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Iran said that the latest round of talks with the United States in Geneva on Thursday (Feb 26) were the “most intense so far”. However, the negotiations failed to reach any breakthrough despite making “significant progress”. Oman has said that both sides have planned to engage in a more “detailed” manner with the next round of talks expected next week in Vienna. The development comes amid US President Donald Trump’s threats of a possible strike if diplomacy fails.“Further progress has been made in our diplomatic engagement with the United States. This round of talks was the most intense so far,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement on X posted overnight after talks on Thursday.&nbsp;Oman’s foreign minister Badr Al Busaidi, who is mediating the talks, said that the two sides made “significant progress” in the high-stakes talks and agreed to meet next week in Vienna to discuss technical details.Al-Busaidi is set to meet Vice President JD Vance and other US officials in Washington on Friday (Feb 27). Earlier, Vance downplayed the possibility of the US entering a prolonged war with Iran despite tensions between the two nations.Earlier this week, Trump suggested that Iran wants to make a deal more than the US, but Tehran’s refusal to commit to not developing nuclear weapons has resulted in soaring tensions.“They [Iran] want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in his State of the Union address on Tuesday (Feb 24).“My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain, I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror — which they are by far — to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let that happen,” he added.Trump made the remarks just hours after Araghchi posted on X, “Iran will under no circumstances develop a nuclear weapon.”

Iran-US talks in Geneva were the “most intense” yet, with “significant progress” but no breakthrough. Oman said both sides will meet next week in Vienna.

Iran said that the latest round of talks with the United States in Geneva on Thursday (Feb 26) were the “most intense so far”. However, the negotiations failed to reach any breakthrough despite making “significant progress”. Oman has said that both sides have planned to engage in a more “detailed” manner with the next round of talks expected next week in Vienna. The development comes amid US President Donald Trump’s threats of a possible strike if diplomacy fails. “Further progress has been made in our diplomatic engagement with the United States. This round of talks was the most intense so far,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement on X posted overnight after talks on Thursday. Oman’s foreign minister Badr Al Busaidi, who is mediating the talks, said that the two sides made “significant progress” in the high-stakes talks and agreed to meet next week in Vienna to discuss technical details. Al-Busaidi is set to meet Vice President JD Vance and other US officials in Washington on Friday (Feb 27). Earlier, Vance downplayed the possibility of the US entering a prolonged war with Iran despite tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump suggested that Iran wants to make a deal more than the US, but Tehran’s refusal to commit to not developing nuclear weapons has resulted in soaring tensions. “They [Iran] want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in his State of the Union address on Tuesday (Feb 24). “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain, I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror — which they are by far — to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let that happen,” he added. Trump made the remarks just hours after Araghchi posted on X, “Iran will under no circumstances develop a nuclear weapon.”

Iran-US talks in Geneva were the “most intense” yet, with “significant progress” but no breakthrough. Oman said both sides will meet next week in Vienna.

Iran calls talks with US ‘most intense so far’ yet no breakthrough in Geneva

Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire known for his often outlandish X posts, has hit out at the New York Times over a decade-old article titled "Pedophilia: A Disorder, Not a Crime". This comes amidst significant public outrage over the Jeffrey Epstein case, with new revelations from the infamous Epstein Files emerging daily and shocking the world.<h2>What did Elon Musk say?</h2>Musk reshared a post showing the cover image of an over a decade-old NYT opinion article by Margo Kaplan. The original post calls out the article with its caption: "No, it’s a crime...This is delusional".Blasting the publication, Musk wrote, "The New York Times is utterly disgusting".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The New York Times is utterly disgusting <a href="https://t.co/0xAE4raE6z">https://t.co/0xAE4raE6z</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2026135632624652377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revealed-at-least-6-epstein-secret-storage-units-missed-by-fbi-what-are-they-hiding-unseen-pics-of-young-victims-blackmail-material-powerful-men-1771892294014">REVEALED! At least 6 Epstein secret storage units missed by FBI. What are they hiding?</a><h2>What does the article say about paedophilia?</h2>The opinion piece by Margo Kaplan, a law professor at Rutgers University, suggests that paedophilia should be viewed through a mental health lens rather than a purely criminal behaviour."By some estimates, 1 per cent of the male population continues, long after puberty, to find themselves attracted to prepubescent children. These people are living with pedophilia, a sexual attraction to prepubescents that often constitutes a mental illness. Unfortunately, our laws are failing them and, consequently, ignoring opportunities to prevent child abuse," writes Kaplan.In her article, Kaplan contends that while the sexual abuse of children remains illegal, recognising the act as a disorder instead of a crime could help people seek help before they act on their impulses.She uses other mental health conditions, including substance abuse disorders, as examples. "Yet our laws ignore pedophilia until after the commission of a sexual offence, emphasising punishment, not prevention," she writes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</a>Kaplan says that it is a "misconception" that "pedophilia is a choice". She contends that recent research, which she concedes is limited to sex offenders "because of the stigma of pedophilia" suggests that it "may have neurological origins"."Pedophilia could result from a failure in the brain to identify which environmental stimuli should provoke a sexual response." She insists that there are people who suffer from the "disorder" and have vowed to "never to touch a child and yet live in terror"."They must hide their disorder from everyone they know — or risk losing educational and job opportunities, and face the prospect of harassment and even violence. Many feel isolated; some contemplate suicide." However, she acknowledges that "There’s no question that the extension of civil rights protections to people with pedophilia must be weighed against the health and safety needs of others, especially kids. It stands to reason that a pedophile should not be hired as a grade-school teacher. "&nbsp;

Why is Elon Musk attacking The New York Times over a decade-old opinion piece? His sharp reaction comes amid renewed outrage tied to the Jeffrey Epstein revelations.

What exactly did he say, and what was the article about? Scroll down to read more.

Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire known for his often outlandish X posts, has hit out at the New York Times over a decade-old article titled "Pedophilia: A Disorder, Not a Crime". This comes amidst significant public outrage over the Jeffrey Epstein case, with new revelations from the infamous Epstein Files emerging daily and shocking the world. What did Elon Musk say? Musk reshared a post showing the cover image of an over a decade-old NYT opinion article by Margo Kaplan. The original post calls out the article with its caption: "No, it’s a crime...This is delusional". Blasting the publication, Musk wrote, "The New York Times is utterly disgusting".

Why is Elon Musk attacking The New York Times over a decade-old opinion piece? His sharp reaction comes amid renewed outrage tied to the Jeffrey Epstein revelations.What exactly did he say, and what was the article about? Scroll down to read more.

'Utterly disgusting’: Elon Musk blasts New York Times over 'paedophilia not a crime' article

AI firm Anthropic on Thursday (Feb 26) said it will not allow the Pentagon unrestricted military use of its technology. The Pentagon had reportedly given Anthropic until Friday to comply, warning that failure to do so could trigger action under the Defense Production Act. This Cold War-era law allows the government to compel private companies to prioritise defence needs.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/death-is-only-the-beginning-meta-patents-technology-that-ll-let-ai-run-your-social-media-from-beyond-the-grave-wion-explains-1771304178081">Death is only the beginning? Meta patents tech that'll let AI run your social media from beyond the grave | WION Explains</a><h2>Cannot agree "in good conscience"</h2>In a statement, Anthropic's chief executive Dario Amodei said the company could not agree to Washington’s demand that its systems be made available without limits, even under national security pressure."These threats do not change our position," he said, adding that they "cannot in good conscience accede to their request".Anthropic acknowledged that its models are already being used by the Pentagon and intelligence agencies in defensive roles. But Amodei said there were clear limits. Mass surveillance of US citizens, he argued, was incompatible with democratic values. "Using these systems for mass domestic surveillance is incompatible with democratic values."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/claim-vs-fact-breaking-down-trump-s-state-of-the-union-2026-speech-full-fact-check-1772001873739">Claim vs fact: Breaking down Trump’s State of the Union 2026 speech - Full fact-check</a>He also cautioned against relying on AI to run fully autonomous weapons systems, saying current technology is not reliable enough to make life-and-death decisions without human oversight. "We will not knowingly provide a product that puts America's warfighters and civilians at risk."<h2>Pentagon tries to intimidate Anthropic</h2>Earlier this week, US officials warned Anthropic that either the company agrees to unrestricted military use of its technology by 5:01 pm (22:01 GMT) Friday or face being forced to comply under the Defense Production Act. Pentagon also threatened that a refusal could lead to Anthropic being labelled a supply chain risk, a designation that can damage a company’s ability to work with government agencies. &nbsp;

Anthropic has pushed back on US Pentagon pressure, saying it cannot “in good conscience” allow unrestricted military use of its technology. The move could trigger action under a Cold War-era law. 

What lines is the company refusing to cross? Scroll down to read more.

AI firm Anthropic on Thursday (Feb 26) said it will not allow the Pentagon unrestricted military use of its technology. The Pentagon had reportedly given Anthropic until Friday to comply, warning that failure to do so could trigger action under the Defense Production Act. This Cold War-era law allows the government to compel private companies to prioritise defence needs. Also read | Death is only the beginning? Meta patents tech that'll let AI run your social media from beyond the grave | WION Explains Cannot agree "in good conscience" In a statement, Anthropic's chief executive Dario Amodei said the company could not agree to Washington’s demand that its systems be made available without limits, even under national security pressure. "These threats do not change our position," he said, adding that they "cannot in good conscience accede to their request". Anthropic acknowledged that its models are already being used by the Pentagon and intelligence agencies in defensive roles. But Amodei said there were clear limits. Mass surveillance of US citizens, he argued, was incompatible with democratic values. "Using these systems for mass domestic surveillance is incompatible with democratic values." Also read | Claim vs fact: Breaking down Trump’s State of the Union 2026 speech - Full fact-check He also cautioned against relying on AI to run fully autonomous weapons systems, saying current technology is not reliable enough to make life-and-death decisions without human oversight. "We will not knowingly provide a product that puts America's warfighters and civilians at risk." Pentagon tries to intimidate Anthropic Earlier this week, US officials warned Anthropic that either the company agrees to unrestricted military use of its technology by 5:01 pm (22:01 GMT) Friday or face being forced to comply under the Defense Production Act. Pentagon also threatened that a refusal could lead to Anthropic being labelled a supply chain risk, a designation that can damage a company’s ability to work with government agencies.

Anthropic has pushed back on US Pentagon pressure, saying it cannot “in good conscience” allow unrestricted military use of its technology. The move could trigger action under a Cold War-era law.&nbsp;What lines is the company refusing to cross? Scroll down to read more.

Anthropic resists Pentagon pressure, says won't give Trump admin unconditional AI use for 'mass domestic surveillance'

Instagram has introduced a new safety measure aimed at improving protection for teenagers. The platform will soon notify parents if their teen repeatedly searches for topics related to suicide or self-harm within a brief timeframe. These notifications will only be sent to guardians who are signed up for Instagram’s parental supervision program. The update comes as parent company Meta faces ongoing legal challenges concerning the alleged mental health impact of its platforms on young users.&nbsp;Instagram already prevents explicit self-harm or suicide-related content from appearing in teen search results and instead provides links to crisis support resources. With the new feature, alerts will be delivered to enrolled parents via email, text message, WhatsApp, and through notifications on their own Instagram accounts, depending on the contact details they have shared. The rollout is expected to begin in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in the coming weeks, with additional countries set to follow later this year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a>&nbsp;In a statement about the update, Meta said it intends to use the feature carefully to avoid excessive or unnecessary alerts, noting that too many notifications could reduce their effectiveness. The company explained that the goal is to help parents recognize when their teen may need emotional support. Meta also revealed it is developing a similar alert system tied to its artificial intelligence tools. Parents may be informed if a teen attempts to initiate certain AI-driven conversations involving self-harm or suicide.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-s-president-claudia-sheinbaum-pushes-for-major-electoral-reforms-1772120706469/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-s-president-claudia-sheinbaum-pushes-for-major-electoral-reforms-1772120706469/embed</a>&nbsp;The announcement arrives amid mounting legal pressure. Meta and several other social media firms are facing lawsuits from thousands of families, school districts, and public agencies. The plaintiffs argue that these platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive and lack sufficient safeguards to shield children from harmful content linked to depression, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.&nbsp;Two separate trials involving Meta are currently underway. One case in Los Angeles is examining allegations that the company’s platforms foster addiction among minors, while another proceeding in New Mexico is focused on claims that Meta failed to adequately protect children from sexual exploitation online.

