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The United States on Saturday (Oct 10) authorised the release of up to four million barrels of crude oil from its strategic reserves to offset supply disruptions caused by storm Isaias in the country's southeast. Under the "emergency exchange," ExxonMobil and BP American can each receive up to two million barrels to help keep their refineries running, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement issued by the Department of Energy.&nbsp;Both companies must return the crude to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in 2027. They will also have to add a "premium" amount beyond what they borrowed, the department said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-isaias-threatens-dangerous-storm-surge-and-flooding-1791534948401/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-isaias-threatens-dangerous-storm-surge-and-flooding-1791534948401/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Isaias made landfall in Florida on Friday (Oct 9) as a Category 2 hurricane. It has severely disrupted oil production in the US Gulf Coast region. A personnel had been evacuated from 129 production platforms, about a third of the facilities in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a federal agency. More than two-thirds of Gulf oil production was shut down as a precaution, equal to almost 1.5 million barrels a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-isaias-makes-landfall-in-florida-as-category-2-storm-threatens-gulf-coast-with-life-threatening-surge-1791598651663">Hurricane Isaias makes landfall in Florida as Category 2 storm with winds of 105mph, threatens Gulf Coast with life-threatening surge</a>&nbsp;Chevron, BP and Shell were among the companies that shut platforms and evacuated staff. Industry experts said the storm could still nudge fuel prices higher if power outages shut refineries, though some said any impact on gasoline prices would be minimal and mostly regional.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-isaias-shatters-a-121-year-old-record-landfall-and-other-details-1791518049967">Hurricane Isaias shatters a 121-year-old record - Landfall and other details</a>&nbsp;The SPR was already being drawn down before the storm. Energy markets were shaken by the US war with Iran, and the reserve has fallen to its lowest level since 1982.Since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, 132 million barrels have been withdrawn from the 415 million held in reserve. Washington has pledged to gradually release a total of 172 million barrels.

The US Department of Energy has authorized the release of up to four million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to ExxonMobil and BP following Gulf Coast production shutdowns caused by Hurricane Isaias. 

The United States on Saturday (Oct 10) authorised the release of up to four million barrels of crude oil from its strategic reserves to offset supply disruptions caused by storm Isaias in the country's southeast. Under the "emergency exchange," ExxonMobil and BP American can each receive up to two million barrels to help keep their refineries running, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement issued by the Department of Energy. Both companies must return the crude to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in 2027. They will also have to add a "premium" amount beyond what they borrowed, the department said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-isaias-threatens-dangerous-storm-surge-and-flooding-1791534948401/embed Isaias made landfall in Florida on Friday (Oct 9) as a Category 2 hurricane. It has severely disrupted oil production in the US Gulf Coast region. A personnel had been evacuated from 129 production platforms, about a third of the facilities in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a federal agency. More than two-thirds of Gulf oil production was shut down as a precaution, equal to almost 1.5 million barrels a day. Also read: Hurricane Isaias makes landfall in Florida as Category 2 storm with winds of 105mph, threatens Gulf Coast with life-threatening surge Chevron, BP and Shell were among the companies that shut platforms and evacuated staff. Industry experts said the storm could still nudge fuel prices higher if power outages shut refineries, though some said any impact on gasoline prices would be minimal and mostly regional. Also read: Hurricane Isaias shatters a 121-year-old record - Landfall and other details The SPR was already being drawn down before the storm. Energy markets were shaken by the US war with Iran, and the reserve has fallen to its lowest level since 1982. Since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, 132 million barrels have been withdrawn from the 415 million held in reserve. Washington has pledged to gradually release a total of 172 million barrels.

The US Department of Energy has authorized the release of up to four million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to ExxonMobil and BP following Gulf Coast production shutdowns caused by Hurricane Isaias.

US taps strategic petroleum reserve, releasing 4 million barrels after hurricane isaias disruption

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Oct 10) called for Ukraine to elect a new president willing to agree to a peace deal, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries that he said had contributed to rising diesel prices ahead of the US elections. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had told Zelensky he could continue military operations against Russia but warned him against targeting refineries. “He better damn well stop,” Trump said, adding that he believed “it's time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would agree to end the war.Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign on Saturday (Oct 11) accused Meta of interfering in election, alleging that his content was blocked on the company's platforms. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in the October 25 runoff. His opponent is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro finished first in last Sunday's opening round.Back home in India, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das have been released 22 hours after flight detention by the executive magistrate, confirmed CJP's legal team head Ratna Singh. She also said that the magistrate set a condition that the leaders “should not breach peace for one year.”Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign on Saturday (Oct 11) accused Meta of interfering in election, alleging that his content was blocked on the company's platforms. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in the October 25 runoff. His opponent is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro finished first in last Sunday's opening round.In a statement, the campaign said platforms owned by Meta, which also runs Facebook and WhatsApp alongside Instagram, had restricted the reach of Lula's content. It said that in recent days Meta stopped his profile from promoting Instagram feed posts, and that view counts on one post from his official account were interrupted, limiting its reach. The campaign further claimed that before the first round, the profiles of Lula and other leftist leaders suddenly vanished from Instagram's search function. The statement said the series of technical problems raised strong suspicions that Meta was attempting to influence the electoral process in favour of Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lula-campaign-accuses-meta-of-election-interference-after-social-media-content-blocked-1791685466689">Read more</a>

Today's top updates: Donald Trump calls for Ukraine to elect a new president over Russian oil refinery strikes, Lula da Silva’s campaign accuses Meta of election interference in Brazil, and CJP leaders in India are released after 22 hours in detention.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Oct 10) called for Ukraine to elect a new president willing to agree to a peace deal, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries that he said had contributed to rising diesel prices ahead of the US elections. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had told Zelensky he could continue military operations against Russia but warned him against targeting refineries. “He better damn well stop,” Trump said, adding that he believed “it's time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would agree to end the war. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign on Saturday (Oct 11) accused Meta of interfering in election, alleging that his content was blocked on the company's platforms. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in the October 25 runoff. His opponent is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro finished first in last Sunday's opening round. Back home in India, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das have been released 22 hours after flight detention by the executive magistrate, confirmed CJP's legal team head Ratna Singh. She also said that the magistrate set a condition that the leaders “should not breach peace for one year.” Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Today's top updates: Donald Trump calls for Ukraine to elect a new president over Russian oil refinery strikes, Lula da Silva’s campaign accuses Meta of election interference in Brazil, and CJP leaders in India are released after 22 hours in detention.

Latest News India & World LIVE updates: Trump urges Ukraine to elect new leader, Lula accuses Meta of interference, and detained CJP leaders released

The Pentagon has officially updated its count of US service members who have been killed in the war with Iran to 21 from the previous figure of 18. This come after a Washington Post report last month said that Iran war has led to more casualties of the US troops than previously claimed by the Pentagon publicly.&nbsp;The report cited six US officials familiar with the Defense Department’s internal casualty accounting data, who put the number at 22, four ​more than were listed in the data available on the Pentagon's public database earlier.&nbsp;The latest update to the US’s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) includes the two noncombat deaths of Army National Guard Maj. Sorffly Davius, who died in Kuwait in March, and an unidentified Navy suicide, reported The Washington Post.&nbsp;After the media house reported of Pentagon hiding the actual number of casualties, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied the report and called it "a complete LIE."&nbsp;Taking to X Hegseth wrote, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE."&nbsp;He further criticised the newspaper saying, “Shame on the Washington Post — they’re worse than Iranian state media.”&nbsp;<h2>US facing shortfall of munitions?</h2>&nbsp;Other than human casualties, the US is also facing munition shortfall. On Spetember 14, the inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report had said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry.&nbsp;“Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report.

After the media house reported of Pentagon hiding the actual number of casualties, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied the report and called it a complete LIE.

The Pentagon has officially updated its count of US service members who have been killed in the war with Iran to 21 from the previous figure of 18. This come after a Washington Post report last month said that Iran war has led to more casualties of the US troops than previously claimed by the Pentagon publicly. The report cited six US officials familiar with the Defense Department’s internal casualty accounting data, who put the number at 22, four more than were listed in the data available on the Pentagon's public database earlier. The latest update to the US’s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) includes the two noncombat deaths of Army National Guard Maj. Sorffly Davius, who died in Kuwait in March, and an unidentified Navy suicide, reported The Washington Post. After the media house reported of Pentagon hiding the actual number of casualties, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied the report and called it "a complete LIE." Taking to X Hegseth wrote, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE." He further criticised the newspaper saying, “Shame on the Washington Post — they’re worse than Iranian state media.” US facing shortfall of munitions? Other than human casualties, the US is also facing munition shortfall. On Spetember 14, the inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report had said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry. “Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report.

After the media house reported of Pentagon hiding the actual number of casualties, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied the report and called it "a complete LIE."

US troop deaths in Iran war on rise? Pentagon reveals latest toll

US President Donald Trump has said that he thinks "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president." This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed US diesel deal with Russia. The Ukrainian president warned a new deal to release millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the US would provide Moscow with money to continue the war. Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday (Oct 10) that Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world" by continuing to authorise attacks on Russian refineries. Trump added that his Ukrainian counterpart ought to "stop" before suggesting Ukraine should “get a new leader who can make a deal.” Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 the country has been under martial law, meaning elections are suspended.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/russia-ukraine-war-intensifies-moscow-kyiv-trade-strikes-1791451204967">Russia-Ukraine war intensifies: Moscow &amp; Kyiv trade strikes</a>&nbsp;Trump criticized Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. "We told Zelensky, 'You can do whatever you want to Russia, but don't hit the refineries because that's a world problem.' And what does he do? He goes and hits the diesel fuel. He better damn well stop," Trump said. Trump also questioned Zelensky's approach to negotiations with Moscow. "You know what I suggest? I suggest they get a new leader who could make a deal because he could've made many deals and for some reason he never does," Trump said. "I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new President," he added. Trump also repeated his claim that the Russia-Ukraine war would not have started had he been president in 2022. "That war would have never started. There was no reason that that war with Ukraine and Russia started. It started due to incompetence. (Zelensky) lost 30% of your country and you've had over a million people go between the two of them, over 2 million people killed. That's a war that should have never started. And I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/russia-s-jet-drones-lessons-from-ukraine-for-us-1791631252287">Russia's jet drones: Lessons from Ukraine for US</a>&nbsp;According to Trump's announcement, Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel to the US and international markets, followed by further shipments in November and the months ahead. "I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter. Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel," Trump posted on Truth Social. Trump linked the proposed supplies to lower fuel prices, saying increased availability would benefit American consumers and international markets.

US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to elect a new president, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over attacks on Russian refineries and his opposition to a proposed Russian diesel supply deal. 

US President Donald Trump has said that he thinks "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president." This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed US diesel deal with Russia. The Ukrainian president warned a new deal to release millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the US would provide Moscow with money to continue the war. Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday (Oct 10) that Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world" by continuing to authorise attacks on Russian refineries. Trump added that his Ukrainian counterpart ought to "stop" before suggesting Ukraine should “get a new leader who can make a deal.” Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 the country has been under martial law, meaning elections are suspended. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine war intensifies: Moscow & Kyiv trade strikes Trump criticized Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. "We told Zelensky, 'You can do whatever you want to Russia, but don't hit the refineries because that's a world problem.' And what does he do? He goes and hits the diesel fuel. He better damn well stop," Trump said. Trump also questioned Zelensky's approach to negotiations with Moscow. "You know what I suggest? I suggest they get a new leader who could make a deal because he could've made many deals and for some reason he never does," Trump said. "I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new President," he added. Trump also repeated his claim that the Russia-Ukraine war would not have started had he been president in 2022. "That war would have never started. There was no reason that that war with Ukraine and Russia started. It started due to incompetence. (Zelensky) lost 30% of your country and you've had over a million people go between the two of them, over 2 million people killed. That's a war that should have never started. And I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump said. Also Read: Russia's jet drones: Lessons from Ukraine for US According to Trump's announcement, Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel to the US and international markets, followed by further shipments in November and the months ahead. "I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter. Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel," Trump posted on Truth Social. Trump linked the proposed supplies to lower fuel prices, saying increased availability would benefit American consumers and international markets.

US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to elect a new president, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over attacks on Russian refineries and his opposition to a proposed Russian diesel supply deal.&nbsp;

'It's time for Ukraine to get a new President': Trump warns Zelensky a day after Russia diesel deal

The man who killed eight people including a pregnant woman, children at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday night was related to the victims, said police on Saturday. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said that the 45-year-old man was related to seven of the victims, while the eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman.&nbsp;Lorah further said that the motive had not yet been established but that "mental health is at play here".&nbsp;Police were called to the scene after witnesses reported seeing a man firing a gun before he entered a home, officials said. Two women were found dead outside when police arrived, while other victims were found inside the house alongside the gunman.&nbsp;The bodies of a 5-year-old boy; a 1-year-old girl was found on the first floor of the house by the police. Two more women aged 24 and 44 and two young men aged 19 and 21 were lying dead in a stairwell; and the shooter on the second floor.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mid-term-elections-what-are-pacs-unique-american-system-that-lets-corporates-shape-voting-1791663098070">US mid-term elections: What are PACs - Unique American System that lets corporates shape voting</a>&nbsp;According to preliminary investigation the victims were killed and the suspect died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound before officers arrived at the scene.&nbsp;“Out of respect for the victims and the families, I will not discuss the details of what our officers encountered inside that home,” said the Erie police chief at a press conference.&nbsp;“But I want our community to understand the gravity of what happened and the profound impact this tragedy has had on those involved and on our community as a whole," he added.&nbsp;Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has offered his administration's "full support following the tragic mass shooting in Erie last night - killing nine of our fellow Pennsylvanians". &nbsp;

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said that the 45-year-old man was related to seven of the victims, while the eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman.

