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US Vice President JD Vance has said keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans is now Washington's top priority in the Iran war, while the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran comes second.The comments mark a notable shift from President Donald Trump's repeated description of the conflict as a campaign aimed primarily at stopping Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.Speaking to Fox News on Thursday (Aug 13), Vance pointed to the sharp rise in oil prices during the early stages of the conflict before adding that keeping energy costs down had become the administration's first goal. "That's goal number one," Vance said, referring to keeping oil and gas affordable for Americans. He then identified preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as "goal number two.""I know that oil is down today and it's way down from the highs in the early days of the conflict," Vance said on Fox News. "That's goal number one -- keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country.""And then obviously goal number two is ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon," he added.<h2>Strait of Hormuz now at the centre</h2>Vance's remarks come as the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest pressure points in the conflict. Iran has made the reopening of the strategic waterway part of the wider confrontation, while Washington and Tehran remain divided over the conditions needed to ease the standoff.The strait is crucial to global energy markets, making any prolonged disruption a direct concern for oil prices and American consumers.Vance said the administration was balancing several priorities at once, including energy prices, military considerations and Iran's nuclear programme. "Sometimes we're focused on the energy piece of it because we want Americans to be able to afford the price of oil and gas," he said.<h2>Trump faces pressure to avoid deeper escalation</h2>Vance has previously been among the administration's more cautious voices on the military campaign launched against Iran. His latest comments suggest that economic pressure and negotiations could now play a bigger role as Washington weighs its next steps ahead of the mid-term elections.Vance also said Trump had a wide range of options available, describing the president as being "at the height of his authority" with diplomatic, military and economic tools at his disposal.This comes as US media reports have raised questions about the availability of some American missiles and drones, potentially adding another constraint to Trump's military options.&nbsp;

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. 

US Vice President JD Vance has said keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans is now Washington's top priority in the Iran war, while the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran comes second. The comments mark a notable shift from President Donald Trump's repeated description of the conflict as a campaign aimed primarily at stopping Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday (Aug 13), Vance pointed to the sharp rise in oil prices during the early stages of the conflict before adding that keeping energy costs down had become the administration's first goal. "That's goal number one," Vance said, referring to keeping oil and gas affordable for Americans. He then identified preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as "goal number two." "I know that oil is down today and it's way down from the highs in the early days of the conflict," Vance said on Fox News. "That's goal number one -- keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country." "And then obviously goal number two is ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon," he added. Strait of Hormuz now at the centre Vance's remarks come as the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest pressure points in the conflict. Iran has made the reopening of the strategic waterway part of the wider confrontation, while Washington and Tehran remain divided over the conditions needed to ease the standoff. The strait is crucial to global energy markets, making any prolonged disruption a direct concern for oil prices and American consumers. Vance said the administration was balancing several priorities at once, including energy prices, military considerations and Iran's nuclear programme. "Sometimes we're focused on the energy piece of it because we want Americans to be able to afford the price of oil and gas," he said. Trump faces pressure to avoid deeper escalation Vance has previously been among the administration's more cautious voices on the military campaign launched against Iran. His latest comments suggest that economic pressure and negotiations could now play a bigger role as Washington weighs its next steps ahead of the mid-term elections. Vance also said Trump had a wide range of options available, describing the president as being "at the height of his authority" with diplomatic, military and economic tools at his disposal. This comes as US media reports have raised questions about the availability of some American missiles and drones, potentially adding another constraint to Trump's military options.

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;

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'

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.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>The rally followed fresh data showing that inflationary pressures at the producer level were softer than economists had expected.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Producer Price Index, or PPI, was unchanged in July after falling a revised 0.1% in June.On an annual basis, producer prices rose 4.7 per cent, slowing from a 5.5 per cent increase in June. Prices for goods fell 0.7 per cent during July, while services prices increased 0.2 per cent.The PPI measures the prices that producers receive for goods and services and is closely watched for signs of inflation that could eventually be passed on to American consumers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-eia-report-warns-strait-of-hormuz-disruptions-could-keep-pressure-on-global-oil-markets-1786594753362">EIA warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could keep pressure on global oil markets</a>Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices increased 3.4 per cent in the 12 months through July.Together, the reports have reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates at its September meeting.Traders now see around a 35 per cent chance of a September rate hike, down from about 55 per cent a week earlier, according to Reuters. The Fed held its benchmark interest rate at a range of 3.50 per cent to 3.75 per cent at its July meeting.However, uncertainty remains over whether inflation is cooling quickly enough to bring it sustainably back toward the Fed’s 2 per cent target.For Wall Street, Thursday’s data provided some relief. Softer producer inflation reduced the immediate pressure on the Fed to raise rates, while optimism surrounding technology and artificial intelligence stocks helped propel the broader market to another record.&nbsp;

Wall Street hit fresh records as softer US producer inflation eased concerns over a September Fed rate hike and boosted investor confidence.

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&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&P 500 has gained roughly 14 per cent so far this year, according to Reuters. Also read | 'Who bears responsibility?': Iran wants 'polluter pays' rule for Strait of Hormuz as oil slick plagues Qeshm The rally followed fresh data showing that inflationary pressures at the producer level were softer than economists had expected. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Producer Price Index, or PPI, was unchanged in July after falling a revised 0.1% in June. On an annual basis, producer prices rose 4.7 per cent, slowing from a 5.5 per cent increase in June. Prices for goods fell 0.7 per cent during July, while services prices increased 0.2 per cent. The PPI measures the prices that producers receive for goods and services and is closely watched for signs of inflation that could eventually be passed on to American consumers. Also read | EIA warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could keep pressure on global oil markets Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices increased 3.4 per cent in the 12 months through July. Together, the reports have reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates at its September meeting. Traders now see around a 35 per cent chance of a September rate hike, down from about 55 per cent a week earlier, according to Reuters. The Fed held its benchmark interest rate at a range of 3.50 per cent to 3.75 per cent at its July meeting. However, uncertainty remains over whether inflation is cooling quickly enough to bring it sustainably back toward the Fed’s 2 per cent target. For Wall Street, Thursday’s data provided some relief. Softer producer inflation reduced the immediate pressure on the Fed to raise rates, while optimism surrounding technology and artificial intelligence stocks helped propel the broader market to another record.

Wall Street hit fresh records as softer US producer inflation eased concerns over a September Fed rate hike and boosted investor confidence.

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

The most valuable thing a Bitcoin mining company owns turns out not to be its mining operation. It is the building, the power contract and the cooling — and artificial intelligence companies will now pay billions for them.&nbsp;The Deal&nbsp;Riot Platforms, a Bitcoin mining company, signed a $9.1 billion compute agreement with Anthropic as it pivots its facilities toward AI data centre operation. Riot's shares rose 25 per cent in after-hours trading on the announcement.&nbsp;A 25 per cent move on a single contract tells you how the market values the transition: not as a new revenue line for a mining business, but as a reclassification of what the business is.&nbsp;Why The Pivot Works&nbsp;The constraint on AI infrastructure is not chips alone. It is the physical envelope around them.&nbsp;A large data centre requires a site with grid capacity, a secured long-term power contract, cooling systems capable of removing enormous quantities of heat, and the permits to operate all of it. Those take years to assemble. Power contracts in particular have become the binding constraint — OpenAI's Project Camellia in Georgia carries 3.2 gigawatts of contracted power, and Europe's AI gigafactory programme faces power availability as its central obstacle.&nbsp;Bitcoin miners spent the last decade building exactly that. Mining is an operation that converts cheap electricity into computation at scale, which meant siting facilities near abundant power, negotiating utility-scale contracts, and engineering aggressive cooling for densely packed hardware.&nbsp;Swapping mining rigs for AI accelerators is a substantial retrofit — power density, networking and cooling requirements differ meaningfully — but it is a retrofit rather than a construction project. In a market where the wait for new capacity is measured in years, that difference is worth billions.&nbsp;What Anthropic Gets&nbsp;For Anthropic, the deal is one component of an extraordinary compute accumulation. The company has assembled roughly $71 billion in chip-lease debt in about 60 days, structured through special purpose vehicles that buy the hardware and lease it back, with Broadcom backstopping the senior tranches — keeping the assets and the debt off Anthropic's own balance sheet.&nbsp;It already pays xAI approximately $1.25 billion a month through May 2029 for exclusive use of the Colossus 1 data centre in Memphis. It has expanded a partnership with Google and Broadcom for multiple gigawatts of next-generation compute. This month it confirmed it is building an in-house chip design team.&nbsp;The Riot agreement is the third major compute procurement in three months. What each has in common is speed: Anthropic is buying capacity that already exists rather than waiting for capacity to be built.&nbsp;The Wider Reallocation&nbsp;The crypto-to-AI shift is a real reallocation of physical infrastructure between industries, and the economics driving it are straightforward.&nbsp;Bitcoin mining revenue is a function of the Bitcoin price and mining difficulty, both volatile and neither within a miner's control. An AI compute contract is a long-term agreement with a creditworthy counterparty at predictable rates. For a mining company, converting volatile commodity exposure into contracted infrastructure revenue is an obvious trade — which is why the market repriced Riot by a quarter on the news.&nbsp;It also illustrates how far AI's resource demands now reach. The industry has already pulled memory chips away from consumer electronics, with Acer, Asus and HP turning to Chinese DRAM as AI absorbs an estimated 70 per cent of memory production. It is competing for water and land, with Google's $15 billion Indian data centre facing litigation in a city that rations drinking water. Now it is absorbing the physical plant of an entirely separate industry.&nbsp;Bitcoin miners built infrastructure to turn electricity into money. It turns out that infrastructure is worth more turning electricity into intelligence.

Bitcoin miner Riot Platforms signed a $9.1 billion compute deal with Anthropic and saw shares rise 25% after hours. Crypto miners already own what AI companies lack: sited facilities, secured power at scale and cooling — the parts that take years to build.

The most valuable thing a Bitcoin mining company owns turns out not to be its mining operation. It is the building, the power contract and the cooling — and artificial intelligence companies will now pay billions for them. The Deal Riot Platforms, a Bitcoin mining company, signed a $9.1 billion compute agreement with Anthropic as it pivots its facilities toward AI data centre operation. Riot's shares rose 25 per cent in after-hours trading on the announcement. A 25 per cent move on a single contract tells you how the market values the transition: not as a new revenue line for a mining business, but as a reclassification of what the business is. Why The Pivot Works The constraint on AI infrastructure is not chips alone. It is the physical envelope around them. A large data centre requires a site with grid capacity, a secured long-term power contract, cooling systems capable of removing enormous quantities of heat, and the permits to operate all of it. Those take years to assemble. Power contracts in particular have become the binding constraint — OpenAI's Project Camellia in Georgia carries 3.2 gigawatts of contracted power, and Europe's AI gigafactory programme faces power availability as its central obstacle. Bitcoin miners spent the last decade building exactly that. Mining is an operation that converts cheap electricity into computation at scale, which meant siting facilities near abundant power, negotiating utility-scale contracts, and engineering aggressive cooling for densely packed hardware. Swapping mining rigs for AI accelerators is a substantial retrofit — power density, networking and cooling requirements differ meaningfully — but it is a retrofit rather than a construction project. In a market where the wait for new capacity is measured in years, that difference is worth billions. What Anthropic Gets For Anthropic, the deal is one component of an extraordinary compute accumulation. The company has assembled roughly $71 billion in chip-lease debt in about 60 days, structured through special purpose vehicles that buy the hardware and lease it back, with Broadcom backstopping the senior tranches — keeping the assets and the debt off Anthropic's own balance sheet. It already pays xAI approximately $1.25 billion a month through May 2029 for exclusive use of the Colossus 1 data centre in Memphis. It has expanded a partnership with Google and Broadcom for multiple gigawatts of next-generation compute. This month it confirmed it is building an in-house chip design team. The Riot agreement is the third major compute procurement in three months. What each has in common is speed: Anthropic is buying capacity that already exists rather than waiting for capacity to be built. The Wider Reallocation The crypto-to-AI shift is a real reallocation of physical infrastructure between industries, and the economics driving it are straightforward. Bitcoin mining revenue is a function of the Bitcoin price and mining difficulty, both volatile and neither within a miner's control. An AI compute contract is a long-term agreement with a creditworthy counterparty at predictable rates. For a mining company, converting volatile commodity exposure into contracted infrastructure revenue is an obvious trade — which is why the market repriced Riot by a quarter on the news. It also illustrates how far AI's resource demands now reach. The industry has already pulled memory chips away from consumer electronics, with Acer, Asus and HP turning to Chinese DRAM as AI absorbs an estimated 70 per cent of memory production. It is competing for water and land, with Google's $15 billion Indian data centre facing litigation in a city that rations drinking water. Now it is absorbing the physical plant of an entirely separate industry. Bitcoin miners built infrastructure to turn electricity into money. It turns out that infrastructure is worth more turning electricity into intelligence.

Bitcoin miner Riot Platforms signed a $9.1 billion compute agreement with Anthropic and saw its shares rise 25 per cent in after-hours trading. The pivot works because crypto miners already own what AI companies are desperately short of: sited facilities, secured power at scale, and cooling infrastructure — the parts of a data centre that take years to build.