Instagram to roll out parental notifications for suicide-related searches amid ongoing legal challenges

Instagram has introduced a new safety measure aimed at improving protection for teenagers. The platform will soon notify parents if their teen repeatedly searches for topics related to suicide or self-harm within a brief timeframe. These notifications will only be sent to guardians who are signed up for Instagram’s parental supervision program. The update comes as parent company Meta faces ongoing legal challenges concerning the alleged mental health impact of its platforms on young users. Instagram already prevents explicit self-harm or suicide-related content from appearing in teen search results and instead provides links to crisis support resources. With the new feature, alerts will be delivered to enrolled parents via email, text message, WhatsApp, and through notifications on their own Instagram accounts, depending on the contact details they have shared. The rollout is expected to begin in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in the coming weeks, with additional countries set to follow later this year. Also Read: Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland In a statement about the update, Meta said it intends to use the feature carefully to avoid excessive or unnecessary alerts, noting that too many notifications could reduce their effectiveness. The company explained that the goal is to help parents recognize when their teen may need emotional support. Meta also revealed it is developing a similar alert system tied to its artificial intelligence tools. Parents may be informed if a teen attempts to initiate certain AI-driven conversations involving self-harm or suicide. https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-s-president-claudia-sheinbaum-pushes-for-major-electoral-reforms-1772120706469/embed The announcement arrives amid mounting legal pressure. Meta and several other social media firms are facing lawsuits from thousands of families, school districts, and public agencies. The plaintiffs argue that these platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive and lack sufficient safeguards to shield children from harmful content linked to depression, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Two separate trials involving Meta are currently underway. One case in Los Angeles is examining allegations that the company’s platforms foster addiction among minors, while another proceeding in New Mexico is focused on claims that Meta failed to adequately protect children from sexual exploitation online.

Instagram will notify enrolled parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm topics, expanding safety efforts amid Meta trials

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which contains various unique seeds from around the world, has been updated with over 7,800 new seed varieties. This bunker serves a purpose that humanity can fall back on in case of an apocalypse to start life afresh. This is why it is also known as the "Doomsday Vault". It sits under a mountain in Spitsbergen in Svalbard, Norway. Fresh inclusions include some African (Niger) grains, olives from Spain, and ancient crops from Guatemala. Both Niger and Guatemala are first-time contributors to the vault. The vault now has an astonishing total of 1,386,102 seed varieties. However, it is not the only place on Earth where humans have stored seeds for a scenario where we need to rebuild ourselves. So-called "genebanks" are spread across the world and contain millions of seed varieties.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/polar-bears-svalbard-healthy-despite-melting-ice-1769755992167">Polar bears in Norway found fat and healthy despite rapid Arctic ice loss</a><h2>Why Svalbard Vault is the only one for long-term preservation&nbsp;</h2>However, the Svalbard vault is the only one that can conserve these seeds the longest, even if power goes out. The vault operates at a temperature of &nbsp;-18°C (-0.4°F) to create the ideal conditions for preservation. On top of that, it is covered with permafrost and stones that will keep the seeds frozen even if humans are unable to continue operations. Despite several other places storing seeds, the Svalbard vault will be the final place humans will rely on in case a climate catastrophe or war destroys everything on Earth. Those who survive can fall back on this vault to restart agriculture and grow food.&nbsp;<h2>What is wrong with other seed vaults?</h2>"Many of these (other vaults) are vulnerable, exposed not only to natural catastrophes and war, but also to avoidable disasters, such as lack of funding or poor management," Crop Trust states on its website, adding that even "a poorly functioning freezer can ruin an entire collection." This makes the Svalbard Vault the final "global backstop".&nbsp;The vault started operations in 2008 and is managed by the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food. It can store a total of 2.5 billion seeds - 500 seeds from 4.5 million varieties of crops. It operates with "black–box conditions", which means that only the country that deposited the seeds can withdraw them. They are packed in three–ply foil packages, which are custom-made, sealed inside boxes and kept on shelves inside the Seed Vault. The location is ideal since it is a geologically stable region with low humidity levels and high above sea level. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Svalbard Global Seed Vault has received nearly 8,000 new donations from two countries and the Olive Genebank of the University of Córdoba. The secret bunker is meant to support humanity if a crisis hits Earth and we need to restart from scratch.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which contains various unique seeds from around the world, has been updated with over 7,800 new seed varieties. This bunker serves a purpose that humanity can fall back on in case of an apocalypse to start life afresh. This is why it is also known as the "Doomsday Vault". It sits under a mountain in Spitsbergen in Svalbard, Norway. Fresh inclusions include some African (Niger) grains, olives from Spain, and ancient crops from Guatemala. Both Niger and Guatemala are first-time contributors to the vault. The vault now has an astonishing total of 1,386,102 seed varieties. However, it is not the only place on Earth where humans have stored seeds for a scenario where we need to rebuild ourselves. So-called "genebanks" are spread across the world and contain millions of seed varieties. Also Read: Polar bears in Norway found fat and healthy despite rapid Arctic ice loss Why Svalbard Vault is the only one for long-term preservation However, the Svalbard vault is the only one that can conserve these seeds the longest, even if power goes out. The vault operates at a temperature of -18°C (-0.4°F) to create the ideal conditions for preservation. On top of that, it is covered with permafrost and stones that will keep the seeds frozen even if humans are unable to continue operations. Despite several other places storing seeds, the Svalbard vault will be the final place humans will rely on in case a climate catastrophe or war destroys everything on Earth. Those who survive can fall back on this vault to restart agriculture and grow food. What is wrong with other seed vaults? "Many of these (other vaults) are vulnerable, exposed not only to natural catastrophes and war, but also to avoidable disasters, such as lack of funding or poor management," Crop Trust states on its website, adding that even "a poorly functioning freezer can ruin an entire collection." This makes the Svalbard Vault the final "global backstop". The vault started operations in 2008 and is managed by the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food. It can store a total of 2.5 billion seeds - 500 seeds from 4.5 million varieties of crops. It operates with "black–box conditions", which means that only the country that deposited the seeds can withdraw them. They are packed in three–ply foil packages, which are custom-made, sealed inside boxes and kept on shelves inside the Seed Vault. The location is ideal since it is a geologically stable region with low humidity levels and high above sea level.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault has received nearly 8,000 new donations from two countries and the Olive Genebank of the University of Córdoba. The secret bunker is meant to support humanity if a crisis hits Earth and we need to restart from scratch.

Svalbard 'Doomsday Vault' just added new seeds from two first-time countries

The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an airstrike on Pakistan in the early hours of 26 February 2019, targeting a major training camp of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) situated in the town of Balakot, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.&nbsp;The mission involved approximately 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets with the codename 'Operation Bandar' crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistani airspace, marking the first attack on Islamabad since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.<h3>Why did India conducted airstrike?</h3>The airstrike was a response to avenge the Pulwama attack, which took place on February 14, 2019, by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit from Pakistan. During the attack, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber near Pulwama in Kashmir exploded a Central Reserve Police Force convoy, claiming the lives of 40 personnel. Since the attack, February 14 has been marked as the Black Day in India, commemorating the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, one of the deadliest strikes on Indian security forces.&nbsp;The airstrike was carried out by India in the early hours of February 26, when Indian fighter jets crossed the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region and struck targets near the town of Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.<h3>Why is February 14 marked as 'Black Day'</h3>The Pulwama attack is remembered as a “Black Day,” a term that reflects a deep sense of national mourning. The day is observed to honour the fallen soldiers, stand in solidarity with their families, and acknowledge the shared loss felt across the country. Commemorations include moments of silence, candlelight marches, remembrance events in schools and institutions, and widespread tributes on social media.&nbsp;Political leaders, security personnel and citizens pay respects at memorials by laying wreaths and reading out the names of the martyrs. The CRPF and other agencies organise special programmes highlighting their courage and sacrifice, making the day especially poignant for bereaved families. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-blanket-ban-on-ncert-textbook-says-heads-must-roll-1772104695420">Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook, says ‘heads must roll’</a>

The Balakot airstrike involved approximately 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets with the codename 'Operation Bandar' crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistani airspace, marking the first attack on Islamabad since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an airstrike on Pakistan in the early hours of 26 February 2019, targeting a major training camp of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) situated in the town of Balakot, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The mission involved approximately 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets with the codename 'Operation Bandar' crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistani airspace, marking the first attack on Islamabad since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Why did India conducted airstrike? The airstrike was a response to avenge the Pulwama attack, which took place on February 14, 2019, by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit from Pakistan. During the attack, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber near Pulwama in Kashmir exploded a Central Reserve Police Force convoy, claiming the lives of 40 personnel. Since the attack, February 14 has been marked as the Black Day in India, commemorating the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, one of the deadliest strikes on Indian security forces. The airstrike was carried out by India in the early hours of February 26, when Indian fighter jets crossed the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region and struck targets near the town of Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Why is February 14 marked as 'Black Day' The Pulwama attack is remembered as a “Black Day,” a term that reflects a deep sense of national mourning. The day is observed to honour the fallen soldiers, stand in solidarity with their families, and acknowledge the shared loss felt across the country. Commemorations include moments of silence, candlelight marches, remembrance events in schools and institutions, and widespread tributes on social media. Political leaders, security personnel and citizens pay respects at memorials by laying wreaths and reading out the names of the martyrs. The CRPF and other agencies organise special programmes highlighting their courage and sacrifice, making the day especially poignant for bereaved families. Also read: Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook, says ‘heads must roll’

The Balakot airstrike involved approximately 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets with the codename 'Operation Bandar' crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistani airspace, marking the first attack on Islamabad since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

Why India carried out the Balakot airstrike on Pakistan? Key reason explained

A family in India’s Madhya Pradesh has claimed that the British government owes them a loan of Rs 35,000, which the then administration failed to repay during the First World War in 1917. The family of late businessman Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia has said that they are now exploring legal options to recover the ancestral debt with interest.Vivek Ruthia, 63, has alleged that his grandfather, Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia, gave a loan of Rs 35,000 in 1917 to W S Dawis, the then political agent in Bhopal under British rule. The family has said that the amount was given to help with the management of administration in Bhopal. However, the money has still not been paid back.A certificate preserved by the family, dated June 4, 1917, states that Seth Jumma Lal, of the firm Seth Rama Kishan Jaskaran Ruthia, “subscribed Rs 35,000 to the Indian War Loan and thereby showed his loyalty to the Government and Empire.” The document carries the signature of W S Davis, then Political Agent in Bhopal.Under British rule, Political Agents acted as intermediaries between the British administration and princely states and looked after government matters, ensuring alignment with imperial authority.Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia passed away in 1937, about 20 years after making the subscription. India gained independence in 1947, and the family maintains that no repayment or settlement was ever made.Ruthia said that he is now consulting lawyers to explore whether a financial claim linked to a colonial-era Indian War Loan can be pursued against the present-day United Kingdom. Although no legal notice has been issued yet.“It’s not just about money, it’s about justice and history,” he said. The original sum of Rs 35,000 could now be worth more than Rs 10 crore after being adjusted for compound interest, inflation or gold prices.However, legal experts have said that pursuing such a claim would involve significant challenges, including limitation laws, sovereign immunity and jurisdictional complexities. For now, the 1917 certificate remains a historical document in the family’s possession.

A Madhya Pradesh family claims the British government owes Rs 35,000 from a 1917 Indian War Loan. They are exploring legal options, saying the sum with interest could now exceed Rs 10 crore.

A family in India’s Madhya Pradesh has claimed that the British government owes them a loan of Rs 35,000, which the then administration failed to repay during the First World War in 1917. The family of late businessman Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia has said that they are now exploring legal options to recover the ancestral debt with interest. Vivek Ruthia, 63, has alleged that his grandfather, Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia, gave a loan of Rs 35,000 in 1917 to W S Dawis, the then political agent in Bhopal under British rule. The family has said that the amount was given to help with the management of administration in Bhopal. However, the money has still not been paid back. A certificate preserved by the family, dated June 4, 1917, states that Seth Jumma Lal, of the firm Seth Rama Kishan Jaskaran Ruthia, “subscribed Rs 35,000 to the Indian War Loan and thereby showed his loyalty to the Government and Empire.” The document carries the signature of W S Davis, then Political Agent in Bhopal. Under British rule, Political Agents acted as intermediaries between the British administration and princely states and looked after government matters, ensuring alignment with imperial authority. Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia passed away in 1937, about 20 years after making the subscription. India gained independence in 1947, and the family maintains that no repayment or settlement was ever made. Ruthia said that he is now consulting lawyers to explore whether a financial claim linked to a colonial-era Indian War Loan can be pursued against the present-day United Kingdom. Although no legal notice has been issued yet. “It’s not just about money, it’s about justice and history,” he said. The original sum of Rs 35,000 could now be worth more than Rs 10 crore after being adjusted for compound interest, inflation or gold prices. However, legal experts have said that pursuing such a claim would involve significant challenges, including limitation laws, sovereign immunity and jurisdictional complexities. For now, the 1917 certificate remains a historical document in the family’s possession.

A Madhya Pradesh family claims the British government owes Rs 35,000 from a 1917 Indian War Loan. They are exploring legal options, saying the sum with interest could now exceed Rs 10 crore.

Indian family claims British government owes them over 100-year-old loan – Will UK repay?

