With less than six months to go for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questions are still being raised on the participation of certain teams, such as the USA, one of three hosts, which continues to ban citizens from certain countries. However, those nations and their athletes could be handed a fresh lifeline with the US open to allowing athletes to travel and participate in major events where it is the host. Currently, the US has banned visas for around 40 countries with no inward movement.<h2>U.S. to allow travel for athletes from visa-banned nations?</h2>In a cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates on Wednesday, the State Department said athletes, coaches and support staff for the World Cup, the Olympics and events endorsed or run by a long list of collegiate and professional sporting leagues and associations would not be subject to the full and partial travel bans that apply to citizens of 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority.&nbsp;However, the cable made clear that foreign spectators, media and corporate sponsors planning to attend the same events would still be banned unless they qualify for another exemption.&nbsp;“Only a small subset of travellers for the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics, and other major sporting events will qualify for the exception,” it said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;The cable lists the events that are covered, including “all competitions and qualifying events” for the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan-American Games, and Para Pan-American Games; events hosted, sanctioned or recognized by a U.S. National Governing Body; all competitions and qualifying events for the Special Olympics; and official events and competitions hosted or endorsed by FIFA, football’s governing body, or its confederations.&nbsp;If the above decision is implemented, Iran’s football team will be able to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iran is placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Egypt and Belgium.

The State Department of U.S. said athletes, coaches and support staff for the World Cup, the Olympics and events endorsed or run by a long list of collegiate and professional sporting leagues and associations would not be subject to the full and partial travel bans.

With less than six months to go for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questions are still being raised on the participation of certain teams, such as the USA, one of three hosts, which continues to ban citizens from certain countries. However, those nations and their athletes could be handed a fresh lifeline with the US open to allowing athletes to travel and participate in major events where it is the host. Currently, the US has banned visas for around 40 countries with no inward movement. U.S. to allow travel for athletes from visa-banned nations? In a cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates on Wednesday, the State Department said athletes, coaches and support staff for the World Cup, the Olympics and events endorsed or run by a long list of collegiate and professional sporting leagues and associations would not be subject to the full and partial travel bans that apply to citizens of 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority. However, the cable made clear that foreign spectators, media and corporate sponsors planning to attend the same events would still be banned unless they qualify for another exemption. “Only a small subset of travellers for the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics, and other major sporting events will qualify for the exception,” it said. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli The cable lists the events that are covered, including “all competitions and qualifying events” for the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan-American Games, and Para Pan-American Games; events hosted, sanctioned or recognized by a U.S. National Governing Body; all competitions and qualifying events for the Special Olympics; and official events and competitions hosted or endorsed by FIFA, football’s governing body, or its confederations. If the above decision is implemented, Iran’s football team will be able to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iran is placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Egypt and Belgium.

The State Department of U.S. said athletes, coaches and support staff for the World Cup, the Olympics and events endorsed or run by a long list of collegiate and professional sporting leagues and associations would not be subject to the full and partial travel bans.

US to allow athletes from banned countries to attend major sporting events? Here's what we know so far

Packets of Chinese seeds are slipping into the US and reaching the doorsteps of farmers, and the officials have warned that they can "devastate" agriculture in the country if they are even opened. Most of these mysterious packages were reported from Texas, with 126 on record since January 1. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said that the packets might look "innocent, but the danger is real." Farmers have been told not to open the packets and report them. Similar Chinese see packets poured into the country in 2020, but Miller says this time they are coming in faster than before and spreading quickly. Most of them have reached East Texas, but cases have also been reported from other parts, from Florida to New Mexico.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One invasive species, pest, or pathogen could devastate Texas farms, ranches, natural resources, and food supply. We cannot gamble with Texas agriculture,” Miller said, asking everyone to remain vigilant. Most of these packets are clear, while some carry Chinese labels. They show up at the doorsteps directly. Either way, they should not be opened.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-techie-with-h1-b-visa-deported-and-humiliated-by-ice-here-is-what-infosys-said-1768457903335">Indian techie with H1-B visa deported and humiliated by ICE? Here is what Infosys said</a> &nbsp;Miller urged anyone who receives these to inform the department immediately. "Report every suspicious package. We can’t take any chances that might jeopardise our producers, the environment, or food security," he said. The strange thing is that these packets are slipping through customs at airports. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The practice is to check all organic goods that enter the country to avoid any invasive species from wreaking havoc. Miller raised concerns over this miss by US Customs. "We’ve got a flaw in our security system. These things are coming directly shipped. Customs is not picking this up," Miller told News 4 San Antonio. He added that some of these seeds are "invasive species and noxious weeds" and could “ruin agricultural production.”<h2>Is this a plot to poison American crops?</h2> According to reports, this does not look like a deliberate attempt targeted at crops in the country. They could be part of a "brushing scam" where a company sends its products to real addresses, and puts up fake reviews in their name to help boost sales, according to the New York Post. A similar scam reportedly happened in 2020 when Chinese seeds entered the US.

Chinese seed packets are showing up at the homes of farmers in Texas, and they have been warned not to open them, as they could prove dangerous to the crops. Officials say they could be part of a major scam and are not sure how customs is missing them at the airport.

Packets of Chinese seeds are slipping into the US and reaching the doorsteps of farmers, and the officials have warned that they can "devastate" agriculture in the country if they are even opened. Most of these mysterious packages were reported from Texas, with 126 on record since January 1. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said that the packets might look "innocent, but the danger is real." Farmers have been told not to open the packets and report them. Similar Chinese see packets poured into the country in 2020, but Miller says this time they are coming in faster than before and spreading quickly. Most of them have reached East Texas, but cases have also been reported from other parts, from Florida to New Mexico. “One invasive species, pest, or pathogen could devastate Texas farms, ranches, natural resources, and food supply. We cannot gamble with Texas agriculture,” Miller said, asking everyone to remain vigilant. Most of these packets are clear, while some carry Chinese labels. They show up at the doorsteps directly. Either way, they should not be opened. Also Read: Indian techie with H1-B visa deported and humiliated by ICE? Here is what Infosys said Miller urged anyone who receives these to inform the department immediately. "Report every suspicious package. We can’t take any chances that might jeopardise our producers, the environment, or food security," he said. The strange thing is that these packets are slipping through customs at airports. The practice is to check all organic goods that enter the country to avoid any invasive species from wreaking havoc. Miller raised concerns over this miss by US Customs. "We’ve got a flaw in our security system. These things are coming directly shipped. Customs is not picking this up," Miller told News 4 San Antonio. He added that some of these seeds are "invasive species and noxious weeds" and could “ruin agricultural production.” Is this a plot to poison American crops? According to reports, this does not look like a deliberate attempt targeted at crops in the country. They could be part of a "brushing scam" where a company sends its products to real addresses, and puts up fake reviews in their name to help boost sales, according to the New York Post. A similar scam reportedly happened in 2020 when Chinese seeds entered the US.

Chinese seed packets are showing up at the homes of farmers in Texas, and they have been warned not to open them, as they could prove dangerous to the crops. Officials say they could be part of a major scam and are not sure how customs is missing them at the airport.

A plot to poison American crops? Chinese seeds packets are showing up at US homes

A UK couple, who were in the US for a performance while the woman was 33 weeks pregnant, received a terrible shock when they were handed a $200,000 medical bill following a premature delivery. Folk duo Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester had travelled to Nashville for a tour. During their second last show, Issy started feeling sick. She was throwing up and assumed that it was because of food poisoning. However, she was suffering from pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication, but was unaware. This meant that her baby had to be delivered via emergency C-section, as it could prove deadly to the mother and the baby. She was taken to the hospital, where she gave birth to a baby boy. However, they could not believe the bills they were handed that totalled to a whopping $200,000. The couple tried using their travel insurance to cover the bills, but the agency declined. After months of legal hassle, the insurance company finally paid the medical expenses.<h2>Issy fell sick during the concert</h2>Issy was supposed to go on maternity leave after the show in the US. The couple had chosen a top travel insurance plan but had not imagined something like this happening. Issy was 25 at the time and says that when she fell sick during the concert, she was in denial. "I was 25, I’d never been seriously ill before. I had been on stage singing the night before. And suddenly there I was, fighting for mine and my child’s life in a hospital thousands of miles from home," Issy said. She says the insurance company's behaviour and refusal to foot the bill added to their stress after the birth of their child.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/south-african-man-who-smoked-since-age-14-dies-from-asthma-attack-hours-after-turning-121-1767955138917">South African man who smoked since age 14 dies from asthma attack hours after turning 121</a><h2>Couple were about to sell their house</h2>"I spent months examining my medical records in order to build my case against a huge company that should have behaved better, and instead claimed ignorance of an illness which was included in their insurance policy," she said. They were on the verge of selling their Somerset house as they could not get the company to pay. The couple said that pre-eclampsia was clearly covered in the fine print of the insurance policy. Pregnant women are also allowed to fly until their 36th week, she said.&nbsp;Issy said she experienced chest pains and vomited for eight hours. Fearing dehydration, she sought medical help and was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. The doctors tried to stabilise her with a magnesium drip, but she was later told that an immediate birth is necessary in this scenario. The baby was kept in the NICU for three weeks, and they spent five more weeks in the US for the baby's health. The insurance company's underwriters refused to cover the entire amount. "The insurance company made the whole process much more traumatic," Issy said. &nbsp;

A couple in the UK were handed $200,000 in medical bills after the woman underwent an emergency C-Section in the US. Their travel insurance company refused to pay, which led to a lengthy legal battle. 

A UK couple, who were in the US for a performance while the woman was 33 weeks pregnant, received a terrible shock when they were handed a $200,000 medical bill following a premature delivery. Folk duo Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester had travelled to Nashville for a tour. During their second last show, Issy started feeling sick. She was throwing up and assumed that it was because of food poisoning. However, she was suffering from pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication, but was unaware. This meant that her baby had to be delivered via emergency C-section, as it could prove deadly to the mother and the baby. She was taken to the hospital, where she gave birth to a baby boy. However, they could not believe the bills they were handed that totalled to a whopping $200,000. The couple tried using their travel insurance to cover the bills, but the agency declined. After months of legal hassle, the insurance company finally paid the medical expenses. Issy fell sick during the concert Issy was supposed to go on maternity leave after the show in the US. The couple had chosen a top travel insurance plan but had not imagined something like this happening. Issy was 25 at the time and says that when she fell sick during the concert, she was in denial. "I was 25, I’d never been seriously ill before. I had been on stage singing the night before. And suddenly there I was, fighting for mine and my child’s life in a hospital thousands of miles from home," Issy said. She says the insurance company's behaviour and refusal to foot the bill added to their stress after the birth of their child. Also Read: South African man who smoked since age 14 dies from asthma attack hours after turning 121 Couple were about to sell their house "I spent months examining my medical records in order to build my case against a huge company that should have behaved better, and instead claimed ignorance of an illness which was included in their insurance policy," she said. They were on the verge of selling their Somerset house as they could not get the company to pay. The couple said that pre-eclampsia was clearly covered in the fine print of the insurance policy. Pregnant women are also allowed to fly until their 36th week, she said. Issy said she experienced chest pains and vomited for eight hours. Fearing dehydration, she sought medical help and was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. The doctors tried to stabilise her with a magnesium drip, but she was later told that an immediate birth is necessary in this scenario. The baby was kept in the NICU for three weeks, and they spent five more weeks in the US for the baby's health. The insurance company's underwriters refused to cover the entire amount. "The insurance company made the whole process much more traumatic," Issy said.

A couple in the UK were handed $200,000 in medical bills after the woman underwent an emergency C-Section in the US. Their travel insurance company refused to pay, which led to a lengthy legal battle.&nbsp;

UK couple billed $200,000 in US for premature delivery, faces insurance hassle

The central government on Friday (Dec 26) said that it continues to engage with the United States to finalise a bilateral trade agreement and that discussions have been held on contentious issues between both sides. New Delhi and Washington have been working out to conclude a trade agreement for months after President Trump announced baseline tariffs against its trade partners on April 2.&nbsp;Answering queries during the weekly media briefing concerning India-US bilateral trade agreement talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both governments continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement.&nbsp;Jaiswal underlined a recent visit of a US negotiator led by &nbsp;Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer from December 9 to 11. During the visit, Switzer met with Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials.&nbsp;On December 24, Indian envoy to the United States Vinay Kwatra held a meeting with US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.&nbsp;In a post on X, Kwatra said they had "extensive discussions on our shared goal to strengthen trade ties, as also his (Gor) plans and priorities for our bilateral partnership as he prepares to assume his responsibility as the US Ambassador to India!"&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-washington-of-first-red-line-sanctions-us-defence-firms-over-arms-sales-to-taiwan-trump-us-china-trade-war-tarrifs-1766746852607">China warns Washington of ‘first red line’, sanctions US defence firms over arms sales to Taiwan</a>&nbsp;Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States during trade talks.&nbsp;The regulatory restructuring is aimed at reducing paperwork, cutting time for checks and fewer inspections for quality approval, the trade ministry said.&nbsp; ”The reforms aim to accelerate processes, reduce turnaround times, and leverage technology-driven systems to make quality assurance faster, more transparent, and more accessible for enterprises, institutions, and citizens,” said Jaxay Shah, the chairman of the Quality Council of India.&nbsp;Despite multiple rounds of talks and high-profile meetings, the United States continues to impose 50 per cent tariffs on India, the highest globally.

Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States.

The central government on Friday (Dec 26) said that it continues to engage with the United States to finalise a bilateral trade agreement and that discussions have been held on contentious issues between both sides. New Delhi and Washington have been working out to conclude a trade agreement for months after President Trump announced baseline tariffs against its trade partners on April 2. Answering queries during the weekly media briefing concerning India-US bilateral trade agreement talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both governments continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. Jaiswal underlined a recent visit of a US negotiator led by Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer from December 9 to 11. During the visit, Switzer met with Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials. On December 24, Indian envoy to the United States Vinay Kwatra held a meeting with US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. In a post on X, Kwatra said they had "extensive discussions on our shared goal to strengthen trade ties, as also his (Gor) plans and priorities for our bilateral partnership as he prepares to assume his responsibility as the US Ambassador to India!" Also Read: China warns Washington of ‘first red line’, sanctions US defence firms over arms sales to Taiwan Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States during trade talks. The regulatory restructuring is aimed at reducing paperwork, cutting time for checks and fewer inspections for quality approval, the trade ministry said. ”The reforms aim to accelerate processes, reduce turnaround times, and leverage technology-driven systems to make quality assurance faster, more transparent, and more accessible for enterprises, institutions, and citizens,” said Jaxay Shah, the chairman of the Quality Council of India. Despite multiple rounds of talks and high-profile meetings, the United States continues to impose 50 per cent tariffs on India, the highest globally.

Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States.

Continue to remain engaged with United States to finalise bilateral trade agreement, says Govt

A massive storm struck Colorado last week, disrupting more than a dozen atomic clocks and altering the US official time standard. Now the country is running &nbsp;4.8 microseconds behind the world. These atomic clocks are located at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder. Hurricane-force winds swept the state recently, hitting trees and electricity infrastructure. This posed a risk of fire, and so the state's largest energy company implemented safety shutdowns. But the atomic clocks continued ticking, thanks to the battery backup systems. However, a backup generator at NIST failed, causing a snap in operations and slowing down NIST coordinated universal time, or UTC (NIST), by 4.8 microseconds. Notably, NIST coordinated universal time, or UTC(NIST), determines the official time in the US. It is different from the other UTC used for the global time standard.<h2>The minor time error can have huge implications</h2>NIST supervisory research physicist Jeff Sherman described the time gap as "both big and small." He told Joe Hernandez at NPR, “All of the atomic clocks, a mix of hydrogen masers and caesium beam, continued ticking through the power outage last week, thanks to their battery backup systems. What failed was the connection between some of the clocks and NIST's measurement and distribution systems." This meant that the Boulder Internet Time Services no longer had an accurate time reference. A time difference of 4.8 microseconds might not seem much, but Sherman cautioned that it can affect crucial systems, such as infrastructure, telecommunications, GPS signals, and other things.<h2>How is American time determined?</h2>NIST has been America's official timekeeper since 2007. Of the 20 atomic clocks at the NIST laboratory that operate in rotation, 10 to 15 are working at any time to determine the US national time. Primary and alternate multi-channel measurement systems (MCMS) regularly monitor these clocks to quickly detect any changes in frequency. This data is fed into a computer algorithm, which, in addition to other machines, decides the exact US time. This figure works towards the world's time standards as well. Power has been restored at the facility, and assessments and repair work are being done.

American time dragged behind the rest of the world following a massive storm in Boulder, Colorado, last week. The atomic clocks housed at the facility of the countrys official timekeeper went behind because of a snag in the battery backup.

A massive storm struck Colorado last week, disrupting more than a dozen atomic clocks and altering the US official time standard. Now the country is running 4.8 microseconds behind the world. These atomic clocks are located at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder. Hurricane-force winds swept the state recently, hitting trees and electricity infrastructure. This posed a risk of fire, and so the state's largest energy company implemented safety shutdowns. But the atomic clocks continued ticking, thanks to the battery backup systems. However, a backup generator at NIST failed, causing a snap in operations and slowing down NIST coordinated universal time, or UTC (NIST), by 4.8 microseconds. Notably, NIST coordinated universal time, or UTC(NIST), determines the official time in the US. It is different from the other UTC used for the global time standard. The minor time error can have huge implications NIST supervisory research physicist Jeff Sherman described the time gap as "both big and small." He told Joe Hernandez at NPR, “All of the atomic clocks, a mix of hydrogen masers and caesium beam, continued ticking through the power outage last week, thanks to their battery backup systems. What failed was the connection between some of the clocks and NIST's measurement and distribution systems." This meant that the Boulder Internet Time Services no longer had an accurate time reference. A time difference of 4.8 microseconds might not seem much, but Sherman cautioned that it can affect crucial systems, such as infrastructure, telecommunications, GPS signals, and other things. How is American time determined? NIST has been America's official timekeeper since 2007. Of the 20 atomic clocks at the NIST laboratory that operate in rotation, 10 to 15 are working at any time to determine the US national time. Primary and alternate multi-channel measurement systems (MCMS) regularly monitor these clocks to quickly detect any changes in frequency. This data is fed into a computer algorithm, which, in addition to other machines, decides the exact US time. This figure works towards the world's time standards as well. Power has been restored at the facility, and assessments and repair work are being done.

American time dragged behind the rest of the world following a massive storm in Boulder, Colorado, last week. The atomic clocks housed at the facility of the country's official timekeeper went behind because of a snag in the battery backup.

American time lagged behind the rest of the world by 4.8 microseconds. Here is what happened

The United States on Monday (Dec 22) welcomes India's new legislation concerning Nuclear energy, the SHANTI Bill 2025, hailing it as an important step in the direction of deepening energy ties and peaceful civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries. The statement came a day after President Draupadi Mumu gave assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, or SHANTI Bill, 2025.&nbsp;In a post on X, the US Embassy in India said, “We welcome India’s new #SHANTIBill, a step towards a stronger energy security partnership and peaceful civil nuclear cooperation. The United States stands ready to undertake joint innovation and R&amp;D in the energy sector.”<h2>The SHANTI Act&nbsp;</h2> Under the SHANTI Act government introduced sweeping reforms in India's civil nuclear architecture, replacing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, which remains largely intact since its introduction.&nbsp;One of the landmark shifts presented in the Act is the opening up of the civil nuclear sector for private players for the first time, which was historically run by state-owned enterprises. It also grants a statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, along with the introduction of a well-defined licensing system and proposes a specialised nuclear tribunal to handle disputes.&nbsp;The Bill specifies that licences may be granted to “any department of the Government of India or any institution or authority or corporation established or owned or controlled by such government, any government company, any other company, a joint venture among any of the aforesaid; or any other person expressly permitted by the central government, by notification.”<h2>India-US nuclear deal&nbsp;</h2>India and the United States announced the historical civil nuclear cooperation initiative nearly two decades ago, culminating in the landmark India–US nuclear deal. The agreement ended India’s long-standing nuclear isolation and allowed it to resume civilian nuclear cooperation, even as it remained outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.&nbsp;The deal marked a major shift in US policy and reshaped the trajectory of bilateral relations. However, progress remained slow for years due to legal and regulatory hurdles. A breakthrough came in March this year, when the US Department of Energy granted regulatory clearance to an American company to design and build nuclear reactors in India.

SHANTI stands for the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed last week.

The United States on Monday (Dec 22) welcomes India's new legislation concerning Nuclear energy, the SHANTI Bill 2025, hailing it as an important step in the direction of deepening energy ties and peaceful civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries. The statement came a day after President Draupadi Mumu gave assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, or SHANTI Bill, 2025. In a post on X, the US Embassy in India said, “We welcome India’s new #SHANTIBill, a step towards a stronger energy security partnership and peaceful civil nuclear cooperation. The United States stands ready to undertake joint innovation and R&D in the energy sector.” The SHANTI Act Under the SHANTI Act government introduced sweeping reforms in India's civil nuclear architecture, replacing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, which remains largely intact since its introduction. One of the landmark shifts presented in the Act is the opening up of the civil nuclear sector for private players for the first time, which was historically run by state-owned enterprises. It also grants a statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, along with the introduction of a well-defined licensing system and proposes a specialised nuclear tribunal to handle disputes. The Bill specifies that licences may be granted to “any department of the Government of India or any institution or authority or corporation established or owned or controlled by such government, any government company, any other company, a joint venture among any of the aforesaid; or any other person expressly permitted by the central government, by notification.” India-US nuclear deal India and the United States announced the historical civil nuclear cooperation initiative nearly two decades ago, culminating in the landmark India–US nuclear deal. The agreement ended India’s long-standing nuclear isolation and allowed it to resume civilian nuclear cooperation, even as it remained outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The deal marked a major shift in US policy and reshaped the trajectory of bilateral relations. However, progress remained slow for years due to legal and regulatory hurdles. A breakthrough came in March this year, when the US Department of Energy granted regulatory clearance to an American company to design and build nuclear reactors in India.

SHANTI stands for the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed last week.

US welcomes India’s SHANTI Bill, calls it a 'step towards stronger energy security partnership'

Bird flu in US: Doctors in the US have announced that a person in Washington state has been infected with a strain of the bird flu virus that has never been detected in humans before. Know the symptoms he was showing and whether it carries a higher risk.

'Unpredictable’ virus infects a human for first time in US - Know symptoms and risk

A man in Pennsylvania says he was shot by his dog after he put the gun down following a cleaning. The freak accident landed him in the hospital for surgery. The unnamed man from Shillington says that he has put down his shotgun on the bed after a cleaning. Just as he sat down, his dog pounced on him, apparently setting off the gun. The man was struck by a bullet in his lower back. Shillington Police Cpl. Michael Schoone told WFMZ that it’s not exactly clear what happened and how the dog was involved. The 53-year-old blames his dog for the accident, having told the police that he “jumped up onto the bed, causing the shotgun to go off, which ultimately struck him." The unusual case has led the police to use it as a warning case about the importance of safely handling firearms.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japanese-woman-marries-ai-chatbot-fianc-klaus-says-it-proposed-to-her-1763043855626">Japanese woman marries AI chatbot fiancé Klaus wearing VR glasses, says it proposed to her</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/man-dies-from-eating-deadly-burger-after-becoming-allergic-to-meat-what-is-alpha-gal-syndrome-1763093271977">Man dies from eating 'deadly' burger after becoming allergic to meat - What is alpha-gal syndrome?</a>&nbsp;<h2>Police warn people about safe gun handling</h2>“He’s not sure what stage of cleaning he was in at the time, so it’s unclear if the dog’s paw may have gotten caught inside the trigger and the safety was off or if there was some sort of manufacturer's malfunction,” he said. The victim’s son was home at the time and called 911. He was taken to the hospital, where he had surgery. Schoone is now asking people to be more alert around their firearms. “Obviously, you should be treating every weapon as if it’s loaded. All the cardinal rules: keeping it in a safe direction, finger off the trigger. This was… the perfect storm. It was just the right place at the right time – or the wrong time,” Schoone said. An investigation into the incident is still on, although officials are almost certain that it was an accident.&nbsp;

A bizarre case has emerged from Pennsylvania, where a man struck with a bullet from his own shotgun says his dog shot him. He had just cleaned and placed it on the bed when the dog jumped up on him, which triggered the gun.

A man in Pennsylvania says he was shot by his dog after he put the gun down following a cleaning. The freak accident landed him in the hospital for surgery. The unnamed man from Shillington says that he has put down his shotgun on the bed after a cleaning. Just as he sat down, his dog pounced on him, apparently setting off the gun. The man was struck by a bullet in his lower back. Shillington Police Cpl. Michael Schoone told WFMZ that it’s not exactly clear what happened and how the dog was involved. The 53-year-old blames his dog for the accident, having told the police that he “jumped up onto the bed, causing the shotgun to go off, which ultimately struck him." The unusual case has led the police to use it as a warning case about the importance of safely handling firearms. Also Read: Japanese woman marries AI chatbot fiancé Klaus wearing VR glasses, says it proposed to her Also Read: Man dies from eating 'deadly' burger after becoming allergic to meat - What is alpha-gal syndrome? Police warn people about safe gun handling “He’s not sure what stage of cleaning he was in at the time, so it’s unclear if the dog’s paw may have gotten caught inside the trigger and the safety was off or if there was some sort of manufacturer's malfunction,” he said. The victim’s son was home at the time and called 911. He was taken to the hospital, where he had surgery. Schoone is now asking people to be more alert around their firearms. “Obviously, you should be treating every weapon as if it’s loaded. All the cardinal rules: keeping it in a safe direction, finger off the trigger. This was… the perfect storm. It was just the right place at the right time – or the wrong time,” Schoone said. An investigation into the incident is still on, although officials are almost certain that it was an accident.

A bizarre case has emerged from Pennsylvania, where a man struck with a bullet from his own shotgun says his dog shot him. He had just cleaned and placed it on the bed when the dog jumped up on him, which triggered the gun.

'My dog shot me': Pennsylvania man claims his dog caused his shotgun to go off

A woman born without a brain in Nebraska celebrated her 20th birthday recently. At birth, the doctors said that she wouldn't live past the age of four, but she defied all odds and proved them wrong. Alex Simpson of Omaha is afflicted by a rare condition known as hydranencephaly. Shawn and Lorena Simpson spoke with local news outlet KETV News about their daughter's medical issue, saying, "[Hydranencephaly] means that her brain is not there." Shawn added, "Technically, she has about half the size of my pinky finger of her cerebellum in the back part of her brain, but that's all that's there." He said that the doctors told them she won't live past the age of four.&nbsp;Talking about the reason that helped her prove everyone wrong, they said love is what has helped her live so much longer than expected. This is when Alex can't see or hear her parents. Shawn said her eye movements can tell that she is looking for them. “You can see that when I went up there and talked to her a little bit ago, she was looking for me,” he told the outlet.&nbsp;After the doctors told them about her condition, the parents feared for her. They didn't know what to do, but faith kept them going. “Twenty years ago, we were scared, but faith, I think, is really what kept us alive," he said. “She’s a fighter,” Lorena added. Alex has a 14-year-old brother, SJ, who says he is proud to have a daughter like Alex. “When people ask about my family, the first thing I start with is Alex, my disabled sister,” he said.&nbsp;He also believes that Alex has a way to know what's going on around her. SJ added that when someone is stressed and no one talks about it around her, she can still sense it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hydranencephaly occurs in one in 5,000 to one in 10,000 pregnancies, and most of them don't live beyond the first year of their life.

A woman in Nebraska born without a brain has defied all odds and celebrated her 20th birthday. The doctors didn't think she would make it to even her fourth birthday, but Alex continues to bask in the love of her family.  

