit by two Russian drones in neutral waters. New Delhi has not attributed the strike. The Indian foreign ministry issued a second statement on an attack on the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace, which was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. Of a crew of 19, 17 were Indian. Twelve seafarers were injured, including 11 Indians. With Omani assistance, the injured were evacuated and are receiving treatment in Khasab. India thanked the Omani authorities for their support. “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern for India,” the ministry said. “We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region.” It added that “the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.” New Delhi said it viewed attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers “with grave concern,” arguing that “the targeting of traffic in international waterways is severely undermining global commerce and welfare of people across the world.” It again called for “dialogue and diplomacy to bring an end to the ongoing conflicts.” On the sidelines of UNGA, Liberia formed a 25-nation “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers", aimed at protecting merchant crews against targeted attacks. Indian officials have issued several similar condemnations this year as strikes on shipping have continued in both theatres.

New Delhi said it viewed attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers with grave concern and that the targeting of traffic in international waterways is hitting global commerce and the welfare of people across the world. It again called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflicts.

Indian seafarers injured in Hormuz & Black Sea strikes; Delhi condemns the incidents

US Department of Justice on Monday launched its largest denaturalisation effort in modern history, against 40 individuals, including an Indian-origin man. These 40 individuals are accused of engaging in foreign government, voluntary manslaughter and aggravated sodomy. The Indian-origin man has been identified as Balwinder Singh. He is a California resident and is facing a complaint in California's Eastern District Court.&nbsp;"Today's announcement marks the largest denaturalisation effort in modern history," Attorney General Todd Blanche said.According to the Justice Department, Balwinder first applied for immigration status in 1992, under one identity and secured permanent residency in 2003 under another. He naturalised in 2009 under the fraudulent second identity. Fingerprint records eventually linked both identities.&nbsp;"Fingerprints establish that Singh submitted both applications," the department said. "The complaint alleges seven counts for his numerous misrepresentations and unlawful acts that adversely reflect his moral character."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-german-spy-chief-august-hanning-arrested-espionage-1791288041052">Former German spy chief August Hanning arrested on espionage charges</a>Another one among the 40 is Jinchao Wei, a China-born former US Navy sailor. Wei enlisted in 2021 and by February 2022, began conspiring to sell classified military information to Beijing. In May 2022, he gained citizenship under the accelerated provisions for people who complete honourable service in the US armed forces. He was convicted in August 2025 of committing espionage and the unlawful export of defence-related technical data, and sentenced to 200 months in prison and dishonourably discharged from the Navy.According to the US Department of Justice, the broader administrative drive includes individuals originally hailing from Pakistan, Mexico, Cambodia, Nepal, Afghanistan, and India. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalised US citizen's citizenship may be revoked and the certificate of naturalisation cancelled if it was obtained illegally, or through concealment of a material fact or wilful misrepresentation.Assistant Attorney General Brett A Shumate, who heads the Justice Department's Civil Division, said: "Every single one of these individuals lied their way into US citizenship." He added: “This administration will continue to pursue the largest denaturalisation effort in department history to restore trust and integrity in US citizenship. Our message is clear: the United States will not tolerate deception in the naturalisation process.”

The US Justice Department has launched its largest denaturalisation effort, targeting 40 people accused of fraud, espionage and other unlawful acts.

US Department of Justice on Monday launched its largest denaturalisation effort in modern history, against 40 individuals, including an Indian-origin man. These 40 individuals are accused of engaging in foreign government, voluntary manslaughter and aggravated sodomy. The Indian-origin man has been identified as Balwinder Singh. He is a California resident and is facing a complaint in California's Eastern District Court. "Today's announcement marks the largest denaturalisation effort in modern history," Attorney General Todd Blanche said. According to the Justice Department, Balwinder first applied for immigration status in 1992, under one identity and secured permanent residency in 2003 under another. He naturalised in 2009 under the fraudulent second identity. Fingerprint records eventually linked both identities. "Fingerprints establish that Singh submitted both applications," the department said. "The complaint alleges seven counts for his numerous misrepresentations and unlawful acts that adversely reflect his moral character." Also Read: Former German spy chief August Hanning arrested on espionage charges Another one among the 40 is Jinchao Wei, a China-born former US Navy sailor. Wei enlisted in 2021 and by February 2022, began conspiring to sell classified military information to Beijing. In May 2022, he gained citizenship under the accelerated provisions for people who complete honourable service in the US armed forces. He was convicted in August 2025 of committing espionage and the unlawful export of defence-related technical data, and sentenced to 200 months in prison and dishonourably discharged from the Navy. According to the US Department of Justice, the broader administrative drive includes individuals originally hailing from Pakistan, Mexico, Cambodia, Nepal, Afghanistan, and India. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalised US citizen's citizenship may be revoked and the certificate of naturalisation cancelled if it was obtained illegally, or through concealment of a material fact or wilful misrepresentation. Assistant Attorney General Brett A Shumate, who heads the Justice Department's Civil Division, said: "Every single one of these individuals lied their way into US citizenship." He added: “This administration will continue to pursue the largest denaturalisation effort in department history to restore trust and integrity in US citizenship. Our message is clear: the United States will not tolerate deception in the naturalisation process.”

The US Justice Department has launched its largest denaturalisation effort, targeting 40 people accused of fraud, espionage and other unlawful acts.

US launches largest denaturalisation drive, Indian-origin man among 40 targeted

US lawmakers have introduced a resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who, despite grave injuries, helped stop an alleged attempt to crash a passenger jet bound for Israel. House Resolution 1612 was submitted in the House of Representatives by Democrat Josh Gottheimer, for himself and Republicans Michael McCaul and Don Bacon. It has been referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The measure honours Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073, and condemns what it calls the attempted terrorist attack on that flight.&nbsp;The resolution says that on 30 September Flydubai Flight 1073 left Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, carrying approximately 174 passengers, “the majority of them Israeli citizens, including 4 United States citizens and 27 children.”&nbsp;Midway through the flight, it says, the first officer attacked the captain on the flight deck with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe and attempted to seize the flight controls. The aircraft “lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude in under 30 seconds.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-detained-at-akashvani-bhavan-amid-protest-against-cec-1791297923454">Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained at Akashvani Bhavan amid protest against CEC</a>&nbsp;Captain Machchhar, “a citizen of India, fought off the attack and, despite grave injuries, used his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door so that off-duty pilots could enter and land the aircraft and so that crew and passengers could restrain the first officer,” the text says. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, “with all passengers and crew accounted for.”&nbsp;The resolution also records that on 3 October the attorney general of the United Arab Emirates announced that the Emirati investigation had determined that the first officer “attempted to carry out a terrorist act.”&nbsp;If adopted, the House would honour Captain Machchhar “for extraordinary courage in protecting every soul aboard his aircraft.” It would commend “the heroic actions of the off-duty pilots, cabin crew, and passengers who secured the flight deck and brought the aircraft safely down,” and wish Captain Machchhar and all who were injured “a full recovery.”&nbsp;The measure condemns the attack on Flydubai Flight 1073 “as an act of terrorism and as an attack on the safety of international civil aviation.” It calls for “a full and expeditious investigation by the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and for the United States and Israel to be kept fully informed.”

US lawmakers have introduced House Resolution 1612 to honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage in helping save Flydubai Flight 1073 after an alleged attack by the first officer.

