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The Pentagon on Friday (August 14) announced framework agreements with Boeing and RTX to increase the production of components for SM-3 Block IIA and SM-3 Block IB munitions.&nbsp;The agreements will help strengthen the production of critical ship-fired surface-to-air interceptors used by the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence System, the Pentagon said in a statement.&nbsp;The move comes amid reports that the United States has utilised most of its interceptors, including nearly 80% of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile interceptors during the war with Iran. A recent report, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, also said that around half of the US stockpile of Patriot missile interceptors had been used.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-ends-death-penalty-becomes-first-in-middle-east-where-does-region-stand-1786455615136">Lebanon ends death penalty, becomes first in Middle East; where does region stand?</a><h2>Reports raise concerns over US missile defence stockpiles</h2>CNN reported that senior US military commanders had warned that the Pentagon's stockpile of key missile defence systems had fallen to "dangerously low" levels following operations linked to the Iran conflict.&nbsp;The report said concerns over the depletion of interceptors were among the factors that influenced US President Donald Trump to delay a planned large-scale strike against Iran over the weekend.&nbsp;The White House rejected that claim, saying Trump's decision followed pressure from Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, rather than concerns about missile inventories.&nbsp;US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also dismissed the CNN report as inaccurate. In a post on X on Tuesday, Hegseth wrote: "That banner is NOT TRUE, @CNN. Shame on you. We don't hate the Fake News media enough."&nbsp;The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed figures on its current stockpiles of THAAD or Patriot interceptors.&nbsp;Earlier, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the US had used about 65% of its Patriot interceptors between February and July. The think tank also estimated that the number of THAAD interceptors in US stockpiles was at least 38% lower than at the start of the conflict.

The Pentagon has signed framework agreements with Boeing and RTX to ramp up SM-3 missile interceptor production amid concerns over US missile defence stockpiles following the Iran war.

The Pentagon on Friday (August 14) announced framework agreements with Boeing and RTX to increase the production of components for SM-3 Block IIA and SM-3 Block IB munitions. The agreements will help strengthen the production of critical ship-fired surface-to-air interceptors used by the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence System, the Pentagon said in a statement. The move comes amid reports that the United States has utilised most of its interceptors, including nearly 80% of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile interceptors during the war with Iran. A recent report, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, also said that around half of the US stockpile of Patriot missile interceptors had been used. Also Read: Lebanon ends death penalty, becomes first in Middle East; where does region stand? Reports raise concerns over US missile defence stockpiles CNN reported that senior US military commanders had warned that the Pentagon's stockpile of key missile defence systems had fallen to "dangerously low" levels following operations linked to the Iran conflict. The report said concerns over the depletion of interceptors were among the factors that influenced US President Donald Trump to delay a planned large-scale strike against Iran over the weekend. The White House rejected that claim, saying Trump's decision followed pressure from Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, rather than concerns about missile inventories. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also dismissed the CNN report as inaccurate. In a post on X on Tuesday, Hegseth wrote: "That banner is NOT TRUE, @CNN. Shame on you. We don't hate the Fake News media enough." The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed figures on its current stockpiles of THAAD or Patriot interceptors. Earlier, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the US had used about 65% of its Patriot interceptors between February and July. The think tank also estimated that the number of THAAD interceptors in US stockpiles was at least 38% lower than at the start of the conflict.

The Pentagon has signed framework agreements with Boeing and RTX to ramp up SM-3 missile interceptor production amid concerns over US missile defence stockpiles following the Iran war.

Pentagon signs Boeing, RTX deals to boost missile interceptor production amid Iran war stockpile concerns

The United States carried out three executions on Thursday, putting convicted murderers to death by lethal injection in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Alabama. It marked the highest number of executions carried out across the country on a single day in more than 15 years.&nbsp;Anthony Hines, 66, was executed at a maximum security prison in Nashville for the March 1985 murder of Catherine Jenkins, a 54-year-old motel maid and mother of four, according to the Tennessee Department of Corrections.&nbsp;Hines's execution marked the first in Tennessee since officials halted an attempt to execute another Death Row inmate in May after medical staff failed to find a suitable vein.&nbsp;In Oklahoma, 70-year-old Carlos Cuesta Rodriguez was executed by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in McAlester. The state attorney general's office said authorities executed him for the 2003 murder of his common-law wife, Olimpia Fisher.&nbsp;Alabama also carried out an execution on Thursday. Authorities executed 42-year-old Jeremy Williams for the 2021 rape and murder of five-year-old Kamarie Holland.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/national-security-needs-and-architectural-value-trump-asks-supreme-court-to-allow-white-house-ballroom-construction-1786717075801">'National security needs and architectural value': Trump asks Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction</a>&nbsp;According to the Death Penalty Information Centre, the three executions marked the highest number carried out in the US on a single day since 2010. The country has now recorded 22 executions this year, including 12 in Florida, four in Texas, three in Oklahoma, and one each in Arizona, Tennessee and Alabama.&nbsp;The US last recorded three executions on the same day on January 7, 2010, when Louisiana, Ohio and Texas executed inmates.&nbsp;The death penalty remains legal in most US states. Twenty-three of the 50 states have abolished capital punishment, while California, Oregon and Pennsylvania have imposed moratoriums.<h2>Lethal injection remains main execution method</h2>Thirty-nine executions in the US last year were carried out through lethal injection. Three inmates faced firing squads, while five others were executed through nitrogen hypoxia, a method that pumps nitrogen gas into a face mask and causes the prisoner to suffocate.&nbsp;The United Nations has condemned nitrogen gas executions as an inhumane form of capital punishment.&nbsp;The US recorded 47 executions last year, the highest annual figure since 2009, when authorities executed 52 inmates. President Donald Trump has also called for expanding the use of the death penalty.&nbsp;The latest executions came against the backdrop of Lebanon abolishing the death penalty. The move made Lebanon the 113th country to fully abolish capital punishment in law for all crimes, according to Amnesty International data.&nbsp;Amnesty International's global report, Death Sentences and Executions 2025, said Iran carried out more than 2,159 executions in 2025. The figure marked Iran's highest annual execution total since 1981. Saudi Arabia carried out 356 executions during the same period.

The US carried out three lethal injection executions in a single day, taking the number of people put to death in the country in 2026 to 22, as the debate over capital punishment continues globally.

The United States carried out three executions on Thursday, putting convicted murderers to death by lethal injection in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Alabama. It marked the highest number of executions carried out across the country on a single day in more than 15 years. Anthony Hines, 66, was executed at a maximum security prison in Nashville for the March 1985 murder of Catherine Jenkins, a 54-year-old motel maid and mother of four, according to the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Hines's execution marked the first in Tennessee since officials halted an attempt to execute another Death Row inmate in May after medical staff failed to find a suitable vein. In Oklahoma, 70-year-old Carlos Cuesta Rodriguez was executed by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in McAlester. The state attorney general's office said authorities executed him for the 2003 murder of his common-law wife, Olimpia Fisher. Alabama also carried out an execution on Thursday. Authorities executed 42-year-old Jeremy Williams for the 2021 rape and murder of five-year-old Kamarie Holland. Also Read: 'National security needs and architectural value': Trump asks Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction According to the Death Penalty Information Centre, the three executions marked the highest number carried out in the US on a single day since 2010. The country has now recorded 22 executions this year, including 12 in Florida, four in Texas, three in Oklahoma, and one each in Arizona, Tennessee and Alabama. The US last recorded three executions on the same day on January 7, 2010, when Louisiana, Ohio and Texas executed inmates. The death penalty remains legal in most US states. Twenty-three of the 50 states have abolished capital punishment, while California, Oregon and Pennsylvania have imposed moratoriums. Lethal injection remains main execution method Thirty-nine executions in the US last year were carried out through lethal injection. Three inmates faced firing squads, while five others were executed through nitrogen hypoxia, a method that pumps nitrogen gas into a face mask and causes the prisoner to suffocate. The United Nations has condemned nitrogen gas executions as an inhumane form of capital punishment. The US recorded 47 executions last year, the highest annual figure since 2009, when authorities executed 52 inmates. President Donald Trump has also called for expanding the use of the death penalty. The latest executions came against the backdrop of Lebanon abolishing the death penalty. The move made Lebanon the 113th country to fully abolish capital punishment in law for all crimes, according to Amnesty International data. Amnesty International's global report, Death Sentences and Executions 2025, said Iran carried out more than 2,159 executions in 2025. The figure marked Iran's highest annual execution total since 1981. Saudi Arabia carried out 356 executions during the same period.

The US carried out three lethal injection executions in a single day, taking the number of people put to death in the country in 2026 to 22, as the debate over capital punishment continues globally.

US executes three inmates by lethal injection in one day; 22 put to death in 2026

President Donald Trump is asking the US Supreme Court to allow him to proceed with construction of a proposed ballroom at the White House, arguing that the project is necessary for presidential security, national security and architectural preservation. The emergency application, filed on Friday, comes after lower courts repeatedly ruled that Trump must obtain congressional approval before moving ahead with the estimated $400 million project.&nbsp;The latest setback came August 7, when the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Trump did not have unilateral authority to pursue the ballroom and ordered the administration to stop above-ground construction at the site of the former East Wing. The appeals court, however, paused enforcement of its ruling for 14 days to give the administration time to seek Supreme Court review.&nbsp;US Solicitor General John Sauer argued in the Supreme Court filing that the East Wing construction was ‘absolutely required’ for the president’s safety, pointing to the attempts that have been made on Trump’s life in recent years. “The President of the United States of America is not a tenant, but rather the sole, elected head of the Executive Branch, and Congress has authorized him to renovate, secure, and protect the White House and its grounds, as other Presidents have been allowed to do, without exception,” Sauer wrote. “The injunction is ‘judicial overreach beyond the proper province of the federal courts."&nbsp;The case marks the first time one of Trump's signature White House projects has reached the Supreme Court. In recent months, lower courts have considered numerous challenges to the administration's efforts to reshape Washington and have repeatedly questioned the legal basis for some of Trump's plans.<h2>Appeals Court said Congress must decide</h2>The ballroom dispute was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's leading historic preservation organization. In its 2-1 decision, the DC Circuit agreed with a federal judge who had ordered the administration to halt above-ground construction. The rulings allowed work on a highly sophisticated underground security bunker beneath the planned ballroom to continue.&nbsp;“Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help,” the DC Circuit said in its 2-1 ruling. The appeals court also rejected the administration's broader interpretation of presidential authority over the White House complex. “The National Trust has shown, compellingly, that Congress has not ceded unfettered authority to the Executive Branch to dramatically redesign, reshape, and reconstruct the White House, the People’s House, to fit a particular President’s desires,” the appeals court concluded. The Trump administration is now asking the Supreme Court to intervene before the appeals court's temporary pause expires.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/gold-rush-9m-treasure-discovered-behind-belgian-cellar-walls-but-who-gets-it-1786715441714">Gold rush! €9m treasure discovered behind Belgian cellar walls — but who gets it?</a><h2>White House emphasises presidential security</h2>The administration argued Friday that allowing the underground bunker to continue while stopping the ballroom above it does not adequately address security concerns. Sauer said the lower court's order “threatens the security and safety of the President.” “The entire ballroom structure is designed to shield the military installation beneath it,” Sauer wrote, “Halting the Project will stall this vital construction, making this President, the subject of recurrent assassination attempts, much less safe, and risking future Presidents’ safety.” Construction above ground began in the spring and has progressed substantially. Images released by Trump in early August showed multiple levels of concrete support columns and metal rebar, along with extensive construction equipment, including a tower crane.&nbsp;Trump has taken a personal interest in the project's design, including floor plans and the selection of marble. Architect Shalom Baranes has said the proposed ballroom will cover approximately 89,000 square feet. That would make it substantially larger than the Executive Mansion, the primary White House structure, which is about 55,000 square feet. Trump has argued that the project does not require congressional or other significant oversight and that his administration has the authority to proceed.&nbsp;The administration said Friday that “Congress gave the President the power to make “alteration[s]” and “improvement[s]” to the White House “as the President may determine.” Trump has said he wants the ballroom completed by summer 2028, an accelerated schedule that would put the project on track for completion months before his current term ends.<h2>Administration warns of construction risks</h2>The administration also argued that stopping work at this stage could create additional security and structural problems. Sauer told the justices that freezing construction “would create a veritable obstacle course for the Secret Service, further imperiling safety.” “The partially finished, 70-foot concrete-and-steel superstructure ‘cannot be largely left alone at this point’ without tremendous setbacks that will fundamentally compromise the integrity of everything currently built there,’ not to mention the ‘major safety risk’ from leaving it with inadequate’ stability or strength to handle wind and heavy loads on [its] own,” Sauer said. The filing maintains that stopping construction could cause significant delays, increase risks at the construction site and undermine the integrity of work already completed.<h2>Ballroom design draws inspiration from Supreme Court</h2>The administration also highlighted the architectural ambitions behind the project. Friday's filing said the ballroom's design was inspired by the Supreme Court and specifically by its “magnificent Corinthian columns, considered the highest column order in architecture.” According to Sauer, the ballroom's columns are being made from the “highest-grade Indiana limestone” that was shipped to Italy for fabrication.&nbsp;The filing said the stone is “being being carved by some of the greatest artists anywhere in the world.” “Delivery and installation will begin shortly,” he said. The Supreme Court must now decide whether to intervene while the legal dispute over Trump's authority to construct the ballroom continues.

Trump asks the Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction to continue, citing presidential security, national security and executive authority

President Donald Trump is asking the US Supreme Court to allow him to proceed with construction of a proposed ballroom at the White House, arguing that the project is necessary for presidential security, national security and architectural preservation. The emergency application, filed on Friday, comes after lower courts repeatedly ruled that Trump must obtain congressional approval before moving ahead with the estimated $400 million project. The latest setback came August 7, when the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Trump did not have unilateral authority to pursue the ballroom and ordered the administration to stop above-ground construction at the site of the former East Wing. The appeals court, however, paused enforcement of its ruling for 14 days to give the administration time to seek Supreme Court review. US Solicitor General John Sauer argued in the Supreme Court filing that the East Wing construction was ‘absolutely required’ for the president’s safety, pointing to the attempts that have been made on Trump’s life in recent years. “The President of the United States of America is not a tenant, but rather the sole, elected head of the Executive Branch, and Congress has authorized him to renovate, secure, and protect the White House and its grounds, as other Presidents have been allowed to do, without exception,” Sauer wrote. “The injunction is ‘judicial overreach beyond the proper province of the federal courts." The case marks the first time one of Trump's signature White House projects has reached the Supreme Court. In recent months, lower courts have considered numerous challenges to the administration's efforts to reshape Washington and have repeatedly questioned the legal basis for some of Trump's plans. Appeals Court said Congress must decide The ballroom dispute was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's leading historic preservation organization. In its 2-1 decision, the DC Circuit agreed with a federal judge who had ordered the administration to halt above-ground construction. The rulings allowed work on a highly sophisticated underground security bunker beneath the planned ballroom to continue. “Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help,” the DC Circuit said in its 2-1 ruling. The appeals court also rejected the administration's broader interpretation of presidential authority over the White House complex. “The National Trust has shown, compellingly, that Congress has not ceded unfettered authority to the Executive Branch to dramatically redesign, reshape, and reconstruct the White House, the People’s House, to fit a particular President’s desires,” the appeals court concluded. The Trump administration is now asking the Supreme Court to intervene before the appeals court's temporary pause expires. Also Read: Gold rush! €9m treasure discovered behind Belgian cellar walls — but who gets it? White House emphasises presidential security The administration argued Friday that allowing the underground bunker to continue while stopping the ballroom above it does not adequately address security concerns. Sauer said the lower court's order “threatens the security and safety of the President.” “The entire ballroom structure is designed to shield the military installation beneath it,” Sauer wrote, “Halting the Project will stall this vital construction, making this President, the subject of recurrent assassination attempts, much less safe, and risking future Presidents’ safety.” Construction above ground began in the spring and has progressed substantially. Images released by Trump in early August showed multiple levels of concrete support columns and metal rebar, along with extensive construction equipment, including a tower crane. Trump has taken a personal interest in the project's design, including floor plans and the selection of marble. Architect Shalom Baranes has said the proposed ballroom will cover approximately 89,000 square feet. That would make it substantially larger than the Executive Mansion, the primary White House structure, which is about 55,000 square feet. Trump has argued that the project does not require congressional or other significant oversight and that his administration has the authority to proceed. The administration said Friday that “Congress gave the President the power to make “alteration[s]” and “improvement[s]” to the White House “as the President may determine.” Trump has said he wants the ballroom completed by summer 2028, an accelerated schedule that would put the project on track for completion months before his current term ends. Administration warns of construction risks The administration also argued that stopping work at this stage could create additional security and structural problems. Sauer told the justices that freezing construction “would create a veritable obstacle course for the Secret Service, further imperiling safety.” “The partially finished, 70-foot concrete-and-steel superstructure ‘cannot be largely left alone at this point’ without tremendous setbacks that will fundamentally compromise the integrity of everything currently built there,’ not to mention the ‘major safety risk’ from leaving it with inadequate’ stability or strength to handle wind and heavy loads on [its] own,” Sauer said. The filing maintains that stopping construction could cause significant delays, increase risks at the construction site and undermine the integrity of work already completed. Ballroom design draws inspiration from Supreme Court The administration also highlighted the architectural ambitions behind the project. Friday's filing said the ballroom's design was inspired by the Supreme Court and specifically by its “magnificent Corinthian columns, considered the highest column order in architecture.” According to Sauer, the ballroom's columns are being made from the “highest-grade Indiana limestone” that was shipped to Italy for fabrication. The filing said the stone is “being being carved by some of the greatest artists anywhere in the world.” “Delivery and installation will begin shortly,” he said. The Supreme Court must now decide whether to intervene while the legal dispute over Trump's authority to construct the ballroom continues.

