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The Union Government on Monday clarified that the discussion between two nations about the arrangement of a public appearance by their leader is a “normal practice”, PTI reported, citing government sources. This follows the government's clarification of US Ambassador Sergio Gor's remarks about the bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, France.&nbsp;"Discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders are normal practice ahead of any VVIP visit," a government source told PTI."In this regard, the Indian side communicated its standard practice for such visits," the source added.The June 17 bilateral meeting between the US and India came after three Indian sailors were killed by a US Navy attack on the commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-alleged-drug-trafficking-boat-eastern-pacific-1787567752917">US strikes alleged drug trafficking boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 2</a><h2>What did US envoy Sergio Gor say?</h2>During the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Gor said that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs specifically requested that there should be no press interaction following the bilateral meet. But Trump supposedly forgot about that and, following the opening remarks, asked reporters if they had any questions, which followed a 45-minute press conference with reporters. Gor claimed, adding that the remark “opened everything up”.“I told the president, I said, the Indians prefer no questions. He said, sure, no problem. So the meeting starts, the press comes in, there must have been 50 cameras, the president is sitting here, the prime minister is sitting there, they both speak for a few minutes. As soon as they get done, the first thing the president does, he looks up at the camera and say, any questions?” said Gor.US Ambassador Sergio Gor shared the anecdote while discussing the India-US relationship and the personal friendship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian government said discussions over public appearances by leaders are normal practice after US Ambassador Sergio Gor's remarks on the Modi-Trump G7 meeting.

The Union Government on Monday clarified that the discussion between two nations about the arrangement of a public appearance by their leader is a “normal practice”, PTI reported, citing government sources. This follows the government's clarification of US Ambassador Sergio Gor's remarks about the bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, France. "Discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders are normal practice ahead of any VVIP visit," a government source told PTI. "In this regard, the Indian side communicated its standard practice for such visits," the source added. The June 17 bilateral meeting between the US and India came after three Indian sailors were killed by a US Navy attack on the commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read: US strikes alleged drug trafficking boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 2 What did US envoy Sergio Gor say? During the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Gor said that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs specifically requested that there should be no press interaction following the bilateral meet. But Trump supposedly forgot about that and, following the opening remarks, asked reporters if they had any questions, which followed a 45-minute press conference with reporters. Gor claimed, adding that the remark “opened everything up”. “I told the president, I said, the Indians prefer no questions. He said, sure, no problem. So the meeting starts, the press comes in, there must have been 50 cameras, the president is sitting here, the prime minister is sitting there, they both speak for a few minutes. As soon as they get done, the first thing the president does, he looks up at the camera and say, any questions?” said Gor. US Ambassador Sergio Gor shared the anecdote while discussing the India-US relationship and the personal friendship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian government said discussions over public appearances by leaders are normal practice after US Ambassador Sergio Gor's remarks on the Modi-Trump G7 meeting.

India calls leader media arrangements ‘normal practice’ after Sergio Gor remarks

An Indian national, 27-year-old Gurdeep Singh, was shot and killed following a late-night incident in Brooklyn, New York. The fatal shooting occurred on Friday night (Aug 21) near Stanley Avenue in the East New York neighbourhood. Confirming the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep condolences and assured that it is providing all possible support to the bereaved family.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/28-year-old-from-punjab-s-kapurthala-district-shot-dead-while-delivering-pizza-1787543732742/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/28-year-old-from-punjab-s-kapurthala-district-shot-dead-while-delivering-pizza-1787543732742/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"We are deeply saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Mr Gurdeep Singh, an Indian national, who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident in Brooklyn, New York," the Consulate General of India in New York stated in an official release on X. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with the family and is extending all possible assistance.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are deeply saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Mr. Gurdeep Singh, an Indian national, who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident in Brooklyn, New York. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is…&mdash; India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) <a href="https://x.com/IndiainNewYork/status/2091687242330677599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to local reports citing CBS News, law enforcement personnel responded to emergency calls at approximately 10:00 PM local time on Friday. Upon arrival, police found Singh suffering from a severe gunshot wound to his chest. Emergency medical services rushed him to One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/19-year-old-uc-santa-cruz-student-alli-renee-singh-dies-after-car-plunges-off-cliff-near-steamer-lane-1787570132638">Indian-origin UC Santa Cruz student dies after car plunges off cliff in US</a>&nbsp;Surveillance footage obtained near the scene showed two individuals involved in a physical altercation along the street, followed by a sudden flash indicating gun discharge. One individual subsequently collapsed while the shooter entered a vehicle and fled the area. Police suspect the incident may have been tied to a robbery attempt while Singh was out making a delivery.&nbsp;The New York Police Department (NYPD) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting. As of now, no suspects have been taken into custody, and the exact motive remains undetermined. Singh, a resident of Queens, originally hailed from Jabowal village in Kapurthala district, Punjab. His family in India has appealed to both Indian diplomatic officials and US authorities to expedite the repatriation of his mortal remains and ensure swift justice.

27-year-old Indian national Gurdeep Singh was shot and killed near Stanley Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The Consulate General of India has expressed condolences and is providing assistance to his family.

An Indian national, 27-year-old Gurdeep Singh, was shot and killed following a late-night incident in Brooklyn, New York. The fatal shooting occurred on Friday night (Aug 21) near Stanley Avenue in the East New York neighbourhood. Confirming the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep condolences and assured that it is providing all possible support to the bereaved family. https://www.wionews.com/videos/28-year-old-from-punjab-s-kapurthala-district-shot-dead-while-delivering-pizza-1787543732742/embed "We are deeply saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Mr Gurdeep Singh, an Indian national, who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident in Brooklyn, New York," the Consulate General of India in New York stated in an official release on X. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with the family and is extending all possible assistance.”

27-year-old Indian national Gurdeep Singh was shot and killed near Stanley Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The Consulate General of India has expressed condolences and is providing assistance to his family.

27-year-old Indian national shot dead in Brooklyn; Consulate assures support

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to boost fertiliser supplies to India, stressing Moscow’s commitment to ties with India. Speaking during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Putin highlighted energy resources and fertilisers as key priorities. “One of these issues is not only energy resources, of course, but it is also the supply of fertilisers. We are doing everything to resolve this matter for Indian farmers and for agriculture; we are increasing these supplies and are ready to continue doing so,” he said. The Russian leader noted that nuclear energy cooperation, high-tech collaboration and other areas were progressing confidently. He praised the strength of Russia-India ties built over decades, saying work continued across government, parliamentary and business levels. Putin pointed to growing trade in the ties. “I am pleased to note that this year our trade turnover has grown. While last year it declined slightly, this year it is rising, and this is in part, or perhaps primarily, thanks to the efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pays close personal attention to the development of Russian-Indian relations.” Trade between the 2 countries has grown significantly, largely due to increased imports of Russian energy.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Russian President Vladimir Putin meets India&#39;s external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar in Moscow <a href="https://t.co/clackSleQM">pic.twitter.com/clackSleQM</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2091847761654366569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PM Modi and the Russian President are expected to meet next week on the sidelines of the SCO Bishkek summit. “I hope to see him in the near future, as we had planned, within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, in the near future. Our schedule is such that we will probably be able to meet once more this year", the Russian leader said. Jaishankar, who had earlier held talks with Russian counterpart Denis Manturov in the intergovernmental commission, delivered a personal message from the Indian prime minister, pointing to the economic cooperation. “I would like to note that our economic cooperation has grown significantly", he said. India's External Affairs Minister described the partnership as “strong, robust bilateral cooperation” even as Delhi-Moscow continue to up the engagement in areas like energy and defence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will increase fertiliser supplies to India as he praised growing trade and strong bilateral ties during talks with S Jaishankar.

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to boost fertiliser supplies to India, stressing Moscow’s commitment to ties with India. Speaking during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Putin highlighted energy resources and fertilisers as key priorities. “One of these issues is not only energy resources, of course, but it is also the supply of fertilisers. We are doing everything to resolve this matter for Indian farmers and for agriculture; we are increasing these supplies and are ready to continue doing so,” he said. The Russian leader noted that nuclear energy cooperation, high-tech collaboration and other areas were progressing confidently. He praised the strength of Russia-India ties built over decades, saying work continued across government, parliamentary and business levels. Putin pointed to growing trade in the ties. “I am pleased to note that this year our trade turnover has grown. While last year it declined slightly, this year it is rising, and this is in part, or perhaps primarily, thanks to the efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pays close personal attention to the development of Russian-Indian relations.” Trade between the 2 countries has grown significantly, largely due to increased imports of Russian energy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will increase fertiliser supplies to India as he praised growing trade and strong bilateral ties during talks with S Jaishankar.

Putin pledges more fertiliser for India, confirms meeting with PM Modi in Bishkek

The Iranian rial fell to a record low of more than 2 million per US dollar on informal markets on Monday (Aug 24). The official central bank rate hovered near 1.5 million. The currency has been weakening over the past few days, trading around 1.86 million per dollar last week and losing more than 7 per cent in under seven days. One toman, the daily monetary unit of Iran, equals 10 rials, which means the dollar surpassed 200,000 tomans for the first time.<h2>Iranian currency is hit hard by sanctions, inflation and now the war</h2>The weakness in the Iranian currency results from damage caused by decades of international sanctions, double-digit inflation and negative economic growth. The situation has only worsened in the past couple of years, first with the Iran-Israel conflict, protests over economic woes, and now the ongoing war with the US and Israel since late February.Iranians are feeling the pinch, with food prices rising sharply. Inflation is expected to reach 70 per cent this year, while the economy is projected to contract by more than 5 per cent.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-us-vs-iran-why-has-iran-s-rial-lost-about-20-000-of-its-value-since-1979-1769421606760">Why has Iran’s rial lost about 20,000× of its value since 1979?</a><h2>Weak currency amid US warning of economic D-Day on Iran</h2>The Iranian rial fell even as the US is preparing for what US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called an “economic D-Day” for Iran. Writing in the Financial Times, Bessent said the objective is to “sever every economic lifeline that sustains the tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone”. He called it the single greatest financial offensive ever directed at an adversary.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-rial-hits-historic-low-pezeshkian-admits-iran-faces-many-problems-1787547366029/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-rial-hits-historic-low-pezeshkian-admits-iran-faces-many-problems-1787547366029/embed</a><h2>The US is aiming for the greatest coordinated isolation in history</h2>The Trump administration is expected to announce economic measures against Iran later on Monday. US President Donald Trump has termed it a “crushing economic operation” intended to collapse the Iranain regime while minimising large-scale military action. Bessent called it “the greatest coordinated isolation in history” of a nation.The punitive actions could build on the already existing “maximum pressure” on Iran, which includes a US naval blockade and the rescinding of oil-related sanctions waivers.Additional secondary sanctions are expected, targeting countries and companies that continue to do business with Iran. Both oil purchases and money transfers to or from Iran could be hit too. Bessent asked US allies to choose sides, warning that those providing any lifeline to Iran would face economic consequences.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frozen-billions-iran-s-money-and-peace-talks-explained-1776412578739">Frozen billions: Iran’s money and peace talks explained</a><h2>The two-month window to end the war has closed</h2>A 60-day window under a June memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran has expired, with both sides exchanging fire throughout those weeks. There was no agreement on the Iran nuclear issue or sanctions relief. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a former key re-export hub, has recently suspended trade with Iran.