Kashmir’s tourism industry has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience, with visitor numbers in 2026 projected to surpass all previous records. This strong recovery follows a challenging period in 2025, marked by security concerns, including the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. Although the sector experienced a significant setback in the aftermath of the incident, it has steadily regained momentum and is now firmly back on a growth trajectory, reflecting renewed traveller confidence and sustained demand. &nbsp;Iconic destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam have reported near-full hotel occupancy, fuelled by a strong surge in domestic tourism and reinforced security measures that have helped sustain traveller confidence.“There is a clear revival in tourism across the Kashmir Valley. Visitor numbers are now almost on par with what we recorded last winter, which shows that the sector is firmly back on track. The figures have remained consistent and are nearly matching last year’s trends. We anticipate an even stronger inflow in the coming months, particularly in March and April, when we expect tourists to arrive in large numbers. With this steady momentum, we are confident that tourism will continue to grow and surpass previous benchmarks,” said Syed Qamar Sajad, Director of Tourism.Security has been significantly strengthened across all major tourist resorts in the Kashmir Valley to ensure that visitors feel safe and comfortable during their stay. Tourists have expressed their admiration for the region, saying there is no place in the world quite like Kashmir, especially Gulmarg.“Kashmir is truly breathtaking and unlike any other place. Everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime; it really is paradise on earth. We’re absolutely loving the snow here. It’s incredibly beautiful, and honestly, we don’t want to leave. We feel like staying here forever. We did have some doubts before coming because of the Pahalgam attack, but once we arrived, all our worries disappeared. The security arrangements are excellent, and both the security forces and the locals have been extremely supportive and welcoming,” said Shiv, a tourist.Hotels in Gulmarg are completely jam-packed, with thousands of visitors flocking to the famous gondola rides to Kongdori and the higher reaches of Apharwat. Many tourists can be seen capturing reels and sharing moments on social media, while others simply soak in the breathtaking views of Gulmarg’s snow-capped mountains and serene landscape.“This truly feels like paradise. I have never seen views like this in my entire life. We’ve come here from Maharashtra for the first time, and it’s unbelievably beautiful. It’s very cold, of course, but we’re thoroughly enjoying the chill and the snow. Despite the major setback the Kashmir tourism industry has faced, this snowfall and the winter season are proving to be a real game-changer. The stunning winter landscape is sure to boost tourist arrivals across the Kashmir Valley,” said Abira Ahir, a tourist.Snow has long been one of the main attractions drawing tourists to the Kashmir Valley.“It’s absolutely wonderful here, it truly feels like paradise. There’s no place in India quite like Kashmir; nothing compares to its beauty. It’s even more breathtaking than what we’ve seen in social media videos. We definitely feel like coming back to Kashmir every year now,” said Akash Ahir, a tourist.The tourism industry of the Kashmir region is hopeful that the upcoming spring season will bring a major surge in visitors, potentially breaking all previous tourist footfall records set in past years.

Security has been significantly strengthened across all major tourist resorts in the Kashmir Valley to ensure that visitors feel safe and comfortable during their stay.

Kashmir’s tourism industry has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience, with visitor numbers in 2026 projected to surpass all previous records. This strong recovery follows a challenging period in 2025, marked by security concerns, including the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. Although the sector experienced a significant setback in the aftermath of the incident, it has steadily regained momentum and is now firmly back on a growth trajectory, reflecting renewed traveller confidence and sustained demand. Iconic destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam have reported near-full hotel occupancy, fuelled by a strong surge in domestic tourism and reinforced security measures that have helped sustain traveller confidence. “There is a clear revival in tourism across the Kashmir Valley. Visitor numbers are now almost on par with what we recorded last winter, which shows that the sector is firmly back on track. The figures have remained consistent and are nearly matching last year’s trends. We anticipate an even stronger inflow in the coming months, particularly in March and April, when we expect tourists to arrive in large numbers. With this steady momentum, we are confident that tourism will continue to grow and surpass previous benchmarks,” said Syed Qamar Sajad, Director of Tourism. Security has been significantly strengthened across all major tourist resorts in the Kashmir Valley to ensure that visitors feel safe and comfortable during their stay. Tourists have expressed their admiration for the region, saying there is no place in the world quite like Kashmir, especially Gulmarg. “Kashmir is truly breathtaking and unlike any other place. Everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime; it really is paradise on earth. We’re absolutely loving the snow here. It’s incredibly beautiful, and honestly, we don’t want to leave. We feel like staying here forever. We did have some doubts before coming because of the Pahalgam attack, but once we arrived, all our worries disappeared. The security arrangements are excellent, and both the security forces and the locals have been extremely supportive and welcoming,” said Shiv, a tourist. Hotels in Gulmarg are completely jam-packed, with thousands of visitors flocking to the famous gondola rides to Kongdori and the higher reaches of Apharwat. Many tourists can be seen capturing reels and sharing moments on social media, while others simply soak in the breathtaking views of Gulmarg’s snow-capped mountains and serene landscape. “This truly feels like paradise. I have never seen views like this in my entire life. We’ve come here from Maharashtra for the first time, and it’s unbelievably beautiful. It’s very cold, of course, but we’re thoroughly enjoying the chill and the snow. Despite the major setback the Kashmir tourism industry has faced, this snowfall and the winter season are proving to be a real game-changer. The stunning winter landscape is sure to boost tourist arrivals across the Kashmir Valley,” said Abira Ahir, a tourist. Snow has long been one of the main attractions drawing tourists to the Kashmir Valley. “It’s absolutely wonderful here, it truly feels like paradise. There’s no place in India quite like Kashmir; nothing compares to its beauty. It’s even more breathtaking than what we’ve seen in social media videos. We definitely feel like coming back to Kashmir every year now,” said Akash Ahir, a tourist. The tourism industry of the Kashmir region is hopeful that the upcoming spring season will bring a major surge in visitors, potentially breaking all previous tourist footfall records set in past years.

Security has been significantly strengthened across all major tourist resorts in the Kashmir Valley to ensure that visitors feel safe and comfortable during their stay.

Kashmir tourism bounces back: Visitor numbers in 2026 set to shatter records after 2025 setback

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has sparked succession rumours after appearing at major state events in matching attire alongside her father. South Korea says she may be groomed as a future leader, but questions remain.

Fashion or political symbol? Kim Jong Un, daughter fuel succession rumours with matching jackets

PM Modi crossed over 100 million followers on Instagram, becoming the most-followed leader in the world, marking the first time a politician has accomplished this milestone on social media. Let's have a look at the top 10 political leaders in the world.

PM Modi tops Instagram as world’s most followed leader: Where does Trump rank? Check the top 10 list

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday (Feb 25) announced that the Trump administration would “temporarily halt” nearly $260 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota. This comes after US President Donald Trump, during his State of the Union addressed declared a “war on fraud”, singling out Democratic-led states, including California, Maine and Massachusetts, and accusing Minnesota and its Somali community of $19 billion in fraud, without providing any evidence for his claims.“We have decided to temporarily halt certain amounts of Medicaid funding that are going to the state of Minnesota in order to ensure that the state of Minnesota takes its obligation seriously to be good stewards of the American people’s tax money,” Vance said at a press conference in Washington.“What we’re doing is we are stopping the federal payments that will go to the state government until the state government takes its obligations seriously to stop the fraud that’s being perpetrated against the American taxpayer,” he added.<h2>Trump administration warns other states</h2>Administrator of the Centres for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Mehmet Oz, who accompanied Vance, said that the Trump administration has notified Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of the funding pause for the state, which received a $259 million Medicaid reimbursement this month.“We will give them the money, but we’re going to hold it and only release it after they propose an act on a comprehensive corrective action plan to solve the problem,” Oz said. “If Minnesota fails to clean up the systems, the state will rack up a billion dollars of deferred payments this year.”This comes after the Trump administration sent thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis, which led to widespread protests and the death of two US citizens. The government later announced that it was withdrawing federal officials after massive outrage following the killings.“It’s unponderable that you would take advantage of these precious programs,” Oz said as he warned that other states would be next after Minnesota.Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to over 70 million people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities in the United States.<h2>Tim Walz slam Trump administration</h2>The Trump administration’s move was slammed by Walz, who said that the funding pause “has nothing to do with fraud.” He added, “The agents Trump allegedly sent to investigate fraud are shooting protesters and arresting children. His DOJ is gutting the U.S. Attorney’s Office and crippling their ability to prosecute fraud. And every week Trump pardons another fraudster.”

US Vice President JD Vance announced a temporary halt to $259 million in Medicaid funds to Minnesota over alleged fraud, as Governor Tim Walz accused the Trump administration of politicising the move.

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday (Feb 25) announced that the Trump administration would “temporarily halt” nearly $260 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota. This comes after US President Donald Trump, during his State of the Union addressed declared a “war on fraud”, singling out Democratic-led states, including California, Maine and Massachusetts, and accusing Minnesota and its Somali community of $19 billion in fraud, without providing any evidence for his claims. “We have decided to temporarily halt certain amounts of Medicaid funding that are going to the state of Minnesota in order to ensure that the state of Minnesota takes its obligation seriously to be good stewards of the American people’s tax money,” Vance said at a press conference in Washington. “What we’re doing is we are stopping the federal payments that will go to the state government until the state government takes its obligations seriously to stop the fraud that’s being perpetrated against the American taxpayer,” he added. Trump administration warns other states Administrator of the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Mehmet Oz, who accompanied Vance, said that the Trump administration has notified Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of the funding pause for the state, which received a $259 million Medicaid reimbursement this month. “We will give them the money, but we’re going to hold it and only release it after they propose an act on a comprehensive corrective action plan to solve the problem,” Oz said. “If Minnesota fails to clean up the systems, the state will rack up a billion dollars of deferred payments this year.” This comes after the Trump administration sent thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis, which led to widespread protests and the death of two US citizens. The government later announced that it was withdrawing federal officials after massive outrage following the killings. “It’s unponderable that you would take advantage of these precious programs,” Oz said as he warned that other states would be next after Minnesota. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to over 70 million people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities in the United States. Tim Walz slam Trump administration The Trump administration’s move was slammed by Walz, who said that the funding pause “has nothing to do with fraud.” He added, “The agents Trump allegedly sent to investigate fraud are shooting protesters and arresting children. His DOJ is gutting the U.S. Attorney’s Office and crippling their ability to prosecute fraud. And every week Trump pardons another fraudster.”

US Vice President JD Vance announced a temporary halt to $259 million in Medicaid funds to Minnesota over alleged fraud, as Governor Tim Walz accused the Trump administration of politicising the move.

Vance announces Trump’s ‘war on fraud’ in Minnesota, pauses nearly $260 million Medicaid funding

A 37-year-old tax economist named Alan Cole bet his entire savings against Elon Musk and won. He placed a wager that, despite the SpaceX CEO's Department of Government Efficiency vowing to slash federal spending, it would not happen. Cole knew the obvious and threw all his money into different bets around the same topic, and collected more money than he had invested. It happened on the prediction market Kalshi, where he placed the bets nearly a year ago, the Wall Street Journal reported. Cole spent a total of $342,195.63 on several predictions that revolved around the same premise, that federal government spending will continue irrespective of what Trump said about slashing budgets. The bets were resolved on February 20 when the Bureau of Economic Analysis published its final figures for the year. Cole had won and had more than 3 per cent of all positions.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-never-been-on-creepy-island-lolita-express-musk-denies-links-with-epstein-despite-release-of-wildest-party-email-1769998435547">'Never been on creepy island, Lolita Express': Musk denies links with Epstein despite release of 'wildest party' email</a><h2>The man had no chance of losing money</h2>He collected $470,300, $128,000 more than what he had invested. For Cole to lose, the federal spending had to come down by $50 billion. However, it saw an increase of about $300 billion. He was basically guaranteed no loss since he had such a huge margin and had spread his money into several bets. Cole understood that no matter what DOGE did, the spending would not see any significant drop. He calculated that the major chunk of money goes into Social Security, Medicare and defence. So pulling contracts and reducing the workforce would barely make any difference.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/polymarket-has-a-will-jesus-return-bet-going-on-those-who-chose-yes-just-doubled-1770376211408">Polymarket has a 'Will Jesus return' bet going on. YES shares just doubled</a>&nbsp;Experts note that there is a growing trend of betting against Musk since there is always someone betting in favour of him. An NBC News report showed that major players in prediction markets often place wagers against Musk to make quick money. The Tesla CEO apparently has a contingent of people manning the booths and placing bets showing that he would fulfil the many promises he makes. Bettors are using this to their advantage to become richer. &nbsp;

A man's bets against Elon Musk on the prediction market, Kalshi, left him with more money than he had invested. He put all his savings into several bets linked to DOGE and stood no chance of losing. Here is what happened. 