The man who killed eight people including a pregnant woman, children at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday night was related to the victims, said police on Saturday. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said that the 45-year-old man was related to seven of the victims, while the eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman. Lorah further said that the motive had not yet been established but that "mental health is at play here". Police were called to the scene after witnesses reported seeing a man firing a gun before he entered a home, officials said. Two women were found dead outside when police arrived, while other victims were found inside the house alongside the gunman. The bodies of a 5-year-old boy; a 1-year-old girl was found on the first floor of the house by the police. Two more women aged 24 and 44 and two young men aged 19 and 21 were lying dead in a stairwell; and the shooter on the second floor. ALSO READ: US mid-term elections: What are PACs - Unique American System that lets corporates shape voting According to preliminary investigation the victims were killed and the suspect died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound before officers arrived at the scene. “Out of respect for the victims and the families, I will not discuss the details of what our officers encountered inside that home,” said the Erie police chief at a press conference. “But I want our community to understand the gravity of what happened and the profound impact this tragedy has had on those involved and on our community as a whole," he added. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has offered his administration's "full support following the tragic mass shooting in Erie last night - killing nine of our fellow Pennsylvanians".

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said that the 45-year-old man was related to seven of the victims, while the eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman.

Children, pregnant woman among 8 shot dead in Pennsylvania, suspect was related to victims

India has rejected the statement by United Nations human rights office calling for release of detained protesters during large-scale demonstrations in Delhi called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). India has said that the concerns are “misplaced” and an “unwarranted interference” in the country's internal affairs. It also asked the mission to focus on "large-scale protests elsewhere."&nbsp;The response came after the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concern over reports of mass detentions of demonstrators, protest leaders, civil society members, lawyers and journalists before and during the protests in the national capital. The mission added that citizens were entitled to exercise their right to peaceful assembly, subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/right-to-protest-must-be-protected-but-delhi-police-reveals-why-it-denied-cjp-permission-for-october-10-jantar-mantar-protest-1791597649145">‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest</a>&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, India's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva said the right to peaceful assembly was guaranteed by the Constitution and safeguarded by the country's institutions, independent judiciary and free media. “We have seen the OHCHR’s remarks about today’s events in New Delhi. India is the world’s largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by our Constitution and safeguarded by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media. As in every democracy, Indian citizens exercise this right subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order. The authorities, for their part, act in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for redressal of any grievances. The OHCHR’s concerns are therefore misplaced and constitute an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of India. In this context, OHCHR would also do well to devote comparable attention to large-scale protests elsewhere, consistent with its mandate of impartiality and non-selectivity.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-register-3-firs-over-jantar-mantar-protests-demanding-cec-gyanesh-kumar-s-resignation-1791013486008">Delhi Police register 3 FIRs over Jantar Mantar protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation</a>&nbsp;The mission had said in its statement: "We are concerned by reports of mass detentions of demonstrators, protest leaders, members of civil society organisations, lawyers and journalists, before and during today’s large-scale demonstrations in Delhi. We call on the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and fulfilled."&nbsp;

India has rejected the UN human rights office's concerns over mass detentions during CJP-led protests in Delhi, calling them “misplaced” and “unwarranted interference” in its internal affairs. The UN has urged authorities to respect peaceful assembly and release those arbitrarily detained

India has rejected the statement by United Nations human rights office calling for release of detained protesters during large-scale demonstrations in Delhi called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). India has said that the concerns are “misplaced” and an “unwarranted interference” in the country's internal affairs. It also asked the mission to focus on "large-scale protests elsewhere." The response came after the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concern over reports of mass detentions of demonstrators, protest leaders, civil society members, lawyers and journalists before and during the protests in the national capital. The mission added that citizens were entitled to exercise their right to peaceful assembly, subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order. Also Read:‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest In a statement posted on X, India's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva said the right to peaceful assembly was guaranteed by the Constitution and safeguarded by the country's institutions, independent judiciary and free media. “We have seen the OHCHR’s remarks about today’s events in New Delhi. India is the world’s largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by our Constitution and safeguarded by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media. As in every democracy, Indian citizens exercise this right subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order. The authorities, for their part, act in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for redressal of any grievances. The OHCHR’s concerns are therefore misplaced and constitute an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of India. In this context, OHCHR would also do well to devote comparable attention to large-scale protests elsewhere, consistent with its mandate of impartiality and non-selectivity.” Also Read: Delhi Police register 3 FIRs over Jantar Mantar protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation The mission had said in its statement: "We are concerned by reports of mass detentions of demonstrators, protest leaders, members of civil society organisations, lawyers and journalists, before and during today’s large-scale demonstrations in Delhi. We call on the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and fulfilled."

India has rejected the UN human rights office's concerns over mass detentions during CJP-led protests in Delhi, calling them “misplaced” and “unwarranted interference” in its internal affairs. The UN has urged authorities to respect peaceful assembly and release those arbitrarily detained

'Unwarranted interference': India slams UN human rights office over remarks on Delhi protests

Businessman Hitler Mussolini Simeon Flores, who shares two of his names with infamous European dictators, has won the mayoral race in a remote Andean district of Peru, according to local election data. Flores, 45, was elected mayor of Queropalca, a municipality in the central Huanuco region. He will assume office on January 1.&nbsp;Representing the left-wing Ahora Nacion party, he secured 229 of the 663 votes cast in the October 4 elections, the National Office of Electoral Processes reported. His nearest challenger, far-right candidate Gaspar Osorio, received 204 votes.&nbsp;Flores works in freight transportation. Electoral authorities said he was a member of Popular Force, the party of right-wing President Keiko Fujimori, until 2025. Although the name is linked to Adolf Hitler, the Nazi dictator of Germany during World War II, Flores is not the first person with that name to win office in Peru. In 2021, physician Hitler Saavedra Casternoque was elected to parliament on the ticket of the centrist Somos Peru party.&nbsp;In 2018, Hitler Alba Sanchez won the mayoralty of Yungar, another district in the Andes. During his campaign, he described himself as "the good Hitler."

Businessman Hitler Mussolini Simeon Flores has been elected mayor of Queropalca in the Peruvian Andes, securing 229 votes for the left-wing Ahora Nación party. 

Businessman Hitler Mussolini Simeon Flores, who shares two of his names with infamous European dictators, has won the mayoral race in a remote Andean district of Peru, according to local election data. Flores, 45, was elected mayor of Queropalca, a municipality in the central Huanuco region. He will assume office on January 1. Representing the left-wing Ahora Nacion party, he secured 229 of the 663 votes cast in the October 4 elections, the National Office of Electoral Processes reported. His nearest challenger, far-right candidate Gaspar Osorio, received 204 votes. Flores works in freight transportation. Electoral authorities said he was a member of Popular Force, the party of right-wing President Keiko Fujimori, until 2025. Although the name is linked to Adolf Hitler, the Nazi dictator of Germany during World War II, Flores is not the first person with that name to win office in Peru. In 2021, physician Hitler Saavedra Casternoque was elected to parliament on the ticket of the centrist Somos Peru party. In 2018, Hitler Alba Sanchez won the mayoralty of Yungar, another district in the Andes. During his campaign, he described himself as "the good Hitler."

Businessman Hitler Mussolini Simeon Flores has been elected mayor of Queropalca in the Peruvian Andes, securing 229 votes for the left-wing Ahora Nación party.

Businessman named Hitler Mussolini elected mayor in Peru

At least 12 people were killed and 309 injured in an attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday (Oct 10), Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said. According to GACA, the fatalities included four Saudi citizens and residents of several other nationalities, including two Bangladeshis and one each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Some of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment at several hospitals. The airport has come under Houthi attack after tensions escalated between Saudi and Houthis last month. In its statement, GACA said, “Further to its earlier statement regarding the attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10, 2026, corresponding to 29 Rabi' Al-Thani 1448H, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) clarifies that the attack resulted in (12) fatalities, including (4) Saudi citizens and residents of the following nationalities: (2) Bangladeshi, (1) American, (1) Egyptian, (1) Jordanian, (1) Syrian, (1) Palestinian and (1) Sudanese.” "The attack also left (309) others injured, including individuals in critical condition. All injured individuals are receiving the necessary medical care at several hospitals. May Allah bestow His mercy upon those who lost their lives and grant the injured a speedy recovery. The attack also caused property damage, the extent of which is currently being assessed," the statement added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/houthis-continue-direct-hits-on-saudi-targets-t-rkiye-and-pakistan-missing-in-action-gravitas-1791569547059">Houthis continue direct hits on Saudi targets, Türkiye and Pakistan missing in action</a><h2>India's statement</h2>India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said: “We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport over the past few days, including the dastardly attack on October 10, which have led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property. We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons. The repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy returns to the region at the earliest.”&nbsp;<h2>Houthi-Saudi conflict</h2>The King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport alalso targeted on October 6 and 7, which GACA said had resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries. Airport operations were temporarily suspended while authorities assessed the damage and conducted safety inspections in coordination with the relevant agencies. Several airlines announced flight cancellations or suspensions, while the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany and Spain issued advisories urging their citizens to avoid the airport or exercise caution amid continuing security concerns. Akasa Air extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 13, while Kuwait Airways cancelled its Riyadh-bound and return flights on Saturday due to the airport closure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-exits-china-mbridge-digital-currency-us-dollar-1789902742112">Saudi Arabia exits China-led mBridge digital currency platform amid Saudi-Houthi conflict</a> &nbsp;The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia strongly recommended that American citizens avoid King Khalid International Airport and surrounding areas, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. The British Foreign Office also advised British nationals to avoid the airport until it was secure and to monitor guidance issued by Saudi authorities. The latest attack prompted several countries to condemn the targeting of Saudi Arabia and express solidarity with the Kingdom.

An attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured 309, Saudi Arabia's aviation authority said. Palestine, Egypt and Qatar condemned the strike, while airlines suspended flights and several countries issued travel advisories amid security concerns

At least 12 people were killed and 309 injured in an attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday (Oct 10), Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said. According to GACA, the fatalities included four Saudi citizens and residents of several other nationalities, including two Bangladeshis and one each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Some of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment at several hospitals. The airport has come under Houthi attack after tensions escalated between Saudi and Houthis last month. In its statement, GACA said, “Further to its earlier statement regarding the attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10, 2026, corresponding to 29 Rabi' Al-Thani 1448H, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) clarifies that the attack resulted in (12) fatalities, including (4) Saudi citizens and residents of the following nationalities: (2) Bangladeshi, (1) American, (1) Egyptian, (1) Jordanian, (1) Syrian, (1) Palestinian and (1) Sudanese.” "The attack also left (309) others injured, including individuals in critical condition. All injured individuals are receiving the necessary medical care at several hospitals. May Allah bestow His mercy upon those who lost their lives and grant the injured a speedy recovery. The attack also caused property damage, the extent of which is currently being assessed," the statement added. Also Read: Houthis continue direct hits on Saudi targets, Türkiye and Pakistan missing in action India's statement India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said: “We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport over the past few days, including the dastardly attack on October 10, which have led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property. We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons. The repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy returns to the region at the earliest.” Houthi-Saudi conflict The King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport alalso targeted on October 6 and 7, which GACA said had resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries. Airport operations were temporarily suspended while authorities assessed the damage and conducted safety inspections in coordination with the relevant agencies. Several airlines announced flight cancellations or suspensions, while the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany and Spain issued advisories urging their citizens to avoid the airport or exercise caution amid continuing security concerns. Akasa Air extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 13, while Kuwait Airways cancelled its Riyadh-bound and return flights on Saturday due to the airport closure. Also Read: Saudi Arabia exits China-led mBridge digital currency platform amid Saudi-Houthi conflict The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia strongly recommended that American citizens avoid King Khalid International Airport and surrounding areas, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. The British Foreign Office also advised British nationals to avoid the airport until it was secure and to monitor guidance issued by Saudi authorities. The latest attack prompted several countries to condemn the targeting of Saudi Arabia and express solidarity with the Kingdom.

An attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured 309, Saudi Arabia's aviation authority said. Palestine, Egypt and Qatar condemned the strike, while airlines suspended flights and several countries issued travel advisories amid security concerns

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign on Saturday (Oct 11) accused Meta of interfering in election, alleging that his content was blocked on the company's platforms. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in the October 25 runoff. His opponent is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro finished first in last Sunday's opening round.&nbsp;In a statement, the campaign said platforms owned by Meta, which also runs Facebook and WhatsApp alongside Instagram, had restricted the reach of Lula's content. It said that in recent days Meta stopped his profile from promoting Instagram feed posts, and that view counts on one post from his official account were interrupted, limiting its reach.&nbsp;The campaign further claimed that before the first round, the profiles of Lula and other leftist leaders suddenly vanished from Instagram's search function. The statement said the series of technical problems raised strong suspicions that Meta was attempting to influence the electoral process in favour of Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-election-2026-flavio-bolsonaro-beats-lula-in-first-round-but-misses-outright-win-race-heads-to-runoff-1791165120638">Brazil election 2026: Flavio Bolsonaro beats Lula in first round but misses outright win; race heads to runoff</a>&nbsp;Meta's Brazil office rejected the accusations, calling them "simply false" and unsupported by facts. In an email to news agency AFP, the company said many of the technical issues cited were not limited to Brazil or to particular accounts. It added that it complies with electoral regulations and is committed to a level playing field on its platforms.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/viral-gaffe-trump-mixes-up-india-and-brazil-in-social-post-attacking-us-voting-speed-1791181445745">Viral gaffe: Trump mixes up India and Brazil in social post attacking us voting speed</a>&nbsp;Lula's campaign has filed a complaint with the electoral court over the alleged restrictions. After the first round, Lula, who does not use a mobile phone, launched a social media push that includes videos in which he addresses his online followers directly.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's campaign has accused tech giant Meta of election interference, alleging the platform blocked social media content and deactivated ad accounts ahead of the presidential runoff. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign on Saturday (Oct 11) accused Meta of interfering in election, alleging that his content was blocked on the company's platforms. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in the October 25 runoff. His opponent is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro finished first in last Sunday's opening round. In a statement, the campaign said platforms owned by Meta, which also runs Facebook and WhatsApp alongside Instagram, had restricted the reach of Lula's content. It said that in recent days Meta stopped his profile from promoting Instagram feed posts, and that view counts on one post from his official account were interrupted, limiting its reach. The campaign further claimed that before the first round, the profiles of Lula and other leftist leaders suddenly vanished from Instagram's search function. The statement said the series of technical problems raised strong suspicions that Meta was attempting to influence the electoral process in favour of Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy. Also read: Brazil election 2026: Flavio Bolsonaro beats Lula in first round but misses outright win; race heads to runoff Meta's Brazil office rejected the accusations, calling them "simply false" and unsupported by facts. In an email to news agency AFP, the company said many of the technical issues cited were not limited to Brazil or to particular accounts. It added that it complies with electoral regulations and is committed to a level playing field on its platforms. Also read: Viral gaffe: Trump mixes up India and Brazil in social post attacking us voting speed Lula's campaign has filed a complaint with the electoral court over the alleged restrictions. After the first round, Lula, who does not use a mobile phone, launched a social media push that includes videos in which he addresses his online followers directly.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's campaign has accused tech giant Meta of election interference, alleging the platform blocked social media content and deactivated ad accounts ahead of the presidential runoff.&nbsp;

Political Action Committees, or PACs, are organisations registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that raise and spend money to support or oppose candidates for federal office in the US. Interestingly, they are tax-exempt organisations that pool campaign contributions from members, employees, or other groups and donate those funds to help or defeat political candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. Traditional PACs, formed by corporations, unions or interest groups, operate under strict limits. A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates. Super PACs operate under an entirely different set of rules. They are a type of nonconnected committee; the FEC calls them independent expenditure-only political committees, and they can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, labour unions and other PACs, which they then use to fund independent expenditures rather than direct candidate donations. The FEC counted 2,236 such super PACs through March 2026. This structure traces back to a landmark legal shift. Super PACs emerged following the 2010 SpeechNow v. Federal Election Commission ruling, which struck down limits on contributions to committees making independent political expenditures. This decision built on the broader deregulation triggered by Citizens United v. FEC the same year. The financial scale involved is significant. PACs and party committees accounted for over 75 per cent of funds raised for the 2024 election, with PACs alone contributing more than 65 per cent, or nearly $5.6 billion.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-iran-peace-proposal-trump-enriched-uranium-russia-1791654770394">Putin conveys Iran’s proposal to Trump, offers to take Tehran’s enriched uranium</a><h3>How PACs work and corporate influence</h3>Direct Contributions vs. Independent Spending: Traditional PACs can give limited, direct financial contributions to a candidate's official campaign (up to $5,000 per candidate per election), whereas Super PACs cannot give money directly to candidates but can spend unlimited amounts on independent advertising and messaging.&nbsp;The Role of Citizens United (2010): A landmark Supreme Court ruling and related court decisions (such as SpeechNow.org v. FEC) determined that independent political expenditures by corporations and unions are protected speech under the First Amendment. This allowed for Super PACs, which can accept unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals.&nbsp;Coordination Rules: By law, Super PACs are prohibited from coordinating their messaging or strategy directly with candidate campaigns, though critics argue close-knit political networks often blur these lines.

A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates.

Political Action Committees, or PACs, are organisations registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that raise and spend money to support or oppose candidates for federal office in the US. Interestingly, they are tax-exempt organisations that pool campaign contributions from members, employees, or other groups and donate those funds to help or defeat political candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. Traditional PACs, formed by corporations, unions or interest groups, operate under strict limits. A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates. Super PACs operate under an entirely different set of rules. They are a type of nonconnected committee; the FEC calls them independent expenditure-only political committees, and they can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, labour unions and other PACs, which they then use to fund independent expenditures rather than direct candidate donations. The FEC counted 2,236 such super PACs through March 2026. This structure traces back to a landmark legal shift. Super PACs emerged following the 2010 SpeechNow v. Federal Election Commission ruling, which struck down limits on contributions to committees making independent political expenditures. This decision built on the broader deregulation triggered by Citizens United v. FEC the same year. The financial scale involved is significant. PACs and party committees accounted for over 75 per cent of funds raised for the 2024 election, with PACs alone contributing more than 65 per cent, or nearly $5.6 billion. Also read: Putin conveys Iran’s proposal to Trump, offers to take Tehran’s enriched uranium How PACs work and corporate influence Direct Contributions vs. Independent Spending: Traditional PACs can give limited, direct financial contributions to a candidate's official campaign (up to $5,000 per candidate per election), whereas Super PACs cannot give money directly to candidates but can spend unlimited amounts on independent advertising and messaging. The Role of Citizens United (2010): A landmark Supreme Court ruling and related court decisions (such as SpeechNow.org v. FEC) determined that independent political expenditures by corporations and unions are protected speech under the First Amendment. This allowed for Super PACs, which can accept unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals. Coordination Rules: By law, Super PACs are prohibited from coordinating their messaging or strategy directly with candidate campaigns, though critics argue close-knit political networks often blur these lines.

A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has conveyed Tehran's proposal to US President Donald Trump on a possible resolution of the war between the US and Iran, Russia's Interfax news agency reported on October 10. The Kremlin said that Tehran's stance was discussed in a phone call between the two leaders, including a proposal on Iran's nuclear program."In coordination with the Iranian president, Putin conveyed the Iranian side's views on a possible resolution to the conflict to Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Saturday, according to Russia's state RIA news agency.&nbsp;"Putin told Trump that Moscow's offer to transfer Iran's highly enriched uranium to Russia remains on the table," said Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.&nbsp;Iran continues to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US Navy maintains a blockade on Iranian sea ports, following the more-than-seven-month-long US-Iran conflict. US and Iran have both previously agreed to a memorandum of understanding in June that attempted to resolve the conflict, but each side was reluctant to give concessions to the other.&nbsp;In the recent conversation between Putin and Trump, the Russian President hinted that diplomatic options to end the war had not been exhausted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riyadh-king-khalid-airport-missile-attack-dozens-injured-1791651898662">Riyadh airport hit in missile attack, dozens injured; 5 in intensive care</a>During a meeting with Putin, Pezeshkian noted that Tehran was willing to negotiate with Washington. The Iranian President said that Iran and the US had submitted proposals; once finalised, they will meet through existing diplomatic channels.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has thanked Putin for agreeing to supply diesel fuel to the US market while speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday."I think you heard about the oil deal with Russia. That is a big deal. That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and I want to thank President Putin, to be honest with you. We have massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and it's diesel, which is what we want. So, thank you," Trump said."We need oil for the world, and this is diesel, which is what we need. So, we're very happy to get it. We're very happy to get it. Look, we need it," he added.While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Moscow was expressing its "thanks" for a diesel deal as fresh Russian strikes killed 16 people, authorities said. Despite pushback from European leaders on easing pressure on Russia, Trump said that Ukraine need to replace Volodymyr Zelensky with a new leader to end the war. He said that Zelensky can "do what you want" against Russia, but "don't hit refineries." &nbsp;Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin's special envoy on economic cooperation, said that Trump's remark was "iconic and historic".

Putin has relayed Iran’s proposal to end the US-Iran war to Trump, while reiterating Moscow’s offer to take Iran’s highly enriched uranium to Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has conveyed Tehran's proposal to US President Donald Trump on a possible resolution of the war between the US and Iran, Russia's Interfax news agency reported on October 10. The Kremlin said that Tehran's stance was discussed in a phone call between the two leaders, including a proposal on Iran's nuclear program. "In coordination with the Iranian president, Putin conveyed the Iranian side's views on a possible resolution to the conflict to Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Saturday, according to Russia's state RIA news agency. "Putin told Trump that Moscow's offer to transfer Iran's highly enriched uranium to Russia remains on the table," said Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov. Iran continues to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US Navy maintains a blockade on Iranian sea ports, following the more-than-seven-month-long US-Iran conflict. US and Iran have both previously agreed to a memorandum of understanding in June that attempted to resolve the conflict, but each side was reluctant to give concessions to the other. In the recent conversation between Putin and Trump, the Russian President hinted that diplomatic options to end the war had not been exhausted. Also Read: Riyadh airport hit in missile attack, dozens injured; 5 in intensive care During a meeting with Putin, Pezeshkian noted that Tehran was willing to negotiate with Washington. The Iranian President said that Iran and the US had submitted proposals; once finalised, they will meet through existing diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has thanked Putin for agreeing to supply diesel fuel to the US market while speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday. "I think you heard about the oil deal with Russia. That is a big deal. That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and I want to thank President Putin, to be honest with you. We have massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and it's diesel, which is what we want. So, thank you," Trump said. "We need oil for the world, and this is diesel, which is what we need. So, we're very happy to get it. We're very happy to get it. Look, we need it," he added. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Moscow was expressing its "thanks" for a diesel deal as fresh Russian strikes killed 16 people, authorities said. Despite pushback from European leaders on easing pressure on Russia, Trump said that Ukraine need to replace Volodymyr Zelensky with a new leader to end the war. He said that Zelensky can "do what you want" against Russia, but "don't hit refineries." Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin's special envoy on economic cooperation, said that Trump's remark was "iconic and historic".

Putin has relayed Iran’s proposal to end the US-Iran war to Trump, while reiterating Moscow’s offer to take Iran’s highly enriched uranium to Russia.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday called for Ukraine to elect a new president willing to agree to a peace deal, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries that he said had contributed to rising diesel prices ahead of the US elections. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had told Zelensky he could continue military operations against Russia but warned him against targeting refineries. “He better damn well stop,” Trump said, adding that he believed “it's time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would agree to end the war.comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s oil infrastructure, which has disrupted fuel supplies and added pressure to global energy markets. Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russian refineries, seeking to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its war effort. Kyiv has claimed its attacks have disabled 51 per cent of Russia’s oil-refining capacity.According to an Axios report, Trump decided to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ignored repeated American requests to halt refinery attacks. The report also said Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, raised the possibility of cutting intelligence-sharing with Ukraine if the strikes continued, although a US official denied that a threat had been made.Trump announced an agreement for Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets amid soaring fuel prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. Zelensky criticised the move, calling it “not fair and not honest” in an interview with Axios, and warned that easing sanctions could benefit Moscow without securing concessions.

US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to elect a new leader willing to end the war, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over strikes on Russian oil refineries that he linked to rising diesel prices.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday called for Ukraine to elect a new president willing to agree to a peace deal, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries that he said had contributed to rising diesel prices ahead of the US elections. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had told Zelensky he could continue military operations against Russia but warned him against targeting refineries. “He better damn well stop,” Trump said, adding that he believed “it's time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would agree to end the war. comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s oil infrastructure, which has disrupted fuel supplies and added pressure to global energy markets. Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russian refineries, seeking to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its war effort. Kyiv has claimed its attacks have disabled 51 per cent of Russia’s oil-refining capacity. According to an Axios report, Trump decided to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ignored repeated American requests to halt refinery attacks. The report also said Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, raised the possibility of cutting intelligence-sharing with Ukraine if the strikes continued, although a US official denied that a threat had been made. Trump announced an agreement for Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets amid soaring fuel prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. Zelensky criticised the move, calling it “not fair and not honest” in an interview with Axios, and warned that easing sanctions could benefit Moscow without securing concessions.

US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to elect a new leader willing to end the war, criticising Volodymyr Zelensky over strikes on Russian oil refineries that he linked to rising diesel prices.

Multiple people were injured in a missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh international airport in Saudi Arabia. Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended after the attack, according to the Saudi civil aviation authority. Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack, but it came amid an escalation of missile attacks between Yemen's Houthi rebels and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The Riyadh airport "was targeted in an attack on Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026, amid continued attacks targeting the kingdom's civil aviation facilities", the statement reads. "The attack left several people injured, with the number still being assessed." According to a source at the local hospital quoted by AFP, five people are in intensive care, with "dozens of people injured" in all.A witness waiting to board a flight at the airport said they heard an explosion, while another reported seeing a strike that injured people and triggered a panicked rush to flee."I was on gate 403" at the domestic terminal, the witness told AFP. "I saw 401 hit, I saw injured in front of my eyes. Everyone was running."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-kuki-naga-clashes-five-killed-kamjong-ukhrul-1791643054054">5 killed in fresh Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur, 10 houses torched</a>A medical source told AFP that the health ministry had directed emergency department doctors to report to hospitals across the capital on Saturday to treat the injured."We were told we are dealing with a 'serious emergency situation'. Injured are being moved to hospitals across Riyadh", with many in critical condition, the source said.The attack came as Yemen's internationally recognised government claims to have mounted a successful offensive to retake the Bab al-Mandeb strait from Houthi rebels, but accounts vary as to whether the push has been repelled.Foreign embassies in Saudi Arabia- Britain, Canada, Germany, Spain and the United States have warned their citizens to avoid Riyadh's international airport and obey local security instructions."The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 and strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas," the embassy said in a statement posted online.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A missile attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, injuring dozens and leaving five in intensive care as airport operations were suspended.

Multiple people were injured in a missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh international airport in Saudi Arabia. Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended after the attack, according to the Saudi civil aviation authority. Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack, but it came amid an escalation of missile attacks between Yemen's Houthi rebels and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh airport "was targeted in an attack on Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026, amid continued attacks targeting the kingdom's civil aviation facilities", the statement reads. "The attack left several people injured, with the number still being assessed." According to a source at the local hospital quoted by AFP, five people are in intensive care, with "dozens of people injured" in all. A witness waiting to board a flight at the airport said they heard an explosion, while another reported seeing a strike that injured people and triggered a panicked rush to flee. "I was on gate 403" at the domestic terminal, the witness told AFP. "I saw 401 hit, I saw injured in front of my eyes. Everyone was running." Also Read: 5 killed in fresh Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur, 10 houses torched A medical source told AFP that the health ministry had directed emergency department doctors to report to hospitals across the capital on Saturday to treat the injured. "We were told we are dealing with a 'serious emergency situation'. Injured are being moved to hospitals across Riyadh", with many in critical condition, the source said. The attack came as Yemen's internationally recognised government claims to have mounted a successful offensive to retake the Bab al-Mandeb strait from Houthi rebels, but accounts vary as to whether the push has been repelled. Foreign embassies in Saudi Arabia- Britain, Canada, Germany, Spain and the United States have warned their citizens to avoid Riyadh's international airport and obey local security instructions. "The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 and strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas," the embassy said in a statement posted online.

