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Pakistan’s parliament has granted Army Chief Asim Munir sweeping powers and total control over all military operations, senior officers and personnel matters, including the authority to retire, discharge or retain personnel and even alter the prescribed retirement limits.The parliament passed the new military laws on Thursday that bestow upon Munir full control over the defence services.The new law establishes Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ), with Munir serving as the supreme commander of the three armed services.&nbsp;Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026, and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, amid an Opposition walkout.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.&nbsp;The legislation aims to put the new military hierarchy created by the constitutional changes into a legal framework. The new structure places Munir at the top of Pakistan’s unified military command.&nbsp;The draft says the CDF “shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are necessary for multi-domain integration, operational cohesion, coordination and oversight of all matters which have joint, tri-services and strategic implications for the Armed Forces and national security of Pakistan”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;According to the draft, the CDF can “retire, release, accept, or reject resignation of, or discharge from service, or retain in service, or relax age, or service limit of retirement” of personnel covered by the armed forces laws, subject to the exclusions specified in the legislation.&nbsp;Moreover, the framework also allows the Pakistan government to assign additional responsibilities to the CDF.“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the CDF may exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as the Federal Government may prescribe,” the draft states.&nbsp;This provision gives government the scope to expand the CDF’s responsibilities beyond those specifically listed in the legislation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-gets-miffed-by-us-ambassador-sergio-gor-s-j-k-important-part-of-india-remark-issues-demarche-1787157507821">Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&amp;K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche</a>&nbsp;It also provides for executive directions and changes to rules and regulations to ensure that the new command structure can operate effectively.&nbsp;<h2>Munir now also Pak PM’s ‘principal military advisor’</h2>&nbsp;The Defence Forces Headquarters would be under the CDF, who would serve as the Prime Minister’s “principal military adviser” on national security, defence and matters concerning the armed forces.He would also be “responsible” to the federal government for matters involving command and control. The President is given a significant role in resolving difficulties or inconsistencies that may emerge while implementing the new framework.<h2>New nuclear command structure</h2>The restructuring is not limited to the conventional military command. The 27th Constitutional Amendment created the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star post responsible for the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces.Last month, Gen Syed Aamer Raza was promoted from lieutenant general and appointed as the first CNSC.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;The Prime Minister’s Office called the amendments “a necessary process” following the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the legislation in the National Assembly, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present in the house.&nbsp;The measures significantly expand the statutory role of the CDF, an office created only last year after the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act.&nbsp;The massive concentration of these powers in the hands of the army chief is particularly significant for a country that has witnessed military rule for long.

The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir now has full control as the supreme commander of the three armed services.

Pakistan’s parliament has granted Army Chief Asim Munir sweeping powers and total control over all military operations, senior officers and personnel matters, including the authority to retire, discharge or retain personnel and even alter the prescribed retirement limits. The parliament passed the new military laws on Thursday that bestow upon Munir full control over the defence services. The new law establishes Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ), with Munir serving as the supreme commander of the three armed services. Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026, and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, amid an Opposition walkout. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The legislation aims to put the new military hierarchy created by the constitutional changes into a legal framework. The new structure places Munir at the top of Pakistan’s unified military command. The draft says the CDF “shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are necessary for multi-domain integration, operational cohesion, coordination and oversight of all matters which have joint, tri-services and strategic implications for the Armed Forces and national security of Pakistan”. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons According to the draft, the CDF can “retire, release, accept, or reject resignation of, or discharge from service, or retain in service, or relax age, or service limit of retirement” of personnel covered by the armed forces laws, subject to the exclusions specified in the legislation. Moreover, the framework also allows the Pakistan government to assign additional responsibilities to the CDF. “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the CDF may exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as the Federal Government may prescribe,” the draft states. This provision gives government the scope to expand the CDF’s responsibilities beyond those specifically listed in the legislation. Also Read: Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche It also provides for executive directions and changes to rules and regulations to ensure that the new command structure can operate effectively. Munir now also Pak PM’s ‘principal military advisor’ The Defence Forces Headquarters would be under the CDF, who would serve as the Prime Minister’s “principal military adviser” on national security, defence and matters concerning the armed forces. He would also be “responsible” to the federal government for matters involving command and control. The President is given a significant role in resolving difficulties or inconsistencies that may emerge while implementing the new framework. New nuclear command structure The restructuring is not limited to the conventional military command. The 27th Constitutional Amendment created the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star post responsible for the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces. Last month, Gen Syed Aamer Raza was promoted from lieutenant general and appointed as the first CNSC. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe The Prime Minister’s Office called the amendments “a necessary process” following the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the legislation in the National Assembly, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present in the house. The measures significantly expand the statutory role of the CDF, an office created only last year after the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act. The massive concentration of these powers in the hands of the army chief is particularly significant for a country that has witnessed military rule for long.

The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir now has full control as the supreme commander of the three armed services.

Pakistan’s new military law gives Asim Munir sweeping powers; he can now hire, fire, retire forces

‘Time and time again, profits won.’&nbsp;That was California Deputy Attorney General Megan O'Neill, opening the states' case against Meta in an Oakland federal court. It is a claim about intent, and intent is the hardest thing to prove against a corporation — unless the corporation wrote it down.&nbsp;The states say Meta did. Most of this trial will be about documents the company did not expect anyone outside it to read.&nbsp;The Ruling That Made It Possible&nbsp;Before any of this reached a jury, Meta fought to keep its internal research out of the case, and lost.&nbsp;A federal court held that the company could not invoke attorney-client privilege to withhold internal documents and research relating to teen harm. That ruling matters more than it sounds. Privilege protects communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice; it does not protect ordinary business records simply because a lawyer was copied in.&nbsp;Where a company routes internal research through counsel, the question a court has to answer is whether the work was genuinely legal advice or whether privilege was being used as a container. Meta's position did not survive that examination on these documents.&nbsp;The practical effect is that the states obtained material the company had classified as beyond reach, and it is now evidence.&nbsp;What The States Say It Shows&nbsp;The allegations drawn from that material fall into three groups.&nbsp;First, that Meta's own research identified harms to young users, and that this knowledge existed inside the company while its public position was that the evidence was unclear.&nbsp;Second, that executives made product decisions they understood would harm teenagers, and shelved proposed safeguards on the basis of what those safeguards would cost in engagement or revenue. This is the specific allegation behind O'Neill's line — not that Meta was careless, but that it weighed the two and chose.&nbsp;Third, and most serious in institutional terms, that the company misrepresented what it knew to the United States Senate. Unsealed filings have alleged Meta told the Senate Judiciary Committee it could not determine whether its platforms were linked to increased anxiety and depression among young users, while internal work bearing on that question existed. A bipartisan group of senators demanded documents from Mark Zuckerberg in 2023 after an unsealed filing raised that allegation.&nbsp;These remain allegations. None has been established by a court, and the trial exists to test them.&nbsp;Meta's Answer&nbsp;Paul Schmidt, arguing for Meta, told the court that the states have misrepresented the company's platforms and policies, and that their case was built by cherrypicking internal documents and comments.&nbsp;That defence deserves to be taken seriously rather than dismissed, because it describes a real feature of discovery in any large organisation.&nbsp;A company of Meta's size generates enormous volumes of internal debate. Researchers are paid to identify problems; product staff are paid to argue against changes they think are unwarranted; someone in a long email thread will always have written the sharpest possible version of the worst possible interpretation. Producing millions of documents and extracting the most damaging hundred is a legitimate description of how adversarial litigation works, and it is not the same thing as establishing what an institution decided.&nbsp;The counter-argument is equally real. Internal dissent only becomes evidence of corporate knowledge when it reached decision-makers and a decision followed. That is precisely what the states will attempt to show, and it is why the testimony matters as much as the paper.&nbsp;Why The Witnesses Matter More Than The Documents&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify. So is Adam Mosseri, who runs Instagram.&nbsp;A document establishes that something was written. A witness under cross-examination establishes what was understood and what was done about it. The states' theory requires connecting research to a decision, and the only people who can confirm or deny that connection are the people who made the decisions.&nbsp;Meta's cherrypicking defence also creates an obligation. If the states' selection is unrepresentative, the natural way to demonstrate that is to put the fuller picture in front of the court — which means Meta's own witnesses walking through the same material and explaining what it actually meant.&nbsp;The Larger Point&nbsp;Whatever Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers concludes, this trial is producing something that has not existed before: a tested public record of what one of the largest technology companies knew about its effect on young users, and when.&nbsp;Congressional hearings produced assertions. Journalism produced leaks. Neither carries the evidentiary weight of documents obtained under compulsion, authenticated in court, and put to the executives who wrote them, with cross-examination available to challenge every inference drawn from them.&nbsp;That record will outlast the verdict. It becomes available to every regulator, legislature and litigant anywhere in the world with an interest in what social media does to children.&nbsp;Meta spent years arguing this material was privileged. The reason that fight mattered is now becoming visible.

The states' case against Meta rests on the company's own internal research, which it tried to withhold under attorney-client privilege until a federal court refused. Meta now argues the states have cherrypicked what they found.

‘Time and time again, profits won.’ That was California Deputy Attorney General Megan O'Neill, opening the states' case against Meta in an Oakland federal court. It is a claim about intent, and intent is the hardest thing to prove against a corporation — unless the corporation wrote it down. The states say Meta did. Most of this trial will be about documents the company did not expect anyone outside it to read. The Ruling That Made It Possible Before any of this reached a jury, Meta fought to keep its internal research out of the case, and lost. A federal court held that the company could not invoke attorney-client privilege to withhold internal documents and research relating to teen harm. That ruling matters more than it sounds. Privilege protects communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice; it does not protect ordinary business records simply because a lawyer was copied in. Where a company routes internal research through counsel, the question a court has to answer is whether the work was genuinely legal advice or whether privilege was being used as a container. Meta's position did not survive that examination on these documents. The practical effect is that the states obtained material the company had classified as beyond reach, and it is now evidence. What The States Say It Shows The allegations drawn from that material fall into three groups. First, that Meta's own research identified harms to young users, and that this knowledge existed inside the company while its public position was that the evidence was unclear. Second, that executives made product decisions they understood would harm teenagers, and shelved proposed safeguards on the basis of what those safeguards would cost in engagement or revenue. This is the specific allegation behind O'Neill's line — not that Meta was careless, but that it weighed the two and chose. Third, and most serious in institutional terms, that the company misrepresented what it knew to the United States Senate. Unsealed filings have alleged Meta told the Senate Judiciary Committee it could not determine whether its platforms were linked to increased anxiety and depression among young users, while internal work bearing on that question existed. A bipartisan group of senators demanded documents from Mark Zuckerberg in 2023 after an unsealed filing raised that allegation. These remain allegations. None has been established by a court, and the trial exists to test them. Meta's Answer Paul Schmidt, arguing for Meta, told the court that the states have misrepresented the company's platforms and policies, and that their case was built by cherrypicking internal documents and comments. That defence deserves to be taken seriously rather than dismissed, because it describes a real feature of discovery in any large organisation. A company of Meta's size generates enormous volumes of internal debate. Researchers are paid to identify problems; product staff are paid to argue against changes they think are unwarranted; someone in a long email thread will always have written the sharpest possible version of the worst possible interpretation. Producing millions of documents and extracting the most damaging hundred is a legitimate description of how adversarial litigation works, and it is not the same thing as establishing what an institution decided. The counter-argument is equally real. Internal dissent only becomes evidence of corporate knowledge when it reached decision-makers and a decision followed. That is precisely what the states will attempt to show, and it is why the testimony matters as much as the paper. Why The Witnesses Matter More Than The Documents Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify. So is Adam Mosseri, who runs Instagram. A document establishes that something was written. A witness under cross-examination establishes what was understood and what was done about it. The states' theory requires connecting research to a decision, and the only people who can confirm or deny that connection are the people who made the decisions. Meta's cherrypicking defence also creates an obligation. If the states' selection is unrepresentative, the natural way to demonstrate that is to put the fuller picture in front of the court — which means Meta's own witnesses walking through the same material and explaining what it actually meant. The Larger Point Whatever Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers concludes, this trial is producing something that has not existed before: a tested public record of what one of the largest technology companies knew about its effect on young users, and when. Congressional hearings produced assertions. Journalism produced leaks. Neither carries the evidentiary weight of documents obtained under compulsion, authenticated in court, and put to the executives who wrote them, with cross-examination available to challenge every inference drawn from them. That record will outlast the verdict. It becomes available to every regulator, legislature and litigant anywhere in the world with an interest in what social media does to children. Meta spent years arguing this material was privileged. The reason that fight mattered is now becoming visible.

The states' case against Meta rests on the company's own internal research, and Meta spent years trying to keep it out of their hands. A federal court ruled it could not use attorney-client privilege to withhold documents about teen harm. Its lawyers now argue the states have cherrypicked what they found.