A 37-year-old tax economist named Alan Cole bet his entire savings against Elon Musk and won. He placed a wager that, despite the SpaceX CEO's Department of Government Efficiency vowing to slash federal spending, it would not happen. Cole knew the obvious and threw all his money into different bets around the same topic, and collected more money than he had invested. It happened on the prediction market Kalshi, where he placed the bets nearly a year ago, the Wall Street Journal reported. Cole spent a total of $342,195.63 on several predictions that revolved around the same premise, that federal government spending will continue irrespective of what Trump said about slashing budgets. The bets were resolved on February 20 when the Bureau of Economic Analysis published its final figures for the year. Cole had won and had more than 3 per cent of all positions. Also Read: 'Never been on creepy island, Lolita Express': Musk denies links with Epstein despite release of 'wildest party' email The man had no chance of losing money He collected $470,300, $128,000 more than what he had invested. For Cole to lose, the federal spending had to come down by $50 billion. However, it saw an increase of about $300 billion. He was basically guaranteed no loss since he had such a huge margin and had spread his money into several bets. Cole understood that no matter what DOGE did, the spending would not see any significant drop. He calculated that the major chunk of money goes into Social Security, Medicare and defence. So pulling contracts and reducing the workforce would barely make any difference. Also Read: Polymarket has a 'Will Jesus return' bet going on. YES shares just doubled Experts note that there is a growing trend of betting against Musk since there is always someone betting in favour of him. An NBC News report showed that major players in prediction markets often place wagers against Musk to make quick money. The Tesla CEO apparently has a contingent of people manning the booths and placing bets showing that he would fulfil the many promises he makes. Bettors are using this to their advantage to become richer.

A man's bets against Elon Musk on the prediction market, Kalshi, left him with more money than he had invested. He put all his savings into several bets linked to DOGE and stood no chance of losing. Here is what happened.&nbsp;

Man bet his entire savings against Musk and DOGE. He stood no risk of losing ever

Samsung Electronics Co. announced its Galaxy S26 lineup of smartphones at an event in San Francisco on Wednesday, integrating artificial intelligence features and real-world privacy along with major design changes. The most premium model of the tech giant company launched was the S26 Ultra with a price range of $1,300, alongside the Galaxy S26 Plus ($1,100) and the more standard-sized Galaxy S26 ($900).&nbsp;The Galaxy S26 series features a built-in anti-spy screen guard to ensure the content on the screen is visible only to the person directly in front of it, preventing physical "spying" or "shoulder surfing". It was manufactured by third-party accessory makers such as Spigen, Belkin, and Amazon Basics.<h3>Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra complete features &amp; specifications</h3>The features of the S26 Ultra include a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, making it faster, more battery efficient and enhancing the on-device AI capabilities. The model has a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3,120 × 1,440 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.&nbsp;The panel supports a high-end display with 10-bit colour support for improved colour accuracy, a Privacy Display that limits screen visibility beyond a 30-degree viewing angle and protection from Corning Gorilla Armour 2. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset customised for Galaxy, paired with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB internal storage. It also runs One UI 8.5 based on Android 16.&nbsp;Samsung has integrated a wide range of Galaxy AI tools, including Now Assist for contextual suggestions, Call Screen for handling unknown calls with live transcripts, and Photo Assist for AI-driven image editing. Creative Studio enhances content creation, while Bixby Device Agent enables voice-based controls. Privacy Alerts and AI noise reduction further enhance security and usability.&nbsp;The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a quad rear camera system headlined by a 200-megapixel wide primary sensor with an f/1.4 aperture and optical image stabilisation. It also includes a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom. The rear setup supports 8K video, HDR10+ and Super Steady Video stabilisation.&nbsp;The 12-megapixel front camera of the smartphone also supports 4K recording. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC and USB Type-C, along with dual SIM support. The phone houses a 5,000mAh battery with 60W wired and 25W wireless charging, measures 163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9mm and weighs 214g. All the prices of the Samsung models are in direct competition with Apple Inc.'s iPhone 17 line. Meanwhile, the Ultra costs similar to its predecessor, whereas the Plus and S26 are both $100 more expensive than the model launched in 2025.&nbsp;Along with the S series, Samsung also announced two pairs of earbuds, which include the $249 Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and the $179 Galaxy Buds 4, which are available for pre-order immediately and set to arrive in stores on March 11.<h3>Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra colour options and price in India</h3>In India, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will cost Rs. 1,39,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 512GB model will cost Rs. 1,59,999, and the top-end 16GB + 1TB storage variant is listed with the price at Rs. 1,89,999. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available in Black, Blue, Purple, and White colour options, and it will go on sale in the country via Amazon and the Samsung India online store. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hope-for-millions-china-shocks-the-world-with-breakthrough-diabetes-cure-here-s-how-it-succeeded-1772027132267">Hope for millions? China shocks the world with breakthrough diabetes cure: Here's how it succeeded</a>

The company has integrated a wide range of Galaxy AI tools, including Now Assist for contextual suggestions, Call Screen for handling unknown calls with live transcripts, and Photo Assist for AI-driven image editing in these models.

Samsung Electronics Co. announced its Galaxy S26 lineup of smartphones at an event in San Francisco on Wednesday, integrating artificial intelligence features and real-world privacy along with major design changes. The most premium model of the tech giant company launched was the S26 Ultra with a price range of $1,300, alongside the Galaxy S26 Plus ($1,100) and the more standard-sized Galaxy S26 ($900). The Galaxy S26 series features a built-in anti-spy screen guard to ensure the content on the screen is visible only to the person directly in front of it, preventing physical "spying" or "shoulder surfing". It was manufactured by third-party accessory makers such as Spigen, Belkin, and Amazon Basics. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra complete features & specifications The features of the S26 Ultra include a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, making it faster, more battery efficient and enhancing the on-device AI capabilities. The model has a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3,120 × 1,440 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel supports a high-end display with 10-bit colour support for improved colour accuracy, a Privacy Display that limits screen visibility beyond a 30-degree viewing angle and protection from Corning Gorilla Armour 2. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset customised for Galaxy, paired with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB internal storage. It also runs One UI 8.5 based on Android 16. Samsung has integrated a wide range of Galaxy AI tools, including Now Assist for contextual suggestions, Call Screen for handling unknown calls with live transcripts, and Photo Assist for AI-driven image editing. Creative Studio enhances content creation, while Bixby Device Agent enables voice-based controls. Privacy Alerts and AI noise reduction further enhance security and usability. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a quad rear camera system headlined by a 200-megapixel wide primary sensor with an f/1.4 aperture and optical image stabilisation. It also includes a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom. The rear setup supports 8K video, HDR10+ and Super Steady Video stabilisation. The 12-megapixel front camera of the smartphone also supports 4K recording. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC and USB Type-C, along with dual SIM support. The phone houses a 5,000mAh battery with 60W wired and 25W wireless charging, measures 163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9mm and weighs 214g. All the prices of the Samsung models are in direct competition with Apple Inc.'s iPhone 17 line. Meanwhile, the Ultra costs similar to its predecessor, whereas the Plus and S26 are both $100 more expensive than the model launched in 2025. Along with the S series, Samsung also announced two pairs of earbuds, which include the $249 Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and the $179 Galaxy Buds 4, which are available for pre-order immediately and set to arrive in stores on March 11. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra colour options and price in India In India, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will cost Rs. 1,39,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 512GB model will cost Rs. 1,59,999, and the top-end 16GB + 1TB storage variant is listed with the price at Rs. 1,89,999. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available in Black, Blue, Purple, and White colour options, and it will go on sale in the country via Amazon and the Samsung India online store. Also read: Hope for millions? China shocks the world with breakthrough diabetes cure: Here's how it succeeded

The company has integrated a wide range of Galaxy AI tools, including Now Assist for contextual suggestions, Call Screen for handling unknown calls with live transcripts, and Photo Assist for AI-driven image editing in these models.

Samsung S26 ultra brings next-level anti-spying features, AI upgrades: Check price & other details

Green Party activists have gotten attention for pushing their campaign in Urdu, targetting Muslim voters in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Hannah Spencer, the Green hopeful, is seen in videos speaking in Urdu and visiting local businesses in Greater Manchester’s constituency as she attacks the Reform and Labour party rivals. The polling is set to take place on Thursday (Feb 26).In the campaign leaflets, which are written in both English and Urdu, Spencer is seen wearing a red and black keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf often worn to show support for Palestinians, over her shoulders as she poses in front of a mosque.“Push the falling walls one more time. Labour must be punished for Gaza. Reform must be defeated and Green must be voted for. Vote for the Green Party for a strong voice for Muslims,” the party’s pamphlet in Urdu read.It adds in English: “Stop Islamophobia. Stop Reform.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Manchester Gorton &amp; Denton by-election Green Party message in Urdu for residents. Vote Hannah Spencer. Vote Green 💚Thursday 26th February. Polls open 7am to 10pm. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/votegreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#votegreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/5O3T030ga9">pic.twitter.com/5O3T030ga9</a>&mdash; Muslim Greens (@muslim_greens) <a href="https://twitter.com/muslim_greens/status/2025935687984312697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Looks like Greens have gone from hugging trees to hugging Muslim sectarian voters. Election leaflet all written in urdu. Gaza is mentioned (but of course) Mentions punishing Labour. Talks about not voting for Reform. Lastly says Greens will be a solid voice for Muslims. <a href="https://t.co/vJ3FhjVx2t">pic.twitter.com/vJ3FhjVx2t</a>&mdash; Nadeem Shafqat (@Nadeem83Shafqat) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nadeem83Shafqat/status/2022711438993743999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More than a quarter of Gorton and Denton’s 76,000 potential voters are of Muslim heritage, while 19.2 per cent of those are believed to have Pakistani roots. The use of Urdu, the national language of Pakistan and an official language in India, is aimed at gaining the support of the Muslim voters in the constituency.The video released by the Green Party in Urdu also included an image of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shaking hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other world leaders.The Telegraph reported that leaked text messages from the Gorton and Denton Green campaigns revealed party activists were planning to target Muslims “outside mosques” during Ramzan.“This is also the final Friday of the campaign, which means it’s the final Jummah (Friday prayers),” the message reads. “It’s also Ramadan, which makes our efforts today to leaflet outside mosques and reach out to the Muslim community even more important.”The Green Party also released a campaign video in Bangla after being slammed by the right wing for their campaign video in Urdu.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The right wing trolls hated seeing our campaign video in Urdu. So here it is in Bangla instead. I love our party! 💚🙌🏼 <a href="https://t.co/contmwgRqq">https://t.co/contmwgRqq</a>&mdash; Zack Polanski (@ZackPolanski) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZackPolanski/status/2026379133555441982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Green Party activists in Gorton and Denton ran an Urdu-language campaign targeting Muslim voters, criticising Labour and Reform over Gaza.

Green Party activists have gotten attention for pushing their campaign in Urdu, targetting Muslim voters in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Hannah Spencer, the Green hopeful, is seen in videos speaking in Urdu and visiting local businesses in Greater Manchester’s constituency as she attacks the Reform and Labour party rivals. The polling is set to take place on Thursday (Feb 26). In the campaign leaflets, which are written in both English and Urdu, Spencer is seen wearing a red and black keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf often worn to show support for Palestinians, over her shoulders as she poses in front of a mosque. “Push the falling walls one more time. Labour must be punished for Gaza. Reform must be defeated and Green must be voted for. Vote for the Green Party for a strong voice for Muslims,” the party’s pamphlet in Urdu read. It adds in English: “Stop Islamophobia. Stop Reform.”

Green Party activists in Gorton and Denton ran an Urdu-language campaign targeting Muslim voters, criticising Labour and Reform over Gaza.

Why is UK’s Green Party using Urdu in campaign video, leaflets? What we know

India on Wednesday (Feb 25) slammed Pakistan at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with a pointed remark noting that Islamabad must be "hallucinating or living in la la land" if it believes development in Jammu and Kashmir was not real. The comment came during India’s Right to Reply at the session in Geneva, where New Delhi pushed back against allegations raised by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).<h2>India slams Pak's ‘hallucinations’, reiterates Kashmir an ‘integral and inalienable’ part of territory</h2>India's representative Anupama Singh accused Islamabad of recycling propaganda and said the OIC had allowed itself to become an "echo chamber" for one member state. "We categorically reject these allegations," she said, adding that Pakistan’s repeated claims “reek of envy.”Singh also reiterated India's position on Jammu and Kashmir and said that it "was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India." She said the region's accession in 1947 was "completely legal and irrevocable," grounded in the Indian Independence Act and international norms."The only outstanding dispute regarding this region is the illegal occupation of Indian territories by Pakistan," she noted, calling on Islamabad to vacate areas under its control.Watch what India's representative Anupama Singh said here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pakistan lives in la la land, Indian Diplomat Anupama Singh&#39;s sharp rebuke to Pakistan at UN Human Rights Council Singh also pointed to Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s development budget being bigger than Pakistan&#39;s IMF bailout <a href="https://t.co/dLB6ItcRCX">pic.twitter.com/dLB6ItcRCX</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2026872553894207682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Development versus crisis</h2>Singh's sharpest remark came when she pointed to recent infrastructure projects in the region, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, inaugurated last year."If the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest bridge, inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir last year, is fake, then Pakistan must be hallucinating or living in the 'La-la-land'" Singh said.Contrasting what she described as Jammu and Kashmir's expanding development budget with Pakistan’s economic troubles, she then claimed that the Union Territory's development budget was "more than double the recent bailout package", the size of Pakistan’s recent IMF bailout package.Responding to Pakistan's criticism of India’s democratic record in the region, Singh said it was "hard to take lectures on democracy from a country where civilian governments rarely complete their terms." She pointed to voter participation in recent elections as evidence that people in Jammu and Kashmir have "rejected the ideology of terrorism and violence" for development.Singh also accused Pakistan of continuing to back militancy in the region, calling it "relentless state-sponsored terrorism."&nbsp;

India hit back at Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, saying Islamabad must be “hallucinating” if it denies development in Jammu and Kashmir. Representative Anupama Singh rejected OIC-backed claims and reaffirmed J&K was an integral part of India.

