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A UK equalities watchdog has ruled that changing rooms and toilets must be used based on biological sex. According to the code of practice, a trans woman - a biological male who identifies as a woman - should not use female single sex spaces. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) states that it would be discriminatory to leave trans people without access to any service, and so service providers should offer alternatives such as gender-neutral toilets for those who do not wish to use facilities for their biological sex. They should also not be asked about their gender in public. The guidance is a win for gender-critical campaigners who have argued that trans women should be excluded from women-only services. However, critics fear that it could lead to a chilling effect where trans people avoid public places altogether. The guidance follows the landmark Supreme Court ruling last year, which stated that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act should be based on biological sex.<h2>Why does this guidance matter?</h2> Trans advocacy groups fear that this ruling could lead trans people to avoid public spaces. Rather than navigating the anxiety and safety risks and being forced into separate "third spaces," many trans and non-binary people will simply avoid public venues, workplaces, and leisure spaces altogether, they said. The UK government’s own equality impact assessment acknowledges that the code's impact that the likely impact of the code on transgender people is “negative”. The guidance is also being compared to a "Section 28 moment"—referencing the infamous Thatcher-era law that banned the "promotion" of homosexuality.<h2>Can the guidance be implemented? What officials say</h2>Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said, "Our focus has always been making sure organisations have clear, accessible guidance on how to implement the law," adding that the aim is to allow people to live free from discrimination and harassment. The guidance recommends that gender neutral toilets or changing rooms should have self-contained lockable areas with floor-to-ceiling walls and wash basins. The commission believes that it is not a tough ask since they can let trans people use the toilets for disabled people. In case it only has two toilets, one each for men and women, they could be converted into unisex facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Clubs and associations can also remain trans inclusive. However, in healthcare, where mixed-sex accommodation is not available, trans patients must be put up in a single-sex ward that aligns with their biological sex. However, the code notes that it would not be proportionate to exclude a trans man from obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient services if female patients object.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-parliament-passes-transgender-persons-amendment-bill-1774515572145/embed&nbsp;The guidance, which is more than 300 pages long, will be presented before the parliament. They will examine it and will have 40 days to raise objections. If there are none, it becomes statutory. It was first sent to the government in September 2025. EHRC chair Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson said the code should be seen with an "open mind." "I think we do need to broaden out the debates, and we need to start from a point of saying, how do we make sure that everyone has access to the services they need, and that will be different things for different people," she said. “The Supreme Court was very clear … if you are providing separate toilets for women and men, that has to be on the basis of biological sex," she added. &nbsp;

Updated EHRC code of practice on single-sex bathroom use: Toilets and changing rooms must be used based on a person's biological sex. Trans people should be offered gender-neutral toilets. In healthcare, patients should be accommodated in a single-sex ward in line with their biological sex.

A UK equalities watchdog has ruled that changing rooms and toilets must be used based on biological sex. According to the code of practice, a trans woman - a biological male who identifies as a woman - should not use female single sex spaces. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) states that it would be discriminatory to leave trans people without access to any service, and so service providers should offer alternatives such as gender-neutral toilets for those who do not wish to use facilities for their biological sex. They should also not be asked about their gender in public. The guidance is a win for gender-critical campaigners who have argued that trans women should be excluded from women-only services. However, critics fear that it could lead to a chilling effect where trans people avoid public places altogether. The guidance follows the landmark Supreme Court ruling last year, which stated that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act should be based on biological sex. Why does this guidance matter? Trans advocacy groups fear that this ruling could lead trans people to avoid public spaces. Rather than navigating the anxiety and safety risks and being forced into separate "third spaces," many trans and non-binary people will simply avoid public venues, workplaces, and leisure spaces altogether, they said. The UK government’s own equality impact assessment acknowledges that the code's impact that the likely impact of the code on transgender people is “negative”. The guidance is also being compared to a "Section 28 moment"—referencing the infamous Thatcher-era law that banned the "promotion" of homosexuality. Can the guidance be implemented? What officials say Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said, "Our focus has always been making sure organisations have clear, accessible guidance on how to implement the law," adding that the aim is to allow people to live free from discrimination and harassment. The guidance recommends that gender neutral toilets or changing rooms should have self-contained lockable areas with floor-to-ceiling walls and wash basins. The commission believes that it is not a tough ask since they can let trans people use the toilets for disabled people. In case it only has two toilets, one each for men and women, they could be converted into unisex facilities. Clubs and associations can also remain trans inclusive. However, in healthcare, where mixed-sex accommodation is not available, trans patients must be put up in a single-sex ward that aligns with their biological sex. However, the code notes that it would not be proportionate to exclude a trans man from obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient services if female patients object. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-parliament-passes-transgender-persons-amendment-bill-1774515572145/embed The guidance, which is more than 300 pages long, will be presented before the parliament. They will examine it and will have 40 days to raise objections. If there are none, it becomes statutory. It was first sent to the government in September 2025. EHRC chair Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson said the code should be seen with an "open mind." "I think we do need to broaden out the debates, and we need to start from a point of saying, how do we make sure that everyone has access to the services they need, and that will be different things for different people," she said. “The Supreme Court was very clear … if you are providing separate toilets for women and men, that has to be on the basis of biological sex," she added.

Updated EHRC code of practice on single-sex bathroom use: Toilets and changing rooms must be used based on a person's biological sex. Trans people should be offered gender-neutral toilets. In healthcare, patients should be accommodated in a single-sex ward in line with their biological sex.

New EHRC code excludes transgender people from single-sex toilets - Details and what it means

Iran and Oman are holding bilateral talks to establish a payment system for the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, despite explicit warnings from the US. The New York Times reported that the proposed framework aims to permanently monetise and manage traffic through one of the world's most vital energy choke points, which is shared by the territorial waters of the two nations. The US and Iran are engaged in diplomatic negotiations to end the war, but the discussion between Iran and the US allies suggests that they are not close to reaching an agreement. Since the US-Israeli war on Iran, the vital chokepoint has been controlled by Iran, which has led to a decrease in the traffic across the Strait.&nbsp;“We want it free,” US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, speaking in the Oval Office. “We don’t want tolls. It’s international. It’s an international waterway.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-zuckerberg-leaked-audio-ai-training-employee-tracking-layoffs-1779376862572">Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says 'smart' employees used to train AI models in viral audio</a><h2>Service fee vs toll</h2>According to a report by the New York Times, which cites two people familiar with the discussions over the management of the waterway, said that the management system does not include a toll system for transit, but is a service fee for providing services to the vessel. This has created a legal loophole, as under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), direct transit tolls on international straits are illegal, but charging for rendered services is selectively permitted.Iran has already formed the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to formalise the service fees. The operators are required to submit an extensive 40-question vetting form detailing ownership, cargo, crew nationalities, and insurance before paying the fee. On May 21, PGSA, in a social media post, shared the details of the Strait area, which is under its supervision.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1/ جمهورى اسلامى ايران محدودهٔ نظارتى مديریت تنگه هرمز را به این شرح تعيین کرده است: «خط اتصال كوه مبارك درايران وجنوب فجيره درامارات در شرق تنگه تاخط اتصال انتهاى جزيره قشم درايران و ام القيوین امارات درغرب تنگه.» <a href="https://t.co/3ELSwYx5Bp">pic.twitter.com/3ELSwYx5Bp</a>&mdash; PGSA | نهاد مدیریت آبراه خلیج فارس (@PGSA_IRAN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGSA_IRAN/status/2057188154092761311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There are discussions about sharing the fee with Oman, while previous reports suggested that Oman was hesitant to this, but the recent development suggests Oman is considering a viable solution. The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued compliance warnings. Any commercial marine firm or secondary insurer passing through the Strait of Hormuz and making payments would attract US sanctions

Iran and Oman are reportedly discussing a new payment framework for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering US concerns over sanctions and maritime control.

Iran and Oman are holding bilateral talks to establish a payment system for the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, despite explicit warnings from the US. The New York Times reported that the proposed framework aims to permanently monetise and manage traffic through one of the world's most vital energy choke points, which is shared by the territorial waters of the two nations. The US and Iran are engaged in diplomatic negotiations to end the war, but the discussion between Iran and the US allies suggests that they are not close to reaching an agreement. Since the US-Israeli war on Iran, the vital chokepoint has been controlled by Iran, which has led to a decrease in the traffic across the Strait. “We want it free,” US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, speaking in the Oval Office. “We don’t want tolls. It’s international. It’s an international waterway.” Also Read: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says 'smart' employees used to train AI models in viral audio Service fee vs toll According to a report by the New York Times, which cites two people familiar with the discussions over the management of the waterway, said that the management system does not include a toll system for transit, but is a service fee for providing services to the vessel. This has created a legal loophole, as under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), direct transit tolls on international straits are illegal, but charging for rendered services is selectively permitted. Iran has already formed the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to formalise the service fees. The operators are required to submit an extensive 40-question vetting form detailing ownership, cargo, crew nationalities, and insurance before paying the fee. On May 21, PGSA, in a social media post, shared the details of the Strait area, which is under its supervision.

Iran and Oman are reportedly discussing a new payment framework for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering US concerns over sanctions and maritime control.

Iran, Oman discuss Strait of Hormuz payment system despite US warning against shipping fees

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission on Thursday (May 21) received one of the world’s most prestigious space honours. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has awarded the Chandrayaan-3 mission the 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award in Washington DC. The recognition comes nearly three years after Chandrayaan-3 made global headlines by becoming the first spacecraft ever to successfully soft land near the Moon’s south pole, a region scientists consider one of the most important and least explored areas of the lunar surface.The award was presented during the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference on May 21. India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, accepted the honour on behalf of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/3-day-chakka-jam-hits-delhi-ncr-autos-cabs-go-on-strike-over-petrol-diesel-price-hike-4-lakh-autos-and-cabs-off-roads-1779334093293">Delhi-NCR 'chakka jam': 4 lakh autos, cabs to stay off roads as transport strike begins. All we know</a><h2>Why is this award significant?</h2>The Goddard Astronautics Award is considered AIAA’s highest honour in astronautics. It recognises outstanding achievements in space exploration and innovation and is named after Robert H. Goddard, the American rocket pioneer often called the father of modern rocketry.Past recipients have included some of the biggest names and missions in global space exploration, making the recognition a major moment for India’s growing space ambitions.<h2>Why Chandrayaan-3 stood out</h2>Chandrayaan-3’s landing on August 23, 2023, was seen as a landmark achievement not just for India but for global lunar exploration. The mission succeeded where several others had struggled, navigating the difficult terrain and extreme conditions near the Moon’s south pole.Scientists believe the region may contain water ice and other resources that could eventually support future human missions and long-term lunar operations. ISRO later confirmed the presence of several important chemical elements in the lunar soil through onboard instruments, findings that added to the mission’s scientific value. The success also strengthened India’s reputation as a major low-cost but high-impact space power.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-m-for-melody-not-mehengai-congress-mocks-modi-obver-meloni-video-claims-viral-reel-insult-to-indians-suffering-1779332013625">‘M for Melody, not Mehengai’: Congress mocks Modi over Meloni video, claims viral reel ‘insult to Indians suffering’</a><h2>India pushes bigger space ambitions</h2>While accepting the award, Ambassador Vinay Kwatra highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Space Vision 2047, which lays out India’s plans for deeper space exploration, human spaceflight missions and expansion of the country’s commercial space industry.He also stressed the growing space partnership between India and the United States, calling for stronger collaboration between governments, private companies and scientific institutions.

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has received one of the world’s top honours in space exploration, nearly three years after its historic landing near the Moon’s south pole put ISRO firmly at the centre of global lunar exploration. Scroll down.

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission on Thursday (May 21) received one of the world’s most prestigious space honours. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has awarded the Chandrayaan-3 mission the 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award in Washington DC. The recognition comes nearly three years after Chandrayaan-3 made global headlines by becoming the first spacecraft ever to successfully soft land near the Moon’s south pole, a region scientists consider one of the most important and least explored areas of the lunar surface. The award was presented during the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference on May 21. India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, accepted the honour on behalf of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Also read | Delhi-NCR 'chakka jam': 4 lakh autos, cabs to stay off roads as transport strike begins. All we know Why is this award significant? The Goddard Astronautics Award is considered AIAA’s highest honour in astronautics. It recognises outstanding achievements in space exploration and innovation and is named after Robert H. Goddard, the American rocket pioneer often called the father of modern rocketry. Past recipients have included some of the biggest names and missions in global space exploration, making the recognition a major moment for India’s growing space ambitions. Why Chandrayaan-3 stood out Chandrayaan-3’s landing on August 23, 2023, was seen as a landmark achievement not just for India but for global lunar exploration. The mission succeeded where several others had struggled, navigating the difficult terrain and extreme conditions near the Moon’s south pole. Scientists believe the region may contain water ice and other resources that could eventually support future human missions and long-term lunar operations. ISRO later confirmed the presence of several important chemical elements in the lunar soil through onboard instruments, findings that added to the mission’s scientific value. The success also strengthened India’s reputation as a major low-cost but high-impact space power. Also read | ‘M for Melody, not Mehengai’: Congress mocks Modi over Meloni video, claims viral reel ‘insult to Indians suffering’ India pushes bigger space ambitions While accepting the award, Ambassador Vinay Kwatra highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Space Vision 2047, which lays out India’s plans for deeper space exploration, human spaceflight missions and expansion of the country’s commercial space industry. He also stressed the growing space partnership between India and the United States, calling for stronger collaboration between governments, private companies and scientific institutions.

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has received one of the world’s top honours in space exploration, nearly three years after its historic landing near the Moon’s south pole put ISRO firmly at the centre of global lunar exploration. Scroll down.

