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<p>A rare 16th-century cannon, weighing nearly 3.5 tonnes, was stolen from Madhya Pradesh’s historic Narwar Fort. The theft took place on the intervening night of July 15 and 16, when a group of 25 to 30 armed men allegedly entered the hill fort in Shivpuri district through a rugged rear route. According to security personnel, the gang threatened the unarmed guards before loading the massive cannon onto waiting vehicles and fleeing the spot.</p><p>Notably, this is not a first time an artillery piece disappeared from the same monument. In a similar theft 19 years ago, another cannon was stolen from the site. The latest incident has triggered questions over the security of protected heritage sites and the possible role of organised antique-smuggling networks.</p><p>The stolen cannon was one of 14 historic artillery pieces displayed in the fort's courtyard. Only 13 now remain.</p><p>Investigators suspect the operation was planned well in advance. Police believe the gang had made an unsuccessful attempt to steal the same cannon on July 5 after pushing it from its original position. However, they were reportedly unable to transport it because of its weight. They allegedly returned 10 days later with loading vehicles and the equipment needed to move the centuries-old relic.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-caste-data-to-digital-tools-why-india-s-2027-census-will-make-history-1784199776262"><strong>From caste data to digital tools: Why India’s 2027 Census will make history</strong></a></p><p>Tyre marks found along the fort's rear approach are being examined as investigators work to trace the route used by the suspects.</p><p>Officials from the State Archaeology Department said the cannons housed at Narwar Fort are crafted from alloys such as brass, bronze, copper and ashtadhatu, and carry royal insignia along with inscriptions in Persian and Devanagari. While their monetary value cannot be officially estimated, experts believe such military relics command huge prices in the illegal international antiquities market.</p><p>The theft has revived memories of the 2007 disappearance of another Mughal-era cannon from the fort's Kachahari Mahal complex. That cannon, measuring nearly seven feet in length and weighing around 30 quintals, was never recovered.</p><p>A case has been registered at Narwar police station. Gwalior Range Inspector General Arvind Saxena said the absence of CCTV cameras inside the fort has made the investigation more difficult. Police are relying on surveillance footage from roads leading to the monument and are also examining the possibility that an organised international antique-smuggling gang was behind the theft.</p>

A 16th-century cannon has been stolen from Madhya Pradesh’s Narwar Fort by an armed gang, nearly two decades after a similar theft. Police suspect an organised antique-smuggling network.

A rare 16th-century cannon, weighing nearly 3.5 tonnes, was stolen from Madhya Pradesh’s historic Narwar Fort. The theft took place on the intervening night of July 15 and 16, when a group of 25 to 30 armed men allegedly entered the hill fort in Shivpuri district through a rugged rear route. According to security personnel, the gang threatened the unarmed guards before loading the massive cannon onto waiting vehicles and fleeing the spot. Notably, this is not a first time an artillery piece disappeared from the same monument. In a similar theft 19 years ago, another cannon was stolen from the site. The latest incident has triggered questions over the security of protected heritage sites and the possible role of organised antique-smuggling networks. The stolen cannon was one of 14 historic artillery pieces displayed in the fort's courtyard. Only 13 now remain. Investigators suspect the operation was planned well in advance. Police believe the gang had made an unsuccessful attempt to steal the same cannon on July 5 after pushing it from its original position. However, they were reportedly unable to transport it because of its weight. They allegedly returned 10 days later with loading vehicles and the equipment needed to move the centuries-old relic. Also read | From caste data to digital tools: Why India’s 2027 Census will make history Tyre marks found along the fort's rear approach are being examined as investigators work to trace the route used by the suspects. Officials from the State Archaeology Department said the cannons housed at Narwar Fort are crafted from alloys such as brass, bronze, copper and ashtadhatu, and carry royal insignia along with inscriptions in Persian and Devanagari. While their monetary value cannot be officially estimated, experts believe such military relics command huge prices in the illegal international antiquities market. The theft has revived memories of the 2007 disappearance of another Mughal-era cannon from the fort's Kachahari Mahal complex. That cannon, measuring nearly seven feet in length and weighing around 30 quintals, was never recovered. A case has been registered at Narwar police station. Gwalior Range Inspector General Arvind Saxena said the absence of CCTV cameras inside the fort has made the investigation more difficult. Police are relying on surveillance footage from roads leading to the monument and are also examining the possibility that an organised international antique-smuggling gang was behind the theft.

<p>A 16th-century cannon has been stolen from Madhya Pradesh’s Narwar Fort by an armed gang, nearly two decades after a similar theft. Police suspect an organised antique-smuggling network.</p>

Cannon event! 16th century artefact weighing 3.5 tonnes stolen from MP’s Narwar Fort

<p>Not very long ago, joining a terrorist organisation often meant crossing borders. Recruits travelled to secret camps, where they met handlers in person. There, they would learn how to make explosives, communicate secretly and evade security forces through face-to-face training. However, that model is now changing. Today, much of that radicalisation journey can begin with nothing more than a smartphone, an encrypted messaging app and increasingly, artificial intelligence.</p><p>Security agencies across the world are warning that terrorist organisations are rapidly adapting to AI-powered technologies, using them not just to spread propaganda but also to recruit supporters, create fake identities, translate extremist material into multiple languages and even assist with operational planning.</p><p>For countries like India, where millions of young people spend hours online every day, the concern is no longer limited to militants crossing the border. The greater challenge may be preventing radicalisation before anyone ever leaves their bedroom. WION Decodes the changing face of terror and radicalisation.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-india-wants-a-permanent-unsc-seat-why-is-it-still-contesting-for-a-temporary-one-wion-decodes-1784104714747"><strong>If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How are terror groups using AI?</strong></h2><p>Creating propaganda once required designers, translators and video editors. Now, generative AI has dramatically changed that.</p><p>Groups linked to ISIS, Al Qaeda and other extremist organisations can now generate realistic videos, speeches, posters and audio messages in multiple languages within minutes. Europol has warned that AI is making extremist propaganda cheaper, faster and far more scalable than before.</p><p>Deepfake technology adds another layer of risk. Synthetic voices and AI-generated videos can make fake messages appear authentic, while fabricated identities allow recruiters to hide behind convincing online personas.</p><h2><strong>Recruitment has become personal: AI personalising propaganda</strong></h2><p>Perhaps the biggest change is not the technology itself but how it is being used. Instead of broadcasting one message to everyone, AI allows recruiters to tailor content to individuals. Algorithms can identify vulnerable users, personalise conversations and keep potential recruits engaged through encrypted messaging platforms and social media.</p><p>The result is a recruitment process that looks less like traditional extremist propaganda and more like targeted digital marketing.</p><h2><strong>Can chatbots manipulate vulnerable people?</strong></h2><p>The concern is no longer theoretical. Reports suggest that terrorists are now experimenting with AI chatbots.</p><p>A recent study by researcher Dr Juelich and shared with The New York Times before its publication, involving interviews with former Boko Haram members, found that some militants had begun using AI chatbots to seek technical information that could improve weapons and assist with planning attacks.</p><p>Former members said trainers linked to the Islamic State taught recruits how to create AI accounts, use VPNs, frame prompts effectively and bypass chatbot safety restrictions.</p><p>One former commander described the experience bluntly. "You type in the question or use your voice, and it gives you a detailed answer, like 'How can I build a bomb?', and then it tells you how. It is like a human robot! We used it a lot."</p><p>The study suggests that extremist groups are not relying on a single AI platform. According to terrorism experts, they move between multiple chatbots depending on which one provides the information they are seeking.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-s-brahmos-vs-usa-s-tomahawk-russia-s-kalibr-and-china-s-yj-18-why-nations-are-lining-up-for-the-make-in-india-missile-1782892168517"><strong>India's BrahMos vs USA's Tomahawk, Russia's Kalibr and China's YJ-18: Why nations are lining up for the Make-in-India missile</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Why is this harder to stop</strong></h2><p>In the past, traditional terrorist networks left a paper trail: training camps could be spotted, physical meetings could be wiretapped, and unusual travel patterns flagged suspicion. Virtual networks are a different game entirely; they operate in the shadows, leaving behind almost no physical footprint.</p><p>Encrypted messaging services, anonymous accounts, AI-generated identities and decentralised online communities make investigations significantly more difficult. Extremist content can spread across social media, gaming platforms and private channels simultaneously, allowing recruiters to reach audiences across borders without ever meeting them.</p><h2><strong>Can India stop it?</strong></h2><p>Indian security agencies have already begun treating AI-enabled radicalisation as an emerging national security challenge.</p><p>Addressing the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting on Thursday (Jul 16) Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval noted that the world is now "facing multi-domain security threats, amplified by rapid technological advancements" and called for stronger regional cooperation and practical measures to tackle technology-driven security threats. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also strengthened cyber and information security capabilities aimed at detecting online extremist activity and improving intelligence sharing.</p><p>Recent investigations in states such as Gujarat and Kerala have also reinforced the importance of early detection, cyber monitoring and coordinated intelligence to identify online radicalisation before it develops into organised terror activity.</p><h2><strong>Can AI itself become radical?</strong></h2><p>No, AI cannot become radical in the way humans can. Large language models (LLMs) do not hold beliefs or ideologies. However, they can become tools that extremist groups attempt to exploit.</p><p>While developers continue to strengthen safeguards that block requests for violent or illegal assistance, time and time again, researchers have shown that indirect prompts, multiple systems or other techniques can be used to evade those safeguards.</p><p>That means the risk lies less in AI becoming extremist and more in extremists trying to misuse AI.</p><h2><strong>What can AI do that humans couldn't?</strong></h2><p>While AI hasn't replaced terrorist groups, it has definitely made their operations faster, cheaper, and a lot harder to track.</p><p>Today, recruitment often starts with a single click. Propaganda that used to take days to produce is now generated in minutes, and fake identities can be generated almost instantly. On top of that, encrypted apps allow these groups to coordinate across borders without ever meeting face-to-face.</p><p>For intelligence agencies, the new frontline is digital. For countries like India, stopping terror is no longer just about boots on the ground; it's about cybersecurity and digital literacy.</p>

As terrorist organisations increasingly exploit artificial intelligence for propaganda, recruitment and operational planning, WION Decodes how AI is reshaping the global terror landscape and why India's biggest security challenge may now begin online, not across its borders.

Not very long ago, joining a terrorist organisation often meant crossing borders. Recruits travelled to secret camps, where they met handlers in person. There, they would learn how to make explosives, communicate secretly and evade security forces through face-to-face training. However, that model is now changing. Today, much of that radicalisation journey can begin with nothing more than a smartphone, an encrypted messaging app and increasingly, artificial intelligence. Security agencies across the world are warning that terrorist organisations are rapidly adapting to AI-powered technologies, using them not just to spread propaganda but also to recruit supporters, create fake identities, translate extremist material into multiple languages and even assist with operational planning. For countries like India, where millions of young people spend hours online every day, the concern is no longer limited to militants crossing the border. The greater challenge may be preventing radicalisation before anyone ever leaves their bedroom. WION Decodes the changing face of terror and radicalisation. Also read | If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes How are terror groups using AI? Creating propaganda once required designers, translators and video editors. Now, generative AI has dramatically changed that. Groups linked to ISIS, Al Qaeda and other extremist organisations can now generate realistic videos, speeches, posters and audio messages in multiple languages within minutes. Europol has warned that AI is making extremist propaganda cheaper, faster and far more scalable than before. Deepfake technology adds another layer of risk. Synthetic voices and AI-generated videos can make fake messages appear authentic, while fabricated identities allow recruiters to hide behind convincing online personas. Recruitment has become personal: AI personalising propaganda Perhaps the biggest change is not the technology itself but how it is being used. Instead of broadcasting one message to everyone, AI allows recruiters to tailor content to individuals. Algorithms can identify vulnerable users, personalise conversations and keep potential recruits engaged through encrypted messaging platforms and social media. The result is a recruitment process that looks less like traditional extremist propaganda and more like targeted digital marketing. Can chatbots manipulate vulnerable people? The concern is no longer theoretical. Reports suggest that terrorists are now experimenting with AI chatbots. A recent study by researcher Dr Juelich and shared with The New York Times before its publication, involving interviews with former Boko Haram members, found that some militants had begun using AI chatbots to seek technical information that could improve weapons and assist with planning attacks. Former members said trainers linked to the Islamic State taught recruits how to create AI accounts, use VPNs, frame prompts effectively and bypass chatbot safety restrictions. One former commander described the experience bluntly. "You type in the question or use your voice, and it gives you a detailed answer, like 'How can I build a bomb?', and then it tells you how. It is like a human robot! We used it a lot." The study suggests that extremist groups are not relying on a single AI platform. According to terrorism experts, they move between multiple chatbots depending on which one provides the information they are seeking. Also read | India's BrahMos vs USA's Tomahawk, Russia's Kalibr and China's YJ-18: Why nations are lining up for the Make-in-India missile Why is this harder to stop In the past, traditional terrorist networks left a paper trail: training camps could be spotted, physical meetings could be wiretapped, and unusual travel patterns flagged suspicion. Virtual networks are a different game entirely; they operate in the shadows, leaving behind almost no physical footprint. Encrypted messaging services, anonymous accounts, AI-generated identities and decentralised online communities make investigations significantly more difficult. Extremist content can spread across social media, gaming platforms and private channels simultaneously, allowing recruiters to reach audiences across borders without ever meeting them. Can India stop it? Indian security agencies have already begun treating AI-enabled radicalisation as an emerging national security challenge. Addressing the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting on Thursday (Jul 16) Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval noted that the world is now "facing multi-domain security threats, amplified by rapid technological advancements" and called for stronger regional cooperation and practical measures to tackle technology-driven security threats. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also strengthened cyber and information security capabilities aimed at detecting online extremist activity and improving intelligence sharing. Recent investigations in states such as Gujarat and Kerala have also reinforced the importance of early detection, cyber monitoring and coordinated intelligence to identify online radicalisation before it develops into organised terror activity. Can AI itself become radical? No, AI cannot become radical in the way humans can. Large language models (LLMs) do not hold beliefs or ideologies. However, they can become tools that extremist groups attempt to exploit. While developers continue to strengthen safeguards that block requests for violent or illegal assistance, time and time again, researchers have shown that indirect prompts, multiple systems or other techniques can be used to evade those safeguards. That means the risk lies less in AI becoming extremist and more in extremists trying to misuse AI. What can AI do that humans couldn't? While AI hasn't replaced terrorist groups, it has definitely made their operations faster, cheaper, and a lot harder to track. Today, recruitment often starts with a single click. Propaganda that used to take days to produce is now generated in minutes, and fake identities can be generated almost instantly. On top of that, encrypted apps allow these groups to coordinate across borders without ever meeting face-to-face. For intelligence agencies, the new frontline is digital. For countries like India, stopping terror is no longer just about boots on the ground; it's about cybersecurity and digital literacy.

<p>As terrorist organisations increasingly exploit artificial intelligence for propaganda, recruitment and operational planning, WION Decodes how AI is reshaping the global terror landscape and why India's biggest security challenge may now begin online, not across its borders.</p>

India's next terror threat may not cross the border. It may enter through your phone | WION Decodes

Global transportation is shifting toward sustainability through petrol-ethanol blending programs designed to curb carbon emissions and boost energy independence. Currently, these nations are actively restructuring their fuel frameworks to transition into cleaner energy ecosystems.

Green fuel race: Which countries are leading petrol-ethanol shift? Check details inside

<p>Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, on Saturday (Jul 18) warned the government against administering anything orally or intravenously to her husband without taking consent from her, his family and his doctors. This comes after Delhi Police said that Wangchuk was taken to hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike after his health had deteriorated. Angmo confirmed that the climate activist was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.</p><p>In a post on X, Angmo wrote, “I am at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenously without taking consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days.”</p><h2><strong>‘Deteriorating health condition’</strong></h2><p>In a statement on X, Delhi Police said that Wangchuk has been shifted to a hospital for “essential medical care” on the direction of Delhi High Court.</p><p>“As per orders of the Hon'ble High Court and on expert medical advice, due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care,” Delhi Police said.</p><p>"While complying with the orders of the Hon'ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and undertook the exercise safely," the statement said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dipke-claims-to-have-been-beaten-up-detained-as-delhi-police-forcibly-remove-protestors-from-jantar-mantar-video-1784346107246"><strong>Dipke claims to have been 'beaten up, detained' as Delhi police forcibly remove protestors from Jantar Mantar | VIDEO</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Abhijeet Dipke announces hunger strike</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike after Wangchuk was taken to hospital. In a post on X, CJP informed, “Abhijeet Dipke sits on an indefinite hunger strike. The ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on 20 July will proceed as planned.”</p><p>Earlier, Dipke claimed that he was “beaten up” and “detained” by the police as Delhi police asked protesters to vacate the Jantar Mantar. The CJP claimed that "Delhi Police has picked up Sonam Wangchuk forcefully".</p>

Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, urged authorities not to administer oral or IV treatment without consent after the activist was hospitalised on the 21st day of his hunger strike due to worsening health.

Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, on Saturday (Jul 18) warned the government against administering anything orally or intravenously to her husband without taking consent from her, his family and his doctors. This comes after Delhi Police said that Wangchuk was taken to hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike after his health had deteriorated. Angmo confirmed that the climate activist was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. In a post on X, Angmo wrote, “I am at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenously without taking consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days.” ‘Deteriorating health condition’ In a statement on X, Delhi Police said that Wangchuk has been shifted to a hospital for “essential medical care” on the direction of Delhi High Court. “As per orders of the Hon'ble High Court and on expert medical advice, due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care,” Delhi Police said. "While complying with the orders of the Hon'ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and undertook the exercise safely," the statement said. Also read | Dipke claims to have been 'beaten up, detained' as Delhi police forcibly remove protestors from Jantar Mantar | VIDEO Abhijeet Dipke announces hunger strike Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike after Wangchuk was taken to hospital. In a post on X, CJP informed, “Abhijeet Dipke sits on an indefinite hunger strike. The ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on 20 July will proceed as planned.” Earlier, Dipke claimed that he was “beaten up” and “detained” by the police as Delhi police asked protesters to vacate the Jantar Mantar. The CJP claimed that "Delhi Police has picked up Sonam Wangchuk forcefully".

<p>Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, urged authorities not to administer oral or IV treatment without consent after the activist was hospitalised on the 21st day of his hunger strike due to worsening health.</p>

‘Nothing without consent’: Sonam Wangchuk’s wife warns authorities against breaking his hunger strike

<p>Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on X has claimed that he was "beaten up" and "detained" by the police. This comes as on Saturday (Jul 18) Delhi police asked protestors to vacate the Jantar Mantar. Visuals from the protest site show police forcibly clearing out protestors after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital. The CJP claims that "Delhi Police has picked up Sonam Wangchuk forcefully".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-sonam-wangchuk-be-forced-to-eat-like-irom-sharmila-supreme-court-on-preserving-life-of-person-on-indefinite-fast-wion-decodes-1784265045185"><strong>Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Protesters allege Wangchuk was taken away by force</strong></h2><p>Supporters of Wangchuk disputed the police version, claiming he was forcibly removed from the protest site.</p><p>Members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been supporting the protest, refused to leave Jantar Mantar after Wangchuk was taken away.</p><p>Several protesters alleged that Delhi Police "picked up Sonam Wangchuk forcefully" before beginning to clear the site.</p><p>Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, later claimed on X that he had been assaulted and detained during the police action. "I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police," Dipke posted. There was no immediate response from the Delhi Police to Dipke's allegation.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteers refuse to vacate protest site at Jantar Mantar, as Delhi Police takes Sonam Wangchuk to hospital following court orders on day 21 of his hunger strike<br><br>(Credits: @SauravDassss/X) <a href="https://t.co/5flWyF9zi9">pic.twitter.com/5flWyF9zi9</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2078321635476775059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-hospitalised-as-health-deteriorates-after-20-day-hunger-strike-says-delhi-police-1784342146233"><strong>Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised as health deteriorates after 20-day hunger strike; Delhi Police asks protestors to 'peacefully' vacate Jantar Mantar</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Visuals show protestors being dragged away from protest site</strong></h2><p>On Saturday morning, Delhi Police, in its statement on X, asked protestors to “peacefully vacate” Jantar Mantar. However, videos shared by protestors from the protest site show protestors being dragged away by the police.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Delhi: Protesters are being cleared from the Jantar Mantar protest site after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike there for the past 20 days, was taken to a hospital by Delhi Police for medical treatment<br><br>(Video: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/cFrDtBfNjK">pic.twitter.com/cFrDtBfNjK</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2078318730887745627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#39;Delhi Police picked up Sonam Wangchuk forcefully,&#39; allege protesters<br><br>(Credits: @SauravDassss/X) <a href="https://t.co/PpjExNPWeL">pic.twitter.com/PpjExNPWeL</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2078317959119020481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founding president Abhijeet Dipke said the movement would continue despite activist Sonam Wangchuk being taken to hospital, asserting that protesters would march to Parliament on July 20<br><br>Dipke added that the party would now seek Prime… <a href="https://t.co/OstBy7CzQ7">pic.twitter.com/OstBy7CzQ7</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2078323570095370380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The developments came hours after Dipke alleged that unidentified individuals had tried to attack Wangchuk during the protest.</p><p>According to Dipke, an object was thrown towards the activist, although Wangchuk was not injured. He also accused authorities of failing to prevent repeated attempts to disrupt the demonstration.</p>

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that he was assaulted and detained by Delhi Police during the clearance of protesters from Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to hospital, claims that police had not publicly responded to at the time of publication.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on X has claimed that he was "beaten up" and "detained" by the police. This comes as on Saturday (Jul 18) Delhi police asked protestors to vacate the Jantar Mantar. Visuals from the protest site show police forcibly clearing out protestors after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital. The CJP claims that "Delhi Police has picked up Sonam Wangchuk forcefully". Also read | Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes Protesters allege Wangchuk was taken away by force Supporters of Wangchuk disputed the police version, claiming he was forcibly removed from the protest site. Members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been supporting the protest, refused to leave Jantar Mantar after Wangchuk was taken away. Several protesters alleged that Delhi Police "picked up Sonam Wangchuk forcefully" before beginning to clear the site. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, later claimed on X that he had been assaulted and detained during the police action. "I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police," Dipke posted. There was no immediate response from the Delhi Police to Dipke's allegation.

<p>Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that he was assaulted and detained by Delhi Police during the clearance of protesters from Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to hospital, claims that police had not publicly responded to at the time of publication.</p>

Dipke claims to have been 'beaten up, detained' as Delhi police forcibly remove protestors from Jantar Mantar | VIDEO

<p>The Supreme Court on Friday (Jul 17) made it clear that removing a person's name from the electoral roll does not mean they lose their Indian citizenship, stressing that the Election Commission's powers are limited to maintaining voter lists. Hearing a petition linked to West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant reiterated that while the Election Commission of India (ECI) has the authority to prepare and revise electoral rolls, it cannot decide questions of citizenship.</p><h2><strong>SIR deletion doesn't equal losing Indian citizenship</strong></h2><p>"Our judgment (on Bihar SIR) is clear. The Election Commission of India has full control over the electoral roll. However, that does not result in loss of citizenship per se. They have a corresponding duty to refer it to the ministry of the Central government department for adjudication of the citizenship status," the Chief Justice observed.</p><p>The court issued notice on a petition alleging that lakhs of people in West Bengal have been denied access to welfare schemes after their names were deleted from the electoral rolls.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-attacked-on-day-20-of-hunger-strike-object-thrown-at-activist-alleged-cockroach-janta-party-s-abhijeet-dipke-watch-1784339088172"><strong>Sonam Wangchuk attacked on Day 20 of hunger strike? 'Object thrown at' activist alleges Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke | Watch</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Petition flags denial of ration, cash benefits</strong></h2><p>The petition, filed by Prasenjit Bose of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, argues that deletion from the electoral roll should not automatically lead to exclusion from government welfare schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Annapurna cash transfer scheme and other social benefit programmes.</p><p>Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan told the court that despite the Supreme Court's earlier clarification in the Bihar SIR case, the West Bengal government had issued multiple orders that effectively linked electoral roll deletion to the withdrawal of welfare benefits.</p><p>He argued that nearly 3.4 million appeals filed by voters excluded during the SIR exercise remain pending before appellate tribunals, leaving affected persons without access to essential benefits.</p><p>"The consequences of deletion now... PDS, Annapurna, caste certificates, verification," Sankaranarayanan submitted, adding that people were being deprived of government entitlements before any final determination of their legal status.</p><h2><strong>Supreme Court: ECI's role is limited</strong></h2><p>Previously, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was part of the Bench along with Justice V Mohana, reminded the petitioner that the legal position had already been settled in the court's Bihar SIR judgment.</p><p>"We are conscious of this. In our Bihar SIR judgment, we have clarified that the ECI, as soon as it takes a decision over voting rights, cannot decide citizenship. The ECI has a corresponding duty to refer the matter to the Ministry for adjudication under the Citizenship Act," Justice Bagchi observed.</p><p>When Sankaranarayanan argued that the court may not have anticipated that deleted voters would immediately lose access to welfare schemes, the Bench responded that the law governing the Election Commission's powers was already clear.</p><p>"Law is clear. ECI has control and superintendence over the electoral roll," the court observed.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-attacked-on-day-20-of-hunger-strike-object-thrown-at-activist-alleged-cockroach-janta-party-s-abhijeet-dipke-watch-1784339088172"><strong>Sonam Wangchuk attacked on Day 20 of hunger strike? 'Object thrown at' activist alleges Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke | Watch</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Plea seeks faster disposal of 3.4 million appeals</strong></h2><p>The petitioner also urged the Supreme Court to ensure quicker disposal of the pending appeals. According to the plea, only 19 special tribunals are currently hearing challenges filed by voters whose names were marked under a category described as "logical discrepancy". The petition seeks an increase in the number of tribunals to at least 42, citing the huge backlog ahead of the West Bengal local body elections expected later this year.</p><p>Sankaranarayanan also sought greater transparency in the functioning of the tribunals, requesting that they publish their standard operating procedures and upload their orders online. "There should be a mechanism to ensure transparency. Tribunals should have websites, put out their SOPs and put up their orders," he told the court.</p>

The Supreme Court has clarified that removing a person's name from the electoral roll does not amount to loss of Indian citizenship, stressing that the Election Commission's role is limited to maintaining voter lists and that citizenship questions.

The Supreme Court on Friday (Jul 17) made it clear that removing a person's name from the electoral roll does not mean they lose their Indian citizenship, stressing that the Election Commission's powers are limited to maintaining voter lists. Hearing a petition linked to West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant reiterated that while the Election Commission of India (ECI) has the authority to prepare and revise electoral rolls, it cannot decide questions of citizenship. SIR deletion doesn't equal losing Indian citizenship "Our judgment (on Bihar SIR) is clear. The Election Commission of India has full control over the electoral roll. However, that does not result in loss of citizenship per se. They have a corresponding duty to refer it to the ministry of the Central government department for adjudication of the citizenship status," the Chief Justice observed. The court issued notice on a petition alleging that lakhs of people in West Bengal have been denied access to welfare schemes after their names were deleted from the electoral rolls. Also read | Sonam Wangchuk attacked on Day 20 of hunger strike? 'Object thrown at' activist alleges Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke | Watch Petition flags denial of ration, cash benefits The petition, filed by Prasenjit Bose of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, argues that deletion from the electoral roll should not automatically lead to exclusion from government welfare schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Annapurna cash transfer scheme and other social benefit programmes. Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan told the court that despite the Supreme Court's earlier clarification in the Bihar SIR case, the West Bengal government had issued multiple orders that effectively linked electoral roll deletion to the withdrawal of welfare benefits. He argued that nearly 3.4 million appeals filed by voters excluded during the SIR exercise remain pending before appellate tribunals, leaving affected persons without access to essential benefits. "The consequences of deletion now... PDS, Annapurna, caste certificates, verification," Sankaranarayanan submitted, adding that people were being deprived of government entitlements before any final determination of their legal status. Supreme Court: ECI's role is limited Previously, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was part of the Bench along with Justice V Mohana, reminded the petitioner that the legal position had already been settled in the court's Bihar SIR judgment. "We are conscious of this. In our Bihar SIR judgment, we have clarified that the ECI, as soon as it takes a decision over voting rights, cannot decide citizenship. The ECI has a corresponding duty to refer the matter to the Ministry for adjudication under the Citizenship Act," Justice Bagchi observed. When Sankaranarayanan argued that the court may not have anticipated that deleted voters would immediately lose access to welfare schemes, the Bench responded that the law governing the Election Commission's powers was already clear. "Law is clear. ECI has control and superintendence over the electoral roll," the court observed. Also read | Sonam Wangchuk attacked on Day 20 of hunger strike? 'Object thrown at' activist alleges Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke | Watch Plea seeks faster disposal of 3.4 million appeals The petitioner also urged the Supreme Court to ensure quicker disposal of the pending appeals. According to the plea, only 19 special tribunals are currently hearing challenges filed by voters whose names were marked under a category described as "logical discrepancy". The petition seeks an increase in the number of tribunals to at least 42, citing the huge backlog ahead of the West Bengal local body elections expected later this year. Sankaranarayanan also sought greater transparency in the functioning of the tribunals, requesting that they publish their standard operating procedures and upload their orders online. "There should be a mechanism to ensure transparency. Tribunals should have websites, put out their SOPs and put up their orders," he told the court.

<p>The Supreme Court has clarified that removing a person's name from the electoral roll does not amount to loss of Indian citizenship, stressing that the Election Commission's role is limited to maintaining voter lists and that citizenship questions.</p>

Can deleted voters lose citizenship, ration benefits? Supreme Court BIG statement on ECI's role and SIR

<p>Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has been hit by fresh controversy after a fellow protester alleged that unidentified individuals attempted to attack him during the demonstration. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party and one of the organisers supporting the protest, claimed on Friday (Jul 17) that an object was thrown towards Wangchuk.</p><h2><strong>Was Sonam Wangchuk injured in the attack?</strong></h2><p>Dipke said that Wangchuk was unharmed and accused authorities of failing to prevent repeated attempts to disrupt what he described as a peaceful protest. "Goons tried to attack Sonam sir at Jantar Mantar. An object was thrown at him, but fortunately, he was not hurt," Dipke said in a statement on X.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Goons tried to attack Sonam sir at Jantar Mantar. An object was thrown at him, but fortunately, he was not hurt.<br><br>A few days ago, I had warned that people would be sent to Jantar Mantar to disrupt the protest after I was informed by an insider in the police.<br><br>If anything happens…</p>&mdash; Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) <a href="https://x.com/abhijeet_dipke/status/2078181531743629689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-sonam-wangchuk-be-forced-to-eat-like-irom-sharmila-supreme-court-on-preserving-life-of-person-on-indefinite-fast-wion-decodes-1784265045185"><strong>Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes</strong></a></p><p>He further alleged that he had earlier received information from a police insider warning that people could be sent to the protest site to create disturbances. Blaming the government for the alleged attack, Dipke said, "If anything happens to Sonam sir, the government will be responsible as there's clearly a plan to dismantle the peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar."</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, there were multiple incidents where people created disturbances, yet the police failed to respond for hours.<br><br>By allowing this to continue, they are enabling attempts to disrupt what has remained a peaceful protest. <a href="https://t.co/bDfppmtedE">https://t.co/bDfppmtedE</a></p>&mdash; Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) <a href="https://x.com/abhijeet_dipke/status/2078188027545808952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>He also alleged that multiple incidents of disruption took place during the day, but said police did not intervene for several hours.</p><p>As of Saturday (Jul 18) morning, Delhi Police had not publicly confirmed the alleged incident or responded to the claims.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Founding President of the Cockroach Janta Party, Abhijeet Dipke alleges that activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike was attacked at Jantar Mantar<br><br>(Visuals shot at around 11.30 pm last night) <a href="https://t.co/WV0kzVOTZW">pic.twitter.com/WV0kzVOTZW</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2078251900303184276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Wangchuk enters 21st day of hunger strike</strong></h2><p>The incident comes as Wangchuk entered the 21st consecutive day of his indefinite hunger strike, launched to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan*over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and other alleged examination irregularities.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-share-the-anguish-congress-appeals-to-sonam-wangchuk-to-end-fast-even-as-rahul-gandhi-remains-missing-from-jantar-mantar-protest-1784252531651"><strong>'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar</strong></a></p><p>Doctors monitoring the activist have expressed concern over his deteriorating health.</p><h2><strong>Wangchuk continues to weaken, loses weight</strong></h2><p>According to medical updates released on Friday, Wangchuk's weight had fallen to 56.55 kg, down by another 350 grams in just 24 hours. His blood pressure was recorded at 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar was at 70 mg/dL, while doctors noted mild dehydration.</p><p>Dr Satish Lamba, part of the medical team monitoring Wangchuk, said the prolonged fast had entered a stage where vital organs could begin to be affected. "When the body does not receive glucose, proteins and carbohydrates, changes occur. Initially, there is fat loss, followed by muscle loss. Now, at this third stage, organ involvement is possible. The medical team is maintaining 24-hour vigilance," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Abhijeet Dipke claims that unidentified individuals threw an object at Sonam Wangchuk during his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Cockroach Janta Party alleges “there’s clearly a plan to dismantle the peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar”.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has been hit by fresh controversy after a fellow protester alleged that unidentified individuals attempted to attack him during the demonstration. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party and one of the organisers supporting the protest, claimed on Friday (Jul 17) that an object was thrown towards Wangchuk. Was Sonam Wangchuk injured in the attack? Dipke said that Wangchuk was unharmed and accused authorities of failing to prevent repeated attempts to disrupt what he described as a peaceful protest. "Goons tried to attack Sonam sir at Jantar Mantar. An object was thrown at him, but fortunately, he was not hurt," Dipke said in a statement on X.