A missile attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, injuring dozens and leaving five in intensive care as airport operations were suspended.

Christa Pike, who survived an execution attempt by lethal injection in Tennessee earlier this month, has been discharged from the hospital, according to a statement released by her lawyers on Saturday (Oct 10). Pike has been sent back to prison, where she will continue to receive medical treatment.Her legal team said that she returned to the Deborah K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center, the women’s prison where she had been incarcerated for 30 years. Pike is continuing to receive medical care at the facility as she recovers from the ordeal.“She is grateful to the first responders and her medical team for their care in these extraordinary circumstances. She is continuing to receive medical care at the prison, and we will continue to track her recovery,” her lawyers said in a statement.Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. She is believed to be the only person to have survived a US lethal injection execution attempt.A Tennessee judge had earlier ordered authorities to preserve evidence from the execution attempt, potentially laying the foundation for further legal action. Judge I’Ashea Myles ordered the state to retain items from the execution chamber, including IV lines, syringes, packaging, inserts and labels.She also sought records documenting Pike’s psychological condition before, during and after the attempt, warning the state to take “special care” with potentially relevant information.Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has paused executions in the state for the remainder of the year while officials investigate what went wrong.

Botched US execution survivor Christa Pike has been discharged from the hospital and returned to prison, where she will continue to receive medical treatment.

Christa Pike, who survived an execution attempt by lethal injection in Tennessee earlier this month, has been discharged from the hospital, according to a statement released by her lawyers on Saturday (Oct 10). Pike has been sent back to prison, where she will continue to receive medical treatment. Her legal team said that she returned to the Deborah K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center, the women’s prison where she had been incarcerated for 30 years. Pike is continuing to receive medical care at the facility as she recovers from the ordeal. “She is grateful to the first responders and her medical team for their care in these extraordinary circumstances. She is continuing to receive medical care at the prison, and we will continue to track her recovery,” her lawyers said in a statement. Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. She is believed to be the only person to have survived a US lethal injection execution attempt. A Tennessee judge had earlier ordered authorities to preserve evidence from the execution attempt, potentially laying the foundation for further legal action. Judge I’Ashea Myles ordered the state to retain items from the execution chamber, including IV lines, syringes, packaging, inserts and labels. She also sought records documenting Pike’s psychological condition before, during and after the attempt, warning the state to take “special care” with potentially relevant information. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has paused executions in the state for the remainder of the year while officials investigate what went wrong.

Botched US execution survivor Christa Pike has been discharged from the hospital and returned to prison, where she will continue to receive medical treatment.

Botched US execution survivor Christa Pike discharged from hospital, returned to prison

India has received no official offer from the United States to purchase F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Saturday (Oct 10). He also said that the government has yet to decide whether to evaluate Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft. Singh made the remarks at a press conference in Jodhpur on the sidelines of the concluding ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026.Sitting alongside the commander of the US Air Force’s Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the IAF chief responded with a quip when asked about reports of a possible F-35 sale to India.“We didn’t get any official offer,” Singh said. “Your people don’t even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Your people don't even let us go near the aircraft, and you talk about selling it to us&quot;

IAF chief ACM AP Singh says the US made no offer to sell F-35 jets to India, with the US Pacific Air Forces commander by his side, during #TarangShaktiExercise in Rajasthan https://t.co/b7iKAtQb1h&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2108957549227852019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>No decision yet on Russia’s Su-57</h2>On the Russian fifth-generation fighter, Singh said the offer had come to the IAF’s attention but that no decision had been taken on whether to assess the aircraft.“Regarding the Su-57, we have been informed that they [Russians] have made an offer to us,” he said.“Once the decision is conveyed to us (by the government), we will evaluate how well it (Su-57) meets our requirements,” he added.His remarks leave open the question of whether India will consider either foreign fighter for its future combat fleet. The country is also pursuing the development of its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft as part of efforts to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing.<h2>Tarang Shakti concludes in Jodhpur</h2>The comments came as Tarang Shakti-2026 wrapped up, bringing together the IAF and air forces from eight participating nations, including India.The multinational exercise provided an opportunity for participating forces to improve operational cooperation and exchange professional experience, as India weighs its future combat aircraft requirements.

IAF Chief AP Singh said India has received no official US offer for F-35 jets, while the government is yet to decide on evaluating Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft.

India has received no official offer from the United States to purchase F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Saturday (Oct 10). He also said that the government has yet to decide whether to evaluate Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft. Singh made the remarks at a press conference in Jodhpur on the sidelines of the concluding ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026. Sitting alongside the commander of the US Air Force’s Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the IAF chief responded with a quip when asked about reports of a possible F-35 sale to India. “We didn’t get any official offer,” Singh said. “Your people don’t even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us.”

IAF Chief AP Singh said India has received no official US offer for F-35 jets, while the government is yet to decide on evaluating Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft.

US President Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in New York on the evening of October 9, said that either Iran “gives us everything, or they don't exist any longer”, as Iranian officials remain insistent there won't be a deal until the U.S. lifts the blockade and delivers sanctions relief. The remark comes amid a seven-month-old war between the US and Iran that has caused profound shocks to the Iranian economy and fueled widespread domestic disapproval over high gas prices and inflation."Iran will be very quick, one way or the other. Either they give us everything, or they don't exist any longer. They know that," said Trump. Trump has been vacillating between threatening to resume heavier military strikes and declaring that the US will not attack Iran prior to the November 3 congressional midterm elections. On Friday, he said he is not ruling out renewed military action against Iran before midterms, and on Thursday he said the United States would not strike Tehran before Americans go to the polls.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-modi-shah-cowards-cjp-protest-crackdown-delhi-1791631967928">Rahul Gandhi calls Modi, Shah ‘cowards’ amid CJP protest crackdown in Delhi</a>Iran's leader claims that Trump is unreliable in negotiations and that the US midterm elections will not fundamentally change Iran's approach. Iran's leadership, Karimi added that “the US, especially in the Trump era, will not be compliant to any deal even if he himself signs it.”Trump was at a rally in Syracuse, New York, for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman on Friday. It was part of a national 32-day campaign blitz intended to boost Republican candidates ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. Most Americans, 69%, say the war has not been worth fighting, according to a poll published last week by the Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research. That's up slightly from 64% in July. Apart from Blakeman, Trump also campaigned for local congressional candidates, such as Kailee Buller, who is running in New York's 22nd congressional district. During his speech, Trump implored the crowd to “just pretend I'm on the ballot”.

 Donald Trump warns Iran it could cease to exist as Tehran demands a US blockade lift and sanctions relief amid seven-month-old war.

US President Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in New York on the evening of October 9, said that either Iran “gives us everything, or they don't exist any longer”, as Iranian officials remain insistent there won't be a deal until the U.S. lifts the blockade and delivers sanctions relief. The remark comes amid a seven-month-old war between the US and Iran that has caused profound shocks to the Iranian economy and fueled widespread domestic disapproval over high gas prices and inflation. "Iran will be very quick, one way or the other. Either they give us everything, or they don't exist any longer. They know that," said Trump. Trump has been vacillating between threatening to resume heavier military strikes and declaring that the US will not attack Iran prior to the November 3 congressional midterm elections. On Friday, he said he is not ruling out renewed military action against Iran before midterms, and on Thursday he said the United States would not strike Tehran before Americans go to the polls. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi calls Modi, Shah ‘cowards’ amid CJP protest crackdown in Delhi Iran's leader claims that Trump is unreliable in negotiations and that the US midterm elections will not fundamentally change Iran's approach. Iran's leadership, Karimi added that “the US, especially in the Trump era, will not be compliant to any deal even if he himself signs it.” Trump was at a rally in Syracuse, New York, for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman on Friday. It was part of a national 32-day campaign blitz intended to boost Republican candidates ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. Most Americans, 69%, say the war has not been worth fighting, according to a poll published last week by the Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research. That's up slightly from 64% in July. Apart from Blakeman, Trump also campaigned for local congressional candidates, such as Kailee Buller, who is running in New York's 22nd congressional district. During his speech, Trump implored the crowd to “just pretend I'm on the ballot”.

Donald Trump warns Iran it could cease to exist as Tehran demands a US blockade lift and sanctions relief amid seven-month-old war.

Trump on campaign blitz threatens Iran with destruction if they don't give US 'everything'

Days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk accused certain business owners, without naming them, of stopping Starlink's entry into India. In a series of posts, he alleged that 'certain oligarchs' were attempting to block the entry of the satellite internet provider into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals. A day later, Musk posted again, directly targeting Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and accusing him of maintaining a monopoly in the country’s internet market. He sarcastically addressed him as 'Prime Minister Ambani' and called 'real boss of India', and questioned whether Ambani would let Starlink compete in the Indian market. The only question is: why is Starlink facing problems getting approval from the government to enter the Indian market?<h3>Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink struggling?</h3>To secure the key licenses for Starlink in India, Musk has been striving hard since 2021. But for final security clearances and spectrum allocation, the company still needs the government's approval to start commercial services, which has moved in staggered stages. To secure the GMPCS licence, the company applied in 2024, but the approval came after two years, in 2026. Others who have received GMPCS licences include Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications Ltd. Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon Leo is also in contention for a licence. However, after clearing the hurdle, the company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply. In terms of ongoing friction, India has refuted Musk's allegations, underscoring that its satellite communications rules are fair and non-discriminatory. Even the Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. Security assessments for all three entities are currently underway, and none has yet moved to the spectrum assignment stage. The ministry clarified that all three licensees remain at broadly the same regulatory stage, dismissing claims of unfairness or discrimination in the framework's application as baseless and misconceived. Meanwhile, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer, Starlink's business operations, said that the company spent years working with Indian regulators and had built security controls into its network to meet the country's requirements. She claimed the company developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites in India after investing in building the infrastructure. Dreyer clarified that Starlink has built its operational facilities specifically for India, keeping the country's security requirements and otherregulations on priority while keeping Indian user data within India.&nbsp;On this, Pranav Koomar, Founder of PlusCash, also told WION, "Starlink has managed to clear some key regulatory barriers in India in terms of licensing, approval in the space sector, tie-ups with Jio and Airtel, and ground infrastructure creation. Nevertheless, getting approvals does not necessarily mean that there will be success from a commercial perspective. The real problem is the economics of the broadband market in India. Starlink's business model implies huge investment in the satellite network and ground infrastructure, which implies a higher cost per subscriber. The model is quite suitable for markets with high prices for broadband and a lack of alternatives to satellite broadband.On the contrary, India has one of the cheapest broadband markets and data prices in the world, with companies like Jio and Airtel enjoying huge economies of scale and low pricing for consumers. Matching those prices while sustaining margins is going to be hard for a satellite service provider. Thus, the issue here is not about getting the approvals and licenses for Starlink. What really matters is whether the company can create unit economics in the highly competitive broadband market."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scam-smuggling-and-wars-why-elon-musk-s-starlink-is-a-help-from-heaven-for-criminals-1791630930507">'Scam, smuggling and wars': Why Elon Musk's Starlink is a 'help from heaven' for criminals</a><h3>What's the real problem?</h3>Security has been a major concern related to Starlink's entry into India. In 2024, Indian officials claimed that they had recovered Starlink equipment during a drug-smuggling probe in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was also found in an army operation in the northeastern state of Manipur.&nbsp;Its ability to bypass land-based infrastructure has made it a powerful geopolitical tool in conflicts, anti-regime protests, and civil wars. In 2022, when Russia hit the communication network of Ukraine, its internet was completely cut off. Then Ukraine turned to Starlink for internet connectivity. But when Ukraine attempted to strike a Russian ship near Crimea, Musk cut off the internet, and the attack failed. This shows the power of a businessman who weiled at such an extent that it could control things. So it can become a threat to national security and a vulnerability during war. During mass anti-government protests, after the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022 and subsequent demonstrations triggered by a currency collapse, the Iranian government deployed a near-total internet blackout to stop protesters from coordinating or uploading footage. Later, thousands of Starlink terminals were smuggled across the border via underground networks. Then Musk activated the satellite beams over Iran and even pushed a specialised firmware update to help users bypass state signal-jamming equipment. This allowed dissidents to broadcast state crackdowns directly to the outside world, significantly undermining the regime's control over information flow. A similar incident was also witnessed in the Sudanese civil war; Starlink became an accidental lifeline for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group fighting against the internationally recognised Sudanese Armed Forces. In Venezuela, the authoritarian government under Nicolás Maduro has routinely restricted internet access and censored opposition media during periods of high political tension and contested elections. Then activists and opposition leaders have used smuggled Starlink terminals to communicate securely. By bypassing the state-owned telecom provider (CANTV), opposition networks maintained coordination despite government mandates to silence them, altering how political resistance operates in the country. So, with the entry of this tech, states can no longer easily use the "internet kill switch" to suppress domestic unrest. This has caused significant security anxiety globally. The next major issue is pricing, as the company has yet to reveal final prices for India, and questions have remained about affordability, particularly in rural areas. In the US, Starlink's plans start at $55 a month; however, prices and equipment costs vary by plan and location. Currently, Starlink has been licensed in more than 165 countries.

The Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. 