A woman born without a brain in Nebraska celebrated her 20th birthday recently. At birth, the doctors said that she wouldn't live past the age of four, but she defied all odds and proved them wrong. Alex Simpson of Omaha is afflicted by a rare condition known as hydranencephaly. Shawn and Lorena Simpson spoke with local news outlet KETV News about their daughter's medical issue, saying, "[Hydranencephaly] means that her brain is not there." Shawn added, "Technically, she has about half the size of my pinky finger of her cerebellum in the back part of her brain, but that's all that's there." He said that the doctors told them she won't live past the age of four. Talking about the reason that helped her prove everyone wrong, they said love is what has helped her live so much longer than expected. This is when Alex can't see or hear her parents. Shawn said her eye movements can tell that she is looking for them. “You can see that when I went up there and talked to her a little bit ago, she was looking for me,” he told the outlet. After the doctors told them about her condition, the parents feared for her. They didn't know what to do, but faith kept them going. “Twenty years ago, we were scared, but faith, I think, is really what kept us alive," he said. “She’s a fighter,” Lorena added. Alex has a 14-year-old brother, SJ, who says he is proud to have a daughter like Alex. “When people ask about my family, the first thing I start with is Alex, my disabled sister,” he said. He also believes that Alex has a way to know what's going on around her. SJ added that when someone is stressed and no one talks about it around her, she can still sense it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hydranencephaly occurs in one in 5,000 to one in 10,000 pregnancies, and most of them don't live beyond the first year of their life.

A woman in Nebraska born without a brain has defied all odds and celebrated her 20th birthday. The doctors didn't think she would make it to even her fourth birthday, but Alex continues to bask in the love of her family. &nbsp;

Woman born without brain given only four years to live at birth celebrates 20th birthday

A father who left his two-year-old daughter in the car while he had beers and watched porn has died by suicide. Christopher Scholtes took the extreme step just hours before he was due to report to prison ahead of his sentencing, local media reports suggested. The 38-year-old had pleaded guilty to the death of his youngest daughter, Parker, as part of a plea deal in Pima County Superior Court last month. He was listed as deceased by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office in Arizona on Wednesday. He killed himself in his plush $1 million mansion in Arizona on Wednesday morning, although how he did it is not known. Scholtes left his toddler daughter in the car as she took a nap in the backseat of their Acura, parked on the driveway in July 2024. Meanwhile, he went inside the home, played video games, watched porn and drank beer for more than three hours.&nbsp;He had left the car running with the air conditioning switched on. Scholtes lost track of time and continued to have a gala time while the car engine switched off. Parker died in the hot car. The Pima County Medical Examiner said the temperature inside the car was 108.9°F when first responders arrived. Scholtes was to be jailed for 20 to 30 years without parole. But he was permitted to be out on bail until Wednesday, but he killed himself before he could go to jail. Pima County prosecutors were visibly shaken by the incident at the court hearing, and said they will soon provide more details.&nbsp;<h2>The father regularly left his kids in the car</h2>His wife, anesthesiologist Erika Scholtes, had spent $1.025 million on a four-bedroom house where they shifted following Parker's death. She worked at the Banner University Medical Centre where Parker was taken to. Erika defended her husband in court, saying that what happened was a mistake. According to the prosecutors, texts between Scholtes and Erika revealed that he habitually left their children in the car for extended periods. Their nine and five-year-old daughters told the police that their father regularly left them in the car.&nbsp;Security footage showed that Scholtes also left Parker alone in the car on the same day as he shopped at a gas station and a supermarket. He shoplifted beer from both shops, according to the documents. He reached home at 12.53 pm, but told the police that he had come at 2:30. When Erika came home at 4, she asked about Parker. That's when he realised his mistake and rushed to get her. First responders arrived, and she died an hour later at the hospital. Court documents show that he searched the internet for men's clothing at Nordstrom and for pornography from 2.02 pm to 2.30 pm. &nbsp;

An Arizona father who was to be jailed for the hot car death of his daughter killed himself on the same day. He was accused of watching porn, drinking beer and playing video games while the two-year-old napped in the car. 

A father who left his two-year-old daughter in the car while he had beers and watched porn has died by suicide. Christopher Scholtes took the extreme step just hours before he was due to report to prison ahead of his sentencing, local media reports suggested. The 38-year-old had pleaded guilty to the death of his youngest daughter, Parker, as part of a plea deal in Pima County Superior Court last month. He was listed as deceased by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office in Arizona on Wednesday. He killed himself in his plush $1 million mansion in Arizona on Wednesday morning, although how he did it is not known. Scholtes left his toddler daughter in the car as she took a nap in the backseat of their Acura, parked on the driveway in July 2024. Meanwhile, he went inside the home, played video games, watched porn and drank beer for more than three hours. He had left the car running with the air conditioning switched on. Scholtes lost track of time and continued to have a gala time while the car engine switched off. Parker died in the hot car. The Pima County Medical Examiner said the temperature inside the car was 108.9°F when first responders arrived. Scholtes was to be jailed for 20 to 30 years without parole. But he was permitted to be out on bail until Wednesday, but he killed himself before he could go to jail. Pima County prosecutors were visibly shaken by the incident at the court hearing, and said they will soon provide more details. The father regularly left his kids in the car His wife, anesthesiologist Erika Scholtes, had spent $1.025 million on a four-bedroom house where they shifted following Parker's death. She worked at the Banner University Medical Centre where Parker was taken to. Erika defended her husband in court, saying that what happened was a mistake. According to the prosecutors, texts between Scholtes and Erika revealed that he habitually left their children in the car for extended periods. Their nine and five-year-old daughters told the police that their father regularly left them in the car. Security footage showed that Scholtes also left Parker alone in the car on the same day as he shopped at a gas station and a supermarket. He shoplifted beer from both shops, according to the documents. He reached home at 12.53 pm, but told the police that he had come at 2:30. When Erika came home at 4, she asked about Parker. That's when he realised his mistake and rushed to get her. First responders arrived, and she died an hour later at the hospital. Court documents show that he searched the internet for men's clothing at Nordstrom and for pornography from 2.02 pm to 2.30 pm.

An American father who was to be jailed for the hot car death of his daughter killed himself on the same day. He was accused of watching porn, drinking beer and playing video games while the two-year-old napped in the car.&nbsp;

American dad who watched porn while 2-year-old died in hot car kills himself

Americans are reporting spotting balloons flying at extremely high altitudes, triggering fear that the spy vehicles are back in the skies. In 2023, a Chinese spy balloon was shot down over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina. It entered US airspace over Alaska in January and flew over a US military base in Montana before being shot down. The balloons are reportedly back to haunt Americans who have reported seeing them in Colorado, Arizona and Alabama, Daily Mail reported. People believe these are also surveillance balloons and could be bad news for the government. Residents in these states have posted pictures and videos of these balloons on social media, asking if someone can identify them. Speculations range from a regular American research operation to new Chinese spy balloons.&nbsp;The latest sighting came two weeks ago in Arizona, where a mysterious balloon was seen flying over Lemmon. People posted pictures and videos of the balloon on social media. Some of them tried tracking it on flight monitoring apps but failed to find any data. "Not showing on Flightradar24, though, like others have in weeks past," a Reddit user posted. In June, multiple high-altitude balloons were seen over the Tucson and Sierra Vista areas for more than a week. People started panicking at the sight, wondering what the balloons were doing. According to witnesses, these balloons fly at over 60,000 feet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/et-is-not-interested-earth-holds-no-appeal-to-aliens-nasa-scientist-puts-forward-boredom-theory-1760609691047">ET is not interested - Earth holds no appeal to aliens, NASA scientist puts forward 'boredom' theory</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pastor-claims-ship-with-demonic-spirits-is-coming-for-earth-netizens-link-it-to-3i-atlas-1760588030874">'I'm here to warn you' - Pastor claims 'ship with demonic spirits' is coming for Earth. Netizens link it to 3I/ATLAS</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Another atmospheric <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/balloon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#balloon</a> floating across. This one is over the wrinkled mountains in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tucson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tucson</a>/Vail Arizona area. I wonder who this balloon belongs to? <a href="https://t.co/05WpQCjG1A">pic.twitter.com/05WpQCjG1A</a>&mdash; GT Bird (@eyemgreg) <a href="https://twitter.com/eyemgreg/status/1965443107656532190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Most of these balloons turned out to be linked to the American government</h2>Some of these balloons later turned out to be part of some American government programme. In Tucson, Arizona, similar balloons were seen several times. People thought that it was a spy balloon that was equipped with a "spy camera platform from China" and &nbsp;"transmitting military secrets in fast bursts." However, it was later revealed that one of them was part of a US military test. But this triggered debate over privacy evasion, with experts questioning what kind of data the American government was collecting.&nbsp;One of the balloons seen in Boulder, Colorado, was identified as an Aerostar Thunderhead steerable balloon. A Reddit user explained that, "It's not just a weather balloon", but can carry "signal-gathering equipment, communications equipment, or other sensors." The company develops balloons for scientific research, telecommunications and military applications, and confirmed that some of the balloons belonged to them. While such balloons are common, scientists say, the general public is likely to fear them since they wouldn't know what they are.&nbsp;

Americans in some states are reporting seeing mysterious balloons flying at high altitudes. This has triggered debate over whether the Chinese spy balloons are back. Some netizens tried tracking some of them on apps, but couldn't detect the balloons. 

Americans are reporting spotting balloons flying at extremely high altitudes, triggering fear that the spy vehicles are back in the skies. In 2023, a Chinese spy balloon was shot down over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina. It entered US airspace over Alaska in January and flew over a US military base in Montana before being shot down. The balloons are reportedly back to haunt Americans who have reported seeing them in Colorado, Arizona and Alabama, Daily Mail reported. People believe these are also surveillance balloons and could be bad news for the government. Residents in these states have posted pictures and videos of these balloons on social media, asking if someone can identify them. Speculations range from a regular American research operation to new Chinese spy balloons. The latest sighting came two weeks ago in Arizona, where a mysterious balloon was seen flying over Lemmon. People posted pictures and videos of the balloon on social media. Some of them tried tracking it on flight monitoring apps but failed to find any data. "Not showing on Flightradar24, though, like others have in weeks past," a Reddit user posted. In June, multiple high-altitude balloons were seen over the Tucson and Sierra Vista areas for more than a week. People started panicking at the sight, wondering what the balloons were doing. According to witnesses, these balloons fly at over 60,000 feet. Also Read: ET is not interested - Earth holds no appeal to aliens, NASA scientist puts forward 'boredom' theory Also Read: 'I'm here to warn you' - Pastor claims 'ship with demonic spirits' is coming for Earth. Netizens link it to 3I/ATLAS

Americans in some states are reporting seeing mysterious balloons flying at high altitudes. This has triggered debate over whether the Chinese spy balloons are back. Some netizens tried tracking some of them on apps, but couldn't detect the balloons.&nbsp;

Mysterious balloon sightings in America spark fear that they are being watched - 'Not showing on...'

Across the United States, the consequences of these priorities are visible from tent cities to ghostly downtowns. Here are nine signs that America is heading toward collapse under Gen Z’s influence.

'From TikTok to tent cities': 9 proofs Gen Z is leading America into collapse

After rabbits and squirrels, deer in several parts of the US have been seen with tumour-like warts on their bodies. People have reported seeing the mutated creatures and taken photos as proof. Officials have warned residents to stay away from these animals, as this might cause health issues. The creatures have been spotted from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest. Images of the affected creatures on social media show tumour-like growth on the entire body of the deer that have been seen in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. While the rabbits are infected by the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), the deer are also affected by a similar papilloma virus called the deer cutaneous fibroma, or deer warts. The virus is being transmitted between deer across the US, and experts have warned that it is spreading fast in the summer. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-virus-is-creating-frankenstein-rabbits-in-colorado-residents-warned-leave-them-alone-1755083203075">LEAVE THEM ALONE: A virus is creating horned 'Frankenstein' rabbits in Colorado, entire Midwest at risk</a>&nbsp;The virus is carried by ticks and mosquitoes to healthy animals, passing it into their bloodstream and infecting them. Warm weather promotes their growth, which is why more infected deer can be seen in the coming weeks. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said, "Papillomas are most frequently seen during the late summer and into the fall, probably due to increased biting insect activity during this time of year." The animals can also get infected through direct contact with each other. However, it is rarely fatal as the warts grow out and fall off after some time. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-no-regrets-danish-woman-explains-why-she-donated-daughter-s-pony-to-feed-zoo-predators-1754909488635">Denmark woman donates daughter’s pony after Zoo asked people for pets to feed lions</a><h2>Can the deer virus spread to humans?</h2>The virus being seen in deer is part of the same family of viruses, known as papillomaviruses. They affect the skin and mucous membranes in humans and cause conditions like warts, plantar warts, and genital warts. Some strains are also known to lead to certain cancers. However, the disease in deer is species-specific and cannot reach humans because of how the virus attaches itself to the host. But the ticks can pass on other diseases, like Lyme Disease. Experts say that the temperature changes are triggering the spread of such diseases in places where they were never seen before.&nbsp;<h2>What is going on with rabbits and squirrels?</h2>"Frankenstein" rabbits have been seen in Fort Collins, Colorado, and more of them can make an appearance in the Midwest. The animals have black spikes on their face and mouth, which is a tumour caused by the Shope papilloma virus. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) warned people to stay away from the infected animals.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Some deer across the U.S. have tumor-like growths, known as cutaneous fibroma or deer warts. <a href="https://t.co/ehFUwvq3KG">pic.twitter.com/ehFUwvq3KG</a>&mdash; The Dibster (@TheDibsterX) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDibsterX/status/1958286611751518231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Deer with warts all over their body have been spotted in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The condition is caused by a virus that also affects humans. How does it spread, and can the deer infect humans?

After rabbits and squirrels, deer in several parts of the US have been seen with tumour-like warts on their bodies. People have reported seeing the mutated creatures and taken photos as proof. Officials have warned residents to stay away from these animals, as this might cause health issues. The creatures have been spotted from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest. Images of the affected creatures on social media show tumour-like growth on the entire body of the deer that have been seen in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. While the rabbits are infected by the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), the deer are also affected by a similar papilloma virus called the deer cutaneous fibroma, or deer warts. The virus is being transmitted between deer across the US, and experts have warned that it is spreading fast in the summer. Also Read: LEAVE THEM ALONE: A virus is creating horned 'Frankenstein' rabbits in Colorado, entire Midwest at risk The virus is carried by ticks and mosquitoes to healthy animals, passing it into their bloodstream and infecting them. Warm weather promotes their growth, which is why more infected deer can be seen in the coming weeks. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said, "Papillomas are most frequently seen during the late summer and into the fall, probably due to increased biting insect activity during this time of year." The animals can also get infected through direct contact with each other. However, it is rarely fatal as the warts grow out and fall off after some time. Also Read: Denmark woman donates daughter’s pony after Zoo asked people for pets to feed lions Can the deer virus spread to humans? The virus being seen in deer is part of the same family of viruses, known as papillomaviruses. They affect the skin and mucous membranes in humans and cause conditions like warts, plantar warts, and genital warts. Some strains are also known to lead to certain cancers. However, the disease in deer is species-specific and cannot reach humans because of how the virus attaches itself to the host. But the ticks can pass on other diseases, like Lyme Disease. Experts say that the temperature changes are triggering the spread of such diseases in places where they were never seen before. What is going on with rabbits and squirrels? "Frankenstein" rabbits have been seen in Fort Collins, Colorado, and more of them can make an appearance in the Midwest. The animals have black spikes on their face and mouth, which is a tumour caused by the Shope papilloma virus. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) warned people to stay away from the infected animals.