<p>Abhijeet Dipke claims that unidentified individuals threw an object at Sonam Wangchuk during his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Cockroach Janta Party alleges “there’s clearly a plan to dismantle the peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar”.</p>

Sonam Wangchuk attacked on Day 20 of hunger strike? 'Object thrown at' activist alleges Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke | Watch

<p>US President Donald Trump has opened a new front in his tariff campaign, this time targeting wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada. In a post on Truth Social on Friday (Jul 17), Trump accused Canada of failing to manage its forests, saying smoke from the country's raging wildfires had polluted the air across parts of the United States. He warned that the economic cost of the smoke would be added to tariffs already imposed on Canadian goods.</p><p>"We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests, and brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!" Trump wrote.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-from-china-election-claims-to-inflation-here-s-what-trump-got-right-and-wrong-in-his-national-address-1784272026916"><strong>Fact check: From China election claims to inflation, here's what Trump got right — and wrong — in his national address</strong></a></p><p>He said he planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney later in the day to ask what Ottawa intended to do about the fires. "I will call the Prime Minister during the day to find out what they are going to do about it. The cost is incalculable!" Trump added.</p><p>Trump went on to accuse Canada of refusing to carry out proper forest management and debris removal, calling it "willful negligence" and claiming the problem had become an annual burden for Americans. "The cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying," he wrote.</p>

<h2><strong>Wildfire smoke blankets parts of the US</strong></h2><p>Trump's remarks come as smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada continues to spread across large parts of North America. According to NASA, nearly 850 active wildfires are burning across Canada, including more than 180 in Ontario. Smoke from the blazes has drifted into the United States, prompting air quality alerts across more than 20 states, from the Upper Midwest to the Northeast.</p><p>Residents in several cities have been advised to limit outdoor activities as fine particulate matter from the smoke pushed air quality into unhealthy categories.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wildfires-smoke-us-air-quality-alert-midwest-northeast-1784113411789"><strong>Wildfire smoke from Canada will soon spread across US Midwest and East</strong></a></p><p>Notably, the situation is not limited to Canada. More than 150 wildfires are also burning across the United States, including several in Michigan, according to Politico. Experts say a combination of prolonged dry conditions and a record-breaking heat wave across parts of North America has created ideal conditions for wildfires to spread.</p><h2><strong>Can tariffs be used to penalise wildfire smoke?</strong></h2><p>Trump did not explain how such a tariff would be implemented or under what legal authority the United States could levy additional duties over cross-border air pollution.</p><p>Tariffs are traditionally imposed on imported goods rather than environmental impacts such as wildfire smoke.</p>

President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian goods, accusing Ottawa of failing to manage its forests and allowing wildfire smoke to pollute air across the United States, though he did not explain the legal basis for such a move.

US President Donald Trump has opened a new front in his tariff campaign, this time targeting wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada. In a post on Truth Social on Friday (Jul 17), Trump accused Canada of failing to manage its forests, saying smoke from the country's raging wildfires had polluted the air across parts of the United States. He warned that the economic cost of the smoke would be added to tariffs already imposed on Canadian goods. "We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests, and brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!" Trump wrote. Also read | Fact check: From China election claims to inflation, here's what Trump got right — and wrong — in his national address He said he planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney later in the day to ask what Ottawa intended to do about the fires. "I will call the Prime Minister during the day to find out what they are going to do about it. The cost is incalculable!" Trump added. Trump went on to accuse Canada of refusing to carry out proper forest management and debris removal, calling it "willful negligence" and claiming the problem had become an annual burden for Americans. "The cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying," he wrote.

<p>President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian goods, accusing Ottawa of failing to manage its forests and allowing wildfire smoke to pollute air across the United States, though he did not explain the legal basis for such a move.</p>

'Filthy, polluted air': Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke

<p>In a bizarre and unheard-of discovery, scientists have found a papyrus containing a passage from Homer's Iliad inside a Roman-era mummy. The nearly 1,600-year-old mummy was kept at the Egyptian site of Oxyrhynchus. Researchers say this is the first time in archaeological history that a Greek literary text was intentionally added to the mummification process. Oxyrhynchus Archaeological Mission, directed by Maite Mascort and Esther Pons, helmed the project carried out by the Institute of Ancient Near East Studies (IPOA) at the University of Barcelona.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A team led by Núria Castellano carried out excavations between November and December 2025 and came across the mummy in Tomb 65. They were surprised to see a papyrus resting on the mummy's abdomen, deliberately placed as part of the embalming ritual. Previous excavations have revealed Greek papyri positioned on mummies, but they were all linked to magic and rituals. This is the first time that a literary work has been found on a mummy. It is Homer's Iliad, which makes the discovery even more exciting.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"This is not the first time we have found Greek papyri, bundled, sealed, and incorporated into the mummification process, but until now, their content was mainly magical," Professor Ignasi-Xavier Adiego said. Even though several papyri have been discovered at Oxyrhynchus since the late 19th century, "the real novelty is finding a literary papyrus in a funerary context."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The piece of papyrus was studied in detail between January and February 2026 in a second campaign. Papyrologist Leah Mascia and Ignasi-Xavier Adiego deciphered the writing and determined that the fragment comes from the "Catalogue of Ships" in Book II of Homer's Iliad. This section talks about the Greek forces preparing for the Trojan War, when forces hid inside a fake horse and attacked Troy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Excavations revealed a funerary complex at the Al Bahnasa necropolis where three limestone burial chambers containing Roman-era mummies and decorated wooden sarcophagi were found.&nbsp;</p>

Archaeologists found a papyrus containing a passage from Homer's Iliad on the abdomen of a mummy in Egypt. While such pieces have been found in the past, they were linked to magic and rituals. This is the first time a literary work was found.

In a bizarre and unheard-of discovery, scientists have found a papyrus containing a passage from Homer's Iliad inside a Roman-era mummy. The nearly 1,600-year-old mummy was kept at the Egyptian site of Oxyrhynchus. Researchers say this is the first time in archaeological history that a Greek literary text was intentionally added to the mummification process. Oxyrhynchus Archaeological Mission, directed by Maite Mascort and Esther Pons, helmed the project carried out by the Institute of Ancient Near East Studies (IPOA) at the University of Barcelona. A team led by Núria Castellano carried out excavations between November and December 2025 and came across the mummy in Tomb 65. They were surprised to see a papyrus resting on the mummy's abdomen, deliberately placed as part of the embalming ritual. Previous excavations have revealed Greek papyri positioned on mummies, but they were all linked to magic and rituals. This is the first time that a literary work has been found on a mummy. It is Homer's Iliad, which makes the discovery even more exciting. "This is not the first time we have found Greek papyri, bundled, sealed, and incorporated into the mummification process, but until now, their content was mainly magical," Professor Ignasi-Xavier Adiego said. Even though several papyri have been discovered at Oxyrhynchus since the late 19th century, "the real novelty is finding a literary papyrus in a funerary context." The piece of papyrus was studied in detail between January and February 2026 in a second campaign. Papyrologist Leah Mascia and Ignasi-Xavier Adiego deciphered the writing and determined that the fragment comes from the "Catalogue of Ships" in Book II of Homer's Iliad. This section talks about the Greek forces preparing for the Trojan War, when forces hid inside a fake horse and attacked Troy. Excavations revealed a funerary complex at the Al Bahnasa necropolis where three limestone burial chambers containing Roman-era mummies and decorated wooden sarcophagi were found.

<p>Archaeologists found a papyrus containing a passage from Homer's Iliad on the abdomen of a mummy in Egypt. While such pieces have been found in the past, they were linked to magic and rituals. This is the first time a literary work was found.</p>

Homer's Iliad written before The Odyssey found inside an Egyptian mummy

<p>Skyroot Aerospace is set to achieve a milestone, creating history with the maiden launch of Vikram-1, marking India's first privately owned orbital-class rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18. The Mission, named Aagaman, aims to validate the rocket's performance ahead of its commercial operations debut. If the launch succeeds, it will become the first instance of an Indian private company placing a rocket into orbit from Indian soil, marking a major milestone in the country's rapidly growing India's private space industry after recent policy reforms.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 2020, the Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing.</p><p><br>Building on these reforms, the government introduced the Indian Space Policy 2023 to provide a clear regulatory framework and foster a vibrant space ecosystem. The policy seeks to strengthen India's space capabilities, promote commercial participation, drive technological innovation, expand international cooperation, and accelerate the adoption of space-based applications across sectors.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The vision of the reform was to augment space capabilities allowing to enable, enabling, encouraging, and developing a rising commercial presence in space; using space as a driver of technology development and fetching benefits in allied areas; pursuing international relations, along with creating an ecosystem for effective implementation of space applications among all stakeholders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-aborts-starship-launch-seconds-before-liftoff-after-engine-failure-elon-musk-says-next-attempt-next-week-1784275988606">SpaceX aborts Starship launch seconds before liftoff after engine failure; Elon Musk says next attempt next week</a></p><h3>How have private companies changed India's space ecosystem?</h3><p>Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, confirmed that the space economy has risen to an estimated $8.4 billion, with 399 start-ups now operating across launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems and space-grade electronics. The reforms formulated a conducive environment for private investment and entrepreneurship in a sector that had remained largely government-driven for more than 10 years.</p><p><br>This resulted in the rise of the space start-ups, which have increased sharply from single-digit levels to 399 at present. It has also prompted the space sector to be valued at about $8.4 billion, which is likely to grow four to five times over the next eight to ten years, potentially reaching $40–45 billion.</p><p><br>The Minister also underscored the revenue generated after the launch of foreign satellites. He noted that out of the 434 foreign satellites launched by ISRO so far, 399 were launched after 2014, earning India revenues of nearly € 323 million and $233 million. This growth has reflected the country’s growing presence in the global space launch market.</p><p><br>The proposed change is transitioning from a “Supply-Based Model” to a “Demand-Based Model”. In addition, it will also help ISRO to carry out capacity building in the space domain through the development of new technologies and capabilities, allowing the sharing of facilities by NewSpace India Limited &nbsp;(NSIL) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).</p><h3>NGEs to play a larger role</h3><p>Further in future, the policy encourages Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to play a larger role in India's space sector by allowing them to provide a wide range of commercial space services. They can offer satellite-based communication services using their own, leased or procured satellites, establish and operate ground infrastructure such as satellite control centres and tracking stations, and use both Indian and foreign orbital resources.</p><p><br>NGEs are also permitted to develop and operate remote-sensing satellite systems, distribute satellite data and related applications, and commercialise technologies in navigation, communication and remote sensing. The framework allows private companies to manufacture and operate launch vehicles, build launch infrastructure, and develop reusable and advanced space transportation technologies.</p><p><br>They can also strengthen space situational awareness, conduct research and innovation for the long-term sustainability of space activities, and provide end-to-end services for safe space operations. Additionally, the policy permits commercial recovery, ownership, transport, use and sale of asteroids or other space resources in accordance with Indian laws and international obligations, while enabling participation in other commercial space activities approved by IN-SPACe.</p>

The Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector in 2020, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing.

Skyroot Aerospace is set to achieve a milestone, creating history with the maiden launch of Vikram-1, marking India's first privately owned orbital-class rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18. The Mission, named Aagaman, aims to validate the rocket's performance ahead of its commercial operations debut. If the launch succeeds, it will become the first instance of an Indian private company placing a rocket into orbit from Indian soil, marking a major milestone in the country's rapidly growing India's private space industry after recent policy reforms. In 2020, the Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing. Building on these reforms, the government introduced the Indian Space Policy 2023 to provide a clear regulatory framework and foster a vibrant space ecosystem. The policy seeks to strengthen India's space capabilities, promote commercial participation, drive technological innovation, expand international cooperation, and accelerate the adoption of space-based applications across sectors. The vision of the reform was to augment space capabilities allowing to enable, enabling, encouraging, and developing a rising commercial presence in space; using space as a driver of technology development and fetching benefits in allied areas; pursuing international relations, along with creating an ecosystem for effective implementation of space applications among all stakeholders. Also read: SpaceX aborts Starship launch seconds before liftoff after engine failure; Elon Musk says next attempt next week How have private companies changed India's space ecosystem? Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, confirmed that the space economy has risen to an estimated $8.4 billion, with 399 start-ups now operating across launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems and space-grade electronics. The reforms formulated a conducive environment for private investment and entrepreneurship in a sector that had remained largely government-driven for more than 10 years. This resulted in the rise of the space start-ups, which have increased sharply from single-digit levels to 399 at present. It has also prompted the space sector to be valued at about $8.4 billion, which is likely to grow four to five times over the next eight to ten years, potentially reaching $40–45 billion. The Minister also underscored the revenue generated after the launch of foreign satellites. He noted that out of the 434 foreign satellites launched by ISRO so far, 399 were launched after 2014, earning India revenues of nearly € 323 million and $233 million. This growth has reflected the country’s growing presence in the global space launch market. The proposed change is transitioning from a “Supply-Based Model” to a “Demand-Based Model”. In addition, it will also help ISRO to carry out capacity building in the space domain through the development of new technologies and capabilities, allowing the sharing of facilities by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). NGEs to play a larger role Further in future, the policy encourages Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to play a larger role in India's space sector by allowing them to provide a wide range of commercial space services. They can offer satellite-based communication services using their own, leased or procured satellites, establish and operate ground infrastructure such as satellite control centres and tracking stations, and use both Indian and foreign orbital resources. NGEs are also permitted to develop and operate remote-sensing satellite systems, distribute satellite data and related applications, and commercialise technologies in navigation, communication and remote sensing. The framework allows private companies to manufacture and operate launch vehicles, build launch infrastructure, and develop reusable and advanced space transportation technologies. They can also strengthen space situational awareness, conduct research and innovation for the long-term sustainability of space activities, and provide end-to-end services for safe space operations. Additionally, the policy permits commercial recovery, ownership, transport, use and sale of asteroids or other space resources in accordance with Indian laws and international obligations, while enabling participation in other commercial space activities approved by IN-SPACe.

<p>The Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector in 2020, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing.</p>

How is opening India's space sector to private firms transforming the industry? EXPLAINED

<p>Donald Trump's media company is preparing to launch a premium service that would give paying customers faster access to posts on Truth Social. This new premium service could let Wall Street traders see market-moving posts milliseconds before everyone else. However, critics are now questioning whether the president stands to profit from his own announcements. Here's all you need to know about it.</p><p>Trump's Truth PSI</p><p>The feature, called Truth PSI, is designed for Wall Street firms, institutional investors and other professional traders who rely on breaking news to make split-second investment decisions. According to the company, subscribers will be able to view posts from the platform's "highest-ranking" accounts milliseconds before they become available to the general public.</p><p>That list is likely to include Trump, who has nearly 13 million followers and routinely uses Truth Social to announce policy decisions, comment on global conflicts and signal changes in trade and immigration policy.</p><p>The company has not said whether the president's posts will be included in the paid service or how much it plans to charge.</p><p>Why Trump's posts matter to markets</p><p>Trump's Truth Social account has increasingly become the first place where major White House announcements appear.</p><p>In recent months, he has posted about tariffs, the conflict involving Iran and immigration enforcement operations before or alongside official government statements.</p><p>Those posts can move financial markets within seconds. Developments in the Middle East, for example, can influence oil prices, while tariff announcements often affect stock markets and bond yields. Investors closely monitor such updates because they can alter expectations about inflation, interest rates and economic growth.</p><p>By offering faster access to these posts, Truth Media is effectively creating a product aimed at traders seeking an advantage over competitors.</p><p>Critics see a conflict of interest</p><p>Ethics experts say the proposal raises questions that go well beyond a typical subscription service.</p><p>Kathleen Clark, a government ethics expert at Washington University School of Law, told The Guardian that the arrangement amounts to selling privileged access to presidential communications.</p><p>"He's selling expedited, privileged access to information about what he is doing as president," Clark said, calling it "yet more brazen corruption" and an improper use of public office for personal financial gain.</p><p>A president exempt from federal conflict rules?</p><p>Federal conflict-of-interest laws generally prohibit government officials from participating in matters that could financially benefit businesses they own.</p><p>The president and vice president, however, are exempt from those provisions.</p><p>Even so, previous presidents have typically sold individual business interests, divested assets or placed investments into blind trusts to avoid even the appearance of benefiting financially from decisions made while in office.</p><p>Trump has chosen not to do so and has instead retained significant financial interests in businesses operated by his family.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Donald Trump's media company is preparing to launch Truth PSI, a premium service offering paying subscribers millisecond-early access to selected Truth Social posts, prompting ethics experts to question whether the president could financially benefit from market-moving announcements.