US lawmakers have introduced a resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who, despite grave injuries, helped stop an alleged attempt to crash a passenger jet bound for Israel. House Resolution 1612 was submitted in the House of Representatives by Democrat Josh Gottheimer, for himself and Republicans Michael McCaul and Don Bacon. It has been referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The measure honours Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073, and condemns what it calls the attempted terrorist attack on that flight. The resolution says that on 30 September Flydubai Flight 1073 left Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, carrying approximately 174 passengers, “the majority of them Israeli citizens, including 4 United States citizens and 27 children.” Midway through the flight, it says, the first officer attacked the captain on the flight deck with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe and attempted to seize the flight controls. The aircraft “lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude in under 30 seconds.” Also Read: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained at Akashvani Bhavan amid protest against CEC Captain Machchhar, “a citizen of India, fought off the attack and, despite grave injuries, used his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door so that off-duty pilots could enter and land the aircraft and so that crew and passengers could restrain the first officer,” the text says. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, “with all passengers and crew accounted for.” The resolution also records that on 3 October the attorney general of the United Arab Emirates announced that the Emirati investigation had determined that the first officer “attempted to carry out a terrorist act.” If adopted, the House would honour Captain Machchhar “for extraordinary courage in protecting every soul aboard his aircraft.” It would commend “the heroic actions of the off-duty pilots, cabin crew, and passengers who secured the flight deck and brought the aircraft safely down,” and wish Captain Machchhar and all who were injured “a full recovery.” The measure condemns the attack on Flydubai Flight 1073 “as an act of terrorism and as an attack on the safety of international civil aviation.” It calls for “a full and expeditious investigation by the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and for the United States and Israel to be kept fully informed.”

US lawmakers have introduced House Resolution 1612 to honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage in helping save Flydubai Flight 1073 after an alleged attack by the first officer.

US lawmakers move to honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with a resolution

India and Canada have reviewed progress in security and law-enforcement co-operation during talks in New Delhi, as the two governments press ahead with efforts to conclude a trade agreement by the end of the year.National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met David Morrison, senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser to the Canadian prime minister, on Tuesday. Indian officials said the meeting formed part of a regular bilateral security dialogue at the level of national security advisers.The two sides examined the state of co-operation on security and law enforcement and "agreed to identify further areas for practical collaboration", the officials said. No further details of the agenda were released.The talks come days before an expected visit to Delhi by Canada’s foreign Anita Anand and trade minister Maninder Sidhu. Both governments have said they want an early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Officials on both sides have indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could travel to Canada in December to sign the pact if negotiations are completed in time.The security meeting is the latest in a sequence of high-level contacts that have marked a major reset in relations. Canada’s prime minister visited India earlier this year, and PM Modi was in Canada last year. The current re-set is seen as an attempt to restore routine co-operation after a sharp rupture in 2023.Ties deteriorated after then Canadian PM Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani extermist &amp; India listed terrorist. New Delhi rejected the allegation and accused then Canadian PM of failing to act against violent extremism directed at India.&nbsp;Engagement resumed after a change of government in Ottawa and a series of meetings between the two prime ministers. Security consultations have since been restored, with focus on counter-terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and the exchange of information.&nbsp;Trade officials have moved in parallel. Negotiators began the 5th round of CEPA talks this month, and ministers have set the end of 2026 as a target for conclusion. Bilateral goods trade is currently in the region of $8–10bn each way, well below the potential both sides cite in energy, critical minerals, agriculture, services and investment.

India and Canada reviewed security and law-enforcement cooperation in New Delhi as both sides push to conclude a trade agreement by the end of 2026.

India and Canada have reviewed progress in security and law-enforcement co-operation during talks in New Delhi, as the two governments press ahead with efforts to conclude a trade agreement by the end of the year. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met David Morrison, senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser to the Canadian prime minister, on Tuesday. Indian officials said the meeting formed part of a regular bilateral security dialogue at the level of national security advisers. The two sides examined the state of co-operation on security and law enforcement and "agreed to identify further areas for practical collaboration", the officials said. No further details of the agenda were released. The talks come days before an expected visit to Delhi by Canada’s foreign Anita Anand and trade minister Maninder Sidhu. Both governments have said they want an early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Officials on both sides have indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could travel to Canada in December to sign the pact if negotiations are completed in time. The security meeting is the latest in a sequence of high-level contacts that have marked a major reset in relations. Canada’s prime minister visited India earlier this year, and PM Modi was in Canada last year. The current re-set is seen as an attempt to restore routine co-operation after a sharp rupture in 2023. Ties deteriorated after then Canadian PM Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani extermist & India listed terrorist. New Delhi rejected the allegation and accused then Canadian PM of failing to act against violent extremism directed at India. Engagement resumed after a change of government in Ottawa and a series of meetings between the two prime ministers. Security consultations have since been restored, with focus on counter-terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and the exchange of information. Trade officials have moved in parallel. Negotiators began the 5th round of CEPA talks this month, and ministers have set the end of 2026 as a target for conclusion. Bilateral goods trade is currently in the region of $8–10bn each way, well below the potential both sides cite in energy, critical minerals, agriculture, services and investment.

India and Canada reviewed security and law-enforcement cooperation in New Delhi as both sides push to conclude a trade agreement by the end of 2026.

As Indian NSA Ajit Doval meets top Canadian official, Delhi & Ottawa look for new "practical" areas of co-operation

Police have arrested the Former German spy chief, August Hanning, on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, the German Federal Prosecutor's Office announced on Tuesday. Prosecutors did not identify which foreign intelligence service he was preparing the analysis for, and it ⁠was not immediately clear whether the analysis reached its intended recipient.He was arrested at his home in Nordwalde near Münster, while his chief of staff Manfred D was arrested in Bavaria. Manfred will appear in court on Tuesday, while Hanning will appear in court on Wednesday.Hanning served as the head of Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency from 1998 to 2005. Before moving to the Federal Interior Ministry, where he worked as state secretary until November 2009. Following this, he worked as a private consultant. Manfred D, who was chief of staff under Hanning, retained his position under Hanning's successors. He used to provide hundreds of classified documents to Hanning; after his tenure as spy chief ended, in exchange for payment.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-abbas-araghchi-impeachment-unauthorised-us-contact-1791283055693">Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi faces impeachment over unauthorised US contact</a><h2>How did the German prosecutor unravel Hanning's secret world?</h2>The allegations against Hanning surfaced in another related development of a high-profile child-abduction trial involving businesswoman Christine Block. She paid Hanning's firm and his partner, ex-Israeli operatives, a €100,000 fee to spy on her ex-husband and find a way to retrieve her children. In September 2025, police raided Hanning's private residence and the offices of System 360, where they found roughly 2000 documents. The investigation ​was ⁠launched after the discovery of this intelligence ​report leak intended ​for the chancellery, Bild newspaper reported. Both suspects are believed to have agreed, in the spring of 2010, that Manfred D would continuously transfer valuable intelligence from the BND to Hanning "in exchange for remuneration"."The current findings suggest that, over the years, Manfred D provided Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents, many of which contained classified information to be used exclusively by the Federal Intelligence Service for internal purposes," read the statement from the German Federal Prosecutor's Office. Hanning is also accused of being "in close contact with a representative of another foreign intelligence service, to whom he passed on political information, partially based on material provided by Manfred D, for several years".

Former BND chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power.

