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China has continued to increase pressure on neighbouring Taiwan, deploying a record number of coast guard, scientific research and other vessels around the island last month. Taiwan's coast guard has warned that the situation is becoming increasingly severe.&nbsp;According to AFP, citing Taipei coast guard data, Chinese ships detected around Taiwan and several of its outer islands since May have reached 1,247.&nbsp;"When we say the situation is becoming increasingly severe, we mean that the number of their government vessels in the waters surrounding Taiwan has increased, and there was a marked increase in July," a senior coast guard official quoted as saying by AFP on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.&nbsp;The Communist Party "has never ruled Taiwan for even a single day" and "without sovereignty over land, it has no right to claim economic zones at sea," the official said.&nbsp;Taiwan faces the constant threat of a Chinese invasion. China's growing maritime presence has also raised concerns about a possible quarantine or blockade that could prevent ships carrying energy or other critical supplies from entering or leaving its ports.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-france-defence-ties-beyond-rafale-next-gen-aerospace-tech-future-combat-air-system-fcas-and-more-1786955675835">India-France defence ties beyond Rafale: Next-gen aerospace tech, Future Combat Air System and more</a><h2>Taiwan approves $7.6 billion drone budget</h2>Amid rising tensions with Beijing and increasing pressure from the United States, Taiwan lawmakers approved a $7.6 billion budget for locally made drones on Thursday. The island democracy aims to strengthen its defences against a potential Chinese attack.&nbsp;Taiwan has increased military spending in recent years and is building up its defence industry to produce more equipment and ammunition locally. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to seize it by force.&nbsp;President Lai Ching wants Taiwan to produce enough drones on its own to repel a potential attack from China.&nbsp;The United States also stepped up pressure on Taiwan to approve the drone bill, with calls for lawmakers to pass the legislation intensifying in recent weeks. During a visit to Taipei last month, Republican lawmaker Young Kim said, "Time is short."&nbsp;"The wars over Ukraine and Iran show that Taiwan needs to buy and build drones at a huge scale," Kim said at the Presidential Office.&nbsp;Taiwan remains heavily reliant on US arms sales to deter China and faces pressure from Washington to spend more on its own security.&nbsp;The war in Ukraine has shown how smaller and more nimble weapons, including drones, can play a critical role in waging asymmetric warfare against a mightier military.

China has increased maritime pressure around Taiwan with a record number of ships, while Taipei has approved a $7.6 billion drone budget to strengthen its defences against a potential Chinese attack.

China has continued to increase pressure on neighbouring Taiwan, deploying a record number of coast guard, scientific research and other vessels around the island last month. Taiwan's coast guard has warned that the situation is becoming increasingly severe. According to AFP, citing Taipei coast guard data, Chinese ships detected around Taiwan and several of its outer islands since May have reached 1,247. "When we say the situation is becoming increasingly severe, we mean that the number of their government vessels in the waters surrounding Taiwan has increased, and there was a marked increase in July," a senior coast guard official quoted as saying by AFP on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. The Communist Party "has never ruled Taiwan for even a single day" and "without sovereignty over land, it has no right to claim economic zones at sea," the official said. Taiwan faces the constant threat of a Chinese invasion. China's growing maritime presence has also raised concerns about a possible quarantine or blockade that could prevent ships carrying energy or other critical supplies from entering or leaving its ports. Also Read: India-France defence ties beyond Rafale: Next-gen aerospace tech, Future Combat Air System and more Taiwan approves $7.6 billion drone budget Amid rising tensions with Beijing and increasing pressure from the United States, Taiwan lawmakers approved a $7.6 billion budget for locally made drones on Thursday. The island democracy aims to strengthen its defences against a potential Chinese attack. Taiwan has increased military spending in recent years and is building up its defence industry to produce more equipment and ammunition locally. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to seize it by force. President Lai Ching wants Taiwan to produce enough drones on its own to repel a potential attack from China. The United States also stepped up pressure on Taiwan to approve the drone bill, with calls for lawmakers to pass the legislation intensifying in recent weeks. During a visit to Taipei last month, Republican lawmaker Young Kim said, "Time is short." "The wars over Ukraine and Iran show that Taiwan needs to buy and build drones at a huge scale," Kim said at the Presidential Office. Taiwan remains heavily reliant on US arms sales to deter China and faces pressure from Washington to spend more on its own security. The war in Ukraine has shown how smaller and more nimble weapons, including drones, can play a critical role in waging asymmetric warfare against a mightier military.

China has increased maritime pressure around Taiwan with a record number of ships, while Taipei has approved a $7.6 billion drone budget to strengthen its defences against a potential Chinese attack.

China intensifies pressure around Taiwan with record ship presence; Taipei approves $7.6 billion drone budget

India has airlifted 47.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to flood-ravaged neighbouring country, Nepal, to support ongoing rescue and relief operations. The MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said two military transport aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance had been sent to Kathmandu in two tranches."The assistance that we have provided: two aircraft with humanitarian assistance have been sent to Kathmandu," Jaiswal said. He added that the two air consignments included eight tonnes of medicines and one tonne of food items.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-floods-36-west-bengal-pilgrims-missing-as-state-centre-launch-rescue-coordination-1787817856319">Nepal floods: 36 West Bengal pilgrims missing as India launches rescue op</a><h2>What India sent to Nepal</h2><ul><li>Temporary shelters and tents: Emergency shelters for people displaced by the floods.</li><li>Blankets: Warm bedding for affected and displaced people.</li><li>Hygiene kits: Essential sanitation and personal cleaning supplies.</li><li>Solar lamps: Portable lighting for areas facing power outages.</li><li>Medicines and medical supplies: Essential medicines and emergency healthcare materials.</li><li>Food packets: Ready-to-eat food supplies for affected populations.</li></ul>Total relief aid: 47.5 tonnes, sent across two tranches by military transport aircraft.The assistance comes as Nepal continues to deal with the impact of devastating flash floods along its border with the Tibet region. The floods have killed more than 170 people and caused widespread destruction.<h2>‘The people of India stand in solidarity’</h2>The first tranche of relief material was dispatched hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah and assured him of India's support.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-flash-floods-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-affected-close-to-400-pilgrims-out-of-contact-1787758615744">Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected, close to 400 pilgrims out of contact</a>"The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time," Modi said in a social media post following the conversation."India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts," he added.The latest assistance is aimed at helping Nepal's rescue and relief agencies respond to the crisis and provide essential supplies to people affected by the floods.

India airlifted 47.5 tonnes of HADR relief material—including medicines, food, tents, blankets, and solar lamps—across two tranches to flood-ravaged Nepal following devastating flash floods that killed over 170 people.

India has airlifted 47.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to flood-ravaged neighbouring country, Nepal, to support ongoing rescue and relief operations. The MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said two military transport aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance had been sent to Kathmandu in two tranches. "The assistance that we have provided: two aircraft with humanitarian assistance have been sent to Kathmandu," Jaiswal said. He added that the two air consignments included eight tonnes of medicines and one tonne of food items. Also read: Nepal floods: 36 West Bengal pilgrims missing as India launches rescue op What India sent to Nepal Temporary shelters and tents: Emergency shelters for people displaced by the floods. Blankets: Warm bedding for affected and displaced people. Hygiene kits: Essential sanitation and personal cleaning supplies. Solar lamps: Portable lighting for areas facing power outages. Medicines and medical supplies: Essential medicines and emergency healthcare materials. Food packets: Ready-to-eat food supplies for affected populations. Total relief aid: 47.5 tonnes, sent across two tranches by military transport aircraft. The assistance comes as Nepal continues to deal with the impact of devastating flash floods along its border with the Tibet region. The floods have killed more than 170 people and caused widespread destruction. ‘The people of India stand in solidarity’ The first tranche of relief material was dispatched hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah and assured him of India's support. Also read: Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected, close to 400 pilgrims out of contact "The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time," Modi said in a social media post following the conversation. "India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts," he added. The latest assistance is aimed at helping Nepal's rescue and relief agencies respond to the crisis and provide essential supplies to people affected by the floods.

India airlifted 47.5 tonnes of HADR relief material—including medicines, food, tents, blankets, and solar lamps—across two tranches to flood-ravaged Nepal following devastating flash floods that killed over 170 people.

Blankets, sleeping bags, solar lamps and more: List of things India sent to Nepal in 47.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid

A bipartisan group of 11 US lawmakers has urged Pakistan to safeguard the rights and safety of an 18-year-old Christian woman who was allegedly abducted and later converted to Islam. Congressman Chris Smith, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, raised concerns over the case of Neha Faqir and called on the Pakistani government to protect her fundamental rights.“The circumstances surrounding Neha Faqir's disappearance and subsequent conversion raise profoundly troubling questions about her safety, freedom of religion, and ability to exercise her rights without coercion or intimidation,” Smith said.The case came to light after Christian Solidarity International (CSI) raised concerns on June 10. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-orange-snake-in-the-hills-vande-bharat-s-stunning-western-ghats-journey-goes-viral-1787664579880">WATCH | ‘Orange snake’ in the hills: Vande Bharat’s stunning Western Ghats journey goes viral</a>According to CSI, Faqir went missing on March 24 after attending a sewing course and was later found at a madrassa in Lahore, where she had converted to Islam. A Pakistani court has since rejected a petition filed by Faqir's family seeking her return.In a letter dated August 20 to Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Smith and 10 other US lawmakers called on Islamabad to take “appropriate action to ensure a just resolution of this matter”. The letter was also signed by Representatives James P McGovern, French Hill, Gus Bilirakis, Andy Harris, María Elvira Salazar, Riley Moore, Randy Weber, Michael Cloud, Brad Sherman and Blake Moore.The lawmakers urged Pakistani authorities to take steps through the judicial system to ensure Faqir's physical safety and well-being, as well as confidential access to independent legal counsel.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-remember-the-coupe-who-climbed-empire-state-building-they-are-facing-burglary-criminal-mischief-charges-1787659415861">Video | Remember the couple who climbed Empire State Building? They are facing burglary, criminal mischief charges</a>They also called for Faqir to be allowed to communicate with her family freely and privately. Any future court proceedings, they said, should be conducted in conditions that allow her to express her wishes freely and without intimidation or undue influence.The US lawmakers referred to Pakistan’s Constitution, including Article 20, which provides for freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion, and Article 25, which guarantees equality before the law.“Pakistan’s Constitution protects religious freedom and equality before the law, but this means little if a young woman cannot safely and freely express her own beliefs,” Smith said.

Eleven US lawmakers, led by Rep. Chris Smith, have urged Pakistan to protect 18-year-old Christian woman Neha Faqir, following her alleged abduction, forced Islamic conversion, and denied court petition.

A bipartisan group of 11 US lawmakers has urged Pakistan to safeguard the rights and safety of an 18-year-old Christian woman who was allegedly abducted and later converted to Islam. Congressman Chris Smith, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, raised concerns over the case of Neha Faqir and called on the Pakistani government to protect her fundamental rights. “The circumstances surrounding Neha Faqir's disappearance and subsequent conversion raise profoundly troubling questions about her safety, freedom of religion, and ability to exercise her rights without coercion or intimidation,” Smith said. The case came to light after Christian Solidarity International (CSI) raised concerns on June 10. Also read: WATCH | ‘Orange snake’ in the hills: Vande Bharat’s stunning Western Ghats journey goes viral According to CSI, Faqir went missing on March 24 after attending a sewing course and was later found at a madrassa in Lahore, where she had converted to Islam. A Pakistani court has since rejected a petition filed by Faqir's family seeking her return. In a letter dated August 20 to Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Smith and 10 other US lawmakers called on Islamabad to take “appropriate action to ensure a just resolution of this matter”. The letter was also signed by Representatives James P McGovern, French Hill, Gus Bilirakis, Andy Harris, María Elvira Salazar, Riley Moore, Randy Weber, Michael Cloud, Brad Sherman and Blake Moore. The lawmakers urged Pakistani authorities to take steps through the judicial system to ensure Faqir's physical safety and well-being, as well as confidential access to independent legal counsel. Also read: Video | Remember the couple who climbed Empire State Building? They are facing burglary, criminal mischief charges They also called for Faqir to be allowed to communicate with her family freely and privately. Any future court proceedings, they said, should be conducted in conditions that allow her to express her wishes freely and without intimidation or undue influence. The US lawmakers referred to Pakistan’s Constitution, including Article 20, which provides for freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion, and Article 25, which guarantees equality before the law. “Pakistan’s Constitution protects religious freedom and equality before the law, but this means little if a young woman cannot safely and freely express her own beliefs,” Smith said.

Eleven US lawmakers, led by Rep. Chris Smith, have urged Pakistan to protect 18-year-old Christian woman Neha Faqir, following her alleged abduction, forced Islamic conversion, and denied court petition.

Christian woman ‘abducted’, ‘converted’ to Islam in Pakistan. 11 US lawmakers turn up heat on Islamabad

Nepal was struck by a deadly disaster on Wednesday (Aug 26) after flash floods swallowed communities near the Tibetan border, resulting in widespread loss of life and damage to infrastructure. More than 165 people were killed in the catastrophic event, while hundreds of others still remain missing as rescuers race to save survivors. However, the nightmare may not be over yet for Nepal as experts warn of a second possible flash flood.The flood, which swept through the transboundary Lhende Khola and Bhote Koshi river systems in Rasuwa district, is suspected to have been caused by a massive ice-rock avalanche or a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on the Tibetan side. Concerns have been raised that the debris left behind by the initial disaster could trigger another violent surge. As ice, mud and boulders crashed through narrow mountain valleys, they may have blocked sections of the river, creating unstable temporary dams.If water continues to build behind those blockages, their collapse could unleash another sudden “wall of water” downstream. The terrain offers little room for error. Deep Himalayan gorges can funnel floodwaters into narrow channels, dramatically increasing their speed and destructive force. The first surge also carried a huge load of sediment and boulders, creating powerful mudflows capable of ripping apart bridges and sweeping away heavy machinery.Rescue operations are being complicated by the same landscape. Helicopters face severe weather and difficult high-altitude conditions, while unstable water levels and thick sediment make landing increasingly risky.The flood struck near the Gyirong Port border crossing, destroying infrastructure and cutting power and communication links. Hundreds of travellers remain unaccounted for, including Indian pilgrims travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.Nepal’s Army, Armed Police Force and specialised teams are using drones, sniffer dogs and satellite equipment to search for survivors stranded on high ground.But the threat does not end at the border. The Bhote Koshi flows into the Trishuli and Narayani river systems, putting authorities in northern Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on alert.For rescuers, the clock is ticking. The Himalayas may still have another surge to send downstream.

Nepal’s deadly flash floods have killed over 165 people, but experts fear a second surge could strike as unstable debris dams upstream threaten to unleash another wall of water.