Donald Trump's media company is preparing to launch a premium service that would give paying customers faster access to posts on Truth Social. This new premium service could let Wall Street traders see market-moving posts milliseconds before everyone else. However, critics are now questioning whether the president stands to profit from his own announcements. Here's all you need to know about it. Trump's Truth PSI The feature, called Truth PSI, is designed for Wall Street firms, institutional investors and other professional traders who rely on breaking news to make split-second investment decisions. According to the company, subscribers will be able to view posts from the platform's "highest-ranking" accounts milliseconds before they become available to the general public. That list is likely to include Trump, who has nearly 13 million followers and routinely uses Truth Social to announce policy decisions, comment on global conflicts and signal changes in trade and immigration policy. The company has not said whether the president's posts will be included in the paid service or how much it plans to charge. Why Trump's posts matter to markets Trump's Truth Social account has increasingly become the first place where major White House announcements appear. In recent months, he has posted about tariffs, the conflict involving Iran and immigration enforcement operations before or alongside official government statements. Those posts can move financial markets within seconds. Developments in the Middle East, for example, can influence oil prices, while tariff announcements often affect stock markets and bond yields. Investors closely monitor such updates because they can alter expectations about inflation, interest rates and economic growth. By offering faster access to these posts, Truth Media is effectively creating a product aimed at traders seeking an advantage over competitors. Critics see a conflict of interest Ethics experts say the proposal raises questions that go well beyond a typical subscription service. Kathleen Clark, a government ethics expert at Washington University School of Law, told The Guardian that the arrangement amounts to selling privileged access to presidential communications. "He's selling expedited, privileged access to information about what he is doing as president," Clark said, calling it "yet more brazen corruption" and an improper use of public office for personal financial gain. A president exempt from federal conflict rules? Federal conflict-of-interest laws generally prohibit government officials from participating in matters that could financially benefit businesses they own. The president and vice president, however, are exempt from those provisions. Even so, previous presidents have typically sold individual business interests, divested assets or placed investments into blind trusts to avoid even the appearance of benefiting financially from decisions made while in office. Trump has chosen not to do so and has instead retained significant financial interests in businesses operated by his family.

<p>Donald Trump's media company is preparing to launch Truth PSI, a premium service offering paying subscribers millisecond-early access to selected Truth Social posts, prompting ethics experts to question whether the president could financially benefit from market-moving announcements.</p>

Insider trading made legal? Trump's media company to sell early access to Truth Social posts via 'Truth PSI'

<p>President Donald Trump used his Thursday (Jul 16) night address to make a sweeping case for his administration, mixing newly declassified intelligence on the 2020 election with familiar talking points on stolen election, immigration, crime, inflation and the economy. The speech, delivered just four months before the vital US midterm elections, was dominated by Trump's allegation that China interfered in the 2020 presidential race. But he also rattled off a series of claims about record-low crime, illegal immigration, inflation and employment.</p><p>Some claims stand up to scrutiny. Others leave out important context or are simply inaccurate. Here's a closer look.</p><h2><strong>Claim: China meddled in US elections</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: Denied by Beijing</strong></p><p>China has denied Trump's claims. Speaking at a press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “The relevant claims made by the US side are pure fabrications and malicious smears that have long since been proven to be groundless statements.”</p><p>"China has... no interest in the US election and has never interfered in it," Lin said.</p><h2><strong>Claim: Stolen election</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: False</strong></p><p>Trump has spent years sowing suspicions about ​electoral outcomes, falsely claiming his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden was rigged. He has also claimed without evidence that mail-in voting is rife with fraud, voting machines are vulnerable to manipulation and non-citizen ​voting is widespread.</p><p>Notably, more than 60 lawsuits by Trump and his allies produced no ruling establishing fraud capable of changing the outcome of the 2020 election, while recounts, audits, and his own Justice Department found none.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revoke-their-licenses-trump-lashes-out-at-tv-networks-that-skipped-his-speech-1784251571059"><strong>'Revoke their licenses': Trump lashes out at TV networks that skipped his speech</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Claim: Zero illegal immigrants entered the US in the past 14 months</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: Misleading</strong></p><p>Trump said the United States had recorded "zero illegal aliens" entering the country over the past 14 months.</p><p>The claim appears to stem from US Customs and Border Protection data showing 14 consecutive months with zero migrant releases into the US from Border Patrol custody. That, however, is not the same as saying no one crossed the border illegally.</p><p>NewsNation reported in May that law enforcement agencies along the US-Mexico border were still encountering migrants attempting to enter the country unlawfully.</p><h2><strong>Claim: America's murder rate is the lowest since 1900</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: Largely true</strong></p><p>Trump also highlighted falling crime, saying the country's murder rate is at its lowest level in more than a century.</p><p>That claim is backed by a report from the Council on Criminal Justice, which projected that if FBI data follows current trends, the US homicide rate for 2025 could fall to roughly four murders per 100,000 people — the lowest level recorded since comparable national data began in 1900.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-in-address-to-nation-repeats-stolen-election-claims-alleges-china-compromised-220-million-voter-data-files-1784250898408"><strong>Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Claim: Inflation posted its biggest monthly decline in more than six years</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: True, but incomplete</strong></p><p>Trump pointed to June's inflation figures as evidence that his economic policies are working.</p><p>The Consumer Price Index fell 0.4 per cent during the month, its sharpest monthly decline since April 2020, largely because petrol prices dropped sharply.</p><p>But economists have warned against reading too much into a single month's data.</p><p>Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh cautioned that declaring victory over inflation would be premature, while economists have warned that energy prices could rebound and geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Iran, may push inflation higher again.</p><h2><strong>Claim: Trump inherited the worst inflation in 48 years</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: False</strong></p><p>Trump repeated his frequent claim that he took office after the worst inflation in 48 years.</p><p>Inflation did reach 9.1 per cent in June 2022 during Joe Biden's presidency, the highest annual rate in about four decades. But that peak came more than two years before Trump returned to office. By January 2025, inflation had already fallen significantly.</p><p>The United States has also experienced much higher inflation historically, including a record annual rate of nearly 24 per cent in 1920.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-unveils-declassified-election-documents-alleges-china-accessed-us-voter-data-since-2020-1784260658593/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-unveils-declassified-election-documents-alleges-china-accessed-us-voter-data-since-2020-1784260658593/embed</a></p><h2><strong>Claim: The US has the biggest and best military</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: Partly true</strong></p><p>Calling the US military the "best" is ultimately a matter of opinion.</p><p>Calling it the "biggest" is false, because nations like India and China have significantly more troop members that the US.</p><p>But if Trump was referring to defence spending or military capability, the United States remains the world's largest military spender by a wide margin.</p><h2><strong>Claim: More Americans are working today than ever before</strong></h2><p><strong>Verdict: Technically true, but lacking context</strong></p><p>Trump has made this claim repeatedly during his second term. In absolute numbers, more Americans are employed today than at any point in history. That's largely because the US population and labour force continue to grow over time.</p><p>A better measure of labour market strength is the share of people who are working.</p><p>As per a WRAL report, Labour force participation and the employment-population ratio remain below previous peaks, while employment growth during Trump's current term has been weaker than under Barack Obama, Joe Biden and even Trump's own first administration.</p>

President Donald Trump's White House address mixed accurate, misleading and false claims on the 2020 election, immigration, crime, inflation and the economy, with several key assertions lacking evidence or omitting important context. Here's a fact-check.

President Donald Trump used his Thursday (Jul 16) night address to make a sweeping case for his administration, mixing newly declassified intelligence on the 2020 election with familiar talking points on stolen election, immigration, crime, inflation and the economy. The speech, delivered just four months before the vital US midterm elections, was dominated by Trump's allegation that China interfered in the 2020 presidential race. But he also rattled off a series of claims about record-low crime, illegal immigration, inflation and employment. Some claims stand up to scrutiny. Others leave out important context or are simply inaccurate. Here's a closer look. Claim: China meddled in US elections Verdict: Denied by Beijing China has denied Trump's claims. Speaking at a press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “The relevant claims made by the US side are pure fabrications and malicious smears that have long since been proven to be groundless statements.” "China has... no interest in the US election and has never interfered in it," Lin said. Claim: Stolen election Verdict: False Trump has spent years sowing suspicions about electoral outcomes, falsely claiming his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden was rigged. He has also claimed without evidence that mail-in voting is rife with fraud, voting machines are vulnerable to manipulation and non-citizen voting is widespread. Notably, more than 60 lawsuits by Trump and his allies produced no ruling establishing fraud capable of changing the outcome of the 2020 election, while recounts, audits, and his own Justice Department found none. Also read | 'Revoke their licenses': Trump lashes out at TV networks that skipped his speech Claim: Zero illegal immigrants entered the US in the past 14 months Verdict: Misleading Trump said the United States had recorded "zero illegal aliens" entering the country over the past 14 months. The claim appears to stem from US Customs and Border Protection data showing 14 consecutive months with zero migrant releases into the US from Border Patrol custody. That, however, is not the same as saying no one crossed the border illegally. NewsNation reported in May that law enforcement agencies along the US-Mexico border were still encountering migrants attempting to enter the country unlawfully. Claim: America's murder rate is the lowest since 1900 Verdict: Largely true Trump also highlighted falling crime, saying the country's murder rate is at its lowest level in more than a century. That claim is backed by a report from the Council on Criminal Justice, which projected that if FBI data follows current trends, the US homicide rate for 2025 could fall to roughly four murders per 100,000 people — the lowest level recorded since comparable national data began in 1900. Also read | Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files Claim: Inflation posted its biggest monthly decline in more than six years Verdict: True, but incomplete Trump pointed to June's inflation figures as evidence that his economic policies are working. The Consumer Price Index fell 0.4 per cent during the month, its sharpest monthly decline since April 2020, largely because petrol prices dropped sharply. But economists have warned against reading too much into a single month's data. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh cautioned that declaring victory over inflation would be premature, while economists have warned that energy prices could rebound and geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Iran, may push inflation higher again. Claim: Trump inherited the worst inflation in 48 years Verdict: False Trump repeated his frequent claim that he took office after the worst inflation in 48 years. Inflation did reach 9.1 per cent in June 2022 during Joe Biden's presidency, the highest annual rate in about four decades. But that peak came more than two years before Trump returned to office. By January 2025, inflation had already fallen significantly. The United States has also experienced much higher inflation historically, including a record annual rate of nearly 24 per cent in 1920. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-unveils-declassified-election-documents-alleges-china-accessed-us-voter-data-since-2020-1784260658593/embed Claim: The US has the biggest and best military Verdict: Partly true Calling the US military the "best" is ultimately a matter of opinion. Calling it the "biggest" is false, because nations like India and China have significantly more troop members that the US. But if Trump was referring to defence spending or military capability, the United States remains the world's largest military spender by a wide margin. Claim: More Americans are working today than ever before Verdict: Technically true, but lacking context Trump has made this claim repeatedly during his second term. In absolute numbers, more Americans are employed today than at any point in history. That's largely because the US population and labour force continue to grow over time. A better measure of labour market strength is the share of people who are working. As per a WRAL report, Labour force participation and the employment-population ratio remain below previous peaks, while employment growth during Trump's current term has been weaker than under Barack Obama, Joe Biden and even Trump's own first administration.

<p>President Donald Trump's White House address mixed accurate, misleading and false claims on the 2020 election, immigration, crime, inflation and the economy, with several key assertions lacking evidence or omitting important context. Here's a fact-check.</p>

Fact check: From China election claims to inflation, here's what Trump got right — and wrong — in his national address

<p>The Philippines has criticised a video published by China Daily, calling it "dehumanising and racist" for depicting the country as a frightened monkey being pushed by the US and Japan to take Beijing on over the South China Sea. The AI-generated video shared last week features a monkey wearing a Filipino shirt being forced onto a karaoke stage on a boat by arms bearing US and Japanese flags.</p><p><br>After being rebuked for singing the wrong song, the man pulls out a sheet reading "South China Sea arbitration award" before being thrown into the sea and blasted by a water cannon. The video comes amid growing tensions between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea, particularly around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese Coast Guard has repeatedly used high-pressure water cannons against Philippine vessels in the contested waters, causing damage and injuries.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beijing’s primary state-run media organ, China Daily, has crossed a dangerous line by releasing a degrading 58-second AI animation that depicts the Philippines as a tattered, screeching monkey to mock a landmark legal ruling.<br><br>In this official propaganda video, the caricature of…</p>&mdash; UnveiledChina (@Unveiled_ChinaX) <a href="https://x.com/Unveiled_ChinaX/status/2077398673286406433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Demanding the removal of the clip, Manila's foreign ministry said, "Disagreement over legal and political issues does not justify resorting to disturbing imagery, which has no place in the civil public discourse of a responsible state". "Such imagery and misinformation only serve to widen the distrust between the Philippines and China," it added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-ats-arrests-five-more-in-alleged-jaish-linked-terror-module-probe-total-held-rises-to-13-1784266681362">Gujarat ATS arrests five more in alleged Jaish-linked terror module probe, total held rises to 13</a></p><h3>Philippine calls the video 'propaganda'</h3><p>The Philippine defence ministry labelled the video as "contemptible propaganda" and stated that it "exposes the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of China's propaganda machine". "The recent spate of schizophrenic behaviour of the Chinese Communist Party is too clear to disregard or ignore," Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said.</p><p><br>The previous week marked a decade since the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines, and concluded that the expansive claims of China in the South China Sea had no legal basis under international law.</p><p><br>However, Beijing has ignored the ruling, stating the tribunal lacks jurisdiction. Tensions between Beijing and Manila have risen sharply in recent years due to their overlapping claims. In the ongoing development, both sides accuse the other of provocations and altercations at sea, including some involving weapons such as swords, spears and knives.</p><p><br>In June, China placed a floating barrier at the entrance to the disputed Scarborough Shoal, but later removed it after the Philippines lodged formal diplomatic protests. During the same month, Beijing also imposed travel restrictions on Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his immediate family, barring them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The video comes amid growing tensions between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea, particularly around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippines has criticised a video published by China Daily, calling it "dehumanising and racist" for depicting the country as a frightened monkey being pushed by the US and Japan to take Beijing on over the South China Sea. The AI-generated video shared last week features a monkey wearing a Filipino shirt being forced onto a karaoke stage on a boat by arms bearing US and Japanese flags. After being rebuked for singing the wrong song, the man pulls out a sheet reading "South China Sea arbitration award" before being thrown into the sea and blasted by a water cannon. The video comes amid growing tensions between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea, particularly around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese Coast Guard has repeatedly used high-pressure water cannons against Philippine vessels in the contested waters, causing damage and injuries.