Police have arrested the Former German spy chief, August Hanning, on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, the German Federal Prosecutor's Office announced on Tuesday. Prosecutors did not identify which foreign intelligence service he was preparing the analysis for, and it ⁠was not immediately clear whether the analysis reached its intended recipient. He was arrested at his home in Nordwalde near Münster, while his chief of staff Manfred D was arrested in Bavaria. Manfred will appear in court on Tuesday, while Hanning will appear in court on Wednesday. Hanning served as the head of Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency from 1998 to 2005. Before moving to the Federal Interior Ministry, where he worked as state secretary until November 2009. Following this, he worked as a private consultant. Manfred D, who was chief of staff under Hanning, retained his position under Hanning's successors. He used to provide hundreds of classified documents to Hanning; after his tenure as spy chief ended, in exchange for payment. Also Read: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi faces impeachment over unauthorised US contact How did the German prosecutor unravel Hanning's secret world? The allegations against Hanning surfaced in another related development of a high-profile child-abduction trial involving businesswoman Christine Block. She paid Hanning's firm and his partner, ex-Israeli operatives, a €100,000 fee to spy on her ex-husband and find a way to retrieve her children. In September 2025, police raided Hanning's private residence and the offices of System 360, where they found roughly 2000 documents. The investigation was ⁠launched after the discovery of this intelligence report leak intended for the chancellery, Bild newspaper reported. Both suspects are believed to have agreed, in the spring of 2010, that Manfred D would continuously transfer valuable intelligence from the BND to Hanning "in exchange for remuneration". "The current findings suggest that, over the years, Manfred D provided Hanning with approximately 2,000 documents, many of which contained classified information to be used exclusively by the Federal Intelligence Service for internal purposes," read the statement from the German Federal Prosecutor's Office. Hanning is also accused of being "in close contact with a representative of another foreign intelligence service, to whom he passed on political information, partially based on material provided by Manfred D, for several years".

Former BND chief August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power.

Former German spy chief August Hanning arrested on espionage charges

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who saved a flight full of 170 people from an attempted hijacking and intentional crash, suffered a skull fracture in the attack. He suffered a depressed fracture and underwent skull reconstruction in Saudi Arabia. His co-pilot attacked him with a crash axe, severely injuring him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite being on the floor, the captain of the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv fought and was able to open the cockpit door. Off-duty pilots steadied the plane, which had dropped 14,000 feet, and the crew and passengers helped control the co-pilot.&nbsp;As the Captain tried to fend off the attacker's attempt to hijack the plane, he suffered grievous injuries. He suffered wounds to his limbs, chest, and upper abdominal area. He also sustained a "depressed fracture" in which the skull breaks, and a piece of bone is pushed inward towards the brain. He received emergency treatment for the condition in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;&nbsp;A depressed fracture can cause the low piece of bone to press into the brain, making immediate care crucial. His skull was reconstructed, after which he was airlifted to Abu Dhabi.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-almost-shot-down-flydubai-flight-fearing-9-11-style-attack-1791280718453">Israel was ready to shoot down FlyDubai flight fearing 9/11-style attack: Report</a>&nbsp;Currently, Captain Machchhar is at the Military Hospital, where he is under the supervision of a team of specialised doctors. He is reportedly responding well to the treatment. Meanwhile, his family has been permitted to meet him, reports suggest.<h2>Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recalls the ordeal</h2>Captain Machchhar has been praised for his bravery across the world. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked to him and thanked him for saving the lives of more than 170 people on board.&nbsp;Recalling the ordeal inside the cockpit, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that the plane had dropped and he knew he had to do something to save the passengers. "I was lying on the floor injured, but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," he said, adding that the others came in, averting a major incident. "I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die," he added. &nbsp;

FlyDubai attack: Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, underwent skull reconstruction in Saudi Arabia after suffering a depressed fracture during the attack inside the cockpit. The condition could have damaged his brain, so he was provided emergency care. 

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who saved a flight full of 170 people from an attempted hijacking and intentional crash, suffered a skull fracture in the attack. He suffered a depressed fracture and underwent skull reconstruction in Saudi Arabia. His co-pilot attacked him with a crash axe, severely injuring him. Despite being on the floor, the captain of the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv fought and was able to open the cockpit door. Off-duty pilots steadied the plane, which had dropped 14,000 feet, and the crew and passengers helped control the co-pilot. As the Captain tried to fend off the attacker's attempt to hijack the plane, he suffered grievous injuries. He suffered wounds to his limbs, chest, and upper abdominal area. He also sustained a "depressed fracture" in which the skull breaks, and a piece of bone is pushed inward towards the brain. He received emergency treatment for the condition in Saudi Arabia. A depressed fracture can cause the low piece of bone to press into the brain, making immediate care crucial. His skull was reconstructed, after which he was airlifted to Abu Dhabi. Also Read: Israel was ready to shoot down FlyDubai flight fearing 9/11-style attack: Report Currently, Captain Machchhar is at the Military Hospital, where he is under the supervision of a team of specialised doctors. He is reportedly responding well to the treatment. Meanwhile, his family has been permitted to meet him, reports suggest. Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recalls the ordeal Captain Machchhar has been praised for his bravery across the world. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked to him and thanked him for saving the lives of more than 170 people on board. Recalling the ordeal inside the cockpit, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that the plane had dropped and he knew he had to do something to save the passengers. "I was lying on the floor injured, but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," he said, adding that the others came in, averting a major incident. "I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die," he added.

FlyDubai attack: Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, underwent skull reconstruction in Saudi Arabia after suffering a depressed fracture during the attack inside the cockpit. The condition could have damaged his brain, so he was provided emergency care.&nbsp;

FlyDubai pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, suffered fractured skull, underwent emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is facing impeachment over unauthorised contact with the US during his recent visit to the United States, reportedly without the approval of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian lawmakers formally registered a motion to question Araghchi in the parliament, according to Tasnim News Agency.&nbsp;On 6 October 2026, Mohammad Rashidi, a member of the Iranian parliament's praesidium, confirmed that an impeachment request against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been officially logged into the internal legislative system.“The impeachment motion against Mr Araghchi, the Foreign Minister, has been registered in the system, but it has not yet been referred to the Presiding Board,” said Mohammad Rashidi, a member of the Presiding Board of the Islamic Consultative Assembly or Iranian Parliament or commonly known as Majlis.He added: “Apparently, one of the MPs registered this request, but it was not referred to the Presiding Board today.”On September 24, members of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, led by lawmaker Ali Khezrian, publicly announced that hardline MPs were actively drafting and gathering signatures for an impeachment motion. This initial wave of news occurred while Araghchi was still in New York for the UN General Assembly. Lawmakers publicly declared their intent to force him to explain his unauthorised contact with US officials as soon as he returned to Tehran. Now the political threat has moved on to an official bureaucratic action.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-2-27-billion-arms-sales-uae-egypt-kuwait-iran-war-1791223858966">US clears $2.27 billion weapons sales to UAE, Egypt and Kuwait amid Iran war</a>Araghchi met US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner allegedly without approval from the Iranian National Security Council. Two Iranian officials told the New York Times about the meeting. Trump later updated them on it, as well as the Iranian media. Iranian media claimed that the meeting took place at the request of American representatives. During this engagement, Araghchi presented a 7-day peace roadmap. Under its terms, Iran offered to fully reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, which Trump publicly rejected, claiming that Iran wanted a deal because it was losing “so badly”.<h2>Can Araghchi be impeached?</h2>Iranian Parliament, or Majlis, can force the dismissal of cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, through no-confidence votes. A motion has been registered; it calls for the case to be passed down to the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission for rigorous evaluation. If the committee validates the grievances, it will request that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appear before the plenary floor within 10 days to face questioning. The parliament successfully utilised this exact power to oust Economy Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati in March 2025. However, the Supreme Leader’s consent ultimately decides the matter, specifically for critical portfolios like the Foreign Ministry. A report from Iran International claimed that President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have both expressed severe frustration with Araghchi, though the network Iran International has credibility concerns in relation to internal Iranian development due to its persistent advocacy for a regime change.&nbsp;