Trump asks the Supreme Court to let him continue building a $400 million White House ballroom, citing presidential security and executive authority

'National security needs and architectural value': Trump asks Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction

Builders renovating a property in East Flanders, Belgium, have made an extraordinary discovery after uncovering a stash of gold reportedly worth around €9m (£7.6m) hidden inside the walls of a cellar. The construction crew found gold bars and coins earlier this week while drilling through the property to install new sewage pipes. The unexpected discovery has now raised a major question: who will ultimately be entitled to the fortune?&nbsp;Both the builders who found the treasure and the charity that owns the property could potentially have a claim, depending on the outcome of a police investigation and Belgium's laws governing hidden treasure. Police have secured the gold and warned members of the public against visiting the construction site in search of additional treasure. The hoard was discovered while workers were carrying out foundation work. Among those on the team was 18-year-old student Kobe, who was working during the summer.&nbsp;"Our first reaction was actually disbelief, amazement," the student, named Kobe, told Belgian public broadcaster VRT.“At first I thought they were €1 coins. But then we also saw a gold nugget lying there. That's when we realised it was something bigger.” The workers quickly contacted police after realising the scale of what they had found. Soon after, they alerted police to the discovery and explained that them keeping it for themselves was not an option.&nbsp;"There are so many coins and bars, it would be almost impossible," the site manager Mario told VRT. “Besides, that would be theft.” Kobe agreed: “€9m, you simply can't keep that hidden.” The property is currently owned by CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a charity that provides welfare support in Dendermonde, a Flemish community of around 47,000 people.The charity's director, Geert Hillaert, said he was shocked by the discovery and expressed hope that the money could eventually benefit the organisation's work.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-have-strong-ties-with-italy-mea-reacts-to-congress-party-s-meloni-remarks-1786713206406">'We have strong ties with Italy': MEA reacts to Congress leader's Meloni comment</a>&nbsp;His comments have added another dimension to the mystery, as the charity could potentially receive a share if no rightful owner is identified and the legal conditions for a finder-and-owner division are met. Police have urged people to stay away from the active construction site. Authorities say the area has already been extensively searched and that the recovered gold has been moved to a secure location. The East Flanders prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the origins of the treasure and who may have legally owned it.&nbsp;Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has five years to come forward and claim hidden treasure. However, authorities have not yet established who the owner might be. If nobody successfully claims the hoard, civil law provides that hidden treasure discovered on someone else's property can be divided between the person who found it and the property's owner. That rule applies only if the treasure is not found to have any connection with criminal activity.&nbsp;For now, the builders and CAW Oost-Vlaanderen face a lengthy wait while investigators attempt to determine where the gold came from and whether anyone has a legitimate claim to it. What started as routine renovation work has therefore turned into a multimillion-euro mystery, and potentially one of the most remarkable treasure discoveries in Belgium in recent years.

Builders in Belgium uncover €9m worth of gold bars and coins hidden in a cellar, sparking a mystery over ownership and Belgium's treasure laws

Builders renovating a property in East Flanders, Belgium, have made an extraordinary discovery after uncovering a stash of gold reportedly worth around €9m (£7.6m) hidden inside the walls of a cellar. The construction crew found gold bars and coins earlier this week while drilling through the property to install new sewage pipes. The unexpected discovery has now raised a major question: who will ultimately be entitled to the fortune? Both the builders who found the treasure and the charity that owns the property could potentially have a claim, depending on the outcome of a police investigation and Belgium's laws governing hidden treasure. Police have secured the gold and warned members of the public against visiting the construction site in search of additional treasure. The hoard was discovered while workers were carrying out foundation work. Among those on the team was 18-year-old student Kobe, who was working during the summer. "Our first reaction was actually disbelief, amazement," the student, named Kobe, told Belgian public broadcaster VRT. “At first I thought they were €1 coins. But then we also saw a gold nugget lying there. That's when we realised it was something bigger.” The workers quickly contacted police after realising the scale of what they had found. Soon after, they alerted police to the discovery and explained that them keeping it for themselves was not an option. "There are so many coins and bars, it would be almost impossible," the site manager Mario told VRT. “Besides, that would be theft.” Kobe agreed: “€9m, you simply can't keep that hidden.” The property is currently owned by CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a charity that provides welfare support in Dendermonde, a Flemish community of around 47,000 people. The charity's director, Geert Hillaert, said he was shocked by the discovery and expressed hope that the money could eventually benefit the organisation's work. Also Read: 'We have strong ties with Italy': MEA reacts to Congress leader's Meloni comment His comments have added another dimension to the mystery, as the charity could potentially receive a share if no rightful owner is identified and the legal conditions for a finder-and-owner division are met. Police have urged people to stay away from the active construction site. Authorities say the area has already been extensively searched and that the recovered gold has been moved to a secure location. The East Flanders prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the origins of the treasure and who may have legally owned it. Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has five years to come forward and claim hidden treasure. However, authorities have not yet established who the owner might be. If nobody successfully claims the hoard, civil law provides that hidden treasure discovered on someone else's property can be divided between the person who found it and the property's owner. That rule applies only if the treasure is not found to have any connection with criminal activity. For now, the builders and CAW Oost-Vlaanderen face a lengthy wait while investigators attempt to determine where the gold came from and whether anyone has a legitimate claim to it. What started as routine renovation work has therefore turned into a multimillion-euro mystery, and potentially one of the most remarkable treasure discoveries in Belgium in recent years.

Belgian builders renovating a house uncover €9m in gold bars and coins, sparking a legal battle over who will ultimately own the hidden treasure

Gold rush! €9m treasure discovered behind Belgian cellar walls — but who gets it?

Pakistan has announced plans to send its first lunar rover, Jinnah-1, to the Moon in 2029 with China's support, marking a major step in Islamabad's space exploration programme. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced the name on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rover will travel aboard China's Chang’e-8 mission and conduct scientific research at the Moon's south pole. Suparco selected the name through a nationwide competition that received around 4,000 entries. Seven participants suggested "Jinnah-1", with the final winner chosen through a lucky draw. Tayyab Karim, a 17-year-old from Bahawalnagar, won the competition for proposing the name.&nbsp;The space agency said the name honours Pakistan's founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and reflects the country's “resolve, progress and new space horizons”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-lifeblood-has-been-drained-omar-abdullah-backs-continued-suspension-of-indus-waters-treaty-1786710617764">'Our lifeblood has been drained': Omar Abdullah backs continued suspension of Indus Waters Treaty</a><h2>Jinnah-1 to explore Moon's south pole</h2>Jinnah-1 is scheduled to reach the Moon aboard China's Chang’e-8 mission in 2029. The mission forms part of Beijing's wider lunar exploration programme and will focus on the Moon's south polar region.&nbsp;The south polar region has emerged as a major target for lunar exploration because of the possibility of water ice in permanently shadowed areas.&nbsp;Pakistan's participation will allow its scientists and engineers to gain experience in lunar robotics, planetary science and operations beyond Earth.&nbsp;According to Suparco, Jinnah-1 will study plasma, radiation and the geology of the lunar surface. It will also conduct experiments related to future lunar research and the possibility of human activity on the Moon.&nbsp;Suparco announced its collaboration with China's Chang'e-8 mission in 2024 and described the agreement as a major milestone for Pakistan's space programme, Gulf News reported.&nbsp;The planned 2029 mission will mark Pakistan's participation in lunar scientific research through the Jinnah-1 rover.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Veteran journalist, author and former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar took a sharp jibe at Pakistan's entry into the Moon race, saying the "Jinnah-1" rover could spell trouble for the universe "as Jinnah may attempt to partition the moon", referring to Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah's role in the Partition of India in 1947.

Pakistan has announced that its first lunar rover, Jinnah-1, will travel to the Moon's south pole aboard China's Chang’e-8 mission in 2029 to conduct scientific research and support the country's growing space programme.

Pakistan has announced plans to send its first lunar rover, Jinnah-1, to the Moon in 2029 with China's support, marking a major step in Islamabad's space exploration programme. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced the name on Thursday. The rover will travel aboard China's Chang’e-8 mission and conduct scientific research at the Moon's south pole. Suparco selected the name through a nationwide competition that received around 4,000 entries. Seven participants suggested "Jinnah-1", with the final winner chosen through a lucky draw. Tayyab Karim, a 17-year-old from Bahawalnagar, won the competition for proposing the name. The space agency said the name honours Pakistan's founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and reflects the country's “resolve, progress and new space horizons”. Also Read: 'Our lifeblood has been drained': Omar Abdullah backs continued suspension of Indus Waters Treaty Jinnah-1 to explore Moon's south pole Jinnah-1 is scheduled to reach the Moon aboard China's Chang’e-8 mission in 2029. The mission forms part of Beijing's wider lunar exploration programme and will focus on the Moon's south polar region. The south polar region has emerged as a major target for lunar exploration because of the possibility of water ice in permanently shadowed areas. Pakistan's participation will allow its scientists and engineers to gain experience in lunar robotics, planetary science and operations beyond Earth. According to Suparco, Jinnah-1 will study plasma, radiation and the geology of the lunar surface. It will also conduct experiments related to future lunar research and the possibility of human activity on the Moon. Suparco announced its collaboration with China's Chang'e-8 mission in 2024 and described the agreement as a major milestone for Pakistan's space programme, Gulf News reported. The planned 2029 mission will mark Pakistan's participation in lunar scientific research through the Jinnah-1 rover. Meanwhile, Veteran journalist, author and former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar took a sharp jibe at Pakistan's entry into the Moon race, saying the "Jinnah-1" rover could spell trouble for the universe "as Jinnah may attempt to partition the moon", referring to Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah's role in the Partition of India in 1947.

Pakistan has announced that its first lunar rover, Jinnah-1, will travel to the Moon's south pole aboard China's Chang’e-8 mission in 2029 to conduct scientific research and support the country's growing space programme.

Pakistan joins Moon race: First lunar rover Jinnah-1 set to fly with China in 2029

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday urged political leaders to exercise restraint and maintain respect while making remarks involving foreign leaders, following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India shares strong relations with Italy and remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties. He stressed that political issues should be raised respectfully. “India has strong relations with Italy. We want to further strengthen these relations. Any issue should be put forward with respect,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;The MEA’s response came a day after Gandhi criticised Modi’s foreign policy at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention (formerly Congress outreach cell), arguing that it appeared to have been reduced to maintaining personal relationships with foreign leaders. Gandhi illustrated his argument on stage by hugging Rachnatmak Congress chief Sandeep Dikshit. “Imagine the ignorance... where did he get the idea that foreign policy was about hugging leaders?” Gandhi said. Dikshit then made a reference to Meloni, asking Gandhi, “Ek cheez pooch sakta hoon? Meloni samajh ke toh nahi pakda tha?” Gandhi replied, “I have not reached there yet.” The exchange referred to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and subsequently attracted criticism on social media, with some users describing the remark as misogynistic.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-rainfall-batters-eastern-japan-killing-eight-and-stranding-thousands-at-narita-airport-1786710353524">Record rainfall batters eastern Japan, killing eight and stranding thousands at Narita airport</a><h2>Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi’s foreign policy</h2>During his speech, Gandhi accused the Modi government of failing to adequately protect India’s interests through its foreign policy. He questioned the Prime Minister’s emphasis on personal rapport with world leaders and argued that foreign policy should primarily be driven by national interests. Gandhi recalled former PM Indira Gandhi’s dealings with the United States and said India had historically sought to maintain relationships with multiple global powers.“From where, it has gone in PM (Modi’s) head that they (leaders) are my friend,” Gandhi said.&nbsp;Gandhi also cited the US-Iran conflict and argued that India could have attempted to bring the two sides together. “A US-Iran war broke out. In such a scenario, if there had been leadership like Indira Gandhi ji, we would have had the biggest opportunity. Because Iran is our old friend, America and Russia are also our friends, so we could have mediated friendship between them. But Pakistan stepped in and took our place, and Narendra Modi just stood by watching,” he said.<h2>BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi</h2>The BJP strongly criticised Gandhi’s remarks, with party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accusing him of crossing the boundaries of political discourse. Trivedi said Gandhi’s comments reflected what he described as growing arrogance and called the remarks rude and indecent. “What Rahul Gandhi has said makes it evident that his arrogance is now turning into madness,” Trivedi said.&nbsp;The BJP leader also objected to Gandhi’s description of the BJP and RSS as a ‘bunch of jokers’ and ‘clowns’, arguing that such language was inappropriate. Gandhi had also targeted the RSS during his address, alleging that the organisation had been ‘captured and utilised by the large capital, Mr Adani and Mr Ambani’. He further alleged that the RSS, which he said had once represented sections of small Indian businesses, had increasingly become an instrument of large capital.<h2>‘We will keep them awake’: Gandhi</h2>Gandhi also said the Congress would continue its political campaign against the government until Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah resign. “Till the day Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah don't give their resignations, they will not be able to sleep, we will keep them awake... we will do it without hate, violence,” he said.&nbsp;Gandhi said the Congress was seeking to promote a political culture based on “love, brotherhood and ahimsa”. He also defended the right to protest, referring to student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Gandhi accused the government of attempting to impose order on citizens rather than allowing them to freely express their views. “Our job is to make India express itself and break that order,” he said.