Deer with warts all over their body have been spotted in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The condition is caused by a virus that also affects humans. How does it spread, and can the deer infect humans?

After 'Frankenstein' rabbits and 'zombie' squirrels, deer with warts trigger panic in US

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday (August 20) said that they have not reached the point where "effective" nuclear talks can take place, signalling that the long-overdue US-Iran nuclear talks are still a distant dream.Araghchi further stressed that every negotiation has a specific time called "negotiation maturity".&nbsp;“Negotiations with the US must be held at their own time. Every negotiation has a specific time called ‘negotiation maturity,’ and it must reach that maturity in order to be held,” the Iranian foreign minister said.&nbsp;“In my opinion, we have not yet reached the point of maturity where effective negotiations with the US can take place,” he added.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-under-a-ceasefire-top-iranian-official-cautions-conflict-with-israel-could-resume-1755583488152">Also read: 'Not under a ceasefire': Top Iranian official cautions conflict with Israel could resume</a><h2>Iran cannot completely end IAEA cooperation</h2>Weeks after Iran formally suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the foreign minister today said Tehran cannot "completely end" its dealings with the watchdog over the Israeli war.&nbsp;During an interview with IRNA, Araghchi said that any return of IAEA inspectors to Iranian nuclear sites would depend on a decision to the country's Supreme National Security Council.&nbsp;“We cannot completely end cooperation with the agency,” he said, adding that the replacement of “fuel at the Bushehr nuclear power plant” must take place in the coming weeks and will require the “presence of inspectors” from the agency.&nbsp;“The return of inspectors will be possible based on the parliament's law, that is, with the approval of the Supreme National Security Council,” Araghchi said.&nbsp;Earlier this month, an IAEA official visited Iran and held talks with Iranian officials, marking the first such encounter since Iran suspended cooperation with the agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH | Israel-Iran War: Iran Warns Israel, Releases IDF Soldiers' Data<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-iran-warns-israel-releases-idf-soldiers-data-1754233157624/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-iran-warns-israel-releases-idf-soldiers-data-1754233157624/embed</a>&nbsp;

Iranian foreign minister on Wednesday said that Tehran has not reached yet the point of maturity where the effective negotiations can take place, with the US, referring to the overdue nuclear talks. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday (August 20) said that they have not reached the point where "effective" nuclear talks can take place, signalling that the long-overdue US-Iran nuclear talks are still a distant dream. Araghchi further stressed that every negotiation has a specific time called "negotiation maturity". “Negotiations with the US must be held at their own time. Every negotiation has a specific time called ‘negotiation maturity,’ and it must reach that maturity in order to be held,” the Iranian foreign minister said. “In my opinion, we have not yet reached the point of maturity where effective negotiations with the US can take place,” he added. Also read: 'Not under a ceasefire': Top Iranian official cautions conflict with Israel could resume Iran cannot completely end IAEA cooperation Weeks after Iran formally suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the foreign minister today said Tehran cannot "completely end" its dealings with the watchdog over the Israeli war. During an interview with IRNA, Araghchi said that any return of IAEA inspectors to Iranian nuclear sites would depend on a decision to the country's Supreme National Security Council. “We cannot completely end cooperation with the agency,” he said, adding that the replacement of “fuel at the Bushehr nuclear power plant” must take place in the coming weeks and will require the “presence of inspectors” from the agency. “The return of inspectors will be possible based on the parliament's law, that is, with the approval of the Supreme National Security Council,” Araghchi said. Earlier this month, an IAEA official visited Iran and held talks with Iranian officials, marking the first such encounter since Iran suspended cooperation with the agency. WATCH | Israel-Iran War: Iran Warns Israel, Releases IDF Soldiers' Data https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-iran-warns-israel-releases-idf-soldiers-data-1754233157624/embed

Iranian foreign minister on Wednesday said that Tehran has not reached yet the point of maturity where the effective negotiations can take place, with the US, referring to the overdue nuclear talks.&nbsp;

US-Iran nuclear talks still in limbo? Tehran says 'point of maturity' not reached with Washington yet

Elon Musk, who earlier announced plans to launch a third political party in the United States, has been stepping back with his plan, as now he wants to focus on his companies, while avoiding potential conflicts with influential Republicans, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.&nbsp;Earlier in July, Musk unveiled the American Party after a public spat with Trump on his mega tax and spending bill, also called as "Big and Beautiful Bill". The American billionaire fearlessly went against the bill, openly on social media.&nbsp;“Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom”, he wrote in an X post after the bill was passed. “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party, and you shall have it!”&nbsp;According to the report, Musk is also focused on maintaining his friendship with US Vice President JD Vance, stressing that forming a new political party would damage his relationship with Vance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-unimpressed-by-trump-s-u-turn-slams-potus-over-subsidies-after-want-elon-to-thrive-remark-1753405721675">Also read: Musk unimpressed by Trump's U-turn, slams POTUS over subsidies after 'want Elon to thrive' remark</a><h2>Musk to support Vance in 2028 elections</h2>After long feud with US President Donald Trump, Musk has now expressed interest in supporting JD Vance 'financially' if he decides to run for the presidential elections in 2028.&nbsp;Notably, Vance has called for a truce after Musk and Trump's public feud, saying that he had asked the billionaire to return to the Republican fold.&nbsp;Earlier, Musk has spent nearly $300 million last year to support Trump and other Republicans during the presidential elections.&nbsp;WATCH | Musk walks back from his threat to decommission Dragon Spacecraft<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-walks-back-from-his-threat-to-decommission-dragon-spacecraft-1749200734993/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-walks-back-from-his-threat-to-decommission-dragon-spacecraft-1749200734993/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>What could be the reason?</h2>In the past few months, Tesla shares have declined with more than 18 per cent this year after they posted that it has noted their worst quarterly sales in more than a decade.&nbsp;Following that, Musk warned of a "few rough quarters" after the Trump administration ended support for electric vehicles in the US.&nbsp;Notably, Musk has been a staunch supporter of Trump before and after the US presidential elections. He even brought his four-year-old son to meet the president in the Oval Office.&nbsp;

Musk has expressed support in helping JD Vance financially is he decided to run for 2028 presidential elections, adding that forming a new political party would damage his friendship with the US vice president. 

Elon Musk, who earlier announced plans to launch a third political party in the United States, has been stepping back with his plan, as now he wants to focus on his companies, while avoiding potential conflicts with influential Republicans, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Earlier in July, Musk unveiled the American Party after a public spat with Trump on his mega tax and spending bill, also called as "Big and Beautiful Bill". The American billionaire fearlessly went against the bill, openly on social media. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom”, he wrote in an X post after the bill was passed. “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party, and you shall have it!” According to the report, Musk is also focused on maintaining his friendship with US Vice President JD Vance, stressing that forming a new political party would damage his relationship with Vance. Also read: Musk unimpressed by Trump's U-turn, slams POTUS over subsidies after 'want Elon to thrive' remark Musk to support Vance in 2028 elections After long feud with US President Donald Trump, Musk has now expressed interest in supporting JD Vance 'financially' if he decides to run for the presidential elections in 2028. Notably, Vance has called for a truce after Musk and Trump's public feud, saying that he had asked the billionaire to return to the Republican fold. Earlier, Musk has spent nearly $300 million last year to support Trump and other Republicans during the presidential elections. WATCH | Musk walks back from his threat to decommission Dragon Spacecraft https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-walks-back-from-his-threat-to-decommission-dragon-spacecraft-1749200734993/embed What could be the reason? In the past few months, Tesla shares have declined with more than 18 per cent this year after they posted that it has noted their worst quarterly sales in more than a decade. Following that, Musk warned of a "few rough quarters" after the Trump administration ended support for electric vehicles in the US. Notably, Musk has been a staunch supporter of Trump before and after the US presidential elections. He even brought his four-year-old son to meet the president in the Oval Office.

Musk has expressed support in helping JD Vance financially is he decided to run for 2028 presidential elections, adding that forming a new political party would damage his friendship with the US vice president.&nbsp;

Musk pulls back from launching new party? After Trump, billionaire to support Vance 'financially' in 2028 elections

A death row prisoner in Arkansas is pleading with authorities to kill him as soon as possible. He doesn't care what the method of execution is and is even ready to be put to death by a firing squad or in an electric chair. However, his death pleas are not being met because 10 other inmates are against the execution method that will be used. They have filed a lawsuit against Arkansas for its use of nitrogen hypoxia for execution after its new authorisation went into effect on August 5. Scotty Gardner was given the death sentence in 2018 for strangling his girlfriend with a curling iron cord and stealing her things to gamble at a casino. Before that, he repeatedly shot his pregnant ex-wife in 1990 and served time for attempted murder. Now, Gardner is urging officials for swift death because of his shoddy living conditions. Arkansas has not executed anyone since 2017. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/what-is-bela-donald-trump-s-mysterious-covfefe-esque-four-letter-post-leaves-netizens-confused-1755502868941">What is 'Bela'? Donald Trump’s mysterious 'covfefe-esque' four-letter post leaves netizens confused</a>&nbsp;<h2>“Bugs, mould” in his cell are pushing Gardner to ask for death</h2>He wrote an email to USA Today, stating that he wants to leave "his cave", which is a mouldy cell, poor plumbing with bugs crawling in and out of a sink and a drain. He also reached out to the Arkansas State Supreme Court in 2025, urging them to "set a date and let’s do it". He had also written to the authorities in 2020, saying that he would be fine with any form of execution, including the firing squad or electric chair. But the use of nitrogen hypoxia has complicated matters and stood as a hurdle between Gardner and death. Heather Fraley, an attorney for several of the plaintiffs, said in a press release, "Arkansas juries explicitly sentenced our clients to execution by lethal injection – not gas – and the General Assembly cannot rewrite those verdicts to impose death by this very different and highly problematic method." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisiana-carries-out-states-first-nitrogen-gas-execution-8869547">Louisiana carries out state’s first nitrogen gas execution</a>&nbsp;Three prisoners in Alabama have been previously executed by nitrogen. Louisiana and Mississippi are the other states that permit nitrogen hypoxia for executions in the face of limited drug availability for death by lethal injection. The process involved placing a mask on the inmate and pumping nitrogen gas into the body to replace the oxygen, ultimately suffocating the person. &nbsp;

A prisoner on death row in Arkansas is pleading for death, citing the mould and bugs in his cell. However, his requests are being hindered because of other inmates on death row. Here is what they are asking for.

A death row prisoner in Arkansas is pleading with authorities to kill him as soon as possible. He doesn't care what the method of execution is and is even ready to be put to death by a firing squad or in an electric chair. However, his death pleas are not being met because 10 other inmates are against the execution method that will be used. They have filed a lawsuit against Arkansas for its use of nitrogen hypoxia for execution after its new authorisation went into effect on August 5. Scotty Gardner was given the death sentence in 2018 for strangling his girlfriend with a curling iron cord and stealing her things to gamble at a casino. Before that, he repeatedly shot his pregnant ex-wife in 1990 and served time for attempted murder. Now, Gardner is urging officials for swift death because of his shoddy living conditions. Arkansas has not executed anyone since 2017. Also Read: What is 'Bela'? Donald Trump’s mysterious 'covfefe-esque' four-letter post leaves netizens confused “Bugs, mould” in his cell are pushing Gardner to ask for death He wrote an email to USA Today, stating that he wants to leave "his cave", which is a mouldy cell, poor plumbing with bugs crawling in and out of a sink and a drain. He also reached out to the Arkansas State Supreme Court in 2025, urging them to "set a date and let’s do it". He had also written to the authorities in 2020, saying that he would be fine with any form of execution, including the firing squad or electric chair. But the use of nitrogen hypoxia has complicated matters and stood as a hurdle between Gardner and death. Heather Fraley, an attorney for several of the plaintiffs, said in a press release, "Arkansas juries explicitly sentenced our clients to execution by lethal injection – not gas – and the General Assembly cannot rewrite those verdicts to impose death by this very different and highly problematic method." Also Read: Louisiana carries out state’s first nitrogen gas execution Three prisoners in Alabama have been previously executed by nitrogen. Louisiana and Mississippi are the other states that permit nitrogen hypoxia for executions in the face of limited drug availability for death by lethal injection. The process involved placing a mask on the inmate and pumping nitrogen gas into the body to replace the oxygen, ultimately suffocating the person.

A prisoner on death row in Arkansas is pleading for death, citing the mould and bugs in his cell. However, his requests are being hindered because of other inmates on death row. Here is what they are asking for.

