A newly opened Chabad House in Hiriketiya, southern Sri Lanka, has faced protests, harassment and alleged threats from some local residents. A demonstration led by Buddhist monks called on authorities to investigate whether the site has the required permits and to consider closure if it is found to be operating illegally. The Chabad House was established to serve Israeli and Jewish tourists visiting the popular coastal area.

Sri Lanka: new centre provides services for Israeli and Jewish travellers

Footage of President Donald Trump appearing to close his eyes and nod off during a recent White House event has gone viral online, reigniting public debate and political jokes about his stamina. Critics and political opponents have seized on the moment, turning his past "Sleepy Joe" attacks back onto him, while the White House insists he is merely listening or resting his eyes during long sessions.


Democrats say Trump falling asleep on job 'national security crisis'

Israel’s far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for Israeli forces to kill 30-40 people in Gaza every night and advocated Jewish settlements and Palestinian displacement.

Ben Gvir's Gaza rhetoric draws sharp rebuke from UAE billionaire

UK PM Andy Burnham exchanged messages with a person posing as Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The contact was reportedly brief and flagged to authorities after Burnham became suspicious.

UK PM targeted in white house impersonation

Iran is resuming Umrah pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia after a six-month suspension, with 18,000 pilgrims set to travel in the first phase. Around five million Iranians holding Umrah registration vouchers are waiting to make the pilgrimage, with the pace of future departures depending on flight availability and foreign-currency arrangements.

Iran resumes Umrah: 18,000 people set for first phase as five million await 

From unforgettable performances to timeless legacies, some of cinema's brightest stars left the world far too early. This tribute remembers the actors, actresses and filmmakers whose talent transcended generations, even as their lives were cut tragically short. Their work continues to inspire millions, proving that true legends never fade away. Join us as we celebrate the lives, careers and enduring impact of some of the most beloved names in film history.


Remembering cinematic icons gone too soon: legends who left us early 

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has raised concerns over the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, warning that its provisions could weaken the state’s revenue-raising powers. The proposed changes have sparked debate over the balance between the Centre’s authority and states’ financial and regulatory rights over mineral resources.

Mines & Minerals Amendment Bill: Kerala CM Satheesan flags adverse impact on revenue raising powers

China’s yuan is steadily expanding its influence across Africa, moving beyond trade settlements into banking, debt financing, investment, and even tax collection systems. As Beijing strengthens financial links with African economies, it is also building the infrastructure needed to support wider yuan adoption. The shift reflects growing efforts by several countries to diversify away from the U.S. dollar and deepen economic ties with China. Could the yuan emerge as Africa’s leading alternative currency for trade and finance?

Yuan builds a financial foothold in Africa 

Thirty-two climbers stranded while attempting to reach Mont Blanc were asked to pay around $110 each for their rescue, highlighting the costs involved in mountain rescue operations. The climbers were reportedly stranded amid difficult conditions while making their way toward the summit.

32 climbers stranded enroute Mont Blanc asked to pay $110 for rescue

A massive public backlash has erupted in Pakistan after Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman (and Chief Commissioner) retired Lt Sohail Ashraf arrived at an Independence Day parade in a royal horse-drawn buggy.

Colonial era tradition mars Pakistan's Independence Day: Netizens question elite privileges

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world, but new developments suggest oil traffic through the waterway may be more active than previously believed. As global markets closely monitor shipping activity, uncertainty surrounding security, trade flows, and geopolitical tensions continues to influence oil prices.

 Any disruption in Hormuz can have far-reaching consequences for energy-importing nations and global inflation. This report examines the latest signals from the Gulf, what they mean for oil markets, and why the Strait of Hormuz remains the biggest unknown for global energy traders.

Hormuz flows: Oil market’s biggest unknown 

America’s national debt is approaching a historic milestone, raising urgent questions about who ultimately bears the cost. When Donald Trump returned to the White House, reducing government waste and cutting the federal deficit became key pillars of his economic agenda. The administration launched DOGE, with ambitious plans to slash spending and improve fiscal discipline. Yet as debt levels continue to climb, economists, investors, and policymakers are debating the long-term consequences for taxpayers, government spending, interest rates, and economic growth.

America’s debt clock is running faster

Europe’s heatwaves are increasingly becoming an economic problem.

The hidden bill of Europe’s heatwaves

Hamas has agreed in principle to a roadmap for decommissioning its weapons in Gaza under a U.S.-backed peace framework. The plan calls for phased and verifiable disarmament, with U.S. oversight and Israeli military withdrawal tied to progress on demilitarisation. Major disagreements remain over the timing and implementation of the process.

No Gaza reconstruction before Hamas disarms, says Israel 

Russia and Japan are once again at odds after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Tokyo swiftly renewed its territorial claim and lodged a protest, while Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi criticised the visit. The islands have remained a major point of contention since the Soviet Union seized them at the end of World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty.

