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New Delhi: Singapore’s prime minister and former premier have condemned a wave of racist online comments targeting the country’s Indian community, warning that prejudice must not be allowed to take root. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said an “uglier side” had emerged after flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border left nine Singaporeans missing and after questions were raised about Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India.&nbsp;“Racist comments were made about Singaporeans who remain missing,” he wrote. “More recently, questions about SIA’s investment in Air India have been accompanied by anti-Indian abuse.” Wong said Singapore could and should have robust debate. “But we should never use seemingly legitimate arguments as a cover to fuel prejudice against any community or hostility towards foreigners.”&nbsp;Such views “do not represent Singapore”, he added. “But neither can we dismiss them as harmless online chatter. If such behaviour goes unchecked, it can become normalised, deepen mistrust between communities, and pull us apart.”&nbsp;Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2024, said the country’s first response to the Nepal disaster should have been “compassion and solidarity”. “It is deeply troubling to see racist comments and hateful remarks directed at our Indian community in the wake of the tragedy,” he said. “It is equally troubling when legitimate issues for public discussion, like Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India, are distorted or exploited to stir vicious racial, anti-Indian resentment.”&nbsp;Lee said race and religion would “always be a fault line” in Singapore. “Human beings are not race blind. Singapore will always be vulnerable to these visceral and divisive pulls.” The comments follow remarks on Saturday by Senior Minister and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, who said police were investigating “shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable” posts, including those from overseas accounts.&nbsp;Some comments about the missing Singaporeans suggested they were “not our own” or used a derogatory term for Indians. Criticism of the Air India investment included racial stereotypes and attacks on Temasek executives. The 26 August floods, triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayas, have killed more than 1,200 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Singapore has sent police specialists to help identify victims and provided humanitarian aid.&nbsp;Wong said similar anti-foreigner and racial sentiments had surfaced during Covid-19, debates over a free-trade pact, and last year’s general election. “There will always be people who seek to exploit our differences,” he wrote. “How we respond is up to us.”&nbsp;Both men invoked Singapore’s National Pledge. “We must never allow prejudice against any community to become accepted or normal in Singapore,” Wong said. Lee urged citizens to “reject hatred… and stand by one another regardless of race, language or religion.”

Some comments about the missing Singaporeans suggested they were “not our own” or used a derogatory term for Indians. Criticism of the Air India investment included racial stereotypes and attacks on Temasek executives.

New Delhi: Singapore’s prime minister and former premier have condemned a wave of racist online comments targeting the country’s Indian community, warning that prejudice must not be allowed to take root. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said an “uglier side” had emerged after flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border left nine Singaporeans missing and after questions were raised about Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India. “Racist comments were made about Singaporeans who remain missing,” he wrote. “More recently, questions about SIA’s investment in Air India have been accompanied by anti-Indian abuse.” Wong said Singapore could and should have robust debate. “But we should never use seemingly legitimate arguments as a cover to fuel prejudice against any community or hostility towards foreigners.” Such views “do not represent Singapore”, he added. “But neither can we dismiss them as harmless online chatter. If such behaviour goes unchecked, it can become normalised, deepen mistrust between communities, and pull us apart.” Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2024, said the country’s first response to the Nepal disaster should have been “compassion and solidarity”. “It is deeply troubling to see racist comments and hateful remarks directed at our Indian community in the wake of the tragedy,” he said. “It is equally troubling when legitimate issues for public discussion, like Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India, are distorted or exploited to stir vicious racial, anti-Indian resentment.” Lee said race and religion would “always be a fault line” in Singapore. “Human beings are not race blind. Singapore will always be vulnerable to these visceral and divisive pulls.” The comments follow remarks on Saturday by Senior Minister and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, who said police were investigating “shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable” posts, including those from overseas accounts. Some comments about the missing Singaporeans suggested they were “not our own” or used a derogatory term for Indians. Criticism of the Air India investment included racial stereotypes and attacks on Temasek executives. The 26 August floods, triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayas, have killed more than 1,200 people. Singapore has sent police specialists to help identify victims and provided humanitarian aid. Wong said similar anti-foreigner and racial sentiments had surfaced during Covid-19, debates over a free-trade pact, and last year’s general election. “There will always be people who seek to exploit our differences,” he wrote. “How we respond is up to us.” Both men invoked Singapore’s National Pledge. “We must never allow prejudice against any community to become accepted or normal in Singapore,” Wong said. Lee urged citizens to “reject hatred… and stand by one another regardless of race, language or religion.”

Some comments about the missing Singaporeans suggested they were “not our own” or used a derogatory term for Indians. Criticism of the Air India investment included racial stereotypes and attacks on Temasek executives.

Singapore leaders condemn anti-Indian racism after Nepal floods, SIA-Air India investment deal

Following talks with US envoys in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Sep 6) warned that war with Russia appears likely to continue this winter. Although he suggested that there was a “positive assessment” of talks with US President Donald Trump’s negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelensky added that US and Ukrainian teams also discussed security and economic guarantees for Kyiv. This comes after Witkoff and Kushner marked their first visit to Kyiv. The meeting came a day after they held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.<h2>War to continue in winter?</h2>Speaking after the discussions with Witkoff and Kushner, Zelensky said he was hopeful that an agreement will be reached with the United States. He also said that Ukrainians were counting on support from European allies. He suggested that it “appeared” that the war will continue in the winter.Speaking after the discussions with Witkoff and Kushner, Zelensky said, “We very much hope that we will be able to reach agreements with our American partners, and we are counting on the support of our European partners – if the war continues in winter, and this is how it appears at the moment – but even so, the teams today have a positive assessment of our future prospects.”<h2>What Zelensky said on territorial issues</h2>The Ukrainian President said that the territorial issues between Kyiv and Moscow could only be resolved “at the level of leaders”. Zelensky has previously suggested talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly said Moscow intends to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine.“I want to stick to my view that such complex issues can only be resolved at the level of leaders,” he said.Following talks with Zelensky, Witkoff said that both Russia and Ukraine need to make “compromises” to end the war that has been going on for more than four years.&nbsp;“It’s going to take both sides to make some compromises and narrow the issues between them and we think we have the ingredients to get to that place,” Witkoff said.“It is very difficult but we are committed, we care and we hope all of that leads to a successful peaceful diplomatic resolution,” he added.<h2>Kyiv talks</h2>The talks took place alongside discussions involving British, French and German representatives. Zelensky welcomed the European presence, saying, “We are grateful that the Europeans are with us today and that we are in such a coalition of countries. Here we are all on the same side.”The American delegation arrived by train at Kyiv Central Station, where “Peace Express” was written on the platform. Zelensky said Ukraine had prepared its airports for the visit, but Russian strikes had made air travel impossible.A White House official said the envoys had discussed “substantive plans which will be announced in the coming weeks”. The Kremlin said the Americans had proposed ideas for a settlement, without providing details.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the Russia-Ukraine war could continue through winter, while saying Kyiv had a positive assessment of peace prospects. He said territorial issues require leader-level talks.

Following talks with US envoys in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Sep 6) warned that war with Russia appears likely to continue this winter. Although he suggested that there was a “positive assessment” of talks with US President Donald Trump’s negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelensky added that US and Ukrainian teams also discussed security and economic guarantees for Kyiv. This comes after Witkoff and Kushner marked their first visit to Kyiv. The meeting came a day after they held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. War to continue in winter? Speaking after the discussions with Witkoff and Kushner, Zelensky said he was hopeful that an agreement will be reached with the United States. He also said that Ukrainians were counting on support from European allies. He suggested that it “appeared” that the war will continue in the winter. Speaking after the discussions with Witkoff and Kushner, Zelensky said, “We very much hope that we will be able to reach agreements with our American partners, and we are counting on the support of our European partners – if the war continues in winter, and this is how it appears at the moment – but even so, the teams today have a positive assessment of our future prospects.” What Zelensky said on territorial issues The Ukrainian President said that the territorial issues between Kyiv and Moscow could only be resolved “at the level of leaders”. Zelensky has previously suggested talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly said Moscow intends to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine. “I want to stick to my view that such complex issues can only be resolved at the level of leaders,” he said. Following talks with Zelensky, Witkoff said that both Russia and Ukraine need to make “compromises” to end the war that has been going on for more than four years. “It’s going to take both sides to make some compromises and narrow the issues between them and we think we have the ingredients to get to that place,” Witkoff said. “It is very difficult but we are committed, we care and we hope all of that leads to a successful peaceful diplomatic resolution,” he added. Kyiv talks The talks took place alongside discussions involving British, French and German representatives. Zelensky welcomed the European presence, saying, “We are grateful that the Europeans are with us today and that we are in such a coalition of countries. Here we are all on the same side.” The American delegation arrived by train at Kyiv Central Station, where “Peace Express” was written on the platform. Zelensky said Ukraine had prepared its airports for the visit, but Russian strikes had made air travel impossible. A White House official said the envoys had discussed “substantive plans which will be announced in the coming weeks”. The Kremlin said the Americans had proposed ideas for a settlement, without providing details.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the Russia-Ukraine war could continue through winter, while saying Kyiv had a positive assessment of peace prospects. He said territorial issues require leader-level talks.

War to continue in winter? What Zelensky said on Russia-Ukriane conflict, territorial issue after talks with US envoys

Ukraine is considering legalising pornography as authorities look to boost tax revenues and generate funds for the country’s war effort against Russia.&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the production, possession and distribution of pornography are currently illegal in Ukraine and can carry a prison sentence of up to seven years. Despite the ban, the adult entertainment industry has expanded significantly in recent years, with much of it operating in an environment allegedly marked by police corruption, according to the report.Ukrainian authorities have also begun demanding taxes from adult content creators. However, creators who pay those taxes could effectively be admitting to taking part in an activity that remains illegal under the country’s pornography laws.Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak is backing legislation that would legalise pornography and bring the industry into the formal economy. He estimates the move could generate up to $25 million in tax revenue for Ukraine, which could then support the war effort.According to Zhelezniak, the additional revenue could be enough to fund as many as 30,000 drones.“These women either don’t pay taxes and face criminal charges for that, or they pay taxes and get charged with violating pornography laws,” Zhelezniak, who chairs the finance committee in Ukraine’s Parliament, told the WSJ. “It’s a tragicomic situation.”<h2>Adult industry expands despite ban</h2>Before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, authorities largely turned a blind eye to the country’s adult entertainment industry, the WSJ reported.However, the report said corruption has remained a major issue. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office has alleged that police in three regions received bribes of up to $20,000.The scale of the industry has also grown sharply since the invasion. Fenix International, the parent company of OnlyFans, found that 7,900 Ukrainians earned more than $131 million through the platform in 2023 alone, according to the WSJ.Authorities subsequently began sending letters to content creators who had declared their earnings for tax purposes, with some later facing allegations of tax evasion and illegal production of adult content.<h2>OnlyFans creators face criminal cases</h2>One such creator, Svitlana Dvornikova, told the WSJ that police raided her home while she was preparing her daughter for school. Officers seized $20,000 in cash, her laptop and hard drives, she said.“They had a list of webcam models, and knew all their addresses,” Dvornikova told the newspaper.She alleged that officers offered her the option of paying a bribe to prevent the matter from progressing, but she refused.Another woman told the WSJ that police carried out a similar search at her apartment. She was later summoned for a court hearing but did not attend, saying she feared she would be forced to pay a bribe.Several Ukrainian OnlyFans creators, including Dvornikova, have since left the country or moved temporarily to other parts of Europe.“This is a victimless crime,” Lesia Mykhalenko, a tax lawyer who has represented more than 100 OnlyFans models, told the WSJ. “It unnecessarily burdens the legal system at a time when we should be focused on defending the country.”Dvornikova later filed a petition after a case was brought against her. The petition was subsequently published on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s website.In it, she described herself as a “conscientious taxpayer” and argued that the government should not treat her as a criminal after she had paid nearly $900,000 in taxes. She claimed the amount was equivalent to “hundreds of Russians killed on the front line”.&nbsp;

Ukraine considers legalizing pornography to eliminate corruption, register adult creators, and generate $25 million in tax revenues to purchase up to 30,000 military drones for the war effort.

Ukraine is considering legalising pornography as authorities look to boost tax revenues and generate funds for the country’s war effort against Russia. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the production, possession and distribution of pornography are currently illegal in Ukraine and can carry a prison sentence of up to seven years. Despite the ban, the adult entertainment industry has expanded significantly in recent years, with much of it operating in an environment allegedly marked by police corruption, according to the report. Ukrainian authorities have also begun demanding taxes from adult content creators. However, creators who pay those taxes could effectively be admitting to taking part in an activity that remains illegal under the country’s pornography laws. Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak is backing legislation that would legalise pornography and bring the industry into the formal economy. He estimates the move could generate up to $25 million in tax revenue for Ukraine, which could then support the war effort. According to Zhelezniak, the additional revenue could be enough to fund as many as 30,000 drones. “These women either don’t pay taxes and face criminal charges for that, or they pay taxes and get charged with violating pornography laws,” Zhelezniak, who chairs the finance committee in Ukraine’s Parliament, told the WSJ. “It’s a tragicomic situation.” Adult industry expands despite ban Before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, authorities largely turned a blind eye to the country’s adult entertainment industry, the WSJ reported. However, the report said corruption has remained a major issue. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office has alleged that police in three regions received bribes of up to $20,000. The scale of the industry has also grown sharply since the invasion. Fenix International, the parent company of OnlyFans, found that 7,900 Ukrainians earned more than $131 million through the platform in 2023 alone, according to the WSJ. Authorities subsequently began sending letters to content creators who had declared their earnings for tax purposes, with some later facing allegations of tax evasion and illegal production of adult content. OnlyFans creators face criminal cases One such creator, Svitlana Dvornikova, told the WSJ that police raided her home while she was preparing her daughter for school. Officers seized $20,000 in cash, her laptop and hard drives, she said. “They had a list of webcam models, and knew all their addresses,” Dvornikova told the newspaper. She alleged that officers offered her the option of paying a bribe to prevent the matter from progressing, but she refused. Another woman told the WSJ that police carried out a similar search at her apartment. She was later summoned for a court hearing but did not attend, saying she feared she would be forced to pay a bribe. Several Ukrainian OnlyFans creators, including Dvornikova, have since left the country or moved temporarily to other parts of Europe. “This is a victimless crime,” Lesia Mykhalenko, a tax lawyer who has represented more than 100 OnlyFans models, told the WSJ. “It unnecessarily burdens the legal system at a time when we should be focused on defending the country.” Dvornikova later filed a petition after a case was brought against her. The petition was subsequently published on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s website. In it, she described herself as a “conscientious taxpayer” and argued that the government should not treat her as a criminal after she had paid nearly $900,000 in taxes. She claimed the amount was equivalent to “hundreds of Russians killed on the front line”.

Ukraine considers legalizing pornography to eliminate corruption, register adult creators, and generate $25 million in tax revenues to purchase up to 30,000 military drones for the war effort.