Arkansas prisoner is pleading for quick execution, but other inmates have sued to stop it. Here is what's happening

Rabbits in the United States are developing strange tentacles on top of their heads that look like horns. People are being warned not to touch them as this is happening because of a virus. It is causing a mutation which is triggering the growth of these so-called horns in these rabbits, which are actually tumours. Over the past year, several of these "Frankenstein" rabbits have been seen in Fort Collins, Colorado. Last year, a photo on social media showed a rabbit with black spikes growing from its face. A woman told 9News that she came across a rabbit with a growth that appeared like "black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth." The reason for this unusual growth is the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), also known as Shope papilloma virus, which is triggering tumours to grow on their face and near the mouth. Now there are fears about whether the virus can spread to humans.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/do-not-touch-them-if-you-see-these-pink-clusters-in-florida-crush-them-they-are-1753526371884">DO NOT TOUCH THEM: If you see these pink clusters in Florida, crush them. They are...</a><h2>Warning issued to anyone who sees tentacled rabbits</h2>Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has warned people not to touch these rabbits and stay away from them. It added that these "Frankenstein" rabbits could become a common sight in the Midwest, where other cottontail rabbits could become infected with the rare virus. It spreads through mosquitoes and ticks, which transfer the virus to a healthy animal after biting an infected rabbit. The virus alters the DNA, leading to the spikes on these rabbits. There have been no known cases of the virus directly transferring from an infected rabbit to another. CPW also clarified that the virus has not been detected in humans, and it has never been transferred to them through an insect bite.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-stumbled-upon-four-jet-black-eggs-20-000-feet-below-ocean-they-turned-out-to-be-1752050826299">Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be...</a>&nbsp;The condition starts off as small red bumps on the rabbits. Gradually, they grow out to form warts and tumours seen on the heads and faces of rabbits. Some of them also grow further to look like horns and tentacles. In some rabbits, they develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a serious skin cancer. However, in a lucky few, the condition reverses. But in most wild rabbits, the tentacles grow out to become much bigger. Experts advise that the best way to protect the pet rabbits is to prevent mosquito bites. In case a pet does get infected, the warts can be surgically removed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Warning: Distressing images. Reader discretion is advised&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yes, it&#39;s real. These tentacle-like growths on rabbits in Colorado are caused by the Shope papilloma virus, leading to wart-like protrusions. Confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife—it&#39;s not contagious to humans or other animals, but there&#39;s no cure. <a href="https://t.co/wzhwcMq04r">pic.twitter.com/wzhwcMq04r</a>&mdash; UAP sauce (@uapsauce) <a href="https://twitter.com/uapsauce/status/1955442063165755556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A virus is causing mutations in rabbits in the Midwest, leading to the growth of tentacles and tumours on their heads and faces. People have been told to stay away from them to avoid the risk of any kind of disease. Can humans contract this virus?  

Rabbits in the United States are developing strange tentacles on top of their heads that look like horns. People are being warned not to touch them as this is happening because of a virus. It is causing a mutation which is triggering the growth of these so-called horns in these rabbits, which are actually tumours. Over the past year, several of these "Frankenstein" rabbits have been seen in Fort Collins, Colorado. Last year, a photo on social media showed a rabbit with black spikes growing from its face. A woman told 9News that she came across a rabbit with a growth that appeared like "black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth." The reason for this unusual growth is the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), also known as Shope papilloma virus, which is triggering tumours to grow on their face and near the mouth. Now there are fears about whether the virus can spread to humans. Also Read: DO NOT TOUCH THEM: If you see these pink clusters in Florida, crush them. They are... Warning issued to anyone who sees tentacled rabbits Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has warned people not to touch these rabbits and stay away from them. It added that these "Frankenstein" rabbits could become a common sight in the Midwest, where other cottontail rabbits could become infected with the rare virus. It spreads through mosquitoes and ticks, which transfer the virus to a healthy animal after biting an infected rabbit. The virus alters the DNA, leading to the spikes on these rabbits. There have been no known cases of the virus directly transferring from an infected rabbit to another. CPW also clarified that the virus has not been detected in humans, and it has never been transferred to them through an insect bite. Also Read: Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be... The condition starts off as small red bumps on the rabbits. Gradually, they grow out to form warts and tumours seen on the heads and faces of rabbits. Some of them also grow further to look like horns and tentacles. In some rabbits, they develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a serious skin cancer. However, in a lucky few, the condition reverses. But in most wild rabbits, the tentacles grow out to become much bigger. Experts advise that the best way to protect the pet rabbits is to prevent mosquito bites. In case a pet does get infected, the warts can be surgically removed. Warning: Distressing images. Reader discretion is advised

A virus is causing mutations in rabbits in the Midwest, leading to the growth of tentacles and tumours on their heads and faces. People have been told to stay away from them to avoid the risk of any kind of disease. Can humans contract this virus? &nbsp;

LEAVE THEM ALONE: A virus is creating horned 'Frankenstein' rabbits in Colorado, entire Midwest at risk

The dead body of a missing North Carolina teen was discovered in a retention pond off I-75 in Florida after he went there to meet his estranged father. Giovanni Pelletier had vanished after sending his mother a message - “Mom, help.” His decomposed remains were found on Friday and were formally identified Saturday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The 18-year-old's mother is angry because authorities in charge of the investigation had said that they had already checked the swampy area where Pelletier was later found. A private investigation company that was also working on the case made the discovery. A probe into his death is still on. “My son was recently found after a desperate search by our family alone, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death,” Bridgette Pelletier wrote on Facebook. “I am living every parent’s worst nightmare, trying to find the strength to give him the goodbye he deserves," she added.Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/brazilian-journalist-accidentally-discovers-missing-girl-s-body-in-river-while-reporting-about-her-watch-1753164854969"> Brazilian journalist stumbles upon same missing girl's dead body whose story he was reporting. Watch</a><h2> What happened to Giovanni Pelletier?</h2>Pelletier's family hired a private eye after he went missing on Aug 1. The police were also looking for him and had been to the swampy region close to the southbound off-ramp near State Road 70. However, they did not find anything that could be linked back to the teen. Later, the private investigation company discovered his decomposing body in the same area. MCSO said that the remains are “preliminarily determined” to be those of the missing Pelletier.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sexual-escapade-on-a-cliff-kills-brazilian-couple-as-their-car-rolls-down-1300-feet-1754880805492">Sexual escapade on a cliff kills Brazilian couple as their car rolls down 1,300 feet</a>&nbsp;Pelletier left Englewood, where he was vacationing with his mother and others at 1:30 am on August 1 &nbsp;with his three cousins. They claim that on their way, Pelletier started acting strange and and they stopped on the side of a road. They stated that he pulled out a knife, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said. Later, he sent two text messages to his mother. In one of them, he sent the ominous message - &nbsp;“Mom help." He also tried Facetiming her. He also reached out to other relatives. His phone and backpack were found on the side of the road the same day.&nbsp;

Missing North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier vanished after cutting short a vacation. He was supposedly going to meet his father in Florida with his cousins. However, what happened while on the road is still a mystery.

The dead body of a missing North Carolina teen was discovered in a retention pond off I-75 in Florida after he went there to meet his estranged father. Giovanni Pelletier had vanished after sending his mother a message - “Mom, help.” His decomposed remains were found on Friday and were formally identified Saturday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The 18-year-old's mother is angry because authorities in charge of the investigation had said that they had already checked the swampy area where Pelletier was later found. A private investigation company that was also working on the case made the discovery. A probe into his death is still on. “My son was recently found after a desperate search by our family alone, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death,” Bridgette Pelletier wrote on Facebook. “I am living every parent’s worst nightmare, trying to find the strength to give him the goodbye he deserves," she added. Also Read: Brazilian journalist stumbles upon same missing girl's dead body whose story he was reporting. Watch What happened to Giovanni Pelletier? Pelletier's family hired a private eye after he went missing on Aug 1. The police were also looking for him and had been to the swampy region close to the southbound off-ramp near State Road 70. However, they did not find anything that could be linked back to the teen. Later, the private investigation company discovered his decomposing body in the same area. MCSO said that the remains are “preliminarily determined” to be those of the missing Pelletier. Also Read: Sexual escapade on a cliff kills Brazilian couple as their car rolls down 1,300 feet Pelletier left Englewood, where he was vacationing with his mother and others at 1:30 am on August 1 with his three cousins. They claim that on their way, Pelletier started acting strange and and they stopped on the side of a road. They stated that he pulled out a knife, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said. Later, he sent two text messages to his mother. In one of them, he sent the ominous message - “Mom help." He also tried Facetiming her. He also reached out to other relatives. His phone and backpack were found on the side of the road the same day.

Missing North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier vanished after cutting short a vacation. He was supposedly going to meet his father in Florida with his cousins. However, what happened while on the road is still a mystery.

Mystery shrouds death of North Carolina teen who took off with his cousins to meet his father

A former US trade official said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs will impact most of India's exports to the United States. Senior Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and former Deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler warned that the India-US dispute is escalating and neither side can afford to be at odds with the other.&nbsp;"Regrettably, the US-India dispute is escalating, with the President now threatening an additional 25 per cent tariff. This will essentially cut off most Indian exports to the US," Cutler was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;She said that China will likely benefit from the US-India trade dispute.&nbsp;"Beijing is most probably welcoming these developments and may take modest steps now to improve its relations with Delhi. It's time for US and Indian officials to try to work out their differences in private," Cutler said in a statement.&nbsp;Bringing the total tariffs on Indian exports to 50 per cent, Donald Trump today imposed an additional tariff of 25 per cent, citing New Delhi's continual purchase of Russian oil.&nbsp;India called the US move "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable".&nbsp;Meanwhile, Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General of non-profit PHDCCI, told ANI that the tariff's impact on the Indian economy would be negligible.&nbsp;"The US has imposed an additional 25% tariff on India. We are concerned about it and quite disappointed. However, its impact on the overall Indian economy is very negligible. Today, PHDCCI has released a report in which the 25% tariff imposed earlier was analysed, and our export to the US in 2024-25 is about 88 billion dollars. So if we look at the impact of this tariff, we have analysed an impact of about 1.87%, which is about 8.11 billion dollars. But if we look at the impact of this 25% on the overall economy, it is 0.19 per cent. The additional 25% may have an impact of about 0.38% on the overall economy," he said.&nbsp;He said that the Indian economy is resilient and robust.&nbsp;Dr Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist, Infomerics Ratings, said several sectors will be hit due to the tariffs.&nbsp;"This will severely hit sectors such as drugs and pharmaceuticals, textiles, electricals and electronics, gems and jewellery. So this is certainly a reason for us in India to be concerned, but no reason for us to be alarmed. It is essential to remember that India, unlike China, is largely a domestically driven economy...We have weathered many storms in the past, like the global financial crisis of October 2008 or even the COVID-19 pandemic. So we are confident this will cause some hits but will be able to weather this shock confidently," he added.

A former US trade official said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs will impact most of India's exports to the United States.

A former US trade official said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs will impact most of India's exports to the United States. Senior Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and former Deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler warned that the India-US dispute is escalating and neither side can afford to be at odds with the other. "Regrettably, the US-India dispute is escalating, with the President now threatening an additional 25 per cent tariff. This will essentially cut off most Indian exports to the US," Cutler was quoted as saying by AFP. She said that China will likely benefit from the US-India trade dispute. "Beijing is most probably welcoming these developments and may take modest steps now to improve its relations with Delhi. It's time for US and Indian officials to try to work out their differences in private," Cutler said in a statement. Bringing the total tariffs on Indian exports to 50 per cent, Donald Trump today imposed an additional tariff of 25 per cent, citing New Delhi's continual purchase of Russian oil. India called the US move "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable". Meanwhile, Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General of non-profit PHDCCI, told ANI that the tariff's impact on the Indian economy would be negligible. "The US has imposed an additional 25% tariff on India. We are concerned about it and quite disappointed. However, its impact on the overall Indian economy is very negligible. Today, PHDCCI has released a report in which the 25% tariff imposed earlier was analysed, and our export to the US in 2024-25 is about 88 billion dollars. So if we look at the impact of this tariff, we have analysed an impact of about 1.87%, which is about 8.11 billion dollars. But if we look at the impact of this 25% on the overall economy, it is 0.19 per cent. The additional 25% may have an impact of about 0.38% on the overall economy," he said. He said that the Indian economy is resilient and robust. Dr Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist, Infomerics Ratings, said several sectors will be hit due to the tariffs. "This will severely hit sectors such as drugs and pharmaceuticals, textiles, electricals and electronics, gems and jewellery. So this is certainly a reason for us in India to be concerned, but no reason for us to be alarmed. It is essential to remember that India, unlike China, is largely a domestically driven economy...We have weathered many storms in the past, like the global financial crisis of October 2008 or even the COVID-19 pandemic. So we are confident this will cause some hits but will be able to weather this shock confidently," he added.

Donald Trump's tariff: An expert said that China will likely benefit from the US-India trade dispute.

How will Donald Trump's tariffs impact the Indian economy? Experts weigh in

Dangerous sea creatures that can leave your skin burning for hours are washing ashore on US beaches. People are being warned not to touch them if they wish to avoid the sting of hundreds of bristles filled with a poisonous substance. Experts say it is a toxic species of marine fireworm, known as Amphinome rostrata, which has been spotted on the shores of Corpus Christi in Texas. They are bright in colour, but under no circumstances should one approach them. They are aptly named fireworms because of the sting they deliver. Jace Tunnell, director of community engagement at the Harte Research Institute, was the first to encounter them and immediately alerted the rest. Warning about the creepy creatures, Tunnell said that a single contact "feels like fire for about three hours." The marine fireworms are around 7.5 inches long and packed with hundreds of sharp spikes, which are not clearly visible to the human eye. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/do-not-touch-them-if-you-see-these-pink-clusters-in-florida-crush-them-they-are-1753526371884">DO NOT TOUCH THEM: If you see these pink clusters in Florida, crush them. They are...</a><h2>Burning pain and other symptoms of fireworms</h2>"They've been washing up all along my survey area, from Padre Island National Seashore to Matagorda Island," Tunnell said. Upon contact, the bristle breaks off and embeds itself into the skin of the victim. Even one tiny needle-like bristle can deliver a powerful dose of neurotoxins, giving the sensation that the skin is on fire. The burning sensation leads to hours-long pain, and also causes dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation. Experts say this happens because the toxins released by the needle into the human body interfere with the nervous system. Killing them is also not foolproof. If a fireworm is slashed into two, it can regrow its body. Tunnell says that he has personally experienced the feeling of being on fire as several of these have embedded into his skin in the past. However, some people might feel only a mild sensation, but that might not be true for the majority. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-stumbled-upon-four-jet-black-eggs-20-000-feet-below-ocean-they-turned-out-to-be-1752050826299">Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be...</a><h2>What to do to ease fireworm symptoms</h2>Warning signs have been placed at beach access points as the number of fireworm sightings rises. Beachgoers have been told they can look but should not touch them. Despite all he precautions, if one still has physical contact with the fireworms, they should immediately administer treatment. Dr Jason Sevald of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Centre said a mix of hot water and vinegar should be poured on the affected area as it can neutralise the toxins.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch out for fireworms on Texas beaches! This species gets their name from the pain they inflict on those who touch them, and their sting can feel like fire for up to three hours. Learn more:<a href="https://t.co/3FHTwAOyD5">https://t.co/3FHTwAOyD5</a> <a href="https://t.co/QoZ3wSmhQT">pic.twitter.com/QoZ3wSmhQT</a>&mdash; Texas Adopt-A-Beach (@TXAdoptABeach) <a href="https://twitter.com/TXAdoptABeach/status/1951011594730610980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Marine fireworms, known as Amphinome rostrata, are washing ashore on the coast of Texas. They are bright in colour, packed with hundreds of bristles and can deliver a powerful sting that can last for hours, and even days. Visitors are being warned not to touch them.