India on Wednesday (Feb 25) slammed Pakistan at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with a pointed remark noting that Islamabad must be "hallucinating or living in la la land" if it believes development in Jammu and Kashmir was not real. The comment came during India’s Right to Reply at the session in Geneva, where New Delhi pushed back against allegations raised by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). India slams Pak's ‘hallucinations’, reiterates Kashmir an ‘integral and inalienable’ part of territory India's representative Anupama Singh accused Islamabad of recycling propaganda and said the OIC had allowed itself to become an "echo chamber" for one member state. "We categorically reject these allegations," she said, adding that Pakistan’s repeated claims “reek of envy.” Singh also reiterated India's position on Jammu and Kashmir and said that it "was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India." She said the region's accession in 1947 was "completely legal and irrevocable," grounded in the Indian Independence Act and international norms. "The only outstanding dispute regarding this region is the illegal occupation of Indian territories by Pakistan," she noted, calling on Islamabad to vacate areas under its control. Watch what India's representative Anupama Singh said here:

India hit back at Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, saying Islamabad must be “hallucinating” if it denies development in Jammu and Kashmir. Representative Anupama Singh rejected OIC-backed claims and reaffirmed J&amp;K was an integral part of India.

India at UNHRC says Pakistan’s claims ‘reek of envy,’ notes Islamabad ‘living in la la land’ | Video

A patent on a technology meant to control people's minds through televisions and computers has resurfaced on social media. Originally filed in 2001, it talks about an invention that could take over the sensory system of the human body when they spend time on screens. It is a US patent titled "Nervous System Manipulation by Electromagnetic Fields from Monitors", Daily Mail reported. It describes a technique that could influence a person's body and mind using invisible electromagnetic (EM) fields originating from computer monitors or old-style TV tubes called CRT monitors. The patent states that using very weak electromagnetic fields pulsing at certain slow frequencies, measurable physiological effects can be produced in humans. The skin can be stimulated to trigger an interaction with the body’s sensory systems. This theoretically means that the technology could be used to control a person's nervous system using pulsed electromagnetic fields from a screen.&nbsp;These pulses would be too faint for human eyes to notice and could be added directly to the content being transmitted or to the signal. Hendricus G. Loos, the person who created the patent, once worked for NASA. He apparently also believes that the signals could control human autonomic functions, such as heart rate or digestion. The main point was to have the screen pulse or flicker at low frequencies between 0.1 and 15 Hertz. The 2001 patent has been viewed over 200,000 times since Monday and has created panic. The patent expired in 2021, which means anyone is free to use the technology now. Panicked netizens are now discussing how the television has been used for decades to influence humans. "It's no longer a conspiracy theory... Your television is a brainwashing tool used to manipulate you," a person who found the patent wrote on Instagram. The patent was classified under "magnetotherapy," where all devices that use magnetic fields for health effects are placed.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-unknowingly-time-travelled-through-universe-birth-in-old-tv-static-1772018141506">You saw remnants of Big Bang as TV static happened, and you didn't even know</a><h2>Could current TVs and computers be used to manipulate human nervous system?</h2> Experts say that it was mostly only possible with old-style monitors that naturally give off electromagnetic fields while displaying images. Researchers for PQAI, an organisation that provides AI tools for discovery and understanding patents, analysed the invention. They say modern LED screens emit much weaker fields, so it might not be feasible today, the Daily Mail reported. Loos passed away in 2017, according to the Orange County Register, and had filed similar patents linked to magnetic fields and the nervous system.

The patent from 2001 talks about influencing the human nervous system through televisions and computers. Pulsing and flickering screens were the key to this technology that is being talked about on social media after someone found it.  

A patent on a technology meant to control people's minds through televisions and computers has resurfaced on social media. Originally filed in 2001, it talks about an invention that could take over the sensory system of the human body when they spend time on screens. It is a US patent titled "Nervous System Manipulation by Electromagnetic Fields from Monitors", Daily Mail reported. It describes a technique that could influence a person's body and mind using invisible electromagnetic (EM) fields originating from computer monitors or old-style TV tubes called CRT monitors. The patent states that using very weak electromagnetic fields pulsing at certain slow frequencies, measurable physiological effects can be produced in humans. The skin can be stimulated to trigger an interaction with the body’s sensory systems. This theoretically means that the technology could be used to control a person's nervous system using pulsed electromagnetic fields from a screen. These pulses would be too faint for human eyes to notice and could be added directly to the content being transmitted or to the signal. Hendricus G. Loos, the person who created the patent, once worked for NASA. He apparently also believes that the signals could control human autonomic functions, such as heart rate or digestion. The main point was to have the screen pulse or flicker at low frequencies between 0.1 and 15 Hertz. The 2001 patent has been viewed over 200,000 times since Monday and has created panic. The patent expired in 2021, which means anyone is free to use the technology now. Panicked netizens are now discussing how the television has been used for decades to influence humans. "It's no longer a conspiracy theory... Your television is a brainwashing tool used to manipulate you," a person who found the patent wrote on Instagram. The patent was classified under "magnetotherapy," where all devices that use magnetic fields for health effects are placed. Also Read: You saw remnants of Big Bang as TV static happened, and you didn't even know Could current TVs and computers be used to manipulate human nervous system? Experts say that it was mostly only possible with old-style monitors that naturally give off electromagnetic fields while displaying images. Researchers for PQAI, an organisation that provides AI tools for discovery and understanding patents, analysed the invention. They say modern LED screens emit much weaker fields, so it might not be feasible today, the Daily Mail reported. Loos passed away in 2017, according to the Orange County Register, and had filed similar patents linked to magnetic fields and the nervous system.

The patent from 2001 talks about influencing the human nervous system through televisions and computers. Pulsing and flickering screens were the key to this technology that is being talked about on social media after someone found it. &nbsp;

Scary patent on controlling human mind through TV and computer screens revealed

China critic, Hong Kong pro democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, on Thursday (Feb 26) won an appeal in a fraud case days after a court jailed him for 20 years on national security charges.<h2>Lai's surprise win</h2>Lai has won the appeal in a fraud case that stemmed from a contractual dispute and is not related to the charges he faces under the national security law. "(We) allow the appeals, quash the convictions and set aside the sentences," said High Court Chief Judge Jeremy Poon, announcing his ruling. The judge also revealed that Lai, who is currently in jail, has been granted permission to not attend court in person.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jimmy-lai-s-son-sebastien-lai-asks-trump-to-tell-xi-the-prison-sentence-is-a-mistake-warns-if-he-dies-1770685339030">Jimmy Lai’s son Sebastien Lai asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake,’ warns ‘if he dies...’</a>The surprise win comes on the heels of a two-decade-long prison sentence on collusion charges under a stringent Beijing-imposed national security law. The prosecutors in the fraud case alleged that a consultancy firm operated by Lai for his personal use had taken up office space, which was originally rented by Apple Daily for the purposes of printing and publication. This was found to be in breach of the terms of the lease signed by Lai's Apple Daily with a government agency and thus amounted to fraud, alleged the prosecutors.However, on Thursday, the judge ruled that "prosecution has failed to prove that the applicants had made the false representation as alleged".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-sentences-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-20-years-in-prison-what-was-the-case-against-him-1770604509612">Hong Kong sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison</a>Along with Lai, Wong Wai-Keung, a former executive at Apple Daily, was also charged in the fraud case. He was jailed for 21 months in 2022. Now, his conviction and sentence have also been quashed.In 2022, the media tycoon, behind the now-defunct Apple Daily, received a jail sentence of five years and nine months over what the trial judge, as per AFP, said was a "planned, organised and years-long" scheme. Two of these years were set to overlap with Lai's 20-year sentence in the national security case.&nbsp;

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has won an appeal in a fraud case, with the High Court quashing his conviction and sentence. The ruling comes just days after he was jailed for 20 years under the national security law on separate collusion charges.

China critic, Hong Kong pro democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, on Thursday (Feb 26) won an appeal in a fraud case days after a court jailed him for 20 years on national security charges. Lai's surprise win Lai has won the appeal in a fraud case that stemmed from a contractual dispute and is not related to the charges he faces under the national security law. "(We) allow the appeals, quash the convictions and set aside the sentences," said High Court Chief Judge Jeremy Poon, announcing his ruling. The judge also revealed that Lai, who is currently in jail, has been granted permission to not attend court in person. Also read | Jimmy Lai’s son Sebastien Lai asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake,’ warns ‘if he dies...’ The surprise win comes on the heels of a two-decade-long prison sentence on collusion charges under a stringent Beijing-imposed national security law. The prosecutors in the fraud case alleged that a consultancy firm operated by Lai for his personal use had taken up office space, which was originally rented by Apple Daily for the purposes of printing and publication. This was found to be in breach of the terms of the lease signed by Lai's Apple Daily with a government agency and thus amounted to fraud, alleged the prosecutors. However, on Thursday, the judge ruled that "prosecution has failed to prove that the applicants had made the false representation as alleged". Also read | Hong Kong sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison Along with Lai, Wong Wai-Keung, a former executive at Apple Daily, was also charged in the fraud case. He was jailed for 21 months in 2022. Now, his conviction and sentence have also been quashed. In 2022, the media tycoon, behind the now-defunct Apple Daily, received a jail sentence of five years and nine months over what the trial judge, as per AFP, said was a "planned, organised and years-long" scheme. Two of these years were set to overlap with Lai's 20-year sentence in the national security case.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has won an appeal in a fraud case, with the High Court quashing his conviction and sentence. The ruling comes just days after he was jailed for 20 years under the national security law on separate collusion charges.

Jimmy Lai wins fraud appeal days after 20 year jail sentence

Deepak Chopra told Jeffrey Epstein to "bring your girls" to Israel using a fake name, emails in the millions of documents released by the Department of Justice show. Chopra has been trying to clear his name ever since the files exploded, which carry his name many times. There are several videos of Chopra showing him doling out spiritual messages, which Epstein apparently kept. “If you want use a fake name. Bring your girls,” Chopra wrote to Epstein in a 2017 email, CNN reported. He added in another note, "Your girls would love it as would you." Later the same year, the Chopra asked Epstein to join a workshop hosted by him in Switzerland, and again told him to come "with your girls." It is not known whether Epstein took any of the trips. He again mentions "his girls" while describing former Saudi Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel as being “v sweet – like your girls.”<h2>‘Cute girls are real’</h2>Other emails WION already reported previously talked about Chopra talking about "cute girls". He wrote in an email to the sex offender, "Universe is human construct. … Cute girls are aware when they make noises," adding, "God is a construct Cute girls are real." Epstein went on to discuss the topic more, asking, "So when the girl says ‘oh my god?’" Chopra replies, “God is a construct. Cute girls are real.” In 2017, the paedophile asked Chopra to "find me a cute israeli blonde. .matter over mind," to which he said that he could find one, but warned him that “they are militant aggressive and v sexy.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-cute-girls-are-real-what-deepak-chopra-discussed-with-epstein-as-per-emails-1770263787952">'Cute girls are real': What Deepak Chopra discussed with Epstein, as per emails?</a><h2>Deepak Chopra and Epstein talk about a woman</h2>Chopra and Epstein exchanged numerous emails and text messages and talked about women on multiple occasions. In one message, the two discuss an unnamed woman, as Esptein asks him how he met her. “In many ways [redacted] is more connected to ‘reality’ than the brilliant scientists. I felt connected to her at the level of awareness," Chopra said. Epstein replied that he "liked watching" him "zero in on your prey," to which Chopra said, "I not a predator Just a lover." Chopra also tells Epstein on one occasion that he is "grateful" for his friendship.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-probe-intensifies-uk-government-to-release-files-on-ex-prince-andrew-1772006357486/embed&nbsp;Chopra has been trying to clear his name, and wrote in a social media post on February 4, that he “was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct”, adding that his contact with him "was limited and unrelated to abusive activity." &nbsp;

Epstein Files carry numerous emails in which Deepak Chopra and Jeffrey Epstein are talking about girls. Chopra told the sex offender on two occasions to visit with “his girls”. The paedophile also asks him to find a “cute Israeli blonde.”