Iran’s rial fell past 2 million to the dollar as US President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of a massive economic warfare on the Islamic Republic. The “economic D-Day” could include secondary sanctions. The crushing inflation and war are fomenting a crisis

The Iranian rial fell to a record low of more than 2 million per US dollar on informal markets on Monday (Aug 24). The official central bank rate hovered near 1.5 million. The currency has been weakening over the past few days, trading around 1.86 million per dollar last week and losing more than 7 per cent in under seven days. One toman, the daily monetary unit of Iran, equals 10 rials, which means the dollar surpassed 200,000 tomans for the first time. Iranian currency is hit hard by sanctions, inflation and now the war The weakness in the Iranian currency results from damage caused by decades of international sanctions, double-digit inflation and negative economic growth. The situation has only worsened in the past couple of years, first with the Iran-Israel conflict, protests over economic woes, and now the ongoing war with the US and Israel since late February. Iranians are feeling the pinch, with food prices rising sharply. Inflation is expected to reach 70 per cent this year, while the economy is projected to contract by more than 5 per cent. Also read: Why has Iran’s rial lost about 20,000× of its value since 1979? Weak currency amid US warning of economic D-Day on Iran The Iranian rial fell even as the US is preparing for what US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called an “economic D-Day” for Iran. Writing in the Financial Times, Bessent said the objective is to “sever every economic lifeline that sustains the tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone”. He called it the single greatest financial offensive ever directed at an adversary. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-rial-hits-historic-low-pezeshkian-admits-iran-faces-many-problems-1787547366029/embed The US is aiming for the greatest coordinated isolation in history The Trump administration is expected to announce economic measures against Iran later on Monday. US President Donald Trump has termed it a “crushing economic operation” intended to collapse the Iranain regime while minimising large-scale military action. Bessent called it “the greatest coordinated isolation in history” of a nation. The punitive actions could build on the already existing “maximum pressure” on Iran, which includes a US naval blockade and the rescinding of oil-related sanctions waivers. Additional secondary sanctions are expected, targeting countries and companies that continue to do business with Iran. Both oil purchases and money transfers to or from Iran could be hit too. Bessent asked US allies to choose sides, warning that those providing any lifeline to Iran would face economic consequences. Also read: Frozen billions: Iran’s money and peace talks explained The two-month window to end the war has closed A 60-day window under a June memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran has expired, with both sides exchanging fire throughout those weeks. There was no agreement on the Iran nuclear issue or sanctions relief. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a former key re-export hub, has recently suspended trade with Iran.

Iran’s rial fell past 2 million to the dollar as US President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of a massive economic warfare on the Islamic Republic. The “economic D-Day” could include secondary sanctions. The crushing inflation and war are fomenting a crisis

2,000,000 rial to a dollar: Iranian currency is on record freefall amid US warning of economic ‘D-Day’

The father of a US sailor serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been taken into federal immigration detention while the warship was deployed in West Asia amid the conflict with Iran, according to the sailor.&nbsp;Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, who is originally from Nicaragua, was arrested by Border Patrol following a vehicle stop in Key West, Florida, a spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Sunday (Aug 23).&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-human-rights-emergency-jemima-goldsmith-urges-uk-pm-andy-burnham-to-intervene-over-ex-husband-imran-khan-s-prison-treatment-1787568862766">'A human-rights emergency': Jemima Goldsmith urges UK PM Andy Burnham to intervene over ex-husband Imran Khan’s prison treatment</a>&nbsp;His son, Joshua Aviles, said he had been deployed for more than nine months and was serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East when he was informed of his father's detention. “I’ve been deployed for over nine months, out at sea in the Middle East aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighting for a country that has given me everything,” Aviles wrote. “I just got a call that my dad was taken by ICE.”&nbsp;Aviles said his father had a driver's licence, Social Security card and work permit. He added that the family had completed the immigration process for his father's green card and was waiting for it to be approved. “We have done everything through immigration to get his green card approved, and we are just waiting,” he said. “This is heartbreaking for me. I don’t know how I can mentally continue working 12+ hour days knowing that my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wash-rice-twice-use-less-water-for-wudu-over-367-000-uk-campaign-urges-south-asians-muslims-to-save-water-amid-drought-1787563912742">‘Wash rice twice, use less water for wudu’: Over $367,000 UK campaign urges South Asians, Muslims to save water amid drought</a>&nbsp;The DHS said Luis Manuel Aviles Roa had entered the US illegally and would remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention while removal proceedings were carried out. “Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws,” the DHS said.&nbsp;Rights groups have slammed the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, arguing that it has raised concerns over due process and free speech and created an unsafe environment for ethnic minorities, including allegations of racial profiling.&nbsp;

A US sailor deployed in West Asia expressed heartbreak after ICE detained his father, who was awaiting green card approval, as DHS cited illegal entry despite military family status.

The father of a US sailor serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been taken into federal immigration detention while the warship was deployed in West Asia amid the conflict with Iran, according to the sailor. Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, who is originally from Nicaragua, was arrested by Border Patrol following a vehicle stop in Key West, Florida, a spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Sunday (Aug 23). Also read: 'A human-rights emergency': Jemima Goldsmith urges UK PM Andy Burnham to intervene over ex-husband Imran Khan’s prison treatment His son, Joshua Aviles, said he had been deployed for more than nine months and was serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East when he was informed of his father's detention. “I’ve been deployed for over nine months, out at sea in the Middle East aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighting for a country that has given me everything,” Aviles wrote. “I just got a call that my dad was taken by ICE.” Aviles said his father had a driver's licence, Social Security card and work permit. He added that the family had completed the immigration process for his father's green card and was waiting for it to be approved. “We have done everything through immigration to get his green card approved, and we are just waiting,” he said. “This is heartbreaking for me. I don’t know how I can mentally continue working 12+ hour days knowing that my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal.” Also read: ‘Wash rice twice, use less water for wudu’: Over $367,000 UK campaign urges South Asians, Muslims to save water amid drought The DHS said Luis Manuel Aviles Roa had entered the US illegally and would remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention while removal proceedings were carried out. “Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws,” the DHS said. Rights groups have slammed the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, arguing that it has raised concerns over due process and free speech and created an unsafe environment for ethnic minorities, including allegations of racial profiling.

A US sailor deployed in West Asia expressed heartbreak after ICE detained his father, who was awaiting green card approval, as DHS cited illegal entry despite military family status.

‘How can I continue working?’: US sailor speaks out after ICE detains father during West Asia deployment

New Zealand's coalition government took its most concrete step yet to curb under-16s' use of social media with the introduction of the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill. Introduced in Parliament on Monday (Aug 24), the bill requires high-risk platforms such as Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X and others, to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Particularly targeted are endless-scroll features, algorithmic manipulation and feedback loops, as well as social AI companions.<h2>A stringent bill if passed, with strong penalties</h2>The bill mandates facial age estimation, digital ID and formal identification for age verification, while self-declaration alone is not enough. Platforms must conduct annual child-safety risk assessments covering illegal and harmful content, advertising, profiling and design features.They are also expected to report to a new regulator within the Department of Internal Affairs.The penalties could be as high as 10 per cent of a platform's global annual revenue.The tools for compliance will range from warnings and audits to geo-blocking and criminal sanctions for providing false information.No penalties will be imposed on children or their parents.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/social-media-ban-for-teens-on-the-cards-pm-modi-praises-australia-s-under-16-social-media-ban-says-we-re-taking-lessons-from-you-1783614717670">Social media ban for teens on the cards? PM Modi praises Australia's under-16 ban, says 'we're taking lessons from you'</a><h2>Messaging apps, VPNs are excluded</h2>Excluded from the law's purview are messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Discord, multiplayer games such as Roblox, online music streaming services, educational and health platforms, as well as productivity AI such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot. VPNs are also unregulated.<h2>Coalition partners are not in full alignment with the bill. Will it pass?</h2>Government coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First have opposed the bill under the "agree to disagree" provision. The ruling National Party needs Labour's support for it to pass. The first reading of the bill is not expected before Parliament rises ahead of the November election. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged that the legislation will not progress before the election, leaving its future uncertain.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-government-stands-by-online-law-defends-social-media-ban-1785744703432/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-government-stands-by-online-law-defends-social-media-ban-1785744703432/embed</a><h2>How tough is the under-16 bill in NZ compared to Australia?</h2>The New Zealand bill is the latest in a series of similar laws and regulations, particularly following Australia's world-first legislation. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which came into force on 10 December 2025 in Australia, is now facing questions over implementation. The law imposed an under-16 account restriction on similar social media platforms. Penalties can reach A$49.5 million for companies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Australian law explicitly prevents platforms from requiring government-issued identification or Digital ID as the only option for age assurance. Users must have a reasonable alternative.According to the Australian government, millions of under-16 accounts have been removed or restricted since the rules came into effect. However, Australia's eSafety regulator has said significant numbers of under-16s remain on social media.New Zealand's bill mirrors Australia's platform list and risk-assessment approach. The main differences are the addition of social AI companions and revenue-percentage-based penalties instead of Australia's fixed maximum fines.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-india-planning-australia-like-social-media-ban-for-children-under-16-what-we-know-1771386744225">Is India planning Australia-like social media ban for children under 16? What we know</a><h2>Other countries following suit on teen social media use bans</h2>The UK is considering an Australia-style under-16 ban, which could be effective from early 2027. The regulations could also include restrictions on teen livestreaming and stranger contact for under-18s.France passed an under-15 social media ban in July, but the measure was struck down by the Constitutional Council in August, that cited concerns about disproportionate limits on free expression and inadequate safeguards. A revised bill is likely to come up in 2027.Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and Spain are also pushing similar legislation, while Indian authorities are also looking into the issue of teen social media use and addiction.

New Zealand introduced a bill to restrict under-16s from social media. Age verification will be strictly implemented and social media platforms could face revenue-linked and hefty penalties. But can the coalition government pass it, with elections around the corner in November?

New Zealand's coalition government took its most concrete step yet to curb under-16s' use of social media with the introduction of the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill. Introduced in Parliament on Monday (Aug 24), the bill requires high-risk platforms such as Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X and others, to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Particularly targeted are endless-scroll features, algorithmic manipulation and feedback loops, as well as social AI companions. A stringent bill if passed, with strong penalties The bill mandates facial age estimation, digital ID and formal identification for age verification, while self-declaration alone is not enough. Platforms must conduct annual child-safety risk assessments covering illegal and harmful content, advertising, profiling and design features. They are also expected to report to a new regulator within the Department of Internal Affairs. The penalties could be as high as 10 per cent of a platform's global annual revenue. The tools for compliance will range from warnings and audits to geo-blocking and criminal sanctions for providing false information. No penalties will be imposed on children or their parents. Also read: Social media ban for teens on the cards? PM Modi praises Australia's under-16 ban, says 'we're taking lessons from you' Messaging apps, VPNs are excluded Excluded from the law's purview are messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Discord, multiplayer games such as Roblox, online music streaming services, educational and health platforms, as well as productivity AI such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot. VPNs are also unregulated. Coalition partners are not in full alignment with the bill. Will it pass? Government coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First have opposed the bill under the "agree to disagree" provision. The ruling National Party needs Labour's support for it to pass. The first reading of the bill is not expected before Parliament rises ahead of the November election. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged that the legislation will not progress before the election, leaving its future uncertain. https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-government-stands-by-online-law-defends-social-media-ban-1785744703432/embed How tough is the under-16 bill in NZ compared to Australia? The New Zealand bill is the latest in a series of similar laws and regulations, particularly following Australia's world-first legislation. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which came into force on 10 December 2025 in Australia, is now facing questions over implementation. The law imposed an under-16 account restriction on similar social media platforms. Penalties can reach A$49.5 million for companies. The Australian law explicitly prevents platforms from requiring government-issued identification or Digital ID as the only option for age assurance. Users must have a reasonable alternative. According to the Australian government, millions of under-16 accounts have been removed or restricted since the rules came into effect. However, Australia's eSafety regulator has said significant numbers of under-16s remain on social media. New Zealand's bill mirrors Australia's platform list and risk-assessment approach. The main differences are the addition of social AI companions and revenue-percentage-based penalties instead of Australia's fixed maximum fines. Also read: Is India planning Australia-like social media ban for children under 16? What we know Other countries following suit on teen social media use bans The UK is considering an Australia-style under-16 ban, which could be effective from early 2027. The regulations could also include restrictions on teen livestreaming and stranger contact for under-18s. France passed an under-15 social media ban in July, but the measure was struck down by the Constitutional Council in August, that cited concerns about disproportionate limits on free expression and inadequate safeguards. A revised bill is likely to come up in 2027. Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and Spain are also pushing similar legislation, while Indian authorities are also looking into the issue of teen social media use and addiction.