Iranian lawmakers have formally registered an impeachment motion against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over his reported unauthorised contact with US officials.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is facing impeachment over unauthorised contact with the US during his recent visit to the United States, reportedly without the approval of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Iranian lawmakers formally registered a motion to question Araghchi in the parliament, according to Tasnim News Agency. On 6 October 2026, Mohammad Rashidi, a member of the Iranian parliament's praesidium, confirmed that an impeachment request against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been officially logged into the internal legislative system. “The impeachment motion against Mr Araghchi, the Foreign Minister, has been registered in the system, but it has not yet been referred to the Presiding Board,” said Mohammad Rashidi, a member of the Presiding Board of the Islamic Consultative Assembly or Iranian Parliament or commonly known as Majlis. He added: “Apparently, one of the MPs registered this request, but it was not referred to the Presiding Board today.” On September 24, members of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, led by lawmaker Ali Khezrian, publicly announced that hardline MPs were actively drafting and gathering signatures for an impeachment motion. This initial wave of news occurred while Araghchi was still in New York for the UN General Assembly. Lawmakers publicly declared their intent to force him to explain his unauthorised contact with US officials as soon as he returned to Tehran. Now the political threat has moved on to an official bureaucratic action. Also Read: US clears $2.27 billion weapons sales to UAE, Egypt and Kuwait amid Iran war Araghchi met US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner allegedly without approval from the Iranian National Security Council. Two Iranian officials told the New York Times about the meeting. Trump later updated them on it, as well as the Iranian media. Iranian media claimed that the meeting took place at the request of American representatives. During this engagement, Araghchi presented a 7-day peace roadmap. Under its terms, Iran offered to fully reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, which Trump publicly rejected, claiming that Iran wanted a deal because it was losing “so badly”. Can Araghchi be impeached? Iranian Parliament, or Majlis, can force the dismissal of cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, through no-confidence votes. A motion has been registered; it calls for the case to be passed down to the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission for rigorous evaluation. If the committee validates the grievances, it will request that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appear before the plenary floor within 10 days to face questioning. The parliament successfully utilised this exact power to oust Economy Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati in March 2025. However, the Supreme Leader’s consent ultimately decides the matter, specifically for critical portfolios like the Foreign Ministry. A report from Iran International claimed that President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have both expressed severe frustration with Araghchi, though the network Iran International has credibility concerns in relation to internal Iranian development due to its persistent advocacy for a regime change.

Iranian lawmakers have formally registered an impeachment motion against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over his reported unauthorised contact with US officials.

Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi faces impeachment over unauthorised US contact

Israel was prepared to shoot down the FlyDubai plane that was almost hijacked with more than 150 Israelis on board, CBS News reported, quoting sources. Israel reportedly has a protocol for this kind of possible 9/11-style event, which involves shooting down a plane that could pose a threat to a larger area. Investigators have said that the Omani pilot confessed his intention to crash the plane into the Ben Gurion Airport. If the plane had gotten within a certain distance of Israel, &nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could have ordered it to be taken down.&nbsp;The co-pilot attacked the captain of the plane with an axe inside the cockpit last week to gain control of the plane. The plane plummeted 14,000 feet as the pilot lost control. The Captain fought the attacker long enough and was able to open the cockpit door, after which off-duty pilots steadied the jet, while passengers helped subdue the attacker.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-asked-to-provide-information-what-oman-said-about-flydubai-co-pilot-amid-israel-s-checks-1791179745719">‘Not asked to provide information’: What Oman said about Flydubai co-pilot amid Israel’s checks</a>&nbsp;As the plane plunged, the Israeli Air Force tried to contact the cockpit. Upon receiving no response, a pre-established committee was roused and a command centre established. Israel scrambled fighter jets and closed its airspace. But it called back its jets when it learnt that the plane had diverted to Saudi Arabia when it was about 643 kilometres from Israel.<h2>Israeli jets would have checked inside the plane</h2>Sources told CBS News that if Flight 1073 had gotten within a certain distance, Israeli jets would have entered Jordanian airspace and gotten as close as possible to assess the situation in the cockpit. Then they would have checked in the cabin, and in case of panic on the plane, they would have reported back to the Air Force and the pre-established committee.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/flydubai-hijack-scare-co-pilot-was-fired-by-oman-air-over-extremism-concerns-1791200153711/embed&nbsp;If it appeared to be a case of hijacking but with the hijackers silent and making no demands, they would have contacted the defence minister and the prime minister. In this case, Netanyahu is authorised to command forces to shoot down a rogue plane, which could kill many more in crucial government buildings or the airport.&nbsp;Investigation has shown that the co-pilot was acting alone. He has said that he had planned the attack even before joining FlyDubai.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The FlyDubai flight, which became the scene of a terrorist attack was almost shot down by Israel itself, even though there were more than 150 Israelis on board the plane. A report states that as per protocol the country can shoot down rogue planes that threaten a larger population.

Israel was prepared to shoot down the FlyDubai plane that was almost hijacked with more than 150 Israelis on board, CBS News reported, quoting sources. Israel reportedly has a protocol for this kind of possible 9/11-style event, which involves shooting down a plane that could pose a threat to a larger area. Investigators have said that the Omani pilot confessed his intention to crash the plane into the Ben Gurion Airport. If the plane had gotten within a certain distance of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could have ordered it to be taken down. The co-pilot attacked the captain of the plane with an axe inside the cockpit last week to gain control of the plane. The plane plummeted 14,000 feet as the pilot lost control. The Captain fought the attacker long enough and was able to open the cockpit door, after which off-duty pilots steadied the jet, while passengers helped subdue the attacker. Also Read: ‘Not asked to provide information’: What Oman said about Flydubai co-pilot amid Israel’s checks As the plane plunged, the Israeli Air Force tried to contact the cockpit. Upon receiving no response, a pre-established committee was roused and a command centre established. Israel scrambled fighter jets and closed its airspace. But it called back its jets when it learnt that the plane had diverted to Saudi Arabia when it was about 643 kilometres from Israel. Israeli jets would have checked inside the plane Sources told CBS News that if Flight 1073 had gotten within a certain distance, Israeli jets would have entered Jordanian airspace and gotten as close as possible to assess the situation in the cockpit. Then they would have checked in the cabin, and in case of panic on the plane, they would have reported back to the Air Force and the pre-established committee. https://www.wionews.com/videos/flydubai-hijack-scare-co-pilot-was-fired-by-oman-air-over-extremism-concerns-1791200153711/embed If it appeared to be a case of hijacking but with the hijackers silent and making no demands, they would have contacted the defence minister and the prime minister. In this case, Netanyahu is authorised to command forces to shoot down a rogue plane, which could kill many more in crucial government buildings or the airport. Investigation has shown that the co-pilot was acting alone. He has said that he had planned the attack even before joining FlyDubai.