Chandrayaan-3 gets top US space honour years after historic Moon landing

Senate Republicans broke ranks with US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) over the administration’s proposal to establish a $1.8 billion settlement fund for individuals claiming political persecution, forcing lawmakers to delay a key immigration-enforcement funding vote. The proposed ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund has become a major priority for Trump, who has repeatedly argued that his supporters, including people prosecuted over the January 6 Capitol attack, were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.&nbsp;However, the plan triggered growing backlash among Senate Republicans, who used the immigration-enforcement package as leverage to oppose or limit the proposal.“I don’t like the fund at all,” said John Curtis, adding that he did not believe additional safeguards could improve it. Senator Thom Tillis, who has frequently clashed with Trump and is retiring, described the proposal as a “payout pot for punks.” With internal divisions unresolved, Senate Majority Leader John Thune sent senators home for the Memorial Day recess, making it unlikely Congress will meet Trump’s June 1 deadline to approve funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations. “Passing the measure obviously became a more complicated and bumpy path than we had hoped for", Thune said, acknowledging that senators had ‘very legitimate questions’ about the fund.&nbsp;According to people familiar with the discussions, opposition extended well beyond a small group of vocal Republicans and included a majority of GOP senators. The controversy comes as Republicans grow increasingly anxious about the upcoming midterm elections and their ability to pass major legislation before November. Trump’s recent political attacks on Republican lawmakers, including Texas Senator John Cornyn, have also unsettled many within the party. When asked whether he was losing control of Senate Republicans, Trump replied: “I really don’t know. I can tell you I only do what’s right.”&nbsp;Republicans had hoped to pass a $70 billion multiyear package for ICE and Border Patrol this week before sending it to the House. Some GOP senators attempted to add restrictions on the anti-weaponization fund to the bill, directly challenging Trump’s position. Lawmakers also worried that Democrats could force politically difficult votes on the issue through amendments. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, formerly Trump’s personal lawyer, traveled to Capitol Hill Thursday to brief senators on the fund and address concerns during a closed-door meeting. The session reportedly failed to ease tensions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduras-shooting-at-least-19-killed-in-two-separate-attacks-as-gunmen-open-fire-on-workers-police-1779410101238">Honduras shooting: At least 19 killed in two separate attacks as gunmen open fire on workers, police</a>&nbsp;Senator Lisa Murkowski described the atmosphere as ‘challenging’ and said Blanche’s announcement earlier in the week had ‘dropped a bomb in the middle of a pretty well planned out’ immigration-funding process. The fund emerged from a lawsuit Trump filed against the Internal Revenue Service seeking $10 billion in damages over the illegal disclosure of his tax returns by a contractor. Trump later dropped the lawsuit in exchange for the creation of the fund and an agreement that pending tax audits involving Trump and his businesses would end.&nbsp;A Justice Department memo shared with Senate Republicans stated there is ‘no partisan restriction: Democrats can submit claims, too’, and clarified that Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization would receive ‘a formal apology but no monetary payment or damages of any kind’. However, critics noted that Blanche would appoint the commissioners overseeing the fund while Trump would retain the authority to remove them.&nbsp;Democrats strongly criticised the proposal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed opposition, saying: “We’ll do everything we can to stop this slush fund, whether it’s in the courts, whether it’s legislative.” Schumer added: “Republicans are in complete disarray.” They “are divided over things that Americans don’t want.” Tensions within the Republican Party intensified further after Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Cornyn ahead of the state’s Senate GOP runoff.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cji-referred-to-youngsters-as-cockroaches-during-a-hearing-1779415244493/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cji-referred-to-youngsters-as-cockroaches-during-a-hearing-1779415244493/embed</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, some Republicans also backed away from a separate proposal to allocate $1 billion for White House security upgrades and Trump’s planned ballroom project. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick criticized the proposal, saying: “I know my constituents, and I’m sure many other representatives’ constituents do not want taxpayer money going to a ballroom.” Trump insisted the ballroom project would continue using private donor funds and warned, “Then the White House won’t be a very secure place” if Congress refuses security funding.

Senate Republicans revolt against Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, delaying immigration funding and exposing GOP tensions

Senate Republicans broke ranks with US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) over the administration’s proposal to establish a $1.8 billion settlement fund for individuals claiming political persecution, forcing lawmakers to delay a key immigration-enforcement funding vote. The proposed ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund has become a major priority for Trump, who has repeatedly argued that his supporters, including people prosecuted over the January 6 Capitol attack, were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. However, the plan triggered growing backlash among Senate Republicans, who used the immigration-enforcement package as leverage to oppose or limit the proposal. “I don’t like the fund at all,” said John Curtis, adding that he did not believe additional safeguards could improve it. Senator Thom Tillis, who has frequently clashed with Trump and is retiring, described the proposal as a “payout pot for punks.” With internal divisions unresolved, Senate Majority Leader John Thune sent senators home for the Memorial Day recess, making it unlikely Congress will meet Trump’s June 1 deadline to approve funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations. “Passing the measure obviously became a more complicated and bumpy path than we had hoped for", Thune said, acknowledging that senators had ‘very legitimate questions’ about the fund. According to people familiar with the discussions, opposition extended well beyond a small group of vocal Republicans and included a majority of GOP senators. The controversy comes as Republicans grow increasingly anxious about the upcoming midterm elections and their ability to pass major legislation before November. Trump’s recent political attacks on Republican lawmakers, including Texas Senator John Cornyn, have also unsettled many within the party. When asked whether he was losing control of Senate Republicans, Trump replied: “I really don’t know. I can tell you I only do what’s right.” Republicans had hoped to pass a $70 billion multiyear package for ICE and Border Patrol this week before sending it to the House. Some GOP senators attempted to add restrictions on the anti-weaponization fund to the bill, directly challenging Trump’s position. Lawmakers also worried that Democrats could force politically difficult votes on the issue through amendments. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, formerly Trump’s personal lawyer, traveled to Capitol Hill Thursday to brief senators on the fund and address concerns during a closed-door meeting. The session reportedly failed to ease tensions. Also Read: Honduras shooting: At least 19 killed in two separate attacks as gunmen open fire on workers, police Senator Lisa Murkowski described the atmosphere as ‘challenging’ and said Blanche’s announcement earlier in the week had ‘dropped a bomb in the middle of a pretty well planned out’ immigration-funding process. The fund emerged from a lawsuit Trump filed against the Internal Revenue Service seeking $10 billion in damages over the illegal disclosure of his tax returns by a contractor. Trump later dropped the lawsuit in exchange for the creation of the fund and an agreement that pending tax audits involving Trump and his businesses would end. A Justice Department memo shared with Senate Republicans stated there is ‘no partisan restriction: Democrats can submit claims, too’, and clarified that Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization would receive ‘a formal apology but no monetary payment or damages of any kind’. However, critics noted that Blanche would appoint the commissioners overseeing the fund while Trump would retain the authority to remove them. Democrats strongly criticised the proposal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed opposition, saying: “We’ll do everything we can to stop this slush fund, whether it’s in the courts, whether it’s legislative.” Schumer added: “Republicans are in complete disarray.” They “are divided over things that Americans don’t want.” Tensions within the Republican Party intensified further after Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Cornyn ahead of the state’s Senate GOP runoff. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cji-referred-to-youngsters-as-cockroaches-during-a-hearing-1779415244493/embed Meanwhile, some Republicans also backed away from a separate proposal to allocate $1 billion for White House security upgrades and Trump’s planned ballroom project. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick criticized the proposal, saying: “I know my constituents, and I’m sure many other representatives’ constituents do not want taxpayer money going to a ballroom.” Trump insisted the ballroom project would continue using private donor funds and warned, “Then the White House won’t be a very secure place” if Congress refuses security funding.

Senate Republicans blocked Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund, delaying immigration funding amid GOP divisions

Senate Republicans revolt against Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation' fund

Gunmen carried out two separate attacks along the coast of Honduras on Thursday (May 21), killing at least 19 people, including six police officers, according to authorities. The first attack occurred at a plantation in the municipality of Trujillo, where at least 10 workers were shot dead, National Police spokesperson Edgardo Barahona said. The northern region has long been affected by agrarian disputes tied to land ownership and natural resource control.&nbsp;The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has previously granted precautionary protections to environmental and land-rights activists in the area due to threats, surveillance, and intimidation linked to their work. The 2024 killing of environmental activist Juan Lopez drew international attention to the dangers faced by environmental defenders in Honduras, one of the world’s deadliest countries for activists. According to the nongovernmental organisation Global Witness, five environmental activists were killed in Honduras in 2024 and 18 in the previous year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/spacex-postpones-launch-of-starship-v3-after-several-countdown-disruptions-rescheduled-for-friday-1779409160583">SpaceX postpones launch of Starship V3 after several countdown disruptions; rescheduled for Friday</a>&nbsp;Authorities recently arrested three suspects accused of orchestrating Lopez’s murder, marking a rare instance of accountability in a country known for high levels of impunity. In the second attack, armed assailants targeted police officers in the municipality of Omoa near the Guatemalan border in the Cortes department.Police said six officers, including a senior commander, were killed in the ambush while traveling from the capital, Tegucigalpa, to Omoa as part of an anti-gang operation. Barahona said the exact death toll from the Trujillo attack remains uncertain because relatives had already removed some victims’ bodies before investigators arrived.&nbsp;The Security Ministry announced that both the National Police and armed forces would respond to the attacks. Authorities also formed special investigative teams, including forensic experts and prosecutors. Honduras has long struggled with gang violence and crime linked to transnational drug trafficking, although homicide rates have declined significantly since reaching a peak of 83 murders per 100,000 people in 2011, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-cabinet-expansion-2026-congress-party-returns-to-tamil-nadu-cabinet-after-59-years-1779368438820/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-cabinet-expansion-2026-congress-party-returns-to-tamil-nadu-cabinet-after-59-years-1779368438820/embed</a>&nbsp;Human rights groups have repeatedly criticized Honduras for relying heavily on militarized anti-crime strategies, arguing that such policies have contributed to abuses including torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. The criticism intensified during a three-year state of exception that suspended certain constitutional rights and expanded security force powers before ending in January 2026.

Gunmen killed at least 16 people, including six police officers, in two separate attacks on the Honduran coast amid ongoing violence

Gunmen carried out two separate attacks along the coast of Honduras on Thursday (May 21), killing at least 19 people, including six police officers, according to authorities. The first attack occurred at a plantation in the municipality of Trujillo, where at least 10 workers were shot dead, National Police spokesperson Edgardo Barahona said. The northern region has long been affected by agrarian disputes tied to land ownership and natural resource control. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has previously granted precautionary protections to environmental and land-rights activists in the area due to threats, surveillance, and intimidation linked to their work. The 2024 killing of environmental activist Juan Lopez drew international attention to the dangers faced by environmental defenders in Honduras, one of the world’s deadliest countries for activists. According to the nongovernmental organisation Global Witness, five environmental activists were killed in Honduras in 2024 and 18 in the previous year. Also Read: SpaceX postpones launch of Starship V3 after several countdown disruptions; rescheduled for Friday Authorities recently arrested three suspects accused of orchestrating Lopez’s murder, marking a rare instance of accountability in a country known for high levels of impunity. In the second attack, armed assailants targeted police officers in the municipality of Omoa near the Guatemalan border in the Cortes department. Police said six officers, including a senior commander, were killed in the ambush while traveling from the capital, Tegucigalpa, to Omoa as part of an anti-gang operation. Barahona said the exact death toll from the Trujillo attack remains uncertain because relatives had already removed some victims’ bodies before investigators arrived. The Security Ministry announced that both the National Police and armed forces would respond to the attacks. Authorities also formed special investigative teams, including forensic experts and prosecutors. Honduras has long struggled with gang violence and crime linked to transnational drug trafficking, although homicide rates have declined significantly since reaching a peak of 83 murders per 100,000 people in 2011, according to the World Bank. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-cabinet-expansion-2026-congress-party-returns-to-tamil-nadu-cabinet-after-59-years-1779368438820/embed Human rights groups have repeatedly criticized Honduras for relying heavily on militarized anti-crime strategies, arguing that such policies have contributed to abuses including torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. The criticism intensified during a three-year state of exception that suspended certain constitutional rights and expanded security force powers before ending in January 2026.

At least 16 people, including six police officers, were killed in two separate gun attacks on Honduras’ northern coast. Scroll down to know more about it

Honduras shooting: At least 19 killed in two separate attacks as gunmen open fire on workers, police

SpaceX postponed the launch of its massive Starship V3 rocket on Thursday (May 21) after the spacecraft had already been fully fueled at the company’s newly built launch facility in Starbase, southern Texas. A 90-minute launch window opened at 6:30 pm ET, but the rocket never lifted off. During the company’s live broadcast, SpaceX hosts confirmed they had ‘got the vehicle totally loaded’ before the launch was officially scrubbed. SpaceX has not announced an exact new launch time, though another attempt is expected on Friday (May 22).<h2>What is Starship V3, and why does the launch matter?</h2>The delayed mission involved Starship Version 3, the newest and most advanced version of SpaceX’s flagship rocket system. When fully stacked, the two-stage rocket stands 408 feet tall and produces 18 million pounds of thrust, making it the most powerful rocket ever developed by the company. According to SpaceX’s IPO prospectus filed Wednesday, the rocket is designed to “deliver 100 metric tons to Earth's orbit in a fully reusable configuration while enabling rapid turnaround times akin to commercial aviation.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-deployment-of-5-000-additional-us-troops-to-poland-as-tensions-with-nato-escalate-1779399664140">Trump announces deployment of 5,000 additional US troops to Poland as tensions with NATO escalate</a>&nbsp;Flight 12 was set to become the first test mission using the Version 3 upgrade. Throughout 2025, SpaceX successfully completed five flights using Starship Version 2, though the transition to the newer model faced major setbacks. Two separate explosions during ground testing destroyed a Super Heavy booster and a Starship upper-stage vehicle before the latest launch preparations. No astronauts or operational payloads were onboard the rocket. Instead, SpaceX loaded mock Starlink satellites for testing purposes.<h2>What are its mission objectives?</h2>The planned suborbital mission included several technical demonstrations and engineering tests. Twenty Starlink simulator satellites were scheduled for deployment over approximately 10 minutes beginning about 17 minutes after liftoff. Two specially modified Starlink satellites were also intended to inspect Starship’s heat shield and transmit images back to mission control. Engineers painted several heat shield tiles white to imitate damaged or missing sections, helping test future inspection methods designed to evaluate heat shield safety during orbital missions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-scrambles-to-track-surprise-asteroid-barrelling-past-earth-1779389140335/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-scrambles-to-track-surprise-asteroid-barrelling-past-earth-1779389140335/embed</a>&nbsp;The mission also planned a mid-flight relight of a Raptor engine roughly 39 minutes into the flight during a coast phase. The test would provide valuable data for future deorbiting operations as SpaceX works toward fully orbital Starship missions. Unlike previous missions, Super Heavy Booster 19 was not expected to attempt a tower catch. Instead, the booster was scheduled for a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico around seven minutes after launch. Ship 39, the upper-stage spacecraft, was expected to complete its own controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean more than an hour later.