New Zealand introduced a bill to restrict under-16s from social media. Age verification will be strictly implemented and social media platforms could face revenue-linked and hefty penalties. But can the coalition government pass it, with elections around the corner in November?

New Zealand under-16 social media ban: The bill moved in parliament has some teeth. But will it pass?

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Monday (August 24) for talks with Iranian officials, as Islamabad seeks to strengthen its diplomatic role amid escalating regional tensions and continued friction between Iran and the US. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Munir's visit was scheduled for Monday and said it was taking place within the framework of bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan.&nbsp;"The bilateral relationship between Iran and Pakistan is truly going through one of its best stages, and both sides are determined to expand these relations day by day, in all areas," Baghaei said during a press briefing ahead of Munir's arrival. Munir's visit comes as Pakistan attempts to position itself as a mediator amid tensions in West Asia. Islamabad has previously facilitated contacts between Washington and Tehran, including efforts toward an interim understanding in June that later collapsed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-human-rights-emergency-jemima-goldsmith-urges-uk-pm-andy-burnham-to-intervene-over-ex-husband-imran-khan-s-prison-treatment-1787568862766">'A human-rights emergency': Jemima Goldsmith urges UK PM Andy Burnham to intervene over ex-husband Imran Khan’s prison treatment</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials. <a href="https://t.co/95BgojrEBz">pic.twitter.com/95BgojrEBz</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2091817118236844540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Baghaei also dismissed suggestions that Munir's Tehran visit was linked to the scheduled visit of Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. He said the two visits were separate and only happened to coincide. "The Oman visit has nothing to do with this; it is just almost simultaneous in terms of time," Baghaei said. Al Busaidi is scheduled to travel to Tehran on Tuesday (August 25) for discussions with Iranian officials. His talks are expected to cover bilateral relations, regional security, the Strait of Hormuz and maritime traffic.&nbsp;Munir's visit also follows the signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all three, alongside increased defence cooperation and collective deterrence.&nbsp;The agreement has come under scrutiny after a Houthi drone attack targeted Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery just two days after the pact was signed. The incident raised questions over how the collective-defence commitment would work in practice, although no immediate military response from Pakistan or Turkiye was publicly announced.&nbsp;Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has compared the collective-defence provision technically to NATO's Article 5, while clarifying that members would consult on the nature and scale of assistance following an attack rather than automatically enter combat. Against this backdrop, Munir's talks in Tehran are expected to highlight Pakistan's delicate balancing act. Islamabad maintains close strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye while also sharing longstanding diplomatic and economic relations with neighbouring Iran.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrives in Tehran for talks as Pakistan balances ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye amid regional tensions

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Monday (August 24) for talks with Iranian officials, as Islamabad seeks to strengthen its diplomatic role amid escalating regional tensions and continued friction between Iran and the US. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Munir's visit was scheduled for Monday and said it was taking place within the framework of bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan. "The bilateral relationship between Iran and Pakistan is truly going through one of its best stages, and both sides are determined to expand these relations day by day, in all areas," Baghaei said during a press briefing ahead of Munir's arrival. Munir's visit comes as Pakistan attempts to position itself as a mediator amid tensions in West Asia. Islamabad has previously facilitated contacts between Washington and Tehran, including efforts toward an interim understanding in June that later collapsed. Also Read: 'A human-rights emergency': Jemima Goldsmith urges UK PM Andy Burnham to intervene over ex-husband Imran Khan’s prison treatment Watch the video here

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir visits Tehran as Islamabad balances ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye amid rising West Asia tensions

Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir arrives in Tehran for talks, Iran says 'visit part of very good relations between two countries'

A 19-year-old Indian-origin student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, lost her life after the vehicle she was riding in plunged off a cliff into the Pacific Ocean along the city’s coastline. The victim has been identified as Alli Renee Singh, a passenger in the vehicle who was preparing to enter her third year at the university. According to reports citing local authorities and emergency officials, the incident occurred at approximately 12:50 AM on August 13 along West Cliff Drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;The red vehicle was travelling near Steamer Lane, a renowned surfing spot known for its steep cliffs and turbulent waves, when it lost control and went over the edge, landing upside down in the ocean below. Emergency response teams dispatched five units from the Santa Cruz Fire Department, alongside crews from the Central Fire District, Scotts Valley Fire, and the Santa Cruz Police Department. Rescue swimmers entered the rough water to reach the vehicle, but Singh remained trapped underwater inside the submerged car. The male driver managed to escape the vehicle before rescue efforts and sustained only minor injuries.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/8-year-old-louisiana-girl-dies-from-rare-brain-eating-amoeba-linked-to-lake-swim-1787555211893">8-year-old Louisiana girl dies from rare brain-eating amoeba linked to lake swim</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Heavy equipment and a rescue crane were later deployed to extract the red sedan from the rocky shoreline as waves battered the crash site. UC Santa Cruz officials expressed grief after confirming the tragedy. University spokesman Scott Hernandez-Jason stated to The Pajaronian that the institution was heartbroken by the loss of one of its students, confirming that support resources and counselling services are being offered to classmates, friends, and family.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/donna-reed-show-and-coach-actor-shelley-fabares-dies-at-82-1787539784069">Donna Reed Show and Coach actor Shelley Fabares dies at 82</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The victim’s aunt, Monica Singh-Strohmeier, shared the news of her niece’s passing on social media, describing her as a loving young woman whose sudden loss has left the family devastated. Local police are continuing to investigate the underlying causes of the crash.

19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student Alli Renee Singh tragically lost her life when a vehicle plunged off a cliff into the Pacific Ocean near Steamer Lane along West Cliff Drive.

A 19-year-old Indian-origin student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, lost her life after the vehicle she was riding in plunged off a cliff into the Pacific Ocean along the city’s coastline. The victim has been identified as Alli Renee Singh, a passenger in the vehicle who was preparing to enter her third year at the university. According to reports citing local authorities and emergency officials, the incident occurred at approximately 12:50 AM on August 13 along West Cliff Drive. The red vehicle was travelling near Steamer Lane, a renowned surfing spot known for its steep cliffs and turbulent waves, when it lost control and went over the edge, landing upside down in the ocean below. Emergency response teams dispatched five units from the Santa Cruz Fire Department, alongside crews from the Central Fire District, Scotts Valley Fire, and the Santa Cruz Police Department. Rescue swimmers entered the rough water to reach the vehicle, but Singh remained trapped underwater inside the submerged car. The male driver managed to escape the vehicle before rescue efforts and sustained only minor injuries. Also read: 8-year-old Louisiana girl dies from rare brain-eating amoeba linked to lake swim

19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student Alli Renee Singh tragically lost her life when a vehicle plunged off a cliff into the Pacific Ocean near Steamer Lane along West Cliff Drive.

19-year-old Indian-origin UC Santa Cruz student dies after car plunges off cliff in US

The US military said on Monday that it struck an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Eastern Pacific routes, killing two people. US Southern Command said in a post on Sunday that the strike took place on Sunday on a “low-profile vessel operating along established narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.” The US SOUTHCOM claimed to have confirmed intelligence of their involvement in the narco-trafficking.&nbsp;"This operation is a clear and decisive reminder that SOUTHCOM is taking the fight directly to the cartels." US SOUTHCOM said in a post on the social media platform X. It also shared a grainy black-and-white video which showed a vessel moving before its explosion. TThe military did not identify the boat, but it appeared to be a long semi-submersible vessel, sometimes referred to as a "narco-sub". These vessels are usually preferred by drug traffickers as they sometimes go unnoticed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-sindhi-brides-india-pahalgam-operation-sindoor-1787506695786">150 Pakistani Sindhi brides reach India for weddings months after Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;This operation is a clear and decisive reminder that SOUTHCOM is taking the fight directly to the cartels.&quot; On August 23, under <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan’s direction, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere executed a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel… <a href="https://t.co/aIw1qn36gd">pic.twitter.com/aIw1qn36gd</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://x.com/Southcom/status/2091757856018104599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"When I ordered the establishment of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, it was precisely for this purpose: to accelerate, synchronise, and execute lethal actions against these destabilising narco-terrorist networks. We are committed to imposing total systemic friction on narco-terrorists -- disrupting their operations, dismantling their leadership, and eliminating cartel terror across the region." Gen. Donovan said.This marks the first known strike since June 21. The US Military launched “Operation Southern Spear” in September 2025, but it is unclear why the strikes on the alleged drug vessels were halted. It had struck at least 67 vessels and killed at least 221 people prior to the pause. The US federal government is yet to provide any evidence linking them to narco trafficking.Legal experts at the United Nations Human Rights Council have repeatedly called these strikes against civilian style vessel amounts to be extrajudicial killings, specifically the double-tap strikes, which target the survivors from the first strike. The Pentagon's watchdog said in May that it planned to look into whether the US military followed an established targeting framework when carrying out the strikes. However, those evaluations were related to following the established protocol of the six-phase Joint Targeting Cycle, not the legality of the strikes.&nbsp;

The US military said it struck an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people in the first such strike since June 21.

The US military said on Monday that it struck an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Eastern Pacific routes, killing two people. US Southern Command said in a post on Sunday that the strike took place on Sunday on a “low-profile vessel operating along established narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.” The US SOUTHCOM claimed to have confirmed intelligence of their involvement in the narco-trafficking. "This operation is a clear and decisive reminder that SOUTHCOM is taking the fight directly to the cartels." US SOUTHCOM said in a post on the social media platform X. It also shared a grainy black-and-white video which showed a vessel moving before its explosion. T The military did not identify the boat, but it appeared to be a long semi-submersible vessel, sometimes referred to as a "narco-sub". These vessels are usually preferred by drug traffickers as they sometimes go unnoticed. Also Read: 150 Pakistani Sindhi brides reach India for weddings months after Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor

The US military said it struck an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people in the first such strike since June 21.

US strikes alleged drug trafficking boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 2

Yanis Yushvaev, 40, was shot dead on Monday (August 23) afternoon at the Caesarea Junction in central Israel, according to reports. Hebrew-language media have described Yushvaev as the alleged head of the Caucasus Jewish mafia in Israel. Footage of the shooting shows a man wearing a hoodie and cap approaching a business at a gas station at the Caesarea Junction. The gunman then pulls out a pistol and shoots Yushvaev at point-blank range as Yushvaev and two other men leave the premises.<h2>Who was Yanis Yushvaev?</h2>Yushvaev, a resident of Or Akiva, had been repeatedly arrested in recent years on suspicion of involvement in shootings, grenade attacks and vehicle arson. However, he was never convicted in those cases. His most recent arrest came in February, when he was detained at Ben Gurion Airport after returning from Moscow. He was released within days. Yushvaev owned restaurants in the area and had publicly rejected allegations that he was involved in organized crime. In an interview with Channel 12 in October, he said he ‘is a legitimate businessman’ who is ‘very well-established, and drives a Bentley, and that bothers police.’&nbsp;Police sources cited in the same report portrayed him very differently. According to those sources, Yushvaev almost never talks on the phone because he knew he was being wiretapped and commanded the complete loyalty of associates in the Hadera area, who allegedly remained silent during police interrogations. “It’s hard to convict him, and that’s frustrating,” said one unnamed senior police officer at the time.<h2>Viewer discretion is advised for the video</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⚠️ WARNING: BRAZEN MAFIA ASSASSINATION CAUGHT ON SECURITY CAMERAS The reported head of the Kafkazi organized crime group was assassinated in broad daylight. According to initial reports, the gunman carried out the hit while wearing an extremely realistic, high-quality human… <a href="https://t.co/hlxRyc4eNG">pic.twitter.com/hlxRyc4eNG</a>&mdash; Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) <a href="https://x.com/MOSSADil/status/2091769143301136518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yushvaev had also previously been the target of a shooting. About a decade ago, he was shot and wounded while visiting mourners during a condolence visit in Hadera. He survived and subsequently became a prominent figure in Israel’s Sharon region, north of Tel Aviv. Police had arrested Yushvaev over the years on suspicion of involvement in multiple violent incidents.&nbsp;&nbsp;These included alleged gunfire targeting the home of a Hadera businessman and a shooting in Or Akiva in which a civilian was wounded. He was also detained at Ben Gurion International Airport after returning from abroad following intelligence suggesting that he intended to harm rivals. At another point, authorities barred him from entering Or Akiva. Yushvaev was ultimately released without charges in those cases, with authorities citing insufficient evidence.&nbsp;In November 2025, during a court hearing over a police request to extend his detention on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime, a police representative described Yushvaev as the head of a ‘criminal gang involved in blood feuds’. In 2023, Yushvaev was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a series of arson attacks in Or Akiva and Hadera. Dozens of vehicles were reportedly set on fire over the course of about a month.&nbsp;Reports surrounding Monday’s killing also pointed to Yushvaev’s history of arrests, including investigations into gunfire directed at a businessman’s vehicle and home, as well as suspicions linking him to the burning of dozens of vehicles. His death marks a dramatic development in a long-running series of criminal investigations and alleged gang conflicts surrounding figures in Israel’s Sharon region.