'Time and time again, profits won': The research Meta fought to keep sealed

Eight jurors were selected in Oakland to hear the states' case against Meta. Whatever they conclude, it will not decide the case.&nbsp;The jury is advisory. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will rule on liability, on penalties, and on every remedy sought — including whether Meta must strip features out of Instagram and destroy algorithms trained on children's data. She is required to consider what the jury finds. She is not required to follow it.&nbsp;This is an unusual arrangement and it changes how the next several weeks should be read.&nbsp;Why There Is A Jury At All&nbsp;The distinction turns on what the states are asking for.&nbsp;Claims for money damages generally carry a right to trial by jury. Claims in equity — orders compelling a defendant to do something or stop doing something — are decided by a judge. The states' case is built substantially on the second kind. They want injunctions: feature removals, algorithm deletion, age restrictions enforced nationwide.&nbsp;California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, has framed the case as being about restitution rather than damages, and that framing matters here. Restitution asks a court to strip a defendant of what it gained. It is an equitable remedy, and equitable remedies belong to the bench.&nbsp;A judge may still empanel an advisory jury on such claims. It is a discretionary tool, used when a court wants a community read on contested facts before ruling. The finding is consultative.&nbsp;What That Means In Practice&nbsp;Three consequences follow, and each one cuts against how this trial is likely to be covered.&nbsp;First, a reported jury verdict will not be the outcome. If the jury sides with the states and Gonzalez Rogers does not, her ruling governs. The reverse is equally true. Any headline announcing that Meta has won or lost because of what eight jurors concluded will be describing a recommendation.&nbsp;Second, the remedies were never in the jury's hands to begin with. The feature list — infinite scroll, autoplay, ephemeral content, beauty filters — and the demand that Meta delete models trained on under-13 data are equitable relief. Those were always going to be decided by one person.&nbsp;Third, the timeline is longer than the trial. A judge deciding liability and crafting nationwide injunctive relief does not rule from the bench when closing arguments end. Findings of fact and conclusions of law take time to write, particularly when the remedy involves ordering a company to redesign products used by billions.&nbsp;Who She Is&nbsp;Gonzalez Rogers has spent nearly two decades on the federal bench in the Northern District of California, the district where most of the significant American technology litigation lands.&nbsp;She presided over Epic Games' antitrust case against Apple — a bench trial, no jury, in which she ruled largely for Apple on the central antitrust questions while ordering Apple to change its anti-steering rules, and later found the company had not complied with that order. That history is instructive. It is a judge willing to reject a plaintiff's broad theory and still impose a targeted structural remedy on the defendant.&nbsp;That pattern, if it repeats, would be the outcome Meta should fear most: not a headline penalty, but a narrow, specific, enforceable order about how the product works.&nbsp;Meta Has Already Lost Ground&nbsp;The most concrete development in the case happened before the trial opened.&nbsp;Gonzalez Rogers granted the states partial summary judgment on certain notice and consent issues under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Partial summary judgment means the court found there was no genuine dispute of material fact on those points and resolved them without trial.&nbsp;Meta therefore entered opening statements having already lost part of the federal claim. What remains on COPPA is narrower than what it faced a few months ago.&nbsp;A separate ruling went against the company on evidence. A federal court held that Meta could not use attorney-client privilege to withhold internal documents and research relating to teen harm — a significant setback, because privilege was the mechanism keeping some of the company's own research out of the states' hands.&nbsp;The Number Of People Deciding&nbsp;It is worth stating plainly what this case now rests on.&nbsp;Twenty-nine states brought it. Four are trying it. Roughly $193 billion is sought. Thousands of related cases are queued behind it. The features of an app used by billions are on the table, along with an order to destroy trained models.&nbsp;All of it will be decided by a single federal judge in Oakland, with eight jurors offering an opinion she may set aside.&nbsp;That is not a criticism of the procedure — equitable relief has always worked this way, and there is a reasonable argument that a remedy this technical is better crafted by one experienced judge than by a jury. But it is the fact that most coverage of the next several weeks will obscure, and it is the one that determines what actually happens to Instagram.

Eight jurors in Oakland are hearing the states' case against Meta, but their verdict binds nobody. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers decides liability, penalties and remedies — and has already granted the states partial summary judgment on the federal claim.

Eight jurors were selected in Oakland to hear the states' case against Meta. Whatever they conclude, it will not decide the case. The jury is advisory. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will rule on liability, on penalties, and on every remedy sought — including whether Meta must strip features out of Instagram and destroy algorithms trained on children's data. She is required to consider what the jury finds. She is not required to follow it. This is an unusual arrangement and it changes how the next several weeks should be read. Why There Is A Jury At All The distinction turns on what the states are asking for. Claims for money damages generally carry a right to trial by jury. Claims in equity — orders compelling a defendant to do something or stop doing something — are decided by a judge. The states' case is built substantially on the second kind. They want injunctions: feature removals, algorithm deletion, age restrictions enforced nationwide. California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, has framed the case as being about restitution rather than damages, and that framing matters here. Restitution asks a court to strip a defendant of what it gained. It is an equitable remedy, and equitable remedies belong to the bench. A judge may still empanel an advisory jury on such claims. It is a discretionary tool, used when a court wants a community read on contested facts before ruling. The finding is consultative. What That Means In Practice Three consequences follow, and each one cuts against how this trial is likely to be covered. First, a reported jury verdict will not be the outcome. If the jury sides with the states and Gonzalez Rogers does not, her ruling governs. The reverse is equally true. Any headline announcing that Meta has won or lost because of what eight jurors concluded will be describing a recommendation. Second, the remedies were never in the jury's hands to begin with. The feature list — infinite scroll, autoplay, ephemeral content, beauty filters — and the demand that Meta delete models trained on under-13 data are equitable relief. Those were always going to be decided by one person. Third, the timeline is longer than the trial. A judge deciding liability and crafting nationwide injunctive relief does not rule from the bench when closing arguments end. Findings of fact and conclusions of law take time to write, particularly when the remedy involves ordering a company to redesign products used by billions. Who She Is Gonzalez Rogers has spent nearly two decades on the federal bench in the Northern District of California, the district where most of the significant American technology litigation lands. She presided over Epic Games' antitrust case against Apple — a bench trial, no jury, in which she ruled largely for Apple on the central antitrust questions while ordering Apple to change its anti-steering rules, and later found the company had not complied with that order. That history is instructive. It is a judge willing to reject a plaintiff's broad theory and still impose a targeted structural remedy on the defendant. That pattern, if it repeats, would be the outcome Meta should fear most: not a headline penalty, but a narrow, specific, enforceable order about how the product works. Meta Has Already Lost Ground The most concrete development in the case happened before the trial opened. Gonzalez Rogers granted the states partial summary judgment on certain notice and consent issues under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Partial summary judgment means the court found there was no genuine dispute of material fact on those points and resolved them without trial. Meta therefore entered opening statements having already lost part of the federal claim. What remains on COPPA is narrower than what it faced a few months ago. A separate ruling went against the company on evidence. A federal court held that Meta could not use attorney-client privilege to withhold internal documents and research relating to teen harm — a significant setback, because privilege was the mechanism keeping some of the company's own research out of the states' hands. The Number Of People Deciding It is worth stating plainly what this case now rests on. Twenty-nine states brought it. Four are trying it. Roughly $193 billion is sought. Thousands of related cases are queued behind it. The features of an app used by billions are on the table, along with an order to destroy trained models. All of it will be decided by a single federal judge in Oakland, with eight jurors offering an opinion she may set aside. That is not a criticism of the procedure — equitable relief has always worked this way, and there is a reasonable argument that a remedy this technical is better crafted by one experienced judge than by a jury. But it is the fact that most coverage of the next several weeks will obscure, and it is the one that determines what actually happens to Instagram.

Eight jurors are hearing the states' case against Meta in Oakland, and their verdict binds nobody. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will decide liability, penalties and every remedy herself. She has already granted the states partial summary judgment on parts of the federal claim, which means Meta walked into opening statements having lost ground.

The jury in the Meta trial cannot decide anything! One judge will

The trial that opened in an Oakland federal courtroom on August 18 has been reported almost entirely through its money. The more consequential part of the case is a list of product features.&nbsp;Four states — California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey — are trying the case on behalf of a coalition of 29. They are not only seeking penalties. They are asking a federal judge to order Meta to remove things from Instagram and Facebook, nationwide, and to destroy the systems built on data taken from children.&nbsp;The Feature List&nbsp;For the consumer protection claims, the states want Meta ordered to remove what they characterise as addictive design features. The list reported from the filings covers infinite scroll, autoplay, ephemeral content, beauty filters and engagement-optimised algorithms, alongside age restrictions the company would have to enforce.&nbsp;'Ephemeral content' is the term that deserves attention. On Instagram, that is Stories — posts that vanish after 24 hours.&nbsp;Stories is not a peripheral feature. It sits at the top of the app, it is where a large share of daily posting happens, and it is one of the two formats that carry Instagram's advertising business. An order requiring its removal would not be a modification to Instagram. It would be a different product.&nbsp;Why Disappearing Posts Are In The Complaint&nbsp;The states' theory is that these features are not neutral conveniences but deliberate engineering against a young user's ability to stop.&nbsp;Infinite scroll removes the natural stopping point a page break used to provide. Autoplay starts the next video before a decision to watch it has been made. Beauty filters are alleged to drive appearance comparison in adolescents, particularly girls.&nbsp;Ephemeral content works differently, and the mechanism is time pressure. Content that expires in 24 hours creates a reason to return before it is gone. It converts absence into loss. Applied to a teenager whose social standing is mediated through the app, the argument runs, a disappearing post is an instrument for compelling daily attendance rather than a creative format.&nbsp;Meta's position is that these are ordinary product features used by billions of adults, and that the states have worked backwards from harm to design.&nbsp;The Larger Remedy&nbsp;The demand with the widest implications is not on the feature list at all.&nbsp;Under the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, all 29 states allege Meta collected data from large numbers of under-13s who were permitted onto the platforms without parental consent. If the court finds that breach, the states want Meta to delete that data — and to delete the algorithms and models trained on it.&nbsp;That second half is the significant one. Deleting a database is an afternoon's work. Deleting every model trained on improperly collected data means unwinding years of recommendation systems and retraining them on a clean corpus, with no straightforward way to prove what was and was not contaminated.&nbsp;It is a remedy regulators have reached for before in smaller cases, and it is far more expensive to comply with than a fine. A penalty is paid once. An order to destroy the models is a rebuild of the product.&nbsp;The Allegations&nbsp;The states argue Meta designed Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to minors through algorithms encouraging compulsive use, knew from its own research that the platforms were harming young users, and publicly downplayed the risk while continuing to optimise for engagement.&nbsp;Kentucky's attorney general, Russell Coleman, has described it as the largest consumer protection lawsuit in United States history.&nbsp;California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, framed the case as being about restitution rather than damages — an important distinction, because restitution asks the court to strip a defendant of what it gained rather than to compensate for what victims lost.&nbsp;Meta's Answer&nbsp;Paul Schmidt, arguing for Meta, told the court the states had misrepresented the company's platforms and policies and built their case by cherrypicking internal documents and comments.&nbsp;The company points to Instagram Teen Accounts, introduced in 2024, which restrict who can contact under-age users, and to parental controls allowing time limits. Its broader argument is that the features at issue are used by adults worldwide without the harms alleged, and that correlation between adolescent distress and social media use has not been established as causation in the way the states require.&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, as is Adam Mosseri, who runs Instagram.&nbsp;The Number That Is Being Misreported&nbsp;Coverage has widely described the states as seeking $1.4 trillion, a figure just below Meta's market capitalisation. That is not the states' number.&nbsp;It is Meta's own calculation — the theoretical maximum produced by applying the $20,000 statutory penalty per alleged violation across every claim. Meta's lawyers put it forward to argue the exposure is vastly disproportionate.&nbsp;What the states have actually told the court is roughly $193 billion, according to California Deputy Attorney General Megan O'Neill, with the attorneys general indicating $200 billion as the more likely figure.&nbsp;That is still an enormous sum. But the difference between $193 billion and $1.4 trillion is the difference between a survivable penalty and an extinction event, and the larger number entered circulation because the defence found it useful.&nbsp;The Jury Does Not Decide&nbsp;Eight jurors were selected, and their role is advisory only.&nbsp;Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will decide liability, penalties and remedies herself. The jury's finding is consultative — she is required to consider it, not to follow it.&nbsp;This matters for how the case should be read. A jury verdict reported as a win or loss for either side will not be the outcome. And the injunctive remedies — the feature removals, the algorithm deletion — were always going to be the judge's decision rather than a jury's, because equitable relief of that kind is a matter for the bench.&nbsp;Gonzalez Rogers has been on the federal bench for nearly two decades and has handled some of the largest technology cases to reach it. She has already granted the states partial summary judgment on certain COPPA notice and consent issues, which means Meta entered the trial having lost ground on the federal claim before opening statements.&nbsp;What Happens Next&nbsp;The trial is expected to run six to eight weeks, with a verdict anticipated around October.&nbsp;It is the first state attorney general bellwether drawn from 3,137 consolidated cases in the wider multidistrict litigation over social media and adolescent addiction, and the first of them to reach a jury. School districts and individual families are behind it in the queue.&nbsp;That is what gives this case weight beyond its own outcome. A bellwether exists to price the rest. Whatever Judge Gonzalez Rogers orders — on penalties, on features, on the algorithms — becomes the reference point for thousands of cases still waiting, and for every other platform whose product rests on the same design choices.&nbsp;Instagram Stories, on that reading, is not the target. It is the test case for whether a court can order a product feature out of existence.

The first state AG trial against Meta opened in Oakland on August 18. The states want nationwide orders stripping out infinite scroll, autoplay, ephemeral content and beauty filters, and deleting algorithms trained on under-13s' data.