Ukraine to legalise porn to raise $25mn for war against Russia. Yes, you read that right

Iran said on Sunday that it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz; however, the US military has denied these claims as a “total lie.” This attack comes just a day after the US military said it struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) firing ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships patrolling the region.“The report came from Iranian state media, and it’s a total lie,” said Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesman for US Central Command.Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that at least three tankers and energy carriers, VELOS AMBER, BRAVO, and AL SHEEHANIYA, travelling through the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, changed course and turned back after receiving a warning from the IRGC Navy that the route was closed.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-un-correct-the-map-resolution-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-1788707252140">India backs UN ‘Correct the Map’ resolution, draws red line on J&amp;K, Ladakh</a>The US-Iran exchange of attacks resumed last week following a period of relative calm, with the Strait of Hormuz and areas along Iran’s southern coast again being targeted. At the same time, the US is also targeting Iranian economic interests globally. The Trump administration appears to have adopted a dual-pronged approach: military attack at the Hormuz alongside economic pressure by going after foreign financial institutions that handle Iran’s money.However, Iran maintains that it will not surrender to US pressure. Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, said the US and Israel were seeking to make up for their military and strategic setbacks in confrontations with Iran and regional resistance groups through economic pressure, media warfare and cognitive operations.&nbsp;

Iran claimed it struck an unmanned US vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, but US Central Command denied the report as a “total lie” amid rising tensions.

Iran said on Sunday that it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz; however, the US military has denied these claims as a “total lie.” This attack comes just a day after the US military said it struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) firing ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships patrolling the region. “The report came from Iranian state media, and it’s a total lie,” said Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesman for US Central Command. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that at least three tankers and energy carriers, VELOS AMBER, BRAVO, and AL SHEEHANIYA, travelling through the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, changed course and turned back after receiving a warning from the IRGC Navy that the route was closed. Also Read: India backs UN ‘Correct the Map’ resolution, draws red line on J&K, Ladakh The US-Iran exchange of attacks resumed last week following a period of relative calm, with the Strait of Hormuz and areas along Iran’s southern coast again being targeted. At the same time, the US is also targeting Iranian economic interests globally. The Trump administration appears to have adopted a dual-pronged approach: military attack at the Hormuz alongside economic pressure by going after foreign financial institutions that handle Iran’s money. However, Iran maintains that it will not surrender to US pressure. Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, said the US and Israel were seeking to make up for their military and strategic setbacks in confrontations with Iran and regional resistance groups through economic pressure, media warfare and cognitive operations.

Iran claimed it struck an unmanned US vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, but US Central Command denied the report as a “total lie” amid rising tensions.

Iran claims US vessel strike near Strait of Hormuz, Pentagon calls it ‘total lie’

US envoy Steve Witkoff and fellow emissary Jared Kushner held “important” talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Sep 6). The discussions aimed to revive Washington’s efforts to end the war with Russia. The meeting marked their first visit to Kyiv, a day after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.“We've had a very meaningful discussion, substantive, important, and we are very encouraged and we look forward to continuing this as long as it takes,” Witkoff said after meeting Zelensky.Kushner said the delegation had learned from the trip and hoped it would help advance peace efforts. “Hopefully this trip has come out with some new ways to advance forward. I think we've learned a lot from the trip,” he said.<h2>European backing, no breakthrough</h2>The talks took place alongside discussions involving British, French and German representatives. Zelensky welcomed the European presence, saying, “We are grateful that the Europeans are with us today and that we are in such a coalition of countries. Here we are all on the same side.”The American delegation arrived by train at Kyiv Central Station, where “Peace Express” was written on the platform. Zelensky said Ukraine had prepared its airports for the visit, but Russian strikes had made air travel impossible.A White House official said the envoys had discussed “substantive plans which will be announced in the coming weeks”. The Kremlin said the Americans had proposed ideas for a settlement, without providing details.<h2>Doubts persist</h2>The visit came as fighting continued and hopes for a quick agreement remained limited. Putin has repeatedly said Moscow intends to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine, while Russia intensified attacks this summer.Ukraine’s air force reported 108 drones and missiles in an overnight attack, while Moscow said it had shot down 258 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine also said 10 people were killed in Russian strikes on Saturday (Sep 5).US President Donald Trump has said his envoys were bringing a “proposal” to end the fighting. “We have an idea for peace,” he said, without elaborating.While the talks offered a new opening, there were no clear signs that the war was nearing an end.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held “important” Kyiv talks with Zelensky after meeting Putin, seeking peace in Ukraine. No breakthrough was reported, but further plans are expected.

US envoy Steve Witkoff and fellow emissary Jared Kushner held “important” talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Sep 6). The discussions aimed to revive Washington’s efforts to end the war with Russia. The meeting marked their first visit to Kyiv, a day after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. “We've had a very meaningful discussion, substantive, important, and we are very encouraged and we look forward to continuing this as long as it takes,” Witkoff said after meeting Zelensky. Kushner said the delegation had learned from the trip and hoped it would help advance peace efforts. “Hopefully this trip has come out with some new ways to advance forward. I think we've learned a lot from the trip,” he said. European backing, no breakthrough The talks took place alongside discussions involving British, French and German representatives. Zelensky welcomed the European presence, saying, “We are grateful that the Europeans are with us today and that we are in such a coalition of countries. Here we are all on the same side.” The American delegation arrived by train at Kyiv Central Station, where “Peace Express” was written on the platform. Zelensky said Ukraine had prepared its airports for the visit, but Russian strikes had made air travel impossible. A White House official said the envoys had discussed “substantive plans which will be announced in the coming weeks”. The Kremlin said the Americans had proposed ideas for a settlement, without providing details. Doubts persist The visit came as fighting continued and hopes for a quick agreement remained limited. Putin has repeatedly said Moscow intends to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine, while Russia intensified attacks this summer. Ukraine’s air force reported 108 drones and missiles in an overnight attack, while Moscow said it had shot down 258 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine also said 10 people were killed in Russian strikes on Saturday (Sep 5). US President Donald Trump has said his envoys were bringing a “proposal” to end the fighting. “We have an idea for peace,” he said, without elaborating. While the talks offered a new opening, there were no clear signs that the war was nearing an end.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held “important” Kyiv talks with Zelensky after meeting Putin, seeking peace in Ukraine. No breakthrough was reported, but further plans are expected.

‘Had a very meaningful discussion’: Witkoff, Kushner hold ‘important’ talks with Zelensky in Kyiv

A 34-year-old man identified as Dunu Bethel Ebubechukwu, who allegedly masterminded cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.Ebubechukwu, who was arrested during a sting operation at Article Market, opposite Trade Fair Market in the Ojo area of Lagos on Friday, September 4, 2026, was allegedly operating under the cover of a herbal tea business.His arrest followed an intelligence-led investigation into the interception of 1.2 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside phone chargers and destined for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The consignment was intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on July 31.According to the NDLEA, Ebubechukwu admitted during interrogation that he had masterminded previous illicit drug shipments. He also reportedly discarded his telephone SIM card after learning that the latest consignment had been intercepted.Investigators discovered that the suspect had previously been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in 2011 after allegedly ingesting 900 grammes of cocaine and 130 grammes of heroin while attempting to travel to Austria.He was prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The agency said he subsequently changed his name from Dunu Chukwuyenre Enoch to Dunu Bethel Ebubechukwu before allegedly returning to drug trafficking.A search of his residence at Yemishola Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, also led to the recovery of phone chargers similar to those used to conceal the intercepted cocaine. Their internal components had reportedly been removed to create compartments for drugs.The arrest was part of a wider NDLEA crackdown across nine states in which the agency said it recovered more than two million opioid pills, tonnes of cannabis, methamphetamine and other controlled substances.At the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives recovered 966,200 tablets of Tramadol 225mg valued at more than N1.1 billion. The drugs were concealed among thrift trousers in a 21-carton consignment imported from Pakistan.In another operation at the airport, 57.8kg of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis valued at more than N173 million, was recovered from cartons of disposable hand gloves in a shipment from Singapore. The consignment had remained unclaimed for weeks before a joint examination involving the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on September 3.In Ondo State, officers intercepted a 20,000-litre fuel tanker, marked MKA 960 XC, along the Akoko-Lokoja Expressway on September 4 after the driver allegedly refused to stop. The driver later abandoned the tanker at a church premises in Ugbe Akoko and fled into the bush.A search of the vehicle uncovered a concealed compartment containing 165 bags of cannabis weighing 2,145kg, alongside the legitimate fuel cargo reportedly destined for Jos, Plateau State.At the Lagos Port, the NDLEA also intercepted 598.08kg, comprising 890 packets, of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies in a 40-foot container on September 2. The agency linked the consignment to three suspects—Yashim Dauji, Larry Ifeanyi and Joseph Moji—who were previously arrested following the seizure of 842.54kg of cannabis-laced cookies at Tin Can Island Port.In Adamawa State, 864,000 opioid pills, particularly tramadol, were recovered from a residence linked to a fleeing suspect, Patrick KC Frank, in the Damilu-Jambutu axis of Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area.Frank allegedly rammed his Honda Civic into an NDLEA patrol vehicle before escaping.Another suspect, 35-year-old Calistus Ebubechukwu, described by the agency as a major methamphetamine supplier operating between Lagos, Mubi and Michika, was arrested in Michika with 2kg of methamphetamine.The NDLEA also intercepted Attahiru Hussaini at Namtari checkpoint in Mubi on August 31. He was allegedly transporting tramadol and other opioids concealed in a soap-laden Ford Galaxy bus marked JJM-953XD.In Lagos, officers recovered 2,386.9kg of cannabis, 350 grammes of cocaine, more than 100kg of various grades of tramadol, 9.7 litres of codeine syrup and 4kg of Rohypnol in the Gbaji area. Two suspects, Damilare Francis and Emeh Emmanuel, were also arrested at Agbara with 720kg of cannabis.Meanwhile, three suspects—Saidu Mustapha, 35; Zaharadeen Salisu, 29; and AbdulSalam Abdullahi, 25—were arrested in Kogi State with 636kg of cannabis allegedly concealed in chicken manure aboard a bus travelling from Owo in Ondo State to Jos, Plateau State.In Taraba State, 58-year-old Kelechi Unachukwu was arrested along the Zaki-Biam Road in Wukari Local Government Area with more than 109kg of controlled substances, including tramadol, diazepam, pentazocine, phenobarbital, Exol-5, nitrazepam, bromazepam and pregabalin. The drugs were allegedly being conveyed in his Toyota Corolla from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Yola, Adamawa State.In Kaduna, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck carrying bags of cement along the Zaria-Kano Expressway and recovered 1,179kg of skunk.In Bauchi, a 25-year-old suspect, Hamza Dahiru, was arrested in a follow-up operation after the seizure of 322.5kg of cannabis in Deba town, Gombe State, on September 1.In Ekiti State, two suspects, Chuks Alex, 50, and Asafa Adekunle, 35, were arrested after NDLEA officers discovered and destroyed a four-hectare cannabis farm in Efon-Alaaye forest. The operation also led to the recovery of 117kg of already harvested cannabis.In Enugu State, a 20-year-old man, Obinna David, was arrested at Ugbema Junction on September 5 with 40,590 capsules of tramadol.Beyond the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA said its commands across the country continued with drug-abuse awareness campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse programme. The sensitisation activities targeted schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities.The agency said its recent activities included an enlightenment lecture for nursing mothers and nurses at Ibereko Primary Health Centre in Abeokuta North, Ogun State, as well as engagements with youths in Umouji/Okwo community in Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, and staff and concessionaires at the Saipem-Daewoo, NLNG terminal in Bonny, Rivers State.NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations and urged them to sustain what he described as a balanced approach to drug control.Marwa said traffickers who attempt to evade law enforcement by adopting new identities or operating behind legitimate businesses would continue to be tracked down.

According to the NDLEA, Ebubechukwu admitted during interrogation that he had masterminded previous illicit drug shipments. He also reportedly discarded his telephone SIM card after learning that the latest consignment had been intercepted.

A 34-year-old man identified as Dunu Bethel Ebubechukwu, who allegedly masterminded cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos. Ebubechukwu, who was arrested during a sting operation at Article Market, opposite Trade Fair Market in the Ojo area of Lagos on Friday, September 4, 2026, was allegedly operating under the cover of a herbal tea business. His arrest followed an intelligence-led investigation into the interception of 1.2 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside phone chargers and destined for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The consignment was intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on July 31. According to the NDLEA, Ebubechukwu admitted during interrogation that he had masterminded previous illicit drug shipments. He also reportedly discarded his telephone SIM card after learning that the latest consignment had been intercepted. Investigators discovered that the suspect had previously been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in 2011 after allegedly ingesting 900 grammes of cocaine and 130 grammes of heroin while attempting to travel to Austria. He was prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The agency said he subsequently changed his name from Dunu Chukwuyenre Enoch to Dunu Bethel Ebubechukwu before allegedly returning to drug trafficking. A search of his residence at Yemishola Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, also led to the recovery of phone chargers similar to those used to conceal the intercepted cocaine. Their internal components had reportedly been removed to create compartments for drugs. The arrest was part of a wider NDLEA crackdown across nine states in which the agency said it recovered more than two million opioid pills, tonnes of cannabis, methamphetamine and other controlled substances. At the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives recovered 966,200 tablets of Tramadol 225mg valued at more than N1.1 billion. The drugs were concealed among thrift trousers in a 21-carton consignment imported from Pakistan. In another operation at the airport, 57.8kg of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis valued at more than N173 million, was recovered from cartons of disposable hand gloves in a shipment from Singapore. The consignment had remained unclaimed for weeks before a joint examination involving the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on September 3. In Ondo State, officers intercepted a 20,000-litre fuel tanker, marked MKA 960 XC, along the Akoko-Lokoja Expressway on September 4 after the driver allegedly refused to stop. The driver later abandoned the tanker at a church premises in Ugbe Akoko and fled into the bush. A search of the vehicle uncovered a concealed compartment containing 165 bags of cannabis weighing 2,145kg, alongside the legitimate fuel cargo reportedly destined for Jos, Plateau State. At the Lagos Port, the NDLEA also intercepted 598.08kg, comprising 890 packets, of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies in a 40-foot container on September 2. The agency linked the consignment to three suspects—Yashim Dauji, Larry Ifeanyi and Joseph Moji—who were previously arrested following the seizure of 842.54kg of cannabis-laced cookies at Tin Can Island Port. In Adamawa State, 864,000 opioid pills, particularly tramadol, were recovered from a residence linked to a fleeing suspect, Patrick KC Frank, in the Damilu-Jambutu axis of Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area. Frank allegedly rammed his Honda Civic into an NDLEA patrol vehicle before escaping. Another suspect, 35-year-old Calistus Ebubechukwu, described by the agency as a major methamphetamine supplier operating between Lagos, Mubi and Michika, was arrested in Michika with 2kg of methamphetamine. The NDLEA also intercepted Attahiru Hussaini at Namtari checkpoint in Mubi on August 31. He was allegedly transporting tramadol and other opioids concealed in a soap-laden Ford Galaxy bus marked JJM-953XD. In Lagos, officers recovered 2,386.9kg of cannabis, 350 grammes of cocaine, more than 100kg of various grades of tramadol, 9.7 litres of codeine syrup and 4kg of Rohypnol in the Gbaji area. Two suspects, Damilare Francis and Emeh Emmanuel, were also arrested at Agbara with 720kg of cannabis. Meanwhile, three suspects—Saidu Mustapha, 35; Zaharadeen Salisu, 29; and AbdulSalam Abdullahi, 25—were arrested in Kogi State with 636kg of cannabis allegedly concealed in chicken manure aboard a bus travelling from Owo in Ondo State to Jos, Plateau State. In Taraba State, 58-year-old Kelechi Unachukwu was arrested along the Zaki-Biam Road in Wukari Local Government Area with more than 109kg of controlled substances, including tramadol, diazepam, pentazocine, phenobarbital, Exol-5, nitrazepam, bromazepam and pregabalin. The drugs were allegedly being conveyed in his Toyota Corolla from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Yola, Adamawa State. In Kaduna, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck carrying bags of cement along the Zaria-Kano Expressway and recovered 1,179kg of skunk. In Bauchi, a 25-year-old suspect, Hamza Dahiru, was arrested in a follow-up operation after the seizure of 322.5kg of cannabis in Deba town, Gombe State, on September 1. In Ekiti State, two suspects, Chuks Alex, 50, and Asafa Adekunle, 35, were arrested after NDLEA officers discovered and destroyed a four-hectare cannabis farm in Efon-Alaaye forest. The operation also led to the recovery of 117kg of already harvested cannabis. In Enugu State, a 20-year-old man, Obinna David, was arrested at Ugbema Junction on September 5 with 40,590 capsules of tramadol. Beyond the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA said its commands across the country continued with drug-abuse awareness campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse programme. The sensitisation activities targeted schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities. The agency said its recent activities included an enlightenment lecture for nursing mothers and nurses at Ibereko Primary Health Centre in Abeokuta North, Ogun State, as well as engagements with youths in Umouji/Okwo community in Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, and staff and concessionaires at the Saipem-Daewoo, NLNG terminal in Bonny, Rivers State. NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations and urged them to sustain what he described as a balanced approach to drug control. Marwa said traffickers who attempt to evade law enforcement by adopting new identities or operating behind legitimate businesses would continue to be tracked down.