Nepal was struck by a deadly disaster on Wednesday (Aug 26) after flash floods swallowed communities near the Tibetan border, resulting in widespread loss of life and damage to infrastructure. More than 165 people were killed in the catastrophic event, while hundreds of others still remain missing as rescuers race to save survivors. However, the nightmare may not be over yet for Nepal as experts warn of a second possible flash flood. The flood, which swept through the transboundary Lhende Khola and Bhote Koshi river systems in Rasuwa district, is suspected to have been caused by a massive ice-rock avalanche or a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on the Tibetan side. Concerns have been raised that the debris left behind by the initial disaster could trigger another violent surge. As ice, mud and boulders crashed through narrow mountain valleys, they may have blocked sections of the river, creating unstable temporary dams. If water continues to build behind those blockages, their collapse could unleash another sudden “wall of water” downstream. The terrain offers little room for error. Deep Himalayan gorges can funnel floodwaters into narrow channels, dramatically increasing their speed and destructive force. The first surge also carried a huge load of sediment and boulders, creating powerful mudflows capable of ripping apart bridges and sweeping away heavy machinery. Rescue operations are being complicated by the same landscape. Helicopters face severe weather and difficult high-altitude conditions, while unstable water levels and thick sediment make landing increasingly risky. The flood struck near the Gyirong Port border crossing, destroying infrastructure and cutting power and communication links. Hundreds of travellers remain unaccounted for, including Indian pilgrims travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Nepal’s Army, Armed Police Force and specialised teams are using drones, sniffer dogs and satellite equipment to search for survivors stranded on high ground. But the threat does not end at the border. The Bhote Koshi flows into the Trishuli and Narayani river systems, putting authorities in northern Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on alert. For rescuers, the clock is ticking. The Himalayas may still have another surge to send downstream.

Nepal’s deadly flash floods have killed over 165 people, but experts fear a second surge could strike as unstable debris dams upstream threaten to unleash another wall of water.

Nepal to get hit by another deadly flood? Experts warn of second ‘wall of water’

A British-based cryptocurrency executive wanted in the US on wire fraud and market manipulation charges could be extradited to the US to stand trial after losing his legal challenge against being sent there. Manpreet Kohli, a 45-year-old Indian national and former chief executive of cryptocurrency company Saitama, was arrested in London in 2024 after US prosecutors accused him and more than a dozen others of carrying out widespread fraud.Saitama promoted a token on the Ethereum blockchain that at one point reached a market value of $7.5 billion. Prosecutors alleged that Kohli and his co-conspirators publicly claimed to be buying and holding Saitama tokens while privately selling them for millions of dollars in profit. Kohli is alleged to have made around $20 million.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oh-my-god-we-ve-found-other-agents-investigators-discover-not-one-or-two-almost-700-openai-ai-agents-went-rogue-hacked-hugging-face-1787793202974">'OH MY GOD!': Investigators find 688 OpenAI AI agents behind Hugging Face hack</a>The case followed an FBI investigation in which the agency, for the first time, created its own digital token as part of an operation to uncover cryptocurrency-related crime. Kohli challenged his extradition on several grounds, including concerns that US authorities would not have adequate measures in place to prevent him from taking his own life while in custody.However, Judge Samuel Goozee rejected his challenge on August 19 and referred the case to British ministers to decide whether his extradition should proceed. Such decisions are usually considered a formality.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-espionage-attacks-against-german-companies-surge-to-37-bitkom-report-reveals-1787768951594">Foreign espionage attacks against German companies surge to 37%, report reveals</a>In his ruling, Goozee said there were "clearly appropriate arrangements" in place during Kohli's transfer and within the US prison system to manage his mental health and reduce the risk of suicide to an acceptable level.Kohli remains free on £200,000 ($272,420) bail and can appeal against the ruling.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-floods-157-dead-400-missing-us-india-china-world-bank-mobilise-aid-1787791144479">Nepal floods: 165 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid</a>

Former Saitama CEO Manpreet Kohli lost his legal challenge against UK-to-US extradition over alleged $20 million wire fraud and market manipulation charges stemming from an FBI sting operation.



A British-based cryptocurrency executive wanted in the US on wire fraud and market manipulation charges could be extradited to the US to stand trial after losing his legal challenge against being sent there. Manpreet Kohli, a 45-year-old Indian national and former chief executive of cryptocurrency company Saitama, was arrested in London in 2024 after US prosecutors accused him and more than a dozen others of carrying out widespread fraud. Saitama promoted a token on the Ethereum blockchain that at one point reached a market value of $7.5 billion. Prosecutors alleged that Kohli and his co-conspirators publicly claimed to be buying and holding Saitama tokens while privately selling them for millions of dollars in profit. Kohli is alleged to have made around $20 million. Also read: 'OH MY GOD!': Investigators find 688 OpenAI AI agents behind Hugging Face hack The case followed an FBI investigation in which the agency, for the first time, created its own digital token as part of an operation to uncover cryptocurrency-related crime. Kohli challenged his extradition on several grounds, including concerns that US authorities would not have adequate measures in place to prevent him from taking his own life while in custody. However, Judge Samuel Goozee rejected his challenge on August 19 and referred the case to British ministers to decide whether his extradition should proceed. Such decisions are usually considered a formality. Also read: Foreign espionage attacks against German companies surge to 37%, report reveals In his ruling, Goozee said there were "clearly appropriate arrangements" in place during Kohli's transfer and within the US prison system to manage his mental health and reduce the risk of suicide to an acceptable level. Kohli remains free on £200,000 ($272,420) bail and can appeal against the ruling. Also read: Nepal floods: 165 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid

Former Saitama CEO Manpreet Kohli lost his legal challenge against UK-to-US extradition over alleged $20 million wire fraud and market manipulation charges stemming from an FBI sting operation.&nbsp;

Crypto CEO faces extradition to US over $ 20mn fraud case. All about it

Biorobotics engineers have designed six-legged Cyborg cockroaches with cameras and miniature medical injectors for search-and-rescue missions of trapped people under rubble in an earthquake or similar disaster. The insects, which are designed to deliver emergency aid to people, can track or help rescuers to reach caves or other places that are too dangerous. The “paraborgs” have been developed by University of Queensland biorobotics researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) while working with biomedical engineers. UQ biorobotics engineer Thang Vo-Doan stated that their research turns the cyborg insect into a tiny first responder from a mobile sensor, while critical medical decisions remain under human control. “Cyborg insects have been designed for search and explore missions for the past couple of decades,” Vo-Doan said. “We wanted to take the next step. Once they find someone, can they actually help?” For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros), with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, along with custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect. “Augmenting their natural biomechanics could allow these cyborg insects to deliver timely emergency assistance when direct access to people trapped in narrow, debris-filled spaces isn’t possible,” Vo-Doan said. In proof-of-concept trials, the resulting "paraborgs" delivered injections successfully 95 per cent of the time when operating at close range (within 15cm of the target), while the full navigation-and-injection sequence succeeded in 72 per cent of attempts.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/400-year-old-vampire-grave-in-poland-reveals-rare-genetic-lineage-1787729488056">400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage</a><h2>Precise positioning: The toughest engineering hurdles</h2>According to PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le, precise positioning was among the toughest engineering hurdles the team faced. Le explained that the cyborg insect must navigate to its target, position itself with accuracy, and hold steady enough to complete the injection. “A lot of people might not like the sight of a giant cockroach scurrying towards them, but if you’re trapped in rubble or stuck in a cave and need help, it could make a real difference between life and death.” The cockroaches, similar to the previous cyborg insect models of the team, are anaesthetised during electrode and microchip fitting, and live for as long as other cockroaches once the harnesses are removed. In response, the Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Tim Hassiotis stated that the technology could extend the reach of rescue teams. “If cyborg insects can safely enter spaces we can’t, locate casualties and ultimately help deliver emergency care, they could become another valuable tool in the future of urban search and rescue,” he said. Vo-Doan confirmed that the longer-term vision was to put swarms of specialised cyborg insects along with individuals performing complementary roles. “Hopefully, within the next five to 10 years, we could see cyborg insect rescue teams deployed to help people in real emergencies,” he said.

For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach, with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, including custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect.

Biorobotics engineers have designed six-legged Cyborg cockroaches with cameras and miniature medical injectors for search-and-rescue missions of trapped people under rubble in an earthquake or similar disaster. The insects, which are designed to deliver emergency aid to people, can track or help rescuers to reach caves or other places that are too dangerous. The “paraborgs” have been developed by University of Queensland biorobotics researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) while working with biomedical engineers. UQ biorobotics engineer Thang Vo-Doan stated that their research turns the cyborg insect into a tiny first responder from a mobile sensor, while critical medical decisions remain under human control. “Cyborg insects have been designed for search and explore missions for the past couple of decades,” Vo-Doan said. “We wanted to take the next step. Once they find someone, can they actually help?” For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros), with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, along with custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect. “Augmenting their natural biomechanics could allow these cyborg insects to deliver timely emergency assistance when direct access to people trapped in narrow, debris-filled spaces isn’t possible,” Vo-Doan said. In proof-of-concept trials, the resulting "paraborgs" delivered injections successfully 95 per cent of the time when operating at close range (within 15cm of the target), while the full navigation-and-injection sequence succeeded in 72 per cent of attempts. Also read: 400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage Precise positioning: The toughest engineering hurdles According to PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le, precise positioning was among the toughest engineering hurdles the team faced. Le explained that the cyborg insect must navigate to its target, position itself with accuracy, and hold steady enough to complete the injection. “A lot of people might not like the sight of a giant cockroach scurrying towards them, but if you’re trapped in rubble or stuck in a cave and need help, it could make a real difference between life and death.” The cockroaches, similar to the previous cyborg insect models of the team, are anaesthetised during electrode and microchip fitting, and live for as long as other cockroaches once the harnesses are removed. In response, the Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Tim Hassiotis stated that the technology could extend the reach of rescue teams. “If cyborg insects can safely enter spaces we can’t, locate casualties and ultimately help deliver emergency care, they could become another valuable tool in the future of urban search and rescue,” he said. Vo-Doan confirmed that the longer-term vision was to put swarms of specialised cyborg insects along with individuals performing complementary roles. “Hopefully, within the next five to 10 years, we could see cyborg insect rescue teams deployed to help people in real emergencies,” he said.

For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach, with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, including custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect.

'Paraborgs': Scientists turn cyborg cockroaches to deliver emergency aid in disaster rubble

Poland is seeking deeper defence, space and cyber ties with India, including joint production of drones and reconnaissance satellites, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Bartoszewski has said during his ongoing visit to New Delhi. Bartoszewski, in India on 27-28 August with officials from Poland’s defence sector, said the trip was focused on “very concrete cooperation agreements” two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw launched a strategic partnership and a joint action plan.&nbsp;“We are halfway through our action plan, and we have managed to do more than 50 per cent of what we agreed. So we want to move forward,” he said. Poland, he added, understood India’s insistence that sales be paired with local manufacturing. “When we sell something, we have to produce some of these elements made in India.”&nbsp;Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and “is going to move into manufacturing” there. “Drone and anti-drone [capability] is one of the changing faces of war nowadays. So we do cooperate with the Indian government on that.”&nbsp;Space is the other priority. Poland has launched its own satellites to monitor security threats and is discussing production in India of reconnaissance satellites. “Space is now playing an increasing role in warfare,” Bartoszewski said. “India is very much interested in that as well.”&nbsp;Warsaw also wants Indian industry to tap Poland’s €44 billion allocation under the European Union’s SAFE defence programme. “Indian companies are interested in participating in that programme as well,” he said. Talks cover Polish firms producing in India and Indian firms producing in Poland, with products potentially sold to third markets.&nbsp;The two sides also plan to work on cyber defence, port security and the protection of undersea cables. “We face very serious cyber threats. We face terrorist attacks. We have problems with port security [and] underwater cable security,” Bartoszewski said. An Indian defence delegation is expected in Poland in September, and Indian manufacturers have been invited to a major defence exhibition in Central Europe.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-director-met-russian-intelligence-officials-during-secret-moscow-trip-but-trump-calls-it-semi-routine-1787814070157">CIA director met Russian intelligence officials during secret Moscow trip, but Trump calls it ‘semi-routine’</a><h3>EAM S. Jaishankar to visit Poland next week</h3>External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due in Poland next week. Bartoszewski described contacts between the two foreign ministries as unusually frequent. “He sees our minister a few times a year. This is a very close working relationship.”&nbsp;Trade is another target. Officials have discussed nearly doubling bilateral trade to $10 billion a year within four years, aided by the EU-India free trade agreement. “We think we haven’t realised our mutual potential,” he said. The partnership also rests on wartime history. Indian rulers sheltered Polish refugees, including children, during the Second World War, before India’s independence.&nbsp;A museum is being prepared in Kolhapur, and Polish parliamentarians have collected artefacts for the project. Bartoszewski recalled Prime Minister Modi meeting some of those former child refugees in Poland. “They told him they saw the Indian flag being hoisted on the day of independence. He was quite moved.”

Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and is going to move into manufacturing there. Space is the other priority as well for Poland.

Poland is seeking deeper defence, space and cyber ties with India, including joint production of drones and reconnaissance satellites, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Bartoszewski has said during his ongoing visit to New Delhi. Bartoszewski, in India on 27-28 August with officials from Poland’s defence sector, said the trip was focused on “very concrete cooperation agreements” two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw launched a strategic partnership and a joint action plan. “We are halfway through our action plan, and we have managed to do more than 50 per cent of what we agreed. So we want to move forward,” he said. Poland, he added, understood India’s insistence that sales be paired with local manufacturing. “When we sell something, we have to produce some of these elements made in India.” Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and “is going to move into manufacturing” there. “Drone and anti-drone [capability] is one of the changing faces of war nowadays. So we do cooperate with the Indian government on that.” Space is the other priority. Poland has launched its own satellites to monitor security threats and is discussing production in India of reconnaissance satellites. “Space is now playing an increasing role in warfare,” Bartoszewski said. “India is very much interested in that as well.” Warsaw also wants Indian industry to tap Poland’s €44 billion allocation under the European Union’s SAFE defence programme. “Indian companies are interested in participating in that programme as well,” he said. Talks cover Polish firms producing in India and Indian firms producing in Poland, with products potentially sold to third markets. The two sides also plan to work on cyber defence, port security and the protection of undersea cables. “We face very serious cyber threats. We face terrorist attacks. We have problems with port security [and] underwater cable security,” Bartoszewski said. An Indian defence delegation is expected in Poland in September, and Indian manufacturers have been invited to a major defence exhibition in Central Europe. Also read: CIA director met Russian intelligence officials during secret Moscow trip, but Trump calls it ‘semi-routine’ EAM S. Jaishankar to visit Poland next week External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due in Poland next week. Bartoszewski described contacts between the two foreign ministries as unusually frequent. “He sees our minister a few times a year. This is a very close working relationship.” Trade is another target. Officials have discussed nearly doubling bilateral trade to $10 billion a year within four years, aided by the EU-India free trade agreement. “We think we haven’t realised our mutual potential,” he said. The partnership also rests on wartime history. Indian rulers sheltered Polish refugees, including children, during the Second World War, before India’s independence. A museum is being prepared in Kolhapur, and Polish parliamentarians have collected artefacts for the project. Bartoszewski recalled Prime Minister Modi meeting some of those former child refugees in Poland. “They told him they saw the Indian flag being hoisted on the day of independence. He was quite moved.”

Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and is going to move into manufacturing there. Space is the other priority as well for Poland.

Poland offers India role in €44bn EU defence drive before EAM Jaishankar's visit

Families across West Bengal are living through an agonising wait, as at least 36 tourists from Kolkata and surrounding districts remain unaccounted for following a devastating flash flood that struck the Rasuwagadhi area on the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 178 Indians are still missing.<h2>A pilgrimage turned nightmare</h2>The group, organised by Kolkata-based Chalo Jai Travel for a 12-day Kailash-Manasarovar package tour, had left Howrah Station on August 21, brimming with spiritual anticipation. The itinerary had gone smoothly at first — a peaceful first day in Kathmandu, visits to the sacred Pashupatinath and Guhyeshwari temples, then the journey toward Syabrubesi and onward to the Tibet border crossing at Rasuwagadhi.That is where tragedy struck. According to the travel agency, the group of 30 tourists and two tour managers was crossing at Rasuwagadhi around 8:35 am IST on Wednesday when a flash flood tore through the area and destroyed a bridge. Contact was lost by 10:30 am and has not been re-established since. Chilling irony: another group of 94 South Indian tourists had crossed the very same spot just five minutes earlier, narrowly escaping disaster as their vehicle had already crossed into Tibet.<h2>Fragments of hope amid fear</h2>For one family, a small ray of hope emerged. Shubhashree Chakraborty, currently missing, texted her husband early Wednesday morning that she had cleared Nepal immigration, her passport freshly stamped, and that she was waiting on the bus for what should have been a short 15-minute ride to Chinese immigration. Then — silence. The flood hit around 8:30 am, suggesting she and others may have already crossed into the Tibet immigration office when disaster struck. Reports suggest Chinese immigration authorities shut the office by 9 am and moved several people to an army camp for rescue operations. Her husband believes contacting Chinese authorities directly may be the only way to learn her fate.Susmita Bhattacharya (66), a resident of Kasba, left on August 21 with the Mithila Express along with the Chalo Jai group to travel to Mansarovar.“We last spoke to her on Sunday, and had WhatsApp contact on Monday. That was the last time we heard from her,” said Tiyasha Chatterjee, her daughter-in-law.Other families are equally desperate. Sujata Banerjee, whose husband's friend Arindam Ganguly is missing along with his wife Mausumi Ganguly, described the torment of incomplete answers: "We have not been able to speak to them since yesterday. We also called the travel agency, and they told us that they had spoken to them last night and again this morning... They are not giving us complete details, and we are extremely worried and disturbed."Another pilgrim couple who travelled with the Chalo Jai are also missing. Manas Kumar Ghosh (65), a retired employee, and his wife, Dipali Sarkar, left on August 21. Their flat is currently locked. Their daughter, Adrija, lives in Delhi and is studying medicine at AIIMS.Not every story ends in the unknown. Actor Rajatava Dutta confirmed that fellow actor Kharaj Mukherjee, who was in Nepal for a film shoot and had been reported stranded near Pokhara, is safe — though stuck far from the disaster zone with roads blocked and flights grounded.<h2>State and Centre mobilise</h2>The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today. Kolkata Police has opened a toll-free helpline — 1800-345-5678 — for anxious families seeking information. So far, 36 people from Kolkata and other parts of the state have been reported missing.Meanwhile, the Centre has directed Chief Secretaries across all states to compile detailed lists of missing residents, intended to help the Ministry of External Affairs coordinate directly with grieving and frightened families.Four representatives from Chalo Jai Travel have flown to Kathmandu to work with Nepalese authorities in the search. As rescue efforts continue in the flood-ravaged Rasuwagadhi region, families in Kolkata, Hooghly, and Bardhaman can do little but wait by their phones — clinging, as one husband put it, to the hope that even silence from behind a closed border does not mean the worst.

The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today. 

Families across West Bengal are living through an agonising wait, as at least 36 tourists from Kolkata and surrounding districts remain unaccounted for following a devastating flash flood that struck the Rasuwagadhi area on the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 178 Indians are still missing. A pilgrimage turned nightmare The group, organised by Kolkata-based Chalo Jai Travel for a 12-day Kailash-Manasarovar package tour, had left Howrah Station on August 21, brimming with spiritual anticipation. The itinerary had gone smoothly at first — a peaceful first day in Kathmandu, visits to the sacred Pashupatinath and Guhyeshwari temples, then the journey toward Syabrubesi and onward to the Tibet border crossing at Rasuwagadhi. That is where tragedy struck. According to the travel agency, the group of 30 tourists and two tour managers was crossing at Rasuwagadhi around 8:35 am IST on Wednesday when a flash flood tore through the area and destroyed a bridge. Contact was lost by 10:30 am and has not been re-established since. Chilling irony: another group of 94 South Indian tourists had crossed the very same spot just five minutes earlier, narrowly escaping disaster as their vehicle had already crossed into Tibet. Fragments of hope amid fear For one family, a small ray of hope emerged. Shubhashree Chakraborty, currently missing, texted her husband early Wednesday morning that she had cleared Nepal immigration, her passport freshly stamped, and that she was waiting on the bus for what should have been a short 15-minute ride to Chinese immigration. Then — silence. The flood hit around 8:30 am, suggesting she and others may have already crossed into the Tibet immigration office when disaster struck. Reports suggest Chinese immigration authorities shut the office by 9 am and moved several people to an army camp for rescue operations. Her husband believes contacting Chinese authorities directly may be the only way to learn her fate. Susmita Bhattacharya (66), a resident of Kasba, left on August 21 with the Mithila Express along with the Chalo Jai group to travel to Mansarovar. “We last spoke to her on Sunday, and had WhatsApp contact on Monday. That was the last time we heard from her,” said Tiyasha Chatterjee, her daughter-in-law. Other families are equally desperate. Sujata Banerjee, whose husband's friend Arindam Ganguly is missing along with his wife Mausumi Ganguly, described the torment of incomplete answers: "We have not been able to speak to them since yesterday. We also called the travel agency, and they told us that they had spoken to them last night and again this morning... They are not giving us complete details, and we are extremely worried and disturbed." Another pilgrim couple who travelled with the Chalo Jai are also missing. Manas Kumar Ghosh (65), a retired employee, and his wife, Dipali Sarkar, left on August 21. Their flat is currently locked. Their daughter, Adrija, lives in Delhi and is studying medicine at AIIMS. Not every story ends in the unknown. Actor Rajatava Dutta confirmed that fellow actor Kharaj Mukherjee, who was in Nepal for a film shoot and had been reported stranded near Pokhara, is safe — though stuck far from the disaster zone with roads blocked and flights grounded. State and Centre mobilise The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today. Kolkata Police has opened a toll-free helpline — 1800-345-5678 — for anxious families seeking information. So far, 36 people from Kolkata and other parts of the state have been reported missing. Meanwhile, the Centre has directed Chief Secretaries across all states to compile detailed lists of missing residents, intended to help the Ministry of External Affairs coordinate directly with grieving and frightened families. Four representatives from Chalo Jai Travel have flown to Kathmandu to work with Nepalese authorities in the search. As rescue efforts continue in the flood-ravaged Rasuwagadhi region, families in Kolkata, Hooghly, and Bardhaman can do little but wait by their phones — clinging, as one husband put it, to the hope that even silence from behind a closed border does not mean the worst.

The West Bengal government said it is in constant touch with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and is preparing to send a team of officials to the affected area today.&nbsp;

Nepal floods: 36 West Bengal pilgrims missing as State, Centre launch rescue coordination

US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe's secret Moscow trip has led to major speculations. While US media is reporting that Ratcliffe visited Russia to warn Moscow, the Kremlin has said that he made contacts with Russian intelligence. &nbsp;The reported visit was accompanied by the unusual movement of a US government aircraft. Flight-tracking data showed a US military C-17 flying from Joint Base Andrews to Latvia before continuing to Moscow. The aircraft left Riga at around 05:50 GMT and arrived in Moscow at about 07:04 GMT. The same aircraft later departed Moscow after spending roughly 8.5 hours on the ground. Ratcliffe's reported visit is particularly notable because trips by sitting CIA directors to Moscow are rare. The last known visit came in November 2021, when then-CIA director William Burns travelled to the Russian capital and warned President Vladimir Putin and senior officials against invading Ukraine. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine just weeks later.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-was-cia-chief-john-ratcliffe-in-moscow-kremlin-denies-us-talks-amid-reports-of-hush-hush-visit-1787732694190">Why was CIA chief John Ratcliffe in Moscow? Kremlin denies US talks amid report</a><h2>What Kremlin says?</h2>The Kremlin said that Ratcliffe met Russian intelligence officials in Moscow, though he did not speak with President Vladimir Putin. "There were contacts with the intelligence services," Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "There were no meetings with the president of Russia. That's all I can say on the subject. Naturally, President Putin is briefed immediately about everything," he added. Peskov also called the talks a “positive development”, but warned it was “too early to say to what extent this will affect the overall process of bringing our bilateral relations out of the deepest crisis they are currently in”. &nbsp;At the same time, Peskov said Moscow had no plans to meet US administration representatives this week. "No, there are no such plans," he told reporters at a press briefing on Tuesday when asked about possible talks with US envoys.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-prompted-cia-chief-john-ratcliffe-s-visit-to-russia-1787738131945">What prompted CIA chief John Ratcliffe's visit to Russia?</a><h2>What US media reported?</h2>Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow earlier this week in part to warn Russia not to attack NATO countries, several US media reported. &nbsp;Ratcliffe also brought up Iran during the meetings in Moscow. The Wall Street Journal was first to report the purpose of the trip. The CIA declined to comment on the trip.&nbsp;<h2>What Donald Trump said?</h2>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said "something may come out of" Tuesday's unannounced meeting between the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and figures from Russia's intelligence services. He described the meeting as "semi-routine", adding that Washington "would like to see the war in Ukraine end".Trump spoke with conservative talk show host Glenn Beck and called the visit "semi-routine". He said he hated "to disappoint people", but that none of the rumours surrounding the visit were accurate.&nbsp;

CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly made an unannounced visit to Moscow, where he met Russian intelligence officials. The Kremlin called the contacts a positive development but said Ratcliffe did not meet Putin. Trump described the visit as “semi-routine”

US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe's secret Moscow trip has led to major speculations. While US media is reporting that Ratcliffe visited Russia to warn Moscow, the Kremlin has said that he made contacts with Russian intelligence. The reported visit was accompanied by the unusual movement of a US government aircraft. Flight-tracking data showed a US military C-17 flying from Joint Base Andrews to Latvia before continuing to Moscow. The aircraft left Riga at around 05:50 GMT and arrived in Moscow at about 07:04 GMT. The same aircraft later departed Moscow after spending roughly 8.5 hours on the ground. Ratcliffe's reported visit is particularly notable because trips by sitting CIA directors to Moscow are rare. The last known visit came in November 2021, when then-CIA director William Burns travelled to the Russian capital and warned President Vladimir Putin and senior officials against invading Ukraine. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine just weeks later. Also Read: Why was CIA chief John Ratcliffe in Moscow? Kremlin denies US talks amid report What Kremlin says? The Kremlin said that Ratcliffe met Russian intelligence officials in Moscow, though he did not speak with President Vladimir Putin. "There were contacts with the intelligence services," Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "There were no meetings with the president of Russia. That's all I can say on the subject. Naturally, President Putin is briefed immediately about everything," he added. Peskov also called the talks a “positive development”, but warned it was “too early to say to what extent this will affect the overall process of bringing our bilateral relations out of the deepest crisis they are currently in”. At the same time, Peskov said Moscow had no plans to meet US administration representatives this week. "No, there are no such plans," he told reporters at a press briefing on Tuesday when asked about possible talks with US envoys. Also Read: What prompted CIA chief John Ratcliffe's visit to Russia? What US media reported? Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow earlier this week in part to warn Russia not to attack NATO countries, several US media reported. Ratcliffe also brought up Iran during the meetings in Moscow. The Wall Street Journal was first to report the purpose of the trip. The CIA declined to comment on the trip. What Donald Trump said? Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said "something may come out of" Tuesday's unannounced meeting between the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and figures from Russia's intelligence services. He described the meeting as "semi-routine", adding that Washington "would like to see the war in Ukraine end".Trump spoke with conservative talk show host Glenn Beck and called the visit "semi-routine". He said he hated "to disappoint people", but that none of the rumours surrounding the visit were accurate.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly made an unannounced visit to Moscow, where he met Russian intelligence officials. The Kremlin called the contacts a positive development but said Ratcliffe did not meet Putin. Trump described the visit as “semi-routine”

CIA director met Russian intelligence officials during secret Moscow trip, but Trump calls it 'semi-routine'

India says it will try to build consensus across an enlarged and more diverse BRICS grouping before leaders meet in New Delhi on 12–13 September, including on tensions in West Asia and on practical ways to cut the cost of trade.The 18th BRICS Summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam under India’s 2026 chairmanship. Officials say it will bring together the bloc’s 11 members, partner countries and outreach invitees. The theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.An Indian official said the grouping works by consensus and that New Delhi’s role as chair is to keep members talking. “BRICS framework is based on consensus. As chair, we want engagement, dialogue with members,” the official said. “As chair, we are transparent. It’s a large grouping, 11 members. It brings diversity and experiences. Group focuses on dialogue, diplomacy. Before the summit, [we] want to build consensus wherever we can.”That task has been complicated by rifts among members amid West Asia conflict, including differences involving Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this year, foreign ministers issued a chair’s outcome document rather than a fully agreed joint declaration after “differing views” on the regional crisis.Sherpa-level talks on a leaders’ statement are continuing. “Working on joint statement,” the official said. “On ministerial meetings, we have seen outcome documents. We have worked [the] whole year, and at summit level, leaders will take stock.” India, the official added, has “stood for dialogue, diplomacy”. Members have called for an early end to the crisis, protection of civilians and free movement through waterways. “Our endeavour is to have dialogue. We will continue to engage and to find landing zones.”On finance, India framed work on payments and trade in national currencies as a practical effort, not a campaign against any third country. “Look at practical mechanism to reduce transaction cost, not aimed at any country. Discussions continue at finance track, technical level. Let’s wait for finance ministers meet in early Sept.”The New Development Bank was described as a “concrete manifestation of what BRICS can do” and “an important part of [the] BRICS framework of governance”. India will next chair the bank and “our effort will be to meet the aspirations of its members”. New Delhi also wants “more balanced trade between BRICS countries”.Officials said India’s political message for the summit is development-focused and “people-centric”. “We have consolidated initiatives for developing economies, and taken new initiatives,” they explained. Every ministry has a BRICS unit. The grouping has again called for reformed multilateralism, and India has shared experience of UPI and digital health with partners.Ten partner countries have been invited, and the response has been “encouraging”. Saudi Arabia, invited earlier to join BRICS, “continues to engage” and has been asked to attend the summit. Further expansion, India said, will follow agreed procedures and consensus after a period of consolidation.On US sanctions and tariffs, India said it is examining the implications, while noting that BRICS “has articulated its postures in declarations”. Leaders will now have to turn a year of ministerial work into a text the expanded club can live with. &nbsp;

India will host the BRICS summit in New Delhi next month as the expanded bloc faces a test of unity. From West Asia tensions to cheaper trade and payments, can New Delhi find common ground among its increasingly diverse members?