Bitcoin miners are becoming AI data centres and Wall Street is paying up for it

Chinese AI laboratories have spent two years being compared to American ones. Alibaba has now made the comparison itself, and named the model it says it matches.&nbsp;The Claim&nbsp;Alibaba unveiled Qwen3.8-Max positioning it as a leading platform for software development and collaborative work, and stating that the model can compete with the best American AI systems — naming Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 specifically.&nbsp;Qwen3.8-Max is a mixture-of-experts model with 2.4 trillion total parameters, of which roughly 95 billion activate for any given inference, carrying a one-million-token context window.&nbsp;Its headline demonstration is autonomy. Alibaba says the model ran continuously for more than 16 days on a software engineering project, beginning from an empty repository and producing an open-sourced framework called oh-my-cli. Before writing the software it had been asked to write, it built its own coding harness — a state machine, a dispatcher and a testing loop — the scaffolding an AI agent would normally be given by the engineers deploying it.&nbsp;Why Naming A Competitor Matters&nbsp;Chinese laboratories have historically described their models in absolute terms — parameter counts, benchmark scores, context windows — while leaving comparisons to outside observers.&nbsp;Naming a specific American flagship is a different posture. It converts a capability claim into a testable proposition and invites direct comparison rather than avoiding it. That is the behaviour of a company that expects the comparison to go well, and it reflects a shift in confidence that the leaderboard results this quarter go some way toward justifying.&nbsp;In mid-July, six of the top ten models on independent rankings were Chinese, including all of the top five. Real companies have acted on that: Airbnb uses Alibaba's Qwen for customer service, the coding startup Cursor built its Composer 2 model on Moonshot's Kimi, and Coinbase halved its AI spending by moving employees onto Kimi and Z.ai's GLM.&nbsp;The Verification Problem&nbsp;The claim deserves the same scrutiny any vendor claim does, and in this case there is a specific reason for it.&nbsp;The 16-day autonomy run is entirely vendor-reported. Alibaba designed the task, conducted the run and published the result. No independent party has replicated a comparable session, and the nature of the demonstration makes verification difficult — testing it would require running an equivalent multi-week project under equivalent conditions.&nbsp;The New Stack characterised the release pointedly as ‘an API business model wearing an open source jacket’, a reference to the gap between open-weight positioning and how the model is actually accessed and monetised.&nbsp;The industry also has fresh reason for caution on self-reported numbers generally. Meta's former chief AI scientist confirmed that Llama 4's headline results were assembled by training multiple checkpoints and publishing the best score from each benchmark as a composite no single model achieved. Meta's Muse Spark 1.1 has an unresolved gap between its claimed 80.0 on Terminal-Bench 2.1 and the 69.29 an independent evaluator measured.&nbsp;The Competitive Picture&nbsp;Qwen3.8-Max is one of several Chinese releases compressed into a few weeks. Moonshot AI published Kimi K3's full weights on July 27 — 2.8 trillion parameters, the largest open-weight release in history. DeepSeek released V4 Flash on July 31, scoring within two percentage points of Claude Opus 4.7 on SWE-bench Verified at roughly one per cent of the cost. ByteDance is reported to be pre-training a model of up to 10 trillion parameters using around 30,000 GPUs.&nbsp;Each competes on a different axis — Kimi on openness, DeepSeek on price, ByteDance on raw scale, Qwen on autonomy. Between them they cover most of the dimensions on which American laboratories have claimed advantage.&nbsp;Alibaba naming Claude Fable 5 is the clearest signal yet that Chinese labs no longer regard themselves as following. Whether the claim survives independent testing is the question — and the fact that it can now be tested at all is itself the change.

Alibaba positioned Qwen3.8-Max as competitive with the strongest American systems, naming Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 specifically. The 2.4-trillion-parameter model follows a quarter in which Chinese labs briefly held six of the top ten leaderboard places.

Chinese AI laboratories have spent two years being compared to American ones. Alibaba has now made the comparison itself, and named the model it says it matches. The Claim Alibaba unveiled Qwen3.8-Max positioning it as a leading platform for software development and collaborative work, and stating that the model can compete with the best American AI systems — naming Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 specifically. Qwen3.8-Max is a mixture-of-experts model with 2.4 trillion total parameters, of which roughly 95 billion activate for any given inference, carrying a one-million-token context window. Its headline demonstration is autonomy. Alibaba says the model ran continuously for more than 16 days on a software engineering project, beginning from an empty repository and producing an open-sourced framework called oh-my-cli. Before writing the software it had been asked to write, it built its own coding harness — a state machine, a dispatcher and a testing loop — the scaffolding an AI agent would normally be given by the engineers deploying it. Why Naming A Competitor Matters Chinese laboratories have historically described their models in absolute terms — parameter counts, benchmark scores, context windows — while leaving comparisons to outside observers. Naming a specific American flagship is a different posture. It converts a capability claim into a testable proposition and invites direct comparison rather than avoiding it. That is the behaviour of a company that expects the comparison to go well, and it reflects a shift in confidence that the leaderboard results this quarter go some way toward justifying. In mid-July, six of the top ten models on independent rankings were Chinese, including all of the top five. Real companies have acted on that: Airbnb uses Alibaba's Qwen for customer service, the coding startup Cursor built its Composer 2 model on Moonshot's Kimi, and Coinbase halved its AI spending by moving employees onto Kimi and Z.ai's GLM. The Verification Problem The claim deserves the same scrutiny any vendor claim does, and in this case there is a specific reason for it. The 16-day autonomy run is entirely vendor-reported. Alibaba designed the task, conducted the run and published the result. No independent party has replicated a comparable session, and the nature of the demonstration makes verification difficult — testing it would require running an equivalent multi-week project under equivalent conditions. The New Stack characterised the release pointedly as ‘an API business model wearing an open source jacket’, a reference to the gap between open-weight positioning and how the model is actually accessed and monetised. The industry also has fresh reason for caution on self-reported numbers generally. Meta's former chief AI scientist confirmed that Llama 4's headline results were assembled by training multiple checkpoints and publishing the best score from each benchmark as a composite no single model achieved. Meta's Muse Spark 1.1 has an unresolved gap between its claimed 80.0 on Terminal-Bench 2.1 and the 69.29 an independent evaluator measured. The Competitive Picture Qwen3.8-Max is one of several Chinese releases compressed into a few weeks. Moonshot AI published Kimi K3's full weights on July 27 — 2.8 trillion parameters, the largest open-weight release in history. DeepSeek released V4 Flash on July 31, scoring within two percentage points of Claude Opus 4.7 on SWE-bench Verified at roughly one per cent of the cost. ByteDance is reported to be pre-training a model of up to 10 trillion parameters using around 30,000 GPUs. Each competes on a different axis — Kimi on openness, DeepSeek on price, ByteDance on raw scale, Qwen on autonomy. Between them they cover most of the dimensions on which American laboratories have claimed advantage. Alibaba naming Claude Fable 5 is the clearest signal yet that Chinese labs no longer regard themselves as following. Whether the claim survives independent testing is the question — and the fact that it can now be tested at all is itself the change.

Alibaba has positioned Qwen3.8-Max as competitive with the strongest American AI systems, naming Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 specifically. The 2.4-trillion-parameter model is pitched at software development and collaborative work, and follows a quarter in which Chinese laboratories briefly held six of the top ten places on independent leaderboards.

Alibaba says its new model matches Anthropic's best and names it

American export controls stopped Chinese companies buying the most advanced Nvidia chips. They did not stop Chinese companies using them, and Washington has now begun examining exactly how.&nbsp;The Review&nbsp;The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security is reviewing how Chinese artificial intelligence firms acquire and access Nvidia chips overseas — specifically by renting computing capacity located in other countries, according to reporting by Bloomberg.&nbsp;The trigger, by that account, was a run of technical results from Chinese laboratories that made plain their access to cutting-edge hardware despite Washington's restrictions.&nbsp;The Loophole Being Examined&nbsp;Export controls are written around the physical movement of goods. A chip sold to an entity in a restricted country is a transaction that can be blocked, traced and penalised.&nbsp;Renting compute is a different transaction entirely. If a Chinese company accesses a data centre in a third country through a cloud arrangement, the chips never move, never enter China, and never change ownership. What crosses the border is network traffic. Whether that constitutes an export at all is precisely the question the review has to resolve.&nbsp;This is not the first attempt to close the gap. In May, the Commerce Department moved against a related loophole — the export of advanced processors, including Nvidia's Rubin and Blackwell chips and AMD's MI350x, to Chinese-owned entities located outside China. That action addressed ownership. The current review addresses use.&nbsp;What Prompted It&nbsp;The results that drew attention have been substantial and public.&nbsp;Moonshot AI released Kimi K3's full weights on July 27 — a 2.8-trillion-parameter model, the largest ever published as an open download. Alibaba's Qwen3.8-Max, at 2.4 trillion parameters, reportedly ran autonomously on a software project for more than 16 consecutive days. DeepSeek's V4 Flash reaches within two percentage points of Claude Opus 4.7 on SWE-bench Verified at roughly one per cent of the cost. ByteDance is reported to be pre-training a model of up to 10 trillion parameters, requiring around 30,000 GPUs.&nbsp;In mid-July, six of the top ten models on independent leaderboards were Chinese, including all of the top five.&nbsp;Models at that scale require enormous quantities of advanced compute. The gap between what export controls were meant to prevent and what Chinese laboratories have demonstrably achieved is what the review exists to explain.&nbsp;The Nvidia Position&nbsp;Nvidia sits uncomfortably in the middle. Chief executive Jensen Huang met Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in late July, amid administration scrutiny of potential violations involving Nvidia chip exports to China.&nbsp;The company's commercial interest is straightforward: China is among the largest markets for AI compute in the world, and every restriction narrows it. Nvidia has consistently argued that export controls which exclude American hardware from a market do not eliminate demand — they redirect it toward domestic Chinese alternatives, accelerating exactly the self-sufficiency the controls are meant to delay.&nbsp;There is evidence in both directions. Chinese memory manufacturers CXMT and YMTC are expanding aggressively, and Acer, Asus and HP have begun using CXMT's DRAM in notebooks as the AI boom consumes Western supply. At the same time, the White House accused Moonshot AI in July of accessing banned Nvidia GB300 servers in Thailand — an allegation that, if accurate, suggests demand for American hardware has not redirected at all, merely relocated.&nbsp;What Follows&nbsp;Restricting remote access is considerably harder than restricting shipments. It would mean regulating who may log into a data centre in a third country, requiring cloud providers worldwide to verify the nationality and ownership of their customers, and enforcing that against jurisdictions with no obligation to cooperate.&nbsp;The alternative is accepting that in a world where compute is a service rather than a product, controls written for physical goods will keep leaking.&nbsp;The review has not produced a rule, and BIS reviews do not always produce rules. But the fact that Washington is now mapping how China rents what it cannot buy indicates the export-control fight has moved to different ground — and to a place where the existing tools were not designed to operate.

The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security is reviewing how Chinese AI firms access Nvidia chips by renting computing power located abroad, Bloomberg reports — triggered by Chinese technical breakthroughs that demonstrated access despite export restrictions.

American export controls stopped Chinese companies buying the most advanced Nvidia chips. They did not stop Chinese companies using them, and Washington has now begun examining exactly how. The Review The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security is reviewing how Chinese artificial intelligence firms acquire and access Nvidia chips overseas — specifically by renting computing capacity located in other countries, according to reporting by Bloomberg. The trigger, by that account, was a run of technical results from Chinese laboratories that made plain their access to cutting-edge hardware despite Washington's restrictions. The Loophole Being Examined Export controls are written around the physical movement of goods. A chip sold to an entity in a restricted country is a transaction that can be blocked, traced and penalised. Renting compute is a different transaction entirely. If a Chinese company accesses a data centre in a third country through a cloud arrangement, the chips never move, never enter China, and never change ownership. What crosses the border is network traffic. Whether that constitutes an export at all is precisely the question the review has to resolve. This is not the first attempt to close the gap. In May, the Commerce Department moved against a related loophole — the export of advanced processors, including Nvidia's Rubin and Blackwell chips and AMD's MI350x, to Chinese-owned entities located outside China. That action addressed ownership. The current review addresses use. What Prompted It The results that drew attention have been substantial and public. Moonshot AI released Kimi K3's full weights on July 27 — a 2.8-trillion-parameter model, the largest ever published as an open download. Alibaba's Qwen3.8-Max, at 2.4 trillion parameters, reportedly ran autonomously on a software project for more than 16 consecutive days. DeepSeek's V4 Flash reaches within two percentage points of Claude Opus 4.7 on SWE-bench Verified at roughly one per cent of the cost. ByteDance is reported to be pre-training a model of up to 10 trillion parameters, requiring around 30,000 GPUs. In mid-July, six of the top ten models on independent leaderboards were Chinese, including all of the top five. Models at that scale require enormous quantities of advanced compute. The gap between what export controls were meant to prevent and what Chinese laboratories have demonstrably achieved is what the review exists to explain. The Nvidia Position Nvidia sits uncomfortably in the middle. Chief executive Jensen Huang met Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in late July, amid administration scrutiny of potential violations involving Nvidia chip exports to China. The company's commercial interest is straightforward: China is among the largest markets for AI compute in the world, and every restriction narrows it. Nvidia has consistently argued that export controls which exclude American hardware from a market do not eliminate demand — they redirect it toward domestic Chinese alternatives, accelerating exactly the self-sufficiency the controls are meant to delay. There is evidence in both directions. Chinese memory manufacturers CXMT and YMTC are expanding aggressively, and Acer, Asus and HP have begun using CXMT's DRAM in notebooks as the AI boom consumes Western supply. At the same time, the White House accused Moonshot AI in July of accessing banned Nvidia GB300 servers in Thailand — an allegation that, if accurate, suggests demand for American hardware has not redirected at all, merely relocated. What Follows Restricting remote access is considerably harder than restricting shipments. It would mean regulating who may log into a data centre in a third country, requiring cloud providers worldwide to verify the nationality and ownership of their customers, and enforcing that against jurisdictions with no obligation to cooperate. The alternative is accepting that in a world where compute is a service rather than a product, controls written for physical goods will keep leaking. The review has not produced a rule, and BIS reviews do not always produce rules. But the fact that Washington is now mapping how China rents what it cannot buy indicates the export-control fight has moved to different ground — and to a place where the existing tools were not designed to operate.

The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security is reviewing how Chinese AI companies obtain access to Nvidia chips by renting computing power located outside China, according to Bloomberg. The review follows a run of Chinese technical breakthroughs that demonstrated access to advanced hardware despite export restrictions.

Washington is now mapping how China rents the Nvidia chips it cannot buy

In a single day, Google's artificial intelligence organisation lost the man who ran it and the man who built much of the infrastructure underneath it — along with three more of the most consequential researchers in the field.&nbsp;What Happened&nbsp;Demis Hassabis has stepped back from day-to-day leadership of Google DeepMind. He becomes Chair of Google DeepMind and Chief Scientist of Alphabet, while continuing to lead Isomorphic Labs, the drug discovery company spun out of DeepMind's protein-folding work. Operational control passes to Koray Kavukcuoglu, previously chief technology officer, who becomes senior vice president.&nbsp;Google has framed the move as allowing Hassabis to concentrate on the longer-horizon scientific questions around artificial general intelligence rather than the daily running of a large organisation. On its own, that would be a significant but manageable succession.&nbsp;It did not happen on its own.&nbsp;The Departure That Matters More&nbsp;On the same day, Jeff Dean left Google after 27 years.&nbsp;Dean is not a conventional executive departure. He co-founded Google Brain, and his name is on the systems that made large-scale machine learning practical — MapReduce, Bigtable, TensorFlow, the TPU programme. A substantial portion of the infrastructure the entire industry now depends on traces back to work he led.&nbsp;He is leaving to launch Discovery Loop, a public benefit corporation whose stated purpose is to automate machine learning, science and engineering in order to accelerate scientific discovery. And he is not going alone. Joining him are Sanjay Ghemawat, a Google Senior Fellow and Dean's long-time collaborator on the company's foundational distributed systems; Oriol Vinyals, a DeepMind vice president; and Quoc Le, a Google Brain co-founder.&nbsp;That is four researchers of the first rank leaving simultaneously for the same new company.&nbsp;The Market Response&nbsp;Alphabet stock fell roughly 5 per cent.&nbsp;For a company of Alphabet's size, a 5 per cent move on a personnel announcement is unusual. It reflects a straightforward calculation: in a market where AI capability is the dominant valuation input, the departure of the people who produce that capability is a material event.&nbsp;The Competitive Context&nbsp;The timing is difficult to separate from Google's position in the race.&nbsp;Google has spent this year visibly behind on model releases. It shipped Gemini 3.6 Flash, 3.5 Flash-Lite and the government-restricted 3.5 Flash Cyber in July while its flagship 3.5 Pro remained unreleased, with no explanation offered for the delay. Meanwhile OpenAI is preparing an IPO at a valuation between $852 billion and $1 trillion, Anthropic has locked in tens of billions in compute commitments, and Chinese laboratories briefly held six of the top ten positions on independent model leaderboards.&nbsp;Alphabet also raised its 2026 capital expenditure guidance to $195–205 billion, pushing free cash flow to negative $5.9 billion, and saw its stock fall despite beating revenue expectations. The company is spending more than almost anyone and has less to show for it publicly than its two closest rivals.&nbsp;A reorganisation in that context reads as a response to competitive pressure rather than a routine succession — and the simultaneous exit of four senior researchers reads as something the reorganisation did not prevent.&nbsp;What Discovery Loop Signals&nbsp;The new company's premise is worth noting on its own terms. Automating scientific discovery is the thesis several parts of the industry have converged on this year — the idea that AI's most valuable application is not chat or code but compressing the research cycle itself.&nbsp;It is also, notably, the same claim laboratory executives have been making about an emerging intelligence explosion. Dean and Ghemawat have evidently concluded that pursuing it requires a new company rather than the one that employed them for nearly three decades.&nbsp;Google retains enormous depth, and Kavukcuoglu is a serious researcher who has been central to DeepMind's technical direction for years. But losing a CEO to a chairmanship and a chief scientist to a startup on the same afternoon is not a planned transition. It is a shock, and the market priced it as one.