MEA urges restraint over Rahul Gandhi’s Giorgia Meloni remark as BJP hits back and Gandhi intensifies his attack on Narendra Modi’s foreign policy

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday urged political leaders to exercise restraint and maintain respect while making remarks involving foreign leaders, following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India shares strong relations with Italy and remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties. He stressed that political issues should be raised respectfully. “India has strong relations with Italy. We want to further strengthen these relations. Any issue should be put forward with respect,” Jaiswal said. The MEA’s response came a day after Gandhi criticised Modi’s foreign policy at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention (formerly Congress outreach cell), arguing that it appeared to have been reduced to maintaining personal relationships with foreign leaders. Gandhi illustrated his argument on stage by hugging Rachnatmak Congress chief Sandeep Dikshit. “Imagine the ignorance... where did he get the idea that foreign policy was about hugging leaders?” Gandhi said. Dikshit then made a reference to Meloni, asking Gandhi, “Ek cheez pooch sakta hoon? Meloni samajh ke toh nahi pakda tha?” Gandhi replied, “I have not reached there yet.” The exchange referred to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and subsequently attracted criticism on social media, with some users describing the remark as misogynistic. Also Read: Record rainfall batters eastern Japan, killing eight and stranding thousands at Narita airport Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi’s foreign policy During his speech, Gandhi accused the Modi government of failing to adequately protect India’s interests through its foreign policy. He questioned the Prime Minister’s emphasis on personal rapport with world leaders and argued that foreign policy should primarily be driven by national interests. Gandhi recalled former PM Indira Gandhi’s dealings with the United States and said India had historically sought to maintain relationships with multiple global powers. “From where, it has gone in PM (Modi’s) head that they (leaders) are my friend,” Gandhi said. Gandhi also cited the US-Iran conflict and argued that India could have attempted to bring the two sides together. “A US-Iran war broke out. In such a scenario, if there had been leadership like Indira Gandhi ji, we would have had the biggest opportunity. Because Iran is our old friend, America and Russia are also our friends, so we could have mediated friendship between them. But Pakistan stepped in and took our place, and Narendra Modi just stood by watching,” he said. BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi The BJP strongly criticised Gandhi’s remarks, with party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accusing him of crossing the boundaries of political discourse. Trivedi said Gandhi’s comments reflected what he described as growing arrogance and called the remarks rude and indecent. “What Rahul Gandhi has said makes it evident that his arrogance is now turning into madness,” Trivedi said. The BJP leader also objected to Gandhi’s description of the BJP and RSS as a ‘bunch of jokers’ and ‘clowns’, arguing that such language was inappropriate. Gandhi had also targeted the RSS during his address, alleging that the organisation had been ‘captured and utilised by the large capital, Mr Adani and Mr Ambani’. He further alleged that the RSS, which he said had once represented sections of small Indian businesses, had increasingly become an instrument of large capital. ‘We will keep them awake’: Gandhi Gandhi also said the Congress would continue its political campaign against the government until Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah resign. “Till the day Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah don't give their resignations, they will not be able to sleep, we will keep them awake... we will do it without hate, violence,” he said. Gandhi said the Congress was seeking to promote a political culture based on “love, brotherhood and ahimsa”. He also defended the right to protest, referring to student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Gandhi accused the government of attempting to impose order on citizens rather than allowing them to freely express their views. “Our job is to make India express itself and break that order,” he said.

MEA urges restraint after Rahul Gandhi's Giorgia Meloni remark, while BJP attacks his comments and Gandhi renews criticism of PM Modi's foreign policy

'We have strong ties with Italy': MEA reacts to Congress leader's Meloni comment

At least eight people have died after record-breaking rainfall battered eastern Japan, triggering severe flooding, landslides, power outages and major transport disruptions in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo. The unprecedented downpour also left thousands of passengers stranded overnight at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport as flooded roads and suspended rail services disrupted access to the busy travel hub. Authorities issued Japan’s highest Level 5 emergency warning on Thursday as torrential rain swept across Chiba. The warning was downgraded to Level 4 by Friday morning, although officials continued to caution residents about the dangers of flooding and landslides.&nbsp;Chiba recorded rainfall exceeding 100mm per hour in some areas from Thursday afternoon. More than 360mm of rain fell in a 24-hour period, breaking previous records in the region. "This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan's historical weather standards," Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai told reporters on Friday morning. “I have responded to many disasters in the past, but I have never experienced a case like this.” The Japan Meteorological Agency described the rainfall as an "unprecedented level of heavy rain".&nbsp;Meteorologists said the extreme conditions were caused by warm, humid air flowing into eastern Japan and interacting with colder air above, creating highly unstable atmospheric conditions. Authorities said the rain was expected to continue through late Friday, while rescue teams remained focused on protecting lives and assisting people affected by flooding. Among those killed was a woman who died after her vehicle became submerged on a flooded road. Two other people reportedly collapsed in the streets and later died.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slaps-new-drone-tariffs-opens-door-to-foreign-shipyards-building-us-warships-1786705809578">Trump slaps new drone tariffs; opens door to foreign shipyards building US warships</a>&nbsp;The rainfall caused widespread disruption across Chiba. Several rail services remained suspended on Friday, while major highways were also closed because of flooding and dangerous road conditions. Thousands of people were forced to seek shelter after evacuation requests and warnings were issued across affected areas. Around 7,000 travellers were reportedly stranded overnight at Narita Airport, while others took refuge at railway stations and government buildings.&nbsp;More than 20,000 households were without electricity in the affected area, while gas services were also disrupted for thousands of households. At Narita Airport, flights were expected to operate, although passengers were warned of delays because of continuing transport problems. Japan Airlines said some flights could be delayed but did not expect widespread cancellations. The flooding left passengers stranded at metro and railway stations, while about 1,800 people spent the night inside the Chiba Prefectural Government building.&nbsp;A woman in Ichikawa city told NHK the sudden rainfall had caught residents off guard. "The rain happened all of a sudden so it was a complete surprise," she said. "The power is out so I'm worried whether I can open my business in the next couple of days," she said.<h2>Severe weather also hits the Philippines</h2>The extreme weather comes amid a particularly active period of storms across East and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, authorities again suspended classes and government operations in much of the northern part of the country because of continuing flood risks. Japan, the Philippines and China have experienced a series of storms this week, with Dolphin, Chan-Hom and Peilou affecting different parts of the region.&nbsp;Dolphin brought heavy rainfall to Japan's Okinawa region, causing power outages, downing trees and disrupting flights.In China, authorities previously evacuated more than a million people as Dolphin, described as the strongest typhoon to hit the country so far this year, made landfall in the east. The latest rainfall in eastern Japan has added to concerns about the growing intensity and disruption caused by extreme weather across the region.

Record rainfall in eastern Japan kills eight, floods Chiba and strands thousands at Narita Airport as authorities warn of landslides and flooding

At least eight people have died after record-breaking rainfall battered eastern Japan, triggering severe flooding, landslides, power outages and major transport disruptions in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo. The unprecedented downpour also left thousands of passengers stranded overnight at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport as flooded roads and suspended rail services disrupted access to the busy travel hub. Authorities issued Japan’s highest Level 5 emergency warning on Thursday as torrential rain swept across Chiba. The warning was downgraded to Level 4 by Friday morning, although officials continued to caution residents about the dangers of flooding and landslides. Chiba recorded rainfall exceeding 100mm per hour in some areas from Thursday afternoon. More than 360mm of rain fell in a 24-hour period, breaking previous records in the region. "This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan's historical weather standards," Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai told reporters on Friday morning. “I have responded to many disasters in the past, but I have never experienced a case like this.” The Japan Meteorological Agency described the rainfall as an "unprecedented level of heavy rain". Meteorologists said the extreme conditions were caused by warm, humid air flowing into eastern Japan and interacting with colder air above, creating highly unstable atmospheric conditions. Authorities said the rain was expected to continue through late Friday, while rescue teams remained focused on protecting lives and assisting people affected by flooding. Among those killed was a woman who died after her vehicle became submerged on a flooded road. Two other people reportedly collapsed in the streets and later died. Also Read: Trump slaps new drone tariffs; opens door to foreign shipyards building US warships The rainfall caused widespread disruption across Chiba. Several rail services remained suspended on Friday, while major highways were also closed because of flooding and dangerous road conditions. Thousands of people were forced to seek shelter after evacuation requests and warnings were issued across affected areas. Around 7,000 travellers were reportedly stranded overnight at Narita Airport, while others took refuge at railway stations and government buildings. More than 20,000 households were without electricity in the affected area, while gas services were also disrupted for thousands of households. At Narita Airport, flights were expected to operate, although passengers were warned of delays because of continuing transport problems. Japan Airlines said some flights could be delayed but did not expect widespread cancellations. The flooding left passengers stranded at metro and railway stations, while about 1,800 people spent the night inside the Chiba Prefectural Government building. A woman in Ichikawa city told NHK the sudden rainfall had caught residents off guard. "The rain happened all of a sudden so it was a complete surprise," she said. "The power is out so I'm worried whether I can open my business in the next couple of days," she said. Severe weather also hits the Philippines The extreme weather comes amid a particularly active period of storms across East and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, authorities again suspended classes and government operations in much of the northern part of the country because of continuing flood risks. Japan, the Philippines and China have experienced a series of storms this week, with Dolphin, Chan-Hom and Peilou affecting different parts of the region. Dolphin brought heavy rainfall to Japan's Okinawa region, causing power outages, downing trees and disrupting flights. In China, authorities previously evacuated more than a million people as Dolphin, described as the strongest typhoon to hit the country so far this year, made landfall in the east. The latest rainfall in eastern Japan has added to concerns about the growing intensity and disruption caused by extreme weather across the region.

Record rainfall kills eight in eastern Japan, floods Chiba and strands thousands at Narita Airport as authorities warn of further flooding

Record rainfall batters eastern Japan, killing eight and stranding thousands at Narita airport

Iran appears to be placing nationalism alongside, and at times even ahead of, its traditional Islamist approach. The war with Israel and the US made national-unity messaging a necessity. Purely theocratic mobilisation is no longer enough. The conflicts made the Islamic Republic regime realise it needed support beyond its religion-focused core base. Velayat-e faqih, the doctrine of the guardianship of the Islamic jurist, and the message of revolutionary Shiism have limited appeal among a population increasingly alienated by economic hardship, repression and compulsory hijab.<h2>The regime is placing greater emphasis on “Iran” and national survival</h2>A recent analysis by the Washington Institute’s Patrick Clawson noted a marked shift in the rhetoric, with references to Iran’s ancient civilisation replacing much of the usual emphasis on religious authority. Tehran recently promoted Arash the Archer, a legendary Persian figure associated with defending Iran’s borders. State media also used Achaemenid and Shahnameh imagery belonging to the pre-Islamic Revolution era alongside modern soldiers and missiles. “Ey Iran”, a patriotic song strongly associated with pre-revolutionary Iran, has been performed publicly, including at religious ceremonies. The 1979 Islamic Revolution sought to subordinate Iranian nationalism to Islam. The regime is now drawing on the very Persian identity it once treated with suspicion.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-parastoo-ahmadi-sentenced-to-74-lashes-in-iran-for-youtube-performance-1781840006729">Who is Parastoo Ahmadi, reportedly sentenced to 74 lashes in Iran for YouTube performance?</a><h2>Iranian nationalism: A bridge between groups that rarely support the same politics</h2>After months of regional conflict this year, different segments of Iranian society have united against the external enemies. They include secular nationalists, moderates, and even some regime critics who may oppose the Islamic Republic but still support Iran against an external attack. “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran” captures this distinction: loyalty to the country does not necessarily mean loyalty to the regime.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-women-defy-hijab-laws-face-challenges-entering-new-year-1766684047102/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-women-defy-hijab-laws-face-challenges-entering-new-year-1766684047102/embed</a><h2>Easing of the veil curbs: Adaptation to changing times?</h2>The regime’s new approach to compulsory hijab for women is another reflection of the changing times. The hijab was made mandatory after the 1979 Revolution. But years of resistance, particularly since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, have made routine street enforcement of hijab increasingly difficult. Morality patrols for hijab enforcement have largely disappeared from everyday street life in major Iranian cities now. More women are appearing in public without the veil. The Hijab and Chastity law remains on the books but its implementation appears to be suspended rather than formally repealed. Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted recently that the reduced violent arrests in some cities reflect the regime’s focus on national-security priorities, rather than recognition of women’s rights.Unveiled women appearing at pro-government rallies can now be presented as symbols of national unity, while women elsewhere can still face punishment. State media has shown such unveiled women at pro-government rallies, particularly during periods of conflict. This would have been unthinkable earlier.The symbolism is significant. Uncovered hair became one of the clearest forms of opposition to the Islamic Republic. The regime now uses the same image to project national unity, provided the woman is seen supporting the state.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-new-hijab-law-imposes-death-penalty-fines-and-imprisonment-for-non-compliance-783296">Iran's new Hijab law imposes death penalty, fines, and imprisonment for non-compliance</a><h2>Can Iranian nationalism weaken the theocracy?</h2>If the state must invoke ancient Persia, national territory and patriotic music to unite society during war, it implicitly acknowledges that revolutionary religious ideology has only limited reach.This also reflects a shift in influence from the clerical establishment towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other power centres. National strength and military resilience are increasingly prominent alongside traditional clerical authority. The Islamic Republic has used nationalism before, including during the Iran-Iraq War. But the current emphasis follows years of declining religious legitimacy and widespread social resistance.Iranians opposing the Islamic Republic have also embraced “Iran” as distinct from the state. Some protesters have used the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag and Pahlavi-era symbols, showing that nationalism can challenge the regime as easily as it can support it.<h2>Islamism is not gone yet from Iranian identity</h2>The clerical system, Sharia-based laws, IRGC networks, judiciary and surveillance apparatus remain largely intact. Hardliners continue to demand strict hijab enforcement and defend the revolutionary ideology. Nationalism is therefore being added to Islamism, rather than cleanly replacing it. The authorities’ nationalist campaign has not necessarily produced genuine loyalty. Many Iranians distinguish between defending Iran and supporting the Islamic Republic.The regime can relax enforcement when national unity matters, then restore pressure when political conditions change.Wartime nationalism strengthens national identity while weakening the exclusivity of the Islamist narrative. Many Iranians may rally around the country and its people without rallying around the clerical state. The Islamic Republic remains authoritarian, but its growing reliance on Persian history, national unity and Iranian identity reveals how much its original ideological monopoly has weakened.

Iran is increasingly using nationalism to unite society amid war with Israel and the US. Weaker hijab enforcement is an example of how Iranian identity is gaining ground against the regime’s Islamist narratives.

Iran appears to be placing nationalism alongside, and at times even ahead of, its traditional Islamist approach. The war with Israel and the US made national-unity messaging a necessity. Purely theocratic mobilisation is no longer enough. The conflicts made the Islamic Republic regime realise it needed support beyond its religion-focused core base. Velayat-e faqih, the doctrine of the guardianship of the Islamic jurist, and the message of revolutionary Shiism have limited appeal among a population increasingly alienated by economic hardship, repression and compulsory hijab. The regime is placing greater emphasis on “Iran” and national survival A recent analysis by the Washington Institute’s Patrick Clawson noted a marked shift in the rhetoric, with references to Iran’s ancient civilisation replacing much of the usual emphasis on religious authority. Tehran recently promoted Arash the Archer, a legendary Persian figure associated with defending Iran’s borders. State media also used Achaemenid and Shahnameh imagery belonging to the pre-Islamic Revolution era alongside modern soldiers and missiles. “Ey Iran”, a patriotic song strongly associated with pre-revolutionary Iran, has been performed publicly, including at religious ceremonies. The 1979 Islamic Revolution sought to subordinate Iranian nationalism to Islam. The regime is now drawing on the very Persian identity it once treated with suspicion. Also read: Who is Parastoo Ahmadi, reportedly sentenced to 74 lashes in Iran for YouTube performance? Iranian nationalism: A bridge between groups that rarely support the same politics After months of regional conflict this year, different segments of Iranian society have united against the external enemies. They include secular nationalists, moderates, and even some regime critics who may oppose the Islamic Republic but still support Iran against an external attack. “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran” captures this distinction: loyalty to the country does not necessarily mean loyalty to the regime. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-women-defy-hijab-laws-face-challenges-entering-new-year-1766684047102/embed Easing of the veil curbs: Adaptation to changing times? The regime’s new approach to compulsory hijab for women is another reflection of the changing times. The hijab was made mandatory after the 1979 Revolution. But years of resistance, particularly since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, have made routine street enforcement of hijab increasingly difficult. Morality patrols for hijab enforcement have largely disappeared from everyday street life in major Iranian cities now. More women are appearing in public without the veil. The Hijab and Chastity law remains on the books but its implementation appears to be suspended rather than formally repealed. Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted recently that the reduced violent arrests in some cities reflect the regime’s focus on national-security priorities, rather than recognition of women’s rights. Unveiled women appearing at pro-government rallies can now be presented as symbols of national unity, while women elsewhere can still face punishment. State media has shown such unveiled women at pro-government rallies, particularly during periods of conflict. This would have been unthinkable earlier. The symbolism is significant. Uncovered hair became one of the clearest forms of opposition to the Islamic Republic. The regime now uses the same image to project national unity, provided the woman is seen supporting the state. Also read: Iran's new Hijab law imposes death penalty, fines, and imprisonment for non-compliance Can Iranian nationalism weaken the theocracy? If the state must invoke ancient Persia, national territory and patriotic music to unite society during war, it implicitly acknowledges that revolutionary religious ideology has only limited reach. This also reflects a shift in influence from the clerical establishment towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other power centres. National strength and military resilience are increasingly prominent alongside traditional clerical authority. The Islamic Republic has used nationalism before, including during the Iran-Iraq War. But the current emphasis follows years of declining religious legitimacy and widespread social resistance. Iranians opposing the Islamic Republic have also embraced “Iran” as distinct from the state. Some protesters have used the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag and Pahlavi-era symbols, showing that nationalism can challenge the regime as easily as it can support it. Islamism is not gone yet from Iranian identity The clerical system, Sharia-based laws, IRGC networks, judiciary and surveillance apparatus remain largely intact. Hardliners continue to demand strict hijab enforcement and defend the revolutionary ideology. Nationalism is therefore being added to Islamism, rather than cleanly replacing it. The authorities’ nationalist campaign has not necessarily produced genuine loyalty. Many Iranians distinguish between defending Iran and supporting the Islamic Republic. The regime can relax enforcement when national unity matters, then restore pressure when political conditions change. Wartime nationalism strengthens national identity while weakening the exclusivity of the Islamist narrative. Many Iranians may rally around the country and its people without rallying around the clerical state. The Islamic Republic remains authoritarian, but its growing reliance on Persian history, national unity and Iranian identity reveals how much its original ideological monopoly has weakened.