The FlyDubai flight, which became the scene of a terrorist attack, was almost shot down by Israel itself, even though there were more than 150 Israelis on board the plane. A report states that, as per protocol, the country can shoot down rogue planes that threaten a larger population.

Israel was ready to shoot down FlyDubai flight fearing 9/11-style attack: Report

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Francis Halzen “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;A tweet from the Nobel Prize handle on X said, “The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2026 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/NobelPrize?src=hashtag_click">#NobelPrize</a> in Physics to Francis Halzen for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING NEWS
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2026 #NobelPrize in Physics to Francis Halzen “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.” https://t.co/UcPBWk0RiK&mdash; The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://x.com/NobelPrize/status/2107407528157986903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;&nbsp;“Francis Halzen has led an international team of researchers and engineers who have provided us with a fantastic instrument. His tenacity and scientific vision paved the way for a new kind of astronomy,” said Mark Pearce, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, in a news release.&nbsp;The Belgium-born 82-year-old scientist Francis Halzen is the principal investigator of IceCube, Vilas Research Professor and Gregory Breit Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US, besides studying problems that span the particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology communities.&nbsp;In 1987, Halzen started working on the AMANDA experiment, a first-generation neutrino telescope at the South Pole that represented a proof of concept for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.&nbsp;Halzen realised that ice at the South Pole could be used to track particles known as neutrinos. Neutrinos are everywhere, but they do not make themselves known. They pass all the way through the Earth and through our bodies without us noticing. Halzen’s vision and scientific leadership have been fundamental for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory – a cubic kilometre of ice that is equipped with light sensors. Using IceCube, researchers can capture neutrinos from extremely energy-rich processes in the distant universe.&nbsp;Halzen also serves on advisory committees for the SNO, Telescope Array, and the Auger upgrade experiments, the Max Planck Institutes in Heidelberg and Munich; the ICRR of the University of Tokyo; the US Particle Physics Prioritization Panel; and the ApPEC particle astrophysics advisory panel in Europe.&nbsp;The prize money this year is 12 million Swedish kronor (about $1.2 million), whether for an individual, a small group of laureates or an organisation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last year, three scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics for research on the strange behaviour of subatomic particles called quantum tunnelling that enabled the ultra-sensitive measurements achieved by MRI machines and laid the groundwork for better cellphones and faster computers.&nbsp;The announcements of the 2026 prizes began Monday, with the Nobel Prize in Medicine being awarded to three scientists whose work led to a tool that uses light to help unravel how the brain works.&nbsp;The Nobel Prize for Chemistry will be announced on Wednesday, followed by the prize for Literature on Thursday. Nobel for Peace will be announced on Friday, while the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences will be announced on Monday.&nbsp;

Francis Halzen has been awardec the Nobel Prize “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Francis Halzen “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Tuesday. A tweet from the Nobel Prize handle on X said, “The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2026 #NobelPrize in Physics to Francis Halzen for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.”

Francis Halzen has been awarded the Nobel Prize for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.

Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 awarded to Francis Halzen for ice neutrino discovery

Germany's head of foreign intelligence warned on Monday (Oct 5) that the country is at risk of entering ‌a violent conflict as Russia steps up an increasingly aggressive "shadow war" against European democracies. Martin Jaeger, head of ​the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), told the annual public hearing of intelligence chiefs in parliament that the confrontation with Russia has taken "a new, more dangerous dimension." He added, “Germany is in danger ​of becoming embroiled in a violent conflict with Russia — the attempted attack in Leipzig ⁠is just one example.” He further described Russia as “waging a shadow war” ​against targets in Germany remaining “real and imminent.” German authorities have warned repeatedly that Russia is conducting a hybrid ​campaign of drone and cyber attacks, and have blamed it for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in August.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/10-500-year-old-wood-under-german-lake-could-alter-history-of-first-human-homes-1791208803969">10,500-year-old wood under German lake could alter history of first human homes</a>&nbsp;This comes despite Russian President Vladimir Putin saying last week that Russia had "no intention of attacking anyone ... but if we ​are subjected to aggression, we will have no choice but to respond". Jaeger, however, said, "Russia is putting us to the test ‌and ⁠closely watching how we handle this situation. From the perspective of the Kremlin leadership, any sign of wavering invites them to further increase the pressure on Germany." Jaeger said there was no indication of an imminent large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory. “However, Russia could engage in low-intensity military activities, particularly in the Baltic states.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/friedrich-merz-kyiv-visit-russia-massive-airstrikes-warning-1791112883040">Germany's Merz visits Kyiv after Russia warns of ‘massive’ airstrikes</a>&nbsp;Last week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced surprise visit to Kyiv. The trip was aimed at reinforcing Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine. As Merz announced a massive aid package worth approximately $1.5 billion (€1.35 billion), Russia broke the unspoken precedent of avoiding strikes during high-level visits. A Russian drone struck the Northern Bridge (Pivnichnyi Bridge) over the Dnipro River shortly after Merz's arrival, injuring two people. This marked the fourth consecutive day of Russian strikes hitting key commuter bridges in Kyiv.

Germany’s intelligence chief Martin Jaeger has warned that the country risks being drawn into a violent conflict with Russia as Moscow intensifies what he called a “shadow war” against Europe. He cited hybrid threats including drone and cyber attacks

Germany's head of foreign intelligence warned on Monday (Oct 5) that the country is at risk of entering ‌a violent conflict as Russia steps up an increasingly aggressive "shadow war" against European democracies. Martin Jaeger, head of the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), told the annual public hearing of intelligence chiefs in parliament that the confrontation with Russia has taken "a new, more dangerous dimension." He added, “Germany is in danger of becoming embroiled in a violent conflict with Russia — the attempted attack in Leipzig ⁠is just one example.” He further described Russia as “waging a shadow war” against targets in Germany remaining “real and imminent.” German authorities have warned repeatedly that Russia is conducting a hybrid campaign of drone and cyber attacks, and have blamed it for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in August. Also Read: 10,500-year-old wood under German lake could alter history of first human homes This comes despite Russian President Vladimir Putin saying last week that Russia had "no intention of attacking anyone ... but if we are subjected to aggression, we will have no choice but to respond". Jaeger, however, said, "Russia is putting us to the test ‌and ⁠closely watching how we handle this situation. From the perspective of the Kremlin leadership, any sign of wavering invites them to further increase the pressure on Germany." Jaeger said there was no indication of an imminent large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory. “However, Russia could engage in low-intensity military activities, particularly in the Baltic states.” Also Read: Germany's Merz visits Kyiv after Russia warns of ‘massive’ airstrikes Last week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced surprise visit to Kyiv. The trip was aimed at reinforcing Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine. As Merz announced a massive aid package worth approximately $1.5 billion (€1.35 billion), Russia broke the unspoken precedent of avoiding strikes during high-level visits. A Russian drone struck the Northern Bridge (Pivnichnyi Bridge) over the Dnipro River shortly after Merz's arrival, injuring two people. This marked the fourth consecutive day of Russian strikes hitting key commuter bridges in Kyiv.

Germany’s intelligence chief Martin Jaeger has warned that the country risks being drawn into a violent conflict with Russia as Moscow intensifies what he called a “shadow war” against Europe. He cited hybrid threats including drone and cyber attacks

'Could engage in military activities': Germany intelligence chief warns of Russia attack

Money from the cryptocurrency industry is playing a subtle but crucial role in the US midterm elections. From crypto-millionaire donors to crypto-linked super political action committees (super PACs), millions of dollars are flowing into the 2026 election campaign. Crypto companies have contributed roughly $206 million this election cycle, according to analyses by groups like Public Citizen based on Federal Election Commission (FEC) data. This makes crypto the largest corporate source of political contributions tracked so far, ahead of online betting and Big Tech and artificial intelligence companies. The figure has already surpassed the industry's $170 million contribution in the 2024 cycle.Some of the money is going to non-crypto-specific groups such as MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with President Donald Trump. The scale of the spending raises an important question: who are the people and organisations making this push, and what do they want? Here is a primer.<h2>Top donors to major crypto PACs</h2>The most prominent groups are the Fairshake network, Protect Progress, Defend American Jobs and the Digital Freedom Fund. They are backed by a relatively small group of crypto companies, venture capital firms and executives.Fairshake is the crypto industry's flagship bipartisan super PAC. Its major backers include Coinbase, Ripple Labs and Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z. As of 30 June, Fairshake had received almost $137 million in the 2026 election cycle and had about $127 million in cash on hand, according to FEC filings.Fairshake itself reported about $138 million in receipts in the 2026 cycle by the middle of the year, while the broader network is larger when its affiliated committees and transfers are included.The Digital Freedom Fund is a Republican-leaning super PAC backed heavily by Winklevoss Capital, associated with Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. It reported $22.4 million in receipts through 30 June 2026. More than $21 million came from Winklevoss Capital Fund LLC. Payward Inc. contributed $1 million and investor Naval Ravikant contributed $100,000.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-gains-access-to-voter-data-1790408108603/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-gains-access-to-voter-data-1790408108603/embed</a><h2>What do they want? Why crypto firms and associated individuals are among the top corporate political donors in the midterms</h2>The funding , which goes to both Republicans and Democrats, is mainly aimed at electing and protecting candidates who support clearer federal rules for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies. The industry's political spending also supports independent advertising that does not always mention crypto directly. In many cases, the ads focus on candidates' broader records or other issues rather than explicitly discussing cryptocurrency policy. This approach was also prominent during the 2024 election cycle.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bitcoin-surges-above-85-000-as-nearly-900-million-in-crypto-positions-are-liquidated-is-the-crypto-winter-over-1790004335800">Bitcoin surges above $85,000 as nearly $900 million in crypto positions are liquidated: Is the crypto winter over?</a><h2>More about Fairshake and others: Funding both sides</h2>Fairshake is an issue-focused group that backs pro-crypto candidates who favour American innovation in both parties. Its broader objective is to expand a pro-crypto congressional caucus.Fairshake transfers funds to its two main partisan affiliates: Defend American Jobs, which is Republican-focused, and Protect Progress, which is Democrat-focused. This allows the network to support candidates from both major parties while concentrating on their positions on digital-asset policy.Across the Fairshake network, receipts have reached hundreds of millions of dollars when the affiliated committees and wider corporate contributions are included. Fairshake and its affiliates have also spent tens of millions of dollars on primaries and early general-election activity.&nbsp;Fairshake has also announced a planned $30 million campaign against Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown in Ohio. The spending is part of the industry's broader effort to influence races involving candidates viewed as supportive or hostile to crypto legislation.Digital Freedom Fund, a Republican-leaning super PAC backed heavily by the Winklevoss interests, is focused on Republican candidates supporting crypto-friendly policies.Its objectives include self-custody rights, developer protections, banking access for crypto firms and opposition to a US central bank digital currency.Stand With Crypto Alliance, a Coinbase-backed advocacy and pressure group, has also built a large grassroots base. In 2025, it reported more than 2.6 million advocates and chapters in all 50 states. By late September 2026, the organisation was referring to more than three million advocates. It grades politicians on their crypto positions, organises events and meetings with lawmakers, and supports candidates through endorsements and advertising.Smaller or related entities, such as Fellowship PAC, have also been active in some races.Beyond direct campaign spending, the crypto industry has deployed lobbyists, advocacy groups and executive engagement. Industry representatives regularly meet senators and House members from both parties to push legislation and influence agency rules.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-minted-over-1-billion-from-crypto-dealings-in-first-year-back-in-office-1782868287013">Trump minted over $1 billion from crypto dealings in first year back in office</a><h2>Who are the crypto millions supporting?&nbsp;</h2>During primaries, Fairshake had backed candidates in 57 races and won 53 of them by early October. On Monday, (Oct 5, Fairshake announced support for 32 House incumbents: 19 Republicans and 13 Democrats. All of the candidates supported in this latest round had voted for the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act when it passed the House in 2025.Among the Democratic House representatives receiving support are Janelle Bynum, Steven Horsford and Derek Tran. Republican priorities include Representatives French Hill, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, Bill Huizenga and Bryan Steil, who has a role on the committee's digital-assets subcommittee.Other Republicans supported by crypto money include Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach and Jason Smith. Democratic candidates supported by the industry include Pete Aguilar and Josh Gottheimer, among others.<h2>Crypto industry's priority is to reduce regulatory uncertainty</h2>The crypto industry has been rooting for the passage of market-structure legislation such as the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act. The bill passed the House in 2025 by 294-134, but failed to advance in the Senate in September after a procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed. The Senate vote was 49-50, according to Reuters.The legislation aimed to clarify the respective jurisdictions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over digital assets. It also sought to establish rules for crypto issuance and trading and registration requirements for intermediaries, while reducing uncertainty created by enforcement-led regulation.The failure of the legislation has shifted the industry's focus towards the next Congress and continuing Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission rulemaking.The industry is also building on the earlier GENIUS Act, which had established a federal framework for stablecoins.Other areas of interest include banking access and integration of crypto firms with payment rails, as well as greater tax clarity on issues such as crypto mining, staking and rewards. The industry also wants clearer rules for peer-to-peer transactions while some advocacy groups oppose overly restrictive regulations and a retail central bank digital currency.<h2>Money matters, but criticism is there too</h2>Critics, including Public Citizen, oppose the use of unlimited super PAC spending to prioritise corporate policy goals over party loyalty. They argue that large contributions give companies and wealthy individuals greater leverage over candidates and public policy, including through both supportive and attack advertisements.The scale of crypto spending has therefore turned the 2026 midterms into an important test of how much influence a rapidly expanding industry can exert over Congress and the rules governing digital assets.

Crypto firms and investors are pouring hundreds of millions into the US midterms through super PACs and cash donations and campaign ads. They are backing pro-crypto candidates from both Republican and Democratic parties, seeking clearer digital-asset rules after the CLARITY Act stalled.