SpaceX delays Starship V3 Flight 12 launch after fueling at Starbase. The mission includes Starlink deployment and heat shield tests

SpaceX postponed the launch of its massive Starship V3 rocket on Thursday (May 21) after the spacecraft had already been fully fueled at the company’s newly built launch facility in Starbase, southern Texas. A 90-minute launch window opened at 6:30 pm ET, but the rocket never lifted off. During the company’s live broadcast, SpaceX hosts confirmed they had ‘got the vehicle totally loaded’ before the launch was officially scrubbed. SpaceX has not announced an exact new launch time, though another attempt is expected on Friday (May 22). What is Starship V3, and why does the launch matter? The delayed mission involved Starship Version 3, the newest and most advanced version of SpaceX’s flagship rocket system. When fully stacked, the two-stage rocket stands 408 feet tall and produces 18 million pounds of thrust, making it the most powerful rocket ever developed by the company. According to SpaceX’s IPO prospectus filed Wednesday, the rocket is designed to “deliver 100 metric tons to Earth's orbit in a fully reusable configuration while enabling rapid turnaround times akin to commercial aviation.” Also Read: Trump announces deployment of 5,000 additional US troops to Poland as tensions with NATO escalate Flight 12 was set to become the first test mission using the Version 3 upgrade. Throughout 2025, SpaceX successfully completed five flights using Starship Version 2, though the transition to the newer model faced major setbacks. Two separate explosions during ground testing destroyed a Super Heavy booster and a Starship upper-stage vehicle before the latest launch preparations. No astronauts or operational payloads were onboard the rocket. Instead, SpaceX loaded mock Starlink satellites for testing purposes. What are its mission objectives? The planned suborbital mission included several technical demonstrations and engineering tests. Twenty Starlink simulator satellites were scheduled for deployment over approximately 10 minutes beginning about 17 minutes after liftoff. Two specially modified Starlink satellites were also intended to inspect Starship’s heat shield and transmit images back to mission control. Engineers painted several heat shield tiles white to imitate damaged or missing sections, helping test future inspection methods designed to evaluate heat shield safety during orbital missions. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-scrambles-to-track-surprise-asteroid-barrelling-past-earth-1779389140335/embed The mission also planned a mid-flight relight of a Raptor engine roughly 39 minutes into the flight during a coast phase. The test would provide valuable data for future deorbiting operations as SpaceX works toward fully orbital Starship missions. Unlike previous missions, Super Heavy Booster 19 was not expected to attempt a tower catch. Instead, the booster was scheduled for a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico around seven minutes after launch. Ship 39, the upper-stage spacecraft, was expected to complete its own controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean more than an hour later.

SpaceX scrubbed Starship V3 Flight 12 launch after fueling the rocket, with another launch attempt expected on Friday (May 22)

SpaceX postpones launch of Starship V3 after several countdown disruptions; rescheduled for Friday

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (May 21) that the United States will deploy 5,000 additional troops to Poland, reversing earlier indications that a planned troop deployment had been canceled. Trump said the decision was influenced by his close relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist ally whom he publicly supported during last year’s elections. “I am pleased to announce that the United States will be sending an additional 5,000 Troops to Poland,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.&nbsp;The president did not provide further operational details, but the announcement appeared linked to a previously uncertain deployment involving several thousand US troops to Poland. Last week, US officials indicated that a planned deployment of 4,000 American troops to Poland had been scrapped. The move was seen as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to reduce overseas troop commitments and pressure NATO allies over defense contributions and support during the Iran conflict.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rapidly-rebuilding-military-capabilities-drone-production-faster-than-expected-us-intelligence-1779398806281">Iran rapidly rebuilding military capabilities, drone production faster than expected: US intelligence</a>

Trump, in his Truth Social post, wrote, “Based on the successful Election of the now President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, who I was proud to Endorse, and our relationship with him, I am pleased to announce that the United States will be sending an additional 5,000 Troops to Poland. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”&nbsp;Vice President JD Vance clarified on Tuesday (May 19) that the troop deployment had only been delayed rather than canceled, adding that Trump had not made a ‘final determination’. Vance also stressed that Europe must stand on its ‘own two feet’, echoing Trump’s repeated demands that European allies shoulder a greater share of their defense responsibilities. Trump has increasingly criticised allies that failed to support military operations in the Middle East or contribute to security efforts in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively shut down.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/raul-castro-indicted-in-us-rubio-asks-cubans-to-get-rid-of-government-1779385571929/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/raul-castro-indicted-in-us-rubio-asks-cubans-to-get-rid-of-government-1779385571929/embed</a>&nbsp;Earlier this month, the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran was ‘humiliating’ the United States during negotiations. The latest troop announcement highlights growing tensions between Washington and some NATO allies as the Trump administration pushes for a stronger European military role amid ongoing geopolitical crises.

Donald Trump announces deployment of 5,000 US troops to Poland amid NATO tensions, Europe defense pressure, and Iran conflict concerns

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (May 21) that the United States will deploy 5,000 additional troops to Poland, reversing earlier indications that a planned troop deployment had been canceled. Trump said the decision was influenced by his close relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist ally whom he publicly supported during last year’s elections. “I am pleased to announce that the United States will be sending an additional 5,000 Troops to Poland,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. The president did not provide further operational details, but the announcement appeared linked to a previously uncertain deployment involving several thousand US troops to Poland. Last week, US officials indicated that a planned deployment of 4,000 American troops to Poland had been scrapped. The move was seen as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to reduce overseas troop commitments and pressure NATO allies over defense contributions and support during the Iran conflict. Also Read: Iran rapidly rebuilding military capabilities, drone production faster than expected: US intelligence

Donald Trump announces deployment of 5,000 additional US troops for Poland as Washington pressures NATO allies to increase defense commitments

Trump announces deployment of 5,000 additional US troops to Poland as tensions with NATO escalate

Iran has already resumed parts of its drone production during the six-week ceasefire that started in early April, according to sources familiar with US intelligence assessments. The development suggests Tehran is rebuilding key military capabilities far faster than initially expected following US-Israeli strikes. Four sources told CNN that recent US intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s military recovery is progressing rapidly, including efforts to restore missile launch sites, launchers, and weapons production facilities damaged during the conflict.&nbsp;The rebuilding effort means Iran could continue posing a major threat to regional allies if US President Donald Trump resumes military operations, according to sources familiar with the intelligence findings. The assessments also challenge claims that US-Israeli attacks caused long-term crippling damage to Iran’s military infrastructure.According to one US official, intelligence estimates suggest Iran could fully restore its drone strike capability within six months. “The Iranians have exceeded all timelines the IC had for reconstitution,” the US official said.&nbsp;Drone warfare remains a major concern for countries in the region. If fighting resumes, Iran may rely more heavily on drone attacks while rebuilding its missile production systems, many of which were heavily damaged in recent strikes. Trump has repeatedly warned that military operations against Iran could restart if negotiations fail to end the conflict. On Tuesday, he publicly claimed he was only an hour away from ordering renewed bombing operations. Sources familiar with the intelligence assessments told CNN that Iran’s rapid rebuilding has been supported by multiple factors, including assistance from Russia and China, as well as the fact that US and Israeli strikes may not have caused as much destruction as expected.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hezbollah-is-a-terrorist-organisation-us-sanctions-hezbollah-linked-individuals-as-israel-strikes-continue-in-lebanon-1779392763276">'Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation': US sanctions Hezbollah-linked individuals as Israel strikes continue in Lebanon</a>&nbsp;Two sources said China continued supplying Iran with components that can be used in missile production during the conflict, though the flow may have slowed due to the ongoing US blockade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS last week that China is giving Iran ‘components of missile manufacturing’ but declined to provide further details. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun rejected the accusation during a press briefing, calling it ‘not based on facts’. Despite extensive damage caused by US-Israeli attacks, Iran still retains ballistic missile systems, drone attack capabilities, and anti-air defenses, according to recent intelligence assessments.&nbsp;A spokesperson for United States Central Command declined to comment on intelligence matters. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CNN, “America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing.” “We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests,” Parnell added. CNN previously reported in April that roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers survived US strikes. More recent intelligence estimates suggest nearly two-thirds may still remain operational, partly because the ceasefire allowed Iran time to recover launchers buried under debris from previous attacks.&nbsp;The assessments also indicate that around 50% of Iran’s drone capabilities remain intact, with thousands of drones still available. US intelligence further found that many of Iran’s coastal defense cruise missiles survived the attacks, largely because US operations did not heavily target coastal military assets. Those systems remain critical to Iran’s ability to threaten shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Overall, recent intelligence reports suggest the conflict significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities but failed to eliminate them entirely. Analysts believe Tehran has demonstrated an ability to reduce the long-term effects of the strikes by rapidly rebuilding military production and infrastructure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-nuclear-drills-moscow-rolls-out-missiles-jets-submarines-in-joint-exercises-1779383780605/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-nuclear-drills-moscow-rolls-out-missiles-jets-submarines-in-joint-exercises-1779383780605/embed</a>&nbsp;This includes restoring parts of its defense industrial base, despite claims from CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper that much of it had been destroyed. “Operation Epic Fury significantly degraded Iran’s ballistic missiles and drones while destroying 90% of their defense industrial base, ensuring Iran cannot reconstitute for years,” Cooper testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. However, sources familiar with recent intelligence reports told CNN that the assessments contradict Cooper’s remarks and suggest Iran’s rebuilding timeline may only be delayed by months rather than years. One source said portions of Iran’s defense industrial infrastructure remain operational, which could accelerate the recovery of several military capabilities.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

US intelligence reports Iran is rapidly rebuilding drone and missile capabilities after US-Israeli strikes, raising regional security concerns

Iran has already resumed parts of its drone production during the six-week ceasefire that started in early April, according to sources familiar with US intelligence assessments. The development suggests Tehran is rebuilding key military capabilities far faster than initially expected following US-Israeli strikes. Four sources told CNN that recent US intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s military recovery is progressing rapidly, including efforts to restore missile launch sites, launchers, and weapons production facilities damaged during the conflict. The rebuilding effort means Iran could continue posing a major threat to regional allies if US President Donald Trump resumes military operations, according to sources familiar with the intelligence findings. The assessments also challenge claims that US-Israeli attacks caused long-term crippling damage to Iran’s military infrastructure. According to one US official, intelligence estimates suggest Iran could fully restore its drone strike capability within six months. “The Iranians have exceeded all timelines the IC had for reconstitution,” the US official said. Drone warfare remains a major concern for countries in the region. If fighting resumes, Iran may rely more heavily on drone attacks while rebuilding its missile production systems, many of which were heavily damaged in recent strikes. Trump has repeatedly warned that military operations against Iran could restart if negotiations fail to end the conflict. On Tuesday, he publicly claimed he was only an hour away from ordering renewed bombing operations. Sources familiar with the intelligence assessments told CNN that Iran’s rapid rebuilding has been supported by multiple factors, including assistance from Russia and China, as well as the fact that US and Israeli strikes may not have caused as much destruction as expected. Also Read: 'Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation': US sanctions Hezbollah-linked individuals as Israel strikes continue in Lebanon Two sources said China continued supplying Iran with components that can be used in missile production during the conflict, though the flow may have slowed due to the ongoing US blockade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS last week that China is giving Iran ‘components of missile manufacturing’ but declined to provide further details. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun rejected the accusation during a press briefing, calling it ‘not based on facts’. Despite extensive damage caused by US-Israeli attacks, Iran still retains ballistic missile systems, drone attack capabilities, and anti-air defenses, according to recent intelligence assessments. A spokesperson for United States Central Command declined to comment on intelligence matters. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CNN, “America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing.” “We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests,” Parnell added. CNN previously reported in April that roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers survived US strikes. More recent intelligence estimates suggest nearly two-thirds may still remain operational, partly because the ceasefire allowed Iran time to recover launchers buried under debris from previous attacks. The assessments also indicate that around 50% of Iran’s drone capabilities remain intact, with thousands of drones still available. US intelligence further found that many of Iran’s coastal defense cruise missiles survived the attacks, largely because US operations did not heavily target coastal military assets. Those systems remain critical to Iran’s ability to threaten shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Overall, recent intelligence reports suggest the conflict significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities but failed to eliminate them entirely. Analysts believe Tehran has demonstrated an ability to reduce the long-term effects of the strikes by rapidly rebuilding military production and infrastructure. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-nuclear-drills-moscow-rolls-out-missiles-jets-submarines-in-joint-exercises-1779383780605/embed This includes restoring parts of its defense industrial base, despite claims from CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper that much of it had been destroyed. “Operation Epic Fury significantly degraded Iran’s ballistic missiles and drones while destroying 90% of their defense industrial base, ensuring Iran cannot reconstitute for years,” Cooper testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. However, sources familiar with recent intelligence reports told CNN that the assessments contradict Cooper’s remarks and suggest Iran’s rebuilding timeline may only be delayed by months rather than years. One source said portions of Iran’s defense industrial infrastructure remain operational, which could accelerate the recovery of several military capabilities. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

US intelligence says that Iran has restarted drone production and is rebuilding military capabilities faster than expected after strikes

Iran rapidly rebuilding military capabilities, drone production faster than expected: US intelligence

The United States on Thursday (May 21) imposed sanctions on nine individuals linked to Hezbollah, accusing them of ‘obstructing the peace process in Lebanon’, as Israeli airstrikes continued in southern Lebanon despite an active ceasefire. “Hezbollah is a terrorist organization and must be fully disarmed,” said Scott Bessent. “Treasury will continue to take action against officials who have infiltrated the Lebanese government and are enabling Hezbollah to wage its senseless campaign of violence against the Lebanese people and obstruct lasting peace.”&nbsp;Backed by Iran, Hezbollah maintains significant political and military influence in Lebanon, including elected members in parliament and a strong support base across the country. The group has strongly opposed recent direct peace negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Both Washington and Israel have repeatedly demanded Hezbollah’s complete disarmament. Those sanctioned include Hezbollah lawmakers Hassan Fadlallah, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, and Hussein al-Hajj Hassan, along with executive council chief Mohamed Abdel-Mottaleb Fanich.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-would-be-a-disgrace-if-scotus-allows-that-to-happen-trump-pressures-supreme-court-over-birthright-citizenship-debate-1779390839807">'It would be a disgrace if SCOTUS allows that to happen': Trump pressures Supreme Court over birthright citizenship debate</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A stable, secure, and independent Lebanon requires the full disarmament of Hizballah and the restoration of the Lebanese government&#39;s authority over their country&#39;s security. <a href="https://t.co/kUfE4GWkac">https://t.co/kUfE4GWkac</a>&mdash; Tommy Pigott (@statedeptspox) <a href="https://twitter.com/statedeptspox/status/2057527600700883443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The United States also sanctioned Mohammad Reza Sheibani, who was declared persona non grata and expelled from Lebanon in March. Additional sanctions targeted Ahmad Asaad Baalbaki and Ali Ahmad Safawi from Hezbollah ally Amal, as well as Lebanese military officers Brigadier-General Khattar Nasser Eldin and Colonel Samir Hamadi. In a separate statement, the US State Department announced a reward of up to $10 million ‘for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Hezbollah’.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Lebanon reported that an Israeli strike damaged a hospital in the country’s south, where clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have continued despite a ceasefire announced on April 17. Since the beginning of the US-Israel conflict involving Iran, Israeli troops have entered and occupied parts of southern Lebanon, operating in areas extending nearly 10 kilometres north of the border.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mojtaba-khamenei-rejects-key-us-demand-1779383756931/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/mojtaba-khamenei-rejects-key-us-demand-1779383756931/embed</a>&nbsp;According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks have killed more than 2,900 people in Lebanon since the conflict escalated, including over 400 deaths after the ceasefire took effect. Last week, the truce was extended for another 45 days following a third round of direct negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli representatives in Washington.