Deepak Chopra told Jeffrey Epstein to "bring your girls" to Israel using a fake name, emails in the millions of documents released by the Department of Justice show. Chopra has been trying to clear his name ever since the files exploded, which carry his name many times. There are several videos of Chopra showing him doling out spiritual messages, which Epstein apparently kept. “If you want use a fake name. Bring your girls,” Chopra wrote to Epstein in a 2017 email, CNN reported. He added in another note, "Your girls would love it as would you." Later the same year, the Chopra asked Epstein to join a workshop hosted by him in Switzerland, and again told him to come "with your girls." It is not known whether Epstein took any of the trips. He again mentions "his girls" while describing former Saudi Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel as being “v sweet – like your girls.” ‘Cute girls are real’ Other emails WION already reported previously talked about Chopra talking about "cute girls". He wrote in an email to the sex offender, "Universe is human construct. … Cute girls are aware when they make noises," adding, "God is a construct Cute girls are real." Epstein went on to discuss the topic more, asking, "So when the girl says ‘oh my god?’" Chopra replies, “God is a construct. Cute girls are real.” In 2017, the paedophile asked Chopra to "find me a cute israeli blonde. .matter over mind," to which he said that he could find one, but warned him that “they are militant aggressive and v sexy.” Also Read: 'Cute girls are real': What Deepak Chopra discussed with Epstein, as per emails? Deepak Chopra and Epstein talk about a woman Chopra and Epstein exchanged numerous emails and text messages and talked about women on multiple occasions. In one message, the two discuss an unnamed woman, as Esptein asks him how he met her. “In many ways [redacted] is more connected to ‘reality’ than the brilliant scientists. I felt connected to her at the level of awareness," Chopra said. Epstein replied that he "liked watching" him "zero in on your prey," to which Chopra said, "I not a predator Just a lover." Chopra also tells Epstein on one occasion that he is "grateful" for his friendship. https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-probe-intensifies-uk-government-to-release-files-on-ex-prince-andrew-1772006357486/embed Chopra has been trying to clear his name, and wrote in a social media post on February 4, that he “was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct”, adding that his contact with him "was limited and unrelated to abusive activity."

Epstein Files carry numerous emails in which Deepak Chopra and Jeffrey Epstein are talking about girls. Chopra told the sex offender on two occasions to visit with “his girls”. The paedophile also asks him to find a “cute Israeli blonde.”

Epstein told Deepak Chopra, 'I liked watching you zero in on your prey' - 'Just a lover'

A former US Air Force fighter pilot, who served as an instructor for service members, was arrested on Wednesday (Feb 25) for allegedly training Chinese military personnel without authorisation, the Department of Justice announced. Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., also known by the call sign “Runner”, was apprehended by the authorities in Jeffersonville, Indiana.The 65-year-old US citizen was charged “for providing and conspiring to provide defence services to Chinese military pilots without authorisation,” which is in violation of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA).He is expected to appear before a Magistrate Judge in Indiana on Thursday (Feb 26).“The United States Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of our Nation. He now stands charged with training Chinese military pilots,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.“As an Air Force Officer, Brown took an oath to defend our Nation against all enemies foreign and domestic, he broke that oath and betrayed the country, jeopardising the safety of our servicemembers and allies,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia.&nbsp;It is illegal for US citizens – military or civilian – to provide training to a foreign military without having a license from the State Department. Eisenberg added, “The National Security Division will use all tools at its disposal to protect our military advantages and hold to account those who would violate the AECA.”“The Chinese government continues to exploit the expertise of current and former members of the US armed forces to modernise China's military capabilities,” said Roman Rozhavsky, an official with the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This arrest serves as a warning that the FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to hold accountable anyone who collaborates with our adversaries to harm our service members and jeopardize our national security.”<h2>Who is Gerald Brown?</h2>Gerald Brown is a former F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot and served for over 24 years in the US Air Force. He left active duty in 1996 as a Major. During his career, he commanded sensitive units that oversaw nuclear weapons delivery systems and led combat missions. He served as a fighter pilot instructor and simulator instructor on a variety of fighter and attack aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog), according to the DOJ.After leaving the military, he was working as a commercial cargo pilot, and recently as a contract simulator instructor for two different US defence contractors who train US military pilots on flying the A-10 and the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

A former US Air Force pilot and F-35 instructor, Gerald “Runner” Brown, was arrested in Indiana for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without US approval, violating arms export laws.

A former US Air Force fighter pilot, who served as an instructor for service members, was arrested on Wednesday (Feb 25) for allegedly training Chinese military personnel without authorisation, the Department of Justice announced. Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., also known by the call sign “Runner”, was apprehended by the authorities in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The 65-year-old US citizen was charged “for providing and conspiring to provide defence services to Chinese military pilots without authorisation,” which is in violation of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). He is expected to appear before a Magistrate Judge in Indiana on Thursday (Feb 26). “The United States Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of our Nation. He now stands charged with training Chinese military pilots,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “As an Air Force Officer, Brown took an oath to defend our Nation against all enemies foreign and domestic, he broke that oath and betrayed the country, jeopardising the safety of our servicemembers and allies,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. It is illegal for US citizens – military or civilian – to provide training to a foreign military without having a license from the State Department. Eisenberg added, “The National Security Division will use all tools at its disposal to protect our military advantages and hold to account those who would violate the AECA.” “The Chinese government continues to exploit the expertise of current and former members of the US armed forces to modernise China's military capabilities,” said Roman Rozhavsky, an official with the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This arrest serves as a warning that the FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to hold accountable anyone who collaborates with our adversaries to harm our service members and jeopardize our national security.” Who is Gerald Brown? Gerald Brown is a former F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot and served for over 24 years in the US Air Force. He left active duty in 1996 as a Major. During his career, he commanded sensitive units that oversaw nuclear weapons delivery systems and led combat missions. He served as a fighter pilot instructor and simulator instructor on a variety of fighter and attack aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog), according to the DOJ. After leaving the military, he was working as a commercial cargo pilot, and recently as a contract simulator instructor for two different US defence contractors who train US military pilots on flying the A-10 and the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

A former US Air Force pilot and F-35 instructor, Gerald “Runner” Brown, was arrested in Indiana for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without US approval, violating arms export laws.

‘Elite’ ex-fighter pilot arrested for ‘betraying’ US, training Chinese military

A stunning image of the annular solar eclipse that occurred on February 17 has been captured from space. The European Space Agency (ESA) released a photo taken by the PROBA-2 satellite. Any pictures of the solar eclipse were difficult to obtain from Earth, as it was only visible in Antarctica and a few places off its coast. The agency also released a photo taken from the Concordia Station in Antarctica, the best viewing point on Earth. The moon moved in front of the sun to create a ring of fire that reportedly remained visible for two minutes from the station. "Because the Moon was at a more distant point along its elliptical orbit around Earth, it didn't entirely cover the Sun and left a ‘ring of fire'," ESA wrote. The space agency said that as the spacecraft flew around Earth, it captured the eclipse four times. It stated that the "perfect ring of fire" occurred at 11:31 Universal Time. PROBA-2 hosts two primary instruments that specifically observe the sun and other instruments to study space weather.<h2>See photos of annular solar eclipse</h2>&nbsp;

Ring of fire solar eclipse from Antarctica

Ring of fire solar eclipse from space

<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>What causes ring of fire eclipse?</h2>The ring of fire eclipse happens because the moon appears slightly smaller than the sun in the sky. The moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, but doesn't cover our star entirely, which leaves a halo around it. This is what gives the eclipse the name "ring of fire". Some researchers clicked a photo of the eclipse from the Italian-French Concordia research station as well. Meanwhile, a partial solar eclipse was seen from the southern tip of Chile and Argentina, as well as southern Africa.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/longest-solar-eclipse-2027-date-duration-india-visibility-1765618318806">Rare 2027 solar eclipse to last over 6 minutes, longest in a century: Will India see it?</a><h2>Blood Moon and upcoming solar eclipses</h2>A total lunar eclipse is the next celestial event on March 3. Earth will cast a shadow on the Moon, turning it dark red. It is also known as the Blood Moon. People in Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas will be able to see it partially. The next three solar eclipses are scheduled to happen on 12 August 2026 and 2 August 2027 (both total solar eclipses), followed by an annular eclipse on 26 January 2028.&nbsp;

The ring of fire solar eclipse was captured from space by the PROBA-2 satellite four times. From Antarctica, the only place where the February 17 eclipse was visible in its entirety, a picture was taken from the Concordia Station.

A stunning image of the annular solar eclipse that occurred on February 17 has been captured from space. The European Space Agency (ESA) released a photo taken by the PROBA-2 satellite. Any pictures of the solar eclipse were difficult to obtain from Earth, as it was only visible in Antarctica and a few places off its coast. The agency also released a photo taken from the Concordia Station in Antarctica, the best viewing point on Earth. The moon moved in front of the sun to create a ring of fire that reportedly remained visible for two minutes from the station. "Because the Moon was at a more distant point along its elliptical orbit around Earth, it didn't entirely cover the Sun and left a ‘ring of fire'," ESA wrote. The space agency said that as the spacecraft flew around Earth, it captured the eclipse four times. It stated that the "perfect ring of fire" occurred at 11:31 Universal Time. PROBA-2 hosts two primary instruments that specifically observe the sun and other instruments to study space weather. See photos of annular solar eclipse

The ring of fire solar eclipse was captured from space by the PROBA-2 satellite four times. From Antarctica, the only place where the February 17 eclipse was visible in its entirety, a picture was taken from the Concordia Station.

Ring of fire solar eclipse as seen from space and Antarctica | Photos inside

The boss of a Chinese company has given away 180 million yuan (Rs 240 crore) as bonuses to his employees, sparking amazement and jealousy online. The story has gone viral in the country for the unbelievable gesture as it earned 270 million yuan in profits and distributed nearly 70 per cent of it to the staff, SCMP reported. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co., Ltd organised an event on February 13, and on the spot handed more than 60 million yuan (US$8.7 million) in cash. Nearly 7,000 people attended the event, where 800 banquet tables were set up to accommodate them. Photos from the gala shared on Chinese social media show rows of tables covered with cash. How much money each person would get was not decided beforehand for several of them. While a few staff members were called on stage and given their rewards, others took part in a strange interactive game where they needed to count the money, and whatever amount they did, they could take with them.<h2>Boss Cui Peijun told finance team to give everyone even more money</h2>It was literally a money party where people held bundles of notes in their hands, spilling them all over. Videos show employees counting cash on the long tables. The company was also giving out washing machines to the employees. While it might seem like a very generous gift from a company, Boss Cui Peijun was not happy. He called out the finance department and asked them, "Do you think gold prices have gone up? In previous years, we gave necklaces and rings, bring up the cash and give everyone another 20,000 yuan (US$2,800)."&nbsp;In total, Peijun gave his employees 180 million yuan as a year-end bonus. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co was established in 2002, and since then has spread to more than 130 countries. It manufactures services, cranes and material handling products. He owns around 98.88 per cent of the company’s shares. Cui has a habit of showering his staff with money. On International Women's Day last year, he gave nearly 1.6 million yuan (US$230,000) to 2,000 women employees. This is why the internet calls him “the boss who loves giving out money the most”. Cui says, "Young people are burdened with car loans and mortgages, and any relief we can offer helps."

Year-end bonuses at a Chinese company have shocked the world, with a total amounting to Rs 246 crore. The boss laid out all the cash on long tables and told employees to take all they can count in 15 minutes.

The boss of a Chinese company has given away 180 million yuan (Rs 240 crore) as bonuses to his employees, sparking amazement and jealousy online. The story has gone viral in the country for the unbelievable gesture as it earned 270 million yuan in profits and distributed nearly 70 per cent of it to the staff, SCMP reported. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co., Ltd organised an event on February 13, and on the spot handed more than 60 million yuan (US$8.7 million) in cash. Nearly 7,000 people attended the event, where 800 banquet tables were set up to accommodate them. Photos from the gala shared on Chinese social media show rows of tables covered with cash. How much money each person would get was not decided beforehand for several of them. While a few staff members were called on stage and given their rewards, others took part in a strange interactive game where they needed to count the money, and whatever amount they did, they could take with them. Boss Cui Peijun told finance team to give everyone even more money It was literally a money party where people held bundles of notes in their hands, spilling them all over. Videos show employees counting cash on the long tables. The company was also giving out washing machines to the employees. While it might seem like a very generous gift from a company, Boss Cui Peijun was not happy. He called out the finance department and asked them, "Do you think gold prices have gone up? In previous years, we gave necklaces and rings, bring up the cash and give everyone another 20,000 yuan (US$2,800)." In total, Peijun gave his employees 180 million yuan as a year-end bonus. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co was established in 2002, and since then has spread to more than 130 countries. It manufactures services, cranes and material handling products. He owns around 98.88 per cent of the company’s shares. Cui has a habit of showering his staff with money. On International Women's Day last year, he gave nearly 1.6 million yuan (US$230,000) to 2,000 women employees. This is why the internet calls him “the boss who loves giving out money the most”. Cui says, "Young people are burdened with car loans and mortgages, and any relief we can offer helps."

Year-end bonuses at a Chinese company have shocked the world, with a total amounting to Rs 240 crore. The boss laid out all the cash on long tables and told employees to take all they can count in 15 minutes.