Money from the cryptocurrency industry is playing a subtle but crucial role in the US midterm elections. From crypto-millionaire donors to crypto-linked super political action committees (super PACs), millions of dollars are flowing into the 2026 election campaign. Crypto companies have contributed roughly $206 million this election cycle, according to analyses by groups like Public Citizen based on Federal Election Commission (FEC) data. This makes crypto the largest corporate source of political contributions tracked so far, ahead of online betting and Big Tech and artificial intelligence companies. The figure has already surpassed the industry's $170 million contribution in the 2024 cycle. Some of the money is going to non-crypto-specific groups such as MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with President Donald Trump. The scale of the spending raises an important question: who are the people and organisations making this push, and what do they want? Here is a primer. Top donors to major crypto PACs The most prominent groups are the Fairshake network, Protect Progress, Defend American Jobs and the Digital Freedom Fund. They are backed by a relatively small group of crypto companies, venture capital firms and executives. Fairshake is the crypto industry's flagship bipartisan super PAC. Its major backers include Coinbase, Ripple Labs and Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z. As of 30 June, Fairshake had received almost $137 million in the 2026 election cycle and had about $127 million in cash on hand, according to FEC filings. Fairshake itself reported about $138 million in receipts in the 2026 cycle by the middle of the year, while the broader network is larger when its affiliated committees and transfers are included. The Digital Freedom Fund is a Republican-leaning super PAC backed heavily by Winklevoss Capital, associated with Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. It reported $22.4 million in receipts through 30 June 2026. More than $21 million came from Winklevoss Capital Fund LLC. Payward Inc. contributed $1 million and investor Naval Ravikant contributed $100,000. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-gains-access-to-voter-data-1790408108603/embed What do they want? Why crypto firms and associated individuals are among the top corporate political donors in the midterms The funding , which goes to both Republicans and Democrats, is mainly aimed at electing and protecting candidates who support clearer federal rules for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies. The industry's political spending also supports independent advertising that does not always mention crypto directly. In many cases, the ads focus on candidates' broader records or other issues rather than explicitly discussing cryptocurrency policy. This approach was also prominent during the 2024 election cycle. Also read: Bitcoin surges above $85,000 as nearly $900 million in crypto positions are liquidated: Is the crypto winter over? More about Fairshake and others: Funding both sides Fairshake is an issue-focused group that backs pro-crypto candidates who favour American innovation in both parties. Its broader objective is to expand a pro-crypto congressional caucus. Fairshake transfers funds to its two main partisan affiliates: Defend American Jobs, which is Republican-focused, and Protect Progress, which is Democrat-focused. This allows the network to support candidates from both major parties while concentrating on their positions on digital-asset policy. Across the Fairshake network, receipts have reached hundreds of millions of dollars when the affiliated committees and wider corporate contributions are included. Fairshake and its affiliates have also spent tens of millions of dollars on primaries and early general-election activity. Fairshake has also announced a planned $30 million campaign against Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown in Ohio. The spending is part of the industry's broader effort to influence races involving candidates viewed as supportive or hostile to crypto legislation. Digital Freedom Fund, a Republican-leaning super PAC backed heavily by the Winklevoss interests, is focused on Republican candidates supporting crypto-friendly policies. Its objectives include self-custody rights, developer protections, banking access for crypto firms and opposition to a US central bank digital currency. Stand With Crypto Alliance, a Coinbase-backed advocacy and pressure group, has also built a large grassroots base. In 2025, it reported more than 2.6 million advocates and chapters in all 50 states. By late September 2026, the organisation was referring to more than three million advocates. It grades politicians on their crypto positions, organises events and meetings with lawmakers, and supports candidates through endorsements and advertising. Smaller or related entities, such as Fellowship PAC, have also been active in some races. Beyond direct campaign spending, the crypto industry has deployed lobbyists, advocacy groups and executive engagement. Industry representatives regularly meet senators and House members from both parties to push legislation and influence agency rules. Also read: Trump minted over $1 billion from crypto dealings in first year back in office Who are the crypto millions supporting? During primaries, Fairshake had backed candidates in 57 races and won 53 of them by early October. On Monday, (Oct 5, Fairshake announced support for 32 House incumbents: 19 Republicans and 13 Democrats. All of the candidates supported in this latest round had voted for the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act when it passed the House in 2025. Among the Democratic House representatives receiving support are Janelle Bynum, Steven Horsford and Derek Tran. Republican priorities include Representatives French Hill, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, Bill Huizenga and Bryan Steil, who has a role on the committee's digital-assets subcommittee. Other Republicans supported by crypto money include Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach and Jason Smith. Democratic candidates supported by the industry include Pete Aguilar and Josh Gottheimer, among others. Crypto industry's priority is to reduce regulatory uncertainty The crypto industry has been rooting for the passage of market-structure legislation such as the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act. The bill passed the House in 2025 by 294-134, but failed to advance in the Senate in September after a procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed. The Senate vote was 49-50, according to Reuters. The legislation aimed to clarify the respective jurisdictions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over digital assets. It also sought to establish rules for crypto issuance and trading and registration requirements for intermediaries, while reducing uncertainty created by enforcement-led regulation. The failure of the legislation has shifted the industry's focus towards the next Congress and continuing Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission rulemaking. The industry is also building on the earlier GENIUS Act, which had established a federal framework for stablecoins. Other areas of interest include banking access and integration of crypto firms with payment rails, as well as greater tax clarity on issues such as crypto mining, staking and rewards. The industry also wants clearer rules for peer-to-peer transactions while some advocacy groups oppose overly restrictive regulations and a retail central bank digital currency. Money matters, but criticism is there too Critics, including Public Citizen, oppose the use of unlimited super PAC spending to prioritise corporate policy goals over party loyalty. They argue that large contributions give companies and wealthy individuals greater leverage over candidates and public policy, including through both supportive and attack advertisements. The scale of crypto spending has therefore turned the 2026 midterms into an important test of how much influence a rapidly expanding industry can exert over Congress and the rules governing digital assets.

Crypto firms and investors are pouring hundreds of millions into the US midterms through super PACs and cash donations and campaign ads. They are backing pro-crypto candidates from both Republican and Democratic parties, seeking clearer digital-asset rules after the CLARITY Act stalled.

US Midterms 2026: Cryptocurrency industry money is playing a crucial role. What do donors want? Fairshake, super PACs and more

Australia's conservative opposition has unveiled plans for what it calls the country's "biggest cut to immigration" in history, with the Coalition proposing to slash net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for its first two years in government. The proposal could have significant implications for Indians, who have recently emerged as Australia's largest overseas-born population and remain the country's biggest source of temporary skilled migrants.Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition would reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 in each of the first two years if it wins the next federal election before increasing the figure to 130,000 in the third year and 160,000 in the fourth. The plan would also reduce temporary visa numbers by about 650,000 over four years.Australia recorded 292,100 net overseas migrants in the year to March 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, meaning the proposed 100,000 target would represent a substantial reduction from current levels. "Australia should be a home, not a hotel," Taylor said while announcing the policy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/io-sono-giorgia-meloni-italy-s-meloni-seeks-legal-protection-for-her-voice-against-ai-generated-deepfakes-1791264731592">‘Io sono Giorgia Meloni’: Italy’s Meloni seeks legal protection for her voice against AI-generated deepfakes</a><h2>Indians now Australia's largest overseas-born population</h2>The proposed immigration cuts come at a significant moment for the Indian community in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 971,020 people born in India were living in Australia on June 30, 2025, narrowly overtaking the England-born population of 970,950. It was the first time India had become Australia's largest overseas-born population.The number of India-born residents increased from about 449,000 in 2015 to 971,020 in 2025, an increase of roughly 522,000 people. The Indian-born population accounted for 3.5 per cent of Australia's total population and about 11 per cent of its overseas-born population in 2025.<h2>Why Indian students and skilled workers could be affected</h2>The Coalition's proposal targets several temporary migration pathways, including international education and temporary graduate visas. It plans to cap international student commencements at 240,000 a year, restrict most dependants accompanying students and scrap most temporary graduate visas, with limited exceptions for areas such as health, education, PhD graduates and regional universities. That could be significant for Indian students, who form one of the largest international student communities in Australia.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-fall-by-almost-2-as-g7-stockpile-release-offsets-strait-of-hormuz-supply-fears-1791260713210">Oil prices fall by almost 2% as G7 stockpile release offsets Strait of Hormuz supply fears</a>At the same time, the Coalition says it wants to shift migration towards skilled workers, particularly in areas such as construction. It has proposed increasing temporary skilled migration while prioritising workers based on factors including skills and economic contribution.India is already the largest source of primary temporary skilled visa grants. Home Affairs data shows 6,220 primary temporary skilled visas were granted to Indian citizens in the six months to December 31, 2025, accounting for 18.1 per cent of the total. That was a 16.2 per cent increase from the corresponding period a year earlier.<h2>Australia is tightening migration rules already</h2>The Coalition's announcement comes as Australia's Labour government is also tightening migration rules. New student visa integrity measures that took effect on October 2 restrict onshore student visa applications and limit the ability of most students to bring family members. The government has also targeted "visa hopping" and migration agents for exploiting the system.The Labour government is targeting net overseas migration of 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 for 2027-28.&nbsp;