Days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk accused certain business owners, without naming them, of stopping Starlink's entry into India. In a series of posts, he alleged that 'certain oligarchs' were attempting to block the entry of the satellite internet provider into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals. A day later, Musk posted again, directly targeting Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and accusing him of maintaining a monopoly in the country’s internet market. He sarcastically addressed him as 'Prime Minister Ambani' and called 'real boss of India', and questioned whether Ambani would let Starlink compete in the Indian market. The only question is: why is Starlink facing problems getting approval from the government to enter the Indian market? Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink struggling? To secure the key licenses for Starlink in India, Musk has been striving hard since 2021. But for final security clearances and spectrum allocation, the company still needs the government's approval to start commercial services, which has moved in staggered stages. To secure the GMPCS licence, the company applied in 2024, but the approval came after two years, in 2026. Others who have received GMPCS licences include Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications Ltd. Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon Leo is also in contention for a licence. However, after clearing the hurdle, the company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply. In terms of ongoing friction, India has refuted Musk's allegations, underscoring that its satellite communications rules are fair and non-discriminatory. Even the Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. Security assessments for all three entities are currently underway, and none has yet moved to the spectrum assignment stage. The ministry clarified that all three licensees remain at broadly the same regulatory stage, dismissing claims of unfairness or discrimination in the framework's application as baseless and misconceived. Meanwhile, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer, Starlink's business operations, said that the company spent years working with Indian regulators and had built security controls into its network to meet the country's requirements. She claimed the company developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites in India after investing in building the infrastructure. Dreyer clarified that Starlink has built its operational facilities specifically for India, keeping the country's security requirements and otherregulations on priority while keeping Indian user data within India. On this, Pranav Koomar, Founder of PlusCash, also told WION, "Starlink has managed to clear some key regulatory barriers in India in terms of licensing, approval in the space sector, tie-ups with Jio and Airtel, and ground infrastructure creation. Nevertheless, getting approvals does not necessarily mean that there will be success from a commercial perspective. The real problem is the economics of the broadband market in India. Starlink's business model implies huge investment in the satellite network and ground infrastructure, which implies a higher cost per subscriber. The model is quite suitable for markets with high prices for broadband and a lack of alternatives to satellite broadband. On the contrary, India has one of the cheapest broadband markets and data prices in the world, with companies like Jio and Airtel enjoying huge economies of scale and low pricing for consumers. Matching those prices while sustaining margins is going to be hard for a satellite service provider. Thus, the issue here is not about getting the approvals and licenses for Starlink. What really matters is whether the company can create unit economics in the highly competitive broadband market." Also read: 'Scam, smuggling and wars': Why Elon Musk's Starlink is a 'help from heaven' for criminals What's the real problem? Security has been a major concern related to Starlink's entry into India. In 2024, Indian officials claimed that they had recovered Starlink equipment during a drug-smuggling probe in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was also found in an army operation in the northeastern state of Manipur. Its ability to bypass land-based infrastructure has made it a powerful geopolitical tool in conflicts, anti-regime protests, and civil wars. In 2022, when Russia hit the communication network of Ukraine, its internet was completely cut off. Then Ukraine turned to Starlink for internet connectivity. But when Ukraine attempted to strike a Russian ship near Crimea, Musk cut off the internet, and the attack failed. This shows the power of a businessman who weiled at such an extent that it could control things. So it can become a threat to national security and a vulnerability during war. During mass anti-government protests, after the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022 and subsequent demonstrations triggered by a currency collapse, the Iranian government deployed a near-total internet blackout to stop protesters from coordinating or uploading footage. Later, thousands of Starlink terminals were smuggled across the border via underground networks. Then Musk activated the satellite beams over Iran and even pushed a specialised firmware update to help users bypass state signal-jamming equipment. This allowed dissidents to broadcast state crackdowns directly to the outside world, significantly undermining the regime's control over information flow. A similar incident was also witnessed in the Sudanese civil war; Starlink became an accidental lifeline for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group fighting against the internationally recognised Sudanese Armed Forces. In Venezuela, the authoritarian government under Nicolás Maduro has routinely restricted internet access and censored opposition media during periods of high political tension and contested elections. Then activists and opposition leaders have used smuggled Starlink terminals to communicate securely. By bypassing the state-owned telecom provider (CANTV), opposition networks maintained coordination despite government mandates to silence them, altering how political resistance operates in the country. So, with the entry of this tech, states can no longer easily use the "internet kill switch" to suppress domestic unrest. This has caused significant security anxiety globally. The next major issue is pricing, as the company has yet to reveal final prices for India, and questions have remained about affordability, particularly in rural areas. In the US, Starlink's plans start at $55 a month; however, prices and equipment costs vary by plan and location. Currently, Starlink has been licensed in more than 165 countries.

The Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further.&nbsp;

Elon Musk sells Starlink as a force for good: internet for the remote, the disconnected, the places no cable will ever reach. Much of that is true. But there is a pattern running alongside it that Musk talks about far less, and it stretches across four continents.&nbsp;From the Amazon to Myanmar to the front lines of Ukraine, the same dish keeps turning up in the hands of people the law is chasing.&nbsp;The Amazon: Internet For Illegal Mines&nbsp;In Brazil, Starlink became a tool of environmental crime.&nbsp;Illegal gold miners operating on protected Yanomami land used Starlink to run their operations deep in the rainforest — coordinating logistics, taking payment, and receiving advance warning of police raids without ever leaving the forest. Brazil's environment agency seized dozens of terminals from illegal mines; miners reportedly painted the antennas black to hide them and favoured them because they were light enough to grab and run. The problem grew severe enough that in 2025 Brazil's federal prosecutors forced Starlink into an agreement to demand identification from users in the Amazon and share geolocation data with authorities.&nbsp;Myanmar: The Scam Cities Run On It&nbsp;In Southeast Asia, Starlink became the lifeline of an industry built on fraud.&nbsp;The vast scam compounds of Myanmar, cities like the notorious KK Park, where trafficked workers are forced to run online fraud against victims worldwide, increasingly rely on Starlink to stay online, especially after neighbouring Thailand cut cross-border power and internet to choke them. Analysts note these operations need little more than a building, captive workers, guards and reliable connectivity, and Starlink supplies the last piece. The scale drew in US lawmakers and the United Nations; regional scam operations defrauded people of tens of billions of dollars in a single year. SpaceX has said it disabled roughly 2,500 terminals powering the compounds.&nbsp;Ukraine: Smuggled To The Enemy&nbsp;On the battlefield, Starlink ended up serving the army it was meant to help defeat.&nbsp;Russian forces obtained Starlink terminals through black-market smuggling, ordered via intermediaries and moved into occupied territory and deployed them on the front line and even mounted on attack drones. A Wall Street Journal investigation described middlemen funnelling terminals to US adversaries around the world. SpaceX says it never sold to Russia and has worked with Ukraine on a verification 'whitelist' to shut unauthorised terminals down, but the smuggling exposed how easily the hardware crosses into the wrong hands.&nbsp;India: Smugglers And Insurgents&nbsp;India has its own entries in this ledger, and they are central to why it is cautious.&nbsp;Even before any commercial launch, Starlink terminals have been recovered in a major drug seizure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in an army operation against insurgents in Manipur. For smugglers and militants, a connection the Indian state cannot see, trace or switch off is precisely the appeal. These cases are not a footnote to India's security review of Starlink; they are a large part of the reason for it.&nbsp;The Common Thread&nbsp;The point is not that SpaceX arms criminals. It does not, and in each case the terminals were smuggled, diverted or bought on the black market rather than sold for the purpose.&nbsp;The point is structural. The very features that make Starlink revolutionary, portable, decentralised, independent of any national network and reachable from anywhere under open sky, are exactly the features that make it irresistible to anyone who needs to operate beyond a government's reach. A gold miner evading Brazil's forest wardens, a scam boss dodging Myanmar's blackout, a Russian unit beating Ukrainian jamming, and an insurgent in Manipur all want the same thing: connectivity the local state cannot control. Starlink, by design, provides it.&nbsp;That is the uncomfortable truth beneath the 'connecting the world' slogan. A network that answers to no local authority connects the lawless as readily as the law-abiding.&nbsp;What SpaceX Says, And What It Shows&nbsp;In fairness, SpaceX is not indifferent. It bans fraudulent and illegal use in its terms, says it is not licensed in markets like Myanmar where the misuse occurs, and has disabled thousands of unauthorised terminals when pressed. Brazil's deal shows the company can be made to add identity checks and share location data when a government insists.&nbsp;But that is the revealing part. SpaceX can control who uses its network and where, it simply tends to do so after a government forces the issue, country by country, scandal by scandal. Which is the strongest possible argument for the demand India and others are making: build that control in first, on our terms, before launch, not after the terminals turn up in a raid.&nbsp;What To Watch&nbsp;Whether Starlink's Brazil-style identity and geolocation controls are extended proactively to other markets. Whether the Myanmar and smuggling cases push more governments to demand in-country control as a condition of entry. And whether SpaceX treats the outlaw pattern as a problem to design against from the start, or keeps addressing it one embarrassment at a time.

Illegal gold miners in the Amazon, scam syndicates in Myanmar, insurgents in India and Russian troops in Ukraine all use Starlink. The satellite network keeps ending up with criminals — for the same reason governments fear it.

Elon Musk sells Starlink as a force for good: internet for the remote, the disconnected, the places no cable will ever reach. Much of that is true. But there is a pattern running alongside it that Musk talks about far less, and it stretches across four continents. From the Amazon to Myanmar to the front lines of Ukraine, the same dish keeps turning up in the hands of people the law is chasing. The Amazon: Internet For Illegal Mines In Brazil, Starlink became a tool of environmental crime. Illegal gold miners operating on protected Yanomami land used Starlink to run their operations deep in the rainforest — coordinating logistics, taking payment, and receiving advance warning of police raids without ever leaving the forest. Brazil's environment agency seized dozens of terminals from illegal mines; miners reportedly painted the antennas black to hide them and favoured them because they were light enough to grab and run. The problem grew severe enough that in 2025 Brazil's federal prosecutors forced Starlink into an agreement to demand identification from users in the Amazon and share geolocation data with authorities. Myanmar: The Scam Cities Run On It In Southeast Asia, Starlink became the lifeline of an industry built on fraud. The vast scam compounds of Myanmar, cities like the notorious KK Park, where trafficked workers are forced to run online fraud against victims worldwide, increasingly rely on Starlink to stay online, especially after neighbouring Thailand cut cross-border power and internet to choke them. Analysts note these operations need little more than a building, captive workers, guards and reliable connectivity, and Starlink supplies the last piece. The scale drew in US lawmakers and the United Nations; regional scam operations defrauded people of tens of billions of dollars in a single year. SpaceX has said it disabled roughly 2,500 terminals powering the compounds. Ukraine: Smuggled To The Enemy On the battlefield, Starlink ended up serving the army it was meant to help defeat. Russian forces obtained Starlink terminals through black-market smuggling, ordered via intermediaries and moved into occupied territory and deployed them on the front line and even mounted on attack drones. A Wall Street Journal investigation described middlemen funnelling terminals to US adversaries around the world. SpaceX says it never sold to Russia and has worked with Ukraine on a verification 'whitelist' to shut unauthorised terminals down, but the smuggling exposed how easily the hardware crosses into the wrong hands. India: Smugglers And Insurgents India has its own entries in this ledger, and they are central to why it is cautious. Even before any commercial launch, Starlink terminals have been recovered in a major drug seizure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in an army operation against insurgents in Manipur. For smugglers and militants, a connection the Indian state cannot see, trace or switch off is precisely the appeal. These cases are not a footnote to India's security review of Starlink; they are a large part of the reason for it. The Common Thread The point is not that SpaceX arms criminals. It does not, and in each case the terminals were smuggled, diverted or bought on the black market rather than sold for the purpose. The point is structural. The very features that make Starlink revolutionary, portable, decentralised, independent of any national network and reachable from anywhere under open sky, are exactly the features that make it irresistible to anyone who needs to operate beyond a government's reach. A gold miner evading Brazil's forest wardens, a scam boss dodging Myanmar's blackout, a Russian unit beating Ukrainian jamming, and an insurgent in Manipur all want the same thing: connectivity the local state cannot control. Starlink, by design, provides it. That is the uncomfortable truth beneath the 'connecting the world' slogan. A network that answers to no local authority connects the lawless as readily as the law-abiding. What SpaceX Says, And What It Shows In fairness, SpaceX is not indifferent. It bans fraudulent and illegal use in its terms, says it is not licensed in markets like Myanmar where the misuse occurs, and has disabled thousands of unauthorised terminals when pressed. Brazil's deal shows the company can be made to add identity checks and share location data when a government insists. But that is the revealing part. SpaceX can control who uses its network and where, it simply tends to do so after a government forces the issue, country by country, scandal by scandal. Which is the strongest possible argument for the demand India and others are making: build that control in first, on our terms, before launch, not after the terminals turn up in a raid. What To Watch Whether Starlink's Brazil-style identity and geolocation controls are extended proactively to other markets. Whether the Myanmar and smuggling cases push more governments to demand in-country control as a condition of entry. And whether SpaceX treats the outlaw pattern as a problem to design against from the start, or keeps addressing it one embarrassment at a time.

Illegal gold miners in the Amazon, scam syndicates in Myanmar, insurgents in India and Russian troops in Ukraine have one tool in common: Elon Musk's Starlink. Across four continents, the satellite internet designed to connect the unconnected keeps turning up in the hands of criminals and armed groups, for the same reason governments like India fear it. It answers to no one on the ground.