Demis Hassabis stepped back from running Google DeepMind to become Chair and Alphabet Chief Scientist. The same day, Jeff Dean left after 27 years, taking Sanjay Ghemawat, Oriol Vinyals and Quoc Le to launch Discovery Loop. Alphabet stock fell roughly 5%.

In a single day, Google's artificial intelligence organisation lost the man who ran it and the man who built much of the infrastructure underneath it — along with three more of the most consequential researchers in the field. What Happened Demis Hassabis has stepped back from day-to-day leadership of Google DeepMind. He becomes Chair of Google DeepMind and Chief Scientist of Alphabet, while continuing to lead Isomorphic Labs, the drug discovery company spun out of DeepMind's protein-folding work. Operational control passes to Koray Kavukcuoglu, previously chief technology officer, who becomes senior vice president. Google has framed the move as allowing Hassabis to concentrate on the longer-horizon scientific questions around artificial general intelligence rather than the daily running of a large organisation. On its own, that would be a significant but manageable succession. It did not happen on its own. The Departure That Matters More On the same day, Jeff Dean left Google after 27 years. Dean is not a conventional executive departure. He co-founded Google Brain, and his name is on the systems that made large-scale machine learning practical — MapReduce, Bigtable, TensorFlow, the TPU programme. A substantial portion of the infrastructure the entire industry now depends on traces back to work he led. He is leaving to launch Discovery Loop, a public benefit corporation whose stated purpose is to automate machine learning, science and engineering in order to accelerate scientific discovery. And he is not going alone. Joining him are Sanjay Ghemawat, a Google Senior Fellow and Dean's long-time collaborator on the company's foundational distributed systems; Oriol Vinyals, a DeepMind vice president; and Quoc Le, a Google Brain co-founder. That is four researchers of the first rank leaving simultaneously for the same new company. The Market Response Alphabet stock fell roughly 5 per cent. For a company of Alphabet's size, a 5 per cent move on a personnel announcement is unusual. It reflects a straightforward calculation: in a market where AI capability is the dominant valuation input, the departure of the people who produce that capability is a material event. The Competitive Context The timing is difficult to separate from Google's position in the race. Google has spent this year visibly behind on model releases. It shipped Gemini 3.6 Flash, 3.5 Flash-Lite and the government-restricted 3.5 Flash Cyber in July while its flagship 3.5 Pro remained unreleased, with no explanation offered for the delay. Meanwhile OpenAI is preparing an IPO at a valuation between $852 billion and $1 trillion, Anthropic has locked in tens of billions in compute commitments, and Chinese laboratories briefly held six of the top ten positions on independent model leaderboards. Alphabet also raised its 2026 capital expenditure guidance to $195–205 billion, pushing free cash flow to negative $5.9 billion, and saw its stock fall despite beating revenue expectations. The company is spending more than almost anyone and has less to show for it publicly than its two closest rivals. A reorganisation in that context reads as a response to competitive pressure rather than a routine succession — and the simultaneous exit of four senior researchers reads as something the reorganisation did not prevent. What Discovery Loop Signals The new company's premise is worth noting on its own terms. Automating scientific discovery is the thesis several parts of the industry have converged on this year — the idea that AI's most valuable application is not chat or code but compressing the research cycle itself. It is also, notably, the same claim laboratory executives have been making about an emerging intelligence explosion. Dean and Ghemawat have evidently concluded that pursuing it requires a new company rather than the one that employed them for nearly three decades. Google retains enormous depth, and Kavukcuoglu is a serious researcher who has been central to DeepMind's technical direction for years. But losing a CEO to a chairmanship and a chief scientist to a startup on the same afternoon is not a planned transition. It is a shock, and the market priced it as one.

Demis Hassabis has stepped back from running Google DeepMind day to day, becoming Chair of DeepMind and Chief Scientist of Alphabet, with CTO Koray Kavukcuoglu taking operational control. On the same day, Jeff Dean left Google after 27 years — taking Sanjay Ghemawat, Oriol Vinyals and Quoc Le with him to launch Discovery Loop. Alphabet stock fell roughly 5 per cent.

Google DeepMind lost its CEO and its chief scientist on the same day

The US military on Thursday announced the launch of a first-ever multi-domain, multinational attack drone task force to develop one-way attack drones that can be used “above, on, and below the sea” with its Middle East partners.&nbsp;The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems capable of attacking from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners.The announcement of Falcon Strike’s launch comes nine months after CENTCOM established Task Force Scorpion Strike, the US military’s first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East.&nbsp;Scorpion Strike rapidly achieved key milestones, including the first-ever launch of an aerial attack drone from a US Navy warship last December. The squadron also employed one-way unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury and during strikes on Iranian port facilities in July using unmanned attack vessels at sea.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-prolong-war-until-trump-is-out-of-office-says-irgc-adviser-1786565790697">Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success’</h2>&nbsp;“Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success given the tremendous innovation happening among our regional allies and partners,” Adm. Brad Cooper, US Central Command commander, said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Integrating and deploying our new capabilities together will help us rapidly realize the new possibilities that are on the horizon.”&nbsp;The personnel from US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), which launched Scorpion Strike, will lead Falcon Strike’s staff of US and regional partners.SOCCENT, which is headquartered at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, plans and conducts special operations across CENTCOM’s 21-country area of responsibility in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-s-power-crisis-worsens-seeks-help-from-india-as-long-outages-spark-outrage-1786626466299">Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage</a>&nbsp;The US has tried to ramp up drone development and manufacturing operations amid the war with Iran since the battlefield changed dramatically, led by developments in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.&nbsp;Kyiv has sent drone interceptors and pilots to the Middle East to help US allies defend against the same types of Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia used to attack Ukraine’s cities.&nbsp;In May, the two countries agreed in a memorandum of understanding that would allow Ukraine to export military technology to the US and to manufacture drones in joint ventures with American companies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-attack-aramco-refinery-in-saudi-arabia-s-jizan-region-with-drones-1786643962330">Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones</a>&nbsp;The US has not announced the names of specific countries that will be part of the new task force.&nbsp;CENTCOM said it has initiated the process of consulting with and officially inviting regional partners.&nbsp;Task Force Falcon Strike will scale attack drone capabilities across the Middle East into a unified multi-domain, multinational deterrent.&nbsp;“The United States military has a lot of strong partnerships and friends in the region,” said Cooper. “We are collectively stronger when we integrate and deploy new capabilities together.”

The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners.

The US military on Thursday announced the launch of a first-ever multi-domain, multinational attack drone task force to develop one-way attack drones that can be used “above, on, and below the sea” with its Middle East partners. The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems capable of attacking from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners. The announcement of Falcon Strike’s launch comes nine months after CENTCOM established Task Force Scorpion Strike, the US military’s first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East. Scorpion Strike rapidly achieved key milestones, including the first-ever launch of an aerial attack drone from a US Navy warship last December. The squadron also employed one-way unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury and during strikes on Iranian port facilities in July using unmanned attack vessels at sea. Also Read: Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser ‘Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success’ “Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success given the tremendous innovation happening among our regional allies and partners,” Adm. Brad Cooper, US Central Command commander, said in a statement. “Integrating and deploying our new capabilities together will help us rapidly realize the new possibilities that are on the horizon.” The personnel from US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), which launched Scorpion Strike, will lead Falcon Strike’s staff of US and regional partners. SOCCENT, which is headquartered at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, plans and conducts special operations across CENTCOM’s 21-country area of responsibility in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. Also Read: Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage The US has tried to ramp up drone development and manufacturing operations amid the war with Iran since the battlefield changed dramatically, led by developments in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Kyiv has sent drone interceptors and pilots to the Middle East to help US allies defend against the same types of Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia used to attack Ukraine’s cities. In May, the two countries agreed in a memorandum of understanding that would allow Ukraine to export military technology to the US and to manufacture drones in joint ventures with American companies. Also Read: Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones The US has not announced the names of specific countries that will be part of the new task force. CENTCOM said it has initiated the process of consulting with and officially inviting regional partners. Task Force Falcon Strike will scale attack drone capabilities across the Middle East into a unified multi-domain, multinational deterrent. “The United States military has a lot of strong partnerships and friends in the region,” said Cooper. “We are collectively stronger when we integrate and deploy new capabilities together.”

The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners.

US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East

From August 2, an AI system operating in Europe has to tell the person using it that it is an AI. It is the first continent-wide rule of its kind anywhere.&nbsp;What Article 50 Requires&nbsp;The transparency and labelling obligations under Article 50 of the EU AI Act became enforceable on August 2, and the European Commission's enforcement authority over general-purpose AI models formally began at the same time.&nbsp;Two requirements sit at the centre. Systems that interact with people must disclose that the person is dealing with an AI rather than a human. And content that has been generated or materially altered by AI must be labelled as such.&nbsp;The obligations are extraterritorial. Any AI system serving users in the European market falls within scope regardless of where the company that built it is headquartered — which means American and Chinese laboratories operating in Europe are subject to them, with no equivalent requirement anywhere else.&nbsp;Why Disclosure Is The Chosen Mechanism&nbsp;It is worth understanding what this approach does and does not attempt.&nbsp;Article 50 does not regulate what AI systems may do, how they are trained, or what they are permitted to say. It regulates whether people know what they are dealing with. The premise is that most of the harm from conversational AI comes not from the technology itself but from misapprehension — a person who believes they are talking to a human, or reading something a human wrote, evaluates it differently from one who knows otherwise.&nbsp;That is a narrower intervention than banning applications outright, and a more tractable one. It is also considerably easier to enforce: a regulator can determine whether a disclosure appeared without needing to audit a model's internals.&nbsp;What It Means Practically&nbsp;For anyone deploying a customer service chatbot, a voice agent, or AI-generated marketing content in Europe, the compliance requirement is now live rather than forthcoming.&nbsp;The labelling obligation is the more technically demanding half. Disclosing that a chatbot is a chatbot is straightforward. Reliably labelling AI-generated or AI-altered content — across images, video, audio and text, at the scale platforms operate — requires provenance infrastructure that most companies have not built.&nbsp;The timing gives that requirement particular weight. AI-generated deepfakes of political figures have been a live problem this year: fabricated videos of Indian union ministers circulated during the CJP protests, debunked by the Press Information Bureau, with one minister filing a police complaint. A rule requiring AI-generated content to identify itself addresses precisely that category of harm — if the labelling can be made to work.&nbsp;Where Everyone Else Stands&nbsp;Europe is enforcing. China is fining — 12 companies were penalised a combined 4.2 million RMB in the first week of its companion-AI rules.&nbsp;The United States has neither. The Great American AI Act remains stalled in the House over its state preemption clause, leaving a patchwork in which California's AI Transparency Act takes effect this month while no federal standard exists. The White House has finalised a framework under which companies would give the government early access to frontier models before public release — reportedly up to 30 days — but has not disclosed its contents.&nbsp;India, meanwhile, is considering a separate AI regulatory framework, having released governance guidelines in November 2025 ahead of the AI Impact Summit it hosted in February.&nbsp;The Practical Consequence&nbsp;For global AI companies, Europe's rules are becoming the operative standard by default — not because they are the strictest in principle, but because they are the ones actually being enforced, and because building one compliant product is cheaper than building two.&nbsp;That is how the General Data Protection Regulation ended up shaping privacy practice well beyond European borders. Whether the AI Act follows the same path depends on enforcement that has, as of this month, only just started.

The EU's first continent-wide AI transparency rules became enforceable August 2. Under Article 50, systems must disclose to users that they are AI, and AI-generated or altered content must be labelled. The Commission's authority over general-purpose models has formally begun.

From August 2, an AI system operating in Europe has to tell the person using it that it is an AI. It is the first continent-wide rule of its kind anywhere. What Article 50 Requires The transparency and labelling obligations under Article 50 of the EU AI Act became enforceable on August 2, and the European Commission's enforcement authority over general-purpose AI models formally began at the same time. Two requirements sit at the centre. Systems that interact with people must disclose that the person is dealing with an AI rather than a human. And content that has been generated or materially altered by AI must be labelled as such. The obligations are extraterritorial. Any AI system serving users in the European market falls within scope regardless of where the company that built it is headquartered — which means American and Chinese laboratories operating in Europe are subject to them, with no equivalent requirement anywhere else. Why Disclosure Is The Chosen Mechanism It is worth understanding what this approach does and does not attempt. Article 50 does not regulate what AI systems may do, how they are trained, or what they are permitted to say. It regulates whether people know what they are dealing with. The premise is that most of the harm from conversational AI comes not from the technology itself but from misapprehension — a person who believes they are talking to a human, or reading something a human wrote, evaluates it differently from one who knows otherwise. That is a narrower intervention than banning applications outright, and a more tractable one. It is also considerably easier to enforce: a regulator can determine whether a disclosure appeared without needing to audit a model's internals. What It Means Practically For anyone deploying a customer service chatbot, a voice agent, or AI-generated marketing content in Europe, the compliance requirement is now live rather than forthcoming. The labelling obligation is the more technically demanding half. Disclosing that a chatbot is a chatbot is straightforward. Reliably labelling AI-generated or AI-altered content — across images, video, audio and text, at the scale platforms operate — requires provenance infrastructure that most companies have not built. The timing gives that requirement particular weight. AI-generated deepfakes of political figures have been a live problem this year: fabricated videos of Indian union ministers circulated during the CJP protests, debunked by the Press Information Bureau, with one minister filing a police complaint. A rule requiring AI-generated content to identify itself addresses precisely that category of harm — if the labelling can be made to work. Where Everyone Else Stands Europe is enforcing. China is fining — 12 companies were penalised a combined 4.2 million RMB in the first week of its companion-AI rules. The United States has neither. The Great American AI Act remains stalled in the House over its state preemption clause, leaving a patchwork in which California's AI Transparency Act takes effect this month while no federal standard exists. The White House has finalised a framework under which companies would give the government early access to frontier models before public release — reportedly up to 30 days — but has not disclosed its contents. India, meanwhile, is considering a separate AI regulatory framework, having released governance guidelines in November 2025 ahead of the AI Impact Summit it hosted in February. The Practical Consequence For global AI companies, Europe's rules are becoming the operative standard by default — not because they are the strictest in principle, but because they are the ones actually being enforced, and because building one compliant product is cheaper than building two. That is how the General Data Protection Regulation ended up shaping privacy practice well beyond European borders. Whether the AI Act follows the same path depends on enforcement that has, as of this month, only just started.

