#Gravitas U.S. Officials say Beijing is rapidly narrowing America's long-standing advantage in orbit by building one of the world's largest surveillance satellite networks. 

China Builds 500+ Spy Satellites as U.S. Space Lead Shrinks  | GRAVITAS 

#Gravitas Thailand is set to abandon one of its biggest infrastructure projects.  A fresh government review concluded that a $30 billion proposed landbridge project aimed at bypassing the Malacca Strait is no longer financially viable and could cause serious environmental damage. 

Thailand Plans to Scrap Land Bridge Project Bypassing Malacca Strait  | GRAVITAS 

Slavery has been illegal in Indonesia since the country gained independence in 1945. But nearly 80 years later, reports suggest the practice hasn't disappeared altogether. On the remote island of Sumba, some people are still allegedly born into servitude.&nbsp;Just a short flight from Bali, Sumba is home to around 685,000 people. According to reports, thousands there continue to live under an inherited system of bondage.&nbsp;Activists say many work from dawn to dusk without wages and have faced abuse, including physical violence and sexual assault.&nbsp;The question is: How can slavery still exist in modern Indonesia? &nbsp;The answer lies in a centuries-old belief system known as Marapu.&nbsp;Although nearly 80% of Sumba's population is Christian, Marapu traditions continue to influence social structures. Reports say the system divides society into three hereditary classes—nobles, commoners and slaves.&nbsp;Campaigners argue that the island's isolation from mainland Indonesia has helped preserve these hierarchies for generations. Some members of the traditional elite say they are gradually reforming old customs.&nbsp;However, they stop short of freeing inherited slaves, arguing that doing so would conflict with deeply rooted cultural traditions.&nbsp;Local religious leaders and rights activists, meanwhile, have continued to highlight the abuses allegedly suffered by those trapped in the system.<h2>Government's Response</h2>&nbsp;The issue has also raised questions about the Indonesian government's response.Indonesia's Human Rights Minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, defended the government's gradual approach, saying social change should evolve alongside communities rather than be imposed abruptly.&nbsp;He said, "Indonesia has some ethnic groups that are more advanced, while others are still lagging behind. We have to acknowledge this. The government does not wish to impose change suddenly, rather it follows the social development of each community step by step. We are convinced that education will change everything".&nbsp;He argued that education, over time, would transform society.&nbsp;<h2>Outrage against government</h2>&nbsp;But the government's position has drawn criticism. Human rights groups argue that cultural traditions cannot justify slavery in any form.&nbsp;They are urging Jakarta to strictly enforce Indonesia's constitutional ban on slavery and uphold the international human rights conventions the country has signed.&nbsp;For campaigners, the message is simple: no tradition should come at the cost of human freedom.

Activists say many work from dawn to dusk without wages and have faced abuse, including physical violence and sexual assault.

Slavery has been illegal in Indonesia since the country gained independence in 1945. But nearly 80 years later, reports suggest the practice hasn't disappeared altogether. On the remote island of Sumba, some people are still allegedly born into servitude. Just a short flight from Bali, Sumba is home to around 685,000 people. According to reports, thousands there continue to live under an inherited system of bondage. Activists say many work from dawn to dusk without wages and have faced abuse, including physical violence and sexual assault. The question is: How can slavery still exist in modern Indonesia? The answer lies in a centuries-old belief system known as Marapu. Although nearly 80% of Sumba's population is Christian, Marapu traditions continue to influence social structures. Reports say the system divides society into three hereditary classes—nobles, commoners and slaves. Campaigners argue that the island's isolation from mainland Indonesia has helped preserve these hierarchies for generations. Some members of the traditional elite say they are gradually reforming old customs. However, they stop short of freeing inherited slaves, arguing that doing so would conflict with deeply rooted cultural traditions. Local religious leaders and rights activists, meanwhile, have continued to highlight the abuses allegedly suffered by those trapped in the system. Government's Response The issue has also raised questions about the Indonesian government's response. Indonesia's Human Rights Minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, defended the government's gradual approach, saying social change should evolve alongside communities rather than be imposed abruptly. He said, "Indonesia has some ethnic groups that are more advanced, while others are still lagging behind. We have to acknowledge this. The government does not wish to impose change suddenly, rather it follows the social development of each community step by step. We are convinced that education will change everything". He argued that education, over time, would transform society. Outrage against government But the government's position has drawn criticism. Human rights groups argue that cultural traditions cannot justify slavery in any form. They are urging Jakarta to strictly enforce Indonesia's constitutional ban on slavery and uphold the international human rights conventions the country has signed. For campaigners, the message is simple: no tradition should come at the cost of human freedom.