'Scam, smuggling and wars': Why Elon Musk's Starlink is a 'help from heaven' for criminals

Yemeni government forces are advancing against the Houthis around the Bab al-Mandab strait but have not yet taken control of the waterway, military sources told news agency AFP on Saturday (Oct 10). The Saudi-backed government announced a counter-offensive last week aimed at retaking all Houthi-held areas. The group had seized Yemen's entire western coastline in a lightning offensive. The sources said Mayun Island, in the heart of the strait, remains in Houthi hands as fighting continues.&nbsp;The Houthis confirmed that government forces attacked in the Bab al-Mandab area but said they had repelled the assault. Military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Telegram that the group had driven back "Saudi-aligned troop concentrations" advancing from the direction of Lahj towards the strait.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-continue-direct-hits-on-saudi-targets-turkiye-pakistan-missing-in-action-1791566451901/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-continue-direct-hits-on-saudi-targets-turkiye-pakistan-missing-in-action-1791566451901/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Military sources from both sides told AFP that clashes in western Yemen, particularly around the strait, had killed at least 63 people in the past 24 hours. They said 35 government troops and 28 Houthis had died. AFP noted that the claims of the warring parties could not be independently verified, as the situation is moving fast and journalists have difficulty gaining access.&nbsp;On Friday (Oct 9), a Yemeni military source within the government confirmed to AFP that forces had launched a "major operation" in the strait region with air support from Saudi Arabia, which backs the government. Riyadh leads an international military coalition helping the government fight the Houthis. Early on Saturday (Oct 10), the coalition said it had destroyed more than 130 Houthi targets in a "large-scale operation". The Houthis' Al-Masirah TV reported that Saudi strikes had hit the Bab al-Mandab area.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/houthis-continue-direct-hits-on-saudi-targets-t-rkiye-and-pakistan-missing-in-action-gravitas-1791569547059">Houthis continue direct hits on Saudi targets, Türkiye and Pakistan missing in action | Gravitas</a>&nbsp;Yemen's civil war reignited in July after four years of relative calm, before the Houthi gains along the western coastline. The Houthis are also firing drones and missiles at targets inside Saudi Arabia, including transport hubs, oil facilities and other civilian sites. Riyadh said on Friday (Oct 9) that attacks the previous day on the Saudi capital's international airport had killed three people. Saudi Arabia has retaliated with strikes on key Houthi targets inside Yemen. Houthi media reported on Friday that two people died in attacks on the airport in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa.&nbsp;Civilians are bearing the brunt of the renewed fighting in one of the world's poorest countries. According to UN data, more than 200,000 people have been displaced since July.

Yemeni government forces have launched a major counteroffensive against Houthi rebels, capturing key coastal territory and advancing to secure the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea shipping routes.

Yemeni government forces are advancing against the Houthis around the Bab al-Mandab strait but have not yet taken control of the waterway, military sources told news agency AFP on Saturday (Oct 10). The Saudi-backed government announced a counter-offensive last week aimed at retaking all Houthi-held areas. The group had seized Yemen's entire western coastline in a lightning offensive. The sources said Mayun Island, in the heart of the strait, remains in Houthi hands as fighting continues. The Houthis confirmed that government forces attacked in the Bab al-Mandab area but said they had repelled the assault. Military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Telegram that the group had driven back "Saudi-aligned troop concentrations" advancing from the direction of Lahj towards the strait. https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-continue-direct-hits-on-saudi-targets-turkiye-pakistan-missing-in-action-1791566451901/embed Military sources from both sides told AFP that clashes in western Yemen, particularly around the strait, had killed at least 63 people in the past 24 hours. They said 35 government troops and 28 Houthis had died. AFP noted that the claims of the warring parties could not be independently verified, as the situation is moving fast and journalists have difficulty gaining access. On Friday (Oct 9), a Yemeni military source within the government confirmed to AFP that forces had launched a "major operation" in the strait region with air support from Saudi Arabia, which backs the government. Riyadh leads an international military coalition helping the government fight the Houthis. Early on Saturday (Oct 10), the coalition said it had destroyed more than 130 Houthi targets in a "large-scale operation". The Houthis' Al-Masirah TV reported that Saudi strikes had hit the Bab al-Mandab area. Also read: Houthis continue direct hits on Saudi targets, Türkiye and Pakistan missing in action | Gravitas Yemen's civil war reignited in July after four years of relative calm, before the Houthi gains along the western coastline. The Houthis are also firing drones and missiles at targets inside Saudi Arabia, including transport hubs, oil facilities and other civilian sites. Riyadh said on Friday (Oct 9) that attacks the previous day on the Saudi capital's international airport had killed three people. Saudi Arabia has retaliated with strikes on key Houthi targets inside Yemen. Houthi media reported on Friday that two people died in attacks on the airport in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the renewed fighting in one of the world's poorest countries. According to UN data, more than 200,000 people have been displaced since July.

Yemeni government forces have launched a major counteroffensive against Houthi rebels, capturing key coastal territory and advancing to secure the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea shipping routes.

Yemeni government forces advance against Houthis to secure strategic Red Sea waterway

US Vice President JD Vance has yet to say whether he will run for the White House in 2028, but a campaign event for Republican midterm candidates in Ohio on Friday (Oct 9) had the feel of a Vance rally. The US VP stepped off Air Force Two and was met with a rapturous reception at an event in a flag-draped airport hangar in Lima. "Man, it feels good to be home," he told the crowd. Unusually for him on the campaign trail, he then went down to greet supporters, including a woman wearing a "Vance 2028" cap.&nbsp;The midterms themselves, on November 3, present a problem. Polls show that President Donald Trump's unpopularity, the Iran war and the cost of living could cost Republicans their majority in Congress. Ohio, which voted for Trump in the last three presidential elections, has become one of the tightest battlegrounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-india-row-erupts-jd-vance-calls-indian-tech-workers-snakes-semi-slaves-1791565541774/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-india-row-erupts-jd-vance-calls-indian-tech-workers-snakes-semi-slaves-1791565541774/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;There are close races for Vance's former Senate seat, now held by Jon Husted, and for governor, where former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is running. Vance's visit came days after Trump travelled to the state, and the 80-year-old president is due back next week.&nbsp;Losing Congress could leave Trump facing multiple Democrat-led investigations in his final two years in office. For Vance, losing Ohio could damage a political brand built largely on the blue-collar roots described in his bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy".&nbsp;Asked how important winning Ohio was to his presidential ambitions, Vance told reporters it had "nothing to do with 2028" and was about how the country is governed.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-not-going-to-be-watching-it-jd-vance-on-livestream-of-nidal-hasan-s-firing-squad-execution-1791599580452">'I am not going to be watching it': JD Vance on livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution</a>&nbsp;The 2028 race will effectively begin the day after the midterms. Vance is widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Trump, but nothing is settled. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he will not run against Vance, though his speech on Western civilisation at the Acropolis in Athens was widely read as a pitch for the job.&nbsp;Vance is increasingly bringing his family on the campaign trail. His wife, Usha, three of their four children, and their dog Atlas, flew with him to Cincinnati, where he cast an early vote. He also raises money as finance chair of the Republican National Committee, which puts him at the centre of a network of wealthy donors.&nbsp;News agency AFP reported that Vance is trying to avoid being tied to the outgoing president's policies, a problem Kamala Harris faced in 2024. His speeches have shown more awareness of families' financial strain even as Trump dismisses the "affordability hoax". Vance once compared Trump to Hitler before becoming his running mate.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-offensive-india-hits-back-at-us-vice-president-jd-vance-for-indentured-labour-remark-1791529828211">'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark</a>&nbsp;On Friday (Oct 9), Vance also distanced himself from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the announcement that a US military firing squad execution would be livestreamed. "I don't know that that's going to happen," he told an AFP reporter, adding that he would not watch.

As US Vice President JD Vance campaigns in his home state of Ohio, growing 2028 presidential buzz collides with tough midterm election prospects for Republicans facing tight Congressional races and economic headwinds.

US Vice President JD Vance has yet to say whether he will run for the White House in 2028, but a campaign event for Republican midterm candidates in Ohio on Friday (Oct 9) had the feel of a Vance rally. The US VP stepped off Air Force Two and was met with a rapturous reception at an event in a flag-draped airport hangar in Lima. "Man, it feels good to be home," he told the crowd. Unusually for him on the campaign trail, he then went down to greet supporters, including a woman wearing a "Vance 2028" cap. The midterms themselves, on November 3, present a problem. Polls show that President Donald Trump's unpopularity, the Iran war and the cost of living could cost Republicans their majority in Congress. Ohio, which voted for Trump in the last three presidential elections, has become one of the tightest battlegrounds. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-india-row-erupts-jd-vance-calls-indian-tech-workers-snakes-semi-slaves-1791565541774/embed There are close races for Vance's former Senate seat, now held by Jon Husted, and for governor, where former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is running. Vance's visit came days after Trump travelled to the state, and the 80-year-old president is due back next week. Losing Congress could leave Trump facing multiple Democrat-led investigations in his final two years in office. For Vance, losing Ohio could damage a political brand built largely on the blue-collar roots described in his bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy". Asked how important winning Ohio was to his presidential ambitions, Vance told reporters it had "nothing to do with 2028" and was about how the country is governed. Also read: 'I am not going to be watching it': JD Vance on livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution The 2028 race will effectively begin the day after the midterms. Vance is widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Trump, but nothing is settled. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he will not run against Vance, though his speech on Western civilisation at the Acropolis in Athens was widely read as a pitch for the job. Vance is increasingly bringing his family on the campaign trail. His wife, Usha, three of their four children, and their dog Atlas, flew with him to Cincinnati, where he cast an early vote. He also raises money as finance chair of the Republican National Committee, which puts him at the centre of a network of wealthy donors. News agency AFP reported that Vance is trying to avoid being tied to the outgoing president's policies, a problem Kamala Harris faced in 2024. His speeches have shown more awareness of families' financial strain even as Trump dismisses the "affordability hoax". Vance once compared Trump to Hitler before becoming his running mate. Also read: 'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark On Friday (Oct 9), Vance also distanced himself from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the announcement that a US military firing squad execution would be livestreamed. "I don't know that that's going to happen," he told an AFP reporter, adding that he would not watch.

As US Vice President JD Vance campaigns in his home state of Ohio, growing 2028 presidential buzz collides with tough midterm election prospects for Republicans facing tight Congressional races and economic headwinds.

Vance 2028 buzz grows, but looming US midterm battles could sting republican ambitions

An Iranian protester facing four death sentences was executed by hanging on Monday (Oct 5), hours after marrying a fiancée, a fellow prisoner in a ceremony held while the two were in separate cells in Isfahan, a rights lawyer told news outlet The Times. Alireza Sepahi, 25, and Mahshad Keshani, 22, a student activist serving five years in prison, knew each other before their arrests. As fears grew last Sunday (Oct 4) that Sepahi could be executed within hours, they asked Tehran-based rights lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi to marry them. Their fathers listened by phone as he read the vows. The symbolic dowry was a Quran, a stick of saffron rock candy and a red rose. The ceremony lasted about nine minutes.&nbsp;Davoudi said the idea was Keshani's. He first thought she was acting impulsively, he said, but she told him she loved Sepahi.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-ll-be-hitting-them-hard-trump-s-expletive-laden-warning-to-iran-after-missile-attack-on-us-bases-in-jordan-1785335199804">'We’ll be hitting them hard': Trump's expletive-laden warning to Iran after missile attack on US bases in Jordan</a>&nbsp;Sepahi wept and signed the consent document once he realised the proposal was genuine, Davoudi said. Keshani's father, whose daughter is an only child, also consented. The families knew each other through a community formed among protesters and their relatives after the January crackdown.&nbsp;Davoudi hoped the wedding would draw international attention and halt the execution, but it carried no power to overturn the sentences.&nbsp;Sepahi was convicted in the "Alikhani Square" trial, in which more than a dozen young men were accused of involvement in the deaths of security officers in Isfahan. Authorities say the defendants were responsible for the deaths of four officers during unrest on January 8.&nbsp;Sepahi was arrested at his family home on January 10. A former cellmate said he was hit by shotgun pellets during the raid and then interrogated and tortured for 26 days at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps detention centre. Civil society activist Mehdi Mahmoudian alleged that defendants were tortured and threatened with sexual violence to make them implicate one another.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-18-year-old-musician-for-war-against-god-four-more-moved-to-solitary-confinement-1775205610158">Iran executes 18-year-old musician for waging 'war against God', four more moved to solitary confinement</a>&nbsp;Davoudi said 15 masked IRGC interrogators attended the trial and that no evidence was presented beyond confessions the defendants said were extracted under torture. He said Sepahi denied being present when the officers were killed and that the court declined to examine footage that could have established his location.&nbsp;Sepahi had previously been prepared for a public hanging on July 28. His cousin and another defendant were hanged that day. Davoudi said Sepahi suffered a heart attack shortly before his scheduled execution and remained unconscious in hospital for several days.&nbsp;Keshani was first detained in July 2023 and arrested again during the January protests. She was sentenced to five years on charges including "propaganda against the system". Her sentence was upheld on appeal, and she is held in Dolatabad prison.&nbsp;Rights groups said Sepahi was the sixth defendant in the case to be executed. Iran Human Rights says at least 32 protesters have been executed in connection with the January protests since March 19.&nbsp;Davoudi rejected the term "execution", calling the cases "state killings based on confessions extracted under torture".

An Iranian protester, Alireza Sepahi, married his jailed fiancée via a phone call from separate Isfahan prisons just hours before he was executed, shedding light on Iran's severe crackdown on dissent. 