Kuril Island's row: Putin's Kuril visit fuels Russia-Japan tensions

Hamas weapons to be decommissioned under US oversight

Germany’s Federal Cartel Office has pushed Apple to change its App Tracking Transparency rules after finding that Apple’s own apps received more favourable consent prompts than third-party apps. Apple will redesign the prompts to make them more neutral and give developers more flexibility in explaining personalised advertising.

Germany forces Apple to change tracking rules 

U.S. President Donald Trump has cited his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a key factor behind his decision to significantly scale back joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. Trump argued that the large-scale drills send an "inappropriate and hostile" message to Pyongyang and could undermine diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

The move has sparked debate among security experts and regional allies, with supporters viewing it as a confidence-building measure while critics warn it could affect military readiness. The decision comes amid renewed focus on U.S.-North Korea relations and broader security dynamics in East Asia.

Donald Trump takes a softer stance on North Korea's Kim Jong UN, strains ties with S. Korea 

A Montblanc fountain pen once owned by Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew has sold for $360,000 at auction after attracting 111 bids. The sterling silver Meisterstück No. 146, engraved with Lee’s name, fetched nearly 10 times its top pre-sale estimate.

World's most expensive pen: Lee Kuan Yew's montblanc draws 111 bids

Pakistan: outrage over 'colonial' mindset as Pak officials ride in horse carriage

Reports indicate that Russia is building secret drone depots close to NATO airspace. These sites are designed to launch high-speed Russian Geran-5 jet-powered drones with a 1,000-kilometre range. These bases put NATO nations directly in the line of fire. 

This comes amidst reports of NATO's plan to increase nuclear-capable forces by 250 percent in europe. The video details where are nuclear weapons stationed across europe and the comparative nuclear weapons of Russia and the U.S.

Russia's secret drone bases put Europe on high alert  | NATO plans 250% surge in nukes

#gravitas An Israeli air force officer has been arrested on suspicion of using sensitive information to place bets on polymarket, including wagers tied to Israeli military strikes in Iran and Yemen. 

Israeli air force officer caught betting on next bombing on Iran, Yemen 

U.S. President Donald Trump has cited his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a key factor behind his decision to significantly scale back joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. Trump argued that the large-scale drills send an "inappropriate and hostile" message to Pyongyang and could undermine diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

The move has sparked debate among security experts and regional allies, with supporters viewing it as a confidence-building measure while critics warn it could affect military readiness. The decision comes amid renewed focus on U.S.-North Korea relations and broader security dynamics in East Asia.


Trump asks Hegseth to reduce joint military drills with S. Korea

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, following sustained protests by students over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.

CM Hemant Soren says comprehensive inquiry will be conducted | JSSC-CGL exam cancelled

#gravitas From presidents in their eighties to political veterans who have spent decades at the heart of power, the world is seeing the rise of what could be called the '80s brigade.' Leaders over the age of 80 continue to dominate politics. 

The 80s brigade across the world 

Is Trump planning a nuclear attack on Iran? According to an explosive claim made by a former U.S. Congresswoman, Trump administration officials are discussing the possible use of nuclear weapons against Iran, alleging that the issue has come up in high-level strategy meetings.

Defeated Trump threatens nuclear devastation of Iran, says former senator 

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally meet students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. The protests have continued for 24 days, with students demanding probes into JPSC, JSSC-CGL and other examination irregularities.

Rahul Gandhi urges Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren to meet protesting students

President Donald Trump has said Israel should not be striking targets in Gaza, as his envoy Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to try to revive Trump’s plan to disarm Hamas and end the war. The comments signal a rare public disagreement between the close allies after Netanyahu rejected the proposed phased Hamas disarmament plan.

US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace roadmap faces tough challenge from Netanyahu

The 60-day U.S.-Iran memorandum aimed at ending the war has expired, with no clear sign that either side is ready to extend the agreement. Iran says it has not decided whether to resume direct negotiations with Washington, while messages continue to pass through mediators.

 Iran and US trade barbs as 60-day MoU expires without a deal or extension

President Donald Trump is legally barred from running for a third presidential term by the U.S. Constitution, though his public statements and team actions have fueled intense nationwide debate regarding a potential 2028 campaign


Donald Trump is seriously considering running for a third presidential term

Bangladesh has officially linked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed visit to India to its demand for the extradition of former Premier Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka stated that a "propitious environment" must be created by New Delhi before any high-level bilateral trip can move forward.

Bangladesh demands Sheikh Hasina's extradition before PM Tariq Rahman's India visit 

wion

Wion, News on Wion, stories on Wion, articles on Wion, Wion stories at Wion, Wion news, Wion latest news

WION