Activists say many work from dawn to dusk without wages and have faced abuse, including physical violence and sexual assault.

Indonesia accused of delaying action against slavery, says 'don't want to impose change suddenly' | GRAVITAS

Iran is intensifying pressure in West Asia through its Houthi allies, who have launched fresh attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of a major global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz already under pressure, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has emerged as a second strategic choke point, threatening global oil and gas supplies.

The Houthis claim responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Saudi-linked vessels, while Saudi Arabia has confirmed damage to one of its oil tankers. Analysts warn that if both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb are disrupted simultaneously, nearly one-quarter of the world's oil and gas supply could be affected.


Red Sea Crisis deepens | Houthi Missile attacks on Saudi ships escalate Iran-US regional conflict

What's the link between cotton and weapons? Well...More than you can imagine. While U.S. President Donald Trump has been escalating the West Asia conflict, America has also been grappling with replenishing its depleting weapons stockpiles.&nbsp;Europe, too, has been ramping up ammunition production amid the looming threat posed by Russia.&nbsp;However, China holds the key to these plans. Here is how:&nbsp;Boosting weapons production is not possible without nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton. It is a highly flammable material made from cotton by exposing it to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent.&nbsp;Crucially, guncotton is a vital ingredient in the production of propellant powder used in firearms and missiles. Besides this, it is also used in inks, coatings, and pharmaceuticals.&nbsp;<h2>Where does China come into the picture?</h2>&nbsp;According to the International Trade Centre, China accounts for nearly half of the world's nitrocellulose market and is a key supplier of this material to both Europe and the United States.&nbsp;Reports suggest that Europe relies on China for nearly 70% of the raw material required for guncotton production. But why does the West have to depend on China for guncotton in the first place?&nbsp;After the Cold War, many Western countries reportedly reduced their defence manufacturing capacity as governments expected lower ammunition requirements.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cotton-crisis-threatens-us-europe-s-race-to-build-more-weapons-china-holds-the-key-1784656636391/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cotton-crisis-threatens-us-europe-s-race-to-build-more-weapons-china-holds-the-key-1784656636391/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, operations at several nitrocellulose plants were scaled down. This situation changed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which compelled NATO countries to dramatically increase ammunition production.&nbsp;Reports suggest that the shortage of guncotton is primarily due to demand rising much faster than production capacity.<h2>Can the West reduce its dependence?</h2>&nbsp;According to reports, companies in both Europe and the United States are attempting to expand domestic nitrocellulose production capacity.&nbsp;This comes amid growing concerns that China could disrupt access to guncotton during a future conflict, thereby hampering ammunition production.&nbsp;China also has significant leverage over the West due to its dominance in the critical minerals industry. After all, it produces around 90% of the world's rare earth elements.&nbsp;In April last year, Beijing restricted rare earth exports to the United States in response to President Trump's tariff measures.&nbsp;While Trump initially threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, he later announced a trade and economic agreement with China in November 2025.&nbsp;According to Trump, China agreed to eliminate export controls on rare earth elements and other critical minerals, while ending its retaliatory measures against U.S. semiconductor manufacturers.&nbsp;After Trump visited Beijing in May this year, the White House stated that China had agreed to address U.S. concerns regarding supply chain shortages and restrictions on the sale of critical minerals and rare earths.&nbsp;A month later, China reportedly issued rare earth export licences to three leading American automakers, including General Motors.&nbsp;<h2>The U.S. is still trying to reduce dependency</h2>&nbsp;However, the United States is also working to reduce its reliance on overseas supply chains for defence production.&nbsp;A day earlier, President Trump signed an executive order making it more difficult for U.S. defence contractors to obtain waivers allowing them to purchase critical minerals from China.&nbsp;Companies seeking such waivers will now have to demonstrate that they searched for alternative suppliers and provide a clear plan to reduce their dependence on prohibited sources.&nbsp;This comes as many critical minerals used in missiles, aircraft, and other advanced military systems still rely on Chinese suppliers.&nbsp;The Pentagon has also been urging defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing to rapidly expand weapons production while eliminating vulnerabilities within the military supply chain.<h2>The bigger challenge</h2>&nbsp;However, considering that reducing dependence on Beijing will take considerable time, depleting ammunition stockpiles remain a major concern for the United States and its allies.