Iran is increasingly using nationalism to unite society amid war with Israel and the US. Weaker hijab enforcement is an example of how Iranian identity is gaining ground against the regime’s Islamist narratives.

Iran’s nationalism is now more important than its Islamism, amid war with US and Israel. Easing of veil curbs is an example

President Donald Trump signed two proclamations on Thursday, including one imposing new tariffs on drones and drone components and another directing the US Navy to restore older technologies on aircraft carriers while permitting limited construction of American warships at foreign shipyards. According to a White House fact sheet, the Navy memorandum directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to replace the Advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems and Advanced Weapons Elevators with traditional steam and hydraulic systems. Trump has previously criticised the use of electric catapults on US aircraft carriers and called for a return to steam-powered systems.&nbsp;“Pete, we're not letting any more ships be built with the ridiculous, billions of dollars more they spent on, uh, electric catapults and they're not good. They're not nearly as good, too complex,” Trump said last month during a Defense and Innovation Summit at the Army War College. The memorandum also instructs Hegseth to establish a fifth US Naval shipyard and permits foreign shipbuilders to construct American warships on a limited basis.&nbsp;The White House fact sheet said foreign shipbuilders that make significant and lasting investments in US shipyards and train American workers will temporarily be allowed to build up to two ships at their parent shipyards. Those vessels would then be delivered to help address immediate fleet gaps while additional ships are constructed at upgraded American shipyards. "As foreign shipbuilders make substantial and durable investments into America’s shipyards and train an all-American workforce for the jobs they create, they will be temporarily permitted to build up to two ships in their parent shipyards that will be delivered to bridge gaps on a quick turnaround, while additional ships will be built in revitalized American shipyards," the White House factsheet read.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-ii-memorial-in-washington-vandalised-with-graffiti-and-bubble-soap-investigation-launched-1786703735508">World War II memorial in Washington vandalised with graffiti and bubble soap; investigation launched</a>&nbsp;Separately, Trump signed a proclamation imposing ‘ad valorem’ tariffs on drones and drone parts, citing the national security threat associated with the technology. The new drone tariffs are scheduled to take effect 21 days after the proclamation is signed. Tariffs on drone components classified as ‘not particularly sensitive’ will take effect 180 days after signing. Under the White House fact sheet, the measures include a 100% tariff on ‘particularly sensitive’ drones and a 25% tariff on smaller drones considered to pose less pressing security concerns.&nbsp;The proclamation also establishes a 15% tariff on certain drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan. Some drones from the United Kingdom will face a 10% tariff. The measures mark a broader push by the Trump administration to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, alter the technology used aboard US aircraft carriers and address national security concerns surrounding drones and their supply chains.

Trump orders the navy to restore steam-powered carrier systems, permits limited foreign warship construction and imposes new tariffs on drones and parts

President Donald Trump signed two proclamations on Thursday, including one imposing new tariffs on drones and drone components and another directing the US Navy to restore older technologies on aircraft carriers while permitting limited construction of American warships at foreign shipyards. According to a White House fact sheet, the Navy memorandum directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to replace the Advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems and Advanced Weapons Elevators with traditional steam and hydraulic systems. Trump has previously criticised the use of electric catapults on US aircraft carriers and called for a return to steam-powered systems. “Pete, we're not letting any more ships be built with the ridiculous, billions of dollars more they spent on, uh, electric catapults and they're not good. They're not nearly as good, too complex,” Trump said last month during a Defense and Innovation Summit at the Army War College. The memorandum also instructs Hegseth to establish a fifth US Naval shipyard and permits foreign shipbuilders to construct American warships on a limited basis. The White House fact sheet said foreign shipbuilders that make significant and lasting investments in US shipyards and train American workers will temporarily be allowed to build up to two ships at their parent shipyards. Those vessels would then be delivered to help address immediate fleet gaps while additional ships are constructed at upgraded American shipyards. "As foreign shipbuilders make substantial and durable investments into America’s shipyards and train an all-American workforce for the jobs they create, they will be temporarily permitted to build up to two ships in their parent shipyards that will be delivered to bridge gaps on a quick turnaround, while additional ships will be built in revitalized American shipyards," the White House factsheet read. Also Read: World War II memorial in Washington vandalised with graffiti and bubble soap; investigation launched Separately, Trump signed a proclamation imposing ‘ad valorem’ tariffs on drones and drone parts, citing the national security threat associated with the technology. The new drone tariffs are scheduled to take effect 21 days after the proclamation is signed. Tariffs on drone components classified as ‘not particularly sensitive’ will take effect 180 days after signing. Under the White House fact sheet, the measures include a 100% tariff on ‘particularly sensitive’ drones and a 25% tariff on smaller drones considered to pose less pressing security concerns. The proclamation also establishes a 15% tariff on certain drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan. Some drones from the United Kingdom will face a 10% tariff. The measures mark a broader push by the Trump administration to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, alter the technology used aboard US aircraft carriers and address national security concerns surrounding drones and their supply chains.

Trump orders a return to steam-powered carrier technology, expands US shipbuilding and imposes new tariffs on drones and drone components

Trump slaps new drone tariffs; opens door to foreign shipyards building US warships

A new global survey reveals where India enjoys the strongest public goodwill, with several nations showing high favourable ratings while one neighbour records the lowest support for India.

A new global survey reveals where India enjoys the strongest public goodwill, with several nations showing high favourable ratings while one neighbour records the lowest support for India.

From Sri Lanka to Japan: Which countries love India the most? New survey reveals...

A boat operator was slashed with a fine of more than $5,000 for blowing a foghorn to wake a sleeping polar bear near Norway, officials confirmed on Thursday. Earlier this month, the vessel was sailing off the coast of the Svalbard archipelago, nearly 620 miles from the North Pole, when the operator disturbed the animal, causing it to move. “A person on board then used the ship’s foghorn, waking the animal, which moved to another location,” he added. In addition, the governor’s office directed the un-bear-able offender to pay a large fine, totalling $5,255. Under local rules, “It is forbidden to needlessly disturb, attract or pursue a polar bear." The animal was declared a protected species in Svalbard in 1972. Melting ice has threatened polar bears’ habitats in recent years, but scientists reported in January that bears in the area are thriving and even gaining weight, according to the outlet.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-s-ambassador-to-iran-rudra-gaurav-shresth-delivers-farewell-in-farsi-emotional-video-goes-viral-1786681166660">India's ambassador to Iran Rudra Gaurav Shresth delivers farewell in Farsi: Emotional video goes viral</a><h3>Melting ice threatens habitats of polar bears</h3>In recent years, melting ice has threatened the habitats of polar bears; however, scientists confirmed in January that bears in the area are thriving and even gaining weight. Bison charging at tourists isn't just a Yellowstone phenomenon, it turns out. New footage from Bialowieza Forest in Poland shows a European bison knocking a tourist to the ground as he tries to get back up after an earlier fall. While not quite as dramatic, the clip echoes footage from Yellowstone last month, which showed a bison chasing down a tourist and sending him flying into the air. In the Poland incident, TVP World reported that the tourist had deliberately approached the bison, provoking its reaction. He was eventually saved by fellow tourists after the bison got distracted by a passing vehicle. Unlike the Yellowstone victim, who broke his femur and needed a hip replacement, the tourist in Poland escaped without serious injury.

Earlier this month, the vessel was sailing off the coast of the Svalbard archipelago, nearly 620 miles from the North Pole, when the operator disturbed the animal, causing it to move.

A boat operator was slashed with a fine of more than $5,000 for blowing a foghorn to wake a sleeping polar bear near Norway, officials confirmed on Thursday. Earlier this month, the vessel was sailing off the coast of the Svalbard archipelago, nearly 620 miles from the North Pole, when the operator disturbed the animal, causing it to move. “A person on board then used the ship’s foghorn, waking the animal, which moved to another location,” he added. In addition, the governor’s office directed the un-bear-able offender to pay a large fine, totalling $5,255. Under local rules, “It is forbidden to needlessly disturb, attract or pursue a polar bear." The animal was declared a protected species in Svalbard in 1972. Melting ice has threatened polar bears’ habitats in recent years, but scientists reported in January that bears in the area are thriving and even gaining weight, according to the outlet. Also read: India's ambassador to Iran Rudra Gaurav Shresth delivers farewell in Farsi: Emotional video goes viral Melting ice threatens habitats of polar bears In recent years, melting ice has threatened the habitats of polar bears; however, scientists confirmed in January that bears in the area are thriving and even gaining weight. Bison charging at tourists isn't just a Yellowstone phenomenon, it turns out. New footage from Bialowieza Forest in Poland shows a European bison knocking a tourist to the ground as he tries to get back up after an earlier fall. While not quite as dramatic, the clip echoes footage from Yellowstone last month, which showed a bison chasing down a tourist and sending him flying into the air. In the Poland incident, TVP World reported that the tourist had deliberately approached the bison, provoking its reaction. He was eventually saved by fellow tourists after the bison got distracted by a passing vehicle. Unlike the Yellowstone victim, who broke his femur and needed a hip replacement, the tourist in Poland escaped without serious injury.

Earlier this month, the vessel was sailing off the coast of the Svalbard archipelago, nearly 620 miles from the North Pole, when the operator disturbed the animal, causing it to move.

Un-bear-able offence: Boat operator fined $5,255 for waking sleeping polar bear with foghorn

The World War II memorial in Washington was vandalised with bubbly soap and graffiti on Thursday, prompting a strong response from the US government and an investigation to identify those responsible. The memorial's fountain was covered in suds, while the words ‘Clean hands Dirty $’ were painted on one surface. Red and green paint was also splattered across the area. Uniformed police officers and National Guard troops quickly arrived at the memorial, which was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape as visitors were kept away. Reuters photographs showed a plainclothes investigator examining the graffiti and using a tape measure to assess the damage.&nbsp;Workers later arrived to clean up the vandalism and remove the graffiti, the Washington Post reported, citing Park Police officers at the scene. Dedicated in 2004, the World War II memorial stands on the National Mall and features 56 granite pillars surrounding an elliptical plaza. According to the National Park Service, the memorial honours the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II and commemorates the more than 400,000 Americans who died during the conflict.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-president-pezeshkian-to-attend-brics-summit-in-new-delhi-says-iranian-sources-1786703283921">Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi, says Iranian sources</a>&nbsp;"The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated," the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, said in a statement. “Our US Park Police are on the scene and the investigation is ongoing. The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act.” The Friends of the National WWII Memorial, a nonprofit organisation committed to preserving the site, also condemned the incident and described the memorial as a "sacred place of remembrance."&nbsp;"There are many places in our country for expression, debate, and disagreement. A national memorial honoring those who served and those who never returned home should never be used as a canvas for vandalism," the Friends said in a statement. The World War II memorial has long represented a point of national pride and remembrance in the United States. The country's role in the conflict remains broadly associated with national unity, although Americans continue to debate some of the war's most consequential decisions, including the use of atomic bombs against Japan.&nbsp;The latest vandalism comes at a politically divisive moment in Washington, as President Donald Trump has launched a personal campaign focused on changing or reshaping several memorials across the US capital.

World War II memorial in Washington vandalised with soap and graffiti as police investigate the incident and officials condemn the damage

The World War II memorial in Washington was vandalised with bubbly soap and graffiti on Thursday, prompting a strong response from the US government and an investigation to identify those responsible. The memorial's fountain was covered in suds, while the words ‘Clean hands Dirty $’ were painted on one surface. Red and green paint was also splattered across the area. Uniformed police officers and National Guard troops quickly arrived at the memorial, which was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape as visitors were kept away. Reuters photographs showed a plainclothes investigator examining the graffiti and using a tape measure to assess the damage. Workers later arrived to clean up the vandalism and remove the graffiti, the Washington Post reported, citing Park Police officers at the scene. Dedicated in 2004, the World War II memorial stands on the National Mall and features 56 granite pillars surrounding an elliptical plaza. According to the National Park Service, the memorial honours the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II and commemorates the more than 400,000 Americans who died during the conflict. Also Read: Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi, says Iranian sources "The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated," the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, said in a statement. “Our US Park Police are on the scene and the investigation is ongoing. The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act.” The Friends of the National WWII Memorial, a nonprofit organisation committed to preserving the site, also condemned the incident and described the memorial as a "sacred place of remembrance." "There are many places in our country for expression, debate, and disagreement. A national memorial honoring those who served and those who never returned home should never be used as a canvas for vandalism," the Friends said in a statement. The World War II memorial has long represented a point of national pride and remembrance in the United States. The country's role in the conflict remains broadly associated with national unity, although Americans continue to debate some of the war's most consequential decisions, including the use of atomic bombs against Japan. The latest vandalism comes at a politically divisive moment in Washington, as President Donald Trump has launched a personal campaign focused on changing or reshaping several memorials across the US capital.