The European Union's first continent-wide transparency rules for artificial intelligence became enforceable on August 2. Under Article 50 of the AI Act, systems must disclose to users that they are interacting with AI, and content generated or altered by AI must be labelled. The European Commission's enforcement authority over general-purpose AI models has formally begun.

In Europe, AI now has to tell you it is AI

Anthropic has committed to roughly $71 billion in computing hardware over about two months. Almost none of it sits on Anthropic's balance sheet, and that is the point.&nbsp;The Structure&nbsp;The mechanism is a special purpose vehicle — a separate legal entity created for a single financial purpose. The SPV acquires the chips, in this case Google TPUs. It then leases them to Anthropic. Broadcom backstops the senior tranches of the debt financing the purchase.&nbsp;The effect is that Anthropic gets the compute while the hardware, and the debt that bought it, remain outside its corporate accounts. There is no multi-billion-dollar asset depreciating on its books and no corresponding borrowing against its own credit. What appears instead is a lease expense.&nbsp;By the reported figures, Anthropic's total structured-credit exposure tied to Google hardware alone would exceed $71 billion — among the largest private-credit arrangements ever assembled by any company, in any industry.&nbsp;Blackstone is leading early investor discussions on a second package, with deployment targeted at data centres in New York, Texas, Louisiana and Indiana, structured the same way.&nbsp;The Bitcoin Miner Deal&nbsp;One component illustrates how far this reaches beyond conventional technology finance. Anthropic signed a $9.1 billion compute agreement with Riot Platforms, a Bitcoin mining company pivoting its facilities to AI data centres. Riot's shares rose 25 per cent in after-hours trading on the announcement.&nbsp;That is a logical trade for both sides. Bitcoin miners already possess what AI companies are short of: sited facilities, secured power contracts at scale, and cooling infrastructure. Converting from mining to AI compute is a substantially smaller undertaking than building from nothing. For Anthropic, it is capacity available on a timeline that new construction cannot match.&nbsp;Why Anthropic Is Doing This&nbsp;Anthropic's compute position has been unusually exposed all year, and this is the third major procurement in three months.&nbsp;The company already agreed to pay xAI roughly $1.25 billion a month through May 2029 — more than $40 billion over the term — for exclusive use of the Colossus 1 data centre in Memphis. It has separately expanded a partnership with Google and Broadcom for multiple gigawatts of next-generation compute. This month it also confirmed it is building an in-house team to design its own chips, hiring semiconductor engineers at salaries up to $485,000.&nbsp;The common thread is a company that concluded it cannot compete without vastly more compute, and cannot obtain that compute through any single conventional route.&nbsp;What The Structure Trades Away&nbsp;Off-balance-sheet financing is legal, well established, and genuinely useful. It also has a specific history.&nbsp;The benefit is real: Anthropic scales compute without carrying hardware depreciation or taking on corporate debt that would constrain future borrowing. The cost is that the obligations still exist. Lease payments are contractual regardless of whether Anthropic's revenue arrives as projected, and the exposure is harder for outsiders to assess precisely because it does not appear where they would normally look.&nbsp;That matters more than usual right now. OpenAI's chief financial officer has privately raised concerns about honouring compute contracts if revenue lags. More than $1.3 trillion was erased from semiconductor market values in late July as investors questioned whether AI infrastructure spending will earn its cost of capital. Meta has moved a $14 billion data centre to BlackRock-managed funds at 80 per cent ownership and leased it back. Nvidia is reportedly in talks to guarantee $250 billion for OpenAI's Ohio campus.&nbsp;A pattern is now visible across the industry: the AI build-out has outgrown the balance sheets of the companies driving it, and the financing has moved into structures designed to keep the liabilities at arm's length.&nbsp;Anthropic's version is among the largest and the fastest-assembled. Sixty days, $71 billion, and a set of arrangements in which the company using the chips is not the company that owns them or, formally, the company that owes for them.

Anthropic assembled roughly $71 billion in chip-lease debt in about 60 days using special purpose vehicles that buy the chips and lease them back, with Broadcom backstopping senior tranches. A $9.1 billion deal with Bitcoin miner Riot Platforms lifted its shares 25%.

Anthropic has committed to roughly $71 billion in computing hardware over about two months. Almost none of it sits on Anthropic's balance sheet, and that is the point. The Structure The mechanism is a special purpose vehicle — a separate legal entity created for a single financial purpose. The SPV acquires the chips, in this case Google TPUs. It then leases them to Anthropic. Broadcom backstops the senior tranches of the debt financing the purchase. The effect is that Anthropic gets the compute while the hardware, and the debt that bought it, remain outside its corporate accounts. There is no multi-billion-dollar asset depreciating on its books and no corresponding borrowing against its own credit. What appears instead is a lease expense. By the reported figures, Anthropic's total structured-credit exposure tied to Google hardware alone would exceed $71 billion — among the largest private-credit arrangements ever assembled by any company, in any industry. Blackstone is leading early investor discussions on a second package, with deployment targeted at data centres in New York, Texas, Louisiana and Indiana, structured the same way. The Bitcoin Miner Deal One component illustrates how far this reaches beyond conventional technology finance. Anthropic signed a $9.1 billion compute agreement with Riot Platforms, a Bitcoin mining company pivoting its facilities to AI data centres. Riot's shares rose 25 per cent in after-hours trading on the announcement. That is a logical trade for both sides. Bitcoin miners already possess what AI companies are short of: sited facilities, secured power contracts at scale, and cooling infrastructure. Converting from mining to AI compute is a substantially smaller undertaking than building from nothing. For Anthropic, it is capacity available on a timeline that new construction cannot match. Why Anthropic Is Doing This Anthropic's compute position has been unusually exposed all year, and this is the third major procurement in three months. The company already agreed to pay xAI roughly $1.25 billion a month through May 2029 — more than $40 billion over the term — for exclusive use of the Colossus 1 data centre in Memphis. It has separately expanded a partnership with Google and Broadcom for multiple gigawatts of next-generation compute. This month it also confirmed it is building an in-house team to design its own chips, hiring semiconductor engineers at salaries up to $485,000. The common thread is a company that concluded it cannot compete without vastly more compute, and cannot obtain that compute through any single conventional route. What The Structure Trades Away Off-balance-sheet financing is legal, well established, and genuinely useful. It also has a specific history. The benefit is real: Anthropic scales compute without carrying hardware depreciation or taking on corporate debt that would constrain future borrowing. The cost is that the obligations still exist. Lease payments are contractual regardless of whether Anthropic's revenue arrives as projected, and the exposure is harder for outsiders to assess precisely because it does not appear where they would normally look. That matters more than usual right now. OpenAI's chief financial officer has privately raised concerns about honouring compute contracts if revenue lags. More than $1.3 trillion was erased from semiconductor market values in late July as investors questioned whether AI infrastructure spending will earn its cost of capital. Meta has moved a $14 billion data centre to BlackRock-managed funds at 80 per cent ownership and leased it back. Nvidia is reportedly in talks to guarantee $250 billion for OpenAI's Ohio campus. A pattern is now visible across the industry: the AI build-out has outgrown the balance sheets of the companies driving it, and the financing has moved into structures designed to keep the liabilities at arm's length. Anthropic's version is among the largest and the fastest-assembled. Sixty days, $71 billion, and a set of arrangements in which the company using the chips is not the company that owns them or, formally, the company that owes for them.

Anthropic has assembled roughly $71 billion in chip-lease debt in about 60 days, structured so the hardware never appears on its own balance sheet: special purpose vehicles buy the chips, lease them to Anthropic, and Broadcom backstops the senior tranches. Blackstone is leading talks on a second package, and a $9.1 billion deal with Bitcoin miner Riot Platforms sent that company's shares up 25 per cent.

Anthropic has stacked $71 billion in chip-lease debt in 60 days and kept it off its books

Even as Pakistan is desperately trying to project its military strength on a global stage, the ground reality is stark.&nbsp;The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed to have killed 32 Pak army soldiers in August itself.&nbsp;Now, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir's forces have been accused of bombing their own backyard of Balochistan.&nbsp;Key human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' stated that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region.According to him, at least 30 innocent Baloch civilians, including women and children were killed in Pakistan's attack, whereas dozens others were left injured.&nbsp;Amid this, he appealed to the Baloch people to mark Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14 as 'Black Day' by hoisting black flags at their homes and wearing black armbands.&nbsp;However, Pakistan had a very different version to offer. According to the country's military, 8 militants died in Surab after the premature detonation of a bomb which they were preparing. This also reportedly caused the death of three civilians.&nbsp;In a subsequent operation, Munir's forces claimed to have killed ten more militants, who were reportedly trying to escape.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan's operation came a day after BLA claimed to have killed 32 military personnel from August one to eight. Its attacks reportedly targeted Pakistani military convoys, armoured vehicles, camps, police posts, bridges and railway infrastructure. It also claimed that several military vehicles were destroyed. This is not all. Balochistan's energy sector is also under the radar. A powerful blast damaged an 18-inch gas pipeline in Balochistan's Bolan area. Huge flames were reportedly visible from a distance following the explosion. This left many areas of Balochistan such as Quetta, Mastung, Kalat and Ziarat without gas supply. In another reflection of the deteriorating law and order in Balochistan, seven miners working for a private copper mining firm in Chagai district were kidnapped by unidentified armed men.The abductors also took away vehicles and solar panels. Pakistan has long struggled to contain activities of the Baloch rebels, which are seeking independence of Balochistan from the country. In July, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam project in Balochistan. Earlier in May, over 30 people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a train in Quetta, which was carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families. The worsening security situation in Balochistan is also evident from hard data. According to the South Asia Terrorism portal, this province has already witnessed 451 incidents of killing in 2026 so far. 321 civilians and 584 security personnel have lost their lives. On the other hand, over 770 militants have been killed. With turmoil growing in Khyber Pakthunkhwa as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a key question arises. Is the Munir-led hybrid regime in Pakistan even in a realistic position to provide security to other countries when it is unable to manage the chaos within?

Human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' said that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region. At least 30 innocent Balochs, including women and children, were killed in Pakistan's attack.

Even as Pakistan is desperately trying to project its military strength on a global stage, the ground reality is stark. The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed to have killed 32 Pak army soldiers in August itself. Now, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir's forces have been accused of bombing their own backyard of Balochistan. Key human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' stated that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region. According to him, at least 30 innocent Baloch civilians, including women and children were killed in Pakistan's attack, whereas dozens others were left injured. Amid this, he appealed to the Baloch people to mark Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14 as 'Black Day' by hoisting black flags at their homes and wearing black armbands. However, Pakistan had a very different version to offer. According to the country's military, 8 militants died in Surab after the premature detonation of a bomb which they were preparing. This also reportedly caused the death of three civilians. In a subsequent operation, Munir's forces claimed to have killed ten more militants, who were reportedly trying to escape.

Human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' said that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region. At least 30 innocent Balochs, including women and children, were killed in Pakistan's attack.

Pakistan bombs Pakistan: ‘Air strikes’ in Balochistan after BLA kills 32 soldiers | Gravitas

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Thursday claimed to have hit an Aramco refinery in southern Saudi Arabia with a drone attack and described the strike as successful, reported the group’s affiliated news agency Saba. The Aramco refinery was targeted with two drones, a military source was quoted as saying by Saba.&nbsp;“A military source confirmed that the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted an Aramco refinery in the Jizan region using two drones, achieving a precise hit by the grace of God,” reported Saba, while referring to Houthi forces.&nbsp;In recent weeks, the Houthis have attacked Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea. The group even killed six people in an attack on a cargo ship in the waterway this week.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-multinational-drone-task-force-with-allies-in-middle-east-1786650707964">US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Attack response to Saudi violation of Yemeni airspace’</h2>&nbsp;The refinery was attacked in response to the Saudi kingdom’s “violation of Yemeni airspace and sovereignty” in the Sa’dah and Hajjah governorates, the news agency said.&nbsp;The source further warned that the Houthis would respond to any further Saudi military actions against Yemen.&nbsp;The group said it would “respond decisively” to any violation of the country’s sovereignty or any act of aggression targeting the nation, Saba reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-prolong-war-until-trump-is-out-of-office-says-irgc-adviser-1786565790697">Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser</a>&nbsp;The years-long truce in Yemen’s civil war between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed, internationally-recognised government appeared to have collapsed in July as fighting between regional allies of the United States and Iran flared again.&nbsp;The Houthis also announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and hit Saudi tankers in the Red Sea.<h2>Stop supporting Houthi rebels, Britain tells Iran</h2>&nbsp;Britain on Thursday urged Iran to stop backing the Houthi rebels in Yemen, saying Tehran’s support for the group threatens the country’s stability.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-s-power-crisis-worsens-seeks-help-from-india-as-long-outages-spark-outrage-1786626466299">Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage</a>&nbsp;“Iran must cease its long-standing support for the Houthis, which threatens Yemen’s stability,” UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Kate Foster told the UN Security Council, accusing the Houthis of “reckless … actions” in its attacks on Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea.“The recent escalation is compounding an already dire humanitarian situation,” she added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Houthi source said the Aramco refinery was attacked in response to Saudi Arabia’s violation of Yemeni airspace and sovereignty in the Sa’dah and Hajjah governorates. The source further warned that Houthis would respond to any further Saudi military actions against Yemen.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Thursday claimed to have hit an Aramco refinery in southern Saudi Arabia with a drone attack and described the strike as successful, reported the group’s affiliated news agency Saba. The Aramco refinery was targeted with two drones, a military source was quoted as saying by Saba. “A military source confirmed that the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted an Aramco refinery in the Jizan region using two drones, achieving a precise hit by the grace of God,” reported Saba, while referring to Houthi forces. In recent weeks, the Houthis have attacked Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea. The group even killed six people in an attack on a cargo ship in the waterway this week. Also Read: US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East ‘Attack response to Saudi violation of Yemeni airspace’ The refinery was attacked in response to the Saudi kingdom’s “violation of Yemeni airspace and sovereignty” in the Sa’dah and Hajjah governorates, the news agency said. The source further warned that the Houthis would respond to any further Saudi military actions against Yemen. The group said it would “respond decisively” to any violation of the country’s sovereignty or any act of aggression targeting the nation, Saba reported. Also Read: Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser The years-long truce in Yemen’s civil war between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed, internationally-recognised government appeared to have collapsed in July as fighting between regional allies of the United States and Iran flared again. The Houthis also announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and hit Saudi tankers in the Red Sea. Stop supporting Houthi rebels, Britain tells Iran Britain on Thursday urged Iran to stop backing the Houthi rebels in Yemen, saying Tehran’s support for the group threatens the country’s stability. Also Read: Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage “Iran must cease its long-standing support for the Houthis, which threatens Yemen’s stability,” UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Kate Foster told the UN Security Council, accusing the Houthis of “reckless … actions” in its attacks on Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea. “The recent escalation is compounding an already dire humanitarian situation,” she added.