According to the NDLEA, Ebubechukwu admitted during interrogation that he had masterminded previous illicit drug shipments. He also reportedly discarded his telephone SIM card after learning that the latest consignment had been intercepted.

NDLEA arrests convicted cocaine trafficker disguised as herbal tea merchant

Senior minister and former Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday slammed the racist and hateful remarks targeting Singapore’s Indian community after the Nepal flood tragedy as “deeply troubling” and urged Singaporeans to reject hatred and stand together during difficult times.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lee’s remarks come amid an online debate in Singapore over racist and xenophobic content targeting Indians.Earlier, Singaporean authorities had ordered social media platforms to restrict access to 14 posts that allegedly portrayed Indians as “taking over” the country and fuelling anti-Indian sentiment.&nbsp;Lee said the response to a tragedy should be one of “compassion and solidarity”, and not of racial hatred. He emphasised that Singaporeans should support one another regardless of race, language or religion.&nbsp;<h2>‘Race and religion will always be a fault line in society’</h2>&nbsp;In a Facebook post on Sunday, Lee said Singapore would remain vulnerable to attempts to exploit racial and religious differences.“Human beings are not race-blind, and race and religion will always be a fault line in society,” he said, while noting that Singapore had made sustained efforts to build interracial tolerance and respect.“When incidents like this happen, leaders must speak up with force and conviction,” he said, calling for the condemnation of attempts to manipulate racial emotions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-may-drag-on-for-another-6-months-ex-us-defence-secretary-leon-panetta-1788699706418">Iran War may drag on for another 6 months: Ex-US defence secretary Leon Panetta</a>&nbsp;Lee also recalled previous instances when Singapore’s leaders had spoken out against attempts to inflame racial or religious tensions. He cited his 2021 National Day Rally remarks on anti-Indian sentiment during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s intervention during the 2025 general election over attempts to use religion to influence Muslim voters.Lee said such incidents underline the importance of Singapore’s National Pledge and the need for citizens to uphold its ideals of unity and harmony.&nbsp;<h2>Police investigating racist and xenophobic comments</h2>&nbsp;Lee also referred to remarks made by Senior Minister K. Shanmugam on Saturday, when the latter said that police were investigating racist and xenophobic comments linked to the Nepal floods and Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India.&nbsp;Shanmugam described some of the online comments as “shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable”. Some posts reportedly used racist stereotypes involving snakes, curry, and black magic.Authorities need to call out such behaviour before it becomes normalised and damages public discourse and social harmony, Shanmugam added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-wants-war-again-russian-fm-accuses-berlin-after-drone-incident-1788704526585">‘Germany wants war again’: Russian FM accuses Berlin after drone incident</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information is expected to ask social media platforms to remove comments that breach Singapore’s guidelines.&nbsp;<h2>Comments on Singaporeans missing after Nepal floods trigger row</h2>&nbsp;The latest controversy follows calls from Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, Dinesh Vasu Dash and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP, Alex Yam, for compassion towards Singaporeans missing after the Nepal-Tibet disaster.Both had criticised comments questioning whether the nine Singaporeans reported missing after the Aug 26 disaster were “really Singaporean”.&nbsp;Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was in contact with the affected families, while the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi sent a crisis response team to Nepal to provide consular assistance.&nbsp;“These people should be unmasked and dealt with, rather than be allowed to hide behind online anonymity,” Senior Minister K Shanmugam said on Saturday.&nbsp;“Singaporeans are generous, across all races. And it is important that we don’t allow a minority to poison the entire well,” Shanmugan added.

Singaporean authorities ordered social media platforms to restrict access to 14 posts that allegedly portrayed Indians as “taking over” the country. Ministry of Digital Development and Information is expected to ask social media platforms to remove comments that breach Singapore’s guidelines.

Senior minister and former Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday slammed the racist and hateful remarks targeting Singapore’s Indian community after the Nepal flood tragedy as “deeply troubling” and urged Singaporeans to reject hatred and stand together during difficult times. Lee’s remarks come amid an online debate in Singapore over racist and xenophobic content targeting Indians. Earlier, Singaporean authorities had ordered social media platforms to restrict access to 14 posts that allegedly portrayed Indians as “taking over” the country and fuelling anti-Indian sentiment. Lee said the response to a tragedy should be one of “compassion and solidarity”, and not of racial hatred. He emphasised that Singaporeans should support one another regardless of race, language or religion. ‘Race and religion will always be a fault line in society’ In a Facebook post on Sunday, Lee said Singapore would remain vulnerable to attempts to exploit racial and religious differences. “Human beings are not race-blind, and race and religion will always be a fault line in society,” he said, while noting that Singapore had made sustained efforts to build interracial tolerance and respect. “When incidents like this happen, leaders must speak up with force and conviction,” he said, calling for the condemnation of attempts to manipulate racial emotions. Also Read: Iran War may drag on for another 6 months: Ex-US defence secretary Leon Panetta Lee also recalled previous instances when Singapore’s leaders had spoken out against attempts to inflame racial or religious tensions. He cited his 2021 National Day Rally remarks on anti-Indian sentiment during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s intervention during the 2025 general election over attempts to use religion to influence Muslim voters. Lee said such incidents underline the importance of Singapore’s National Pledge and the need for citizens to uphold its ideals of unity and harmony. Police investigating racist and xenophobic comments Lee also referred to remarks made by Senior Minister K. Shanmugam on Saturday, when the latter said that police were investigating racist and xenophobic comments linked to the Nepal floods and Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India. Shanmugam described some of the online comments as “shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable”. Some posts reportedly used racist stereotypes involving snakes, curry, and black magic. Authorities need to call out such behaviour before it becomes normalised and damages public discourse and social harmony, Shanmugam added. Also Read: ‘Germany wants war again’: Russian FM accuses Berlin after drone incident Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information is expected to ask social media platforms to remove comments that breach Singapore’s guidelines. Comments on Singaporeans missing after Nepal floods trigger row The latest controversy follows calls from Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, Dinesh Vasu Dash and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP, Alex Yam, for compassion towards Singaporeans missing after the Nepal-Tibet disaster. Both had criticised comments questioning whether the nine Singaporeans reported missing after the Aug 26 disaster were “really Singaporean”. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was in contact with the affected families, while the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi sent a crisis response team to Nepal to provide consular assistance. “These people should be unmasked and dealt with, rather than be allowed to hide behind online anonymity,” Senior Minister K Shanmugam said on Saturday. “Singaporeans are generous, across all races. And it is important that we don’t allow a minority to poison the entire well,” Shanmugan added.

Singaporean authorities ordered social media platforms to restrict access to 14 posts that allegedly portrayed Indians as “taking over” the country. Ministry of Digital Development and Information is expected to ask social media platforms to remove comments that breach Singapore’s guidelines.

Singapore probes ‘shameful, nasty’ anti-India racist remarks after Nepal floods

An Egyptian Court sentenced prominent TV presenter Sarah Khalifa along with 11 others to capital punishment on September 5 for their alleged involvement in a high-profile synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking network. The Cairo Criminal Court also sentenced nine co-defendants and acquitted seven others in the related case.&nbsp;Egyptian state-run Al-Ahram and Akhbar Al-Youm referred to the proceedings as a “major drug case”. They were accused of forming an organised criminal group that imported materials used to manufacture narcotics before producing and distributing the drugs in Egypt. Anti-narcotics authorities seized over 750 kilograms of synthetic drugs and raw materials. They also uncovered two residential apartments used as laboratories for manufacturing drugs, unlicensed firearms and ammunition.According to prosecutors, members divided roles between procurement, manufacturing and distribution. The 39-year-old presenter has allegedly financed the operation and travelled around the world to coordinate activities with two of the network's leaders. The prosecution's case included statements from 20 witnesses as well as technical and digital evidence, including messages, photographs and videos.The verdict was conveyed after consultation with the Grand Mufti, with his non-binding religious opinion. The verdict is not final and can be appealed for a retrial before the Court of Cassation. Egypt enforces the death penalty for high-volume drug trafficking, premeditated murder, and terrorism.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-parties-1700-crore-15-candidates-1788694906290">Six unrecognised Gujarat parties earned ₹1,700 crore, fielded just 15 candidates</a><h2>Who is Sarah Khalifa?</h2>Khalifa is a prominent TV presenter in Egypt known for her show “Mission Impossible”. She hosted the security and crime television programme broadcast on Al-Mehwar TV. She also has a large digital media following, with over 2.5 million followers on Instagram. She also owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and a production company that organises parties and events. She was previously married to prominent Egyptian football player Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim, widely known by his nickname "Kahraba". But the pair parted ways in 2016 after a few months of their marriage.&nbsp;Throughout the proceedings, Khalifa strongly maintained her innocence, breaking down in court, requesting mercy from the court and claiming that she had never smoked a cigarette in her life. “Please listen to me, sir. My parents raised me well; they are people who pray, and I don’t need drug money.”She was also handed an additional prison sentence of three years by the same court over a separate incident involving the kidnapping, assault, and filming of her driver.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others were sentenced to death over an alleged synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking network.

An Egyptian Court sentenced prominent TV presenter Sarah Khalifa along with 11 others to capital punishment on September 5 for their alleged involvement in a high-profile synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking network. The Cairo Criminal Court also sentenced nine co-defendants and acquitted seven others in the related case. Egyptian state-run Al-Ahram and Akhbar Al-Youm referred to the proceedings as a “major drug case”. They were accused of forming an organised criminal group that imported materials used to manufacture narcotics before producing and distributing the drugs in Egypt. Anti-narcotics authorities seized over 750 kilograms of synthetic drugs and raw materials. They also uncovered two residential apartments used as laboratories for manufacturing drugs, unlicensed firearms and ammunition. According to prosecutors, members divided roles between procurement, manufacturing and distribution. The 39-year-old presenter has allegedly financed the operation and travelled around the world to coordinate activities with two of the network's leaders. The prosecution's case included statements from 20 witnesses as well as technical and digital evidence, including messages, photographs and videos. The verdict was conveyed after consultation with the Grand Mufti, with his non-binding religious opinion. The verdict is not final and can be appealed for a retrial before the Court of Cassation. Egypt enforces the death penalty for high-volume drug trafficking, premeditated murder, and terrorism. Also Read: Six unrecognised Gujarat parties earned ₹1,700 crore, fielded just 15 candidates Who is Sarah Khalifa? Khalifa is a prominent TV presenter in Egypt known for her show “Mission Impossible”. She hosted the security and crime television programme broadcast on Al-Mehwar TV. She also has a large digital media following, with over 2.5 million followers on Instagram. She also owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and a production company that organises parties and events. She was previously married to prominent Egyptian football player Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim, widely known by his nickname "Kahraba". But the pair parted ways in 2016 after a few months of their marriage. Throughout the proceedings, Khalifa strongly maintained her innocence, breaking down in court, requesting mercy from the court and claiming that she had never smoked a cigarette in her life. “Please listen to me, sir. My parents raised me well; they are people who pray, and I don’t need drug money.” She was also handed an additional prison sentence of three years by the same court over a separate incident involving the kidnapping, assault, and filming of her driver.

Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others were sentenced to death over an alleged synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking network.

Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death in major drug case

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of wanting to start a war after Berlin expelled the consulate general from Bonn and closed the Russian cultural centre. This comes after the German government on Tuesday (Sep 1) blamed Moscow for a drone attack on Leipzig airport last month. The explosive-laden drone was discovered in the secure cargo operations area at the strategic airport, near a Ukrainian cargo plane.In an interview published on Sunday (Sep 6), Lavrov said, “This is, by and large, the start of a real war. They expelled the consulate general from Bonn. They’re closing the Russian House (cultural centre) in Berlin. I remember that before the start of the Second World War... They want war again.”Lavrov also accused Germany of Nazism, adding that “the Russian leadership will draw the appropriate conclusions.”<h2>Germany blames Russia over drone incident</h2>On Tuesday (Sep 1), the German government said that Russia sent “low-level agents” for an attempted “hybrid attack” involving an explosive-laden drone at the strategic airport in eastern Germany.In response, Germany shut down the Russian consulate in Bonn and ended the contract for the Russian House, a cultural centre in Berlin.After examining the drone technology used and other intelligence, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that “the government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4.”“The drone configuration – various components, explosives and ignition systems – are known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine,” he added.“We do not view the Leipzig incident in isolation, but rather see it in the context of other hybrid actions,” he said. “We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia.”“We are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said.<h2>EU summons Russian envoys</h2>On Wednesday (Sep 2), the EU nations summoned Russia’s envoys and discussed fresh sanctions over the incident.“It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “The question is, what do we do about this?”