Yanis Yushvaev, described as the head of Israel’s Caucasus Jewish mafia, was shot dead at Caesarea Junction after years of criminal investigations

Yanis Yushvaev, 40, was shot dead on Monday (August 23) afternoon at the Caesarea Junction in central Israel, according to reports. Hebrew-language media have described Yushvaev as the alleged head of the Caucasus Jewish mafia in Israel. Footage of the shooting shows a man wearing a hoodie and cap approaching a business at a gas station at the Caesarea Junction. The gunman then pulls out a pistol and shoots Yushvaev at point-blank range as Yushvaev and two other men leave the premises. Who was Yanis Yushvaev? Yushvaev, a resident of Or Akiva, had been repeatedly arrested in recent years on suspicion of involvement in shootings, grenade attacks and vehicle arson. However, he was never convicted in those cases. His most recent arrest came in February, when he was detained at Ben Gurion Airport after returning from Moscow. He was released within days. Yushvaev owned restaurants in the area and had publicly rejected allegations that he was involved in organized crime. In an interview with Channel 12 in October, he said he ‘is a legitimate businessman’ who is ‘very well-established, and drives a Bentley, and that bothers police.’ Police sources cited in the same report portrayed him very differently. According to those sources, Yushvaev almost never talks on the phone because he knew he was being wiretapped and commanded the complete loyalty of associates in the Hadera area, who allegedly remained silent during police interrogations. “It’s hard to convict him, and that’s frustrating,” said one unnamed senior police officer at the time. Viewer discretion is advised for the video

Yanis Yushvaev, referred in Hebrew media as the alleged crime boss of the Caucasus Jewish mafia, was shot dead at Caesarea Junction after years of arrests over alleged gang violence

Who was Yanis Yushvaev? Head of Caucasus Jewish mafia shot dead in Caesarea

Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has urged the UK government to publicly intervene over his treatment in prison, alleging that he has been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement and denied access to family, doctors and lawyers.&nbsp;In a post on the social media platform X, Jemima directly addressed PM Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, asking how much longer Britain would "remain silent" over Khan's situation. She also alleged that the former prime minister had spent three years in solitary confinement and that his family had been denied contact with him for nearly 10 months.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Prime Minister <a href="https://x.com/andyburnham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andyburnham</a> and Foreign Secretary <a href="https://x.com/Ed_Miliband?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ed_Miliband</a> : how much longer will Britain remain silent? For three years the father of my two sons, and Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has been brutally penalised by his political opponents, in a personal…&mdash; Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) <a href="https://x.com/Jemima_Khan/status/2091821784525861367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 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/this-order-is-not-within-four-walls-of-the-law-pakistan-govt-to-challenge-sc-s-order-to-move-imran-khan-to-private-hospital-1787127780819">‘This order is not within four walls of the law’: Pakistan govt to challenge SC’s order to move Imran Khan to private hospital</a>&nbsp;“For three years the father of my two sons, and Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has been brutally penalised by his political opponents, in a personal vendetta by Army Chief, Asim Munir, &nbsp;which, according to the UN, &nbsp;amounts to torture and which &nbsp;is now taking a potentially fatal toll on his physical and mental health,” she wrote.&nbsp;She claimed Khan had also been deprived of access to books, lawyers and doctors, and said the treatment was taking a potentially serious toll on his physical and mental health.&nbsp;"The international human-rights standards are unequivocal," Goldsmith said, referring to the UN's Nelson Mandela Rules, which set standards for the treatment of prisoners and restrict prolonged solitary confinement.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/any-assistance-to-us-military-amounts-to-participation-in-us-military-operation-iran-s-stark-warning-to-gulf-countries-1787131901398">‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries</a>&nbsp;She said Pakistan's Supreme Court had ordered comprehensive medical treatment for Khan, access to his personal doctor, regular family visits and twice-weekly calls with his sons, but alleged that the orders were being ignored. She described the situation as "a human-rights emergency" rather than simply a domestic political matter.&nbsp;

Jemima Goldsmith urged UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to intervene over former Pakistani PM Imran Khan's three-year solitary confinement, warning of severe physical and mental deterioration.  

Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has urged the UK government to publicly intervene over his treatment in prison, alleging that he has been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement and denied access to family, doctors and lawyers. In a post on the social media platform X, Jemima directly addressed PM Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, asking how much longer Britain would "remain silent" over Khan's situation. She also alleged that the former prime minister had spent three years in solitary confinement and that his family had been denied contact with him for nearly 10 months.

Jemima Goldsmith urged UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to intervene over former Pakistani PM Imran Khan's three-year solitary confinement, warning of severe physical and mental deterioration. &nbsp;

'A human-rights emergency': Jemima Goldsmith urges UK PM Andy Burnham to intervene over ex-husband Imran Khan’s prison treatment

Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, the infamous Syrian cleric known as the ‘barrel bomb mufti’, who justified atrocities committed under former ruler Bashar al-Assad, was on Monday (Aug 24) sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Damascus. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty in a trial that began on 25 June under Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan. The jailing of the mufti came just weeks after Assad was sentenced to death in absentia for his actions while in power.<h2>Syria’s post-Assad transitional justice process</h2>The case is one of many being pursued to deliver justice to victims of the former regime.&nbsp;The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus found the former grand mufti guilty of inciting violence and civil war. He was charged with justifying killings under the Assad regime and abusing his office, as well as alleged involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity. His assets were ordered to be confiscated for the benefit of the public treasury.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/damascus-court-delivers-verdict-against-bashar-al-assad-syria-sentences-ousted-ruler-to-death-1786506322213/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/damascus-court-delivers-verdict-against-bashar-al-assad-syria-sentences-ousted-ruler-to-death-1786506322213/embed</a><h2>The barrel bomb mufti of Syria</h2>Hassoun was Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 until 2021. The cleric, who was born in Aleppo around 1949, acted as one of the Assad regime’s most prominent religious defenders after the 2011 uprising, which led to a nearly 14-year civil war.Hassoun portrayed the protests as a foreign-backed terrorist conspiracy. He used his Friday sermons, public appearances and fatwas to lend religious and political legitimacy to the Assad regime’s brutal crackdowns.He was nicknamed the “barrel bomb mufti” or the “mufti of the barrels” because he justified as “liberation” the regime’s indiscriminate aerial bombing of civilian areas with explosive-laden barrels. &nbsp;He also issued threats, saying at one point that Syria would train suicide bombers to attack European countries if they intervened.He was accused of authorising executions of detainees, including at the notorious Sednaya Prison.His influence waned after 2018, when authority over religious affairs shifted.The grand mufti post was later abolished under Assad in 2021, before being restored after the regime’s fall in 2024.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-ousted-president-bashar-al-assad-gets-death-penalty-in-landmark-verdict-1786437414005">Ousted Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad gets death sentence in landmark verdict</a><h2>Hassoun was held when trying to flee Syria</h2>Following Assad’s ouster by opposition forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, then the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in December 2024, Hassoun went into hiding. HTS was the main force in the rebel offensive that toppled Assad’s government and seized Damascus on 8 December 2024.Hassoun was detained at Damascus International Airport in March 2025 while trying to flee the country.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bashar-al-assad-sentenced-to-death-in-absentia-fall-of-a-dictator-political-profile-1786441067165">Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia: Fall of a dictator</a>&nbsp;The trial of the former mufti was viewed in Syria as a significant step towards holding senior civilian and religious figures accountable for the Syrian war, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions.&nbsp;

A Syrian court sentenced former Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, known as the “barrel bomb mufti”, to life imprisonment. He was accused of inciting violence and justifying killings under Bashar al-Assad 

Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, the infamous Syrian cleric known as the ‘barrel bomb mufti’, who justified atrocities committed under former ruler Bashar al-Assad, was on Monday (Aug 24) sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Damascus. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty in a trial that began on 25 June under Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan. The jailing of the mufti came just weeks after Assad was sentenced to death in absentia for his actions while in power. Syria’s post-Assad transitional justice process The case is one of many being pursued to deliver justice to victims of the former regime. The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus found the former grand mufti guilty of inciting violence and civil war. He was charged with justifying killings under the Assad regime and abusing his office, as well as alleged involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity. His assets were ordered to be confiscated for the benefit of the public treasury. https://www.wionews.com/videos/damascus-court-delivers-verdict-against-bashar-al-assad-syria-sentences-ousted-ruler-to-death-1786506322213/embed The barrel bomb mufti of Syria Hassoun was Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 until 2021. The cleric, who was born in Aleppo around 1949, acted as one of the Assad regime’s most prominent religious defenders after the 2011 uprising, which led to a nearly 14-year civil war. Hassoun portrayed the protests as a foreign-backed terrorist conspiracy. He used his Friday sermons, public appearances and fatwas to lend religious and political legitimacy to the Assad regime’s brutal crackdowns. He was nicknamed the “barrel bomb mufti” or the “mufti of the barrels” because he justified as “liberation” the regime’s indiscriminate aerial bombing of civilian areas with explosive-laden barrels. He also issued threats, saying at one point that Syria would train suicide bombers to attack European countries if they intervened. He was accused of authorising executions of detainees, including at the notorious Sednaya Prison. His influence waned after 2018, when authority over religious affairs shifted. The grand mufti post was later abolished under Assad in 2021, before being restored after the regime’s fall in 2024. Also read: Ousted Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad gets death sentence in landmark verdict Hassoun was held when trying to flee Syria Following Assad’s ouster by opposition forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, then the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in December 2024, Hassoun went into hiding. HTS was the main force in the rebel offensive that toppled Assad’s government and seized Damascus on 8 December 2024. Hassoun was detained at Damascus International Airport in March 2025 while trying to flee the country. Also read: Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia: Fall of a dictator The trial of the former mufti was viewed in Syria as a significant step towards holding senior civilian and religious figures accountable for the Syrian war, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions.

A Syrian court sentenced former Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, known as the “barrel bomb mufti”, to life imprisonment. He was accused of inciting violence and justifying killings under Bashar al-Assad&nbsp;

Who is "barrel bomb mufti" Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, sentenced to prison for life for justifying Assad regime atrocities?