Boosting weapons production is not possible without nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton. It is a highly flammable material made from cotton.

What's the link between cotton and weapons? Well...More than you can imagine. While U.S. President Donald Trump has been escalating the West Asia conflict, America has also been grappling with replenishing its depleting weapons stockpiles. Europe, too, has been ramping up ammunition production amid the looming threat posed by Russia. However, China holds the key to these plans. Here is how: Boosting weapons production is not possible without nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton. It is a highly flammable material made from cotton by exposing it to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent. Crucially, guncotton is a vital ingredient in the production of propellant powder used in firearms and missiles. Besides this, it is also used in inks, coatings, and pharmaceuticals. Where does China come into the picture? According to the International Trade Centre, China accounts for nearly half of the world's nitrocellulose market and is a key supplier of this material to both Europe and the United States. Reports suggest that Europe relies on China for nearly 70% of the raw material required for guncotton production. But why does the West have to depend on China for guncotton in the first place? After the Cold War, many Western countries reportedly reduced their defence manufacturing capacity as governments expected lower ammunition requirements. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cotton-crisis-threatens-us-europe-s-race-to-build-more-weapons-china-holds-the-key-1784656636391/embed Additionally, operations at several nitrocellulose plants were scaled down. This situation changed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which compelled NATO countries to dramatically increase ammunition production. Reports suggest that the shortage of guncotton is primarily due to demand rising much faster than production capacity. Can the West reduce its dependence? According to reports, companies in both Europe and the United States are attempting to expand domestic nitrocellulose production capacity. This comes amid growing concerns that China could disrupt access to guncotton during a future conflict, thereby hampering ammunition production. China also has significant leverage over the West due to its dominance in the critical minerals industry. After all, it produces around 90% of the world's rare earth elements. In April last year, Beijing restricted rare earth exports to the United States in response to President Trump's tariff measures. While Trump initially threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, he later announced a trade and economic agreement with China in November 2025. According to Trump, China agreed to eliminate export controls on rare earth elements and other critical minerals, while ending its retaliatory measures against U.S. semiconductor manufacturers. After Trump visited Beijing in May this year, the White House stated that China had agreed to address U.S. concerns regarding supply chain shortages and restrictions on the sale of critical minerals and rare earths. A month later, China reportedly issued rare earth export licences to three leading American automakers, including General Motors. The U.S. is still trying to reduce dependency However, the United States is also working to reduce its reliance on overseas supply chains for defence production. A day earlier, President Trump signed an executive order making it more difficult for U.S. defence contractors to obtain waivers allowing them to purchase critical minerals from China. Companies seeking such waivers will now have to demonstrate that they searched for alternative suppliers and provide a clear plan to reduce their dependence on prohibited sources. This comes as many critical minerals used in missiles, aircraft, and other advanced military systems still rely on Chinese suppliers. The Pentagon has also been urging defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing to rapidly expand weapons production while eliminating vulnerabilities within the military supply chain. The bigger challenge However, considering that reducing dependence on Beijing will take considerable time, depleting ammunition stockpiles remain a major concern for the United States and its allies.

Boosting weapons production is not possible without nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton. It is a highly flammable material made from cotton.