The US sanctions Hezbollah-linked officials accused of obstructing peace in Lebanon, as Israeli strikes continue despite a ceasefire

The United States on Thursday (May 21) imposed sanctions on nine individuals linked to Hezbollah, accusing them of ‘obstructing the peace process in Lebanon’, as Israeli airstrikes continued in southern Lebanon despite an active ceasefire. “Hezbollah is a terrorist organization and must be fully disarmed,” said Scott Bessent. “Treasury will continue to take action against officials who have infiltrated the Lebanese government and are enabling Hezbollah to wage its senseless campaign of violence against the Lebanese people and obstruct lasting peace.” Backed by Iran, Hezbollah maintains significant political and military influence in Lebanon, including elected members in parliament and a strong support base across the country. The group has strongly opposed recent direct peace negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Both Washington and Israel have repeatedly demanded Hezbollah’s complete disarmament. Those sanctioned include Hezbollah lawmakers Hassan Fadlallah, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, and Hussein al-Hajj Hassan, along with executive council chief Mohamed Abdel-Mottaleb Fanich. Also Read: 'It would be a disgrace if SCOTUS allows that to happen': Trump pressures Supreme Court over birthright citizenship debate

US sanctions Hezbollah-linked figures over Lebanon peace efforts as Israeli strikes continue despite an extended ceasefire

'Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation': US sanctions Hezbollah-linked individuals as Israel strikes continue in Lebanon

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) intensified pressure on the Supreme Court, warning it would be a ‘disgrace’ if the justices rule against him on the issue of birthright citizenship. Trump has repeatedly broken political norms by openly criticizing Supreme Court justices and urging loyalty from judges he appointed during his presidency. Speaking at a White House event, Trump pushed the court to support his effort to limit automatic citizenship rights for children born in the United States. “It would be a disgrace if the Supreme Court of the United States allows that to happen,” Trump said while discussing the case.&nbsp;“This decision by the Supreme Court is a very big one. They'll probably rule against me because they seem to like doing that,” Trump added. The Supreme Court has not yet announced when it will deliver its ruling on the matter, which is central to Trump’s broader immigration agenda aimed at tightening border controls and deporting undocumented migrants. Critics argue that the US Constitution clearly guarantees birthright citizenship and say Trump is overstepping presidential authority.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-democrats-lost-2024-elections-dnc-draft-reveals-kamala-harris-failed-to-define-herself-against-joe-biden-and-donald-trump-1779387037195">How Democrats lost 2024 elections: DNC draft reveals Kamala Harris failed to define herself against Joe Biden and Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;Although conservatives dominate the nine-member Supreme Court, the justices have not consistently sided with Trump on key legal challenges. “It's all up to a couple of people, and I hope they do what's right,” Trump said, referring to possible swing votes on the bench. On April 1, Trump attended a Supreme Court hearing related to the birthright citizenship case, becoming the first sitting US president to observe proceedings in person.&nbsp;The legal battle began after Trump signed an executive order following his return to the White House, declaring that children born to parents living in the US illegally or on temporary visas would no longer automatically receive citizenship. Lower courts blocked the order, calling it unconstitutional and citing the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to nearly everyone born on American soil.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-rubio-speaks-on-cuba-aid-hormuz-tensions-before-key-nato-meeting-1779382848933/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-rubio-speaks-on-cuba-aid-hormuz-tensions-before-key-nato-meeting-1779382848933/embed</a>&nbsp;Earlier this month, Trump also criticized the Supreme Court after it ruled that his global tariff policy was illegal. He argued that justices should remain ‘loyal to the person that appointed them’. During his first term, Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices, creating a strong conservative majority on the bench.

Donald Trump pressures the Supreme Court over birthright citizenship, warning it would be a 'disgrace' if justices reject his immigration policy

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) intensified pressure on the Supreme Court, warning it would be a ‘disgrace’ if the justices rule against him on the issue of birthright citizenship. Trump has repeatedly broken political norms by openly criticizing Supreme Court justices and urging loyalty from judges he appointed during his presidency. Speaking at a White House event, Trump pushed the court to support his effort to limit automatic citizenship rights for children born in the United States. “It would be a disgrace if the Supreme Court of the United States allows that to happen,” Trump said while discussing the case. “This decision by the Supreme Court is a very big one. They'll probably rule against me because they seem to like doing that,” Trump added. The Supreme Court has not yet announced when it will deliver its ruling on the matter, which is central to Trump’s broader immigration agenda aimed at tightening border controls and deporting undocumented migrants. Critics argue that the US Constitution clearly guarantees birthright citizenship and say Trump is overstepping presidential authority. Also Read: How Democrats lost 2024 elections: DNC draft reveals Kamala Harris failed to define herself against Joe Biden and Donald Trump Although conservatives dominate the nine-member Supreme Court, the justices have not consistently sided with Trump on key legal challenges. “It's all up to a couple of people, and I hope they do what's right,” Trump said, referring to possible swing votes on the bench. On April 1, Trump attended a Supreme Court hearing related to the birthright citizenship case, becoming the first sitting US president to observe proceedings in person. The legal battle began after Trump signed an executive order following his return to the White House, declaring that children born to parents living in the US illegally or on temporary visas would no longer automatically receive citizenship. Lower courts blocked the order, calling it unconstitutional and citing the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to nearly everyone born on American soil. https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-rubio-speaks-on-cuba-aid-hormuz-tensions-before-key-nato-meeting-1779382848933/embed Earlier this month, Trump also criticized the Supreme Court after it ruled that his global tariff policy was illegal. He argued that justices should remain ‘loyal to the person that appointed them’. During his first term, Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices, creating a strong conservative majority on the bench.

Donald Trump pressures the US Supreme Court on birthright citizenship, calling a ruling against him a ‘disgrace’ amid constitutional debate

'It would be a disgrace if SCOTUS allows that to happen': Trump pressures Supreme Court over birthright citizenship debate

The Democratic Party’s long-awaited internal review of the 2024 presidential election defeat offers a strikingly blunt assessment of what went wrong for former Vice President Kamala Harris and the broader Democratic campaign against Donald Trump. The draft report, released on Thursday (May 21) by the Democratic National Committee, argues that Harris failed to make a compelling independent case to voters, remained too politically tied to former President Joe Biden, and struggled to effectively counter Republican attacks that shaped public perception during the race.&nbsp;The report, still incomplete and filled with annotations questioning parts of its methodology, nevertheless paints a picture of a Democratic campaign that relied too heavily on anti-Trump sentiment while failing to give voters a strong enough reason to support Harris herself. “Base voters needed reasons to vote FOR Harris as well as against Trump,” the report said. “Without an effective contrast with a difficult (and unaffordable) status quo, the obvious contrast with Trump was not a sufficient motivator.” That conclusion lies at the center of the DNC’s post-election reckoning.&nbsp;According to the report, Harris entered the race carrying the political burdens of the Biden administration without sufficiently separating herself from unpopular aspects of the White House agenda. While trying to demonstrate loyalty to Biden after becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris missed critical opportunities to signal policy differences that could have reassured skeptical voters. The report says it was ‘necessary to find ways to demonstrate how a Harris-Walz administration would be more effective in addressing American needs’. Instead, Democrats struggled to define Harris outside the framework of the Biden presidency, especially during a compressed 107-day campaign after Biden withdrew from the race.&nbsp;The report also argues that the Harris campaign fundamentally miscalculated how voters viewed Trump. Democratic strategists assumed many Americans had already formed fixed opinions about the former president and believed his legal controversies and political baggage would naturally damage him with voters. But the report says that assumption proved deeply flawed. The Harris campaign’s inability to shape public perception of Trump was described as a ‘major failure’. “Given the ability of right-wing entities to slash and smear the vice president, it was essential to prosecute a more effective case as to why Trump should have been disqualified from ever again taking office,” the report said. “The grounds were there, but the messaging did not make the case.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-buy-oil-from-venezuela-rubio-announces-rodriguez-s-visit-next-week-1779384955521">India to buy oil from Venezuela? Rubio announces Rodriguez’s visit next week</a>&nbsp;The document criticises Democrats for failing to consistently remind voters about what it described as Trump’s ‘incompetence’, arguing that the campaign never developed a ‘defined or consistent’ strategy to weaken his standing with the public. The report further says Democrats wrongly believed negative views of Trump were already 'baked in', calling that assumption a ‘major failure of analysis and reality’.&nbsp;Ironically, the report notes that Trump’s favourability ratings have declined since returning to the office for a second term, something Democrats failed to capitalise on during the campaign. Even while criticizing the Harris campaign, the report argues that Biden’s eventual withdrawal from the race ultimately benefited Democrats running in congressional and state-level contests. Although Harris lost the presidency, the report says Democrats in down-ballot races performed better than they likely would have if Biden had remained the nominee.&nbsp;“Having Kamala Harris on the ballot actually helped down-ballot Democrats maintain part of their base support,” the report said. That finding reflects a growing belief inside Democratic circles that Biden’s declining political standing had become a serious electoral liability before he exited the race. Still, the report suggests the transition came too late to rebuild the party’s national campaign infrastructure around Harris fully. One of the report’s most politically sensitive sections focuses on a Trump campaign advertisement that attacked Harris for supporting taxpayer-funded surgeries for transgender inmates.&nbsp;The ad featured Harris discussing the issue and ended with the line: “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.” According to the report, Democratic pollsters widely agreed that the attack resonated strongly with voters. Pollsters analysing the race all recognized the attack as very effective, and felt the campaign was boxed, the ad was a video of her saying what she said, and it was framed as an attack on her economic priorities.”&nbsp;The report says Harris had little room to effectively counter the attack because changing her position would have created additional political complications during the closing stages of the race. “If the vice president would not change her position, and she did not, then there was nothing that would have worked as a response,” the report said. “The pollsters generally concurred with the opinions shared by campaign leadership, given the stakes and timing, the focus needed to be on attacking Trump.” The report also revisits long-running frustrations inside Democratic circles over how the Biden White House handled Harris during the administration.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-bengal-repolling-in-falta-ordered-by-ec-citing-irregularities-1779373856905/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-bengal-repolling-in-falta-ordered-by-ec-citing-irregularities-1779373856905/embed</a>&nbsp;According to the document, the administration displayed a ‘significant failure of imagination’ in how it positioned the vice president politically. The report points to internal polling conducted before the 2022 midterm elections that examined how first lady Jill Biden could best help the president politically. But it says no comparable effort was undertaken to strengthen Harris’ standing with voters. “The White House did not position or prepare the vice president,” the document said. “Had the White House explored and evaluated ways to leverage Kamala Harris earlier in the administration, perhaps it would have improved the president’s standing, and it certainly could have helped prepare her to lead the ticket.”&nbsp;The report particularly criticizes the decision to make Harris a leading face of the administration’s immigration strategy at a time when border security had become one of Democrats’ biggest political vulnerabilities. The decision to give Harris a ‘controversial issue brief’ was described as a ‘massive missed opportunity’. At the same time, the report argues that Harris demonstrated political resilience and capability during the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her candidacy. It says any ‘fair critic’ would need to ‘acknowledge the strength and ability she demonstrated as the nominee’.&nbsp;The release of the report has already triggered debate within the Democratic Party, not only because of its conclusions but also because of its unfinished nature. Large sections remain incomplete, and annotations throughout the draft openly challenge aspects of the report’s assumptions and methodology. Even so, the document represents one of the clearest acknowledgments yet from within Democratic leadership that the party’s defeat in 2024 was not caused by a single mistake, but by a series of interconnected strategic failures.&nbsp;The report suggests Democrats struggled to define Harris independently, failed to aggressively reshape voter perceptions of Trump, underestimated the effectiveness of Republican messaging, and entered the campaign transition from Biden too late to fully recover politically. More broadly, the draft autopsy reflects a party still trying to understand how it lost an election it once believed it was structurally positioned to win. For Democrats, the report is more than a review of the past. It is an early warning about the political and strategic questions that could shape the party’s future heading into 2028.

The DNC’s draft 2024 election autopsy says Kamala Harris failed to define herself independently, counter Donald Trump, and separate from Joe Biden during the presidential race