India says it will try to build consensus across an enlarged and more diverse BRICS grouping before leaders meet in New Delhi on 12–13 September, including on tensions in West Asia and on practical ways to cut the cost of trade. The 18th BRICS Summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam under India’s 2026 chairmanship. Officials say it will bring together the bloc’s 11 members, partner countries and outreach invitees. The theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. An Indian official said the grouping works by consensus and that New Delhi’s role as chair is to keep members talking. “BRICS framework is based on consensus. As chair, we want engagement, dialogue with members,” the official said. “As chair, we are transparent. It’s a large grouping, 11 members. It brings diversity and experiences. Group focuses on dialogue, diplomacy. Before the summit, [we] want to build consensus wherever we can.” That task has been complicated by rifts among members amid West Asia conflict, including differences involving Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this year, foreign ministers issued a chair’s outcome document rather than a fully agreed joint declaration after “differing views” on the regional crisis. Sherpa-level talks on a leaders’ statement are continuing. “Working on joint statement,” the official said. “On ministerial meetings, we have seen outcome documents. We have worked [the] whole year, and at summit level, leaders will take stock.” India, the official added, has “stood for dialogue, diplomacy”. Members have called for an early end to the crisis, protection of civilians and free movement through waterways. “Our endeavour is to have dialogue. We will continue to engage and to find landing zones.” On finance, India framed work on payments and trade in national currencies as a practical effort, not a campaign against any third country. “Look at practical mechanism to reduce transaction cost, not aimed at any country. Discussions continue at finance track, technical level. Let’s wait for finance ministers meet in early Sept.” The New Development Bank was described as a “concrete manifestation of what BRICS can do” and “an important part of [the] BRICS framework of governance”. India will next chair the bank and “our effort will be to meet the aspirations of its members”. New Delhi also wants “more balanced trade between BRICS countries”. Officials said India’s political message for the summit is development-focused and “people-centric”. “We have consolidated initiatives for developing economies, and taken new initiatives,” they explained. Every ministry has a BRICS unit. The grouping has again called for reformed multilateralism, and India has shared experience of UPI and digital health with partners. Ten partner countries have been invited, and the response has been “encouraging”. Saudi Arabia, invited earlier to join BRICS, “continues to engage” and has been asked to attend the summit. Further expansion, India said, will follow agreed procedures and consensus after a period of consolidation. On US sanctions and tariffs, India said it is examining the implications, while noting that BRICS “has articulated its postures in declarations”. Leaders will now have to turn a year of ministerial work into a text the expanded club can live with.

India will host the BRICS summit in New Delhi next month as the expanded bloc faces a test of unity. From West Asia tensions to cheaper trade and payments, can New Delhi find common ground among its increasingly diverse members?

India seeks consensus as expanded BRICS prepares for New Delhi summit

Iran is facing fresh US sanctions aimed at putting more pressure on its already strained economy. In the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, shopkeepers say the impact is being felt directly through higher exchange rates, rising costs and pressure on everyday livelihoods.But Tehran says it can withstand the pressure, and is counting on major trading partners such as China and Russia to keep doing business with Iran. At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis, disrupting a vital global shipping route.For Iranian consumers, the sanctions story is ultimately about something much closer to home, the cost of living. Shopkeepers in Bandar Abbas say the fall in the value of the Iranian currency and restrictions on trade are making imported goods more expensive and putting pressure on household budgets.Qasem Shoja, a home appliance salesperson, said, "Under any circumstances, sanctions do inflict blows. The rise in the exchange rate affects life and livelihood, but ultimately, we are Iranians, and Iranians know how to bypass sanctions well."The latest US measures were announced on August 24 by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Washington says countries that continue trading with Iran could eventually risk losing access to the dollar-based financial system.But the new measures stopped short of the most severe options, and the US has not given a timeline or named countries that could be targeted.For businesses in Iran, that uncertainty matters. Importers face higher costs, while retailers have to decide how much of that increase can be passed on to customers already dealing with economic pressure.Omid Baghapour Darayaee, a clothing store owner, said, "In the way that we are under pressure, we are 100% distressed. The youth have many grievances against the officials who, really, really in my opinion, they are traitors. Why? Because they truly do not attend to the people's suffering. To me, being a responsible official means that the person should not rest. They should have iron shoes on their feet and be in the middle of the field, alongside the people."Iran, meanwhile, says sanctions will not force it into isolation. Officials have expressed confidence that major trading partners will resist Washington’s pressure, while shopkeepers say Iranians have learned to work around sanctions.And there is another major economic pressure point: the Strait of Hormuz. Most shipping through the Strait has been disrupted during the conflict.Iran and Oman said Tuesday they had discussed a joint temporary navigation corridor and a plan to clear mines from the Strait.Qasem Shoja also said, "The Strait of Hormuz is our home. It must remain closed unless we permit it, unless it is with our cooperation. We are the ones who, throughout these many years, have demonstrated Islamic clemency to the world and they took their oil for free, they took their goods; now they must interact with us."So, while the sanctions are designed as a tool of economic pressure on Tehran, their effects are also being felt by ordinary businesses and consumers, through currency volatility, trade disruptions and the rising cost of goods. And with Hormuz carrying such a large share of global energy shipments, what happens next could extend well beyond Iran’s borders.

For businesses in Iran, that uncertainty matters. Importers face higher costs, while retailers have to decide how much of that increase can be passed on to customers already dealing with economic pressure.

Iran is facing fresh US sanctions aimed at putting more pressure on its already strained economy. In the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, shopkeepers say the impact is being felt directly through higher exchange rates, rising costs and pressure on everyday livelihoods. But Tehran says it can withstand the pressure, and is counting on major trading partners such as China and Russia to keep doing business with Iran. At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis, disrupting a vital global shipping route. For Iranian consumers, the sanctions story is ultimately about something much closer to home, the cost of living. Shopkeepers in Bandar Abbas say the fall in the value of the Iranian currency and restrictions on trade are making imported goods more expensive and putting pressure on household budgets. Qasem Shoja, a home appliance salesperson, said, "Under any circumstances, sanctions do inflict blows. The rise in the exchange rate affects life and livelihood, but ultimately, we are Iranians, and Iranians know how to bypass sanctions well." The latest US measures were announced on August 24 by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Washington says countries that continue trading with Iran could eventually risk losing access to the dollar-based financial system. But the new measures stopped short of the most severe options, and the US has not given a timeline or named countries that could be targeted. For businesses in Iran, that uncertainty matters. Importers face higher costs, while retailers have to decide how much of that increase can be passed on to customers already dealing with economic pressure. Omid Baghapour Darayaee, a clothing store owner, said, "In the way that we are under pressure, we are 100% distressed. The youth have many grievances against the officials who, really, really in my opinion, they are traitors. Why? Because they truly do not attend to the people's suffering. To me, being a responsible official means that the person should not rest. They should have iron shoes on their feet and be in the middle of the field, alongside the people." Iran, meanwhile, says sanctions will not force it into isolation. Officials have expressed confidence that major trading partners will resist Washington’s pressure, while shopkeepers say Iranians have learned to work around sanctions. And there is another major economic pressure point: the Strait of Hormuz. Most shipping through the Strait has been disrupted during the conflict. Iran and Oman said Tuesday they had discussed a joint temporary navigation corridor and a plan to clear mines from the Strait. Qasem Shoja also said, "The Strait of Hormuz is our home. It must remain closed unless we permit it, unless it is with our cooperation. We are the ones who, throughout these many years, have demonstrated Islamic clemency to the world and they took their oil for free, they took their goods; now they must interact with us." So, while the sanctions are designed as a tool of economic pressure on Tehran, their effects are also being felt by ordinary businesses and consumers, through currency volatility, trade disruptions and the rising cost of goods. And with Hormuz carrying such a large share of global energy shipments, what happens next could extend well beyond Iran’s borders.

For businesses in Iran, that uncertainty matters. Importers face higher costs, while retailers have to decide how much of that increase can be passed on to customers already dealing with economic pressure.

Iran feels the heat of fresh sanctions, Tehran says can withstand pressure

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his top executives reportedly drew up an ambitious plan earlier this year to transform the social media giant into an “AI native” company. They wanted artificial intelligence to take over much of the work currently done by thousands of employees.Codenamed “Project OT”, short for Organisation Transformation, the plan was discussed at Meta’s annual leadership retreat in Hawaii in January. According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters and people familiar with the project, the strategy envisioned AI-powered virtual workers being managed by smaller teams of human employees.Executives also considered scenarios that could cut some teams by as much as 60 per cent, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Some employees could have been moved into newly created roles, while others faced layoffs. An internal document suggested the cuts could have been as large as or larger than Meta’s workforce reduction of about 25 per cent three years ago.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-remember-the-coupe-who-climbed-empire-state-building-they-are-facing-burglary-criminal-mischief-charges-1787659415861">Video | Remember the couple who climbed Empire State Building? They are facing burglary, criminal mischief charges</a><h2>What exactly was the plan?</h2>The restructuring was planned in two waves, with the first round scheduled for May and a second in November. The strategy included layoffs, closing vacant positions and removing employees considered poor performers, according to internal planning documents reviewed by Reuters.But the plan began to unravel before the second phase could take place.On the night of May 19, just hours before the first round of layoffs, Zuckerberg called off plans for the November cuts, according to the report. Meta went ahead with layoffs affecting 10 per cent of its workforce the next day.<h2>Why this plan?</h2>The decision came as employees increasingly questioned whether Meta’s push into AI was ultimately aimed at replacing them. At the same time, internal data was reportedly showing that AI agent technology, a key part of the company’s strategy, was not producing the expected productivity gains.The developments also came as some investors questioned the results of Meta’s huge spending on artificial intelligence.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-us-dollar-system-how-powerful-is-bessent-s-economic-outcast-warning-wion-explains-1787645878031">What is US dollar system? How powerful is Bessent’s ‘Economic Outcast’ warning for China | WION Explains</a>Reuters, citing scores of internal documents, posts and recordings, as well as interviews with more than 20 people familiar with Meta’s operations, reported that the company had been considering a far-reaching overhaul of its workforce. The reporting also highlighted how quickly the plans changed as the company faced resistance from employees and uncertainty over the performance of its AI systems.<h2>What did Meta say?</h2>Meta confirmed the existence of Project OT in response to the Reuters report. The company described it as a year-long effort focused on cutting costs, redesigning teams and moving employees towards priority areas, including the production of training data for its AI models.Meta also acknowledged that the restructuring was planned in two waves and that some scenarios involved reducing individual teams by up to 60 per cent. But it stressed that this did not mean it planned to cut 60 per cent of its overall workforce.The company said the scenarios involved both layoffs and redeployments and that several major teams were not included in the exercise. Meta also said thousands of employees were ultimately moved into newly established teams focused on priority work.“Ultimately, we didn’t move forward with every scenario from the exercise,” Meta said in a statement, adding that it was never assumed all the scenarios would be implemented.

Meta’s secret "Project OT" aimed to replace employees with AI, projecting up to 60 per cent team cuts. The plan was scaled back following internal backlash, investor concerns, and underperforming AI technology.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his top executives reportedly drew up an ambitious plan earlier this year to transform the social media giant into an “AI native” company. They wanted artificial intelligence to take over much of the work currently done by thousands of employees. Codenamed “Project OT”, short for Organisation Transformation, the plan was discussed at Meta’s annual leadership retreat in Hawaii in January. According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters and people familiar with the project, the strategy envisioned AI-powered virtual workers being managed by smaller teams of human employees. Executives also considered scenarios that could cut some teams by as much as 60 per cent, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Some employees could have been moved into newly created roles, while others faced layoffs. An internal document suggested the cuts could have been as large as or larger than Meta’s workforce reduction of about 25 per cent three years ago. Also read: Video | Remember the couple who climbed Empire State Building? They are facing burglary, criminal mischief charges What exactly was the plan? The restructuring was planned in two waves, with the first round scheduled for May and a second in November. The strategy included layoffs, closing vacant positions and removing employees considered poor performers, according to internal planning documents reviewed by Reuters. But the plan began to unravel before the second phase could take place. On the night of May 19, just hours before the first round of layoffs, Zuckerberg called off plans for the November cuts, according to the report. Meta went ahead with layoffs affecting 10 per cent of its workforce the next day. Why this plan? The decision came as employees increasingly questioned whether Meta’s push into AI was ultimately aimed at replacing them. At the same time, internal data was reportedly showing that AI agent technology, a key part of the company’s strategy, was not producing the expected productivity gains. The developments also came as some investors questioned the results of Meta’s huge spending on artificial intelligence. Also read: What is US dollar system? How powerful is Bessent’s ‘Economic Outcast’ warning for China | WION Explains Reuters, citing scores of internal documents, posts and recordings, as well as interviews with more than 20 people familiar with Meta’s operations, reported that the company had been considering a far-reaching overhaul of its workforce. The reporting also highlighted how quickly the plans changed as the company faced resistance from employees and uncertainty over the performance of its AI systems. What did Meta say? Meta confirmed the existence of Project OT in response to the Reuters report. The company described it as a year-long effort focused on cutting costs, redesigning teams and moving employees towards priority areas, including the production of training data for its AI models. Meta also acknowledged that the restructuring was planned in two waves and that some scenarios involved reducing individual teams by up to 60 per cent. But it stressed that this did not mean it planned to cut 60 per cent of its overall workforce. The company said the scenarios involved both layoffs and redeployments and that several major teams were not included in the exercise. Meta also said thousands of employees were ultimately moved into newly established teams focused on priority work. “Ultimately, we didn’t move forward with every scenario from the exercise,” Meta said in a statement, adding that it was never assumed all the scenarios would be implemented.

Meta’s secret "Project OT" aimed to replace employees with AI, projecting up to 60 per cent team cuts. The plan was scaled back following internal backlash, investor concerns, and underperforming AI technology.