Chinese boss gives away Rs 240 crore in bonuses, lays cash on long tables at gala

Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday fell on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s all-out assault on Ukraine, the bloodiest conflict since World War II. The American president ignored the coincidence and dedicated just 45 words to Ukraine.Given that his State of the Union address was the longest ever, at one hour and 47 minutes, the omission was startling, coming from a politician whose campaign for re-election in 2024 routinely claimed he would solve the war within 24 hours, thanks to his good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.On the war, he said that he and his team were “working hard to end the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, where 25,000 soldiers are dying each and every month.”There have been numerous meetings between his main negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, and the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. But there is no sign that Putin is prepared to compromise on his demand that Ukraine give up territory in exchange for peace.The State of the Union is a key event in the often theatrical politics that have become the norm in this deeply polarised country. Foreign policy usually plays a minor role because elections tend to be decided by the state of the economy.Consequently, Trump’s marathon speech was largely devoted to the achievements of his first year in office and a portrayal of the economy which differed sharply from the way the majority of citizens see it, according to a series of polls. According to the president, the United States is in a Golden Age and has gone through a “turnaround for the ages.”But five recent polls show that around 56 per cent of voters disapprove of his performance on a number of key issues, including inflation, the high cost of living and the rough tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deporting undocumented immigrants.More than two-thirds of those who responded to polls said Trump is exceeding his presidential authority – an assessment which has prompted a series of demonstrations by citizens waving “No Kings” placards.They are unlikely to be swayed by the first line of Trump’s address: “My fellow Americans, our nation is back. Bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.”Aware of his flagging approval numbers, he singled out the price of gasoline, a huge item in household budgets across the country. “Gasoline, which reached a peak of over $6 a gallon in some states…is now below $2.30 a gallon in most states and in some places $1.99 a gallon.”Fact checkers quickly went to work on this claim and found that the national average price of regular gasoline is just under $3.00 a gallon. GasBuddy, a website monitoring prices, found that four to eight stations, out of 150,000 in the country, were selling gasoline below $2.00.Using inflated or plain wrong figures have been standard operating procedure for Trump ever since he entered politics. In his first term in office, from 2017 to 2021, the Washington Post newspaper documented what they called “false or misleading claims” popularly known as lies. The total: 30,573.The Post did not pursue that kind of monitoring in Trump’s second term, but the first-term tally should be kept in mind when Trump and his aides boast about the benefits of the tariffs he imposed on “Liberation Day” on April 2 last year. That resulted, the government says, in $257 billion in tax revenue.Just four days before the State of the Union ceremony, the Supreme Court, by a 6-3 majority, struck down Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a decision that translates to a clear message: your executive powers have limits. Imposing the levies required approval from Congress, the judges ruled.The most serious defeat for Trump in his second term, the tariff decision requires the government to refund more than $175 billion to importers.Trump, who never takes no for an answer, promptly responded to the Court’s decision by declaring a 10 per cent global tariff, increased to 15 per cent a day later, under legislation that differs from the “economic emergency” act he used last year. The law he now cites allows for levies to expire after 150 days.Having given Russia-Ukraine short shrift in his speech, Trump kept his country – and the world –on edge waiting to find out his plans for Iran after assembling a huge armada off Iran and threatening military action unless the theocratic rulers in Tehran accept American demands, one of which is agreement never to build a nuclear weapon."We haven't heard from them those secret words: 'We do not want nuclear weapons ever'", he said in his speech. This was a rather baffling statement, given that Iran’s top nuclear negotiator used almost the exact phrase in a message on X: “Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon."The State of the Union would have been the perfect occasion for the president to explain why military action might be necessary and how it would benefit citizens struggling to pay their bills.He let it pass.

Trump’s marathon speech was largely devoted to the achievements of his first year in office and a portrayal of the economy which differed sharply from the way the majority of citizens see it, according to a series of polls.

Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday fell on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s all-out assault on Ukraine, the bloodiest conflict since World War II. The American president ignored the coincidence and dedicated just 45 words to Ukraine. Given that his State of the Union address was the longest ever, at one hour and 47 minutes, the omission was startling, coming from a politician whose campaign for re-election in 2024 routinely claimed he would solve the war within 24 hours, thanks to his good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On the war, he said that he and his team were “working hard to end the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, where 25,000 soldiers are dying each and every month.” There have been numerous meetings between his main negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, and the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. But there is no sign that Putin is prepared to compromise on his demand that Ukraine give up territory in exchange for peace. The State of the Union is a key event in the often theatrical politics that have become the norm in this deeply polarised country. Foreign policy usually plays a minor role because elections tend to be decided by the state of the economy. Consequently, Trump’s marathon speech was largely devoted to the achievements of his first year in office and a portrayal of the economy which differed sharply from the way the majority of citizens see it, according to a series of polls. According to the president, the United States is in a Golden Age and has gone through a “turnaround for the ages.” But five recent polls show that around 56 per cent of voters disapprove of his performance on a number of key issues, including inflation, the high cost of living and the rough tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deporting undocumented immigrants. More than two-thirds of those who responded to polls said Trump is exceeding his presidential authority – an assessment which has prompted a series of demonstrations by citizens waving “No Kings” placards. They are unlikely to be swayed by the first line of Trump’s address: “My fellow Americans, our nation is back. Bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.” Aware of his flagging approval numbers, he singled out the price of gasoline, a huge item in household budgets across the country. “Gasoline, which reached a peak of over $6 a gallon in some states…is now below $2.30 a gallon in most states and in some places $1.99 a gallon.” Fact checkers quickly went to work on this claim and found that the national average price of regular gasoline is just under $3.00 a gallon. GasBuddy, a website monitoring prices, found that four to eight stations, out of 150,000 in the country, were selling gasoline below $2.00. Using inflated or plain wrong figures have been standard operating procedure for Trump ever since he entered politics. In his first term in office, from 2017 to 2021, the Washington Post newspaper documented what they called “false or misleading claims” popularly known as lies. The total: 30,573. The Post did not pursue that kind of monitoring in Trump’s second term, but the first-term tally should be kept in mind when Trump and his aides boast about the benefits of the tariffs he imposed on “Liberation Day” on April 2 last year. That resulted, the government says, in $257 billion in tax revenue. Just four days before the State of the Union ceremony, the Supreme Court, by a 6-3 majority, struck down Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a decision that translates to a clear message: your executive powers have limits. Imposing the levies required approval from Congress, the judges ruled. The most serious defeat for Trump in his second term, the tariff decision requires the government to refund more than $175 billion to importers. Trump, who never takes no for an answer, promptly responded to the Court’s decision by declaring a 10 per cent global tariff, increased to 15 per cent a day later, under legislation that differs from the “economic emergency” act he used last year. The law he now cites allows for levies to expire after 150 days. Having given Russia-Ukraine short shrift in his speech, Trump kept his country – and the world –on edge waiting to find out his plans for Iran after assembling a huge armada off Iran and threatening military action unless the theocratic rulers in Tehran accept American demands, one of which is agreement never to build a nuclear weapon. "We haven't heard from them those secret words: 'We do not want nuclear weapons ever'", he said in his speech. This was a rather baffling statement, given that Iran’s top nuclear negotiator used almost the exact phrase in a message on X: “Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon." The State of the Union would have been the perfect occasion for the president to explain why military action might be necessary and how it would benefit citizens struggling to pay their bills. He let it pass.

Trump’s marathon speech was largely devoted to the achievements of his first year in office and a portrayal of the economy which differed sharply from the way the majority of citizens see it, according to a series of polls.

Trump keeps world guessing on Iran plans, Ukraine negotiations

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended a rare party congress with a message for the United States, saying that his country could "get along" with Washington if President Donald Trump's administration would respect Pyongyang's status as a nuclear power. However, Kim shut the door firmly on South Korea, saying his country remains "most hostile" towards the enemy, reported state media on Thursday (Feb 26).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/enemy-can-t-expect-god-s-protection-north-korea-s-kim-jong-un-unveils-monstrous-600-mm-rocket-launcher-1771486189076">Enemy can't expect 'God’s protection': North Korea's Kim Jong Un unveils monstrous 600-mm rocket launcher</a><h2>What did Kim Jong Un say?</h2>According to state media reports, Kim said there was “no reason” North Korea and the United States could not “get along” if Washington recognises Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear-armed state and abandons what he called its hostile policy. If Washington "respects our country's current status as stipulated in the Constitution... and withdraws its hostile policy... there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the United States", said the Pyongyang leader.The comment comes as speculation builds that Trump could seek a meeting with Kim during a visit to China in April.<h2>Trump-Kim to meet?</h2>While a meeting has not been confirmed, Trump has earlier signalled he would "100 per cent" be open to talks with North Korea. He has even described North Korea as “sort of a nuclear power,” language that breaks with years of US policy. A fresh meeting would mark a dramatic turn after diplomacy stalled following the failed 2019 summit in Hanoi, where a deal for sanctions relief in exchange for denuclearisation proved impossible to reach.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-kim-jong-un-s-sister-kim-yo-jong-promoted-at-party-congress-amid-heir-speculation-1771898372564">North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong promoted at party congress amid heir speculation</a><h2>What did Kim Jong Un say about South Korea?</h2>While expressing flexibility with the United States, Kim was blunt about South Korea. He declared that Pyongyang would “permanently exclude” Seoul as one of his nation's "compatriots" and called it the North’s “most hostile” enemy. He insisted that North Korea had "absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity". Recent gestures from the South, he said, were "deceptive".The rhetoric follows a 2024 constitutional revision that formally labelled South Korea a "hostile state," a significant shift from decades of language about eventual reunification. &nbsp;

Can North Korea and the US “get along” again? At a rare party congress, Kim Jong Un signalled openness toward Washington but struck a sharply different tone on South Korea.

What exactly did he say, and what could it mean for future talks? Scroll down to read more.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended a rare party congress with a message for the United States, saying that his country could "get along" with Washington if President Donald Trump's administration would respect Pyongyang's status as a nuclear power. However, Kim shut the door firmly on South Korea, saying his country remains "most hostile" towards the enemy, reported state media on Thursday (Feb 26). Also read | Enemy can't expect 'God’s protection': North Korea's Kim Jong Un unveils monstrous 600-mm rocket launcher What did Kim Jong Un say? According to state media reports, Kim said there was “no reason” North Korea and the United States could not “get along” if Washington recognises Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear-armed state and abandons what he called its hostile policy. If Washington "respects our country's current status as stipulated in the Constitution... and withdraws its hostile policy... there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the United States", said the Pyongyang leader. The comment comes as speculation builds that Trump could seek a meeting with Kim during a visit to China in April. Trump-Kim to meet? While a meeting has not been confirmed, Trump has earlier signalled he would "100 per cent" be open to talks with North Korea. He has even described North Korea as “sort of a nuclear power,” language that breaks with years of US policy. A fresh meeting would mark a dramatic turn after diplomacy stalled following the failed 2019 summit in Hanoi, where a deal for sanctions relief in exchange for denuclearisation proved impossible to reach. Also read | North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong promoted at party congress amid heir speculation What did Kim Jong Un say about South Korea? While expressing flexibility with the United States, Kim was blunt about South Korea. He declared that Pyongyang would “permanently exclude” Seoul as one of his nation's "compatriots" and called it the North’s “most hostile” enemy. He insisted that North Korea had "absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity". Recent gestures from the South, he said, were "deceptive". The rhetoric follows a 2024 constitutional revision that formally labelled South Korea a "hostile state," a significant shift from decades of language about eventual reunification.

Can North Korea and the US “get along” again? At a rare party congress, Kim Jong Un signalled openness toward Washington but struck a sharply different tone on South Korea.What exactly did he say, and what could it mean for future talks? Scroll down to read more.