The Democratic Party’s long-awaited internal review of the 2024 presidential election defeat offers a strikingly blunt assessment of what went wrong for former Vice President Kamala Harris and the broader Democratic campaign against Donald Trump. The draft report, released on Thursday (May 21) by the Democratic National Committee, argues that Harris failed to make a compelling independent case to voters, remained too politically tied to former President Joe Biden, and struggled to effectively counter Republican attacks that shaped public perception during the race. The report, still incomplete and filled with annotations questioning parts of its methodology, nevertheless paints a picture of a Democratic campaign that relied too heavily on anti-Trump sentiment while failing to give voters a strong enough reason to support Harris herself. “Base voters needed reasons to vote FOR Harris as well as against Trump,” the report said. “Without an effective contrast with a difficult (and unaffordable) status quo, the obvious contrast with Trump was not a sufficient motivator.” That conclusion lies at the center of the DNC’s post-election reckoning. According to the report, Harris entered the race carrying the political burdens of the Biden administration without sufficiently separating herself from unpopular aspects of the White House agenda. While trying to demonstrate loyalty to Biden after becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris missed critical opportunities to signal policy differences that could have reassured skeptical voters. The report says it was ‘necessary to find ways to demonstrate how a Harris-Walz administration would be more effective in addressing American needs’. Instead, Democrats struggled to define Harris outside the framework of the Biden presidency, especially during a compressed 107-day campaign after Biden withdrew from the race. The report also argues that the Harris campaign fundamentally miscalculated how voters viewed Trump. Democratic strategists assumed many Americans had already formed fixed opinions about the former president and believed his legal controversies and political baggage would naturally damage him with voters. But the report says that assumption proved deeply flawed. The Harris campaign’s inability to shape public perception of Trump was described as a ‘major failure’. “Given the ability of right-wing entities to slash and smear the vice president, it was essential to prosecute a more effective case as to why Trump should have been disqualified from ever again taking office,” the report said. “The grounds were there, but the messaging did not make the case.” Also Read: India to buy oil from Venezuela? Rubio announces Rodriguez’s visit next week The document criticises Democrats for failing to consistently remind voters about what it described as Trump’s ‘incompetence’, arguing that the campaign never developed a ‘defined or consistent’ strategy to weaken his standing with the public. The report further says Democrats wrongly believed negative views of Trump were already 'baked in', calling that assumption a ‘major failure of analysis and reality’. Ironically, the report notes that Trump’s favourability ratings have declined since returning to the office for a second term, something Democrats failed to capitalise on during the campaign. Even while criticizing the Harris campaign, the report argues that Biden’s eventual withdrawal from the race ultimately benefited Democrats running in congressional and state-level contests. Although Harris lost the presidency, the report says Democrats in down-ballot races performed better than they likely would have if Biden had remained the nominee. “Having Kamala Harris on the ballot actually helped down-ballot Democrats maintain part of their base support,” the report said. That finding reflects a growing belief inside Democratic circles that Biden’s declining political standing had become a serious electoral liability before he exited the race. Still, the report suggests the transition came too late to rebuild the party’s national campaign infrastructure around Harris fully. One of the report’s most politically sensitive sections focuses on a Trump campaign advertisement that attacked Harris for supporting taxpayer-funded surgeries for transgender inmates. The ad featured Harris discussing the issue and ended with the line: “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.” According to the report, Democratic pollsters widely agreed that the attack resonated strongly with voters. Pollsters analysing the race all recognized the attack as very effective, and felt the campaign was boxed, the ad was a video of her saying what she said, and it was framed as an attack on her economic priorities.” The report says Harris had little room to effectively counter the attack because changing her position would have created additional political complications during the closing stages of the race. “If the vice president would not change her position, and she did not, then there was nothing that would have worked as a response,” the report said. “The pollsters generally concurred with the opinions shared by campaign leadership, given the stakes and timing, the focus needed to be on attacking Trump.” The report also revisits long-running frustrations inside Democratic circles over how the Biden White House handled Harris during the administration. https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-bengal-repolling-in-falta-ordered-by-ec-citing-irregularities-1779373856905/embed According to the document, the administration displayed a ‘significant failure of imagination’ in how it positioned the vice president politically. The report points to internal polling conducted before the 2022 midterm elections that examined how first lady Jill Biden could best help the president politically. But it says no comparable effort was undertaken to strengthen Harris’ standing with voters. “The White House did not position or prepare the vice president,” the document said. “Had the White House explored and evaluated ways to leverage Kamala Harris earlier in the administration, perhaps it would have improved the president’s standing, and it certainly could have helped prepare her to lead the ticket.” The report particularly criticizes the decision to make Harris a leading face of the administration’s immigration strategy at a time when border security had become one of Democrats’ biggest political vulnerabilities. The decision to give Harris a ‘controversial issue brief’ was described as a ‘massive missed opportunity’. At the same time, the report argues that Harris demonstrated political resilience and capability during the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her candidacy. It says any ‘fair critic’ would need to ‘acknowledge the strength and ability she demonstrated as the nominee’. The release of the report has already triggered debate within the Democratic Party, not only because of its conclusions but also because of its unfinished nature. Large sections remain incomplete, and annotations throughout the draft openly challenge aspects of the report’s assumptions and methodology. Even so, the document represents one of the clearest acknowledgments yet from within Democratic leadership that the party’s defeat in 2024 was not caused by a single mistake, but by a series of interconnected strategic failures. The report suggests Democrats struggled to define Harris independently, failed to aggressively reshape voter perceptions of Trump, underestimated the effectiveness of Republican messaging, and entered the campaign transition from Biden too late to fully recover politically. More broadly, the draft autopsy reflects a party still trying to understand how it lost an election it once believed it was structurally positioned to win. For Democrats, the report is more than a review of the past. It is an early warning about the political and strategic questions that could shape the party’s future heading into 2028.

Democratic National Committee's draft autopsy says Kamala Harris failed to define herself, counter Donald Trump, and separate from Joe Biden in the 2024 elections

How Democrats lost 2024 elections: DNC draft reveals Kamala Harris failed to define herself against Joe Biden and Donald Trump

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) slammed NATO for not supporting the US military campaign against Iran, accusing several member nations of benefiting from the alliance while failing to back the United States during a major conflict. Speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said many alliance members agree that Iran poses a global threat and should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. However, he expressed frustration that most countries stopped short of supporting US military action.“There are many countries in NATO that agree with us that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon, that Iran is a threat to the world,” Rubio told reporters.President Donald Trump “said, fine, I’m going to do something about it,” he said. “He’s not asking them to commit troops. He’s not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything.”“We were very upset about that,” Rubio added.The secretary further added, “I’ve been a strong supporter of NATO my entire career.” He continued, “I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America? Because it gives us bases in the region that allow us to project power during a contingency in the Middle East or somewhere else.”“So when that is the key rationale for why you're in NATO, and then you have countries like Spain denying us the use of these bases, well then, why are you in NATO? That's a very fair question,” he said. He added that other countries were more helpful, previously singling out Portugal for praise.The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28 without prior consultation with NATO allies. Several European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have questioned the need for the war. The US and Israel have claimed an imminent nuclear threat from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliation has triggered a global energy crisis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised NATO allies for refusing to back the US campaign against Iran, saying Washington was “very upset” as tensions and the global energy crisis continue to escalate.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) slammed NATO for not supporting the US military campaign against Iran, accusing several member nations of benefiting from the alliance while failing to back the United States during a major conflict. Speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said many alliance members agree that Iran poses a global threat and should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. However, he expressed frustration that most countries stopped short of supporting US military action. “There are many countries in NATO that agree with us that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon, that Iran is a threat to the world,” Rubio told reporters. President Donald Trump “said, fine, I’m going to do something about it,” he said. “He’s not asking them to commit troops. He’s not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything.” “We were very upset about that,” Rubio added. The secretary further added, “I’ve been a strong supporter of NATO my entire career.” He continued, “I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America? Because it gives us bases in the region that allow us to project power during a contingency in the Middle East or somewhere else.” “So when that is the key rationale for why you're in NATO, and then you have countries like Spain denying us the use of these bases, well then, why are you in NATO? That's a very fair question,” he said. He added that other countries were more helpful, previously singling out Portugal for praise. The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28 without prior consultation with NATO allies. Several European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have questioned the need for the war. The US and Israel have claimed an imminent nuclear threat from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliation has triggered a global energy crisis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised NATO allies for refusing to back the US campaign against Iran, saying Washington was “very upset” as tensions and the global energy crisis continue to escalate.

‘They refuse to do anything’: Rubio says US ‘very upset’ with NATO for not supporting war in Iran

US President Donald Trump abruptly called off a planned signing ceremony for a new executive order on artificial intelligence on Thursday (May 21), saying he did not want to do anything that could slow America's dominance in the rapidly advancing technology sector. Trump announced the change hours before the event was scheduled to take place in the Oval Office, saying he was postponing the signing because he did not like what he saw in the order's text.&nbsp;"We're leading China, we're leading everybody, and I don't want to do anything that's going to get in the way of that lead," Trump told reporters at an unrelated Oval Office event.&nbsp;The president told reporters the signing had been delayed "because I didn't like certain aspects of it."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-putin-china-visits-key-contrasts-in-tone-strategy-symbolism-and-the-unexpected-similarities-1779373178948">'Trump &amp; Putin in China': Key contrasts in tone, strategy and the similarities</a>&nbsp;No revised timeline for when a new or amended order could be signed was immediately provided. Tech giants' massive investments in the nascent AI industry have fuelled rapid growth, helping drive stock markets to new heights even as the Iran war and other sources of geopolitical strife have caused global economic turmoil. The AI-friendly Trump administration has welcomed the shift toward the technology and taken actions supported by industry leaders, such as backing their calls to preempt states from setting their own AI rules.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-blocks-trump-from-destroying-records-orders-white-house-staff-to-comply-with-presidential-records-act-1779356293623">Judge blocks Trump from destroying records, orders staff to comply with law</a>&nbsp;The push for some kind of government action to vet the most powerful AI systems follows growing concern within the banking industry and other institutions about the leaps in AI's abilities to find cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the world's software. The decision reflects the ongoing tension within the administration between managing the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems.&nbsp;

President Trump has reportedly delayed or scaled back a highly anticipated cybersecurity and AI executive order, citing fears of a negative industry impact.

US President Donald Trump abruptly called off a planned signing ceremony for a new executive order on artificial intelligence on Thursday (May 21), saying he did not want to do anything that could slow America's dominance in the rapidly advancing technology sector. Trump announced the change hours before the event was scheduled to take place in the Oval Office, saying he was postponing the signing because he did not like what he saw in the order's text. "We're leading China, we're leading everybody, and I don't want to do anything that's going to get in the way of that lead," Trump told reporters at an unrelated Oval Office event. The president told reporters the signing had been delayed "because I didn't like certain aspects of it." Also read: 'Trump & Putin in China': Key contrasts in tone, strategy and the similarities No revised timeline for when a new or amended order could be signed was immediately provided. Tech giants' massive investments in the nascent AI industry have fuelled rapid growth, helping drive stock markets to new heights even as the Iran war and other sources of geopolitical strife have caused global economic turmoil. The AI-friendly Trump administration has welcomed the shift toward the technology and taken actions supported by industry leaders, such as backing their calls to preempt states from setting their own AI rules. Also read: Judge blocks Trump from destroying records, orders staff to comply with law The push for some kind of government action to vet the most powerful AI systems follows growing concern within the banking industry and other institutions about the leaps in AI's abilities to find cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the world's software. The decision reflects the ongoing tension within the administration between managing the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems.

President Trump has reportedly delayed or scaled back a highly anticipated cybersecurity and AI executive order, citing fears of a negative industry impact.

Trump pulls back on AI executive order citing concerns over industry impact

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) said that Washington would eventually take control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as tensions remain despite the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. He also said that the US is against any attempts to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stressed that the United States will not allow Tehran to retain near-weapons-grade nuclear material.Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it.”This comes as a Reuters report suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by Trump.“The Supreme ​Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying.However, a Bloomberg report, citing a senior Iranain official, rejected the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material.<h2>‘We don’t want tolls’</h2>Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian attempt to impose toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would effectively destroy hopes for a diplomatic agreement.“No one in the world is in favour of the tolling system. It can’t happen. It would be unacceptable,” Rubio said.Trump also dismissed the idea, saying the United States wanted the strategic waterway to remain open and accessible for international shipping, calling any such move “a threat to the world” and “completely illegal”.“We want it free, we don’t want tolls. It's international, it’s an international waterway,” he said.Despite the tensions, Rubio suggested optimism in diplomatic efforts, referring to Pakistan’s army chief visit to Tehran. “Hopefully that’ll advance this further,” he said.

US President Donald Trump vowed that Washington would seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and opposed any Hormuz shipping tolls.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) said that Washington would eventually take control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as tensions remain despite the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. He also said that the US is against any attempts to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stressed that the United States will not allow Tehran to retain near-weapons-grade nuclear material. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it.” This comes as a Reuters report suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by Trump. “The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying. However, a Bloomberg report, citing a senior Iranain official, rejected the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material. ‘We don’t want tolls’ Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian attempt to impose toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would effectively destroy hopes for a diplomatic agreement. “No one in the world is in favour of the tolling system. It can’t happen. It would be unacceptable,” Rubio said. Trump also dismissed the idea, saying the United States wanted the strategic waterway to remain open and accessible for international shipping, calling any such move “a threat to the world” and “completely illegal”. “We want it free, we don’t want tolls. It's international, it’s an international waterway,” he said. Despite the tensions, Rubio suggested optimism in diplomatic efforts, referring to Pakistan’s army chief visit to Tehran. “Hopefully that’ll advance this further,” he said.

US President Donald Trump vowed that Washington would seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and opposed any Hormuz shipping tolls.

‘We will get it’: Trump vows to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpile, warns Tehran against Hormuz tolls

Airbus has announced it will appeal Thursday's (May 21) guilty verdict to the Court of Cassation, France's highest court for criminal and civil matters, vowing to continue its legal fight following the Paris Court of Appeal's conviction for corporate manslaughter over the 2009 AF447 disaster. In a statement from Toulouse, Airbus recognised the judgement but pointed out that the Paris Court of Appeal's decision conflicts with the arguments made by the Public Prosecutor's Office and the findings of the 2019 dismissal order issued by the investigating judges, as well as the initial Public Prosecution submissions and the 2023 acquittal ruling.&nbsp;Any further appeals following the verdict will shift the focus away from the AF447 cockpit to points of law. This means the Court of Cassation will not re-examine the facts of the crash itself but instead scrutinise the legal framework and reasoning applied by the appeals court in reaching its guilty verdict.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-france-airbus-found-guilty-of-manslaughter-17-years-after-flight-447-crash-1779367432682">Air France, Airbus found guilty of manslaughter 17 years after flight 447 crash</a>&nbsp;The verdict marks a significant turn in a legal battle that has stretched over 17 years. While the financial penalties are considered symbolic, the ruling is seen as significant reputational damage for both companies.&nbsp;For victims' families, who have pursued accountability across nearly two decades of proceedings, Airbus's decision to appeal means the legal process is set to continue. Airbus expressed its deepest sympathies and unwavering support to the families and loved ones of the victims, stating that from the outset it has pursued a constant objective: to understand the facts, seek the truth, draw all necessary lessons, and act responsibly to continue improving aviation safety.

Following a landmark Paris appeals court ruling, Airbus vows to appeal its corporate manslaughter conviction in the 2009 Air France Flight AF447 crash.

Airbus has announced it will appeal Thursday's (May 21) guilty verdict to the Court of Cassation, France's highest court for criminal and civil matters, vowing to continue its legal fight following the Paris Court of Appeal's conviction for corporate manslaughter over the 2009 AF447 disaster. In a statement from Toulouse, Airbus recognised the judgement but pointed out that the Paris Court of Appeal's decision conflicts with the arguments made by the Public Prosecutor's Office and the findings of the 2019 dismissal order issued by the investigating judges, as well as the initial Public Prosecution submissions and the 2023 acquittal ruling. Any further appeals following the verdict will shift the focus away from the AF447 cockpit to points of law. This means the Court of Cassation will not re-examine the facts of the crash itself but instead scrutinise the legal framework and reasoning applied by the appeals court in reaching its guilty verdict. Also read: Air France, Airbus found guilty of manslaughter 17 years after flight 447 crash The verdict marks a significant turn in a legal battle that has stretched over 17 years. While the financial penalties are considered symbolic, the ruling is seen as significant reputational damage for both companies. For victims' families, who have pursued accountability across nearly two decades of proceedings, Airbus's decision to appeal means the legal process is set to continue. Airbus expressed its deepest sympathies and unwavering support to the families and loved ones of the victims, stating that from the outset it has pursued a constant objective: to understand the facts, seek the truth, draw all necessary lessons, and act responsibly to continue improving aviation safety.