A Houthi source said the Aramco refinery was attacked in response to Saudi Arabia’s violation of Yemeni airspace and sovereignty in the Sa’dah and Hajjah governorates. The source further warned that Houthis would respond to any further Saudi military actions against Yemen.

Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region  with drones

Iran is pushing deeper into two arenas that could shape its strategic future space and critical minerals.&nbsp;Tehran is aiming to put three satellites into orbit in a single launch while simultaneously working with China to develop rare-earth resources vital to modern military technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;The moves signal an effort to build technological capabilities domestically, especially as tensions with the United States remain unresolved.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology told Iranian media Tehran plans to launch three satellites from its Martyr Soleimani Constellation before March 2027.&nbsp;The planned constellation will ultimately contain 24 satellites, 18 operational spacecraft, and six reserves.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Iranian minister says putting three satellites into orbit together would strengthen Iran's ability to provide stable communications and uninterrupted services.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran has in the past relied on its ally Russia to put satellites in orbit, especially in recent years.&nbsp;In December last year, a Russian rocket launched three Iranian earth-observation satellites from a Russian space launch facility in the Amur Oblast.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran is also developing low-earth-orbit satellites for communications and remote sensing while expanding the use of space technology in telecommunications, environmental monitoring, and land-resource management. Iranian officials increasingly view the space sector as critical national infrastructure, and Tehran is constructing the Chabahar Space Centre in the country's southeast.But Iran is also looking to strengthen another strategic asset: rare earths. According to reports in Chinese media, China is sending scientists to Iran for rare earth exploration and processing. Rare earths are a group of metals essential to many advanced defence systems, including radar, missiles, fighter aircraft, and sophisticated electronics. Iran's geology could offer significant rare earth deposits. Exploration has reportedly identified rare-earth anomalies across around 7,000 square kilometres of central Iran, including areas associated with iron ore and phosphate formations. So, together, Iran's space programme and rare-earth ambitions point to a broader strategy developing technologies and resources that can strengthen the country's strategic independence at a time of continuing geopolitical pressure.

Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology told media Tehran plans to launch three satellites from its Martyr Soleimani Constellation before March 2027. The planned constellation will ultimately contain 24 satellites, 18 operational spacecraft, and six reserves.

Iran is pushing deeper into two arenas that could shape its strategic future space and critical minerals. Tehran is aiming to put three satellites into orbit in a single launch while simultaneously working with China to develop rare-earth resources vital to modern military technology. The moves signal an effort to build technological capabilities domestically, especially as tensions with the United States remain unresolved. Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology told Iranian media Tehran plans to launch three satellites from its Martyr Soleimani Constellation before March 2027. The planned constellation will ultimately contain 24 satellites, 18 operational spacecraft, and six reserves. The Iranian minister says putting three satellites into orbit together would strengthen Iran's ability to provide stable communications and uninterrupted services. Iran has in the past relied on its ally Russia to put satellites in orbit, especially in recent years. In December last year, a Russian rocket launched three Iranian earth-observation satellites from a Russian space launch facility in the Amur Oblast.

Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology told media Tehran plans to launch three satellites from its Martyr Soleimani Constellation before March 2027. The planned constellation will ultimately contain 24 satellites, 18 operational spacecraft, and six reserves.

Iran to send three satellites into space this year | Gravitas

A US federal court on Thursday (August 13) dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Harvard University over allegations of antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests on campus.&nbsp;District Judge Richard Stearns in Boston ruled that the administration had failed to sufficiently establish that Harvard violated a provision of the Civil Rights Act that prohibits discrimination based on race, nationality and other factors.<h2>Court rejects Trump administration’s case</h2>The administration's complaint largely focused on several incidents allegedly reported in March 2025. Stearns said the incidents were “too isolated and episodic” to establish an ongoing violation of civil rights by Harvard.&nbsp;The ruling comes after President Donald Trump launched a campaign against major American universities during his second term. His administration accused universities of allowing pro-Palestinian movements to operate freely on campuses amid the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;The Department of Justice filed its complaint in March, accusing Harvard's faculty and leadership of failing to address antisemitism and discrimination against Jews and Israelis.&nbsp;"Harvard let anti-Israeli demonstrators occupy its libraries. Harvard allowed an anti-Israeli encampment to persist for twenty days in violation of university policy," the department said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-protest-police-book-600-protesters-over-assembly-march-in-ranchi-1786627463383">Jharkhand students protest: Police book 600 protesters over Assembly march in Ranchi</a>&nbsp;<h2>Harvard also challenged funding freeze</h2>The Trump administration had earlier moved to block more than $2.2 billion in federal research grants for Harvard. The administration cited concerns over campus protests and compliance with Title VI rules related to antisemitism.&nbsp;Harvard challenged the funding freeze in federal court, arguing that the move was an unconstitutional attempt to impose political and ideological control over academic freedom and the university's internal governance.&nbsp;US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs later quashed the funding freeze.

A US federal court has dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against Harvard University, ruling that the government failed to prove the university violated civil rights laws over alleged antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests.

A US federal court on Thursday (August 13) dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Harvard University over allegations of antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests on campus. District Judge Richard Stearns in Boston ruled that the administration had failed to sufficiently establish that Harvard violated a provision of the Civil Rights Act that prohibits discrimination based on race, nationality and other factors. Court rejects Trump administration’s case The administration's complaint largely focused on several incidents allegedly reported in March 2025. Stearns said the incidents were “too isolated and episodic” to establish an ongoing violation of civil rights by Harvard. The ruling comes after President Donald Trump launched a campaign against major American universities during his second term. His administration accused universities of allowing pro-Palestinian movements to operate freely on campuses amid the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Department of Justice filed its complaint in March, accusing Harvard's faculty and leadership of failing to address antisemitism and discrimination against Jews and Israelis. "Harvard let anti-Israeli demonstrators occupy its libraries. Harvard allowed an anti-Israeli encampment to persist for twenty days in violation of university policy," the department said. Also Read: Jharkhand students protest: Police book 600 protesters over Assembly march in Ranchi Harvard also challenged funding freeze The Trump administration had earlier moved to block more than $2.2 billion in federal research grants for Harvard. The administration cited concerns over campus protests and compliance with Title VI rules related to antisemitism. Harvard challenged the funding freeze in federal court, arguing that the move was an unconstitutional attempt to impose political and ideological control over academic freedom and the university's internal governance. US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs later quashed the funding freeze.

A US federal court has dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against Harvard University, ruling that the government failed to prove the university violated civil rights laws over alleged antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests.

US court rejects Trump administration case accusing Harvard of antisemitism

Russia is warning of 'chaos' in global food markets after a major Ukrainian attack disrupted grain terminals at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The strikes are threatening a crucial export route at a time when the war is already putting pressure on global supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ukraine reportedly sent an offer to Russia for both sides to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. Ukraine's offer was reportedly transmitted to Russia via a third party, and it has yet to receive a response.&nbsp;Russia also launched a major overnight drone attack across Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia sent 133 drones into Ukrainian airspace and that Ukrainian air defences intercepted 111 of them. Strikes were recorded at 15 locations while falling drone debris hit another 16 sites.&nbsp;Ukrainian officials said two people were killed in the Odesa region and at least six people were wounded across the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.&nbsp;Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone struck a passenger train in southern Ukraine, killing two people.&nbsp;Zelensky said the train was carrying 340 passengers when a Russian jet-powered drone hit its locomotive in the Odesa region.&nbsp;Ukraine's state emergency service said at least one person was also injured in overnight Russian drone attacks on Chernihiv and the surrounding region.&nbsp;Three of Russia's largest grain terminals at Novorossiysk have reportedly halted operations after the Ukrainian attack damaged key loading and unloading infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to reports, grain shipments from the port are currently impossible. Satellite imagery shows damage at the grain facilities and a nearby naval base.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ukraine's security service described the operation as strategically significant and said its forces used drones and missiles to strike the Novorossiysk naval base. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said two frigates, a large landing ship, a corvette and other vessels were hit. The attacks are part of a wider campaign by both Russia and Ukraine against each other's infrastructure. The military escalation is now putting further pressure on one of the world's most important grain corridors. Novorossiysk is one of Russia's main grain export hubs, making the disruption significant for global agricultural markets. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for nearly one-third of global wheat exports. Black Sea grain shipments have already fallen by more than 40 percent compared with a year ago and the latest attacks come during this year's harvest. Ukraine is trying to move more grain by rail, road and the Danube River. But those routes can handle only about half the normal Black Sea volume while drought-driven low water levels are creating additional constraints on the Danube. The disruption is already feeding into commodity markets. Wheat prices have risen nearly 25 percent since the start of the year reaching their highest level in two years. Russian wheat exports fell sharply in July posting their weakest performance since 2017. Ukraine's grain exports have dropped by nearly one-third. As repeated attacks on ports and commercial vessels disrupt shipments, daily tanker operating costs have climbed above 300 thousand dollars, forcing several shipping companies to suspend Black Sea operations. That means higher transport costs, slower exports, and tighter global grain supplies. The pressure comes as wheat production is also being hit by severe drought across major producing regions in the United States, Europe, Australia and parts of South America. The U.S.D.A. expects wheat production among the world's largest exporters to decline this season while available export stocks are also shrinking. As Russia and Ukraine continue targeting each other's export infrastructure, exports from Odesa's ports are largely halted leaving many Ukrainian farmers with few options to sell their harvest. Agriculture accounts for nearly 60 percent of Ukraine's export revenues and industry representatives say the blockade is adding to the strain on the wartime economy. Experts caution that the combination of war climate-related production losses and rising shipping costs is increasing uncertainty over global food supplies, inflation and trade flows in the months ahead.

The military escalation is putting further pressure on one of the world's most important grain corridors. Novorossiysk is one of Russia's main grain export hubs, making the disruption significant. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for nearly one-third of global wheat exports.

Russia is warning of 'chaos' in global food markets after a major Ukrainian attack disrupted grain terminals at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The strikes are threatening a crucial export route at a time when the war is already putting pressure on global supplies. Ukraine reportedly sent an offer to Russia for both sides to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. Ukraine's offer was reportedly transmitted to Russia via a third party, and it has yet to receive a response. Russia also launched a major overnight drone attack across Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia sent 133 drones into Ukrainian airspace and that Ukrainian air defences intercepted 111 of them. Strikes were recorded at 15 locations while falling drone debris hit another 16 sites. Ukrainian officials said two people were killed in the Odesa region and at least six people were wounded across the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone struck a passenger train in southern Ukraine, killing two people. Zelensky said the train was carrying 340 passengers when a Russian jet-powered drone hit its locomotive in the Odesa region. Ukraine's state emergency service said at least one person was also injured in overnight Russian drone attacks on Chernihiv and the surrounding region. Three of Russia's largest grain terminals at Novorossiysk have reportedly halted operations after the Ukrainian attack damaged key loading and unloading infrastructure. According to reports, grain shipments from the port are currently impossible. Satellite imagery shows damage at the grain facilities and a nearby naval base.

The military escalation is putting further pressure on one of the world's most important grain corridors. Novorossiysk is one of Russia's main grain export hubs, making the disruption significant. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for nearly one-third of global wheat exports.

Ukraine attacks will cause worldwide food crisis, warns Putin | Gravitas

The Trump administration on Thursday (August 13) flagged more than 40 US trading partners as potential risks for helping China evade US tariffs. The administration also said it would use artificial intelligence to identify illegal trade practices in the future.&nbsp;The countries named in the report include the European Union, Taiwan, Mexico and Canada. India, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam were also among those listed.&nbsp;The White House report focused on what it called "illegal transhipment". This practice involves sending goods through a third country with lower US tariffs to avoid higher duties imposed by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;"For years, the great transhipment scam has let Communist China launder its exports through more than 40 countries," White House trade advisor Peter Navarro told reporters.&nbsp;A report from Navarro's office said more than 40 countries faced an elevated risk of illegal transhipment. It also identified Mexico, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan and South Korea as "China’s biggest enablers".&nbsp;The report said some countries have become more closely connected to China-linked supply chains.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-protest-police-book-600-protesters-over-assembly-march-in-ranchi-1786627463383">Jharkhand students protest: Police book 600 protesters over Assembly march in Ranchi</a><h2>US plans AI-powered border checks</h2>Navarro said the White House is working with US Customs and Border Protection to develop an AI-enabled "detective border". The system would help determine whether shipments contain goods that were rerouted through third countries.&nbsp;According to the report, the system would use shipment data, routing histories and other tools to identify potential cases of illegal transhipment.&nbsp;Experts have long pointed to supply chain diversions from China, particularly since Trump's first presidency, when Washington and Beijing became involved in a tariff war around 2018.&nbsp;Economists said countries such as Vietnam benefited as businesses diversified their supply chains.Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on US trading partners. These duties have added to existing tariffs on Chinese imports.

The Trump administration has flagged more than 40 trading partners, including India, as potential risks for helping China evade US tariffs and plans to use AI to detect illegal transshipment.

The Trump administration on Thursday (August 13) flagged more than 40 US trading partners as potential risks for helping China evade US tariffs. The administration also said it would use artificial intelligence to identify illegal trade practices in the future. The countries named in the report include the European Union, Taiwan, Mexico and Canada. India, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam were also among those listed. The White House report focused on what it called "illegal transhipment". This practice involves sending goods through a third country with lower US tariffs to avoid higher duties imposed by President Donald Trump. "For years, the great transhipment scam has let Communist China launder its exports through more than 40 countries," White House trade advisor Peter Navarro told reporters. A report from Navarro's office said more than 40 countries faced an elevated risk of illegal transhipment. It also identified Mexico, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan and South Korea as "China’s biggest enablers". The report said some countries have become more closely connected to China-linked supply chains. Also Read: Jharkhand students protest: Police book 600 protesters over Assembly march in Ranchi US plans AI-powered border checks Navarro said the White House is working with US Customs and Border Protection to develop an AI-enabled "detective border". The system would help determine whether shipments contain goods that were rerouted through third countries. According to the report, the system would use shipment data, routing histories and other tools to identify potential cases of illegal transhipment. Experts have long pointed to supply chain diversions from China, particularly since Trump's first presidency, when Washington and Beijing became involved in a tariff war around 2018. Economists said countries such as Vietnam benefited as businesses diversified their supply chains. Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on US trading partners. These duties have added to existing tariffs on Chinese imports.