How China controls a critical ingredient for Western ammunition | Gravitas

While brute force has been Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's go-to approach to deal with dissent, the internal turmoil is deepening. With Islamabad facing different types of crises on four fronts, can it avoid another 1971, when East Pakistan seceded from Pakistan to become the independent country of Bangladesh?&nbsp;Afghanistan's former Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who has been a vocal critic of the Pakistani military's policies, stirred up a hornet's nest recently with his cryptic post.&nbsp;He said, "There are preliminary signs that a new country will be born in our region. Guess its name."&nbsp;While he did not identify which territory he was referring to, his comment comes at a time when Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan have seen growing calls for freedom.&nbsp;In PoK, for instance, thousands of supporters of civil society group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been on a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground since June 9.&nbsp;The protests were originally ignited by a ban on JAAC, which put forth 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 seats in the so-called legislative assembly, which are dominated by Pakistanis.In a big embarrassment for the Munir-led military establishment, PoK has reverberated with slogans seeking freedom from Pakistan.&nbsp;Protesters have clearly earmarked the Pakistani government and military as "illegal occupiers."With protesters warning of a long march to Muzaffarabad if the Pakistani government doesn't fulfill its demands by July 21, an additional 8,000 Rangers and heavy weaponry have reportedly been deployed in PoK.&nbsp;After nine persons were killed as Munir's forces opened fire on innocent civilians, the UN has stepped in as well, calling for an impartial probe into all killings in PoK.&nbsp;Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, "Some of the group's leaders have subsequently been arrested. The criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association."&nbsp;If we turn our attention to Balochistan, which accounts for nearly 44% of Pakistan's area, the situation is no better.&nbsp;As per human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, Baloch rebels now control 85% of Balochistan's territory and are ready to throw out Munir's forces by the end of 2026.&nbsp;The Baloch Liberation Army has stepped up its attacks since January this year by targeting Munir's forces in Operation Herof.&nbsp;Earlier this month, at least 42 persons, most of whom were security personnel, were killed in three attacks by Baloch insurgents.&nbsp;In subsequent operations, Pakistani forces claimed to have killed 129 militants.&nbsp;As per the South Asia Terrorism Portal, 532 Pakistani security personnel have lost their lives in Balochistan this year.&nbsp;On the other hand, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to pose a big challenge in the neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;<h2>Attacks and targeted killings are on the rise</h2>&nbsp;On July 15, for example, three policemen were killed and at least 20 others were injured when militants ambushed a security convoy and carried out a suicide attack on a police station.&nbsp;Thereafter, Pakistan claimed to have killed 24 militants in a series of operations.&nbsp;Now, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman also seems to have read the writing on the wall.A politically ambitious cleric who has often picked a side based on the on-ground situation, Rehman has been taking on the military in the last few months.&nbsp;Addressing a lawyers' convention in Islamabad, he exposed how Pakistan doesn't honour its own soldiers.&nbsp;Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, "I know how much you value your martyrs. Can you tell us? Have you told the people until now regarding how many of our jawans were killed in Kargil? And how many of their bodies did you accept?"&nbsp;This is not all. The veteran politician also flagged how Pakistan had increasingly become isolated owing to its tensions on all borders.&nbsp;Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, "The border with India is closed. The border with Afghanistan is closed. China is not ready to do trade with you."&nbsp;The Afghanistan front in particular is on the boil after Pakistan escalated hostilities with the Afghan Taliban in February this year by conducting air strikes on alleged TTP camps in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.&nbsp;This led to a series of attacks and counter-attacks by both sides.&nbsp;While it remains to be seen whether Amrullah Saleh's prediction comes true, it is increasingly clear that Pakistan is confronting a rather uncomfortable security situation in its own backyard, which is very tough to wish away.

In PoK thousands of supporters of civil society group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been on a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground since June 9.