Washington's World War II memorial was vandalised with soapy foam and graffiti, sparking outrage and a US investigation on Thursday in Washington

World War II memorial in Washington vandalised with graffiti and bubble soap; investigation launched

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian will travel to New Delhi to attend the upcoming BRICS summit, Iranian sources have said. The confirmation comes as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS leaders' summit on 12–13 September 2026 under its chairmanship. The gathering, themed around building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, will bring together representatives and leaders from the expanded grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;The visit follows an earlier formal invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a telephone conversation with the Iranian president in late June. In that call, according to Iranian readouts, the two leaders discussed regional developments in West Asia, and cooperation within multilateral frameworks including BRICS. The Indian PM stressed dialogue, diplomacy and the importance of freedom of navigation, particularly through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-steam-catapults-and-why-does-trump-want-them-back-on-us-aircraft-carriers-wion-decodes-1786701770704">What are steam catapults, and why does Trump want them back on US aircraft carriers? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;India has maintained contacts with Iranian leadership throughout the ongoing conflict in West Asia, repeatedly calling for de-escalation and the protection of civilians and commercial shipping. Pezeshkian's attendance would mark a high-level bilateral engagement between India and Iran at a time when New Delhi has sought to balance its longstanding ties with Tehran with other regional partners in the Gulf. Iran became a full BRICS member in 2024 and has participated in previous summits and ministerial meetings, including the foreign ministers' gathering held in New Delhi in May 2026.&nbsp;The summit itself is expected to focus on economic cooperation, alternative payment systems, Global South priorities, and institutional strengthening of the bloc. Side events and outreach sessions with partner countries are also anticipated under India's presidency, which began on 1 January 2026.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi, says Iranian sources

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian will travel to New Delhi to attend the upcoming BRICS summit, Iranian sources have said. The confirmation comes as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS leaders' summit on 12–13 September 2026 under its chairmanship. The gathering, themed around building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, will bring together representatives and leaders from the expanded grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and others. The visit follows an earlier formal invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a telephone conversation with the Iranian president in late June. In that call, according to Iranian readouts, the two leaders discussed regional developments in West Asia, and cooperation within multilateral frameworks including BRICS. The Indian PM stressed dialogue, diplomacy and the importance of freedom of navigation, particularly through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read: What are steam catapults, and why does Trump want them back on US aircraft carriers? WION Decodes India has maintained contacts with Iranian leadership throughout the ongoing conflict in West Asia, repeatedly calling for de-escalation and the protection of civilians and commercial shipping. Pezeshkian's attendance would mark a high-level bilateral engagement between India and Iran at a time when New Delhi has sought to balance its longstanding ties with Tehran with other regional partners in the Gulf. Iran became a full BRICS member in 2024 and has participated in previous summits and ministerial meetings, including the foreign ministers' gathering held in New Delhi in May 2026. The summit itself is expected to focus on economic cooperation, alternative payment systems, Global South priorities, and institutional strengthening of the bloc. Side events and outreach sessions with partner countries are also anticipated under India's presidency, which began on 1 January 2026.

India has maintained contacts with Iranian leadership throughout the ongoing conflict in West Asia, repeatedly calling for de-escalation and the protection of civilians and commercial shipping

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi, say Iranian sources

The American President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to abandon electromagnetic catapults on future Gerald R Ford-class aircraft carriers and return to the steam-powered systems used on older Nimitz-class carriers.&nbsp;According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump signed a national security memorandum directing the Navy to remove the electromagnetic aircraft launch system, or EMALS, from the fourth Ford-class carrier, the future USS Doris Miller, and all subsequent ships in the class. The first three Ford-class carriers will retain the electromagnetic system.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-loss-of-separation-inside-the-aviation-term-linked-to-trump-s-marine-one-1785992154201">What is ‘Loss of Separation’? Inside the aviation term linked to Trump’s Marine One</a>&nbsp;Trump has repeatedly criticised EMALS, arguing that it is too complex and less reliable than steam technology. He has pushed for a return to steam catapults since his first presidential term, after hearing a sailor praise the older system during a visit to a US Navy ship. Last month, the POTUS had slammed EMALS, saying the technology was “not nearly as good” and was too complicated.<h2>What are steam catapults?</h2>Steam catapults are systems used on aircraft carriers to launch fighter jets and other aircraft from the ship’s relatively short flight deck. The system uses high-pressure steam to drive a piston along a track on the carrier’s deck. The piston is connected to the aircraft through a launch bar, allowing the catapult to accelerate the aircraft rapidly enough for it to take off from the carrier.&nbsp;The technology has been used by the US Navy for decades and was installed on Nimitz-class carriers. The USS George HW Bush, which entered service in 2009, was the last US aircraft carrier built with steam catapults. The Ford class was instead designed around EMALS, which uses electrical power and linear motors to launch aircraft.&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 White House has defended Trump’s decision by arguing that steam and hydraulic systems are more battle-tested, resilient and easier to support at scale. The administration also sees the move as a way to revive parts of the US maritime industrial base by relying on technologies with established manufacturing and maintenance networks.<h2>Why did the Ford class switch to electromagnetic systems?</h2>The Ford-class carriers were designed with a fundamentally different internal architecture from the older Nimitz class. As a result, much of the space and infrastructure previously used for steam systems was redesigned or removed.&nbsp;The Navy has argued that EMALS offers several advantages, including smoother acceleration, greater control and the ability to launch a wider range of aircraft. The system was also intended to reduce maintenance demands and improve operational efficiency.&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford, the lead ship of the class, cost more than $13 billion and faced numerous technical challenges during its development. Problems involving its catapults, arresting gear and weapons elevators contributed to delays and scrutiny of the programme.<h2>What are the arguments against bringing steam catapults back?</h2>The proposed return to steam technology has drawn criticism from naval experts who argue that the Ford-class gains important operational advantages from its electric systems. Naval expert Bryan Clark has said the Ford-class is more reliable in several respects precisely because it moved away from steam-based technology. According to Clark, electric systems eliminate many mechanical components and maintenance requirements associated with steam systems.&nbsp;The shift to newer technology has also helped reduce the number of sailors needed to operate the carrier. The Ford carries around 500 fewer sailors than a comparable Nimitz-class carrier. Early Navy data cited by Clark also indicated that USS Gerald R. Ford costs about $100 million less per year to operate than a Nimitz-class carrier.&nbsp;This means that replacing EMALS with steam technology could involve more than simply changing the catapult itself. Because the Ford-class was designed around an electric architecture, returning to steam would require changes to the ship’s internal systems and infrastructure.&nbsp;

Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to replace electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) with traditional steam catapults on future Ford-class carriers, citing reliability concerns despite experts warning re-engineering costs will rise.

The American President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to abandon electromagnetic catapults on future Gerald R Ford-class aircraft carriers and return to the steam-powered systems used on older Nimitz-class carriers. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump signed a national security memorandum directing the Navy to remove the electromagnetic aircraft launch system, or EMALS, from the fourth Ford-class carrier, the future USS Doris Miller, and all subsequent ships in the class. The first three Ford-class carriers will retain the electromagnetic system. Also read: What is ‘Loss of Separation’? Inside the aviation term linked to Trump’s Marine One Trump has repeatedly criticised EMALS, arguing that it is too complex and less reliable than steam technology. He has pushed for a return to steam catapults since his first presidential term, after hearing a sailor praise the older system during a visit to a US Navy ship. Last month, the POTUS had slammed EMALS, saying the technology was “not nearly as good” and was too complicated. What are steam catapults? Steam catapults are systems used on aircraft carriers to launch fighter jets and other aircraft from the ship’s relatively short flight deck. The system uses high-pressure steam to drive a piston along a track on the carrier’s deck. The piston is connected to the aircraft through a launch bar, allowing the catapult to accelerate the aircraft rapidly enough for it to take off from the carrier. The technology has been used by the US Navy for decades and was installed on Nimitz-class carriers. The USS George HW Bush, which entered service in 2009, was the last US aircraft carrier built with steam catapults. The Ford class was instead designed around EMALS, which uses electrical power and linear motors to launch aircraft. Also read: ‘100% fake news’: WH denies report claiming Trump confronted Hegseth over US munitions shortages The White House has defended Trump’s decision by arguing that steam and hydraulic systems are more battle-tested, resilient and easier to support at scale. The administration also sees the move as a way to revive parts of the US maritime industrial base by relying on technologies with established manufacturing and maintenance networks. Why did the Ford class switch to electromagnetic systems? The Ford-class carriers were designed with a fundamentally different internal architecture from the older Nimitz class. As a result, much of the space and infrastructure previously used for steam systems was redesigned or removed. The Navy has argued that EMALS offers several advantages, including smoother acceleration, greater control and the ability to launch a wider range of aircraft. The system was also intended to reduce maintenance demands and improve operational efficiency. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the lead ship of the class, cost more than $13 billion and faced numerous technical challenges during its development. Problems involving its catapults, arresting gear and weapons elevators contributed to delays and scrutiny of the programme. What are the arguments against bringing steam catapults back? The proposed return to steam technology has drawn criticism from naval experts who argue that the Ford-class gains important operational advantages from its electric systems. Naval expert Bryan Clark has said the Ford-class is more reliable in several respects precisely because it moved away from steam-based technology. According to Clark, electric systems eliminate many mechanical components and maintenance requirements associated with steam systems. The shift to newer technology has also helped reduce the number of sailors needed to operate the carrier. The Ford carries around 500 fewer sailors than a comparable Nimitz-class carrier. Early Navy data cited by Clark also indicated that USS Gerald R. Ford costs about $100 million less per year to operate than a Nimitz-class carrier. This means that replacing EMALS with steam technology could involve more than simply changing the catapult itself. Because the Ford-class was designed around an electric architecture, returning to steam would require changes to the ship’s internal systems and infrastructure.

Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to replace electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) with traditional steam catapults on future Ford-class carriers, citing reliability concerns despite experts warning re-engineering costs will rise.

What are steam catapults, and why does Trump want them back on US aircraft carriers? WION Decodes

New Delhi: India has dispatched the first tranche of 20 metric tonnes of relief supplies to Colombia to aid post-earthquake recovery efforts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced. &nbsp;The assistance package includes medicines and medical equipment, temporary shelter materials, hygiene support items and other essentials required in the aftermath of the disaster. “India stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia during these difficult times,” Jaishankar said in a statement. In a symbolic move, MEA's Joint Secretary [South America], Dr. Aman Puri handed over a tranche to Colombia's ambassador Victor Hugo Jaramillo.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dispatched the first tranche of the 20 MT relief supplies to Colombia to support ongoing post-earthquake recovery efforts. The assistance includes medicines &amp; medical equipment, temporary shelter &amp; hygiene support, and other essential items needed in the aftermath of the… <a href="https://t.co/G6eI5qGEf4">pic.twitter.com/G6eI5qGEf4</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2088173454780735914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A powerful earthquake struck Colombia earlier this week. A 7.5-magnitude tremor caused significant damage, particularly in areas including Manizales, killing at least 224 people and injuring more than 130, according to reports. India had earlier offered condolences and indicated readiness to provide assistance.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-213-over-3-000-missing-rescuers-race-against-time-1786461025374">Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 213, over 3,000 missing; rescue on</a> This latest gesture continues a pattern of Indian humanitarian support in Latin America. Earlier this year, in late June 2026, India launched Operation Amistad (Spanish for “friendship”) to assist Venezuela after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck on 24 June. The quakes, among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, caused widespread destruction near Caracas and surrounding regions. The death toll eventually rose above 1,400, with thousands injured and many families displaced. Under Operation Amistad, two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft carried more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies, medicines, medical equipment and two BHISHM Cubes (rapidly deployable modular hospitals developed under India’s Aarogya Maitri project). A 41-member specialised contingent from the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Hospital, including nine medical officers, accompanied the cargo. The team was equipped to deliver emergency medical care, trauma treatment and life-saving surgeries.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-recognises-israel-s-claim-over-golan-heights-goes-against-decades-of-global-consensus-1786423878976">Colombia becomes 2nd nation to recognise Israel's claim over Golan Heights</a> The aircraft completed a demanding journey of over 14,000 km, landing at Maiquetía International Airport in Caracas with a total of around 66 tonnes of aid. The Indian field hospital was set up at the International La Rinconada Racetrack in Caracas and began providing round-the-clock free medical services. Venezuelan officials, including the foreign minister, later visited the facility and expressed appreciation for the Indian team’s efforts. The operation highlighted India’s growing role as a first responder in global humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, capable of projecting aid across continents at short notice.

India has sent its first tranche of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Colombia, continuing a humanitarian response that has increasingly taken its aid operations beyond the Indian Ocean region.

New Delhi: India has dispatched the first tranche of 20 metric tonnes of relief supplies to Colombia to aid post-earthquake recovery efforts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced. The assistance package includes medicines and medical equipment, temporary shelter materials, hygiene support items and other essentials required in the aftermath of the disaster. “India stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia during these difficult times,” Jaishankar said in a statement. In a symbolic move, MEA's Joint Secretary [South America], Dr. Aman Puri handed over a tranche to Colombia's ambassador Victor Hugo Jaramillo.

India has sent its first tranche of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Colombia, continuing a humanitarian response that has increasingly taken its aid operations beyond the Indian Ocean region.

India dispatches first batch of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Colombia

Pakistan's founding idea was built around the belief that Islam could serve as the basis of nationalism. But that idea has failed to deliver national unity and is now contributing to the country's internal fractures, veteran journalist and former Indian Central Minister, MJ Akbar said.Speaking to Pankaj Saran on NatStrat Conversations podcas, Akbar said Pakistan's central problem was not its people but the ideological premise on which the country was created."The problem of Pakistan is the idea of Pakistan," Akbar said, arguing that the country was created around a distinction from the rest of India and that religion became central to that project.<h2>Islam cannot serve as the central tenet of a nation's identity</h2>The veteran journalist who has written 12 books, including 'Tinderbox, the past and future of Pakistan, ' questioned whether Islam could realistically serve as the foundation of a modern nation-state.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-spy-held-near-india-bangladesh-border-with-fort-william-recon-material-isi-links-under-probe-1786624292513">Pakistani spy held near India-Bangladesh border; ISI links under probe</a>"If Islam had been sufficient as a basis for nationalism, why would there be 22 Arab countries?" he asked. He also pointed to Pakistan's relationship with neighbouring Afghanistan, saying that despite their shared Islamic identity, the two countries developed separate national identities."Islam cannot be the basis of Pakistan unity within," Akbar said.

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<h2>'Pakistan has a fading geography'</h2>Akbar linked the ideological question to what he described as Pakistan's growing internal fragmentation. He pointed to Balochistan, where he said poverty and political alienation had fuelled growing resentment against Islamabad. "Pakistan has a fractured and a fading geography. Parts of Pakistan are wandering away from the state because they cannot physically dislocate themselves from the state."Citing figures from Pakistani sources, he said poverty in Balochistan stood at 43 per cent, with similarly high levels in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "What you have created is slavery pockets within the country," he said, arguing that the country's resources were concentrated in the hands of a powerful military and political elite. "It's a begging bowl country," he noted.He described Pakistan as having a "fractured and a fading geography", saying parts of the country were increasingly alienated from the central state.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/examining-implications-india-reacts-to-pakistan-saudi-turkey-defence-pact-1786448708189">'Examining implications': India reacts to Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey defence pact</a><h2>From nationalism to military rule</h2>Akbar also questioned Pakistan's repeated reliance on military strongmen, arguing that military control had become a substitute for functioning democratic institutions.Referring to the country's military rulers, he said, "All military dictators are ‘strongmen’." He argued that the current system had created a structure in which the military exercised overwhelming influence over the state. "In Pakistan, now we are watching the strongman of a failed circus. Right. Which I don't say this with any gladness, because I wish the best for the Pakistani people," said Akbar.He also warned that Pakistan's nuclear capability had allowed the state to project an image of strategic importance despite its economic and political weaknesses."It's a failed state. It is a falling state," Akbar said, while adding that its nuclear power and military structure allowed it to continue selling a narrative of security.<h2>Pakistan's geopolitical comeback questioned</h2>Akbar rejected the idea that Pakistan's recent diplomatic activity necessarily represented a genuine turnaround in its fortunes. He argued that a country's strength should be measured by its economy, the prosperity of its people and the ability of its government to control and administer its territory."The state of a country is defined by its economy, by the prosperity of its people, whether the state is functioning or not," he said, adding that while Pakistan may be attracting renewed international attention, that does not necessarily mean its underlying problems have been resolved."Pakistan is actually nothing more than a sophisticated Sudan," Akbar said, arguing that while governments exist, their effective control over the country remains limited.&nbsp;

Can religion hold a modern nation together? Veteran journalist MJ Akbar argues that Pakistan's founding idea has failed to create lasting unity, pointing instead to growing regional alienation, military dominance and economic weakness.