The trial that opened in an Oakland federal courtroom on August 18 has been reported almost entirely through its money. The more consequential part of the case is a list of product features. Four states — California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey — are trying the case on behalf of a coalition of 29. They are not only seeking penalties. They are asking a federal judge to order Meta to remove things from Instagram and Facebook, nationwide, and to destroy the systems built on data taken from children. The Feature List For the consumer protection claims, the states want Meta ordered to remove what they characterise as addictive design features. The list reported from the filings covers infinite scroll, autoplay, ephemeral content, beauty filters and engagement-optimised algorithms, alongside age restrictions the company would have to enforce. 'Ephemeral content' is the term that deserves attention. On Instagram, that is Stories — posts that vanish after 24 hours. Stories is not a peripheral feature. It sits at the top of the app, it is where a large share of daily posting happens, and it is one of the two formats that carry Instagram's advertising business. An order requiring its removal would not be a modification to Instagram. It would be a different product. Why Disappearing Posts Are In The Complaint The states' theory is that these features are not neutral conveniences but deliberate engineering against a young user's ability to stop. Infinite scroll removes the natural stopping point a page break used to provide. Autoplay starts the next video before a decision to watch it has been made. Beauty filters are alleged to drive appearance comparison in adolescents, particularly girls. Ephemeral content works differently, and the mechanism is time pressure. Content that expires in 24 hours creates a reason to return before it is gone. It converts absence into loss. Applied to a teenager whose social standing is mediated through the app, the argument runs, a disappearing post is an instrument for compelling daily attendance rather than a creative format. Meta's position is that these are ordinary product features used by billions of adults, and that the states have worked backwards from harm to design. The Larger Remedy The demand with the widest implications is not on the feature list at all. Under the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, all 29 states allege Meta collected data from large numbers of under-13s who were permitted onto the platforms without parental consent. If the court finds that breach, the states want Meta to delete that data — and to delete the algorithms and models trained on it. That second half is the significant one. Deleting a database is an afternoon's work. Deleting every model trained on improperly collected data means unwinding years of recommendation systems and retraining them on a clean corpus, with no straightforward way to prove what was and was not contaminated. It is a remedy regulators have reached for before in smaller cases, and it is far more expensive to comply with than a fine. A penalty is paid once. An order to destroy the models is a rebuild of the product. The Allegations The states argue Meta designed Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to minors through algorithms encouraging compulsive use, knew from its own research that the platforms were harming young users, and publicly downplayed the risk while continuing to optimise for engagement. Kentucky's attorney general, Russell Coleman, has described it as the largest consumer protection lawsuit in United States history. California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, framed the case as being about restitution rather than damages — an important distinction, because restitution asks the court to strip a defendant of what it gained rather than to compensate for what victims lost. Meta's Answer Paul Schmidt, arguing for Meta, told the court the states had misrepresented the company's platforms and policies and built their case by cherrypicking internal documents and comments. The company points to Instagram Teen Accounts, introduced in 2024, which restrict who can contact under-age users, and to parental controls allowing time limits. Its broader argument is that the features at issue are used by adults worldwide without the harms alleged, and that correlation between adolescent distress and social media use has not been established as causation in the way the states require. Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, as is Adam Mosseri, who runs Instagram. The Number That Is Being Misreported Coverage has widely described the states as seeking $1.4 trillion, a figure just below Meta's market capitalisation. That is not the states' number. It is Meta's own calculation — the theoretical maximum produced by applying the $20,000 statutory penalty per alleged violation across every claim. Meta's lawyers put it forward to argue the exposure is vastly disproportionate. What the states have actually told the court is roughly $193 billion, according to California Deputy Attorney General Megan O'Neill, with the attorneys general indicating $200 billion as the more likely figure. That is still an enormous sum. But the difference between $193 billion and $1.4 trillion is the difference between a survivable penalty and an extinction event, and the larger number entered circulation because the defence found it useful. The Jury Does Not Decide Eight jurors were selected, and their role is advisory only. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will decide liability, penalties and remedies herself. The jury's finding is consultative — she is required to consider it, not to follow it. This matters for how the case should be read. A jury verdict reported as a win or loss for either side will not be the outcome. And the injunctive remedies — the feature removals, the algorithm deletion — were always going to be the judge's decision rather than a jury's, because equitable relief of that kind is a matter for the bench. Gonzalez Rogers has been on the federal bench for nearly two decades and has handled some of the largest technology cases to reach it. She has already granted the states partial summary judgment on certain COPPA notice and consent issues, which means Meta entered the trial having lost ground on the federal claim before opening statements. What Happens Next The trial is expected to run six to eight weeks, with a verdict anticipated around October. It is the first state attorney general bellwether drawn from 3,137 consolidated cases in the wider multidistrict litigation over social media and adolescent addiction, and the first of them to reach a jury. School districts and individual families are behind it in the queue. That is what gives this case weight beyond its own outcome. A bellwether exists to price the rest. Whatever Judge Gonzalez Rogers orders — on penalties, on features, on the algorithms — becomes the reference point for thousands of cases still waiting, and for every other platform whose product rests on the same design choices. Instagram Stories, on that reading, is not the target. It is the test case for whether a court can order a product feature out of existence.

The first state attorneys general trial against Meta opened in Oakland on August 18. Beyond the headline damages figures, the states are asking for nationwide orders that would strip out specific design features — infinite scroll, autoplay, ephemeral content, beauty filters and engagement-optimised recommendation — and delete the algorithms trained on data taken from children under 13.

What 29 states want deleted from Instagram: Stories, infinite scroll, autoplay and beauty filters

New Delhi: Poland’s ambassador to India has expressed strong support for New Delhi’s right to combat terrorism while acknowledging India's historic ties with Russia, as both sides push for closer defence and economic cooperation.&nbsp;Speaking at an event organised by the Think Tank - Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies (CIHS), Ambassador Dr Piotr Antoni Świtalski said Poland fully understands the historical foundations of India-Russia ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;“We perfectly understand the background of India’s relationship with Russia. Russia/Soviet Union supported you during major conflicts. We understand the bond,” he stated. He added that while Russia remains a "source of cheap oil for India, for Poland it represents a source of threat".&nbsp;Polish firms, he noted, have questioned whether India is a reliable partner on technology given its continuing links with Moscow. “We have an understanding of the historic aspect of ties, and current interdependencies with Russia," he explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite these differences, Świtalski underlined the strength of bilateral defence relations. He pointed to reports that Polish drones were used by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor and recalled that Polish tanks had been employed by India during the liberation of Bangladesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-up-5-member-committee-to-probe-cops-use-of-force-violence-at-neet-protests-1787231068889">Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests</a>&nbsp;“Clearly we are on your side,” the ambassador said.&nbsp;On the issue of terrorism, Poland firmly backs India. Świtalski affirmed support for Delhi’s “right to pursue terrorists everywhere they go,” declaring that “we are on India’s side on the question of terrorism.”&nbsp;He became emotional while recalling that he had been in Srinagar the night before the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;Looking ahead, a Polish defence delegation is scheduled to visit India next week. Świtalski also expressed optimism about the India-EU free trade agreement, hoping it will become “operational” by the end of the year and be complemented by an investment protection agreement. He saw “no reason for the delay” of the FTA.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ugc-caste-discrimination-guidelines-being-reconsidered-centre-tells-supreme-court-1787245007368">UGC caste discrimination guidelines being reconsidered: Centre tells Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;Plans are also under way for a visit to India by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Świtalski described the prospective trip as a “continuation of political dialogue” following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier visit to Warsaw. He noted that the Polish leader “loves India” and that such a visit would send “the right signal to business, cooperation.” At the highest level, he said, “the light is green, and the signal is go ahead.”&nbsp;The remarks come as India and Poland seek to expand ties across defence, technology and trade, balancing historical partnerships with evolving geopolitical realities in Europe and Asia.

A Polish defence delegation is scheduled to visit India next week. Ambassador Dr Piotr Antoni Świtalski expressed optimism about the India-EU free trade agreement, hoping it will become “operational” by the end of the year and be complemented by an investment protection agreement.

New Delhi: Poland’s ambassador to India has expressed strong support for New Delhi’s right to combat terrorism while acknowledging India's historic ties with Russia, as both sides push for closer defence and economic cooperation. Speaking at an event organised by the Think Tank - Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies (CIHS), Ambassador Dr Piotr Antoni Świtalski said Poland fully understands the historical foundations of India-Russia ties. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons “We perfectly understand the background of India’s relationship with Russia. Russia/Soviet Union supported you during major conflicts. We understand the bond,” he stated. He added that while Russia remains a "source of cheap oil for India, for Poland it represents a source of threat". Polish firms, he noted, have questioned whether India is a reliable partner on technology given its continuing links with Moscow. “We have an understanding of the historic aspect of ties, and current interdependencies with Russia," he explained. Despite these differences, Świtalski underlined the strength of bilateral defence relations. He pointed to reports that Polish drones were used by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor and recalled that Polish tanks had been employed by India during the liberation of Bangladesh. Also Read: Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests “Clearly we are on your side,” the ambassador said. On the issue of terrorism, Poland firmly backs India. Świtalski affirmed support for Delhi’s “right to pursue terrorists everywhere they go,” declaring that “we are on India’s side on the question of terrorism.” He became emotional while recalling that he had been in Srinagar the night before the Pahalgam terror attack. Looking ahead, a Polish defence delegation is scheduled to visit India next week. Świtalski also expressed optimism about the India-EU free trade agreement, hoping it will become “operational” by the end of the year and be complemented by an investment protection agreement. He saw “no reason for the delay” of the FTA. Also Read: UGC caste discrimination guidelines being reconsidered: Centre tells Supreme Court Plans are also under way for a visit to India by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Świtalski described the prospective trip as a “continuation of political dialogue” following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier visit to Warsaw. He noted that the Polish leader “loves India” and that such a visit would send “the right signal to business, cooperation.” At the highest level, he said, “the light is green, and the signal is go ahead.” The remarks come as India and Poland seek to expand ties across defence, technology and trade, balancing historical partnerships with evolving geopolitical realities in Europe and Asia.

A Polish defence delegation is scheduled to visit India next week. Ambassador Dr Piotr Antoni Świtalski expressed optimism about the India-EU free trade agreement, hoping it will become “operational” by the end of the year and be complemented by an investment protection agreement.

Poland backs India’s anti-terror stance, seeks deeper defence and trade ties

'Civilising the native' was a common narrative peddled by colonial powers. However, it seems the colonial hangover still persists.UK is now handing out booklets to asylum seekers, preaching appropriate behaviour.&nbsp;To begin with, the nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner.&nbsp;In an inherent assumption about their mindset, the booklet also tells them not to commit domestic abuse and rape, citing the drastic consequences involved.&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;The UK home office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone irrespective of whether they are in public spaces, with friends or alone.&nbsp;On its part though, the UK home office stressed that asylum seekers need to be apprised of local laws, which may differ from those in their home countries, so that they stay out of trouble.&nbsp;Justifiying the booklet, UK PM Andy Burnham told the media, “We have a very clear principle. If you break UK law, you will be removed from the country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

This also comes in the wake of sexual offence convictions of foreign nationals in UK increasing by 62% from 2021 to 2024. As per available data, the rate of increase in this four-year period was higher among foreigners than British nationals. The UK's government move did not sit well with the opposition though. For instance, Green Party's Jenny Jones told Sky News, "This is a dangerous and unnecessary move by the home office, which feeds into right-wing tropes, and fuels misinformation around migrants and people seeking asylum.” On the other hand, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage hit out at the UK home office for spending so much money on these booklets instead of not allowing entry of illegal immigrants. Why has this become a big talking point though? With close to 93,000 people applying for asylum in UK from April 2025 to March 2026, illegal immigration has become subject of a political debate. While UK has every right to expect residents to follow its rules, a key question arises. Is it right to stereotype people from certain countries? It is high time governments realise this is not okay.

The UK Home Office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone. The nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner.

'Civilising the native' was a common narrative peddled by colonial powers. However, it seems the colonial hangover still persists. UK is now handing out booklets to asylum seekers, preaching appropriate behaviour. To begin with, the nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner. In an inherent assumption about their mindset, the booklet also tells them not to commit domestic abuse and rape, citing the drastic consequences involved. This is not all. The UK home office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone irrespective of whether they are in public spaces, with friends or alone. On its part though, the UK home office stressed that asylum seekers need to be apprised of local laws, which may differ from those in their home countries, so that they stay out of trouble. Justifiying the booklet, UK PM Andy Burnham told the media, “We have a very clear principle. If you break UK law, you will be removed from the country.”

The UK Home Office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone. The nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner.

UK gives instruction to asylum seekers: no rape, no harassment, no ‘kissing sounds’ | Gravitas

It is something that nobody has seen before. From speed to maneuverability to payload, no existing jet in the world even comes close to it.These words of US President Donald Trump continue to resonate as anticipation builds around America's F-47 stealth fighter jet. As the global arms race heats up, Israel is now reportedly eyeing this jet.&nbsp;Take a look at this.&nbsp;In March last year, Trump along with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth showed an artistic rendering of this sixth-generation aircraft. However, only a small part of the aircraft and the landing gear was visible.&nbsp;The jet is named after Trump, who is the 47th president of US.&nbsp;While the F-47 programme remains mired in secrecy, a few details have come to the fore. This will be the world's first sixth-generation jet, and shall be manufactured by Boeing, with its first flight likely in 2028.&nbsp;According to US Air Force Chief Ken Wilsbach, it is being designed to achieve top speed exceeding Mach 2 while maintaining extreme stealth.It can also strike targets at least 1,850 kilometres away, and will have capabilities to counter the most sophisticated adversaries.&nbsp;This is intended to replace the F-22 fighter jet, which is a fifth-generation jet potent for ground attack and electronic warfare.&nbsp;Now, F-47 will also have a new generation of sensors, capable of fusing battlefield data across land, sea and space domains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, a budgetary allocation of 3.45 billion US dollars was made towards the F-47 programme in fiscal year 2026. While the aircraft price hasn't been revealed yet, the US Air Force has decided to procure at least 185 F-47 jets.However, there is one more reason why this aircraft will stand out. According to reports, F-47 is expected to feature advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. It will also have the ability to control a swarm of AI-driven drones from its cockpit. These drones can perform tasks such as penetrating high-threat areas, conducting reconnaisance, jamming enemy systems and acting as decoys. This will allow F-47 jets to operate at a safe distance from its bases. This is not all. Some experts have also suggested that this aircraft could potentially be operated remotely. However, it is worth noting that the US has long refused to sell its F-22 fight jets to any other country with an aim to preserve its air superiority over other militaries.In case of F-47 though, reports indicate that Japan may be allowed to acquire these jets. But, why is Israel interested in purchasing this jet? Although F-47's weapon arsenal is yet to be disclosed, it might be used to fire air-to-air missiles as well as precision-guided air-to-surface missiles. According to some experts, fast and precise ballistic missiles launched from an aircraft are more difficult for air defence systems to counter, as compared to ground-launched ones. Additionally, by acquiring this aircraft, Israel can potentially target Iran and Houthis in Yemen from a safe distance, as they approximately fall within the striking capacity of this jet. Now, Israel has already approved a plan to purchase two combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15 advanced fighter jets from US. However, it is apparent that the country is looking for more options to shore up its defence capabilities at a time when Iran's military poses a realistic challenge in West Asia.

Some experts have also suggested that this aircraft could potentially be operated remotely. However, it is worth noting that the US has long refused to sell its F-22 fight jets to any other country with an aim to preserve its air superiority over other militaries.

It is something that nobody has seen before. From speed to maneuverability to payload, no existing jet in the world even comes close to it. These words of US President Donald Trump continue to resonate as anticipation builds around America's F-47 stealth fighter jet. As the global arms race heats up, Israel is now reportedly eyeing this jet. Take a look at this. In March last year, Trump along with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth showed an artistic rendering of this sixth-generation aircraft. However, only a small part of the aircraft and the landing gear was visible. The jet is named after Trump, who is the 47th president of US. While the F-47 programme remains mired in secrecy, a few details have come to the fore. This will be the world's first sixth-generation jet, and shall be manufactured by Boeing, with its first flight likely in 2028. According to US Air Force Chief Ken Wilsbach, it is being designed to achieve top speed exceeding Mach 2 while maintaining extreme stealth. It can also strike targets at least 1,850 kilometres away, and will have capabilities to counter the most sophisticated adversaries. This is intended to replace the F-22 fighter jet, which is a fifth-generation jet potent for ground attack and electronic warfare. Now, F-47 will also have a new generation of sensors, capable of fusing battlefield data across land, sea and space domains.

