<p>Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata horror murder-rape case has claimed during the polygraph test that the victim was already dead when he reached the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roy was subjected to a lie-detector test on Sunday (Aug 25) by a team of experts that had travelled to West Bengal's capital city from New Delhi. According to a report in <em>TOI</em>, the test yielded several false and unconvincing answers from Roy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication, citing sources stated that&nbsp;Roy appeared unnerved and anxious during the lie-detector test.&nbsp;As the CBI confronted him with several pieces of evidence, he cited multiple alibis.</p>

<p>Roy, a serial womaniser with a serious porn addiction, claimed that he ran away from the premises in fear when he spotted the dead body of the victim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, according to Kolkata police, Roy had confessed to committing the crime in the aftermath of the incident. However, since then, he has made a U-turn, claiming that he was being framed for the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape and murder case exposes failures on multiple fronts</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What questions were asked?</strong></h2>

<p>According to sources, this test involved&nbsp;three types of questions: relevant, irrelevant, and control questions. Some of the questions posed to Roy were:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Is your name Sanjay Roy?</li>
	<li>Were you in the hospital on the day of the incident?</li>
	<li>Have you ever lied?</li>
	<li>Did you rape the victim?</li>
	<li>Did you kill the victim?</li>
	<li>Is the colour of tomato red?</li>
	<li>Was anyone else involved in the murder?</li>
	<li>Did you flee the hospital after the murder?</li>
	<li>Have you ever molested the victim before?</li>
	<li>Do you watch pornographic films?</li>
	<li>Did you visit a red-light area before the murder?</li>
	<li>Was your Bluetooth device broken in the seminar hall?</li>
	<li>Have you answered all the questions correctly?</li>
</ul>

<p>A total of seven people in connection to the case were subjected to the lie-detector test over the course of the weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>CBI raids principal's home</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Notably, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday also raided 15 locations, including the premises of former&nbsp;Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh in connection to the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The raid on Ghosh's residence lasted over 12 hours and started late after he kept the agency officials waiting for more than 70 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the murder-rape incident first came to light, a case alleging financial irregularities at the Kolkata hospital has been filed against Ghosh, who seemingly has close relations with the upper echelons of Trinamool Congress (TMC) -- the ruling party in the state.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata horror murder-rape case has claimed during the polygraph test that the victim was already dead when he reached the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata horror murder-rape case has claimed during the polygraph test that the victim was already dead when he reached the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Roy was subjected to a lie-detector test on Sunday (Aug 25) by a team of experts that had travelled to West Bengal's capital city from New Delhi. According to a report in TOI, the test yielded several false and unconvincing answers from Roy. The publication, citing sources stated that Roy appeared unnerved and anxious during the lie-detector test. As the CBI confronted him with several pieces of evidence, he cited multiple alibis. Roy, a serial womaniser with a serious porn addiction, claimed that he ran away from the premises in fear when he spotted the dead body of the victim. Notably, according to Kolkata police, Roy had confessed to committing the crime in the aftermath of the incident. However, since then, he has made a U-turn, claiming that he was being framed for the incident. Watch | Kolkata rape and murder case exposes failures on multiple fronts × What questions were asked? According to sources, this test involved three types of questions: relevant, irrelevant, and control questions. Some of the questions posed to Roy were: Is your name Sanjay Roy? Were you in the hospital on the day of the incident? Have you ever lied? Did you rape the victim? Did you kill the victim? Is the colour of tomato red? Was anyone else involved in the murder? Did you flee the hospital after the murder? Have you ever molested the victim before? Do you watch pornographic films? Did you visit a red-light area before the murder? Was your Bluetooth device broken in the seminar hall? Have you answered all the questions correctly? A total of seven people in connection to the case were subjected to the lie-detector test over the course of the weekend. CBI raids principal's home Notably, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday also raided 15 locations, including the premises of former Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh in connection to the case. The raid on Ghosh's residence lasted over 12 hours and started late after he kept the agency officials waiting for more than 70 minutes. After the murder-rape incident first came to light, a case alleging financial irregularities at the Kolkata hospital has been filed against Ghosh, who seemingly has close relations with the upper echelons of Trinamool Congress (TMC) -- the ruling party in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: What main accused, Sanjay Roy, told CBI during polygraph test

<p>As French judicial authorities extended the detention of&nbsp;Pavel Durov, the likes of Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among others came out in support of the founder and Telegram CEO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk was the first to come out in solidarity and posted an interview clip of Pavel with former <em>Fox News </em>anchor, Tucker Carlson wherein the Telegram boss talked about the US authorities wanting him to install a backdoor in the app which would allow the likes of the FBI, CIA and other security agencies to monitor the users.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk posted a #FreePavel hashtag and later wrote,&nbsp;"POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreePavel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreePavel</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/B7AcJWswMs">pic.twitter.com/B7AcJWswMs</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1827572720936030703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme <a href="https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P">https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1827484648454418881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk also slammed Mark Zuckerberg by quote-posting a user who questioned why the Meta CEO had not been arrested for similar allegations as those faced by Durov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Because he already caved into censorship pressure. Instagram has a massive child exploitation problem, but no arrest for Zuck, as he censors free speech and gives governments backdoor access to user data," wrote Musk.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-arrested-in-france-753254"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, RFK Jr. slammed the Emmanuel Macron government for attempting to curb free speech.</p>

<p>"France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder &amp; CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent," wrote RFK Jr.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder &amp; CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent.</p>
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1827540616282055012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Why has Durov been arrested?</strong></h2>

<p>Durov was arrested by&nbsp;French authorities on Saturday evening (Aug 24) at Le Bourget airport near Paris when he was travelling from Azerbaijan on a private jet. He was arrested for Telegram failing to curb fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and promotion of terrorism on the messaging app.</p>

<p>After his arrest, Telegram issued a statement, stating&nbsp;Durov had "nothing to hide" despite the allegations suggesting otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act -- its moderation is within industry standards," the company said in a statement published via the app.</p>

<p>"Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.&nbsp;It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/telegram-chief-executive-pavel-durov-arrested-in-france-expected-to-appear-in-court-753047"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov arrested in France, faces possible indictment</strong></a></p>

<p>With a net worth, estimated by Forbes, at $15.5 billion, Durov left Russia in 2014. His departure followed his refusal to comply with a Russian court order demanding access to Telegram’s encrypted messages.</p>

<p>In August 2021, Durov became a French citizen. He moved himself and Telegram to Dubai in 2017. Reports indicate that he has also acquired citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and St. Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As French judicial authorities extended the detention of Pavel Durov, the likes of Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among others came out in support of the founder and Telegram CEO.

As French judicial authorities extended the detention of Pavel Durov, the likes of Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among others came out in support of the founder and Telegram CEO. Musk was the first to come out in solidarity and posted an interview clip of Pavel with former Fox News anchor, Tucker Carlson wherein the Telegram boss talked about the US authorities wanting him to install a backdoor in the app which would allow the likes of the FBI, CIA and other security agencies to monitor the users. Musk posted a #FreePavel hashtag and later wrote, "POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme." #FreePavel pic.twitter.com/B7AcJWswMs — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 25, 2024 × POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2024 × Musk also slammed Mark Zuckerberg by quote-posting a user who questioned why the Meta CEO had not been arrested for similar allegations as those faced by Durov. “Because he already caved into censorship pressure. Instagram has a massive child exploitation problem, but no arrest for Zuck, as he censors free speech and gives governments backdoor access to user data," wrote Musk. Watch | Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France × Meanwhile, RFK Jr. slammed the Emmanuel Macron government for attempting to curb free speech. "France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent," wrote RFK Jr. France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 25, 2024 × Why has Durov been arrested? Durov was arrested by French authorities on Saturday evening (Aug 24) at Le Bourget airport near Paris when he was travelling from Azerbaijan on a private jet. He was arrested for Telegram failing to curb fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and promotion of terrorism on the messaging app. After his arrest, Telegram issued a statement, stating Durov had "nothing to hide" despite the allegations suggesting otherwise. "Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act -- its moderation is within industry standards," the company said in a statement published via the app. "Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform." Also read | Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov arrested in France, faces possible indictment With a net worth, estimated by Forbes, at $15.5 billion, Durov left Russia in 2014. His departure followed his refusal to comply with a Russian court order demanding access to Telegram’s encrypted messages. In August 2021, Durov became a French citizen. He moved himself and Telegram to Dubai in 2017. Reports indicate that he has also acquired citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and St. Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation. (With inputs from agencies)

From RFK Jr. to Elon Musk, calls rise to free Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

<p>Having eliminated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Israel is on the prowl to hunt his successor Yahya Sinwar. Both the US and Israel have been cooperating for more than 10 months to triangulate Sinwar's position to take him out but it looks like the operation might take a while.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in <em>The New York Times</em>, citing unnamed officials from both sides, Washington feels the arrangement between the two countries was "very lopsided", with Israel gaining far more than the US was receiving in return.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House has reportedly shared information leading to Hamas leaders other than Sinwar, hoping to receive reciprocated Israeli intelligence about remaining American hostages in Hamas captivity but Israel has not been as forthcoming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas' top leadership had been completely wiped out - making it easier for him to end the military campaign in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the task has been made difficult, especially after Sinwar started using analogue mode of communication. According to the report, at the beginning of the war, Sinwar's communications were conducted electronically but due to scarcity of fuel to power generators, Sinwar was using couriers to evade interception.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The joint Israeli-American intelligence force set up to track Sinwar is still cooperating but with both sides holding their cards tightly, the Hamas chief continues to live a charmed life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Sinwar?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the&nbsp;uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza.</p>

<p>After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas.</p>

<p>Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of&nbsp;Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-hamas-military-leader-deifs-death-in-airstrike-day-after-haniyehs-assassination-746225"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination</strong></a></p>

<p>In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Having eliminated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Israel is on the prowl to hunt his successor Yahya Sinwar. Both the US and Israel have been cooperating for more than 10 months to triangulate Sinwar's position to take him out but it looks like the operation might take a while.

Having eliminated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Israel is on the prowl to hunt his successor Yahya Sinwar. Both the US and Israel have been cooperating for more than 10 months to triangulate Sinwar's position to take him out but it looks like the operation might take a while. According to a report in The New York Times, citing unnamed officials from both sides, Washington feels the arrangement between the two countries was "very lopsided", with Israel gaining far more than the US was receiving in return. The White House has reportedly shared information leading to Hamas leaders other than Sinwar, hoping to receive reciprocated Israeli intelligence about remaining American hostages in Hamas captivity but Israel has not been as forthcoming. For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas' top leadership had been completely wiped out - making it easier for him to end the military campaign in Gaza. However, the task has been made difficult, especially after Sinwar started using analogue mode of communication. According to the report, at the beginning of the war, Sinwar's communications were conducted electronically but due to scarcity of fuel to power generators, Sinwar was using couriers to evade interception. The joint Israeli-American intelligence force set up to track Sinwar is still cooperating but with both sides holding their cards tightly, the Hamas chief continues to live a charmed life. Watch | Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report Who is Sinwar? Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza. After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas. Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021. Also read | Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: After hunting Haniyeh, Israel on prowl for Sinwar but there's a catch

<p>The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the Congress party has demanded some seats but the NC is unwilling to give them.</p>

<p>To discuss the seat-sharing issue with the NC, the Congress party flew in KC Venugopal to Srinagar. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid has been in the Kashmir Valley for the last few days, holding meetings regarding seat sharing. Both the Congress leaders will meet Omar Abdullah and other NC leaders on Monday at his residence to decide on the seat-sharing issue.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Explained: Kashmir question &amp; Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-kashmir-question-article-370-story-from-kashmir-accession-to-parliaments-integration-668767/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>''I can give you an update after the meeting is over, the big update is that some Congress senior leaders are coming to meet our senior leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They needed some clarification over some issues and it's always better to sit face to face to clear them. We will see what happens but whatever has to happen will happen today only as it's the last day,'' said senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Venugopal and Khurshid reached the residence of Farooq Abdullah to discuss the seat-sharing issue between the two parties. Tuesday (Aug 27) is the last day for filing nominations for the first phase of assembly elections. Although NC has filed nominations of two candidates for D.H. Pora and Doda, the rest of the seats are still open.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-gets-five-new-districts-this-is-what-it-means-for-ut-753354"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ladakh gets five new districts; this is what it means for UT</strong></a></p>

<p>The decision of both parties will be out on Monday as deliberations have been continuously going on between and within both the parties. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be held on October 4.</p>


The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the Congress party has demanded some seats but the NC is unwilling to give them. To discuss the seat-sharing issue with the NC, the Congress party flew in KC Venugopal to Srinagar. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid has been in the Kashmir Valley for the last few days, holding meetings regarding seat sharing. Both the Congress leaders will meet Omar Abdullah and other NC leaders on Monday at his residence to decide on the seat-sharing issue. Also watch | Explained: Kashmir question & Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration ''I can give you an update after the meeting is over, the big update is that some Congress senior leaders are coming to meet our senior leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They needed some clarification over some issues and it's always better to sit face to face to clear them. We will see what happens but whatever has to happen will happen today only as it's the last day,'' said senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani. Venugopal and Khurshid reached the residence of Farooq Abdullah to discuss the seat-sharing issue between the two parties. Tuesday (Aug 27) is the last day for filing nominations for the first phase of assembly elections. Although NC has filed nominations of two candidates for D.H. Pora and Doda, the rest of the seats are still open. Also read | Ladakh gets five new districts; this is what it means for UT The decision of both parties will be out on Monday as deliberations have been continuously going on between and within both the parties. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be held on October 4.