Zuckerberg had SECRET AI plan for Meta: 60% cuts, ‘virtual workers’. But then something went wrong

An Israeli far-right lawmaker has come under fire after using a sledgehammer to damage a Palestinian memorial in the West Bank, an incident that the Israeli military said was carried out without authorisation but that residents fear could trigger more violence.MK Zvi Sukkot, a member of the ultranationalist Religious Zionist Party, travelled to the village of Madama, south of Nablus, on Tuesday (Aug 25) as part of what had been presented as a tour of West Bank villages.<h2>Sukkot shares footage of the destruction of the memorial</h2>Footage shared by Sukkot showed him at the site of a memorial honouring Palestinians killed in past conflicts. He said the monument "glorified terrorism" and argued that it should be removed."Every child who sees every day a giant monument that glorifies murderers of Jews will dream of being a terrorist," Sukkot wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">כל ילד שרואה מדי יום אנדרטת ענק שמפארת רוצחי יהודים, יחלום להיות מחבל. יחד עם אנשי הקול היהודי פניתי לצה&quot;ל מספר פעמים בשבועות האחרונים בבקשה שיסירו את אנדרטאות הטרור בכל המרחב כחלק מהמלחמה בטרור, ואני מקווה מאוד שזה יקרה בהקדם האפשרי. בינתיים, טעימה קטנה מהבוקר בכפר מדמא… <a href="https://t.co/HPIMzrP3Pa">pic.twitter.com/HPIMzrP3Pa</a>&mdash; צבי סוכות (@tzvisuccot) <a href="https://x.com/tzvisuccot/status/2092141424900813230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mojtaba-khamenei-alive-dead-iran-war-putting-on-show-mystery-1787800507116">'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate</a><h2>IDF says soldiers were misled</h2>Israeli forces were present during the incident, having been assigned to provide security for Sukkot and his aides.The IDF said Sukkot had requested protection for a "memorial tour" but then acted outside the agreed plan. "Contrary to the coordination, the participants acted deceitfully and manipulatively, without authority and in complete violation of the approved framework," the military said.According to the IDF, troops contacted their commanders after the demolition began and were instructed to intervene and remove the group from the village.The footage circulating online, however, did not show soldiers stepping in as the memorial was being damaged. Watch the video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">תיעוד: חבר הכנסת צבי סוכות ניפץ אנדרטה למחבל בכפר מדאמא שליד שכם<a href="https://x.com/HGoldich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HGoldich</a> <a href="https://x.com/glick_sh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@glick_sh</a> צילום: סעיף 27א <a href="https://t.co/CktNKehOG2">pic.twitter.com/CktNKehOG2</a>&mdash; כאן חדשות (@kann_news) <a href="https://x.com/kann_news/status/2092137153601896542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The military said the conduct was a serious misuse of the protection provided to the lawmakers and his associates.<h2>Village fears more violence</h2>Rami Nassar, head of the Madama village council, said the incident could encourage further attacks by settlers and increase pressure on Palestinian residents. "When an official Israeli politician acts like this, what can we expect from other radical settlers?" Nassar told The Jerusalem Post.He said the incident could lead to more raids, harassment, and damage to property. "It's worrying because it could fuel even more violent acts against Palestinians," Nassar said.Nassar also rejected Sukkot's claim about the effect of the memorial on children, asking why, if the monument had such an impact, there was no confrontation with children from the village when it was damaged.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/militarily-closed-iran-says-temporary-oman-route-does-not-mean-strait-of-hormuz-is-reopening-1787707227708">'Militarily closed': Iran says Oman route does not mean Strait of Hormuz is reopening</a><h2>Israeli politicians condemn Sukkot</h2>The episode has also sparked criticism within Israel. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Sukkot "is not the sovereign in the territories of Judea and Samaria" and argued that decisions there must be taken by the state in coordination with security authorities.Opposition politician Yair Golan called for Sukkot's arrest in a post that was later deleted after Sukkot threatened legal action.Democratic Party lawmaker Gilad Kariv also criticised the military's role, questioning why forces were available to escort Sukkot while previous requests for military protection for other visits had reportedly been denied.The incident has added to already heightened tensions in the West Bank, with Palestinian officials warning that acts by Israeli political figures and settlers could further inflame the situation.

An Israeli far-right lawmaker has used a sledgehammer to damage a Palestinian memorial in the West Bank, claiming it glorified terrorism. The Israeli military says the act was unauthorised, while Palestinian residents fear it could fuel further violence. Video of the incident is going viral.

An Israeli far-right lawmaker has come under fire after using a sledgehammer to damage a Palestinian memorial in the West Bank, an incident that the Israeli military said was carried out without authorisation but that residents fear could trigger more violence. MK Zvi Sukkot, a member of the ultranationalist Religious Zionist Party, travelled to the village of Madama, south of Nablus, on Tuesday (Aug 25) as part of what had been presented as a tour of West Bank villages. Sukkot shares footage of the destruction of the memorial Footage shared by Sukkot showed him at the site of a memorial honouring Palestinians killed in past conflicts. He said the monument "glorified terrorism" and argued that it should be removed. "Every child who sees every day a giant monument that glorifies murderers of Jews will dream of being a terrorist," Sukkot wrote on X.

An Israeli far-right lawmaker has used a sledgehammer to damage a Palestinian memorial in the West Bank, claiming it glorified terrorism. The Israeli military says the act was unauthorised, while Palestinian residents fear it could fuel further violence. Video of the incident is going viral.

'Glorifies terrorism': Israeli far-right MP Zvi Sukkot smashes Palestinian memorial with sledgehammer | WATCH

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Wednesday (Aug 26) defended its chief Mohan Bhagwat's event in New York, saying that it is in "the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect. The organisation said that the event, titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ is being organised “ would reflect “Bhartiya ethos.” The RSS backing of the upcoming event at Madison Square Garden on August 29 came hours after NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support it. “Organized in the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect, the event reflects Bharatiya ethos which is fundamentally inclusive and welcoming to all,” RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar said in an X post. The RSS official also invited people interested in knowing more about the RSS philosophy to participate. “This initiative is in line with longstanding tradition of engagement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with varied communities across India and the world fostering understanding and shared purpose,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mamdani-opposes-rss-chief-s-madison-square-garden-event-in-new-york-1787746248012">Mamdani opposes RSS Chief's Madison Square Garden event in New York</a><h2>What Mamdani said?</h2>New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the event and said, "I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event." Highlighting his links with India, Mamdani said, "I also stand here as the first Indian-American Mayor in our city's history, and my mother's family is all still in India," he said. He added that he grew up with an understanding of India as a pluralistic and secular society in which people from different backgrounds could belong equally. "The vision of India that I was taught by my family and the one that I grew up being very familiar with was that of 'a pluralistic society, of a secular republic that believed in the belonging of each and every person who was from India'," he said. He said he opposed what he described as the rise of an increasingly exclusionary political movement. "And it has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly," Mamdani said. He added that his opposition reflected not only his identity as an Indian-American but also his position as mayor of a city that he said believed in belonging regardless of "colour", "creed", religion, or background.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-don-t-support-exclusionary-vision-new-york-mayor-zohran-mamdani-reveals-why-he-opposes-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-s-event-1787710247646">'Exclusionary vision...': New York mayor Zohran Mamdani reveals why he opposes RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's event</a><h2>US religious freedom panel urges sanctions on RSS members&nbsp;</h2>The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the US government to consider targeted sanctions against members of the RSS and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, and has also called for the revocation of the visa issued to Bhagwat. "We urge the U.S. government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials complicit in religious ​freedom violations, including revoking the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat," Asif Mahmood, chair ​of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, said in a statement on Wednesday. USCIRF is ‌a ⁠bipartisan body of the US government that monitors religious freedom around the world and makes policy recommendations, which are not binding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The RSS has defended its upcoming ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ in New York featuring chief Mohan Bhagwat, saying it promotes dialogue and Bharatiya ethos. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opposed the event, while USCIRF urged sanctions against RSS members and visa action against Bhagwat.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Wednesday (Aug 26) defended its chief Mohan Bhagwat's event in New York, saying that it is in "the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect. The organisation said that the event, titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ is being organised “ would reflect “Bhartiya ethos.” The RSS backing of the upcoming event at Madison Square Garden on August 29 came hours after NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support it. “Organized in the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect, the event reflects Bharatiya ethos which is fundamentally inclusive and welcoming to all,” RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar said in an X post. The RSS official also invited people interested in knowing more about the RSS philosophy to participate. “This initiative is in line with longstanding tradition of engagement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with varied communities across India and the world fostering understanding and shared purpose,” he added. Also Read: Mamdani opposes RSS Chief's Madison Square Garden event in New York What Mamdani said? New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the event and said, "I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event." Highlighting his links with India, Mamdani said, "I also stand here as the first Indian-American Mayor in our city's history, and my mother's family is all still in India," he said. He added that he grew up with an understanding of India as a pluralistic and secular society in which people from different backgrounds could belong equally. "The vision of India that I was taught by my family and the one that I grew up being very familiar with was that of 'a pluralistic society, of a secular republic that believed in the belonging of each and every person who was from India'," he said. He said he opposed what he described as the rise of an increasingly exclusionary political movement. "And it has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly," Mamdani said. He added that his opposition reflected not only his identity as an Indian-American but also his position as mayor of a city that he said believed in belonging regardless of "colour", "creed", religion, or background. Also Read: 'Exclusionary vision...': New York mayor Zohran Mamdani reveals why he opposes RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's event US religious freedom panel urges sanctions on RSS members The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the US government to consider targeted sanctions against members of the RSS and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, and has also called for the revocation of the visa issued to Bhagwat. "We urge the U.S. government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, including revoking the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat," Asif Mahmood, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, said in a statement on Wednesday. USCIRF is ‌a ⁠bipartisan body of the US government that monitors religious freedom around the world and makes policy recommendations, which are not binding.

The RSS has defended its upcoming ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ in New York featuring chief Mohan Bhagwat, saying it promotes dialogue and Bharatiya ethos. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opposed the event, while USCIRF urged sanctions against RSS members and visa action against Bhagwat.

'Spirit of mutual respect': RSS hits back after Mamdani opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s New York event

Meta has resolved a major child safety lawsuit in the US, including Facebook and Instagram, reaching an $18 billion settlement with 29 American states, with accusations that the platforms could harm children and teenagers. The case was brought by state attorneys general from 29 states, and the legal action related to the development was led by attorneys general from states including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey. The states accused Meta of designing features that prompt children to scroll through the accounts on the app or website. They claimed that the social media giant Facebook and Instagram used features that were “harmful and psychologically manipulative” and were designed to keep young users spending more time on the platforms. The states additionally accused Meta of failing to adequately safeguard the privacy of minors, arguing the company violated privacy protections owed to children and teenage users across its platforms. A further central claim concerned how Meta reported on user experiences: the states alleged the company published reports that were "profoundly misleading," understating how often users on Instagram and Facebook encountered negative experiences.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2-3rd-of-glacier-detached-collapsed-isro-satellite-images-reveal-what-triggered-nepal-floods-1787808292941">2/3rd of glacier detached, collapsed: ISRO satellite images reveal what triggered Nepal floods</a><h3>What rules changed for children?</h3>Had the lawsuit proceeded to the maximum possible penalties, Meta could have faced a far steeper financial toll, as much as $1.4 trillion, according to The Wrap. Under the settlement, Meta must now implement new protections for teenage users, including daily time limits on platform use. Per the BBC, the court judgment mandates these restrictions. Meta will also be required to institute nighttime blackout periods restricting teens' access to Facebook and Instagram during certain hours. Notably, the settlement doesn't constitute an admission of guilt; Meta has denied the allegations and did not accept responsibility for the claims as part of the agreement. The case carries broader significance as a marker of mounting pressure on one of the world's largest social media companies over child-safety practices, and may serve as a template for how US states push social platforms toward stronger protections for younger users. The settlement unfolded after years of escalating concerns about children on social media. All the regulators and lawmakers have increasingly emphasised that Facebook and Instagram about enough protection of teenagers from harmful content, excessive screen time and privacy risks.

The US states claimed that the social media giant Facebook and Instagram used features that were “harmful and psychologically manipulative” and were designed to keep young users spending more time on the platforms.

Meta has resolved a major child safety lawsuit in the US, including Facebook and Instagram, reaching an $18 billion settlement with 29 American states, with accusations that the platforms could harm children and teenagers. The case was brought by state attorneys general from 29 states, and the legal action related to the development was led by attorneys general from states including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey. The states accused Meta of designing features that prompt children to scroll through the accounts on the app or website. They claimed that the social media giant Facebook and Instagram used features that were “harmful and psychologically manipulative” and were designed to keep young users spending more time on the platforms. The states additionally accused Meta of failing to adequately safeguard the privacy of minors, arguing the company violated privacy protections owed to children and teenage users across its platforms. A further central claim concerned how Meta reported on user experiences: the states alleged the company published reports that were "profoundly misleading," understating how often users on Instagram and Facebook encountered negative experiences. Also read: 2/3rd of glacier detached, collapsed: ISRO satellite images reveal what triggered Nepal floods What rules changed for children? Had the lawsuit proceeded to the maximum possible penalties, Meta could have faced a far steeper financial toll, as much as $1.4 trillion, according to The Wrap. Under the settlement, Meta must now implement new protections for teenage users, including daily time limits on platform use. Per the BBC, the court judgment mandates these restrictions. Meta will also be required to institute nighttime blackout periods restricting teens' access to Facebook and Instagram during certain hours. Notably, the settlement doesn't constitute an admission of guilt; Meta has denied the allegations and did not accept responsibility for the claims as part of the agreement. The case carries broader significance as a marker of mounting pressure on one of the world's largest social media companies over child-safety practices, and may serve as a template for how US states push social platforms toward stronger protections for younger users. The settlement unfolded after years of escalating concerns about children on social media. All the regulators and lawmakers have increasingly emphasised that Facebook and Instagram about enough protection of teenagers from harmful content, excessive screen time and privacy risks.

The US states claimed that the social media giant Facebook and Instagram used features that were “harmful and psychologically manipulative” and were designed to keep young users spending more time on the platforms.

Meta reaches $18 bn settlement over child safety claims on Facebook, Instagram: Check new rules for teens

US President Donald Trump was reportedly warned against launching attack on Iran in February by US intelligence chiefs, who cautioned him that the American military operation could backfire, strengthen hard-line forces in Tehran and trigger a wider regional crisis. According to a report, then-US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard told Trump in February that killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could lead to an even more authoritarian government, one potentially more determined to pursue weapons of mass destruction.<h2>What did Gabbard say?</h2>The Wall Street Journal reported that Gabbard was summoned to the Oval Office before the US-Israel strikes began on February 28. Trump was reportedly seeking her assessment after being encouraged by the previous summer’s Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, and strikes on Venezuela’s Caracas that led to capture of Nicolas Maduro.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pushed for military action, arguing that Iran was at its weakest and that its nuclear ambitions could finally be extinguished, the report added.However, according to WSJ, Gabbard warned Trump that Tehran would likely retaliate. She warned that Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher, while striking US allies across the Middle East – which is exactly what happened.<h2>What did US military leaders say?</h2>US military leaders also cautioned that the conflict would cost American lives, consume dwindling stocks of munitions and stretch US forces already deployed across the region.Vice President JD Vance was also reportedly against entering the war but assured Trump he would support him if the president chose to proceed.Trump ultimately followed the recommendations of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command. They presented detailed plans for disabling Iran with Israeli assistance.Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, and Khamenei was killed on the first day. Trump initially celebrated the result, but the situation soon became more complicated as the consequences predicted by Gabbard began unfolding.<h2>Trump’s Iran war drags on</h2>The war has now entered its sixth month, despite Trump initially saying it would take six weeks. Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pressed Washington to end the fighting, while Republicans have grown concerned about its impact ahead of the midterm elections.The 60-day negotiating period under the June 17 peace framework has also expired. Trump has since turned to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to intensify economic pressure on Tehran through Operation Economic Outcast.The conflict has killed 3,000 Iranians and 18 US service members, while another 756 American troops have been injured.White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales defended Trump’s approach, saying: “He will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. It would be wise for Iran to reach a deal. Otherwise, they know what could happen.”