Minimalist, flush-fitting door handles have become a defining feature of modern electric vehicles (EVs), but the increasingly popular design is now facing major safety scrutiny in China. More than 4 million vehicles are being recalled over concerns that hidden door handles can be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies. The recall includes 2.98 million Chinese-made Tesla vehicles, making it one of the largest vehicle recalls in China.&nbsp;Other manufacturers affected include Chinese EV makers XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely. As part of the recall, affected vehicles will receive warning labels on the interior doors and a software update designed to automatically lower the windows following a crash. The measures are intended to make it easier for occupants and rescuers to escape if the vehicle's electrical systems fail. The safety concerns intensified following two fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs in China, where power failures were suspected of preventing the vehicles' doors from being opened.&nbsp;Tesla said it was recalling certain Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles because their door handles can be difficult to identify and operate. Tesla said in a statement on Friday that it was recalling some of its Model 3, Y, S and X vehicles due to door handles that are "difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim".&nbsp;The company added, "In extreme situations such as a severe collision causing the vehicle's low-voltage system to fail, this could hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and impede rescue efforts by those outside the vehicle, posing a safety hazard," it said. Tesla plans to add warning labels to affected vehicles and deploy a software update that will automatically lower the windows after a collision. It remains unclear whether Tesla and the other affected manufacturers will introduce similar recalls or safety measures for vehicles sold outside China.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/iit-delhi-alumna-builds-battery-powered-refrigeration-system-cuts-cold-chain-costs-by-75-1787562263126">IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75%</a><h2>Why are hidden door handles under scrutiny?</h2>Flush and concealed door handles became increasingly popular among EV manufacturers because they contribute to a sleek, aerodynamic appearance. Tesla's Model S, launched with its distinctive retractable handles, helped establish the design as a signature feature of modern electric cars. Tu Le, founder of consultancy Sino Auto Insights, said the design ‘snowballed’ after Chinese manufacturers began copying the "sleek" appearance of Tesla's Model S sedan from 2014 onwards. However, Le believes the current recall measures may not provide a permanent answer to the safety concerns. He described the use of warning labels and a software update as more of a "band-aid" than a lasting solution.<h2>China to restrict hidden door handles</h2>Chinese authorities announced restrictions on hidden door handles in February. Under rules scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027, new vehicles sold in China will be required to have a mechanical door release on both the inside and outside of the vehicle. The move reflects growing concerns that electronically operated or concealed handles could become difficult or impossible to use following a serious crash or electrical failure.&nbsp;Tesla's door-handle technology has also attracted attention from US safety regulators. The company previously faced a probe by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after reports that door handles stopped functioning and left children trapped inside vehicles. In July, NHTSA proposed developing a new formal safety standard covering door-handle safety across the automotive industry. The developments in China could therefore signal a broader shift away from fully concealed electronic door handles, as regulators increasingly prioritise emergency access and occupant safety over minimalist vehicle design.

China recalls more than 4 million EVs, including 2.98 million Teslas, over hidden door-handle safety concerns and emergency escape risks

Minimalist, flush-fitting door handles have become a defining feature of modern electric vehicles (EVs), but the increasingly popular design is now facing major safety scrutiny in China. More than 4 million vehicles are being recalled over concerns that hidden door handles can be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies. The recall includes 2.98 million Chinese-made Tesla vehicles, making it one of the largest vehicle recalls in China. Other manufacturers affected include Chinese EV makers XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely. As part of the recall, affected vehicles will receive warning labels on the interior doors and a software update designed to automatically lower the windows following a crash. The measures are intended to make it easier for occupants and rescuers to escape if the vehicle's electrical systems fail. The safety concerns intensified following two fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs in China, where power failures were suspected of preventing the vehicles' doors from being opened. Tesla said it was recalling certain Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles because their door handles can be difficult to identify and operate. Tesla said in a statement on Friday that it was recalling some of its Model 3, Y, S and X vehicles due to door handles that are "difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim". The company added, "In extreme situations such as a severe collision causing the vehicle's low-voltage system to fail, this could hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and impede rescue efforts by those outside the vehicle, posing a safety hazard," it said. Tesla plans to add warning labels to affected vehicles and deploy a software update that will automatically lower the windows after a collision. It remains unclear whether Tesla and the other affected manufacturers will introduce similar recalls or safety measures for vehicles sold outside China. Also Read: IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75% Why are hidden door handles under scrutiny? Flush and concealed door handles became increasingly popular among EV manufacturers because they contribute to a sleek, aerodynamic appearance. Tesla's Model S, launched with its distinctive retractable handles, helped establish the design as a signature feature of modern electric cars. Tu Le, founder of consultancy Sino Auto Insights, said the design ‘snowballed’ after Chinese manufacturers began copying the "sleek" appearance of Tesla's Model S sedan from 2014 onwards. However, Le believes the current recall measures may not provide a permanent answer to the safety concerns. He described the use of warning labels and a software update as more of a "band-aid" than a lasting solution. China to restrict hidden door handles Chinese authorities announced restrictions on hidden door handles in February. Under rules scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027, new vehicles sold in China will be required to have a mechanical door release on both the inside and outside of the vehicle. The move reflects growing concerns that electronically operated or concealed handles could become difficult or impossible to use following a serious crash or electrical failure. Tesla's door-handle technology has also attracted attention from US safety regulators. The company previously faced a probe by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after reports that door handles stopped functioning and left children trapped inside vehicles. In July, NHTSA proposed developing a new formal safety standard covering door-handle safety across the automotive industry. The developments in China could therefore signal a broader shift away from fully concealed electronic door handles, as regulators increasingly prioritise emergency access and occupant safety over minimalist vehicle design.

China recalls over 4 million EVs, including 2.98 million Teslas, over hidden door-handle safety concerns and emergency escape risks

China recalls more than 4 million Teslas over hidden door-handle system safety concerns

Russian nuclear submarine Khabarovsk has been launched for the first time and put to sea. The submarine can carry nuclear “doomsday” torpedoes, which would be launched with such force that they would trigger tsunamis. The trials happened in the White Sea last week. The submarine carries regular anti-ship and land-attack missiles, and on top of them, can carry up to six Poseidon nuclear torpedoes. These missiles are believed to have a range of nearly 10,000 kilometres and a dive capability of 3,280ft. Meanwhile, the Khabarovsk submarine reportedly costs £1billion and has a 10,000-ton displacement.&nbsp;Poseidon can unleash major tsunami waves, triggering massive devastation on land because of the massive radioactive surge created inland, analysts say. Russian President Putin confirmed a Poseidon test earlier this year. Last year, he also claimed that the missile cannot be intercepted. &nbsp;The claim that Poseidon cannot be intercepted remains unverified.&nbsp;<h2>Poseidon can sink cities</h2>"There is nothing like this. There is no way to intercept it," he told a group of military officials last year. Russia developed the submarine as a response to the US's withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 20 Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said at the time that Poseidon is a true "doomsday weapon". The missile is around 65 to 80 ft long and about 6.5ft in diameter.&nbsp;Meanwhile, analysts say that the claims that the missiles can cause a continent-sweeping radioactive tsunami are likely wrong and scientifically impossible. But they agree that Poseidon is meant to create terror, and its sheer scale and power are doing just that. Nevertheless, the missiles can unleash havoc on coastal cities and turn affected land toxic for years.&nbsp;<h2>Russia accused UK of “participating in the war”</h2>On Monday, Russia warned the UK for its support for Ukraine, and for providing it with missile technology. As Andy Burnham reached Kyiv for his first foreign visit as Prime Minister, Moscow said that it is now "participating in this war". Notably, Burnham announced that European defence firm MBDA will share information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile. Slamming London for the decision, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Britain methodically and regularly pours fuel on the fire and methodically and regularly plots to prevent any progress in the peace process."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia has tested the nuclear submarine capable of carrying the Poseidon missiles and triggering massive tsunamis. Khabarovsk was put to sea recently and is a major weapon in Putin's arsenal. Putin says Poseidon cannot be intercepted.

Russian nuclear submarine Khabarovsk has been launched for the first time and put to sea. The submarine can carry nuclear “doomsday” torpedoes, which would be launched with such force that they would trigger tsunamis. The trials happened in the White Sea last week. The submarine carries regular anti-ship and land-attack missiles, and on top of them, can carry up to six Poseidon nuclear torpedoes. These missiles are believed to have a range of nearly 10,000 kilometres and a dive capability of 3,280ft. Meanwhile, the Khabarovsk submarine reportedly costs £1billion and has a 10,000-ton displacement. Poseidon can unleash major tsunami waves, triggering massive devastation on land because of the massive radioactive surge created inland, analysts say. Russian President Putin confirmed a Poseidon test earlier this year. Last year, he also claimed that the missile cannot be intercepted. The claim that Poseidon cannot be intercepted remains unverified. Poseidon can sink cities "There is nothing like this. There is no way to intercept it," he told a group of military officials last year. Russia developed the submarine as a response to the US's withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 20 Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said at the time that Poseidon is a true "doomsday weapon". The missile is around 65 to 80 ft long and about 6.5ft in diameter. Meanwhile, analysts say that the claims that the missiles can cause a continent-sweeping radioactive tsunami are likely wrong and scientifically impossible. But they agree that Poseidon is meant to create terror, and its sheer scale and power are doing just that. Nevertheless, the missiles can unleash havoc on coastal cities and turn affected land toxic for years. Russia accused UK of “participating in the war” On Monday, Russia warned the UK for its support for Ukraine, and for providing it with missile technology. As Andy Burnham reached Kyiv for his first foreign visit as Prime Minister, Moscow said that it is now "participating in this war". Notably, Burnham announced that European defence firm MBDA will share information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile. Slamming London for the decision, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Britain methodically and regularly pours fuel on the fire and methodically and regularly plots to prevent any progress in the peace process."

Russia has tested the nuclear submarine capable of carrying the Poseidon missiles and triggering massive tsunamis. Khabarovsk was put to sea recently and is a major weapon in Putin's arsenal. Putin says Poseidon cannot be intercepted.

Russia tests submarine capable of carrying Poseidon 'doomsday' missiles that can trigger radioactive tsunami

England’s worsening water crisis has prompted a £270,000 (Over $367,000) taxpayer-funded campaign urging South Asian communities to reduce the amount of water used to wash rice and Muslims to use less water during wudu, the ritual cleansing performed before prayer.Almost three-quarters of England is currently under drought conditions after five heatwaves this summer contributed to falling river and reservoir levels.&nbsp;The water regulator Ofwat has funded two campaigns under a project titled “Water efficiency in faith and diverse communities”, aimed at encouraging lower water consumption in everyday cultural and religious practices.<h2>‘Wash rice twice’</h2>British Malaysian celebrity chef Ping Coombes features in one campaign video focused on rice-washing practices in Asian communities. Coombes says it is common to wash rice five to seven times until the water runs clear, but says she washes hers twice.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sexist-or-historic-italy-s-123-year-old-beach-sees-visitors-surge-after-men-here-women-there-controversy-1787296071134">‘Sexist’ or historic? Italy’s 123-year-old beach sees visitors surge after ‘men here, women there’ controversy</a>&nbsp;“By doing this we can save up to five litres of water each time,” she says. She demonstrates the method and suggests using leftover rice water to water plants.&nbsp;In a separate campaign video, journalist Sonia Haria suggests that rice water can also be reused as a facial toner or sprayed on hair. She says that while there are not many clinical studies supporting such uses, it is a long-established beauty practice.&nbsp;The campaign forms part of a wider effort to reduce water consumption as England faces pressure on its water supplies.<h2>1ltr jug for wudu</h2>A separate campaign, titled “Reviving the Sunnah”, has been launched in partnership with Cambridge Central Mosque and focuses on reducing water use during wudu. Wudu is performed before prayer and, for many Muslims, may be carried out up to five times a day.&nbsp;Campaign material says Muslims typically use between six and 12 litres of water during each wudu session when using a running tap. It also states that a running tap can use about six litres of water every minute. The campaign refers to the Sunnah and says the Prophet used one Mudd, approximately one litre of water, to perform wudu.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wait-here-i-m-going-to-the-summit-japanese-father-leaves-tired-7-year-old-son-alone-on-mount-fuji-sparks-outrage-1787321519712">‘Wait here, I’m going to the summit’: Japanese father leaves tired 7-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji, sparks outrage</a>&nbsp;It encourages Muslims to “Make wudu the Prophetic way”, with Imam Sejad Mekic of Cambridge Central Mosque demonstrating the practice using a one-litre jug instead of a running tap.<h2>Why is the campaign facing criticism?</h2>The campaign has faced criticism over its £270,000 cost, particularly amid concerns about water lost through leaks. Around three billion litres of water are reportedly lost through leaks in England every day.&nbsp;Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Mike Wood criticised the spending, saying families already facing steep increases in their bills “will not be best pleased” that their money is being used on what he described as “bizarre schemes” aimed at changing longstanding practices.The campaigns come as England continues to face drought conditions and pressure to reduce water consumption across households and communities.&nbsp;

A £270,000 UK campaign urges South Asian and Muslim communities to cut water use during drought by modifying rice-washing practices and performing wudu using a one-liter jug, sparking criticism.