An Iranian protester facing four death sentences was executed by hanging on Monday (Oct 5), hours after marrying a fiancée, a fellow prisoner in a ceremony held while the two were in separate cells in Isfahan, a rights lawyer told news outlet The Times. Alireza Sepahi, 25, and Mahshad Keshani, 22, a student activist serving five years in prison, knew each other before their arrests. As fears grew last Sunday (Oct 4) that Sepahi could be executed within hours, they asked Tehran-based rights lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi to marry them. Their fathers listened by phone as he read the vows. The symbolic dowry was a Quran, a stick of saffron rock candy and a red rose. The ceremony lasted about nine minutes. Davoudi said the idea was Keshani's. He first thought she was acting impulsively, he said, but she told him she loved Sepahi. Also read: 'We’ll be hitting them hard': Trump's expletive-laden warning to Iran after missile attack on US bases in Jordan Sepahi wept and signed the consent document once he realised the proposal was genuine, Davoudi said. Keshani's father, whose daughter is an only child, also consented. The families knew each other through a community formed among protesters and their relatives after the January crackdown. Davoudi hoped the wedding would draw international attention and halt the execution, but it carried no power to overturn the sentences. Sepahi was convicted in the "Alikhani Square" trial, in which more than a dozen young men were accused of involvement in the deaths of security officers in Isfahan. Authorities say the defendants were responsible for the deaths of four officers during unrest on January 8. Sepahi was arrested at his family home on January 10. A former cellmate said he was hit by shotgun pellets during the raid and then interrogated and tortured for 26 days at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps detention centre. Civil society activist Mehdi Mahmoudian alleged that defendants were tortured and threatened with sexual violence to make them implicate one another. Also read: Iran executes 18-year-old musician for waging 'war against God', four more moved to solitary confinement Davoudi said 15 masked IRGC interrogators attended the trial and that no evidence was presented beyond confessions the defendants said were extracted under torture. He said Sepahi denied being present when the officers were killed and that the court declined to examine footage that could have established his location. Sepahi had previously been prepared for a public hanging on July 28. His cousin and another defendant were hanged that day. Davoudi said Sepahi suffered a heart attack shortly before his scheduled execution and remained unconscious in hospital for several days. Keshani was first detained in July 2023 and arrested again during the January protests. She was sentenced to five years on charges including "propaganda against the system". Her sentence was upheld on appeal, and she is held in Dolatabad prison. Rights groups said Sepahi was the sixth defendant in the case to be executed. Iran Human Rights says at least 32 protesters have been executed in connection with the January protests since March 19. Davoudi rejected the term "execution", calling the cases "state killings based on confessions extracted under torture".

An Iranian protester, Alireza Sepahi, married his jailed fiancée via a phone call from separate Isfahan prisons just hours before he was executed, shedding light on Iran's severe crackdown on dissent.

Tragic last vows: Iranian protesters marry in jail via phone call hours before groom’s execution

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as an unexpected force in the November 3 US midterm elections. The 34-year-old democratic socialist has already demonstrated that his influence can extend beyond City Hall. In June, three candidates he backed in New York Democratic congressional primaries defeated establishment-supported rivals, including two sitting lawmakers. The results strengthened Mamdani's position within the party and raised questions about whether his brand of politics could reshape Democratic campaigns elsewhere.But the Mamdani factor cuts both ways. Progressive activists see his appeal as evidence that Democrats can mobilise voters around affordability and a break with established political leadership. Republicans, meanwhile, have sought to make him a symbol of what they describe as the Democratic Party's shift to the left. Recent controversy over his comments on the October 7 anniversary has also exposed the political risks of his positions on Israel and Gaza.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-gerrymandering-these-new-us-maps-could-hand-republicans-or-democrats-the-house-decide-the-2026-midterms-1791367566921">What is Gerrymandering? These new US maps could decide the 2026 US midterms</a><h2>Mamdani's primary victories put him on the national stage</h2>Mamdani's clearest demonstration of political muscle came in New York's June congressional primaries. He backed former city comptroller Brad Lander against Representative Dan Goldman, democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier against Representative Adriano Espaillat, and state Assembly member Claire Valdez in the race for the seat being vacated by Representative Nydia Velázquez. All three candidates won their primaries.The question is: Can Mamdani's influence travel beyond his home city?.<h2>Republicans trying to make Mamdani a midterm issue</h2>Republicans have increasingly invoked Mamdani while warning voters that Democrats are moving too far to the left. The strategy seeks to connect his democratic-socialist politics with the wider Democratic Party, including candidates who do not share his positions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-victory-claims-200-days-of-war-is-trump-s-iran-gamble-turning-into-a-midterm-nightmare-us-midterms-2026-1790843647554">100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare?</a>President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has maintained a cordial relationship with Mamdani, praising the mayor after their meeting at the White House and later speaking positively about his start in office. According to the Associated Press, Trump's warmth towards Mamdani is the cause of frustration for some Republicans who are seeking to portray the NYC mayor as evidence of Democratic extremism.<h2>Mamdani's affordability message could help Democrats in midterms</h2>Mamdani's rise has been closely associated with the cost of living and calls for a more forceful economic message from Democrats. That emphasis could resonate in a midterm cycle in which the cost of groceries, fuel and other everyday essentials is emerging as a central issue for voters and a test for US President Donald Trump. According to a new AP-NORC poll, about 65 per cent of US adults surveyed said Trump's policies were responsible for today's high cost of living, while 67 per cent of Republicans said factors outside Trump's control were more responsible. Just 17 per cent approved of Trump's handling of the cost of living, while his approval on the economy stood at a new low of 26 per cent.<h2>Israel and Gaza: The recent Mamdani controversy</h2>Mamdani recently stoked controversy with his remarks on the third anniversary of the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel. The NYC Mayor, in a statement, acknowledged the "horrific war crimes of October 07" while accusing Israel of committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza.“The suffering did not begin nor end that day,” Mamdani's statement read. “It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza, in which it has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians—including more than 21,000 children. Even since the so-called ceasefire, more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed. That suffering has intensified with every Israeli bomb dropped on ambulances waiting outside hospitals, every drone strike targeting a residential building or journalist, and every shipment of food aid turned away at a border crossing. Many New Yorkers are reckoning with this unbearable grief, and we mourn alongside them—all while knowing that our tax dollars fund these war crimes.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-how-grocery-bills-cost-of-living-are-turning-the-nov-3-election-into-a-test-of-trump-1791022350055">US Midterms 2026: How grocery bills, cost of living are turning the Nov 3 election into a test of Trump</a>“Three years later, we must refuse to accept a world in which occupation and apartheid continue, where war crimes are met with impunity, and our federal government continues its complicity with every arms shipment. To honour the dead, we must fight for a world in which every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity,” the statement added.The statement triggered backlash, with Jewish leaders arguing that it diminished the pain associated with the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Some Democrats also distanced themselves from his remarks.<h2>Can the Mamdani factor shape the midterms?</h2>Mamdani has already demonstrated an ability to influence candidate selection in New York. His endorsement record gives progressives a reason to argue that the party should reconsider its approach to elections and place greater emphasis on economic insecurity and challenges to established political power.But the broader electoral effect remains uncertain. As voters prepare to choose a new Congress on November 3, the Mamdani factor is less a settled national formula than a test of the Democratic Party's direction: whether a politics built around affordability and insurgent energy can broaden its appeal, or whether the ideological battles surrounding its most visible progressive figures will become a liability.

Zohran Mamdani's influence is no longer confined to New York City. After backing 3 winning congressional primary candidates, he has become part of the wider debate. Could his politics become an asset—or a point of contention—as the US heads towards the November midterms?


New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as an unexpected force in the November 3 US midterm elections. The 34-year-old democratic socialist has already demonstrated that his influence can extend beyond City Hall. In June, three candidates he backed in New York Democratic congressional primaries defeated establishment-supported rivals, including two sitting lawmakers. The results strengthened Mamdani's position within the party and raised questions about whether his brand of politics could reshape Democratic campaigns elsewhere. But the Mamdani factor cuts both ways. Progressive activists see his appeal as evidence that Democrats can mobilise voters around affordability and a break with established political leadership. Republicans, meanwhile, have sought to make him a symbol of what they describe as the Democratic Party's shift to the left. Recent controversy over his comments on the October 7 anniversary has also exposed the political risks of his positions on Israel and Gaza. Also read | What is Gerrymandering? These new US maps could decide the 2026 US midterms Mamdani's primary victories put him on the national stage Mamdani's clearest demonstration of political muscle came in New York's June congressional primaries. He backed former city comptroller Brad Lander against Representative Dan Goldman, democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier against Representative Adriano Espaillat, and state Assembly member Claire Valdez in the race for the seat being vacated by Representative Nydia Velázquez. All three candidates won their primaries. The question is: Can Mamdani's influence travel beyond his home city?. Republicans trying to make Mamdani a midterm issue Republicans have increasingly invoked Mamdani while warning voters that Democrats are moving too far to the left. The strategy seeks to connect his democratic-socialist politics with the wider Democratic Party, including candidates who do not share his positions. Also read | 100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare? President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has maintained a cordial relationship with Mamdani, praising the mayor after their meeting at the White House and later speaking positively about his start in office. According to the Associated Press, Trump's warmth towards Mamdani is the cause of frustration for some Republicans who are seeking to portray the NYC mayor as evidence of Democratic extremism. Mamdani's affordability message could help Democrats in midterms Mamdani's rise has been closely associated with the cost of living and calls for a more forceful economic message from Democrats. That emphasis could resonate in a midterm cycle in which the cost of groceries, fuel and other everyday essentials is emerging as a central issue for voters and a test for US President Donald Trump. According to a new AP-NORC poll, about 65 per cent of US adults surveyed said Trump's policies were responsible for today's high cost of living, while 67 per cent of Republicans said factors outside Trump's control were more responsible. Just 17 per cent approved of Trump's handling of the cost of living, while his approval on the economy stood at a new low of 26 per cent. Israel and Gaza: The recent Mamdani controversy Mamdani recently stoked controversy with his remarks on the third anniversary of the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel. The NYC Mayor, in a statement, acknowledged the "horrific war crimes of October 07" while accusing Israel of committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza. “The suffering did not begin nor end that day,” Mamdani's statement read. “It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza, in which it has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians—including more than 21,000 children. Even since the so-called ceasefire, more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed. That suffering has intensified with every Israeli bomb dropped on ambulances waiting outside hospitals, every drone strike targeting a residential building or journalist, and every shipment of food aid turned away at a border crossing. Many New Yorkers are reckoning with this unbearable grief, and we mourn alongside them—all while knowing that our tax dollars fund these war crimes.” Also read | US Midterms 2026: How grocery bills, cost of living are turning the Nov 3 election into a test of Trump “Three years later, we must refuse to accept a world in which occupation and apartheid continue, where war crimes are met with impunity, and our federal government continues its complicity with every arms shipment. To honour the dead, we must fight for a world in which every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity,” the statement added. The statement triggered backlash, with Jewish leaders arguing that it diminished the pain associated with the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Some Democrats also distanced themselves from his remarks. Can the Mamdani factor shape the midterms? Mamdani has already demonstrated an ability to influence candidate selection in New York. His endorsement record gives progressives a reason to argue that the party should reconsider its approach to elections and place greater emphasis on economic insecurity and challenges to established political power. But the broader electoral effect remains uncertain. As voters prepare to choose a new Congress on November 3, the Mamdani factor is less a settled national formula than a test of the Democratic Party's direction: whether a politics built around affordability and insurgent energy can broaden its appeal, or whether the ideological battles surrounding its most visible progressive figures will become a liability.

Zohran Mamdani's influence is no longer confined to New York City. After backing 3 winning congressional primary candidates, he has become part of the wider debate. Could his politics become an asset—or a point of contention—as the US heads towards the November midterms?

US midterm elections: Why Zohran Mamdani's influence could become a headache for Democrats and Republicans

The Hamas leadership before carrying out the October 7 massacre deceived Israel into a false sense of security by activating double agents as late as the eve of the invasion to feed the Shin Bet (Israel Security Service) with fake information. They also pursued secret negotiations designed to convince Israeli officials that the organisation wanted peace and economic stability, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA).&nbsp;The study reveals that a core part of Hamas’s strategy conceived in early 2022 was aimed at creating an impression that Israel’s “carrot and stick” policy, like threats to assassinate senior Hamas leaders with economic relief for Gaza, was working for them.&nbsp;Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated, citing a senior figure in Hamas’s military wing.&nbsp;The military officer also said that the organisation had identified a major Israeli espionage network in Gaza as early as 2017 and subsequently recruited some of its members to work as double agents.&nbsp;The claims made by the study are consistent with elements of the Shin Bet’s own investigation into the October 7 intelligence failure. The investigation agency too had said that normal Hamas activity was reported before the massacre despite indications that there could be an attack.&nbsp;However, the claims that Hamas activated double agents to fool the Israeli security service has not been independently established.<h2>Hamas acknowledges using deception</h2>&nbsp;While Hamas officials have since the incident said they used deception as part of the preparations for the attack. In a late 2023 interview with Ammar Taqi, senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal admitted that, ahead of October 7, Hamas carried out strategic and tactical deception.&nbsp;“Regarding the aspect of strategic deception and the method of deception, as I mentioned, there was a general feeling that [Gaza] [under Hamas leadership] was focusing on its affairs, and wanted to bring in a certain amount of fuel, electricity and aid, meaning [Gaza] was licking its wounds and pains because of the blockade imposed on it, and after the 21 war [Hamas] did not respond to the escalation [in actions] carried out by the occupation in al-Quds and Al-Aqsa,” Mashal said, as reported by The Jerusalem Post&nbsp;

Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated.