Following a landmark Paris appeals court ruling, Airbus vows to appeal its corporate manslaughter conviction in the 2009 Air France Flight AF447 crash.

Airbus to appeal AF447 manslaughter verdict in France's highest court

In an unusual move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) announced that the Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez will be travelling to India next week to hold discussions on selling oil. The statement highlights the influence of Washington over Caracas and its oil industry following the ouster of former leader Nicolas Maduro. Rubio’s remarks come ahead of his own planned trip to the country starting Saturday. This comes amid a global energy supply crisis due to the Iran war.“We want to sell them as much energy as they’ll buy,” Rubio said. “We also think there’s opportunities with Venezuelan oil. In fact, it’s my understanding that the interim president of Venezuela will be traveling to India next week as well.”“There’s a lot to work on with India. They’re a great ally, a great partner,” he added.Rodriguez took office after the US military bombed Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their presidential palace. Since then, she has maintained close ties with US President Donald Trump’s administration for cooperating with Washington, including by assisting oil companies. Venezuela is home to world’s largest proven oil reserves.Rodriguez is known to have longstanding ties with India, being a follower of late guru Sathya Sai Baba. Known for her spiritual inclinations rooted in India, she has made several visits to Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh’s Puttaparthi. She visited the ashram in 2019, 2023 and most recently in October 2024. During her October 2024 trip to India, shortly after the BRICS summit in Kazan, Rodríguez met then Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi before making a personal visit to Puttaparthi with her delegation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez will visit India next week for talks on oil sales, highlighting growing India-Venezuela energy ties.

In an unusual move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) announced that the Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez will be travelling to India next week to hold discussions on selling oil. The statement highlights the influence of Washington over Caracas and its oil industry following the ouster of former leader Nicolas Maduro. Rubio’s remarks come ahead of his own planned trip to the country starting Saturday. This comes amid a global energy supply crisis due to the Iran war. “We want to sell them as much energy as they’ll buy,” Rubio said. “We also think there’s opportunities with Venezuelan oil. In fact, it’s my understanding that the interim president of Venezuela will be traveling to India next week as well.” “There’s a lot to work on with India. They’re a great ally, a great partner,” he added. Rodriguez took office after the US military bombed Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their presidential palace. Since then, she has maintained close ties with US President Donald Trump’s administration for cooperating with Washington, including by assisting oil companies. Venezuela is home to world’s largest proven oil reserves. Rodriguez is known to have longstanding ties with India, being a follower of late guru Sathya Sai Baba. Known for her spiritual inclinations rooted in India, she has made several visits to Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh’s Puttaparthi. She visited the ashram in 2019, 2023 and most recently in October 2024. During her October 2024 trip to India, shortly after the BRICS summit in Kazan, Rodríguez met then Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi before making a personal visit to Puttaparthi with her delegation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez will visit India next week for talks on oil sales, amid Iran war.

India to buy oil from Venezuela? Rubio announces Rodriguez’s visit next week

India's peak power demand reached a new all-time high of 270.82 GW on Thursday (May 21), marking the fourth consecutive day that the country has broken its own record, as a relentless heatwave continues to drive up the use of cooling appliances across the nation.The new record surpassed the previous all-time high of 265.44 GW set just a day earlier on Wednesday (May 20), reflecting the rapidly escalating pressure on the country's power infrastructure as temperatures soar. The surge in demand has been largely attributed to the widespread use of air conditioners, desert coolers, and other cooling devices as millions of Indians seek relief from the intense summer heat.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-records-highest-electricity-demand-of-2026-1779359476471/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-records-highest-electricity-demand-of-2026-1779359476471/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Power Ministry confirmed the development in a post on social media platform X, stating: "Today was the 4th consecutive day when the peak power demand (solar hours) reached a new all-time high. At 1545 hours (May 21), the peak power demand (solar hours) of 270.82 GW was successfully met."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today was the 4th consecutive day when the peak power demand (solar hours) reached a new all-time high. At 1545 hours (21.5.2026), the peak power demand (solar hours) of 270.82 GW was successfully met.&mdash; Ministry of Power (@MinOfPower) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinOfPower/status/2057437186078003479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The milestone is particularly significant as it aligns precisely with projections made by the Power Ministry ahead of the summer season. The ministry had earlier forecast that peak power demand would reach 270 GW during the summer months, a target that has now been met and marginally exceeded.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ai-boom-could-make-data-centres-consume-one-third-of-commercial-electricity-by-2050-eia-1779372389032/amp">AI boom could make data centres consume one-third of commercial electricity by 2050: EIA</a>&nbsp;The fact that demand has broken records on four successive days underscores the severity of the ongoing heatwave gripping large parts of the country. Power authorities have so far managed to meet the unprecedented levels of demand, ensuring supply is maintained across the grid during the critical peak hours of the day.&nbsp;With summer temperatures expected to remain elevated in the coming days, authorities will be closely monitoring grid performance as demand shows no immediate signs of easing.

India's peak power demand hit a record 270.82 GW for the fourth consecutive day as a severe heatwave intensifies cooling appliance usage across the country.

India's peak power demand reached a new all-time high of 270.82 GW on Thursday (May 21), marking the fourth consecutive day that the country has broken its own record, as a relentless heatwave continues to drive up the use of cooling appliances across the nation. The new record surpassed the previous all-time high of 265.44 GW set just a day earlier on Wednesday (May 20), reflecting the rapidly escalating pressure on the country's power infrastructure as temperatures soar. The surge in demand has been largely attributed to the widespread use of air conditioners, desert coolers, and other cooling devices as millions of Indians seek relief from the intense summer heat. https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-records-highest-electricity-demand-of-2026-1779359476471/embed The Power Ministry confirmed the development in a post on social media platform X, stating: "Today was the 4th consecutive day when the peak power demand (solar hours) reached a new all-time high. At 1545 hours (May 21), the peak power demand (solar hours) of 270.82 GW was successfully met."

India's peak power demand hit a record 270.82 GW for the fourth consecutive day as a severe heatwave intensifies cooling appliance usage across the country.

India's peak power demand hits record for fourth straight day

A controversial campaign billboard in Taiwan has sparked outrage by calling for a ban on Indian migrant workers, prompting a strong rebuke from one of the island's top security officials.The poster, displayed in Kaohsiung's Siaogang District, features a prohibition symbol over an image of the Indian flag, shown inverted, and a depiction of a turbaned man with brown skin and facial hair. It belongs to Lee Hung-yi, a local ward chief and independent candidate for city council elections scheduled for November.Taiwan is seeking foreign workers under a 2024 labour agreement with India. The imagery has drawn widespread criticism for what many describe as overt racism and religious stereotyping.Taiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, a former foreign minister, publicly condemned the billboard. "I feel ashamed to see a local politician doing this to catch attention," he posted on social media. "I condemn such despicable conduct in a very welcoming society." Mr Wu reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to deepening ties with India in technology, trade, and security.Earlier, the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Centre in India issued a statement over the development. It said, "Taiwan cherishes the values of democracy, inclusivity, and diversity, and supports people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and India. We deeply regret and strongly condemn any form of prejudice, racism and discrimination"The incident comes as Taiwan looks to diversify its labour sources amid an ageing population and workforce gaps. The 2024 agreement with India is part of broader efforts to strengthen unofficial relations with New Delhi, which have warmed in recent years through semiconductor collaboration and other strategic partnerships. Taiwan has a small but growing Indian community.

Taiwan is seeking foreign workers under a 2024 labour agreement with India. The imagery has drawn widespread criticism for what many describe as overt racism and religious stereotyping.

A controversial campaign billboard in Taiwan has sparked outrage by calling for a ban on Indian migrant workers, prompting a strong rebuke from one of the island's top security officials. The poster, displayed in Kaohsiung's Siaogang District, features a prohibition symbol over an image of the Indian flag, shown inverted, and a depiction of a turbaned man with brown skin and facial hair. It belongs to Lee Hung-yi, a local ward chief and independent candidate for city council elections scheduled for November. Taiwan is seeking foreign workers under a 2024 labour agreement with India. The imagery has drawn widespread criticism for what many describe as overt racism and religious stereotyping. Taiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, a former foreign minister, publicly condemned the billboard. "I feel ashamed to see a local politician doing this to catch attention," he posted on social media. "I condemn such despicable conduct in a very welcoming society." Mr Wu reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to deepening ties with India in technology, trade, and security. Earlier, the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Centre in India issued a statement over the development. It said, "Taiwan cherishes the values of democracy, inclusivity, and diversity, and supports people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and India. We deeply regret and strongly condemn any form of prejudice, racism and discrimination" The incident comes as Taiwan looks to diversify its labour sources amid an ageing population and workforce gaps. The 2024 agreement with India is part of broader efforts to strengthen unofficial relations with New Delhi, which have warmed in recent years through semiconductor collaboration and other strategic partnerships. Taiwan has a small but growing Indian community.

Taiwan is seeking foreign workers under a 2024 labour agreement with India. The imagery has drawn widespread criticism for what many describe as overt racism and religious stereotyping.

Taiwan condemns 'racist' election billboard targeting Indian migrants

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by US President Donald Trump. The move could further complicate the talks between Iran and the United States to end the war. However, some reports denied the claims.Reuters reported, citing Israeli officials, that Trump had assured Israel that Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, which is crucial for developing a nuclear weapon, would be removed from the country as part of any future peace agreement. It added that Israel wants such a condition formally included in the deal.“The Supreme ​Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying.The report added that top Iranian officials believe that sending the material abroad would make Tehran even more vulnerable to future attacks by the US and Israel. It added that Mojtaba has the last say on the most important matters concerning the country.Israel, the United States and Western nations have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, pointing to Tehran’s decision to enrich uranium to 60 per cent purity – a level much higher than what is required for civilian nuclear purposes and much closer to the 90 per cent threshold associated with weapons-grade uranium. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the conflict cannot be considered resolved unless Iran’s enriched uranium is removed, its support for proxy militias ends, and its ballistic missile programme is dismantled.<h2>Iranian official denies report</h2>According to a Bloomberg report, a senior Iranain official denied the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly refused to send the country’s enriched uranium abroad, rejecting a key US demand and further complicating Iran-US peace talks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by US President Donald Trump. The move could further complicate the talks between Iran and the United States to end the war. However, some reports denied the claims. Reuters reported, citing Israeli officials, that Trump had assured Israel that Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, which is crucial for developing a nuclear weapon, would be removed from the country as part of any future peace agreement. It added that Israel wants such a condition formally included in the deal. “The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying. The report added that top Iranian officials believe that sending the material abroad would make Tehran even more vulnerable to future attacks by the US and Israel. It added that Mojtaba has the last say on the most important matters concerning the country. Israel, the United States and Western nations have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, pointing to Tehran’s decision to enrich uranium to 60 per cent purity – a level much higher than what is required for civilian nuclear purposes and much closer to the 90 per cent threshold associated with weapons-grade uranium. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the conflict cannot be considered resolved unless Iran’s enriched uranium is removed, its support for proxy militias ends, and its ballistic missile programme is dismantled. Iranian official denies report According to a Bloomberg report, a senior Iranain official denied the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly refused to send the country’s enriched uranium abroad, rejecting a key US demand and further complicating Iran-US peace talks.

Did Mojtaba Khamenei issue order demanding enriched uranium must stay in Iran?

Leaked audio by labour-focused media organisation More Perfect Union from an April 30 town hall reveals Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg saying that its employees were used to train AI data. In the audio it Zuckerberg could be hard explaining that the company’s new artificial intelligence data tracking program was a way to “learn from watching really smart people do things.” The audio surfaced as Meta has begun laying off roughly 8,000 employees, 10 per cent of its workforce. In the recording, Zuckerberg defended a mandatory internal software program that logs employee keystrokes, mouse movements, and screen snapshots.Zuckerberg explicitly told employees that the average intelligence of the Meta employees was “significantly higher” than that of the outside contractors typically hired for data labelling. “So if we’re trying to teach the models coding, for example, then having people internally build tools or solve tasks that help teach the model how to code, we think is going to dramatically increase our model’s coding ability faster than what others in the industry have the capability to do, who don’t have thousands and thousands of extremely strong engineers at their company," said Zuckerberg. Meta did not spell out or clarified on the whole process because “this stuff is tricky” &nbsp;and “not strategically in your interest for us to communicate everything” so that competitors could not catch on.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nvidia-q1-fy2027-record-revenue-ai-boom-data-centre-growth-1779368905223">NVIDIA posts record $81.6 billion revenue: Why NVIDIA is the biggest winner of the global AI boom</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LEAKED AUDIO: In an all-hands meeting on April 30, Mark Zuckerberg tells employees that he&#39;s training AI on them ahead of mass layoffs. &quot;The AI models learn from watching really smart people do things... The average intelligence of the people who are at this company is… <a href="https://t.co/lt9eeJ3cwh">pic.twitter.com/lt9eeJ3cwh</a>&mdash; More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorePerfectUS/status/2056842597117636890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meta has laid off 8,000 active positions and cancelled 6,000 open job roles in European and US offices, as the company is redirecting between $125 billion and $145 billion into AI infrastructure and data centres this year alone. Meta is further assigning 7,000 workers to four new organisations focused on developing AI tools. They will be moved to a new segment of the “AI native design structures” where the employee-to-manager ratio will be smaller than in other organisations.&nbsp;The NYT earlier reported that employees were sceptical about the AI tracking program and expressed fear that they would unknowingly train models that would replace them. The tracking program known as the Model Capability Initiative runs across apps like Gmail, VSCode, and Meta’s internal assistant, Metamate. When employees asked how to opt out, Meta Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth responded bluntly, "There is no option to opt out of this on your work provided laptop."

Leaked audio reveals Mark Zuckerberg saying Meta employees were used to train AI models through internal tracking software, as the company lays off 8,000 workers and ramps up AI investments.