<p>The video comes amid growing tensions between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea, particularly around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.</p>

Philippines slams China's AI monkey video as 'Dehumanising and Racist', demands removal of clip

<p>A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck Florida on Thursday afternoon. However, it wasn't a natural occurrence as the government's earthquake tracking website showed "experimental explosion" as the reason. This has led to speculation on what this secretive boom could have been that shook some portions of the state. USGS data showed it was recorded at a depth of 0 feet, which hints at an artificial trigger, since a natural earthquake often strikes several kilometres deep. “The recorded ground motions from this event are more typical of an explosion than a naturally occurring earthquake,” the agency said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some reports suggest that the US Navy likely carried out some tests in the region, something it has done in the past as well. It carries out controlled underwater detonations to test the ability of major warships to withstand explosions near mines or torpedoes. Meteorologist Nic Merianos of CBS Miami wrote on X, “USGS showing Magnitude 3.9 off the Space Coast, as ”Experimental Explosion." Never seen this before." But officials have not provided any clarification on the cause of the tremors yet.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-earthquake-te-anau-tsunami-warning-south-island-1784198043839"><strong>6.3 quake strikes near Te Anau, New Zealand, tsunami warning issued</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Previous test explosions that triggered earthquakes</strong></h2><p>It was the ninth event classified as an experimental explosion in the region since 2016, USGS data showed. In 2021, the US Navy carried out a test explosion near the USS Gerald R Ford, known as a "shock trial," two years before its first deployment. The US Navy has been doing so for decades, after first learning that nearby explosions can affect critical ship systems without causing physical damage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Seismometers pick up energy released from artificial explosions and register it as earthquakes. The energy travels through the ground or seabed, and when sensors detect it, they calculate the magnitude based on its strength. On May 28 this year, when Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral, it was registered as a magnitude 2.5 earthquake.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Reactions to earthquake in Florida</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, Floridians had some things to say, reacting to the artificial tremors. "What type of experimental explosion generates a 3.9 earthquake?" a user wrote on X. Another said, "This is nuts! A 3.9 experimental explosion is basically a small quake." Others were more scared, as one wrote, "Sounds like they are laying ground work for something probably not good for us," with one adding, "Wonder if they are actually trying to blow up a submarine. Or some other type of threat."<br>&nbsp;</p>

Florida was shaken by a small earthquake on Thursday afternoon. People flocked to social media to know more and were left surprised when they found out what had actually happened. USGS stated that an explosion in the area was responsible.

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck Florida on Thursday afternoon. However, it wasn't a natural occurrence as the government's earthquake tracking website showed "experimental explosion" as the reason. This has led to speculation on what this secretive boom could have been that shook some portions of the state. USGS data showed it was recorded at a depth of 0 feet, which hints at an artificial trigger, since a natural earthquake often strikes several kilometres deep. “The recorded ground motions from this event are more typical of an explosion than a naturally occurring earthquake,” the agency said. Some reports suggest that the US Navy likely carried out some tests in the region, something it has done in the past as well. It carries out controlled underwater detonations to test the ability of major warships to withstand explosions near mines or torpedoes. Meteorologist Nic Merianos of CBS Miami wrote on X, “USGS showing Magnitude 3.9 off the Space Coast, as ”Experimental Explosion." Never seen this before." But officials have not provided any clarification on the cause of the tremors yet. Also Read: 6.3 quake strikes near Te Anau, New Zealand, tsunami warning issued Previous test explosions that triggered earthquakes It was the ninth event classified as an experimental explosion in the region since 2016, USGS data showed. In 2021, the US Navy carried out a test explosion near the USS Gerald R Ford, known as a "shock trial," two years before its first deployment. The US Navy has been doing so for decades, after first learning that nearby explosions can affect critical ship systems without causing physical damage. Seismometers pick up energy released from artificial explosions and register it as earthquakes. The energy travels through the ground or seabed, and when sensors detect it, they calculate the magnitude based on its strength. On May 28 this year, when Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral, it was registered as a magnitude 2.5 earthquake. Reactions to earthquake in Florida Meanwhile, Floridians had some things to say, reacting to the artificial tremors. "What type of experimental explosion generates a 3.9 earthquake?" a user wrote on X. Another said, "This is nuts! A 3.9 experimental explosion is basically a small quake." Others were more scared, as one wrote, "Sounds like they are laying ground work for something probably not good for us," with one adding, "Wonder if they are actually trying to blow up a submarine. Or some other type of threat."

<p>Florida was shaken by a small earthquake on Thursday afternoon. People flocked to social media to know more and were left surprised when they found out what had actually happened. USGS stated that an explosion in the area was responsible.</p>

Earthquake at 0km depth rattles Florida's Space Coast. It wasn't natural

<p>Sonam Wangchuk continues to dominate the headlines today (Jul 17) as his Anshan (fast unto death) enters day 20. As the climate activist's hunger strike crosses the critical 20-day mark, doctors are warning of imminent organ damage. The escalating crisis raises an uncomfortable, historical question: Can the government legally force-feed a protester?</p><p>Ten years ago, the answer seemed simple. For nearly 16 years, Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila was repeatedly arrested and kept alive through a nasogastric tube inserted into her nose to break her protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). But on Thursday (July 16, 2026), the Delhi High Court ordered daily medical monitoring for Wangchuk while stopping short of ordering force-feeding. Today, India’s legal framework has fundamentally shifted.</p><p>The Delhi High Court's order suggests it isn't that straightforward anymore. If a person's life is at risk, can the government legally force them to eat? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. What does the law say? Let's Decode.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-share-the-anguish-congress-appeals-to-sonam-wangchuk-to-end-fast-even-as-rahul-gandhi-remains-missing-from-jantar-mantar-protest-1784252531651"><strong>'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Saving a life isn't the same as ending a protest</strong></h2><p>Over the years, courts have steadily moved away from treating hunger strikes as something the state must immediately break. The focus today is different. Keep the person alive, yes. But don't crush the protest in the process.</p><p>The petition before the Delhi High Court wasn't really about the demands Wangchuk is making. It was about what the government should do now that his health is worsening.</p><p>The judges recorded the Centre's assurance that government doctors were already examining him every day. They directed that this should continue and that doctors should intervene medically whenever necessary. What was striking was what the order left unsaid. There was no instruction permitting force-feeding. Why?</p><h2><strong>Supreme Court, Anshan and force feeding</strong></h2><p>The Supreme Court has dealt with this before. A similar dilemma arose during Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's indefinite fast in 2024.</p><p>When Dallewal's indefinite fast had stretched beyond three weeks, prompting concerns about his health, a SC bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, reminded both the Punjab government and the Centre that protecting a person's life was their "bounden duty". It directed authorities to ensure Dallewal received immediate medical attention, while making it equally clear that he should not be compelled to abandon his fast unless doing so became absolutely necessary to save his life.</p><p>The message was straightforward: The state cannot watch someone die. But neither can it casually override the decision of a competent adult who has chosen to protest by refusing food.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/make-sonam-wangchuk-education-minister-kejriwal-visits-jantar-mantar-warns-bjp-of-2014-like-fate-1784217796653"><strong>'Make Sonam Wangchuk Education Minister': Kejriwal warns BJP of '2014-like fate'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Irom Sharmila's hunger strike and government force-feeding</strong></h2><p>Mention hunger strikes in India, and one name inevitably comes up. Irom Sharmila. Her case unfolded under a very different law.</p><p>Back then, attempting suicide was still an offence under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities repeatedly arrested Sharmila, admitted her to the hospital and kept her alive through force-feeding administered via a nasogastric tube.</p><p>Notably, today's legal framework looks very different.</p><h2><strong>What does Indian law say about hunger strike vs suicide attempt</strong></h2><p>With the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replacing the IPC, attempted suicide is no longer a criminal offence. Courts have also become far more protective of bodily autonomy and individual choice than they were two decades ago.</p><p>However, that doesn't mean the state can simply walk away. It means its first instinct is expected to be medical care and dialogue, not coercion.</p><h2><strong>2011 Ramdev hunger strike: The "talk first" mandate</strong></h2><p>That idea runs through one of the Supreme Court's better-known judgments on protests. In June 2011, Baba Ramdev observed a peaceful anti-corruption and anti-black money protest at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. He announced that he would remain on an indefinite fast. However, just one day into the hunger strike, a midnight police crackdown ended with him being evicted from the protest site. He eventually continued the hunger strike at his Patanjali Yogpeeth ashram in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. &nbsp;</p><p>Taking suo motu cognisance of the midnight police crackdown, the Supreme Court, in its judgement, underscored that the Executive must not adopt a hostile stance against hunger strikers. It highlighted that the state must proactively reach out, engage, and peacefully persuade individuals to protect their lives rather than use immediate force.</p><p>The judgment noted how the then-prime minister Manmohan Singh wrote to him, senior ministers met him, and discussions continued in an attempt to persuade him to call off the fast. The court saw those efforts as significant.</p><p>Governments, it suggested, should engage with protesters instead of immediately treating a hunger strike as a law-and-order problem. Peaceful fasting, after all, has long occupied a special place in India's democratic tradition, shaped by Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha.</p><p>Notably, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government is yet to engage with Sonam Wangchuk or the Cockroach Janata Party.</p><h2><strong>So, can Wangchuk be forced to eat?</strong></h2><p>If you're looking for a simple yes or no, the courts haven't given one. What they have done is draw a line. The government has a responsibility to prevent a death if a hunger strike reaches that point. But judges have become increasingly reluctant to endorse force-feeding simply because someone has chosen to protest through fasting.</p><p>That explains why the Delhi High Court's order in Wangchuk's case is framed the way it is:</p><p>Daily medical monitoring? Yes.</p><p>Treatment if doctors think it's needed? Yes.</p><p>A direction to break his fast by force? Not yet.</p>

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 20th day, the Delhi High Court ordered daily medical monitoring but stopped short of authorising force-feeding, for now. Can he be forced to eat? What Supreme Court past judgments tell us. WION Decodes.

Sonam Wangchuk continues to dominate the headlines today (Jul 17) as his Anshan (fast unto death) enters day 20. As the climate activist's hunger strike crosses the critical 20-day mark, doctors are warning of imminent organ damage. The escalating crisis raises an uncomfortable, historical question: Can the government legally force-feed a protester? Ten years ago, the answer seemed simple. For nearly 16 years, Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila was repeatedly arrested and kept alive through a nasogastric tube inserted into her nose to break her protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). But on Thursday (July 16, 2026), the Delhi High Court ordered daily medical monitoring for Wangchuk while stopping short of ordering force-feeding. Today, India’s legal framework has fundamentally shifted. The Delhi High Court's order suggests it isn't that straightforward anymore. If a person's life is at risk, can the government legally force them to eat? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. What does the law say? Let's Decode. Also read | 'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar Saving a life isn't the same as ending a protest Over the years, courts have steadily moved away from treating hunger strikes as something the state must immediately break. The focus today is different. Keep the person alive, yes. But don't crush the protest in the process. The petition before the Delhi High Court wasn't really about the demands Wangchuk is making. It was about what the government should do now that his health is worsening. The judges recorded the Centre's assurance that government doctors were already examining him every day. They directed that this should continue and that doctors should intervene medically whenever necessary. What was striking was what the order left unsaid. There was no instruction permitting force-feeding. Why? Supreme Court, Anshan and force feeding The Supreme Court has dealt with this before. A similar dilemma arose during Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's indefinite fast in 2024. When Dallewal's indefinite fast had stretched beyond three weeks, prompting concerns about his health, a SC bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, reminded both the Punjab government and the Centre that protecting a person's life was their "bounden duty". It directed authorities to ensure Dallewal received immediate medical attention, while making it equally clear that he should not be compelled to abandon his fast unless doing so became absolutely necessary to save his life. The message was straightforward: The state cannot watch someone die. But neither can it casually override the decision of a competent adult who has chosen to protest by refusing food. Also read | 'Make Sonam Wangchuk Education Minister': Kejriwal warns BJP of '2014-like fate' Irom Sharmila's hunger strike and government force-feeding Mention hunger strikes in India, and one name inevitably comes up. Irom Sharmila. Her case unfolded under a very different law. Back then, attempting suicide was still an offence under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities repeatedly arrested Sharmila, admitted her to the hospital and kept her alive through force-feeding administered via a nasogastric tube. Notably, today's legal framework looks very different. What does Indian law say about hunger strike vs suicide attempt With the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replacing the IPC, attempted suicide is no longer a criminal offence. Courts have also become far more protective of bodily autonomy and individual choice than they were two decades ago. However, that doesn't mean the state can simply walk away. It means its first instinct is expected to be medical care and dialogue, not coercion. 2011 Ramdev hunger strike: The "talk first" mandate That idea runs through one of the Supreme Court's better-known judgments on protests. In June 2011, Baba Ramdev observed a peaceful anti-corruption and anti-black money protest at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. He announced that he would remain on an indefinite fast. However, just one day into the hunger strike, a midnight police crackdown ended with him being evicted from the protest site. He eventually continued the hunger strike at his Patanjali Yogpeeth ashram in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Taking suo motu cognisance of the midnight police crackdown, the Supreme Court, in its judgement, underscored that the Executive must not adopt a hostile stance against hunger strikers. It highlighted that the state must proactively reach out, engage, and peacefully persuade individuals to protect their lives rather than use immediate force. The judgment noted how the then-prime minister Manmohan Singh wrote to him, senior ministers met him, and discussions continued in an attempt to persuade him to call off the fast. The court saw those efforts as significant. Governments, it suggested, should engage with protesters instead of immediately treating a hunger strike as a law-and-order problem. Peaceful fasting, after all, has long occupied a special place in India's democratic tradition, shaped by Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha. Notably, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government is yet to engage with Sonam Wangchuk or the Cockroach Janata Party. So, can Wangchuk be forced to eat? If you're looking for a simple yes or no, the courts haven't given one. What they have done is draw a line. The government has a responsibility to prevent a death if a hunger strike reaches that point. But judges have become increasingly reluctant to endorse force-feeding simply because someone has chosen to protest through fasting. That explains why the Delhi High Court's order in Wangchuk's case is framed the way it is: Daily medical monitoring? Yes. Treatment if doctors think it's needed? Yes. A direction to break his fast by force? Not yet.

<p>As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 20th day, the Delhi High Court ordered daily medical monitoring but stopped short of authorising force-feeding, for now. Can he be forced to eat? What Supreme Court past judgments tell us. WION Decodes.</p>

Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes

<p>Even as El Niño wreaks havoc across the world, a rare Atlantic Niña is emerging in the tropics. The former has warmed the Pacific, while the latter, as the name suggests, is brewing in the Atlantic. It is different from La Niña, which is the opposite of El Niño. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a sea surface temperature anomaly map, clearly showing the difference between what is happening in the Atlantic and the Pacific. The phenomenon causes sea surface temperatures to drop below average, but instead of the Pacific, it happens in the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Experts say that if temperatures remain 0.5 degrees Celsius below average for two overlapping seasons, it will become the sixth Atlantic Niña of the last 40 years. The NOAA map shows El Niño stretching outward from the northeastern coast of South America, and the Atlantic Nina is off the southeastern coast of Africa. Even though the two work on opposite poles, they are in perfect alignment, says they are actually perfectly aligned in their atmospheric impact,” senior meteorologist Andrej Flis wrote in a piece for Severe Weather Europe.</p><h2><strong>How does Atlantic Nina affect weather?</strong></h2><p><br>According to NOAA, Atlantic Nina makes it harder for thunderstorms and tropical cyclones to form because the cooler waters cause a drop in the amount of heat and moisture needed to fuel convection. Expect half the number of tropical cyclones elsewhere, and hurricanes in the US, than an average year. This is similar to how El Niño works, which depletes the chances of storms turning into hurricanes. The forecast by NOAA for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season includes eight to 14 named storms, three to six hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The effects are already visible. By July 17, at least two named storms had formed in the Atlantic Basin. But there is just Tropical Storm Arthur for now, which brought floods to the southern US in June. There is no hurricane on the horizon yet; however, the first one starts developing around August 11 in a year. There are two Atlantic disturbances, and one of them could develop into a cyclone in the next seven days. In conclusion, the presence of both El Niño and Atlantic Niña at the same time means a year with fewer hurricanes and cyclones.</p><h2><strong>Atlantic Nina effect on India</strong></h2><p><br>The phenomenon has an inverse relationship with the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR). A cooler Atlantic means stronger monsoon rains in India. Initially, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast below-normal to uneven rainfall nationwide for July 2026; conditions have led to severe, extremely heavy rain events across multiple states. Heavy rainfall is predicted for many northern, eastern and central states during the active monsoon phase till July 20. Ladakh recorded 65% more rainfall than normal as of mid-July.&nbsp;</p>

A rare Atlantic Nina has joined forces with the Super El Niño in 2026. So the Pacific waters are warm, and portions of the Atlantic are cooler. Here is how it will affect the hurricane season in the US and the monsoon in India.