Pakistan's founding idea was built around the belief that Islam could serve as the basis of nationalism. But that idea has failed to deliver national unity and is now contributing to the country's internal fractures, veteran journalist and former Indian Central Minister, MJ Akbar said. Speaking to Pankaj Saran on NatStrat Conversations podcas, Akbar said Pakistan's central problem was not its people but the ideological premise on which the country was created. "The problem of Pakistan is the idea of Pakistan," Akbar said, arguing that the country was created around a distinction from the rest of India and that religion became central to that project. Islam cannot serve as the central tenet of a nation's identity The veteran journalist who has written 12 books, including 'Tinderbox, the past and future of Pakistan, ' questioned whether Islam could realistically serve as the foundation of a modern nation-state. Also read | Pakistani spy held near India-Bangladesh border; ISI links under probe "If Islam had been sufficient as a basis for nationalism, why would there be 22 Arab countries?" he asked. He also pointed to Pakistan's relationship with neighbouring Afghanistan, saying that despite their shared Islamic identity, the two countries developed separate national identities. "Islam cannot be the basis of Pakistan unity within," Akbar said.

Can religion hold a modern nation together? Veteran journalist MJ Akbar argues that Pakistan's founding idea has failed to create lasting unity, pointing instead to growing regional alienation, military dominance and economic weakness.

Pakistan's 'Islamic' identity is failing to hold the country together, says MJ Akbar

A British maritime risk and response company has been brought in to contain an oil spill from a grounded Russian shadow fleet tanker off Oman, as crude continues to spread toward the country's coastline and a protected marine area.Ambrey, a UK-based maritime risk and response company, said its team, with assistance from the Omani air force, has boarded the Caroline Bezengi to assess the vessel and begin efforts to stabilise it. The 247-metre tanker ran aground off Qabiliyah Island after an explosion of unclear origin in early June.The vessel is now increasingly submerged, raising fears that it could break apart and release much of its estimated cargo of more than 800,000 barrels of oil. "This is an extremely challenging situation, compounded by adverse weather conditions associated with the Khareef monsoon," Ambrey's global response director Ed Wollaston said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-bears-responsibility-iran-wants-polluter-pays-rule-for-strait-of-hormuz-as-oil-slick-plagues-qeshm-1786582552036">'Who bears responsibility?': Iran wants 'polluter pays' rule for Strait of Hormuz as oil slick plagues Qeshm</a><h2>Oil reaches Oman's shoreline: Why it matters</h2>Satellite imagery has shown the slick spreading across hundreds of square kilometres, with the oil now reaching the shoreline at Ras Madrakah, more than 200 kilometres north of the grounding site.Oman's Environment Authority has warned that the pollution could travel another 100 kilometres north towards Masirah Island. The spill is particularly concerning because Qabiliyah Island's marine protected area contains coral reefs, seagrass meadows and breeding grounds for endangered turtles and migratory birds. It is also home to the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🇴🇲 Oman: the CAROLINE BEZENGI oil spill has now reached the coast. The slick has expanded to more than 2000 km², according to satellite imagery analysed by Reuters. Marine risk and salvage specialist Ambrey is now involved in the emergency operation to salvage the grounded… <a href="https://t.co/UWkS0JZ5Ps">https://t.co/UWkS0JZ5Ps</a> <a href="https://t.co/q14maSKD2B">pic.twitter.com/q14maSKD2B</a>&mdash; Russian Forces Spotter (@TiaFarris10) <a href="https://x.com/TiaFarris10/status/2087895745164665259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Oman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oman</a>: Shadow fleet tanker Caroline Bezengi oil spill hits 2000km², fouling Ras Madrakah beaches near Shalim Wa Juzor. Uninsured ship drifted 3 weeks from Yemen via monsoon till grounding. Marine ecosystem under severe threat.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Geolocated?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geolocated</a> at 17.4938, 56.3201 <a href="https://t.co/WQlFYKrjZA">pic.twitter.com/WQlFYKrjZA</a>&mdash; OSGINT (@posted_news) <a href="https://x.com/posted_news/status/2087990218339004720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Greenpeace campaigner Hanen Keskes said the arrival of oil on the coast could make the response far more difficult."It can make the cleanup significantly more complex than containment at sea," she said, warning that environmental damage could continue for years even after the slick is removed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-eating-into-america-s-drone-arsenal-us-has-lost-nearly-1-in-4-mq-9-reaper-drones-claims-report-1786683553521">Iran war eating into America's drone arsenal? US has lost nearly 1 in 4 MQ-9 Reaper drones, claims report</a><h2>Russian shadow fleet tanker to blame</h2>The Caroline Bezengi is believed to be part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet, a network of vessels used to transport Russian oil while evading Western sanctions. Britain and the European Union have sanctioned the tanker over its alleged role in carrying Russian oil.The vessel left Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in May, according to SynMax Maritime. Its owners are believed to be based in Shanghai. The tanker is reportedly unflagged, while its insurance status remains unclear.The remote location and rough seasonal weather are adding to the difficulty of the salvage operation. Ambrey has not said how long the operation will take or how much it will cost.The Oman spill comes as another oil pollution incident is unfolding across the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has reported contamination along the shores of Qeshm Island. Tehran has called for environmental protection to be included in any future arrangements governing the strategic waterway.

A grounded Russian shadow fleet tanker off Oman is sinking deeper as an oil slick spreads towards the coastline and a protected marine area. A British maritime response company has now boarded the vessel to assess the damage and begin efforts to contain the spill.

A British maritime risk and response company has been brought in to contain an oil spill from a grounded Russian shadow fleet tanker off Oman, as crude continues to spread toward the country's coastline and a protected marine area. Ambrey, a UK-based maritime risk and response company, said its team, with assistance from the Omani air force, has boarded the Caroline Bezengi to assess the vessel and begin efforts to stabilise it. The 247-metre tanker ran aground off Qabiliyah Island after an explosion of unclear origin in early June. The vessel is now increasingly submerged, raising fears that it could break apart and release much of its estimated cargo of more than 800,000 barrels of oil. "This is an extremely challenging situation, compounded by adverse weather conditions associated with the Khareef monsoon," Ambrey's global response director Ed Wollaston said. Also read | 'Who bears responsibility?': Iran wants 'polluter pays' rule for Strait of Hormuz as oil slick plagues Qeshm Oil reaches Oman's shoreline: Why it matters Satellite imagery has shown the slick spreading across hundreds of square kilometres, with the oil now reaching the shoreline at Ras Madrakah, more than 200 kilometres north of the grounding site. Oman's Environment Authority has warned that the pollution could travel another 100 kilometres north towards Masirah Island. The spill is particularly concerning because Qabiliyah Island's marine protected area contains coral reefs, seagrass meadows and breeding grounds for endangered turtles and migratory birds. It is also home to the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale.

A grounded Russian shadow fleet tanker off Oman is sinking deeper as an oil slick spreads towards the coastline and a protected marine area. A British maritime response company has now boarded the vessel to assess the damage and begin efforts to contain the spill.

'Extremely challenging situation': UK firm joins rescue race as oil spill from Russian shadow fleet tanker spreads along Oman's coast

Ukraine has reportedly offered Russia a proposal to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea as a surge in strikes on vessels and ports raises concerns over global food supplies. The proposal was reportedly conveyed to Moscow through a third party, with Kyiv still awaiting a response. Russia and Ukraine are both major players in global agriculture and have accused each other of escalating attacks on vessels involved in exports.&nbsp;The report by Reuters, citing a source, came after shipowners became increasingly wary of calling at Ukrainian ports following Russian strikes on dozens of vessels. Kyiv was forced to rely on alternative shipping routes after several shipowners halted port calls in the Odesa region in late July. Odesa is a key hub for Ukraine's grain exports, which are vital to the country's war-hit economy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-respond-in-kind-putin-warns-europe-over-seizure-of-russian-vessels-1786531660603">'We will respond in kind': Putin warns Europe over seizure of Russian vessels</a>&nbsp;Russia has also faced disruption to its grain shipments. Operations at all three terminals at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk were suspended on Wednesday and Thursday (Aug 13) after a Ukrainian attack, with Moscow expected to further reduce grain exports.&nbsp;The Kremlin and Russia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the reported Ukrainian offer. Before the Reuters report emerged, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow had not received any formal proposal for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.&nbsp;"Recently, we have been hearing many calls for various kinds of moratoriums and truces. These ideas are being put forward through various channels, but we have not received any formal proposals," Grushko said, according to Russia's state news agency TASS. European wheat prices pared earlier gains in volatile trading on Thursday, falling from a two-week high after the Reuters report on Kyiv's proposal.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treachery-of-puppet-rulers-iran-s-hardline-newspaper-rails-against-mecca-defence-pact-accuses-muslim-leaders-of-abandoning-palestinians-1786429230978">‘Treachery of puppet rulers’: Iran’s hardline newspaper rails against Mecca defence pact, accuses Muslim leaders of abandoning Palestinians</a>&nbsp;The latest escalation has renewed concerns over Ukraine's ability to maintain grain exports through the Black Sea. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United Nations and Turkey brokered an agreement allowing Ukrainian grain shipments to continue amid fears of a global food crisis. Russia declined to extend the agreement in 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ukraine has offered Russia a proposal through a third party to halt attacks on Black Sea civilian targets, aiming to safeguard vital global grain exports amidst escalating port strikes.

Ukraine has reportedly offered Russia a proposal to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea as a surge in strikes on vessels and ports raises concerns over global food supplies. The proposal was reportedly conveyed to Moscow through a third party, with Kyiv still awaiting a response. Russia and Ukraine are both major players in global agriculture and have accused each other of escalating attacks on vessels involved in exports. The report by Reuters, citing a source, came after shipowners became increasingly wary of calling at Ukrainian ports following Russian strikes on dozens of vessels. Kyiv was forced to rely on alternative shipping routes after several shipowners halted port calls in the Odesa region in late July. Odesa is a key hub for Ukraine's grain exports, which are vital to the country's war-hit economy. Also read: 'We will respond in kind': Putin warns Europe over seizure of Russian vessels Russia has also faced disruption to its grain shipments. Operations at all three terminals at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk were suspended on Wednesday and Thursday (Aug 13) after a Ukrainian attack, with Moscow expected to further reduce grain exports. The Kremlin and Russia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the reported Ukrainian offer. Before the Reuters report emerged, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow had not received any formal proposal for a ceasefire in the Black Sea. "Recently, we have been hearing many calls for various kinds of moratoriums and truces. These ideas are being put forward through various channels, but we have not received any formal proposals," Grushko said, according to Russia's state news agency TASS. European wheat prices pared earlier gains in volatile trading on Thursday, falling from a two-week high after the Reuters report on Kyiv's proposal. Also read: ‘Treachery of puppet rulers’: Iran’s hardline newspaper rails against Mecca defence pact, accuses Muslim leaders of abandoning Palestinians The latest escalation has renewed concerns over Ukraine's ability to maintain grain exports through the Black Sea. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United Nations and Turkey brokered an agreement allowing Ukrainian grain shipments to continue amid fears of a global food crisis. Russia declined to extend the agreement in 2023.

Ukraine has offered Russia a proposal through a third party to halt attacks on Black Sea civilian targets, aiming to safeguard vital global grain exports amidst escalating port strikes.

Ukraine offers Russia proposal to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea: Report

Researchers have called it an "ominous" trend for the education system of the US after nearly a quarter of students were chronically absent from school last year. The American Enterprise Institute confirmed that 22.6 per cent of students missed 10 per cent or more of the school year in 2025. This marks a decline from the peak of 28.3% recorded in 2022, at the height of the COVID pandemic. However, chronic absenteeism remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the pace of improvement appears to be slowing year over year. AEI described this trend as “an ominous slowdown that should be met with urgent action, not ignominious acceptance.” “Missing school means missing valuable instructional time and poses serious implications for students' overall academic success and wellbeing,” according to the U.S. Department of Education. “Research suggests that children who are chronically absent for multiple years between preschool and second grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the third grade.”<h3>Overall chronic absenteeism rate</h3>According to AEI's findings, Alaska, Washington, D.C., Oregon, and New Mexico recorded the highest absenteeism rates, while New Jersey, Virginia, and Alabama had the lowest. The think tank notes that the issue tends to be concentrated in historically disadvantaged school districts. In Illinois, for instance, the overall chronic absenteeism rate stood at around 25 per cent last year, but this figure rose to 31 per cent of low-income students and nearly 40 per cent among Black students.&nbsp;Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saw 32% of its students chronically absent last year. In response, a local organisation called A+ Schools has taken a hands-on approach, directly reaching out to families and providing supplies and transportation support as the school year begins. "Today is about bridging that gap, going and knocking on doors, letting folks know about what's available at the school to help them out," James Fogarty with A+ Schools told CBS Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, New York City recently resolved a lawsuit that accused its public school system of failing to catch early warning signs of school avoidance, thereby denying disabled students a complete education. To address this, the school system has introduced a plan to place liaisons in every school building, tasked with identifying obstacles, such as mental health issues, that keep students from attending school.&nbsp;

This marks a decline from the peak of 28.3% recorded in 2022, at the height of the COVID pandemic. However, chronic absenteeism remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the pace of improvement appears to be slowing year over year.

Researchers have called it an "ominous" trend for the education system of the US after nearly a quarter of students were chronically absent from school last year. The American Enterprise Institute confirmed that 22.6 per cent of students missed 10 per cent or more of the school year in 2025. This marks a decline from the peak of 28.3% recorded in 2022, at the height of the COVID pandemic. However, chronic absenteeism remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the pace of improvement appears to be slowing year over year. AEI described this trend as “an ominous slowdown that should be met with urgent action, not ignominious acceptance.” “Missing school means missing valuable instructional time and poses serious implications for students' overall academic success and wellbeing,” according to the U.S. Department of Education. “Research suggests that children who are chronically absent for multiple years between preschool and second grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the third grade.” Overall chronic absenteeism rate According to AEI's findings, Alaska, Washington, D.C., Oregon, and New Mexico recorded the highest absenteeism rates, while New Jersey, Virginia, and Alabama had the lowest. The think tank notes that the issue tends to be concentrated in historically disadvantaged school districts. In Illinois, for instance, the overall chronic absenteeism rate stood at around 25 per cent last year, but this figure rose to 31 per cent of low-income students and nearly 40 per cent among Black students. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saw 32% of its students chronically absent last year. In response, a local organisation called A+ Schools has taken a hands-on approach, directly reaching out to families and providing supplies and transportation support as the school year begins. "Today is about bridging that gap, going and knocking on doors, letting folks know about what's available at the school to help them out," James Fogarty with A+ Schools told CBS Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, New York City recently resolved a lawsuit that accused its public school system of failing to catch early warning signs of school avoidance, thereby denying disabled students a complete education. To address this, the school system has introduced a plan to place liaisons in every school building, tasked with identifying obstacles, such as mental health issues, that keep students from attending school.

This marks a decline from the peak of 28.3% recorded in 2022, at the height of the COVID pandemic. However, chronic absenteeism remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the pace of improvement appears to be slowing year over year.

'Ominous slowdown': Nearly 23% of US children were chronically absent from school in 2025 - Report

As America continues to pressure for nuclear talks on Iran, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the United States is planning to impose economic measures on Iran that have “never been seen” before.&nbsp;Speaking to Newsmax, Bessent said the measures would involve a combination of economic isolation and the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “It will be a combination of economic isolation like the world has never seen before, and the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that will keep anything from going in or out of the Iranian ports,” Bessent said, without providing further details.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treachery-of-puppet-rulers-iran-s-hardline-newspaper-rails-against-mecca-defence-pact-accuses-muslim-leaders-of-abandoning-palestinians-1786429230978">‘Treachery of puppet rulers’: Iran’s hardline newspaper rails against Mecca defence pact, accuses Muslim leaders of abandoning Palestinians</a>&nbsp;His remarks came after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US military could maintain a naval blockade of Iran “indefinitely”. Hegseth told reporters on Thursday (Aug 13) that the Navy would continue to rotate ships in and out of the region as it has so far.&nbsp;Media reports have said the USS George Washington aircraft carrier was heading to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed in the Middle East for more than 250 days. The Lincoln’s deployment had been expected to end in May. The George Washington strike group departed Vietnam on August 12, the US Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;Hegseth also rejected reports about deteriorating conditions aboard the Lincoln, including food shortages, falling morale and alleged attempts by sailors to jump overboard, describing the reports as “completely misrepresented”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-iranian-president-masoud-pezeshkian-resigning-here-s-what-we-know-about-the-ongoing-controversy-1785833646555">Is Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian resigning? Here’s what we know about the ongoing controversy</a>&nbsp;However, US Representative Mike Levin, a Democrat from California, said on X that he had sent a letter to Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao expressing serious concerns about conditions aboard the carrier. “The reports coming from military families and loved ones about the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln are simply unacceptable,” Levin said in the letter.&nbsp;The letter cited allegations of mouldy showers, broken toilets, a lack of hot water, limited access to fresh produce and supply shortages. It also said sailors and Marines were facing an “overwhelming workload”, contributing to “extreme fatigue and burnout”. Separately, US Central Command said on X that reports of a brawl aboard the carrier were false and that no service members had died.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US plans unprecedented economic sanctions and a continuous naval blockade against Iran while replacing the extended USS Abraham Lincoln, amid growing reports of poor onboard conditions and crew burnout.