Leaked audio by labour-focused media organisation More Perfect Union from an April 30 town hall reveals Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg saying that its employees were used to train AI data. In the audio it Zuckerberg could be hard explaining that the company’s new artificial intelligence data tracking program was a way to “learn from watching really smart people do things.” The audio surfaced as Meta has begun laying off roughly 8,000 employees, 10 per cent of its workforce. In the recording, Zuckerberg defended a mandatory internal software program that logs employee keystrokes, mouse movements, and screen snapshots. Zuckerberg explicitly told employees that the average intelligence of the Meta employees was “significantly higher” than that of the outside contractors typically hired for data labelling. “So if we’re trying to teach the models coding, for example, then having people internally build tools or solve tasks that help teach the model how to code, we think is going to dramatically increase our model’s coding ability faster than what others in the industry have the capability to do, who don’t have thousands and thousands of extremely strong engineers at their company," said Zuckerberg. Meta did not spell out or clarified on the whole process because “this stuff is tricky” and “not strategically in your interest for us to communicate everything” so that competitors could not catch on. Also Read: NVIDIA posts record $81.6 billion revenue: Why NVIDIA is the biggest winner of the global AI boom

Leaked audio reveals Mark Zuckerberg saying Meta employees were used to train AI models through internal tracking software, as the company lays off 8,000 workers and ramps up AI investments.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says 'smart' employees used to train AI models in viral audio

China has increasingly functioned as a central stage for global diplomacy, hosting high-profile engagements involving the United States and Russia at different points in recent past. Visits linked to US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been widely analysed for what they reveal about shifting global alignments and China’s positioning as a key diplomatic power under Xi Jinping. While each leader’s engagement with Beijing has taken place in distinct geopolitical moments, analysts consistently note that China uses such summits to project stability, economic leverage and strategic influence.&nbsp;<h3>Contrasting Diplomatic Tone and Messaging</h3>&nbsp;The tone of engagement has sharply differed between the two leaders. The differences between the two visits began with their length: The US president stayed in China for three days, while Putin’s visit lasted two. Trump’s interactions with China were largely shaped by trade tensions, Taiwan, tariff disputes and public positioning around economic competition. His visits and meetings often reflected a transactional approach, with emphasis on bilateral trade imbalances and negotiations.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pakistan-angle-to-cockroach-janta-party-netizens-flag-large-number-of-pak-bangladesh-and-turkey-based-followers-1779363695816">Pakistan angle to ‘Cockroach Janta Party’? Netizens flag large number of Pak, Bangladesh and Turkey-based followers</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;By contrast, Putin’s engagements with China have been framed more in terms of long-term strategic alignment, energy cooperation and shared geopolitical interests. The tone has generally been described as steadier and more continuity-driven, particularly in the context of Western sanctions and Russia’s pivot towards Asia.&nbsp;<h3>Strategy and Symbolism in Global Context</h3>&nbsp;The strategic framing of the visits also diverges significantly. Trump’s China-era diplomacy was closely tied to economic pressure and renegotiation of trade terms, often under the broader narrative of ‘America First’. Putin’s approach has focused more on consolidating multipolarity, strengthening non-Western alliances, and deepening institutional cooperation through platforms such as BRICS and regional groupings.&nbsp;According to the Associated Press, while the United States and China continue efforts to stabilise strained trade relations, Moscow and Beijing have reaffirmed their partnership as strategically essential. Vladimir Putin described the ‘driving force’ of the bilateral relationship as the energy sector, with particular emphasis on oil and gas cooperation. The remarks show the growing role of energy ties in sustaining economic links between Russia and China amid shifting global trade dynamics and broader geopolitical realignments.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-no-cosmetic-is-permitted-to-be-used-as-injection-under-law-india-drug-regulator-cdsco-issues-strict-warning-1779367630477">'No cosmetic permitted as injection under law': India drug regulator CDSCO issues strict warning</a>&nbsp;Symbolically, China has used both sets of engagements to reinforce its image as an indispensable global power capable of hosting and balancing competing superpowers on its diplomatic stage. China and Russia signed more than 40 cooperation agreements spanning trade, technology and media exchanges, reinforcing the breadth of their bilateral engagement. The two sides also issued a joint declaration describing Russia and China as “important centers of power in a multipolar world,” underscoring their shared geopolitical framing. By contrast, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping did not sign a joint declaration or publicly oversee any agreements during the visit. Details of several accords were announced only after the US president had left Beijing, including Washington’s statement that China had agreed to purchase U.S. agricultural products worth an annualised $17 billion and acquire 200 Boeing aircraft.<h3>Unexpected Points of Convergence</h3>&nbsp;Despite clear contrasts, some similarities emerge. Both leaders were received at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square with full ceremonial honours, including a military guard of honour, a marching band and children waving national flags. They also held closed-door discussions with Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, located adjacent to the square. Separately, Donald Trump was given a private tour of the Temple of Heaven and walked through the imperial gardens of Zhongnanhai during his visit. Putin, instead, spent much of his time with Xi.&nbsp;Both leaders’ engagements with China underscore the country’s centrality in global trade and security architecture. In both cases, interactions reflect a recognition that China cannot be bypassed in discussions on economic stability and geopolitical strategy.&nbsp;Additionally, both Trump-era and Putin-era engagements highlight a broader shift away from unipolar dominance towards a more contested, multipolar global order, where China plays an increasingly pivotal role.

Visits linked to US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been widely analysed for what they reveal about shifting global alignments and China’s positioning as a key diplomatic power under Xi Jinping. 

China has increasingly functioned as a central stage for global diplomacy, hosting high-profile engagements involving the United States and Russia at different points in recent past. Visits linked to US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been widely analysed for what they reveal about shifting global alignments and China’s positioning as a key diplomatic power under Xi Jinping. While each leader’s engagement with Beijing has taken place in distinct geopolitical moments, analysts consistently note that China uses such summits to project stability, economic leverage and strategic influence. Contrasting Diplomatic Tone and Messaging The tone of engagement has sharply differed between the two leaders. The differences between the two visits began with their length: The US president stayed in China for three days, while Putin’s visit lasted two. Trump’s interactions with China were largely shaped by trade tensions, Taiwan, tariff disputes and public positioning around economic competition. His visits and meetings often reflected a transactional approach, with emphasis on bilateral trade imbalances and negotiations. ALSO READ: Pakistan angle to ‘Cockroach Janta Party’? Netizens flag large number of Pak, Bangladesh and Turkey-based followers By contrast, Putin’s engagements with China have been framed more in terms of long-term strategic alignment, energy cooperation and shared geopolitical interests. The tone has generally been described as steadier and more continuity-driven, particularly in the context of Western sanctions and Russia’s pivot towards Asia. Strategy and Symbolism in Global Context The strategic framing of the visits also diverges significantly. Trump’s China-era diplomacy was closely tied to economic pressure and renegotiation of trade terms, often under the broader narrative of ‘America First’. Putin’s approach has focused more on consolidating multipolarity, strengthening non-Western alliances, and deepening institutional cooperation through platforms such as BRICS and regional groupings. According to the Associated Press, while the United States and China continue efforts to stabilise strained trade relations, Moscow and Beijing have reaffirmed their partnership as strategically essential. Vladimir Putin described the ‘driving force’ of the bilateral relationship as the energy sector, with particular emphasis on oil and gas cooperation. The remarks show the growing role of energy ties in sustaining economic links between Russia and China amid shifting global trade dynamics and broader geopolitical realignments. ALSO READ: 'No cosmetic permitted as injection under law': India drug regulator CDSCO issues strict warning Symbolically, China has used both sets of engagements to reinforce its image as an indispensable global power capable of hosting and balancing competing superpowers on its diplomatic stage. China and Russia signed more than 40 cooperation agreements spanning trade, technology and media exchanges, reinforcing the breadth of their bilateral engagement. The two sides also issued a joint declaration describing Russia and China as “important centers of power in a multipolar world,” underscoring their shared geopolitical framing. By contrast, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping did not sign a joint declaration or publicly oversee any agreements during the visit. Details of several accords were announced only after the US president had left Beijing, including Washington’s statement that China had agreed to purchase U.S. agricultural products worth an annualised $17 billion and acquire 200 Boeing aircraft. Unexpected Points of Convergence Despite clear contrasts, some similarities emerge. Both leaders were received at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square with full ceremonial honours, including a military guard of honour, a marching band and children waving national flags. They also held closed-door discussions with Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, located adjacent to the square. Separately, Donald Trump was given a private tour of the Temple of Heaven and walked through the imperial gardens of Zhongnanhai during his visit. Putin, instead, spent much of his time with Xi. Both leaders’ engagements with China underscore the country’s centrality in global trade and security architecture. In both cases, interactions reflect a recognition that China cannot be bypassed in discussions on economic stability and geopolitical strategy. Additionally, both Trump-era and Putin-era engagements highlight a broader shift away from unipolar dominance towards a more contested, multipolar global order, where China plays an increasingly pivotal role.

Visits linked to US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been widely analysed for what they reveal about shifting global alignments and China’s positioning as a key diplomatic power under Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Trump and Putin China visits: Key contrasts in tone, strategy & symbolism and the unexpected similarities

NVIDIA, which has been a leading beneficiary of the AI boon, reported its Q1 Fiscal Year 2027 financial results on May 20, 2026. It has recorded a massive year-over-year revenue growth of 85 per cent, jumping to $81.62 billion from the $44.06 billion it reported in the same quarter last year. As of May 2026, its market cap is $5.41 trillion, solidifying its position as the most valuable company in the world, closely followed by Alphabet at $4.6 trillion and Apple at $4.3 trillion. These are historic numbers. For the Q1FY27, the reported net income is $58.3 billion, a 211 per cent jump from $18.8 billion a year ago.<h2>Why is NVIDIA the biggest winner?</h2>The major revenue driver for NVIDIA was the data centre segment, $75.2 billion in a single quarter, up by 92 per cent year-on-year. This is more than most Fortune 500 companies earn in an entire financial year. This implies that the majority of the private capital raised by AI companies flows directly to NVIDIA's bottom line, and it then reinvests the margin into the AI companies. NVIDIA is not just a supplier of the current AI wave; it is building the dedicated AI infrastructure for the AI wave. It exemplifies the ouroboros of the AI ecosystem.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-vanessa-trump-breast-cancer-diagnosis-donald-trump-jr-1779365736602">Who Is Vanessa Trump? Former model and Donald Trump Jr ex-wife diagnosed with breast cancer</a>This is further evident from the Cerebras system's IPO debut last week. The company’s market cap swelled to almost $100 billion on its first day of trading. The company makes ASIC application-specific integrated circuits, programmed for more specific tasks. While these are not as powerful as GPUs used for Large Language Models, they are also efficient for Agentic AI, with the growing computing shift towards inference. The space is increasingly becoming crowded with &nbsp;Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft all making ASCIs. Over 1,000 startups are available in the Agentic AI segment, while 20 are public. Among them, 13 are making real profit, which are legacy companies such as Microsoft, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and IBM, which have enterprise software monopolies or hardware giants. About 7 of the breakout companies in this cohort are still losing money on a net basis.&nbsp;What makes the number more troubling is that in the years before the generative AI craze, Nvidia was primarily known for its gaming chips. In fiscal 2020, over half its revenue came from gaming, while just 27 per cent came from the data centre. The SpaceX SEC filings also shed light on AI infrastructure and its burn rate. Over all its operating at a nearly $4.3 billion loss in the quarter, the multi-billion dollar losses are driven by massive capital expenditures. Starlink is the segment where the company generates actual operational profit. The loss-making parts are xAI, X, and Starship. It is seeking $75 billion at a valuation of $1.75 trillion to $2 trillion, 100 times more than its revenue, speculating on future potential. But the loss acceleration is humongous, $528 million quarterly to $4.3 billion in one year. The whole picture will become clearer with the public disclosure of OpenAI and Anthropic. Every company in the AI stack is an NVIDIA customer, and it is the only one that's unambiguously profitable, while others are seeking public money to survive.&nbsp;

NVIDIA reported record Q1 FY2027 revenue of $81.6 billion, driven by explosive AI data centre demand, as questions grow over whether the broader AI ecosystem is profitable beyond chipmakers.

NVIDIA, which has been a leading beneficiary of the AI boon, reported its Q1 Fiscal Year 2027 financial results on May 20, 2026. It has recorded a massive year-over-year revenue growth of 85 per cent, jumping to $81.62 billion from the $44.06 billion it reported in the same quarter last year. As of May 2026, its market cap is $5.41 trillion, solidifying its position as the most valuable company in the world, closely followed by Alphabet at $4.6 trillion and Apple at $4.3 trillion. These are historic numbers. For the Q1FY27, the reported net income is $58.3 billion, a 211 per cent jump from $18.8 billion a year ago. Why is NVIDIA the biggest winner? The major revenue driver for NVIDIA was the data centre segment, $75.2 billion in a single quarter, up by 92 per cent year-on-year. This is more than most Fortune 500 companies earn in an entire financial year. This implies that the majority of the private capital raised by AI companies flows directly to NVIDIA's bottom line, and it then reinvests the margin into the AI companies. NVIDIA is not just a supplier of the current AI wave; it is building the dedicated AI infrastructure for the AI wave. It exemplifies the ouroboros of the AI ecosystem. Also Read: Who Is Vanessa Trump? Former model and Donald Trump Jr ex-wife diagnosed with breast cancer This is further evident from the Cerebras system's IPO debut last week. The company’s market cap swelled to almost $100 billion on its first day of trading. The company makes ASIC application-specific integrated circuits, programmed for more specific tasks. While these are not as powerful as GPUs used for Large Language Models, they are also efficient for Agentic AI, with the growing computing shift towards inference. The space is increasingly becoming crowded with Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft all making ASCIs. Over 1,000 startups are available in the Agentic AI segment, while 20 are public. Among them, 13 are making real profit, which are legacy companies such as Microsoft, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and IBM, which have enterprise software monopolies or hardware giants. About 7 of the breakout companies in this cohort are still losing money on a net basis. What makes the number more troubling is that in the years before the generative AI craze, Nvidia was primarily known for its gaming chips. In fiscal 2020, over half its revenue came from gaming, while just 27 per cent came from the data centre. The SpaceX SEC filings also shed light on AI infrastructure and its burn rate. Over all its operating at a nearly $4.3 billion loss in the quarter, the multi-billion dollar losses are driven by massive capital expenditures. Starlink is the segment where the company generates actual operational profit. The loss-making parts are xAI, X, and Starship. It is seeking $75 billion at a valuation of $1.75 trillion to $2 trillion, 100 times more than its revenue, speculating on future potential. But the loss acceleration is humongous, $528 million quarterly to $4.3 billion in one year. The whole picture will become clearer with the public disclosure of OpenAI and Anthropic. Every company in the AI stack is an NVIDIA customer, and it is the only one that's unambiguously profitable, while others are seeking public money to survive.

NVIDIA reported record Q1 FY2027 revenue of $81.6 billion, driven by explosive AI data centre demand, as questions grow over whether the broader AI ecosystem is profitable beyond chipmakers.