US President Donald Trump was warned by Tulsi Gabbard and US intelligence against striking Iran. Despite warnings that the consequences could backfire, Trump launched Operation Epic Fury in February—and many of those risks materialised.

US President Donald Trump was reportedly warned against launching attack on Iran in February by US intelligence chiefs, who cautioned him that the American military operation could backfire, strengthen hard-line forces in Tehran and trigger a wider regional crisis. According to a report, then-US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard told Trump in February that killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could lead to an even more authoritarian government, one potentially more determined to pursue weapons of mass destruction. What did Gabbard say? The Wall Street Journal reported that Gabbard was summoned to the Oval Office before the US-Israel strikes began on February 28. Trump was reportedly seeking her assessment after being encouraged by the previous summer’s Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, and strikes on Venezuela’s Caracas that led to capture of Nicolas Maduro. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pushed for military action, arguing that Iran was at its weakest and that its nuclear ambitions could finally be extinguished, the report added. However, according to WSJ, Gabbard warned Trump that Tehran would likely retaliate. She warned that Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher, while striking US allies across the Middle East – which is exactly what happened. What did US military leaders say? US military leaders also cautioned that the conflict would cost American lives, consume dwindling stocks of munitions and stretch US forces already deployed across the region. Vice President JD Vance was also reportedly against entering the war but assured Trump he would support him if the president chose to proceed. Trump ultimately followed the recommendations of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command. They presented detailed plans for disabling Iran with Israeli assistance. Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, and Khamenei was killed on the first day. Trump initially celebrated the result, but the situation soon became more complicated as the consequences predicted by Gabbard began unfolding. Trump’s Iran war drags on The war has now entered its sixth month, despite Trump initially saying it would take six weeks. Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pressed Washington to end the fighting, while Republicans have grown concerned about its impact ahead of the midterm elections. The 60-day negotiating period under the June 17 peace framework has also expired. Trump has since turned to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to intensify economic pressure on Tehran through Operation Economic Outcast. The conflict has killed 3,000 Iranians and 18 US service members, while another 756 American troops have been injured. White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales defended Trump’s approach, saying: “He will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. It would be wise for Iran to reach a deal. Otherwise, they know what could happen.”

US President Donald Trump was warned by Tulsi Gabbard and US intel against launching strikes on Iran. Despite the likely consequences being pointed out, all of which came true, the US military launched Operation Epic Fury in February.

Did Tulsi Gabbard warn Trump Iran war could backfire? What US intel got right

In its satellite imagery-based preliminary analysis of the deadly flash floods that struck Tibet and Nepal on Wednesday(26th August), Indian Space agency ISRO has revealed that almost two-third of the glacier's body detached and collapsed. This massive collapse led to large debris and ice mass flow downslope and downstream, further causing rapid melting and inundation. The analysis carried out by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre(NRSC) points out that the worst affected areas are Rasuwa, Rasuwagadhi, Timure, and Trishuli River. ISRO reiterated that this is a preliminary analysis and that a detailed assessment will be carried out.&nbsp;&nbsp;ISRO's Hyderabad-based NRSC is responsible for establishing ground stations that receive satellite data, generating data products, dissemination to users, and development of remote sensing applications including disaster management support, geospatial services for governance, and capacity building.<h2>How satellite images were compared and analysed</h2>NRSC's Disaster Management Support Group carried out the preliminary analysis based on comparison of images captured by multiple satellites including ISRO's Resourcesat-2A, NASA's LANDSAT-9 and European Space Agency's SENTINEL-2.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260827/image-1787808382994.png"></figure>&nbsp;By juxtaposing SENTINEL-2 satellite imagery from 24th&nbsp;August(two days prior to disaster) and 26th&nbsp;August(post-disaster), ISRO's analysis pin points the zone of glacier breakage and collapse, the Ice-rock avalanche. The overall disaster event is described as a 'sudden flash flood and heavy debris surge along the Trishuli river system causing rapid inundation'.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, ISRO juxtaposes imagery captured by its Resourcesat-2A satellite on 4th&nbsp;April 2026(four months prior to disaster) and imagery captured by LANDSAT-9 on 26th&nbsp;August(post-disaster). Comparing the two, the analysis depicts the massively swelled up Bhote Koshi river and the resultant flood inundation in the Rasuwa district of Nepal.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260827/image-1787808413534.png"></figure><h2>The disaster that unfolded in Tibet and Nepal</h2>The massive flash floods originating in Tibet swept through Central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating several towns and villages, washing away bridges and buildings, damaging several hydropower projects and crippling power generation capacity. Estimates say that over 160 lives have been lost and over a thousand people are missing across Tibet and Nepal.&nbsp;The United States Geological Survey(USGS) states that this event was initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. However, additional analysis of long period seismic waves indicate that the seismic energy was instead generated by a glacial collapse and debris flow.&nbsp;"A magnitude 5.2 seismic event occurred near the border between Nepal and China on Aug 26 at 8:37 AM local time (10:52 AM China Standard Time). The USGS determined that the seismic event was a glacial collapse and debris flow that caused subsequent catastrophic impacts downstream. This event was initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. Additional analysis of nearby seismic stations, long period seismic waves, and satellite imagery led to the determination that the seismic event was instead a glacial collapse and debris flow, and that no earthquake had occurred," said the USGS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ISRO’s preliminary satellite analysis has revealed that nearly two-thirds of a glacier detached and collapsed during deadly flash floods in Tibet and Nepal. The massive ice and debris flow caused rapid melting, severely affecting Rasuwa, Rasuwagadhi, Timure and the Trishuli River

In its satellite imagery-based preliminary analysis of the deadly flash floods that struck Tibet and Nepal on Wednesday(26th August), Indian Space agency ISRO has revealed that almost two-third of the glacier's body detached and collapsed. This massive collapse led to large debris and ice mass flow downslope and downstream, further causing rapid melting and inundation. The analysis carried out by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre(NRSC) points out that the worst affected areas are Rasuwa, Rasuwagadhi, Timure, and Trishuli River. ISRO reiterated that this is a preliminary analysis and that a detailed assessment will be carried out. ISRO's Hyderabad-based NRSC is responsible for establishing ground stations that receive satellite data, generating data products, dissemination to users, and development of remote sensing applications including disaster management support, geospatial services for governance, and capacity building. How satellite images were compared and analysed NRSC's Disaster Management Support Group carried out the preliminary analysis based on comparison of images captured by multiple satellites including ISRO's Resourcesat-2A, NASA's LANDSAT-9 and European Space Agency's SENTINEL-2. By juxtaposing SENTINEL-2 satellite imagery from 24th August(two days prior to disaster) and 26th August(post-disaster), ISRO's analysis pin points the zone of glacier breakage and collapse, the Ice-rock avalanche. The overall disaster event is described as a 'sudden flash flood and heavy debris surge along the Trishuli river system causing rapid inundation'. Further, ISRO juxtaposes imagery captured by its Resourcesat-2A satellite on 4th April 2026(four months prior to disaster) and imagery captured by LANDSAT-9 on 26th August(post-disaster). Comparing the two, the analysis depicts the massively swelled up Bhote Koshi river and the resultant flood inundation in the Rasuwa district of Nepal. The disaster that unfolded in Tibet and Nepal The massive flash floods originating in Tibet swept through Central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating several towns and villages, washing away bridges and buildings, damaging several hydropower projects and crippling power generation capacity. Estimates say that over 160 lives have been lost and over a thousand people are missing across Tibet and Nepal. The United States Geological Survey(USGS) states that this event was initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. However, additional analysis of long period seismic waves indicate that the seismic energy was instead generated by a glacial collapse and debris flow. "A magnitude 5.2 seismic event occurred near the border between Nepal and China on Aug 26 at 8:37 AM local time (10:52 AM China Standard Time). The USGS determined that the seismic event was a glacial collapse and debris flow that caused subsequent catastrophic impacts downstream. This event was initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. Additional analysis of nearby seismic stations, long period seismic waves, and satellite imagery led to the determination that the seismic event was instead a glacial collapse and debris flow, and that no earthquake had occurred," said the USGS.

ISRO’s preliminary satellite analysis has revealed that nearly two-thirds of a glacier detached and collapsed during deadly flash floods in Tibet and Nepal. The massive ice and debris flow caused rapid melting, severely affecting Rasuwa, Rasuwagadhi, Timure and the Trishuli River

2/3rd of glacier detached, collapsed: ISRO satellite images reveal what triggered Nepal floods

US President Donald Trump says he believes Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, but has suffered severe injuries as the war with the United States and Israel continues. Trump made the remarks in an interview with US commentator Glenn Beck, as questions about Khamenei's health and whereabouts have persisted because of his prolonged absence from public view.<h2>Iran putting on an act, suggests Trump</h2>"I don't think he's dead," Trump said. "He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing. He was very seriously wounded, but I don't think he's dead."Trump also suggested that Tehran may be deliberately keeping up the appearance that the Iranian leader remains involved in decision-making if he is in fact incapacitated or dead. "If he is, they're putting on a pretty good show," Trump said, claiming people continue to consult Khamenei and seek his "final blessing" on major decisions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/militarily-closed-iran-says-temporary-oman-route-does-not-mean-strait-of-hormuz-is-reopening-1787707227708">'Militarily closed': Iran says Oman route does not mean Strait of Hormuz is reopening</a><h2>New video fuels mystery over Khamenei</h2>The remarks came after Iranian media released another video involving Khamenei.Al Arabiya reported on Tuesday that Fars News published what it described as archival footage. According to the report, the video was filmed before Khamenei became Supreme Leader and showed him surrounded by people who prayed before beginning discussions. It was the second such video released by Iranian media in August.Earlier this month, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency published an undated video showing Khamenei appearing to be in good health. The footage was released after Israeli media reports claimed he was in critical condition and had been taken to hospital.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also rejected reports of serious health problems. "Someone who can sit and discuss for seven to eight hours cannot have any health problems," Pezeshkian said, adding that he had held a "very good" meeting with Khamenei earlier in August.<h2>Trump praises US military campaign</h2>Trump also used the interview to praise the US military's performance in the conflict. "We took out 22 boats last night. We have people coming in, the blockade. Our Navy has been unbelievable. Our military has been unbelievable," he said.He said the United States had also strengthened its financial position and expressed confidence that the campaign would end in a major victory. "Those things are going toward a very big victory," Trump said. "We had the victory in Venezuela, and we're going to have a big victory here."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-iran-overplays-its-hand-us-won-t-rule-out-kinetic-strikes-on-tehran-war-secretary-hegseth-warns-as-economic-pressure-intensifies-1787629525309">'If Iran overplays its hand': US won't rule out 'kinetic strikes' on Tehran, War Secretary Hegseth warns</a><h2>Iran's leadership remains under scrutiny</h2>Khamenei's prolonged absence has generated competing claims about his condition. Israeli media previously reported that he was in an "extremely critical condition", citing sources they said were inside Iran or close to the Iranian leadership. Iranian officials later dismissed those reports.Notably, since becoming Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has made no public appearance and has communicated through written statements.

Trump says he believes Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but badly wounded. At the same time, he has raised a more extraordinary possibility: Tehran may be making it look as though Khamenei is still involved in key decisions.

US President Donald Trump says he believes Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, but has suffered severe injuries as the war with the United States and Israel continues. Trump made the remarks in an interview with US commentator Glenn Beck, as questions about Khamenei's health and whereabouts have persisted because of his prolonged absence from public view. Iran putting on an act, suggests Trump "I don't think he's dead," Trump said. "He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing. He was very seriously wounded, but I don't think he's dead." Trump also suggested that Tehran may be deliberately keeping up the appearance that the Iranian leader remains involved in decision-making if he is in fact incapacitated or dead. "If he is, they're putting on a pretty good show," Trump said, claiming people continue to consult Khamenei and seek his "final blessing" on major decisions. Also read | 'Militarily closed': Iran says Oman route does not mean Strait of Hormuz is reopening New video fuels mystery over Khamenei The remarks came after Iranian media released another video involving Khamenei. Al Arabiya reported on Tuesday that Fars News published what it described as archival footage. According to the report, the video was filmed before Khamenei became Supreme Leader and showed him surrounded by people who prayed before beginning discussions. It was the second such video released by Iranian media in August. Earlier this month, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency published an undated video showing Khamenei appearing to be in good health. The footage was released after Israeli media reports claimed he was in critical condition and had been taken to hospital. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also rejected reports of serious health problems. "Someone who can sit and discuss for seven to eight hours cannot have any health problems," Pezeshkian said, adding that he had held a "very good" meeting with Khamenei earlier in August. Trump praises US military campaign Trump also used the interview to praise the US military's performance in the conflict. "We took out 22 boats last night. We have people coming in, the blockade. Our Navy has been unbelievable. Our military has been unbelievable," he said. He said the United States had also strengthened its financial position and expressed confidence that the campaign would end in a major victory. "Those things are going toward a very big victory," Trump said. "We had the victory in Venezuela, and we're going to have a big victory here." Also read | 'If Iran overplays its hand': US won't rule out 'kinetic strikes' on Tehran, War Secretary Hegseth warns Iran's leadership remains under scrutiny Khamenei's prolonged absence has generated competing claims about his condition. Israeli media previously reported that he was in an "extremely critical condition", citing sources they said were inside Iran or close to the Iranian leadership. Iranian officials later dismissed those reports. Notably, since becoming Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has made no public appearance and has communicated through written statements.

Trump says he believes Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but badly wounded. At the same time, he has raised a more extraordinary possibility: Tehran may be making it look as though Khamenei is still involved in key decisions.