Some experts have also suggested that this aircraft could potentially be operated remotely. However, it is worth noting that the US has long refused to sell its F-22 fight jets to any other country with an aim to preserve its air superiority over other militaries.

Israel wants America’s secret F-47 fighter jet as global arms race heats up | Gravitas

Along the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s major trade hub of Bandar Abbas has found itself directly on the frontlines of an ongoing war with the United States. Six months after US and Israeli strikes ignited a broader regional conflict, local residents continue to grapple with battered livelihoods, soaring inflation, and severe infrastructure damage. The port city of roughly 500,000 residents remains heavily exposed to military fallout. Disagreements between Washington and Tehran over the management and navigation of the Strait of Hormuz have kept tensions dangerously high. Air raids targeting nearby bridges, highways, and railway systems aimed to disrupt Iranian military logistics, severely cutting off the port from the rest of the nation. Key transport routes, including the city's airport and the damaged Gachin bridge, have suffered extended closures and structural damage.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hormuz-flows-oil-market-s-biggest-unknown-1787037323479/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/hormuz-flows-oil-market-s-biggest-unknown-1787037323479/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Inside the city, economic strain is visible in every neighborhood. Long lines stretch outside petrol stations amid acute fuel shortages, while prices for everyday staples like food and housing have doubled. Unemployed workers, including former shipyard staff, have been forced to turn to informal jobs like driving taxis to survive the crisis.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-amid-iran-tensions-1787216446980">Trump says Strait of Hormuz open amid Iran tensions</a>&nbsp;The maritime economy, the lifeblood of southern Iran, has been severely disrupted. Local maritime trade traditionally managed via wooden vessels transporting goods across the Persian Gulf has fallen drastically. Operators report losing their primary streams of income after drone attacks hit seaways and trade partners like the UAE suspended commercial exchanges following regional ship strikes.&nbsp;Meanwhile, local fishermen face immense hardship. Many were kept ashore for months out of fear of getting caught in the crossfire between US and Iranian forces. High bazaar rents have forced small vendors onto the streets, where dwindling consumer purchasing power has crippled retail sales.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lot-of-boats-coming-through-strait-of-hormuz-says-trump-admits-to-nuisance-of-iranian-drones-1787166376313">‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones</a>&nbsp;With formal diplomatic efforts stalling and the threat of fresh military escalation constantly looming, residents of the coastal city describe living in a state of indefinite economic limbo.

As tensions escalate along the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, Iran’s primary trade and shipping hub finds itself on the frontline of conflict with the US, threatening global maritime trade and regional stability.

Along the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s major trade hub of Bandar Abbas has found itself directly on the frontlines of an ongoing war with the United States. Six months after US and Israeli strikes ignited a broader regional conflict, local residents continue to grapple with battered livelihoods, soaring inflation, and severe infrastructure damage. The port city of roughly 500,000 residents remains heavily exposed to military fallout. Disagreements between Washington and Tehran over the management and navigation of the Strait of Hormuz have kept tensions dangerously high. Air raids targeting nearby bridges, highways, and railway systems aimed to disrupt Iranian military logistics, severely cutting off the port from the rest of the nation. Key transport routes, including the city's airport and the damaged Gachin bridge, have suffered extended closures and structural damage. https://www.wionews.com/videos/hormuz-flows-oil-market-s-biggest-unknown-1787037323479/embed Inside the city, economic strain is visible in every neighborhood. Long lines stretch outside petrol stations amid acute fuel shortages, while prices for everyday staples like food and housing have doubled. Unemployed workers, including former shipyard staff, have been forced to turn to informal jobs like driving taxis to survive the crisis. Also read: Trump says Strait of Hormuz open amid Iran tensions The maritime economy, the lifeblood of southern Iran, has been severely disrupted. Local maritime trade traditionally managed via wooden vessels transporting goods across the Persian Gulf has fallen drastically. Operators report losing their primary streams of income after drone attacks hit seaways and trade partners like the UAE suspended commercial exchanges following regional ship strikes. Meanwhile, local fishermen face immense hardship. Many were kept ashore for months out of fear of getting caught in the crossfire between US and Iranian forces. High bazaar rents have forced small vendors onto the streets, where dwindling consumer purchasing power has crippled retail sales. Also read: ‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones With formal diplomatic efforts stalling and the threat of fresh military escalation constantly looming, residents of the coastal city describe living in a state of indefinite economic limbo.

As tensions escalate along the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, Iran’s primary trade and shipping hub finds itself on the frontline of conflict with the US, threatening global maritime trade and regional stability.

Bandar Abbas and Strait of Hormuz: Inside strategic hub at the center of US-Iran escalation

For millions of people, a cold cola or a bottle of soda is part of everyday life — whether it is with a meal, during a break, or while relaxing.But new research suggests that this daily habit may carry a more serious health risk than previously recognised.A study by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, involving more than 112,000 people, has found a link between daily sugary-drink consumption and stomach cancer.According to the study, people who drank at least one sugary soft drink a day had 2.45 times the risk of developing stomach cancer compared with those who did not drink sugar-sweetened beverages.Among women, the risk was about three times higher, while men faced about twice the risk.The researchers say this is the first study to identify an association between sugary-drink consumption and stomach-cancer risk.So, what exactly counts as a sugary drink?The term includes regular soft drinks, colas and sports drinks that contain added sugars.Once consumed, these sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, prompting the body to release insulin and process the extra energy.Over time, frequent high sugar intake, though, can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance and may also affect inflammation and other metabolic processes.The researchers also point to other possible links to stomach cancer, including weight gain, insulin resistance, steroid-hormone imbalance, inflammation and DNA damage.And they stress that their findings do not prove that sugary drinks cause cancer.Rather, this was an observational study. Much of the information was self-reported, with some health and family-history data being incomplete.They say further studies are needed to determine whether sugar itself is driving the increased risk.But for now, the message is not that one soft drink causes cancer, but that an everyday habit deserves a closer look.

A study of more than 112,000 people found an association between daily sugary-drink consumption and increased stomach cancer risk, but researchers say it does not prove causation.

For millions of people, a cold cola or a bottle of soda is part of everyday life — whether it is with a meal, during a break, or while relaxing. But new research suggests that this daily habit may carry a more serious health risk than previously recognised. A study by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, involving more than 112,000 people, has found a link between daily sugary-drink consumption and stomach cancer. According to the study, people who drank at least one sugary soft drink a day had 2.45 times the risk of developing stomach cancer compared with those who did not drink sugar-sweetened beverages. Among women, the risk was about three times higher, while men faced about twice the risk. The researchers say this is the first study to identify an association between sugary-drink consumption and stomach-cancer risk. So, what exactly counts as a sugary drink? The term includes regular soft drinks, colas and sports drinks that contain added sugars. Once consumed, these sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, prompting the body to release insulin and process the extra energy. Over time, frequent high sugar intake, though, can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance and may also affect inflammation and other metabolic processes. The researchers also point to other possible links to stomach cancer, including weight gain, insulin resistance, steroid-hormone imbalance, inflammation and DNA damage. And they stress that their findings do not prove that sugary drinks cause cancer. Rather, this was an observational study. Much of the information was self-reported, with some health and family-history data being incomplete. They say further studies are needed to determine whether sugar itself is driving the increased risk. But for now, the message is not that one soft drink causes cancer, but that an everyday habit deserves a closer look.

A study of more than 112,000 people found an association between daily sugary-drink consumption and increased stomach cancer risk, but researchers say it does not prove causation.

Sugary drink a day doubles risk of stomach cancer | Gravitas

Pakistani MP and former speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser has claimed that many Pakistani travelers including himself received discriminatory treatment by hotel staff in United Arab Emirates after their flight was cancelled. He said that an announcement was made saying that only passport holders from India and America would be accommodated in the hotel in question.&nbsp;Taking to X Qaiser called the behaviour "extremely inappropriate" and urged the Pakistani government to take up the matter with UAE authorities.&nbsp;“I was travelling myself, and the behaviour shown there was extremely inappropriate. Our flight was cancelled. We wanted to stay in a hotel, but their attitude towards us Pakistanis was not good. An announcement was being made that only passport holders from India and America would be accommodated," wrote Qaiser.&nbsp;He also raised the issue in Pakistani parliament seeking diplomatic intervention.&nbsp;"I believe we have diplomatic channels; they should raise this matter. The Pakistani people respect and love the UAE government. Just now, a delegation came to me saying that the treatment toward us was also not appropriate," said Qaiser.<h2>Actor Saba Qamar had also spoken about similar discrimination</h2>&nbsp;A similar concern was raised by Pakistani actor Saba Qamar when she made her Bollywood debut in 2017 in film Hindi Medium. I an interview in 2018 she spoke about how her entire Indian crew of the film after landing in Tbilisi (Capital of Georgia) for the shooting was allowed to go by the airport staff, while she was stopped and frisked.&nbsp;“We boast about Pakistan. We say Pakistan is this and that. But when you go out of the country and the way we are checked, I can’t tell you. I feel so humiliated the way I am frisked. I remember I want for a shoot in Tbilisi (Capital of Georgia) and my entire Indian crew was allowed to go. But I was stopped because of my Pakistani passport. I was investigated and they took my interview and then they let me go," she said.&nbsp;Notably, Pakistani passport ranks 102 - amongst the lowest - on Henley Passport Index 2026.&nbsp;

Asad Qaiser also raised the issue in Pakistani parliament and called the behaviour "extremely inappropriate" and urged the Pakistani government to take up the matter with UAE authorities.

Pakistani MP and former speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser has claimed that many Pakistani travelers including himself received discriminatory treatment by hotel staff in United Arab Emirates after their flight was cancelled. He said that an announcement was made saying that only passport holders from India and America would be accommodated in the hotel in question. Taking to X Qaiser called the behaviour "extremely inappropriate" and urged the Pakistani government to take up the matter with UAE authorities. “I was travelling myself, and the behaviour shown there was extremely inappropriate. Our flight was cancelled. We wanted to stay in a hotel, but their attitude towards us Pakistanis was not good. An announcement was being made that only passport holders from India and America would be accommodated," wrote Qaiser. He also raised the issue in Pakistani parliament seeking diplomatic intervention. "I believe we have diplomatic channels; they should raise this matter. The Pakistani people respect and love the UAE government. Just now, a delegation came to me saying that the treatment toward us was also not appropriate," said Qaiser. Actor Saba Qamar had also spoken about similar discrimination A similar concern was raised by Pakistani actor Saba Qamar when she made her Bollywood debut in 2017 in film Hindi Medium. I an interview in 2018 she spoke about how her entire Indian crew of the film after landing in Tbilisi (Capital of Georgia) for the shooting was allowed to go by the airport staff, while she was stopped and frisked. “We boast about Pakistan. We say Pakistan is this and that. But when you go out of the country and the way we are checked, I can’t tell you. I feel so humiliated the way I am frisked. I remember I want for a shoot in Tbilisi (Capital of Georgia) and my entire Indian crew was allowed to go. But I was stopped because of my Pakistani passport. I was investigated and they took my interview and then they let me go," she said. Notably, Pakistani passport ranks 102 - amongst the lowest - on Henley Passport Index 2026.

Asad Qaiser also raised the issue in Pakistani parliament and called the behaviour "extremely inappropriate" and urged the Pakistani government to take up the matter with UAE authorities.

'Only Indian, American passport holders allowed': Pakistan MP alleges discrimination at UAE hotel

New Delhi: United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor is in the Union Territory of Ladakh as part of his first official visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since taking up his post in January 2026. Gor, who also serves as Special Envoy for South and Central Asia in the Trump administration, arrived in the region on 19 August.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Wednesday, he held talks with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar before travelling to Ladakh. He arrived in Leh earlier today, accompanied by some US diplomats.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ugc-caste-discrimination-guidelines-being-reconsidered-centre-tells-supreme-court-1787245007368">UGC caste discrimination guidelines being reconsidered: Centre tells Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;No meeting with the Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama, who is currently in the Union Territory, is scheduled. “While the Ambassador was approached about a meeting with the Dalai Lama, he is actually not meeting with him,” one source said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-up-5-member-committee-to-probe-cops-use-of-force-violence-at-neet-protests-1787231068889">Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests</a>&nbsp;The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism who has lived in exile in India since 1959, has long received expressions of support from successive US administrations for his advocacy of non-violence and dialogue. Washington continues to recognise Tibet as part of China.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;Previous US ambassadors to India have met the Dalai Lama, and Gor himself has done so on earlier occasions. During US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India this year, Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong (president) of the Tibetan government-in-exile, was invited to attend American Independence Day celebrations in Delhi.&nbsp;Gor’s current tour of the two Union Territories marks an early foray into India’s northernmost regions under his ambassadorship. Officials have not detailed the full programme of meetings in Ladakh.

United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s current tour of the two Union Territories marks an early foray into India’s northernmost regions under his ambassadorship. No meeting of Gor with the Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama, who is currently in the Union Territory, is scheduled.

New Delhi: United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor is in the Union Territory of Ladakh as part of his first official visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since taking up his post in January 2026. Gor, who also serves as Special Envoy for South and Central Asia in the Trump administration, arrived in the region on 19 August. On Wednesday, he held talks with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar before travelling to Ladakh. He arrived in Leh earlier today, accompanied by some US diplomats. Also Read: UGC caste discrimination guidelines being reconsidered: Centre tells Supreme Court No meeting with the Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama, who is currently in the Union Territory, is scheduled. “While the Ambassador was approached about a meeting with the Dalai Lama, he is actually not meeting with him,” one source said. Also Read: Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism who has lived in exile in India since 1959, has long received expressions of support from successive US administrations for his advocacy of non-violence and dialogue. Washington continues to recognise Tibet as part of China. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons Previous US ambassadors to India have met the Dalai Lama, and Gor himself has done so on earlier occasions. During US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India this year, Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong (president) of the Tibetan government-in-exile, was invited to attend American Independence Day celebrations in Delhi. Gor’s current tour of the two Union Territories marks an early foray into India’s northernmost regions under his ambassadorship. Officials have not detailed the full programme of meetings in Ladakh.

United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s current tour of the two Union Territories marks an early foray into India’s northernmost regions under his ambassadorship. No meeting of Gor with the Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama, who is currently in the Union Territory, is scheduled.

