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<p>Elon Musk has suffered the largest personal wealth decline ever recorded after a sharp drop in the value of SpaceX.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The billionaire's net worth fell by $350 billion within a week as shares of his rocket company slid nearly 30 per cent from their peak reached last Tuesday. According to Forbes estimates, Musk's fortune has declined from $1.45 trillion to just under $1.1 trillion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The scale of the loss exceeds the net worth of the world's second-richest person, Larry Page, estimated at slightly above $299 billion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Musk became the world's first trillionaire earlier this month following the blockbuster stock market debut of his rocket, satellite and artificial intelligence company. Investor enthusiasm drove SpaceX shares up as much as 67 per cent during their first three trading days after a record-setting initial public offering that valued the company at more than $1.8 trillion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since then, the stock has retreated for three straight sessions, erasing roughly $928 billion in market value. The company's valuation has fallen from a peak of $2.9 trillion to just over $2 trillion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is not the first major setback for Musk's wealth. He previously held the record for the largest single loss of personal fortune when his net worth dropped by an estimated $165 billion in 2022 amid a steep decline in Tesla shares.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heatwave-in-france-proves-deadly-as-40-drown-eiffel-tower-louvre-close-early-1782236812664"><strong>Heatwave in France proves deadly as 40 drown; Eiffel Tower, Louvre close early</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Musk's fortune is largely tied to his 38 per cent holding in SpaceX, along with an 11 per cent stake in Tesla and ownership interests in several other start-ups.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>SpaceX recorded its worst trading day since becoming a public company on Monday, with shares plunging 16.4 per cent after the company announced plans for its first investment-grade bond offering. The move aims to raise at least $20 billion to support its artificial intelligence expansion plans.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The fundraising effort has intensified concerns about whether major technology companies can continue financing the enormous investments required to compete in the AI sector. SpaceX said on Monday that it holds more than $100 billion in cash.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite the recent sell-off, SpaceX shares ended Monday at $154, remaining above the company's initial public offering price of $135.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence stocks and the SpaceX listing appears to be cooling across global markets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Nasdaq index in New York fell 1.3 per cent on Monday, weighed down by a 5 per cent decline in Alphabet shares and a 4.8 per cent drop in Amazon.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Market volatility extended to Asia on Tuesday. Trading on South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was temporarily halted after a sharp sell-off in AI chipmakers pushed the index down by 10 per cent. Japan's Nikkei fell 3.6 per cent, while US stock futures also pointed to significant losses before the opening bell.</p>

Musk's fortune is closely tied to his 38 per cent stake in SpaceX, whose shares have retreated for three consecutive sessions. The slide has wiped out around $928 billion in market value, bringing the company's valuation down from a peak of $2.9 trillion to slightly over $2 trillion.

Elon Musk has suffered the largest personal wealth decline ever recorded after a sharp drop in the value of SpaceX. The billionaire's net worth fell by $350 billion within a week as shares of his rocket company slid nearly 30 per cent from their peak reached last Tuesday. According to Forbes estimates, Musk's fortune has declined from $1.45 trillion to just under $1.1 trillion. The scale of the loss exceeds the net worth of the world's second-richest person, Larry Page, estimated at slightly above $299 billion. Musk became the world's first trillionaire earlier this month following the blockbuster stock market debut of his rocket, satellite and artificial intelligence company. Investor enthusiasm drove SpaceX shares up as much as 67 per cent during their first three trading days after a record-setting initial public offering that valued the company at more than $1.8 trillion. Since then, the stock has retreated for three straight sessions, erasing roughly $928 billion in market value. The company's valuation has fallen from a peak of $2.9 trillion to just over $2 trillion. This is not the first major setback for Musk's wealth. He previously held the record for the largest single loss of personal fortune when his net worth dropped by an estimated $165 billion in 2022 amid a steep decline in Tesla shares. Also Read: Heatwave in France proves deadly as 40 drown; Eiffel Tower, Louvre close early Musk's fortune is largely tied to his 38 per cent holding in SpaceX, along with an 11 per cent stake in Tesla and ownership interests in several other start-ups. SpaceX recorded its worst trading day since becoming a public company on Monday, with shares plunging 16.4 per cent after the company announced plans for its first investment-grade bond offering. The move aims to raise at least $20 billion to support its artificial intelligence expansion plans. The fundraising effort has intensified concerns about whether major technology companies can continue financing the enormous investments required to compete in the AI sector. SpaceX said on Monday that it holds more than $100 billion in cash. Despite the recent sell-off, SpaceX shares ended Monday at $154, remaining above the company's initial public offering price of $135. However, enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence stocks and the SpaceX listing appears to be cooling across global markets. The Nasdaq index in New York fell 1.3 per cent on Monday, weighed down by a 5 per cent decline in Alphabet shares and a 4.8 per cent drop in Amazon. Market volatility extended to Asia on Tuesday. Trading on South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was temporarily halted after a sharp sell-off in AI chipmakers pushed the index down by 10 per cent. Japan's Nikkei fell 3.6 per cent, while US stock futures also pointed to significant losses before the opening bell.

<p>Musk's fortune is closely tied to his 38 per cent stake in SpaceX, whose shares have retreated for three consecutive sessions. The slide has wiped out around $928 billion in market value, bringing the company's valuation down from a peak of $2.9 trillion to slightly over $2 trillion.</p>

Days after becoming world's first trillionaire, Elon Musk loses record $350 billion

<p>AI is increasingly improving mental healthcare access by scaling, personalising, and automating support, while simultaneously preserving human connections by triaging severe cases, including monitoring, and bridging between clinical visits. It acts as a signal amplifier and a helpful ally rather than a clinical replacement. AI has also emerged as a transformative force in medical fields, enhancing accessibility, efficacy, and ethicality, thereby helping both individuals and communities. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health disorders are emerging as a substantial contributor to the global disease burden, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide.</p><p><br>Increasing mental health disorders have put an unprecedented demand on healthcare systems, disclosing the inadequacies of old methods of mental health care. Traditional mental healthcare models, which largely depend on face-to-face consultations and therapy sessions, are struggling to meet the growing need for accessible, affordable and scalable services. The widening gap between the rising demand for mental health support and the limited availability of care underscores the urgent need for innovative and effective solutions.</p><p><br>To provide an effective and immediate solution, AI is emerging as a powerful tool in mental healthcare, helping analyse large datasets, identify behavioural patterns and support early detection of mental health conditions. It can enable personalised treatment plans, virtual therapy platforms and improved access to care, particularly for underserved populations. AI also has the potential to reduce stigma and enhance treatment outcomes. However, its growing role raises important ethical, regulatory and privacy concerns that require careful oversight. Experts believe the future of mental healthcare lies in combining AI's analytical capabilities with human expertise to deliver more effective and accessible mental health support.</p><p><br>Meanwhile, experts indicate that the technology can help bridge India's massive mental health treatment gap, but it is far from replacing human therapists. Dr Amit Malik, Founder and CEO of Amaha, said India's shortage of mental health professionals makes AI a potentially valuable tool for improving access to support. With fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists and psychologists serving a population of over a billion people, access to care remains severely limited, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.</p><p><br>"The mental health treatment gap in India is stark. Fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists and psychologists serve a population of more than a billion, heavily concentrated in large cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, an entire district may have only one or two specialists, sometimes none at all. Geography, affordability, and stigma make it even harder. This is the context in which AI becomes relevant, but only in well-defined ways," Amit Malik said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/why-healthy-gut-is-foundation-of-long-term-health-experts-explain-1781794588616">Why healthy gut is foundation of long-term health? Experts explain</a></p><p><br>Malik noted that AI can play a vital role in addressing mild to moderate mental health concerns by helping users identify the right support options and remain involved with their care. It can also act as a digital companion between therapy sessions, inspiring reflection and reinforcing therapeutic exercises. However, he stressed that the core elements of therapy remain deeply human and cannot be replicated by technology.</p><p><br>"There is also a dimension of therapy that goes well beyond words. Approaches like psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, and somatic work rely on body cues, non-verbal processing, and a quality of relational presence that is difficult to even describe, let alone automate. A therapist reads micro-expressions, tracks physiological shifts, and notices what is conspicuously absent from a narrative. That quality of attunement is not a feature that can be engineered," he said.</p><p><br>"With conditions like bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, or treatment-resistant depression, recovery rarely follows a linear pathway. It requires psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and caregivers working in close coordination, across multiple modalities and over a sustained period. AI cannot hold someone through a manic episode, or help them rebuild functioning after a hospitalisation. That work requires a multidisciplinary team and a depth of clinical judgment that technology, at this stage, simply cannot replicate," Malik added.</p><p><br>While AI may help more people access mental health resources, Malik emphasised that lasting therapeutic change still depends on the human relationship between therapist and client. "At Amaha, we see AI as infrastructure, not intervention. Used well, it can widen access, reduce the friction that stops people from seeking help, and, by absorbing documentation and administrative load, give clinicians back the cognitive space to be fully present with their clients. That presence, the safety it creates, the ruptures it survives, the repair it enables, is what makes lasting change possible. AI can open the door. It cannot do what happens inside the room," he further added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH</strong>: https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-the-zero-to-100-trend-is-winning-the-health-game-1782217612434/embed</p><h3>Human connection remains essential</h3><p>Seema Rekha, Founder and Managing Director of Antarmanh Consulting, noted that AI has the potential to help bridge critical gaps in mental healthcare by increasing access to support and early intervention services, but it cannot remove the human relationships at the heart of healing.</p><p><br>"In short, AI technology can help address these gaps, especially in a world where there are more needs than trained professionals to help. The provision of information, self-help possibilities, emotional screening, and early detection of any distress is possible through the use of AI technology. However, for those individuals who may be hesitant to use mainstream services due to stigma, distance, and ignorance, AI can help as a first step towards seeking assistance. However, at its very core, the field of mental health care is inherently based on human interaction. Humans heal from their pain through empathy, trust, compassion, and understanding. While this is something that machines cannot do completely, they can offer much-needed assistance in doing so. AI technology can spot patterns and provide prompts, but cannot offer the human element of a therapist, a coach or even a leader," Seema Rekha said.</p><p><br>Looking ahead, she argued that the future of mental healthcare should not be framed as a competition between technology and people. Instead, success will depend on how effectively both are integrated to improve patient outcomes.</p><p><br>"The future of mental healthcare should neither be technology versus people, nor should it be about balancing the two. Instead, it needs to be about how well the two are brought together in the right ways. In essence, technology should be seen as something that increases the scope of treatment and also allows for more efficient and effective treatment of the patient. However, there is no need to lose sight of the fact that the human part of mental health remains integral at all times. Technology can help open the door, but change happens through human relationships," she added.<br>&nbsp;</p>

AI can play a vital role in addressing mild to moderate mental health concerns by helping users identify the right support options and remain involved with their care. It can also act as a digital companion between therapy sessions, inspiring reflection and reinforcing therapeutic exercises.

AI is increasingly improving mental healthcare access by scaling, personalising, and automating support, while simultaneously preserving human connections by triaging severe cases, including monitoring, and bridging between clinical visits. It acts as a signal amplifier and a helpful ally rather than a clinical replacement. AI has also emerged as a transformative force in medical fields, enhancing accessibility, efficacy, and ethicality, thereby helping both individuals and communities. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health disorders are emerging as a substantial contributor to the global disease burden, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide. Increasing mental health disorders have put an unprecedented demand on healthcare systems, disclosing the inadequacies of old methods of mental health care. Traditional mental healthcare models, which largely depend on face-to-face consultations and therapy sessions, are struggling to meet the growing need for accessible, affordable and scalable services. The widening gap between the rising demand for mental health support and the limited availability of care underscores the urgent need for innovative and effective solutions. To provide an effective and immediate solution, AI is emerging as a powerful tool in mental healthcare, helping analyse large datasets, identify behavioural patterns and support early detection of mental health conditions. It can enable personalised treatment plans, virtual therapy platforms and improved access to care, particularly for underserved populations. AI also has the potential to reduce stigma and enhance treatment outcomes. However, its growing role raises important ethical, regulatory and privacy concerns that require careful oversight. Experts believe the future of mental healthcare lies in combining AI's analytical capabilities with human expertise to deliver more effective and accessible mental health support. Meanwhile, experts indicate that the technology can help bridge India's massive mental health treatment gap, but it is far from replacing human therapists. Dr Amit Malik, Founder and CEO of Amaha, said India's shortage of mental health professionals makes AI a potentially valuable tool for improving access to support. With fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists and psychologists serving a population of over a billion people, access to care remains severely limited, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. "The mental health treatment gap in India is stark. Fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists and psychologists serve a population of more than a billion, heavily concentrated in large cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, an entire district may have only one or two specialists, sometimes none at all. Geography, affordability, and stigma make it even harder. This is the context in which AI becomes relevant, but only in well-defined ways," Amit Malik said. Also read: Why healthy gut is foundation of long-term health? Experts explain Malik noted that AI can play a vital role in addressing mild to moderate mental health concerns by helping users identify the right support options and remain involved with their care. It can also act as a digital companion between therapy sessions, inspiring reflection and reinforcing therapeutic exercises. However, he stressed that the core elements of therapy remain deeply human and cannot be replicated by technology. "There is also a dimension of therapy that goes well beyond words. Approaches like psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, and somatic work rely on body cues, non-verbal processing, and a quality of relational presence that is difficult to even describe, let alone automate. A therapist reads micro-expressions, tracks physiological shifts, and notices what is conspicuously absent from a narrative. That quality of attunement is not a feature that can be engineered," he said. "With conditions like bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, or treatment-resistant depression, recovery rarely follows a linear pathway. It requires psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and caregivers working in close coordination, across multiple modalities and over a sustained period. AI cannot hold someone through a manic episode, or help them rebuild functioning after a hospitalisation. That work requires a multidisciplinary team and a depth of clinical judgment that technology, at this stage, simply cannot replicate," Malik added. While AI may help more people access mental health resources, Malik emphasised that lasting therapeutic change still depends on the human relationship between therapist and client. "At Amaha, we see AI as infrastructure, not intervention. Used well, it can widen access, reduce the friction that stops people from seeking help, and, by absorbing documentation and administrative load, give clinicians back the cognitive space to be fully present with their clients. That presence, the safety it creates, the ruptures it survives, the repair it enables, is what makes lasting change possible. AI can open the door. It cannot do what happens inside the room," he further added. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-the-zero-to-100-trend-is-winning-the-health-game-1782217612434/embed Human connection remains essential Seema Rekha, Founder and Managing Director of Antarmanh Consulting, noted that AI has the potential to help bridge critical gaps in mental healthcare by increasing access to support and early intervention services, but it cannot remove the human relationships at the heart of healing. "In short, AI technology can help address these gaps, especially in a world where there are more needs than trained professionals to help. The provision of information, self-help possibilities, emotional screening, and early detection of any distress is possible through the use of AI technology. However, for those individuals who may be hesitant to use mainstream services due to stigma, distance, and ignorance, AI can help as a first step towards seeking assistance. However, at its very core, the field of mental health care is inherently based on human interaction. Humans heal from their pain through empathy, trust, compassion, and understanding. While this is something that machines cannot do completely, they can offer much-needed assistance in doing so. AI technology can spot patterns and provide prompts, but cannot offer the human element of a therapist, a coach or even a leader," Seema Rekha said. Looking ahead, she argued that the future of mental healthcare should not be framed as a competition between technology and people. Instead, success will depend on how effectively both are integrated to improve patient outcomes. "The future of mental healthcare should neither be technology versus people, nor should it be about balancing the two. Instead, it needs to be about how well the two are brought together in the right ways. In essence, technology should be seen as something that increases the scope of treatment and also allows for more efficient and effective treatment of the patient. However, there is no need to lose sight of the fact that the human part of mental health remains integral at all times. Technology can help open the door, but change happens through human relationships," she added.

<p>AI can play a vital role in addressing mild to moderate mental health concerns by helping users identify the right support options and remain involved with their care. It can also act as a digital companion between therapy sessions, inspiring reflection and reinforcing therapeutic exercises.</p>

Can AI improve access to mental healthcare without replacing human connection? Here's what experts say

NVIDIA has unveiled a near-zero-water cooling system for AI data centres. Using a closed-loop liquid cooling design, the technology recirculates coolant instead of consuming water, reducing energy use, operating costs and dependence on traditional cooling towers.

Can AI data centres run without water? Nvidia introduces near-zero-water cooling technology

<p>Scientists studying the Giza pyramid complex believe a massive, unexcavated 4,500-year-old tomb structure lies under another construction that a paper detailed in 2024. Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), researchers scanned the Western Cemetery, a burial zone where the elite were buried. They came across an L-shaped structure near the surface and detected something larger below it. However, this deeper surface remains a mystery. Led by Tohoku University’s Motoyuki Sato, the team detailed the dimensions of the upper body in a research paper published in the journal Archaeological Prospection. Notably, these findings are different from the mammoth structure claims made by Italian scientists under the Pyramid of Khafre.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The Western Cemetery at Giza is known as an important burial place of members of the royal family and high-class officers,” the researchers state in the paper. The L-shaped structure sits roughly 6.5 feet deep, and measures 33 feet in length and may have been backfilled with sand after construction. Since it is geometric in shape, scientists confirmed it cannot be a natural geological formation. “In the initial survey by GPR and ERT, we found an anomaly in the north of the survey site. The area of the anomaly could be established approximately, but the structure and the location were unclear," the researchers said. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/giza-pyramid-hiding-pockets-with-nothing-but-air-hints-at-a-secret-entrance-1763446923281"><strong>Giza pyramid hiding pockets with nothing but air hints at a secret entrance</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/egypt-pyramids-age-origin-construction-study-1769684617337"><strong>Egypt's pyramids could be 40,000 years old, controversial study suggests</strong></a></p><h2><strong>The bigger anomaly under a previous mystery</strong></h2><p>The main anomaly lies 16 to 33 feet deep below the ground, which scientists say is “highly electrically resistive.” They present two possible explanations for this much larger, deeper structure. It could either be a mixture of sand and gravel or sparse spacing with air voids. It is surrounded by mastabas, the flat-roofed tombs used for elite burials at Giza. Since there is no visible surface architecture in this location, archaeologists have largely given it a miss. Sato and his team believe the L-shaped structure "may have been an entrance to the deeper structure." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientist-offers-more-proof-to-claim-colossal-structures-lie-under-egyptian-pyramids-1765286429938"><strong>Scientist offers more proof to bolster claim colossal structures lie under Egyptian pyramids</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The scans have failed to reveal this mystery structure below the initial anomaly. Scientists are not claiming that it is a tomb, saying that the survey alone cannot tell what material is causing the anomaly. "But it may be a large subsurface archaeological structure," they wrote in the study. They suggest excavation is the way to understand the nature of this anomaly. For now, they know that there is something deeper underground, which will remain a mystery until more work is done.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Under the Western Cemetery in the Giza pyramids lies an L-shaped structure which scientists say is most likely man-made. Something bigger lies under this complex, which has stumped scientists since it has a very strong natural opposition to the flow of electric current.