The Trump administration has flagged more than 40 trading partners, including India, as potential risks for helping China evade US tariffs and plans to use AI to detect illegal transshipment.

Trump admin deploys AI to track China tariff evasion; India, dozens of countries named

A senior French diplomat is facing disciplinary action after an investigation into a pattern of private visits by young women to his official residence in the Central African Republic. The conduct allegedly breached diplomatic security rules and raised concerns among elite French security officers.&nbsp;Bruno Foucher, France's ambassador to the Central African Republic, allegedly hosted at least 30 women at the French embassy compound in Bangui, the country's capital, between January 2024 and March 2026. A Paris-based investigative magazine reported that Foucher's conduct raised concerns at the highest levels of the French government.&nbsp;Acting on advice from France's overseas intelligence service, the French Foreign Ministry opened an inquiry into his private conduct last year. The investigation remains ongoing.&nbsp;The magazine reported that the large number of female visitors eventually attracted the attention of personnel stationed in Bangui to protect the diplomatic compound. A French Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that the ministry ordered an administrative investigation in Bangui in 2026.&nbsp;After receiving the findings, the foreign minister directed the ministry to begin disciplinary proceedings against Foucher. Those proceedings are still underway.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-protest-police-book-600-protesters-over-assembly-march-in-ranchi-1786627463383">Jharkhand students protest: Police book 600 protesters over Assembly march in Ranchi</a>&nbsp;The magazine, which reviewed the official report, said Foucher acknowledged sexual relationships with at least two local African women. The report also alleged that he received around 15 visits a month and allowed one woman to stay at his official residence while he was away on government duties.&nbsp;Foucher remains ambassador but could reportedly face dismissal from France's diplomatic service or a severe reprimand if the investigation findings go against him. He has so far not publicly commented on the allegations.&nbsp;The case comes as France works to rebuild relations with the Central African Republic, where Russia's Wagner paramilitary group maintains a significant presence and reportedly provides security for the country's president.

French Ambassador to the Central African Republic Bruno Foucher faces disciplinary proceedings after an investigation into allegations that he hosted dozens of women at his official residence, raising diplomatic security concerns.

A senior French diplomat is facing disciplinary action after an investigation into a pattern of private visits by young women to his official residence in the Central African Republic. The conduct allegedly breached diplomatic security rules and raised concerns among elite French security officers. Bruno Foucher, France's ambassador to the Central African Republic, allegedly hosted at least 30 women at the French embassy compound in Bangui, the country's capital, between January 2024 and March 2026. A Paris-based investigative magazine reported that Foucher's conduct raised concerns at the highest levels of the French government. Acting on advice from France's overseas intelligence service, the French Foreign Ministry opened an inquiry into his private conduct last year. The investigation remains ongoing. The magazine reported that the large number of female visitors eventually attracted the attention of personnel stationed in Bangui to protect the diplomatic compound. A French Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that the ministry ordered an administrative investigation in Bangui in 2026. After receiving the findings, the foreign minister directed the ministry to begin disciplinary proceedings against Foucher. Those proceedings are still underway. Also Read: Jharkhand students protest: Police book 600 protesters over Assembly march in Ranchi The magazine, which reviewed the official report, said Foucher acknowledged sexual relationships with at least two local African women. The report also alleged that he received around 15 visits a month and allowed one woman to stay at his official residence while he was away on government duties. Foucher remains ambassador but could reportedly face dismissal from France's diplomatic service or a severe reprimand if the investigation findings go against him. He has so far not publicly commented on the allegations. The case comes as France works to rebuild relations with the Central African Republic, where Russia's Wagner paramilitary group maintains a significant presence and reportedly provides security for the country's president.

French Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Bruno Foucher, faces disciplinary proceedings after an investigation into allegations that he hosted dozens of women at his official residence, raising diplomatic security concerns.

French ambassador in Africa 'invited endless parade of women for sex' | Gravitas

Nepal’s government has said that it cannot confirm whether it possesses the original signed 1816 Sugauli Treaty papers on the basis of which it has been laying claims to parts of the Indian territory. The treaty defined Nepal’s boundary with British India. The revelation is a setback to Nepal, which has been issuing statements on the Lipulekh-Kalapani-Limpiyadhura dispute with India.&nbsp;The Nepalese government has told its Parliament that it could not confirm whether it possessed the original 1816 Treaty of Sugauli papers.&nbsp;Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal indicated on the floor of Nepal’s Parliament’s lower house (Pratinidhi Sabha) that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original document of the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.While some papers exist in the National Archives, extensive searches across state departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, the minister said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-s-power-crisis-worsens-seeks-help-from-india-as-long-outages-spark-outrage-1786626466299">Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage</a>&nbsp;A parliamentary enquiry searched archives, ministries, and museums but failed to locate the original treaty papers.&nbsp;Nepal claims that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani belong to it, while India maintains the areas are part of its Uttarakhand state.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Dispute hinges on contrasting interpretations of Kali River’s origin</h2>&nbsp;The border dispute, which has repeatedly rocked bilateral ties, hinges substantially on the contrasting interpretations of where the Kali, or Mahakali, river originates because the treaty made the river Nepal’s western boundary.&nbsp;Former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli turned the territorial dispute into a nationalist issue in 2020, when his government was in trouble. It published a new political map incorporating all three disputed areas and got it endorsed from Parliament through a constitutional amendment.&nbsp;India rejected the move as an “artificial enlargement” of Nepal’s territorial claims after which bilateral relations came under strain.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-attack-aramco-refinery-in-saudi-arabia-s-jizan-region-with-drones-1786643962330">Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones</a>&nbsp;The revelation about missing original treaty papers comes months after Nepal’s new PM Balen Shah stirred a controversy. Balen Shah told the parliament, “After becoming prime minister, I came to know that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places.”&nbsp;When the statement became a talking point, Nepal’s foreign ministry clarified that the PM was referring to technical cross-border occupations and said Kathmandu’s position on the disputed territories remained unchanged.&nbsp;<h2>East India Company and Nepal signed treaty in 1816&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The 1816 Sugauli Treaty was signed between British-ruled India (East India Company) and Nepal after the Anglo-Nepalese War. Nepal had lost the war.&nbsp;The signatories of the treaty were Lieutenant Colonel Paris Bradshaw on behalf of the East India Company and Raj Guru Gajraj Mishra on behalf of the ruler of Nepal, King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah.&nbsp;The India-Nepal border is now managed through the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) and technical documents produced by joint bilateral working groups.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-prolong-war-until-trump-is-out-of-office-says-irgc-adviser-1786565790697">Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser</a>&nbsp;The main dispute along the border is over the ‘Kalapani’ region in the Greater Himalayas which is within India’s borders. When the Home Ministry issued new maps in 2019, Nepal objected to the map, claiming it identifies the region as ‘an unsettled territory of the Darchula district’ within Nepal’s Sudurpashchim province.&nbsp;The India-Nepal border dispute intensified after the India-China agreement to reopen the Lipulekh Pass trade route. Nepal claimed that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are its territories.&nbsp;Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry later said that the unresolved border issues would be addressed through diplomatic dialogue and mutual understanding with India.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said in the Parliament that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Some papers exist in the National Archives, but searches across departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, he added.

Nepal’s government has said that it cannot confirm whether it possesses the original signed 1816 Sugauli Treaty papers on the basis of which it has been laying claims to parts of the Indian territory. The treaty defined Nepal’s boundary with British India. The revelation is a setback to Nepal, which has been issuing statements on the Lipulekh-Kalapani-Limpiyadhura dispute with India. The Nepalese government has told its Parliament that it could not confirm whether it possessed the original 1816 Treaty of Sugauli papers. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal indicated on the floor of Nepal’s Parliament’s lower house (Pratinidhi Sabha) that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original document of the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. While some papers exist in the National Archives, extensive searches across state departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, the minister said. Also Read: Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage A parliamentary enquiry searched archives, ministries, and museums but failed to locate the original treaty papers. Nepal claims that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani belong to it, while India maintains the areas are part of its Uttarakhand state. Dispute hinges on contrasting interpretations of Kali River’s origin The border dispute, which has repeatedly rocked bilateral ties, hinges substantially on the contrasting interpretations of where the Kali, or Mahakali, river originates because the treaty made the river Nepal’s western boundary. Former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli turned the territorial dispute into a nationalist issue in 2020, when his government was in trouble. It published a new political map incorporating all three disputed areas and got it endorsed from Parliament through a constitutional amendment. India rejected the move as an “artificial enlargement” of Nepal’s territorial claims after which bilateral relations came under strain. Also Read: Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones The revelation about missing original treaty papers comes months after Nepal’s new PM Balen Shah stirred a controversy. Balen Shah told the parliament, “After becoming prime minister, I came to know that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places.” When the statement became a talking point, Nepal’s foreign ministry clarified that the PM was referring to technical cross-border occupations and said Kathmandu’s position on the disputed territories remained unchanged. East India Company and Nepal signed treaty in 1816 The 1816 Sugauli Treaty was signed between British-ruled India (East India Company) and Nepal after the Anglo-Nepalese War. Nepal had lost the war. The signatories of the treaty were Lieutenant Colonel Paris Bradshaw on behalf of the East India Company and Raj Guru Gajraj Mishra on behalf of the ruler of Nepal, King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah. The India-Nepal border is now managed through the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) and technical documents produced by joint bilateral working groups. Also Read: Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser The main dispute along the border is over the ‘Kalapani’ region in the Greater Himalayas which is within India’s borders. When the Home Ministry issued new maps in 2019, Nepal objected to the map, claiming it identifies the region as ‘an unsettled territory of the Darchula district’ within Nepal’s Sudurpashchim province. The India-Nepal border dispute intensified after the India-China agreement to reopen the Lipulekh Pass trade route. Nepal claimed that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are its territories. Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry later said that the unresolved border issues would be addressed through diplomatic dialogue and mutual understanding with India.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said in the Parliament that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Some papers exist in the National Archives, but searches across departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, he added.

Nepal claims Indian territory, but its minister says the 210-year-old Sugauli Treaty is untraceable

Bangladesh has once again pulled forward the clock on its commercial life. As of Thursday, shops, markets and malls across the country must shutter by 8 p.m., an hour earlier than before, part of a widening set of emergency conservation rules meant to squeeze a few more megawatts out of a grid that simply does not have enough to go around. Hospitals, pharmacies and food vendors are spared. Nearly everyone else is not.&nbsp;It is a strikingly familiar scene. Only months ago, during the height of regional turmoil triggered by the Iran conflict, Dhaka ordered an even stricter curfew on commerce, forcing businesses closed by 6 p.m. That the country finds itself repeating the exercise says less about a single bad week and more about a structural vulnerability that a distant war keeps exposing.&nbsp;<h2>A crisis built on two points of failure</h2>&nbsp;The immediate trigger is mechanical rather than political. A fire last month at an LNG terminal operated by the American firm Excelerate Energy knocked out roughly half the country's import capacity; the facility only resumed partial operations this week. Around the same time, rough seas prevented at least two LNG carriers from offloading their cargo at Bangladesh's terminals, compounding the shortfall just as demand was already outrunning supply.&nbsp;The numbers tell the story starkly. The power sector needs more than a billion cubic feet of gas daily; it is currently receiving around 700 million. With national electricity demand near 18,000 megawatts against a supply capped closer to 13,000, the arithmetic of blackout was almost inevitable. Rural areas outside Dhaka have borne the brunt, with some regions reporting outages stretching eight to ten hours a day, worsened by an ongoing heatwave.&nbsp;<h2>When the grid fails, so does patience</h2>&nbsp;The human cost is visible in ways that go beyond inconvenience. Frustration has spilled into open confrontation in several districts, with reports of vandalism and arson targeting electricity infrastructure in areas including Saidpur, Nilphamari and Kushtia. Utility workers report being harassed, and in some cases threatened, while attempting to collect overdue bills. The Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association, which manages rural power cooperatives, has formally asked police to patrol substations and grid stations.&nbsp;The economic toll is just as tangible. Shrimp farmers, whose product makes Bangladesh the world's second-largest exporter of the crustacean, describe watching oxygen levels collapse in their ponds each time aerators lose power. The textile and garment sector, the backbone of the national economy, is similarly exposed to an unreliable grid. For an economy this dependent on continuous production cycles, prolonged load-shedding is not a nuisance; it is a direct threat to export competitiveness.&nbsp;<h2>The geopolitical undercurrent</h2>&nbsp;Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. The conflict centred on Iran rattled shipping routes, spiked fuel and LNG prices, and injected volatility into precisely the supply chains Dhaka relies on to keep the lights on. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits.&nbsp;That exposure has pushed Bangladesh back toward an old, complicated relationship: its energy lifeline to India. The two countries are connected by the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, commissioned in 2017, under which New Delhi is committed to supplying 180,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually under a fifteen-year arrangement. Dhaka has now asked India to increase those flows, a request delivered directly to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi by Bangladesh's energy minister, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. India has already shipped more than 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh since the spring, when the Iran-linked disruptions first began rippling through South Asian energy markets.&nbsp;This quiet cooperation is notable precisely because political relations between the two nations have been anything but smooth. New Delhi's decision to shelter former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her 2024 ouster has remained a persistent irritant for the government of Tarique Rahman, and Hasina's recent public remarks from Delhi, her first since fleeing Dhaka, have only sharpened tensions. Energy interdependence, it seems, is proving more durable than diplomatic goodwill. Bangladesh needs India's diesel regardless of how it feels about India's guest.

Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits.

