The UK will unveil a sweeping package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.

According to reports the new sanctions would be the most extensive since the war began. These measures aim to weaken Russia’s military and cut off key revenue sources funding the conflict.

New UK sanctions to weaken Russia’s war?

A breathtaking ice castle in New Hampshire is drawing crowds with its dazzling formations and stunning light displays. Visitors are captivated by the frozen wonderland, featuring tunnels, slides, and a mesmerizing Mystic Forest light walk. This winter attraction is a must-see for those seeking a magical experience

New Hampshire's dazzling ice castle stuns visitors amid winter magic

In a shocking turn of events, the organisers of the Rajkot Sarvajatiya Samuh Lagna disappeared on the wedding day, allegedly fleeing with the community marriage funds.

India: Organisers of mass wedding event mysteriously disappear leaving families stranded

The UK has unveiled its toughest sanctions yet against Russia, aiming to cut off key funding sources for the war effort. With sweeping economic measures and trade restrictions, Britain hopes to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities.

UK announces harshest sanctions yet to cripple Russia’s war effort

US President Donald Trump has appeared to soften his plan to take control of war-torn Gaza and relocate its more than two million residents to nearby countries, saying he was only recommending the idea.

US president Trump softens stance on Gaza takeover plan

Pope Francis has now spent an entire week at Rome's Gemelli Hospital receiving treatment for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff's condition is reportedly stable, but there continues to be speculation about whether he might consider stepping down if his health prevents him from carrying out his duties further. Watch in for more details!

Vatican shares health update: Pope suffers respiratory attack, conditions 'critical'

President Donald Trump’s claim that the US provided $21 million in aid for India’s elections has been debunked. Reports confirm the funds were actually allocated to Bangladesh, not India. This revelation sparks fresh debate over foreign aid and misinformation.

Trump’s $21 million India aid claim proven false: Reports

Was recommending idea: Trump on Gaza plan

Reports confirm USAID funds went to Bangladesh, not India

Pope Francis battling double Pneumonia, conditions remains 'critical'

Every day, locals and visitors take a refreshing plunge into the Bosphorus, experiencing the joy of swimming between two continents. This unique Istanbul tradition is more than just a sport—it’s a stress reliever and a natural antidepressant.

Istanbul’s unique tradition: Swimming across the Bosphorus for relaxation

The Indian Embassy has confirmed that deported citizens are safe in Panama. The embassy is closely monitoring their situation and ensuring their well-being.

Indian Embassy says deportees safe in Panama

Ukraine, long known for its vast mineral wealth, is now at the center of a global power struggle. Beneath its soil lies trillions worth of critical minerals, including rare earth metals essential for everything from electronics to defense technologies. This report delves into why these minerals are so valuable, what’s at stake for both Ukraine and the US, and what the complex negotiations are unfolding behind the scenes.

Trump says Zelensky, Putin must get together

U.S. negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine's critical minerals

Why Trump wants Ukraine's mineral?

Zelensky says Europe must 'do much more' to achieve peace

South Africa has kicked off its Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant victory over the West Indies. The commanding win sets a strong tone for their tournament run.

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Kash Patel has officially taken charge as the new Director of the FBI, calling it the “greatest honour” of his life. He was sworn in at the White House on Friday, with Attorney General Pam Bondi overseeing the ceremony.

Kash Patel takes oath as FBI director, becomes first Indian-American FBI chief

The United Nations Security Council has urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The call comes amid ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.

UNSC calls on Rwanda to pull troops from DRC

US President Donald Trump has appointed General C.Q. Brown as the new top military leader, replacing the outgoing general. This change marks a significant shift in the U.S. military leadership.

US President Donald Trump replaces top general C.Q. Brown

Narcissists often struggle with their own behaviors and self-perceptions, leading to personal and relational conflicts. This exploration delves into whether their traits ultimately make them their own worst enemies.

Are narcissists their own enemy ?

Mineral agreement grants U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earths

On 21 February 2025, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit suffered a significant security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately 401,347 Ethereum (ETH), valued at over $1.46 billion. The incident is among the largest cryptocurrency exchange thefts to date, raising concerns over the security of digital asset platforms.
<h2 class="p1">How the Attack Occurred</h2>
The breach took place during a routine transfer between Bybit&rsquo;s Ethereum multi-signature cold wallet and its warm wallet. Attackers manipulated the signing interface, displaying the correct address while altering the underlying smart contract logic to gain unauthorised access.
Forensic investigations revealed that the hackers used advanced phishing techniques and social engineering to obtain internal credentials. These were then exploited to bypass security protocols, allowing fraudulent approvals in Bybit&rsquo;s multi-signature authentication process. The method enabled the attackers to transfer assets without triggering immediate security alerts.
Initial assessments suggest that the Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking entity from North Korea, may be responsible. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT, alongside security researchers, identified patterns similar to previous Lazarus Group operations, including the January 2025 Phemex exchange hack.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/south-korean-actor-yoo-ah-released-after-drugs-sentence-suspended-8734366">South Korean actor Yoo Ah released after drugs sentence suspended</a>
<h2 class="p1">Lazarus Group: North Korea-Linked Cybercrime Organisation</h2>
The Lazarus Group, also known as Guardians of Peace or Whois Team, is a cybercriminal organisation suspected of operating under the North Korean government. While the exact number of individuals involved remains unknown, the group has been linked to multiple cyberattacks since 2010.
Initially regarded as a criminal group, Lazarus has since been classified as an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) due to the scale, sophistication, and persistence of its operations. Various cybersecurity entities have assigned different names to the group, including Hidden Cobra (a designation by the US Department of Homeland Security for North Korean cyber activities) and ZINC or Diamond Sleet (used by Microsoft). According to North Korean defector Kim Kuk-song, the group is internally known as the 414 Liaison Office in North Korea.
The US Department of Justice has described the Lazarus Group as a tool of the North Korean government used to disrupt global cybersecurity and generate illicit revenue, often in violation of international sanctions. North Korea leverages cyber operations as a cost-effective means of exerting influence, particularly against South Korea.
The Lazarus Group&rsquo;s earliest known operation, Operation Troy (2009&ndash;2012), involved a cyber-espionage campaign using Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks targeting the South Korean government. The group was also responsible for cyberattacks in 2011 and 2013, with possible links to a 2007 attack on South Korea.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-hku5-cov-2-understanding-the-new-coronavirus-discovered-in-china-8745644">What is HKU5-CoV-2? Understanding the new coronavirus discovered in China</a>
One of its most high-profile attacks was the 2014 breach of Sony Pictures, which demonstrated the group&rsquo;s increasing technical sophistication.
The group has also been linked to financial cybercrimes, including the theft of $12 million from Banco del Austro in Ecuador and $1 million from Vietnam&rsquo;s Tien Phong Bank in 2015, cyberattacks on banks in Poland and Mexico, the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist, which resulted in the theft of $81 million, the 2017 attack on Taiwan&rsquo;s Far Eastern International Bank, where reports indicated the group stole up to $60 million, though most of the funds were recovered.
<h2 class="p1">Bybit&rsquo;s Crisis Response</h2>
Bybit&rsquo;s response to the breach was immediate, with CEO Ben Zhou addressing the situation within 30 minutes. The company provided regular updates, including a live stream to answer user concerns. Bybit maintained control over communications, delivering structured updates with concrete figures and timelines.
The exchange took responsibility for the security lapse, collaborated with industry experts, and reassured users of its financial stability. This approach helped mitigate panic and stabilise market confidence in the platform.
<h2 class="p1">Future Implications for Bybit and the Crypto Industry</h2>
The Bybit hack highlights the ongoing challenges cryptocurrency exchanges face in securing assets and maintaining regulatory compliance. As the industry evolves, exchanges will need to implement stronger security measures, enhance fraud detection capabilities, and work closely with regulators to maintain user trust and operational resilience.

The Lazarus Group’s earliest known operation, Operation Troy (2009–2012), involved a cyber-espionage campaign using Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks targeting the South Korean government.

On 21 February 2025, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit suffered a significant security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately 401,347 Ethereum (ETH), valued at over $1.46 billion. The incident is among the largest cryptocurrency exchange thefts to date, raising concerns over the security of digital asset platforms. How the Attack Occurred The breach took place during a routine transfer between Bybit’s Ethereum multi-signature cold wallet and its warm wallet. Attackers manipulated the signing interface, displaying the correct address while altering the underlying smart contract logic to gain unauthorised access. Forensic investigations revealed that the hackers used advanced phishing techniques and social engineering to obtain internal credentials. These were then exploited to bypass security protocols, allowing fraudulent approvals in Bybit’s multi-signature authentication process. The method enabled the attackers to transfer assets without triggering immediate security alerts. Initial assessments suggest that the Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking entity from North Korea, may be responsible. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT, alongside security researchers, identified patterns similar to previous Lazarus Group operations, including the January 2025 Phemex exchange hack. Also read: South Korean actor Yoo Ah released after drugs sentence suspended Lazarus Group: North Korea-Linked Cybercrime Organisation The Lazarus Group, also known as Guardians of Peace or Whois Team, is a cybercriminal organisation suspected of operating under the North Korean government. While the exact number of individuals involved remains unknown, the group has been linked to multiple cyberattacks since 2010. Initially regarded as a criminal group, Lazarus has since been classified as an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) due to the scale, sophistication, and persistence of its operations. Various cybersecurity entities have assigned different names to the group, including Hidden Cobra (a designation by the US Department of Homeland Security for North Korean cyber activities) and ZINC or Diamond Sleet (used by Microsoft). According to North Korean defector Kim Kuk-song, the group is internally known as the 414 Liaison Office in North Korea. The US Department of Justice has described the Lazarus Group as a tool of the North Korean government used to disrupt global cybersecurity and generate illicit revenue, often in violation of international sanctions. North Korea leverages cyber operations as a cost-effective means of exerting influence, particularly against South Korea. The Lazarus Group’s earliest known operation, Operation Troy (2009–2012), involved a cyber-espionage campaign using Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks targeting the South Korean government. The group was also responsible for cyberattacks in 2011 and 2013, with possible links to a 2007 attack on South Korea. Also read: What is HKU5-CoV-2? Understanding the new coronavirus discovered in China One of its most high-profile attacks was the 2014 breach of Sony Pictures, which demonstrated the group’s increasing technical sophistication. The group has also been linked to financial cybercrimes, including the theft of $12 million from Banco del Austro in Ecuador and $1 million from Vietnam’s Tien Phong Bank in 2015, cyberattacks on banks in Poland and Mexico, the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist, which resulted in the theft of $81 million, the 2017 attack on Taiwan’s Far Eastern International Bank, where reports indicated the group stole up to $60 million, though most of the funds were recovered. Bybit’s Crisis Response Bybit’s response to the breach was immediate, with CEO Ben Zhou addressing the situation within 30 minutes. The company provided regular updates, including a live stream to answer user concerns. Bybit maintained control over communications, delivering structured updates with concrete figures and timelines. The exchange took responsibility for the security lapse, collaborated with industry experts, and reassured users of its financial stability. This approach helped mitigate panic and stabilise market confidence in the platform. Future Implications for Bybit and the Crypto Industry The Bybit hack highlights the ongoing challenges cryptocurrency exchanges face in securing assets and maintaining regulatory compliance. As the industry evolves, exchanges will need to implement stronger security measures, enhance fraud detection capabilities, and work closely with regulators to maintain user trust and operational resilience.

Who are Lazarus hackers? All about the mystery gang behind the largest crypto heist ever

A newly identified bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been found in China, raising concerns about potential transmission to humans. The discovery was made by a team of virologists led by Shi Zhengli (Batwoman), a scientist known for her research on coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute. The findings were reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The study indicates that HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. Researchers found that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to human ACE2 receptors, a characteristic shared with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The ability to interact with these receptors suggests a potential for human infection.
During laboratory tests, HKU5-CoV-2 was able to infect human cell cultures in mini-organ models. The study, cited by Newsweek, highlights the possibility of spillover from bats to humans, either directly or through intermediate hosts. However, researchers stated that further investigation is required to determine the likelihood of such an event.
The research team noted that HKU5-CoV-2 demonstrated better adaptation to human ACE2 receptors than lineage 1 HKU5-CoV. The study concluded that this distinct lineage of bat coronaviruses has zoonotic potential but stopped short of confirming its ability to cause disease in humans.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-year-another-pandemic-china-discovers-new-bat-coronavirus-that-poses-risks-to-humans-8744960">Another year, another pandemic? China discovers new bat coronavirus that poses risks to humans</a>
<h2>Experts Caution Against Overstating Pandemic Risk</h2>
Following the publication of the study, some experts have urged caution in interpreting the findings. Dr Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, stated that concerns over a new pandemic may be overstated. He pointed out that global immunity to SARS-like viruses is now higher than it was before the COVID-19 outbreak, which could reduce the risk of widespread transmission.
Additionally, the study noted that HKU5-CoV-2 has a lower binding affinity to human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, along with other factors that may limit human adaptation. Researchers stated that while vigilance is necessary, the risk of the virus emerging in human populations should not be exaggerated.

Researchers identify HKU5-CoV-2 with potential for animal-to-human transmission

A newly identified bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been found in China, raising concerns about potential transmission to humans. The discovery was made by a team of virologists led by Shi Zhengli (Batwoman), a scientist known for her research on coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute. The findings were reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The study indicates that HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. Researchers found that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to human ACE2 receptors, a characteristic shared with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The ability to interact with these receptors suggests a potential for human infection. During laboratory tests, HKU5-CoV-2 was able to infect human cell cultures in mini-organ models. The study, cited by Newsweek, highlights the possibility of spillover from bats to humans, either directly or through intermediate hosts. However, researchers stated that further investigation is required to determine the likelihood of such an event. The research team noted that HKU5-CoV-2 demonstrated better adaptation to human ACE2 receptors than lineage 1 HKU5-CoV. The study concluded that this distinct lineage of bat coronaviruses has zoonotic potential but stopped short of confirming its ability to cause disease in humans. Also read: Another year, another pandemic? China discovers new bat coronavirus that poses risks to humans Experts Caution Against Overstating Pandemic Risk Following the publication of the study, some experts have urged caution in interpreting the findings. Dr Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, stated that concerns over a new pandemic may be overstated. He pointed out that global immunity to SARS-like viruses is now higher than it was before the COVID-19 outbreak, which could reduce the risk of widespread transmission. Additionally, the study noted that HKU5-CoV-2 has a lower binding affinity to human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, along with other factors that may limit human adaptation. Researchers stated that while vigilance is necessary, the risk of the virus emerging in human populations should not be exaggerated.

What is HKU5-CoV-2? Understanding the new coronavirus discovered in China

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