England’s worsening water crisis has prompted a £270,000 (Over $367,000) taxpayer-funded campaign urging South Asian communities to reduce the amount of water used to wash rice and Muslims to use less water during wudu, the ritual cleansing performed before prayer. Almost three-quarters of England is currently under drought conditions after five heatwaves this summer contributed to falling river and reservoir levels. The water regulator Ofwat has funded two campaigns under a project titled “Water efficiency in faith and diverse communities”, aimed at encouraging lower water consumption in everyday cultural and religious practices. ‘Wash rice twice’ British Malaysian celebrity chef Ping Coombes features in one campaign video focused on rice-washing practices in Asian communities. Coombes says it is common to wash rice five to seven times until the water runs clear, but says she washes hers twice. Also read: ‘Sexist’ or historic? Italy’s 123-year-old beach sees visitors surge after ‘men here, women there’ controversy “By doing this we can save up to five litres of water each time,” she says. She demonstrates the method and suggests using leftover rice water to water plants. In a separate campaign video, journalist Sonia Haria suggests that rice water can also be reused as a facial toner or sprayed on hair. She says that while there are not many clinical studies supporting such uses, it is a long-established beauty practice. The campaign forms part of a wider effort to reduce water consumption as England faces pressure on its water supplies. 1ltr jug for wudu A separate campaign, titled “Reviving the Sunnah”, has been launched in partnership with Cambridge Central Mosque and focuses on reducing water use during wudu. Wudu is performed before prayer and, for many Muslims, may be carried out up to five times a day. Campaign material says Muslims typically use between six and 12 litres of water during each wudu session when using a running tap. It also states that a running tap can use about six litres of water every minute. The campaign refers to the Sunnah and says the Prophet used one Mudd, approximately one litre of water, to perform wudu. Also read: ‘Wait here, I’m going to the summit’: Japanese father leaves tired 7-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji, sparks outrage It encourages Muslims to “Make wudu the Prophetic way”, with Imam Sejad Mekic of Cambridge Central Mosque demonstrating the practice using a one-litre jug instead of a running tap. Why is the campaign facing criticism? The campaign has faced criticism over its £270,000 cost, particularly amid concerns about water lost through leaks. Around three billion litres of water are reportedly lost through leaks in England every day. Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Mike Wood criticised the spending, saying families already facing steep increases in their bills “will not be best pleased” that their money is being used on what he described as “bizarre schemes” aimed at changing longstanding practices. The campaigns come as England continues to face drought conditions and pressure to reduce water consumption across households and communities.

A £270,000 UK campaign urges South Asian and Muslim communities to cut water use during drought by modifying rice-washing practices and performing wudu using a one-liter jug, sparking criticism.

‘Wash rice twice, use less water for wudu’: Over $367,000 UK campaign urges South Asians, Muslims to save water amid drought

The issue of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's imprisonment has gone global with Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed strongly condemning Pakistani government's action against him. This comes after British politician Zac Goldsmith who is also Khan’s former brother-in-law wrote a letter to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband asking him to intervene with the Pakistan government over treatment of Khan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, speaking at the Pakistan Association of America's annual gathering in metro Detroit, El-Sayed called for the release of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He openly denounced Pakistan's government as a military "dictatorship" and stated that “democracy is not being allowed to take its place.” He specifically spoke out against the intimidation and imprisonment of political leaders, including former PM Khan. Drawing a parallel to Egypt—the country his parents immigrated from—El-Sayed argued that neither government should receive US financial aid or be shielded from criticism simply because they are American allies. &nbsp;He called for the restoration of genuine human rights and democratic governance for the Pakistani people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-imran-khan-s-prison-treatment-causing-a-political-storm-in-pakistan-wion-decodes-1787476181869">Why is Imran Khan’s prison treatment causing a political storm in Pakistan? WION Decodes</a><h2>Imran Khan controversy in Pakistan</h2>Uproar began in Pakistan after Pakistani Supreme Court's recent order on Imran Khan. The Supreme Court delivered an order on August 18 directing the government to move Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours. “We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody. A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care,” the court said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humane-treatment-and-proper-medical-care-sunil-gavaskar-kapil-dev-among-21-former-captains-to-appeal-pak-pm-for-imran-khan-1787497194755">'Humane treatment and proper medical care': Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev among 21 former captains to appeal Pak PM for Imran Khan</a>&nbsp;On Saturday (Aug 22), Khan was taken out of jail to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a brief medical examination instead of being transferred to the private Shifa International Hospital, as directed by the top court. Moreover, rather than being admitted to the hospital for treatment, Khan was taken back to the prison after the medical tests within a few hours, prompting PTI to express outrage.&nbsp;PTI moved the Supreme Court against the government, alleging that authorities violated its order. Khan’s sister Uzma Khan, who was present during his examination at PIMS, told reporters that her brother appeared physically fit but claimed he had told her that he was “being repeatedly tortured in prison”.“He repeatedly told me, ‘I have been subjected to injustice. I am being severely tortured.’&nbsp;The Pakistani government blamed PTI for the transfer to the state-run facility instead of the private one ordered by the Supreme Court, citing heavy presence of party members outside the Shifa International Hospital. "Contempt has definitely happened. Wasn't it PTI who did it? Didn't they violate the court order?,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. Speaking at a press conference, he said, “If somebody is in contempt, it is Imran Khan’s sister and his party... The prisoner’s family was in contempt. His party was in contempt by gathering people and creating issues for the authorities.” He insisted that the government fulfilled the court order by taking Khan to a medical checkup in the presence of his sister and doctors from the Shifa hospital.&nbsp;

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed criticised Pakistan’s military establishment and called for Imran Khan’s release, democratic governance and human rights. His remarks come amid a row over Khan’s prison treatment

The issue of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's imprisonment has gone global with Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed strongly condemning Pakistani government's action against him. This comes after British politician Zac Goldsmith who is also Khan’s former brother-in-law wrote a letter to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband asking him to intervene with the Pakistan government over treatment of Khan. Now, speaking at the Pakistan Association of America's annual gathering in metro Detroit, El-Sayed called for the release of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He openly denounced Pakistan's government as a military "dictatorship" and stated that “democracy is not being allowed to take its place.” He specifically spoke out against the intimidation and imprisonment of political leaders, including former PM Khan. Drawing a parallel to Egypt—the country his parents immigrated from—El-Sayed argued that neither government should receive US financial aid or be shielded from criticism simply because they are American allies. He called for the restoration of genuine human rights and democratic governance for the Pakistani people. Also Read: Why is Imran Khan’s prison treatment causing a political storm in Pakistan? WION Decodes Imran Khan controversy in Pakistan Uproar began in Pakistan after Pakistani Supreme Court's recent order on Imran Khan. The Supreme Court delivered an order on August 18 directing the government to move Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours. “We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody. A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care,” the court said. Also Read: 'Humane treatment and proper medical care': Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev among 21 former captains to appeal Pak PM for Imran Khan On Saturday (Aug 22), Khan was taken out of jail to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a brief medical examination instead of being transferred to the private Shifa International Hospital, as directed by the top court. Moreover, rather than being admitted to the hospital for treatment, Khan was taken back to the prison after the medical tests within a few hours, prompting PTI to express outrage. PTI moved the Supreme Court against the government, alleging that authorities violated its order. Khan’s sister Uzma Khan, who was present during his examination at PIMS, told reporters that her brother appeared physically fit but claimed he had told her that he was “being repeatedly tortured in prison”. “He repeatedly told me, ‘I have been subjected to injustice. I am being severely tortured.’ The Pakistani government blamed PTI for the transfer to the state-run facility instead of the private one ordered by the Supreme Court, citing heavy presence of party members outside the Shifa International Hospital. "Contempt has definitely happened. Wasn't it PTI who did it? Didn't they violate the court order?,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. Speaking at a press conference, he said, “If somebody is in contempt, it is Imran Khan’s sister and his party... The prisoner’s family was in contempt. His party was in contempt by gathering people and creating issues for the authorities.” He insisted that the government fulfilled the court order by taking Khan to a medical checkup in the presence of his sister and doctors from the Shifa hospital.

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed criticised Pakistan’s military establishment and called for Imran Khan’s release, democratic governance and human rights. His remarks come amid a row over Khan’s prison treatment

Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed backs Imran Khan’s release, calls for end to US aid to Pakistan

Iranian state television has aired a segment focusing on US President Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, and referring to a $10 million reward, in what Iran International described as an unusually direct threat involving a member of the president’s immediate family. The roughly three-minute broadcast reportedly examined ways to reach Barron Trump and used stylised graphics depicting surveillance, online activity, and people in his surroundings.&nbsp;WION cannot independently verify the video's authenticity or the claims made in it.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump, Islamic Republic’s state-run Channel 3 has now openly broadcast a video targeting your son, Barron Trump, discussing ways to reach him and promoting a reported $10 million bounty. This isn’t some anonymous account on social media. This was broadcast on the… <a href="https://t.co/DPzwLnARO2">https://t.co/DPzwLnARO2</a> <a href="https://t.co/KfWN0xLsci">pic.twitter.com/KfWN0xLsci</a>&mdash; Niyak Ghorbani (نیاک) (@GhorbaniiNiyak) <a href="https://x.com/GhorbaniiNiyak/status/2091682542021718291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Segment maps Barron’s surroundings</h2>According to Iran International, the programme displayed locations and online platforms allegedly linked to the effort, while also showing attempts to map social connections around Trump’s son and illustrate how someone could potentially get through layers of Secret Service protection.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-melania-barron-why-is-irgc-linked-media-outlet-urging-freedom-fighters-to-assassinate-trump-s-family-watch-1785183071114">‘Kill Melania, Barron’: Why is IRGC-linked media outlet urging ‘freedom fighters’ to assassinate Trump’s family? WATCH</a>&nbsp;The segment relied heavily on dramatised graphics and did not provide evidence that any attempt to reach Barron Trump had taken place or succeeded. However, the decision to air such material on Iranian state television is notable given a history of threats against Trump and other senior US officials in Iranian political rhetoric, state-linked media and public rallies.&nbsp;Similar videos targeting Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, have also been broadcast previously.<h2>Previous alleged plots against US officials</h2>US prosecutors have previously accused members or associates of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of plotting to kill former senior American officials. Among the alleged plots were efforts targeting former US national security adviser John Bolton. US authorities said those plans were linked to retaliation for the 2020 US killing of Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-has-no-official-role-questions-mount-after-hegseth-s-wife-attended-sensitive-pentagon-meeting-on-ukraine-1787299038864">‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine</a>&nbsp;Trump himself has also been the subject of alleged Iranian assassination plots. In 2024, US prosecutors said Tehran had tasked an operative with developing a plan to kill Trump. Iranian threats have also contributed to heightened security measures around the US president.&nbsp;

Iranian state television reportedly aired a dramatised segment detailing ways to bypass Secret Service security to target Donald Trump’s son, Barron Trump, referencing a $10 million reward.

Iranian state television has aired a segment focusing on US President Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, and referring to a $10 million reward, in what Iran International described as an unusually direct threat involving a member of the president’s immediate family. The roughly three-minute broadcast reportedly examined ways to reach Barron Trump and used stylised graphics depicting surveillance, online activity, and people in his surroundings. WION cannot independently verify the video's authenticity or the claims made in it.

Iranian state television reportedly aired a dramatised segment detailing ways to bypass Secret Service security to target Donald Trump’s son, Barron Trump, referencing a $10 million reward.