As America continues to pressure for nuclear talks on Iran, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the United States is planning to impose economic measures on Iran that have “never been seen” before. Speaking to Newsmax, Bessent said the measures would involve a combination of economic isolation and the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “It will be a combination of economic isolation like the world has never seen before, and the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that will keep anything from going in or out of the Iranian ports,” Bessent said, without providing further details. Also read: ‘Treachery of puppet rulers’: Iran’s hardline newspaper rails against Mecca defence pact, accuses Muslim leaders of abandoning Palestinians His remarks came after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US military could maintain a naval blockade of Iran “indefinitely”. Hegseth told reporters on Thursday (Aug 13) that the Navy would continue to rotate ships in and out of the region as it has so far. Media reports have said the USS George Washington aircraft carrier was heading to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed in the Middle East for more than 250 days. The Lincoln’s deployment had been expected to end in May. The George Washington strike group departed Vietnam on August 12, the US Navy said in a statement. Hegseth also rejected reports about deteriorating conditions aboard the Lincoln, including food shortages, falling morale and alleged attempts by sailors to jump overboard, describing the reports as “completely misrepresented”. Also read: Is Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian resigning? Here’s what we know about the ongoing controversy However, US Representative Mike Levin, a Democrat from California, said on X that he had sent a letter to Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao expressing serious concerns about conditions aboard the carrier. “The reports coming from military families and loved ones about the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln are simply unacceptable,” Levin said in the letter. The letter cited allegations of mouldy showers, broken toilets, a lack of hot water, limited access to fresh produce and supply shortages. It also said sailors and Marines were facing an “overwhelming workload”, contributing to “extreme fatigue and burnout”. Separately, US Central Command said on X that reports of a brawl aboard the carrier were false and that no service members had died.

The US plans unprecedented economic sanctions and a continuous naval blockade against Iran while replacing the extended USS Abraham Lincoln, amid growing reports of poor onboard conditions and crew burnout.

‘Economic isolation like never seen before, Hormuz blockade continuation’: US Treasury Secretary’s fresh threat to Iran

India and Bangladesh are discussing new dates for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official visit to New Delhi, with one window around 21 August and another in the first week of September under active consideration, people in the know of the developments have said.The invitation was first extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a telephone conversation after Rahman’s February election victory. New Delhi later renewed the offer in Rahman’s capacity as BIMSTEC chair, inviting him to attend the BRICS Summit in Delhi in September.&nbsp;No final dates have been locked in so far. Officials from the two countries are looking at domestic political calendars and the need for substantive outcomes from Rahman's India visit. The MEA has maintained that the invitation remains open and that India values a stable, productive partnership with Bangladesh.&nbsp;This week has seen intense diplomatic activity aimed at stabilising relations. On 10 August, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, called on Prime Minister Rahman and separately met the home minister in Dhaka. Concurrently, the chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing, Parag Jain, was in the Bangladeshi capital for consultations. The following day, High Commissioner Trivedi returned to Delhi and briefed PM Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) publicly restated the invitation for Rahman to participate in the BRICS summit.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shortcuts-will-cut-you-short-pm-modi-urges-youth-to-look-beyond-social-media-reels-and-read-autobiographies-1786512120120">‘Shortcuts will cut you short’: PM Modi urges youth to look beyond social media reels and read autobiographies</a>Relations between the two neighbours have seen a focus on resetting since a new government took charge in Bangladesh earlier this year. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Trivedi earlier this month also met the country's Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the power and energy sectors. During the meeting, Dhaka sought more diesel from India, Bangladeshi media reports said.The flurry of contacts comes against a backdrop of areas of friction as well. Dhaka has expressed "outrage" over the continued presence in India of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and a virtual press conference she held on 5 August. In a strongly worded statement, the Bangladesh government condemned the event and the platform provided to Hasina. The MEA responded by distancing itself from the remarks made during the press conference, stating that India did not endorse the comments.

No final dates have been locked in so far. Officials from the two countries are looking at domestic political calendars and the need for substantive outcomes from Rahman's India visit. 

India and Bangladesh are discussing new dates for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official visit to New Delhi, with one window around 21 August and another in the first week of September under active consideration, people in the know of the developments have said. The invitation was first extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a telephone conversation after Rahman’s February election victory. New Delhi later renewed the offer in Rahman’s capacity as BIMSTEC chair, inviting him to attend the BRICS Summit in Delhi in September. No final dates have been locked in so far. Officials from the two countries are looking at domestic political calendars and the need for substantive outcomes from Rahman's India visit. The MEA has maintained that the invitation remains open and that India values a stable, productive partnership with Bangladesh. This week has seen intense diplomatic activity aimed at stabilising relations. On 10 August, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, called on Prime Minister Rahman and separately met the home minister in Dhaka. Concurrently, the chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing, Parag Jain, was in the Bangladeshi capital for consultations. The following day, High Commissioner Trivedi returned to Delhi and briefed PM Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) publicly restated the invitation for Rahman to participate in the BRICS summit. Also read | ‘Shortcuts will cut you short’: PM Modi urges youth to look beyond social media reels and read autobiographies Relations between the two neighbours have seen a focus on resetting since a new government took charge in Bangladesh earlier this year. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Trivedi earlier this month also met the country's Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the power and energy sectors. During the meeting, Dhaka sought more diesel from India, Bangladeshi media reports said. The flurry of contacts comes against a backdrop of areas of friction as well. Dhaka has expressed "outrage" over the continued presence in India of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and a virtual press conference she held on 5 August. In a strongly worded statement, the Bangladesh government condemned the event and the platform provided to Hasina. The MEA responded by distancing itself from the remarks made during the press conference, stating that India did not endorse the comments.

No final dates have been locked in so far. Officials from the two countries are looking at domestic political calendars and the need for substantive outcomes from Rahman's India visit.&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh explore fresh dates for PM Rahman’s Delhi visit

The United States is preparing to send the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East amid reports claiming poor conditions for US sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed to the region for over 240 days. This comes after a report suggested that several American sailors tried to jump from the ship in recent weeks due to an alleged mental health crisis among those on the ship. Over 5,000 sailors and Marines have been deployed on the aircraft carrier since November last year. It was deployed to the Middle East in January. While the vessel was earlier scheduled to return in May, the prolonged war between the US and Iran has extended its deployment period.The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter, that USS George Washington will replace USS Abraham Lincoln as part of a previously scheduled rotation plan. The Japan-based USS George Washington has been operating in the Pacific in recent weeks. Open-source tracking data showed the aircraft carrier transiting the Strait of Malacca this week alongside guided-missile destroyers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-abraham-lincoln-sailors-tried-to-jump-from-the-warship-families-say-here-s-why-1786519879712">USS Abraham Lincoln sailors tried to jump from the warship, families say. Here's why</a> Lawmakers have raised concerns over living conditions on the carrier, saying that the high tempo of operations and strain of extended deployment have resulted in challenges for sailors. Amid reports of mental health issues aboard the vessel, they have also urged the Pentagon to provide more information.Being deployed for over 250 days and without making any port call in 200 days, the Lincoln has set a record for consecutive days at sea. The aircraft carrier has also faced concerns over a shortage of food supplies for US troops aboard, water contamination and plumbing issues.&nbsp;In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Sen. Richard Blumenthal raised the issues. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” he wrote.Earlier this month, MS Now reported that USS Abraham Lincoln was running out of supplies, including food, toothpaste and soap. The report added that lawmakers were concerned over reports that sailors were struggling with exhaustion and mental health issues due to rare port visits.

US is sending USS George Washington to replace USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East following an extended deployment and reports of a severe mental health crisis among sailors.

The United States is preparing to send the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East amid reports claiming poor conditions for US sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed to the region for over 240 days. This comes after a report suggested that several American sailors tried to jump from the ship in recent weeks due to an alleged mental health crisis among those on the ship. Over 5,000 sailors and Marines have been deployed on the aircraft carrier since November last year. It was deployed to the Middle East in January. While the vessel was earlier scheduled to return in May, the prolonged war between the US and Iran has extended its deployment period. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter, that USS George Washington will replace USS Abraham Lincoln as part of a previously scheduled rotation plan. The Japan-based USS George Washington has been operating in the Pacific in recent weeks. Open-source tracking data showed the aircraft carrier transiting the Strait of Malacca this week alongside guided-missile destroyers. Also read | USS Abraham Lincoln sailors tried to jump from the warship, families say. Here's why Lawmakers have raised concerns over living conditions on the carrier, saying that the high tempo of operations and strain of extended deployment have resulted in challenges for sailors. Amid reports of mental health issues aboard the vessel, they have also urged the Pentagon to provide more information. Being deployed for over 250 days and without making any port call in 200 days, the Lincoln has set a record for consecutive days at sea. The aircraft carrier has also faced concerns over a shortage of food supplies for US troops aboard, water contamination and plumbing issues. In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Sen. Richard Blumenthal raised the issues. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” he wrote. Earlier this month, MS Now reported that USS Abraham Lincoln was running out of supplies, including food, toothpaste and soap. The report added that lawmakers were concerned over reports that sailors were struggling with exhaustion and mental health issues due to rare port visits.

US is sending USS George Washington to replace USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East following an extended deployment and reports of a severe mental health crisis among sailors.

US replacing USS Abraham Lincoln amid reports of suffering troops? New aircraft carrier to arrive in Middle East

The United States, as per reports, has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its war with Iran, wiping out roughly a quarter of the military's fleet and raising fresh questions about how long Washington can sustain the campaign.Three US officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that at least 45 Reapers have been lost since the conflict began. The drones are widely used for surveillance and targeted strikes and can cost between $30 million and $50 million each, depending on their equipment and weapons. That puts the potential cost of the losses at more than $1.3 billion for the Reaper fleet alone.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-old-time-s-sake-iran-knew-trump-s-exact-location-in-turkey-full-scale-of-assassination-threat-revealed-1786589235642">'For old time's sake': Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey? Full scale of assassination threat revealed</a><h2>Drones caught in the Strait of Hormuz fight</h2>The MQ-9s have been heavily deployed around the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the centre of the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran.But the Reaper's design also makes it vulnerable. The remotely operated aircraft flies relatively slowly and often at low altitude, leaving it exposed to Iranian forces and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq.Notably, not all the drones were necessarily shot down. A fourth US official told the publication that some were lost after operators apparently lost their communications links with the aircraft, although the Pentagon has not disclosed how many.Before the war, the US military had about 185 Reapers, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps. None of the Marine Corps drones have been lost, according to a spokesman. The Air Force had already reported a sharp decline in its inventory. In May, Lt Gen David Tabor told senators that the number of remaining Air Force Reapers had fallen to around 135 and said he was "concerned" about the losses.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-alleged-nuclear-arsenal-no-longer-top-concern-for-us-vance-says-cheap-oil-is-priority-no-1-in-iran-war-nuclear-threat-goal-number-two-1786669765626">Iran's alleged nuclear arsenal no longer top concern for US? Vance says cheap oil is priority No. 1 in Iran war, nuclear threat 'goal number two'</a><h2>Iran war adds to wider weapons strain</h2>The drone losses are part of a much bigger problem for the Pentagon. During the first month of the Iran campaign, US forces fired more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors, according to earlier reporting by The Washington Post.Those demands have come on top of years of US military support for Ukraine, putting additional pressure on already stretched weapons supplies.The Trump administration is seeking $67 billion from Congress for an Iran war funding package, including money to replenish depleted stocks. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the conflict could cost $37.5 billion through September alone.&nbsp;

The US has reportedly lost dozens of its prized MQ-9 Reaper drones during the Iran war. The scale of the losses is now raising a bigger question about America's ability to sustain a long-running campaign. All you need to know.

The United States, as per reports, has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its war with Iran, wiping out roughly a quarter of the military's fleet and raising fresh questions about how long Washington can sustain the campaign. Three US officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that at least 45 Reapers have been lost since the conflict began. The drones are widely used for surveillance and targeted strikes and can cost between $30 million and $50 million each, depending on their equipment and weapons. That puts the potential cost of the losses at more than $1.3 billion for the Reaper fleet alone. Also read | 'For old time's sake': Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey? Full scale of assassination threat revealed Drones caught in the Strait of Hormuz fight The MQ-9s have been heavily deployed around the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the centre of the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran. But the Reaper's design also makes it vulnerable. The remotely operated aircraft flies relatively slowly and often at low altitude, leaving it exposed to Iranian forces and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq. Notably, not all the drones were necessarily shot down. A fourth US official told the publication that some were lost after operators apparently lost their communications links with the aircraft, although the Pentagon has not disclosed how many. Before the war, the US military had about 185 Reapers, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps. None of the Marine Corps drones have been lost, according to a spokesman. The Air Force had already reported a sharp decline in its inventory. In May, Lt Gen David Tabor told senators that the number of remaining Air Force Reapers had fallen to around 135 and said he was "concerned" about the losses. Also read | Iran's alleged nuclear arsenal no longer top concern for US? Vance says cheap oil is priority No. 1 in Iran war, nuclear threat 'goal number two' Iran war adds to wider weapons strain The drone losses are part of a much bigger problem for the Pentagon. During the first month of the Iran campaign, US forces fired more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors, according to earlier reporting by The Washington Post. Those demands have come on top of years of US military support for Ukraine, putting additional pressure on already stretched weapons supplies. The Trump administration is seeking $67 billion from Congress for an Iran war funding package, including money to replenish depleted stocks. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the conflict could cost $37.5 billion through September alone.

The US has reportedly lost dozens of its prized MQ-9 Reaper drones during the Iran war. The scale of the losses is now raising a bigger question about America's ability to sustain a long-running campaign. All you need to know.

Iran war eating into America's drone arsenal? US has lost nearly 1 in 4 MQ-9 Reaper drones, claims report

A farewell video of Rudra Gaurav Shresth, India's outgoing Ambassador to Iran, has gone viral on social media after he delivered his final message in Farsi from Tehran. Shresth thanked the people and colleagues who were part of his posting during his three years of tenure in the country and spoke about the memories he would take with him. As part of his farewell, a traditional Iranian custom involving water was performed. Looking ahead, his next posting will take him to Türkiye, where he is set to serve as India's ambassador in Ankara. In the video, Shresth reflected on his time in Iran and expressed gratitude to those who had supported him during his tenure. “Today, my mission in Iran has come to an end. I would like to thank all my friends and colleagues who were with me during this time. Iran is truly a land of beauty, culture, manners and hospitality,” Shresth said in Farsi. “This land and its people have always had a special place in my memories and in my heart. I look forward to seeing you again. Goodbye,” he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">India&#39;s outgoing ambassador Rudra Gaurav Shresth bids farewell to Tehran. Thanks Iran for &quot;Mehman-Nawazi&quot;. Iranian tradition, water is thrown behind departing traveller, symbolising a safe travels <a href="https://t.co/t5xSWQ6tuq">pic.twitter.com/t5xSWQ6tuq</a>&mdash; Yeshi Seli (@YeshiSeli) <a href="https://x.com/YeshiSeli/status/2086968204115804416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/google-searches-for-eyes-hurt-see-shark-spike-after-solar-eclipse-1786624604678">Google searches for 'eyes hurt' see shark spike after solar eclipse - 'I think I'm going blind'</a><h3>Iranian tradition</h3>During his departure, water was thrown behind him in keeping with the Iranian tradition, a gesture meant to wish the departing person a safe journey and express hope for their eventual return. Shresth's transfer comes at a time when India continues to navigate its long-standing relationship with Iran alongside its strategic ties with Israel and the United States. This balancing act has grown more delicate following the February 28 US-Israel strikes and the broader conflict in West Asia. India expressed being "deeply concerned," calling for restraint, an end to escalation, and the protection of civilians, while stopping short of condemning the strikes. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the sympathy book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi. The development followed after the Modi government faced criticism over its silence on the death of Khamenei for nearly a week.