US ambassador Sergio Gor visits union territory of Ladakh

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humayun Kobir, in an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, said that the possibility of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visiting India next month for the BRICS Summit "remains slim”, unless New Delhi creates an environment based on “mutual trust” and extends a “dignified invitation”.This comes as plans for a diplomatic bilateral visit were dropped earlier this week and reports that preparations were still underway were dismissed by Bangaldesh as “baseless”. This is particularly due to the outrage over the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's interaction with the press conference in New Delhi at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi on August 5. Kabir said that Dhaka is not considering a high-level diplomatic visit without clearly defined national interest.&nbsp;"The possibility of the Prime Minister visiting India ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit remains slim unless an appropriate environment is created based on consensus between the two countries on specific issues and a dignified invitation," Kobir said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ongole-andhra-pradesh-lift-accident-woman-dies-elevator-door-open-1787235778574">Horrifying elevator accident in Andhra Pradesh: Woman dies after lift moves with door open</a>“There is no justification for rushing into a top-level visit by going beyond the national interest,” said Kobir to the state-run BSS news agency in an interview published on Thursday. The interview was held on August 17.However Kobir reiterated that Bangladesh could take a favourable view of participating in the BRICS Summit if an "appropriate" if a bilateral environment is created based on “mutual trust”.New Delhi has maintained that the press conference by the ousted leader Sheikh Hasina had nothing to do with the Indian government and it doesn't endorse the views expressed at the event."Prime Minister Modi just mentioned one thing. We need to meet. And you can tell them on my behalf that you have the prime minister of India's assurance that when the honourable prime minister of Bangladesh visits India, he will have such an honourable reception as he deserves," said Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at a reception hosted by the Indian High Commission for leading Bangladeshi business leaders and a visiting delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said the possibility of PM Tarique Rahman visiting India for the BRICS Summit remains slim without mutual trust and a dignified invitation.

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humayun Kobir, in an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, said that the possibility of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visiting India next month for the BRICS Summit "remains slim”, unless New Delhi creates an environment based on “mutual trust” and extends a “dignified invitation”. This comes as plans for a diplomatic bilateral visit were dropped earlier this week and reports that preparations were still underway were dismissed by Bangaldesh as “baseless”. This is particularly due to the outrage over the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's interaction with the press conference in New Delhi at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi on August 5. Kabir said that Dhaka is not considering a high-level diplomatic visit without clearly defined national interest. "The possibility of the Prime Minister visiting India ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit remains slim unless an appropriate environment is created based on consensus between the two countries on specific issues and a dignified invitation," Kobir said. Also Read: Horrifying elevator accident in Andhra Pradesh: Woman dies after lift moves with door open “There is no justification for rushing into a top-level visit by going beyond the national interest,” said Kobir to the state-run BSS news agency in an interview published on Thursday. The interview was held on August 17. However Kobir reiterated that Bangladesh could take a favourable view of participating in the BRICS Summit if an "appropriate" if a bilateral environment is created based on “mutual trust”. New Delhi has maintained that the press conference by the ousted leader Sheikh Hasina had nothing to do with the Indian government and it doesn't endorse the views expressed at the event. "Prime Minister Modi just mentioned one thing. We need to meet. And you can tell them on my behalf that you have the prime minister of India's assurance that when the honourable prime minister of Bangladesh visits India, he will have such an honourable reception as he deserves," said Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at a reception hosted by the Indian High Commission for leading Bangladeshi business leaders and a visiting delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said the possibility of PM Tarique Rahman visiting India for the BRICS Summit remains slim without mutual trust and a dignified invitation.

‘Slim’ chances of Tarique Rahman’s India visit for BRICS Summit without ‘dignified invitation’

Meta is facing growing scrutiny over a question that goes far beyond social media: when a technology company becomes powerful enough to shape childhood, how much responsibility should it bear for the consequences?&nbsp;Facebook was launched in 2004, while Meta became the parent-company brand in 2021. Since then, the digital landscape has transformed dramatically. Smartphones, algorithms, influencers and artificial intelligence have become central to how a new generation communicates, learns and sees the world.Now, Meta is facing multiple legal battles in the United States over child safety, alleged social-media addiction and its business practices.&nbsp;In one major case, 29 U.S. states accuse Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram in ways that allegedly encouraged young users to remain engaged, exposed children to harmful content and contributed to youth-related harms. Meta denies the allegations.&nbsp;The controversy raises a fundamental question: are the guardrails protecting today's children strong enough for the digital world they inhabit?&nbsp;Meta says it has invested heavily in safety, including parental controls, age protections and technology designed to detect child exploitation. But critics argue that removing harmful content after it appears is not enough. They want platforms to take greater responsibility for preventing foreseeable harm through the way their products are designed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-tougher-iran-sanctions-make-large-scale-war-less-likely-tehran-condemns-economic-terrorism-1787242779961">US says tougher Iran sanctions make large-scale war less likely; Tehran condemns 'economic terrorism'</a>&nbsp;Social media is unlikely to disappear. The challenge is ensuring that commercial success does not come at the expense of vulnerable users.&nbsp;Parents have a role. Governments have a role. Schools have a role.&nbsp;And Big Tech has a role too.&nbsp;Because children are more than clicks, engagement metrics or advertising audiences.They are the next generation.&nbsp;And perhaps the real question is not whether Big Tech can operate with stronger guardrails, but whether our children can thrive without them.&nbsp;And that's The Verdict.

Meta faces growing legal and public scrutiny over whether its social media platforms do enough to protect children from harmful content, addiction risks and other potential online harms.

Meta is facing growing scrutiny over a question that goes far beyond social media: when a technology company becomes powerful enough to shape childhood, how much responsibility should it bear for the consequences? Facebook was launched in 2004, while Meta became the parent-company brand in 2021. Since then, the digital landscape has transformed dramatically. Smartphones, algorithms, influencers and artificial intelligence have become central to how a new generation communicates, learns and sees the world. Now, Meta is facing multiple legal battles in the United States over child safety, alleged social-media addiction and its business practices. In one major case, 29 U.S. states accuse Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram in ways that allegedly encouraged young users to remain engaged, exposed children to harmful content and contributed to youth-related harms. Meta denies the allegations. The controversy raises a fundamental question: are the guardrails protecting today's children strong enough for the digital world they inhabit? Meta says it has invested heavily in safety, including parental controls, age protections and technology designed to detect child exploitation. But critics argue that removing harmful content after it appears is not enough. They want platforms to take greater responsibility for preventing foreseeable harm through the way their products are designed. Also Read: US says tougher Iran sanctions make large-scale war less likely; Tehran condemns 'economic terrorism' Social media is unlikely to disappear. The challenge is ensuring that commercial success does not come at the expense of vulnerable users. Parents have a role. Governments have a role. Schools have a role. And Big Tech has a role too. Because children are more than clicks, engagement metrics or advertising audiences. They are the next generation. And perhaps the real question is not whether Big Tech can operate with stronger guardrails, but whether our children can thrive without them. And that's The Verdict.

Meta faces growing legal and public scrutiny over whether its social media platforms do enough to protect children from harmful content, addiction risks and other potential online harms.

Meta under scrutiny: Big Tech, bigger responsibility

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (August 20) said Washington's plan to intensify economic sanctions on Iran could reduce the need for another large-scale military operation against Tehran.&nbsp;"If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-scale kinetic restart, but I will emphasise that is for now," Bessent was quoted as saying by CNBC.&nbsp;Bessent said the US wants to sharply increase economic pressure on Iran with the aim of collapsing its government. He described the planned sanctions as an unprecedented campaign of economic isolation.&nbsp;"It is going to work in Iran, and we are going to collapse this regime," he told CNBC. "This is going to be the greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world."<h2>US urges China and allies to back sanctions</h2>Bessent also addressed the possibility of Washington putting pressure on China over its dealings with Iran. He said "many conversations are best to have in private," while urging Beijing "to get with the program." The Treasury Secretary also called on other countries to support the US measures and warned them about the consequences of failing to do so.&nbsp;"So it is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision, and we are going to squash the economy of this murderous regime, which, that will curtail their ability to project power through their proxies," he said.&nbsp;Washington has imposed a series of new economic sanctions since US President Donald Trump launched the war with Tehran in late February. However, the Iranian government has continued to operate despite the measures.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-approves-high-court-bench-in-ladakh-shah-hails-move-to-ease-justice-access-1787235249621">Centre approves High Court bench in Ladakh, Shah hails move to ease justice access</a><h2>Iran rejects US sanctions as 'economic terrorism'</h2>Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the latest US sanctions and described them as a crime against humanity. According to ISNA, Tehran said the measures reflected decades of US hostility towards the Iranian people.&nbsp;"The US administration, on the anniversary of the shameful coup of 19 Mordad 1953, claimed to impose extensive economic and trade sanctions against the Iranian nation. This action is not only another sign of the continuation of 73 years of American policymakers' animosity and hostility towards the Iranian people, but also proves the anti-human, law-breaking, and arrogant nature of the US administration.&nbsp;"Without a doubt, the US economic sanctions against Iran, which have targeted the fundamental human rights of every Iranian citizen, are an example of "economic terrorism" and a "crime against humanity," and the instigators and perpetrators of these sanctions deserve to be tried and punished for committing such heinous crimes," the semi-official news agency quoted Tehran's foreign ministry as saying.&nbsp;The Iranian ministry also described the sanctions as inhumane measures against the Iranian people. It said the Islamic Republic remains determined to defend its security and national interests while confronting US military, economic, political and psychological pressure.

The US said tougher economic sanctions could reduce the risk of renewed large-scale military action against Iran, while Tehran condemned the measures as "economic terrorism" and a "crime against humanity".

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (August 20) said Washington's plan to intensify economic sanctions on Iran could reduce the need for another large-scale military operation against Tehran. "If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-scale kinetic restart, but I will emphasise that is for now," Bessent was quoted as saying by CNBC. Bessent said the US wants to sharply increase economic pressure on Iran with the aim of collapsing its government. He described the planned sanctions as an unprecedented campaign of economic isolation. "It is going to work in Iran, and we are going to collapse this regime," he told CNBC. "This is going to be the greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world." US urges China and allies to back sanctions Bessent also addressed the possibility of Washington putting pressure on China over its dealings with Iran. He said "many conversations are best to have in private," while urging Beijing "to get with the program." The Treasury Secretary also called on other countries to support the US measures and warned them about the consequences of failing to do so. "So it is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision, and we are going to squash the economy of this murderous regime, which, that will curtail their ability to project power through their proxies," he said. Washington has imposed a series of new economic sanctions since US President Donald Trump launched the war with Tehran in late February. However, the Iranian government has continued to operate despite the measures. Also Read: Centre approves High Court bench in Ladakh, Shah hails move to ease justice access Iran rejects US sanctions as 'economic terrorism' Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the latest US sanctions and described them as a crime against humanity. According to ISNA, Tehran said the measures reflected decades of US hostility towards the Iranian people. "The US administration, on the anniversary of the shameful coup of 19 Mordad 1953, claimed to impose extensive economic and trade sanctions against the Iranian nation. This action is not only another sign of the continuation of 73 years of American policymakers' animosity and hostility towards the Iranian people, but also proves the anti-human, law-breaking, and arrogant nature of the US administration. "Without a doubt, the US economic sanctions against Iran, which have targeted the fundamental human rights of every Iranian citizen, are an example of "economic terrorism" and a "crime against humanity," and the instigators and perpetrators of these sanctions deserve to be tried and punished for committing such heinous crimes," the semi-official news agency quoted Tehran's foreign ministry as saying. The Iranian ministry also described the sanctions as inhumane measures against the Iranian people. It said the Islamic Republic remains determined to defend its security and national interests while confronting US military, economic, political and psychological pressure.

The US said tougher economic sanctions could reduce the risk of renewed large-scale military action against Iran, while Tehran condemned the measures as "economic terrorism" and a "crime against humanity".

US says tougher Iran sanctions make large-scale war less likely; Tehran condemns 'economic terrorism'

The US State Department has approved the sale of four KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft and other related equipment to Qatar on Thursday. The deal is estimated to cost around $4.50 billion. According to the statement by the US State Department, the deal will “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States" and improve Qatar's ability to counter &nbsp;"current and future threats" and enhance cooperation and interoperability with US forces and its allies."The proposed sale will increase Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its defence capabilities and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces and reinforcing Qatar’s strategic role in regional security. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," read the statement by the US State Department.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-george-washington-arabian-sea-replaces-abraham-lincoln-1787233733309">USS George Washington begins operations in Arabian Sea, replacing Abraham Lincoln after 250 days</a>The deal includes four KC-46A aircraft, eight PW4062 turbofan engines; 10 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers; 15 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GTLA) for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems; and eight LAIRCM system processor replacements. This will also include non-major defence logistics, technology, and support elements to ensure the fleet is fully operational, secure, and integrated into joint military networks. The principal contractors for this deal are Boeing, Pratt &amp; Whitney Military Engines, RTX Corporation, and &nbsp;Northrop Grumman Corporation.This will likely allow Qatari forces to seamlessly refuel US CENTCOM assets. Qatar already has a modern and advanced air fleet including Boeing F-15QA Ababil fighters, Eurofighter Typhoons, and Dassault Rafales. Qatar's Al Udeid is the largest US military Air base in the West Asia region.&nbsp;The deal comes amid escalating tension between the US and Iran. Both sides have reached an impasse in the negotiations, with a 60-day period negotiated in the Islamabad Memorandum has expired. This underlines why the US is prioritising the rapid reinforcement of Qatar’s defence capabilities and, mostly, the operational footprint and endurance of the US Air Force in the region.

The US State Department has approved the sale of four KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar in a $4.5 billion deal amid rising US-Iran tensions.

The US State Department has approved the sale of four KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft and other related equipment to Qatar on Thursday. The deal is estimated to cost around $4.50 billion. According to the statement by the US State Department, the deal will “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States" and improve Qatar's ability to counter "current and future threats" and enhance cooperation and interoperability with US forces and its allies. "The proposed sale will increase Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its defence capabilities and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces and reinforcing Qatar’s strategic role in regional security. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," read the statement by the US State Department. Also Read: USS George Washington begins operations in Arabian Sea, replacing Abraham Lincoln after 250 days The deal includes four KC-46A aircraft, eight PW4062 turbofan engines; 10 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers; 15 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GTLA) for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems; and eight LAIRCM system processor replacements. This will also include non-major defence logistics, technology, and support elements to ensure the fleet is fully operational, secure, and integrated into joint military networks. The principal contractors for this deal are Boeing, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, RTX Corporation, and Northrop Grumman Corporation. This will likely allow Qatari forces to seamlessly refuel US CENTCOM assets. Qatar already has a modern and advanced air fleet including Boeing F-15QA Ababil fighters, Eurofighter Typhoons, and Dassault Rafales. Qatar's Al Udeid is the largest US military Air base in the West Asia region. The deal comes amid escalating tension between the US and Iran. Both sides have reached an impasse in the negotiations, with a 60-day period negotiated in the Islamabad Memorandum has expired. This underlines why the US is prioritising the rapid reinforcement of Qatar’s defence capabilities and, mostly, the operational footprint and endurance of the US Air Force in the region.