‘Where to kill Barron Trump?’: Iranian state TV airs murder threat for Trump’s son, offers $10mn reward

An eight-year-old Louisiana girl has lost her life after she came into contact with a rare, fatal brain-eating amoeba after a swim in Lake Claiborne. The deceased girl, identified as Lillian Smart, of Ruston, died on Saturday (August 22), a day after celebrating her birthday.&nbsp;Following her death, her family announced in a public post on Facebook, writing, “Love for Lillian”. “Last night Lillian ran from our arms to the arms of Jesus,” her family said in the post. “The injuries to her brain were too severe for her little body to recover from. Everyone did everything they could to keep her here. We are heartbroken and honestly do not know what to do next. How do we put one foot in front of the other without our girl?” Meanwhile, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed on 19 August that a state resident had been infected with Naegleria fowleri. The department has added that the exposure most likely took place while the person was swimming in Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish. Later, family friends discovered Lillian was infected with the fatal brain-eating amoeba, according to reports.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/german-councillor-proposes-sex-party-at-city-hall-wants-to-end-taboos-around-swinging-1787542396360">German councillor proposes sex party at city hall, wants to end taboos around swinging</a><h3>Infections caused by Naegleria fowleri</h3>Lillian was admitted to the hospital on August 15. During this difficult time, over 24 local businesses in Ruston stepped up to support the Smart family by contributing a share of their sales, according to a Facebook page. Infections caused by Naegleria fowleri remain exceptionally rare, with Louisiana recording only a few instances since 2011. The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, and is most prevalent across southern states during summer months. It cannot survive in saltwater or in properly chlorinated, well-maintained swimming pools. According to the CDC, roughly 180 cases have been documented across the United States since 1937, including a fatal 2023 case involving a child in Little Rock, Arkansas, who contracted the amoeba at a country club splash pad.&nbsp;

The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, and is most prevalent across southern states during the summer months. It cannot survive in saltwater or in properly chlorinated, well-maintained swimming pools.

An eight-year-old Louisiana girl has lost her life after she came into contact with a rare, fatal brain-eating amoeba after a swim in Lake Claiborne. The deceased girl, identified as Lillian Smart, of Ruston, died on Saturday (August 22), a day after celebrating her birthday. Following her death, her family announced in a public post on Facebook, writing, “Love for Lillian”. “Last night Lillian ran from our arms to the arms of Jesus,” her family said in the post. “The injuries to her brain were too severe for her little body to recover from. Everyone did everything they could to keep her here. We are heartbroken and honestly do not know what to do next. How do we put one foot in front of the other without our girl?” Meanwhile, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed on 19 August that a state resident had been infected with Naegleria fowleri. The department has added that the exposure most likely took place while the person was swimming in Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish. Later, family friends discovered Lillian was infected with the fatal brain-eating amoeba, according to reports. Also read: German councillor proposes sex party at city hall, wants to end taboos around swinging Infections caused by Naegleria fowleri Lillian was admitted to the hospital on August 15. During this difficult time, over 24 local businesses in Ruston stepped up to support the Smart family by contributing a share of their sales, according to a Facebook page. Infections caused by Naegleria fowleri remain exceptionally rare, with Louisiana recording only a few instances since 2011. The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, and is most prevalent across southern states during summer months. It cannot survive in saltwater or in properly chlorinated, well-maintained swimming pools. According to the CDC, roughly 180 cases have been documented across the United States since 1937, including a fatal 2023 case involving a child in Little Rock, Arkansas, who contracted the amoeba at a country club splash pad.

The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, and is most prevalent across southern states during the summer months. It cannot survive in saltwater or in properly chlorinated, well-maintained swimming pools.

8-year-old Louisiana girl dies from rare brain-eating amoeba linked to lake swim

Latest News Today Live Updates:Stay tuned to this live blog for all the latest news and breaking developments from India and around the world. In Maharashtra, three newborns were killed after a fire broke out inside the NICU of the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati, reportedly following an explosion or short circuit involving a ventilator. Meanwhile, a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Nagpur shortly after midnight left several people hospitalised and prompted authorities to cordon off the area.On the India-China front, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has travelled to Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with border stability and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) expected to be key issues. The talks come ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposed visit to India for the BRICS Summit. In Bangladesh, fresh details have emerged in the murder of a Hindu family of four in Rangpur, with police reportedly saying the accused had consumed drugs and bathed after the killings.Meanwhile, in the latest update on Iran-US war, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit Tehran, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has spoken about the economic “endgame” amid continuing global economic uncertainty.Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

The Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala recorded 416 weddings in seven hours on Sunday, the highest number held at the temple on a single day, Devaswom officials said. The first Sunday of the Malayalam month of Chingam is considered auspicious for weddings, leading to a heavy rush.

416 couples tie the knot in 7 hours: Kerala's Guruvayur temple sets new record

Officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Civil Supplies Minister and YSR Congress Party leader Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao in connection with the alleged liquor transport scam on Sunday.

Andhra liquor scam: ED arrests YSRCP leader and former Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao

Malayalam actor S. Devan, who recently quit the BJP, on Monday (August 24, 2026) said he has decided to join Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party.

Keralam actor Devan set to join Vijay’s TVK after BJP exit

The Tamil Nadu government led by chief minister Vijay has ordered strict quality checks across all distilleries in the state to ensure alcohol content in liquor sold through TASMAC complies with prescribed standards.

CM Vijay's govt orders quality checks on alcohol level at all Tamil Nadu distilleries after Enrica liquor ban row

England’s worsening water crisis has prompted a £270,000 (Over $367,000) taxpayer-funded campaign urging South Asian communities to reduce the amount of water used to wash rice and Muslims to use less water during wudu, the ritual cleansing performed before prayer.Read more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wash-rice-twice-use-less-water-for-wudu-over-367-000-uk-campaign-urges-south-asians-muslims-to-save-water-amid-drought-1787563912742">here</a>.&nbsp;

Over $367,000 UK campaign urges South Asians, Muslims to save water amid drought

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed criticised Pakistan’s military establishment and called for Imran Khan’s release, democratic governance and human rights. His remarks come amid a row over Khan’s prison treatment. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/michigan-senate-nominee-abdul-el-sayed-backs-imran-khan-s-release-calls-for-end-to-us-aid-to-pakistan-1787548712372">READ MORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Russia for the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), the Ministry of External Affairs said. “At the invitation of First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Denis Manturov, the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will undertake an official visit to Russia on 23-24 August 2026 to co-chair the 27th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC),” the MEA said in a statement.

Jaishankar to visit Russia on August 23, 24

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to Paris for a two-day state visit, opening with the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup before turning to talks on regional security and economic ties.

French President Macron to host Saudi Crown Prince MBS in Paris for talks

More than 53,000 workers at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings’ meltdown-stricken Fukushima No. 1 power plant have received radiation doses exceeding a key level of 5 millisieverts per year.

53,000 Fukushima nuclear plant workers received high radiation doses: report

China said that it was postponing its ambitious Chang’e-7 lunar mission, which was set to carry out explorations including searching for water ice on the moon. The Chang’e-7 spacecraft was originally set to lift off in the coming days from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on China’s southern Hainan island. The mission does not meet the launch conditions, the Manned Space Agency said in a brief statement, and “cannot take place during the planned window this year.”

China abruptly postpones ambitious Chang'e-7 lunar mission launch

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will discuss the issue of ten Pakistani sailors held hostage by Somali pirates aboard a Palau-flagged oil tanker, MT Honour 25, during his visit to the United Kingdom (UK) on Aug. 24-28, the Pakistani foreign office said. Foreign Minister Dar this month urged Pakistani authorities to intensify diplomatic engagement with international partners, including Somali authorities, to secure the safe return of these Pakistani hostages.

Pakistan FM arrives in UK, will discuss issue of sailors held hostage by Somali pirates

Israel threatened on Sunday to intensify the killing of Hamas officials and displace more Palestinians from areas of Gaza if kite, balloon and drone launches toward southern Israel continue. The warning was issued in an official statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and Defense Minister Israel Katz following a "security assessment.""Israel warns Hamas that if the launches do not stop immediately, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will step up the killings of those responsible and displace people from areas from which kites, balloons and drones were launched," the statement said.

Israel threatens intensified killings, displacement in Gaza over kite launches

Iran’s Parliament on Sunday approved a motion to charge ships for receiving services in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency reported. A spokesperson for Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission said that fees will be collected from ships of countries authorised to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, in rials or any other currency desired by Iran.

Iran Parliament approves fee plan for ships passing through Strait of Hormuz

Polling opened on Sunday in Kazakhstan's parliamentary elections, a vote widely expected to further strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's hold on power in Central Asia's largest country. The ruling pro-presidential Adilet party is expected to win an overwhelming majority, with several smaller parties loyal to Tokayev also likely to enter parliament. &nbsp;

Kazakhstan votes in parliament poll set to tighten Tokayev's grip

More than 40 locals fell ill following a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in the Godhni area of Nagpur in the early hours of Monday, prompting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to launch an immediate rescue operation. The incident took place around 1 AM at the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran’s Godhni Municipal Council Water Treatment Plant&nbsp;

Chlorine gas leaks at water treatment plant in Nagpur, several hospitalised

An eight-year-old Louisiana girl has died after contracting a rare, typically fatal brain-eating amoeba after a swim in Lake Claiborne. Lillian Smart, of Ruston, died on Saturday, one day after celebrating her birthday, her family announced in a public Facebook post on the “Love for Lillian” page.

Eight-year-old dies after contracting rare brain-eating amoeba in Louisiana

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday (local time) said the Trump administration was entering the “endgame” in its campaign against Iran and announced what he described as an “economic D-Day” aimed at severing the Iranian regime’s economic lifelines

‘Entering the endgame’: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announces ‘economic D-Day’ against Iran

Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran to continue efforts to bring peace ​and security to the region, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil ‌Baghaei said on Sunday, according to a statement by the ministry. Pakistan has taken on a mediator role in negotiations between Iran and the U.S. aimed ​at ending the war which began with U.S. and ​Israeli strikes on Iran in February.

Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit Tehran

The war in Iran is slated to transition into "a new phase" in the near future, according to Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, who noted his expectation that partner nations will provide support during this next stage. "I think we're going to get into a new phase here very soon. I believe our allied nations are going to assist in the next phase, and we'll get this finished," Johnson stated during an interview on Fox News on Sunday. He claimed that President Donald Trump successfully blocked Tehran from acquiring nuclear armaments, describing it as “a goal for all previous administrations.”

New phase of Iran-US war

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday, to engage in the 25th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks on the India-China boundary question with Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi.

On the India-China front, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has travelled to Beijing

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 Live Updates: Stay tuned to this live blog for all the latest news and breaking developments from India and around the world. In Maharashtra, three newborns were killed after a fire broke out inside the NICU of the District Women’s Hospital in Amravati, reportedly following an explosion or short circuit involving a ventilator. Meanwhile, a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Nagpur shortly after midnight left several people hospitalised and prompted authorities to cordon off the area. On the India-China front, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has travelled to Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with border stability and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) expected to be key issues. The talks come ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposed visit to India for the BRICS Summit. In Bangladesh, fresh details have emerged in the murder of a Hindu family of four in Rangpur, with police reportedly saying the accused had consumed drugs and bathed after the killings. Meanwhile, in the latest update on Iran-US war, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit Tehran, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has spoken about the economic “endgame” amid continuing global economic uncertainty. Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

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 India & World News Today LIVE: ‘Wash rice twice, use less water for wudu’: UK campaign urges South Asians, Muslims to save water amid drought

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Ukraine on Monday (Aug 24) on his first overseas trip since taking office amid worsening relations with Russia. Burnham is expected to announce British support to help Kyiv improve its domestic production of long-range missiles. Burnham will co-chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries backing Ukraine, and will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to his office, he will announce that Britain has agreed to allow European missile manufacturer MBDA to release classified information on British-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile. That will help enable France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines for the missile, which shares British and French technology, according to Downing Street.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-drones-hit-russia-s-ozon-logistics-hub-disrupting-e-commerce-operations-in-samara-1787489774725">Ukraine Drones Hit Russia's Ozon Logistics Hub</a>&nbsp;"Ukraine's security is our security," Burnham said in a statement, adding that Britain would stand by Ukraine "for as long as it takes." Britain has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, providing military support, economic aid and diplomatic backing. The visit comes weeks after Zelensky travelled to Britain as Burnham's first international guest, following the Labour leader's election as prime minister a week earlier.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-pulls-ambassador-from-london-as-russia-ukraine-tensions-escalate-warns-ukraine-of-opening-pandora-s-box-1787464216229">Putin pulls ambassador from London as Russia-UK tensions escalate</a>&nbsp;The tensions between the UK and Russia over support to Ukraine in the war has escalated after Burnham came to power, with Kremlin withdrawing its ambassador to the UK. Andrey Kelin, who served as the Russian ambassador to the UK for over seven years, left his diplomatic posting on July 21. Moscow has not submitted any candidates to the Foreign Office to replace him and embassy staff are understood to have no indication of when a successor might be appointed, UK based-The Times reported. Last week, Burnham said that the UK is continuing to “support Ukraine 100 per cent” after Moscow threatened consequences for the reported use of British drones for strikes deep into Russia. Moscow warned London last week of "consequences" for supplying drones to Kyiv.