While brute force has been Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's go-to approach to deal with dissent, the internal turmoil is deepening. With Islamabad facing different types of crises on four fronts, can it avoid another 1971, when East Pakistan seceded from Pakistan to become the independent country of Bangladesh? Afghanistan's former Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who has been a vocal critic of the Pakistani military's policies, stirred up a hornet's nest recently with his cryptic post. He said, "There are preliminary signs that a new country will be born in our region. Guess its name." While he did not identify which territory he was referring to, his comment comes at a time when Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan have seen growing calls for freedom. In PoK, for instance, thousands of supporters of civil society group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been on a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground since June 9. The protests were originally ignited by a ban on JAAC, which put forth 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 seats in the so-called legislative assembly, which are dominated by Pakistanis. In a big embarrassment for the Munir-led military establishment, PoK has reverberated with slogans seeking freedom from Pakistan. Protesters have clearly earmarked the Pakistani government and military as "illegal occupiers." With protesters warning of a long march to Muzaffarabad if the Pakistani government doesn't fulfill its demands by July 21, an additional 8,000 Rangers and heavy weaponry have reportedly been deployed in PoK. After nine persons were killed as Munir's forces opened fire on innocent civilians, the UN has stepped in as well, calling for an impartial probe into all killings in PoK. Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, "Some of the group's leaders have subsequently been arrested. The criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association." If we turn our attention to Balochistan, which accounts for nearly 44% of Pakistan's area, the situation is no better. As per human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, Baloch rebels now control 85% of Balochistan's territory and are ready to throw out Munir's forces by the end of 2026. The Baloch Liberation Army has stepped up its attacks since January this year by targeting Munir's forces in Operation Herof. Earlier this month, at least 42 persons, most of whom were security personnel, were killed in three attacks by Baloch insurgents. In subsequent operations, Pakistani forces claimed to have killed 129 militants. As per the South Asia Terrorism Portal, 532 Pakistani security personnel have lost their lives in Balochistan this year. On the other hand, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to pose a big challenge in the neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Attacks and targeted killings are on the rise On July 15, for example, three policemen were killed and at least 20 others were injured when militants ambushed a security convoy and carried out a suicide attack on a police station. Thereafter, Pakistan claimed to have killed 24 militants in a series of operations. Now, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman also seems to have read the writing on the wall. A politically ambitious cleric who has often picked a side based on the on-ground situation, Rehman has been taking on the military in the last few months. Addressing a lawyers' convention in Islamabad, he exposed how Pakistan doesn't honour its own soldiers. Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, "I know how much you value your martyrs. Can you tell us? Have you told the people until now regarding how many of our jawans were killed in Kargil? And how many of their bodies did you accept?" This is not all. The veteran politician also flagged how Pakistan had increasingly become isolated owing to its tensions on all borders. Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, "The border with India is closed. The border with Afghanistan is closed. China is not ready to do trade with you." The Afghanistan front in particular is on the boil after Pakistan escalated hostilities with the Afghan Taliban in February this year by conducting air strikes on alleged TTP camps in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. This led to a series of attacks and counter-attacks by both sides. While it remains to be seen whether Amrullah Saleh's prediction comes true, it is increasingly clear that Pakistan is confronting a rather uncomfortable security situation in its own backyard, which is very tough to wish away.

In PoK thousands of supporters of civil society group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been on a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground since June 9.

Pakistan deploys thousands of troops, heavy weapons to contain PoK protests | Gravitas

Is Israel Making Inroads in its attempt to influence America's decision-making amid the U.S.-Iran war? Well, knives are out for Israel yet again. And this criticism has come from none other than U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is perceived as a potential future U.S. presidential candidate.&nbsp;Speaking with podcaster Joe Rogan, Vance revealed that some members of the Israeli government had tried to influence U.S. public opinion to oppose the U.S.-Iran deal.&nbsp;What's more shocking is that he accused some elements within the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government of running a paid campaign against him for publicly pressing for an agreement with Iran.&nbsp;He said, "They are attacking me obsessively saying that we should not be negotiating with Iran and we should keep the military campaign going on indefinitely."&nbsp;He also rubbished allegations of being influenced by any foreign government.&nbsp;Vance also made a rather curious remark, which has fueled speculation about his disagreement with the way U.S. President Donald Trump is handling Iran.<h2>Foreign countries try to influence American public opinion?</h2>&nbsp;He observed, "What bothers me is when American leadership allows that influence to affect their judgment and to affect what they are advocating for."&nbsp;However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Vance and Trump are on the same page.&nbsp;At the same time, she conceded that foreign countries do try to influence American public opinion.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vance-accuses-israel-of-targeting-him-over-iran-deal-as-netanyahu-draws-flak-1784311931692/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/vance-accuses-israel-of-targeting-him-over-iran-deal-as-netanyahu-draws-flak-1784311931692/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Karoline Leavitt said, "I think the president would certainly agree that, yes, foreign countries certainly do try to persuade American public opinion. There's no doubt about that. I think it's just a basic fact."&nbsp;Now, this is not the first time Vance has been critical of Israel.&nbsp;When the U.S. and Iran were close to finalising the MOU, Netanyahu often came in for criticism as the IDF continued bombing Lebanon despite a ceasefire.&nbsp;Last month, Vance stressed that the U.S. is Israel's only powerful ally at present.&nbsp;In June, JD Vance remarked, "Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time, and he happens to be the head of state of the world superpower. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world."&nbsp;This comes at a time when opposition to Netanyahu is growing within America.&nbsp;For instance, California Governor Gavin Newsom told Axios in a recent interview that he fears Israel is becoming an Apartheid state, citing its policies in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank over the last couple of years.&nbsp;<h2>Netanyahu's future is on the line?</h2>&nbsp;With Israel heading towards polls in October, Netanyahu's future is on the line.Although his government will be Israel's first since 1988 to complete its full four-year term, his tenure has been rocked by controversies.&nbsp;Apart from facing criticism over security failures regarding the October 7 Hamas attack, he also became the first prime minister in Israel's history to face criminal prosecution while in office.The Israeli prime minister is facing trial in three cases on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison.&nbsp;With opinion polls indicating a tough fight for Netanyahu, is insecurity creeping in?&nbsp;A latest decision has raised more questions.&nbsp;As per reports, the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs has agreed to provide lifelong protection for Netanyahu irrespective of the election result.&nbsp;Additionally, his wife, Sara, will be granted security as long as he is alive.&nbsp;Their children, Yair and Avner, shall also receive protection for the next five years.&nbsp;What makes it glaring is that the same rules won't extend to other former prime ministers, whose security entitlement will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.&nbsp;Why has an exception been carved out for Netanyahu and his family alone?&nbsp;Mossad officials reportedly believe they are at a "lifetime threat level" as Israel's enemies want to extract revenge for the country's recent wars.&nbsp;With Netanyahu increasingly coming under fire, all eyes will be on the next few months as he seeks another term in power.

Vance accused some elements within the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government of running a paid campaign against him for publicly pressing for an agreement with Iran.

Is Israel Making Inroads in its attempt to influence America's decision-making amid the U.S.-Iran war? Well, knives are out for Israel yet again. And this criticism has come from none other than U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is perceived as a potential future U.S. presidential candidate. Speaking with podcaster Joe Rogan, Vance revealed that some members of the Israeli government had tried to influence U.S. public opinion to oppose the U.S.-Iran deal. What's more shocking is that he accused some elements within the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government of running a paid campaign against him for publicly pressing for an agreement with Iran. He said, "They are attacking me obsessively saying that we should not be negotiating with Iran and we should keep the military campaign going on indefinitely." He also rubbished allegations of being influenced by any foreign government. Vance also made a rather curious remark, which has fueled speculation about his disagreement with the way U.S. President Donald Trump is handling Iran. Foreign countries try to influence American public opinion? He observed, "What bothers me is when American leadership allows that influence to affect their judgment and to affect what they are advocating for." However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Vance and Trump are on the same page. At the same time, she conceded that foreign countries do try to influence American public opinion. https://www.wionews.com/videos/vance-accuses-israel-of-targeting-him-over-iran-deal-as-netanyahu-draws-flak-1784311931692/embed Karoline Leavitt said, "I think the president would certainly agree that, yes, foreign countries certainly do try to persuade American public opinion. There's no doubt about that. I think it's just a basic fact." Now, this is not the first time Vance has been critical of Israel. When the U.S. and Iran were close to finalising the MOU, Netanyahu often came in for criticism as the IDF continued bombing Lebanon despite a ceasefire. Last month, Vance stressed that the U.S. is Israel's only powerful ally at present. In June, JD Vance remarked, "Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time, and he happens to be the head of state of the world superpower. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world." This comes at a time when opposition to Netanyahu is growing within America. For instance, California Governor Gavin Newsom told Axios in a recent interview that he fears Israel is becoming an Apartheid state, citing its policies in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank over the last couple of years. Netanyahu's future is on the line? With Israel heading towards polls in October, Netanyahu's future is on the line. Although his government will be Israel's first since 1988 to complete its full four-year term, his tenure has been rocked by controversies. Apart from facing criticism over security failures regarding the October 7 Hamas attack, he also became the first prime minister in Israel's history to face criminal prosecution while in office. The Israeli prime minister is facing trial in three cases on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison. With opinion polls indicating a tough fight for Netanyahu, is insecurity creeping in? A latest decision has raised more questions. As per reports, the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs has agreed to provide lifelong protection for Netanyahu irrespective of the election result. Additionally, his wife, Sara, will be granted security as long as he is alive. Their children, Yair and Avner, shall also receive protection for the next five years. What makes it glaring is that the same rules won't extend to other former prime ministers, whose security entitlement will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Why has an exception been carved out for Netanyahu and his family alone? Mossad officials reportedly believe they are at a "lifetime threat level" as Israel's enemies want to extract revenge for the country's recent wars. With Netanyahu increasingly coming under fire, all eyes will be on the next few months as he seeks another term in power.