The US State Department has approved the sale of four KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar in a $4.5 billion deal amid rising US-Iran tensions.

US approves $4.5 billion sale of four KC-46A refuelling aircraft to Qatar amid US-Iran tensions

Syria has told the Trump administration that it does not trust Israel’s intentions towards Damascus, days after Israeli airstrikes hit a military airbase in northern Syria over concerns about a possible Turkish military presence there.&nbsp;Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani told Axios on Thursday (Aug 20) that there had been no plans to establish a permanent Turkish military base at Abu al-Duhur airbase, which was targeted by Israel. “There was no intention to establish a Turkish base there, nor to establish a permanent Turkish military presence or deploy Turkish forces at the site,” Al-Shaibani told Axios.&nbsp;The Israeli Air Force dropped at least eight bombs on runways and hangars at the airbase, located about 45 miles from the Turkish border, damaging recently rebuilt runways. No casualties were reported.<h2>Israel cites Turkish military buildup</h2>Israeli officials told the US administration that the strike was carried out to prevent Turkey from establishing a military presence at the site, according to US and Israeli officials cited by Axios.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-thought-they-were-going-to-betray-me-like-this-ex-cia-informant-who-helped-in-intel-on-osama-bin-laden-faces-deportation-1787211814870">‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation</a>&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Syria had been warned against allowing a Turkish military presence at the airbase and that Israel had delivered a clear message to Damascus before the attack.&nbsp;Syria, however, has rejected the claim that it was working with Turkey to establish a military base there. Al-Shaibani said Damascus had already informed Israel that there were no plans for a permanent Turkish deployment at the site.<h2>Syria says airbase was being repaired</h2>According to Al-Shaibani, the activity at Abu al-Duhur was linked to repairs after the facility was damaged during Syria’s war. He said the work was intended to restore the airbase so that the Syrian Air Force could use it again. The facility was mostly empty, had not been fully repaired and was not operational at the time of the Israeli strike, he said.&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;Syria therefore did not consider the repair work evidence of preparations for a Turkish military base. Turkish military officers had visited the airbase several days before the Israeli attack. Al-Shaibani said those visits were part of military cooperation, including training and the exchange of expertise.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Syria rejected Israeli claims that a bombed airbase hosted Turkish forces, stating repairs were solely for its own air force, while warning the US not to trust Israel’s intentions.

Syria has told the Trump administration that it does not trust Israel’s intentions towards Damascus, days after Israeli airstrikes hit a military airbase in northern Syria over concerns about a possible Turkish military presence there. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani told Axios on Thursday (Aug 20) that there had been no plans to establish a permanent Turkish military base at Abu al-Duhur airbase, which was targeted by Israel. “There was no intention to establish a Turkish base there, nor to establish a permanent Turkish military presence or deploy Turkish forces at the site,” Al-Shaibani told Axios. The Israeli Air Force dropped at least eight bombs on runways and hangars at the airbase, located about 45 miles from the Turkish border, damaging recently rebuilt runways. No casualties were reported. Israel cites Turkish military buildup Israeli officials told the US administration that the strike was carried out to prevent Turkey from establishing a military presence at the site, according to US and Israeli officials cited by Axios. Also read: ‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Syria had been warned against allowing a Turkish military presence at the airbase and that Israel had delivered a clear message to Damascus before the attack. Syria, however, has rejected the claim that it was working with Turkey to establish a military base there. Al-Shaibani said Damascus had already informed Israel that there were no plans for a permanent Turkish deployment at the site. Syria says airbase was being repaired According to Al-Shaibani, the activity at Abu al-Duhur was linked to repairs after the facility was damaged during Syria’s war. He said the work was intended to restore the airbase so that the Syrian Air Force could use it again. The facility was mostly empty, had not been fully repaired and was not operational at the time of the Israeli strike, he said. Also read: ‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries Syria therefore did not consider the repair work evidence of preparations for a Turkish military base. Turkish military officers had visited the airbase several days before the Israeli attack. Al-Shaibani said those visits were part of military cooperation, including training and the exchange of expertise.

Syria rejected Israeli claims that a bombed airbase hosted Turkish forces, stating repairs were solely for its own air force, while warning the US not to trust Israel’s intentions.

‘Don’t trust Israel’: Syria challenges Israeli claims after airstrikes hit military airbase over alleged Turkish presence

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday slammed the new “economic warfare” against Tehran announced by President Donald Trump and predicted that its impact will be the opposite of what the president intends.&nbsp;In a post on Truth Social, Trump on Wednesday announced a “crushing economic operation” against Iran that he said will consist of “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale.”Reacting to the announcement, Araghchi said in a social media post that “the so-called ‘Economic D-Day’ is a diversion from America’s own crisis: unprecedented debt and surging interest costs.”&nbsp;He added that the “US economic terrorism” will threaten global economy and sovereignty worldwide.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-up-5-member-committee-to-probe-cops-use-of-force-violence-at-neet-protests-1787231068889">Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests</a>&nbsp;“Doubling down on failed policies will only bring further defeat — and enmity of Iranians. US economic terrorism threatens global economy and sovereignty worldwide,” Araghchi said.&nbsp;The Iranian foreign minister also shared a New York Times article about the U.S. national debt crossing the unprecedented $40 trillion threshold.&nbsp;<h2>Will use ‘more precise, more destructive’ weapons: IRGC</h2>&nbsp;Tensions between the US and Iran seem to be escalating again after Trump threatened Tehran with the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country,” as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning. The IRGC warned of using “more precise, more destructive” weapons in its arsenal if the war reignites.IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebi told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB that Iran is continuously improving its military systems, including missile warheads, accuracy and range.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lot-of-boats-coming-through-strait-of-hormuz-says-trump-admits-to-nuisance-of-iranian-drones-1787166376313">‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones</a>&nbsp;Mohebbi said Iran’s warheads would be “completely different” from those used in previous confrontations with the US and Israel.&nbsp;“If another war begins, our weapons will certainly be different from the past,” Mohebi said, adding that changes could include new generations of warheads, greater accuracy and longer-range missiles.Mohebi also claimed that Iran had continued developing its military capabilities without interruption during the war, and that it was making weapons “more precise, more destructive and more technologically advanced”.&nbsp;<h2>China slams economic warfare against Iran</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, China has also slammed the US president’s “economic D-Day” announcement against Iran, saying more sanctions will not help solve the outstanding issues.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing, “Imposing sanctions and pressuring do not help to solve the issue.”&nbsp;“China calls on relevant parties to take responsible measures and solve the issues through diplomatic and political means.”&nbsp;China is likely to be heavily impacted by the US measures since it buys more than 80 per cent of Iran’s shipped oil, as per 2025 data ⁠from analytics firm Kpler.

Reacting to President Trump’s announcement of a “crushing economic operation” against Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it is a diversion from America’s own crisis of debt and surging interest costs. He added that the “economic terrorism” will threaten global economy.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday slammed the new “economic warfare” against Tehran announced by President Donald Trump and predicted that its impact will be the opposite of what the president intends. In a post on Truth Social, Trump on Wednesday announced a “crushing economic operation” against Iran that he said will consist of “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale.” Reacting to the announcement, Araghchi said in a social media post that “the so-called ‘Economic D-Day’ is a diversion from America’s own crisis: unprecedented debt and surging interest costs.” He added that the “US economic terrorism” will threaten global economy and sovereignty worldwide. Also Read: Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests “Doubling down on failed policies will only bring further defeat — and enmity of Iranians. US economic terrorism threatens global economy and sovereignty worldwide,” Araghchi said. The Iranian foreign minister also shared a New York Times article about the U.S. national debt crossing the unprecedented $40 trillion threshold. Will use ‘more precise, more destructive’ weapons: IRGC Tensions between the US and Iran seem to be escalating again after Trump threatened Tehran with the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country,” as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning. The IRGC warned of using “more precise, more destructive” weapons in its arsenal if the war reignites. IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebi told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB that Iran is continuously improving its military systems, including missile warheads, accuracy and range. Also Read: ‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones Mohebbi said Iran’s warheads would be “completely different” from those used in previous confrontations with the US and Israel. “If another war begins, our weapons will certainly be different from the past,” Mohebi said, adding that changes could include new generations of warheads, greater accuracy and longer-range missiles. Mohebi also claimed that Iran had continued developing its military capabilities without interruption during the war, and that it was making weapons “more precise, more destructive and more technologically advanced”. China slams economic warfare against Iran Meanwhile, China has also slammed the US president’s “economic D-Day” announcement against Iran, saying more sanctions will not help solve the outstanding issues. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing, “Imposing sanctions and pressuring do not help to solve the issue.” “China calls on relevant parties to take responsible measures and solve the issues through diplomatic and political means.” China is likely to be heavily impacted by the US measures since it buys more than 80 per cent of Iran’s shipped oil, as per 2025 data ⁠from analytics firm Kpler.

Reacting to President Trump’s announcement of a “crushing economic operation” against Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it is a diversion from America’s own crisis of debt and surging interest costs. He added that the “economic terrorism” will threaten global economy.

Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington has begun operations in West Asia, CENTCOM confirmed on Thursday, August 20. The aircraft carrier entered the Arabian Sea theatre to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed in the region for more than 250 consecutive days.In a social media post on the platform X, CENTCOM said, “U.S. Sailors work on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73), Aug. 20, as the aircraft carrier transits the Arabian Sea. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is operating in the Middle East during a scheduled deployment after arriving in the CENTCOM theatre yesterday.”The USS George Washington had been operating in the South China Sea and recently finished a port call in Da Nang, Vietnam. This is not the first time the carrier will be in the area. It has completed extensive operations in the Persian Gulf during the 1990s and early 2000s, during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Operation Vigilant Warrior in 1994, Operation Desert Thunder in 1998, and the Afghan war, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-seeks-10-billion-us-treasury-forex-facility-1787221224297">Pakistan seeks $10 billion US Treasury facility to bolster forex reserves</a><h2>Abraham Lincoln left the Arabian Sea theatre in bad shape&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;This comes after growing calls from the Family Members of the USS Abraham Lincoln sailors pressed the Pentagon to bring back the carrier to its home port in San Diego. Earlier this month, a sailor went overboard wearing a life vest from the USS Abraham Lincoln, reported CNN. The crew responded immediately, and the sailor was successfully rescued within an hour. The sailor’s wife, Annabelle Loma, said that he was a 13-year veteran and had been pushed past his breaking point after repeated extensions. Families and lawmakers have reported critical shortages of fresh food, restricted meal plans, and disruptions to the mail system preventing care packages from arriving. The US Navy logistics base in Bahrain was struck, which made the carrier take a lengthy detour of five days to gather basic supplies. The crew members have complained about broken toilets, mouldy showers, contaminated water systems, and weeks without hot water.&nbsp;

USS George Washington has entered the Arabian Sea to begin operations in West Asia, replacing USS Abraham Lincoln after more than 250 days in the region.

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington has begun operations in West Asia, CENTCOM confirmed on Thursday, August 20. The aircraft carrier entered the Arabian Sea theatre to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed in the region for more than 250 consecutive days. In a social media post on the platform X, CENTCOM said, “U.S. Sailors work on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73), Aug. 20, as the aircraft carrier transits the Arabian Sea. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is operating in the Middle East during a scheduled deployment after arriving in the CENTCOM theatre yesterday.” The USS George Washington had been operating in the South China Sea and recently finished a port call in Da Nang, Vietnam. This is not the first time the carrier will be in the area. It has completed extensive operations in the Persian Gulf during the 1990s and early 2000s, during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Operation Vigilant Warrior in 1994, Operation Desert Thunder in 1998, and the Afghan war, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002. Also Read: Pakistan seeks $10 billion US Treasury facility to bolster forex reserves Abraham Lincoln left the Arabian Sea theatre in bad shape This comes after growing calls from the Family Members of the USS Abraham Lincoln sailors pressed the Pentagon to bring back the carrier to its home port in San Diego. Earlier this month, a sailor went overboard wearing a life vest from the USS Abraham Lincoln, reported CNN. The crew responded immediately, and the sailor was successfully rescued within an hour. The sailor’s wife, Annabelle Loma, said that he was a 13-year veteran and had been pushed past his breaking point after repeated extensions. Families and lawmakers have reported critical shortages of fresh food, restricted meal plans, and disruptions to the mail system preventing care packages from arriving. The US Navy logistics base in Bahrain was struck, which made the carrier take a lengthy detour of five days to gather basic supplies. The crew members have complained about broken toilets, mouldy showers, contaminated water systems, and weeks without hot water.

USS George Washington has entered the Arabian Sea to begin operations in West Asia, replacing USS Abraham Lincoln after more than 250 days in the region.

USS George Washington begins operations in Arabian Sea, replacing Abraham Lincoln after more than 250 days

German investigators believe they have solved one of the worst antisemitic attacks in post-war German history. The man who had set fire to a Jewish community centre in Munich in 1970, killing seven people has been identified. Police and prosecutors said on Thursday that the latest investigations point "clearly" towards the involvement of a man who died in 2020.&nbsp;The case was reopened in April 2025 after more information came to light after his death.&nbsp;Prosecutors now believe he was a 25-year-old lone neo-Nazi with known antisemitic opinions.&nbsp;However, investigators said they are satisfied with their findings, but since there is no way to prosecute the deceased, they are closing the file once again.&nbsp;Prosecutors reopened the case after "A witness provided credible information on the suspect.""She said that the suspect had been in close contact with one of her close relatives in the 1970s Shortly after the death of this relative, she revealed her knowledge on the matter," they said.&nbsp;All seven killed in the incident were Holocaust survivors aged 59 to 71. Another 15 people were injured in the arson.&nbsp;<h2>About the arson</h2>&nbsp;According to prosecutors, the killer on 13 February 1970 poured petrol into the wooden stairwell at a retirement home housed inside the Jewish community building on Reichenbachstrasse and set it ablaze. The fire spread to the top floor of the building killing 7 people.&nbsp;Another 15 people were wounded in the fire, four of them seriously. The building was severely damaged, particularly the upper levels of the building.&nbsp;Just before the incident, the suspect was heard to claim within the immediate vicinity that "the Jews had everything" and he wanted to "set them on fire". Fifteen minutes later, the Jewish community centre in Reichenbachstrasse was engulfed in flames, accord to the prosecutors.&nbsp;

According to prosecutors, the killer on 13 February 1970 poured petrol into the wooden stairwell at a retirement home housed inside the Jewish community building and set it on fire.