'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate

An ice-rock avalanche, a warming Himalaya and a nine-metre rise in river levels in just 30 minutes show why disaster management can no longer stop at national borders. The devastating flash floods that swept through central Nepal on August 26 are more than a Himalayan disaster. They are a warning for the entire South Asian region. More than 160 people have been reported dead, and nearly 500 remain missing, including 133 Indians, according to early assessments. The floods devastated settlements, washed away bridges, and damaged hydropower infrastructure across the affected areas.The speed of the disaster is particularly alarming. The flood wave travelled through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, leaving little time for communities to respond. At Galchchi, water levels in the Trishuli reportedly rose by as much as nine metres in just 30 minutes. Several monitoring stations were damaged or washed away. That single statistic explains why the region needs a fundamentally different approach to disaster preparedness.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-floods-157-dead-400-missing-us-india-china-world-bank-mobilise-aid-1787791144479">Nepal floods: Over 157 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid</a><h2>What triggered the Nepal flash flood?</h2>Scientists are still investigating the precise sequence of events. But experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) say an ice-rock avalanche from a high-altitude area is the likely trigger. Preliminary assessments based on satellite information, videos and reports from affected areas indicate that a large volume of ice and rock debris may have entered the Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi. This could have generated a sudden and powerful surge carrying water, sediment and huge boulders downstream.The event's extraordinary speed is consistent with such a high-energy mountain hazard. Water levels at Galchchi rose by nine metres within half an hour, while levels at Malekhu reportedly increased by about seven metres over a similar period. There are also reports of seismic activity around the time of the event, and scientists are examining whether an earthquake may have contributed to the instability. Other possible mechanisms, including glacial processes and temporary river blockages, are also being investigated. It is therefore too early to attribute the disaster to a single cause with absolute certainty.What is increasingly clear, however, is that the cryosphere — the world's frozen regions of glaciers, snow and ice — is becoming a critical part of disaster-risk management.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-nepal-flash-floods-live-updates-at-least-165-killed-hundreds-missing-as-rescue-operations-continue-1787800675570">Nepal floods LIVE: 165 killed, hundreds missing as rescue operations continue</a><h2>Is the damage confined to one country?</h2>The destruction has been severe. Villages and settlements were inundated, roads and bridges swept away and hydropower projects damaged. At least 19 bridges and around 40 km of roads were reported damaged in Nepal as rescue operations continued.But the bigger concern is geographical.Himalayan rivers cross political boundaries. The Trishuli enters India as the Gandak, eventually flowing through the densely populated plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. A sudden upstream event can therefore become a downstream emergency thousands of people away from its origin.This is why Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were placed on alert following the Nepal disaster. The safety of communities downstream depends partly on what happens upstream — often in terrain that is difficult to monitor in real time.<h2>Why Nepal, India, and China need to work together?</h2>The Himalayas are a shared geography, but disaster-management systems remain largely national. That needs to change. Nepal, India, and China should establish stronger mechanisms for real-time sharing of rainfall, river-flow, seismic, glacier, and satellite data. If an ice-rock avalanche or glacial lake event occurs in a remote high-altitude area, downstream authorities should receive an alert within minutes — not after floodwaters have already entered populated areas.<h2>Can technology make this increasingly possible?</h2>High-resolution satellites can monitor changes in glaciers and unstable slopes. Automated river gauges can detect sudden changes in water levels. Seismic sensors can identify disturbances associated with landslides and avalanches. Weather radar can track extreme precipitation. Artificial intelligence can combine these datasets and identify abnormal patterns much faster than conventional monitoring systems.The next step should be to connect these technologies across borders.A Himalayan Early Warning Network could integrate satellite imagery, ground sensors, river gauges, weather forecasts and AI-based risk models. Alerts could then be pushed directly to disaster-management authorities and vulnerable communities through cell broadcast, SMS, sirens and local communication networks. The objective should be simple: detect upstream, alert downstream and act before the flood arrives.<h2>Is Climate change making the risk harder to manage?</h2>It would be scientifically incorrect to say that climate change alone caused this particular flash flood. Mountain disasters are often produced by multiple factors — geology, earthquakes, rainfall, glacier instability and human settlement patterns. But climate change is changing the background conditions.The Himalayan region is warming, glaciers are retreating and glacial lakes are changing in size and stability. ICIMOD has repeatedly warned that increasing cryosphere-related hazards are creating new risks for mountain communities and downstream populations.The Nepal disaster is particularly significant because the region has experienced serious glacial and flash-flood events in recent years. A deadly flood in 2025 was linked to the sudden drainage of a supraglacial lake in Tibet, again demonstrating how an event originating upstream can rapidly become a cross-border crisis.This means South Asia cannot treat climate change as a distant environmental issue. It is increasingly a question of lives, infrastructure, food security, water security and economic stability.<h2>What can we do?</h2>The answer lies in a combination of science, technology, regional cooperation and climate action. Governments need to invest in glacier and river monitoring, climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger local disaster-response systems. Himalayan countries must improve data-sharing arrangements and conduct joint disaster simulations. Communities living along vulnerable rivers need evacuation routes, warning systems and regular preparedness exercises.At the same time, the region must contribute to the global effort to slow climate change through faster decarbonisation, cleaner energy, protection of forests and climate-resilient development. The Nepal flash flood has delivered a powerful message: nature does not respect borders, and neither does climate risk. The next disaster may begin on a glacier in one country, travel through a river in another and threaten millions downstream.The real test of South Asia's preparedness will therefore not be how quickly countries respond after a disaster. It will be whether they can share information quickly enough to warn people before the disaster reaches them.

At Galchchi, water levels in the Trishuli reportedly rose by as much as nine metres in just 30 minutes. Several monitoring stations were damaged or washed away. That single statistic explains why the region needs a fundamentally different approach to disaster preparedness.

An ice-rock avalanche, a warming Himalaya and a nine-metre rise in river levels in just 30 minutes show why disaster management can no longer stop at national borders. The devastating flash floods that swept through central Nepal on August 26 are more than a Himalayan disaster. They are a warning for the entire South Asian region. More than 160 people have been reported dead, and nearly 500 remain missing, including 133 Indians, according to early assessments. The floods devastated settlements, washed away bridges, and damaged hydropower infrastructure across the affected areas. The speed of the disaster is particularly alarming. The flood wave travelled through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, leaving little time for communities to respond. At Galchchi, water levels in the Trishuli reportedly rose by as much as nine metres in just 30 minutes. Several monitoring stations were damaged or washed away. That single statistic explains why the region needs a fundamentally different approach to disaster preparedness. Also read | Nepal floods: Over 157 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid What triggered the Nepal flash flood? Scientists are still investigating the precise sequence of events. But experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) say an ice-rock avalanche from a high-altitude area is the likely trigger. Preliminary assessments based on satellite information, videos and reports from affected areas indicate that a large volume of ice and rock debris may have entered the Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi. This could have generated a sudden and powerful surge carrying water, sediment and huge boulders downstream. The event's extraordinary speed is consistent with such a high-energy mountain hazard. Water levels at Galchchi rose by nine metres within half an hour, while levels at Malekhu reportedly increased by about seven metres over a similar period. There are also reports of seismic activity around the time of the event, and scientists are examining whether an earthquake may have contributed to the instability. Other possible mechanisms, including glacial processes and temporary river blockages, are also being investigated. It is therefore too early to attribute the disaster to a single cause with absolute certainty. What is increasingly clear, however, is that the cryosphere — the world's frozen regions of glaciers, snow and ice — is becoming a critical part of disaster-risk management. Also read | Nepal floods LIVE: 165 killed, hundreds missing as rescue operations continue Is the damage confined to one country? The destruction has been severe. Villages and settlements were inundated, roads and bridges swept away and hydropower projects damaged. At least 19 bridges and around 40 km of roads were reported damaged in Nepal as rescue operations continued. But the bigger concern is geographical. Himalayan rivers cross political boundaries. The Trishuli enters India as the Gandak, eventually flowing through the densely populated plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. A sudden upstream event can therefore become a downstream emergency thousands of people away from its origin. This is why Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were placed on alert following the Nepal disaster. The safety of communities downstream depends partly on what happens upstream — often in terrain that is difficult to monitor in real time. Why Nepal, India, and China need to work together? The Himalayas are a shared geography, but disaster-management systems remain largely national. That needs to change. Nepal, India, and China should establish stronger mechanisms for real-time sharing of rainfall, river-flow, seismic, glacier, and satellite data. If an ice-rock avalanche or glacial lake event occurs in a remote high-altitude area, downstream authorities should receive an alert within minutes — not after floodwaters have already entered populated areas. Can technology make this increasingly possible? High-resolution satellites can monitor changes in glaciers and unstable slopes. Automated river gauges can detect sudden changes in water levels. Seismic sensors can identify disturbances associated with landslides and avalanches. Weather radar can track extreme precipitation. Artificial intelligence can combine these datasets and identify abnormal patterns much faster than conventional monitoring systems. The next step should be to connect these technologies across borders. A Himalayan Early Warning Network could integrate satellite imagery, ground sensors, river gauges, weather forecasts and AI-based risk models. Alerts could then be pushed directly to disaster-management authorities and vulnerable communities through cell broadcast, SMS, sirens and local communication networks. The objective should be simple: detect upstream, alert downstream and act before the flood arrives. Is Climate change making the risk harder to manage? It would be scientifically incorrect to say that climate change alone caused this particular flash flood. Mountain disasters are often produced by multiple factors — geology, earthquakes, rainfall, glacier instability and human settlement patterns. But climate change is changing the background conditions. The Himalayan region is warming, glaciers are retreating and glacial lakes are changing in size and stability. ICIMOD has repeatedly warned that increasing cryosphere-related hazards are creating new risks for mountain communities and downstream populations. The Nepal disaster is particularly significant because the region has experienced serious glacial and flash-flood events in recent years. A deadly flood in 2025 was linked to the sudden drainage of a supraglacial lake in Tibet, again demonstrating how an event originating upstream can rapidly become a cross-border crisis. This means South Asia cannot treat climate change as a distant environmental issue. It is increasingly a question of lives, infrastructure, food security, water security and economic stability. What can we do? The answer lies in a combination of science, technology, regional cooperation and climate action. Governments need to invest in glacier and river monitoring, climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger local disaster-response systems. Himalayan countries must improve data-sharing arrangements and conduct joint disaster simulations. Communities living along vulnerable rivers need evacuation routes, warning systems and regular preparedness exercises. At the same time, the region must contribute to the global effort to slow climate change through faster decarbonisation, cleaner energy, protection of forests and climate-resilient development. The Nepal flash flood has delivered a powerful message: nature does not respect borders, and neither does climate risk. The next disaster may begin on a glacier in one country, travel through a river in another and threaten millions downstream. The real test of South Asia's preparedness will therefore not be how quickly countries respond after a disaster. It will be whether they can share information quickly enough to warn people before the disaster reaches them.

At Galchchi, water levels in the Trishuli reportedly rose by as much as nine metres in just 30 minutes. Several monitoring stations were damaged or washed away. That single statistic explains why the region needs a fundamentally different approach to disaster preparedness.

Why Nepal’s flash flood is a warning for South Asia: Explained

Latest News Today Highlights Updates:US has announced $500,000 in emergency assistance for Nepal after devastating flash floods and mudslides killed over 150 people and left hundreds missing. The US State Department on Wednesday (Aug 26) expressed condolences to families affected by the disaster in Rasuwa district and said Washington would deploy a disaster response adviser to support rescue efforts.Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, aka KSM, the man accused by the US of being the mastermind behind the horrific September 11 attacks, has been given a new trial date at Guantanamo Bay. Military Judge Lt. Col. Michael Schrama ruled on Wednesday (Aug 26) that proceedings against Mohammed and three other defendants can begin on June 5, 2028.Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, settled a landmark social media addiction lawsuit on Wednesday brought by dozens of states, according to a court filing. Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to the states that sued and add child-safety measures to its platforms. The settlement resolves claims filed by 47 states and cuts short a trial that kicked off last week in Oakland, California. Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that the UK and France bear “direct responsibility” for any Ukrainian attacks carried out on Russian territory. She warned that Russia could retaliate against British Military targets inside and outside Ukraine in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russia using British missiles.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-uk-france-retaliation-ukraine-missile-strikes-1787828541781">ALSO READ</a>

Russia warns UK of targetting British military assets over strikes on Russia using British missiles

China on Thursday has denied allegations of a state-sponsored cyberattack against its US government agencies. Beijing has warned that it will not tolerate “vilification” in the guise of cybersecurity issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, in a press conference, called them “disinformation based on political motivations” and lacks any evidence.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-us-state-sponsored-cyberattack-allegations-1787826476794">ALSO READ</a>

China denies US allegations of state-sponsored cyberattacks, accuses Washington of ‘vilification’

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved daraxonrasib, a new treatment for pancreatic cancer that significantly extended survival in a late-stage clinical trial.Manufactured by Revolution Medicines and marketed as Rasonque, the daily pill was tested on about 500 patients. Those receiving the drug had a median overall survival of 13.2 months, compared with 6.6 months among patients treated with chemotherapy.The FDA described daraxonrasib as a "critical new option for patients facing an extraordinarily difficult and historically hard-to-treat cancer."

FDA clears new pancreatic cancer drug after trial shows survival benefit

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that the world has “no plan” to deal with the “social, political, and economic upheaval” that artificial intelligence could bring.Gates said AI could become the “greatest equalizer ever invented, or the worst source of injustice,” but argued there was no “evidence that leaders, experts, and communities are confronting the challenges adequately.”In an essay published Wednesday, he warned that AI could eliminate jobs across industries, reduce opportunities for entry-level workers and push governments to reconsider employment, education and social safety-net policies.

Bill Gates warns AI could trigger upheaval without adequate safeguards

The US Justice Department is working to revive long-dormant maritime prize courts as part of plans to make it easier for Washington to seize Iranian oil tankers, according to three people familiar with the matter.The proposed move is aimed at reinforcing the US blockade of Iran and helping cover the costs of the conflict, though the plans are likely to face legal challenges.Aaron Reitz, the US attorney in Houston involved in the initiative, confirmed that the DOJ is "now reviving" prize courts, calling them an "ancient body of maritime law."If approved, the plans could give federal prosecutors a quicker route to claim oil and other cargo seized from enemy or neutral ships as US property. The goods could then be sold, with the proceeds going to the US Treasury.

US moves to revive historic courts to seize Iranian oil

A Russian ballistic missile strike hit an industrial facility in Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine, injuring two people, according to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's defence council.Vilkul announced the attack on Telegram but did not disclose further details. Kryvyi Rih, located in the Dnipropetrovsk region, is a major steel and mining centre and the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Russia strikes industrial facility in Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih, two injured

China on Thursday has denied allegations of a state-sponsored cyberattack against its US government agencies. Beijing has warned that it will not tolerate “vilification” in the guise of cybersecurity issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, in a press conference, called them “disinformation based on political motivations” and lacks any evidence.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-us-state-sponsored-cyberattack-allegations-1787826476794">Read More</a>

China has continued to increase pressure on neighbouring Taiwan, deploying a record number of coast guard, scientific research and other vessels around the island last month. Taiwan's coast guard has warned that the situation is becoming increasingly severe.According to AFP, citing Taipei coast guard data, Chinese ships detected around Taiwan and several of its outer islands since May have reached 1,247.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-intensifies-pressure-around-taiwan-with-record-ship-presence-taipei-approves-7-6-billion-drone-budget-1787827802877">Read full story</a> &nbsp;

Iran has been unable to import enough petrol to make up for insufficient domestic production because of a US naval blockade, according to a senior Iranian official. “Petrol production is insufficient, and because of the US naval blockade, we cannot import it,” the official IRNA news agency quoted Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah as saying.