Dangerous sea creatures that can leave your skin burning for hours are washing ashore on US beaches. People are being warned not to touch them if they wish to avoid the sting of hundreds of bristles filled with a poisonous substance. Experts say it is a toxic species of marine fireworm, known as Amphinome rostrata, which has been spotted on the shores of Corpus Christi in Texas. They are bright in colour, but under no circumstances should one approach them. They are aptly named fireworms because of the sting they deliver. Jace Tunnell, director of community engagement at the Harte Research Institute, was the first to encounter them and immediately alerted the rest. Warning about the creepy creatures, Tunnell said that a single contact "feels like fire for about three hours." The marine fireworms are around 7.5 inches long and packed with hundreds of sharp spikes, which are not clearly visible to the human eye. Also Read: DO NOT TOUCH THEM: If you see these pink clusters in Florida, crush them. They are... Burning pain and other symptoms of fireworms "They've been washing up all along my survey area, from Padre Island National Seashore to Matagorda Island," Tunnell said. Upon contact, the bristle breaks off and embeds itself into the skin of the victim. Even one tiny needle-like bristle can deliver a powerful dose of neurotoxins, giving the sensation that the skin is on fire. The burning sensation leads to hours-long pain, and also causes dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation. Experts say this happens because the toxins released by the needle into the human body interfere with the nervous system. Killing them is also not foolproof. If a fireworm is slashed into two, it can regrow its body. Tunnell says that he has personally experienced the feeling of being on fire as several of these have embedded into his skin in the past. However, some people might feel only a mild sensation, but that might not be true for the majority. Also Read: Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be... What to do to ease fireworm symptoms Warning signs have been placed at beach access points as the number of fireworm sightings rises. Beachgoers have been told they can look but should not touch them. Despite all he precautions, if one still has physical contact with the fireworms, they should immediately administer treatment. Dr Jason Sevald of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Centre said a mix of hot water and vinegar should be poured on the affected area as it can neutralise the toxins.

Marine fireworms, known as Amphinome rostrata, are washing ashore on the coast of Texas. They are bright in colour, packed with hundreds of bristles and can deliver a powerful sting that can last for hours, and even days. Visitors are being warned not to touch them.

Texans warned about sea creature with poisonous sting that feels like fire for hours, even days

The Cold War period saw the West and the Soviet Union trying to go against each other in almost everything. The two sides are said to have come up with secret programs and missions to gain control over the other. The CIA, the United States' intelligence agency, also has some of them under its belt, according to declassified documents released over the years. One of them was Operation Midnight Climax, which aimed to see how sex and drugs could get a target to reveal sensitive and secret information. Reports suggest that the operation ran from 1954 to 1963 and was a part of MKUltra, the agency's mind-control research program that was flagged as highly controversial. As the description suggests, its aim was to take control of the mind of a foreign adversary so that he would spill secrets of the enemy country. Popular Mechanics, reporting on the program, wrote that under Operation Midnight Climax, an apartment was turned into a brothel where men were lured, drugged with LSD, and their reactions to interrogating questions were filmed. Stephen Kinzer, author of Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control, says the reason the CIA started this was because the Soviet was believed to be making advances in psychological torture and brainwashing. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-to-punish-but-us-sanctions-6-indian-companies-over-oil-trade-with-iran-hours-after-25-tariff-1753929084632">US sanctions 6 Indian companies over oil trade with Iran</a><h2>The US suspected minds of American soldiers were seized by the Soviet Union</h2>Kinzer says the CIA was shocked to see American soldiers returning from the Korean War confessing to war crimes and even talking about communist propaganda in a positive light. They were convinced that their "minds had been seized". So MKUltra was launched in 1953 with a similar aim. Nearly 100 projects fell under its umbrella, with most of them centred around drugs and other mind-altering chemicals. A chemist named Sidney Gottlieb helped the CIA gain access to LSD. Operation Midnight Climax, the most notorious of all of them, continues to shock the world even 62 years after it ended. Here's what went down in the brothel. Prostitutes were hired and given $100 for each man they lured into the brothel. They were given cocktails laced with LSD. Then the women threw around different types of questions at different intervals to learn at what stage the men were most likely to be at a point where their minds could be controlled. The experiment revealed that the man talked and revealed the most secrets when they were asked to stay longer, even after the sexual part of the transaction had ended. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/subproject-94-the-secret-cia-program-to-create-army-of-remote-controlled-animal-assassins-1749902696736">Declassified CIA documents reveal plans to create an army of remote-controlled 'animal assassins' during Cold War</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aliens-turned-soldiers-in-siberia-to-stone-after-their-ufo-was-shot-down-8927828">In Siberia, aliens turned 23 soldiers into stone, remains of spacecraft are at a secret research base near Moscow</a><h2>Prostitutes lured unsuspecting men, drugged them with LSD</h2>A CIA staffer once said, it was like a "boost to his ego" if "she wants him to stay for a few more hours." At this stage, what would he talk about? "Not the sex, so he starts talking about his business. It’s at this time she can lead him gently," he said. While those involved pushed the belief that it was a scientific experiment, Kinzer says it was far from one. “Operation Midnight Climax was not scientific at all,” he said. The writer says the men sitting behind the one-sided mirror "were not scientists, sex therapists or psychologists. They were sitting on a portable toilet, drinking cocktails out of a pitcher." The operation had little relevance for national security, Kinzer said. It soon devolved into a personal haunt for the CIA agency which indulged in sex and drugs at the San Francisco apartment. Even Gottleib is reported to have used prostitutes. Some CIA officers volunteered to be a part of the experiment, but only for the psychedelic drugs, Kinzer wrote.&nbsp;In 1963, a member of the CIA Inspector General’s staff learned about the shocking sexual and toxic experiments being carried out by Gottlieb. He was soon forbidden from drugging innocent people without their knowledge, and this way, the project ended, including MKUltra as a whole. The top secret program became public knowledge only in 1975. A Senate hearing later revealed that dozens of universities and institutions had participated in the depraved experiment, testing drugs on unsuspecting people. How many people were affected by the experiment remains unknown because it was a top-secret program, and because Gottlieb destroyed almost all documentation linked to MKUltra.&nbsp;

CIA started Operation Midnight Climax in 1954, having prostitutes lure men into a makeshift brothel and drugging them with LSD. They then talked them into revealing their secrets. It was part of an elaborate mind-control operation started to defeat the Soviet Union. 

The Cold War period saw the West and the Soviet Union trying to go against each other in almost everything. The two sides are said to have come up with secret programs and missions to gain control over the other. The CIA, the United States' intelligence agency, also has some of them under its belt, according to declassified documents released over the years. One of them was Operation Midnight Climax, which aimed to see how sex and drugs could get a target to reveal sensitive and secret information. Reports suggest that the operation ran from 1954 to 1963 and was a part of MKUltra, the agency's mind-control research program that was flagged as highly controversial. As the description suggests, its aim was to take control of the mind of a foreign adversary so that he would spill secrets of the enemy country. Popular Mechanics, reporting on the program, wrote that under Operation Midnight Climax, an apartment was turned into a brothel where men were lured, drugged with LSD, and their reactions to interrogating questions were filmed. Stephen Kinzer, author of Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control, says the reason the CIA started this was because the Soviet was believed to be making advances in psychological torture and brainwashing. Also Read: US sanctions 6 Indian companies over oil trade with Iran The US suspected minds of American soldiers were seized by the Soviet Union Kinzer says the CIA was shocked to see American soldiers returning from the Korean War confessing to war crimes and even talking about communist propaganda in a positive light. They were convinced that their "minds had been seized". So MKUltra was launched in 1953 with a similar aim. Nearly 100 projects fell under its umbrella, with most of them centred around drugs and other mind-altering chemicals. A chemist named Sidney Gottlieb helped the CIA gain access to LSD. Operation Midnight Climax, the most notorious of all of them, continues to shock the world even 62 years after it ended. Here's what went down in the brothel. Prostitutes were hired and given $100 for each man they lured into the brothel. They were given cocktails laced with LSD. Then the women threw around different types of questions at different intervals to learn at what stage the men were most likely to be at a point where their minds could be controlled. The experiment revealed that the man talked and revealed the most secrets when they were asked to stay longer, even after the sexual part of the transaction had ended. Also Read: Declassified CIA documents reveal plans to create an army of remote-controlled 'animal assassins' during Cold War Also Read: In Siberia, aliens turned 23 soldiers into stone, remains of spacecraft are at a secret research base near Moscow Prostitutes lured unsuspecting men, drugged them with LSD A CIA staffer once said, it was like a "boost to his ego" if "she wants him to stay for a few more hours." At this stage, what would he talk about? "Not the sex, so he starts talking about his business. It’s at this time she can lead him gently," he said. While those involved pushed the belief that it was a scientific experiment, Kinzer says it was far from one. “Operation Midnight Climax was not scientific at all,” he said. The writer says the men sitting behind the one-sided mirror "were not scientists, sex therapists or psychologists. They were sitting on a portable toilet, drinking cocktails out of a pitcher." The operation had little relevance for national security, Kinzer said. It soon devolved into a personal haunt for the CIA agency which indulged in sex and drugs at the San Francisco apartment. Even Gottleib is reported to have used prostitutes. Some CIA officers volunteered to be a part of the experiment, but only for the psychedelic drugs, Kinzer wrote. In 1963, a member of the CIA Inspector General’s staff learned about the shocking sexual and toxic experiments being carried out by Gottlieb. He was soon forbidden from drugging innocent people without their knowledge, and this way, the project ended, including MKUltra as a whole. The top secret program became public knowledge only in 1975. A Senate hearing later revealed that dozens of universities and institutions had participated in the depraved experiment, testing drugs on unsuspecting people. How many people were affected by the experiment remains unknown because it was a top-secret program, and because Gottlieb destroyed almost all documentation linked to MKUltra.

CIA started Operation Midnight Climax in 1954, having prostitutes lure men into a makeshift brothel and drugging them with LSD. They then talked them into revealing their secrets. It was part of an elaborate mind-control operation started to defeat the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

CIA wanted to control people's minds. So it had sex workers lure men into a fake brothel and drug them with LSD

Indian state refiners have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week, citing discounts narrowed this month, the industry sources told Reuters. This comes amid US President Donald Trump warning India against buying oil from Russia as Moscow intensifies its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;Several state refiners of India, including Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), opens new tab, Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL.NS), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL.NS), and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd (MRPL.NS), have not sought Russian crude in the past week, four sources familiar with the refiners' purchase told Reuters.&nbsp;Notably, India is the world's third-largest oil importer and the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude.&nbsp;However, the refiners have not responded to the request for comment yet.&nbsp;These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil, sources said.&nbsp;State refiners control over 60 per cent of India's overall 5.2 million barrels per day refining capacity.<h2>Trump calls India, Russia's economy 'dead'</h2>Earlier today, Trump hit out at India for purchasing oil from Russia. This came hours after the US president announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports.&nbsp;Trump said that he does not care about India's trade dealings with Russia, saying that the two "can take their dead economies down together".&nbsp;"I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;On July 14, Trump even threatened 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine.&nbsp;

These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil. 

Indian state refiners have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week, citing discounts narrowed this month, the industry sources told Reuters. This comes amid US President Donald Trump warning India against buying oil from Russia as Moscow intensifies its war with Ukraine. Several state refiners of India, including Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), opens new tab, Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL.NS), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL.NS), and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd (MRPL.NS), have not sought Russian crude in the past week, four sources familiar with the refiners' purchase told Reuters. Notably, India is the world's third-largest oil importer and the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude. However, the refiners have not responded to the request for comment yet. These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil, sources said. State refiners control over 60 per cent of India's overall 5.2 million barrels per day refining capacity. Trump calls India, Russia's economy 'dead' Earlier today, Trump hit out at India for purchasing oil from Russia. This came hours after the US president announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports. Trump said that he does not care about India's trade dealings with Russia, saying that the two "can take their dead economies down together". "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. On July 14, Trump even threatened 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine.

These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil.&nbsp;

Indian state refiners halt Russian oil imports amid Trump's 25% tariff and penalty threat

A 16-year-old perfectly healthy boy was left fighting for his life after a spider bite in Iowa. The bite area got infected, and multiple visits to the doctor didn't help. Antibiotics didn't work, and he was finally hospitalised, after which his kidneys also went into failure. Noah Johnson of Slater, Iowa, was working at his brother’s fence-building company over the summer to save up for a new truck. On June 18, he felt something bite him. Noah told his mother, Brandy Johnson, that he felt something crawl on him and then a sting, People reported. The spider had bitten him on his lower left butt cheek. It started paining badly, after which Brandy told him to keep an eye on the bite and inform her if it gets worse. Over the next few days, the bite mark grew in size and had two black puncture marks. It was so painful that he couldn't even sit. Brandy took him to Urgent Care on June 23. The doctors noticed the "fang bites" and suspected it was a spider bite that had gotten infected. Brandy was assured that the spiders in Iowa could not kill anyone, although the risk of infection remains high. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/man-dies-after-consuming-nothing-but-beer-for-a-month-following-divorce-1753425374104">Thailand: Man dies after consuming only beer without a morsel of food for a month</a><h2>Antibiotics didn't heal the spider bite</h2>Noah was prescribed antibiotics and tested for MRSA, a type of staph bacteria that is often resistant to antibiotics. The medicines did not help ease the condition, and the wound now started oozing, with excretions from two other areas. Brandy took him to the Emergency room, where he was given more antibiotics. Noah had developed a 103-degree fever but was sent home. She was told to wait 48 hours before returning to the hospital. But when things didn't improve, she rushed him to the Mary Greeley Medical Centre in Ames, Iowa. The doctors saw the infection and performed an emergency surgery to remove the infected areas. A day later, his kidneys started malfunctioning. Noah was rushed to the Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. A biopsy of the kidneys showed that he had a severe allergic reaction to the pain medication prescribed by the first doctors who treated him. He remained in the Pediatric ICU for two weeks.&nbsp;A colonoscopy showed a small infection in his intestines. Chastity Schonhorst, his aunt, told People, "It was heartbreaking" to see him in this condition. "Every day they thought he might get a little better, he went back downhill." His mother says Noah is extremely strong, has played baseball for years, and could lift weights for three hours before the bite. However, he lost 15 kg at the hospital. On July 16, he talked to his mother and told her he was scared that he was dying. Brandy told him he was fine and asked everyone at the hospital to say only positive things around him. Brandy decided to take Noah outside for a change, and it worked. The next day, his vitals improved. He was moved out of the ICU in mid-July after his kidneys started working again. Noah’s friends' mothers started a GoFundMe page for him. He was finally released from the hospital on July 21 but will undergo physical therapy.

A perfectly healthy teenager in Iowa was bitten by a spider, which left him in great pain, leading to doctor visits. It got infected and he had to be hospitalised. His kidneys went into failure, and he moved to another hospital. 

A 16-year-old perfectly healthy boy was left fighting for his life after a spider bite in Iowa. The bite area got infected, and multiple visits to the doctor didn't help. Antibiotics didn't work, and he was finally hospitalised, after which his kidneys also went into failure. Noah Johnson of Slater, Iowa, was working at his brother’s fence-building company over the summer to save up for a new truck. On June 18, he felt something bite him. Noah told his mother, Brandy Johnson, that he felt something crawl on him and then a sting, People reported. The spider had bitten him on his lower left butt cheek. It started paining badly, after which Brandy told him to keep an eye on the bite and inform her if it gets worse. Over the next few days, the bite mark grew in size and had two black puncture marks. It was so painful that he couldn't even sit. Brandy took him to Urgent Care on June 23. The doctors noticed the "fang bites" and suspected it was a spider bite that had gotten infected. Brandy was assured that the spiders in Iowa could not kill anyone, although the risk of infection remains high. Also Read: Thailand: Man dies after consuming only beer without a morsel of food for a month Antibiotics didn't heal the spider bite Noah was prescribed antibiotics and tested for MRSA, a type of staph bacteria that is often resistant to antibiotics. The medicines did not help ease the condition, and the wound now started oozing, with excretions from two other areas. Brandy took him to the Emergency room, where he was given more antibiotics. Noah had developed a 103-degree fever but was sent home. She was told to wait 48 hours before returning to the hospital. But when things didn't improve, she rushed him to the Mary Greeley Medical Centre in Ames, Iowa. The doctors saw the infection and performed an emergency surgery to remove the infected areas. A day later, his kidneys started malfunctioning. Noah was rushed to the Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. A biopsy of the kidneys showed that he had a severe allergic reaction to the pain medication prescribed by the first doctors who treated him. He remained in the Pediatric ICU for two weeks. A colonoscopy showed a small infection in his intestines. Chastity Schonhorst, his aunt, told People, "It was heartbreaking" to see him in this condition. "Every day they thought he might get a little better, he went back downhill." His mother says Noah is extremely strong, has played baseball for years, and could lift weights for three hours before the bite. However, he lost 15 kg at the hospital. On July 16, he talked to his mother and told her he was scared that he was dying. Brandy told him he was fine and asked everyone at the hospital to say only positive things around him. Brandy decided to take Noah outside for a change, and it worked. The next day, his vitals improved. He was moved out of the ICU in mid-July after his kidneys started working again. Noah’s friends' mothers started a GoFundMe page for him. He was finally released from the hospital on July 21 but will undergo physical therapy.

A perfectly healthy teenager in Iowa was bitten by a spider, which left him in great pain, leading to doctor visits. It got infected and he had to be hospitalised. His kidneys went into failure, and he moved to another hospital.&nbsp;

Spider bite leaves Iowa teen with kidney failure, unable to speak

A nine-year-old child has died at an amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred at The Boardwalk inside Hersheypark, the CEO confirmed. John Lawn, the CEO of the amusement park, said a 9-year-old child “was tragically lost at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark." Lawn shared that the lifeguards immediately attended to the child, and every possible rescue effort was employed. "From the moment that our lifeguard team recognised that a child was in distress, they performed an immediate rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated life-saving efforts by our lifeguards, on-site first responders and medical personnel,” Lawn said. He did not reveal the exact circumstances that led to the death. The child was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Centre, where medics tried to save the child was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Lawn said in a statement on social media, “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time." There has been no word on what exactly went wrong at the amusement park. “The safety of our guests has always been our highest priority,” Lawn said. “In the coming days, we will conduct a thorough internal review and cooperate fully with authorities.” An investigation into the child's death has started. Lawn said that the park will provide more updates when possible and asked for privacy for the affected family and everyone involved with the park. “As we grieve alongside our community, we ask for privacy for the family and for our team members who are deeply affected by this loss. We will provide updates as appropriate, and we will continue to work to support everyone involved,” Lawn continued.&nbsp;"We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark," Lawn added, and ensured everyone who visited the park that their "safety and well-being drive every decision we make." According to Hersheypark's website, the Boardwalk features 16 different water attractions. This includes the world’s longest mat racing slides, "Whitecap Racer." Another ride is a wave pool called “The Shore,” which goes to a depth of six feet.

A nine-year-old child met with an accident at the  Boardwalk inside Hersheypark in Pennsylvania and died. The CEO released a statement confirming the incident and informing that an investigation has been opened. He did not release any details about what went wrong.

A nine-year-old child has died at an amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred at The Boardwalk inside Hersheypark, the CEO confirmed. John Lawn, the CEO of the amusement park, said a 9-year-old child “was tragically lost at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark." Lawn shared that the lifeguards immediately attended to the child, and every possible rescue effort was employed. "From the moment that our lifeguard team recognised that a child was in distress, they performed an immediate rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated life-saving efforts by our lifeguards, on-site first responders and medical personnel,” Lawn said. He did not reveal the exact circumstances that led to the death. The child was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Centre, where medics tried to save the child was pronounced dead. Lawn said in a statement on social media, “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time." There has been no word on what exactly went wrong at the amusement park. “The safety of our guests has always been our highest priority,” Lawn said. “In the coming days, we will conduct a thorough internal review and cooperate fully with authorities.” An investigation into the child's death has started. Lawn said that the park will provide more updates when possible and asked for privacy for the affected family and everyone involved with the park. “As we grieve alongside our community, we ask for privacy for the family and for our team members who are deeply affected by this loss. We will provide updates as appropriate, and we will continue to work to support everyone involved,” Lawn continued. "We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark," Lawn added, and ensured everyone who visited the park that their "safety and well-being drive every decision we make." According to Hersheypark's website, the Boardwalk features 16 different water attractions. This includes the world’s longest mat racing slides, "Whitecap Racer." Another ride is a wave pool called “The Shore,” which goes to a depth of six feet.

A nine-year-old child met with an accident at the Boardwalk inside Hersheypark in Pennsylvania and died. The CEO released a statement confirming the incident and informing that an investigation has been opened. He did not release any details about what went wrong.

Nine-year-old child dies at water park in Pennsylvania which has world’s longest mat racing slides

An analysis has revealed the US states with the best and the worst sex lives. Sex education experts at Joy Love Dolls analysed Americans' satisfaction with their sex lives by going through their online searches. Terms like "how to improve sex life," "low libido", and "libido booster" were looked at, and the monthly average search volumes were compared with state populations, according to Newsweek. This helped them make a list of which American states are most interested in having a better sex life. There is also a list for states where people are not interested in improving their sex lives as much. The list of states with the worst sex lives is topped by Wyoming. The company recorded only 50.37 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents for the terms. The state's most popular search terms include "how to increase male libido" and "libido booster". Experts say this hints at concerns about low sex drive in the state. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ashley-madison-india-data-extramarital-affair-cheating-delhi-mumbai-kanchipuram-1753248635305">Ashley Madison reveals EXTRA-MARITAL AFFAIR capital of India; Delhi covers most bases, and Mumbai...</a><h2>US states with the unhappiest sex lives</h2>Vermont came in second, where an average of 48.14 related searches per 100,000 people were recorded. Most searched for queries include "how to spice up sex life" and "how to improve libido". North Dakota (47.20 searches per 100,00 people), Alaska (44.43) and Utah (43.21) are the other three states in the list of five states where people have the worst sex lives. Meanwhile, the states that had the least number searchers, thus placed at the bottom of the percentage table, are officially the states with the best sex lives and higher satisfaction. Wisconsin was noted to have the best sex life in the US, with only 28.70 related searches per 100,000 people. Next was New Mexico (29.52), Oklahoma (29.70), Mississippi (30.08) and Texas (30.12). Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/lewd-couple-caught-engaging-in-sexual-act-on-the-plane-to-new-york-1753327801563">Lewd couple caught engaging in sex right on their seats on the plane to New York</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/andy-byron-spent-40-000-dollars-for-sexually-explicit-video-call-with-onlyfans-creator-sophie-rain-social-media-posts-claim-1753343243357">Did Andy Byron spend $40,000 on racy video call with OnlyFans creator Sophie Rain?</a><h2>Does politics influence sex lives?</h2>The survey also noted a strange political pattern. Four out of five states with the lowest sexual satisfaction supported the Republicans in the 2024 presidential election. This means that cultural values, education policy, and political ideology could have an impact on the romantic relationships in these states. Amy Nguyen, a sex education expert at Joy Love Dolls, told Newsweek, "Democrats tend to be more open about the topic of sex education as opposed to Republicans, which may have impacted the final ranking." She sees "a clear correlation between a lack of sex education and sexual dissatisfaction in certain regions." However, the political theory doesn't seem to really hold since four of the five states rated highest in sexual satisfaction also voted Republican in 2024. &nbsp;

An analysis of Google searches by Joy Love Dolls, a company that sells sex toys, has revealed the US states with the best and the worst sex lives. The higher the number of searches for the improvement of sex life-related queries, the unhappier people in those states were.

An analysis has revealed the US states with the best and the worst sex lives. Sex education experts at Joy Love Dolls analysed Americans' satisfaction with their sex lives by going through their online searches. Terms like "how to improve sex life," "low libido", and "libido booster" were looked at, and the monthly average search volumes were compared with state populations, according to Newsweek. This helped them make a list of which American states are most interested in having a better sex life. There is also a list for states where people are not interested in improving their sex lives as much. The list of states with the worst sex lives is topped by Wyoming. The company recorded only 50.37 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents for the terms. The state's most popular search terms include "how to increase male libido" and "libido booster". Experts say this hints at concerns about low sex drive in the state. Also Read: Ashley Madison reveals EXTRA-MARITAL AFFAIR capital of India; Delhi covers most bases, and Mumbai... US states with the unhappiest sex lives Vermont came in second, where an average of 48.14 related searches per 100,000 people were recorded. Most searched for queries include "how to spice up sex life" and "how to improve libido". North Dakota (47.20 searches per 100,00 people), Alaska (44.43) and Utah (43.21) are the other three states in the list of five states where people have the worst sex lives. Meanwhile, the states that had the least number searchers, thus placed at the bottom of the percentage table, are officially the states with the best sex lives and higher satisfaction. Wisconsin was noted to have the best sex life in the US, with only 28.70 related searches per 100,000 people. Next was New Mexico (29.52), Oklahoma (29.70), Mississippi (30.08) and Texas (30.12). Also Read: Lewd couple caught engaging in sex right on their seats on the plane to New York Also Read: Did Andy Byron spend $40,000 on racy video call with OnlyFans creator Sophie Rain? Does politics influence sex lives? The survey also noted a strange political pattern. Four out of five states with the lowest sexual satisfaction supported the Republicans in the 2024 presidential election. This means that cultural values, education policy, and political ideology could have an impact on the romantic relationships in these states. Amy Nguyen, a sex education expert at Joy Love Dolls, told Newsweek, "Democrats tend to be more open about the topic of sex education as opposed to Republicans, which may have impacted the final ranking." She sees "a clear correlation between a lack of sex education and sexual dissatisfaction in certain regions." However, the political theory doesn't seem to really hold since four of the five states rated highest in sexual satisfaction also voted Republican in 2024.

An analysis of Google searches by Joy Love Dolls, a company that sells sex toys, has revealed the US states with the best and the worst sex lives. The higher the number of searches for the improvement of sex life-related queries, the unhappier people in those states were.

Online search data reveals American states with best and worst sex lives

Right-wing social media influencers from the United States will tour Israel under an initiative&nbsp;funded by the latter's foreign ministry, a report said. The planned tour will entail 16 influencers touring Israel. These influencers, all aged below 30, will be the supporters of US President Donald Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) and America First campaigns.&nbsp;Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that these influencers have hundreds of millions of followers on social media. The motive behind the exercise is to spur support for the Israeli government among American youths.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Israeli government has been facing backlash in several Western countries for its protracted war in Gaza, where an alleged blockade of humanitarian support has triggered a food crisis. The report didn't specify any date for the initiative.&nbsp;Yacov Livne, senior deputy director of the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Department of Public Diplomacy, told the Israeli publication that amid support for Trump's MAGA, it is imperative for the country that the movement adopt a pro-Israel position.&nbsp;The country's foreign ministry said it aimed to bring 550 such influencers to Israel by the end of this year by organising funded tours.&nbsp;The ministry said the campaign assumed importance because the positive perspectives towards Israel are falling across all younger age groups. However, it noted that Israel enjoys the support of the Republicans and American conservatives.&nbsp;Haaretz reported, quoting sources, that the influencers will be pushed to share with their followers a narrative that aligns with Israel's policy on the Palestinians.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Their networks have huge followings, and their messages are more effective than if they came directly from the ministry," it added.&nbsp;Israel365 will conduct these tours. The organisation promotes support for Israel, specifically among Christians, based on biblical principles. It "stands unapologetically for the Jewish people’s God-given right to the entire Land of Israel”, reads its website.&nbsp;The government will pay $86000 to the organisation to carry out the tour.&nbsp;Thousands of Palestinians have died in Israeli attacks since October 2023. Israel attacked Gaza in response to Hamas' attack, in which over 1200 Israelis, mostly civilians, died.

Right-wing social media influencers from the United States will tour Israel in an initiative funded by the latter's foreign ministry, a report said.

Right-wing social media influencers from the United States will tour Israel under an initiative funded by the latter's foreign ministry, a report said. The planned tour will entail 16 influencers touring Israel. These influencers, all aged below 30, will be the supporters of US President Donald Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) and America First campaigns. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that these influencers have hundreds of millions of followers on social media. The motive behind the exercise is to spur support for the Israeli government among American youths. The Israeli government has been facing backlash in several Western countries for its protracted war in Gaza, where an alleged blockade of humanitarian support has triggered a food crisis. The report didn't specify any date for the initiative. Yacov Livne, senior deputy director of the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Department of Public Diplomacy, told the Israeli publication that amid support for Trump's MAGA, it is imperative for the country that the movement adopt a pro-Israel position. The country's foreign ministry said it aimed to bring 550 such influencers to Israel by the end of this year by organising funded tours. The ministry said the campaign assumed importance because the positive perspectives towards Israel are falling across all younger age groups. However, it noted that Israel enjoys the support of the Republicans and American conservatives. Haaretz reported, quoting sources, that the influencers will be pushed to share with their followers a narrative that aligns with Israel's policy on the Palestinians. “Their networks have huge followings, and their messages are more effective than if they came directly from the ministry," it added. Israel365 will conduct these tours. The organisation promotes support for Israel, specifically among Christians, based on biblical principles. It "stands unapologetically for the Jewish people’s God-given right to the entire Land of Israel”, reads its website. The government will pay $86000 to the organisation to carry out the tour. Thousands of Palestinians have died in Israeli attacks since October 2023. Israel attacked Gaza in response to Hamas' attack, in which over 1200 Israelis, mostly civilians, died.

Israel-Gaza war: The country's foreign ministry said it aimed to bring 550 such influencers to Israel by the end of this year by organising funded tours.

Israel to fund tour of MAGA-supporter influencers for favourable Palestine narrative: Report

The United States, early on Saturday (Jul 19) announced that it had brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Syria's interim government after a week of deadly violence in Syria's Druze-majority south. The truce comes amid an eruption of violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in the southern province of Sweida, which has left at least 638 people dead and displaced nearly 80,000, according to monitoring groups and UN agencies. Fierce street battles, artillery shelling, and targeted abductions have gripped Sweida since Sunday, overwhelming hospitals, suggest reports.<h2>What did the US announce?</h2>US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States following days of behind-the-scenes diplomacy.The deal, Barrack said, was jointly backed by Turkey and Jordan. "We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a statement on X. Previously, on Wednesday (Jul 9) the US, as per AFP, had announced an earlier deal in which the Sharaa government pulled out forces from Sweida.<h2>Why did Israel intervene?</h2>Israel launched major strikes into Damascus on Wednesday, targeting Syrian military infrastructure, including the army headquarters. Israel cited the protection of its Druze population and fears of broader regional instability. On Friday (Jul 18), the nation said it was sending nearly $600,000 worth of aid, including food and medical supplies, for the Druze community in Sweida. However, some analysts argue that Israel's real goal may be to exploit Syria's internal divisions and further weaken its military, still recovering from the civil war and the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.<h2>What triggered the fighting?</h2>The violence began last Sunday after a Druze vegetable merchant was allegedly kidnapped by Bedouin tribesmen in southern Syria, sparking a series of tit-for-tat abductions, arson attacks, and eventually pitched battles in residential areas.

US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States.

The United States, early on Saturday (Jul 19) announced that it had brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Syria's interim government after a week of deadly violence in Syria's Druze-majority south. The truce comes amid an eruption of violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in the southern province of Sweida, which has left at least 638 people dead and displaced nearly 80,000, according to monitoring groups and UN agencies. Fierce street battles, artillery shelling, and targeted abductions have gripped Sweida since Sunday, overwhelming hospitals, suggest reports. What did the US announce? US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States following days of behind-the-scenes diplomacy. The deal, Barrack said, was jointly backed by Turkey and Jordan. "We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a statement on X. Previously, on Wednesday (Jul 9) the US, as per AFP, had announced an earlier deal in which the Sharaa government pulled out forces from Sweida. Why did Israel intervene? Israel launched major strikes into Damascus on Wednesday, targeting Syrian military infrastructure, including the army headquarters. Israel cited the protection of its Druze population and fears of broader regional instability. On Friday (Jul 18), the nation said it was sending nearly $600,000 worth of aid, including food and medical supplies, for the Druze community in Sweida. However, some analysts argue that Israel's real goal may be to exploit Syria's internal divisions and further weaken its military, still recovering from the civil war and the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. What triggered the fighting? The violence began last Sunday after a Druze vegetable merchant was allegedly kidnapped by Bedouin tribesmen in southern Syria, sparking a series of tit-for-tat abductions, arson attacks, and eventually pitched battles in residential areas.

US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States.

US brokers Syria-Israel ceasefire as Druze-Bedouin clashes spiral; death toll crosses 600

US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Friday. The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old leader, who is the oldest person ever to assume the presidency, was also suffering from discoloration of his right hand -- a condition attributed to "tissue irritation from frequent handshaking". His health, however, was described by presidential physician Sean Barbabella as "excellent".&nbsp;Leavitt said Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”<h2>What's chronic venous insufficiency?</h2>Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by damaged leg veins that fail to keep blood flowing. The condition is common in older adults, said Dr Matt Heinz, an internist and hospitalist from Tucson, Arizona.This is caused when the vein valves become less effective.&nbsp;"It comes with age, gravity, and obesity doesn't help if that's a condition that people suffer from. I know the president's been losing some weight, though, so I think that’s probably a little better," he said.&nbsp;The condition doesn't pose a serious risk to Trump, because there is no evidence of arterial disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its symptoms are: achy or tired legs; burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs at night; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; Edema (swelling) in lower legs and ankles; flaking or itching skin on legs or feet; leathery-looking skin on legs; ulcers near ankles.

Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”

US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Friday. The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old leader, who is the oldest person ever to assume the presidency, was also suffering from discoloration of his right hand -- a condition attributed to "tissue irritation from frequent handshaking". His health, however, was described by presidential physician Sean Barbabella as "excellent". Leavitt said Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.” What's chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by damaged leg veins that fail to keep blood flowing. The condition is common in older adults, said Dr Matt Heinz, an internist and hospitalist from Tucson, Arizona. This is caused when the vein valves become less effective. "It comes with age, gravity, and obesity doesn't help if that's a condition that people suffer from. I know the president's been losing some weight, though, so I think that’s probably a little better," he said. The condition doesn't pose a serious risk to Trump, because there is no evidence of arterial disease. Its symptoms are: achy or tired legs; burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs at night; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; Edema (swelling) in lower legs and ankles; flaking or itching skin on legs or feet; leathery-looking skin on legs; ulcers near ankles.

Donald Trump's disease: The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users.

What's chronic venous insufficiency? How dangerous is Donald Trump's disease? Symptoms

Amid tensions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, the Pentagon on Monday signed a host of contracts with several US artificial intelligence firms, including the Tesla founder's xAI. Other companies that bagged these contracts include Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. The Pentagon's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) said in a statement that these contracts have a ceiling value of $200 million.&nbsp;The Pentagon said these contracts will help the US defence establishment "leverage the technology and talent of US frontier AI companies to develop agentic AI workflows across a variety of mission areas".<h2>Elon Musk's xAI praised Hitler</h2>The contract with xAI came just days after Elon Musk's company was forced to apologise again for controversial anti-semitic posts by its Grok chatbot. The chatbot had praised Adolf Hitler in some responses on Musk's social media platform, X. It denounced "anti-white hate" and described Jewish representation in Hollywood as “disproportionate.” The firm, apologising for the offensive messages, said it had corrected the instructions that led to the row.<h2>Elon Musk vs Donald Trump over the US government's bill</h2>Elon Musk, who backed Donald Trump's presidential campaign, was entrusted with managing DOGE, an agency tasked with reducing the size of the US government and cutting wasteful expenditure. In May, however, he exited the department and later slammed Donald Trump's budget bill for increasing government debt.&nbsp;The duo exchanged bitter messages on social media and public statements. Musk later apologised for some of his more combative remarks.<h2>Grok for Government</h2>Elon Musk's xAI said on Monday that it launched what it called a "Grok for Government" service.&nbsp;In addition to the Pentagon contract, "every federal government department, agency, or office can now purchase xAI products" thanks to its inclusion on an official supplier list, xAI added.

Amid tensions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, the Pentagon on Monday signed a host of contracts with several US artificial intelligence firms, including the Tesla founder's xAI. Other companies that bagged these contracts include Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI.

Amid tensions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, the Pentagon on Monday signed a host of contracts with several US artificial intelligence firms, including the Tesla founder's xAI. Other companies that bagged these contracts include Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. The Pentagon's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) said in a statement that these contracts have a ceiling value of $200 million. The Pentagon said these contracts will help the US defence establishment "leverage the technology and talent of US frontier AI companies to develop agentic AI workflows across a variety of mission areas". Elon Musk's xAI praised Hitler The contract with xAI came just days after Elon Musk's company was forced to apologise again for controversial anti-semitic posts by its Grok chatbot. The chatbot had praised Adolf Hitler in some responses on Musk's social media platform, X. It denounced "anti-white hate" and described Jewish representation in Hollywood as “disproportionate.” The firm, apologising for the offensive messages, said it had corrected the instructions that led to the row. Elon Musk vs Donald Trump over the US government's bill Elon Musk, who backed Donald Trump's presidential campaign, was entrusted with managing DOGE, an agency tasked with reducing the size of the US government and cutting wasteful expenditure. In May, however, he exited the department and later slammed Donald Trump's budget bill for increasing government debt. The duo exchanged bitter messages on social media and public statements. Musk later apologised for some of his more combative remarks. Grok for Government Elon Musk's xAI said on Monday that it launched what it called a "Grok for Government" service. In addition to the Pentagon contract, "every federal government department, agency, or office can now purchase xAI products" thanks to its inclusion on an official supplier list, xAI added.

The Pentagon said these contracts will help the US defence establishment "leverage the technology and talent of US frontier AI companies.

Amid feud with Donald Trump, Elon Musk's AI firm bags crucial US government contract

Australia's government said Sunday it expects China to spy on major military drills it is conducting with the United States and other allies.It also renewed a charge – denounced by Beijing as a "false narrative" – that China wants to establish a military base in the South Pacific.The comments by a government minister came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a six-day visit to China to bolster recently repaired trade ties.More than 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations are set to join in the annual Talisman Sabre exercise from Sunday across Australia and Papua New Guinea."The Chinese military have observed these exercises since 2017 and it would be very unusual if they didn't do that this time," said Pat Conroy, Australia's minister for the defence industry and for Pacific Island affairs."We'll obviously observe their activities and monitor their presence around Australia," he told Australian public broadcaster ABC."People observe these exercises to collect intelligence around procedures, around the electronic spectrum and the use of communications, and we'll adjust accordingly so that we manage that leakage."The strategically important South Pacific region is at the centre of a diplomatic scramble for influence pitting China against its Western rivals.&nbsp;"We're seeing in my portfolio of the Pacific, China seeking to secure a military base in the region," said Conroy, who has previously made the same assessment."We're working very hard to be the primary security partner of choice for the region, because we don't think that's a particularly optimal thing for Australia."China inked a secretive security pact with Pacific nation Solomon Islands in 2022.&nbsp;Although the details have never been published, the United States and close ally Australia fear it may be the prelude to some kind of permanent Chinese base.Australia wants "a balanced region where no one is dominated and no one dominates", Conroy said.China's embassy in Fiji this month insisted claims that it wanted to set up a military base in the region were "false narratives" driven by "ulterior motives".Beijing has spent hundreds of millions of dollars building sports stadiums, presidential palaces, hospitals and roads in Pacific island nations.&nbsp;Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Nauru have in recent years severed longstanding diplomatic links with Taiwan in favour of China.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.

"The Chinese military have observed these exercises since 2017 and it would be very unusual if they didn't do that this time," said Pat Conroy, Australia's minister for the defence industry and for Pacific Island affairs.

Australia's government said Sunday it expects China to spy on major military drills it is conducting with the United States and other allies. It also renewed a charge – denounced by Beijing as a "false narrative" – that China wants to establish a military base in the South Pacific. The comments by a government minister came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a six-day visit to China to bolster recently repaired trade ties. More than 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations are set to join in the annual Talisman Sabre exercise from Sunday across Australia and Papua New Guinea. "The Chinese military have observed these exercises since 2017 and it would be very unusual if they didn't do that this time," said Pat Conroy, Australia's minister for the defence industry and for Pacific Island affairs. "We'll obviously observe their activities and monitor their presence around Australia," he told Australian public broadcaster ABC. "People observe these exercises to collect intelligence around procedures, around the electronic spectrum and the use of communications, and we'll adjust accordingly so that we manage that leakage." The strategically important South Pacific region is at the centre of a diplomatic scramble for influence pitting China against its Western rivals. "We're seeing in my portfolio of the Pacific, China seeking to secure a military base in the region," said Conroy, who has previously made the same assessment. "We're working very hard to be the primary security partner of choice for the region, because we don't think that's a particularly optimal thing for Australia." China inked a secretive security pact with Pacific nation Solomon Islands in 2022. Although the details have never been published, the United States and close ally Australia fear it may be the prelude to some kind of permanent Chinese base. Australia wants "a balanced region where no one is dominated and no one dominates", Conroy said. China's embassy in Fiji this month insisted claims that it wanted to set up a military base in the region were "false narratives" driven by "ulterior motives". Beijing has spent hundreds of millions of dollars building sports stadiums, presidential palaces, hospitals and roads in Pacific island nations. Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Nauru have in recent years severed longstanding diplomatic links with Taiwan in favour of China. 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.

"The Chinese military have observed these exercises since 2017, and it would be very unusual if they didn't do that this time," said Pat Conroy, Australia's minister for the defence industry and for Pacific Island affairs.

Australia expects Chinese surveillance during mega military drills with US, allies

Despite large economies, vast airspace and modern security challenges, no African nation operates or has ordered a fifth-generation jet.

Why this continent is completely missing from the fifth-gen fighter jet race?