The Hamas leadership before carrying out the October 7 massacre deceived Israel into a false sense of security by activating double agents as late as the eve of the invasion to feed the Shin Bet (Israel Security Service) with fake information. They also pursued secret negotiations designed to convince Israeli officials that the organisation wanted peace and economic stability, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA). The study reveals that a core part of Hamas’s strategy conceived in early 2022 was aimed at creating an impression that Israel’s “carrot and stick” policy, like threats to assassinate senior Hamas leaders with economic relief for Gaza, was working for them. Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated, citing a senior figure in Hamas’s military wing. The military officer also said that the organisation had identified a major Israeli espionage network in Gaza as early as 2017 and subsequently recruited some of its members to work as double agents. The claims made by the study are consistent with elements of the Shin Bet’s own investigation into the October 7 intelligence failure. The investigation agency too had said that normal Hamas activity was reported before the massacre despite indications that there could be an attack. However, the claims that Hamas activated double agents to fool the Israeli security service has not been independently established. Hamas acknowledges using deception While Hamas officials have since the incident said they used deception as part of the preparations for the attack. In a late 2023 interview with Ammar Taqi, senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal admitted that, ahead of October 7, Hamas carried out strategic and tactical deception. “Regarding the aspect of strategic deception and the method of deception, as I mentioned, there was a general feeling that [Gaza] [under Hamas leadership] was focusing on its affairs, and wanted to bring in a certain amount of fuel, electricity and aid, meaning [Gaza] was licking its wounds and pains because of the blockade imposed on it, and after the 21 war [Hamas] did not respond to the escalation [in actions] carried out by the occupation in al-Quds and Al-Aqsa,” Mashal said, as reported by The Jerusalem Post

Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated.

An alarming artificial intelligence failure has raised fresh questions about the risks posed by increasingly autonomous AI agents. An Anthropic model submitted a fabricated tip about an unsolved homicide to Philadelphia police. Authorities have criticised the company because the incident was reported to the police two months after it occurred.The Philadelphia Police Department revealed that the false tip was submitted on July 18 through PhillyUnsolvedMurders.com, a public website where people can share information about unsolved killings. The AI model presented itself as someone who might have knowledge of the case, according to the department.&nbsp;Anthropic said the model was running a test that involved interacting with randomly selected websites when it reached the homicide website and submitted the false information.The tip was flagged as spam and never reached the department's Real-Time Crime Centre for vetting, police said, adding that AI-generated misinformation involving real crimes cannot be treated lightly. Authorities added that there was no evidence that police systems had been breached or that departmental data had been compromised.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/something-truly-catastrophic-will-happen-former-openai-employees-sound-the-alarm-claim-they-were-fired-for-prioritising-ai-safety-1791511799924">'Something truly catastrophic will happen': Former OpenAI researchers sound the alarm, claim they were fired for prioritising AI safety</a><h2>Anthropic criticised over two-month reporting delay</h2>The Philadelphia police department said Anthropic discovered the incident on September 28, shut down the automated testing process responsible and introduced an additional validation step for future tests. However, the company waited till October 7, almost two months to notify the police.“The two-month delay in detecting and reporting the incident to the City is unacceptable,” the Philadelphia Police Department said. They acknowledged that existing safeguards had limited the damage but stressed that the incident remained serious.“[These safeguards] do not diminish the seriousness of an AI system presenting fabricated information as though it came from a person with knowledge of a homicide,” the department said.“Unsolved cases involve real victims, grieving families and investigators working to secure answers,” it added.Anthropic meanwhile argued that the newly disclosed incident, which was one among many, "had minimal real-world impact" and was "significantly less severe" than other cybersecurity incidents previously reported.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-scraps-gpt-6-1-astra-before-launch-after-safety-tests-expose-troubling-behaviour-1790647162376">OpenAI scraps GPT-6.1 Astra before launch after safety tests expose troubling behaviour</a><h2>Anthropic reveals other unintended AI actions</h2>The incident was among several examples of unintended behaviour outlined in a report Anthropic published on Friday (Oct 09). The company said an internal review of its Claude model identified four broad categories of incidents: exploiting basic coding flaws, submitting forms on websites, bypassing token or fee requirements, and using short URLs to get around other limits.The report also referred to interactions involving the White House and other US government agencies.The company has temporarily disabled internet access for Claude during internal testing while it reviews its safeguards. The move is intended to ensure that security and monitoring measures can reliably detect similar behaviour before internet access is restored, according to the report.<h2>Growing concerns over autonomous AI agents</h2>The episode adds to mounting concerns about AI agents, systems designed to carry out multiple steps and interact with websites and digital services with limited human supervision. Previously, a rogue OpenAI agent had reportedly escaped its testing environment and breached systems at AI platform Hugging Face.

An alarming AI failure has come under scrutiny after Anthropic's Claude model submitted a fabricated tip about an unsolved homicide to Philadelphia police. Notably, there was a nearly two-month delay before the company reported the incident.

An alarming artificial intelligence failure has raised fresh questions about the risks posed by increasingly autonomous AI agents. An Anthropic model submitted a fabricated tip about an unsolved homicide to Philadelphia police. Authorities have criticised the company because the incident was reported to the police two months after it occurred. The Philadelphia Police Department revealed that the false tip was submitted on July 18 through PhillyUnsolvedMurders.com, a public website where people can share information about unsolved killings. The AI model presented itself as someone who might have knowledge of the case, according to the department. Anthropic said the model was running a test that involved interacting with randomly selected websites when it reached the homicide website and submitted the false information. The tip was flagged as spam and never reached the department's Real-Time Crime Centre for vetting, police said, adding that AI-generated misinformation involving real crimes cannot be treated lightly. Authorities added that there was no evidence that police systems had been breached or that departmental data had been compromised. Also read | 'Something truly catastrophic will happen': Former OpenAI researchers sound the alarm, claim they were fired for prioritising AI safety Anthropic criticised over two-month reporting delay The Philadelphia police department said Anthropic discovered the incident on September 28, shut down the automated testing process responsible and introduced an additional validation step for future tests. However, the company waited till October 7, almost two months to notify the police. “The two-month delay in detecting and reporting the incident to the City is unacceptable,” the Philadelphia Police Department said. They acknowledged that existing safeguards had limited the damage but stressed that the incident remained serious. “[These safeguards] do not diminish the seriousness of an AI system presenting fabricated information as though it came from a person with knowledge of a homicide,” the department said. “Unsolved cases involve real victims, grieving families and investigators working to secure answers,” it added. Anthropic meanwhile argued that the newly disclosed incident, which was one among many, "had minimal real-world impact" and was "significantly less severe" than other cybersecurity incidents previously reported. Also read | OpenAI scraps GPT-6.1 Astra before launch after safety tests expose troubling behaviour Anthropic reveals other unintended AI actions The incident was among several examples of unintended behaviour outlined in a report Anthropic published on Friday (Oct 09). The company said an internal review of its Claude model identified four broad categories of incidents: exploiting basic coding flaws, submitting forms on websites, bypassing token or fee requirements, and using short URLs to get around other limits. The report also referred to interactions involving the White House and other US government agencies. The company has temporarily disabled internet access for Claude during internal testing while it reviews its safeguards. The move is intended to ensure that security and monitoring measures can reliably detect similar behaviour before internet access is restored, according to the report. Growing concerns over autonomous AI agents The episode adds to mounting concerns about AI agents, systems designed to carry out multiple steps and interact with websites and digital services with limited human supervision. Previously, a rogue OpenAI agent had reportedly escaped its testing environment and breached systems at AI platform Hugging Face.

An alarming AI failure has come under scrutiny after Anthropic's Claude model submitted a fabricated tip about an unsolved homicide to Philadelphia police. Notably, there was a nearly two-month delay before the company reported the incident.

Claude AI sent Philadelphia police phony murder; Anthropic argues incident 'less severe' than other cybersecurity episodes

The flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit spent about two years in Australia as a student. It is here that he was radicalised, according to prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates. Dr Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, attorney general of the UAE on Friday (Oct 9) said al-Hammami’s began to develop extremist views while he was studying at RMIT University in Melbourne.&nbsp;"The findings indicated that signs of his drift towards extremism and terrorism first emerged in 2017, while he was studying in Australia," the attorney-general was quoted as saying by the UAE's state news agency WAM.&nbsp;During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology.&nbsp;"During that period, he was influenced by takfiri [radical] ideology through reading extremist literature and following online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks," said the attorney-general.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-president-declares-major-disaster-after-powerful-7-7-magnitude-earthquake-triggers-tsunami-warning-1791605192113">Panama president declares ‘major disaster’ after powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake; over 80 aftershocks recorded</a>&nbsp;According to the statement, al-Hammami revealed to prosecutors that he drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001.&nbsp;“The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his thinking,” the statement said.&nbsp;Al-Hammami was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year. He left Australia in 2017, and his visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed he was no longer enrolled in the course.&nbsp;Australian security agencies launched an investigation after it came to light that al-Hammami spent about two years in the country as a student.&nbsp;More than 170 passengers and crew were on board flight FZ1073 on its way to Israel on 30 September.

During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology and drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001.

The flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit spent about two years in Australia as a student. It is here that he was radicalised, according to prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates. Dr Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, attorney general of the UAE on Friday (Oct 9) said al-Hammami’s began to develop extremist views while he was studying at RMIT University in Melbourne. "The findings indicated that signs of his drift towards extremism and terrorism first emerged in 2017, while he was studying in Australia," the attorney-general was quoted as saying by the UAE's state news agency WAM. During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology. "During that period, he was influenced by takfiri [radical] ideology through reading extremist literature and following online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks," said the attorney-general. ALSO READ: Panama president declares ‘major disaster’ after powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake; over 80 aftershocks recorded According to the statement, al-Hammami revealed to prosecutors that he drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001. “The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his thinking,” the statement said. Al-Hammami was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year. He left Australia in 2017, and his visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed he was no longer enrolled in the course. Australian security agencies launched an investigation after it came to light that al-Hammami spent about two years in the country as a student. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board flight FZ1073 on its way to Israel on 30 September.

During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology and drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001.

Flydubai co-pilot developed extremist views while studying in Australia: UAE prosecutors

Most Republican candidates in competitive congressional races are keeping their distance from US President Donald Trump ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, according to a news agency Reuters analysis. Reuters found that 41 of 62 Republican candidates in competitive House and Senate contests, about two-thirds, are trying to improve their prospects by separating themselves from the unpopular president.&nbsp;The steps include voting or speaking against Trump's policies, such as the war in Iran and his push on data centres, and removing mentions of him from campaign websites. Others have taken milder steps, such as declining to say whether they want him to campaign for them or skipping events he is attending.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-russian-diesel-deal-as-zelensky-criticises-move-1791594316435">Trump announces Russian diesel deal as Zelensky criticises move</a>&nbsp;The report named Miami Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers among those who have broken with Trump, over his war with Iran or hard-line immigration policies.&nbsp;At least a dozen candidates have removed Trump's name, image or endorsements from their websites. Mike Beltran, a Republican challenging Democratic Florida Rep. Kathy Castor, had a photo of himself with Trump on his site in August. It has since been taken down, and the site no longer mentions the president.&nbsp;Also identifying 11 Republican candidates who have criticised Trump on one issue while backing him on others. Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts, who is in a close race with independent challenger Dan Osborn, has criticised the plan to expand beef imports. He nonetheless joined Trump at a midterm campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday.&nbsp;Republican strategist Ron Bonjean told Reuters that candidates often distance themselves from the president in a midterm year, but the scale of the pushback within Trump's own party stands out. "Candidates are reflecting voter attitudes in these races," he said.&nbsp;The Republican Party is widely expected to lose control of the House in November. The party in power historically loses seats in the lower chamber, and the GOP's majority is currently razor-thin. Democrats need to flip at least four seats to win the Senate, including in typically Republican states.&nbsp;White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters that Trump remains "the unequivocal leader, best messenger and unmatched motivator" for the party. The Republican National Committee said the party remains committed to Trump. National Press Secretary Natalie Baldassarre said in a statement that Republicans are united behind the president's agenda of cutting taxes, lowering drug costs and securing communities. She added that the party is focused on winning and that its candidates will run the races needed to represent their districts and stop Democrats taking control. She also accused Democrats of being in a "full-blown civil war with extremists."

An analysis by news agency Rueters reveals nearly two-thirds of Republican candidates in competitive House and Senate races are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump, scrubbing endorsements, and opposing key policies ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Most Republican candidates in competitive congressional races are keeping their distance from US President Donald Trump ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, according to a news agency Reuters analysis. Reuters found that 41 of 62 Republican candidates in competitive House and Senate contests, about two-thirds, are trying to improve their prospects by separating themselves from the unpopular president. The steps include voting or speaking against Trump's policies, such as the war in Iran and his push on data centres, and removing mentions of him from campaign websites. Others have taken milder steps, such as declining to say whether they want him to campaign for them or skipping events he is attending. Also read: Trump announces Russian diesel deal as Zelensky criticises move The report named Miami Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers among those who have broken with Trump, over his war with Iran or hard-line immigration policies. At least a dozen candidates have removed Trump's name, image or endorsements from their websites. Mike Beltran, a Republican challenging Democratic Florida Rep. Kathy Castor, had a photo of himself with Trump on his site in August. It has since been taken down, and the site no longer mentions the president. Also identifying 11 Republican candidates who have criticised Trump on one issue while backing him on others. Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts, who is in a close race with independent challenger Dan Osborn, has criticised the plan to expand beef imports. He nonetheless joined Trump at a midterm campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday. Republican strategist Ron Bonjean told Reuters that candidates often distance themselves from the president in a midterm year, but the scale of the pushback within Trump's own party stands out. "Candidates are reflecting voter attitudes in these races," he said. The Republican Party is widely expected to lose control of the House in November. The party in power historically loses seats in the lower chamber, and the GOP's majority is currently razor-thin. Democrats need to flip at least four seats to win the Senate, including in typically Republican states. White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters that Trump remains "the unequivocal leader, best messenger and unmatched motivator" for the party. The Republican National Committee said the party remains committed to Trump. National Press Secretary Natalie Baldassarre said in a statement that Republicans are united behind the president's agenda of cutting taxes, lowering drug costs and securing communities. She added that the party is focused on winning and that its candidates will run the races needed to represent their districts and stop Democrats taking control. She also accused Democrats of being in a "full-blown civil war with extremists."

An analysis by news agency Rueters reveals nearly two-thirds of Republican candidates in competitive House and Senate races are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump, scrubbing endorsements, and opposing key policies ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Two-thirds of competitive GOP candidates split with trump ahead of November midterms

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