Scientists studying the Giza pyramid complex believe a massive, unexcavated 4,500-year-old tomb structure lies under another construction that a paper detailed in 2024. Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), researchers scanned the Western Cemetery, a burial zone where the elite were buried. They came across an L-shaped structure near the surface and detected something larger below it. However, this deeper surface remains a mystery. Led by Tohoku University’s Motoyuki Sato, the team detailed the dimensions of the upper body in a research paper published in the journal Archaeological Prospection. Notably, these findings are different from the mammoth structure claims made by Italian scientists under the Pyramid of Khafre. “The Western Cemetery at Giza is known as an important burial place of members of the royal family and high-class officers,” the researchers state in the paper. The L-shaped structure sits roughly 6.5 feet deep, and measures 33 feet in length and may have been backfilled with sand after construction. Since it is geometric in shape, scientists confirmed it cannot be a natural geological formation. “In the initial survey by GPR and ERT, we found an anomaly in the north of the survey site. The area of the anomaly could be established approximately, but the structure and the location were unclear," the researchers said. Also Read: Giza pyramid hiding pockets with nothing but air hints at a secret entrance Also Read: Egypt's pyramids could be 40,000 years old, controversial study suggests The bigger anomaly under a previous mystery The main anomaly lies 16 to 33 feet deep below the ground, which scientists say is “highly electrically resistive.” They present two possible explanations for this much larger, deeper structure. It could either be a mixture of sand and gravel or sparse spacing with air voids. It is surrounded by mastabas, the flat-roofed tombs used for elite burials at Giza. Since there is no visible surface architecture in this location, archaeologists have largely given it a miss. Sato and his team believe the L-shaped structure "may have been an entrance to the deeper structure." Also Read: Scientist offers more proof to bolster claim colossal structures lie under Egyptian pyramids The scans have failed to reveal this mystery structure below the initial anomaly. Scientists are not claiming that it is a tomb, saying that the survey alone cannot tell what material is causing the anomaly. "But it may be a large subsurface archaeological structure," they wrote in the study. They suggest excavation is the way to understand the nature of this anomaly. For now, they know that there is something deeper underground, which will remain a mystery until more work is done.

<p>Under the Western Cemetery in the Giza pyramids lies an L-shaped structure which scientists say is most likely man-made. Something bigger lies under this complex, which has stumped scientists since it has a very strong natural opposition to the flow of electric current.</p>

Something is resisting electric flow under mystery structure at the Giza pyramids

<p>A US F-15 pilot who ejected from his aircraft over Iran and was rescued in April has revealed the unrealistic view he saw at the moment. He shared the account with intelligence officials during a debriefing following the rescue operation. According to CNN, he saw multiple drones in the sky forming a pattern that appeared like jellyfish. “Multiple drones interconnected and moving as one with smaller drones below the bigger drones like legs," he said, according to sources who spoke to the outlet. It was "real alien sh*t," he reportedly said. The pilot's aircraft was shot down, and “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history" led to his retrieval, according to Donald Trump.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the pilot's account has left US intelligence officials stumped, who are trying to explain what he possibly saw. The F-15 airman reportedly also described the scene as a “minefield of drones". One of the officers who was part of the debriefing asked, "Are you sure you saw what you are saying you saw?" a source told CNN. Experts say that if the pilot actually saw drones moving in a pattern like jellyfish, it shows Tehran has advanced immensely in its drone capabilities. The&nbsp;</p><p>US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28. Also Read: <a href="https://www"><strong>‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>In April, an F-15 carrying two crew members - the pilot and a weapons system officer – was downed by Tehran for the first time in the conflict. The pilot was rescued within hours. The other officer escaped to the mountains and was successfully rescued later.</p><h2><strong>US-Iran ceasefire deal for 60 days&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>The Iran-US war is officially in a ceasefire period of 60 days. Donald Trump signed an MoU last week, as part of which the US has lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran will work to ensure the safe, charge-free passage of commercial vessels. Negotiations will be carried out for the future administration of the maritime checkpoint. Iran has also been granted sanctions relief, and frozen funds will also be released. It will also get $300 billion for reconstruction.&nbsp;</p>

The F-15 pilot who was on the aircraft that was shot down by Israel has revealed he saw an unbelievable sight, with several drones hovering together in the form of jellyfish. It was like a “minefield of drones”, he reportedly said during a debriefing.

A US F-15 pilot who ejected from his aircraft over Iran and was rescued in April has revealed the unrealistic view he saw at the moment. He shared the account with intelligence officials during a debriefing following the rescue operation. According to CNN, he saw multiple drones in the sky forming a pattern that appeared like jellyfish. “Multiple drones interconnected and moving as one with smaller drones below the bigger drones like legs," he said, according to sources who spoke to the outlet. It was "real alien sh*t," he reportedly said. The pilot's aircraft was shot down, and “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history" led to his retrieval, according to Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the pilot's account has left US intelligence officials stumped, who are trying to explain what he possibly saw. The F-15 airman reportedly also described the scene as a “minefield of drones". One of the officers who was part of the debriefing asked, "Are you sure you saw what you are saying you saw?" a source told CNN. Experts say that if the pilot actually saw drones moving in a pattern like jellyfish, it shows Tehran has advanced immensely in its drone capabilities. The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28. Also Read: ‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control In April, an F-15 carrying two crew members - the pilot and a weapons system officer – was downed by Tehran for the first time in the conflict. The pilot was rescued within hours. The other officer escaped to the mountains and was successfully rescued later. US-Iran ceasefire deal for 60 days The Iran-US war is officially in a ceasefire period of 60 days. Donald Trump signed an MoU last week, as part of which the US has lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran will work to ensure the safe, charge-free passage of commercial vessels. Negotiations will be carried out for the future administration of the maritime checkpoint. Iran has also been granted sanctions relief, and frozen funds will also be released. It will also get $300 billion for reconstruction.

<p>The F-15 pilot who was on the aircraft that was shot down by Israel has revealed he saw an unbelievable sight, with several drones hovering together in the form of jellyfish. It was like a “minefield of drones”, he reportedly said during a debriefing.</p>

'Real alien s**t': F-15 pilot downed over Iran describes bizarre 'jellyfish' pattern of drones

<p>Mothers have long been the backbone of families for generations. Being the first one to wake up and last one to rest, they have been managing countless responsibilities – packing lunch boxes, making sure the children catch the school bus, preparing meals, caring for loved ones and fulfilling their children’s wishes. However, one thing has changed in today’s modern world. As dual-income households become increasingly common, more women are pursuing full-time careers. Apart from school schedules, household chores and caregiving duties, mothers also face the responsibility of office deadlines, meetings, performance targets and career ambitions, managing two demanding worlds at the same time.</p><p>In an increasingly fast-paced and digital society, new pressures have been brought in for many working mothers as they balance parenting and work. While greater opportunities have opened doors for women in the workplace, they have also highlighted the often-overlooked realities of modern parenting, where the demands of work and family frequently collide.</p><h2><strong>Challenge of balancing two worlds</strong></h2><p>Anamica Singh, a working mother, spoke about her challenges of balancing work and parenting. She described how sometimes work keeps her absent from her children’s routines. “There are things at home with kids that you need to deal with, but at the same time, you know that you have to be at work at a certain hour.”</p><p>“Like for me, I am already out of the home when they are going to school. Then there is the mental load of keeping track of every tiny thing. For example, if one of them needs to be given a particular medicine and I am at work, I have to remember to call home to remind someone to do that. It is like an alarm goes off in your brain at particular hours,” she described.</p><p>Another working mother, Arushi Mathur, said that the most challenging part about balancing work commitments and parents comes when both demand immediate attention at the same time, which happens quite often. “There are times when I have an urgent deadline to meet, or an urgent email, and an unexpected illness or a tantrum also comes along,” she said. “I also sometimes feel that a professional support system is limited, which makes it harder to meet responsibilities and expectations. I find myself constantly prioritising daily tasks.”</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989"><strong>The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Screen time: A practical solution or a parenting dilemma?</strong></h2><p>To help manage their child’s time, parents sometimes resort to digital devices, which are often associated with bad influences due to the harmful effects of screen time. Sharing her experience, Singh said that parents, especially mothers, are often made to feel bad for giving their kids phones or letting them watch TV.</p><p>“I absolutely do not want my kids to be addicted to screens just because I don’t have time for them. But when you have had a gruelling day and are tired to the bone, if a phone can get them to finish their dinner and go to bed, I am up for it,” said Singh, who is a mother of two kids, aged six and 11.</p><p>Mathur said that while she wants her two-year-old child to engage in more outdoor and hands-on activities, “a limited screentime can be a helpful tool for creating a little breathing room during busy days”.</p><p>Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision.</p><p>“For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli.</p><p><strong>Watch | Gen Z Beating Millennials? New Study Reveals Surprising Income Gap</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gen-z-beating-millennials-new-study-reveals-surprising-income-gap-1782188838606/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gen-z-beating-millennials-new-study-reveals-surprising-income-gap-1782188838606/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Why quality time matters</strong></h2><p>Speaking to medical professionals on the subject, WION learned that it is “extremely important” for children to have quality time with parents. They also highlighted that the quantity of time spent with children is also essential for their development.</p><p>“Child development gets built from repeated, predictable interactions throughout the day, not only during those carefully staged or specially planned moments. Kids often gain emotional security from feeling that a caregiver is there in a steady way and that they will respond,” Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan said.</p><p>Dr Thyagarajan, Lead &amp; HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency at Aster Whitefield Hospital, further explained, “That said, it doesn’t really mean working mothers have to be physically present every single moment, or even every hour, which is a more realistic view. The big point is the quality of attachment, the degree of responsiveness, and the emotional availability during the time together. Like, a parent who stays attentive, truly engaged, and emotionally linked for a few focused hours can often offer more developmental value than many hours where everyone is technically there but distracted.”</p><h2><strong>Small daily habits that make a difference</strong></h2><p>Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, recommended what daily habits working mothers can adopt for the development of their child.</p><p>“A regular schedule for waking up in the morning and preparing for bed will bring about great stability. Spending just fifteen minutes each day connecting with your child without any distraction from the gadgets, by either reading with him or telling stories from the day’s activities, provides a tremendous sense of security,” Dr Nitin said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137"><strong>WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Building emotional resilience in children</strong></h2><p>According to pediatricians, children thrive when they feel heard, understood and accepted. Open conversations about their feelings, experiences, friendships and worries help build emotional awareness and resilience. Parents play a crucial role by actively listening, validating emotions and creating a safe, judgment-free environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. Simple everyday interactions during meals, playtime or bedtime can strengthen trust and emotional connection.</p><p>“When children feel safe enough to share their thoughts, and they know the adults around them will stand by them, they are more likely to develop solid emotional well-being and healthier coping skills,” Dr Shetty said.</p><p>The experts also cautioned parents against overindulging children with a bunch of material gifts to make up for their absence while working. Dr Thyagarajan explained that while it can be well-intentioned, “these actions don’t really touch a child’s real need for connection. And weirdly enough, they can also nudge along behavioural or emotional issues later.”</p><h2><strong>Parenting in the age of working motherhood</strong></h2><p>It is obvious that parenting has changed in our modern society, with working mothers today often facing the unique burden of balancing careers with the continuing responsibility of managing a home and raising children.</p><p>“With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it has become challenging for parents to constantly balance work, parenting and personal responsibilities,” Mathur said. “Parents of this generation required a different kind of adaptability and planning that it did in previous generations.”</p><p>She added that parents today have less support due to the rise of nuclear families. She also stated that changing parenting advice can sometimes conflict with traditional practices.</p><p>Singh said, “It has become harder for women because they can never completely shun the responsibility of home and kids, even when not available at all times. I do not want my kids to feel like I am not there for them when I am at work. So no matter how tired I am, I listen to them when they talk, when they want to show something, play with me, etc. As I said, mom guilt never ends. So it is double the work and double the stress, yet we do not want to give up any of it.”</p>

As more women pursue careers, working mothers are balancing jobs, childcare and household responsibilities, facing new pressures as they navigate the competing demands of work and family life. Here’s how they navigate challenges.

Mothers have long been the backbone of families for generations. Being the first one to wake up and last one to rest, they have been managing countless responsibilities – packing lunch boxes, making sure the children catch the school bus, preparing meals, caring for loved ones and fulfilling their children’s wishes. However, one thing has changed in today’s modern world. As dual-income households become increasingly common, more women are pursuing full-time careers. Apart from school schedules, household chores and caregiving duties, mothers also face the responsibility of office deadlines, meetings, performance targets and career ambitions, managing two demanding worlds at the same time. In an increasingly fast-paced and digital society, new pressures have been brought in for many working mothers as they balance parenting and work. While greater opportunities have opened doors for women in the workplace, they have also highlighted the often-overlooked realities of modern parenting, where the demands of work and family frequently collide. Challenge of balancing two worlds Anamica Singh, a working mother, spoke about her challenges of balancing work and parenting. She described how sometimes work keeps her absent from her children’s routines. “There are things at home with kids that you need to deal with, but at the same time, you know that you have to be at work at a certain hour.” “Like for me, I am already out of the home when they are going to school. Then there is the mental load of keeping track of every tiny thing. For example, if one of them needs to be given a particular medicine and I am at work, I have to remember to call home to remind someone to do that. It is like an alarm goes off in your brain at particular hours,” she described. Another working mother, Arushi Mathur, said that the most challenging part about balancing work commitments and parents comes when both demand immediate attention at the same time, which happens quite often. “There are times when I have an urgent deadline to meet, or an urgent email, and an unexpected illness or a tantrum also comes along,” she said. “I also sometimes feel that a professional support system is limited, which makes it harder to meet responsibilities and expectations. I find myself constantly prioritising daily tasks.” Also read | The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain Screen time: A practical solution or a parenting dilemma? To help manage their child’s time, parents sometimes resort to digital devices, which are often associated with bad influences due to the harmful effects of screen time. Sharing her experience, Singh said that parents, especially mothers, are often made to feel bad for giving their kids phones or letting them watch TV. “I absolutely do not want my kids to be addicted to screens just because I don’t have time for them. But when you have had a gruelling day and are tired to the bone, if a phone can get them to finish their dinner and go to bed, I am up for it,” said Singh, who is a mother of two kids, aged six and 11. Mathur said that while she wants her two-year-old child to engage in more outdoor and hands-on activities, “a limited screentime can be a helpful tool for creating a little breathing room during busy days”. Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision. “For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli. Watch | Gen Z Beating Millennials? New Study Reveals Surprising Income Gap https://www.wionews.com/videos/gen-z-beating-millennials-new-study-reveals-surprising-income-gap-1782188838606/embed Why quality time matters Speaking to medical professionals on the subject, WION learned that it is “extremely important” for children to have quality time with parents. They also highlighted that the quantity of time spent with children is also essential for their development. “Child development gets built from repeated, predictable interactions throughout the day, not only during those carefully staged or specially planned moments. Kids often gain emotional security from feeling that a caregiver is there in a steady way and that they will respond,” Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan said. Dr Thyagarajan, Lead & HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency at Aster Whitefield Hospital, further explained, “That said, it doesn’t really mean working mothers have to be physically present every single moment, or even every hour, which is a more realistic view. The big point is the quality of attachment, the degree of responsiveness, and the emotional availability during the time together. Like, a parent who stays attentive, truly engaged, and emotionally linked for a few focused hours can often offer more developmental value than many hours where everyone is technically there but distracted.” Small daily habits that make a difference Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, recommended what daily habits working mothers can adopt for the development of their child. “A regular schedule for waking up in the morning and preparing for bed will bring about great stability. Spending just fifteen minutes each day connecting with your child without any distraction from the gadgets, by either reading with him or telling stories from the day’s activities, provides a tremendous sense of security,” Dr Nitin said. Also read | WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says Building emotional resilience in children According to pediatricians, children thrive when they feel heard, understood and accepted. Open conversations about their feelings, experiences, friendships and worries help build emotional awareness and resilience. Parents play a crucial role by actively listening, validating emotions and creating a safe, judgment-free environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. Simple everyday interactions during meals, playtime or bedtime can strengthen trust and emotional connection. “When children feel safe enough to share their thoughts, and they know the adults around them will stand by them, they are more likely to develop solid emotional well-being and healthier coping skills,” Dr Shetty said. The experts also cautioned parents against overindulging children with a bunch of material gifts to make up for their absence while working. Dr Thyagarajan explained that while it can be well-intentioned, “these actions don’t really touch a child’s real need for connection. And weirdly enough, they can also nudge along behavioural or emotional issues later.” Parenting in the age of working motherhood It is obvious that parenting has changed in our modern society, with working mothers today often facing the unique burden of balancing careers with the continuing responsibility of managing a home and raising children. “With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it has become challenging for parents to constantly balance work, parenting and personal responsibilities,” Mathur said. “Parents of this generation required a different kind of adaptability and planning that it did in previous generations.” She added that parents today have less support due to the rise of nuclear families. She also stated that changing parenting advice can sometimes conflict with traditional practices. Singh said, “It has become harder for women because they can never completely shun the responsibility of home and kids, even when not available at all times. I do not want my kids to feel like I am not there for them when I am at work. So no matter how tired I am, I listen to them when they talk, when they want to show something, play with me, etc. As I said, mom guilt never ends. So it is double the work and double the stress, yet we do not want to give up any of it.”

<p>As more women pursue careers, working mothers are balancing jobs, childcare and household responsibilities, facing new pressures as they navigate the competing demands of work and family life. Here’s how they navigate challenges.</p>

The impossible balance: How working mothers navigate parenting, careers and family life

<p>The Russian journalist known as the "personal enemy" of Vladimir Putin has died after eating poisonous mushrooms. Grigory Nekhoroshev, who lived in Latvia, was the one who exposed Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva. He died on June 19 in Riga, Latvia’s capital. Latvian news portal Delfi reported that he had been living in Riga for 11 years as a political refugee. According to his friends, he died from the false honey mushrooms he found in his backyard. The 69-year-old was the editor-in-chief of a Russian newspaper which reported on Putin's supposed relationship in 2008.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He was a respected figure in the Russian-speaking intellectual circles. Bozhena Rynska, a Russian journalist based in Latvia, called his loss "incomprehensible". Igors Vatoļins, another journo who saw Nekhoroshev shortly before he died, said the editor was "a not-old, not-ill person, full of ideas and plans". According to his friends, Nekhoroshev feared a possible attack by Putin's assassins in Latvia. Vatoļins said, “Nekhoroshev was the first to reveal the name of Putin’s common-law wife, rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva," adding Putin “did not forgive him for that.”</p><h2><strong>Reports of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva</strong></h2><p>Kabaeva was 30 years younger than Putin. According to Nekhoroshev's report of 1998, Putin planned to divorce his wife, Lyudmila, and marry Kabaeva. After the story came out, the newspaper, Moskovsky Korrespondent, was forced to shut down. Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB spy turned banker and entrepreneur, ran the newspaper. Security officers interrogated Nekhoroshev and threatened him. Other media outlets also started publishing the story of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva, while claiming that they have at least two children together - Ivan, 11, and Vladimir, seven. Putin has repeatedly denied reports about his affair with Kabaeva.</p><h2><strong>Putin's enemies who died in mysterious circumstances</strong></h2><p>While there is no evidence of foul play in Nekhoroshev's death, several of Putin's adversaries have died in suspicious circumstances. In 2006, Anna Politkovskaya, an investigative reporter, was shot dead in her Moscow apartment. An ex-FSB operative, Alexander Litvinenko, died from radioactive polonium-210 poisoning in London. In 2013, oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found hanged in Britain. Boris Nemtsov, a political adversary of Putin, was shot near the Kremlin in 2015. The most well-known case is of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private army, who was killed in a plane crash in 2023. Just last week, artist Semyon Skrepetsky was shot dead in Poland for portraying Putin as a bloodthirsty dictator.</p>

Grigory Nekhoroshev, an exiled Russian journalist who had moved to Latvia, supposedly died from eating poisonous mushrooms. He was the first to report on Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva, after which the newspaper was shut down.

The Russian journalist known as the "personal enemy" of Vladimir Putin has died after eating poisonous mushrooms. Grigory Nekhoroshev, who lived in Latvia, was the one who exposed Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva. He died on June 19 in Riga, Latvia’s capital. Latvian news portal Delfi reported that he had been living in Riga for 11 years as a political refugee. According to his friends, he died from the false honey mushrooms he found in his backyard. The 69-year-old was the editor-in-chief of a Russian newspaper which reported on Putin's supposed relationship in 2008. He was a respected figure in the Russian-speaking intellectual circles. Bozhena Rynska, a Russian journalist based in Latvia, called his loss "incomprehensible". Igors Vatoļins, another journo who saw Nekhoroshev shortly before he died, said the editor was "a not-old, not-ill person, full of ideas and plans". According to his friends, Nekhoroshev feared a possible attack by Putin's assassins in Latvia. Vatoļins said, “Nekhoroshev was the first to reveal the name of Putin’s common-law wife, rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva," adding Putin “did not forgive him for that.” Reports of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva Kabaeva was 30 years younger than Putin. According to Nekhoroshev's report of 1998, Putin planned to divorce his wife, Lyudmila, and marry Kabaeva. After the story came out, the newspaper, Moskovsky Korrespondent, was forced to shut down. Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB spy turned banker and entrepreneur, ran the newspaper. Security officers interrogated Nekhoroshev and threatened him. Other media outlets also started publishing the story of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva, while claiming that they have at least two children together - Ivan, 11, and Vladimir, seven. Putin has repeatedly denied reports about his affair with Kabaeva. Putin's enemies who died in mysterious circumstances While there is no evidence of foul play in Nekhoroshev's death, several of Putin's adversaries have died in suspicious circumstances. In 2006, Anna Politkovskaya, an investigative reporter, was shot dead in her Moscow apartment. An ex-FSB operative, Alexander Litvinenko, died from radioactive polonium-210 poisoning in London. In 2013, oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found hanged in Britain. Boris Nemtsov, a political adversary of Putin, was shot near the Kremlin in 2015. The most well-known case is of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private army, who was killed in a plane crash in 2023. Just last week, artist Semyon Skrepetsky was shot dead in Poland for portraying Putin as a bloodthirsty dictator.

<p>Grigory Nekhoroshev, an exiled Russian journalist who had moved to Latvia, supposedly died from eating poisonous mushrooms. He was the first to report on Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva, after which the newspaper was shut down.</p>

Russian journalist who reported about Putin's alleged affair with gymnast dies in Latvia

<p>India became the world's leading ship recycling country in 2025. Ranking first globally, India's share of global ship recycling upsurged to 35.4 per cent in 2025 from 30.1 per cent in 2024, according to the latest data released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).</p><p><br>Ship recycling in India has increased significantly to 2.99 million gross tons (GT) in 2025, rising approximately 60 per cent from 1.86 million GT in 2024. After this milestone, the target set under Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 to become the leading ship recycling nation of the world has been achieved well before the schedule.</p><p><br>This milestone highlights the success of maritime sector reforms and ease-of-doing-business measures introduced by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In response to the development, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping &amp; Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, said, "India's emergence as the world's top ship recycling nation reflects the success of sustained policy reforms, industry efforts and adherence to international environmental and safety standards under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It reinforces India's position as a global hub for responsible and sustainable ship recycling."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-satellite-photo-shows-super-el-ni-o-has-elevated-sea-levels-in-pacific-1782134815575">NASA satellite photo shows Super El Niño has triggered a very specific change in the Pacific</a></p><h3>Recycling of Ships Act, 2019</h3><p>To strengthen the ship recycling industry, the government enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, creating a regulatory framework in line with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which India ratified in 2019. The Centre has also extended financial support of Rs 53.5 crore for the modernisation of ship recycling facilities, enabling 115 yards to meet HKC standards and improve environmental and safety compliance.</p><p><br>In addition, MoPSW initiated the Ship-breaking Credit Note policy, under which ship owners receive a credit note similar to 40 per cent of the scrap value of a recycled ship. This credit can be utilised toward payment of up to 5 per cent of the value of a new vessel designed at an Indian shipyard, for both ship recycling and domestic shipbuilding.</p><p><br>MoPSW regularly involves the Gujarat Maritime Board, global shipping companies, the Ship Recycling Industries Association, cash buyers, classification societies and international organisations to figure out challenges implementing targeted solutions. The Indian government is actively going after the inclusion of Indian ship recycling yards in the approved list of recycling facilities of the European Union. Continuous participation with the required officials is underway to facilitate approvals.</p><p><br>India is targeting a significant increase in its ship recycling capacity, aiming to raise it to nearly 9 million light displacement tonnes (LDT) through the proposed expansion of the Alang Ship Recycling Yard. To facilitate this growth, the Gujarat government has developed a comprehensive master plan focused on meeting future demand, upgrading infrastructure and strengthening India's position in the global ship recycling industry.</p>

MoPSW launched the Ship-breaking Credit Note policy, allowing ship owners to receive credits worth 40% of a vessel's scrap value. The credit can be used to pay up to 5% of the cost of a new ship built at an Indian shipyard, boosting both ship recycling and domestic shipbuilding.

India became the world's leading ship recycling country in 2025. Ranking first globally, India's share of global ship recycling upsurged to 35.4 per cent in 2025 from 30.1 per cent in 2024, according to the latest data released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Ship recycling in India has increased significantly to 2.99 million gross tons (GT) in 2025, rising approximately 60 per cent from 1.86 million GT in 2024. After this milestone, the target set under Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 to become the leading ship recycling nation of the world has been achieved well before the schedule. This milestone highlights the success of maritime sector reforms and ease-of-doing-business measures introduced by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In response to the development, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, said, "India's emergence as the world's top ship recycling nation reflects the success of sustained policy reforms, industry efforts and adherence to international environmental and safety standards under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It reinforces India's position as a global hub for responsible and sustainable ship recycling." Also read: NASA satellite photo shows Super El Niño has triggered a very specific change in the Pacific Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 To strengthen the ship recycling industry, the government enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, creating a regulatory framework in line with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, which India ratified in 2019. The Centre has also extended financial support of Rs 53.5 crore for the modernisation of ship recycling facilities, enabling 115 yards to meet HKC standards and improve environmental and safety compliance. In addition, MoPSW initiated the Ship-breaking Credit Note policy, under which ship owners receive a credit note similar to 40 per cent of the scrap value of a recycled ship. This credit can be utilised toward payment of up to 5 per cent of the value of a new vessel designed at an Indian shipyard, for both ship recycling and domestic shipbuilding. MoPSW regularly involves the Gujarat Maritime Board, global shipping companies, the Ship Recycling Industries Association, cash buyers, classification societies and international organisations to figure out challenges implementing targeted solutions. The Indian government is actively going after the inclusion of Indian ship recycling yards in the approved list of recycling facilities of the European Union. Continuous participation with the required officials is underway to facilitate approvals. India is targeting a significant increase in its ship recycling capacity, aiming to raise it to nearly 9 million light displacement tonnes (LDT) through the proposed expansion of the Alang Ship Recycling Yard. To facilitate this growth, the Gujarat government has developed a comprehensive master plan focused on meeting future demand, upgrading infrastructure and strengthening India's position in the global ship recycling industry.

<p>MoPSW launched the Ship-breaking Credit Note policy, allowing ship owners to receive credits worth 40% of a vessel's scrap value. The credit can be used to pay up to 5% of the cost of a new ship built at an Indian shipyard, boosting both ship recycling and domestic shipbuilding.</p>

India becomes world's top ship recycling nation, achieves MIV 2030 goal ahead of schedule

<p>A massive cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert is moving towards the United States and is expected to engulf the southeastern parts in the coming days. South Florida, including the Miami area, already has light particles drifting. This has caused the weather to become hot and dry. Strong winds are fuelling the movement of the dust-filled air. According to the forecast, the plume of Sahara dust will fully move into the region on Tuesday and worsen air quality. The effects will be fully felt by mid-week as the dust will continue to filter through for days. It will negatively impact the health of people in the region because of the presence of particulate matter.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Officials have warned that levels of fine particulate matter could exceed standard levels. The effects will be worse from the middle of the week towards the weekend when more dust arrives from the Atlantic. Moisture will return in the air by early next week as Saharan dust passes by. The southeastern US often receives some amount of dust from the desert during the summer months, but currently it is in the grips of a heatwave, which is expected to get worse because of a dust storm. This activity usually peaks between June and mid-August, although the amount of dust varies each year.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-satellite-photo-shows-super-el-ni-o-has-elevated-sea-levels-in-pacific-1782134815575"><strong>NASA satellite photo shows Super El Niño has triggered a very specific change in the Pacific</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How will Sahara dust affect health?</strong></h2><p><br>Experts say that Sahara dust comprises PM10 and PM2.5, and certain minerals like quartz and feldspar. The thousands of kilometres of journey will also cause it to pick up microbes and pollutants. These particles can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues when inhaled. Other problems people can experience include irritation of the eye, nose, throat and skin, allergic reactions and headaches. An Air Quality Alert will remain in effect until 3 pm ET Tuesday in Miami-Dade County.</p><h2><strong>Dust storm to suppress hurricane development</strong></h2><p><br>The Saharan dust leads to the formation of a dry pocket of air thousands of feet above sea level. The hotter and drier conditions remove the moisture needed for the development of hurricanes.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

A dust cloud from the Sahara is on its way to the southeastern US, with parts of Florida already witnessing particles floating in the sky. The situation is expected to get worse by mid-week as more matter arrives. People have been warned 

A massive cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert is moving towards the United States and is expected to engulf the southeastern parts in the coming days. South Florida, including the Miami area, already has light particles drifting. This has caused the weather to become hot and dry. Strong winds are fuelling the movement of the dust-filled air. According to the forecast, the plume of Sahara dust will fully move into the region on Tuesday and worsen air quality. The effects will be fully felt by mid-week as the dust will continue to filter through for days. It will negatively impact the health of people in the region because of the presence of particulate matter. Officials have warned that levels of fine particulate matter could exceed standard levels. The effects will be worse from the middle of the week towards the weekend when more dust arrives from the Atlantic. Moisture will return in the air by early next week as Saharan dust passes by. The southeastern US often receives some amount of dust from the desert during the summer months, but currently it is in the grips of a heatwave, which is expected to get worse because of a dust storm. This activity usually peaks between June and mid-August, although the amount of dust varies each year. Also Read: NASA satellite photo shows Super El Niño has triggered a very specific change in the Pacific How will Sahara dust affect health? Experts say that Sahara dust comprises PM10 and PM2.5, and certain minerals like quartz and feldspar. The thousands of kilometres of journey will also cause it to pick up microbes and pollutants. These particles can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues when inhaled. Other problems people can experience include irritation of the eye, nose, throat and skin, allergic reactions and headaches. An Air Quality Alert will remain in effect until 3 pm ET Tuesday in Miami-Dade County. Dust storm to suppress hurricane development The Saharan dust leads to the formation of a dry pocket of air thousands of feet above sea level. The hotter and drier conditions remove the moisture needed for the development of hurricanes.

<p>A dust cloud from the Sahara is on its way to the southeastern US, with parts of Florida already witnessing particles floating in the sky. The situation is expected to get worse by mid-week as more matter arrives. People have been warned&nbsp;</p>

Massive dust cloud from Sahara moving towards US - Details

<p>Lebanon is the key sticking point in the currently ongoing Iran-US peace talks as Tehran insists that Israel must end military operations on all fronts, including that country. Israel has repeatedly targeted the Shia group Hezbollah's alleged strongholds in southern Lebanon, killing dozens, which Lebanese authorities describe as civilians and Israel calls terrorists. Despite killing Hezbollah's long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah and carrying out extensive air and ground operations in southern Lebanon for months, Israel has not been able to eliminate the group, which is backed as a proxy by regional Shia power Iran. Why is it so difficult to defeat Hezbollah?</p><h2>Armed and legitimate: Why Hezbollah survives</h2><p>Hezbollah's strength comes from both the battle effectiveness of its armed wing and its political legitimacy in parts of Lebanon. Contrary to much Western media coverage, Hezbollah is not a rag-tag group of mercenaries or militants. Over the past four decades, it evolved into a political party, social welfare provider, military force and ideological movement deeply rooted in Lebanon's Shia communities. While military action can weaken it, the social and political foundations that sustain Hezbollah are much harder to remove.</p><h2>Lebanon's demography makes Hezbollah hard to replace</h2><p>Lebanon is a mosaic of religious and sectarian diversity. Muslims make up about 69 per cent of the population, while Christians account for around 30 per cent. Within the Muslim population, Shias constitute roughly 31-32 per cent, making them one of the country's largest communities and Hezbollah's principal support base. Hezbollah's strongest areas remain southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs.</p><p>Because Lebanon's political system is built around balancing sectarian interests, removing a movement that represents a substantial portion of one of the country's largest communities is far more complicated than defeating a conventional armed group. Let us explore this further.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-hezbollah-agree-to-ceasefire-starting-friday-after-latest-flare-up-says-report-citing-us-official-1781877376072">Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire starting Friday after latest flare-up, says report citing US official</a></p><h2>Hezbollah's integration into Lebanon's political system</h2><p>Hezbollah contests elections and holds parliamentary seats through its political arm, the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, led by veteran MP Mohammad Raad. The bloc currently holds 15 seats in Lebanon's 128-member parliament. Hezbollah has also been part of coalition governments and continues to influence national decision-making.</p><p>This is enabled by Lebanon's unique political system, which is a response to its population realities. Lebanon has a sectarian power-sharing arrangement under the National Pact of 1943 and the Taif Agreement of 1989. Political offices are distributed among religious communities: the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim.<br>In electoral politics, Lebanon's political system seeks to provide representation to the country's different communities. The 128 parliamentary seats are constitutionally divided 50-50 between Christians and Muslims, and then subdivided among 'confessions' like Maronite Christian, Sunni, Shia, Druze, and Greek Orthodox, with predetermined quotas. Election candidates must belong to the sect of the seat they are running for. This ‘confessional’ system allows Hezbollah to contest and win elections through its political arm.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-impact-will-israel-hezbollah-truce-have-on-us-iran-talks-and-the-global-economy-wion-decodes-1781954323882">What impact will Israel-Hezbollah truce have on US-Iran talks and the global economy? WION Decodes</a></p><h2>Hezbollah's social role as a community provider is its strength</h2><p>For its supporters, Hezbollah is not simply an armed group, but a provider of security and essential social services. The organisation provides services that the Lebanese state often struggles to deliver, particularly in Shia-majority areas such as southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs. It operates schools, clinics, charities and reconstruction programmes. Financial assistance and welfare networks of Hezbollah have helped build long-term loyalty among its support base.</p><h2>Hezbollah as a constant "resistance" force against Israel</h2><p>Hezbollah long portrayed itself as the defender of Lebanese territory, particularly against Israel. Its "resistance" narrative gained prominence during Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000, which began during the 1982 Lebanon War with Israel, and was reinforced by subsequent conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War. While many Sunni Muslims, Christians and Druze oppose Hezbollah's military role and its close ties to Iran, significant sections of the Shia community continue to view it as a deterrent against Israel.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-plan-to-let-syria-handle-hezbollah-in-trouble-al-sharaa-refuses-to-fight-1782146527266/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-plan-to-let-syria-handle-hezbollah-in-trouble-al-sharaa-refuses-to-fight-1782146527266/embed</a></p><h2>Hezbollah's military strength: A comparison with official defence forces of Lebanon</h2><p>Constant confrontation with Israel has made Hezbollah a battle-hardened force. It has built fortified positions, underground facilities, tunnel networks and large missile stockpiles over the decades. Its command structure is highly decentralised, as proven by its ability to continue operating despite repeated Israeli decapitation strikes on senior leaders like Hassan Nasrallah. Assessments by the Institute for the Study of War noted that such guerrilla-style capabilities make a decisive military victory difficult. Hezbollah has repeatedly shown an ability to rebuild, regroup and continue fighting after major setbacks.</p><p>Lebanon's official armed forces, on the other hand, are relatively weak compared with regional militaries. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have a modest army and limited air and naval capabilities, relying largely on light aircraft, helicopters and patrol vessels. Unlike Hezbollah, the Lebanese military lacks a significant missile arsenal, and is mostly focused on internal security and border protection rather than conventional or asymmetric warfare.</p><h2>Hezbollah may be weakened, but not defeated</h2><p>The Lebanese state has repeatedly failed to disarm Hezbollah. Successive governments and state institutions generally avoided direct confrontation with the group, fearing sectarian conflict and political fragmentation.</p><p>As noted by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), lasting disarmament of Hezbollah would require broad Lebanese political consensus and a much stronger state, both of which remain absent. Hezbollah endures because it is embedded not only in military structures, but also in Lebanese society, politics and local institutions. Military pressure from Israel can weaken the organisation, but eliminating it altogether is a far more complex.</p>

Hezbollah survives and fights in Lebanon despite Israeli military operations and decapitation strikes over months. The Iran-backed group remains influential due to its social welfare role and Shia support base. But those are not the only reasons

Lebanon is the key sticking point in the currently ongoing Iran-US peace talks as Tehran insists that Israel must end military operations on all fronts, including that country. Israel has repeatedly targeted the Shia group Hezbollah's alleged strongholds in southern Lebanon, killing dozens, which Lebanese authorities describe as civilians and Israel calls terrorists. Despite killing Hezbollah's long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah and carrying out extensive air and ground operations in southern Lebanon for months, Israel has not been able to eliminate the group, which is backed as a proxy by regional Shia power Iran. Why is it so difficult to defeat Hezbollah? Armed and legitimate: Why Hezbollah survives Hezbollah's strength comes from both the battle effectiveness of its armed wing and its political legitimacy in parts of Lebanon. Contrary to much Western media coverage, Hezbollah is not a rag-tag group of mercenaries or militants. Over the past four decades, it evolved into a political party, social welfare provider, military force and ideological movement deeply rooted in Lebanon's Shia communities. While military action can weaken it, the social and political foundations that sustain Hezbollah are much harder to remove. Lebanon's demography makes Hezbollah hard to replace Lebanon is a mosaic of religious and sectarian diversity. Muslims make up about 69 per cent of the population, while Christians account for around 30 per cent. Within the Muslim population, Shias constitute roughly 31-32 per cent, making them one of the country's largest communities and Hezbollah's principal support base. Hezbollah's strongest areas remain southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs. Because Lebanon's political system is built around balancing sectarian interests, removing a movement that represents a substantial portion of one of the country's largest communities is far more complicated than defeating a conventional armed group. Let us explore this further. Also read: Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire starting Friday after latest flare-up, says report citing US official Hezbollah's integration into Lebanon's political system Hezbollah contests elections and holds parliamentary seats through its political arm, the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, led by veteran MP Mohammad Raad. The bloc currently holds 15 seats in Lebanon's 128-member parliament. Hezbollah has also been part of coalition governments and continues to influence national decision-making. This is enabled by Lebanon's unique political system, which is a response to its population realities. Lebanon has a sectarian power-sharing arrangement under the National Pact of 1943 and the Taif Agreement of 1989. Political offices are distributed among religious communities: the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim. In electoral politics, Lebanon's political system seeks to provide representation to the country's different communities. The 128 parliamentary seats are constitutionally divided 50-50 between Christians and Muslims, and then subdivided among 'confessions' like Maronite Christian, Sunni, Shia, Druze, and Greek Orthodox, with predetermined quotas. Election candidates must belong to the sect of the seat they are running for. This ‘confessional’ system allows Hezbollah to contest and win elections through its political arm. Also read: What impact will Israel-Hezbollah truce have on US-Iran talks and the global economy? WION Decodes Hezbollah's social role as a community provider is its strength For its supporters, Hezbollah is not simply an armed group, but a provider of security and essential social services. The organisation provides services that the Lebanese state often struggles to deliver, particularly in Shia-majority areas such as southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs. It operates schools, clinics, charities and reconstruction programmes. Financial assistance and welfare networks of Hezbollah have helped build long-term loyalty among its support base. Hezbollah as a constant "resistance" force against Israel Hezbollah long portrayed itself as the defender of Lebanese territory, particularly against Israel. Its "resistance" narrative gained prominence during Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000, which began during the 1982 Lebanon War with Israel, and was reinforced by subsequent conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War. While many Sunni Muslims, Christians and Druze oppose Hezbollah's military role and its close ties to Iran, significant sections of the Shia community continue to view it as a deterrent against Israel. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-plan-to-let-syria-handle-hezbollah-in-trouble-al-sharaa-refuses-to-fight-1782146527266/embed Hezbollah's military strength: A comparison with official defence forces of Lebanon Constant confrontation with Israel has made Hezbollah a battle-hardened force. It has built fortified positions, underground facilities, tunnel networks and large missile stockpiles over the decades. Its command structure is highly decentralised, as proven by its ability to continue operating despite repeated Israeli decapitation strikes on senior leaders like Hassan Nasrallah. Assessments by the Institute for the Study of War noted that such guerrilla-style capabilities make a decisive military victory difficult. Hezbollah has repeatedly shown an ability to rebuild, regroup and continue fighting after major setbacks. Lebanon's official armed forces, on the other hand, are relatively weak compared with regional militaries. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have a modest army and limited air and naval capabilities, relying largely on light aircraft, helicopters and patrol vessels. Unlike Hezbollah, the Lebanese military lacks a significant missile arsenal, and is mostly focused on internal security and border protection rather than conventional or asymmetric warfare. Hezbollah may be weakened, but not defeated The Lebanese state has repeatedly failed to disarm Hezbollah. Successive governments and state institutions generally avoided direct confrontation with the group, fearing sectarian conflict and political fragmentation. As noted by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), lasting disarmament of Hezbollah would require broad Lebanese political consensus and a much stronger state, both of which remain absent. Hezbollah endures because it is embedded not only in military structures, but also in Lebanese society, politics and local institutions. Military pressure from Israel can weaken the organisation, but eliminating it altogether is a far more complex.

<p>Hezbollah survives and fights in Lebanon despite Israeli military operations and decapitation strikes over months. The Iran-backed group remains influential due to its social welfare role and Shia support base. But those are not the only reasons</p>

Why is Hezbollah's defeat not so easy for Israel? Shia group is deeply embedded in Lebanon | The Big Question

<p>Residents of Gurugram’s DLF Phase-3 were left questioning the system, the taxes and the exorbitant rents they were paying when they were asked to leave their homes within one hour, gathering up their lives. Illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial activities are facing action in the area following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Properties that have been allegedly modified beyond the approved plans, and residential buildings being used for commercial purposes, are the target. However, while the landlords knew exactly what they were doing and kept collecting rents for years, it was the families who were trying to build a life in the city who ultimately paid the price.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to the residents, the authorities did not give them any prior warning. An Instagram post reveals what the people went through on Sunday (June 21). Around 40 families of a residential complex in the S Block area were left with nowhere to go after the illegal building with multiple apartments was sealed. Utsav Kamboj, an architect by profession, shared on Instagram, "They gave 40 families exactly one hour to pack up their entire lives and get out," adding, “There was no warning before it happened...no notice period, no grace window. Just an order to vacate immediately.”</p><h2><strong>40 apartments made on plot permitted for only 4 families</strong></h2><p>She revealed that one person had paid Rs 1.5 lakh just days before, and the landlord happily took it despite knowing what was coming. There was a senior couple who had reached the same day to be with their child, but were caught off guard by the sudden action. People had to break locks to get their belongings, as no one knew how long their homes would remain sealed. Kamboj said that the plot of land where the apartments were built was sanctioned only for four families, but more than "40 separate units" were carved out of it.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She questioned why it was allowed to stay that way for all these years, with the landlord being allowed to collect rent and profit extra every month. The post slammed authorities for letting the violation exist, with the people who had no idea they were sitting on a violation ultimately paying the price. "The real anger here should be at a system that lets this happen to the most powerless person in the chain every single time.'</p><h2><strong>Gurugram resident slammed authorities for throwing people on the road</strong></h2><p>Another person, who didn't live in the same building, said she was in Odisha when she received the call to pack up and leave. She said in "absolute panic", but her friend broke the lock and packed up her clothes and important documents. "The broken lock will probably be deducted from my ‘Security Deposit’ - a hilarious term." She questioned the owner, officials who "took belly-full bribes for years", and the government for letting this ecosystem flourish and now "throwing innocent citizens onto the road".</p><h2><strong>Netizens demand action against landlord and the officers who allowed the construction</strong></h2><p>The incident has triggered anger among netizens. One user wrote, "Corruption at peak in Gurgaon," with another adding, "All citizens have lost faith in government because of these actions." The post continued, "...rather than removing those tenants, the government should have picked the landlord and the officers who approved this building, the house tax inspector who was well aware, the electricity and water department. They all must have been well aware of these 40 families."<br>&nbsp;</p>

A crackdown on illegal construction in Gurugram’s DLF Phase-3 left families scrambling to gather their belongings in just one hour before their homes were sealed. People are demanding action against the landlord and the people who allowed it for years. 

Residents of Gurugram’s DLF Phase-3 were left questioning the system, the taxes and the exorbitant rents they were paying when they were asked to leave their homes within one hour, gathering up their lives. Illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial activities are facing action in the area following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Properties that have been allegedly modified beyond the approved plans, and residential buildings being used for commercial purposes, are the target. However, while the landlords knew exactly what they were doing and kept collecting rents for years, it was the families who were trying to build a life in the city who ultimately paid the price. According to the residents, the authorities did not give them any prior warning. An Instagram post reveals what the people went through on Sunday (June 21). Around 40 families of a residential complex in the S Block area were left with nowhere to go after the illegal building with multiple apartments was sealed. Utsav Kamboj, an architect by profession, shared on Instagram, "They gave 40 families exactly one hour to pack up their entire lives and get out," adding, “There was no warning before it happened...no notice period, no grace window. Just an order to vacate immediately.” 40 apartments made on plot permitted for only 4 families She revealed that one person had paid Rs 1.5 lakh just days before, and the landlord happily took it despite knowing what was coming. There was a senior couple who had reached the same day to be with their child, but were caught off guard by the sudden action. People had to break locks to get their belongings, as no one knew how long their homes would remain sealed. Kamboj said that the plot of land where the apartments were built was sanctioned only for four families, but more than "40 separate units" were carved out of it.

<p>A crackdown on illegal construction in Gurugram’s DLF Phase-3 left families scrambling to gather their belongings in just one hour before their homes were sealed. People are demanding action against the landlord and the people who allowed it for years.&nbsp;</p>

Families paying lakhs in rent left homeless in Gurugram after only 1 hour warning

<p>NASA satellite observations have confirmed that Super El Niño is underway, signs of which are present in the elevated sea levels across parts of the equatorial Pacific. Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich, which earlier spotted signs of the phenomenon taking shape, has now confirmed this development. The NOAA earlier declared the El Niño on June 11. NASA says the latest satellite imagery is a "complementary sign" of the climate event. The height of the sea surface is an indicator of a warming ocean, since when this happens, the water expands in volume, NASA said. "Warmer–than–normal temperatures, hence higher sea surface heights, in parts of the equatorial Pacific Ocean are associated with El Niño," it added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has created a map of the ocean after processing data collected by the Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich. The satellite is primarily under the European Space Agency (ESA). The image mapped the ocean on June 8. The red areas show higher than average sea levels, while white areas are normal, and blue areas are low. Kelvin waves, the precursor to El Niño, were earlier recorded by the same satellite. It is a massive pool of warm water in the Pacific, hundreds of miles wide. The "blobs" travel from the western Pacific to the eastern Pacific, pushing a huge volume of superheated surface water.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dr Severine Fournier, deputy project scientist for the Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich satellite, raised alarm by saying that conditions in the western Pacific on June 8 were similar to those seen in 1997, when an exceptionally strong El Niño was witnessed. The World Meteorological Organisation has already warned that above-normal temperatures will sweep "nearly all parts of the globe".</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-satellite-spots-strongest-sign-of-super-el-nino-confirming-all-predictions-what-to-expect-1780666935157"><strong>NASA satellite spots strongest sign of Super El Nino, confirming all predictions - What to expect?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Super El Niño impact&nbsp;on India</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This El Niño is expected to be the worst one in nearly 150 years. Experts have warned of extreme heat in almost every part of the world. India is already facing the heat, with some regions witnessing temperatures touching 45 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season has started, and only recently revived after being stalled for two weeks. India's nearly $4 trillion economy heavily depends on the June to September rainy season. It is expected to cover the entire country by mid-July.</p><p>Also Read:&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Super El Niño impact on world</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, severe drought is expected in countries like Indonesia and Australia, with the US Southwest seeing extreme rain. In the UK, a severe heat warning is in place for four days. Temperatures could touch 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. A rare red weather warning is in place for central and southern England and Wales, from 9 am on Wednesday until 9 pm on Thursday. Experts say a significant area of trapped high pressure building in Europe, known as a ‘heat dome’, &nbsp;is responsible for the extreme hot weather.&nbsp;</p>

A NASA satellite has captured a visible change in the Pacific Ocean. The warmest waters have shown an upswelling, a rise. The space agency explained that this happens because of the heat. Super El Niño has gripped Earth this year and is expected to be one of the most devastating ever. 

NASA satellite observations have confirmed that Super El Niño is underway, signs of which are present in the elevated sea levels across parts of the equatorial Pacific. Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich, which earlier spotted signs of the phenomenon taking shape, has now confirmed this development. The NOAA earlier declared the El Niño on June 11. NASA says the latest satellite imagery is a "complementary sign" of the climate event. The height of the sea surface is an indicator of a warming ocean, since when this happens, the water expands in volume, NASA said. "Warmer–than–normal temperatures, hence higher sea surface heights, in parts of the equatorial Pacific Ocean are associated with El Niño," it added. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has created a map of the ocean after processing data collected by the Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich. The satellite is primarily under the European Space Agency (ESA). The image mapped the ocean on June 8. The red areas show higher than average sea levels, while white areas are normal, and blue areas are low. Kelvin waves, the precursor to El Niño, were earlier recorded by the same satellite. It is a massive pool of warm water in the Pacific, hundreds of miles wide. The "blobs" travel from the western Pacific to the eastern Pacific, pushing a huge volume of superheated surface water. Dr Severine Fournier, deputy project scientist for the Sentinel–6 Michael Freilich satellite, raised alarm by saying that conditions in the western Pacific on June 8 were similar to those seen in 1997, when an exceptionally strong El Niño was witnessed. The World Meteorological Organisation has already warned that above-normal temperatures will sweep "nearly all parts of the globe". Also Read: NASA satellite spots strongest sign of Super El Nino, confirming all predictions - What to expect? Super El Niño impact on India This El Niño is expected to be the worst one in nearly 150 years. Experts have warned of extreme heat in almost every part of the world. India is already facing the heat, with some regions witnessing temperatures touching 45 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season has started, and only recently revived after being stalled for two weeks. India's nearly $4 trillion economy heavily depends on the June to September rainy season. It is expected to cover the entire country by mid-July. Also Read: Super El Niño impact on world Meanwhile, severe drought is expected in countries like Indonesia and Australia, with the US Southwest seeing extreme rain. In the UK, a severe heat warning is in place for four days. Temperatures could touch 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. A rare red weather warning is in place for central and southern England and Wales, from 9 am on Wednesday until 9 pm on Thursday. Experts say a significant area of trapped high pressure building in Europe, known as a ‘heat dome’, is responsible for the extreme hot weather.

<p>A NASA satellite has captured a visible change in the Pacific Ocean. The warmest waters have shown an upswelling, a rise. The space agency explained that this happens because of the heat. Super El Niño has gripped Earth this year and is expected to be one of the most devastating ever.&nbsp;</p>

NASA satellite photo shows Super El Niño has triggered a very specific change in the Pacific

<p>If there is one creature in Britain that truly understands political instability, it is not a veteran journalist, a Westminster insider or a weary voter. It is a 19-year-old tabby cat.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday (June 22), attention quickly shifted to the only resident of 10 Downing Street who seems immune to leadership challenges, cabinet rebellions and opinion polls: Larry the Cat. Larry, officially the “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office”, has lived at Downing Street since 2011. In that time, he has outlasted six prime ministers and is now preparing to welcome a seventh.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If rumours are to be believed I&#39;ll be living with a seventh different Prime Minister shortly. If it carries on like this I&#39;m going to stop making the effort to learn their names.</p>&mdash; Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) <a href="https://x.com/Number10cat/status/2068941425144643811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>And judging by his latest remarks, he is not impressed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“If rumours are to be believed I’ll be living with a seventh different Prime Minister shortly. If it carries on like this I’m going to stop making the effort to learn their names,” Larry quipped on social media.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/right-or-controversial-kerala-proposes-period-leaves-for-schoolgirls-and-there-s-a-debate-over-it-1781888385558">Right or controversial? Kerala proposes period leaves for schoolgirls and there's a debate over it</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Well, frankly, it’s hard to blame him. Most people struggle to remember Wi-Fi passwords. Larry has had to remember an entire succession of British leaders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since arriving at Downing Street from Battersea Dogs &amp; Cats Home in 2011, Larry has watched David Cameron come and go. Then came Theresa May. Then Boris Johnson. Then Liz Truss, whose premiership was so brief that a lettuce famously became a political benchmark. Then Rishi Sunak. Then Keir Starmer. And now, potentially, Andy Burnham.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At this point, Larry has seen more leadership transitions than some civil servants.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In another post, Larry appeared to confirm that he had accepted Starmer’s resignation. “I have accepted Keir Starmer’s resignation as my chief servant and have invited Andy Burnham to lay out details for how many meals a day he’ll give me.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The statement has not yet been verified by Buckingham Palace. Or by Andy Burnham. Or by anyone, really.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But that has not stopped many social media users from arguing that Larry might be Britain’s most experienced political operator.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-war-ends-but-did-trump-achieve-his-objectives-wion-decodes-1781606302003">US-Iran war ends - But did Trump achieve his ‘objectives’? WION Decodes</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After all, he has survived every administration since David Cameron.</p>

Following UK PM Keir Starmer's resignation, 10 Downing Street's Chief Mouser, Larry the Cat, humorously expressed exhaustion on social media over outlasting six prime ministers and welcoming his seventh.

If there is one creature in Britain that truly understands political instability, it is not a veteran journalist, a Westminster insider or a weary voter. It is a 19-year-old tabby cat. As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday (June 22), attention quickly shifted to the only resident of 10 Downing Street who seems immune to leadership challenges, cabinet rebellions and opinion polls: Larry the Cat. Larry, officially the “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office”, has lived at Downing Street since 2011. In that time, he has outlasted six prime ministers and is now preparing to welcome a seventh.

<p>Following UK PM Keir Starmer's resignation, 10 Downing Street's Chief Mouser, Larry the Cat, humorously expressed exhaustion on social media over outlasting six prime ministers and welcoming his seventh.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

'Another one bites the dust': Larry the cat is now fed up with PMs resignations in the UK, doesn't want to remember their names

<p>Britain witnessed yet another alleged racism-motivated incident when a 36-year-old white Scottish man carried out a series of attacks, injuring five men aged between 22 and 39, several of them Muslim, including two who had just left mosque prayers. During the attacks in Edinburgh on June 19, the suspect allegedly shouted anti-Muslim slurs and used weapons described as either a machete or an axe. He was heard ranting about "Muslim bastards raping our young daughters". Counter-terrorism police said they're investigating the incident as anti-Muslim hatred-motivated.&nbsp;</p><p>The incident is possibly a reflection of the current political discourse in the UK, increasingly marked by anti-migrant and religious hostility. It recalls the "Rivers of Blood" rhetoric of the 1960s.</p><h2>Scotland incident came soon after Belfast riot and 'kirpan murder' sentencing</h2><p>The Scotland incident came just days after riots in Belfast triggered by an attempted murder allegedly committed by a Sudanese national. Hadi Alodid was charged over the knife attack on local man Stephen Ogilvie in north Belfast on 8 June. The following day, anti-immigrant riots erupted. Masked individuals torched vehicles and homes, went door-to-door targeting ethnic minorities and immigrants based on skin colour, and forced dozens of families to flee.</p><p>At the time, Britain was already debating the so-called "kirpan murder" case. Vickrum Digwa, a Sikh man, was sentenced to life imprisonment on 1 June for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton last December. Tensions rose after police bodycam footage of the dying teenager, who had been handcuffed by officers, went viral. A polarising debate followed, pitting minority advocates against anti-immigration campaigners.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belfast-erupts-in-riots-after-brutal-knife-attack-sparks-tensions-1781143901743/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/belfast-erupts-in-riots-after-brutal-knife-attack-sparks-tensions-1781143901743/embed</a></p><h2>The hate-filled rhetoric of Restore Britain's Lowe</h2><p>Restore Britain party leader Rupert Lowe has, through public remarks and social media posts, backed strict anti-immigration policies, declaring that "millions must go" while advocating mass deportations. The MP for Great Yarmouth, whose party was launched this year after he split from Reform UK led by Nigel Farage, promotes what he calls "net-negative immigration". Lowe argues that Britain should become a "hostile environment" for illegal migrants and prioritises British identity and culture over economic arguments in favour of migration.</p><h2>Lowe has specifically targeted Indians and Pakistanis</h2><p>In a recent social media post, Lowe opposed the "importing" of Pakistanis and Indians for jobs that unemployed Britons could do. "I don't believe we should import millions of Pakistanis and Indians to do jobs that unemployed Brits should be doing. If that makes me a racist, then so be it," he wrote. His rhetoric has increasingly focused on ‘grooming gang’ scandals, often linked in public debate to networks of Pakistani origin. Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has frequently amplified some of Lowe's views, giving greater visibility to such rhetoric on social media platforms, particularly X.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belfast-unrest-bus-torched-roads-blocked-as-protests-erupt-across-northern-ireland-after-knife-attack-1781043737006">Belfast unrest: Bus torched, roads blocked as protests erupt across Northern Ireland after knife attack</a></p><h2>Britain's high net migration is now a political flashpoint</h2><p>UK net migration peaked at around 944,000 in 2023 before beginning to decline. Perceptions that immigrants are failing to integrate into British society, along with high-profile crimes, murders and sexual abuse cases involving migrants, have fuelled protests that have increased in frequency and intensity. Lowe and other right-wing anti-immigration figures have been accused of stoking racism and Islamophobia, often scapegoating migrants for broader problems facing Britain, including inflation, housing shortages and the rising cost of living. Their supporters argue that such rhetoric reflects genuine concerns about the pressures created by rapid migration. At the same time, large sections of British society continue to condemn violence targeting minorities and migrants. Britain has also struggled for years to establish a comprehensive and politically sustainable migration policy.</p><h2>Racially motivated and anti-migrant riots are nothing new in Britain</h2><p>Britain has a long history of race-related unrest. In 1919, attacks targeted Black, Asian and minority ethnic seamen in port cities amid post-First World War job competition, as white workers blamed colonial migrants for economic hardship.</p><p>The 1958 Notting Hill riots in London and disturbances in Nottingham targeted Black communities and were fuelled by far-right groups.&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistani-bashing and violence against South Asians became increasingly common from the 1960s to the 1980s, peaking in the 1970s with the rise of organisations such as the National Front.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-immigration-riots-break-out-in-belfast-after-sudanese-attacker-identified-what-s-happening-video-1781058717127">Anti-immigration riots erupt in Belfast after Sudanese asylum seeker charged in stabbing: What's happening? | VIDEO</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 1980s saw riots in Brixton, Toxteth and Broadwater Farm involving Black communities and police, driven by allegations of discriminatory policing and institutional racism. The inquiry into the racist murder of Black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993 exposed institutional racism within the Metropolitan Police.</p><p>The 21st century has witnessed recurring tensions linked to riots, grooming gang scandals and migration debates. Hate crimes against Eastern Europeans rose in the years following Brexit.&nbsp;</p><p>Riots were triggered in 2024 by the Southport stabbings, in which three girls were killed. Far-right disinformation falsely claimed that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. The resulting violence targeted mosques, hotels housing asylum seekers, and minority communities across England and Northern Ireland. More than 1,800 people were arrested and hundreds of police officers were injured.</p><p>In 2025, anti-immigration protests, including demonstrations outside asylum hotels, were accompanied by attacks on Muslim and Sikh individuals. An attack on a synagogue in Manchester by a perpetrator of Syrian descent added further complexity to the debate. Rallies linked to Tommy Robinson attracted large crowds and featured the "Great Replacement" rhetoric.</p><h2>Anti-minority rhetoric is reminiscent of the 'Rivers of Blood' speech of 1968</h2><p>The rhetoric of Lowe and many others with similar ideologies has frequently drawn comparisons with Conservative politician Enoch Powell's infamous "Rivers of Blood" speech of 1968. Powell told a Conservative Party meeting: "As I look ahead, I am filled with foreboding. Like the Roman, I seem to see 'the River Tiber foaming with much blood'."</p><p>What may be different today is that parties perceived as exploiting social divisions appear more politically legitimised than ever before.</p><p>With the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it is increasingly becoming clear to Britons that neither the Labour, nor the Conservatives can provide stable leadership and effective governance. The coming days could see this vaccum being filled by the likes of Reform and Restore.</p>

An alleged anti-Muslim attack in Scotland is the latest in a series of hate-motivated incidents in UK. Such developments are fuled by risng anti-minority and anti-migrant rhetoric. With instability looming after yet another PM quits, will a politics of hatred fill the vacumm?

Britain witnessed yet another alleged racism-motivated incident when a 36-year-old white Scottish man carried out a series of attacks, injuring five men aged between 22 and 39, several of them Muslim, including two who had just left mosque prayers. During the attacks in Edinburgh on June 19, the suspect allegedly shouted anti-Muslim slurs and used weapons described as either a machete or an axe. He was heard ranting about "Muslim bastards raping our young daughters". Counter-terrorism police said they're investigating the incident as anti-Muslim hatred-motivated. The incident is possibly a reflection of the current political discourse in the UK, increasingly marked by anti-migrant and religious hostility. It recalls the "Rivers of Blood" rhetoric of the 1960s. Scotland incident came soon after Belfast riot and 'kirpan murder' sentencing The Scotland incident came just days after riots in Belfast triggered by an attempted murder allegedly committed by a Sudanese national. Hadi Alodid was charged over the knife attack on local man Stephen Ogilvie in north Belfast on 8 June. The following day, anti-immigrant riots erupted. Masked individuals torched vehicles and homes, went door-to-door targeting ethnic minorities and immigrants based on skin colour, and forced dozens of families to flee. At the time, Britain was already debating the so-called "kirpan murder" case. Vickrum Digwa, a Sikh man, was sentenced to life imprisonment on 1 June for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton last December. Tensions rose after police bodycam footage of the dying teenager, who had been handcuffed by officers, went viral. A polarising debate followed, pitting minority advocates against anti-immigration campaigners. https://www.wionews.com/videos/belfast-erupts-in-riots-after-brutal-knife-attack-sparks-tensions-1781143901743/embed The hate-filled rhetoric of Restore Britain's Lowe Restore Britain party leader Rupert Lowe has, through public remarks and social media posts, backed strict anti-immigration policies, declaring that "millions must go" while advocating mass deportations. The MP for Great Yarmouth, whose party was launched this year after he split from Reform UK led by Nigel Farage, promotes what he calls "net-negative immigration". Lowe argues that Britain should become a "hostile environment" for illegal migrants and prioritises British identity and culture over economic arguments in favour of migration. Lowe has specifically targeted Indians and Pakistanis In a recent social media post, Lowe opposed the "importing" of Pakistanis and Indians for jobs that unemployed Britons could do. "I don't believe we should import millions of Pakistanis and Indians to do jobs that unemployed Brits should be doing. If that makes me a racist, then so be it," he wrote. His rhetoric has increasingly focused on ‘grooming gang’ scandals, often linked in public debate to networks of Pakistani origin. Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has frequently amplified some of Lowe's views, giving greater visibility to such rhetoric on social media platforms, particularly X. Also read: Belfast unrest: Bus torched, roads blocked as protests erupt across Northern Ireland after knife attack Britain's high net migration is now a political flashpoint UK net migration peaked at around 944,000 in 2023 before beginning to decline. Perceptions that immigrants are failing to integrate into British society, along with high-profile crimes, murders and sexual abuse cases involving migrants, have fuelled protests that have increased in frequency and intensity. Lowe and other right-wing anti-immigration figures have been accused of stoking racism and Islamophobia, often scapegoating migrants for broader problems facing Britain, including inflation, housing shortages and the rising cost of living. Their supporters argue that such rhetoric reflects genuine concerns about the pressures created by rapid migration. At the same time, large sections of British society continue to condemn violence targeting minorities and migrants. Britain has also struggled for years to establish a comprehensive and politically sustainable migration policy. Racially motivated and anti-migrant riots are nothing new in Britain Britain has a long history of race-related unrest. In 1919, attacks targeted Black, Asian and minority ethnic seamen in port cities amid post-First World War job competition, as white workers blamed colonial migrants for economic hardship. The 1958 Notting Hill riots in London and disturbances in Nottingham targeted Black communities and were fuelled by far-right groups. Pakistani-bashing and violence against South Asians became increasingly common from the 1960s to the 1980s, peaking in the 1970s with the rise of organisations such as the National Front. Also read: Anti-immigration riots erupt in Belfast after Sudanese asylum seeker charged in stabbing: What's happening? | VIDEO The 1980s saw riots in Brixton, Toxteth and Broadwater Farm involving Black communities and police, driven by allegations of discriminatory policing and institutional racism. The inquiry into the racist murder of Black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993 exposed institutional racism within the Metropolitan Police. The 21st century has witnessed recurring tensions linked to riots, grooming gang scandals and migration debates. Hate crimes against Eastern Europeans rose in the years following Brexit. Riots were triggered in 2024 by the Southport stabbings, in which three girls were killed. Far-right disinformation falsely claimed that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. The resulting violence targeted mosques, hotels housing asylum seekers, and minority communities across England and Northern Ireland. More than 1,800 people were arrested and hundreds of police officers were injured. In 2025, anti-immigration protests, including demonstrations outside asylum hotels, were accompanied by attacks on Muslim and Sikh individuals. An attack on a synagogue in Manchester by a perpetrator of Syrian descent added further complexity to the debate. Rallies linked to Tommy Robinson attracted large crowds and featured the "Great Replacement" rhetoric. Anti-minority rhetoric is reminiscent of the 'Rivers of Blood' speech of 1968 The rhetoric of Lowe and many others with similar ideologies has frequently drawn comparisons with Conservative politician Enoch Powell's infamous "Rivers of Blood" speech of 1968. Powell told a Conservative Party meeting: "As I look ahead, I am filled with foreboding. Like the Roman, I seem to see 'the River Tiber foaming with much blood'." What may be different today is that parties perceived as exploiting social divisions appear more politically legitimised than ever before. With the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it is increasingly becoming clear to Britons that neither the Labour, nor the Conservatives can provide stable leadership and effective governance. The coming days could see this vaccum being filled by the likes of Reform and Restore.

<p>An alleged anti-Muslim attack in Scotland is the latest in a series of hate-motivated incidents in UK. Such developments are fuled by risng anti-minority and anti-migrant rhetoric. With instability looming after yet another PM quits, will a politics of hatred fill the vacumm?</p>

Muslims attacked in Britain's latest racist hate incident. Is it 'Rivers of Blood' all over again? The Big Question

<p>Loop engineering is quickly replacing the “traditional” practice of giving manual prompts to AI agents, with experts embracing it and pushing for its use. This means that if you are learning to write AI prompts after being told that it is the key to getting the best use out of AI, you are already behind in the race. Boris Cherny, the creator of Claude Code, said in an interview that he no longer writes his own prompts and instead relies on loops. "I don't write the prompt anymore," he said.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So now he directly engages with an enhanced version of Claude, which coordinates the tasks for him. "Claude writes the prompt, and now I'm talking to that new Claude that is kind of coordinating," he added. Loop engineering is also being talked about by OpenAI engineer Peter Steinberger, who created the OpenClaw project.</p><p>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fact-check-did-jeff-bezos-say-human-use-of-water-is-slowing-down-ai-1781967987089"><strong> Fact check: Did Jeff Bezos say human use of water is slowing down AI? Here is what we found</strong></a></p><h2>What is loop engineering?</h2><p>He is telling people to stop writing prompts for AI agents and design loops. So the latest thing in AI is to learn to design these loops that can effectively guide the AI agents. Loops eliminate the need to constantly feed information to AI agents. They are automated systems that repeatedly guide and supervise those agents until the task is over. This is known as loop engineering, where you not only delegate your primary work to AI, but also the act of prompting the instructions.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/company-ends-up-spending-rs-4-800-crore-on-claude-ai-in-a-month-because-of-a-tiny-oversight-1780048597729"><strong>Company accidentally blows away Rs 4,800 crore on Claude AI in a month because of a tiny oversight</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Manual prompts to AI agents are outdated</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Claire Vo, founder of ChatPRD, and Addy Osmani, Google Cloud's director, have described the method of prompting generative AI tools as "traditional", which is already on its way out. Osmani said, "Loop engineering is replacing yourself as the person who prompts the agent. You design the system that does it instead,” he wrote in an article, adding that manual prompts are "kind of over". He says there are five key elements to creating a loop: automations, worktrees, skills, plugins, and connectors. Vo says many employees might already be employing loops unknowingly, such as the scheduled tasks in ClaudeCowork.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, AI agents themselves still carry the big question of costs. Companies are assigned a set number of tokens, and operating multiple AI agents means that they burn through them quickly. Recently, an unnamed company burned through Rs. 4,800 crore in a month because it did not set a limit or cap on the use of tokens.&nbsp;</p>

Loop engineering is the latest upgrade in AI and is replacing manual prompts. Experts are telling people to stop giving manual prompts to AI agents and instead move to using loops. This shows the fast advancement in AI and how many of us are already lagging. 

Loop engineering is quickly replacing the “traditional” practice of giving manual prompts to AI agents, with experts embracing it and pushing for its use. This means that if you are learning to write AI prompts after being told that it is the key to getting the best use out of AI, you are already behind in the race. Boris Cherny, the creator of Claude Code, said in an interview that he no longer writes his own prompts and instead relies on loops. "I don't write the prompt anymore," he said. So now he directly engages with an enhanced version of Claude, which coordinates the tasks for him. "Claude writes the prompt, and now I'm talking to that new Claude that is kind of coordinating," he added. Loop engineering is also being talked about by OpenAI engineer Peter Steinberger, who created the OpenClaw project. Also Read: Fact check: Did Jeff Bezos say human use of water is slowing down AI? Here is what we found What is loop engineering? He is telling people to stop writing prompts for AI agents and design loops. So the latest thing in AI is to learn to design these loops that can effectively guide the AI agents. Loops eliminate the need to constantly feed information to AI agents. They are automated systems that repeatedly guide and supervise those agents until the task is over. This is known as loop engineering, where you not only delegate your primary work to AI, but also the act of prompting the instructions. Also Read: Company accidentally blows away Rs 4,800 crore on Claude AI in a month because of a tiny oversight Manual prompts to AI agents are outdated Claire Vo, founder of ChatPRD, and Addy Osmani, Google Cloud's director, have described the method of prompting generative AI tools as "traditional", which is already on its way out. Osmani said, "Loop engineering is replacing yourself as the person who prompts the agent. You design the system that does it instead,” he wrote in an article, adding that manual prompts are "kind of over". He says there are five key elements to creating a loop: automations, worktrees, skills, plugins, and connectors. Vo says many employees might already be employing loops unknowingly, such as the scheduled tasks in ClaudeCowork. However, AI agents themselves still carry the big question of costs. Companies are assigned a set number of tokens, and operating multiple AI agents means that they burn through them quickly. Recently, an unnamed company burned through Rs. 4,800 crore in a month because it did not set a limit or cap on the use of tokens.

<p>Loop engineering is the latest upgrade in AI and is replacing manual prompts. Experts are telling people to stop giving manual prompts to AI agents and instead move to using loops. This shows the fast advancement in AI and how many of us are already lagging.&nbsp;</p>

Manual prompts are dead. Tech titans have moved on to loop engineering. What is it?

<p>Period panties have become something of a quiet revolution in menstrual care. They're reusable, eco-friendly, and marketed as comfortable enough to wear for half a day straight. But ask the gynaecologists actually treating women for the infections that follow, and the picture gets murkier.</p><p>Deepa Vari, who founded the period-panty brand Adira back in 2009, told WION that the product was never meant to carry the full weight of a period in the first place. So, what was it made for? Are period panties safe? WION Decodes.</p><h2><strong>What are period panties for?</strong></h2><p>Well, as the name suggests, these are panties you can wear during your menses. While nowadays many brands advertise them as an alternative to other period products like pads, tampons or menstrual cups, they were actually designed as backup. Period panties were supposed to be an extra layer under a pad, tampon, or cup, since even correctly used products can leak.</p><p>"The idea was peace of mind, so that women and girls can move through their day without constantly worrying about leaks, not to turn underwear into the primary place where all the bleeding happens" said Vari.</p><h2><strong>How much blood can period panties hold?</strong></h2><p>While regular variants of traditional period products such as pads can absorb about 5–15 ml, tampons 3–7 ml, and cups around 15 ml, period panties hold significantly less.</p><p>A 2023 study out of Oregon Health &amp; Science University, published in BMJ Sexual &amp; Reproductive Health, tested menstrual products using real human blood rather than the water or saline typically used in older lab testing. Period underwear came out holding the least, roughly 2 mL on average, the lowest of any product in the study.</p><p>Vari points out that menstrual blood behaves nothing like water; it's thicker, more complex, and saline-based testing simply doesn't capture that.</p><p>There's a biological angle too. "A healthy vaginal environment is more acidic and relies on lactobacilli to keep BV‑type and odour‑causing bacteria in check."</p><p>Leave warm, neutral-pH fluid against the skin for too long, Vari warns, and you're creating exactly the environment that throws that balance off. "When we normalise ‘bleed‑into panties’ for many hours at a stretch, we risk holding warm, neutral‑pH fluid against the vulva for prolonged periods, which is exactly the setting that can disturb the microbiome and increase risks like bacterial vaginosis, odour and irritation," she said.</p><h2><strong>How often should you wash your period panties?</strong></h2><p>Dr Aishwarya Karthik Nagesh, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore, told WION that she hears the same myths repeatedly from patients that reusable products can go unwashed for stretches, or that "washable" automatically means "safe." Neither holds up. What actually determines safety, she says, is care: "A reusable product that is washed correctly, dried fully, and stored properly is just as hygienic as a disposable one. One that is not cared for properly is not."</p><h2><strong>What doctors &nbsp;recommend</strong></h2><p>Absorbency adds another layer of confusion, since not every pair of period panties is built the same; flow and fabric capacity need to match, or comfort and protection both suffer. Dr Smita Kalappa of Apollo Clinic, JP Nagar, breaks it down further. She noted that most period underwear uses breathable cotton or bamboo with layered absorbent cores designed to pull moisture away from skin. But wear them too long, especially on heavier days, and that design works against you; trapped moisture and inconsistent washing routines raise the odds of irritation and bacterial growth. For light to moderate flow, she says, they're generally fine alone; for heavier days, pairing them with another product is the safer bet.</p><p>Dr Thejaswini J., an obstetrician at Motherhood Hospitals in Electronic City, Bengaluru, puts a number on it: cap wear time at eight to twelve hours. Beyond that, the "specific fabric technology in period pants used to soak up fluid can also increase body temperature and humidity," she said.</p><h2><strong>So, are period panties something you should avoid?</strong></h2><p>No, none of this makes period panties a bad product. It just means the marketing promise, wear them all day, worry-free was never quite the medical reality.</p>

Period panties are often marketed as an all-day alternative to pads, tampons and menstrual cups. But experts say they were originally designed as backup protection against leaks, not as the sole product for managing menstrual flow. WION Decodes how to use the period product safely.

Period panties have become something of a quiet revolution in menstrual care. They're reusable, eco-friendly, and marketed as comfortable enough to wear for half a day straight. But ask the gynaecologists actually treating women for the infections that follow, and the picture gets murkier. Deepa Vari, who founded the period-panty brand Adira back in 2009, told WION that the product was never meant to carry the full weight of a period in the first place. So, what was it made for? Are period panties safe? WION Decodes. What are period panties for? Well, as the name suggests, these are panties you can wear during your menses. While nowadays many brands advertise them as an alternative to other period products like pads, tampons or menstrual cups, they were actually designed as backup. Period panties were supposed to be an extra layer under a pad, tampon, or cup, since even correctly used products can leak. "The idea was peace of mind, so that women and girls can move through their day without constantly worrying about leaks, not to turn underwear into the primary place where all the bleeding happens" said Vari. How much blood can period panties hold? While regular variants of traditional period products such as pads can absorb about 5–15 ml, tampons 3–7 ml, and cups around 15 ml, period panties hold significantly less. A 2023 study out of Oregon Health & Science University, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, tested menstrual products using real human blood rather than the water or saline typically used in older lab testing. Period underwear came out holding the least, roughly 2 mL on average, the lowest of any product in the study. Vari points out that menstrual blood behaves nothing like water; it's thicker, more complex, and saline-based testing simply doesn't capture that. There's a biological angle too. "A healthy vaginal environment is more acidic and relies on lactobacilli to keep BV‑type and odour‑causing bacteria in check." Leave warm, neutral-pH fluid against the skin for too long, Vari warns, and you're creating exactly the environment that throws that balance off. "When we normalise ‘bleed‑into panties’ for many hours at a stretch, we risk holding warm, neutral‑pH fluid against the vulva for prolonged periods, which is exactly the setting that can disturb the microbiome and increase risks like bacterial vaginosis, odour and irritation," she said. How often should you wash your period panties? Dr Aishwarya Karthik Nagesh, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore, told WION that she hears the same myths repeatedly from patients that reusable products can go unwashed for stretches, or that "washable" automatically means "safe." Neither holds up. What actually determines safety, she says, is care: "A reusable product that is washed correctly, dried fully, and stored properly is just as hygienic as a disposable one. One that is not cared for properly is not." What doctors recommend Absorbency adds another layer of confusion, since not every pair of period panties is built the same; flow and fabric capacity need to match, or comfort and protection both suffer. Dr Smita Kalappa of Apollo Clinic, JP Nagar, breaks it down further. She noted that most period underwear uses breathable cotton or bamboo with layered absorbent cores designed to pull moisture away from skin. But wear them too long, especially on heavier days, and that design works against you; trapped moisture and inconsistent washing routines raise the odds of irritation and bacterial growth. For light to moderate flow, she says, they're generally fine alone; for heavier days, pairing them with another product is the safer bet. Dr Thejaswini J., an obstetrician at Motherhood Hospitals in Electronic City, Bengaluru, puts a number on it: cap wear time at eight to twelve hours. Beyond that, the "specific fabric technology in period pants used to soak up fluid can also increase body temperature and humidity," she said. So, are period panties something you should avoid? No, none of this makes period panties a bad product. It just means the marketing promise, wear them all day, worry-free was never quite the medical reality.

<p>Period panties are often marketed as an all-day alternative to pads, tampons and menstrual cups. But experts say they were originally designed as backup protection against leaks, not as the sole product for managing menstrual flow. WION Decodes how to use the period product safely.</p>

Can you really wear period panties all day? Doctors tell WION it's not that simple | WION Decodes

<p>A Canadian woman is being slammed for questioning Nora Fatehi's performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Canada. The actress, who has made a name for herself in the Indian film industry, dancer to her hit song SIIR SIIR, alongside DJ Sanjoy and French singer Vegedream. The celebration in Canada took place at the BMO Field ahead of their opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Notably, three opening ceremonies were held, one each in the US, Mexico and Canada - the co-hosts of the tournament. A viral video on social media has a Canadian woman asking why a woman from the Indian entertainment industry was at the opening ceremony for Canada.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Can someone please f—g explain to me please how this is Canada’s opening ceremony?" she asks. Dressed in red T-shirt and black cap, the woman in visibly furious to see Nora perform for Canada, arguing that the performance did not reflect what she considered Canadian culture. “Last time I checked, we’re Canadian. We’re not Indian. That’s not English. We don’t speak Punjabi. We are not Indians. This is Canada. How is this our opening ceremony?" she says in the viral video that has garnered over 4 lakh views. The ceremony can be seen playing on the TV behind her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Canada citizens are furious over their FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony being in Indian, full of Indians doing Indian dances<br><br>Multiple singers all sang in foreign languages<br><br>“Can someone please f*cking explain to me, please — how this is Canada&#39;s opening f*cking ceremony? Last… <a href="https://t.co/ibhXXKgCbp">pic.twitter.com/ibhXXKgCbp</a></p>&mdash; Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) <a href="https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/2068475822755975332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Netizens took it upon themselves to school her, informing her that Nora is not actually Indian, but a Canadian on Moroccan descent. Others decide to tell her that it is a "World Cup", and it isn't open to only people of a few countries. "I can understand the outrage, but the funny thing is that Nora Fatehi is not even Indian, she is Canadian of Moroccan descent who by chance works in Indian film industry. Also, I couldn’t see any Indian dancers or Indian related dances. Indians get dragged for nothing all the time," a user wrote.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/fifa-world-cup-2026-nora-fatehi-brings-glamour-and-energy-to-opening-ceremony-in-canada-1781327346298"><strong>FIFA World Cup 2026: Nora Fatehi brings glamour and energy to opening ceremony in Canada</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"That’s Nora Fatehi, a Bollywood celebrity who was born and raised in Toronto (Jane and Finch), and later moved to Mumbai. Her ethnicity is Moroccan!" one said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another added, "It’s a World Cup, not a Canada Cup. Mexico opening had a Spanish singer and a Nigerian. America’s opening was done by Tyla from South Africa. They featured in the FIFA album. It’s not a random English-speaking person."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One user pointed how Canadians also settled from other countries. "Last time I checked, you’re not f***ing Canadian. You’re descendants of Europeans who invaded and settled in Canada a few centuries ago. Calling yourselves “settlers” doesn’t change that history," a user wrote. Someone even posted a photo of Canada's Cricket World Cup squad which comprises a mix of South Asians. “Clearly she missed the Cricket World Cup...”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clearly she missed the Cricket World Cup... <a href="https://t.co/1ADXCJkuSZ">pic.twitter.com/1ADXCJkuSZ</a></p>&mdash; Icewalker (@lyonleblanc) <a href="https://x.com/lyonleblanc/status/2068590205833982095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nora Fatehi's performance at the opening ceremony in Canada became an instant hit. However, one woman was not happy to see an “Indian” open for Canada. Netizens took her down with a simple piece of information about Nora's roots.

A Canadian woman is being slammed for questioning Nora Fatehi's performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Canada. The actress, who has made a name for herself in the Indian film industry, dancer to her hit song SIIR SIIR, alongside DJ Sanjoy and French singer Vegedream. The celebration in Canada took place at the BMO Field ahead of their opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Notably, three opening ceremonies were held, one each in the US, Mexico and Canada - the co-hosts of the tournament. A viral video on social media has a Canadian woman asking why a woman from the Indian entertainment industry was at the opening ceremony for Canada. “Can someone please f—g explain to me please how this is Canada’s opening ceremony?" she asks. Dressed in red T-shirt and black cap, the woman in visibly furious to see Nora perform for Canada, arguing that the performance did not reflect what she considered Canadian culture. “Last time I checked, we’re Canadian. We’re not Indian. That’s not English. We don’t speak Punjabi. We are not Indians. This is Canada. How is this our opening ceremony?" she says in the viral video that has garnered over 4 lakh views. The ceremony can be seen playing on the TV behind her.

<p>Nora Fatehi's performance at the opening ceremony in Canada became an instant hit. However, one woman was not happy to see an “Indian” open for Canada. Netizens took her down with a simple piece of information about Nora's roots.</p>

Canadian woman asks why was Nora Fatehi, an 'Indian', performing at World Cup? Receives perfect response

<p>The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict has concluded in Switzerland, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar describing the discussions as "positive and constructive". After a marathon 8-hour session, negotiators shared a joint statement on what happened at the talks.</p><p>While they stopped short of announcing a final breakthrough, negotiators suggested that the talks produced the clearest roadmap yet for a potential agreement. These vital talks between Washington and Tehran come after months of war, regional instability and economic disruption. WION Decodes what happened at the first round of negotiations and what will happen going forward.</p><h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2><p>The negotiations took place at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the agreement reached earlier to halt hostilities and create a pathway toward a broader settlement.</p><p>According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar, both sides agreed to continue discussions and established several new mechanisms designed to keep negotiations moving forward.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joint Statement by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Regarding The Conclusion of Lake Lucerne Summit, First High-Level Committee Meeting with Participation of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran<br><br>Lucerne | June 22, 2026<br><br>The first… <a href="https://t.co/bLVpaR2uua">pic.twitter.com/bLVpaR2uua</a></p>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) <a href="https://x.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/2068863423987778035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 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">🔊PR No: 1️⃣5️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣<br><br>Joint Statement by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Regarding the Conclusion of Lake Lucerne Summit, First High-Level Committee Meeting with Participation of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran <a href="https://t.co/2G3PAf7LVY">pic.twitter.com/2G3PAf7LVY</a></p>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2068863783637057739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The biggest outcome was the creation of a High-Level Committee that will oversee the mediation process and provide political guidance to negotiators.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-araghchi-says-switzerland-talks-delivered-major-progress-on-sanctions-oil-exports-1782093628417"><strong>Iran's Araghchi says Switzerland talks delivered 'major progress' on sanctions, oil exports</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Who was involved in the talks?</strong></h2><p>The talks brought together delegations from the United States and Iran, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators.</p><p>Here's a look at the delegates who were present for the negotiations:</p><h3><strong>Iranian Delegation</strong></h3><ul><li>Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf - Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Head of Delegation</li><li>Abbas Araghchi - Foreign Minister, Chief Diplomatic Negotiator</li><li>Esmaeil Baghaei - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson</li><li>Ali Bagheri Kani - Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council</li><li>Abdolnasser Hemmati - Head of Economic and Banking Committee</li><li>Hamid Bord - Head of Energy and Oil Committee</li></ul><h3><strong>United States Delegation</strong></h3><ul><li>JD Vance - Vice President of the United States, Head of Delegation</li><li>Steve Witkoff - White House Special Envoy</li><li>Jared Kushner - Senior Adviser and Special Envoy</li></ul><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-of-minab-are-watching-us-iran-s-ghalibaf-arrives-in-switzerland-for-talks-with-us-1782012769144"><strong>'Children of Minab are watching us': Iran's Ghalibaf arrives in Switzerland for talks with US</strong></a></p><h3><strong>Pakistan (mediator)</strong></h3><ul><li>Shehbaz Sharif - Prime Minister of Pakistan</li><li>Syed Asim Munir - Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces</li></ul><h3><strong>Qatar (mediator)</strong></h3><ul><li>Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani - Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar</li><li>Senior Qatari diplomatic officials</li></ul><h3><strong>Switzerland (host nation)</strong></h3><ul><li>Ignazio Cassis - Swiss Foreign Minister<br>Swiss diplomatic facilitation team</li></ul><h3><strong>International/Technical Presence</strong></h3><ul><li>Rafael Grossi - IAEA Director General (attending sidelines and technical consultations)</li></ul><p>Total known participants: Around 15-20 senior political, diplomatic, security, economic and technical officials across the delegations and mediation teams.</p><h2><strong>Where do the negotiations go from here?</strong></h2><p>The newly formed High-Level Committee has agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days. Several working groups will now begin technical discussions on key issues, including:</p><ul><li>Iran's nuclear programme</li><li>Sanctions relief</li><li>Monitoring and dispute resolution mechanisms</li><li>Regional security arrangements</li></ul><p>Technical talks are expected to continue throughout the week in Switzerland.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001"><strong>US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Why are these talks important?</strong></h2><p>The negotiations come after months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The crisis had rattled global energy markets and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil and crude prices to alarming highs.</p><p>One of the most significant developments announced was the creation of a direct communication line between Washington and Tehran to "avoid incidents and miscommunication" with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p>A separate de-confliction cell involving Iran, the US and Lebanon has also been established to monitor the cessation of military operations in Lebanon.</p><h2><strong>How is Iran describing the outcome?</strong></h2><p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck an optimistic tone following the talks.</p><p>In a post on X, he claimed that Pakistani and Qatari mediation had delivered "major progress" and suggested that several economic concessions were already emerging from the process.</p><p>According to Araghchi, restrictions affecting Iran's oil and petrochemical exports are being eased, some frozen Iranian assets are set to be released, and a major reconstruction and development programme for Iran is being launched.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction &amp; development plan launched for Iran. <br><br>1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell <a href="https://t.co/q0okD2qwSO">https://t.co/q0okD2qwSO</a></p>&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://x.com/araghchi/status/2068866564997206221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><h2><strong>What remains unresolved?</strong></h2><p>Despite the positive language, major questions remain unanswered.</p><p>Neither side has publicly detailed the scope of sanctions relief, the future of Iran's uranium enrichment activities, or the exact timeline for implementing commitments under the MoU.</p><p>The next few weeks will likely determine whether the momentum generated in Switzerland can be converted into a lasting agreement or whether familiar disagreements once again restart the war. For now, both sides appear committed to diplomacy, but the hardest part of the negotiations may still lie ahead.</p></p>

After an eight-hour negotiating marathon in Switzerland, the United States and Iran agreed on a roadmap for further talks and created a new High-Level Committee to oversee negotiations. Here's all you need to know about the Lake Lucerne Summit and the road ahead.

The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict has concluded in Switzerland, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar describing the discussions as "positive and constructive". After a marathon 8-hour session, negotiators shared a joint statement on what happened at the talks. While they stopped short of announcing a final breakthrough, negotiators suggested that the talks produced the clearest roadmap yet for a potential agreement. These vital talks between Washington and Tehran come after months of war, regional instability and economic disruption. WION Decodes what happened at the first round of negotiations and what will happen going forward. What happened? The negotiations took place at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the agreement reached earlier to halt hostilities and create a pathway toward a broader settlement. According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar, both sides agreed to continue discussions and established several new mechanisms designed to keep negotiations moving forward.

<p>After an eight-hour negotiating marathon in Switzerland, the United States and Iran agreed on a roadmap for further talks and created a new High-Level Committee to oversee negotiations. Here's all you need to know about the Lake Lucerne Summit and the road ahead.</p>

Lake Lucerne Summit: First US-Iran talks in Switzerland end with cautious optimism. What was agreed and what comes next? | WION Decodes

<p>Several sun signs need to be careful in matters of the heart this week (June 22- 28). It will be a time when conversations will fail to reach meaningful conclusions, emotional vulnerability will be high, and there will be plenty of room for jealousy. This is not the time to rush into making decisions about your love life. On June 22, Mercury moves into Cancer, and on June 29, it begins its retrograde, says astrologer Harshada Desai. Venus is placed in Cancer, which is considered a sensitive and moody planet - until early July. This is causing people to misread signals, for old feelings to resurface, and to overreact emotionally. But not everyone will be affected in the same way, and only a few sunsigns need to keep their guard up. Here is a love forecast for this week by Harshada.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Cancer: </strong>The week will bring emotional turmoil, highs and lows in love. With both Mercury and Venus moving through your sign, you will feel emotionally exposed, which is not exactly a bad thing. It has its pros and cons. It will feel beautiful to be able to truly express yourself. However, this also makes you prone to taking things too personally. We often fall for what our gut tells us, but this week, avoid making big relationship decisions based on just your inner voice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Gemini: </strong>Mercury, your ruling planet, is leaving your sign just as it heads toward retrograde. You will find it extremely difficult to have a clear conversation with your partner. All communication will simply keep moving in circles, causing frustration. But now is not the time to reach. Let this week pass. Resist the urge to over-explain. Be careful not to bring up old arguments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Scorpio:</strong> This week will be marked by insecurity and jealousy for you. Cancer energy hits your fifth house of romance hard this week, stirring up intensity and possessiveness. Control issues could surface in relationships, for both you and your partner. Do not give in to the urge to question your partner over every tiny thing. Keep your actions away from your feelings of insecurity, as it could lead to drastic results.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Capricorn: </strong>Patience is the key to handling all your love-related issues this week. You may feel like your partner is criticising you unnecessarily and out of the blue. Try to keep a cool head as arguments will lead nowhere. Your partner might seem more emotional or needy than usual. Do not take it negatively and try to work with them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Aries:</strong> Love will move at a snail's pace for you. But just bear with it as the stars are not in your favour this week. With Mars settling into Taurus, your relationship will move more slowly. The wait could feel frustrating, but don't let it bog you down. Those single should resist rushing into a new connection. Those already in relationships should avoid forcing communication on important matters. If your partner doesn't feel ready, just avoid bringing up anything that could fluster them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Libra: </strong>You could end up comparing your relationship, or potential connection, with others. As your ruling planet, Venus prepares to shift signs later next week, there is a restless undertone to your love life right now. You might feel someone else is better suited to you, or you might get the urge to explore another connection. Stay away from making impulsive decisions and comparisons. Give your current partner time to settle, as change is not necessarily the best decision for you this week.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Love forecast this week: This is not a great time for love and romance. Communication will be a problem; some people will experience jealousy, while others will deal with emotionally needy partners. These sunsigns need to be particularly careful.

Several sun signs need to be careful in matters of the heart this week (June 22- 28). It will be a time when conversations will fail to reach meaningful conclusions, emotional vulnerability will be high, and there will be plenty of room for jealousy. This is not the time to rush into making decisions about your love life. On June 22, Mercury moves into Cancer, and on June 29, it begins its retrograde, says astrologer Harshada Desai. Venus is placed in Cancer, which is considered a sensitive and moody planet - until early July. This is causing people to misread signals, for old feelings to resurface, and to overreact emotionally. But not everyone will be affected in the same way, and only a few sunsigns need to keep their guard up. Here is a love forecast for this week by Harshada. Cancer: The week will bring emotional turmoil, highs and lows in love. With both Mercury and Venus moving through your sign, you will feel emotionally exposed, which is not exactly a bad thing. It has its pros and cons. It will feel beautiful to be able to truly express yourself. However, this also makes you prone to taking things too personally. We often fall for what our gut tells us, but this week, avoid making big relationship decisions based on just your inner voice. Gemini: Mercury, your ruling planet, is leaving your sign just as it heads toward retrograde. You will find it extremely difficult to have a clear conversation with your partner. All communication will simply keep moving in circles, causing frustration. But now is not the time to reach. Let this week pass. Resist the urge to over-explain. Be careful not to bring up old arguments. Scorpio: This week will be marked by insecurity and jealousy for you. Cancer energy hits your fifth house of romance hard this week, stirring up intensity and possessiveness. Control issues could surface in relationships, for both you and your partner. Do not give in to the urge to question your partner over every tiny thing. Keep your actions away from your feelings of insecurity, as it could lead to drastic results. Capricorn: Patience is the key to handling all your love-related issues this week. You may feel like your partner is criticising you unnecessarily and out of the blue. Try to keep a cool head as arguments will lead nowhere. Your partner might seem more emotional or needy than usual. Do not take it negatively and try to work with them. Aries: Love will move at a snail's pace for you. But just bear with it as the stars are not in your favour this week. With Mars settling into Taurus, your relationship will move more slowly. The wait could feel frustrating, but don't let it bog you down. Those single should resist rushing into a new connection. Those already in relationships should avoid forcing communication on important matters. If your partner doesn't feel ready, just avoid bringing up anything that could fluster them. Libra: You could end up comparing your relationship, or potential connection, with others. As your ruling planet, Venus prepares to shift signs later next week, there is a restless undertone to your love life right now. You might feel someone else is better suited to you, or you might get the urge to explore another connection. Stay away from making impulsive decisions and comparisons. Give your current partner time to settle, as change is not necessarily the best decision for you this week.

<p>Love forecast this week: This is not a great time for love and romance. Communication will be a problem; some people will experience jealousy, while others will deal with emotionally needy partners. These sunsigns need to be particularly careful.</p>

Which sunsigns need to be careful in love this week?

<p>A 19-year-old medical aspirant who was due to appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday (Jun 21) was found dead at her home in Hyderabad's Miyapur area, a day before the test. The tragic death has once again drawn attention to the intense pressure surrounding one of India's most competitive entrance examinations. Police have identified the student as Sheikh Sana. According to investigators, she was found hanging in her room on Saturday (Jun 20) afternoon.</p><h2><strong>Suicide note found at scene</strong></h2><p>A note recovered from the scene stated that no one should be held responsible for Sana's death. "No one is responsible for my death. I am taking my life," the note reportedly read. Sana had spent the past year preparing for NEET and was scheduled to take the re-examination on Sunday after the original May 3 test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-re-exam-fresh-scam-surfaces-despite-telegram-ban-rajasthan-youth-arrested-for-selling-fake-papers-1781937484501"><strong>NEET re-exam: Rajasthan youth arrested for selling fake papers on Telegram; fresh scam surfaces despite app ban</strong></a></p><p>According to police, Sana lived in an apartment with her two younger sisters while their parents worked in Kuwait. The children were looked after by their aunt, who lives nearby. Investigators said the three sisters had breakfast together on Saturday morning before Sana went into her room to study. Hours later, when her siblings called her for lunch, she did not respond.</p><p>The police were informed of her death later in the evening. They have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to her death.</p><h2><strong>Another NEET dream cut short</strong></h2><p>Officials said Sana had scored above 90 per cent in her intermediate examinations and had been focused on securing a medical seat. While the investigation is ongoing, police believe academic stress may have played a role.</p><p>"She has been preparing for NEET for a year. We think the academic pressure caused significant mental distress," a police official said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-aspirant-gets-uae-abu-dhabi-centre-instead-of-nagpur-nta-blames-technical-glitch-after-online-outrage-assigns-new-exam-centre-neet-ug-re-exam-1781941644447"><strong>Bizarre&nbsp;NEET admit card error: Aspirant gets Abu Dhabi centre instead of Nagpur, NTA blames 'technical glitch' after online outrage</strong></a></p><p>The tragedy adds to a series of student suicides reported from different parts of the country in connection with the medical entrance test. On Sunday, more than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination across India and abroad. For thousands, it was another chance at their medical dream. For Sana, that opportunity never arrived.</p><p><i><strong>If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or mentally, seeking support from family members, trusted friends, counsellors or mental health professionals can make all the difference.&nbsp;</strong></i></p>

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant was found dead at her home in Hyderabad's Miyapur area a day before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. Police recovered a note stating that no one should be held responsible for her death and are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

A 19-year-old medical aspirant who was due to appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday (Jun 21) was found dead at her home in Hyderabad's Miyapur area, a day before the test. The tragic death has once again drawn attention to the intense pressure surrounding one of India's most competitive entrance examinations. Police have identified the student as Sheikh Sana. According to investigators, she was found hanging in her room on Saturday (Jun 20) afternoon. Suicide note found at scene A note recovered from the scene stated that no one should be held responsible for Sana's death. "No one is responsible for my death. I am taking my life," the note reportedly read. Sana had spent the past year preparing for NEET and was scheduled to take the re-examination on Sunday after the original May 3 test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. Also read | NEET re-exam: Rajasthan youth arrested for selling fake papers on Telegram; fresh scam surfaces despite app ban According to police, Sana lived in an apartment with her two younger sisters while their parents worked in Kuwait. The children were looked after by their aunt, who lives nearby. Investigators said the three sisters had breakfast together on Saturday morning before Sana went into her room to study. Hours later, when her siblings called her for lunch, she did not respond. The police were informed of her death later in the evening. They have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to her death. Another NEET dream cut short Officials said Sana had scored above 90 per cent in her intermediate examinations and had been focused on securing a medical seat. While the investigation is ongoing, police believe academic stress may have played a role. "She has been preparing for NEET for a year. We think the academic pressure caused significant mental distress," a police official said. Also read | Bizarre NEET admit card error: Aspirant gets Abu Dhabi centre instead of Nagpur, NTA blames 'technical glitch' after online outrage The tragedy adds to a series of student suicides reported from different parts of the country in connection with the medical entrance test. On Sunday, more than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination across India and abroad. For thousands, it was another chance at their medical dream. For Sana, that opportunity never arrived. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or mentally, seeking support from family members, trusted friends, counsellors or mental health professionals can make all the difference.

<p>A 19-year-old NEET aspirant was found dead at her home in Hyderabad's Miyapur area a day before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. Police recovered a note stating that no one should be held responsible for her death and are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.</p>

NEET re-exam: A day before re-examination, Hyderabad aspirant found dead; suicide note says, 'no one is responsible'

<p>On June 21 every year, the world performs a uniquely Indian ritual. From New York's Times Square and the Eiffel Tower precinct in Paris to military bases, universities, embassies and public parks across continents, millions gather with yoga mats to celebrate International Yoga Day. The images have become familiar: diplomats striking poses, soldiers practicing breathing exercises, schoolchildren participating in mass sessions, and world leaders joining yoga events. Few cultural traditions can command such universal participation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Which raises an interesting question: among India's three most recognisable exports: Bollywood, cricket and yoga, which is the country's strongest global brand? For decades, the answer may have been Bollywood. Indian cinema introduced generations of foreigners to the country's culture, music, fashion and traditions. Long before social media connected the world, Bollywood films travelled across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and parts of Europe. Actors became household names far beyond India's borders, creating an emotional connection that few countries could replicate through entertainment alone. Bollywood helped make India visible. Then came cricket's rise.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As India's economy expanded, so did its influence over the sport. Today, India sits at the centre of cricket's financial ecosystem. The Indian Premier League is one of the most valuable sporting competitions in the world, attracting international stars, global sponsors and massive broadcast audiences. India's influence extends beyond the field, shaping everything from scheduling and broadcasting to the commercial future of the game. Cricket made India powerful. Yet both Bollywood and cricket face a common limitation: geography. Bollywood's popularity varies from region to region, while cricket remains concentrated in a relatively small group of nations. Passionate as their audiences may be, neither enjoys truly universal adoption.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/12th-international-yoga-day-summer-solstice-to-adiyogi-the-science-and-spirituality-behind-june-21-1782021234890"><strong>12th International Yoga Day: Summer Solstice to Adiyogi - the science and spirituality behind June 21</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yoga, however, operates differently. Unlike a film or a sporting event, yoga is not something people merely consume. It is something they practice. It becomes part of daily routines, lifestyles and wellness habits. It requires no stadium, no screen and no language. A beginner in Brazil, a teacher in Kenya, a student in Germany and a retiree in Japan can all participate in the same practice despite sharing neither culture nor nationality.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That universality is what sets yoga apart. The establishment of International Yoga Day by the United Nations in 2014 marked a turning point. What was once viewed primarily as an ancient Indian discipline transformed into a global movement. Every year, governments, municipalities, educational institutions, military organisations and diplomatic missions organise events around the occasion. The scale of participation is difficult to match through any other Indian cultural export.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is where the discussion shifts from popularity to soft power. Soft power is the ability to influence people through attraction rather than coercion. Bollywood achieves this through storytelling. Cricket achieves it through competition and fandom. Yoga achieves it through lifestyle. That distinction matters. A person may watch a Bollywood film once a month or follow a cricket tournament for a few weeks. A yoga practitioner, however, may engage with an Indian-origin tradition every day. The connection is deeper, more personal and often more enduring. It is also remarkably resilient.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bollywood faces competition from Hollywood, Korean entertainment and streaming platforms. Cricket competes with football, basketball and other global sports. Yoga, meanwhile, has embedded itself into the rapidly growing wellness industry, which spans fitness, mental health, rehabilitation, mindfulness and preventive healthcare. Its appeal continues to expand rather than fragment.</p><p>This does not diminish the importance of Bollywood or cricket. Indian cinema remains one of the country's most influential cultural exports, while cricket has established India as a sporting and commercial superpower. Together, they have shaped how the world sees India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But if the measure of success is global reach, institutional acceptance and everyday influence, yoga occupies a category of its own. On International Yoga Day, that reality is visible across continents. In countries where cricket is barely followed and Bollywood films are rarely screened, yoga classes still take place. People who may never visit India, watch an Indian film or attend a cricket match nevertheless interact daily with a practice that originated on Indian soil.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bollywood made India famous. Cricket made India influential. Yoga may have done something even bigger, it made India a part of everyday life across the world. And that is why, in the contest for India's strongest global brand, yoga might just be winning.</p>

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day, a look at whether yoga has surpassed Bollywood and cricket to become India's most powerful global brand and soft-power tool

On June 21 every year, the world performs a uniquely Indian ritual. From New York's Times Square and the Eiffel Tower precinct in Paris to military bases, universities, embassies and public parks across continents, millions gather with yoga mats to celebrate International Yoga Day. The images have become familiar: diplomats striking poses, soldiers practicing breathing exercises, schoolchildren participating in mass sessions, and world leaders joining yoga events. Few cultural traditions can command such universal participation. Which raises an interesting question: among India's three most recognisable exports: Bollywood, cricket and yoga, which is the country's strongest global brand? For decades, the answer may have been Bollywood. Indian cinema introduced generations of foreigners to the country's culture, music, fashion and traditions. Long before social media connected the world, Bollywood films travelled across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and parts of Europe. Actors became household names far beyond India's borders, creating an emotional connection that few countries could replicate through entertainment alone. Bollywood helped make India visible. Then came cricket's rise. As India's economy expanded, so did its influence over the sport. Today, India sits at the centre of cricket's financial ecosystem. The Indian Premier League is one of the most valuable sporting competitions in the world, attracting international stars, global sponsors and massive broadcast audiences. India's influence extends beyond the field, shaping everything from scheduling and broadcasting to the commercial future of the game. Cricket made India powerful. Yet both Bollywood and cricket face a common limitation: geography. Bollywood's popularity varies from region to region, while cricket remains concentrated in a relatively small group of nations. Passionate as their audiences may be, neither enjoys truly universal adoption. Also Read: 12th International Yoga Day: Summer Solstice to Adiyogi - the science and spirituality behind June 21 Yoga, however, operates differently. Unlike a film or a sporting event, yoga is not something people merely consume. It is something they practice. It becomes part of daily routines, lifestyles and wellness habits. It requires no stadium, no screen and no language. A beginner in Brazil, a teacher in Kenya, a student in Germany and a retiree in Japan can all participate in the same practice despite sharing neither culture nor nationality. That universality is what sets yoga apart. The establishment of International Yoga Day by the United Nations in 2014 marked a turning point. What was once viewed primarily as an ancient Indian discipline transformed into a global movement. Every year, governments, municipalities, educational institutions, military organisations and diplomatic missions organise events around the occasion. The scale of participation is difficult to match through any other Indian cultural export. This is where the discussion shifts from popularity to soft power. Soft power is the ability to influence people through attraction rather than coercion. Bollywood achieves this through storytelling. Cricket achieves it through competition and fandom. Yoga achieves it through lifestyle. That distinction matters. A person may watch a Bollywood film once a month or follow a cricket tournament for a few weeks. A yoga practitioner, however, may engage with an Indian-origin tradition every day. The connection is deeper, more personal and often more enduring. It is also remarkably resilient. Bollywood faces competition from Hollywood, Korean entertainment and streaming platforms. Cricket competes with football, basketball and other global sports. Yoga, meanwhile, has embedded itself into the rapidly growing wellness industry, which spans fitness, mental health, rehabilitation, mindfulness and preventive healthcare. Its appeal continues to expand rather than fragment. This does not diminish the importance of Bollywood or cricket. Indian cinema remains one of the country's most influential cultural exports, while cricket has established India as a sporting and commercial superpower. Together, they have shaped how the world sees India. But if the measure of success is global reach, institutional acceptance and everyday influence, yoga occupies a category of its own. On International Yoga Day, that reality is visible across continents. In countries where cricket is barely followed and Bollywood films are rarely screened, yoga classes still take place. People who may never visit India, watch an Indian film or attend a cricket match nevertheless interact daily with a practice that originated on Indian soil. Bollywood made India famous. Cricket made India influential. Yoga may have done something even bigger, it made India a part of everyday life across the world. And that is why, in the contest for India's strongest global brand, yoga might just be winning.

<p>As International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide, we compare Bollywood, cricket and yoga to determine which has emerged as India's strongest global brand and most influential soft-power export</p>

12th International Yoga Day: From Bollywood to cricket, how yoga became India's biggest global success story

<p>The world celebrates the International Day of Yoga every year on June 21. The day is meant to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga and motivate citizens worldwide to make it part of their daily routine. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the practice for individuals across all stages of life.</p><h2>What is yoga?</h2><p>Yoga is an ancient practice that provides harmony to the body, mind and spirit. It contributes to improving an individual's physical strength, mental well-being, and inner awareness, and keeps them active and focused on their work. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj", which means "to unite" or "to join", symbolising the union of individual consciousness with a state of awareness. Originating in ancient India thousands of years ago, yoga has evolved into a holistic discipline practised at every corner and edge of the world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-indus-valley-to-instagram-5-000-years-of-yoga-and-journey-of-a-civilization-1782027845696"><strong>From Indus Valley to Instagram: 5,000 years of yoga and journey of a civilization</strong></a></p><h2>Why do we celebrate Yoga Day?</h2><p>The world celebrates International Yoga Day every year on June 21. To raise global awareness about the profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. The day also encourages people worldwide to embrace this ancient practice to manage stress, stay active, and build a healthier, more harmonious lifestyle.</p>

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<h2>Why is yoga important for modern science?</h2><p>Yoga has increasingly captured attention in the field of modern science worldwide. How yoga manages chronic health conditions, reduces stress, and enhances brain function is what's grabbing attention nowadays and encouraging scientists to explore its effects deeply.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/international-yoga-day-2026-the-ancient-practice-that-became-the-world-s-most-participated-in-wellness-movement-1782027309006"><strong>International Yoga Day 2026: How yoga became India's biggest wellness movement</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to <i>Vedanet</i>, "modern science follows an outward orientation of the mind to discern the names, forms and quantities of the external world, which allows it to uncover the secret powers of nature and harness them through technology."</p><h2>What does modern science say about yoga?</h2><p>Reportedly, modern science suggests that yoga can offer several physical and mental health benefits when practised regularly. It is believed that yoga may help reduce stress, improve flexibility and balance, enhance mental well-being, and support overall quality of life. The potential role yoga plays in an individual's life helps in managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/international-yoga-day-2026-how-india-took-an-ancient-practice-to-the-united-nations-1782026478914"><strong>International Yoga Day 2026: How India took an ancient practice to the UN</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per <i>Vedanet</i>, "Neuroscience can prove that yoga and meditation have positive values for body and brain, but science must learn the yogic way of knowledge to truly understand all that yoga can offer as a science of consciousness. This would require a new yogic neuroscience, which means looking beyond the body, nervous system, brain and brain chemistry to a deeper reality of consciousness, transcending time, space and person for a boundless self-awareness pervading the entire universe, the Atman/Purusha of Yoga and Vedanta."</p><h2>Benefits of yoga</h2><p>Yoga offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it one of the most holistic wellness practices in the world. Regular yoga practice can improve flexibility, balance, posture, and muscle strength while supporting heart health and overall fitness. Studies have also shown that yoga helps reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Additionally, it can improve sleep quality, enhance concentration, boost energy levels, and support healthy ageing.&nbsp;</p>

As millions of people across the globe celebrate International Yoga Day 2026, here's a look at what modern science says about yoga and what benefits practising yoga regularly can provide to an individual. 

The world celebrates the International Day of Yoga every year on June 21. The day is meant to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga and motivate citizens worldwide to make it part of their daily routine. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the practice for individuals across all stages of life. What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient practice that provides harmony to the body, mind and spirit. It contributes to improving an individual's physical strength, mental well-being, and inner awareness, and keeps them active and focused on their work. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj", which means "to unite" or "to join", symbolising the union of individual consciousness with a state of awareness. Originating in ancient India thousands of years ago, yoga has evolved into a holistic discipline practised at every corner and edge of the world. Also Read: From Indus Valley to Instagram: 5,000 years of yoga and journey of a civilization Why do we celebrate Yoga Day? The world celebrates International Yoga Day every year on June 21. To raise global awareness about the profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. The day also encourages people worldwide to embrace this ancient practice to manage stress, stay active, and build a healthier, more harmonious lifestyle.

<p>As millions of people across the globe celebrate International Yoga Day 2026, here's a look at what modern science says about yoga and what benefits practising yoga regularly can provide to an individual.&nbsp;</p>

International Yoga Day 2026: What modern science says about yoga's benefits

<p>There is a certain high in witnessing the world come together to celebrate and practice one of India’s most ancient practices of Yoga on International Yoga Day every year. While a state’s global standing is traditionally forged through treaties and trade pacts and strategic alliances, Yoga perhaps has done more for India’s image in recent years than decades of formal diplomacy.&nbsp;</p><p><br>The question is not which force or factor has helped India achieve more, it is important to note how all these factors operate in tandem.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The true narrative is one of perfect synergy, where cultural soft power and strategic, conventional diplomacy have helped to elevate India’s global presence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Yoga as the Visual Ambassador</h2><p>Long before a diplomat ever shakes hands in a foreign capital, Yoga has already introduced India to the global imagination. It serves as a uniquely non-threatening, universally accessible ambassador of India. In an era obsessed with holistic health, mindfulness, and wellness, Yoga offers the world a tangible piece of Indian philosophy. It attracts scores of tourists from across the world to India in a bid to learn more about the ancient practice.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yoga has helped in bypassing the friction of geopolitics in many cases and connected directly with everyday global citizens. When millions of people from New York to Tokyo roll out their mats, they are participating in a shared cultural ritual rooted in Indian heritage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;This organic connection humanises India, branding it not just as a developing economic market, but as a historic custodian of global well-being and inner peace.</p><h2>Sealing the Deal with Statecraft</h2><p>It is important to note that cultural goodwill cannot alone lead to diplomacy. A country’s diplomatic relations with the world depend on several factors. Yoga can be seen a cultural factor to enhance that diplomacy and mark India’s presence on the global stage.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It cannot, however, negotiate bilateral trade agreements, secure borders, or navigate complex geopolitical shifts. This is where formal diplomacy takes the lead, transforming cultural warmth into tangible political equity.</p><p>The ultimate manifestation of this synergy occurred in 2014, when Indian diplomacy successfully championed the UN resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga. It was a masterstroke of statecraft using a cultural asset to achieve a massive diplomatic victory.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Today, when Indian leaders host foreign dignitaries or engage with the diaspora, Yoga is frequently used as a tool of ice-breaking public diplomacy. Cultural appeal opens the door, establishing a baseline of trust and admiration, while strategic diplomacy walks through that door to secure hard economic and political partnerships.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yoga provides the narrative backdrop of a peaceful, wise, and benevolent civilisation, giving the world a glimpse of rich history of the country. Meanwhile, statecraft delivers the pragmatic execution of a rising global power. Together, they form a balanced, potent strategy—making India a soft power of the mat and but also a tough negotiator on global summits.&nbsp;</p>

Has Yoga done more for India's image than diplomacy? Yoga is perhaps India’s most successful global export, acting as a massive PR campaign that transcends borders. However, official diplomacy is what secures India's seat at geopolitical tables.

There is a certain high in witnessing the world come together to celebrate and practice one of India’s most ancient practices of Yoga on International Yoga Day every year. While a state’s global standing is traditionally forged through treaties and trade pacts and strategic alliances, Yoga perhaps has done more for India’s image in recent years than decades of formal diplomacy. The question is not which force or factor has helped India achieve more, it is important to note how all these factors operate in tandem. The true narrative is one of perfect synergy, where cultural soft power and strategic, conventional diplomacy have helped to elevate India’s global presence. Yoga as the Visual Ambassador Long before a diplomat ever shakes hands in a foreign capital, Yoga has already introduced India to the global imagination. It serves as a uniquely non-threatening, universally accessible ambassador of India. In an era obsessed with holistic health, mindfulness, and wellness, Yoga offers the world a tangible piece of Indian philosophy. It attracts scores of tourists from across the world to India in a bid to learn more about the ancient practice. Yoga has helped in bypassing the friction of geopolitics in many cases and connected directly with everyday global citizens. When millions of people from New York to Tokyo roll out their mats, they are participating in a shared cultural ritual rooted in Indian heritage. This organic connection humanises India, branding it not just as a developing economic market, but as a historic custodian of global well-being and inner peace. Sealing the Deal with Statecraft It is important to note that cultural goodwill cannot alone lead to diplomacy. A country’s diplomatic relations with the world depend on several factors. Yoga can be seen a cultural factor to enhance that diplomacy and mark India’s presence on the global stage. It cannot, however, negotiate bilateral trade agreements, secure borders, or navigate complex geopolitical shifts. This is where formal diplomacy takes the lead, transforming cultural warmth into tangible political equity. The ultimate manifestation of this synergy occurred in 2014, when Indian diplomacy successfully championed the UN resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga. It was a masterstroke of statecraft using a cultural asset to achieve a massive diplomatic victory. Today, when Indian leaders host foreign dignitaries or engage with the diaspora, Yoga is frequently used as a tool of ice-breaking public diplomacy. Cultural appeal opens the door, establishing a baseline of trust and admiration, while strategic diplomacy walks through that door to secure hard economic and political partnerships. Yoga provides the narrative backdrop of a peaceful, wise, and benevolent civilisation, giving the world a glimpse of rich history of the country. Meanwhile, statecraft delivers the pragmatic execution of a rising global power. Together, they form a balanced, potent strategy—making India a soft power of the mat and but also a tough negotiator on global summits.

<p>Has Yoga done more for India's image than diplomacy?&nbsp;Yoga is perhaps India’s most successful global export, acting as a massive PR campaign that transcends borders. However, official diplomacy is what secures India's seat at geopolitical tables.</p>

The Asana of statecraft: How Yoga and diplomacy shape India’s global image

<p>On June 21, the world celebrates International Yoga Day to recognise that an ancient Indian practice has turned into a global movement embraced by millions. On this day, every year, people across continents roll out their yoga mats, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and promote the benefits of the practice. This year's theme is "Yoga For Healthy Ageing."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But the journey of yoga from the ashrams of India to the corridors of the UN did not happen on its own. It was PM Modi who proposed the idea at the United Nations in 2014, and yoga secured one of the highest levels of support. Within less than three months, it had secured global recognition.</p><h2>PM Modi proposes International Yoga Day at the UN</h2><p>On September 27, 2014, PM Modi addressed the UN General Assembly and encouraged member nations to dedicate a day to yoga. Presenting it as more than a form of exercise, he said, "Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being," as quoted by the UN.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/international-yoga-day-science-behind-pranayama-and-how-it-improves-overall-health-1781874814791"><strong>International Yoga Day: The science behind Pranayama and how it improves overall health</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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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/p/DZ1hVCVk8OU/?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 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/international-yoga-day-malaika-arora-to-milind-soman-bollywood-celebrities-who-practice-yoga-for-holistic-well-being-1781693447466"><strong>Bollywood celebrities who practice yoga for holistic well-being</strong></a></p><h2>The proposal received extraordinary support</h2><p>On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution announcing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. It received extraordinary support from across continents, with 177 countries co-sponsoring the resolution. This is said to be one of the highest levels of backing ever recorded for a UN resolution.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The adoption took place without a vote, and the resolution was passed under the agenda item relating to global health and foreign policy. In formally recognizing the practice, the UN noted that yoga "provides a holistic approach to health and well-being."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leads-international-yoga-day-celebrations-from-kolkata-says-yoga-has-power-to-unite-the-world-1782005027206"><strong>PM Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations from Kolkata, says yoga has power to unite the world</strong></a></p><h2>India's most successful soft-power export</h2><p>The speed of the resolution's passage was remarkable by UN standards. It is said that International observances often take years to gain support, but yoga's universal appeal acted as a bridge. The proposal attracted backing from countries with different traditions and geopolitical interests.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the initiative, saying, "Yoga can bring communities together in an inclusive manner that generates respect" and can "promote peace and development." He further highlighted its role in building "resilience against non-communicable diseases."</p><h2>Significance on June 21</h2><p>June 21 was chosen for Yoga Day as it marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year. The day is said to carry cultural and spiritual significance in many traditions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/beyond-the-scale-the-hard-truth-about-fitness-nobody-talks-about-1781351991790"><strong>Beyond the scale: The hard truth about fitness nobody talks about</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The first International Yoga Day was observed on June 21, 2015, and in India, thousands gathered at Rajpath in New Delhi for a mass yoga demonstration led by Prime Minister Modi. The event also set Guinness World Records for the largest yoga class.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, in 2016, yoga was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The World Health Organization has also collaborated with India on wellness initiatives, including the launch of the mYoga mobile application.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since the inauguration of International Yoga Day, the practice has been held at multiple iconic landmarks, including New York's Times Square and the UN Headquarters, the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House and locations near Mount Everest.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day 2026, let's understand how an ancient Indian practice reached United Nations, and recorded one of the highest levels of support a UN resolution. Read on to know more.

On June 21, the world celebrates International Yoga Day to recognise that an ancient Indian practice has turned into a global movement embraced by millions. On this day, every year, people across continents roll out their yoga mats, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and promote the benefits of the practice. This year's theme is "Yoga For Healthy Ageing." But the journey of yoga from the ashrams of India to the corridors of the UN did not happen on its own. It was PM Modi who proposed the idea at the United Nations in 2014, and yoga secured one of the highest levels of support. Within less than three months, it had secured global recognition. PM Modi proposes International Yoga Day at the UN On September 27, 2014, PM Modi addressed the UN General Assembly and encouraged member nations to dedicate a day to yoga. Presenting it as more than a form of exercise, he said, "Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being," as quoted by the UN. Also Read: International Yoga Day: The science behind Pranayama and how it improves overall health

<p>As the world celebrates International Yoga Day 2026, let's understand how an ancient Indian practice reached the United Nations and recorded one of the highest levels of support for a UN resolution. Read on to know more.</p>

International Yoga Day 2026: How India took an ancient practice to the United Nations

<p>On June 21 every year, millions of people around the world roll out their yoga mats in parks, public squares, beaches and community centres to mark International Yoga Day. But why June 21? The date itself is not at all random.</p><p>June 21 is the confluence of science, astronomy, ancient Indian philosophy and yogic tradition and is celebrated as the International Day of Yoga since 2015. It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, known as the Summer Solstice and has been considered a time of transition, renewal and increased energy for centuries. Here's why the date is important.</p><h2><strong>The science behind the longest day</strong></h2><p>Astronomically, June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the time when the northern hemisphere of the Earth is most directly tilted towards the Sun. That means that the countries north of the Equator have the longest day and the shortest night of the year.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leads-international-yoga-day-celebrations-from-kolkata-says-yoga-has-power-to-unite-the-world-1782005027206"><strong>PM Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations from Kolkata, says yoga has power to unite the world</strong></a></p><p>Across civilisations, the solstice has traditionally been seen as a powerful moment in the annual cycle of nature. Around this time, festivals and ceremonies were held by ancient cultures in Europe, Asia and the Americas, often associating it with abundance, vitality and new beginnings.</p><p>The symbolism of this date is very powerful for those who practice yoga. It is about achieving a balance in body, mind and environment. Thus, the longest day of the year, the symbolism of light and awareness, makes perfect sense.</p><h2><strong>Why yogic traditions consider June 21 sacred</strong></h2><p>June 21 takes on an even greater significance in Indian yogic philosophy. The Summer Solstice marks the commencement of Dakshinayana, the time when the Sun begins its apparent southward journey. The yogic texts describe this transition as an especially auspicious time for spiritual growth and inner exploration.</p><p>This time is also associated with Adiyogi, or the first yogi, who is synonymous with Lord Shiva in many yoga traditions.</p><p>According to legend, after years of intense meditation, Shiva turned to share the science of yoga with seven devoted disciples, known as the Saptarishis. This moment is widely seen as the beginning of the guru–shishya tradition and the formal transmission of yogic knowledge.<br>For many practitioners, June 21 is more than just a date on the calendar. It marks the start of a spiritual journey intertwined with physical well-being.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delaware-officially-declares-june-21-as-international-day-of-yoga-un-chief-hails-yoga-as-truly-universal-1782005274616"><strong>Delaware recognises International Day of Yoga, UN calls yoga 'truly universal'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>A global celebration rooted in India</strong></h2><p>The idea of International Day of Yoga was suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The resolution was backed by 177 countries in what is one of the UN’s largest endorsements of any initiative. Since then, Yoga Day has become a global phenomenon.</p>

Why ia International Yoga Day observed on June 21? The day coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In yogic tradition too, the date holds importance. All you need to know.

On June 21 every year, millions of people around the world roll out their yoga mats in parks, public squares, beaches and community centres to mark International Yoga Day. But why June 21? The date itself is not at all random. June 21 is the confluence of science, astronomy, ancient Indian philosophy and yogic tradition and is celebrated as the International Day of Yoga since 2015. It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, known as the Summer Solstice and has been considered a time of transition, renewal and increased energy for centuries. Here's why the date is important. The science behind the longest day Astronomically, June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the time when the northern hemisphere of the Earth is most directly tilted towards the Sun. That means that the countries north of the Equator have the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Also read | PM Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations from Kolkata, says yoga has power to unite the world Across civilisations, the solstice has traditionally been seen as a powerful moment in the annual cycle of nature. Around this time, festivals and ceremonies were held by ancient cultures in Europe, Asia and the Americas, often associating it with abundance, vitality and new beginnings. The symbolism of this date is very powerful for those who practice yoga. It is about achieving a balance in body, mind and environment. Thus, the longest day of the year, the symbolism of light and awareness, makes perfect sense. Why yogic traditions consider June 21 sacred June 21 takes on an even greater significance in Indian yogic philosophy. The Summer Solstice marks the commencement of Dakshinayana, the time when the Sun begins its apparent southward journey. The yogic texts describe this transition as an especially auspicious time for spiritual growth and inner exploration. This time is also associated with Adiyogi, or the first yogi, who is synonymous with Lord Shiva in many yoga traditions. According to legend, after years of intense meditation, Shiva turned to share the science of yoga with seven devoted disciples, known as the Saptarishis. This moment is widely seen as the beginning of the guru–shishya tradition and the formal transmission of yogic knowledge. For many practitioners, June 21 is more than just a date on the calendar. It marks the start of a spiritual journey intertwined with physical well-being. Also read | Delaware recognises International Day of Yoga, UN calls yoga 'truly universal' A global celebration rooted in India The idea of International Day of Yoga was suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The resolution was backed by 177 countries in what is one of the UN’s largest endorsements of any initiative. Since then, Yoga Day has become a global phenomenon.

<p>Why ia International Yoga Day observed on June 21? The day coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In yogic tradition too, the date holds importance. All you need to know.</p>

12th International Yoga Day: Summer Solstice to Adiyogi - the science and spirituality behind June 21

<p>As artificial intelligence companions, social robots, and chatbots increasingly step into roles traditionally reserved for friends, advisors, and romantic partners, this question becomes urgent. While these advanced tools can effectively mitigate loneliness and provide immediate emotional support, they ultimately lack the genuine understanding, authentic emotion, and moral responsibility necessary for true human flourishing. Replacing real-world connections with AI-driven interactions risks destabilising our well-being and eroding the fabric of community.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To understand why technology falls short, we can turn to the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur, who argued that happiness is inherently relational and built upon three interconnected threads:&nbsp;</p><p>Personal agency within society: Happiness reflects an individual's drive for a fulfilled life, but it is heavily shaped and restricted by complex social systems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Power of reciprocal bonds: Genuine fulfilment is never a purely private pursuit; it emerges through the mutual act of giving and receiving within friendships. The Inclusion of the "Other": True well-being requires engaging both with intimate "others" (friends and loved ones) and faceless, distant strangers within a broader community. This philosophical framework is strongly supported by empirical science. The famous 80-year Harvard study tracking 268 students conclusively demonstrated that close, authentic relationships—rather than wealth, fame, or social status—are the single best predictors of longevity, physical health, and cognitive retention.</p><h2>Rise of the artificial "other"</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Modern digitalisation is radically disrupting who or what we consider an "other." Research shows that 68% of users view AI chatbots as humanlike, while vast majorities believe these tools possess intelligence, empathy, and even consciousness. Platforms like Replika, which boasts over 42 million global users, explicitly market themselves as digital companions to combat isolation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This shift is creating unprecedented social disruptions. In Japan, the hikikomori phenomenon has seen over 1.5 million socially reclusive individuals turn to virtual peers. Furthermore, thousands of individuals have applied for marriage certificates to wed holographic entities, such as Hatsune Miku via Gatebox. AI is no longer a passive tool; it now functions as a moral subject in human lives, even serving as religious leaders in certain communities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Why AI cannot deliver genuine flourishing</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>AI-driven bots offer unique psychological benefits. They are endlessly patient, constantly available, highly adaptive, and perfectly responsive to our immediate needs—sometimes appearing more reliable. Yet, they cannot provide genuine happiness because they fail to meet the essential criteria of human otherness</p><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Superficial Mimicry: </strong>They simulate empathy and shared experiences without genuinely feeling them.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Absence of Free Will: </strong>They lack personal agency and cannot be held morally or legally accountable for their actions.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>No Lived History: </strong>They do not possess authentic personal stories, vulnerabilities, or independent consciousness.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ultimately, while AI can act as a helpful buffer against isolation, authentic well-being requires the messy, vulnerable, and deeply responsible bonds that can only exist between human beings.</p>

Over 68% of users view AI chatbots as humanlike. Discover how virtual peers, holographic marriages, and digital companions are reshaping isolation and intimacy.

As artificial intelligence companions, social robots, and chatbots increasingly step into roles traditionally reserved for friends, advisors, and romantic partners, this question becomes urgent. While these advanced tools can effectively mitigate loneliness and provide immediate emotional support, they ultimately lack the genuine understanding, authentic emotion, and moral responsibility necessary for true human flourishing. Replacing real-world connections with AI-driven interactions risks destabilising our well-being and eroding the fabric of community. To understand why technology falls short, we can turn to the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur, who argued that happiness is inherently relational and built upon three interconnected threads: Personal agency within society: Happiness reflects an individual's drive for a fulfilled life, but it is heavily shaped and restricted by complex social systems. Power of reciprocal bonds: Genuine fulfilment is never a purely private pursuit; it emerges through the mutual act of giving and receiving within friendships. The Inclusion of the "Other": True well-being requires engaging both with intimate "others" (friends and loved ones) and faceless, distant strangers within a broader community. This philosophical framework is strongly supported by empirical science. The famous 80-year Harvard study tracking 268 students conclusively demonstrated that close, authentic relationships—rather than wealth, fame, or social status—are the single best predictors of longevity, physical health, and cognitive retention. Rise of the artificial "other" Modern digitalisation is radically disrupting who or what we consider an "other." Research shows that 68% of users view AI chatbots as humanlike, while vast majorities believe these tools possess intelligence, empathy, and even consciousness. Platforms like Replika, which boasts over 42 million global users, explicitly market themselves as digital companions to combat isolation. This shift is creating unprecedented social disruptions. In Japan, the hikikomori phenomenon has seen over 1.5 million socially reclusive individuals turn to virtual peers. Furthermore, thousands of individuals have applied for marriage certificates to wed holographic entities, such as Hatsune Miku via Gatebox. AI is no longer a passive tool; it now functions as a moral subject in human lives, even serving as religious leaders in certain communities. Why AI cannot deliver genuine flourishing AI-driven bots offer unique psychological benefits. They are endlessly patient, constantly available, highly adaptive, and perfectly responsive to our immediate needs—sometimes appearing more reliable. Yet, they cannot provide genuine happiness because they fail to meet the essential criteria of human otherness Superficial Mimicry: They simulate empathy and shared experiences without genuinely feeling them. Absence of Free Will: They lack personal agency and cannot be held morally or legally accountable for their actions. No Lived History: They do not possess authentic personal stories, vulnerabilities, or independent consciousness. Ultimately, while AI can act as a helpful buffer against isolation, authentic well-being requires the messy, vulnerable, and deeply responsible bonds that can only exist between human beings.

<p>Over 68% of users view AI chatbots as humanlike. Discover how virtual peers, holographic marriages, and digital companions are reshaping isolation and intimacy.</p>

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