Even as El Niño wreaks havoc across the world, a rare Atlantic Niña is emerging in the tropics. The former has warmed the Pacific, while the latter, as the name suggests, is brewing in the Atlantic. It is different from La Niña, which is the opposite of El Niño. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a sea surface temperature anomaly map, clearly showing the difference between what is happening in the Atlantic and the Pacific. The phenomenon causes sea surface temperatures to drop below average, but instead of the Pacific, it happens in the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Experts say that if temperatures remain 0.5 degrees Celsius below average for two overlapping seasons, it will become the sixth Atlantic Niña of the last 40 years. The NOAA map shows El Niño stretching outward from the northeastern coast of South America, and the Atlantic Nina is off the southeastern coast of Africa. Even though the two work on opposite poles, they are in perfect alignment, says they are actually perfectly aligned in their atmospheric impact,” senior meteorologist Andrej Flis wrote in a piece for Severe Weather Europe. How does Atlantic Nina affect weather? According to NOAA, Atlantic Nina makes it harder for thunderstorms and tropical cyclones to form because the cooler waters cause a drop in the amount of heat and moisture needed to fuel convection. Expect half the number of tropical cyclones elsewhere, and hurricanes in the US, than an average year. This is similar to how El Niño works, which depletes the chances of storms turning into hurricanes. The forecast by NOAA for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season includes eight to 14 named storms, three to six hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes. The effects are already visible. By July 17, at least two named storms had formed in the Atlantic Basin. But there is just Tropical Storm Arthur for now, which brought floods to the southern US in June. There is no hurricane on the horizon yet; however, the first one starts developing around August 11 in a year. There are two Atlantic disturbances, and one of them could develop into a cyclone in the next seven days. In conclusion, the presence of both El Niño and Atlantic Niña at the same time means a year with fewer hurricanes and cyclones. Atlantic Nina effect on India The phenomenon has an inverse relationship with the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR). A cooler Atlantic means stronger monsoon rains in India. Initially, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast below-normal to uneven rainfall nationwide for July 2026; conditions have led to severe, extremely heavy rain events across multiple states. Heavy rainfall is predicted for many northern, eastern and central states during the active monsoon phase till July 20. Ladakh recorded 65% more rainfall than normal as of mid-July.

<p>A rare Atlantic Nina has joined forces with the Super El Niño in 2026. So the Pacific waters are warm, and portions of the Atlantic are cooler. Here is how it will affect the hurricane season in the US and the monsoon in India.</p>

5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?

<p>Support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike continued to gather momentum on Thursday (Jul 16), with leaders from across the Opposition visiting him at Delhi's Jantar Mantar even as doctors warned that his health had entered a critical stage after 19 days without food. Even as questions about Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's absence at Jantar Mantar grow, the INC extended its support to Wangchuk, while appealing to him to end the Anshan (fast unto death).</p><p>Opposition parties have also extended their support, with former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and farmer leader Rakesh Tikait among those who expressed solidarity with Wangchuk at the Cockroach Janata Party protest. The climate activist has been observing a hunger strike for 20 days (as of July 17) seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-loses-over-9kg-on-day-19-of-hunger-strike-medical-team-issues-critical-update-1784182215506"><strong>Sonam Wangchuk loses over 9kg on day 19 of hunger strike</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Congress extends support, asks Wangchuk to end fast</strong></h2><p>The Congress reiterated its demand for Pradhan's resignation while appealing to Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike because of his deteriorating health.</p><p>Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the party shared Wangchuk's concerns over what it described as the collapse of the examination system and assured him that the Opposition would continue pressing for accountability.</p><p>"We share the anguish and outrage that Shri Wangchuk ji feels, especially due to the lack of accountability within the Modi Govt, for the collapse of the examination system in particular," Venugopal said in a post on X.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shri Sonam Wangchuk has now been on a hunger strike for 19 days, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister. <br><br>The Indian National Congress has been making this very demand for over a month and a half. We share the anguish and outrage that Shri Wangchuk ji feels,…</p>&mdash; K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) <a href="https://x.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/2077702421757997475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>"In view of his health condition, we appeal to Shri Wangchuk to end his fast. His concerns are our concerns and that of other Opposition parties as well. Rest assured, we will continue to confront the Modi government and demand the Education Minister's resignation," he added.</p><p>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also said the party had been seeking Pradhan's resignation for nearly two months and noted that Rahul Gandhi would again raise the issue during his interaction with students in Dehradun on Friday as part of the Congress' "Chhatron Ki Goonj" campaign.</p><h2><strong>Kejriwal pitches Wangchuk as Education Minister</strong></h2><p>Addressing protesters at Jantar Mantar, Kejriwal on Thursday demanded Pradhan's resignation and suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appoint Wangchuk as the next Union Education Minister.</p><p>"I suggest to the PM: remove Dharmendra Pradhan and make Sonam Wangchuk the Union Education Minister," Kejriwal said.</p><p>He also urged the Centre to engage with the protesters, warning that ignoring the youth could have political consequences similar to those faced by the UPA government in 2014.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/every-life-is-precious-delhi-hc-delivers-big-order-on-sonam-wangchuk-tells-indian-govt-to-monitor-his-health-1784180637942"><strong>Delhi HC tells Centre to monitor Sonam Wangchuk's health</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Opposition leaders join protest</strong></h2><p>Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav urged the government to show "a little sensitivity" and open a dialogue with Wangchuk, saying compassion lies at the heart of Sanatan Dharma.</p><p>Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP-led government of ignoring the concerns of students and demanded that Pradhan be held accountable for the alleged examination irregularities.</p><p>Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait also visited the protest site to express support.</p><h2><strong>Sonam Wangchuk Health concerns deepen</strong></h2><p>Doctors attending to Wangchuk have said he has lost more than nine kilograms since beginning the fast and warned that the prolonged hunger strike could soon begin affecting his organs.</p><p>Despite repeated appeals from political leaders and supporters, Wangchuk has refused to end the protest, saying doing so without any response from the government would send the wrong message.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor his health daily and ensure immediate medical intervention whenever necessary, observing that "the life of every citizen is precious."</p><p>The protest, led by Wangchuk and students' organisations including the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), All India Students' Association (AISA) and Students' Federation of India (SFI), has also called for a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.<br>&nbsp;</p>

As Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day, Congress backed his demand for accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak and appealed to him to end his fast, even as questions grew over Rahul Gandhi's absence from the protest.

Support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike continued to gather momentum on Thursday (Jul 16), with leaders from across the Opposition visiting him at Delhi's Jantar Mantar even as doctors warned that his health had entered a critical stage after 19 days without food. Even as questions about Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's absence at Jantar Mantar grow, the INC extended its support to Wangchuk, while appealing to him to end the Anshan (fast unto death). Opposition parties have also extended their support, with former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and farmer leader Rakesh Tikait among those who expressed solidarity with Wangchuk at the Cockroach Janata Party protest. The climate activist has been observing a hunger strike for 20 days (as of July 17) seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Also read | Sonam Wangchuk loses over 9kg on day 19 of hunger strike Congress extends support, asks Wangchuk to end fast The Congress reiterated its demand for Pradhan's resignation while appealing to Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike because of his deteriorating health. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the party shared Wangchuk's concerns over what it described as the collapse of the examination system and assured him that the Opposition would continue pressing for accountability. "We share the anguish and outrage that Shri Wangchuk ji feels, especially due to the lack of accountability within the Modi Govt, for the collapse of the examination system in particular," Venugopal said in a post on X.

<p>As Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day, Congress backed his demand for accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak and appealed to him to end his fast, even as questions grew over Rahul Gandhi's absence from the protest.</p>

'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar

<p>US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (Jul 16) that television networks choosing not to broadcast his national address should have their broadcasting licenses revoked, after several major US networks opted against airing the speech on their main channels. The POTUS claimed that these channels were “part of a plot”.</p><p>"TV channels not covering the speech should have their licenses revoked," Trump said during his prime-time address, which focused on election security and claims of a stolen election just four months before the US midterm elections.</p><p>"They and others in the media are part of a plot. Fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses. They use our public multi-billion-dollar-in-value airwaves for absolutely no money. They pay nothing," he said, calling out ABC and NBC by name.</p><h2><strong>Why did channels skip the Trump speech?</strong></h2><p>The decision by several broadcasters comes against the backdrop of Trump's long-running criticism of US media and his repeated, unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Some Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had urged networks not to broadcast the speech, arguing that Trump could repeat debunked allegations about election fraud.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-in-address-to-nation-repeats-stolen-election-claims-alleges-china-compromised-220-million-voter-data-files-1784250898408"><strong>Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files</strong></a></p><p>The speech also unfolded amid heightened tensions between the administration and major media companies. ABC's parent company, Disney, is facing FCC inquiries, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr has also launched investigations involving NBC and Comcast. Carr said on Wednesday that he believes broadcast networks should carry Trump's remarks, saying Americans "have every right to be able to get" the speech over the airwaves.</p><p>ABC said it would stream the address on ABC News Live and air it on ABC News Radio, but not on its main broadcast network. NBC took a similar approach, saying the speech would air on its streaming platform, NBC News NOW, rather than on its primary television channel. CNN said it would monitor the address for news coverage while making a live feed available on its website and subscription streaming service, rather than carrying it on its main cable network.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-screwed-up-jd-vance-admits-trump-administration-botched-paedophile-epstein-files-release-1784164012571"><strong>'We screwed up...': JD Vance admits Trump administration botched Epstein files release</strong></a></p><h2><strong>‘All the more reason’</strong></h2><p>White House, however, sought to pressure major US television networks to air the speech live. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier said Trump may address the situation in Iran and the US economy during the speech, calling that "all the more reason" for networks to air it live.</p><p>The White House had previously indicated that Trump could use the address to disclose newly declassified intelligence related to the 2020 US election, including claims about China's alleged intent or capability to interfere. Reuters reported that some administration officials have expressed concern that the intelligence collected during Trump's first term could be misleading.</p>

President Donald Trump has called for television networks that declined to air his national address to have their broadcasting licenses revoked, escalating his long-running confrontation with major US media outlets.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (Jul 16) that television networks choosing not to broadcast his national address should have their broadcasting licenses revoked, after several major US networks opted against airing the speech on their main channels. The POTUS claimed that these channels were “part of a plot”. "TV channels not covering the speech should have their licenses revoked," Trump said during his prime-time address, which focused on election security and claims of a stolen election just four months before the US midterm elections. "They and others in the media are part of a plot. Fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses. They use our public multi-billion-dollar-in-value airwaves for absolutely no money. They pay nothing," he said, calling out ABC and NBC by name. Why did channels skip the Trump speech? The decision by several broadcasters comes against the backdrop of Trump's long-running criticism of US media and his repeated, unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Some Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had urged networks not to broadcast the speech, arguing that Trump could repeat debunked allegations about election fraud. Also read | Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files The speech also unfolded amid heightened tensions between the administration and major media companies. ABC's parent company, Disney, is facing FCC inquiries, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr has also launched investigations involving NBC and Comcast. Carr said on Wednesday that he believes broadcast networks should carry Trump's remarks, saying Americans "have every right to be able to get" the speech over the airwaves. ABC said it would stream the address on ABC News Live and air it on ABC News Radio, but not on its main broadcast network. NBC took a similar approach, saying the speech would air on its streaming platform, NBC News NOW, rather than on its primary television channel. CNN said it would monitor the address for news coverage while making a live feed available on its website and subscription streaming service, rather than carrying it on its main cable network. Also read | 'We screwed up...': JD Vance admits Trump administration botched Epstein files release ‘All the more reason’ White House, however, sought to pressure major US television networks to air the speech live. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier said Trump may address the situation in Iran and the US economy during the speech, calling that "all the more reason" for networks to air it live. The White House had previously indicated that Trump could use the address to disclose newly declassified intelligence related to the 2020 US election, including claims about China's alleged intent or capability to interfere. Reuters reported that some administration officials have expressed concern that the intelligence collected during Trump's first term could be misleading.

<p>President Donald Trump has called for television networks that declined to air his national address to have their broadcasting licenses revoked, escalating his long-running confrontation with major US media outlets.</p>

'Revoke their licenses': Trump lashes out at TV networks that skipped his speech

<p>US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the immediate declassification of intelligence related to US elections, claiming it reveals "shocking vulnerabilities" in the country's voting system. In a national address from the White House just four ‌months before the critical midterm elections, Trump accused China of carrying out what he described as the "largest compromise" of US election data during the 2020 election.</p><p>"The authenticity of this intelligence is confirmed," Trump said, claiming that Chinese actors compromised 220 million US data files.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-screwed-up-jd-vance-admits-trump-administration-botched-paedophile-epstein-files-release-1784164012571"><strong>'We screwed up...': JD Vance admits Trump administration botched Epstein files release</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Data from 18 states ‘bought’?</strong></h2><p>"Over a period of years, starting during the 2020 election cycle, the People's Republic of China carried out what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history, resulting in China's illicit acquisition of 220 million US voter files," Trump said in a televised prime-time address from the White House.</p><p>He further alleged that election-related data from 18 US states had been "bought" or "stolen."</p><p>The White House earlier said the newly declassified intelligence concerns investigations into US elections and vulnerabilities in voting systems. However, Trump did not immediately provide evidence to support his claims during the address.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-missiles-strike-near-iran-children-s-cancer-hospital-mass-evacuations-underway-1784163497565"><strong>US missiles strike near Iran children's cancer hospital; mass evacuations underway</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Trump's ‘false’ stolen election claims</strong></h2><p>Trump has spent years sowing suspicions about ​electoral outcomes, falsely claiming his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden was rigged. He has also claimed without evidence that mail-in voting is rife with fraud, voting machines are vulnerable to manipulation and non-citizen ​voting is widespread.<br>Notably, more than 60 lawsuits by Trump and his allies produced no ruling establishing fraud capable of changing the outcome of the 2020 election, while recounts, audits, and his own Justice Department found none.</p>

President Donald Trump has declassified intelligence related to US elections, claiming it exposes "shocking vulnerabilities" and alleging that China compromised 220 million US data files and stole or bought election-related data from 18 states, though he presented no evidence.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the immediate declassification of intelligence related to US elections, claiming it reveals "shocking vulnerabilities" in the country's voting system. In a national address from the White House just four ‌months before the critical midterm elections, Trump accused China of carrying out what he described as the "largest compromise" of US election data during the 2020 election. "The authenticity of this intelligence is confirmed," Trump said, claiming that Chinese actors compromised 220 million US data files. Also read | 'We screwed up...': JD Vance admits Trump administration botched Epstein files release Data from 18 states ‘bought’? "Over a period of years, starting during the 2020 election cycle, the People's Republic of China carried out what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history, resulting in China's illicit acquisition of 220 million US voter files," Trump said in a televised prime-time address from the White House. He further alleged that election-related data from 18 US states had been "bought" or "stolen." The White House earlier said the newly declassified intelligence concerns investigations into US elections and vulnerabilities in voting systems. However, Trump did not immediately provide evidence to support his claims during the address. Also read | US missiles strike near Iran children's cancer hospital; mass evacuations underway Trump's ‘false’ stolen election claims Trump has spent years sowing suspicions about electoral outcomes, falsely claiming his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden was rigged. He has also claimed without evidence that mail-in voting is rife with fraud, voting machines are vulnerable to manipulation and non-citizen voting is widespread. Notably, more than 60 lawsuits by Trump and his allies produced no ruling establishing fraud capable of changing the outcome of the 2020 election, while recounts, audits, and his own Justice Department found none.