Vance accused some elements within the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government of running a paid campaign against him for publicly pressing for an agreement with Iran.

JD Vance alleges Israeli pressure campaign over Iran deal amid mounting criticism of Netanyahu | Gravitas

When your position is considered by many as the most powerful in the world, it is likely that you will have benefits in some way or the other. But could it outrightly lead to the person raking in millions of dollars?&nbsp;If you haven't guessed that already, we are talking about U.S. President Donald Trump.From sneakers, Bibles, watches, hats, cryptocurrency-linked products, meme coins, trading cards, and now even his social media posts, Trump the businessman knows just how to brand himself.&nbsp;His Truth Social account has nearly 13 million followers and is closely watched by all corners of the globe because Trump uses his account to make threats, impose tariffs on various countries, or make potential announcements of impending U.S. military action.&nbsp;So, Trump has found a way to monetise this.&nbsp;The U.S. president is now selling access to some of those posts in "milliseconds."Trump Media &amp; Technology Group, the parent company of the microblogging platform, has announced plans to launch something known as "Truth API."&nbsp;<h2>What is Truth API ?</h2>&nbsp;It is reportedly a data feed that provides what it calls the "fastest" real-time access to posts from the highest-ranking Truth Social accounts.&nbsp;The service will reportedly deliver posts from Truth Social's 10 most influential accounts to customers significantly faster than the usual push notification. This includes Trump, who has the highest number of followers on Truth Social.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sell-bibles-sneakers-truth-social-posts-how-to-make-money-as-an-american-president-1784308297437/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sell-bibles-sneakers-truth-social-posts-how-to-make-money-as-an-american-president-1784308297437/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Where is the monetising aspect to all of this?</h2>&nbsp;The U.S. president reportedly owns around 41% of the publicly traded Trump Media through a revocable trust.<h2>Trump's earnings</h2>&nbsp;According to reports, Trump's personal income in 2025 nearly quadrupled. According to a Forbes analysis, he made $2.4 billion last year. To put that into perspective, that is 6,000 times the current U.S. presidential salary of $400,000. It is not just Trump alone who is making the earnings. Even his teleprompter operator is under the spotlight.&nbsp;Trump's longtime teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, has been put on unpaid administrative leave after an investigation into alleged trading activity, the White House has confirmed.Perez is under investigation by U.S. federal regulators over potential insider trading on a prediction market platform.&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the individual concerned "has been put on paid administrative leave," adding that there will be a new teleprompter operator. &nbsp;

Trumps Truth Social account has nearly 13 million followers and is closely watched by all corners of the globe because he uses his account to make threats and impose tariffs on various countries.

When your position is considered by many as the most powerful in the world, it is likely that you will have benefits in some way or the other. But could it outrightly lead to the person raking in millions of dollars? If you haven't guessed that already, we are talking about U.S. President Donald Trump. From sneakers, Bibles, watches, hats, cryptocurrency-linked products, meme coins, trading cards, and now even his social media posts, Trump the businessman knows just how to brand himself. His Truth Social account has nearly 13 million followers and is closely watched by all corners of the globe because Trump uses his account to make threats, impose tariffs on various countries, or make potential announcements of impending U.S. military action. So, Trump has found a way to monetise this. The U.S. president is now selling access to some of those posts in "milliseconds." Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of the microblogging platform, has announced plans to launch something known as "Truth API." What is Truth API ? It is reportedly a data feed that provides what it calls the "fastest" real-time access to posts from the highest-ranking Truth Social accounts. The service will reportedly deliver posts from Truth Social's 10 most influential accounts to customers significantly faster than the usual push notification. This includes Trump, who has the highest number of followers on Truth Social. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sell-bibles-sneakers-truth-social-posts-how-to-make-money-as-an-american-president-1784308297437/embed Where is the monetising aspect to all of this? The U.S. president reportedly owns around 41% of the publicly traded Trump Media through a revocable trust. Trump's earnings According to reports, Trump's personal income in 2025 nearly quadrupled. According to a Forbes analysis, he made $2.4 billion last year. To put that into perspective, that is 6,000 times the current U.S. presidential salary of $400,000. It is not just Trump alone who is making the earnings. Even his teleprompter operator is under the spotlight. Trump's longtime teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, has been put on unpaid administrative leave after an investigation into alleged trading activity, the White House has confirmed. Perez is under investigation by U.S. federal regulators over potential insider trading on a prediction market platform. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the individual concerned "has been put on paid administrative leave," adding that there will be a new teleprompter operator.