German investigators believe they have solved one of the worst antisemitic attacks in post-war German history. The man who had set fire to a Jewish community centre in Munich in 1970, killing seven people has been identified. Police and prosecutors said on Thursday that the latest investigations point "clearly" towards the involvement of a man who died in 2020. The case was reopened in April 2025 after more information came to light after his death. Prosecutors now believe he was a 25-year-old lone neo-Nazi with known antisemitic opinions. However, investigators said they are satisfied with their findings, but since there is no way to prosecute the deceased, they are closing the file once again. Prosecutors reopened the case after "A witness provided credible information on the suspect." "She said that the suspect had been in close contact with one of her close relatives in the 1970s Shortly after the death of this relative, she revealed her knowledge on the matter," they said. All seven killed in the incident were Holocaust survivors aged 59 to 71. Another 15 people were injured in the arson. About the arson According to prosecutors, the killer on 13 February 1970 poured petrol into the wooden stairwell at a retirement home housed inside the Jewish community building on Reichenbachstrasse and set it ablaze. The fire spread to the top floor of the building killing 7 people. Another 15 people were wounded in the fire, four of them seriously. The building was severely damaged, particularly the upper levels of the building. Just before the incident, the suspect was heard to claim within the immediate vicinity that "the Jews had everything" and he wanted to "set them on fire". Fifteen minutes later, the Jewish community centre in Reichenbachstrasse was engulfed in flames, accord to the prosecutors.

According to prosecutors, the killer on 13 February 1970 poured petrol into the wooden stairwell at a retirement home housed inside the Jewish community building and set it on fire.

Munich prosecutors close 1970 antisemitic arson case that killed 7 Holocaust survivors

The Pakistani Supreme Court on Thursday returned a review petition filed by the Pakistani Federal Government against the order to shift incarcerated &nbsp;Former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital. The SC registrar's office returned the petition citing incomplete paper books and deficient paperwork, as reported by the Pakistani media Dawn.Reacting to the development, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the state had “withdrawn its review petition” after the court’s objections.“There is no excuse whatsoever for not complying with the SC order of Aug 18. Imran Khan sahib must be transferred to Shifa International Hospital forthwith. Today is the day,” he said.<h2>What did the Supreme Court order?</h2>On August 18, 2026, a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibr­ahim directed authorities to transfer Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for medical assessment. The court suggested that he is to remain there until September 16, 2026, under the supervision of a specialised medical board that includes his personal physician. The court also directed his sister to remain associated with his medical care and allowed him to maintain regular contact with his family.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-reducing-us-military-footprint-persian-gulf-iran-war-1787224234821">US ponders reducing military footprint in Persian Gulf, relocate troops after Epic Fury</a><h2>What did the Federal government argue?</h2>The government on Wednesday approached the SC to review and recall the order, arguing that it was discriminatory and issued in violation of prison rules and principles of natural justice. The review petition filed through Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik on behalf of the chief commissioner argued that Article 188 of the Constitution, under which Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, has escaped the attention of the court while issuing the directive. The ruling underlines the complete, mandatory mechanism for moving convicted or under-trial prisoners out of jail for hospital treatment, that too on the basis of reports that did not specify Imran Khan's medical condition. It further argued that Article 25 of the Constitution bestowed a fundamental right to be treated equally and abhorred discrimination and favouritism.&nbsp;<h2>PTI and PMLN trade barbs</h2>“There is no ambiguity regarding his treatment,” said Information Minister Attaullah Tarar while addressing a news conference in the federal capital. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry alleged that after using all other tactics, Imran was now relying on a “sympathy card”. PTI criticised the ministers for their press conferences on Imran Khan's health, calling it “insensitivity and lack of seriousness”.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court registrar returned the government’s review petition against the order to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, citing incomplete paperwork.

The Pakistani Supreme Court on Thursday returned a review petition filed by the Pakistani Federal Government against the order to shift incarcerated Former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital. The SC registrar's office returned the petition citing incomplete paper books and deficient paperwork, as reported by the Pakistani media Dawn. Reacting to the development, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the state had “withdrawn its review petition” after the court’s objections. “There is no excuse whatsoever for not complying with the SC order of Aug 18. Imran Khan sahib must be transferred to Shifa International Hospital forthwith. Today is the day,” he said. What did the Supreme Court order? On August 18, 2026, a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim directed authorities to transfer Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for medical assessment. The court suggested that he is to remain there until September 16, 2026, under the supervision of a specialised medical board that includes his personal physician. The court also directed his sister to remain associated with his medical care and allowed him to maintain regular contact with his family. Also Read: US ponders reducing military footprint in Persian Gulf, relocate troops after Epic Fury What did the Federal government argue? The government on Wednesday approached the SC to review and recall the order, arguing that it was discriminatory and issued in violation of prison rules and principles of natural justice. The review petition filed through Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik on behalf of the chief commissioner argued that Article 188 of the Constitution, under which Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, has escaped the attention of the court while issuing the directive. The ruling underlines the complete, mandatory mechanism for moving convicted or under-trial prisoners out of jail for hospital treatment, that too on the basis of reports that did not specify Imran Khan's medical condition. It further argued that Article 25 of the Constitution bestowed a fundamental right to be treated equally and abhorred discrimination and favouritism. PTI and PMLN trade barbs “There is no ambiguity regarding his treatment,” said Information Minister Attaullah Tarar while addressing a news conference in the federal capital. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry alleged that after using all other tactics, Imran was now relying on a “sympathy card”. PTI criticised the ministers for their press conferences on Imran Khan's health, calling it “insensitivity and lack of seriousness”.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court registrar returned the government’s review petition against the order to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, citing incomplete paperwork.

Pakistan Supreme Court returns government review petition against Imran Khan’s hospital transfer order

North Korea on Wednesday said that the move by US President Donald Trump to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea does not change what it sees as the provocative nature of the drills. The comment was made by Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;"We think it's not worth making comments on that and we have no interest in it at all," Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by state media.&nbsp;"The provocative, aggressive nature of the drills won't change even though their duration and size were reduced," she added citing a series of other military drills carried out by the US and South Korea earlier this year.&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong also denied claims made by Trump that both the leaders are having any kind of communication. Earlier this week, Trump replying to a question by a reporter whether he had a conversation with Kim Jong Un, Trump said that Kim had responded to his request for a conversation.&nbsp;Trump &nbsp;on Aug 17 had said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. He said that these exercise costs a lot to the US.&nbsp;"Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea. These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful," wrote Trump. &nbsp;

Kim Yo Jong, he powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, also denied claims made by Trump that both the leaders are having any kind of communication.

North Korea on Wednesday said that the move by US President Donald Trump to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea does not change what it sees as the provocative nature of the drills. The comment was made by Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "We think it's not worth making comments on that and we have no interest in it at all," Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by state media. "The provocative, aggressive nature of the drills won't change even though their duration and size were reduced," she added citing a series of other military drills carried out by the US and South Korea earlier this year. Kim Yo Jong also denied claims made by Trump that both the leaders are having any kind of communication. Earlier this week, Trump replying to a question by a reporter whether he had a conversation with Kim Jong Un, Trump said that Kim had responded to his request for a conversation. Trump on Aug 17 had said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. He said that these exercise costs a lot to the US. "Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea. These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful," wrote Trump.

Kim Yo Jong, he powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, also denied claims made by Trump that both the leaders are having any kind of communication.

'No interest in it at all': North Korea on Trump's scaled-back drills with South Korea

The Pentagon is considering reducing its military footprint in the Persian Gulf following the scale of destruction caused during Operation Epic Fury reported Washington Post. The consideration remains in the initial phase between the Pentagon's policy wing, alongside the joint staff and the US Central Command. They are considering a potential configuration of the US military, once the hostilities cease, whether to repair and reconstruct these severely compromised bases in their current form. The deliberations are yet to reach US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.&nbsp;<h2>US military positions in the Persian Gulf</h2>The US maintains over 40,000 personnel in the region across nearly 20 installations, from Jordan to Oman. &nbsp;Roughly 20 major sites are spread across the region.&nbsp;Bahrain is the Naval centrepiece, as the official headquarters for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). It coordinates all the maritime corridors from the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea to the Red Sea. Other US Army and Air Force assets are stationed across Kuwait, Qatar, and neighbouring Gulf nations. Situated in Doha, Qatar, is the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East, and it acts as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM).Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-seeks-10-billion-us-treasury-forex-facility-1787221224297">Pakistan seeks $10 billion US Treasury facility to bolster forex reserves</a>The recent "special military operation" in the Gulf has exposed the vulnerabilities of these US facilities, with incoming Iranian missiles targeting a total of 200 US military installations, and six American service members killed in March. The Pentagon has expended over 1,000 advanced air-defence interceptors, severely straining global stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD systems. The Pentagon projects that the Iran war will tally approximately $37.5 billion by late September, excluding the cost required to reconstruct heavily compromised complexesThe scale of damage has made the Pentagon official reconsider the deployment and positioning of the assets. A section of the Pentagon is considering repositioning military personnel and hardware further westward towards Jordan, Israel or Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Some discussions centre on the closure of bases in Kuwait, while transferring forces from the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain to safer zones outside the range of Iranian missiles and drones. A separate recommendation envisions relocating additional US military capabilities to Israel's Ovda Airbase, though there are concerns about Israeli espionage and exposure to counterintelligence.<h2>What does it mean for Tehran?</h2>The Gulf nations have been substantially dependent on the US capability to provide security. Some of them are unorthodox cities with no domestic capabilities and possess no traditional source of food and water. They depend heavily on the trade routes to maintain the illusion of being safe financial hubs in the desert. Now, a US reduction of troops will not explicitly strain the relationship, but pragmatically they would turn towards the next bigger power in the region, Iran, for security. So the war might allow Iran to emerge as one pole of power in the Gulf, while Israel might absorb the US military capability, entangle itself within the US military-industrial network and emerge as another pole.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/37-5-billion-iran-war-cost-adds-pressure-to-us-decisions-1787165129455/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/37-5-billion-iran-war-cost-adds-pressure-to-us-decisions-1787165129455/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pentagon is considering changes to its military presence in the Persian Gulf after Iranian attacks damaged US bases during Operation Epic Fury, The Washington Post reported.

The Pentagon is considering reducing its military footprint in the Persian Gulf following the scale of destruction caused during Operation Epic Fury reported Washington Post. The consideration remains in the initial phase between the Pentagon's policy wing, alongside the joint staff and the US Central Command. They are considering a potential configuration of the US military, once the hostilities cease, whether to repair and reconstruct these severely compromised bases in their current form. The deliberations are yet to reach US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. US military positions in the Persian Gulf The US maintains over 40,000 personnel in the region across nearly 20 installations, from Jordan to Oman. Roughly 20 major sites are spread across the region. Bahrain is the Naval centrepiece, as the official headquarters for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). It coordinates all the maritime corridors from the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea to the Red Sea. Other US Army and Air Force assets are stationed across Kuwait, Qatar, and neighbouring Gulf nations. Situated in Doha, Qatar, is the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East, and it acts as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM). Also Read: Pakistan seeks $10 billion US Treasury facility to bolster forex reserves The recent "special military operation" in the Gulf has exposed the vulnerabilities of these US facilities, with incoming Iranian missiles targeting a total of 200 US military installations, and six American service members killed in March. The Pentagon has expended over 1,000 advanced air-defence interceptors, severely straining global stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD systems. The Pentagon projects that the Iran war will tally approximately $37.5 billion by late September, excluding the cost required to reconstruct heavily compromised complexes The scale of damage has made the Pentagon official reconsider the deployment and positioning of the assets. A section of the Pentagon is considering repositioning military personnel and hardware further westward towards Jordan, Israel or Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Some discussions centre on the closure of bases in Kuwait, while transferring forces from the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain to safer zones outside the range of Iranian missiles and drones. A separate recommendation envisions relocating additional US military capabilities to Israel's Ovda Airbase, though there are concerns about Israeli espionage and exposure to counterintelligence. What does it mean for Tehran? The Gulf nations have been substantially dependent on the US capability to provide security. Some of them are unorthodox cities with no domestic capabilities and possess no traditional source of food and water. They depend heavily on the trade routes to maintain the illusion of being safe financial hubs in the desert. Now, a US reduction of troops will not explicitly strain the relationship, but pragmatically they would turn towards the next bigger power in the region, Iran, for security. So the war might allow Iran to emerge as one pole of power in the Gulf, while Israel might absorb the US military capability, entangle itself within the US military-industrial network and emerge as another pole. https://www.wionews.com/videos/37-5-billion-iran-war-cost-adds-pressure-to-us-decisions-1787165129455/embed

The Pentagon is considering changes to its military presence in the Persian Gulf after Iranian attacks damaged US bases during Operation Epic Fury, The Washington Post reported.