<p>President Donald Trump has declassified intelligence related to US elections, claiming it exposes "shocking vulnerabilities" and alleging that China compromised 220 million US data files and stole or bought election-related data from 18 states, though he presented no evidence.</p>

Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files

<p>Urvashi Rautela's tryst with international celebs continues. After an iconic selfie with Justin Bieber and the unforgettable "meet-up" with Leonardo DiCaprio, she has now set her sights on the God of Mischief himself—Loki, aka Tom Hiddleston.</p><h2>Urvashi Rautela meets Tom Hiddleston</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Thursday morning, Urvashi blessed her feed with a video of herself casually chatting with Tom at the Wimbledon 2026 Final. Clutching a tennis ball in one hand like a prized infinity stone, she walked alongside the Marvel star.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“A truly unforgettable evening at the Wimbledon 2026 Final. Witnessing an incredible battle between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev a celebration of passion, resilience and excellence on the world's most iconic tennis stage. Congratulations to Jannik Sinner on a remarkable victory and to both champions for inspiring millions. A beautiful afternoon shared with Tom Hiddleston,” wrote Urvashi in the caption.&nbsp;</p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da1BvDdhs3c/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Urvashi Rautela (@urvashirautela)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>'Urvashi will return in Avengers Doomsday': Internet explodes</h2><p>Needless to say, the comment section blew up with hilarious reactions. Fans unleashed their peak comedic energy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One pinned comment perfectly captured the crossover, calling them,“Queen of bollywood with God of multiverse”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another user joked about the potential conversation topic, “She must be telling him about her necklace which her mom had given when he asked her about the issues in india”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Others immediately suspected a major career move, sensing an inkling that maybe Tom is set to join the sequel to Daaku Maharaj." Looks like she is asking him to sign up for Daku maharaj 2," quipped the user.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Someone else commented, “First woman in this universe to hold a tennis ball while talking to Loki” while another fan confidently predicted, “Urvashi will return in Avengers Doomsday”</p>

Urvashi Rautela’s encounters with Hollywood A-listers are officially the stuff of internet legend. The Bollywood star met with Tom Hiddleston recently and shared a video of their encounter. Needless to say, the Internet had a field day in the comment section. 

Urvashi Rautela's tryst with international celebs continues. After an iconic selfie with Justin Bieber and the unforgettable "meet-up" with Leonardo DiCaprio, she has now set her sights on the God of Mischief himself—Loki, aka Tom Hiddleston. Urvashi Rautela meets Tom Hiddleston On Thursday morning, Urvashi blessed her feed with a video of herself casually chatting with Tom at the Wimbledon 2026 Final. Clutching a tennis ball in one hand like a prized infinity stone, she walked alongside the Marvel star. “A truly unforgettable evening at the Wimbledon 2026 Final. Witnessing an incredible battle between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev a celebration of passion, resilience and excellence on the world's most iconic tennis stage. Congratulations to Jannik Sinner on a remarkable victory and to both champions for inspiring millions. A beautiful afternoon shared with Tom Hiddleston,” wrote Urvashi in the caption.

<p>Urvashi Rautela’s encounters with Hollywood A-listers are officially the stuff of internet legend. The Bollywood star met with Tom Hiddleston recently and shared a video of their encounter. Needless to say, the Internet had a field day in the comment section.&nbsp;</p>

Urvashi Rautela meets 'Loki' Tom Hiddleston at Wimbledon; Internet explodes with Avengers Doomsday memes

<p>Thousands of civil servants in Thailand suspected of having secured appointments by tampering with their civil service examination results in exchange for bribes could lose their jobs, reports said on Thursday (July 16). The Bangkok Post reported that up to 3,621 local government officials are expected to have their appointments revoked, while The Straits Times put the figure at nearly 6,000. The Local Government Personnel Examination Committee has identified irregularities involving at least 5,814 local government officials who took the civil service examinations. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is at the forefront of the clean-up, having chaired a meeting on the probe into the exam cheating scandal on Wednesday.</p><h2>What is the exam cheating scandal ruining public confidence in Thailand's bureaucracy?</h2><p>The multimillion-dollar fraud came to light in June after some Thai officials were found to have altered examination scores for civil service roles in exchange for bribes of up to US$24,000, or about 800,000 baht. What began as a local case expanded into a nationwide investigation into civil service recruitment exam fraud, with some reports suggesting the malpractice may have been taking place for years. The bribes were allegedly paid by thousands of applicants seeking civil service positions. In return, their examination results were electronically altered so they could pass mandatory tests required for government appointments or promotions.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/brown-professor-ai-cheating-take-home-midterms-finals-results-1783686001080">From 96% to 3 zeros: Professor suspected AI cheating in remote exam. What he did next exposed 57 of 59 students</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nearly 6,000 public appointments are now under investigation. The money trail and electronic evidence have also led investigators to additional suspects, including officials, brokers and applicants.</p><p>Two alleged kingpins behind the scandal were remanded in custody after the Criminal Court refused them bail, saying it was an organised criminal operation capable of damaging the functioning of the government.</p><p>The case has rapidly evolved into one of Thailand's biggest public sector corruption investigations involving thousands of appointments across local administrative bodies.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-re-exam-a-day-before-re-examination-hyderabad-aspirant-found-dead-suicide-note-says-no-one-is-responsible-1782090376078">NEET re-exam: A day before re-examination, Hyderabad aspirant found dead; suicide note says, 'no one is responsible'</a></p><h2>What's the future of the candidates caught manipulating civil service exam results?</h2><p>Prime Minister Charnvirakul has ordered the cancellation of compromised recruitment results. He warned that civil servants who obtained their posts through fraud would lose their jobs, regardless of whether they are already serving.</p><p>The probe has already expanded to include officials, brokers, proxy exam takers and applicants allegedly involved in the nationwide fraud network.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-ug-2026-re-exam-massive-security-deployment-as-22-lakh-students-face-crucial-test-1782029531287/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-ug-2026-re-exam-massive-security-deployment-as-22-lakh-students-face-crucial-test-1782029531287/embed</a></p><p>Faced with one of the largest scandals in Thailand's public administration, the government has pledged reforms to recruitment procedures, tighter oversight of digital examination systems, and disciplinary action against complicit officials.</p><p>Amid public outrage, anti-corruption advocates have described the scandal as a major test of the government's commitment to restoring confidence in Thailand's civil service. They say future recruitment must be based on merit rather than bribery or political influence.</p>

Thailand is investigating a massive civil service exam fraud. Thousands of officials could lose their jobs over alleged bribery. The score manipulation scheme has been exposed in one of the country's biggest corruption probes. Here is what happened

Thousands of civil servants in Thailand suspected of having secured appointments by tampering with their civil service examination results in exchange for bribes could lose their jobs, reports said on Thursday (July 16). The Bangkok Post reported that up to 3,621 local government officials are expected to have their appointments revoked, while The Straits Times put the figure at nearly 6,000. The Local Government Personnel Examination Committee has identified irregularities involving at least 5,814 local government officials who took the civil service examinations. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is at the forefront of the clean-up, having chaired a meeting on the probe into the exam cheating scandal on Wednesday. What is the exam cheating scandal ruining public confidence in Thailand's bureaucracy? The multimillion-dollar fraud came to light in June after some Thai officials were found to have altered examination scores for civil service roles in exchange for bribes of up to US$24,000, or about 800,000 baht. What began as a local case expanded into a nationwide investigation into civil service recruitment exam fraud, with some reports suggesting the malpractice may have been taking place for years. The bribes were allegedly paid by thousands of applicants seeking civil service positions. In return, their examination results were electronically altered so they could pass mandatory tests required for government appointments or promotions. Also read: From 96% to 3 zeros: Professor suspected AI cheating in remote exam. What he did next exposed 57 of 59 students Nearly 6,000 public appointments are now under investigation. The money trail and electronic evidence have also led investigators to additional suspects, including officials, brokers and applicants. Two alleged kingpins behind the scandal were remanded in custody after the Criminal Court refused them bail, saying it was an organised criminal operation capable of damaging the functioning of the government. The case has rapidly evolved into one of Thailand's biggest public sector corruption investigations involving thousands of appointments across local administrative bodies. Also read: NEET re-exam: A day before re-examination, Hyderabad aspirant found dead; suicide note says, 'no one is responsible' What's the future of the candidates caught manipulating civil service exam results? Prime Minister Charnvirakul has ordered the cancellation of compromised recruitment results. He warned that civil servants who obtained their posts through fraud would lose their jobs, regardless of whether they are already serving. The probe has already expanded to include officials, brokers, proxy exam takers and applicants allegedly involved in the nationwide fraud network. https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-ug-2026-re-exam-massive-security-deployment-as-22-lakh-students-face-crucial-test-1782029531287/embed Faced with one of the largest scandals in Thailand's public administration, the government has pledged reforms to recruitment procedures, tighter oversight of digital examination systems, and disciplinary action against complicit officials. Amid public outrage, anti-corruption advocates have described the scandal as a major test of the government's commitment to restoring confidence in Thailand's civil service. They say future recruitment must be based on merit rather than bribery or political influence.

<p>Thailand is investigating a massive civil service exam fraud. Thousands of officials could lose their jobs over alleged bribery. The score manipulation scheme has been exposed in one of the country's biggest corruption probes. Here is what happened</p>

Thailand's biggest exam scandal could result in the firing of thousands of civil servants. What really happened?

We often notice that most of the standard wine bottles contain exactly 750 milliliters anywhere in the world. But have you ever wondered why? Experts indicated that the answer lies in its history, trade practices, and various human habits. Let's have a look at the answer.

Why are most wine bottles exactly 750 ml instead of 1 litre? Click to know the answer

<p>People in Toronto are waking up to yet another polluted day on Thursday (16 July). The Canadian city is currently facing one of the world's worst air quality due to raging wildfires that also threaten nearby cities across the border in the United States. Smoke from more than 100 active wildfires are moving across northern and northwestern Ontario, according to IQAir rankings.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>PM2.5 levels in 'unhealthy' category in Toronto</h2><p>Fine particulate matter or PM2.5 levels reached concentrations of 80.9 µg/m³ in the city. Air Quality Index or AQI readings were around 169, placing the city in the 'unhealthy' category as of Thursday. Some monitoring stations recorded AQI readings as high as 179. The government agency Environment and Climate Change Canada or ECCC issued air quality warnings as the sky turned yellow-orange over the city.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-wildfires-surround-train-as-massive-fires-disrupt-rail-operations-across-the-country-1784180541222/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-wildfires-surround-train-as-massive-fires-disrupt-rail-operations-across-the-country-1784180541222/embed</a></p><h2>100 wildfires rage as heatwave hits 38 degrees Celsius in downtown Toronto</h2><p>On 13 July 2026, Toronto was the 30th most polluted city in the world before heavier smoke arrived. More than 100 wildfires this month have led to highway closures and evacuations across parts of Ontario. The fires are raging amid a concurrent heatwave that pushed temperatures to nearly 38 degrees Celsius, while airport runway surface temperatures reportedly reached as high as 55°C. Wildfires in northwestern Ontario have affected areas near Armstrong and First Nations communities such as Namaygoosisagagun and Collins. Families were evacuated by boat, while train crews encountered walls of flames as they travelled through fire-affected areas.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wildfires-smoke-us-air-quality-alert-midwest-northeast-1784113411789">Wildfire smoke from Canada will soon spread across US Midwest and East, air quality alerts issued across multiple states</a></p><h2>US cities are at risk of smoke pollution</h2><p>The prevailing winds are carrying the wildfire smoke southwards to the US. The smoke has affected parts of the northeastern and Midwestern US, with air quality alerts issued in states including Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Forecasts indicated that the smoke could also affect areas of New York State and nearby regions, depending on changing wind patterns.</p><h2>Toronto's air quality has worsened before too</h2><p>On certain days in June last year, Toronto recorded the third-worst air quality globally due to smoke from wildfires. In both January and February this year, the city also appeared among the world's most polluted cities on some days. At that time, the poor air quality was primarily linked to vehicle emissions and weather conditions that trapped pollutants close to the ground, rather than wildfire smoke.</p><p>Toronto has generally maintained good annual air quality. In 2019, it recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 7.4 µg/m³, ranking 3,652nd worst worldwide and 62nd in Canada.</p><p>The city's routine air pollution mainly stems from vehicle emissions on busy motorways, diesel trucks, buses, industrial sources, and winter heating that relies on fossil fuels.</p><h2>Is climate change to blame for Toronto's bad air quality?</h2><p>Recent spikes in air pollution are being linked to climate change-driven extreme weather, which is contributing to more frequent and intense wildfires, prolonged heatwaves and heat domes across the world, including North America. Vehicle emissions remain a steady contributor to poor air quality under normal conditions. However, during major wildfire outbreaks, fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke becomes the dominant pollutant, with smoke travelling hundreds of kilometres from northern Ontario to Toronto and, under favourable wind conditions, continuing into parts of the US.</p>

Toronto is currently among the world's most polluted cities. Wildfire smoke is pushing PM2.5 and AQI to unhealthy levels, with concerns for air quality in neighbouring US too.

People in Toronto are waking up to yet another polluted day on Thursday (16 July). The Canadian city is currently facing one of the world's worst air quality due to raging wildfires that also threaten nearby cities across the border in the United States. Smoke from more than 100 active wildfires are moving across northern and northwestern Ontario, according to IQAir rankings. PM2.5 levels in 'unhealthy' category in Toronto Fine particulate matter or PM2.5 levels reached concentrations of 80.9 µg/m³ in the city. Air Quality Index or AQI readings were around 169, placing the city in the 'unhealthy' category as of Thursday. Some monitoring stations recorded AQI readings as high as 179. The government agency Environment and Climate Change Canada or ECCC issued air quality warnings as the sky turned yellow-orange over the city. https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-wildfires-surround-train-as-massive-fires-disrupt-rail-operations-across-the-country-1784180541222/embed 100 wildfires rage as heatwave hits 38 degrees Celsius in downtown Toronto On 13 July 2026, Toronto was the 30th most polluted city in the world before heavier smoke arrived. More than 100 wildfires this month have led to highway closures and evacuations across parts of Ontario. The fires are raging amid a concurrent heatwave that pushed temperatures to nearly 38 degrees Celsius, while airport runway surface temperatures reportedly reached as high as 55°C. Wildfires in northwestern Ontario have affected areas near Armstrong and First Nations communities such as Namaygoosisagagun and Collins. Families were evacuated by boat, while train crews encountered walls of flames as they travelled through fire-affected areas. Also read: Wildfire smoke from Canada will soon spread across US Midwest and East, air quality alerts issued across multiple states US cities are at risk of smoke pollution The prevailing winds are carrying the wildfire smoke southwards to the US. The smoke has affected parts of the northeastern and Midwestern US, with air quality alerts issued in states including Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Forecasts indicated that the smoke could also affect areas of New York State and nearby regions, depending on changing wind patterns. Toronto's air quality has worsened before too On certain days in June last year, Toronto recorded the third-worst air quality globally due to smoke from wildfires. In both January and February this year, the city also appeared among the world's most polluted cities on some days. At that time, the poor air quality was primarily linked to vehicle emissions and weather conditions that trapped pollutants close to the ground, rather than wildfire smoke. Toronto has generally maintained good annual air quality. In 2019, it recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 7.4 µg/m³, ranking 3,652nd worst worldwide and 62nd in Canada. The city's routine air pollution mainly stems from vehicle emissions on busy motorways, diesel trucks, buses, industrial sources, and winter heating that relies on fossil fuels. Is climate change to blame for Toronto's bad air quality? Recent spikes in air pollution are being linked to climate change-driven extreme weather, which is contributing to more frequent and intense wildfires, prolonged heatwaves and heat domes across the world, including North America. Vehicle emissions remain a steady contributor to poor air quality under normal conditions. However, during major wildfire outbreaks, fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke becomes the dominant pollutant, with smoke travelling hundreds of kilometres from northern Ontario to Toronto and, under favourable wind conditions, continuing into parts of the US.

<p>Toronto is currently among the world's most polluted cities. Wildfire smoke is pushing PM2.5 and AQI to unhealthy levels, with concerns for air quality in neighbouring US too.</p>

Toronto is among the world's worst-polluted cities currently, and it could affect US cities too. Here's why

<p>Can a couple lose the right to become parents because Parliament changed the law years after they froze their embryos? The Allahabad High Court has answered that question with a clear no, saying reproductive rights cannot be taken away retrospectively. What are the key provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and why were they introduced? What did the Allahabad HC say in its new groundbreaking ruling? WION Decodes.</p><h2><strong>Allahabad HC's ruling: What it says</strong></h2><p>Imagine spending years undergoing IVF, finally creating embryos after repeated failed attempts, only to discover that a new law now says you're too old to use them. That was the question before the Allahabad High Court, and its answer could have implications far beyond one couple from Lucknow.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-india-wants-a-permanent-unsc-seat-why-is-it-still-contesting-for-a-temporary-one-wion-decodes-1784104714747"><strong>If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes</strong></a></p><p>In a significant ruling, the court held that the age limits under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 cannot be applied retrospectively to couples who had already created and frozen embryos before the law came into force. The judges said doing so would violate the constitutional right to reproductive autonomy, which forms part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.</p><h2><strong>Why did the court make an exception?</strong></h2><p>The case involved a couple who had been married for more than 17 years and had undergone multiple rounds of IVF without success. In 2015, they created and cryopreserved three embryos with the intention of pursuing surrogacy if conventional IVF failed. At the time, there was no statutory upper age limit preventing them from doing so.</p><p>But by the time they were ready to proceed, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 had come into force. The law allows surrogacy only if the intending woman is between 23 and 50 years of age and the intending man is between 26 and 55. The wife had crossed the age threshold, leaving the couple unable to move forward.</p><p>The High Court held that the law could not be used to extinguish a right that had already accrued years before Parliament enacted the legislation.</p><h2><strong>When does the surrogacy process actually begin?</strong></h2><p>A key question before the court was whether surrogacy begins when a surrogate is identified or much earlier.</p><p>Relying on recent Supreme Court judgments, the Allahabad High Court said the process effectively begins when eggs and sperm are fertilised and embryos are frozen with the intention of using them for surrogacy.</p><p>In other words, the legal clock starts ticking when the embryos are created, not when they are implanted.</p><p>That distinction proved crucial in this case. Since the embryos had been frozen in 2015, the couple's right to pursue parenthood had already crystallised under the legal framework that existed at the time. The later age restrictions could not be imposed retrospectively.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-why-is-the-us-threatening-india-with-fresh-12-5-tariff-under-section-301-which-industries-stand-to-lose-the-most-1783489179101"><strong>WION Decodes: Why is the US threatening India with fresh 12.5% tariff under Section 301? Which industries stand to lose the most?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What does India's Surrogacy Act say?</strong></h2><p>The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 was introduced to regulate assisted reproduction and curb commercial surrogacy.</p><p>Among its key provisions are:</p><ol><li>Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted.</li><li>Commercial surrogacy is prohibited.</li><li>Women must be between 23 and 50 years of age, while men must be between 26 and 55.</li><li>Intending couples must obtain eligibility certificates and medical approvals.</li><li>Registered clinics and strict oversight are mandatory.</li><li>The law also prohibits sex selection and seeks to protect surrogate mothers and children born through surrogacy.</li></ol><p>The High Court did not strike down these provisions. Instead, it ruled that they cannot be applied to embryos frozen before the law came into effect.</p><h2><strong>Could this help other IVF couples?</strong></h2><p>Potentially, yes. The ruling is based on Supreme Court precedents and reinforces the principle that reproductive rights cannot be taken away simply because a law changes after a medical procedure has already begun. That means other couples who froze embryos before January 25, 2022 and later crossed the statutory age limit may also have stronger grounds to seek permission for surrogacy.</p><p>However, the judgment does not create a blanket exemption. Such couples must still satisfy the other requirements of the Surrogacy Act, including medical eligibility and statutory approvals.</p><h2><strong>Why this judgment matters</strong></h2><p>The ruling goes beyond one couple's struggle. As more Indians turn to IVF and embryo freezing, courts are increasingly being asked to decide what happens when science moves faster than the law.</p><p>The Allahabad High Court's judgment suggests that once embryos are legally created and preserved, the right to use them cannot simply disappear because Parliament later changes the rules.</p>

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 cannot be applied retrospectively to couples who froze embryos before the law came into force, holding that reproductive rights under Article 21 cannot be taken away by subsequent legislation.

Can a couple lose the right to become parents because Parliament changed the law years after they froze their embryos? The Allahabad High Court has answered that question with a clear no, saying reproductive rights cannot be taken away retrospectively. What are the key provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and why were they introduced? What did the Allahabad HC say in its new groundbreaking ruling? WION Decodes. Allahabad HC's ruling: What it says Imagine spending years undergoing IVF, finally creating embryos after repeated failed attempts, only to discover that a new law now says you're too old to use them. That was the question before the Allahabad High Court, and its answer could have implications far beyond one couple from Lucknow. Also read | If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes In a significant ruling, the court held that the age limits under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 cannot be applied retrospectively to couples who had already created and frozen embryos before the law came into force. The judges said doing so would violate the constitutional right to reproductive autonomy, which forms part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. Why did the court make an exception? The case involved a couple who had been married for more than 17 years and had undergone multiple rounds of IVF without success. In 2015, they created and cryopreserved three embryos with the intention of pursuing surrogacy if conventional IVF failed. At the time, there was no statutory upper age limit preventing them from doing so. But by the time they were ready to proceed, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 had come into force. The law allows surrogacy only if the intending woman is between 23 and 50 years of age and the intending man is between 26 and 55. The wife had crossed the age threshold, leaving the couple unable to move forward. The High Court held that the law could not be used to extinguish a right that had already accrued years before Parliament enacted the legislation. When does the surrogacy process actually begin? A key question before the court was whether surrogacy begins when a surrogate is identified or much earlier. Relying on recent Supreme Court judgments, the Allahabad High Court said the process effectively begins when eggs and sperm are fertilised and embryos are frozen with the intention of using them for surrogacy. In other words, the legal clock starts ticking when the embryos are created, not when they are implanted. That distinction proved crucial in this case. Since the embryos had been frozen in 2015, the couple's right to pursue parenthood had already crystallised under the legal framework that existed at the time. The later age restrictions could not be imposed retrospectively. Also read | WION Decodes: Why is the US threatening India with fresh 12.5% tariff under Section 301? Which industries stand to lose the most? What does India's Surrogacy Act say? The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 was introduced to regulate assisted reproduction and curb commercial surrogacy. Among its key provisions are: Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited. Women must be between 23 and 50 years of age, while men must be between 26 and 55. Intending couples must obtain eligibility certificates and medical approvals. Registered clinics and strict oversight are mandatory. The law also prohibits sex selection and seeks to protect surrogate mothers and children born through surrogacy. The High Court did not strike down these provisions. Instead, it ruled that they cannot be applied to embryos frozen before the law came into effect. Could this help other IVF couples? Potentially, yes. The ruling is based on Supreme Court precedents and reinforces the principle that reproductive rights cannot be taken away simply because a law changes after a medical procedure has already begun. That means other couples who froze embryos before January 25, 2022 and later crossed the statutory age limit may also have stronger grounds to seek permission for surrogacy. However, the judgment does not create a blanket exemption. Such couples must still satisfy the other requirements of the Surrogacy Act, including medical eligibility and statutory approvals. Why this judgment matters The ruling goes beyond one couple's struggle. As more Indians turn to IVF and embryo freezing, courts are increasingly being asked to decide what happens when science moves faster than the law. The Allahabad High Court's judgment suggests that once embryos are legally created and preserved, the right to use them cannot simply disappear because Parliament later changes the rules.

<p>The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 cannot be applied retrospectively to couples who froze embryos before the law came into force, holding that reproductive rights under Article 21 cannot be taken away by subsequent legislation.</p>

WION Decodes: Does freezing an embryo give you a legal right to become a parent later? Allahabad HC says...

<p>A monkey species that was first seen in 2008 has finally been confirmed 18 years later. The primate with orangish-pink lips and black fur lives in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Researchers photographed it in the dense tropical forests of Lomami National Park. It is only the fifth African monkey species to be discovered in the last 75 years. The findings have been published in PLOS One, and it has been named Colobus congoensis, locally known as Likweli.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Conservationists took a blurry photo of the monkey in 2008 during an expedition. It was new and different, but they did not see it again. The unidentified primate was again seen 10 years later. So scientists decided to officially look for it. Their work bore fruit as over the next four years, they saw the creature 114 times between the Lomami and Lilo rivers. The team described the monkey as "quiet, shy and with a watchful nature."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kate Detwiler and Junior Amboko, from Florida Atlantic University, said that instead of fleeing, these monkeys climbed higher into the canopy and watched them. "It often feels as though we’re studying each other," they said. Several people in the region already knew about the monkeys. The researchers interviewed people in 52 villages in the nearby areas, and only people in eight villages said they had seen them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"These are really important African monkeys that don't have thumbs," Detwiler said. The monkeys have bright facial markings, which the team thinks could be a way to attract partners to mate, and could also be used for identification purposes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another unique feature is their loud roar. "You often hear them, but don't see them," said Amboko. The roar can be heard over long distances. The sounds they make are acoustically distinct from those of other colobus monkeys. This was another reason the team was sure they had encountered a unique species.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They also said that they are hunted for meat, and are hoping that the Colobus congoensis classification would lead them to be termed a distinct species so they can be officially protected.</p>

Democratic Republic of Congo has revealed a new monkey species with orange and pink lips and bright facial hair. The animals also make a distinct roar. It has been named Colobus congoensis, and is apparently shy and watchful.

A monkey species that was first seen in 2008 has finally been confirmed 18 years later. The primate with orangish-pink lips and black fur lives in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Researchers photographed it in the dense tropical forests of Lomami National Park. It is only the fifth African monkey species to be discovered in the last 75 years. The findings have been published in PLOS One, and it has been named Colobus congoensis, locally known as Likweli. Conservationists took a blurry photo of the monkey in 2008 during an expedition. It was new and different, but they did not see it again. The unidentified primate was again seen 10 years later. So scientists decided to officially look for it. Their work bore fruit as over the next four years, they saw the creature 114 times between the Lomami and Lilo rivers. The team described the monkey as "quiet, shy and with a watchful nature." Kate Detwiler and Junior Amboko, from Florida Atlantic University, said that instead of fleeing, these monkeys climbed higher into the canopy and watched them. "It often feels as though we’re studying each other," they said. Several people in the region already knew about the monkeys. The researchers interviewed people in 52 villages in the nearby areas, and only people in eight villages said they had seen them. "These are really important African monkeys that don't have thumbs," Detwiler said. The monkeys have bright facial markings, which the team thinks could be a way to attract partners to mate, and could also be used for identification purposes. Another unique feature is their loud roar. "You often hear them, but don't see them," said Amboko. The roar can be heard over long distances. The sounds they make are acoustically distinct from those of other colobus monkeys. This was another reason the team was sure they had encountered a unique species. They also said that they are hunted for meat, and are hoping that the Colobus congoensis classification would lead them to be termed a distinct species so they can be officially protected.

<p>Democratic Republic of Congo has revealed a new monkey species with orange and pink lips and bright facial hair. The animals also make a distinct roar. It has been named Colobus congoensis, and is apparently shy and watchful.</p>

'Shy and watchful' monkey with no thumb and orange lips discovered in Africa

<p>The forensic laboratory analysis of a two-pound meteorite that crashed through the roof of a New Jersey home has revealed an unprecedented glimpse into the chemistry of an alien world. The extraordinary cosmic rock, now known as the Hillsborough meteorite, fell to Earth in 2024. Screaming through the atmosphere at 32,000 miles per hour (14.4 km/s) it triggered a massive sonic boom over New York before tearing through the ceiling of a Hillsborough home's master bedroom.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/neil-armstrong-and-buzz-aldrin-almost-died-on-the-moon-the-plastic-pen-that-saved-them-just-sold-for-857-600-1784175823499"><strong>Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin almost died on the Moon. The plastic pen that saved them just sold for $857,600</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Clues to the origins of life</strong></h2><p>The forensic breakdown of the Hillsborough meteorite has revealed a highly altered environment rich in liquid water and complex organic matter, offering critical insights into how life may have been sparked on early Earth.</p><p>Researchers studying the two pound meteorite say it contains signs of an unusual salty water environment that has never before been identified in this class of asteroid. The findings, they say, could reshape scientists' understanding of how the building blocks of life formed billions of years ago.</p><p>"I was at home at the time, heard a loud crash and found a hole in the ceiling of the master bedroom," the homeowner recalled. "I smelled a strong sulphur-like odor and saw many black fragments... covering my bed."</p><h2><strong>Tracing the rock back to the asteroid belt</strong></h2><p>Scientists traced the object to the lower asteroid belt, where they believe it originated from a primitive asteroid that experienced an unexpected episode of concentrated salty water activity.</p><p>"A forensic study of the fragments revealed that they contained preserved bits from near the surface of a primitive asteroid where it experienced concentrated salty fluids, a process not previously known from this type of protoplanet world," said lead author Peter Jenniskens of the SETI Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/built-to-outlive-us-all-earth-is-getting-an-indestructible-black-box-to-record-the-end-of-human-civilisation-1783747790087"><strong>Built to outlive us all: Earth is getting an indestructible ‘black box’ to record the end of human civilisation</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Meteorite packed with life's building blocks</strong></h2><p>Laboratory analysis revealed that the meteorite contains a rich mixture of carbon, nitrogen, amino acids and dozens of soluble organic compounds. Researchers found evidence that many of these molecules formed through interactions between minerals and highly concentrated briny water, an environment capable of driving complex chemical reactions.</p><p>The meteorite contained about 1.8 per cent carbon and 0.07 per cent nitrogen, with isotope signatures matching those seen in primitive CM type carbonaceous chondrites, some of the oldest material in the Solar System.</p><p>Scientists also identified magnesium based organic compounds whose origin remains uncertain. They may have formed through the asteroid's salty water chemistry or during ancient impact events.</p><h2><strong>Could asteroids have helped spark life on Earth?</strong></h2><p>The discovery adds weight to the idea that primitive asteroids delivered key ingredients needed for life to emerge on the young Earth.</p><p>NASA astrobiologist Danny Glavin and colleagues concluded that amino acids, carboxylic acids and other organic molecules carried by meteorites like Hillsborough may have contributed to the chemical inventory that existed before life began.</p><p>Because the fragments were recovered within hours of impact and carefully preserved, researchers say they remain among the cleanest meteorite samples ever analysed. Several pieces will now be housed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where they will continue to be studied for clues about the origins of the Solar System and, perhaps, life itself.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Scientists have discovered previously unknown salty water chemistry and complex organic molecules inside the Hillsborough meteorite that crashed through a New Jersey home's roof, offering new clues about the origins of life on Earth.

The forensic laboratory analysis of a two-pound meteorite that crashed through the roof of a New Jersey home has revealed an unprecedented glimpse into the chemistry of an alien world. The extraordinary cosmic rock, now known as the Hillsborough meteorite, fell to Earth in 2024. Screaming through the atmosphere at 32,000 miles per hour (14.4 km/s) it triggered a massive sonic boom over New York before tearing through the ceiling of a Hillsborough home's master bedroom. Also read | Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin almost died on the Moon. The plastic pen that saved them just sold for $857,600 Clues to the origins of life The forensic breakdown of the Hillsborough meteorite has revealed a highly altered environment rich in liquid water and complex organic matter, offering critical insights into how life may have been sparked on early Earth. Researchers studying the two pound meteorite say it contains signs of an unusual salty water environment that has never before been identified in this class of asteroid. The findings, they say, could reshape scientists' understanding of how the building blocks of life formed billions of years ago. "I was at home at the time, heard a loud crash and found a hole in the ceiling of the master bedroom," the homeowner recalled. "I smelled a strong sulphur-like odor and saw many black fragments... covering my bed." Tracing the rock back to the asteroid belt Scientists traced the object to the lower asteroid belt, where they believe it originated from a primitive asteroid that experienced an unexpected episode of concentrated salty water activity. "A forensic study of the fragments revealed that they contained preserved bits from near the surface of a primitive asteroid where it experienced concentrated salty fluids, a process not previously known from this type of protoplanet world," said lead author Peter Jenniskens of the SETI Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center. Also read | Built to outlive us all: Earth is getting an indestructible ‘black box’ to record the end of human civilisation Meteorite packed with life's building blocks Laboratory analysis revealed that the meteorite contains a rich mixture of carbon, nitrogen, amino acids and dozens of soluble organic compounds. Researchers found evidence that many of these molecules formed through interactions between minerals and highly concentrated briny water, an environment capable of driving complex chemical reactions. The meteorite contained about 1.8 per cent carbon and 0.07 per cent nitrogen, with isotope signatures matching those seen in primitive CM type carbonaceous chondrites, some of the oldest material in the Solar System. Scientists also identified magnesium based organic compounds whose origin remains uncertain. They may have formed through the asteroid's salty water chemistry or during ancient impact events. Could asteroids have helped spark life on Earth? The discovery adds weight to the idea that primitive asteroids delivered key ingredients needed for life to emerge on the young Earth. NASA astrobiologist Danny Glavin and colleagues concluded that amino acids, carboxylic acids and other organic molecules carried by meteorites like Hillsborough may have contributed to the chemical inventory that existed before life began. Because the fragments were recovered within hours of impact and carefully preserved, researchers say they remain among the cleanest meteorite samples ever analysed. Several pieces will now be housed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where they will continue to be studied for clues about the origins of the Solar System and, perhaps, life itself.

<p>Scientists have discovered previously unknown salty water chemistry and complex organic molecules inside the Hillsborough meteorite that crashed through a New Jersey home's roof, offering new clues about the origins of life on Earth.</p>

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