Bangladesh has once again pulled forward the clock on its commercial life. As of Thursday, shops, markets and malls across the country must shutter by 8 p.m., an hour earlier than before, part of a widening set of emergency conservation rules meant to squeeze a few more megawatts out of a grid that simply does not have enough to go around. Hospitals, pharmacies and food vendors are spared. Nearly everyone else is not. It is a strikingly familiar scene. Only months ago, during the height of regional turmoil triggered by the Iran conflict, Dhaka ordered an even stricter curfew on commerce, forcing businesses closed by 6 p.m. That the country finds itself repeating the exercise says less about a single bad week and more about a structural vulnerability that a distant war keeps exposing. A crisis built on two points of failure The immediate trigger is mechanical rather than political. A fire last month at an LNG terminal operated by the American firm Excelerate Energy knocked out roughly half the country's import capacity; the facility only resumed partial operations this week. Around the same time, rough seas prevented at least two LNG carriers from offloading their cargo at Bangladesh's terminals, compounding the shortfall just as demand was already outrunning supply. The numbers tell the story starkly. The power sector needs more than a billion cubic feet of gas daily; it is currently receiving around 700 million. With national electricity demand near 18,000 megawatts against a supply capped closer to 13,000, the arithmetic of blackout was almost inevitable. Rural areas outside Dhaka have borne the brunt, with some regions reporting outages stretching eight to ten hours a day, worsened by an ongoing heatwave. When the grid fails, so does patience The human cost is visible in ways that go beyond inconvenience. Frustration has spilled into open confrontation in several districts, with reports of vandalism and arson targeting electricity infrastructure in areas including Saidpur, Nilphamari and Kushtia. Utility workers report being harassed, and in some cases threatened, while attempting to collect overdue bills. The Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association, which manages rural power cooperatives, has formally asked police to patrol substations and grid stations. The economic toll is just as tangible. Shrimp farmers, whose product makes Bangladesh the world's second-largest exporter of the crustacean, describe watching oxygen levels collapse in their ponds each time aerators lose power. The textile and garment sector, the backbone of the national economy, is similarly exposed to an unreliable grid. For an economy this dependent on continuous production cycles, prolonged load-shedding is not a nuisance; it is a direct threat to export competitiveness. The geopolitical undercurrent Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. The conflict centred on Iran rattled shipping routes, spiked fuel and LNG prices, and injected volatility into precisely the supply chains Dhaka relies on to keep the lights on. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits. That exposure has pushed Bangladesh back toward an old, complicated relationship: its energy lifeline to India. The two countries are connected by the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, commissioned in 2017, under which New Delhi is committed to supplying 180,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually under a fifteen-year arrangement. Dhaka has now asked India to increase those flows, a request delivered directly to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi by Bangladesh's energy minister, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. India has already shipped more than 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh since the spring, when the Iran-linked disruptions first began rippling through South Asian energy markets. This quiet cooperation is notable precisely because political relations between the two nations have been anything but smooth. New Delhi's decision to shelter former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her 2024 ouster has remained a persistent irritant for the government of Tarique Rahman, and Hasina's recent public remarks from Delhi, her first since fleeing Dhaka, have only sharpened tensions. Energy interdependence, it seems, is proving more durable than diplomatic goodwill. Bangladesh needs India's diesel regardless of how it feels about India's guest.

Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits.

Blackout diplomacy: How the Iran War left Bangladesh in the dark

Russian forces have targeted the Izmail port in Southern Odesa, causing damage and starting a fire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged that Ukraine needs 5 per cent of the US Patriot missile interceptor stockpile. Multiple reports suggest that Ukrainian troops have destroyed multiple air missile systems protecting the opulent mansion of Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Gelendzhik. They also launched a drone attack on the Novorossiysk port of Russia.&nbsp;The port of Izmail near the Romanian border in Ukraine's southern region of Odesa is the largest port in Russia and handles the export of grain and other commodities. The regional administrator of Izmail said in a statement that the overnight attacks have taken out port infrastructure and the power in the southeast of the city. The attack on Izmail and the Danube could be detrimental because Ukraine uses these ports in the Black Sea to supply 90 per cent of its grain to Europe. Ukraine is among the world's largest producers of wheat, corn ​and sunflower seeds. Russia maintains a naval blockade on the Black Sea, which has brought the grain exports tumbling to 76 per cent year-on-year.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karoline-leavitt-farewell-post-made-with-ai-label-x-1786618739427">Karoline Leavitt’s emotional White House farewell post gets ‘Made with AI’ label on X</a>Over the last week Ukraine have targeted military assets in Gelendzhik, around 12 miles from the Russian leader’s holiday home. The attacks were carried out around 12 miles from the $1.2bn palace. Ukrainian drone targeted Volna Kupol Garant, Russian electronic warfare equipment designed to jam Starlink communications over an area of 20 sq m and an S-400 anti-aircraft missile system and launch pad just 500m away from the previous attack. The residence has 27 air defence towers and anti-aircraft systems.Ukraine also targeted a port in Novorossiysk. Russian authorities have shared that the attack damaged 2 grain terminals of the port, killed 3 and injured 24.&nbsp;Ukraine’s SBU security service said the attack had “strategic significance” while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that two frigates, a large landing ship, a corvette and other vessels were hit.&nbsp;Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday said that Ukraine needs 5 per cent of the current US stockpiles of Patriot interceptor missiles. "Sell us ​5%, we will go ⁠through the winter and save people's lives. If they can sell us 10%, we will destroy all the Russians' ballistic missiles. I have 1%," said Zelensky to CNN. He recently said that Ukraine has “two and a half times fewer interceptors than we had in 2025”, while the opposite happened with Russia it fired twice as many ballistic missiles each month, according to Zelensky.&nbsp;

Zelensky urges the US to sell Ukraine 5% of its Patriot interceptors after Russia strikes Izmail port in Odesa, as Kyiv targets Russian military and port assets

Russian forces have targeted the Izmail port in Southern Odesa, causing damage and starting a fire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged that Ukraine needs 5 per cent of the US Patriot missile interceptor stockpile. Multiple reports suggest that Ukrainian troops have destroyed multiple air missile systems protecting the opulent mansion of Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Gelendzhik. They also launched a drone attack on the Novorossiysk port of Russia. The port of Izmail near the Romanian border in Ukraine's southern region of Odesa is the largest port in Russia and handles the export of grain and other commodities. The regional administrator of Izmail said in a statement that the overnight attacks have taken out port infrastructure and the power in the southeast of the city. The attack on Izmail and the Danube could be detrimental because Ukraine uses these ports in the Black Sea to supply 90 per cent of its grain to Europe. Ukraine is among the world's largest producers of wheat, corn and sunflower seeds. Russia maintains a naval blockade on the Black Sea, which has brought the grain exports tumbling to 76 per cent year-on-year. Also Read: Karoline Leavitt’s emotional White House farewell post gets ‘Made with AI’ label on X Over the last week Ukraine have targeted military assets in Gelendzhik, around 12 miles from the Russian leader’s holiday home. The attacks were carried out around 12 miles from the $1.2bn palace. Ukrainian drone targeted Volna Kupol Garant, Russian electronic warfare equipment designed to jam Starlink communications over an area of 20 sq m and an S-400 anti-aircraft missile system and launch pad just 500m away from the previous attack. The residence has 27 air defence towers and anti-aircraft systems. Ukraine also targeted a port in Novorossiysk. Russian authorities have shared that the attack damaged 2 grain terminals of the port, killed 3 and injured 24. Ukraine’s SBU security service said the attack had “strategic significance” while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that two frigates, a large landing ship, a corvette and other vessels were hit. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday said that Ukraine needs 5 per cent of the current US stockpiles of Patriot interceptor missiles. "Sell us 5%, we will go ⁠through the winter and save people's lives. If they can sell us 10%, we will destroy all the Russians' ballistic missiles. I have 1%," said Zelensky to CNN. He recently said that Ukraine has “two and a half times fewer interceptors than we had in 2025”, while the opposite happened with Russia it fired twice as many ballistic missiles each month, according to Zelensky.

Zelensky urges the US to sell Ukraine 5% of its Patriot interceptors after Russia strikes Izmail port in Odesa, as Kyiv targets Russian military and port assets

'Sell us 5%’: Zelensky seeks Patriot interceptors after Russia strikes Odesa port

Bangladesh is facing a severe energy crisis, and most parts of the country are reeling under long power outages that often stretch to 9-10 hours. In a bid to tackle the acute crisis, the government has directed shopping malls, shops, and markets to shut down by 8 pm to save electricity.&nbsp;Businesses, farmers, and industries are all suffering due to the power crunch. And in the hour of need, Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and sought additional diesel supplies to tide over the crisis.&nbsp;The power crisis is especially severe in rural areas outside the capital, Dhaka, with reports of 8-10 hours of outages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-multinational-drone-task-force-with-allies-in-middle-east-1786650707964">US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East</a>&nbsp;The Tarique Rahman government on Wednesday ordered all shopping malls, markets, and shops to close by 8 pm. Trade fairs and cultural events have been told to wrap up by 8 pm, while decorative lighting has been barred.&nbsp;Bangladesh’s power demand is around 18,000 MW, but the supply lags at around 13,000 MW, a big shortfall.&nbsp;<h2>Residents attack power stations, officials</h2>&nbsp;The discomfort due to long outages and load-shedding has annoyed residents who attacked power stations in some areas.Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-prolong-war-until-trump-is-out-of-office-says-irgc-adviser-1786565790697">Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser</a>&nbsp;The attacks forced the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association to seek police security for grids, substations and electricity offices.&nbsp;<h2>What precipitated the crisis?</h2>&nbsp;The present situation is mainly due to a shortage of fuel, particularly natural gas. Bangladesh imports over 90% of its oil and 30% of its gas.LNG supply dropped by half after a July 21 fire incident on a terminal owned by US company Excelerate Energy was shut down. Partial operations have resumed this week.Besides, two LNG vessels have not been able to offload at terminals due to rough weather at sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-attack-aramco-refinery-in-saudi-arabia-s-jizan-region-with-drones-1786643962330">Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones</a>&nbsp;Bangladesh’s power sector requires more than 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day, but currently it has only 700 million cubic feet.&nbsp;In Khulna, locals complain of 9-10 hour outages, while supply shortfall also plagues Mymensingh, Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna, with three to five hours of load shedding a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Businesses, shrimp farming hit hard</h2>&nbsp;The prolonged power cuts have hit business operations and farming. Farmers are using diesel generators and incurring extra fuel costs.Shrimp farmers complain that whenever the power goes out, the aerators stop working and oxygen levels in the water fall, putting shrimps at risk. Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of shrimp.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-canal-fees-surge-container-ship-shells-out-4-million-to-jump-queue-1786558494375">Panama Canal fees surge; container ship shells out $4 million to jump queue</a>&nbsp;The crisis is not for the first time. In April, all shops and shopping malls were ordered to be shut by 6 pm at the peak of the energy crisis during the Iran conflict.&nbsp;<h2>Bangladesh turns to India for help</h2>&nbsp;Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and requested for additional diesel supplies. Bangladesh energy minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood last week told reporters, “We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more.”&nbsp;The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, operationalised in 2017 during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, plays a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-gives-intelligence-services-broad-powers-amid-rising-hybrid-threats-security-lapses-1786548101127">Germany gives intelligence services broad powers amid rising threats, security lapses</a>&nbsp;As part of a 15-year agreement, India sends 1,80,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually to Dhaka.&nbsp;India has already sent over 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh in March and April during the Middle East turmoil despite ties between the two neighbours going through turbulence that started when Mohd Yunus became the interim leader.

The discomfort due to long outages has annoyed residents who attacked power stations. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas.

Bangladesh is facing a severe energy crisis, and most parts of the country are reeling under long power outages that often stretch to 9-10 hours. In a bid to tackle the acute crisis, the government has directed shopping malls, shops, and markets to shut down by 8 pm to save electricity. Businesses, farmers, and industries are all suffering due to the power crunch. And in the hour of need, Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and sought additional diesel supplies to tide over the crisis. The power crisis is especially severe in rural areas outside the capital, Dhaka, with reports of 8-10 hours of outages. Also Read: US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East The Tarique Rahman government on Wednesday ordered all shopping malls, markets, and shops to close by 8 pm. Trade fairs and cultural events have been told to wrap up by 8 pm, while decorative lighting has been barred. Bangladesh’s power demand is around 18,000 MW, but the supply lags at around 13,000 MW, a big shortfall. Residents attack power stations, officials The discomfort due to long outages and load-shedding has annoyed residents who attacked power stations in some areas. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas. Also Read: Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser The attacks forced the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association to seek police security for grids, substations and electricity offices. What precipitated the crisis? The present situation is mainly due to a shortage of fuel, particularly natural gas. Bangladesh imports over 90% of its oil and 30% of its gas. LNG supply dropped by half after a July 21 fire incident on a terminal owned by US company Excelerate Energy was shut down. Partial operations have resumed this week. Besides, two LNG vessels have not been able to offload at terminals due to rough weather at sea. Also Read: Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones Bangladesh’s power sector requires more than 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day, but currently it has only 700 million cubic feet. In Khulna, locals complain of 9-10 hour outages, while supply shortfall also plagues Mymensingh, Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna, with three to five hours of load shedding a day. Businesses, shrimp farming hit hard The prolonged power cuts have hit business operations and farming. Farmers are using diesel generators and incurring extra fuel costs. Shrimp farmers complain that whenever the power goes out, the aerators stop working and oxygen levels in the water fall, putting shrimps at risk. Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of shrimp. Also Read: Panama Canal fees surge; container ship shells out $4 million to jump queue The crisis is not for the first time. In April, all shops and shopping malls were ordered to be shut by 6 pm at the peak of the energy crisis during the Iran conflict. Bangladesh turns to India for help Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and requested for additional diesel supplies. Bangladesh energy minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood last week told reporters, “We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more.” The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, operationalised in 2017 during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, plays a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security. Also Read: Germany gives intelligence services broad powers amid rising threats, security lapses As part of a 15-year agreement, India sends 1,80,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually to Dhaka. India has already sent over 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh in March and April during the Middle East turmoil despite ties between the two neighbours going through turbulence that started when Mohd Yunus became the interim leader.

The discomfort due to long outages has annoyed residents who attacked power stations. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas.

Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage

A senior Iranian official on Thursday (August 13) said the Strait of Hormuz remains under the control of Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's claim that Washington has taken control of the strategic waterway. Hossein Taeb, head of Iran's paramilitary Basij forces affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, said the waterway remains under Tehran's management and control.&nbsp;"Today, you see that the Strait of Hormuz is under the management and control of the Islamic Republic, and our country continues on its path in complete security," Taeb said, according to Iranian state television.&nbsp;His remarks came a day after Trump claimed that the United States had "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and said he intended to maintain that control as negotiations with Iran over reopening the waterway remained stalled.&nbsp;In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, 'A WALL OF STEEL,' and there is nothing Iran can do about it."&nbsp;Trump also claimed that Iran's military infrastructure had suffered severe damage. He ended the message with the phrase, "Praise be to Allah!"&nbsp;"All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse! Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer. Praise be to Allah! President," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-japan-tensions-flare-putin-visits-disputed-islands-tokyo-summons-envoy-1786617952382">Russia-Japan tensions flare: Putin visits disputed islands, Tokyo protests, summons Russian envoy</a><h3>Iran and US clash over Strait of Hormuz</h3>Trump has repeatedly claimed that Washington controls the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for energy and other commodity shipments through the Middle East.&nbsp;Iran, however, has maintained that it effectively controls a large part of the waterway. Tehran also plans to impose a toll system in response to the US war launched by Trump on February 28.&nbsp;The dispute comes as Washington and Tehran continue behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement. Representatives from both sides have held indirect discussions on measures to ease the Hormuz crisis and restore regular maritime traffic.&nbsp;Tehran has reportedly demanded compensation for war-related damage linked to the US-Israel. It has also sought compensation for economic losses caused by sanctions. Trump has publicly rejected the demand.<h3>Diplomatic efforts continue amid rising pressure</h3>At the same time, the Trump administration has increased economic pressure on Tehran by enforcing existing sanctions. Washington has also warned that further punitive measures could follow if Iran refuses to comply.&nbsp;The competing claims over control of the Strait of Hormuz come as both sides continue indirect discussions aimed at easing the crisis and restoring regular maritime traffic.