US ponders reducing military footprint in Persian Gulf, relocate troops after Epic Fury

US immigration officials worked with Iranian authorities to arrange the deportation of more than 100 Iranians in late 2025 and early 2026, newly released emails show, offering a rare glimpse into cooperation between Washington and Tehran despite growing tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;Hundreds of emails exchanged by US immigration officials were obtained by the National Iranian American Council and released on Tuesday (Aug 18). They provide a detailed account of how the US and Iranian governments coordinated three immigration flights that took Iranians back to Iran in September and December 2025 and January 2026.&nbsp;The emails suggest Iranian officials had some influence over who was included on the deportation flights, with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials appearing to act on requests to change deportation lists, including shortly before flights departed.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-thought-they-were-going-to-betray-me-like-this-ex-cia-informant-who-helped-in-intel-on-osama-bin-laden-faces-deportation-1787211814870">‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation</a>&nbsp;"Per request from the Iran Embassy I added a few cases," an unnamed ICE official wrote in late August, about a month before the first flight. More than a week later, another official with the same job title said they had met with the "Director at the Iranian Embassy" before making another change to the deportation list.<h2>‘Iran has requested that I amend…’</h2>"Iran has requested that I amend the previous manifest and expedite the removal process," the official wrote. In another email dated September 26, just three days before the flight was due to leave the US, an ICE official said the Iranian Embassy was still requesting that three additional Iranians be added to the flight. It remains unclear who ultimately travelled on the flight, which was significantly smaller than initially planned.&nbsp;Iranian officials continued making requests on the day of departure, although one US official said those requests had been denied. The coordination continued even as ICE officials acknowledged internally that Iranians were fleeing their country amid the deadly 12-day war involving the US, Israel and Iran in June 2025, according to the emails.&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;The deportation flights took place only months after the US and Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Iran. The disclosures also highlight a significant shift from the US' decades-long approach towards Iranians following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Washington has historically provided refuge to Iranian dissidents, exiles and others who fled the country after the revolution.&nbsp;The emails now show that, despite the political tensions between Washington and Tehran, US immigration officials and Iranian authorities were able to maintain a channel of cooperation specifically over the removal of Iranian nationals from the US.&nbsp;

Emails reveal US immigration officials coordinated with Tehran to deport over 100 Iranians in late 2025 and early 2026, altering flight manifests upon requests from the Iranian Embassy.

US immigration officials worked with Iranian authorities to arrange the deportation of more than 100 Iranians in late 2025 and early 2026, newly released emails show, offering a rare glimpse into cooperation between Washington and Tehran despite growing tensions between the two countries. Hundreds of emails exchanged by US immigration officials were obtained by the National Iranian American Council and released on Tuesday (Aug 18). They provide a detailed account of how the US and Iranian governments coordinated three immigration flights that took Iranians back to Iran in September and December 2025 and January 2026. The emails suggest Iranian officials had some influence over who was included on the deportation flights, with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials appearing to act on requests to change deportation lists, including shortly before flights departed. Also read: ‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation "Per request from the Iran Embassy I added a few cases," an unnamed ICE official wrote in late August, about a month before the first flight. More than a week later, another official with the same job title said they had met with the "Director at the Iranian Embassy" before making another change to the deportation list. ‘Iran has requested that I amend…’ "Iran has requested that I amend the previous manifest and expedite the removal process," the official wrote. In another email dated September 26, just three days before the flight was due to leave the US, an ICE official said the Iranian Embassy was still requesting that three additional Iranians be added to the flight. It remains unclear who ultimately travelled on the flight, which was significantly smaller than initially planned. Iranian officials continued making requests on the day of departure, although one US official said those requests had been denied. The coordination continued even as ICE officials acknowledged internally that Iranians were fleeing their country amid the deadly 12-day war involving the US, Israel and Iran in June 2025, according to the emails. Also read: ‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries The deportation flights took place only months after the US and Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Iran. The disclosures also highlight a significant shift from the US' decades-long approach towards Iranians following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Washington has historically provided refuge to Iranian dissidents, exiles and others who fled the country after the revolution. The emails now show that, despite the political tensions between Washington and Tehran, US immigration officials and Iranian authorities were able to maintain a channel of cooperation specifically over the removal of Iranian nationals from the US.

Emails reveal US immigration officials coordinated with Tehran to deport over 100 Iranians in late 2025 and early 2026, altering flight manifests upon requests from the Iranian Embassy.

‘Iran has requested’: Emails reveal how ICE worked with Tehran to deport Iranians

ChatGPT appears to be getting a little less robotic, and some users are not exactly thrilled about it. Several users have reported that OpenAI’s chatbot has started using swear words, including the F-word, while responding to otherwise ordinary queries. The reports gained attention this week after Business Insider published screenshots showing ChatGPT using profanity while answering a question related to a food recipe ingredient.&nbsp;The reports come as ChatGPT has recently been updated to a newer model, prompting fresh discussion over changes in the chatbot’s tone and personality. Users have previously complained about AI responses sounding overly robotic, while others have welcomed increasingly human-like interactions.<h2>Why is ChatGPT swearing?</h2>The Business Insider report included screenshots of conversations in which ChatGPT allegedly used profanity and casual slang. One user cited in the report said one of the recipe suggestions included the phrase “big ass kolaches”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-destroyer-spent-four-days-without-power-in-south-china-sea-this-is-what-we-know-1787037246896">US Navy destroyer spent four days without power in South China Sea. This is what we know</a>&nbsp;The reported behaviour has also fuelled observations that ChatGPT appears to be using more internet-style and Gen Z slang in some conversations. However, it remains unclear whether the reported instances are part of a deliberate change to the chatbot’s personality or the result of another change in how the model responds to certain prompts.&nbsp;There is currently no confirmed explanation for why some users are seeing this behaviour.<h2>What has OpenAI said about ChatGPT using the F-word?</h2>OpenAI has not publicly explained the reported instances or confirmed whether a specific update is responsible for the language change.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-air-force-major-arrested-over-polymarket-wagers-on-iran-yemen-attacks-1786945053805">Israeli Air Force major arrested over Polymarket wagers on Iran, Yemen attacks</a>&nbsp;Some speculation has linked the behaviour to ChatGPT’s default settings or changes affecting users of the free version. However, there is no confirmed evidence establishing a connection, and such claims remain speculative unless OpenAI provides further clarification.&nbsp;

Recent updates to ChatGPT have caused it to occasionally use profanity and casual slang, surprising users. OpenAI has not yet publicly confirmed or explained the reason behind this sudden shift.

ChatGPT appears to be getting a little less robotic, and some users are not exactly thrilled about it. Several users have reported that OpenAI’s chatbot has started using swear words, including the F-word, while responding to otherwise ordinary queries. The reports gained attention this week after Business Insider published screenshots showing ChatGPT using profanity while answering a question related to a food recipe ingredient. The reports come as ChatGPT has recently been updated to a newer model, prompting fresh discussion over changes in the chatbot’s tone and personality. Users have previously complained about AI responses sounding overly robotic, while others have welcomed increasingly human-like interactions. Why is ChatGPT swearing? The Business Insider report included screenshots of conversations in which ChatGPT allegedly used profanity and casual slang. One user cited in the report said one of the recipe suggestions included the phrase “big ass kolaches”. Also read: US Navy destroyer spent four days without power in South China Sea. This is what we know The reported behaviour has also fuelled observations that ChatGPT appears to be using more internet-style and Gen Z slang in some conversations. However, it remains unclear whether the reported instances are part of a deliberate change to the chatbot’s personality or the result of another change in how the model responds to certain prompts. There is currently no confirmed explanation for why some users are seeing this behaviour. What has OpenAI said about ChatGPT using the F-word? OpenAI has not publicly explained the reported instances or confirmed whether a specific update is responsible for the language change. Also read: Israeli Air Force major arrested over Polymarket wagers on Iran, Yemen attacks Some speculation has linked the behaviour to ChatGPT’s default settings or changes affecting users of the free version. However, there is no confirmed evidence establishing a connection, and such claims remain speculative unless OpenAI provides further clarification.

Recent updates to ChatGPT have caused it to occasionally use profanity and casual slang, surprising users. OpenAI has not yet publicly confirmed or explained the reason behind this sudden shift.

Did ChatGPT use F-word? Sudden change in AI chatbot shocks some. What’s happening?

Elon Musk’s Starlink has reportedly renewed its push to enter India’s satellite communications market, submitting a fresh application to the Indian space regulator for its next-generation satellite constellation.According to the Economic Times, the application seeks authorisation for Starlink’s Gen 2 constellation, which would operate in low Earth orbit at altitudes ranging from 340 to 615 km. The system could bring newer capabilities to India, including direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, potentially allowing compatible smartphones to connect with satellites without relying entirely on conventional mobile networks.Starlink’s latest move comes as India prepares to expand its satellite communications framework and considers regulations for emerging technologies. The company had previously applied for approval for a constellation of around 30,000 satellites, but the application was rejected by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) over certain technical features and spectrum bands.“The company has recently applied to get authorisation for its Gen 2 constellation... at an altitude of 340-615 km in low earth orbit (LEO),” a person familiar with the matter told The Economic Times.IN-SPACe approved Starlink’s Gen 1 constellation in July 2025. The first-generation network consists of 4,408 satellites and is designed to provide conventional broadband services.The fresh application could strengthen Starlink’s position as India weighs the introduction of D2D services. The Economic Times had earlier reported that Starlink would need to submit a new application for Gen 2 approval.SpaceX plans to eventually deploy about 42,000 satellites under Gen 2, although the latest Indian application seeks authorisation for nearly 30,000.Starlink is not alone in eyeing the Indian market. Reliance Jio has proposed a 1,600-satellite constellation, while Amazon Leo and Eutelsat OneWeb are also seeking opportunities in the country.However, commercial satellite services are yet to begin for major non-geostationary satellite operators, with security clearances and spectrum allocation still pending.The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has already issued recommendations on satellite spectrum pricing, while consultations on D2D services are underway. Any rollout will also face scrutiny over national security, spectrum use and potential misuse of satellite infrastructure.

Starlink has reapplied for India approval of its Gen 2 satellite network, seeking to offer advanced services including direct-to-device connectivity as New Delhi weighs satcom rules.

Elon Musk’s Starlink has reportedly renewed its push to enter India’s satellite communications market, submitting a fresh application to the Indian space regulator for its next-generation satellite constellation. According to the Economic Times, the application seeks authorisation for Starlink’s Gen 2 constellation, which would operate in low Earth orbit at altitudes ranging from 340 to 615 km. The system could bring newer capabilities to India, including direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, potentially allowing compatible smartphones to connect with satellites without relying entirely on conventional mobile networks. Starlink’s latest move comes as India prepares to expand its satellite communications framework and considers regulations for emerging technologies. The company had previously applied for approval for a constellation of around 30,000 satellites, but the application was rejected by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) over certain technical features and spectrum bands. “The company has recently applied to get authorisation for its Gen 2 constellation... at an altitude of 340-615 km in low earth orbit (LEO),” a person familiar with the matter told The Economic Times. IN-SPACe approved Starlink’s Gen 1 constellation in July 2025. The first-generation network consists of 4,408 satellites and is designed to provide conventional broadband services. The fresh application could strengthen Starlink’s position as India weighs the introduction of D2D services. The Economic Times had earlier reported that Starlink would need to submit a new application for Gen 2 approval. SpaceX plans to eventually deploy about 42,000 satellites under Gen 2, although the latest Indian application seeks authorisation for nearly 30,000. Starlink is not alone in eyeing the Indian market. Reliance Jio has proposed a 1,600-satellite constellation, while Amazon Leo and Eutelsat OneWeb are also seeking opportunities in the country. However, commercial satellite services are yet to begin for major non-geostationary satellite operators, with security clearances and spectrum allocation still pending. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has already issued recommendations on satellite spectrum pricing, while consultations on D2D services are underway. Any rollout will also face scrutiny over national security, spectrum use and potential misuse of satellite infrastructure.

Starlink has reapplied for India approval of its Gen 2 satellite network, seeking to offer advanced services including direct-to-device connectivity as New Delhi weighs satcom rules.

Starlink coming to India? Elon Musk’s satellite giant makes fresh India push

Pakistan has formally requested a $10 bn bilateral exchange stabilisation support facility from the US Treasury to strengthen its Foreign Exchange reserves, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said in an interview with the Business Recorder newspaper published on Thursday. The proposal seeks a structural backstop via the US Treasury's exchange stabilisation fund instead of a conventional commercial credit line."This is not about a credit line or a loan or whatever. This is a signal about our currency stability, a signal about our foreign exchange stability, and that in turn also allows us to go to the market,” said Aurangzeb.The Finance Minister said that Pakistan's focus is on returning to market-based financing instead of short-term bilateral rollover. “Some will succeed, while with others there might be issues,” he added.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-unhappy-donald-trump-natalie-harp-speculation-1787169749724">Melania Trump upset over Donald Trump and Natalie Harp affair speculation</a>Reuters reported on the letter to the US Treasury, citing anonymous sources in late July, following Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran negotiations. In the letter, Islamabad asked for the creation of a Bilateral Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility between the US and the Pakistani government worth $10 billion with a maturity of up to five years. This will allow Pakistan to perform a currency swap with the US in case of a liquidity crisis, to stabilise the rupee and reduce its reliance on multilateral financing. It will boost Pakistan's credit rating and lower the future borrowing costs. The US Treasury is yet to confirm it; the formal bid has been submitted. Pakistan expects a response by September 2026.“We want to move at least towards a B+ rating,” &nbsp;said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.Pakistan remains under a roughly $7 billion IMF programme that requires tax reforms, fiscal consolidation and monetary policy measures as part of its economic stabilisation efforts.

Pakistan has formally sought a $10 billion US Treasury exchange stabilisation facility to strengthen forex reserves and support rupee stability.

Pakistan has formally requested a $10 bn bilateral exchange stabilisation support facility from the US Treasury to strengthen its Foreign Exchange reserves, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said in an interview with the Business Recorder newspaper published on Thursday. The proposal seeks a structural backstop via the US Treasury's exchange stabilisation fund instead of a conventional commercial credit line. "This is not about a credit line or a loan or whatever. This is a signal about our currency stability, a signal about our foreign exchange stability, and that in turn also allows us to go to the market,” said Aurangzeb. The Finance Minister said that Pakistan's focus is on returning to market-based financing instead of short-term bilateral rollover. “Some will succeed, while with others there might be issues,” he added. Also Read: Melania Trump upset over Donald Trump and Natalie Harp affair speculation Reuters reported on the letter to the US Treasury, citing anonymous sources in late July, following Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran negotiations. In the letter, Islamabad asked for the creation of a Bilateral Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility between the US and the Pakistani government worth $10 billion with a maturity of up to five years. This will allow Pakistan to perform a currency swap with the US in case of a liquidity crisis, to stabilise the rupee and reduce its reliance on multilateral financing. It will boost Pakistan's credit rating and lower the future borrowing costs. The US Treasury is yet to confirm it; the formal bid has been submitted. Pakistan expects a response by September 2026. “We want to move at least towards a B+ rating,” said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Pakistan remains under a roughly $7 billion IMF programme that requires tax reforms, fiscal consolidation and monetary policy measures as part of its economic stabilisation efforts.

Pakistan has formally sought a $10 billion US Treasury exchange stabilisation facility to strengthen forex reserves and support rupee stability.

Pakistan seeks $10 billion US Treasury facility to bolster forex reserves

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Did ChatGPT use F-word? Sudden change in AI chatbot shocks some