Iran unable to import enough petrol amid US blockade: Official

US Senator Chris Van Hollen has lashed out Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and extremists in the Israeli government over Tuesday’s raid on a UN training centre in the occupied West Bank. “Ben-Gvir &amp; extremists in the Israeli govt want to get rid of UNRWA with the hopes of ensuring that there is no such thing as a Palestinian refugee,” Van Hollen said on social media platform X.

US senator slams ‘extremists in the Israeli government’ over UNRWA raid

Iran’s president has called for unity among Muslim nations, despite their differences. Speaking at the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, Masoud Pezeshkian said: “No Muslim country’s territory should be used against another Muslim nation”.

President Pezeshkian calls for Muslim nations’ unity

Two people were killed after a twin-engine training aircraft crashed in Lucknow. The incident happened near Natthupurwa village, close to the Ganga Barrage, on Thursday (Aug 27) afternoon, reports suggested. Emergency teams rushed to the spot. The cause of the crash remains unknown. Both the instructor pilot and trainee pilot lost their lives in the accident.

Both pilots killed as training aircraft crashes in Lucknow

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella has reaffirmed plans to overhaul the country's prison system, including the construction of maximum-security mega-prisons for the country's most dangerous criminal leaders.Speaking at a ceremony honouring Colombia's new military leadership, De La Espriella said his administration was moving ahead with plans to dismantle organised crime networks operating from inside prisons. He also pledged to deploy converted naval vessels as offshore jails to isolate high-risk inmates. The proposed mega-prisons would be developed in partnership with the private sector, he said."My commitment to building maximum-security mega-prisons to incarcerate the country's most dangerous terrorists remains unchanged," the president said.

Colombia president backs mega-prisons, offshore jails for criminal leaders

Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara has carried out the country's first international Visa card transaction in Damascus, marking a symbolic step in Syria's efforts to reconnect with the global financial system.Visa said it worked with Lebanon's Fransabank and Paymera for the transaction. The company had announced plans to return to Syria after signing an agreement with the country's central bank in December.Central Bank Governor Mohammed Safwat Raslan called the transaction a "new beginning".The move comes shortly after the US State Department removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, eliminating a major hurdle for Damascus as it seeks to revive its economy and rebuild links with international financial services.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&amp;quot;Will that be cash or credit, Mr. President?&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;President Ahmed al-Sharaa pays with a Visa card in the heart of Old Damascus, joined by Central Bank Governor Mohammed Safwat Raslan.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;For more than fifteen years, this simple transaction was impossible.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Today, in the oldest… &lt;a href="https://t.co/yLEW6ISJaz"&gt;pic.twitter.com/yLEW6ISJaz&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Syrian Response (@SyrianResponse) &lt;a href="https://x.com/SyrianResponse/status/2092749712898044296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 26, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Syria's President makes first Visa transaction as Damascus reconnects with global finance: VIDEO

Former US Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg has criticised Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's involvement in efforts to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, saying the two Trump representatives do not have enough understanding of the conflict and realities on the ground.Kellogg reportedly called their participation in the negotiations a mistake as Washington seeks to revive stalled peace talks. The criticism comes as Witkoff and Kushner continue efforts to develop a framework for renewed negotiations with Russia and Ukraine. Recent diplomatic efforts have struggled to produce a breakthrough, with territorial demands remaining a major obstacle.

Kellogg attacks Witkoff, Kushner role in Ukraine peace talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank despite growing international pressure.Speaking at an event for settlers, Netanyahu said Israel had established and legalised 104 communities and 160 farms, with more planned.He also spoke of preparing for a "very large wave of immigration" to the territory, calling the settlements part of Israel's vision for the "Land of Israel". The expansion comes as Netanyahu faces elections in October.

'This is our land': Netanyahu vows more West Bank settlement expansion

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is preparing to announce a complete trade ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to British media reports.Possible sanctionsThe move could come in response to Israel's plans for major settlement expansion in the E1 area of the West Bank, which critics say could disrupt territorial contiguity between Palestinian population centres.Reports also suggest the UK could impose sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers and individual settlers. The proposed measures have faced opposition from pro-Israel voices within Burnham's Labour Party. &nbsp;

UK PM Andy Burnham set to announce trade ban on Israeli West Bank settlement goods

Nvidia surprised markets on Wednesday, forecasting 70 per cent revenue growth for the next fiscal year and reporting that demand for its AI chips is climbing at a 100 per cent rate, a projection strong enough to spark an after-hours rally in its stock. That 70 per cent figure far outpaces Wall Street's existing estimates, which had pegged fiscal 2028 revenue at around $570 billion, or about 44 per cent growth over fiscal 2027 (the current year). Applying Nvidia's own growth projection to its fiscal 2027 numbers instead points to fiscal 2028 revenue somewhere between $690 billion and $700 billion, over $100 billion higher than analysts had been forecasting.

Nvidia earnings takeaways: Huang forecasts 70% fiscal 2028 revenue growth, far above estimates

Divisions persist within the UN Security Council over the order in which steps should be carried out under a US-sponsored plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The 15-point plan ties Hamas's disarmament to a staged pullout of Israeli forces. While Hamas agreed to the plan in July, Israel turned it down five days later, insisting Hamas disarm before any withdrawal begins, a sequencing the US has also endorsed.

UN divided over Gaza plan as Israel insists Hamas must disarm first

Bill Gates is looking to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year, eager to propose global efforts to mitigate the growing ‌risks posed by artificial intelligence. The Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist said he believes China might agree to restrict potentially dangerous AI model releases if the US took the initiative on that first.

Bill Gates, alarmed by AI, has policy ideas he wants to discuss with China's Xi 

Stocks rose at the start of the Asia-Pacific ​trading session on Thursday as Nvidia's latest earnings report beat estimates, lifting tech hardware manufacturers and reviving ‌investor confidence after data overnight showed that the Federal Reserve's preferred U.S. inflation measure is still running hot.

Asian stocks rise for third day as Nvidia beats

Nvidia investors got a roller coaster ride after the market closed on Wednesday, with its shares jumping after an early dip following the company's quarterly results, highlighting Wall Street's elevated expectations for its favourite AI chip designer. Nvidia handily beat the consensus estimates for its second quarter and raised ‌its third-quarter guidance. Second-quarter data centre revenue rose 117 per cent from a year ago to $89 billion, and the company said third-quarter revenue across the Santa Clara, California, firm should hit $108 billion, give or take.

Nvidia stock jumps after early dip following results; AI fever is unabated

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday awarded Elon Musk the Order of Freedom, one of Ukraine’s highest state honours, for his “outstanding personal merits” in protecting human life and freedom and strengthening ties between Ukraine and the United States.

Zelenskyy gives Elon Musk Order of Freedom, asks for more Starlink access for Ukraine

The purpose of CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow this week was to warn Russia not to attack NATO member states, according to multiple people familiar with the matter, amid U.S. intelligence assessments that Russia could try to test NATO. Ratcliffe also brought up Iran, warning of additional sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen to shipping traffic.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe warned Russia not to attack NATO during secretive trip

President Trump said on Wednesday that the U.S. is "achieving a very big victory" as the Iran war nears the six-month mark, but that it "will continue for as long as necessary" and there's no timetable to resume peace talks. &nbsp;

Trump says US 'achieving very big victory' as Iran war nears six-month mark

The United States has announced $500,000 in emergency assistance for Nepal after devastating flash floods and mudslides killed more than 150 people and left hundreds missing. The US announcement came as several countries stepped forward to support Nepal's rescue and relief operations. This includes countries such as Bangladesh, India, China and the World Bank, which expressed solidarity with the Nepalese government and people, offering to assist in relief and rescue efforts.

India, China, US, World Bank and Bangladesh announce aid for Nepal flood victims

India attracted a total of $30.7 billion as gross foreign direct investment (FDI) in the April-June 2026 quarter, the highest level in at least 15 years. This strong inward flow overshadowed outflows, resulting in net FDI in the quarter rising to its highest level since June 2022.

Gross FDI hit 15-year high of $30.7 billion in April-June 2026

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including India's immediate neighbourhood, major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

Latest News Today Highlights Updates: US has announced $500,000 in emergency assistance for Nepal after devastating flash floods and mudslides killed over 150 people and left hundreds missing. The US State Department on Wednesday (Aug 26) expressed condolences to families affected by the disaster in Rasuwa district and said Washington would deploy a disaster response adviser to support rescue efforts. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, aka KSM, the man accused by the US of being the mastermind behind the horrific September 11 attacks, has been given a new trial date at Guantanamo Bay. Military Judge Lt. Col. Michael Schrama ruled on Wednesday (Aug 26) that proceedings against Mohammed and three other defendants can begin on June 5, 2028. Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, settled a landmark social media addiction lawsuit on Wednesday brought by dozens of states, according to a court filing. Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to the states that sued and add child-safety measures to its platforms. The settlement resolves claims filed by 47 states and cuts short a trial that kicked off last week in Oakland, California. Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Latest News Today Highlights: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including India's immediate neighbourhood, major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

Latest India & World News Today Highlights: Trump says US 'achieving very big victory' as Iran war nears six-month mark

At least 157 people have been killed, and nearly 400 remain missing after devastating flash floods struck Nepal's Bhotekoshi river on Wednesday, with foreign nationals and security personnel among those unaccounted for. The mid-morning flash flood wreaked havoc across three districts, sweeping away people, homes, vehicles and critical infrastructure in one of Nepal's deadliest disasters in recent years. According to the Nepalese police post on X, at least 157 people have died in the devastating flash floods. The scary videos circulating from Nepal show massive multi-storey buildings, homes, and bridges being completely engulfed and destroyed by catastrophic flash floods and mudslides.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-flash-floods-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-affected-close-to-400-pilgrims-out-of-contact-1787758615744">Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected</a><h2>What scary videos show?</h2>A CCTV footage capture multi-storey infrastructure and border customs buildings collapsing entirely into raging, muddy torrents within seconds. A widely shared viral clip from the Gyirong Port immigration office shows a terrifying "wall of mud and silt" surging past windows, forcing people to desperately run for their lives just seconds before the building is inundated. Another video shows a construction worker documenting the terrifying moment he and his colleagues survived the flash flood in Mailung, located in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. Filmed directly by one of the workers, the social media footage captures floodwaters suddenly sweeping into their work area. This sent the entire crew scrambling for safety to escape the rushing mud and debris.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨Flash flood hits Bhotekoshi River, Rasuwa Surge from Tibet sweeps Timure &amp; Syabrubesi — markets, settlements &amp; hydropower washed away. ⁰3+ dead, several missing. Rescues on. Downstream alert.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/NepalFlood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NepalFlood</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Bhotekoshi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhotekoshi</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Rasuwa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rasuwa</a> <a href="https://t.co/WRa3xmYbbJ">pic.twitter.com/WRa3xmYbbJ</a>&mdash; Public News X (@PublicNewsX) <a href="https://x.com/PublicNewsX/status/2092533333154734357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-95-killed-133-indians-among-403-still-missing-after-flash-floods-in-nepal-1787755891807">At least 160 killed, 133 Indians among 579 still missing after flash floods</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Devastating Nepal flash flood disaster 26/8/2026. The entire Nepal-China Tibet border region is completely devastated, hundreds missing including tourists. <a href="https://t.co/oJOLxRjQ59">pic.twitter.com/oJOLxRjQ59</a>&mdash; VIZHPUNEET (@vizhpuneet) <a href="https://x.com/vizhpuneet/status/2092803044304195911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What caused the floods?</h2>The flood was reportedly caused after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi and struck Timure, near Nepal's border with China at Rasuwagadhi. The water then surged downstream towards Syaphrubesi and other settlements, The Kathmandu Post reported. With no rainfall reported in the area, residents had no warning before the flood struck. A statement from Nepal's Prime Minister's Office said hundreds of people, including 391 foreigners and 44 security personnel, have gone missing, The Kathmandu Post reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">FLASH FLOOD DEVASTATES NEPAL — A TERRIFYING WALL OF WATER SWEEPS THROUGH THE CITY 🌊🙏 <a href="https://t.co/L43muhLSHc">pic.twitter.com/L43muhLSHc</a>&mdash; Aesthetics (@aestheticsmagic) <a href="https://x.com/aestheticsmagic/status/2092618704513314840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This ain&#39;t AI, but Nature wreaking havoc.. Terrifying visuals of Flash Floods in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a> 95 dead, 400 tourists including 105 Indian pilgrims. <a href="https://t.co/0RNFhRIEKV">pic.twitter.com/0RNFhRIEKV</a>&mdash; D (@Deb_livnletliv) <a href="https://x.com/Deb_livnletliv/status/2092640253819715873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India's help for Nepal</h2>Meanwhile, India has begun mobilising humanitarian assistance for Nepal amid the ongoing relief efforts. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and medical assistance had reached Kathmandu. Jaishankar, in a post on X, said, "India's HADR and medical assistance has reached Kathmandu. More assistance is being mobilised to support relief efforts."&nbsp;

Scary videos from Nepal show massive multi-storey buildings, homes and bridges being engulfed and destroyed by catastrophic flash floods and mudslides. CCTV and eyewitness footage capture the terrifying moment floodwaters and torrents of mud sweep through infrastructure.

At least 157 people have been killed, and nearly 400 remain missing after devastating flash floods struck Nepal's Bhotekoshi river on Wednesday, with foreign nationals and security personnel among those unaccounted for. The mid-morning flash flood wreaked havoc across three districts, sweeping away people, homes, vehicles and critical infrastructure in one of Nepal's deadliest disasters in recent years. According to the Nepalese police post on X, at least 157 people have died in the devastating flash floods. The scary videos circulating from Nepal show massive multi-storey buildings, homes, and bridges being completely engulfed and destroyed by catastrophic flash floods and mudslides. Also Read: Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected What scary videos show? A CCTV footage capture multi-storey infrastructure and border customs buildings collapsing entirely into raging, muddy torrents within seconds. A widely shared viral clip from the Gyirong Port immigration office shows a terrifying "wall of mud and silt" surging past windows, forcing people to desperately run for their lives just seconds before the building is inundated. Another video shows a construction worker documenting the terrifying moment he and his colleagues survived the flash flood in Mailung, located in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. Filmed directly by one of the workers, the social media footage captures floodwaters suddenly sweeping into their work area. This sent the entire crew scrambling for safety to escape the rushing mud and debris.

Scary videos from Nepal show massive multi-storey buildings, homes and bridges being engulfed and destroyed by catastrophic flash floods and mudslides. CCTV and eyewitness footage capture the terrifying moment floodwaters and torrents of mud sweep through infrastructure.

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Nepal floods: 165 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid