How does a GPU actually work? The technology behind modern graphics and AI

Macron’s awkward embrace with Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir goes viral – What happened?

Aliens near US military base? Woman captures bizarre jellyfish-like UFO in Alaska | WATCH

Nuclear blast in space won't hit Earth directly. But what comes next will spell doom

'Miracle on the Mississippi': Cruise boat capsizes after colliding with tanker in New Orleans, all 180 passengers aboard safe

Why are modern GPUs so expensive? 7 things that drive graphics card prices

Why do graphics cards have thousands of small processing cores?

Who is this girl wearing a man's torso? Meet Sofía Monroy, the 27-year-old Mexican-Swedish singer

'Don’t f–k around!' Travis Barker opens up on quitting smoking after precancer diagnosis

CPU vs GPU vs NPU: Which processor does your computer actually need?

After Venezuela and Iran, Trump sets sights on another military intervention before leaving office

'Forbidden' light proposed 40 years ago detected for first time in the universe

Avril Lavigne welcomes first child, keeps baby's name and partner's identity private

Why did the FAA suddenly ground flights across the US? Officials reveal what went wrong

Shape-shifting UFO sighting in Oregon leaves mother-daughter sick: 'Fell like a dead bird'

Vaaste singer Dhvani Bhanushali announces engagement to esports entrepreneur Yash Bhanushali; see pics

From chipmakers to cloud giants: How is Nvidia's stock crash shaking the AI industry?

Crystal-clear Ganga water in Haridwar? Viral video creates buzz online | WATCH

Move over Ram and Ravan, Kunal Kapoor's Lord Indra in Ramayana is stealing hearts in Thailand

Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of fuelling ‘racist’ campaign against Arab Israelis

Nvidia scandal exposes cracks in Trump admin as Bessent blames Lutnick over Megaspeed blacklist delay

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's Australian home targeted by burglars;  3 cars stolen

Trump, Putin and Xi to hold historic trilateral meeting at APEC Summit in China

'Don't hike rates': US Treasury Secretary Bessent warns Fed against rate increase amid Iran war

Jensen Huang seen with wife Lori in Paris in photos shared by daughter Madison

A$AP Rocky's New York event disrupted by on-camera brawl, NYPD steps in

24 hours and counting: Microsoft says 'sorry' for global outage

CM Suvendhu Adhikari turns Bengal's Chhath ghats into launchpad for UP campaign

Mohamed Salah becomes Egypt’s all-time top scorer with brace against Malawi

Video captures horrifying moment Brooklyn apartment building collapses, killing eight people

Colombia 'false positives' scandal: 5 retired army men sentenced over killing of 35 civilians

Who will replace Jensen Huang at Nvidia? 3 Indian-origin tech leaders emerge as possible contenders

Why do powerful graphics cards need so much electricity?

Indian student sentenced to 30 years in UK for online grooming of over 70 children

A US Air Force flight bound for Antarctica returned to New Zealand after a warning about a "potentially hazardous” space activity. Russia's State Air Traffic Management Corporation notified New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) about a planned missile launch and issued a NOTAM establishing a temporary danger area.&nbsp;The military aircraft C-17 Globemaster, operating under the call sign ICE28, departed Christchurch Airport around 9.00 am local time. It was headed south for the US Antarctic research base McMurdo Station and New Zealand’s Scott Base in Antarctica as part of the annual Winter Fly-In (WINFLY) operations to transport personnel and equipment.&nbsp;New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority claimed that the warning established a danger zone of massive 30-million-square-kilometre airspace, a section of the Auckland Oceanic Flight Information Region.&nbsp;“We put in place a danger area and issued a NOTAM to alert aircraft operators to the potential hazard. This does not prevent aircraft from flying through the area; operators make their decisions based on the information available,” CAA said Wednesday.“Much of our Oceanic FIR is over international waters, where we have limited control over activities,” it added, referring to Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea airspace where it is responsible for aircraft flying at certain altitudes.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mossad-chief-syria-foreign-minister-call-israel-strikes-1787161025768">Mossad chief spoke to Syria foreign minister before Israeli strikes on Syria</a><h2>Fake missile test warning?</h2>&nbsp;Russia has not confirmed testing any ballistic missiles in connection with this specific incident. The New Zealand government has asked for more information about the launch. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the information Russia provided was unclear. Analysts suggest that this is a deliberate political signal for intimidation or a show of force, as there is no international law specifically regulating submarines conducting missile launches in international waters. The specific Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM NZZO B3996/26) issued regarding the hazard remains active until August 27.&nbsp;

A US Air Force flight to Antarctica returned to New Zealand after Russia warned of a potentially hazardous missile launch activity over a vast area of airspace.

A US Air Force flight bound for Antarctica returned to New Zealand after a warning about a "potentially hazardous” space activity. Russia's State Air Traffic Management Corporation notified New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) about a planned missile launch and issued a NOTAM establishing a temporary danger area. The military aircraft C-17 Globemaster, operating under the call sign ICE28, departed Christchurch Airport around 9.00 am local time. It was headed south for the US Antarctic research base McMurdo Station and New Zealand’s Scott Base in Antarctica as part of the annual Winter Fly-In (WINFLY) operations to transport personnel and equipment. New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority claimed that the warning established a danger zone of massive 30-million-square-kilometre airspace, a section of the Auckland Oceanic Flight Information Region. “We put in place a danger area and issued a NOTAM to alert aircraft operators to the potential hazard. This does not prevent aircraft from flying through the area; operators make their decisions based on the information available,” CAA said Wednesday. “Much of our Oceanic FIR is over international waters, where we have limited control over activities,” it added, referring to Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea airspace where it is responsible for aircraft flying at certain altitudes. Also Read: Mossad chief spoke to Syria foreign minister before Israeli strikes on Syria Fake missile test warning? Russia has not confirmed testing any ballistic missiles in connection with this specific incident. The New Zealand government has asked for more information about the launch. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the information Russia provided was unclear. Analysts suggest that this is a deliberate political signal for intimidation or a show of force, as there is no international law specifically regulating submarines conducting missile launches in international waters. The specific Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM NZZO B3996/26) issued regarding the hazard remains active until August 27.

A US Air Force flight to Antarctica returned to New Zealand after Russia warned of a potentially hazardous missile launch activity over a vast area of airspace.

US Air Force flight to Antarctica returns after Russian missile launch warning

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz and claimed possession and complete control of the strait.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said that the US has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz, as he was apparently referring to reports that the US Navy has been assisting in getting some oil safely through the strait.&nbsp;“Last night, we had a lot of boats come through,” Trump said during a tour of the helipad currently under construction outside the White House.&nbsp;“We have possession, complete control of the strait, I mean, outside of nuisance value. And there has been nuisance value when they shoot a drone every once in a while.”&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;He continued, “And not everybody is going to go through but they come through and over the last couple of weeks we’ve had a lot of oil coming in. It’s not going to be perfect, but it’s a lot of oil coming in.”&nbsp;The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait, though The New York Times reported on Wednesday that about 5 million barrels of oil are getting through the strait daily, down from 15 million barrels before the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One of the reasons that oil hasn’t gone to the proverbial $300 a barrel — it’s at $83, $84, $85 — and it’ll be a lot lower when this is over because we have plenty of oil,” Trump said.&nbsp;&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;“One of the reasons that it never went to $300, $350 numbers is because we do have a lot coming in.”Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71 during a brief ceasefire in late June and early July.&nbsp;Trump also said that “people” were coming to the United States for oil supplies, but did not specify who was coming to the US.“They’re coming to Texas, Alaska, Louisiana to get oil,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-z-threat-is-the-new-jaantay-nahin-ho-mera-baap-kaun-hai-omar-abdullah-reacts-to-viral-video-at-kargil-checkpoint-1787153305120">Gen Z ‘threat’ is the new ‘jaantay nahin ho mera baap kaun hai’: Omar Abdullah reacts to viral video at Kargil checkpoint</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US Central Command said on Wednesday that the military blockade on the Strait of Hormuz redirected one ship in the past day, bringing the total number of vessels prevented from exiting or entering Iranian ports to 65 since the blockade was restarted on July 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;President Trump has consistently touted the blockade as a reason he is not concerned over negotiations with Iran being on hold at the moment.

The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait. Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz and claimed possession and complete control of the strait. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said that the US has a lot of boats coming through the Strait of Hormuz, as he was apparently referring to reports that the US Navy has been assisting in getting some oil safely through the strait. “Last night, we had a lot of boats come through,” Trump said during a tour of the helipad currently under construction outside the White House. “We have possession, complete control of the strait, I mean, outside of nuisance value. And there has been nuisance value when they shoot a drone every once in a while.” Also Read: Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche He continued, “And not everybody is going to go through but they come through and over the last couple of weeks we’ve had a lot of oil coming in. It’s not going to be perfect, but it’s a lot of oil coming in.” The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait, though The New York Times reported on Wednesday that about 5 million barrels of oil are getting through the strait daily, down from 15 million barrels before the war. “One of the reasons that oil hasn’t gone to the proverbial $300 a barrel — it’s at $83, $84, $85 — and it’ll be a lot lower when this is over because we have plenty of oil,” Trump said. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe “One of the reasons that it never went to $300, $350 numbers is because we do have a lot coming in.” Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71 during a brief ceasefire in late June and early July. Trump also said that “people” were coming to the United States for oil supplies, but did not specify who was coming to the US. “They’re coming to Texas, Alaska, Louisiana to get oil,” he said. Also Read: Gen Z ‘threat’ is the new ‘jaantay nahin ho mera baap kaun hai’: Omar Abdullah reacts to viral video at Kargil checkpoint Meanwhile, the US Central Command said on Wednesday that the military blockade on the Strait of Hormuz redirected one ship in the past day, bringing the total number of vessels prevented from exiting or entering Iranian ports to 65 since the blockade was restarted on July 14. President Trump has consistently touted the blockade as a reason he is not concerned over negotiations with Iran being on hold at the moment.

The White House hasn’t directly admitted the US Navy is assisting a limited number of oil tankers out of the strait. Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday and has been over $90 all week, creeping up from a wartime low of $71.

‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones

The globally-acclaimed Harvard University has now come under the lens for an organ-selling racket. It has now agreed to pay a staggering 53 million US dollars to settle the civil lawsuits in this regard.&nbsp;Now, this pertains to the dead bodies donated by families to the Harvard medical school for research and teaching purposes.&nbsp;However, a big scandal unfolded from 2018 to 2020.&nbsp;The then morgue manager, Cedric Lodge, removed organs, brains, skin, hands, and other parts from the donated bodies before they could be disposed of.Without the knowledge of his employer or the donor, he and his wife sold and even shipped the body remains to different locations in US which were resold.&nbsp;In December last year, Lodge was sentenced to eight years in prison, whereas his wife got a one-year jail term.&nbsp;After Lodge was arrested, the aggrieved families started filing lawsuits against Harvard accusing it of failing to adequately protect the remains entrusted to it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In wake of this, the settlement is seen as a bid to avoid prolonged litigation.&nbsp;Apart from the monetary compensation, the Harvard Medical School will make a statement, affirming that the convict's conduct was morally reprehensible.&nbsp;It has also made a number of changes to its anatomical gift programme, and will establish an annual financial aid scholarship for medical students in the next academic year.&nbsp;While the Harvard Medical School dean, George Daley, has expressed deep sorrow and empathy for the families of donors, their future course of action remains to be seen.

Apart from the monetary compensation, the Harvard Medical School will make a statement, affirming that the convict's conduct was morally reprehensible. It has also made changes to its anatomical gift programme, and will establish an annual financial aid scholarship for medical students.

The globally-acclaimed Harvard University has now come under the lens for an organ-selling racket. It has now agreed to pay a staggering 53 million US dollars to settle the civil lawsuits in this regard. Now, this pertains to the dead bodies donated by families to the Harvard medical school for research and teaching purposes. However, a big scandal unfolded from 2018 to 2020. The then morgue manager, Cedric Lodge, removed organs, brains, skin, hands, and other parts from the donated bodies before they could be disposed of. Without the knowledge of his employer or the donor, he and his wife sold and even shipped the body remains to different locations in US which were resold. In December last year, Lodge was sentenced to eight years in prison, whereas his wife got a one-year jail term. After Lodge was arrested, the aggrieved families started filing lawsuits against Harvard accusing it of failing to adequately protect the remains entrusted to it.

Apart from the monetary compensation, the Harvard Medical School will make a statement, affirming that the convict's conduct was morally reprehensible. It has also made changes to its anatomical gift programme, and will establish an annual financial aid scholarship for medical students.

Harvard to pay $53 million over sale of human remains from medical school | Gravitas

By Shreya Upadhyay&nbsp;It's easy to start a war, but it's very difficult to end it. This is the story of two friends: Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Two leaders. Two elections. One fear—losing elections. One wants to end the war, while the other wants the war to continue. As Trump faces the midterm elections in November and Netanyahu gears up for general elections this October, the two have made a mess out of West Asia.&nbsp;Ahead of midterms, Donald Trump has been pressing for a peace deal with Iran in which the US should come across as the big winner. On the other hand, Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to push for military escalation because Israel wants a permanent solution, through which the Israeli PM tells his people that he ensured Iran's destruction. In Gaza too, Netanyahu has rejected the Trump-backed peace deal. Because right before elections, Netanyahu cannot afford to look like a leader who compromised or who let America have an upper hand. He also has multiple corruption cases going on against him, and he is doing everything to delay or avoid that.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-verdict-what-is-their-fault-india-s-broken-government-recruitment-system-is-failing-its-youth-1787070224494">The Verdict: What is their fault? India’s broken government recruitment system is failing its youth</a>&nbsp;Trump’s approach is transactional, blunt, and diplomatically imperfect. He wants wars concluded because they are now draining weaponry, American power, money, and political capital. Netanyahu’s approach is fundamentally different: security through military dominance, with the war ending only after Israel determines that the threat has been eliminated. But what would make Israel feel that the threat has been eliminated? Hamas cannot simply be bombed out of existence. Iran cannot simply be coerced into surrendering.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-verdict-60-days-no-peace-why-the-us-iran-war-is-still-far-from-over-1786980214067">The Verdict | 60 days, no peace: Why the US-Iran war is still far from over</a>&nbsp;Both leaders are facing election pressure. Trump is stressing diplomacy. Netanyahu wants total victory. And so, today's verdict is this: a leader who knows when to strategically stop conflict is not a weak, but a wise leader and that wisdom isn't visible right now.&nbsp;

Explore the political clash between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as upcoming elections shape their contrasting strategies on the West Asia conflict, peace deals, and regional security.

By Shreya Upadhyay It's easy to start a war, but it's very difficult to end it. This is the story of two friends: Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Two leaders. Two elections. One fear—losing elections. One wants to end the war, while the other wants the war to continue. As Trump faces the midterm elections in November and Netanyahu gears up for general elections this October, the two have made a mess out of West Asia. Ahead of midterms, Donald Trump has been pressing for a peace deal with Iran in which the US should come across as the big winner. On the other hand, Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to push for military escalation because Israel wants a permanent solution, through which the Israeli PM tells his people that he ensured Iran's destruction. In Gaza too, Netanyahu has rejected the Trump-backed peace deal. Because right before elections, Netanyahu cannot afford to look like a leader who compromised or who let America have an upper hand. He also has multiple corruption cases going on against him, and he is doing everything to delay or avoid that. Also read: The Verdict: What is their fault? India’s broken government recruitment system is failing its youth Trump’s approach is transactional, blunt, and diplomatically imperfect. He wants wars concluded because they are now draining weaponry, American power, money, and political capital. Netanyahu’s approach is fundamentally different: security through military dominance, with the war ending only after Israel determines that the threat has been eliminated. But what would make Israel feel that the threat has been eliminated? Hamas cannot simply be bombed out of existence. Iran cannot simply be coerced into surrendering. Also read: The Verdict | 60 days, no peace: Why the US-Iran war is still far from over Both leaders are facing election pressure. Trump is stressing diplomacy. Netanyahu wants total victory. And so, today's verdict is this: a leader who knows when to strategically stop conflict is not a weak, but a wise leader and that wisdom isn't visible right now.

Explore the political clash between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as upcoming elections shape their contrasting strategies on the West Asia conflict, peace deals, and regional security.

The Verdict: Trump and Netanyahu at odds over West Asia peace strategy ahead of elections

The Head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, Roman Gofman, had a phone call with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on August 14, 2026, to discuss Turkey's military buildup in Syria days before Israel launched targeted airstrikes, Reuters reported. This is the highest-level contact yet between Israel and the new Syrian ​government since the fall of the former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December ​2014.Early Tuesday, an Israeli aircraft carried out eight airstrikes targeting the runway of Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase in the eastern countryside of Idlib in northern Syria. The strikes caused material damage to the structures at the airbase, but did not result in any casualties.The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office noted that Syria was on the verge of breaching a mutual security status quo by allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the northern base. Netanyahu stated on a podcast that Israel will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup "that descends south because it threatens us"Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-warns-houthis-foothold-bab-el-mandeb-strait-1787155866625">Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait</a>Turkey on Wednesday strongly denied these allegations that it posed a threat by preparing to send troops to a base in Syria. "The frivolous allegations put forward by the Israeli Prime Minister's office aim to legitimise Israel's unlawful airstrikes targeting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. &nbsp;US envoy Tom Barrack called Israel’s strikes on Syria an “unnecessary escalation” and called for de-escalation between Israel and Syria.Turkey is a NATO ally of the United States. But Israel has tense relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has vociferously denounced Israel and maintains a total embargo on Israel. But it serves as the vital transit hub for the Azerbaijani oil that fuels Israel’s economy and military. It also collects a lucrative transit fee for every barrel of oil that passes through the Ceyhan terminal.&nbsp;

Mossad chief Roman Golfman spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani days before Israel launched airstrikes in Syria.

The Head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, Roman Gofman, had a phone call with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on August 14, 2026, to discuss Turkey's military buildup in Syria days before Israel launched targeted airstrikes, Reuters reported. This is the highest-level contact yet between Israel and the new Syrian government since the fall of the former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2014. Early Tuesday, an Israeli aircraft carried out eight airstrikes targeting the runway of Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase in the eastern countryside of Idlib in northern Syria. The strikes caused material damage to the structures at the airbase, but did not result in any casualties. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office noted that Syria was on the verge of breaching a mutual security status quo by allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the northern base. Netanyahu stated on a podcast that Israel will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup "that descends south because it threatens us" Also Read: Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait Turkey on Wednesday strongly denied these allegations that it posed a threat by preparing to send troops to a base in Syria. "The frivolous allegations put forward by the Israeli Prime Minister's office aim to legitimise Israel's unlawful airstrikes targeting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. US envoy Tom Barrack called Israel’s strikes on Syria an “unnecessary escalation” and called for de-escalation between Israel and Syria. Turkey is a NATO ally of the United States. But Israel has tense relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has vociferously denounced Israel and maintains a total embargo on Israel. But it serves as the vital transit hub for the Azerbaijani oil that fuels Israel’s economy and military. It also collects a lucrative transit fee for every barrel of oil that passes through the Ceyhan terminal.

Mossad chief Roman Golfman spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani days before Israel launched airstrikes in Syria.

Mossad chief spoke to Syria foreign minister before Israeli strikes on Syria

India has marked a significant step in its development partnership with Palestine with the groundbreaking of a 200-bed Indian Super Speciality Hospital in the West Bank. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan took part in the ceremony held in Jenin and Ramallah in the presence of Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa and other senior officials. The hospital will feature modern medical facilities and a dedicated trauma centre. It is intended to serve patients from Jenin and neighbouring governorates including Tulkarm and Tubas. A bilateral memorandum of understanding for the project was signed during the visit, formalising India’s commitment to the facility. Alongside the hospital initiative, India advanced several other practical programmes. An MoU was signed with the Ministry of Labour to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training centre inside the Palestinian National Printing Press. The centre will deliver employment-oriented skills training in the printing sector, building on earlier Indian support for the press. Ambassador Ranganathan met Labour Minister Dr Enas Dahadha Attari to discuss implementation and ways to link young people and entrepreneurs with new skills and job opportunities. India is also preparing another Artificial Limb Fitment Camp, following the successful programme held in 2023. The initiative forms part of wider healthcare assistance that already includes supplies of essential medicines and anti-cancer drugs. During the visit, a consignment of life-saving medicines was formally handed over to the Palestinian Ministry of Health as a further demonstration of support. The ambassador visited a UNRWA health centre, where she received a briefing on services provided to the local population. India’s backing for UNRWA’s work in health, education and other essential services remains firm. Beyond these concrete projects, Ranganathan held a series of meetings with senior Palestinian officials. She called on Health Minister Dr Majed Abu Ramadan to explore further cooperation in the health sector, met Diplomatic Adviser Dr Majdi Al-Khaldi to review the broader India-Palestine partnership, and held talks with Foreign Minister Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. She also met Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa. Discussions covered political engagement, development cooperation and new initiatives in health, education and skills being launched during the visit.&nbsp; The engagements took place against the backdrop of the continuing crisis in Gaza. In a formal readout of the talks, the Indian embassy in Ramallah stated: “Secretary reaffirmed India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and negotiated a two-state solution". The Indian diplomat "conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and underscored the importance of ensuring the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population there" while reiterating "India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”

India has begun construction of a 200-bed super-speciality hospital in Jenin, strengthening its development partnership and healthcare support for Palestine.

India has marked a significant step in its development partnership with Palestine with the groundbreaking of a 200-bed Indian Super Speciality Hospital in the West Bank. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan took part in the ceremony held in Jenin and Ramallah in the presence of Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa and other senior officials. The hospital will feature modern medical facilities and a dedicated trauma centre. It is intended to serve patients from Jenin and neighbouring governorates including Tulkarm and Tubas. A bilateral memorandum of understanding for the project was signed during the visit, formalising India’s commitment to the facility. Alongside the hospital initiative, India advanced several other practical programmes. An MoU was signed with the Ministry of Labour to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training centre inside the Palestinian National Printing Press. The centre will deliver employment-oriented skills training in the printing sector, building on earlier Indian support for the press. Ambassador Ranganathan met Labour Minister Dr Enas Dahadha Attari to discuss implementation and ways to link young people and entrepreneurs with new skills and job opportunities. India is also preparing another Artificial Limb Fitment Camp, following the successful programme held in 2023. The initiative forms part of wider healthcare assistance that already includes supplies of essential medicines and anti-cancer drugs. During the visit, a consignment of life-saving medicines was formally handed over to the Palestinian Ministry of Health as a further demonstration of support. The ambassador visited a UNRWA health centre, where she received a briefing on services provided to the local population. India’s backing for UNRWA’s work in health, education and other essential services remains firm. Beyond these concrete projects, Ranganathan held a series of meetings with senior Palestinian officials. She called on Health Minister Dr Majed Abu Ramadan to explore further cooperation in the health sector, met Diplomatic Adviser Dr Majdi Al-Khaldi to review the broader India-Palestine partnership, and held talks with Foreign Minister Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. She also met Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa. Discussions covered political engagement, development cooperation and new initiatives in health, education and skills being launched during the visit. The engagements took place against the backdrop of the continuing crisis in Gaza. In a formal readout of the talks, the Indian embassy in Ramallah stated: “Secretary reaffirmed India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and negotiated a two-state solution". The Indian diplomat "conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and underscored the importance of ensuring the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population there" while reiterating "India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”

India has begun construction of a 200-bed super-speciality hospital in Jenin, strengthening its development partnership and healthcare support for Palestine.

India to construct super-speciality hospital & expand limb fitment support for Palestine

In a highly unusual move, United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) confirmed to reporters that he plans to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un later this year. On being asked whether he will be meeting the North Korean President, Trump said “Yeah, I will be.”&nbsp;If he meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in &nbsp;2018 and 2019. Notably, US does not have formal diplomatic relations with North Korea.&nbsp;On being asked whether both the leaders have been exchanging letters as done in the past, Trump said “I can’t tell you that,” but added that he got along with the leader.&nbsp;“And you know what? the fact that I get along with him, that’s a good thing, not a bad thing. He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons," he added.&nbsp;<h2>Trump orders to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea</h2>&nbsp;Trump in recent days has hailed his relationship with Kim. On Monday (Aug19) Trump said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with the North Korean leader.&nbsp;In a Truth Social post, he also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran.&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 on Truth Social.&nbsp;"Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises! While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, “No thanks!” Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted," he added.&nbsp;

If Trump meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in  2018 and 2019.

In a highly unusual move, United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) confirmed to reporters that he plans to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un later this year. On being asked whether he will be meeting the North Korean President, Trump said “Yeah, I will be.” If he meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in 2018 and 2019. Notably, US does not have formal diplomatic relations with North Korea. On being asked whether both the leaders have been exchanging letters as done in the past, Trump said “I can’t tell you that,” but added that he got along with the leader. “And you know what? the fact that I get along with him, that’s a good thing, not a bad thing. He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons," he added. Trump orders to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea Trump in recent days has hailed his relationship with Kim. On Monday (Aug19) Trump said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with the North Korean leader. In a Truth Social post, he also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran. "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 on Truth Social. "Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises! While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, “No thanks!” Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted," he added.

If Trump meets Kim Jong Un it will be his fourth meeting with the Korean leader. The previous meetings between the two leaders were held in &nbsp;2018 and 2019.

'North Korea has 57 nuclear weapons': Trump says he plans to meet Kim Jong Un this year

Yemen's government on Wednesday warned that the Iran-backed Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. According to Yemen's Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, the outfit is planning to build a foothold along the Red Sea coast.&nbsp;"The Houthi militia … is working to create the conditions for seizing control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by expanding its presence along the western coast and attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea," said Moammar al-Eryani.Al-Eryani highlighted the military buildup by the Houthis, noting that the group has demonstrated its capabilities through “repeated targeting of ports, docks, civilian infrastructure, ships, and government naval capabilities.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gadi-eisenkot-yashar-overtakes-netanyahu-likud-israel-poll-1787151673819">Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll</a>Yemeni Military officials stationed near the waterway have confirmed the Houthi advance towards the coastal area. Yemeni military officials state that the Houthis are heavily targeting the port city of Mokha. Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, spokesman for the government-affiliated National Resistance Forces controlling the adjacent area of the Strait, has told AFP that Houthi forces are trying to secure ground.&nbsp;"Through their continued attacks on Mokha and its port, the Houthi militia seeks to establish a presence along the shores of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and transform the area into a situation resembling that of the Strait of Hormuz," Major-General Duwaid told AFP.The Houthi rebels already control major northern ports in Yemen, most notably the critical port city of Hodeidah further up the Red Sea coast, but they do not have a foothold near the coastal territories or ports located directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yemen has warned that Iran-backed Houthis are seeking to expand their presence along the Red Sea coast and gain control of strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen's government on Wednesday warned that the Iran-backed Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. According to Yemen's Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, the outfit is planning to build a foothold along the Red Sea coast. "The Houthi militia … is working to create the conditions for seizing control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by expanding its presence along the western coast and attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea," said Moammar al-Eryani. Al-Eryani highlighted the military buildup by the Houthis, noting that the group has demonstrated its capabilities through “repeated targeting of ports, docks, civilian infrastructure, ships, and government naval capabilities.” Also Read: Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll Yemeni Military officials stationed near the waterway have confirmed the Houthi advance towards the coastal area. Yemeni military officials state that the Houthis are heavily targeting the port city of Mokha. Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, spokesman for the government-affiliated National Resistance Forces controlling the adjacent area of the Strait, has told AFP that Houthi forces are trying to secure ground. "Through their continued attacks on Mokha and its port, the Houthi militia seeks to establish a presence along the shores of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and transform the area into a situation resembling that of the Strait of Hormuz," Major-General Duwaid told AFP. The Houthi rebels already control major northern ports in Yemen, most notably the critical port city of Hodeidah further up the Red Sea coast, but they do not have a foothold near the coastal territories or ports located directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen has warned that Iran-backed Houthis are seeking to expand their presence along the Red Sea coast and gain control of strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s description of Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” on Wednesday during his visit to Srinagar has riled Islamabad. Pakistan objected to Gor’s remark and went on to call it “irresponsible” and “factually incorrect”. Gor’s remark assumed significance, as he also serves as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia under the Trump administration.&nbsp;Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to lodge a strong demarche over Gor’s remarks, which came during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.&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;Islamabad “strongly condemned and categorically rejected” the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as “a part of India", Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said. It also urged the United States to ensure that its public statements remain consistent with what Islamabad describes as the “disputed status” of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a>&nbsp;“It was highlighted that the irresponsible statement by the U.S. Ambassador negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute, and also ran contrary to the United States’ commitment to supremacy of international law and the UN Charter,” the ministry said.&nbsp;Sergio Gor made the remark after arriving in Srinagar for his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir as the US ambassador. He met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and described the region as an “important part of India”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-z-threat-is-the-new-jaantay-nahin-ho-mera-baap-kaun-hai-omar-abdullah-reacts-to-viral-video-at-kargil-checkpoint-1787153305120">Gen Z ‘threat’ is the new ‘jaantay nahin ho mera baap kaun hai’: Omar Abdullah reacts to viral video at Kargil checkpoint</a>&nbsp;“It’s a pleasure to be here… This is an important part of India. I am here, visiting for the first time. It is an incredibly beautiful place. I am thrilled to be here, thrilled to see this place,” Gor said.&nbsp;Gor also indicated that the United States could review its travel advisory for the Union Territory.&nbsp;Meanwhile, reacting to Gor’s statement in Srinagar, Former Union Minister MJ Akbar said, “Sergio Gor’s statement on the status of Jammu and Kashmir is most welcome and perhaps long overdue. I hope this is not another exercise in giving India President Trump’s crumbs while the main meal is being served elsewhere... If the American ambassador in Islamabad repeats it, then it will raise more confidence in India about the long-lasting implications of such a position. We hope that this will also end the rather American habit of seeing this region with cross-ties because of its alliance with Pakistan... Perhaps Pakistan’s most dependable ally has also seen the reality of what is happening today in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where the people are suffering from poverty and persecution, because Pakistan has always treated POK as a colony.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Mapusa, Goa: On &quot;This is an important part of India&quot; statement by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, in Srinagar, Former Union Minister MJ Akbar says, &quot;Sergio Gor&#39;s statement on the status of Jammu and Kashmir is most welcome and perhaps long overdue. I hope this is not… <a href="https://t.co/Ukwcu2TsYy">pic.twitter.com/Ukwcu2TsYy</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2090093977232171219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

(With inputs from Sidhant Sibal and Idrees Lone)

Pakistan objected to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remark and went on to call it “irresponsible” and “factually incorrect”. Gor’s remark assumed significance, as he also serves as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia under the Trump administration.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s description of Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” on Wednesday during his visit to Srinagar has riled Islamabad. Pakistan objected to Gor’s remark and went on to call it “irresponsible” and “factually incorrect”. Gor’s remark assumed significance, as he also serves as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia under the Trump administration. Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to lodge a strong demarche over Gor’s remarks, which came during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe Islamabad “strongly condemned and categorically rejected” the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as “a part of India", Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said. It also urged the United States to ensure that its public statements remain consistent with what Islamabad describes as the “disputed status” of Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria “It was highlighted that the irresponsible statement by the U.S. Ambassador negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, and also ran contrary to the United States’ commitment to supremacy of international law and the UN Charter,” the ministry said. Sergio Gor made the remark after arriving in Srinagar for his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir as the US ambassador. He met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and described the region as an “important part of India”. Also Read: Gen Z ‘threat’ is the new ‘jaantay nahin ho mera baap kaun hai’: Omar Abdullah reacts to viral video at Kargil checkpoint “It’s a pleasure to be here… This is an important part of India. I am here, visiting for the first time. It is an incredibly beautiful place. I am thrilled to be here, thrilled to see this place,” Gor said. Gor also indicated that the United States could review its travel advisory for the Union Territory. Meanwhile, reacting to Gor’s statement in Srinagar, Former Union Minister MJ Akbar said, “Sergio Gor’s statement on the status of Jammu and Kashmir is most welcome and perhaps long overdue. I hope this is not another exercise in giving India President Trump’s crumbs while the main meal is being served elsewhere... If the American ambassador in Islamabad repeats it, then it will raise more confidence in India about the long-lasting implications of such a position. We hope that this will also end the rather American habit of seeing this region with cross-ties because of its alliance with Pakistan... Perhaps Pakistan’s most dependable ally has also seen the reality of what is happening today in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where the people are suffering from poverty and persecution, because Pakistan has always treated POK as a colony.”

Pakistan objected to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remark and went on to call it “irresponsible” and “factually incorrect”. Gor’s remark assumed significance, as he also serves as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia under the Trump administration.

Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche

Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party has leapt ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud to become the largest political force in Israel, according to a recent poll conducted by KAN News. The poll conducted by the Kantar Institute on August 18 places Yashar at 24 seats, just ahead of Likud in second place with 23 seats, followed by Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party in third with 14 seats.&nbsp;The Democrats led by Yair Golan were polling at 10 seats; Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu were each projected to win nine. While Shas is consistently securing 7 seats across major polls. They are closely followed by the Arab-majority joint list Hadash-Ta'al, which captures 5 to 6 seats. Islamist Ra'am party and Bezalel Smotrich’s far-right Religious Zionism party are locked into place with a guaranteed 5 seats each.The overall bloc projections put the opposition at 57 seats and Netanyahu's coalition at 52 seats, while the Arab parties are likely to retain a combined 11 seats, maintaining the broader political gridlock over the Knesset's majority of 61.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-backs-tribal-satyagraha-ken-betwa-project-1787147459837">Rahul Gandhi backs tribal 'Satyagraha' against Ken-Betwa river-linking project</a><h2>Controversial Likud primaries</h2>The poll comes just days after Likud members voted in their party's primaries to select candidates for the October 27 general election. The turnout reached 53 per cent, about 10 per centage higher than in the 2022 primaries, according to the party. In April, the Likud Central Committee approved a controversial measure that grants Netanyahu the authority to determine eight of the first 30 slots on the party list. He controls positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 29 on the slate and occupies the absolute No 1 spot as party leader. He will bypass the party's democratic voting process and handpick candidates to maintain absolute control.&nbsp;Energy Minister Eli Cohen secured the top spot on Likud's Knesset slate, followed by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, and coalition chairman Ofir Katz, respectively, from second to fifth.&nbsp;When combined with the uncontested, pre-arranged deals for figures like Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Defence Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu effectively controlled nearly a third of the party's realistic slate. These are premier spaces in the slate's safest positions on the electoral list, specifically slots 1 through 15, where a candidate is 100 per cent guaranteed to get elected to the Knesset.

Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar has emerged as Israel’s largest political force, edging Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud in an August 18 KAN News poll.

Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party has leapt ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud to become the largest political force in Israel, according to a recent poll conducted by KAN News. The poll conducted by the Kantar Institute on August 18 places Yashar at 24 seats, just ahead of Likud in second place with 23 seats, followed by Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party in third with 14 seats. The Democrats led by Yair Golan were polling at 10 seats; Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu were each projected to win nine. While Shas is consistently securing 7 seats across major polls. They are closely followed by the Arab-majority joint list Hadash-Ta'al, which captures 5 to 6 seats. Islamist Ra'am party and Bezalel Smotrich’s far-right Religious Zionism party are locked into place with a guaranteed 5 seats each. The overall bloc projections put the opposition at 57 seats and Netanyahu's coalition at 52 seats, while the Arab parties are likely to retain a combined 11 seats, maintaining the broader political gridlock over the Knesset's majority of 61. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi backs tribal 'Satyagraha' against Ken-Betwa river-linking project Controversial Likud primaries The poll comes just days after Likud members voted in their party's primaries to select candidates for the October 27 general election. The turnout reached 53 per cent, about 10 per centage higher than in the 2022 primaries, according to the party. In April, the Likud Central Committee approved a controversial measure that grants Netanyahu the authority to determine eight of the first 30 slots on the party list. He controls positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 29 on the slate and occupies the absolute No 1 spot as party leader. He will bypass the party's democratic voting process and handpick candidates to maintain absolute control. Energy Minister Eli Cohen secured the top spot on Likud's Knesset slate, followed by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, and coalition chairman Ofir Katz, respectively, from second to fifth. When combined with the uncontested, pre-arranged deals for figures like Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Defence Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu effectively controlled nearly a third of the party's realistic slate. These are premier spaces in the slate's safest positions on the electoral list, specifically slots 1 through 15, where a candidate is 100 per cent guaranteed to get elected to the Knesset.

Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar has emerged as Israel’s largest political force, edging Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud in an August 18 KAN News poll.

Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll

The Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday (Aug 19) approved the appointment of its new defence minister Yevhenii Khmara, who will succeed Mykhailo Fedorov, who was terminated after 6 months in office. &nbsp;The approval came a month after Fedorov was removed from office for releasing a video in which he allegedly called for an election that has been put off because of the Russian invasion.&nbsp;The removal of Fedorov had led to a blistering public row between the army and the defence ministry. &nbsp;&nbsp;Yevgeniy Khmara, is a major general and former senior Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer. He was appointed as the new Defence Minister after his nomination was approved by the Verkhovna Rad (Ukraine’s parliament) with 321 votes in his favour. &nbsp;&nbsp;Khmara previously served as acting head of the SBU and, from July 2026, as acting Defence Minister.&nbsp;After his appointment, Ukrainian Preisdent Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the parliament's move and said "Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it."&nbsp;Addressing the parliament before the vote, Khmara vowed to “do everything to defend Ukraine, to reduce Russia's war potential as much as possible, and to force the enemy into a just peace.”<h2>About Yevgeniy Khmara</h2>Yevgeniy Khmara, is a major general and former senior Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer. He served in some of SBU's most secretive units.&nbsp;Not much is known about Khmara due to his association with SBU. His official biography does not have any mention about his date and place of birth, reported AFP.&nbsp;The biography talks about how he is involved in the fight against Russian forces since 2014 and the first assaults on Ukraine led by Moscow-backed separatists.&nbsp;In 2023, he was named to head the SBU's Special Operations Center "A" -- also known as the Alpha unit which has been linked to Operation Spiderweb, a high-profile attack on Russian aircraft in 2025 that involved smuggling explosive drones deep into Russia.&nbsp;

After his appointment, Ukrainian Preisdent Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the parliament's move and said "Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it."

The Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday (Aug 19) approved the appointment of its new defence minister Yevhenii Khmara, who will succeed Mykhailo Fedorov, who was terminated after 6 months in office. The approval came a month after Fedorov was removed from office for releasing a video in which he allegedly called for an election that has been put off because of the Russian invasion. The removal of Fedorov had led to a blistering public row between the army and the defence ministry. Yevgeniy Khmara, is a major general and former senior Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer. He was appointed as the new Defence Minister after his nomination was approved by the Verkhovna Rad (Ukraine’s parliament) with 321 votes in his favour. Khmara previously served as acting head of the SBU and, from July 2026, as acting Defence Minister. After his appointment, Ukrainian Preisdent Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the parliament's move and said "Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it." Addressing the parliament before the vote, Khmara vowed to “do everything to defend Ukraine, to reduce Russia's war potential as much as possible, and to force the enemy into a just peace.” About Yevgeniy Khmara Yevgeniy Khmara, is a major general and former senior Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer. He served in some of SBU's most secretive units. Not much is known about Khmara due to his association with SBU. His official biography does not have any mention about his date and place of birth, reported AFP. The biography talks about how he is involved in the fight against Russian forces since 2014 and the first assaults on Ukraine led by Moscow-backed separatists. In 2023, he was named to head the SBU's Special Operations Center "A" -- also known as the Alpha unit which has been linked to Operation Spiderweb, a high-profile attack on Russian aircraft in 2025 that involved smuggling explosive drones deep into Russia.

After his appointment, Ukrainian Preisdent Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the parliament's move and said "Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it."

Ukrainian parliament approves appointment of new defence minister after controversial reshuffle

As campaign kicks off towards Nigeria's 2027 presidential, governorship, national and state parliamentary elections, the presidential candidates have signed the National Peace Accord which is a tradition since 2014. The peace accord is an initiative of National Peace Committee (NPC), headed by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, alongside co-convener Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.&nbsp;Though, being a voluntary pledge signed by political parties and presidential candidates to commit to peaceful, issue-based campaigns and reject violence, hate speech, and intimidation during election cycles, some critics have described it as meaningless, since all Nigerian elections are marred by violence of some degrees.&nbsp;The signing for the 2027 general elections took place in Abuja at the International Conference Centre 19th August 2026, where Presidential candidates and national chairpersons of political parties participating in the 2027 general elections signed for peace.&nbsp;A few of the candidates were absent, like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. also absent is President Tinubu, but was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume hopes are high that the INEC chairman, professor Joash Amupitan will deliver a credible election as exemplified in Osun State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Presidential candidates and political party leaders have signed the National Peace Accord in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections. Despite missing key figures and persistent public scepticism over past electoral violence, hopes remain high.

As campaign kicks off towards Nigeria's 2027 presidential, governorship, national and state parliamentary elections, the presidential candidates have signed the National Peace Accord which is a tradition since 2014. The peace accord is an initiative of National Peace Committee (NPC), headed by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, alongside co-convener Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. Though, being a voluntary pledge signed by political parties and presidential candidates to commit to peaceful, issue-based campaigns and reject violence, hate speech, and intimidation during election cycles, some critics have described it as meaningless, since all Nigerian elections are marred by violence of some degrees. The signing for the 2027 general elections took place in Abuja at the International Conference Centre 19th August 2026, where Presidential candidates and national chairpersons of political parties participating in the 2027 general elections signed for peace. A few of the candidates were absent, like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. also absent is President Tinubu, but was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume hopes are high that the INEC chairman, professor Joash Amupitan will deliver a credible election as exemplified in Osun State.

Presidential candidates and political party leaders have signed the National Peace Accord in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections. Despite missing key figures and persistent public skepticism over past electoral violence, hopes remain high.

Nigeria 2027 Elections: Presidential candidates, party leaders sign National Peace Accord in Abuja

Israel’s military on Wednesday (Aug 19) said it would launch criminal investigations into two high-profile incidents involving the deaths of Palestinians during the war in Gaza, including the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family and the deaths of 15 Palestinian paramedics. The military said it would not open criminal investigations into three other incidents involving aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders.&nbsp;In a statement, the military said it had completed reviews of 150 incidents involving the conduct of its troops in Gaza and had reached decisions on five cases. The investigation into the killing of Hind Rajab and eight others stems from an incident in Gaza City on January 29, 2024. The military said its forces fired on a car approaching them that was carrying Rajab and her relatives.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-voice-of-hind-rajab-review-kaouther-ben-henia-s-heartwrenching-film-is-an-uncomfortable-vital-wake-up-call-1782048262274">The Voice Of Hind Rajab review: Kaouther Ben Henia’s heartwrenching film is an uncomfortable, vital wake-up call</a>&nbsp;Five passengers were killed, while Rajab and her 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamada, initially survived. Hamada contacted the Palestinian Red Crescent, saying a tank was approaching and that her family members had been killed. Gunshots were heard during the call, according to a recording released by the Red Crescent, after which Hamada went silent.&nbsp;Rajab remained on the phone with Red Crescent rescuers for hours, trapped inside the car, as they sought permission from the Israeli military to reach her. Contact was later lost. An ambulance sent to the scene was also allegedly hit by a shell as it arrived.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-israel-use-guided-spike-missile-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-weapon-amid-claims-of-them-being-fired-in-gaza-hospital-attack-1756201144434">Did Israel use guided spike missile? Here's all you need to know about the weapon amid claims of them being fired in Gaza hospital attack</a>&nbsp;Twelve days later, the bodies of Rajab and seven of her relatives were recovered from the site, along with two paramedics. The incident sparked international outrage. “Following review of the findings and due to alleged failures in the coordination of the movement of the Palestine Red Crescent ambulance, it has been decided to initiate a criminal investigation of the incident,” the Israeli military said in its report.&nbsp;The military’s decision marks a move towards a criminal probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, although the statement did not indicate who would be investigated or when the probe would be completed.&nbsp;

Israel’s military announced criminal probes into high-profile Gaza war incidents, including the killings of five-year-old Hind Rajab, her family, and 15 Palestinian medics following ambulance coordination failures.



Israel’s military on Wednesday (Aug 19) said it would launch criminal investigations into two high-profile incidents involving the deaths of Palestinians during the war in Gaza, including the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family and the deaths of 15 Palestinian paramedics. The military said it would not open criminal investigations into three other incidents involving aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. In a statement, the military said it had completed reviews of 150 incidents involving the conduct of its troops in Gaza and had reached decisions on five cases. The investigation into the killing of Hind Rajab and eight others stems from an incident in Gaza City on January 29, 2024. The military said its forces fired on a car approaching them that was carrying Rajab and her relatives. Also read: The Voice Of Hind Rajab review: Kaouther Ben Henia’s heartwrenching film is an uncomfortable, vital wake-up call Five passengers were killed, while Rajab and her 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamada, initially survived. Hamada contacted the Palestinian Red Crescent, saying a tank was approaching and that her family members had been killed. Gunshots were heard during the call, according to a recording released by the Red Crescent, after which Hamada went silent. Rajab remained on the phone with Red Crescent rescuers for hours, trapped inside the car, as they sought permission from the Israeli military to reach her. Contact was later lost. An ambulance sent to the scene was also allegedly hit by a shell as it arrived. Also read: Did Israel use guided spike missile? Here's all you need to know about the weapon amid claims of them being fired in Gaza hospital attack Twelve days later, the bodies of Rajab and seven of her relatives were recovered from the site, along with two paramedics. The incident sparked international outrage. “Following review of the findings and due to alleged failures in the coordination of the movement of the Palestine Red Crescent ambulance, it has been decided to initiate a criminal investigation of the incident,” the Israeli military said in its report. The military’s decision marks a move towards a criminal probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, although the statement did not indicate who would be investigated or when the probe would be completed.

Israel’s military announced criminal probes into high-profile Gaza war incidents, including the killings of five-year-old Hind Rajab, her family, and 15 Palestinian medics following ambulance coordination failures.&nbsp;

Israel to probe killing of Hind Rajab, 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza. Details inside

A Ukrainian Scuba diver suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions in 2022 has been arrested in Croatia and will be extradited to Germany, said German prosecutors on Wednesday. &nbsp;The man, identified as Volodymyr Zhuravlov, is the second suspect in a high-profile arrest for the explosion. He was arrested on a European arrest warrant by the local police forces in the coastal city of Pula, Croatia.The prosecutor alleges that the man, a trained scuba diver, "is strongly suspected of jointly causing explosions." &nbsp;He was allegedly part of the team that physically planted explosives on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. He was reportedly previously detained in Poland in September 2025 but was released after an extradition request from Germany was turned down.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-germany-netherlands-oppose-us-sanctions-icc-1787139615468">ICC condemns US sanctions as ‘flagrant attack’; Japan, Germany and Netherlands back tribunal</a><h2>What happened to the Nord Stream pipelines?</h2>The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were set up to deliver Russian gas to Germany and other parts of Western Europe. Both of them were part of a blast that rendered them inoperable. It came just months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Investigators believe that a group of saboteurs used a sailing yacht rented from a German company, using forged identities to transport the explosives from the port of Rostock. Then they planted explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm. The operation was allegedly backed by a Ukrainian state agency to target Russian energy revenues, but Kyiv has so far denied involvement.&nbsp;

A Ukrainian scuba diver suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions has been arrested in Croatia and will be extradited to Germany.

A Ukrainian Scuba diver suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions in 2022 has been arrested in Croatia and will be extradited to Germany, said German prosecutors on Wednesday. The man, identified as Volodymyr Zhuravlov, is the second suspect in a high-profile arrest for the explosion. He was arrested on a European arrest warrant by the local police forces in the coastal city of Pula, Croatia. The prosecutor alleges that the man, a trained scuba diver, "is strongly suspected of jointly causing explosions." He was allegedly part of the team that physically planted explosives on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. He was reportedly previously detained in Poland in September 2025 but was released after an extradition request from Germany was turned down. Also Read: ICC condemns US sanctions as ‘flagrant attack’; Japan, Germany and Netherlands back tribunal What happened to the Nord Stream pipelines? The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were set up to deliver Russian gas to Germany and other parts of Western Europe. Both of them were part of a blast that rendered them inoperable. It came just months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Investigators believe that a group of saboteurs used a sailing yacht rented from a German company, using forged identities to transport the explosives from the port of Rostock. Then they planted explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm. The operation was allegedly backed by a Ukrainian state agency to target Russian energy revenues, but Kyiv has so far denied involvement.

A Ukrainian scuba diver suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions has been arrested in Croatia and will be extradited to Germany.

Nord Stream blasts: Ukrainian scuba diver arrested in Croatia, to be extradited to Germany

The International Criminal Court on Wednesday slammed the US decision to sanction its senior staff, including the court's President and a senior prosecution lawyer, calling it a “flagrant attack” on the independence of the tribunal and vowed to continue seeking justice for atrocities around the world. The court said it remains "undeterred" and stands behind all its staff.In a statement, the court said that when “judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk.” It said the court “will continue to fully discharge its mandate with independence and impartiality.”&nbsp;The US State Department on Tuesday said that it had hit ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, and ICC senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, a Senegalese national, with sanctions. Any assets they have in US jurisdiction or the US financial system will be frozen. The US have now sanctioned nine of the ICC’s 18 judges, both of its deputy prosecutors, its former chief prosecutor and one other prosecution office staffer.The US claims that the court has overstepped its boundaries by investigating senior military and political officials from countries, such as Israel and the United States, that are not members of the court.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-seeks-life-term-tarun-tejpal-rape-case-1787078451982">Goa seeks life term for Tarun Tejpal, challenges 10-year rape sentence</a><h2>Japan, Germany and Netherlands oppose US sanctions&nbsp;</h2>Japan’s foreign ministry said the decision to sanction Akane and Seye was “very unfortunate.” Japan is the ICC’s largest financial contributor and has previously raised concerns over the unilateral sanctions by the US government, which risks dismantling the independent global judicial framework.“Japan has consistently supported the ICC, which is a permanent international criminal court, in its efforts to prosecute and punish ‌the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.” Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.Germany has strongly opposed the US decision, declaring that it "stands with" the ICC President Tomoko Akane. “It is of central importance to defend and protect the International Criminal Court as an independent institution,” said a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany noted the additional US measures "with regret" and reiterated Berlin's absolute opposition to sanctions targeting judges and prosecutors.As the host nation of the tribunal in The Hague, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen publicly opposed the sanctions, reaffirming Dutch backing and inviting ICC President Tomoko Akane to discuss continued operational support.&nbsp;

The ICC has condemned US sanctions on its President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence. 

The International Criminal Court on Wednesday slammed the US decision to sanction its senior staff, including the court's President and a senior prosecution lawyer, calling it a “flagrant attack” on the independence of the tribunal and vowed to continue seeking justice for atrocities around the world. The court said it remains "undeterred" and stands behind all its staff. In a statement, the court said that when “judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk.” It said the court “will continue to fully discharge its mandate with independence and impartiality.” The US State Department on Tuesday said that it had hit ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, and ICC senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, a Senegalese national, with sanctions. Any assets they have in US jurisdiction or the US financial system will be frozen. The US have now sanctioned nine of the ICC’s 18 judges, both of its deputy prosecutors, its former chief prosecutor and one other prosecution office staffer. The US claims that the court has overstepped its boundaries by investigating senior military and political officials from countries, such as Israel and the United States, that are not members of the court. Also Read: Goa seeks life term for Tarun Tejpal, challenges 10-year rape sentence Japan, Germany and Netherlands oppose US sanctions Japan’s foreign ministry said the decision to sanction Akane and Seye was “very unfortunate.” Japan is the ICC’s largest financial contributor and has previously raised concerns over the unilateral sanctions by the US government, which risks dismantling the independent global judicial framework. “Japan has consistently supported the ICC, which is a permanent international criminal court, in its efforts to prosecute and punish ‌the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.” Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Germany has strongly opposed the US decision, declaring that it "stands with" the ICC President Tomoko Akane. “It is of central importance to defend and protect the International Criminal Court as an independent institution,” said a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany noted the additional US measures "with regret" and reiterated Berlin's absolute opposition to sanctions targeting judges and prosecutors. As the host nation of the tribunal in The Hague, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen publicly opposed the sanctions, reaffirming Dutch backing and inviting ICC President Tomoko Akane to discuss continued operational support.

The ICC has condemned US sanctions on its President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence.&nbsp;

ICC condemns US sanctions as ‘flagrant attack’; Japan, Germany and Netherlands back tribunal

NATO said on Wednesday that it is prepared to “address any threat” and defend all allies after reports said that Iran is considering attacking US military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump decides to escalate the war again. NATO is prepared to address any threat and would take necessary action to defend all its members, said an alliance official.&nbsp;The military alliance is “prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies,” the NATO official said, adding, “Our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-ceasefire-now-war-must-come-to-a-permanent-end-says-iran-s-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-1787080893639">‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi</a>&nbsp;“As demonstrated earlier this year when NATO air defences successfully intercepted ballistic missiles heading to Türkiye from Iran on four separate occasions, our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective,” said a NATO official.&nbsp;In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences. Iran denied at the time that it launched the missiles. Cyprus was also targeted by drone attacks in March.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a>&nbsp;Earlier in the day, the Financial Times reported that Iran has weighed attacking US military targets in Europe should Trump escalate the war, citing people close to the Iranian regime.&nbsp;According to the report, US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said to be the potential targets of Tehran’s attack.&nbsp;Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer airbase for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-both-war-and-diplomacy-araghchi-says-conflict-completely-dispelled-notion-of-tehran-s-weakness-1787060840037">‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness</a>&nbsp;According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had also explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens.

A NATO official said the military alliance is prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies. In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences.

NATO said on Wednesday that it is prepared to “address any threat” and defend all allies after reports said that Iran is considering attacking US military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump decides to escalate the war again. NATO is prepared to address any threat and would take necessary action to defend all its members, said an alliance official. The military alliance is “prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies,” the NATO official said, adding, “Our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective.” Also Read: ‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “As demonstrated earlier this year when NATO air defences successfully intercepted ballistic missiles heading to Türkiye from Iran on four separate occasions, our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective,” said a NATO official. In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences. Iran denied at the time that it launched the missiles. Cyprus was also targeted by drone attacks in March. Also Read: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria Earlier in the day, the Financial Times reported that Iran has weighed attacking US military targets in Europe should Trump escalate the war, citing people close to the Iranian regime. According to the report, US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said to be the potential targets of Tehran’s attack. Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer airbase for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March. Also Read: ‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had also explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens.

A NATO official said the military alliance is prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies. In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences.

NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe

After targeting US military infrastructure in the Middle East, Iran says it will now hit US military targets in Europe if the war escalates further, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing two people close to the Iranian regime.&nbsp;US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said the be the potential targets of Tehran attack, according to the report. Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer air base for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March.&nbsp;According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens.&nbsp;<h2>Warning to Gulf countries</h2>&nbsp;The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourist-helicopter-crashes-in-kenya-all-on-board-killed-1787137893493">Tourist helicopter crashes in Kenya, all on board killed</a>&nbsp;“Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency.&nbsp;He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said.<h2>Negotiation stalled</h2>&nbsp;Peace talks between Washington and Tehran to end the war has failed to yield any results so far and have stalled. And there are hardly any indications that talks will resume anytime soon.On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed &nbsp;that talks with Tehran have fallen apart, keeping the standoff in a volatile deadlock.&nbsp;

The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying that any support to its "enemy" would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.

After targeting US military infrastructure in the Middle East, Iran says it will now hit US military targets in Europe if the war escalates further, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing two people close to the Iranian regime. US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said the be the potential targets of Tehran attack, according to the report. Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer air base for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March. According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens. Warning to Gulf countries The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran. ALSO READ: Tourist helicopter crashes in Kenya, all on board killed “Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency. He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said. Negotiation stalled Peace talks between Washington and Tehran to end the war has failed to yield any results so far and have stalled. And there are hardly any indications that talks will resume anytime soon. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that talks with Tehran have fallen apart, keeping the standoff in a volatile deadlock.

The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying that any support to its "enemy" would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.

Iran warns of attack on US military infrastructure in Europe: Report

A helicopter carrying several tourists crashed in Kenya's Samburu County on Wednesday (Aug 19), killing all those on board. An aviation source told AFP, "I can confirm an accident has happened, there are no survivors,” without confirming the number of people aboard the aircraft. The helicopter crashed at the foot of Mount Ololokwe, a sacred mountain for the Samburu people that rises to about 2,000 metres (6,560 feet) above sea level. Footage shared on X showed black smoke billowing from the crash site.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-carolina-family-shooting-leaves-3-dead-including-suspected-gunman-here-s-what-happened-1786000596891">North Carolina family shooting leaves 3 dead, including suspected gunman. Here’s what happened</a>&nbsp;The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the accident occurred at 9:13 am local time (0613 GMT), after the helicopter departed from the Loisaba wildlife reserve. Local media reports said seven tourists were on board, although their nationalities were not immediately known.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-helicopter-crash-two-helicopters-collide-in-rio-de-janeiro-at-least-6-killed-1781507553366">Brazil Helicopter Crash: Two Helicopters Collide In Rio De Janeiro, At Least 6 Killed</a>&nbsp;The cause of the crash has not been established. The KCAA said investigations were underway. The Kenya Red Cross said response operations were ongoing, with a multi-agency team working to reach the crash site.&nbsp;The incident comes months after another helicopter crash in western Kenya in March killed six people, including a member of parliament.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-military-helicopter-crashes-after-technical-malfunction-search-for-survivors-underway-iran-war-1774158504515">Qatar military helicopter crashes after ‘technical malfunction’; search for crew, passengers underway</a>

A helicopter carrying tourists crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Kenya's Samburu County on Wednesday, killing everyone on board. Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway.

A helicopter carrying several tourists crashed in Kenya's Samburu County on Wednesday (Aug 19), killing all those on board. An aviation source told AFP, "I can confirm an accident has happened, there are no survivors,” without confirming the number of people aboard the aircraft. The helicopter crashed at the foot of Mount Ololokwe, a sacred mountain for the Samburu people that rises to about 2,000 metres (6,560 feet) above sea level. Footage shared on X showed black smoke billowing from the crash site. Also read: North Carolina family shooting leaves 3 dead, including suspected gunman. Here’s what happened The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the accident occurred at 9:13 am local time (0613 GMT), after the helicopter departed from the Loisaba wildlife reserve. Local media reports said seven tourists were on board, although their nationalities were not immediately known. Also read: Brazil Helicopter Crash: Two Helicopters Collide In Rio De Janeiro, At Least 6 Killed The cause of the crash has not been established. The KCAA said investigations were underway. The Kenya Red Cross said response operations were ongoing, with a multi-agency team working to reach the crash site. The incident comes months after another helicopter crash in western Kenya in March killed six people, including a member of parliament. Also read: Qatar military helicopter crashes after ‘technical malfunction’; search for crew, passengers underway

A helicopter carrying tourists crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Kenya's Samburu County on Wednesday, killing everyone on board. Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway.

Tourist helicopter crashes in Kenya, all on board killed

Europe’s seas are experiencing an intense burst of warming this summer, with climate change emerging as the main force behind the rise. A new assessment by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group found that human-caused warming added about 2 degrees Celsius to Mediterranean sea temperatures and more than 1.3 degrees Celsius to 1.4 degrees Celsius across Western European waters.The researchers reached their conclusions by comparing observational records with climate model simulations.“From the Atlantic waters off Ireland to the Mediterranean Sea, Europe's seas are experiencing an alarming surge in temperatures,” said Thomas Frolicher, an environmental physicist at the University of Bern and co-author of the study.<h2>Marine ecosystems under pressure</h2>The warming is not simply a matter of hotter waters. Scientists warn that marine heatwaves can push species beyond their tolerance limits, altering ecosystems and disrupting fisheries.WWA said there was “evidence of severe ecological impacts”, including species moving north towards cooler waters. Such shifts can disrupt food chains and put pressure on coastal fisheries and aquaculture.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-lala-batters-hawaii-over-40-000-left-without-power-as-storm-strengthens-to-category-1-1786850168329">Hurricane Lala batters Hawaii: Over 40,000 left without power as storm strengthens to Category 1, one dead</a>Marine ecologist John Bruno said the amount of warming needed to cause serious biological damage can be surprisingly small.“It’s only about 1 degree Celsius on coral reefs, for example,” Bruno told reporters.While some species may benefit from warmer conditions, others face significant risks. Bruno described the process as a “kind of reshuffling, reorganisation of communities”, creating what scientists call “winners and losers”.<h2>Mediterranean sees extreme temperatures</h2>Some parts of the Mediterranean recorded sea surface temperatures more than 6 degrees Celsius above normal during the hottest two weeks of July, according to WWA.Marine heatwaves have also spread across a large portion of Europe's waters. Around 90 per cent of the Bay of Biscay and Iberian coast and 80 per cent of the Western Mediterranean experienced marine heatwaves this year.Without the current 1.4 degrees Celsius of human-caused global warming, WWA estimates only about 40 per cent of these areas would have been affected.The warming could also affect people on land. Higher sea temperatures increase humidity along coastlines, potentially worsening extreme heat.Claire Bergin, a WWA co-author, said warmer seas might appear attractive to swimmers. But “the impacts on marine life beneath the surface are more serious”.The findings add to growing evidence that Europe's warming seas are becoming an increasingly serious climate and ecological threat.

Climate change added around 2 degrees Celsius to Mediterranean sea temperatures this summer, driving marine heatwaves across Europe and putting ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities under growing pressure, study finds.

Europe’s seas are experiencing an intense burst of warming this summer, with climate change emerging as the main force behind the rise. A new assessment by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group found that human-caused warming added about 2 degrees Celsius to Mediterranean sea temperatures and more than 1.3 degrees Celsius to 1.4 degrees Celsius across Western European waters. The researchers reached their conclusions by comparing observational records with climate model simulations. “From the Atlantic waters off Ireland to the Mediterranean Sea, Europe's seas are experiencing an alarming surge in temperatures,” said Thomas Frolicher, an environmental physicist at the University of Bern and co-author of the study. Marine ecosystems under pressure The warming is not simply a matter of hotter waters. Scientists warn that marine heatwaves can push species beyond their tolerance limits, altering ecosystems and disrupting fisheries. WWA said there was “evidence of severe ecological impacts”, including species moving north towards cooler waters. Such shifts can disrupt food chains and put pressure on coastal fisheries and aquaculture. Also read | Hurricane Lala batters Hawaii: Over 40,000 left without power as storm strengthens to Category 1, one dead Marine ecologist John Bruno said the amount of warming needed to cause serious biological damage can be surprisingly small. “It’s only about 1 degree Celsius on coral reefs, for example,” Bruno told reporters. While some species may benefit from warmer conditions, others face significant risks. Bruno described the process as a “kind of reshuffling, reorganisation of communities”, creating what scientists call “winners and losers”. Mediterranean sees extreme temperatures Some parts of the Mediterranean recorded sea surface temperatures more than 6 degrees Celsius above normal during the hottest two weeks of July, according to WWA. Marine heatwaves have also spread across a large portion of Europe's waters. Around 90 per cent of the Bay of Biscay and Iberian coast and 80 per cent of the Western Mediterranean experienced marine heatwaves this year. Without the current 1.4 degrees Celsius of human-caused global warming, WWA estimates only about 40 per cent of these areas would have been affected. The warming could also affect people on land. Higher sea temperatures increase humidity along coastlines, potentially worsening extreme heat. Claire Bergin, a WWA co-author, said warmer seas might appear attractive to swimmers. But “the impacts on marine life beneath the surface are more serious”. The findings add to growing evidence that Europe's warming seas are becoming an increasingly serious climate and ecological threat.

Climate change added around 2 degrees Celsius to Mediterranean sea temperatures this summer, driving marine heatwaves across Europe and putting ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities under growing pressure, study finds.

Europe’s seas are boiling: Climate change adds 2°C to Mediterranean heat, study finds

NASA’s plan for a long-term human presence on the Moon is moving beyond brief astronaut visits, with India now potentially playing a role in the effort. The agency is developing a Moon Base near the lunar South Pole, where Chandrayaan-3 has given India valuable experience. The outpost is envisioned as a place where astronauts can live, conduct research and test technologies for deeper-space missions.<h2>What is the real objective of the Moon Base?</h2>The Moon Base is not simply about putting a permanent building on the lunar surface. It is intended to test whether humans can live and work for extended periods away from Earth, while developing systems for power, transportation, communications, resource extraction and construction.NASA is already working with commercial partners on cargo landers, rovers and other infrastructure, with some lunar deliveries targeted for 2028. The technologies being developed include systems to generate and store power, extract water and oxygen from local resources, and build landing pads and other infrastructure.<h2>Why is the lunar South Pole important?</h2>The lunar South Pole is valuable because some permanently shadowed craters are extremely cold and may preserve water ice and other volatiles. Water could become one of the most important resources for a future settlement – for drinking, life support and potentially producing hydrogen and oxygen for fuel.The region also contains areas that receive relatively prolonged sunlight, creating opportunities for solar power, while nearby shadowed regions could harbour ice. India has already contributed important knowledge about this difficult environment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gaganyaan-the-mission-that-could-change-how-the-world-sees-india-s-space-ambitions-1783690204848">Gaganyaan: The mission that could change how the world sees India’s space ambitions</a><h2>How does Chandrayaan-3 strengthen India’s position?</h2>Chandrayaan-3 gave ISRO something far more valuable than a successful landing: first-hand experience of operating in the lunar South Polar region.Vikram landed on August 23, 2023, and Pragyan conducted in-situ studies of the terrain. Its instruments measured temperature, seismic activity, plasma conditions and the elemental composition of lunar soil. ISRO says the rover travelled about 101 metres.More recently, ChaSTE data have helped scientists understand the thermal behaviour of the polar regolith, information relevant to future habitat and resource planning.<h2>What could ISRO’s role be – and what could India gain?</h2>NASA invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme during the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru on August 5-6. The two sides also agreed to advance discussions on scientific data sharing.India’s exact role has not yet been announced. But ISRO’s experience could make it a useful partner in robotic exploration, lunar science, landing technologies, surface mobility and resource mapping. Participation could also give Indian scientists and industry access to a much larger international lunar programme while strengthening India’s position in the emerging lunar economy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-russia-ukraine-war-is-reshaping-energy-flows-food-prices-defence-spending-and-india-s-strategy-wion-decodes-1783337395169">How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes</a><h2>Could the Moon become a resource hub and Mars launchpad?</h2>The Moon could potentially become a resource hub and Mars launchpad – but that remains a long-term possibility, not an immediate reality.If water ice can be extracted economically, it could support life-support systems and produce propellant. Lunar resources could eventually reduce the need to transport everything from Earth. The Moon’s lower gravity could also make it attractive for launching spacecraft deeper into the solar system.That is why NASA describes the Moon Base as more than a destination. It is a test bed for technologies and operations needed for Mars. The lunar South Pole could ultimately become humanity’s first sustained foothold beyond Earth – and India now has an opportunity to help shape what that foothold becomes. &nbsp;

NASA’s Moon Base plan is opening a new chapter in lunar exploration, with India’s Chandrayaan-3 experience giving ISRO a potential role in the race to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.

NASA’s plan for a long-term human presence on the Moon is moving beyond brief astronaut visits, with India now potentially playing a role in the effort. The agency is developing a Moon Base near the lunar South Pole, where Chandrayaan-3 has given India valuable experience. The outpost is envisioned as a place where astronauts can live, conduct research and test technologies for deeper-space missions. What is the real objective of the Moon Base? The Moon Base is not simply about putting a permanent building on the lunar surface. It is intended to test whether humans can live and work for extended periods away from Earth, while developing systems for power, transportation, communications, resource extraction and construction. NASA is already working with commercial partners on cargo landers, rovers and other infrastructure, with some lunar deliveries targeted for 2028. The technologies being developed include systems to generate and store power, extract water and oxygen from local resources, and build landing pads and other infrastructure. Why is the lunar South Pole important? The lunar South Pole is valuable because some permanently shadowed craters are extremely cold and may preserve water ice and other volatiles. Water could become one of the most important resources for a future settlement – for drinking, life support and potentially producing hydrogen and oxygen for fuel. The region also contains areas that receive relatively prolonged sunlight, creating opportunities for solar power, while nearby shadowed regions could harbour ice. India has already contributed important knowledge about this difficult environment. Also read | Gaganyaan: The mission that could change how the world sees India’s space ambitions How does Chandrayaan-3 strengthen India’s position? Chandrayaan-3 gave ISRO something far more valuable than a successful landing: first-hand experience of operating in the lunar South Polar region. Vikram landed on August 23, 2023, and Pragyan conducted in-situ studies of the terrain. Its instruments measured temperature, seismic activity, plasma conditions and the elemental composition of lunar soil. ISRO says the rover travelled about 101 metres. More recently, ChaSTE data have helped scientists understand the thermal behaviour of the polar regolith, information relevant to future habitat and resource planning. What could ISRO’s role be – and what could India gain? NASA invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme during the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru on August 5-6. The two sides also agreed to advance discussions on scientific data sharing. India’s exact role has not yet been announced. But ISRO’s experience could make it a useful partner in robotic exploration, lunar science, landing technologies, surface mobility and resource mapping. Participation could also give Indian scientists and industry access to a much larger international lunar programme while strengthening India’s position in the emerging lunar economy. Also read | How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes Could the Moon become a resource hub and Mars launchpad? The Moon could potentially become a resource hub and Mars launchpad – but that remains a long-term possibility, not an immediate reality. If water ice can be extracted economically, it could support life-support systems and produce propellant. Lunar resources could eventually reduce the need to transport everything from Earth. The Moon’s lower gravity could also make it attractive for launching spacecraft deeper into the solar system. That is why NASA describes the Moon Base as more than a destination. It is a test bed for technologies and operations needed for Mars. The lunar South Pole could ultimately become humanity’s first sustained foothold beyond Earth – and India now has an opportunity to help shape what that foothold becomes.

NASA’s Moon Base plan is opening a new chapter in lunar exploration, with India’s Chandrayaan-3 experience giving ISRO a potential role in the race to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.

NASA’s Moon Base: How Chandrayaan-3 could give India an edge in the lunar race

A new tranche of documents from a lawsuit filed against Ghislaine Maxwell more than a decade ago could soon be released, according to a report by Mediaite. A Manhattan Federal Court judge has agreed to unseal these files, Miami Herald reporter Julie &nbsp;Brown said in a post on Substack. The late Virginia Roberts Giuffre had filed a defamation lawsuit after Maxwell accused her of fabricating the sex trafficking allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and others.&nbsp;The outlet and Brown have been engaged in a battle to unseal the case files from Giuffre's lawsuit. "The lawsuit was settled in early 2017. I had been told the discovery contained damning evidence against Epstein, Maxwell and other men, and that it was worth trying to get the courts to unseal the documents on the grounds that they were never properly sealed in the first place," Brown wrote.&nbsp;She added that "judicial records by law are supposed to be open to the public", but former judge Robert Sweet, who passed away some time ago, issued a blanket sealing on all the documents because of "sensitive" and "private" information. The files include "hearings and judicial decisions, along with voluminous evidence that Virginia presented to show that Epstein and Maxwell were operating an underage sex trafficking operation, she wrote.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-cami-clark-anthropic-ceo-s-wife-found-in-epstein-emails-asking-him-to-invest-in-porn-business-1786857173215">Who is Cami Clark? Anthropic CEO's wife found in Epstein emails asking him to invest in porn business</a><h2>Brown lashes out against the sealing</h2>"This is not the way sealing is supposed to happen, however. Each document that the lawyers want sealed has to be examined, and those requesting it be sealed must provide legal justification to the judge for doing so. This wasn't done in this case," Brown said in her post.&nbsp;Maxwell has been trying to prevent the release of the files, but her bid was dismissed by Judge Loretta Preska, who noted that "Epstein Files Transparency Act superseded any earlier grand jury arguments," Brown wrote.&nbsp;Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 2021 for sex trafficking and other crimes. Giuffre died at the age of 41 in April 2025 at her home in Australia. &nbsp;

Vouminous case files from a lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell could soon be unsealed following an order. Virginia Roberts Giuffre had sued them in 2015 after the latter claimed she was lying about the sex trafficking allegations. 

A new tranche of documents from a lawsuit filed against Ghislaine Maxwell more than a decade ago could soon be released, according to a report by Mediaite. A Manhattan Federal Court judge has agreed to unseal these files, Miami Herald reporter Julie Brown said in a post on Substack. The late Virginia Roberts Giuffre had filed a defamation lawsuit after Maxwell accused her of fabricating the sex trafficking allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and others. The outlet and Brown have been engaged in a battle to unseal the case files from Giuffre's lawsuit. "The lawsuit was settled in early 2017. I had been told the discovery contained damning evidence against Epstein, Maxwell and other men, and that it was worth trying to get the courts to unseal the documents on the grounds that they were never properly sealed in the first place," Brown wrote. She added that "judicial records by law are supposed to be open to the public", but former judge Robert Sweet, who passed away some time ago, issued a blanket sealing on all the documents because of "sensitive" and "private" information. The files include "hearings and judicial decisions, along with voluminous evidence that Virginia presented to show that Epstein and Maxwell were operating an underage sex trafficking operation, she wrote. Also Read: Who is Cami Clark? Anthropic CEO's wife found in Epstein emails asking him to invest in porn business Brown lashes out against the sealing "This is not the way sealing is supposed to happen, however. Each document that the lawyers want sealed has to be examined, and those requesting it be sealed must provide legal justification to the judge for doing so. This wasn't done in this case," Brown said in her post. Maxwell has been trying to prevent the release of the files, but her bid was dismissed by Judge Loretta Preska, who noted that "Epstein Files Transparency Act superseded any earlier grand jury arguments," Brown wrote. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 2021 for sex trafficking and other crimes. Giuffre died at the age of 41 in April 2025 at her home in Australia.

Vouminous case files from a lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell could soon be unsealed following an order. Virginia Roberts Giuffre had sued them in 2015 after the latter claimed she was lying about the sex trafficking allegations.&nbsp;

Explosive 2015 case files with 'sensitive' and 'private' information about Epstein and Maxwell set to be unsealed

Iran's armed forces on Wednesday (Aug 19) warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-new-infiltration-bill-could-turn-foreign-contacts-into-crimes-journalists-and-others-face-prison-under-proposed-law-details-inside-1786935582385">What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law</a>&nbsp;“Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency.&nbsp;The warning comes amid the ongoing war between Iran and the US, which began on February 28 following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes, including attacks on US bases across the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-owns-and-rules-this-waterway-tehran-warns-us-it-will-never-control-strait-of-hormuz-amid-trump-s-threat-1786785833003">‘Iran owns and rules this waterway’: Tehran warns US it will never control Strait of Hormuz amid Trump’s threat</a>&nbsp;Abdollahi questioned how a large number of US military aircraft, particularly refuelling planes, could be stationed at regional bases without the knowledge of host countries. “It seems unlikely that such a large number of military aircraft, particularly refuelling aircraft, could be present at regional bases without knowledge of host countries,” he said.&nbsp;He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-fake-news-trump-confronted-hegseth-over-us-munitions-shortages-claims-report-here-s-why-wh-says-1785993835957">‘100% fake news’: WH denies report claiming Trump confronted Hegseth over US munitions shortages</a>&nbsp;The warning comes as the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is being redeployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of deteriorating living conditions for its crew.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran’s armed forces warned Gulf nations that aiding or facilitating US military operations against Tehran constitutes direct involvement in the conflict, questioning host states' claims of non-involvement.  

Iran's armed forces on Wednesday (Aug 19) warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran. Also read: What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law “Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency. The warning comes amid the ongoing war between Iran and the US, which began on February 28 following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes, including attacks on US bases across the region. Also read: ‘Iran owns and rules this waterway’: Tehran warns US it will never control Strait of Hormuz amid Trump’s threat Abdollahi questioned how a large number of US military aircraft, particularly refuelling planes, could be stationed at regional bases without the knowledge of host countries. “It seems unlikely that such a large number of military aircraft, particularly refuelling aircraft, could be present at regional bases without knowledge of host countries,” he said. He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said. Also read: ‘100% fake news’: WH denies report claiming Trump confronted Hegseth over US munitions shortages The warning comes as the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is being redeployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of deteriorating living conditions for its crew.

Iran’s armed forces warned Gulf nations that aiding or facilitating US military operations against Tehran constitutes direct involvement in the conflict, questioning host states' claims of non-involvement. &nbsp;

‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries

Palestine’s ambassador to India has welcomed New Delhi’s support for key infrastructure projects in the Palestinian territories and expressed strong backing for India’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council later this decade for the term 2028-2029.Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh said a high-ranking Indian diplomat is currently in Palestine and has already met the foreign minister. Secretary (CPV &amp; OIA) Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan is currently on a visit to Palestine.Further talks are planned with an assistant to the Palestinian president to advance bilateral ties, including the final paperwork for an Indian-funded hospital in the West Bank.“India support to Palestine has been there since the beginning of the peace process,” Abu Shawesh told WION's Sidhant Sibal in an interview. “High ranking Indian diplomat is in Palestine and met the foreign affair minister. They will meet with the assistant to President, to push forward the bilateral relation mainly to… finalise the signature and the paper work for the establishing and building… India hospital.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-charg-d-affaires-noor-hails-shared-past-and-stronger-ties-with-india-at-first-victory-day-event-in-delhi-1786981904433">Afghan chargé d’affaires Noor hails ‘shared past’ and stronger ties with India at first Victory Day event in Delhi</a>The ambassador confirmed that the necessary order had been signed and paperwork finalised the previous day. He expressed hope that the hospital project could be completed within two years despite the difficult operating environment. “It depends on that. How could we implement it in the very complicated environment… Sometimes the roads is completely close. I hope that within the next 2 years this project will be finished and the patient will be benefited.”India is also supporting a vocational training centre, which Abu Shawesh said he hoped would begin “very soon,” and has discussed the provision of artificial limbs for amputees. The latter project is intended for Gaza, where he said “thousands of children and women and people had been imputated".On medical assistance, the ambassador said he had raised the issue of equipment, including dialysis machines, with Indian officials two months earlier and received assurances of significant support, some of which is expected to move through Jordan. “India is going to do and will do something very significant when it counted a medicine and medical supply,” he said.Abu Shawesh also addressed India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council. Recalling earlier discussions on UN reform during his time at the world body, he said Palestine would be “more than happy” to see India elected. “We look forward to… India to be elected in the upcoming… non-permanent seats of this united nation securities.” He went further, noting that Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dhaka-says-propitious-environment-needed-for-bangladesh-pm-rahman-s-india-visit-restates-hasina-extradition-demand-1786866065947">Dhaka says ‘propitious environment’ needed for Bangladesh PM Rahman’s India visit; restates Hasina extradition demand</a>India “deserve[s] to have a permanent seat.”The ambassador pointed to India’s global standing as a major economy and political power. He said Palestinians hoped New Delhi would use its influence, including its ties with Israel, “to push forward the peace process”. &nbsp;

Palestine’s ambassador to India, Abdullah Shawesh, announced an Indian-funded hospital in the West Bank expected within two years, while endorsing India’s bid for a UN Security Council seat.



Palestine’s ambassador to India has welcomed New Delhi’s support for key infrastructure projects in the Palestinian territories and expressed strong backing for India’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council later this decade for the term 2028-2029. Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh said a high-ranking Indian diplomat is currently in Palestine and has already met the foreign minister. Secretary (CPV & OIA) Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan is currently on a visit to Palestine. Further talks are planned with an assistant to the Palestinian president to advance bilateral ties, including the final paperwork for an Indian-funded hospital in the West Bank. “India support to Palestine has been there since the beginning of the peace process,” Abu Shawesh told WION's Sidhant Sibal in an interview. “High ranking Indian diplomat is in Palestine and met the foreign affair minister. They will meet with the assistant to President, to push forward the bilateral relation mainly to… finalise the signature and the paper work for the establishing and building… India hospital.” Also read: Afghan chargé d’affaires Noor hails ‘shared past’ and stronger ties with India at first Victory Day event in Delhi The ambassador confirmed that the necessary order had been signed and paperwork finalised the previous day. He expressed hope that the hospital project could be completed within two years despite the difficult operating environment. “It depends on that. How could we implement it in the very complicated environment… Sometimes the roads is completely close. I hope that within the next 2 years this project will be finished and the patient will be benefited.” India is also supporting a vocational training centre, which Abu Shawesh said he hoped would begin “very soon,” and has discussed the provision of artificial limbs for amputees. The latter project is intended for Gaza, where he said “thousands of children and women and people had been imputated". On medical assistance, the ambassador said he had raised the issue of equipment, including dialysis machines, with Indian officials two months earlier and received assurances of significant support, some of which is expected to move through Jordan. “India is going to do and will do something very significant when it counted a medicine and medical supply,” he said. Abu Shawesh also addressed India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council. Recalling earlier discussions on UN reform during his time at the world body, he said Palestine would be “more than happy” to see India elected. “We look forward to… India to be elected in the upcoming… non-permanent seats of this united nation securities.” He went further, noting that Also read: Dhaka says ‘propitious environment’ needed for Bangladesh PM Rahman’s India visit; restates Hasina extradition demand India “deserve[s] to have a permanent seat.” The ambassador pointed to India’s global standing as a major economy and political power. He said Palestinians hoped New Delhi would use its influence, including its ties with Israel, “to push forward the peace process”.

Palestine’s ambassador to India, Abdullah Shawesh, announced an Indian-funded hospital in the West Bank expected within two years, while endorsing India’s bid for a UN Security Council seat.&nbsp;

Indian-funded hospital expected within two years, says Palestine Ambassador Abdullah Shawesh

Iceland, Qatar and Singapore are among the world's biggest energy users per person. But where does India stand, and how wide is the gap with the US? Here's what the latest global energy ranking reveals.

Iceland, Qatar and Singapore are among the world's biggest energy users per person. But where does India stand, and how wide is the gap with the US? Here's what the latest global energy ranking reveals.

India uses 10 times less energy per person than the US: Top 7 countries that consume the most energy

Pakistan’s government will challenge a Supreme Court order directing authorities to move jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a private hospital, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said. The court on Tuesday (Aug 18) ordered the government to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days and allow him access to his personal physician. It also directed authorities to facilitate telephone calls twice a week between Khan and his two sons, who live in London.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-sc-orders-imran-khan-s-transfer-from-jail-to-hospital-curbs-media-amid-death-rumours-1787072822072">Pakistan SC orders Imran Khan's transfer from jail to hospital, curbs media amid 'death' rumours | Gravitas</a>&nbsp;Tarar said the government had reviewed the ruling and decided to seek a reconsideration of the order. “This order is not within four walls of the law,” Tarar said in a video statement issued on Tuesday night. He said the law required convicted prisoners to receive treatment either inside prison or at a public hospital. The government will seek a modification of the court’s order through its review appeal, he added.&nbsp;The decision could disappoint Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and his family, who have repeatedly called for better access to healthcare and visitation rights for the former prime minister.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hospital-order-for-imran-khan-what-is-the-reality-of-ex-pak-pm-s-health-1787070622869">Hospital order for Imran Khan, what is the reality of ex Pak-PM's health?</a>&nbsp;Khan, 73, has been imprisoned in the garrison city of Rawalpindi since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. He has denied wrongdoing and said the cases against him are politically motivated, following his falling-out with Pakistan’s powerful military and his removal as prime minister in 2022.&nbsp;PTI welcomed the Supreme Court’s order and called for it to be implemented “immediately, fully, and without delay”. Khan’s younger son, Kasim, said his father’s health was “all that mattered”. “We hope the government adheres to the court orders… allows calls and issues our visas to Pakistan simply so we can come and see him,” he said in a statement shared with Reuters.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s government plans to challenge a Supreme Court order to transfer jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a private hospital, arguing legal provisions only allow public hospital treatment.

Pakistan’s government will challenge a Supreme Court order directing authorities to move jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a private hospital, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said. The court on Tuesday (Aug 18) ordered the government to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days and allow him access to his personal physician. It also directed authorities to facilitate telephone calls twice a week between Khan and his two sons, who live in London. Also read: Pakistan SC orders Imran Khan's transfer from jail to hospital, curbs media amid 'death' rumours | Gravitas Tarar said the government had reviewed the ruling and decided to seek a reconsideration of the order. “This order is not within four walls of the law,” Tarar said in a video statement issued on Tuesday night. He said the law required convicted prisoners to receive treatment either inside prison or at a public hospital. The government will seek a modification of the court’s order through its review appeal, he added. The decision could disappoint Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and his family, who have repeatedly called for better access to healthcare and visitation rights for the former prime minister. Also read: Hospital order for Imran Khan, what is the reality of ex Pak-PM's health? Khan, 73, has been imprisoned in the garrison city of Rawalpindi since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. He has denied wrongdoing and said the cases against him are politically motivated, following his falling-out with Pakistan’s powerful military and his removal as prime minister in 2022. PTI welcomed the Supreme Court’s order and called for it to be implemented “immediately, fully, and without delay”. Khan’s younger son, Kasim, said his father’s health was “all that mattered”. “We hope the government adheres to the court orders… allows calls and issues our visas to Pakistan simply so we can come and see him,” he said in a statement shared with Reuters.

Pakistan’s government plans to challenge a Supreme Court order to transfer jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a private hospital, arguing legal provisions only allow public hospital treatment.

‘This order is not within four walls of the law’: Pakistan govt to challenge SC’s order to move Imran Khan to private hospital

An Indian-origin woman, who is a grandmother of two, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in visit despite having lived in the country for 27 years and holding a valid Green Card since 2013. The woman has been identified as Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty. Previously, an immigration judge had dismissed proceedings seeking her removal from the United States, as per a Newsweek report but now the ICE alleged that she had abandoned her lawful permanent residency after spending a substantial amount of time in India in 2022.' Her attorney claimed that &nbsp;ICE alleges she "isn't a green card holder."<h2>Why did she travel to India?</h2>She travelled to India to take care for her critically ill parents and was later unable to return as planned after contracting COVID-19 and developing other health complications, said her family and lawyer. According to immigration attorney Zoe Wilson, Vasamsetty returned to the US through Raleigh-Durham International Airport in February 2023 after being outside the country for about seven months. Vasamsetty has no criminal history and has maintained lawful immigration status. She works as a public school teacher with special-needs students, and has two US citizen children and two US citizen grandchildren. Wilson also said Vasamsetty is "severely diabetic" and "requires glucose monitoring and medical care.<blockquote>"She has been a Lawful Permanent Resident, a green card holder, since 2013. She has NO criminal history. She is a public school teacher who primarily works with special-needs children. She is a mother to two U.S. citizen children. She has two US citizen grandchildren. Her home, her family, her career, and her life are here and have been here for over 27 years," Wilson wrote in a social media post.&nbsp;</blockquote>After her detention, on August 13, Vasamsetty's legal team filed an emergency habeas corpus petition challenging her detention. A federal judge then ordered immigration authorities to explain within three days the legal basis for holding her. According to NRI Pulse, ICE's latest filing does not acknowledge that Vasamsetty's detention was unlawful or order her release. However, it indicates that if the federal court applies its recent precedent, she would be entitled to have an immigration judge consider whether she can be released on bond. If the federal court rules in favour of the government, Vasamsetty is expected to receive a bond hearing within seven days.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/nri/who-is-jashandeep-singh-indian-national-among-5-deported-from-us-heres-what-dhs-said-101786840131057.html"> Who is Jashandeep Singh? Indian national among 5 deported from US; here's what DHS said</a><h2>Can US national not travel abroad freely?</h2>According to USCIS guidelines, lawful permanent residents may travel abroad freely, but absences exceeding six months trigger a rebuttable presumption of abandoned residency, and stays over 12 months automatically require a reentry permit to prevent the loss of green card status. &nbsp;Defending Vasamsetty stay in India, Wilson said, "She wasn't packing up her life in the United States. She wasn't moving back to India. She wasn't leaving with the intention of giving up her green card. At the time she left, she was literally in the process of buying a home in North Carolina to be her primary residence. Then, while she was in India, she completed that purchase," Newsweek reported.

Indian-origin US Green Card holder Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty was detained by ICE during a routine check-in despite living in the US for 27 years. Her lawyer says she has no criminal record and returned from India after caring for her parents. 

An Indian-origin woman, who is a grandmother of two, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in visit despite having lived in the country for 27 years and holding a valid Green Card since 2013. The woman has been identified as Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty. Previously, an immigration judge had dismissed proceedings seeking her removal from the United States, as per a Newsweek report but now the ICE alleged that she had abandoned her lawful permanent residency after spending a substantial amount of time in India in 2022.' Her attorney claimed that ICE alleges she "isn't a green card holder." Why did she travel to India? She travelled to India to take care for her critically ill parents and was later unable to return as planned after contracting COVID-19 and developing other health complications, said her family and lawyer. According to immigration attorney Zoe Wilson, Vasamsetty returned to the US through Raleigh-Durham International Airport in February 2023 after being outside the country for about seven months. Vasamsetty has no criminal history and has maintained lawful immigration status. She works as a public school teacher with special-needs students, and has two US citizen children and two US citizen grandchildren. Wilson also said Vasamsetty is "severely diabetic" and "requires glucose monitoring and medical care. "She has been a Lawful Permanent Resident, a green card holder, since 2013. She has NO criminal history. She is a public school teacher who primarily works with special-needs children. She is a mother to two U.S. citizen children. She has two US citizen grandchildren. Her home, her family, her career, and her life are here and have been here for over 27 years," Wilson wrote in a social media post. After her detention, on August 13, Vasamsetty's legal team filed an emergency habeas corpus petition challenging her detention. A federal judge then ordered immigration authorities to explain within three days the legal basis for holding her. According to NRI Pulse, ICE's latest filing does not acknowledge that Vasamsetty's detention was unlawful or order her release. However, it indicates that if the federal court applies its recent precedent, she would be entitled to have an immigration judge consider whether she can be released on bond. If the federal court rules in favour of the government, Vasamsetty is expected to receive a bond hearing within seven days. Also Read: Who is Jashandeep Singh? Indian national among 5 deported from US; here's what DHS said Can US national not travel abroad freely? According to USCIS guidelines, lawful permanent residents may travel abroad freely, but absences exceeding six months trigger a rebuttable presumption of abandoned residency, and stays over 12 months automatically require a reentry permit to prevent the loss of green card status. Defending Vasamsetty stay in India, Wilson said, "She wasn't packing up her life in the United States. She wasn't moving back to India. She wasn't leaving with the intention of giving up her green card. At the time she left, she was literally in the process of buying a home in North Carolina to be her primary residence. Then, while she was in India, she completed that purchase," Newsweek reported.

Indian-origin US Green Card holder Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty was detained by ICE during a routine check-in despite living in the US for 27 years. Her lawyer says she has no criminal record and returned from India after caring for her parents.&nbsp;

Indian-origin grandmom, living in US for 27 years, detained by ICE despite having green card: What's the case

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news

US Air Force flight to Antarctica returns after Russian missile launch warning

‘Lot of boats coming through Hormuz’: Trump admits to nuisance of Iranian drones

Harvard to pay $53 million over sale of human remains from medical school

The Verdict: Trump and Bibi at odds over West Asia peace strategy ahead of polls

Mossad chief spoke to Syria foreign minister before Israeli strikes on Syria

India begins work on 200-bed super speciality hospital in Palestine

'North Korea has 57 nuke weapons': Trump says he will meet Kim Jong Un this year

Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Pak miffed by Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche

Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll

Ukrainian parliament approves appointment of new defence minister

Nigeria's presidential candidates, party leaders sign National Peace Accord

Israel to probe killing of Hind Rajab, 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza. Details inside

Nord Stream blasts: Ukrainian scuba diver arrested in Croatia

ICC condemns US sanctions on senior officials as ‘flagrant attack’ on tribunal

NATO vows to defend all allies after reports on Iran’s threat of Europe strikes

Iran warns of attack on US military infrastructure in Europe: Report

Tourist helicopter crashes in Kenya, all on board killed

Europe’s seas are boiling: Climate change adds 2°C to Mediterranean heat

NASA’s Moon Base: How Chandrayaan-3 could give India an edge in lunar race

2015 case files with 'sensitive' info about Epstein-Maxwell to be unsealed

‘Any assistance to US military amounts to...’: Iran’s warning to Gulf countries

Indian-funded hospital expected within 2 years: Palestine Ambassador

THESE 7 nations consume the most energy globally. Did India make the list?