Jammu and Kashmir: Congress-NC alliance hits roadblock on seat sharing

<p>Days after dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Donald Trump, independent White House candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr&nbsp;has revealed what forced him to take the call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RFK stated that his campaign failed to gain steam due to "censorship" by the media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It became clear to me that I did not have a path to victory," Kennedy said. "Sixteen months of censorship, of not being able to get on any network really except for Fox," said RFK in&nbsp;an interview with Shannon Bream on "Fox News Sunday".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When Ross Perot ran, in the 10 months that he ran, he had 34 appearances on the networks. I had two appearances in 16 months, so I was blocked out of the networks, and I was blocked out of the debate. I had no path to victory."</p>

<p>As for extending his support to Trump and not the Democrats, RFK said the former president had been reaching out to his campaign periodically, with the two speaking just a few hours after the failed assassination attempt against the republican leader last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He [Trump] invited me to form a unity government. We agreed that we'd be able to continue to criticize each other on the issues where we don't agree, but these issues are so important and they're a way of unifying the country," Kennedy added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-rfk-jr-endorses-trump-as-he-suspends-his-campaign-752874"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: RFK Jr. endorses Trump as he suspends his campaign</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Kennedy's support for Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Kennedy, 70, the son of late Democrat&nbsp;politician and US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, started his campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden for the nomination.</p>

<p>However, In October last year, Kennedy dropped out of the Democratic primary race to pursue his independent bid for the presidency. For a short period, both the Biden and Trump campaigns showed signs they were worried that Kennedy could draw enough support to change the election outcome.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-rfk-jr-endorses-trump-but-how-much-momentum-will-it-give-752900"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US presidential election: RFK Jr. endorses Trump, but how much momentum will it give?</strong></a></p>

<p>The tide has since changed and Kennedy's support to Trump is expected to provide a marginal gain to the former president. RFK, however, has trained his guns on the Democrats for not being 'democratic' enough in choosing their presidential candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Biden dropped out of the race, the Democrats named Kamala Harris as their candidate despite the vice president not having won a single primary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Days after dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Donald Trump, independent White House candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has revealed what forced him to take the call.

Days after dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Donald Trump, independent White House candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has revealed what forced him to take the call. RFK stated that his campaign failed to gain steam due to "censorship" by the media. "It became clear to me that I did not have a path to victory," Kennedy said. "Sixteen months of censorship, of not being able to get on any network really except for Fox," said RFK in an interview with Shannon Bream on "Fox News Sunday". "When Ross Perot ran, in the 10 months that he ran, he had 34 appearances on the networks. I had two appearances in 16 months, so I was blocked out of the networks, and I was blocked out of the debate. I had no path to victory." As for extending his support to Trump and not the Democrats, RFK said the former president had been reaching out to his campaign periodically, with the two speaking just a few hours after the failed assassination attempt against the republican leader last month. "He [Trump] invited me to form a unity government. We agreed that we'd be able to continue to criticize each other on the issues where we don't agree, but these issues are so important and they're a way of unifying the country," Kennedy added. Watch | US: RFK Jr. endorses Trump as he suspends his campaign × Kennedy's support for Trump Kennedy, 70, the son of late Democrat politician and US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, started his campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden for the nomination. However, In October last year, Kennedy dropped out of the Democratic primary race to pursue his independent bid for the presidency. For a short period, both the Biden and Trump campaigns showed signs they were worried that Kennedy could draw enough support to change the election outcome. Also read | US presidential election: RFK Jr. endorses Trump, but how much momentum will it give? The tide has since changed and Kennedy's support to Trump is expected to provide a marginal gain to the former president. RFK, however, has trained his guns on the Democrats for not being 'democratic' enough in choosing their presidential candidate. After Biden dropped out of the race, the Democrats named Kamala Harris as their candidate despite the vice president not having won a single primary. (With inputs from agencies)

RFK Jr reveals why he dropped out of presidential race and endorsed Trump

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<p>German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.</p>

<p>The assailant fled after striking in the western town of Solingen late on Friday, sparking a day-long manhunt.</p>

<p>"We have just arrested the true suspect," North Rhine-Westphalia region interior minister Herbert Reul said on public television late Saturday evening.</p>

<p>"The man we have been looking for all day has, since a short time ago, been (put) in detention," he said, adding that police had evidence to convict him.</p>

<p>In a statement on Telegram, IS's Amaq propaganda arm said "the perpetrator of the attack on a gathering of Christians in the city of Solingen in Germany yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State".</p>

<p>IS said the attack was carried out as "revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere", in an apparent reference to Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>The claim has yet to be verified. German officials have said that "a terrorist motive cannot be excluded".</p>

<p>According to the newspapers Bild and Spiegel, the suspect was a 26-year-old Syrian who arrived in Germany in December 2022 and had been granted a protected immigration status often given to those fleeing the war-torn country.</p>

<p>He was not previously known to the security services as an extremist, the outlets reported.</p>

<p>A police spokesman had told AFP earlier that officers had arrested a man in a raid at a hostel for asylum seekers, not far from the scene of Friday's attack.</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, a prosecutor said another person had also been arrested: a 15-year-old&nbsp;suspected of failing to report a criminal act.</p>

<p>Witnesses had allegedly seen the teen discussing the attack just before it happened with a man who could be the killer, said Markus Caspers, prosecutor of Duesseldorf, just west of Solingen.</p>

<p>The three people killed Friday were men of 56 and 67 years of age and a 56-year-old woman, officials said.</p>

<p>The victims had "no known ties between them",&nbsp;Caspers told a press conference.</p>

<p>Four of the people wounded in the attack were in a "serious" condition, officials said, revising down an earlier figure of five.</p>

<p>Chancellor Olaf Scholz had said the perpetrator "must be caught quickly and punished".</p>

<p>The attack took place as thousands of people gathered for the first night of a "Festival of Diversity", part of a series of events to mark Solingen's 650th anniversary.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/knife-attack-in-germanys-solingen-perpetrator-aimed-specifically-for-peoples-throats-say-police-752942"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Knife attack in Germany's Solingen: Perpetrator aimed specifically for people's throats, say police</strong></a></p>

<h2>High terror alert</h2>

<p>Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist&nbsp;attacks.</p>

<p>Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, the risk of&nbsp;Islamist&nbsp;plots had "worsened considerably", Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, warning that "the threat posed by&nbsp;Islamist&nbsp;terrorism remains high".</p>

<p>Jihadists have carried out several attacks&nbsp;in Germany in recent years, the deadliest being a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016 that killed 12.</p>

<p>In May, a police officer was killed and five people were wounded in a knife attack at a far-right rally in the city of Mannheim, with an Islamist motive suspected.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-knife-attack-police-wont-rule-out-terrorist-motive-15-year-old-detained-753027"><strong>Alo read |&nbsp;Germany knife attack: IS claims responsibility, calls it 'revenge' for 'Muslims in Palestine'</strong></a></p>

<p>Friday's attack occurred as thousands of people gathered in front of a stage for the first night of the three-day festival.</p>

<p>Witness Lars Breitzke told the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper he was a few metres away from the attack, not far from the stage, and "understood from the expression on the singer's face that something was wrong".</p>

<p>"And then, a metre away from me, a person fell," said Breitzke, who at first thought it was someone who had had too much to drink.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When he turned around, he saw other people lying on the ground in pools of blood.</p>

<p>Solingen mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the whole city was in "shock, horror and great grief".</p>

<p>Faeser called for the country to "remain united" as she denounced "those who want to stir up hatred" during a visit to the site of the tragedy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Let us not be divided", she said.</p>

<p>Solingen is a city of some 150,000 people located between Duesseldorf and Cologne.</p>

<p>As many as 75,000 visitors had been expected to attend the "Festival of Diversity", which has now been cancelled.</p>

<p>Scholz's centre-left coalition faces regional elections next week in the east of the country, where the far-right AfD is leading strongly in the polls.</p>

<p>Germany took in more than a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016 at the height of Europe's migrant crisis.</p>

<p>The influx was deeply divisive in Germany and fuelled the popularity of the AfD.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The assailant fled after striking in the western town of Solingen late on Friday, sparking a day-long manhunt. "We have just arrested the true suspect," North Rhine-Westphalia region interior minister Herbert Reul said on public television late Saturday evening. "The man we have been looking for all day has, since a short time ago, been (put) in detention," he said, adding that police had evidence to convict him. In a statement on Telegram, IS's Amaq propaganda arm said "the perpetrator of the attack on a gathering of Christians in the city of Solingen in Germany yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State". IS said the attack was carried out as "revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere", in an apparent reference to Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The claim has yet to be verified. German officials have said that "a terrorist motive cannot be excluded". According to the newspapers Bild and Spiegel, the suspect was a 26-year-old Syrian who arrived in Germany in December 2022 and had been granted a protected immigration status often given to those fleeing the war-torn country. He was not previously known to the security services as an extremist, the outlets reported. A police spokesman had told AFP earlier that officers had arrested a man in a raid at a hostel for asylum seekers, not far from the scene of Friday's attack. Earlier on Saturday, a prosecutor said another person had also been arrested: a 15-year-old suspected of failing to report a criminal act. Witnesses had allegedly seen the teen discussing the attack just before it happened with a man who could be the killer, said Markus Caspers, prosecutor of Duesseldorf, just west of Solingen. The three people killed Friday were men of 56 and 67 years of age and a 56-year-old woman, officials said. The victims had "no known ties between them", Caspers told a press conference. Four of the people wounded in the attack were in a "serious" condition, officials said, revising down an earlier figure of five. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had said the perpetrator "must be caught quickly and punished". The attack took place as thousands of people gathered for the first night of a "Festival of Diversity", part of a series of events to mark Solingen's 650th anniversary. Also read | Knife attack in Germany's Solingen: Perpetrator aimed specifically for people's throats, say police High terror alert Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist attacks. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, the risk of Islamist plots had "worsened considerably", Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, warning that "the threat posed by Islamist terrorism remains high". Jihadists have carried out several attacks in Germany in recent years, the deadliest being a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016 that killed 12. In May, a police officer was killed and five people were wounded in a knife attack at a far-right rally in the city of Mannheim, with an Islamist motive suspected. Alo read | Germany knife attack: IS claims responsibility, calls it 'revenge' for 'Muslims in Palestine' Friday's attack occurred as thousands of people gathered in front of a stage for the first night of the three-day festival. Witness Lars Breitzke told the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper he was a few metres away from the attack, not far from the stage, and "understood from the expression on the singer's face that something was wrong". "And then, a metre away from me, a person fell," said Breitzke, who at first thought it was someone who had had too much to drink. When he turned around, he saw other people lying on the ground in pools of blood. Solingen mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the whole city was in "shock, horror and great grief". Faeser called for the country to "remain united" as she denounced "those who want to stir up hatred" during a visit to the site of the tragedy. "Let us not be divided", she said. Solingen is a city of some 150,000 people located between Duesseldorf and Cologne. As many as 75,000 visitors had been expected to attend the "Festival of Diversity", which has now been cancelled. Scholz's centre-left coalition faces regional elections next week in the east of the country, where the far-right AfD is leading strongly in the polls. Germany took in more than a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016 at the height of Europe's migrant crisis. The influx was deeply divisive in Germany and fuelled the popularity of the AfD. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Suspect who killed 3 in Germany knife attack arrested by authorities

<p>Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in <em>Times of Israel&nbsp;</em>has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iran-backed outfit was aiming for the&nbsp;Glilot base near Herzliya, where several IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters are based. The attack was supposed to start around 5 am local time but the Israeli forces drew first blood.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lebanon's state-run news agency reported that Israeli strikes in the southern region on Sunday were "the most violent" since the war in Gaza against Hamas began in October last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as the Israeli fighter jets were scrambled out of the hangars to launch the attacks, IDF issued a statement to residents of southern Lebanon to seek safer pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-launches-pre-emptive-strikes-on-lebanon-753106"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel launches pre-emptive strikes on Lebanon</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Whoever harms us'</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a cabinet meeting after the pre-emptive strikes and vowed that Tel Aviv would respond to anyone who tried to 'harm us'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes and continue to follow a simple rule: Whoever harms us — we harm them," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. In consultation with the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-pre-emptive-strike-in-lebanon-to-prevent-large-scale-hezbollah-attack-753044"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency from 06:00 am (0300 GMT) Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant," Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office.</p>

<p>After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah also announced it had launched attacks in northern Israel. Hezbollah said it had launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in Times of Israel has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources.

Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in Times of Israel has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources. The Iran-backed outfit was aiming for the Glilot base near Herzliya, where several IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters are based. The attack was supposed to start around 5 am local time but the Israeli forces drew first blood. Lebanon's state-run news agency reported that Israeli strikes in the southern region on Sunday were "the most violent" since the war in Gaza against Hamas began in October last year. As soon as the Israeli fighter jets were scrambled out of the hangars to launch the attacks, IDF issued a statement to residents of southern Lebanon to seek safer pastures. "Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement. FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets#Lebanon #Israel READ MORE: https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R pic.twitter.com/8j4vXAUzD8 — WION (@WIONews) August 25, 2024 × Watch | Israel launches pre-emptive strikes on Lebanon × 'Whoever harms us' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a cabinet meeting after the pre-emptive strikes and vowed that Tel Aviv would respond to anyone who tried to 'harm us'. “We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes and continue to follow a simple rule: Whoever harms us — we harm them," said Netanyahu. “This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. In consultation with the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat," he added. Also read | Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency from 06:00 am (0300 GMT) Sunday. "The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant," Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office. After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah also announced it had launched attacks in northern Israel. Hezbollah said it had launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired. (With inputs from agencies)

Great escape for Israel? Hezbollah planned to attack IDF, Mossad headquarters in central region

<p>The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles.</p>

<p>The residents in areas of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah primarily operates were warned of the strikes and urged to "leave Immediately".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following these attacks and in accordance with the assessment of the situation held by the Home Front Command, life-saving instructions will be distributed in some areas of the country," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tel Aviv had launched the attacks in self-defence while anticipating that Hezbollah would soon fire "rockets, and possibly missiles and UAVs, towards Israeli territory". ‌</p>

<p>Meanwhile, residents of Golan Heights, the area where Hezbollah last fired rockets at a park and killed children, were also ordered by the IDF to stay near bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary movements.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>According to Lebanese media, around 40 Israeli strikes had been reported in the region as of the last update. Meanwhile, Hezbollah also announced that it had launched attacks in northern Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As part of the initial response to the brutal Zionist aggression on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which led to the death of the great Jihad leader, Mr Fuad Shukr, our forces began a large-scale air attack towards the Zionist entity and towards a specific Israeli military target to be announced in the future."</p>

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בעקבות תקיפות אלו ובהתאם להערכת המצב שהתקיימה בפיקוד העורף, יופצו הנחיות מצילות חיים בחלק מאזורי הארץ. תעקבו אחר ההנחיות המעודכנות בפלטפורמות של דובר צה"ל ופיקוד העורף <a href="https://t.co/LtbYA1odYM">pic.twitter.com/LtbYA1odYM</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-tensions-israeli-airstrikes-in-southern-lebanon-kill-8-752965"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Israel vs Hezbollah</strong></h2>

<p>Tel Aviv has&nbsp;been trading fire with Hezbollah across the southern Lebanon border in parallel with the Gaza war as rising hostilities increase the threat of a full-scale regional war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 600 people in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the clashes last October, including more than 400 Hezbollah combatants and over 130 civilians, according to a Reuters toll.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israels-security-cabinet-faces-assassination-threat-from-iran-hezbollah-750716"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel's security cabinet faces assassination threat from Iran, Hezbollah</strong></a></p>

<p>Israel's pre-emptive strike on Sunday could further push Iran to launch its military campaign, especially after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tehran has vowed to avenge the loss of Haniyeh but refrained from launching an all-out attack against Israel with the likes of the US and other Western nations recommending caution to avoid a spillover effect in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles.

The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles. The residents in areas of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah primarily operates were warned of the strikes and urged to "leave Immediately". "Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement. "Following these attacks and in accordance with the assessment of the situation held by the Home Front Command, life-saving instructions will be distributed in some areas of the country," it added. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tel Aviv had launched the attacks in self-defence while anticipating that Hezbollah would soon fire "rockets, and possibly missiles and UAVs, towards Israeli territory". ‌ Meanwhile, residents of Golan Heights, the area where Hezbollah last fired rockets at a park and killed children, were also ordered by the IDF to stay near bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary movements. FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets#Lebanon #Israel READ MORE: https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R pic.twitter.com/8j4vXAUzD8 — WION (@WIONews) August 25, 2024 × According to Lebanese media, around 40 Israeli strikes had been reported in the region as of the last update. Meanwhile, Hezbollah also announced that it had launched attacks in northern Israel. "As part of the initial response to the brutal Zionist aggression on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which led to the death of the great Jihad leader, Mr Fuad Shukr, our forces began a large-scale air attack towards the Zionist entity and towards a specific Israeli military target to be announced in the future." מטוסי קרב תוקפים כעת מטרות של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה שהיוו איום מיידי על העורף הישראלי. בעקבות תקיפות אלו ובהתאם להערכת המצב שהתקיימה בפיקוד העורף, יופצו הנחיות מצילות חיים בחלק מאזורי הארץ. תעקבו אחר ההנחיות המעודכנות בפלטפורמות של דובר צה"ל ופיקוד העורף pic.twitter.com/LtbYA1odYM — דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) August 25, 2024 × Watch | Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8 × Israel vs Hezbollah Tel Aviv has been trading fire with Hezbollah across the southern Lebanon border in parallel with the Gaza war as rising hostilities increase the threat of a full-scale regional war. More than 600 people in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the clashes last October, including more than 400 Hezbollah combatants and over 130 civilians, according to a Reuters toll. Also read | Israel's security cabinet faces assassination threat from Iran, Hezbollah Israel's pre-emptive strike on Sunday could further push Iran to launch its military campaign, especially after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil. Tehran has vowed to avenge the loss of Haniyeh but refrained from launching an all-out attack against Israel with the likes of the US and other Western nations recommending caution to avoid a spillover effect in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack

<p>In an era marked by environmental challenges, the concept of eco-anxiety has emerged as an overwhelming toll on our hearts and minds.</p>

<h2><strong>Eco-Anxiety: The silent struggle</strong></h2>

<p>As people around the world grapple with environmental issues causing climate crisis, ranging from pollution, deforestation, forest fires and heat waves, there has emerged a profound sense of worry and helplessness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This in many cases leads to a new form of psychological distress, for which experts have coined the term: "Eco-Anxiety".</p>

<p>The American Psychological Association (APA) recognises it as a "chronic fear of environmental doom".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The term encapsulates the psychological impact of ecological concerns faced by individuals as they witness the degradation of our environment and see its visible effects like smog-blanketed skies — daily reminders of the challenges our planet and we face.</p>

<h2><strong>Pollution and mental health</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, the Indian capital New Delhi has been living under a blanket of toxic air, which has made it hard for people to breathe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were days when the AQI (Air Quality Index) levels plummeted to a hazardous level of up to 999 in some areas. Naturally, this gave rise to a number of health problems. While many landed in hospitals, others battled a silent enemy.</p>

<p>Recent research has also shed light on the connection between pollution and mental health. Studies indicate that exposure to air pollution can contribute to an increased risk of mental health issues.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-gets-a-breather-overnight-rains-bring-clear-smog-657159">New Delhi gets a breather, overnight rains bring relief, clear smog</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking to WION, Shannon Olsson, a chemical ecologist with over 20 years of experience said that for Delhi, the well-known pollution causes like vehicular emissions, stubble burning etc "come together in (a) perfect storm to create these incredibly high pollution levels which are really a little hard to comprehend even when you're in Delhi".</p>

<h2><strong>A sense of helplessness&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Olsson, who is the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) Special Scientific Envoy to India, said that natural disasters, coupled with wars and the many crises lead to a "helplessness that you feel as an individual".</p>

<p>"You feel like, what can I possibly do to try to control this? It feels like you have very little control and that produces obviously a fear because also these things are dangerous."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baltic-sea-situation-dire-due-to-human-activities-and-global-warming-report-654606">Baltic Sea in 'dire' state due to human activities and global warming: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Olsson, the Founder and Global Director at the echo network says that eco-anxiety can manifest helplessness similar to what one feels when "they've lost a loved one or lost a job," which then "causes huge anxiety" especially among "children and our youth who are growing up in these environments where they feel very, very insecure about their own futures."</p>

<p>This sense of helplessness is also felt by parents.</p>

<p>Talking to WION, Neha Sonawane, a lawyer and a new mother, summed up the eco-anxiety felt by parents in one line: "As I started on this journey of parenthood, it is mostly this feeling of overwhelming sense of responsibility for the world".</p>

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<h5>"My child would inherit the reality of climate change along with man made disasters and wars".</h5>
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<p>"I don't know how much my small footprint matters in this larger carbon footprint, but I can try and I can hope that I teach my child a kind, more sustainable method of living," she added.</p>

<h2><strong>How to deal with eco-anxiety?</strong></h2>

<p>Like any other mental health concern, seeking professional help is a must. Along with that, it takes effort.</p>

<p>"Anything like air pollution, it can't be dealt with by one person, it requires a concerted effort and I think this is one of the major limiting factors," says Olsson.</p>

<p>Living sustainably is another way.</p>

<p>"There are lots of ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment by reusing items by reducing our usage of things like plastic by trying to walk as much as possible by trying to reduce or trying to take public transport as it's available to us."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-want-to-give-space-a-socially-conscious-makeover-push-for-renaming-magellan-galaxies-658473">Scientists call to rename Magellan galaxies alleging their namesake had a violent legacy</a></strong></p>

<p>"There's many things that we can do and there's lots of alternatives coming out all the time so just keeping our minds open to what is available to us. And there's lots of cool startups in India right now that are doing really great things, really wonderful, sustainable things that helps me a lot because it helps me to know that there are really wonderful people doing great things and that reduces my anxiety by just seeing that light in other people," she adds.</p>

<p>However, as per Olsson, all is not bad.</p>

<p>"As a scientist I can tell you if you look at the statistics, the world is actually getting better. Overall, people are living better, things are getting better. The world is actually not as bad as it seems. We just have to keep that hope and keep trying."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So the important thing I say is, do not give up, do not just sit down and say there's nothing, the world is ending. Because it's not."</p>


In an era marked by environmental challenges, the concept of eco-anxiety has emerged as an overwhelming toll on our hearts and minds. Eco-Anxiety: The silent struggle As people around the world grapple with environmental issues causing climate crisis, ranging from pollution, deforestation, forest fires and heat waves, there has emerged a profound sense of worry and helplessness.

In an era marked by environmental challenges, the concept of eco-anxiety has emerged as an overwhelming toll on our hearts and minds. Eco-Anxiety: The silent struggle As people around the world grapple with environmental issues causing climate crisis, ranging from pollution, deforestation, forest fires and heat waves, there has emerged a profound sense of worry and helplessness. This in many cases leads to a new form of psychological distress, for which experts have coined the term: "Eco-Anxiety". The American Psychological Association (APA) recognises it as a "chronic fear of environmental doom". The term encapsulates the psychological impact of ecological concerns faced by individuals as they witness the degradation of our environment and see its visible effects like smog-blanketed skies — daily reminders of the challenges our planet and we face. Pollution and mental health Recently, the Indian capital New Delhi has been living under a blanket of toxic air, which has made it hard for people to breathe. There were days when the AQI (Air Quality Index) levels plummeted to a hazardous level of up to 999 in some areas. Naturally, this gave rise to a number of health problems. While many landed in hospitals, others battled a silent enemy. Recent research has also shed light on the connection between pollution and mental health. Studies indicate that exposure to air pollution can contribute to an increased risk of mental health issues. Also read | New Delhi gets a breather, overnight rains bring relief, clear smog Talking to WION, Shannon Olsson, a chemical ecologist with over 20 years of experience said that for Delhi, the well-known pollution causes like vehicular emissions, stubble burning etc "come together in (a) perfect storm to create these incredibly high pollution levels which are really a little hard to comprehend even when you're in Delhi". A sense of helplessness Olsson, who is the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) Special Scientific Envoy to India, said that natural disasters, coupled with wars and the many crises lead to a "helplessness that you feel as an individual". "You feel like, what can I possibly do to try to control this? It feels like you have very little control and that produces obviously a fear because also these things are dangerous." Also read | Baltic Sea in 'dire' state due to human activities and global warming: Report Olsson, the Founder and Global Director at the echo network says that eco-anxiety can manifest helplessness similar to what one feels when "they've lost a loved one or lost a job," which then "causes huge anxiety" especially among "children and our youth who are growing up in these environments where they feel very, very insecure about their own futures." This sense of helplessness is also felt by parents. Talking to WION, Neha Sonawane, a lawyer and a new mother, summed up the eco-anxiety felt by parents in one line: "As I started on this journey of parenthood, it is mostly this feeling of overwhelming sense of responsibility for the world". "My child would inherit the reality of climate change along with man made disasters and wars". × "I don't know how much my small footprint matters in this larger carbon footprint, but I can try and I can hope that I teach my child a kind, more sustainable method of living," she added. How to deal with eco-anxiety? Like any other mental health concern, seeking professional help is a must. Along with that, it takes effort. "Anything like air pollution, it can't be dealt with by one person, it requires a concerted effort and I think this is one of the major limiting factors," says Olsson. Living sustainably is another way. "There are lots of ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment by reusing items by reducing our usage of things like plastic by trying to walk as much as possible by trying to reduce or trying to take public transport as it's available to us." Also read | Scientists call to rename Magellan galaxies alleging their namesake had a violent legacy "There's many things that we can do and there's lots of alternatives coming out all the time so just keeping our minds open to what is available to us. And there's lots of cool startups in India right now that are doing really great things, really wonderful, sustainable things that helps me a lot because it helps me to know that there are really wonderful people doing great things and that reduces my anxiety by just seeing that light in other people," she adds. However, as per Olsson, all is not bad. "As a scientist I can tell you if you look at the statistics, the world is actually getting better. Overall, people are living better, things are getting better. The world is actually not as bad as it seems. We just have to keep that hope and keep trying." "So the important thing I say is, do not give up, do not just sit down and say there's nothing, the world is ending. Because it's not."