Trump's Truth Social account has nearly 13 million followers and is closely watched by all corners of the globe because he uses his account to make threats and impose tariffs on various countries.

Bibles, crypto to Truth Social, inside Trump's growing business empire | Gravitas

Scientists are revisiting a chilling hypothesis — that extraterrestrial probes may be silently monitoring our planet from within our solar system. These so-called “lurkers” could be ancient alien technology hiding on the Moon, Mars, or even in Earth’s orbit — gathering data without revealing their presence.
Are we truly alone, or have we already been found?

Could Alien Probes Be Watching Earth Right Now?

Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly announced that Russia has successfully tested the world’s first nuclear-powered cruise missile, known as the Burevestnik. A weapon that Moscow claims no defence system on earth can stop.  And feeling the tremors of similar nuclear threats, Europe appears to be rethinking its nuclear security.

Putin’s New Nuclear Skyfall Missile Sends Europe Scrambling for Cover 

The war just turned apocalyptic. Watch dramatic footage as Russian missiles and drones rain down on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy, leaving a trail of death and destruction. We show the terrifying drone strike that ripped through Sumy and the sheer scale of the Russian bombardment. Amidst the chaos, President Zelensky makes a shocking admission, calling President Donald Trump's brutal front-line proposal a "good compromise." Is a new peace deal on the table? Simultaneously, Ukraine retaliates with British Storm Shadow missiles, hitting a Russian chemical plant. This is the full escalation of the conflict, with both sides delivering devastating blows.

Russia-Ukraine War: 300 Drones, 37 Missiles: One Night of Hell in Ukraine

#Gravitas Scientists who once worked in the United States are now packing up their labs and moving to China. At least 85 researchers have left American institutions since early last year to join universities and labs in China full-time.  

America’s Scientist Exodus Is Fueling China's Rise

#Gravitas China’s spy ship, Yuan Wang 5, has once again entered waters near India, triggering security concerns in New Delhi. The advanced surveillance vessel known for tracking satellites and missiles is back in the Indian Ocean after docking at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port three years ago. Its timing raises questions, as India has issued a NOTAM restricting airspace over the Bay of Bengal on September 24–25, a move typically associated with missile tests.

China’s Spy Ship Back In Indian Ocean Ahead Of Speculated Missile Test

For decades, London has been a safe haven for powerful figures who have plundered billions from countries where they lived, and hidden it all behind the walls of London's most luxurious real estate. Watch this video to find out more.

Asia's 'dirty Money' Funds Luxury Homes In London

 #GRAVITAS | In the UK, five regions are facing droughts with farmers fearing a poor harvest this season. This is as Britain faces fourth heatwave in this year alone. Watch this video to find out more. 

Five Regions In UK Face Acute Water Shortage, Drought Crisis

Europe’s Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket has completed its third-ever liftoff and second commercial mission from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. The rocket successfully deployed the MetOp-SG-A1 satellite into a polar orbit 800 km above Earth. Over the next 7.5 years, the satellite will deliver high-resolution data on temperature, winds, clouds, sea ice, aerosols, and more to improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring worldwide.

Europe’s Ariane 6 Launches Weather Satellite on 3rd Flight

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China Builds 500+ Spy Satellites as U.S. Space Lead Shrinks | GRAVITAS

Thailand Plans to Scrap Land Bridge Project Bypassing Malacca Strait | GRAVITAS

Indonesia faces criticism over pace of anti-slavery efforts | GRAVITAS