NVIDIA posts record $81.6 billion revenue: Why NVIDIA is the biggest winner of the global AI boom

The British government said on Thursday it found no evidence that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor underwent any vetting before being appointed as a trade envoy in 2001. The disclosure came alongside the release of official documents showing that his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, had supported his appointment to the role. The papers were released after opposition MPs sought all records connected to the establishment of the post of “Special Representative for Trade and Investment” and Prince Andrew’s controversial selection for the position. He was appointed trade envoy in 2001 but resigned ten years later following scrutiny over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The embattled royal was briefly arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) published documents in connection with the investigation into Epstein, raising questions about his relationship with the financier while he was a trade envoy.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-vanessa-trump-breast-cancer-diagnosis-donald-trump-jr-1779365736602"> Who Is Vanessa Trump? Former model and Donald Trump Jr ex-wife diagnosed with breast cancer</a> Following his arrest, the Liberal Democrats of Britain, an opposition party, made a “humble address” and requested the ministers to publish all available documents on the appointment of Mountbatten-Windsor. Chris Bryant, a trade minister, said on Thursday: “We have found no evidence that a formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken. There is also no evidence that this was considered.” Chris Bryant said the decision was “understandable”, arguing that Prince Andrew’s appointment was effectively a continuation of the royal family’s longstanding role in promoting Britain’s trade and investment interests. A 41-page dossier released by the British government also revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth II had actively backed her son’s appointment as trade envoy.<h3>Trade envoy role</h3>In a February 2000 memo addressed to then Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, David Wright, who headed British Trade International at the time, wrote that it was “the Queen’s wish” for Prince Andrew to take up the trade envoy role, adding that the position would “fit well” with the conclusion of his career in the British Navy. “The Queen is very keen that the Duke of York should take on a prominent role in the promotion of national interests,” Wright wrote at the time. While serving as trade envoy, Mountbatten-Windsor travelled the world and met senior personalities in business and government. In the released documents on Thursday, a British diplomat wrote that Mountbatten-Windsor had a preference for visiting “more sophisticated countries” and “should not be offered golfing functions abroad.” Later, Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal title last year as his brother, King Charles III, sought to protect the royal family from the backlash surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.&nbsp;

The UK government found no evidence that Prince Andrew underwent vetting before his 2001 trade envoy appointment, which released papers show was backed by Queen Elizabeth II. He resigned in 2011 and was recently arrested in February 2026 amid ties to the Epstein scandal.

The British government said on Thursday it found no evidence that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor underwent any vetting before being appointed as a trade envoy in 2001. The disclosure came alongside the release of official documents showing that his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, had supported his appointment to the role. The papers were released after opposition MPs sought all records connected to the establishment of the post of “Special Representative for Trade and Investment” and Prince Andrew’s controversial selection for the position. He was appointed trade envoy in 2001 but resigned ten years later following scrutiny over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The embattled royal was briefly arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) published documents in connection with the investigation into Epstein, raising questions about his relationship with the financier while he was a trade envoy. Also read: Who Is Vanessa Trump? Former model and Donald Trump Jr ex-wife diagnosed with breast cancer Following his arrest, the Liberal Democrats of Britain, an opposition party, made a “humble address” and requested the ministers to publish all available documents on the appointment of Mountbatten-Windsor. Chris Bryant, a trade minister, said on Thursday: “We have found no evidence that a formal due diligence or vetting process was undertaken. There is also no evidence that this was considered.” Chris Bryant said the decision was “understandable”, arguing that Prince Andrew’s appointment was effectively a continuation of the royal family’s longstanding role in promoting Britain’s trade and investment interests. A 41-page dossier released by the British government also revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth II had actively backed her son’s appointment as trade envoy. Trade envoy role In a February 2000 memo addressed to then Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, David Wright, who headed British Trade International at the time, wrote that it was “the Queen’s wish” for Prince Andrew to take up the trade envoy role, adding that the position would “fit well” with the conclusion of his career in the British Navy. “The Queen is very keen that the Duke of York should take on a prominent role in the promotion of national interests,” Wright wrote at the time. While serving as trade envoy, Mountbatten-Windsor travelled the world and met senior personalities in business and government. In the released documents on Thursday, a British diplomat wrote that Mountbatten-Windsor had a preference for visiting “more sophisticated countries” and “should not be offered golfing functions abroad.” Later, Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal title last year as his brother, King Charles III, sought to protect the royal family from the backlash surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

The UK government found no evidence that Prince Andrew underwent vetting before his 2001 trade envoy appointment, which released papers show was backed by Queen Elizabeth II. He resigned in 2011 and was recently arrested in February 2026 amid ties to the Epstein scandal.

No vetting for former Prince Andrew before trade envoy role, UK govt documents reveal

The United States government is set to invest $2 billion in quantum computing companies, including IBM, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in advanced technologies.According to reports, the investment will be made through grants in exchange for equity stakes in selected companies. The move reflects a growing focus on building domestic capabilities in critical sectors such as quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing.&nbsp;<h2>How the $2 billion investment is being distributed</h2>The funding will be allocated across nine companies working in quantum computing.Key allocations include:Around $1 billion to IBMAbout $375 million to GlobalFoundriesNearly $100 million each to companies such as D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing and InfleqtionSmaller investments, including $38 million, to emerging startupsIn return, the US government will take equity stakes in some of these companies, marking a shift from traditional funding models.<h2>Why the US is investing in quantum computing</h2>Quantum computing is considered a key future technology. Unlike traditional computers, quantum systems use the principles of quantum mechanics to process information.This allows them to:Solve complex problems fasterHandle large datasetsSupport advanced research in areas such as medicine and materialsHowever, current systems still face challenges, including high error rates, which limit their performance.<h2>Part of a broader strategic push</h2>The investment is part of a wider effort by the US government to secure supply chains and maintain technological leadership.Officials have previously taken stakes in companies such as Intel and MP Materials, focusing on sectors critical to national security and industrial growth.The current move also aims to counter growing competition from countries like China in advanced technologies.<h2>New projects and industry developments</h2>As part of the initiative:IBM plans to launch a new quantum chip manufacturing facility in New YorkGlobalFoundries is expanding its work in quantum hardware through a dedicated business unitThese developments are expected to support the production and scaling of quantum computing systems.<h2>Market reaction and industry impact</h2>Following the announcement, shares of companies involved in the deal rose between 7 per cent and 21 per cent in premarket trading, indicating positive market sentiment.Experts say the investment could accelerate innovation in quantum computing and attract further private investment into the sector.<h2>What this means for the future</h2>The US government’s decision to invest directly in quantum companies highlights the importance of infrastructure and technology leadership in the coming years.As quantum computing continues to develop, such investments may play a key role in shaping global competition, research and industrial growth.For now, the focus remains on improving the technology and reducing existing limitations, while building a strong foundation for future applications.

The United States government is set to invest $2 billion in quantum computing companies, including IBM, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in advanced technologies.

The United States government is set to invest $2 billion in quantum computing companies, including IBM, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in advanced technologies. According to reports, the investment will be made through grants in exchange for equity stakes in selected companies. The move reflects a growing focus on building domestic capabilities in critical sectors such as quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing. How the $2 billion investment is being distributed The funding will be allocated across nine companies working in quantum computing. Key allocations include: Around $1 billion to IBM About $375 million to GlobalFoundries Nearly $100 million each to companies such as D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing and Infleqtion Smaller investments, including $38 million, to emerging startups In return, the US government will take equity stakes in some of these companies, marking a shift from traditional funding models. Why the US is investing in quantum computing Quantum computing is considered a key future technology. Unlike traditional computers, quantum systems use the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. This allows them to: Solve complex problems faster Handle large datasets Support advanced research in areas such as medicine and materials However, current systems still face challenges, including high error rates, which limit their performance. Part of a broader strategic push The investment is part of a wider effort by the US government to secure supply chains and maintain technological leadership. Officials have previously taken stakes in companies such as Intel and MP Materials, focusing on sectors critical to national security and industrial growth. The current move also aims to counter growing competition from countries like China in advanced technologies. New projects and industry developments As part of the initiative: IBM plans to launch a new quantum chip manufacturing facility in New York GlobalFoundries is expanding its work in quantum hardware through a dedicated business unit These developments are expected to support the production and scaling of quantum computing systems. Market reaction and industry impact Following the announcement, shares of companies involved in the deal rose between 7 per cent and 21 per cent in premarket trading, indicating positive market sentiment. Experts say the investment could accelerate innovation in quantum computing and attract further private investment into the sector. What this means for the future The US government’s decision to invest directly in quantum companies highlights the importance of infrastructure and technology leadership in the coming years. As quantum computing continues to develop, such investments may play a key role in shaping global competition, research and industrial growth. For now, the focus remains on improving the technology and reducing existing limitations, while building a strong foundation for future applications.

The United States government is set to invest $2 billion in quantum computing companies, including IBM, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in advanced technologies.

'US to invest $2 billion in quantum firms': What it means for tech and global competition

A New York woman who drowned her three children in the ocean and left their bodies along the shoreline near their home in Coney Island was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday (May 20). Erin Merdy committed the gruesome crime on September 12, 2022. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement that the 34-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in the killings of her children – Zachary Merdy, 7; Liliana Stephens Merdy, 4; and Oliver Bondarev, 3 months old. “We sought the strongest possible accountability in this devastating case, and while nothing can bring these children back, this sentence ensures the defendant will be held responsible for taking their lives," Gonzalez said.<h2>What happened on September 12, 2022</h2>According to prosecutors, on the fateful day, Erin Merdy brought her three children to the beach around 12:37 am and drowned them. Less than an hour later, at roughly 1:25 am, she left the beach and went towards the apartment of her youngest child's father, more than two miles away. She made distraught phone calls to family members, but refused to answer questions about the children. Alarmed, the father and other relatives launched a search and called 911. When officers knocked at the door, no one answered, but it was unlocked. A man was in the building who said that he was the father of one of the children.&nbsp;He told NYPD officials that he thinks the mother and children were on the boardwalk in Coney Island. A full-scale search commenced. Family members eventually located Merdy in nearby Brighton Beach. She was wet and barefoot, and remorsefully told them that the children were gone. At approximately 4:30 am, the police discovered the unresponsive, wet bodies of the three children on the Coney Island shoreline. They were rushed to Coney Island Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The woman took her three children to Coney Island on the night of September 12, 2022 and drowned them. She started walking around as the family called 911 and police officials launched a search operation. The kids were discovered unresponsive on the Coney Island shoreline. 

A New York woman who drowned her three children in the ocean and left their bodies along the shoreline near their home in Coney Island was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday (May 20). Erin Merdy committed the gruesome crime on September 12, 2022. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement that the 34-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in the killings of her children – Zachary Merdy, 7; Liliana Stephens Merdy, 4; and Oliver Bondarev, 3 months old. “We sought the strongest possible accountability in this devastating case, and while nothing can bring these children back, this sentence ensures the defendant will be held responsible for taking their lives," Gonzalez said. What happened on September 12, 2022 According to prosecutors, on the fateful day, Erin Merdy brought her three children to the beach around 12:37 am and drowned them. Less than an hour later, at roughly 1:25 am, she left the beach and went towards the apartment of her youngest child's father, more than two miles away. She made distraught phone calls to family members, but refused to answer questions about the children. Alarmed, the father and other relatives launched a search and called 911. When officers knocked at the door, no one answered, but it was unlocked. A man was in the building who said that he was the father of one of the children. He told NYPD officials that he thinks the mother and children were on the boardwalk in Coney Island. A full-scale search commenced. Family members eventually located Merdy in nearby Brighton Beach. She was wet and barefoot, and remorsefully told them that the children were gone. At approximately 4:30 am, the police discovered the unresponsive, wet bodies of the three children on the Coney Island shoreline. They were rushed to Coney Island Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The woman took her three children to Coney Island on the night of September 12, 2022 and drowned them. She started walking around as the family called 911 and police officials launched a search operation. The kids were discovered unresponsive on the Coney Island shoreline.&nbsp;

The Coney Island murders: What happened on the night of Sep 12, 2022?

Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She shared the personal update on her social media account on Wednesday, May 20. She recently underwent a procedure and is now working with her doctors on a treatment plan. 48-year-old Vanessa was married to Trump Jr for more than a decade until 2018.“I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids and those closest to me,” she wrote. Former sister-in-law Ivanka Trump responded to the post, urging a swift recovery.“While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan,” she said. “I would like to thank my doctors for performing a procedure earlier this week.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-one-nation-under-god-christian-nationalism-debate-1779189316728">‘Make America Christian’: How Trump’s Christian nationalist messaging challenges America’s civic identity</a><h2>Who is Vanessa Trump?</h2>Vanessa Haydon was born in New York City and grew up on Manhattan's Upper East Side, and established a career as a model. She appeared in a brief cameo in the 2003 film Something's Gotta Give. Her father, Charles Haydon, was a well-known Manhattan entertainment lawyer, and her mother, Bonnie Haydon, ran the Kay Models agencyShe was introduced to Donald Trump Jr by Trump himself at a party. The two married in 2005 at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. After 12 years of marriage, Vanessa filed for divorce in 2018. They have five children together. Even after her divorce, she reportedly stayed close to the Trump family. Kai, 19; Donald, 17; Tristan, 14; Spencer, 13; and Chloe, 11.She has been in a relationship with legendary professional golfer, 50-year-old Tiger Woods. The couple made their relationship public on social media.&nbsp;

Vanessa Trump has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. The former wife of Donald Trump Jr shared the update on social media, receiving support from family members including Ivanka Trump.

Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She shared the personal update on her social media account on Wednesday, May 20. She recently underwent a procedure and is now working with her doctors on a treatment plan. 48-year-old Vanessa was married to Trump Jr for more than a decade until 2018. “I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids and those closest to me,” she wrote. Former sister-in-law Ivanka Trump responded to the post, urging a swift recovery. “While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan,” she said. “I would like to thank my doctors for performing a procedure earlier this week.” Also Read: ‘Make America Christian’: How Trump’s Christian nationalist messaging challenges America’s civic identity Who is Vanessa Trump? Vanessa Haydon was born in New York City and grew up on Manhattan's Upper East Side, and established a career as a model. She appeared in a brief cameo in the 2003 film Something's Gotta Give. Her father, Charles Haydon, was a well-known Manhattan entertainment lawyer, and her mother, Bonnie Haydon, ran the Kay Models agency She was introduced to Donald Trump Jr by Trump himself at a party. The two married in 2005 at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. After 12 years of marriage, Vanessa filed for divorce in 2018. They have five children together. Even after her divorce, she reportedly stayed close to the Trump family. Kai, 19; Donald, 17; Tristan, 14; Spencer, 13; and Chloe, 11. She has been in a relationship with legendary professional golfer, 50-year-old Tiger Woods. The couple made their relationship public on social media.

Vanessa Trump has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. The former wife of Donald Trump Jr shared the update on social media, receiving support from family members including Ivanka Trump.

Who Is Vanessa Trump? Former model and Donald Trump Jr ex-wife diagnosed with breast cancer

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The Coney Island murders: What happened on the night of Sep 12, 2022?

Who Is Vanessa Trump? Donald Trump Jr ex-wife diagnosed with breast cancer