Pollution, climate crisis, and more: 'Eco-anxiety' driving up 'impending sense of doom'

<p>Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Wednesday (Aug 21) much to the surprise of thousands of supporters gathered at the&nbsp;United Center.</p>

<p>The former talk show host instantly went after Republican vice presidential candidate, JD Vance, over his controversial 'childless cat lady' remark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When a house is on fire, we don't ask about the homeowner's race or religion, we don't wonder who their partner is or how they voted, no, we just try to do the best we can to save them," said Winfrey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady. Well, we try and get that cat out too," Winfrey&nbsp;said to laughs and applause.</p>

<p>Winfrey took the stage as Tim Walz officially secured party nomination for the vice president post. Apart from slamming Vance, Winfrey also took veiled shots at the Republican party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of us against them, people who want to scare you, who want to rule you."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-us-vice-presidential-candidates-tim-walz-jd-vance-agree-to-october-1-debate-750486"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz, JD Vance agree to October 1 debate</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What did Vance say?</strong></h2>

<p>Vance in a 2021 interview with former <em>Fox News </em>host, Tucker Carlson,&nbsp;had said that the US was being run "by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too".</p>

<p>After he was announced as Donald Trump's running mate, the video surfaced, leading to intense backlash with Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston calling out Vance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Republican leader doubled down on the criticism and defended the remark stating it was made in a sarcastic way.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Apparently it was a sarcastic comment. People are focusing so much on the sarcasm and not on the substance of what I actually said. The substance of what I said, I'm sorry, it's true," said Vance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-rakesh-bhatt-hindu-priest-who-started-dnc-day-3-in-chicago-with-vedic-prayers-752104"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Who is Rakesh Bhatt? Hindu priest who started DNC Day 3 in Chicago with Vedic prayers</strong></a></p>

<p>Vance, father of three, said he was not criticising those who do not have children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The remark was about criticising the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-children. was trying to say that having children, whether as a father or a mother, is a life-changing event that significantly shapes your worldview in a pretty profound way."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Wednesday (Aug 21) much to the surprise of thousands of supporters gathered at the United Center.

Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Wednesday (Aug 21) much to the surprise of thousands of supporters gathered at the United Center. The former talk show host instantly went after Republican vice presidential candidate, JD Vance, over his controversial 'childless cat lady' remark. "When a house is on fire, we don't ask about the homeowner's race or religion, we don't wonder who their partner is or how they voted, no, we just try to do the best we can to save them," said Winfrey. "And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady. Well, we try and get that cat out too," Winfrey said to laughs and applause. Winfrey took the stage as Tim Walz officially secured party nomination for the vice president post. Apart from slamming Vance, Winfrey also took veiled shots at the Republican party. "There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of us against them, people who want to scare you, who want to rule you." Watch | US Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz, JD Vance agree to October 1 debate × What did Vance say? Vance in a 2021 interview with former Fox News host, Tucker Carlson, had said that the US was being run "by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too". After he was announced as Donald Trump's running mate, the video surfaced, leading to intense backlash with Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston calling out Vance. However, the Republican leader doubled down on the criticism and defended the remark stating it was made in a sarcastic way. "Apparently it was a sarcastic comment. People are focusing so much on the sarcasm and not on the substance of what I actually said. The substance of what I said, I'm sorry, it's true," said Vance. Also read | Who is Rakesh Bhatt? Hindu priest who started DNC Day 3 in Chicago with Vedic prayers Vance, father of three, said he was not criticising those who do not have children. "The remark was about criticising the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-children. was trying to say that having children, whether as a father or a mother, is a life-changing event that significantly shapes your worldview in a pretty profound way." (With inputs from agencies)

Oprah Winfrey takes veiled dig at JD Vance over 'childless cat lady' remark during surprise DNC speech

<p>India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).</p>

<p>Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk.</p>

<p>Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies.</p>

<p>The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority.</p>

<p>"It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview.</p>

<p>"While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides</strong></p>

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<p>He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said.</p>

<p>However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time.</p>

<p>More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-himachal-and-kerala-indias-flood-fury-turns-to-maharashtra-747359"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra</strong></a></p>

<p>"Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced."</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21). Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk. Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies. The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority. "It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview. "While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater." Watch | India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides × He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said. However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time. More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said. Also read | After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra "Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian govt to spend $300mn to thwart floods, conserve water

<p>The hostage-truce deal to halt the ongoing war in Gaza might be on the brink of collapse, a report in&nbsp;<em>Politico&nbsp;</em>has claimed, citing US and Israeli officials.</p>

<p>The news comes in the backdrop of Tel Aviv backing a 'bridging proposal' put forth by the US, Egypt and Qatar after several weeks of negotiations. The deal in its current shape is believed to be the strongest form of the deal ever since the war broke out in October last year. However, Hamas in a public statement has conveyed that it will not accept the pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We don’t know if Sinwar wants this deal.&nbsp;But if we don’t get the deal there’s a chance that Iran attacks and this escalates into a full-blown confrontation," one US official was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that although US officials were presenting an optimistic front to the public regarding the signing of the deal, the White House was aware of the dire situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;West Asia Peace Talks: Israel accepts US proposal, says Blinken</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What has Israel said?</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Aug 19) for the first time, publically endorsed the latest US formula to strike a peace deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tel-aviv-explosion-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-claim-responsibility-vow-more-attacks-751383" target="_blank">Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is Hamas' response?</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas has rejected the US version of the pact stating that any ceasefire deal must result in a&nbsp;permanent end to Israel's war on Gaza. The militant outfit also accused the US of merely "buying time for Israel to continue its genocide" by proposing an amended deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Israelis have retreated from issues included in Biden’s proposal. Netanyahu’s talk about agreeing to an updated proposal indicates that the US administration has failed to convince him to accept the previous agreement,” a Hamas spokesperson was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The hostage-truce deal to halt the ongoing war in Gaza might be on the brink of collapse, a report in Politico has claimed, citing US and Israeli officials. The news comes in the backdrop of Tel Aviv backing a 'bridging proposal' put forth by the US, Egypt and Qatar after several weeks of negotiations.

The hostage-truce deal to halt the ongoing war in Gaza might be on the brink of collapse, a report in Politico has claimed, citing US and Israeli officials. The news comes in the backdrop of Tel Aviv backing a 'bridging proposal' put forth by the US, Egypt and Qatar after several weeks of negotiations. The deal in its current shape is believed to be the strongest form of the deal ever since the war broke out in October last year. However, Hamas in a public statement has conveyed that it will not accept the pact. “We don’t know if Sinwar wants this deal. But if we don’t get the deal there’s a chance that Iran attacks and this escalates into a full-blown confrontation," one US official was quoted as saying by the publication. The report added that although US officials were presenting an optimistic front to the public regarding the signing of the deal, the White House was aware of the dire situation. Watch | West Asia Peace Talks: Israel accepts US proposal, says Blinken × What has Israel said? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Aug 19) for the first time, publically endorsed the latest US formula to strike a peace deal. Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on". Also read | Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks What is Hamas' response? Hamas has rejected the US version of the pact stating that any ceasefire deal must result in a permanent end to Israel's war on Gaza. The militant outfit also accused the US of merely "buying time for Israel to continue its genocide" by proposing an amended deal. “The Israelis have retreated from issues included in Biden’s proposal. Netanyahu’s talk about agreeing to an updated proposal indicates that the US administration has failed to convince him to accept the previous agreement,” a Hamas spokesperson was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. Notably, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza hostage-truce deal might be on edge of collapse: Report

<p>Michelle Obama was in her element as she targeted Donald Trump on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday (Aug 20). The former first lady called out Trump for his controversial statement about undocumented migrants taking "Black jobs".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Who’s going to tell him that the job he is currently seeking might be one of those Black jobs?” Michelle said, referencing Trump's remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michelle also criticised the Republican leader for his 'narrow' outlook that made him feel 'threatened' by the success of Black folks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” Michelle continued. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MichelleObama</a>: Who's going to tell Donald Trump that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'? <a href="https://t.co/i1S4RWF7TS">pic.twitter.com/i1S4RWF7TS</a></p>
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHQ/status/1826093758019928342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Michelle closed her salvo by revisiting the popular 2016 catchphrase,&nbsp;“When they go low, we go high.”</p>

<p>“We have the power to pay forward the love, sweat and sacrifice of our mothers and fathers and all those who came here before us. Let us work like our lives depend on it," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-says-entitled-to-make-personal-attacks-750776" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Donald Trump says 'entitled to make personal attacks'</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-says-entitled-to-make-personal-attacks-750776/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What did Trump say?</strong></h2>

<p>During the first presidential debate against Joe Biden in June,&nbsp;Trump courted controversy by stating that immigrants were taking the jobs that usually employed&nbsp;'Blacks'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They're taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people," said Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"His [Biden] big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border. They're taking Black jobs, and they're taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven't seen it yet, but you're going to see something that's going to be the worst in our history," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-latest-gaffe-calls-kamala-harris-the-president-at-michigan-rally-751816"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump's latest gaffe: Calls Kamala Harris 'the president' at Michigan rally</strong></a></p>

<p>While Trump claimed that migrants were usurping the jobs, data showed that the Black unemployment rate remains near a historic low in the US. The share of Black Americans with jobs stands at 59.1 per cent which is near the peak of 60.4 per cent set last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between 2019 and 2023, the wages for Black workers rose 1.4 per cent, after adjusting for inflation, compared to a 0.9 per cent increase for Hispanics and a 0.5 per cent hike for White workers, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Michelle Obama was in her element as she targeted Donald Trump on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday (Aug 20). The former first lady called out Trump for his controversial statement about undocumented migrants taking "Black jobs".

Michelle Obama was in her element as she targeted Donald Trump on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday (Aug 20). The former first lady called out Trump for his controversial statement about undocumented migrants taking "Black jobs". “Who’s going to tell him that the job he is currently seeking might be one of those Black jobs?” Michelle said, referencing Trump's remarks. Michelle also criticised the Republican leader for his 'narrow' outlook that made him feel 'threatened' by the success of Black folks. “For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” Michelle continued. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black.” .@MichelleObama: Who's going to tell Donald Trump that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'? pic.twitter.com/i1S4RWF7TS — Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 21, 2024 × Michelle closed her salvo by revisiting the popular 2016 catchphrase, “When they go low, we go high.” “We have the power to pay forward the love, sweat and sacrifice of our mothers and fathers and all those who came here before us. Let us work like our lives depend on it," she added. Watch | US Elections 2024: Donald Trump says 'entitled to make personal attacks' What did Trump say? During the first presidential debate against Joe Biden in June, Trump courted controversy by stating that immigrants were taking the jobs that usually employed 'Blacks'. "They're taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people," said Trump. "His [Biden] big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border. They're taking Black jobs, and they're taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven't seen it yet, but you're going to see something that's going to be the worst in our history," he added. Also read | Donald Trump's latest gaffe: Calls Kamala Harris 'the president' at Michigan rally While Trump claimed that migrants were usurping the jobs, data showed that the Black unemployment rate remains near a historic low in the US. The share of Black Americans with jobs stands at 59.1 per cent which is near the peak of 60.4 per cent set last year. Between 2019 and 2023, the wages for Black workers rose 1.4 per cent, after adjusting for inflation, compared to a 0.9 per cent increase for Hispanics and a 0.5 per cent hike for White workers, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. (With inputs from agencies)

'Who’s going to tell him....': Michelle Obama targets Trump at DNC speech over 'Black jobs' remark

<p>In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas.</p>

<p>The three best ideas will share a massive prize pot of&nbsp;50,000 Swiss francs ($57,800), according to a statement published by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse).&nbsp;The government is looking for ideas that are safe and environmentally friendly.</p>

<p>“With the launching of an idea competition, armasuisse wants to increasingly involve academia and industry in the considerations on how environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition could be carried out, should this ever become an issue,” read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This could be the case if, against all expectations, the release of pollutants from submerged ammunition were to be established during ongoing lake water monitoring," it added.</p>

<p>The competition is open to the public and the last date to submit entries is February 2025. A panel of experts will assess the entries and announce the results in April 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-world-war-2-bomb-emerges-due-to-drying-of-po-river-508790"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: World War 2 bomb emerges due to drying of Po river</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Challenges to retrieving munitions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, there is an estimated 3,300 tonnes of submerged ammunition in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel alone. They were dunked in the lakes between 1918 and 1964.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some munitions are at a depth of 150 to 220 metres while others, especially in Lake Neuchatel are just six or seven metres below the surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-ii-biggest-bomb-explodes-underwater-during-attempt-to-defuse-it-335215"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World War II&nbsp;biggest bomb explodes underwater during attempt to defuse it</strong></a></p>

<p>According to reports, the submerged munition is covered by&nbsp;a fine sediment layer and recovery attempts may damage the sensitive lake ecosystem and kill the tourism around it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts argue that even if the ideas are suggested quickly, it could take years and billions in funding to get the operation underway. However, the Swiss government is of the view that the ideas could form the basis of future research into dealing with the issue of submerged munitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the threat of munitions lying unattended in public spaces is not a new phenomenon in Switzerland, In 1947, the alpine village of Mitholz suffered a massive blast when 3,000 tonnes of ammunition, stored in the mountain by the military, overlooking the village exploded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as nine people were killed in the blast and the entire village was destroyed. Such was the magnitude of the blast that it was heard 160 kilometres away in Zurich.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas.