Indians planning to move to Australia could face tighter opportunities if the country's conservative opposition comes to power. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled the "biggest cut to immigration" in history. Here's all you need to know.

Australia's conservative opposition has unveiled plans for what it calls the country's "biggest cut to immigration" in history, with the Coalition proposing to slash net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for its first two years in government. The proposal could have significant implications for Indians, who have recently emerged as Australia's largest overseas-born population and remain the country's biggest source of temporary skilled migrants. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition would reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 in each of the first two years if it wins the next federal election before increasing the figure to 130,000 in the third year and 160,000 in the fourth. The plan would also reduce temporary visa numbers by about 650,000 over four years. Australia recorded 292,100 net overseas migrants in the year to March 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, meaning the proposed 100,000 target would represent a substantial reduction from current levels. "Australia should be a home, not a hotel," Taylor said while announcing the policy. Also read | ‘Io sono Giorgia Meloni’: Italy’s Meloni seeks legal protection for her voice against AI-generated deepfakes Indians now Australia's largest overseas-born population The proposed immigration cuts come at a significant moment for the Indian community in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 971,020 people born in India were living in Australia on June 30, 2025, narrowly overtaking the England-born population of 970,950. It was the first time India had become Australia's largest overseas-born population. The number of India-born residents increased from about 449,000 in 2015 to 971,020 in 2025, an increase of roughly 522,000 people. The Indian-born population accounted for 3.5 per cent of Australia's total population and about 11 per cent of its overseas-born population in 2025. Why Indian students and skilled workers could be affected The Coalition's proposal targets several temporary migration pathways, including international education and temporary graduate visas. It plans to cap international student commencements at 240,000 a year, restrict most dependants accompanying students and scrap most temporary graduate visas, with limited exceptions for areas such as health, education, PhD graduates and regional universities. That could be significant for Indian students, who form one of the largest international student communities in Australia. Also read | Oil prices fall by almost 2% as G7 stockpile release offsets Strait of Hormuz supply fears At the same time, the Coalition says it wants to shift migration towards skilled workers, particularly in areas such as construction. It has proposed increasing temporary skilled migration while prioritising workers based on factors including skills and economic contribution. India is already the largest source of primary temporary skilled visa grants. Home Affairs data shows 6,220 primary temporary skilled visas were granted to Indian citizens in the six months to December 31, 2025, accounting for 18.1 per cent of the total. That was a 16.2 per cent increase from the corresponding period a year earlier. Australia is tightening migration rules already The Coalition's announcement comes as Australia's Labour government is also tightening migration rules. New student visa integrity measures that took effect on October 2 restrict onshore student visa applications and limit the ability of most students to bring family members. The government has also targeted "visa hopping" and migration agents for exploiting the system. The Labour government is targeting net overseas migration of 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 for 2027-28.

Indians planning to move to Australia could face tighter opportunities if the country's conservative opposition comes to power. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled the "biggest cut to immigration" in history. Here's all you need to know.

'Home, not a hotel': Australia vows 'biggest immigration cut' in history - What it means for Indians

Long-range attack drones are transforming modern warfare, but their effectiveness increasingly depends on what happens after satellite navigation and communications are disrupted.&nbsp; Speaking to me on Defence Pulse, Major General RC Padhi, Senior Vice President at IG Defence, said navigation resilience will be critical as electronic warfare becomes a routine feature of the battlefield.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/indian-navy-could-operate-indigenous-underwater-drones-within-a-year-says-ankur-shah-1791196745954">Indian Navy could operate indigenous underwater drones within a year: Ankur Shah</a><h2>Fighting when GPS disappears</h2>Gen. Padhi explained that adversaries can attempt to jam or degrade satellite navigation signals, forcing unmanned systems to rely on alternative technologies. He pointed to CRPA antennas, which are designed to resist satellite-navigation jamming, and inertial measurement units or IMUs. An IMU uses onboard sensors, including gyroscopes, to track a platform's movement and help it continue navigating even when external signals are unavailable.

More sophisticated systems can also employ seekers, although Gen. Padhi said these can substantially increase the cost of the system. The larger objective is to prevent a long-range attack drone from becoming ineffective simply because its communications or satellite-navigation link has been disrupted.<h2>India’s sensor challenge</h2>For India, Gen. Padhi believes the bigger challenge lies beyond building the drone airframe. “A drone is a platform and it is a system,” he said, pointing to sensors, warheads and electronics as critical components. Among these, he identified indigenous sensors as a particularly important capability requiring greater investment. He also highlighted engines, robotics, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies as areas where domestic capabilities will increasingly matter as unmanned platforms become more autonomous.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/keeping-india-s-air-power-flying-bharat-malkani-on-building-a-stronger-mro-ecosystem-1790950481277">Keeping India’s air power flying: Bharat Malkani on building MRO ecosystem</a> He additionally highlighted India's indigenous satellite-navigation capability, NavIC, arguing that making the regional navigation system more effective and operationally dependable could reduce reliance on foreign satellite-navigation networks. My discussion with Gen. Padhi highlights a fundamental shift in drone warfare. Range and payload remain important, but survivability in an electronically contested battlespace is becoming equally significant and decisive.

GPS can be jammed, communications can be disrupted and long-range drones can suddenly lose their edge. Maj Gen RC Padhi explains why India needs to focus on indigenous sensors, navigation resilience and AI to prepare for the next generation of drone warfare.

Long-range attack drones are transforming modern warfare, but their effectiveness increasingly depends on what happens after satellite navigation and communications are disrupted. Speaking to me on Defence Pulse, Major General RC Padhi, Senior Vice President at IG Defence, said navigation resilience will be critical as electronic warfare becomes a routine feature of the battlefield. Also read | Indian Navy could operate indigenous underwater drones within a year: Ankur Shah Fighting when GPS disappears Gen. Padhi explained that adversaries can attempt to jam or degrade satellite navigation signals, forcing unmanned systems to rely on alternative technologies. He pointed to CRPA antennas, which are designed to resist satellite-navigation jamming, and inertial measurement units or IMUs. An IMU uses onboard sensors, including gyroscopes, to track a platform's movement and help it continue navigating even when external signals are unavailable.

GPS can be jammed, communications can be disrupted and long-range drones can suddenly lose their edge. Maj Gen RC Padhi explains why India needs to focus on indigenous sensors, navigation resilience and AI to prepare for the next generation of drone warfare.

'India must invest in sensors': Maj Gen RC Padhi on building combat drones for GPS-denied war

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