Lavrov accused Germany of preparing for war after Berlin blamed Russia for a drone attack on Leipzig airport and closed Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities. The EU has also discussed sanctions over the incident.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of wanting to start a war after Berlin expelled the consulate general from Bonn and closed the Russian cultural centre. This comes after the German government on Tuesday (Sep 1) blamed Moscow for a drone attack on Leipzig airport last month. The explosive-laden drone was discovered in the secure cargo operations area at the strategic airport, near a Ukrainian cargo plane. In an interview published on Sunday (Sep 6), Lavrov said, “This is, by and large, the start of a real war. They expelled the consulate general from Bonn. They’re closing the Russian House (cultural centre) in Berlin. I remember that before the start of the Second World War... They want war again.” Lavrov also accused Germany of Nazism, adding that “the Russian leadership will draw the appropriate conclusions.” Germany blames Russia over drone incident On Tuesday (Sep 1), the German government said that Russia sent “low-level agents” for an attempted “hybrid attack” involving an explosive-laden drone at the strategic airport in eastern Germany. In response, Germany shut down the Russian consulate in Bonn and ended the contract for the Russian House, a cultural centre in Berlin. After examining the drone technology used and other intelligence, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that “the government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4.” “The drone configuration – various components, explosives and ignition systems – are known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine,” he added. “We do not view the Leipzig incident in isolation, but rather see it in the context of other hybrid actions,” he said. “We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia.” “We are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said. EU summons Russian envoys On Wednesday (Sep 2), the EU nations summoned Russia’s envoys and discussed fresh sanctions over the incident. “It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “The question is, what do we do about this?”

Lavrov accused Germany of preparing for war after Berlin blamed Russia for a drone attack on Leipzig airport and closed Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities. The EU has also discussed sanctions over the incident.

‘Germany wants war again’: Russian FM accuses Berlin after drone incident

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta has said that the United States’ war with Iran is likely to drag on for another six months and risks becoming another “forever war in the Middle East”, with no clear end in sight.“It’s no mystery that the United States and Iran are caught in a terrible stalemate, in which there really are very few options available to bring this war to an end,” said the ex-Pentagon chief, who served in former President Barack Obama’s administration and oversaw the operation that led to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s death in 2011.&nbsp;Panetta, who also served as CIA director, suggested in an interview with the Guardian that the conflict is on course to become “another failed war” in the Middle East “like Iraq and Afghanistan”.“I think the likelihood is this war is going to continue for another six months without being resolved,” he added.&nbsp;Panetta’s remarks come days after the US army secretary, Dan Driscoll, resigned abruptly, departing amid the conflict after reports of tensions with the defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, over a series of firings.&nbsp;US service members “are going to war at a time when there’s tremendous turmoil at the Pentagon, in the command structure, which really creates a sense that there’s nobody in charge”, said Panetta, who served as defence secretary from 2011 to 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Adversaries of US meeting and supporting each other’</h2>&nbsp;“My biggest concern right now is we live in a very dangerous world, with the primary threats coming from China, from Russia, from North Korea, and from terrorism, and yes, from Iran as well. But what I’m concerned about is that we’re sending a message of weakness to our primary adversaries,” he added.Panetta claimed that the adversaries of the US are meeting and supporting each other in this axis that’s been created.&nbsp;However, the Pentagon had said in a statement that it was “firing on all cylinders” under Hegseth’s leadership.“The premise that the Department is in disarray is completely baseless and an insult to every dedicated professional and warfighter in this building who comes to work every day to defend this nation. This is what reform looks like,” it said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Hope Trump admin learsn long deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln’</h2>&nbsp;Panetta also said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s broader administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. “Bottom line is, you do not deploy people endlessly into a war zone without making some kind of plans for rotation,” Panetta said.&nbsp;Earlier this week, JD Vance told reporters that he would not describe the current military conflict with Iran a “war”. And asked whether he expected the conflict to be over by November’s US midterm elections, the vice-president said, “I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question. You would have to ask the Iranians.”&nbsp;<h2>‘US often entangles in wars that drain American resources’</h2>&nbsp;Last week, Panetta said that the US has often become entangled in wars that only drain American resources and compared the ongoing conflict to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.“I think we’re locked into an unwinnable war that is going to continue as other wars have continued without any satisfactory conclusion,” he told CNN in a July-end interview.&nbsp;“Whether it was Iraq, whether it was Afghanistan, or whether it’s Iran, we are finding ourselves in unwinnable wars that ultimately consume the United States, hurt our economy, and most importantly, I think, make us look weak to the rest of the world,” Panetta added.

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. He added that people should not be deployed endlessly in a war zone without making any plans for rotation.

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta has said that the United States’ war with Iran is likely to drag on for another six months and risks becoming another “forever war in the Middle East”, with no clear end in sight. “It’s no mystery that the United States and Iran are caught in a terrible stalemate, in which there really are very few options available to bring this war to an end,” said the ex-Pentagon chief, who served in former President Barack Obama’s administration and oversaw the operation that led to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s death in 2011. Panetta, who also served as CIA director, suggested in an interview with the Guardian that the conflict is on course to become “another failed war” in the Middle East “like Iraq and Afghanistan”. “I think the likelihood is this war is going to continue for another six months without being resolved,” he added. Panetta’s remarks come days after the US army secretary, Dan Driscoll, resigned abruptly, departing amid the conflict after reports of tensions with the defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, over a series of firings. US service members “are going to war at a time when there’s tremendous turmoil at the Pentagon, in the command structure, which really creates a sense that there’s nobody in charge”, said Panetta, who served as defence secretary from 2011 to 2013. ‘Adversaries of US meeting and supporting each other’ “My biggest concern right now is we live in a very dangerous world, with the primary threats coming from China, from Russia, from North Korea, and from terrorism, and yes, from Iran as well. But what I’m concerned about is that we’re sending a message of weakness to our primary adversaries,” he added. Panetta claimed that the adversaries of the US are meeting and supporting each other in this axis that’s been created. However, the Pentagon had said in a statement that it was “firing on all cylinders” under Hegseth’s leadership. “The premise that the Department is in disarray is completely baseless and an insult to every dedicated professional and warfighter in this building who comes to work every day to defend this nation. This is what reform looks like,” it said. ‘Hope Trump admin learsn long deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln’ Panetta also said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s broader administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. “Bottom line is, you do not deploy people endlessly into a war zone without making some kind of plans for rotation,” Panetta said. Earlier this week, JD Vance told reporters that he would not describe the current military conflict with Iran a “war”. And asked whether he expected the conflict to be over by November’s US midterm elections, the vice-president said, “I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question. You would have to ask the Iranians.” ‘US often entangles in wars that drain American resources’ Last week, Panetta said that the US has often become entangled in wars that only drain American resources and compared the ongoing conflict to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I think we’re locked into an unwinnable war that is going to continue as other wars have continued without any satisfactory conclusion,” he told CNN in a July-end interview. “Whether it was Iraq, whether it was Afghanistan, or whether it’s Iran, we are finding ourselves in unwinnable wars that ultimately consume the United States, hurt our economy, and most importantly, I think, make us look weak to the rest of the world,” Panetta added.

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. He added that people should not be deployed endlessly in a war zone without making any plans for rotation.

Iran War may drag on for another 6 months: Ex-US defence secretary Leon Panetta

After more than a decade of discussions, 128 countries have reached an agreement on a framework that could eventually lead to international rules governing autonomous weapons. The non-binding text was adopted by consensus on Saturday (Sep 5) during talks in Geneva under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, an international treaty developed under the framework of the United Nations. The agreement is being viewed as a significant step in efforts to address weapons systems capable of identifying and engaging targets with varying levels of human control.The breakthrough comes as governments grapple with how far machines should be allowed to make decisions involving lethal force. The issue has become increasingly urgent as advanced weapon systems feature in conflicts across Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East. Their growing use has fuelled concerns about civilian casualties, accountability and whether humans can retain meaningful control over decisions to use deadly force.<h2>What are killer robots?</h2>“Killer robots” is a widely used term for autonomous weapons capable of detecting and engaging targets based on their programming, rather than requiring a human operator to approve every individual attack.The technology has prompted a sharp divide among countries. Advocates of tougher international rules say humans must remain responsible for decisions involving lethal force. Others, including major military powers, have resisted binding restrictions.The final Geneva text also faced criticism from Stop Killer Robots, which argued that the language was weakened during the final hours of negotiations.“It’s a real shame that all the work done by states on the text over the past three years has been substantially diluted in the last hours,” Nicole van Rooijen, executive director of Stop Killer Robots, told Reuters.Negotiators worked through the night to bridge differences, particularly over how autonomy and human judgment should be addressed.The United States and Russia have backed national guidelines instead of legally binding global rules. Washington also pushed for greater flexibility in language concerning human judgment.For now, the agreement is only a political step. But after years of deadlock, the consensus could give governments a pathway towards formal negotiations on regulating autonomous weapons.

128 countries have agreed on a non-binding framework for autonomous weapons after Geneva talks, potentially paving the way for global rules on “killer robots” and human control over lethal force.

After more than a decade of discussions, 128 countries have reached an agreement on a framework that could eventually lead to international rules governing autonomous weapons. The non-binding text was adopted by consensus on Saturday (Sep 5) during talks in Geneva under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, an international treaty developed under the framework of the United Nations. The agreement is being viewed as a significant step in efforts to address weapons systems capable of identifying and engaging targets with varying levels of human control. The breakthrough comes as governments grapple with how far machines should be allowed to make decisions involving lethal force. The issue has become increasingly urgent as advanced weapon systems feature in conflicts across Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East. Their growing use has fuelled concerns about civilian casualties, accountability and whether humans can retain meaningful control over decisions to use deadly force. What are killer robots? “Killer robots” is a widely used term for autonomous weapons capable of detecting and engaging targets based on their programming, rather than requiring a human operator to approve every individual attack. The technology has prompted a sharp divide among countries. Advocates of tougher international rules say humans must remain responsible for decisions involving lethal force. Others, including major military powers, have resisted binding restrictions. The final Geneva text also faced criticism from Stop Killer Robots, which argued that the language was weakened during the final hours of negotiations. “It’s a real shame that all the work done by states on the text over the past three years has been substantially diluted in the last hours,” Nicole van Rooijen, executive director of Stop Killer Robots, told Reuters. Negotiators worked through the night to bridge differences, particularly over how autonomy and human judgment should be addressed. The United States and Russia have backed national guidelines instead of legally binding global rules. Washington also pushed for greater flexibility in language concerning human judgment. For now, the agreement is only a political step. But after years of deadlock, the consensus could give governments a pathway towards formal negotiations on regulating autonomous weapons.

128 countries have agreed on a non-binding framework for autonomous weapons after Geneva talks, potentially paving the way for global rules on “killer robots” and human control over lethal force.

What are ‘killer robots’? 128 countries reach agreement after Geneva talks on autonomous weapons

The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi is scheduled to be held on September 12-13, with India as the Chair. The summit is expected to push for mechanisms to facilitate cross-border payments among members, including links between digital payment systems and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with the concept of de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy. This concept is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations are planning to reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves. The idea enables all trading goods and energy to be paid for directly using national currencies (such as the Indian rupee, Russian ruble, or Chinese yuan) instead of converting through the dollar. Other key methods of this concept include developing independent messaging and payment systems, like proposed blockchain platforms or the BRICS Bridge, to bypass Western-dominated networks like SWIFT. In addition, the method has come up with the concept of lending through institutions like the BRICS New Development Bank to expand local currency use.<h3>Why does BRICS focus on this shift?</h3>BRICS nations have been planning the concept to shield member economies from the influence of Western financial restrictions and asset freezes, especially highlighted after sanctions on Russia. The main focus was to gain economic sovereignty by lowering vulnerability to US monetary policy shifts, inflation, and exchange rate volatility. Other aims also include cutting transaction fees linked to constant conversion into US dollars for cross-border commerce. The 2025 BRICS leaders’ and ministerial statements situate these efforts within a broader project of strengthening Global South cooperation and reforming global governance structures.<h3>New Development Bank's role</h3>The New Development Bank stands as BRICS' clearest institutional vehicle for de-dollarisation. Its legal framework permits local-currency financing, with the 2022–2026 General Strategy targeting 30 per cent of commitments in members' national currencies, market conditions permitting. The Bank's annual report underscored that such lending reduces exchange-rate and interest-rate exposure. This matters for three reasons: it aligns financing with domestic revenue, minimising currency mismatch; it strengthens local capital markets by encouraging domestic-currency funding; and it offers BRICS a credible institutional pathway toward gradual diversification. Official BRICS statements consistently back this approach; April 2025's Foreign Ministers' statement stressed "continuously expanding local currency financing and strengthening innovation in investment and financing tools.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-xi-putin-meet-happen-what-russian-deputy-fm-said-on-possible-trilateral-1788690532552">Will Trump-Xi-Putin meet happen? What Russian Deputy FM said on possible trilateral</a><h3>How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS Could Link Up to Bypass SWIFT?</h3>To counter the dollar, the BRICS bloc is also developing BRICS Pay and alternative financial messaging systems in order to reduce its economic dependence on the Western-dominated SWIFT network. The bloc aims to interlink four national payment systems that include Russia's SPFS, China's CIPS, India's UPI, and Brazil's Pix, to enable direct, low-cost cross-border transfers without routing through SWIFT. Reports suggest that no fully unified BRICS payment system exists yet; SPFS and CIPS currently serve as SWIFT's main alternatives. A prototype was demonstrated in Moscow in October 2024, envisioned as an open-source, decentralised messaging system capable of handling high transaction volumes. However, interoperability between these platforms is still in the initial stage, with significant hurdles around message standardisation, security protocols, and differing national regulatory frameworks still unresolved. So, the proposed digital cross-border payments platform interlinks national payment systems instead of relying on a single dominant currency or Western infrastructure. It comes with a goal to settle cross-border trade using native local currencies, bypassing the US dollar and mitigating the risk of Western sanctions. It was proposed to turn down the dollar dominance, as the US dollar and SWIFT still command the vast majority of global trade settlements. Basically, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a secure messaging network used by more than 11,000 banks worldwide to facilitate international wire transfers. It is controlled largely by G-10 central banks.

The de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves. 

The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi is scheduled to be held on September 12-13, with India as the Chair. The summit is expected to push for mechanisms to facilitate cross-border payments among members, including links between digital payment systems and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with the concept of de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy. This concept is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations are planning to reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves. The idea enables all trading goods and energy to be paid for directly using national currencies (such as the Indian rupee, Russian ruble, or Chinese yuan) instead of converting through the dollar. Other key methods of this concept include developing independent messaging and payment systems, like proposed blockchain platforms or the BRICS Bridge, to bypass Western-dominated networks like SWIFT. In addition, the method has come up with the concept of lending through institutions like the BRICS New Development Bank to expand local currency use. Why does BRICS focus on this shift? BRICS nations have been planning the concept to shield member economies from the influence of Western financial restrictions and asset freezes, especially highlighted after sanctions on Russia. The main focus was to gain economic sovereignty by lowering vulnerability to US monetary policy shifts, inflation, and exchange rate volatility. Other aims also include cutting transaction fees linked to constant conversion into US dollars for cross-border commerce. The 2025 BRICS leaders’ and ministerial statements situate these efforts within a broader project of strengthening Global South cooperation and reforming global governance structures. New Development Bank's role The New Development Bank stands as BRICS' clearest institutional vehicle for de-dollarisation. Its legal framework permits local-currency financing, with the 2022–2026 General Strategy targeting 30 per cent of commitments in members' national currencies, market conditions permitting. The Bank's annual report underscored that such lending reduces exchange-rate and interest-rate exposure. This matters for three reasons: it aligns financing with domestic revenue, minimising currency mismatch; it strengthens local capital markets by encouraging domestic-currency funding; and it offers BRICS a credible institutional pathway toward gradual diversification. Official BRICS statements consistently back this approach; April 2025's Foreign Ministers' statement stressed "continuously expanding local currency financing and strengthening innovation in investment and financing tools. Also read: Will Trump-Xi-Putin meet happen? What Russian Deputy FM said on possible trilateral How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS Could Link Up to Bypass SWIFT? To counter the dollar, the BRICS bloc is also developing BRICS Pay and alternative financial messaging systems in order to reduce its economic dependence on the Western-dominated SWIFT network. The bloc aims to interlink four national payment systems that include Russia's SPFS, China's CIPS, India's UPI, and Brazil's Pix, to enable direct, low-cost cross-border transfers without routing through SWIFT. Reports suggest that no fully unified BRICS payment system exists yet; SPFS and CIPS currently serve as SWIFT's main alternatives. A prototype was demonstrated in Moscow in October 2024, envisioned as an open-source, decentralised messaging system capable of handling high transaction volumes. However, interoperability between these platforms is still in the initial stage, with significant hurdles around message standardisation, security protocols, and differing national regulatory frameworks still unresolved. So, the proposed digital cross-border payments platform interlinks national payment systems instead of relying on a single dominant currency or Western infrastructure. It comes with a goal to settle cross-border trade using native local currencies, bypassing the US dollar and mitigating the risk of Western sanctions. It was proposed to turn down the dollar dominance, as the US dollar and SWIFT still command the vast majority of global trade settlements. Basically, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a secure messaging network used by more than 11,000 banks worldwide to facilitate international wire transfers. It is controlled largely by G-10 central banks.

The de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves.&nbsp;

De-dollarisation question of the BRICS economy: How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS could link up to bypass SWIFT? EXPLAIND

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday (Sep 6) threatened a “faster” and “more intense” attack after US strikes on Iranian tankers a day earlier. The American military on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it disabled three Iranian crude oil carriers after two US Navy ships were targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Following the US strikes, Tehran retaliated by attacking a US naval drone trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz. IRGC also targeted three oil tankers in the strait and three US military vessels in other areas.“The Americans must have understood that the era of proportionate responses has come to an end,” Ghalibaf said in a speech carried by state media. He added that “any aggression against Iran’s interests and security will receive a faster, more intense and more painful response”.<h2>CENTCOM strikes Iranian oil tankers</h2>Earlier on Saturday (Sep 5), US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it struck three Iranian crude oil tankers. The strikes come after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted two US Navy Warships in the region with ballistic missiles. The US military said that CENTCOM “permanently disabled” disabled Iranian crude oil carriers after Tehran’s “failed attacks” on its vessels.Without specifying which US Navy vessels were targeted by the IRGC, CENTCOM said that “a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks.”“Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship,” the CENTCOM statement read.It added that Iranian tankers were part of a “multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.”<h2>Economic war wages on</h2>Speaking on the blockade of Iranian ports imposed by Washington, Ghalibaf called on authorities to better manage Iranian imports to counter what he described as the US campaign “seeking to paralyse the supply cycle and energy management”.Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi on Sunday (Sep 6) said that Tehran was seeking to inflict damage on the US economy through this war.“If America wants to inflict one dollar of economic damage on Iran, it inflicts tens of dollars of damage on itself,” he added.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened a “faster” and “more intense” response after US strikes disabled three Iranian oil carriers, warning that Washington would face a “more painful” retaliation.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday (Sep 6) threatened a “faster” and “more intense” attack after US strikes on Iranian tankers a day earlier. The American military on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it disabled three Iranian crude oil carriers after two US Navy ships were targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Following the US strikes, Tehran retaliated by attacking a US naval drone trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz. IRGC also targeted three oil tankers in the strait and three US military vessels in other areas. “The Americans must have understood that the era of proportionate responses has come to an end,” Ghalibaf said in a speech carried by state media. He added that “any aggression against Iran’s interests and security will receive a faster, more intense and more painful response”. CENTCOM strikes Iranian oil tankers Earlier on Saturday (Sep 5), US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it struck three Iranian crude oil tankers. The strikes come after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted two US Navy Warships in the region with ballistic missiles. The US military said that CENTCOM “permanently disabled” disabled Iranian crude oil carriers after Tehran’s “failed attacks” on its vessels. Without specifying which US Navy vessels were targeted by the IRGC, CENTCOM said that “a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks.” “Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship,” the CENTCOM statement read. It added that Iranian tankers were part of a “multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.” Economic war wages on Speaking on the blockade of Iranian ports imposed by Washington, Ghalibaf called on authorities to better manage Iranian imports to counter what he described as the US campaign “seeking to paralyse the supply cycle and energy management”. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi on Sunday (Sep 6) said that Tehran was seeking to inflict damage on the US economy through this war. “If America wants to inflict one dollar of economic damage on Iran, it inflicts tens of dollars of damage on itself,” he added.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened a “faster” and “more intense” response after US strikes disabled three Iranian oil carriers, warning that Washington would face a “more painful” retaliation.

‘More intense, more painful response’: Iran’s Ghalibaf threatens after US strikes on oil tankers

US President Donald Trump’s hair is again making headlines as he appeared with a different colour and style, days after he denied wearing a wig. The look drew attention on X, where users joked about the hair color and shape. Trump had previously clarified that he doesn't wear a wig. His latest hairstyle appears to be darker brunette hair and his familiar side-parting suddenly flipped to the opposite side. The sudden makeover was spotted on Friday, September 4. He was photographed as he arrived in New Jersey to spend the weekend at his Bedminster golf club.&nbsp;As he sported a new look, internet went into a frenzy. X users asked what was happening to his hair, with some saying he looked like he was “melting” and others comparing the colour to Rudy Giuliani or the style to Robert Redford. The reactions are social media commentary and do not establish that Trump wears a wig. One post asked, “what is the world is going on with Trump’s hair?”Another wrote, “Why does he look like he’s melting?” A third user commented, “Trump is obviously wearing a new wig.” Another wrote, “A new hair color doesn't change the fact that he looks like a clown.” Another wrote, “It looks like they’re trying for a sort of Robert Redford look.. ? That would fit with his delusional fantasy view of himself.”<h2>Trump denies wearing a wig</h2>During the September 2 dinner, Trump spoke about a 2024 campaign rally in <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/topic/ohio/2">Ohio</a> for then-Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. He recalled strong winds at the event and used that experience to reject claims that he wears a wig. “I went up to the speaker, and it was blowing so hard,” Trump said. “I don’t wear a wig. But that night, they found out I did not wear a wig because if you did, it was not going to be on your head very long.”At a 2015 campaign rally, he said, “I don’t wear a toupee; it’s my hair, I swear,” before adding, “This is getting crazy,” while pulling on his hair.<h2>Trump’s hair has been discussed for years</h2>In 2018, Trump said at the Conservative Political Action Conference, “I try like hell to hide that bald spot, folks. I work hard at it.” His hair also drew attention during an August 5 speech in Las Vegas, when journalist Aaron Rupar wrote, “Is Trump rocking a wig, or what the hell is going on here?” Trump’s longtime doctor, Dr. Harold Bornstein, told The New York Times in 2017 that Trump took finasteride, used to treat male-pattern hair loss and an enlarged prostate. Mayo Clinic lists the same uses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump’s new hairstyle and darker hair colour have sparked reactions on X, days after he denied wearing a wig. Trump recalled a windy 2024 Ohio rally to reject wig claims, while his hair has remained a subject of public and media attention for years.

US President Donald Trump’s hair is again making headlines as he appeared with a different colour and style, days after he denied wearing a wig. The look drew attention on X, where users joked about the hair color and shape. Trump had previously clarified that he doesn't wear a wig. His latest hairstyle appears to be darker brunette hair and his familiar side-parting suddenly flipped to the opposite side. The sudden makeover was spotted on Friday, September 4. He was photographed as he arrived in New Jersey to spend the weekend at his Bedminster golf club. As he sported a new look, internet went into a frenzy. X users asked what was happening to his hair, with some saying he looked like he was “melting” and others comparing the colour to Rudy Giuliani or the style to Robert Redford. The reactions are social media commentary and do not establish that Trump wears a wig. One post asked, “what is the world is going on with Trump’s hair?”Another wrote, “Why does he look like he’s melting?” A third user commented, “Trump is obviously wearing a new wig.” Another wrote, “A new hair color doesn't change the fact that he looks like a clown.” Another wrote, “It looks like they’re trying for a sort of Robert Redford look.. ? That would fit with his delusional fantasy view of himself.” Trump denies wearing a wig During the September 2 dinner, Trump spoke about a 2024 campaign rally in Ohio for then-Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. He recalled strong winds at the event and used that experience to reject claims that he wears a wig. “I went up to the speaker, and it was blowing so hard,” Trump said. “I don’t wear a wig. But that night, they found out I did not wear a wig because if you did, it was not going to be on your head very long.”At a 2015 campaign rally, he said, “I don’t wear a toupee; it’s my hair, I swear,” before adding, “This is getting crazy,” while pulling on his hair. Trump’s hair has been discussed for years In 2018, Trump said at the Conservative Political Action Conference, “I try like hell to hide that bald spot, folks. I work hard at it.” His hair also drew attention during an August 5 speech in Las Vegas, when journalist Aaron Rupar wrote, “Is Trump rocking a wig, or what the hell is going on here?” Trump’s longtime doctor, Dr. Harold Bornstein, told The New York Times in 2017 that Trump took finasteride, used to treat male-pattern hair loss and an enlarged prostate. Mayo Clinic lists the same uses.

Donald Trump’s new hairstyle and darker hair colour have sparked reactions on X, days after he denied wearing a wig. Trump recalled a windy 2024 Ohio rally to reject wig claims, while his hair has remained a subject of public and media attention for years.

‘Am I melting?’ Trump’s new hair sparks hilarious reactions on X, but he insists he doesn’t wear a wig

Former CIA Director ​​David ​Petraeus ​in an interview has claimed that the United States bases in the eastern Gulf states ​i​s ​”no longer viable.​” He said that both the maintainence and functioning of the US bases have been affected. &nbsp;In an interview with ​​Global Gambit, the retired Army general cited Iran’s attacks on US bases, saying the military locations and critical infrastructure were used as “leverage.” He also claimed that America has used “perhaps half of our missile interceptors” in the Iran conflict. He urged the Trump administration to shift to inexpensive drones and learn from Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-is-small-potatoes-for-us-says-trump-as-he-defends-vance-1788601061216">Iran war is "small potatoes" for US, says Trump as he defends Vance</a>&nbsp;“We need to learn from the Ukrainians, who are using 10,000 cheap drones per day. The exchange that they’re getting for those is absolutely massive. Ukrainians have hit all these oil storage and refinery capabilities. They’ve hit every single refinery within 3,000 kilometers of Ukraine,” he said. Petraeus added that the cost the US incurred by shooting an expensive missile interceptor to take down a $50,000 Iranian drone “is obviously not one that is sustainable.”&nbsp;Petraeus did not specify exactly which bases are not “viable.” Iran has targeted several US bases and facilities in West Asia in re<a href="">c</a>ent months. The long list includes the Marine Corps site, King Hussein Base, Prince Hassan Air Base, and Al Azraq Base, all in Jordan. Others include Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as the Navy Fifth Fleet assets at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Also hit were Al Minhad Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest U.S. installation in the region—and facilities and warehouses in Erbil, Iraq.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-iran-s-pickaxe-mountain-that-trump-has-again-threatened-to-bomb-1788585763463">What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?</a>

Meanwhile, an Axios report said that the Trump administration is looking beyond the war and working on a broad plan that could reshape the US approach to the region after the war ends. It includes expansion of Abraham Accord. Trump has privately told people that he is working on "something much bigger" for the Middle East once the war with Iran is over. This comes even as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that the US will destroy and sink Iranian oil tankers if Tehran attacks US Navy ships, saying, “All they have to do is not shoot at” the US Navy, as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified across the region. &nbsp;

Former CIA Director David Petraeus has warned that US bases in the eastern Gulf are “no longer viable” after Iran’s attacks. He urged Washington to use cheaper drones, citing Ukraine’s strategy

Former CIA Director David Petraeus in an interview has claimed that the United States bases in the eastern Gulf states is ”no longer viable.” He said that both the maintainence and functioning of the US bases have been affected. In an interview with Global Gambit, the retired Army general cited Iran’s attacks on US bases, saying the military locations and critical infrastructure were used as “leverage.” He also claimed that America has used “perhaps half of our missile interceptors” in the Iran conflict. He urged the Trump administration to shift to inexpensive drones and learn from Ukraine. Also Read: Iran war is "small potatoes" for US, says Trump as he defends Vance “We need to learn from the Ukrainians, who are using 10,000 cheap drones per day. The exchange that they’re getting for those is absolutely massive. Ukrainians have hit all these oil storage and refinery capabilities. They’ve hit every single refinery within 3,000 kilometers of Ukraine,” he said. Petraeus added that the cost the US incurred by shooting an expensive missile interceptor to take down a $50,000 Iranian drone “is obviously not one that is sustainable.” Petraeus did not specify exactly which bases are not “viable.” Iran has targeted several US bases and facilities in West Asia in recent months. The long list includes the Marine Corps site, King Hussein Base, Prince Hassan Air Base, and Al Azraq Base, all in Jordan. Others include Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as the Navy Fifth Fleet assets at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Also hit were Al Minhad Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest U.S. installation in the region—and facilities and warehouses in Erbil, Iraq. Also Read: What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?

Former CIA Director David Petraeus has warned that US bases in the eastern Gulf are “no longer viable” after Iran’s attacks. He urged Washington to use cheaper drones, citing Ukraine’s strategy

Are US bases in Gulf 'not viable' after Iran attack? Ex-CIA chief Petraeus makes BIG claim

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Sunday (Sep 6) shared Moscow’s position on a possible trilateral between the US, China and Russia. This comes amid speculation surrounding a meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. If the meeting happens, it would mark a rare encounter between the leaders of the world’s three major powers. This comes as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are visiting Moscow and Kyiv as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.<h2>What did Sergei Ryabkov say?</h2>Speaking about the possible talks between the leaders, Ryabkov said that Moscow has not ruled out a trilateral meeting between the presidents of the US, China and Russia. According to Russian state news agency TASS, the deputy foreign minister suggested that before moving on to the actual preparations for the meeting, the agenda for the talks should be decided.“Here, the ‌main ⁠question boils down to how the substance of the meeting will be formulated, and what ​we can ​expect ⁠as a result,” he was quoted as saying.<h2>Will Trump-Xi-Putin meeting happen?</h2>Ryabkov’s remarks come days after Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on Tuesday (Sep 1) suggested a possible meeting between the three leaders. Ushakov made the remarks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, saying that the possibility of the meeting between the three leaders was discussed between Putin and Xi during talks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-putin-meet-soon-kremlin-hints-at-possible-apec-talks-1788356805140">Trump-Xi-Putin meet soon? Kremlin hints at possible APEC talks</a>When asked about the possibility of such a meeting, Ushakov told state TV, “This issue was discussed, yes.”He added that all three leaders were expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18-19.“Xi Jinping mentioned that Donald Trump would be attending, and Vladimir Putin would likely be attending as an invitee,” Ushakov said.“And if things go as planned, a meeting between the three of them could be arranged,” he added. “Or, at the very least, a meeting with everyone would be a must.”Russia, China and the United States are among the 21 economies that make up APEC.However, Washington has not confirmed that Trump will attend the gathering. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly earlier said: “We have no announcements regarding President Trump’s attendance at APEC at this time.”

Amid speculations of a possible trilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, here’s what Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Moscow’s position.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Sunday (Sep 6) shared Moscow’s position on a possible trilateral between the US, China and Russia. This comes amid speculation surrounding a meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. If the meeting happens, it would mark a rare encounter between the leaders of the world’s three major powers. This comes as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are visiting Moscow and Kyiv as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine. What did Sergei Ryabkov say? Speaking about the possible talks between the leaders, Ryabkov said that Moscow has not ruled out a trilateral meeting between the presidents of the US, China and Russia. According to Russian state news agency TASS, the deputy foreign minister suggested that before moving on to the actual preparations for the meeting, the agenda for the talks should be decided. “Here, the ‌main ⁠question boils down to how the substance of the meeting will be formulated, and what we can expect ⁠as a result,” he was quoted as saying. Will Trump-Xi-Putin meeting happen? Ryabkov’s remarks come days after Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on Tuesday (Sep 1) suggested a possible meeting between the three leaders. Ushakov made the remarks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, saying that the possibility of the meeting between the three leaders was discussed between Putin and Xi during talks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Also read | Trump-Xi-Putin meet soon? Kremlin hints at possible APEC talks When asked about the possibility of such a meeting, Ushakov told state TV, “This issue was discussed, yes.” He added that all three leaders were expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18-19. “Xi Jinping mentioned that Donald Trump would be attending, and Vladimir Putin would likely be attending as an invitee,” Ushakov said. “And if things go as planned, a meeting between the three of them could be arranged,” he added. “Or, at the very least, a meeting with everyone would be a must.” Russia, China and the United States are among the 21 economies that make up APEC. However, Washington has not confirmed that Trump will attend the gathering. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly earlier said: “We have no announcements regarding President Trump’s attendance at APEC at this time.”

Amid speculations of a possible trilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, here’s what Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Moscow’s position.

Will Trump-Xi-Putin meet happen? What Russian Deputy FM said on possible trilateral

The 18th BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairmanship from 12–13 September. It is expected to bring together the bloc’s 11 members, partner countries and outreach invitees. So, with just a few days left for the summit to kickstart, we take a look at the New Development Bank established by the BRICS countries.&nbsp;<h2>Establishment of NDB</h2>&nbsp;Headquartered in Shanghai, China, the bank was established through the2014 Fortaleza Declaration with the aim of financing infrastructure and sustainable-development projects in BRICS and other developing countries. It started its operations in 2015.&nbsp;Its Initial members were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa but NDB has admitted additional members beyond the original BRICS countries&nbsp;<h2>Reducing dependence on Western institutions</h2>&nbsp;The bank provides loans for projects such as transport, energy, water, sanitation, and urban development. Promoting sustainable development, renewable energy, supporting climate-resilient infrastructure, are some of the environmentally friendly areas where the bank works.&nbsp;One of the major benefits for BRICS nation is the reduced dependence on Western institutions. It gives emerging economies an additional source of development finance alongside institutions such as the World Bank and IMF.&nbsp;According to the data available, since its inception in 2015, the bank has made a total approval of $42.9 billion, approved 139 projects &nbsp;and had 115 projects in its portfolio at the end of 2025.&nbsp;Metros, railways, roads, logistics infrastructure, clean energy and energy efficiency, water and sanitation, urban infrastructure and affordable housing are the major sectors NDB has invested in.<h2>Role of NDB in supporting local currencies</h2>&nbsp;NDB supports the use of local currencies by helping BRICS countries in giving them loans &nbsp;and raising funds in the currencies of its member countries. This is vital as it reduces dependence of BRICS nations on the US dollar. This reduces the need for borrowers to take dollar-denominated loans.&nbsp;NDB has expanded beyond the original five BRICS members. But compared with the World Bank's scale and global reach, NDB remains considerably smaller. I&nbsp;

It gives emerging economies an additional source of development finance alongside institutions such as the World Bank and IMF.

The 18th BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairmanship from 12–13 September. It is expected to bring together the bloc’s 11 members, partner countries and outreach invitees. So, with just a few days left for the summit to kickstart, we take a look at the New Development Bank established by the BRICS countries. Establishment of NDB Headquartered in Shanghai, China, the bank was established through the2014 Fortaleza Declaration with the aim of financing infrastructure and sustainable-development projects in BRICS and other developing countries. It started its operations in 2015. Its Initial members were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa but NDB has admitted additional members beyond the original BRICS countries Reducing dependence on Western institutions The bank provides loans for projects such as transport, energy, water, sanitation, and urban development. Promoting sustainable development, renewable energy, supporting climate-resilient infrastructure, are some of the environmentally friendly areas where the bank works. One of the major benefits for BRICS nation is the reduced dependence on Western institutions. It gives emerging economies an additional source of development finance alongside institutions such as the World Bank and IMF. According to the data available, since its inception in 2015, the bank has made a total approval of $42.9 billion, approved 139 projects and had 115 projects in its portfolio at the end of 2025. Metros, railways, roads, logistics infrastructure, clean energy and energy efficiency, water and sanitation, urban infrastructure and affordable housing are the major sectors NDB has invested in. Role of NDB in supporting local currencies NDB supports the use of local currencies by helping BRICS countries in giving them loans and raising funds in the currencies of its member countries. This is vital as it reduces dependence of BRICS nations on the US dollar. This reduces the need for borrowers to take dollar-denominated loans. NDB has expanded beyond the original five BRICS members. But compared with the World Bank's scale and global reach, NDB remains considerably smaller. I

It gives emerging economies an additional source of development finance alongside institutions such as the World Bank and IMF.

BRICS 2026: Twelve years after Fortaleza, inside Shanghai’s NDB bank

India’s four BRICS chairmanships—in 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2026—reflect the changing priorities of both the grouping and New Delhi’s foreign policy. From strengthening BRICS’ institutional foundations and financial cooperation to pushing counter-terrorism, consensus-building and Global South priorities, India’s role has steadily expanded. In 2026, technology, resilience and global governance reform have emerged as key pillars of its BRICS strategy.<h2>BRICS chairmanship in 2012</h2>During India’s first BRICS chairmanship was in 2012. In that year, New Delhi’s primary objective was to give greater institutional shape and credibility to what was still a relatively informal grouping of emerging economies. India moved the bloc from an informal dialogue forum toward a concrete, institutionalised entity. India put forward the core proposal to create a new multilateral development bank financed by the Global South. This directly resulted in the heads of state instructing their finance ministers to study its feasibility. This Indian initiative laid the direct groundwork for the formal establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/brics-summit-2026-35-roads-to-remain-affected-during-motorcade-rehearsal-1788680087653">BRICS Summit 2026: 35 roads to remain affected during motorcade rehearsal</a><h3>2016: Using BRICS to highlight terrorism and connectivity</h3>By India’s second BRICS chairmanship in 2016, the grouping had acquired greater political significance, and New Delhi used the Goa Summit to push issues extending beyond economics. The eighth BRICS Summit was held under the theme “Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions”, with India seeking to broaden the organisation’s agenda around security, connectivity and development. Terrorism became one of New Delhi’s most important priorities. India sought to bring greater international attention to terrorism and the networks that support it, particularly against the backdrop of growing tensions in South Asia. The summit provided India with a platform to make the case for stronger international cooperation against terrorist organisations and their financing, while also reinforcing its position on cross-border terrorism. At the same time, India promoted regional connectivity and economic integration as important components of the BRICS agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2026-putin-s-second-india-visit-in-10-months-comes-amid-focus-on-russian-oil-1788508682752">BRICS Summit 2026: Putin’s second India visit in 10 months comes</a><h3>2021: Maintaining consensus amid the pandemic and China tensions</h3>India assumed the BRICS chairmanship for a third time in 2021, but the circumstances were markedly different from its earlier presidencies. The 13th BRICS Summit was held virtually as countries continued to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, India was confronting an acute military standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control. Against this backdrop, India adopted the theme “BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation and Consensus.” The emphasis was on maintaining the functioning of the grouping despite the difficult international environment and differences among its members.&nbsp;The pandemic also pushed health cooperation, economic recovery and resilience higher on the agenda. For India, the challenge was to preserve BRICS as a functioning multilateral platform while simultaneously managing its increasingly complicated relationship with China. This made consensus-building particularly important: New Delhi had to advance its interests without allowing bilateral tensions to completely overshadow the wider BRICS agenda.<h3>2026: From BRICS cooperation to a Global South platform</h3>India’s fourth BRICS chairmanship in 2026 focuses more heavily on institutional development, economic cooperation and specific geopolitical concerns, New Delhi is now seeking to shape the direction of an expanded BRICS+ grouping. India has placed a strong emphasis on a “Humanity First” and people-centric approach, with the 2026 agenda organised around four broad pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. The expansion of BRICS has also dramatically increased the geographic and political diversity of the grouping, making consensus-building more complex while simultaneously increasing its potential as a platform representing developing and emerging economies.&nbsp;For New Delhi, this provides an opportunity to position BRICS as an important vehicle for Global South advocacy. Rather than presenting the grouping simply as an alternative economic bloc, India is seeking to use its chairmanship to push issues such as development, technology, financial reform, climate action and greater representation for developing countries in global institutions.

India’s four BRICS chairmanships in 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2026 reflect an evolving strategy—from institution-building and financial cooperation to countering terrorism, maintaining consensus amid tensions, and championing the Global South cause

India’s four BRICS chairmanships—in 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2026—reflect the changing priorities of both the grouping and New Delhi’s foreign policy. From strengthening BRICS’ institutional foundations and financial cooperation to pushing counter-terrorism, consensus-building and Global South priorities, India’s role has steadily expanded. In 2026, technology, resilience and global governance reform have emerged as key pillars of its BRICS strategy. BRICS chairmanship in 2012 During India’s first BRICS chairmanship was in 2012. In that year, New Delhi’s primary objective was to give greater institutional shape and credibility to what was still a relatively informal grouping of emerging economies. India moved the bloc from an informal dialogue forum toward a concrete, institutionalised entity. India put forward the core proposal to create a new multilateral development bank financed by the Global South. This directly resulted in the heads of state instructing their finance ministers to study its feasibility. This Indian initiative laid the direct groundwork for the formal establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: 35 roads to remain affected during motorcade rehearsal 2016: Using BRICS to highlight terrorism and connectivity By India’s second BRICS chairmanship in 2016, the grouping had acquired greater political significance, and New Delhi used the Goa Summit to push issues extending beyond economics. The eighth BRICS Summit was held under the theme “Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions”, with India seeking to broaden the organisation’s agenda around security, connectivity and development. Terrorism became one of New Delhi’s most important priorities. India sought to bring greater international attention to terrorism and the networks that support it, particularly against the backdrop of growing tensions in South Asia. The summit provided India with a platform to make the case for stronger international cooperation against terrorist organisations and their financing, while also reinforcing its position on cross-border terrorism. At the same time, India promoted regional connectivity and economic integration as important components of the BRICS agenda. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Putin’s second India visit in 10 months comes 2021: Maintaining consensus amid the pandemic and China tensions India assumed the BRICS chairmanship for a third time in 2021, but the circumstances were markedly different from its earlier presidencies. The 13th BRICS Summit was held virtually as countries continued to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, India was confronting an acute military standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control. Against this backdrop, India adopted the theme “BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation and Consensus.” The emphasis was on maintaining the functioning of the grouping despite the difficult international environment and differences among its members. The pandemic also pushed health cooperation, economic recovery and resilience higher on the agenda. For India, the challenge was to preserve BRICS as a functioning multilateral platform while simultaneously managing its increasingly complicated relationship with China. This made consensus-building particularly important: New Delhi had to advance its interests without allowing bilateral tensions to completely overshadow the wider BRICS agenda. 2026: From BRICS cooperation to a Global South platform India’s fourth BRICS chairmanship in 2026 focuses more heavily on institutional development, economic cooperation and specific geopolitical concerns, New Delhi is now seeking to shape the direction of an expanded BRICS+ grouping. India has placed a strong emphasis on a “Humanity First” and people-centric approach, with the 2026 agenda organised around four broad pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. The expansion of BRICS has also dramatically increased the geographic and political diversity of the grouping, making consensus-building more complex while simultaneously increasing its potential as a platform representing developing and emerging economies. For New Delhi, this provides an opportunity to position BRICS as an important vehicle for Global South advocacy. Rather than presenting the grouping simply as an alternative economic bloc, India is seeking to use its chairmanship to push issues such as development, technology, financial reform, climate action and greater representation for developing countries in global institutions.

India’s four BRICS chairmanships in 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2026 reflect an evolving strategy—from institution-building and financial cooperation to countering terrorism, maintaining consensus amid tensions, and championing the Global South cause

BRICS Summit 2026: How four chairmanships reshaped India’s global strategy

Indonesia's Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted early Sunday, resulting in the cancellation of several flights at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport as ash spewed across the western part of the country. Following the eruption, a fountain of lava was seen and booming sounds were heard up to 700 km (435 miles) away from the Anak Krakatoa volcano. Multiple videos of the volcanic eruption have surfaced on social media, showing a fountain of lava coming out of the volcanic mountain along with booming sounds. The volcanology agency warned that Indonesia witnessed two new eruptions on Sunday. After ash from the volcano was detected in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, officials announced a suspension of operations from 01:30 am Sunday (Saturday 1830 GMT).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Anak Krakatau volcano erupting in Indonesia. <a href="https://t.co/ZX7hs0aU30">pic.twitter.com/ZX7hs0aU30</a>&mdash; распад и неуважение (@VictorKvert2008) <a href="https://x.com/VictorKvert2008/status/2096468331540656181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"The latest paper test...showed positive results indicating the spread of volcanic ash in the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport area; consequently, the airport closure was extended until Sunday at 09:30 am (0230 GMT)," the transport ministry said in a statement Sunday. The suspension of the flights was later extended by four hours due to increased eruptive activity.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/supercontinent-pangea-ultima-extreme-heat-will-kill-all-humans-in-200-million-years-1788677124492">Supercontinent induced climate change: Extreme heat will kill all humans in about 200 million years</a><h3>Over 22,000 passengers affected</h3>The transportation ministry stated that over 22,000 passengers have been impacted by the suspension, as 209 flights were affected, particularly to and from Singapore, due to the volcanic eruption. Other major affected international routes included Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. Local airport authorities also reported that at least 16 domestic flights to Bali were cancelled. Anak Krakatoa, meaning "Child of Krakatoa", is located in the strait separating Java and Sumatra. Port authorities stated that ships navigating the strait should exercise heightened caution due to potential disruptions from volcanic activity, and are barred from entering the 3-kilometre exclusion zone around the volcano. The volcano has experienced intermittent activity since it first emerged from the sea in the early 1900s, forming within the caldera left by the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa, one of history's deadliest and most destructive volcanic disasters, which killed an estimated 35,000 people. Indonesia, an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region marked by frequent volcanic and seismic activity due to the convergence of tectonic plates.

 After ash from the volcano was detected in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, officials announced a suspension of operations from 01:30 am Sunday (Saturday 1830 GMT).

Indonesia's Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted early Sunday, resulting in the cancellation of several flights at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport as ash spewed across the western part of the country. Following the eruption, a fountain of lava was seen and booming sounds were heard up to 700 km (435 miles) away from the Anak Krakatoa volcano. Multiple videos of the volcanic eruption have surfaced on social media, showing a fountain of lava coming out of the volcanic mountain along with booming sounds. The volcanology agency warned that Indonesia witnessed two new eruptions on Sunday. After ash from the volcano was detected in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, officials announced a suspension of operations from 01:30 am Sunday (Saturday 1830 GMT).

&nbsp;After ash from the volcano was detected in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, officials announced a suspension of operations from 01:30 am Sunday (Saturday 1830 GMT).

VIDEO: Lava fountains, booming sounds heard after Indonesia's Anak Krakatoa volcano erupts; over 200 flights grounded

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised Canada for the way it is handling trade talks with the US. In an interview with a TV channel, Bessent said that the trade war with Canada would have a "negligible" effect on US prices. In fact he went on to compare &nbsp;Canada’s attitude to a little dog barking at a much bigger one.&nbsp;On being asked by Fox News what he thinks will happen with the ongoing trade standoff, Bessent compared the northern neighbor to a "little yippy dog."&nbsp;"I had a German shepherd and there was a Dachshund that used to antagonize her at the playground and it kind of reminds me of that," Bessent said.&nbsp;"This little yippy dog used to bark away and for a long time a 110-pound German shepherd was ignoring the Dachshund and then one day she had enough," he further said.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/possible-avenues-for-settlement-outlined-russia-on-ukraine-talks-with-us-1788674611561">'Possible avenues for settlement outlined': Russia on Ukraine talks with US</a>&nbsp;Bessent then went on to criticise Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for "refusing a great trade deal".&nbsp;"They were given the opportunity for a great trade deal and they didn't want it," he said in the interview.&nbsp;Bessent also seemed less bothered by the impact the trade war could have on US prices and said he is happy to debate with anybody on the topic.&nbsp;"I would like someone to show me the statistical significance of the Canadian tariffs on U.S. prices. I'm happy to debate them," the secretary said.&nbsp;The comment comes amid a continued war of words between Bessent and Carney lately. Bessent has in the past accused Carney of caring more about political image than about what’s best for Canada’s economy.&nbsp;

Bessent also seemed less bothered by the impact the trade war could have on US prices and said he is happy to debate with anybody on the topic.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised Canada for the way it is handling trade talks with the US. In an interview with a TV channel, Bessent said that the trade war with Canada would have a "negligible" effect on US prices. In fact he went on to compare Canada’s attitude to a little dog barking at a much bigger one. On being asked by Fox News what he thinks will happen with the ongoing trade standoff, Bessent compared the northern neighbor to a "little yippy dog." "I had a German shepherd and there was a Dachshund that used to antagonize her at the playground and it kind of reminds me of that," Bessent said. "This little yippy dog used to bark away and for a long time a 110-pound German shepherd was ignoring the Dachshund and then one day she had enough," he further said. ALSO READ: 'Possible avenues for settlement outlined': Russia on Ukraine talks with US Bessent then went on to criticise Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for "refusing a great trade deal". "They were given the opportunity for a great trade deal and they didn't want it," he said in the interview. Bessent also seemed less bothered by the impact the trade war could have on US prices and said he is happy to debate with anybody on the topic. "I would like someone to show me the statistical significance of the Canadian tariffs on U.S. prices. I'm happy to debate them," the secretary said. The comment comes amid a continued war of words between Bessent and Carney lately. Bessent has in the past accused Carney of caring more about political image than about what’s best for Canada’s economy.

Bessent also seemed less bothered by the impact the trade war could have on US prices and said he is happy to debate with anybody on the topic.

'Little yippy dog' says Bessent about Canada over trade deal with US, slams Mark Carney

Approximately 800 barrels of Guinness - which is a type of beer - has been stolen from an industrial estate in Runcorn, England. The thieves reportedly stole the beer by driving off from a depot with two HGV trailers. About 70,000 pints worth of the stout, estimated to be worth £115,000 or USD 1,56,279, Cheshire Police said. One wagon-load was taken at about 19:45 BST and a second one was stolen at about 21:30, according to police. The stolen barrels had been destined for pubs, the police added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/4-minutes-priceless-treasure-gone-thieves-pull-off-superfast-bronze-age-gold-heist-in-spain-1787836837015">4 minutes, priceless treasure gone: Thieves pull off superfast Bronze Age gold heist in Spain</a>&nbsp;Det Sgt McClatchy said: "It is famously said that 'Guinness is good for you', but that is only the case when it has been bought and paid for." One lorry was seen heading in the direction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, and the second headed in the direction of Rainhill and Watkinson Way. Police said that both HGVs were believed to have been driven by men. The first driver is described as white with a short dark beard and he was wearing a beanie hat, while the second is believed to have been wearing a cap. The trailers are described as white tri-axle curtain side trailers with branding for logistics company GXO on curtains and rear doors. Police said they have unique numbers on their rear doors in the top left corner.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-sweetest-crime-of-the-century-400-000-chocolate-bars-vanish-in-massive-heist-in-europe-kitkat-nestle-1774851074871">The sweetest crime of the century?400,000 chocolate bars vanish in massive heist in Europe</a>&nbsp;This is latest in escalating global trend in high-value alcohol thefts. Cargo security firms like Verisk CargoNet reported that cargo theft losses spiked past $304 million in the second quarter of 2026 alone, largely driven by sophisticated fraud schemes. Cheshire Police are hunting the male drivers and reviewing local dashcam footage. Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Constabulary online or call 101. Tipsters should reference incident number IML-2408641. Officials also want surveillance video captured near Aston Lane during the evening. The department has not announced any arrests or recoveries.

More than 800 barrels of Guinness, worth around £115,000 and equal to 70,000 pints, were stolen from a depot in Runcorn, northwest England. Two HGV trailers were driven away in separate incidents, with police searching for the stolen Guinness and vehicles.

Approximately 800 barrels of Guinness - which is a type of beer - has been stolen from an industrial estate in Runcorn, England. The thieves reportedly stole the beer by driving off from a depot with two HGV trailers. About 70,000 pints worth of the stout, estimated to be worth £115,000 or USD 1,56,279, Cheshire Police said. One wagon-load was taken at about 19:45 BST and a second one was stolen at about 21:30, according to police. The stolen barrels had been destined for pubs, the police added. Also Read: 4 minutes, priceless treasure gone: Thieves pull off superfast Bronze Age gold heist in Spain Det Sgt McClatchy said: "It is famously said that 'Guinness is good for you', but that is only the case when it has been bought and paid for." One lorry was seen heading in the direction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, and the second headed in the direction of Rainhill and Watkinson Way. Police said that both HGVs were believed to have been driven by men. The first driver is described as white with a short dark beard and he was wearing a beanie hat, while the second is believed to have been wearing a cap. The trailers are described as white tri-axle curtain side trailers with branding for logistics company GXO on curtains and rear doors. Police said they have unique numbers on their rear doors in the top left corner. Also Read: The sweetest crime of the century?400,000 chocolate bars vanish in massive heist in Europe This is latest in escalating global trend in high-value alcohol thefts. Cargo security firms like Verisk CargoNet reported that cargo theft losses spiked past $304 million in the second quarter of 2026 alone, largely driven by sophisticated fraud schemes. Cheshire Police are hunting the male drivers and reviewing local dashcam footage. Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Constabulary online or call 101. Tipsters should reference incident number IML-2408641. Officials also want surveillance video captured near Aston Lane during the evening. The department has not announced any arrests or recoveries.

More than 800 barrels of Guinness, worth around £115,000 and equal to 70,000 pints, were stolen from a depot in Runcorn, northwest England. Two HGV trailers were driven away in separate incidents, with police searching for the stolen Guinness and vehicles.

Beer heist in England: More than 70,000 pints stolen from depot in two trucks

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Saturday held three hours of talks in Moscow to end the Ukraine war. Though, there was no indication from both the sides of any breakthrough, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said the talk was substantive, constructive and extremely frank talks.&nbsp;Ushakov, said Americans Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner "outlined a number of ideas regarding possible avenues for a settlement" but did not clarify what it meant.&nbsp;Ushakov said the Russian side presented its clear and comprehensive assessment of the situation developing amid the special military operation.&nbsp;"In particular, note was taken of the real advances made by the Russian army within the combat zone; confidence was expressed in achieving the stated objectives, and the need to eliminate all root causes of the conflict was emphasised," he noted.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-severe-than-before-iran-warns-us-of-tougher-retaliation-after-three-tankers-destroyed-1788636991378">Iran retaliates after US destroys three tankers, warns of wider attacks</a>&nbsp;Ushakov described the talks as timely and highly beneficial for both sides. He said it was agreed that the heads of state of Russia and the US would continue maintaining personal contact, while engagement through Witkoff and Kushner would also proceed, reported ANI.&nbsp;Just before the talks were to be held, Moscow and Kyiv announced temporary pauses in attacks.The Kremlin said Russian forces would not strike Kyiv for three days from midnight Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine would stop strikes on Moscow until Monday.&nbsp;“The Russian president, the commander-in-chief, has given the order from midnight tonight not to strike Kyiv for three days,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.&nbsp;Peace efforts have struggled to make progress as Russia and Ukraine continue heavy long-range attacks. The fighting has also pushed civilian casualties to some of their highest levels since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Ushakov described the talks as timely and highly beneficial for both sides and said the Russian side presented its clear and comprehensive assessment of the situation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Saturday held three hours of talks in Moscow to end the Ukraine war. Though, there was no indication from both the sides of any breakthrough, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said the talk was substantive, constructive and extremely frank talks. Ushakov, said Americans Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner "outlined a number of ideas regarding possible avenues for a settlement" but did not clarify what it meant. Ushakov said the Russian side presented its clear and comprehensive assessment of the situation developing amid the special military operation. "In particular, note was taken of the real advances made by the Russian army within the combat zone; confidence was expressed in achieving the stated objectives, and the need to eliminate all root causes of the conflict was emphasised," he noted. ALSO READ: Iran retaliates after US destroys three tankers, warns of wider attacks Ushakov described the talks as timely and highly beneficial for both sides. He said it was agreed that the heads of state of Russia and the US would continue maintaining personal contact, while engagement through Witkoff and Kushner would also proceed, reported ANI. Just before the talks were to be held, Moscow and Kyiv announced temporary pauses in attacks. The Kremlin said Russian forces would not strike Kyiv for three days from midnight Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine would stop strikes on Moscow until Monday. “The Russian president, the commander-in-chief, has given the order from midnight tonight not to strike Kyiv for three days,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Peace efforts have struggled to make progress as Russia and Ukraine continue heavy long-range attacks. The fighting has also pushed civilian casualties to some of their highest levels since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Ushakov described the talks as timely and highly beneficial for both sides and said the Russian side presented its clear and comprehensive assessment of the situation.

'Possible avenues for settlement outlined': Russia on Ukraine talks with US

At least two people were killed, and two others were critically injured after a small plane crashed in northwest Fresno in California on Saturday afternoon (local time). According to Fresno Fire Department, the aircraft crashed near Sierra Sky Park Airport on Blythe Avenue, and two people died in the crash, while two others were taken to a hospital in critical condition, the department said. The circumstances surrounding the crash remained unclear and a probe is underway.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CALIFORNIA | Plane crash reported in Northeast Fresno <a href="https://t.co/9fRf0CZIEo">https://t.co/9fRf0CZIEo</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2vMOER4eK">pic.twitter.com/N2vMOER4eK</a>&mdash; Breaking X (@BreakingXAlerts) <a href="https://x.com/BreakingXAlerts/status/2096373297927643540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Fresno Police Department, Fresno Fire Department, PG&amp;E, Fresno County Sheriff's Office and North Central Fire Department.d. The response came as authorities worked at the crash site near the airport, with further details awaited from officials. Power was briefly disrupted for nearby residents following the crash, according to PG&amp;E's outage map. The outage was subsequently restored.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement, Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi said that it was a “rare and tragic situation in northwest Fresno.” "My immediate concern is for the survivors of this heart wrenching situation. At the appropriate time, my office will reach out and ensure they have what they need as they recover," he added. "I want to thank the first responders and City Manager Georgeanne White for responding to the scene and working to save lives. I ask our community to pray for this family who are going through something unimaginable."

Two people were killed and two others critically injured after a small plane crashed near Sierra Sky Park Airport in northwest Fresno, California, on Saturday afternoon. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, while authorities continued investigating the cause of the crash

At least two people were killed, and two others were critically injured after a small plane crashed in northwest Fresno in California on Saturday afternoon (local time). According to Fresno Fire Department, the aircraft crashed near Sierra Sky Park Airport on Blythe Avenue, and two people died in the crash, while two others were taken to a hospital in critical condition, the department said. The circumstances surrounding the crash remained unclear and a probe is underway.

Two people were killed and two others critically injured after a small plane crashed near Sierra Sky Park Airport in northwest Fresno, California, on Saturday afternoon. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, while authorities continued investigating the cause of the crash

Plane crashes in California's Fresno, leaves 2 dead, 2 injured; probe underway | VIDEO

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that they had attacked several vessels, including some allegedly linked to the United States, in response to US strikes on Iranian oil tankers earlier in the day. IRGC said its naval forces “targeted three oil tankers on the unauthorised route of the Strait of Hormuz and three vessels affiliated with the child-killing America in other areas”.&nbsp;The force also warned other ships against using routes it considers unauthorised for crossing the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;The claim came hours after Iran threatened stronger attacks on US naval vessels if Washington continued striking Iranian ships.&nbsp;Iran’s Khatam al Anbiya central command issued the warning after the United States said it had destroyed three Iranian oil tankers.&nbsp;“The US terrorist army is warned that if the evil actions, insecurity and harassment of Iranian ships and the naval blockade of Iran continue, the strikes by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran against US military vessels in the region will be more severe than before and there is a possibility of their expansion,” the command said.<h3>US says three Iranian tankers destroyed</h3>The warning followed a US Central Command statement that American forces had destroyed three Iranian tankers after what Washington described as attempted missile attacks on US naval vessels.CENTCOM said the tankers had links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It accused the IRGC of unsuccessfully trying to attack American warships.&nbsp;“Following Iran's failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask,” CENTCOM said.&nbsp;US forces also targeted the M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said the tanker was empty and that American forces struck it at several critical points after its crew abandoned the vessel.&nbsp;CENTCOM released video showing large explosions and flames rising from the targeted ships.&nbsp;The US military said the three tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar network that allegedly funds the IRGC and its regional allies.&nbsp;CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper defended the strikes and issued a warning to Iran.“If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost -- taking out three of yours,” Cooper said.<h3>Strait of Hormuz becomes key flashpoint</h3>The latest exchanges have increased tensions in the six-month conflict between Iran and the United States.&nbsp;Iran continues to restrict movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for oil shipments.&nbsp;Washington has responded by increasing pressure on Iranian ports through its counter-blockade.&nbsp;Iran’s latest claim of attacks on vessels could further raise tensions in the strategically important waterway, with both sides warning of further military action.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they retaliated against vessels after the US destroyed three Iranian tankers, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that they had attacked several vessels, including some allegedly linked to the United States, in response to US strikes on Iranian oil tankers earlier in the day. IRGC said its naval forces “targeted three oil tankers on the unauthorised route of the Strait of Hormuz and three vessels affiliated with the child-killing America in other areas”. The force also warned other ships against using routes it considers unauthorised for crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The claim came hours after Iran threatened stronger attacks on US naval vessels if Washington continued striking Iranian ships. Iran’s Khatam al Anbiya central command issued the warning after the United States said it had destroyed three Iranian oil tankers. “The US terrorist army is warned that if the evil actions, insecurity and harassment of Iranian ships and the naval blockade of Iran continue, the strikes by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran against US military vessels in the region will be more severe than before and there is a possibility of their expansion,” the command said. US says three Iranian tankers destroyed The warning followed a US Central Command statement that American forces had destroyed three Iranian tankers after what Washington described as attempted missile attacks on US naval vessels. CENTCOM said the tankers had links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It accused the IRGC of unsuccessfully trying to attack American warships. “Following Iran's failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask,” CENTCOM said. US forces also targeted the M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said the tanker was empty and that American forces struck it at several critical points after its crew abandoned the vessel. CENTCOM released video showing large explosions and flames rising from the targeted ships. The US military said the three tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar network that allegedly funds the IRGC and its regional allies. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper defended the strikes and issued a warning to Iran. “If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost -- taking out three of yours,” Cooper said. Strait of Hormuz becomes key flashpoint The latest exchanges have increased tensions in the six-month conflict between Iran and the United States. Iran continues to restrict movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for oil shipments. Washington has responded by increasing pressure on Iranian ports through its counter-blockade. Iran’s latest claim of attacks on vessels could further raise tensions in the strategically important waterway, with both sides warning of further military action.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they retaliated against vessels after the US destroyed three Iranian tankers, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran retaliates after US destroys three tankers, warns of wider attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin on Saturday (September 05) as Washington stepped up efforts to end the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;The meeting came ahead of the envoys’ expected visit to Kyiv on Sunday. It will be their first trip to Ukraine since US President Donald Trump returned to office last year and promised to push for an end to the conflict.&nbsp;Putin welcomed Kushner and Witkoff at the Kremlin and acknowledged the difficulties facing the talks. He also asked them to pass on his “best wishes” and “words of gratitude” to Trump.&nbsp;“Dear colleagues, I warmly welcome you to Moscow. The situation is, of course, not simple,” Putin told the envoys in footage shown on Russian television.&nbsp;“But before we begin to address it, I would like to ask everyone to convey their best wishes and words of gratitude to U.S. President Mr Trump,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-celebrates-srcc-s-100-years-says-college-has-shaped-generations-for-a-brighter-future-1788624660000">PM Modi celebrates SRCC’s 100 years, says college has shaped generations for a brighter future</a>&nbsp;<h3>Russia, Ukraine announce temporary pause in strikes</h3>The talks took place as Moscow and Kyiv announced temporary pauses in attacks.&nbsp;The Kremlin said Russian forces would not strike Kyiv for three days from midnight Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine would stop strikes on Moscow until Monday.&nbsp;“The Russian president, the commander-in-chief, has given the order from midnight tonight not to strike Kyiv for three days,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.&nbsp;Peace efforts have struggled to make progress as Russia and Ukraine continue heavy long-range attacks. The fighting has also pushed civilian casualties to some of their highest levels since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.&nbsp;Trump said he sent Witkoff and Kushner to explore whether the two sides could reach an agreement.&nbsp;“I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators. They've done a great job, and we sent them over to see whether or not we can get something done. And there may be a good chance that we'll do it,” Trump said.&nbsp;Trump did not say whether the US proposal would require Ukraine to give up territory. He said only that Washington had “an idea for peace”.&nbsp;Witkoff and Kushner have taken part in earlier US diplomatic efforts involving Gaza and Iran. They have also travelled to Moscow several times as part of attempts to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine war.<h3>Zelenskyy accuses Russia of targeting Kyiv visit</h3>The latest diplomatic effort has come as attacks across Ukraine have intensified.&nbsp;Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to disrupt the planned US delegation visit. Overnight strikes hit areas around Kyiv, including the capital’s two airports.&nbsp;He also linked Russian attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region to preparations for the US visit.“Clearly, these Russian strikes on the airports are a reaction to the discussions and preparations for the possibility of the US side using an aircraft to travel to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

Putin held talks with Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Moscow as Russia and Ukraine announced a temporary pause in strikes ahead of the US delegation’s expected visit to Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin on Saturday (September 05) as Washington stepped up efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting came ahead of the envoys’ expected visit to Kyiv on Sunday. It will be their first trip to Ukraine since US President Donald Trump returned to office last year and promised to push for an end to the conflict. Putin welcomed Kushner and Witkoff at the Kremlin and acknowledged the difficulties facing the talks. He also asked them to pass on his “best wishes” and “words of gratitude” to Trump. “Dear colleagues, I warmly welcome you to Moscow. The situation is, of course, not simple,” Putin told the envoys in footage shown on Russian television. “But before we begin to address it, I would like to ask everyone to convey their best wishes and words of gratitude to U.S. President Mr Trump,” he added. Also Read: PM Modi celebrates SRCC’s 100 years, says college has shaped generations for a brighter future Russia, Ukraine announce temporary pause in strikes The talks took place as Moscow and Kyiv announced temporary pauses in attacks. The Kremlin said Russian forces would not strike Kyiv for three days from midnight Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine would stop strikes on Moscow until Monday. “The Russian president, the commander-in-chief, has given the order from midnight tonight not to strike Kyiv for three days,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Peace efforts have struggled to make progress as Russia and Ukraine continue heavy long-range attacks. The fighting has also pushed civilian casualties to some of their highest levels since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. Trump said he sent Witkoff and Kushner to explore whether the two sides could reach an agreement. “I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators. They've done a great job, and we sent them over to see whether or not we can get something done. And there may be a good chance that we'll do it,” Trump said. Trump did not say whether the US proposal would require Ukraine to give up territory. He said only that Washington had “an idea for peace”. Witkoff and Kushner have taken part in earlier US diplomatic efforts involving Gaza and Iran. They have also travelled to Moscow several times as part of attempts to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine war. Zelenskyy accuses Russia of targeting Kyiv visit The latest diplomatic effort has come as attacks across Ukraine have intensified. Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to disrupt the planned US delegation visit. Overnight strikes hit areas around Kyiv, including the capital’s two airports. He also linked Russian attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region to preparations for the US visit. “Clearly, these Russian strikes on the airports are a reaction to the discussions and preparations for the possibility of the US side using an aircraft to travel to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

Putin held talks with Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Moscow as Russia and Ukraine announced a temporary pause in strikes ahead of the US delegation’s expected visit to Kyiv.

‘Situation is not simple’: Putin meets US envoys in Moscow over Ukraine peace push

An American AI company has decided the easiest place to build a very large data centre is not America.&nbsp;The Deal&nbsp;Together AI, which serves open-source models to customers, announced a partnership on August 31 with HUMAIN, the Saudi state-backed artificial intelligence company, for a 250 megawatt facility in the kingdom.&nbsp;The site would house roughly 120,000 semiconductors. Together AI will use HUMAIN's chips and give HUMAIN a share of the revenue in return, rather than buying the hardware outright.&nbsp;The company, valued at $8.3 billion in July, says it expects the facility to produce more than $5 billion in annualised revenue. It describes the deal as among the largest AI infrastructure agreements for open source anywhere.&nbsp;Why Not America&nbsp;The stated reason is the interesting part, and it has been reported plainly rather than hinted at: building in Saudi Arabia lets the company bypass American backlash over data centres.&nbsp;That backlash is real and growing. Data centres consume enormous quantities of electricity and, in many designs, water. American communities have increasingly organised against them, utilities have struggled to connect them, and several states have seen local fights over land, grid capacity and residential power prices rising alongside new construction.&nbsp;For a company that needs 250 megawatts, those are not abstractions. They are years of permitting and the possibility of losing anyway.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia offers the inverse. Power is abundant and cheap, land is not contested in the same way, and the state is actively courting exactly this construction as part of its economic diversification away from oil.&nbsp;What Saudi Arabia Is Assembling&nbsp;This is not a single opportunistic deal. HUMAIN has been signing partners at pace.&nbsp;Microsoft announced an enhanced partnership with HUMAIN, including new enterprise AI offerings and an AI PC. Qualcomm has announced AI infrastructure work in the kingdom with the same company. HUMAIN has separately arranged a $1.2 billion financing package with Infra to fund 250 megawatts of data centre space, and is working with center3 on plans described as reaching a gigawatt.&nbsp;The pattern is a state-backed entity positioning itself as the counterparty for anyone who wants large-scale compute without the domestic difficulty of building it — and taking equity, revenue shares or both in exchange.&nbsp;The Question That Follows&nbsp;Compute is the strategic asset of this decade, and the United States has spent two years constructing an elaborate apparatus to control where it goes.&nbsp;Export controls determine which chips may be sold to whom. The Remote Access Security Act, passed by the House, would extend those controls to renting compute remotely, closing the gap that let Chinese laboratories reach restricted hardware through third countries. Washington has treated the physical location of advanced chips as a matter of national security.&nbsp;American companies voluntarily relocating their compute to a foreign state-backed partner sits awkwardly inside that framework. Not illegally — Saudi Arabia is an ally, and there is no suggestion this arrangement breaches any rule. But the policy logic that says it matters where chips sit does not obviously stop applying when the company moving them is American and the destination is friendly.&nbsp;The Open Source Dimension&nbsp;There is a further wrinkle specific to what Together AI does.&nbsp;The company serves open-weight models — systems whose weights are published for anyone to download and run. The argument for open models has always been that they prevent concentration: no single company controls who may use the capability.&nbsp;A 250 megawatt facility dedicated to serving those models, financed and hardware-supplied by a single state-backed entity taking a revenue share, is a considerable concentration of the infrastructure that open models actually run on. Open weights do not help if the practical ability to serve them at scale sits in a small number of hands.&nbsp;That is not an argument against the deal. It is a reminder that openness at the model layer and concentration at the infrastructure layer are entirely compatible, and that the second is where the leverage tends to end up.&nbsp;What To Watch&nbsp;Whether other American AI companies follow. The domestic constraints Together AI is routing around apply to everyone, and the Gulf states have capital, power and political will in a combination almost nowhere else offers.&nbsp;If a second and third company announce comparable facilities in the next two quarters, the question stops being about one deal and becomes about whether the next phase of American AI infrastructure gets built somewhere else entirely — and what Washington intends to do about that, having spent two years insisting that where compute lives is a matter of national security.

Together AI has partnered with Saudi state-backed HUMAIN on a 250MW data centre holding 120,000 chips, expecting over $5 billion in annualised revenue — built abroad partly to sidestep American opposition to data centres.

An American AI company has decided the easiest place to build a very large data centre is not America. The Deal Together AI, which serves open-source models to customers, announced a partnership on August 31 with HUMAIN, the Saudi state-backed artificial intelligence company, for a 250 megawatt facility in the kingdom. The site would house roughly 120,000 semiconductors. Together AI will use HUMAIN's chips and give HUMAIN a share of the revenue in return, rather than buying the hardware outright. The company, valued at $8.3 billion in July, says it expects the facility to produce more than $5 billion in annualised revenue. It describes the deal as among the largest AI infrastructure agreements for open source anywhere. Why Not America The stated reason is the interesting part, and it has been reported plainly rather than hinted at: building in Saudi Arabia lets the company bypass American backlash over data centres. That backlash is real and growing. Data centres consume enormous quantities of electricity and, in many designs, water. American communities have increasingly organised against them, utilities have struggled to connect them, and several states have seen local fights over land, grid capacity and residential power prices rising alongside new construction. For a company that needs 250 megawatts, those are not abstractions. They are years of permitting and the possibility of losing anyway. Saudi Arabia offers the inverse. Power is abundant and cheap, land is not contested in the same way, and the state is actively courting exactly this construction as part of its economic diversification away from oil. What Saudi Arabia Is Assembling This is not a single opportunistic deal. HUMAIN has been signing partners at pace. Microsoft announced an enhanced partnership with HUMAIN, including new enterprise AI offerings and an AI PC. Qualcomm has announced AI infrastructure work in the kingdom with the same company. HUMAIN has separately arranged a $1.2 billion financing package with Infra to fund 250 megawatts of data centre space, and is working with center3 on plans described as reaching a gigawatt. The pattern is a state-backed entity positioning itself as the counterparty for anyone who wants large-scale compute without the domestic difficulty of building it — and taking equity, revenue shares or both in exchange. The Question That Follows Compute is the strategic asset of this decade, and the United States has spent two years constructing an elaborate apparatus to control where it goes. Export controls determine which chips may be sold to whom. The Remote Access Security Act, passed by the House, would extend those controls to renting compute remotely, closing the gap that let Chinese laboratories reach restricted hardware through third countries. Washington has treated the physical location of advanced chips as a matter of national security. American companies voluntarily relocating their compute to a foreign state-backed partner sits awkwardly inside that framework. Not illegally — Saudi Arabia is an ally, and there is no suggestion this arrangement breaches any rule. But the policy logic that says it matters where chips sit does not obviously stop applying when the company moving them is American and the destination is friendly. The Open Source Dimension There is a further wrinkle specific to what Together AI does. The company serves open-weight models — systems whose weights are published for anyone to download and run. The argument for open models has always been that they prevent concentration: no single company controls who may use the capability. A 250 megawatt facility dedicated to serving those models, financed and hardware-supplied by a single state-backed entity taking a revenue share, is a considerable concentration of the infrastructure that open models actually run on. Open weights do not help if the practical ability to serve them at scale sits in a small number of hands. That is not an argument against the deal. It is a reminder that openness at the model layer and concentration at the infrastructure layer are entirely compatible, and that the second is where the leverage tends to end up. What To Watch Whether other American AI companies follow. The domestic constraints Together AI is routing around apply to everyone, and the Gulf states have capital, power and political will in a combination almost nowhere else offers. If a second and third company announce comparable facilities in the next two quarters, the question stops being about one deal and becomes about whether the next phase of American AI infrastructure gets built somewhere else entirely — and what Washington intends to do about that, having spent two years insisting that where compute lives is a matter of national security.

Together AI has signed a partnership with HUMAIN, the Saudi state-backed AI company, for a 250 megawatt data centre housing around 120,000 semiconductors. Together AI, valued at $8.3 billion in July, expects the facility to generate more than $5 billion in annualised revenue. It is among the largest data centres built specifically to serve open-source models — and it is being built abroad partly to sidestep domestic opposition.

An American AI company is building its 250MW data centre in Saudi Arabia to avoid the fight at home

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