In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas. The three best ideas will share a massive prize pot of 50,000 Swiss francs ($57,800), according to a statement published by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse). The government is looking for ideas that are safe and environmentally friendly. “With the launching of an idea competition, armasuisse wants to increasingly involve academia and industry in the considerations on how environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition could be carried out, should this ever become an issue,” read the statement. “This could be the case if, against all expectations, the release of pollutants from submerged ammunition were to be established during ongoing lake water monitoring," it added. The competition is open to the public and the last date to submit entries is February 2025. A panel of experts will assess the entries and announce the results in April 2025. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: World War 2 bomb emerges due to drying of Po river × Challenges to retrieving munitions According to reports, there is an estimated 3,300 tonnes of submerged ammunition in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel alone. They were dunked in the lakes between 1918 and 1964. Some munitions are at a depth of 150 to 220 metres while others, especially in Lake Neuchatel are just six or seven metres below the surface. Also read | World War II biggest bomb explodes underwater during attempt to defuse it According to reports, the submerged munition is covered by a fine sediment layer and recovery attempts may damage the sensitive lake ecosystem and kill the tourism around it. Experts argue that even if the ideas are suggested quickly, it could take years and billions in funding to get the operation underway. However, the Swiss government is of the view that the ideas could form the basis of future research into dealing with the issue of submerged munitions. Notably, the threat of munitions lying unattended in public spaces is not a new phenomenon in Switzerland, In 1947, the alpine village of Mitholz suffered a massive blast when 3,000 tonnes of ammunition, stored in the mountain by the military, overlooking the village exploded. As many as nine people were killed in the blast and the entire village was destroyed. Such was the magnitude of the blast that it was heard 160 kilometres away in Zurich. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland offering $58,000 to fish out ammunition from lakes

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1765}">Israel on Monday (August 19) voiced its backing for the United States' new hostage proposal. Describing it as a "bridging proposal," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time publicly endorsed the latest US formula.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:80,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1830}">His office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:544,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:463,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-records-first-polio-case-in-25-years-amid-raging-state-of-war-751255">Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1928}">This comes after Israel on Saturday (August 17) cautiously welcomed the American proposal and in a PMO statement said that it "contains components that are acceptable to Israel."</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1981}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:291,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1981}">Hamas rejects US proposal</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}">Hamas, as per the Times of Israel, rejected the US proposal on Sunday night. The militant group reportedly said using the proposal Netanyahu "sets new conditions and demands" to thwart the talks and prolong the war in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:342,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2092}">It further claimed that the US-backed text was in alignment with Israel's demands.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2127}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:202,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2127}">US' latest proposal</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:422,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2172}">The United States-backed proposal seeks to finalise a hostages-for-ceasefire deal by the end of this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:471,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2221}">According to the report, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:537,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2287}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tel-aviv-explosion-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-claim-responsibility-vow-more-attacks-751383">Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:569,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2319}">However, Hebrew media on Saturday citing unnamed officials familiar with the talks reported that the proposal fails to provide for an ongoing Israeli presence on the Philadelphi Corridor on the border with Egypt. Similarly, it does not offer a plan for preventing the return of armed Hamas forces to the northern part of the Strip in central Gaza, as insisted by Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:652,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2402}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:652,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2402}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Monday (August 19) voiced its backing for the United States' new hostage proposal. Describing it as a "bridging proposal," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time publicly endorsed the latest US formula.

Israel on Monday (August 19) voiced its backing for the United States' new hostage proposal. Describing it as a "bridging proposal," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time publicly endorsed the latest US formula. His office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on". Also read | Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war This comes after Israel on Saturday (August 17) cautiously welcomed the American proposal and in a PMO statement said that it "contains components that are acceptable to Israel." Hamas rejects US proposal Hamas, as per the Times of Israel, rejected the US proposal on Sunday night. The militant group reportedly said using the proposal Netanyahu "sets new conditions and demands" to thwart the talks and prolong the war in Gaza. It further claimed that the US-backed text was in alignment with Israel's demands. US' latest proposal The United States-backed proposal seeks to finalise a hostages-for-ceasefire deal by the end of this week. According to the report, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues. Also read | Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks However, Hebrew media on Saturday citing unnamed officials familiar with the talks reported that the proposal fails to provide for an ongoing Israeli presence on the Philadelphi Corridor on the border with Egypt. Similarly, it does not offer a plan for preventing the return of armed Hamas forces to the northern part of the Strip in central Gaza, as insisted by Benjamin Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Bridging proposal’: Netanyahu publicly endorses US’ hostages-for-ceasefire deal; Hamas rejects

<p>A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe &amp; Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf&nbsp;cart and injured herself, according to a report in the&nbsp;<em>NY Post</em>.</p>

<p>The woman, identified as Taylor O'Leary, a resident of Brooklyn, New York, said she tumbled out of the buggy whose seat was slippery and wet. The incident took place in July 2022 and resulted in her suffering multiple unspecified injuries, according to a filing in the Brooklyn Federal Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>O'Leary said she was a guest at the hotel when she got hurt in the accident, which suggests that the&nbsp;hotel and its corporate owner, Hard Rock Cafe International, are liable to pay damages.</p>

<p>The 27-year-old woman was at the Hard Rock Gold Club in Punta Cana whose 18-hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The green fee is listed at $300.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five-star luxury resort, located alongside the magnificent Macao Beach, routinely hosts the likes of pop icons such as Shakira, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey who prefer to unwind here.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-employees-sue-apple-over-pay-bias-731872"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Women employees sue Apple over pay bias</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Previous incidents&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Seeking compensation for such incidents is not an alien news in the US. Last year, a jury in a South Florida court awarded $800,000 in damages to the family of a little girl after she suffered second-degree burns&nbsp;when a flaming-hot McDonald's Chicken McNugget fell on her thigh in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family was awarded $400,000 for the suffering and mental anguish suffered in the past four years as well as $400,000 for the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doesnt-pay-his-bills-former-twitter-executives-sue-elon-musk-for-withholding-130mn-in-unpaid-benefits-696613"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Doesn't pay his bills: Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, other former execs sue Musk over $130mn unpaid benefits</strong></a></p>

<p>The incident took place in August 2019&nbsp;when&nbsp;Philana Holmes&nbsp;took her son and daughter to a Tamarac McDonald’s and bought the Happy Meals. When handed the order, she was given no warning that the food might be scalding hot as she immediately passed it along to her daughter and son in the back seat and drove away.</p>

<p>Her daughter, Olivia, an autistic child who was four years old at the time, started screaming and crying after the McNugget fell on her thigh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon pulling up into a nearby parking lot to help the child, Holmes&nbsp;noticed the burn and took photos on her phone, which included audio clips of the child’s screams, which were later presented in the court as evidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe & Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf cart and injured herself, according to a report in the NY Post.

A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe & Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf cart and injured herself, according to a report in the NY Post. The woman, identified as Taylor O'Leary, a resident of Brooklyn, New York, said she tumbled out of the buggy whose seat was slippery and wet. The incident took place in July 2022 and resulted in her suffering multiple unspecified injuries, according to a filing in the Brooklyn Federal Court. O'Leary said she was a guest at the hotel when she got hurt in the accident, which suggests that the hotel and its corporate owner, Hard Rock Cafe International, are liable to pay damages. The 27-year-old woman was at the Hard Rock Gold Club in Punta Cana whose 18-hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The green fee is listed at $300. The five-star luxury resort, located alongside the magnificent Macao Beach, routinely hosts the likes of pop icons such as Shakira, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey who prefer to unwind here. Watch | Women employees sue Apple over pay bias × Previous incidents Seeking compensation for such incidents is not an alien news in the US. Last year, a jury in a South Florida court awarded $800,000 in damages to the family of a little girl after she suffered second-degree burns when a flaming-hot McDonald's Chicken McNugget fell on her thigh in 2019. The family was awarded $400,000 for the suffering and mental anguish suffered in the past four years as well as $400,000 for the future. Also read | Doesn't pay his bills: Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, other former execs sue Musk over $130mn unpaid benefits The incident took place in August 2019 when Philana Holmes took her son and daughter to a Tamarac McDonald’s and bought the Happy Meals. When handed the order, she was given no warning that the food might be scalding hot as she immediately passed it along to her daughter and son in the back seat and drove away. Her daughter, Olivia, an autistic child who was four years old at the time, started screaming and crying after the McNugget fell on her thigh. Upon pulling up into a nearby parking lot to help the child, Holmes noticed the burn and took photos on her phone, which included audio clips of the child’s screams, which were later presented in the court as evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

US resident sues Hard Rock Hotel for $500,000 after falling out of golf cart

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1954}">The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:80,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2020}">The ministry also reported that 92,609 individuals have been wounded since the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:129,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2069}">As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the militant group Hamas on Sunday for blocking ceasefire negotiations.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2118}">His remarks come ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel. Blinken, as per AFP, is expected to push for a ceasefire deal to prevent a broader regional conflict.&nbsp;On Monday, the US diplomat will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, according to a US official with Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:265,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2205}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:265,&quot;w&quot;:528,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2205}">Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:310,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2250}">Urging the international community to direct their pressure at Hamas, Netanyahu said, "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha".&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:588,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:588,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-fuad-shukr-was-lured-to-his-apartment-via-phone-call-minutes-before-deadly-israeli-strike-751100">Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:407,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2347}">"Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:456,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2396}">"We are conducting negotiations, not a scenario in which we just give and give. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on," he asserted.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:522,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2462}">Netanyahu emphasised that "strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure" are crucial in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table, and that "enormous efforts" were being made to bring home Israeli hostages.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:592,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2532}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:592,&quot;w&quot;:618,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2532}">UN chief appeals for humanitarian pause amid Gaza polio outbreak</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:663,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2603}">Amid the ongoing conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday (August 16) called for a humanitarian pause to allow for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:712,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}">Addressing reporters, Guterres highlighted the critical need for immediate assurances to facilitate the campaign, especially after the first confirmed polio case was detected in a 10-month-old child in Deir al-Balah.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:618,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:618,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-chiefs-knew-about-october-7-attacks-in-advance-but-never-informed-top-officials-report-751012">IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:826,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2766}">"Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:875,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2815}">He emphasised that a "polio pause is a must" is essential and that "It is impossible to conduct a polio vaccination campaign with war raging all over."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:924,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2864}">Guterres said that the UN was poised to vaccinate children under 10, but that "challenges are grave." To stop the spread of polio, at least 95 per cent coverage during each of the two rounds of the campaign will be needed.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:990,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2930}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:990,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2930}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip. The ministry also reported that 92,609 individuals have been wounded since the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7. As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the militant group Hamas on Sunday for blocking ceasefire negotiations. His remarks come ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel. Blinken, as per AFP, is expected to push for a ceasefire deal to prevent a broader regional conflict. On Monday, the US diplomat will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, according to a US official with Blinken. Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate Urging the international community to direct their pressure at Hamas, Netanyahu said, "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha". Also read | Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike "Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. "We are conducting negotiations, not a scenario in which we just give and give. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on," he asserted. Netanyahu emphasised that "strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure" are crucial in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table, and that "enormous efforts" were being made to bring home Israeli hostages. UN chief appeals for humanitarian pause amid Gaza polio outbreak Amid the ongoing conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday (August 16) called for a humanitarian pause to allow for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. Addressing reporters, Guterres highlighted the critical need for immediate assurances to facilitate the campaign, especially after the first confirmed polio case was detected in a 10-month-old child in Deir al-Balah. Also read | IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report "Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres stated. He emphasised that a "polio pause is a must" is essential and that "It is impossible to conduct a polio vaccination campaign with war raging all over." Guterres said that the UN was poised to vaccinate children under 10, but that "challenges are grave." To stop the spread of polio, at least 95 per cent coverage during each of the two rounds of the campaign will be needed. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken arrives in Israel; Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate

<p>Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the <em>Washington&nbsp;Post, </em>citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow has&nbsp;been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart&nbsp; Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated.</p>

<p>But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-incursion-into-russia-day-11-ukraine-says-strengthening-positions-in-kursk-750997"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's&nbsp;Kursk offensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-penetrating-2km-deeper-into-russias-kursk-india-issues-advisory-750172"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year.</p>

<p>However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month.

Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the Washington Post, citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter. The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure. Moscow has been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks. However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated. But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time. The Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East". Watch | Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk × Ukraine's Kursk offensive Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year. Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6. Also read | Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year. However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...

<p>Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child."</p>

<p>Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>I'll go to Gaza: Abbas</strong></h2>

<p>To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership."</p>

<p>He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life".</p>

<p>"Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added.</p>

<p>Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory.</p>

<p>Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007.</p>

<p>"Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised.</p>

<h2><strong>Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader&nbsp;Haniyeh</strong></h2>

<p>Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament.</p>

<p>Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza".</p>

<p>Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child." Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000. I'll go to Gaza: Abbas To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership." He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life". "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added. Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory. Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007. "Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session. "There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised. Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader Haniyeh Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor. He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament. Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza". Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1906}">Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday (August 14) condemned Israel for its "psychological warfare" aimed at forcing Tehran to reconsider retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the country.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1976}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:137,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1976}">Retreat will invite ‘divine wrath’</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:129,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2021}">Slamming the "enemy psychological warfare," Iran's supreme leader Khamenei stressed that any "non-tactical retreat — be it military, political, or economic — invites 'divine wrath', as per the Holy Quran".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:195,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2087}">Khamenei's statement comes just weeks after Hamas leader Haniyeh was killed by a strike in Tehran after attending the inauguration of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2136}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:620,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2136}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:620,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2136}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-line-israeli-military-cant-do-anything-more-against-hamas-in-gaza-report-750293">'End of line': Israeli military can't do anything more against Hamas in Gaza - Report</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:293,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2185}">Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination and soon after the killing, the Supreme leader Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:342,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2234}">Khamenei, in a public statement on July 31 — the day of the assassination — &nbsp;proclaimed "we see avenging his blood our duty," as the assassination&nbsp;happened on Iran's territory.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:390,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2282}">In his recent statement, Khamenei said, "Governments that yield to the demands of today's dominant powers, regardless of the size or strength of the nations they represent, could defy these pressures if they draw on the strength of their people and accurately assess their adversaries' true, unembellished capabilities," Khamenei said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:473,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2365}">As per Iran International, he also criticised the longstanding habit of "exaggerating" enemy capabilities to instil fear as he pointed to what he described as US, British, and Israeli efforts since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2431}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:569,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2431}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:488,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2431}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-approved-plans-to-sabotage-nord-stream-pipelines-report-750358">Zelensky approved plans to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines: Report</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:575,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:575,&quot;w&quot;:301,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}">When will Iran attack Israel?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:620,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:101,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2512}">Iran has been biding its time to retaliate against Israel. The nation has been leveraging psychological tactics, building suspense on when the retaliation might happen. Twice already, the US has given its estimate on when the strike may happen.&nbsp;<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:398,&quot;y&quot;:654,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:431,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2546}" />
&nbsp;<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:12,&quot;y&quot;:671,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:45,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2563}" />
Iran contends that it has the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:736,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2628}">"No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani had said during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:802,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2694}">However, even as he asserted Iran's right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the fatal attack on Haniyeh in Tehran.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:868,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2760}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:868,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2760}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday (August 14) condemned Israel for its "psychological warfare" aimed at forcing Tehran to reconsider retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the country.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday (August 14) condemned Israel for its "psychological warfare" aimed at forcing Tehran to reconsider retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the country. Retreat will invite ‘divine wrath’ Slamming the "enemy psychological warfare," Iran's supreme leader Khamenei stressed that any "non-tactical retreat — be it military, political, or economic — invites 'divine wrath', as per the Holy Quran". Khamenei's statement comes just weeks after Hamas leader Haniyeh was killed by a strike in Tehran after attending the inauguration of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian. Also read | 'End of line': Israeli military can't do anything more against Hamas in Gaza - Report Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination and soon after the killing, the Supreme leader Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel. Khamenei, in a public statement on July 31 — the day of the assassination — proclaimed "we see avenging his blood our duty," as the assassination happened on Iran's territory. In his recent statement, Khamenei said, "Governments that yield to the demands of today's dominant powers, regardless of the size or strength of the nations they represent, could defy these pressures if they draw on the strength of their people and accurately assess their adversaries' true, unembellished capabilities," Khamenei said. As per Iran International, he also criticised the longstanding habit of "exaggerating" enemy capabilities to instil fear as he pointed to what he described as US, British, and Israeli efforts since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Also read | Zelensky approved plans to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines: Report When will Iran attack Israel? Iran has been biding its time to retaliate against Israel. The nation has been leveraging psychological tactics, building suspense on when the retaliation might happen. Twice already, the US has given its estimate on when the strike may happen. Iran contends that it has the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. "No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani had said during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel. However, even as he asserted Iran's right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the fatal attack on Haniyeh in Tehran. (With inputs from agencies)

Backing down from retaliating against Israel would invite ‘divine wrath’: Iran supreme leader Khamenei

<p>Over 10 months into the war, Israel has accomplished everything that it could gain militarily in the Gaza Strip against Hamas and can't do anything more, a report in the <em>New York Times </em>has claimed, citing US officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington believes that Tel Aviv will never be able to completely wipe out Hamas and that more bombings only increase the risk of civilian casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Israel has been able to disrupt Hamas, kill a number of their leaders and largely reduce the threat to Israel that existed before October 7,” Gen. Joseph L. Votel, former head of US Central Command was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A former senior CIA official added that Hamas was largely depleted in the region but nowhere near being wiped out off the map.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Israeli side has refuted the claims saying there were gains still to be made on the ground in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If Israel evacuates its forces now, within a year, Hamas will be strong again,” said&nbsp;Yaakov Amidror, a retired IDF major general, who added that the military needs another two to three months in central and southern Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran &amp; proxies</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu and Gallant argue</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Notably, the report comes a couple of days after Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was angry over&nbsp;Defence Minister Yoav Gallant calling his goal of achieving "total victory" against Hamas "gibberish".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu accused Gallant of adopting "an anti-Israel narrative" that was hurting the momentum of the forces and the ongoing talks.</p>

<p>“When Gallant adopts the anti-Israel narrative, he harms the chances of reaching a hostage-release deal,” the Israeli PMO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-us-greenlighted-israels-killing-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-746705" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</strong></a></p>

<p>Gallant made the rather rebellious remark in front of lawmakers during a private security briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I hear all the heroes with the war drums, ‘absolute victory,’ and all that gibberish. I saw that courage when it came down to the discussion,” said Gallant, according to reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite gaining control of the majority of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces haven't been able to free the hostages kidnapped on October 7 last year. The hostage-truce talks have been at an impasse for months, despite Washington attempting to fasten the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, an imminent threat of retaliatory strikes from Iran also looms over Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Over 10 months into the war, Israel has accomplished everything that it could gain militarily in the Gaza Strip against Hamas and can't do anything more, a report in the New York Times has claimed, citing US officials.

Over 10 months into the war, Israel has accomplished everything that it could gain militarily in the Gaza Strip against Hamas and can't do anything more, a report in the New York Times has claimed, citing US officials. Washington believes that Tel Aviv will never be able to completely wipe out Hamas and that more bombings only increase the risk of civilian casualties. “Israel has been able to disrupt Hamas, kill a number of their leaders and largely reduce the threat to Israel that existed before October 7,” Gen. Joseph L. Votel, former head of US Central Command was quoted as saying by the publication. A former senior CIA official added that Hamas was largely depleted in the region but nowhere near being wiped out off the map. However, the Israeli side has refuted the claims saying there were gains still to be made on the ground in Gaza. “If Israel evacuates its forces now, within a year, Hamas will be strong again,” said Yaakov Amidror, a retired IDF major general, who added that the military needs another two to three months in central and southern Gaza. Watch | Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran & proxies Netanyahu and Gallant argue Notably, the report comes a couple of days after Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was angry over Defence Minister Yoav Gallant calling his goal of achieving "total victory" against Hamas "gibberish". Netanyahu accused Gallant of adopting "an anti-Israel narrative" that was hurting the momentum of the forces and the ongoing talks. “When Gallant adopts the anti-Israel narrative, he harms the chances of reaching a hostage-release deal,” the Israeli PMO said. Also read | Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh Gallant made the rather rebellious remark in front of lawmakers during a private security briefing. “I hear all the heroes with the war drums, ‘absolute victory,’ and all that gibberish. I saw that courage when it came down to the discussion,” said Gallant, according to reports. Despite gaining control of the majority of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces haven't been able to free the hostages kidnapped on October 7 last year. The hostage-truce talks have been at an impasse for months, despite Washington attempting to fasten the process. Meanwhile, an imminent threat of retaliatory strikes from Iran also looms over Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

'End of line': Israeli military can't do anything more against Hamas in Gaza - Report

Gravitas recall: on 13 August 1961, construction began on a wall that would divide berlin in two. Molly Gambhir tells you more!

Gravitas recall: Building the berlin wall

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1765}">Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:80,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1830}">Smotrich revealed that his office had "completed its work and published a plan for the new Nahal Heletz settlement in Gush Etzion," a bloc situated south of Jerusalem.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:380,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">Settlements, permissions and more</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1928}">The move comes amidst ongoing international criticism of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, all&nbsp;deemed illegal under international law regardless of Israeli planning permissions.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1928}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-backlash-costing-starbucks-heres-what-we-know-750141">Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:227,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1977}">Smotrich, who resides in a settlement, took to social media platform X to defend the decision, declaring, "No anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist decision will stop the development of settlements."&nbsp;</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:265,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:105,&quot;y&quot;:286,&quot;w&quot;:453,&quot;h&quot;:243,&quot;abs_x&quot;:138,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2036}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:110,&quot;y&quot;:286,&quot;w&quot;:443,&quot;h&quot;:243,&quot;abs_x&quot;:143,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2036}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:171,&quot;y&quot;:325,&quot;w&quot;:357,&quot;h&quot;:151,&quot;abs_x&quot;:204,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2075}" dir="rtl" lang="iw">חיבור גוש עציון לירושלים - משימה לאומית!<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:237,&quot;y&quot;:325,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:270,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2075}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:350,&quot;y&quot;:340,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:383,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2090}" />
יישוב חדש בגוש עציון; פורסם קו כחול של 602 דונם להקמה של היישוב נחל חלץ.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:306,&quot;y&quot;:370,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:339,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2120}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:350,&quot;y&quot;:385,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:383,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2135}" />
היום סיים המנהל האזרחי את עבודתו המקצועית ופרסם קו כחול חדש ליישוב נחל חלץ בגוש עציון.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:264,&quot;y&quot;:416,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:297,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2166}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:350,&quot;y&quot;:431,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:383,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2181}" />
פרסום הקו הכחול מאפשר להניע את הליכי הקמת היישוב נחל חלץ, אחד מהיישובים… <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:223,&quot;y&quot;:461,&quot;w&quot;:155,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:256,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2211}" href="https://t.co/qK4sLwx1ik">pic.twitter.com/qK4sLwx1ik</a></p>
— בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:399,&quot;y&quot;:489,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:432,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2239}" href="https://twitter.com/bezalelsm/status/1823642987080957996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:636,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:19,&quot;h&quot;:19,&quot;abs_x&quot;:669,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:556,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2306}">"We will continue to fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground," he added.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:608,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2358}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:608,&quot;w&quot;:286,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2358}">Critics slam the settlement</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:653,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2403}">The approval of the Nahal Heletz settlement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli anti-settlement groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:702,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2452}">Peace Now condemned the plan as a "wholesale attack" on the region. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the group said that the area was "renowned for its ancient terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems, evidence of thousands of years of human activity".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1/12<br />
<br />
The World Heritage Site of Palestine, known as the Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern JLM, Battir, southwest of JLM, is under direct threat from ongoing &amp; planned Israeli settlement activities within the zone of the site, situated in Area C of the WB. <a href="https://t.co/OpCoirODNq">pic.twitter.com/OpCoirODNq</a></p>
— Peace Now (@peacenowisrael) <a href="https://twitter.com/peacenowisrael/status/1823028864358199489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The settlement is set to encroach on the Palestinian village of Battir, reports AFP.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:800,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2550}">The approval of this settlement follows a controversial act by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who drew global condemnation by participating in prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem, a site where Jewish prayers are prohibited.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:800,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2550}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-zealand-candy-laced-with-fatal-levels-of-meth-distributed-by-charity-400-candies-still-out-there-750107">New Zealand: Candy laced with fatal levels of meth distributed by charity; 400 candies still 'out there'</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:869,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2619}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:869,&quot;w&quot;:133,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2619}">Nahal Heletz</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:914,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2664}">The Nahal Heletz settlement, which had received preliminary approval along with four other settlements in June, lies between Gush Etzion and Bethlehem.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:963,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2713}">Peace Now warns that this settlement threatens the Palestinian cultural and natural heritage in a region considered of "highest cultural value to humanity."&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1012,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2762}">"These actions are not only fragmenting Palestinian space and depriving large communities of their natural and cultural heritage, they also pose an imminent threat to an area considered to be of the highest cultural value to humanity," said the organisation.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1078,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2828}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1078,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2828}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry.

Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry. Smotrich revealed that his office had "completed its work and published a plan for the new Nahal Heletz settlement in Gush Etzion," a bloc situated south of Jerusalem. Settlements, permissions and more The move comes amidst ongoing international criticism of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, all deemed illegal under international law regardless of Israeli planning permissions. Also read | Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know Smotrich, who resides in a settlement, took to social media platform X to defend the decision, declaring, "No anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist decision will stop the development of settlements." חיבור גוש עציון לירושלים - משימה לאומית! יישוב חדש בגוש עציון; פורסם קו כחול של 602 דונם להקמה של היישוב נחל חלץ. היום סיים המנהל האזרחי את עבודתו המקצועית ופרסם קו כחול חדש ליישוב נחל חלץ בגוש עציון. פרסום הקו הכחול מאפשר להניע את הליכי הקמת היישוב נחל חלץ, אחד מהיישובים… pic.twitter.com/qK4sLwx1ik — בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) August 14, 2024 × "We will continue to fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground," he added. Critics slam the settlement The approval of the Nahal Heletz settlement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli anti-settlement groups. Peace Now condemned the plan as a "wholesale attack" on the region. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the group said that the area was "renowned for its ancient terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems, evidence of thousands of years of human activity". 1/12 The World Heritage Site of Palestine, known as the Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern JLM, Battir, southwest of JLM, is under direct threat from ongoing & planned Israeli settlement activities within the zone of the site, situated in Area C of the WB. pic.twitter.com/OpCoirODNq — Peace Now (@peacenowisrael) August 12, 2024 × The settlement is set to encroach on the Palestinian village of Battir, reports AFP. The approval of this settlement follows a controversial act by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who drew global condemnation by participating in prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem, a site where Jewish prayers are prohibited. Also read | New Zealand: Candy laced with fatal levels of meth distributed by charity; 400 candies still 'out there' Nahal Heletz The Nahal Heletz settlement, which had received preliminary approval along with four other settlements in June, lies between Gush Etzion and Bethlehem. Peace Now warns that this settlement threatens the Palestinian cultural and natural heritage in a region considered of "highest cultural value to humanity." "These actions are not only fragmenting Palestinian space and depriving large communities of their natural and cultural heritage, they also pose an imminent threat to an area considered to be of the highest cultural value to humanity," said the organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Historic UNESCO site threatened? Israel approves new settlement in West Bank near Bethlehem

<p>The internet is rife with speculations that Starbucks' Indian-origin&nbsp;CEO Laxman&nbsp;Narasimhan was fired after he claimed that in order to maintain work-life balance, he never worked past 6 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narasimhan was sacked by the coffee giant on Tuesday (Aug 13) and immediately replaced by Brian Niccol, chief executive at Chipotle. Soon after the ouster,&nbsp;Narasimhan's interview with <em>Fortune </em>magazine&nbsp;last month, where he made the claim, went viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am very disciplined about balance. If there's anything after 6 pm and I am in town, it's got to be a pretty high bar to keep me away from the family," the 57-year-old said at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Anybody who gets a minute of time after that better be sure that it's important...Because if not it will just wait for another day," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tv-news-anchor-sacked-in-turkey-for-using-starbucks-cup-on-broadcast-674094"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;TV news anchor sacked in Turkey for using Starbucks cup on broadcast</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'If you say something like that...'</strong></h2>

<p>The&nbsp;netizens started sharing the clippings of the interview and poked fun at the departing CEO whose statement came across as arrogant to some.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you say something like this when the stock price is doing well, you sound like a genius. But if it's not doing well...you get fired," said one user, while another commented: "Laxman is quite a fitting name"</p>

<p>A third added: "Was it not working past six or was it just a bad CEO not understanding the product or the environment? It’s hard to tell. Maybe it’s all of it. Maybe it’s one of it who knows."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan recently said that he doesn't work past 6pm and that if anyone at Starbucks gets a minute of his time after 6 pm they "better be sure that it's important."<br />
<br />
He was just fired today. <a href="https://t.co/ATEhYTFddB">pic.twitter.com/ATEhYTFddB</a></p>
— Triple Net Investor (@TripleNetInvest) <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleNetInvest/status/1823379278446391760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The fact that the (former) Starbucks CEO, who's paid millions of dollars, refuses to work beyond 6pm is hilarious. It's a much lower standard than the majority of Starbucks employees who work extra time to open up and close down restaurants for the day. <a href="https://t.co/Ucwd6FOpOL">https://t.co/Ucwd6FOpOL</a></p>
— Joseph Carlson (@joecarlsonshow) <a href="https://twitter.com/joecarlsonshow/status/1823419096673014256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Starbucks has been under pressure from the investors as weakening consumer sentiment and difficult market conditions, especially in China, have heavily hit the revenue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/laxman-narasimhan-no-longer-starbucks-ceo-brian-niccol-to-lead-coffee-chain-749859"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Laxman Narasimhan no longer Starbucks CEO; Brian Niccol to lead coffee chain</strong></a></p>

<p>The American company is looking to turn around its business while contending with broad-based sales declines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Narasimhan took over the reins as the CEO of Starbucks in March last year. .</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The internet is rife with speculations that Starbucks' Indian-origin CEO Laxman Narasimhan was fired after he claimed that in order to maintain work-life balance, he never worked past 6 pm.

The internet is rife with speculations that Starbucks' Indian-origin CEO Laxman Narasimhan was fired after he claimed that in order to maintain work-life balance, he never worked past 6 pm. Narasimhan was sacked by the coffee giant on Tuesday (Aug 13) and immediately replaced by Brian Niccol, chief executive at Chipotle. Soon after the ouster, Narasimhan's interview with Fortune magazine last month, where he made the claim, went viral on social media. "I am very disciplined about balance. If there's anything after 6 pm and I am in town, it's got to be a pretty high bar to keep me away from the family," the 57-year-old said at the time. "Anybody who gets a minute of time after that better be sure that it's important...Because if not it will just wait for another day," he added. Watch | TV news anchor sacked in Turkey for using Starbucks cup on broadcast × 'If you say something like that...' The netizens started sharing the clippings of the interview and poked fun at the departing CEO whose statement came across as arrogant to some. "If you say something like this when the stock price is doing well, you sound like a genius. But if it's not doing well...you get fired," said one user, while another commented: "Laxman is quite a fitting name" A third added: "Was it not working past six or was it just a bad CEO not understanding the product or the environment? It’s hard to tell. Maybe it’s all of it. Maybe it’s one of it who knows." Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan recently said that he doesn't work past 6pm and that if anyone at Starbucks gets a minute of his time after 6 pm they "better be sure that it's important." He was just fired today. pic.twitter.com/ATEhYTFddB — Triple Net Investor (@TripleNetInvest) August 13, 2024 × The fact that the (former) Starbucks CEO, who's paid millions of dollars, refuses to work beyond 6pm is hilarious. It's a much lower standard than the majority of Starbucks employees who work extra time to open up and close down restaurants for the day. https://t.co/Ucwd6FOpOL — Joseph Carlson (@joecarlsonshow) August 13, 2024 × Starbucks has been under pressure from the investors as weakening consumer sentiment and difficult market conditions, especially in China, have heavily hit the revenue. Also read | Laxman Narasimhan no longer Starbucks CEO; Brian Niccol to lead coffee chain The American company is looking to turn around its business while contending with broad-based sales declines. Notably, Narasimhan took over the reins as the CEO of Starbucks in March last year. . (With inputs from agencies)

Not working past 6 pm cost Starbucks CEO Narasimhan his job? Internet speculates

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1701}">The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks."</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:287,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">Concerns about escalation</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1816}">Kirby said that the US shares "the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1816}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:692,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2163}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:692,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2163}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-notam-restrictions-as-global-community-awaits-possible-attack-on-israel-747396">Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:180,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1866}">"Could be this week," added Kirby.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1898}">The US National Security Council's comments came as the United States, in response to the escalating tensions, deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the region, in a show of support for Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:283,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:283,&quot;w&quot;:287,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}">Why will Iran attack Israel?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:327,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2013}">Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of committing but has not officially claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2063}">Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for Haniyeh's&nbsp;assassination.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:409,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2095}">Last week, during a G7 conference call on August 5, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:459,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2145}">Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, at the time, had supported this prediction, and suggested that the attack could take place that day.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:509,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2195}">An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, had indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:558,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2244}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:558,&quot;w&quot;:672,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2244}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:558,&quot;w&quot;:591,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2244}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-asserts-legal-right-to-retaliate-to-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyehs-assassination-747345">Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:591,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2277}">The same day, Iran had declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:658,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2344}">"No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:707,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2393}">While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:774,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2460}">"We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated.</p>

<h3 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:774,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2460}">Prez Biden speaks to other leaders&nbsp;</h3>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:774,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2460}">Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza.</p>

<p>The leaders of all five countries expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat, said a White House joint statement.</p>

<p>The leaders endorsed the call for renewal of talks for ceasefire to conclude a hostage-truce deal as soon as possible.</p>

<p>They “stressed there is no further time to lose,” the statement says.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:774,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2460}">&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:841,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2527}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:841,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2527}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks.

The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks." Concerns about escalation Kirby said that the US shares "the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here." Also read | Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes "Could be this week," added Kirby. The US National Security Council's comments came as the United States, in response to the escalating tensions, deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the region, in a show of support for Israel. Why will Iran attack Israel? Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of committing but has not officially claimed. Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for Haniyeh's assassination. Last week, during a G7 conference call on August 5, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel. Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, at the time, had supported this prediction, and suggested that the attack could take place that day. An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, had indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13. Also read | Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination The same day, Iran had declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. "No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel. While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran. "We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated. Prez Biden speaks to other leaders Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza. The leaders of all five countries expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat, said a White House joint statement. The leaders endorsed the call for renewal of talks for ceasefire to conclude a hostage-truce deal as soon as possible. They “stressed there is no further time to lose,” the statement says. (With inputs from agencies)

White House warns ‘significant’ Iranian attack on Israel can happen this week

<p>India's Supreme Court on Tuesday (Aug 13) shut down contempt proceedings against yoga guru, Baba Ramdev and his aide, Acharya Balkrishna after they tendered unconditional apology and an undertaking. Both assured the court that their company, Patanjali Ayurved Limited, would refrain from issuing misleading advertisements and claims about its products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A bench of justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta warned Patanjali that if the company relapsed by breaking any terms of the undertaking, the contempt case would be reopened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The relief for Ramdev comes after the submission of apology affidavits, alongside the publication of apologies in multiple newspapers across the country.&nbsp;The bench initially expressed dissatisfaction at the apologies published in the newspapers by Patanjali. It&nbsp;was only after the rap by the court that it published improved apologies which were&nbsp;accepted.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February, earlier this year, the court slapped an interim ban on ads of Patanjali for not adhering to the guidelines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court ruled that allopathy cannot be degraded/defamed in the eyes of the public like this. “You (Patanjali) cannot criticise any other method of treatment like allopathy,” it noted.</p>

<p>The judges also pulled up the Ministry of Ayush (Govt of India) for “sitting with its eyes closed".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-misleading-marketing-needs-fix-in-india-714388" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Why misleading marketing needs fix in India</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-misleading-marketing-needs-fix-in-india-714388/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>SC's previous threat</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the contempt case was filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali's&nbsp;ads attacking allopathy and claiming that its 'Coronil' medicine could cure COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the case reached the apex court, the judges threatened to impose a&nbsp;penalty of $120,000 on Patanjali&nbsp;if it did not stop its practice of making&nbsp;false and misleading claims in advertisements.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-the-ads-case-against-patanjali-710471" target="_blank"><strong>Also read| |&nbsp;Explained: The ads case against Patanjali</strong></a></p>

<p>In 2022, the then Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana had also instructed the&nbsp;yoga guru to rein in his beliefs.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>"What happened to Baba Ramdev? He can popularise his system, but why should he criticise other systems. We all respect him, he popularized yoga but he shouldn't criticize other systems. What is the guarantee that his system will work? He cannot refuse the doctor system. He must exercise restraint in abusing other systems," observed the former CJI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baba Ramdev is a popular figure in India. He founded Patanjali alongside Balkrishna in 2006 and since then, the company has transformed into a multi-billion dollar enterprise but has come under heavy scrutiny for its illegal marketing practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Supreme Court on Tuesday (Aug 13) shut down contempt proceedings against yoga guru, Baba Ramdev and his aide, Acharya Balkrishna after they tendered unconditional apology and an undertaking.

India's Supreme Court on Tuesday (Aug 13) shut down contempt proceedings against yoga guru, Baba Ramdev and his aide, Acharya Balkrishna after they tendered unconditional apology and an undertaking. Both assured the court that their company, Patanjali Ayurved Limited, would refrain from issuing misleading advertisements and claims about its products. A bench of justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta warned Patanjali that if the company relapsed by breaking any terms of the undertaking, the contempt case would be reopened. The relief for Ramdev comes after the submission of apology affidavits, alongside the publication of apologies in multiple newspapers across the country. The bench initially expressed dissatisfaction at the apologies published in the newspapers by Patanjali. It was only after the rap by the court that it published improved apologies which were accepted. In February, earlier this year, the court slapped an interim ban on ads of Patanjali for not adhering to the guidelines. The court ruled that allopathy cannot be degraded/defamed in the eyes of the public like this. “You (Patanjali) cannot criticise any other method of treatment like allopathy,” it noted. The judges also pulled up the Ministry of Ayush (Govt of India) for “sitting with its eyes closed". Watch | Why misleading marketing needs fix in India SC's previous threat Notably, the contempt case was filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali's ads attacking allopathy and claiming that its 'Coronil' medicine could cure COVID-19. After the case reached the apex court, the judges threatened to impose a penalty of $120,000 on Patanjali if it did not stop its practice of making false and misleading claims in advertisements. Also read| | Explained: The ads case against Patanjali In 2022, the then Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana had also instructed the yoga guru to rein in his beliefs. "What happened to Baba Ramdev? He can popularise his system, but why should he criticise other systems. We all respect him, he popularized yoga but he shouldn't criticize other systems. What is the guarantee that his system will work? He cannot refuse the doctor system. He must exercise restraint in abusing other systems," observed the former CJI. Baba Ramdev is a popular figure in India. He founded Patanjali alongside Balkrishna in 2006 and since then, the company has transformed into a multi-billion dollar enterprise but has come under heavy scrutiny for its illegal marketing practices. (With inputs from agencies)

India: SC closes contempt case against Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Patanjali Ayurved. Know why

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a probe to ascertain whether Iranian state actors were behind the recent hacking attempt on Donald Trump's presidential campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We can confirm the FBI is investigating the matter,” the agency said in a statement on Monday (Aug 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the premier security agency is investigating if the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris campaign was also targeted by the Iranian hackers, according to a <em>CBS </em>report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was Trump's campaign last week that claimed it had been hacked and suggested Iranian actors were involved in&nbsp;stealing and distributing internal documents.</p>

<p>The hackers reportedly distributed documents and a dossier on Trump's vice-presidential pick, JD Vance. Apparently, a US media outlet received emails with the campaign material, starting July 22, from a source that refused to identify themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate.</p>

<p>"These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Donald Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House. Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications is doing the bidding of America's enemies and doing exactly what they want," Cheung added.</p>

<p>Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) stated that Trump's campaign was sent a phishing email which led to the hacking attempt. A phishing email is designed to look trustworthy but once a user clicks on the malicious link, the hacker is able to enter their network.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump said the hackers were "only able to gather publicly available information" but raised further concerns about the threat of another Iranian attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-and-kamala-harris-say-theyve-agreed-to-sept-10-debate-748740" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US elections 2024: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris say they've agreed to Sept 10 debate</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-and-kamala-harris-say-theyve-agreed-to-sept-10-debate-748740/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What did Microsoft say?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The allegations by the Trump campaign surfaced a day after Microsoft in a report revealed that&nbsp;Iran was evolving its tactics for the elections which is likely to have global implications.</p>

<p>"A group run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence unit sent a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign” and “another group with assessed links to the IRGC compromised a user account with minimal access permissions at a county-level government,” the report said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-researchers-report-iran-hackers-targeting-us-officials-before-election-748728" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Microsoft researchers report Iran hackers targeting US officials before election</strong></a></p>

<p>The report added that another Tehran-backed group had been launching "secret" news sites that used AI to lift content from legitimate news sites, and targeted US voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a probe to ascertain whether Iranian state actors were behind the recent hacking attempt on Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a probe to ascertain whether Iranian state actors were behind the recent hacking attempt on Donald Trump's presidential campaign. “We can confirm the FBI is investigating the matter,” the agency said in a statement on Monday (Aug 12). Additionally, the premier security agency is investigating if the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris campaign was also targeted by the Iranian hackers, according to a CBS report. Notably, it was Trump's campaign last week that claimed it had been hacked and suggested Iranian actors were involved in stealing and distributing internal documents. The hackers reportedly distributed documents and a dossier on Trump's vice-presidential pick, JD Vance. Apparently, a US media outlet received emails with the campaign material, starting July 22, from a source that refused to identify themselves. The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate. "These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Donald Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. "The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House. Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications is doing the bidding of America's enemies and doing exactly what they want," Cheung added. Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) stated that Trump's campaign was sent a phishing email which led to the hacking attempt. A phishing email is designed to look trustworthy but once a user clicks on the malicious link, the hacker is able to enter their network. Meanwhile, Trump said the hackers were "only able to gather publicly available information" but raised further concerns about the threat of another Iranian attack. Watch | US elections 2024: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris say they've agreed to Sept 10 debate What did Microsoft say? The allegations by the Trump campaign surfaced a day after Microsoft in a report revealed that Iran was evolving its tactics for the elections which is likely to have global implications. "A group run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence unit sent a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign” and “another group with assessed links to the IRGC compromised a user account with minimal access permissions at a county-level government,” the report said. Also read | Microsoft researchers report Iran hackers targeting US officials before election The report added that another Tehran-backed group had been launching "secret" news sites that used AI to lift content from legitimate news sites, and targeted US voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI probing if Iran hacked Trump's presidential campaign

<p>The Delhi High Court on Monday (Aug 12) granted interim protection from arrest till August 21 to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who has been accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits.</p>

<p>Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Delhi Police as well as the UPSC on the anticipatory bail plea by Khedkar and asked them to file their responses.</p>

<p>"In the facts of the present case, the court is of the opinion that the petitioner be not arrested till the next date of hearing," Justice Prasad said.</p>

<p>The court listed the case for further hearing on August 21.</p>

<p>Khedkar allegedly misrepresented information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 to get reservation benefits.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/upsc-debars-puja-khedkar-from-appearing-for-any-exam-cancels-her-provisional-candidature-745988"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UPSC debars Puja Khedkar from appearing for any exam, cancels her provisional candidature</strong></a></p>

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<p>On July 31, the UPSC cancelled Khedkar's candidature and debarred her from future exams.</p>

<p>On August 1, a sessions court here had denied anticipatory bail to her and said there are serious allegations against her, which "require a thorough investigation".</p>

<p>Khedkar had approached the sessions court, saying she faces "immediate threat of arrest".</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The Delhi High Court on Monday (Aug 12) granted interim protection from arrest till August 21 to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who has been accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits.

The Delhi High Court on Monday (Aug 12) granted interim protection from arrest till August 21 to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who has been accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits. Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Delhi Police as well as the UPSC on the anticipatory bail plea by Khedkar and asked them to file their responses. "In the facts of the present case, the court is of the opinion that the petitioner be not arrested till the next date of hearing," Justice Prasad said. The court listed the case for further hearing on August 21. Khedkar allegedly misrepresented information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 to get reservation benefits. Watch | UPSC debars Puja Khedkar from appearing for any exam, cancels her provisional candidature × On July 31, the UPSC cancelled Khedkar's candidature and debarred her from future exams. On August 1, a sessions court here had denied anticipatory bail to her and said there are serious allegations against her, which "require a thorough investigation". Khedkar had approached the sessions court, saying she faces "immediate threat of arrest". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Delhi High Court grants protection from arrest to disgraced ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has said that he wants a Gaza truce deal and this comes just days after the US, Qatar and Egypt urged Israel and Hamas to return to the negotiating table.

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas wants truce plan based on Biden's ceasefire proposal | WION Speed News

<p>Amid the possibility of a war between Israel and Iran, the United States has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin gave the green light for the deployment as the White House braces for the worst-case scenario.</p>

<p>According to the Pentagon, Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US&nbsp;military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions," read the Pentagon statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fresh deployment of an important military asset by the White House comes days after&nbsp;additional fighter jets and navy warships were moved to the turbulent region.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month and said the US would “support Israel’s defence against threats,” which would include “new defensive US military deployments".</p>

<p>"The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," read the readout of the call.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran &amp; proxies</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Israel anticipates Iranian attack</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-us-greenlighted-israels-killing-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-746705" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</strong></a></p>

<p>White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13.</p>

<p>However, there is uncertainty that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the possibility of a war between Israel and Iran, the United States has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin gave the green light for the deployment as the White House braces for the worst-case scenario.

Amid the possibility of a war between Israel and Iran, the United States has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin gave the green light for the deployment as the White House braces for the worst-case scenario. According to the Pentagon, Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area. "Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions," read the Pentagon statement. The fresh deployment of an important military asset by the White House comes days after additional fighter jets and navy warships were moved to the turbulent region. US President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month and said the US would “support Israel’s defence against threats,” which would include “new defensive US military deployments". "The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," read the readout of the call. Watch | Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran & proxies × Israel anticipates Iranian attack Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. Also read | Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, there is uncertainty that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions. (With inputs from agencies)

After navy warships, US orders submarine deployment in Middle East amid Israel-Iran war threat

<p>Donald Trump's presidential campaign on Saturday (Aug 10) claimed that it had been hacked. It further suggested that Iranian actors were involved in stealing and distributing sensitive internal documents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hackers reportedly distributed documents and a dossier on Trump's vice-presidential pick, JD Vance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Donald Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.</p>

<p>News outlet <em>Politico&nbsp;</em>said it had received emails with the campaign material from a source who refused to identify themselves. The outlet said it received the first set of documents on July 22 via email.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House. Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications is doing the bidding of America's enemies and doing exactly what they want," Cheung added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-and-kamala-harris-say-theyve-agreed-to-sept-10-debate-748740"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US elections 2024: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris say they've agreed to Sept 10 debate</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Microsoft points to Iranian threat&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The news of the leak comes a day after Microsoft issued a report documenting foreign agents and their attempts to interfere in the US elections in 2024. The findings revealed that Iran is evolving its tactics for the elections which is likely to have global implications.</p>

<p>"A group run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence unit sent a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign” and “another group with assessed links to the IRGC compromised a user account with minimal access permissions at a county-level government,” the report said.</p>

<p>The report added that another Tehran-backed group had been launching "secret" news sites that used AI to lift content from legitimate news sites, and targeted US voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-researchers-report-iran-hackers-targeting-us-officials-before-election-748728"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Microsoft researchers report Iran hackers targeting US officials before election</strong></a></p>

<p>Quizzed about the allegations, Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said its cyber capabilities were "defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces" and that it had no plans to launch a cyber attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The US&nbsp;presidential election is an internal matter in which&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;does not interfere,"&nbsp;the mission was quoted as saying by&nbsp;<em>Reuters.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Donald Trump's presidential campaign on Saturday (Aug 10) claimed that it had been hacked. It further suggested that Iranian actors were involved in stealing and distributing sensitive internal documents.

Donald Trump's presidential campaign on Saturday (Aug 10) claimed that it had been hacked. It further suggested that Iranian actors were involved in stealing and distributing sensitive internal documents. The hackers reportedly distributed documents and a dossier on Trump's vice-presidential pick, JD Vance. "These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Donald Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. News outlet Politico said it had received emails with the campaign material from a source who refused to identify themselves. The outlet said it received the first set of documents on July 22 via email. The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate. "The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House. Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications is doing the bidding of America's enemies and doing exactly what they want," Cheung added. Watch | US elections 2024: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris say they've agreed to Sept 10 debate × Microsoft points to Iranian threat The news of the leak comes a day after Microsoft issued a report documenting foreign agents and their attempts to interfere in the US elections in 2024. The findings revealed that Iran is evolving its tactics for the elections which is likely to have global implications. "A group run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence unit sent a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign” and “another group with assessed links to the IRGC compromised a user account with minimal access permissions at a county-level government,” the report said. The report added that another Tehran-backed group had been launching "secret" news sites that used AI to lift content from legitimate news sites, and targeted US voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Also read | Microsoft researchers report Iran hackers targeting US officials before election Quizzed about the allegations, Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said its cyber capabilities were "defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces" and that it had no plans to launch a cyber attack. "The US presidential election is an internal matter in which Iran does not interfere," the mission was quoted as saying by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's presidential campaign hacked, Iranian actors blamed by his team

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