UK PM Andy Burnham will announce British support for Ukraine's long-range missile production during his Kyiv visit on August 24. Britain will allow MBDA to share classified information on UK-made SCALP missile components, enabling France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Ukraine on Monday (Aug 24) on his first overseas trip since taking office amid worsening relations with Russia. Burnham is expected to announce British support to help Kyiv improve its domestic production of long-range missiles. Burnham will co-chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries backing Ukraine, and will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to his office, he will announce that Britain has agreed to allow European missile manufacturer MBDA to release classified information on British-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile. That will help enable France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines for the missile, which shares British and French technology, according to Downing Street. Also Read: Ukraine Drones Hit Russia's Ozon Logistics Hub "Ukraine's security is our security," Burnham said in a statement, adding that Britain would stand by Ukraine "for as long as it takes." Britain has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, providing military support, economic aid and diplomatic backing. The visit comes weeks after Zelensky travelled to Britain as Burnham's first international guest, following the Labour leader's election as prime minister a week earlier. Also Read: Putin pulls ambassador from London as Russia-UK tensions escalate The tensions between the UK and Russia over support to Ukraine in the war has escalated after Burnham came to power, with Kremlin withdrawing its ambassador to the UK. Andrey Kelin, who served as the Russian ambassador to the UK for over seven years, left his diplomatic posting on July 21. Moscow has not submitted any candidates to the Foreign Office to replace him and embassy staff are understood to have no indication of when a successor might be appointed, UK based-The Times reported. Last week, Burnham said that the UK is continuing to “support Ukraine 100 per cent” after Moscow threatened consequences for the reported use of British drones for strikes deep into Russia. Moscow warned London last week of "consequences" for supplying drones to Kyiv.

UK PM Andy Burnham will announce British support for Ukraine's long-range missile production during his Kyiv visit on August 24. Britain will allow MBDA to share classified information on UK-made SCALP missile components, enabling France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines.

UK PM Andy Burnham to provide Ukraine with data to produce SCALP missiles amid Russia tensions

A US Army unit in Georgia is reportedly offering active duty service members a four-day pass to play the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI video game, but the personnel are required to re-enlist themselves for at least two more years of service, CBS News reported. The report cited a memo&nbsp;that first appeared on US Army WTF! Moments. The memo states that any soldier who signs a reenlistment contract between Aug 1 and Nov 14 will be authorised for a special four-day pass designated to coincide with "the highly anticipated release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)." .In exchange for the four-day playing pass, active duty soldiers would reenlist for a minimum of two years and up to six years, it added. The offer was proposed exclusively for one battalion in Georgia. The report also confirmed the authenticity of the memo stating that Task &amp; Purpose and Military dot com were the first to authenticate it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/us-army-secretary-dan-driscoll-expected-to-exit-by-year-end-1787364920135">US army secretary Dan Driscoll expected to exit by year-end</a>&nbsp;<blockquote>According to reports, twenty soldiers at Fort Stewart in Georgia in the Army's 9th Brigade Engineering Battalion, part of the 3rd Infantry Division, have already agreed to the incentive, and approximately 130 soldiers are currently eligible for the offer. It has been over a decade since the last version of the game, GTA V, was published in 2013 by Rockstar Games, and the announcement of the the new publication has created intense anticipation for the gamers.</blockquote>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-to-phase-out-unit-tasked-with-adapting-drone-lessons-from-russia-ukraine-war-here-s-why-1787300052558">US Army to phase out unit tasked with adapting drone lessons from Russia</a><h3>US Army offers various incentives for enlistment</h3>The army has used various enlistment bonuses and incentives, including college tuition assistance, choice of duty station assignments, and access to special training programs where soldiers learn to jump from airplanes, to encourage soldiers to enlist or re-enlist. "The idea was to have a unique incentives program that connects to what Soldiers are interested in," Lt.-Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement. “The command team, in conjunction with the career counselor, wanted to get soldiers excited to reenlist,” he added.&nbsp;

A US Army unit in Georgia is offering soldiers a four-day pass to play GTA 6 if they agree to reenlist for at least two years. The incentive applies to around 130 eligible soldiers at Fort Stewart and could potentially be expanded across the military.

A US Army unit in Georgia is reportedly offering active duty service members a four-day pass to play the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI video game, but the personnel are required to re-enlist themselves for at least two more years of service, CBS News reported. The report cited a memo that first appeared on US Army WTF! Moments. The memo states that any soldier who signs a reenlistment contract between Aug 1 and Nov 14 will be authorised for a special four-day pass designated to coincide with "the highly anticipated release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)." .In exchange for the four-day playing pass, active duty soldiers would reenlist for a minimum of two years and up to six years, it added. The offer was proposed exclusively for one battalion in Georgia. The report also confirmed the authenticity of the memo stating that Task & Purpose and Military dot com were the first to authenticate it. Also Read: US army secretary Dan Driscoll expected to exit by year-end According to reports, twenty soldiers at Fort Stewart in Georgia in the Army's 9th Brigade Engineering Battalion, part of the 3rd Infantry Division, have already agreed to the incentive, and approximately 130 soldiers are currently eligible for the offer. It has been over a decade since the last version of the game, GTA V, was published in 2013 by Rockstar Games, and the announcement of the the new publication has created intense anticipation for the gamers. Also Read: US Army to phase out unit tasked with adapting drone lessons from Russia US Army offers various incentives for enlistment The army has used various enlistment bonuses and incentives, including college tuition assistance, choice of duty station assignments, and access to special training programs where soldiers learn to jump from airplanes, to encourage soldiers to enlist or re-enlist. "The idea was to have a unique incentives program that connects to what Soldiers are interested in," Lt.-Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement. “The command team, in conjunction with the career counselor, wanted to get soldiers excited to reenlist,” he added.

A US Army unit in Georgia is offering soldiers a four-day pass to play GTA 6 if they agree to reenlist for at least two years. The incentive applies to around 130 eligible soldiers at Fort Stewart and could potentially be expanded across the military.

US Army offers 4-day pass to play GTA VI — but there's a catch

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday (local time) said that the Trump administration is entering the "endgame" in its campaign against Iran, announcing what he called an "economic D-Day" aimed at severing Iran's economic lifelines. This comes after Trump threatened Iran a crushing financial campaign. Iran and the US have entered a phase of economic warfare where they are avoiding full scale military attacks but are targeting each other's economic interests. The Strait of Hormuz has been a cruicial part of this economic warfare strategy with both sides threatening to block it completely. Now, with US issuing warnings about ‘economic D-Day’, it remains to be seen how things will pan out.<h2>What Bessent said?</h2>In a post on X, Bessent said, “President Trump has dismantled Iran's military capabilities, destroyed nearly 100 percent of its military factories, and buried its nuclear program.” "We are now entering the endgame. At dawn begins an economic D-Day -- the single greatest financial offensive ever marshaled against an adversary," he said. Bessent accused Iran of using security guarantees as a form of "extortion" and said Tehran had relied on the expectation that Iranian retaliation was certain while US enforcement could be negotiated. "The Islamic Republic has subsisted by dressing extortion as security guarantees. It has drawn strength from a calculus that regards Iranian retaliation as certain and American enforcement as negotiable," Bessent said. "Under President Trump, that era is over. And those who fear the danger of defying Tehran ought not to discount the cost of testing Washington," he added. Bessent said Trump had created the conditions for the US government to deploy its full range of authorities against Iran. "The President has created the conditions to leverage every agency, every authority and action many assumed we would never summon," he said. "Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains the tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone," Bessent added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-second-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver-despite-scott-bessent-s-pledge-not-to-what-does-it-mean-for-india-1776480327746">US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver despite Scott Bessent's pledge not to. What does it mean for India?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump has dismantled Iran’s military capabilities, destroyed nearly 100 percent of its military factories, and buried its nuclear program. We are now entering the endgame. At dawn begins an economic D-Day — the single greatest financial offensive ever marshaled against…&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2091664440785502582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier on Wednesday, in a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had “failed to take” the opportunity to make a deal, and would face “economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale”. He also threatened new sanctions against any country that does business with Iran. “ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences,” he wrote.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-issues-sanctions-warning-to-oman-over-strait-of-hormuz-toll-says-any-willing-partners-will-be-penalised-1779994666160">Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issues sanctions warning to Oman over Strait of Hormuz toll</a><h2>How Iran reacted?</h2>Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei on Monday (local time) warned that Tehran could halt all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if the United States' "economic war" against Iran continues. Rezaei, in a post on X, also warned that Iran would consider any country supporting or participating in the US economic campaign against Tehran to be an "act of war." "If the economic war continues, not a single drop of oil will be exported. neither through the Strait of Hormuz nor from anywhere in the Persian Gulf. Iran will regard any country's participation in or support for America's economic war against the Iranian people as an act of war," Rezaei said. Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf ridiculed the US for threatening economic sanctions. Additionally, according to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also slammed US' sanctions threat and said that war and sanctions are "not unfamiliar" to Iran. He noted that the Islamic Republic has been under sanctions for 20 years.&nbsp;

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration is entering the “endgame” against Iran with an “Economic D-Day” campaign targeting Tehran’s economic lifelines. Iran warned it could halt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz 

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday (local time) said that the Trump administration is entering the "endgame" in its campaign against Iran, announcing what he called an "economic D-Day" aimed at severing Iran's economic lifelines. This comes after Trump threatened Iran a crushing financial campaign. Iran and the US have entered a phase of economic warfare where they are avoiding full scale military attacks but are targeting each other's economic interests. The Strait of Hormuz has been a cruicial part of this economic warfare strategy with both sides threatening to block it completely. Now, with US issuing warnings about ‘economic D-Day’, it remains to be seen how things will pan out. What Bessent said? In a post on X, Bessent said, “President Trump has dismantled Iran's military capabilities, destroyed nearly 100 percent of its military factories, and buried its nuclear program.” "We are now entering the endgame. At dawn begins an economic D-Day -- the single greatest financial offensive ever marshaled against an adversary," he said. Bessent accused Iran of using security guarantees as a form of "extortion" and said Tehran had relied on the expectation that Iranian retaliation was certain while US enforcement could be negotiated. "The Islamic Republic has subsisted by dressing extortion as security guarantees. It has drawn strength from a calculus that regards Iranian retaliation as certain and American enforcement as negotiable," Bessent said. "Under President Trump, that era is over. And those who fear the danger of defying Tehran ought not to discount the cost of testing Washington," he added. Bessent said Trump had created the conditions for the US government to deploy its full range of authorities against Iran. "The President has created the conditions to leverage every agency, every authority and action many assumed we would never summon," he said. "Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains the tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone," Bessent added. Also Read: US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver despite Scott Bessent's pledge not to. What does it mean for India?

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration is entering the “endgame” against Iran with an “Economic D-Day” campaign targeting Tehran’s economic lifelines. Iran warned it could halt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz&nbsp;

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