Can North Korea and the US 'get along' again? Kim says it's possible, but only if Trump recognised Pyongyang as nuclear state

Cuba's coast guard on Wednesday (Feb 25) said that it had killed four people and wounded six others on a US-registered speedboat after an exchange of gunfire near Cuban territorial waters. According to authorities, the vessel was trying to "illegally" enter Cuban waters. The incident has triggered renewed tension between the two countries, with Washington saying that it was seeking its own facts and would "respond accordingly"<h2>What happened?</h2>According to Cuba’s interior ministry, the vessel, registered in Florida as FL7726SH, was detected about one nautical mile from Cayo Falcones. Authorities described it as an "illegal" entry into Cuban waters. As a patrol boat approached, officials said "shots were fired from the illegal speedboat," injuring the Cuban commander. Cuban forces returned fire. "As a result of the clash, at the time of this report, on the foreign side, four aggressors were killed, and six others were wounded," the ministry said, adding that the injured were taken for medical treatment.It claimed that the boat was carrying 10 people armed with assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms. All 10 passengers were Cubans living in the US, and most "have a known history of criminal and violent activity," it added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-announce-a-third-term-run-in-his-2026-state-of-the-union-address-here-s-the-truth-1771992729165">Did Trump announce a 'third term' in his 2026 State of the Union address? Here’s the truth</a>&nbsp;Havana did not disclose the nationalities of those aboard or explain why the boat was heading toward the island.<h2>How will the US respond to this?</h2>In Washington, officials have, for now, signalled caution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to St Kitts and Nevis for a Caribbean summit, said the United States would conduct its own review before drawing conclusions."We're not going to base our conclusions on what they've (Cuba) told us," Rubio said, adding that the US would "respond accordingly" once more facts are known. Florida's attorney general has ordered a state-level investigation into the killings.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revealed-at-least-6-epstein-secret-storage-units-missed-by-fbi-what-are-they-hiding-unseen-pics-of-young-victims-blackmail-material-powerful-men-1771892294014">REVEALED! At least 6 Epstein secret storage units missed by FBI. What are they hiding?</a>Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, said the White House was "monitoring" the situation but acknowledged that details remain limited. "Hopefully it's not as bad as we fear it could be," he said while confirming he has been briefed by Rubio. "We don't know a whole lot of details," added the US Vice President.<h2>Broader context</h2>According to AFP, incidents involving small boats near Cuban waters are not uncommon. The Cuban government often reports incursions by speedboats from the US into its territorial waters. These attempts are often linked to people smuggling or drug trafficking, and sometimes escalate into armed confrontations. In recent years, worsening shortages of food, medicine and electricity have pushed many Cubans to attempt the crossing to Florida, just 100 miles away.The clash comes at a delicate moment. Washington recently eased parts of a virtual oil siege on Cuba following the US-backed ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Before Maduro's ouster, Cuba had relied heavily on Venezuelan fuel imports for about half its fuel needs. &nbsp;

Four people were killed and six were wounded after Cuba’s coast guard fired on a US-registered speedboat near Cayo Falcones that reportedly entered Cuban waters and allegedly opened fire on Cuban forces.

Scroll down to read more.

Cuba's coast guard on Wednesday (Feb 25) said that it had killed four people and wounded six others on a US-registered speedboat after an exchange of gunfire near Cuban territorial waters. According to authorities, the vessel was trying to "illegally" enter Cuban waters. The incident has triggered renewed tension between the two countries, with Washington saying that it was seeking its own facts and would "respond accordingly" What happened? According to Cuba’s interior ministry, the vessel, registered in Florida as FL7726SH, was detected about one nautical mile from Cayo Falcones. Authorities described it as an "illegal" entry into Cuban waters. As a patrol boat approached, officials said "shots were fired from the illegal speedboat," injuring the Cuban commander. Cuban forces returned fire. "As a result of the clash, at the time of this report, on the foreign side, four aggressors were killed, and six others were wounded," the ministry said, adding that the injured were taken for medical treatment. It claimed that the boat was carrying 10 people armed with assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms. All 10 passengers were Cubans living in the US, and most "have a known history of criminal and violent activity," it added. Also read | Did Trump announce a 'third term' in his 2026 State of the Union address? Here’s the truth Havana did not disclose the nationalities of those aboard or explain why the boat was heading toward the island. How will the US respond to this? In Washington, officials have, for now, signalled caution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to St Kitts and Nevis for a Caribbean summit, said the United States would conduct its own review before drawing conclusions. "We're not going to base our conclusions on what they've (Cuba) told us," Rubio said, adding that the US would "respond accordingly" once more facts are known. Florida's attorney general has ordered a state-level investigation into the killings. Also read | REVEALED! At least 6 Epstein secret storage units missed by FBI. What are they hiding? Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, said the White House was "monitoring" the situation but acknowledged that details remain limited. "Hopefully it's not as bad as we fear it could be," he said while confirming he has been briefed by Rubio. "We don't know a whole lot of details," added the US Vice President. Broader context According to AFP, incidents involving small boats near Cuban waters are not uncommon. The Cuban government often reports incursions by speedboats from the US into its territorial waters. These attempts are often linked to people smuggling or drug trafficking, and sometimes escalate into armed confrontations. In recent years, worsening shortages of food, medicine and electricity have pushed many Cubans to attempt the crossing to Florida, just 100 miles away. The clash comes at a delicate moment. Washington recently eased parts of a virtual oil siege on Cuba following the US-backed ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Before Maduro's ouster, Cuba had relied heavily on Venezuelan fuel imports for about half its fuel needs.

Four people were killed and six were wounded after Cuba’s coast guard fired on a US-registered speedboat near Cayo Falcones that reportedly entered Cuban waters and allegedly opened fire on Cuban forces.Scroll down to read more.

Deadly shootout off Cuban coast: Cuba coast guard kills 4, injures 6 aboard US boat. How will Washington respond?

The pace, the speed, the rush – and amid all this, a warm, heart-wrenching story surfaces; we all can do nothing but stop. To stop and pause a little may seem like a luxury, as we are constantly racing and sometimes neglecting our emotional side. On many occasions, we are guilty of even having one. But Punch, the seven-month-old macaque monkey native to Japan, was that pause we all needed. To the technical ones, it may just be a mere trend.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Emotional trigger point</h2>&nbsp;Again, it was only a trend that made many appreciate the little one and salute his struggle as he expressed his need for his mother, who abandoned him at the time of birth. We acknowledged the fight and resilience he had to show early on in life. The soft toy he has been dragging around also garnered some limelight. It is an Ikea ‘Djungelskog soft toy, orangutan’, priced at $19.99. The soft toy plays the second lead but a pivotal role in Punch’s story, and its now reportedly out of stock in Japan and other countries.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-punch-effect-baby-monkey-s-orange-orangutan-soft-toy-sold-out-1772031203715">The Punch effect: Baby monkey's orange orangutan soft toy sold out</a>&nbsp;While many have rushed to buy the toy, which is now labelled a bestseller, others in Japan have queued up to catch a glimpse of Punch. The tiny primate is unaware he is making ripples on the internet, and that many think he's ‘cute’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

7 month-old male macaque monkey named Punch

<h2>PETA says…</h2>"Zoos are not sanctuaries -- they are places where animals are confined, deprived of autonomy, and denied the complex environments and social lives they would have in the wild," People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was quoted by news agency AFP. "What some are calling 'cute' is actually a glimpse into the trauma of a young, highly social primate coping with isolation and loss," the group's Asia director, Jason Baker, said in a statement. "Until facilities stop treating sentient beings as attractions, animals like Punch will continue to suffer in captivity," Baker said, calling for Punch to be moved to a "reputable sanctuary, where he could live in a more natural environment".<h2>Victim of illegal trade</h2> But the bigger matter here is that the internet’s favourite also happens to belong to the species of primates, which are victims of laundering due to their forced involvement in biomedical research globally. Macaque monkeys are used in lab experiments and are typically part of the penultimate and crucial round before human trials. Illegal trade and laundering, which subjects them to harsh treatment, is the usual life for many monkeys like him. Is his presence in the Ichikawa City zoo in Tokyo a boon or a bane? Even in the wild, these monkeys have been captured and used in experiments. Sometimes treated like pests and culled. According to the European Animal Research Association, “All leading Covid-19 vaccine candidates (Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, J&amp;J) used rhesus macaques during preclinical testing.” The International Union for Conservation of Nature has reported that in the last three decades, the population of wild monkeys has declined by 50-70%. This is due to the lab demands, which lead to illegal trade and monkey laundering. These wild macaques are “funneled through breeding farms in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and exported as captive-bred animals.” <h2>Medical breakthrough</h2> <ul><li>Monkeys have played an important role in the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in treating AID/HIV. They were involved in the study, which reduced the morbidity and mortality of those infected with HIV. </li><li>In Parkinson’s disease, monkeys were used in the research, which led to dopaminergic therapies. </li><li>Breast cancer drug Herceptin, which was earlier recommended to nursing mothers, has been reduced as a study showed that the drug was secreted in breast milk. </li><li>Antidepressants were developed after research on monkeys led to the initial theory of the cause of depression.</li></ul>

Punch, the macaque monkey photographed with his soft toy, has become an internet sensation. Even his orange orangutan toy has now gone off the shelves, but here's what needs more attention.

The pace, the speed, the rush – and amid all this, a warm, heart-wrenching story surfaces; we all can do nothing but stop. To stop and pause a little may seem like a luxury, as we are constantly racing and sometimes neglecting our emotional side. On many occasions, we are guilty of even having one. But Punch, the seven-month-old macaque monkey native to Japan, was that pause we all needed. To the technical ones, it may just be a mere trend. Emotional trigger point Again, it was only a trend that made many appreciate the little one and salute his struggle as he expressed his need for his mother, who abandoned him at the time of birth. We acknowledged the fight and resilience he had to show early on in life. The soft toy he has been dragging around also garnered some limelight. It is an Ikea ‘Djungelskog soft toy, orangutan’, priced at $19.99. The soft toy plays the second lead but a pivotal role in Punch’s story, and its now reportedly out of stock in Japan and other countries. Also read: The Punch effect: Baby monkey's orange orangutan soft toy sold out While many have rushed to buy the toy, which is now labelled a bestseller, others in Japan have queued up to catch a glimpse of Punch. The tiny primate is unaware he is making ripples on the internet, and that many think he's ‘cute’.

Punch, the macaque monkey photographed with his soft toy, has become an internet sensation. Even his orange orangutan toy has now gone off the shelves, but here's what needs more attention.

As Punch stroked our emotional side, we ignored dark lives of macaque monkeys

In a historic development, scientists in China have reversed the type-2 diabetes using stem-cell therapy, marking a globally significant milestone. The Chinese researchers succeeded after they established stem cell therapy to transplant healthy pancreatic cells to copy the work of insulin that is regulated inside our body. The experiment succeeded for the first time, wherein the patient isn't dependent on injectable insulin or medication while managing their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications. However, once a person becomes insulin dependent, it becomes extremely difficult to restore the normal function of the body, according to a report in the NDTV.<h3>How was type-2 diabetes reversed during experiments?</h3>While reversing type 2 diabetes, researchers involved several key steps. First, researchers obtain stem cells either from the patient or from a donor. These cells are used because of their unique ability to develop into various specialised cell types capable of carrying out specific functions. In laboratory settings, scientists expose the stem cells to targeted chemical and genetic signals that direct them to become pancreatic islet cells, particularly beta cells, which naturally produce insulin. Once reprogrammed, these cells are cultivated into clusters that replicate the structure of healthy pancreatic tissue. These clusters can detect changes in blood glucose levels and release insulin as required. Later, these clusters that produce insulin are transplanted into the body of the patient, most likely in the abdomen. Once inserted, they combined with the blood supply of the patient. But the primary issue experienced is determining whether the cells are accepted or rejected, which will determine the outcome. After transplantation, the newly developed cells begin functioning like healthy pancreatic beta cells, sensing rising blood glucose and releasing insulin as needed to bring sugar levels down naturally. As a result, patients may significantly reduce or no longer need external insulin injections. In the final stage, doctors closely observe patients to confirm that the transplanted cells remain viable, continue producing insulin, and do not cause immune reactions or other complications. Stem cell–based treatment for type 2 diabetes represents a form of regenerative medicine with the potential to offer more personalised and long-term solutions for managing the disease.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientist-claims-heaven-lies-in-the-physical-universe-and-tells-its-exact-location-1771939781638">Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT locatio</a>n

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications. 

In a historic development, scientists in China have reversed the type-2 diabetes using stem-cell therapy, marking a globally significant milestone. The Chinese researchers succeeded after they established stem cell therapy to transplant healthy pancreatic cells to copy the work of insulin that is regulated inside our body. The experiment succeeded for the first time, wherein the patient isn't dependent on injectable insulin or medication while managing their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications. However, once a person becomes insulin dependent, it becomes extremely difficult to restore the normal function of the body, according to a report in the NDTV. How was type-2 diabetes reversed during experiments? While reversing type 2 diabetes, researchers involved several key steps. First, researchers obtain stem cells either from the patient or from a donor. These cells are used because of their unique ability to develop into various specialised cell types capable of carrying out specific functions. In laboratory settings, scientists expose the stem cells to targeted chemical and genetic signals that direct them to become pancreatic islet cells, particularly beta cells, which naturally produce insulin. Once reprogrammed, these cells are cultivated into clusters that replicate the structure of healthy pancreatic tissue. These clusters can detect changes in blood glucose levels and release insulin as required. Later, these clusters that produce insulin are transplanted into the body of the patient, most likely in the abdomen. Once inserted, they combined with the blood supply of the patient. But the primary issue experienced is determining whether the cells are accepted or rejected, which will determine the outcome. After transplantation, the newly developed cells begin functioning like healthy pancreatic beta cells, sensing rising blood glucose and releasing insulin as needed to bring sugar levels down naturally. As a result, patients may significantly reduce or no longer need external insulin injections. In the final stage, doctors closely observe patients to confirm that the transplanted cells remain viable, continue producing insulin, and do not cause immune reactions or other complications. Stem cell–based treatment for type 2 diabetes represents a form of regenerative medicine with the potential to offer more personalised and long-term solutions for managing the disease. Also read: Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT location

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications.&nbsp;

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