Rudra Gaurav Shresth's transfer comes at a time when India continues to navigate its long-standing relationship with Iran alongside its strategic ties with Israel and the United States. 

A farewell video of Rudra Gaurav Shresth, India's outgoing Ambassador to Iran, has gone viral on social media after he delivered his final message in Farsi from Tehran. Shresth thanked the people and colleagues who were part of his posting during his three years of tenure in the country and spoke about the memories he would take with him. As part of his farewell, a traditional Iranian custom involving water was performed. Looking ahead, his next posting will take him to Türkiye, where he is set to serve as India's ambassador in Ankara. In the video, Shresth reflected on his time in Iran and expressed gratitude to those who had supported him during his tenure. “Today, my mission in Iran has come to an end. I would like to thank all my friends and colleagues who were with me during this time. Iran is truly a land of beauty, culture, manners and hospitality,” Shresth said in Farsi. “This land and its people have always had a special place in my memories and in my heart. I look forward to seeing you again. Goodbye,” he added.

Rudra Gaurav Shresth's transfer comes at a time when India continues to navigate its long-standing relationship with Iran alongside its strategic ties with Israel and the United States.&nbsp;

India's ambassador to Iran Rudra Gaurav Shresth delivers farewell in Farsi: Emotional video goes viral

The United States has placed India among more than 40 countries it says are part of a global "Shadow Transshipment Network" being used to move China-linked goods into the American market while avoiding higher tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.The claim comes from a new report titled <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Great-Transshipment-Scam.pdf">The Great Transshipment Scam</a>, which examines how Chinese goods are allegedly being rerouted through third countries before reaching the US. India is listed in the report's top tier of countries considered to have significant exposure to China-linked transshipment.The report does not, however, say that India, as a government, is deliberately helping China evade tariffs. Instead, it says the risk is embedded within legitimate trade flows and points to India as one of several major trading and manufacturing hubs through which such goods may pass.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-trade-adviser-peter-navarro-slams-indians-claim-they-firebombed-him-online-over-brahmins-profiteering-remark-1786498920422">Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro slams Indians, claims they ‘firebombed’ him online over ‘Brahmins profiteering’ remark | WATCH</a><h2>Why is India on the US list?</h2>The report says China adapted to the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump during his first term in 2018 by increasingly routing goods through countries with lower tariff exposure.According to the report, Chinese goods can undergo limited processing, repackaging, relabelling, or documentation changes in a third country before being shipped to the US. Such practices can create the appearance that the goods originated somewhere other than China.It describes this as "smuggling disguised as trade - fraud cloaked in paperwork" and says the system has grown into a global network.India is grouped alongside Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan in Tier 1, described as "Diversified Scale Leaders". The report says these economies have large volumes of China-linked trade and major export platforms, meaning transshipment risks can exist alongside legitimate commerce.<h2>$67 billion passed through India, Mexico, and Vietnam: US</h2>One of the report's key findings comes from the US Commerce Department's Office of Trade and Economic Analysis. Using transaction-level customs data, the analysis estimates that around $67 billion worth of US-bound goods were transshipped from China through Mexico, India, and Vietnam in 2025.The report estimates that this resulted in around $28 billion in lost US tariff revenue. It stresses that this narrower estimate was based on strict transaction matching and therefore provides only one measure of the wider problem."OTEA estimates that approximately $67 billion in U.S.-bound goods were transshipped from China through the top hubs—Mexico, India, and Vietnam—in 2025, producing an estimated $28 billion in lost tariff revenue."The report says the wider network now spans more than 40 "lower-tariff jurisdictions", with China-linked goods moving through production hubs, logistics centres, free zones and re-export platforms.<h2>Pune, Gujarat and Chennai: India's "ugly sister"?</h2>The report uses India's Pune-Gujarat-Chennai production belt as one of its "ugly sister" examples. "These are not sister cities in the cultural sense. They are the “ugly sisters” of modern zero-sum global trade, paired not by civic partnership, but by the logic of American jobs lost to unfair trade," reads the report.It identifies the corridor as a major route for pumps and compressors, which fall under HS codes 8413 and 8414. The concern is that China-linked goods moving through this Indian manufacturing network could ultimately compete with US producers in Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus, putting pressure on American orders, factory utilisation, and jobs. The report stresses that these are not literal sister-city relationships, but product-to-industry comparisons showing how trade diversion in one country can affect manufacturing communities in another.<h2>US plans AI-powered crackdown</h2>Washington says it is turning to artificial intelligence to detect such activity. The report describes an "AI-enabled Detective Border" that would examine shipping routes, declared origins, components and production capacity to identify suspicious patterns.It says the system is intended to catch cases where "the paperwork changed faster than the product did" and identify false-origin claims and unusual routing patterns.The report also warns that the scale of tariff evasion could be far larger than the most conservative estimates, putting renewed pressure on countries including India that have become important links in global supply chains.

A US report has listed India among 40+ countries exposed to a China-linked transshipment network allegedly used to bypass higher US tariffs on Chinese goods.

The United States has placed India among more than 40 countries it says are part of a global "Shadow Transshipment Network" being used to move China-linked goods into the American market while avoiding higher tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. The claim comes from a new report titled The Great Transshipment Scam, which examines how Chinese goods are allegedly being rerouted through third countries before reaching the US. India is listed in the report's top tier of countries considered to have significant exposure to China-linked transshipment. The report does not, however, say that India, as a government, is deliberately helping China evade tariffs. Instead, it says the risk is embedded within legitimate trade flows and points to India as one of several major trading and manufacturing hubs through which such goods may pass. Also read | Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro slams Indians, claims they ‘firebombed’ him online over ‘Brahmins profiteering’ remark | WATCH Why is India on the US list? The report says China adapted to the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump during his first term in 2018 by increasingly routing goods through countries with lower tariff exposure. According to the report, Chinese goods can undergo limited processing, repackaging, relabelling, or documentation changes in a third country before being shipped to the US. Such practices can create the appearance that the goods originated somewhere other than China. It describes this as "smuggling disguised as trade - fraud cloaked in paperwork" and says the system has grown into a global network. India is grouped alongside Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan in Tier 1, described as "Diversified Scale Leaders". The report says these economies have large volumes of China-linked trade and major export platforms, meaning transshipment risks can exist alongside legitimate commerce. $67 billion passed through India, Mexico, and Vietnam: US One of the report's key findings comes from the US Commerce Department's Office of Trade and Economic Analysis. Using transaction-level customs data, the analysis estimates that around $67 billion worth of US-bound goods were transshipped from China through Mexico, India, and Vietnam in 2025. The report estimates that this resulted in around $28 billion in lost US tariff revenue. It stresses that this narrower estimate was based on strict transaction matching and therefore provides only one measure of the wider problem. "OTEA estimates that approximately $67 billion in U.S.-bound goods were transshipped from China through the top hubs—Mexico, India, and Vietnam—in 2025, producing an estimated $28 billion in lost tariff revenue." The report says the wider network now spans more than 40 "lower-tariff jurisdictions", with China-linked goods moving through production hubs, logistics centres, free zones and re-export platforms. Pune, Gujarat and Chennai: India's "ugly sister"? The report uses India's Pune-Gujarat-Chennai production belt as one of its "ugly sister" examples. "These are not sister cities in the cultural sense. They are the “ugly sisters” of modern zero-sum global trade, paired not by civic partnership, but by the logic of American jobs lost to unfair trade," reads the report. It identifies the corridor as a major route for pumps and compressors, which fall under HS codes 8413 and 8414. The concern is that China-linked goods moving through this Indian manufacturing network could ultimately compete with US producers in Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus, putting pressure on American orders, factory utilisation, and jobs. The report stresses that these are not literal sister-city relationships, but product-to-industry comparisons showing how trade diversion in one country can affect manufacturing communities in another. US plans AI-powered crackdown Washington says it is turning to artificial intelligence to detect such activity. The report describes an "AI-enabled Detective Border" that would examine shipping routes, declared origins, components and production capacity to identify suspicious patterns. It says the system is intended to catch cases where "the paperwork changed faster than the product did" and identify false-origin claims and unusual routing patterns. The report also warns that the scale of tariff evasion could be far larger than the most conservative estimates, putting renewed pressure on countries including India that have become important links in global supply chains.

A new US report has put India among more than 40 countries exposed to a global "shadow transshipment network" involving China-linked goods. But does the report accuse India of helping China evade tariffs? Here's what it actually says.

'Smuggling disguised as trade': US claims India part of 40-nation 'shadow network' helping China evade tariffs

Latest News Today Live Updates: US Vice President JD Vance has said keeping oil and gasoline prices affordable for Americans is now the top US priority in the Iran war, with preventing a nuclear-armed Iran ranked second. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the confrontation as Tehran ties its reopening to wider demands. Meanwhile, Wall Street reached fresh record highs after softer-than-expected US producer inflation eased fears of another Federal Reserve rate hike. In India, the Bar Council of India withdrew an order that had temporarily blocked 2026 NALSAR law graduates from enrolment over a student campaign opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's proposed participation in the university's convocation. The BCI said most graduates were innocent and would be free to enrol.

Delhi High Court received a bomb threat on Friday (Aug 14) via email, just a day before the 80th Independence Day of India. Registrar General of the Delhi HC was reported to be in touch with the Delhi Police.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hc-receives-bomb-threat-via-email-1786693313819">Read Here.&nbsp;</a> &nbsp;

Delhi High Court receives bomb threat via email ahead of India's 80th Independence Day

A British maritime risk and response company has been brought in to contain an oil spill from a grounded Russian shadow fleet tanker off Oman, as crude continues to spread toward the country's coastline and a protected marine area.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-firm-joins-rescue-race-as-oil-spill-from-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-spreads-along-oman-s-coast-1786690658895">Click here to read</a><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260814/image-1786691167725.JPG?rect=(0,120,720,540)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Extremely challenging situation': UK firm joins rescue race as oil spill from Russian shadow fleet tanker spreads along Oman's coast"> &nbsp;

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday (Aug 14) questioned the Bar Council of India's intervention in the controversy involving students of the NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, saying the matter was essentially a dialogue between him and the students. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed strong displeasure over the Bar Council of India's intervention in the NALSAR University of Law controversy, questioning the decision to block enrolment of the institution's 2026 graduates as advocates.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-are-bci-to-interfere-cji-surya-kant-breaks-silence-on-nalsar-convocation-row-bar-1786686143961">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260814/image-1786687529666.jpg?rect=(0,0,920,690)"></figure>

'Who are BCI to interfere?': CJI Surya Kant breaks silence on NALSAR convocation row; SC demands response on why punitive action was ordered

As America continues to pressure for nuclear talks on Iran, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the United States is planning to impose economic measures on Iran that have “never been seen” before. His remarks came after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US military could maintain a naval blockade of Iran “indefinitely”. Hegseth told reporters on Thursday (Aug 13) that the Navy would continue to rotate ships in and out of the region as it has so far.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-isolation-like-never-seen-before-hormuz-blockade-continuation-us-treasury-secretary-s-fresh-threat-for-iran-1786686121642">Read more</a>

‘Economic isolation like never seen before’: US Treasury Secretary’s fresh threat to Iran

The moment happened in the 21st over when Smith knicked one behind for Bangladesh keeper Litton Das to complete a simple catch. The visitors appealed but the on-field umpire wasn't convinced. Bangladesh opted for DRS and Smith had already started walking back to the dressing room before a flatline on snicko reprived him.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ban-1st-test-smith-agrees-he-certainly-felt-something-on-drs-snicko-controversy-1786680861675">Read more</a>

AUS vs BAN, 1st Test: Was Smith out? The Aussie batter opens up on snicko controversy

A new US report has put India among more than 40 countries exposed to a global "shadow transshipment network" involving China-linked goods. But does the report accuse India of helping China evade tariffs? Here's what it actually says.Click here to read<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260814/image-1786679560603.jpg?rect=(740,0,2980,2235)&amp;imwidth=900&amp;imheight=675" alt="'Smuggling disguised as trade': US claims India part of 40-nation 'shadow network' helping China evade tariffs"></figure>

The Bar Council of India has reversed a controversial order that briefly blocked NALSAR Hyderabad's 2026 graduates from enrolling with State Bar Councils. The U-turn came within hours of uproar over the directive.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nalsar-graduates-spared-bci-withdraws-controversial-bar-enrolment-order-hours-after-blocking-2026-graduates-over-cji-cockroach-row-1786672064793">Here's what happened</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260725/image-1784976078309.jpg?rect=(0,146,6715,5036)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="NALSAR graduates spared? BCI withdraws controversial bar enrolment order hours after blocking 2026 graduates over CJI 'cockroach' row"></figure>

NALSAR graduates spared? BCI withdraws controversial bar enrolment order hours after blocking 2026 graduates over CJI 'cockroach' row

JD Vance has put a different priority on the table as the Iran war continues, raising fresh questions about what is driving Washington's strategy. The VP said keeping oil and gasoline affordable is now the US priority in the Iran war.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-alleged-nuclear-arsenal-no-longer-top-concern-for-us-vance-says-cheap-oil-is-priority-no-1-in-iran-war-nuclear-threat-goal-number-two-1786669765626">Here's what he said</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260215/image-1771139566753.jpg?rect=(0,101,1597,1197)?&amp;imwidth=148&amp;imheight=111" alt="Iran's alleged nuclear arsenal no longer top concern for US? Vance says cheap oil is priority No. 1 in Iran war, nuclear threat 'goal number two'"></figure>

Cheap oil now more important than stopping Iran's nuclear threat? JD Vance says...

Wall Street climbed to a fresh record on Thursday as cooler-than-expected wholesale inflation eased concerns over another Federal Reserve interest rate hike, giving investors renewed confidence in U.S. markets.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.65 per cent to close at a record 7,798.99, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.81 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.13 per cent higher. The S&amp;P 500 has gained roughly 14 per cent so far this year, according to Reuters.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-hits-record-high-as-cooling-us-inflation-reshapes-fed-rate-outlook-1786667986920">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260814/image-1786668930859.jpg?rect=(0,338,5325,3994)?&amp;imwidth=148&amp;imheight=111" alt="Wall Street hits record high as cooling US inflation reshapes Fed rate outlook"></figure>

Wall Street hits record high as cooling US inflation reshapes Fed rate outlook

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

Latest News Today Live Updates: US Vice President JD Vance has said keeping oil and gasoline prices affordable for Americans is now the top US priority in the Iran war, with preventing a nuclear-armed Iran ranked second. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the confrontation as Tehran ties its reopening to wider demands. Meanwhile, Wall Street reached fresh record highs after softer-than-expected US producer inflation eased fears of another Federal Reserve rate hike. In India, the Bar Council of India withdrew an order that had temporarily blocked 2026 NALSAR law graduates from enrolment over a student campaign opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's proposed participation in the university's convocation. The BCI said most graduates were innocent and would be free to enrol.

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

LIVE Updates | Latest India & World News Today: US' changing priorities in Iran war; Wall Street's record high, and more

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