Iran has rejected Trump’s claim of having “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strategic waterway remains under Tehran’s management amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

A senior Iranian official on Thursday (August 13) said the Strait of Hormuz remains under the control of Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's claim that Washington has taken control of the strategic waterway. Hossein Taeb, head of Iran's paramilitary Basij forces affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, said the waterway remains under Tehran's management and control. "Today, you see that the Strait of Hormuz is under the management and control of the Islamic Republic, and our country continues on its path in complete security," Taeb said, according to Iranian state television. His remarks came a day after Trump claimed that the United States had "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and said he intended to maintain that control as negotiations with Iran over reopening the waterway remained stalled. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, 'A WALL OF STEEL,' and there is nothing Iran can do about it." Trump also claimed that Iran's military infrastructure had suffered severe damage. He ended the message with the phrase, "Praise be to Allah!" "All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse! Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer. Praise be to Allah! President," he added. Also Read: Russia-Japan tensions flare: Putin visits disputed islands, Tokyo protests, summons Russian envoy Iran and US clash over Strait of Hormuz Trump has repeatedly claimed that Washington controls the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for energy and other commodity shipments through the Middle East. Iran, however, has maintained that it effectively controls a large part of the waterway. Tehran also plans to impose a toll system in response to the US war launched by Trump on February 28. The dispute comes as Washington and Tehran continue behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement. Representatives from both sides have held indirect discussions on measures to ease the Hormuz crisis and restore regular maritime traffic. Tehran has reportedly demanded compensation for war-related damage linked to the US-Israel. It has also sought compensation for economic losses caused by sanctions. Trump has publicly rejected the demand. Diplomatic efforts continue amid rising pressure At the same time, the Trump administration has increased economic pressure on Tehran by enforcing existing sanctions. Washington has also warned that further punitive measures could follow if Iran refuses to comply. The competing claims over control of the Strait of Hormuz come as both sides continue indirect discussions aimed at easing the crisis and restoring regular maritime traffic.

Iran has rejected Trump’s claim of having “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strategic waterway remains under Tehran’s management amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Iran challenges Trump’s Hormuz claim; says Tehran controls strait, not US

Karoline Levaitt's heartfelt farewell message to her job at the White House as Press Secretary had a 3-word community note at the bottom. The seven paragraph long social media post came with a disclosure from the platform as AI-generated. The note raised doubt about her sentiments and her whole expression of gratitude towards the job and the US President Donald Trump. Leavitt's post described the decision as “bittersweet”.Leavitt called the role "one of the most demanding jobs” in the world, and she would not be able to continue being a mother while performing in that role. To which Trump said he "totally understands and respects" the decision."I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium. I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes," said one of the most loyal and biggest cheerleaders of Trump.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallikarjun-kharge-shuddhikaran-haldwani-ramlila-ground-row-1786615502007">'Is this the way in a democracy?'- Row in parliament over 'shuddhikaran' in Haldwani following Kharge rally</a>However, comments swept away the emotions. Users commented on her post, asking why it said it was made with AI. They mocked the seriousness of a spokesperson generating a personal message with AI. The AI label on Leavitt's post had disappeared on X, and the White House did not make any comment on this. However, it is not clear what triggered the “Made with AI” label, as there were two photographs included in it too.Others reminded that not everyone has the privilege of being a stay-at-home mother. "Um... weren't you the same person calling Gen Z lazy a month ago? I guess the rules of not wanting to work don't apply to you. Most mothers don't get the luxury of staying at home because their family NEEDS two incomes," one user wrote.&nbsp;Leavitt made history in 2025 when she became the youngest ever press secretary for the White House. She and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, in May, and last month she returned to her role from maternity leave.<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260813/image-1786621246096.webp">&nbsp;&nbsp;Platforms have started to use the Made with AI label to flag content that is AI-generated or manipulated. According to X, the platform uses the Made with AI label on any media it determines to be AI-generated or manipulated. YouTube has demonetised AI-generated, mass-produced content, while Substack and Pinterest have also launched tools to identify content made with AI.&nbsp;

Karoline Leavitt’s farewell message as White House Press Secretary drew attention after X flagged the post with a “Made with AI” label, sparking questions online.

Karoline Levaitt's heartfelt farewell message to her job at the White House as Press Secretary had a 3-word community note at the bottom. The seven paragraph long social media post came with a disclosure from the platform as AI-generated. The note raised doubt about her sentiments and her whole expression of gratitude towards the job and the US President Donald Trump. Leavitt's post described the decision as “bittersweet”. Leavitt called the role "one of the most demanding jobs” in the world, and she would not be able to continue being a mother while performing in that role. To which Trump said he "totally understands and respects" the decision. "I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium. I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes," said one of the most loyal and biggest cheerleaders of Trump. Also Read: 'Is this the way in a democracy?'- Row in parliament over 'shuddhikaran' in Haldwani following Kharge rally However, comments swept away the emotions. Users commented on her post, asking why it said it was made with AI. They mocked the seriousness of a spokesperson generating a personal message with AI. The AI label on Leavitt's post had disappeared on X, and the White House did not make any comment on this. However, it is not clear what triggered the “Made with AI” label, as there were two photographs included in it too. Others reminded that not everyone has the privilege of being a stay-at-home mother. "Um... weren't you the same person calling Gen Z lazy a month ago? I guess the rules of not wanting to work don't apply to you. Most mothers don't get the luxury of staying at home because their family NEEDS two incomes," one user wrote. Leavitt made history in 2025 when she became the youngest ever press secretary for the White House. She and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, in May, and last month she returned to her role from maternity leave. Platforms have started to use the Made with AI label to flag content that is AI-generated or manipulated. According to X, the platform uses the Made with AI label on any media it determines to be AI-generated or manipulated. YouTube has demonetised AI-generated, mass-produced content, while Substack and Pinterest have also launched tools to identify content made with AI.

Karoline Leavitt’s farewell message as White House Press Secretary drew attention after X flagged the post with a “Made with AI” label, sparking questions online.

Karoline Leavitt’s emotional White House farewell post gets ‘Made with AI’ label on X

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's far eastern Kuril Islands for the first time on Thursday (August 13), prompting strong protests from Japan, which also claims the territory. The long-standing territorial dispute has remained a major source of tension between Russia and Japan. The islands are known as the Northern Territories in Japan and were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.&nbsp;The Kremlin released a video showing Putin on one of the Kurils' four main islands. Russian media reported that he visited a fish processing plant and was presented with caviar.&nbsp;Putin's visit marked the first trip by a Russian president to the islands since Dmitry Medvedev visited them in 2010.&nbsp;The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Hokkaido during the final days of World War II and has maintained a military presence there since then.&nbsp;The disputed islands form part of the volcanic Kuril archipelago, which stretches in a broad arc from Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula towards Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/56-inch-ka-chhota-bandar-vs-jharkhand-pe-jawab-do-protest-marks-last-day-of-monsoon-session-as-it-ends-in-washout-1786605256330">'56 inch ka chhota bandar vs Jharkhand pe jawab do': Protest marks last day of Monsoon Session as it ends in washout</a><h2>Japan protests Putin's visit</h2>Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi criticised Putin's visit and said it "offends the sentiments of the Japanese people and is absolutely unacceptable."&nbsp;"The Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan's territory, both historically and under international law," Takaichi told reporters. She added that the visit "made it more difficult to restore relations in the medium to long term."&nbsp;Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also summoned Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolai Nozdrev on Thursday to lodge a "strong protest" over Putin's visit.&nbsp;Motegi told the ambassador that Putin's visit would "have an extremely negative impact on Japan-Russia relations", according to a statement from the ministry. Relations between the two countries have already faced pressure following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;Japan has joined other G7 countries in imposing sanctions on Russia and providing financial assistance and non-lethal defence aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;Putin on Wednesday described Japan's sanctions as "unprovoked".&nbsp;"Japan has identified Russia as a main source of threats. I would like to point out that we are not threatening Japan... On the contrary, it has territorial claims against our country," Putin said.<h2>Russia, China and North Korea deepen Japan's security concerns</h2>Russia and China have also strengthened their ties, with their navies and air forces conducting joint exercises in areas around Japan. The drills have prompted Japanese fighter jets to carry out frequent scrambles.&nbsp;North Korea, which this month described Japan's military build-up as a "transformation into a war state", has also sent troops and artillery shells to support Russia's war against Ukraine.&nbsp;Japan's latest defence white paper, issued this month, again highlighted growing security risks from Russia, China and North Korea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands in 16 years has triggered strong protests from Japan, with Tokyo warning that the move could further damage already strained Russia-Japan relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's far eastern Kuril Islands for the first time on Thursday (August 13), prompting strong protests from Japan, which also claims the territory. The long-standing territorial dispute has remained a major source of tension between Russia and Japan. The islands are known as the Northern Territories in Japan and were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945. The Kremlin released a video showing Putin on one of the Kurils' four main islands. Russian media reported that he visited a fish processing plant and was presented with caviar. Putin's visit marked the first trip by a Russian president to the islands since Dmitry Medvedev visited them in 2010. The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Hokkaido during the final days of World War II and has maintained a military presence there since then. The disputed islands form part of the volcanic Kuril archipelago, which stretches in a broad arc from Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula towards Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido. Also Read: '56 inch ka chhota bandar vs Jharkhand pe jawab do': Protest marks last day of Monsoon Session as it ends in washout Japan protests Putin's visit Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi criticised Putin's visit and said it "offends the sentiments of the Japanese people and is absolutely unacceptable." "The Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan's territory, both historically and under international law," Takaichi told reporters. She added that the visit "made it more difficult to restore relations in the medium to long term." Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also summoned Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolai Nozdrev on Thursday to lodge a "strong protest" over Putin's visit. Motegi told the ambassador that Putin's visit would "have an extremely negative impact on Japan-Russia relations", according to a statement from the ministry. Relations between the two countries have already faced pressure following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Japan has joined other G7 countries in imposing sanctions on Russia and providing financial assistance and non-lethal defence aid to Ukraine. Putin on Wednesday described Japan's sanctions as "unprovoked". "Japan has identified Russia as a main source of threats. I would like to point out that we are not threatening Japan... On the contrary, it has territorial claims against our country," Putin said. Russia, China and North Korea deepen Japan's security concerns Russia and China have also strengthened their ties, with their navies and air forces conducting joint exercises in areas around Japan. The drills have prompted Japanese fighter jets to carry out frequent scrambles. North Korea, which this month described Japan's military build-up as a "transformation into a war state", has also sent troops and artillery shells to support Russia's war against Ukraine. Japan's latest defence white paper, issued this month, again highlighted growing security risks from Russia, China and North Korea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands in 16 years has triggered strong protests from Japan, with Tokyo warning that the move could further damage already strained Russia-Japan relations.

Russia-Japan tensions flare: Putin visits disputed islands, Tokyo protests, summons Russian envoy

Continuous attacks by Ukraine on a Russian refinery and a Houthi attack on a Saudi refining facility has disturbed in balance of Global fuel supply, resulting in surged of diesel prices. According to media reports, refining margins in Europe had increased by 10 per cent. This outcome is due to the war in the Middle East and the Ukrainian drone attacks on the refinery network of Russia. The report also indicated that diesel futures in the United States booked their sharpest rise since July on Monday, adding 7.4 per cent to $4.19 per gallon. According to AAA data, the average retail price for a gallon of diesel was $5.32 on Tuesday, which rose from $4.88 per gallon a month ago and $3.71 per gallon a year ago. “Refining margins remain elevated because every additional barrel of product has become significantly more valuable than every additional barrel of crude,” Kpler lead analyst for refining supply and modelling, Sumit Ritolia, told the Wall Street Journal this week. The report also indicates that the 3-2-1 crack spread, a key benchmark for refining margins, has surged past $70 per barrel, well above its typical range of under $20. Refineries are running at unusually high utilisation rates to offset supply losses from the Middle East and Russia, but this comes with limits. Kpler's Ritolia told the WSJ that utilisation above 90-95 per cent leaves refineries with almost no operational flexibility. Exxon and Chevron recently reported utilisation rates between 95-97 per cent, while Shell's exceeded 100 per cent. As refineries now enter maintenance season, a critical period for ensuring fuel supply security, some output will inevitably be lost, likely pushing fuel prices higher still. Certain regions face a broader refinery shortage, particularly Europe, where refineries have been shutting down for years amid EU and national decarbonization efforts aimed at mass transport electrification. Since this shift hasn't fully materialised, demand for hydrocarbon fuels remains strong, even as domestic refining capacity shrinks, leaving the EU more exposed to global energy markets and driving up its import costs.<h3>Rebalance of supply chain</h3>Analysts currently expect refining margins to remain significantly higher than usual until the end of the year. If the war in the Middle East ends in future, it will likely take time to rebalance the supply chain. China, which had prevented a spike in global crude oil futures by cutting back on imports, doesn't appear poised to do the same for fuel prices. While the country has maintained its export restrictions, it has eased them somewhat, permitting refiners to export more fuel in August. This temporary relaxation of export caps applies for the month, though refiners unable to secure buyers for their full allotment will be allowed to carry some volumes over into September. This move is unlikely to ease the global fuel shortage, much like record U.S. exports haven't fully resolved it — even though they've helped offset some of the shortfall from Russia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, within the U.S., diesel inventories have dropped to their lowest level for this time of year in three decades, according to Reuters' reporting on record diesel prices. This means the U.S., despite being the world's largest oil and fuel exporter, has limited room to further increase exports to fuel-starved regions. The US Energy Information Administration stated earlier this week that it expects some oil production in the Middle East to remain offline well into 2027, potentially through the end of the year. This points to a prolonged supply squeeze on both crude oil and fuel supplies. Such a trend could accelerate toward electrification, though rising fuel costs spreading across industries, including EV manufacturing, might also dampen demand for EVs themselves. &nbsp;

A key benchmark for refining margins has surged past $70 per barrel, well above its typical range of under $20. Refineries are running at unusually high utilisation rates to offset supply losses from the Middle East and Russia, but this comes with limits.

Continuous attacks by Ukraine on a Russian refinery and a Houthi attack on a Saudi refining facility has disturbed in balance of Global fuel supply, resulting in surged of diesel prices. According to media reports, refining margins in Europe had increased by 10 per cent. This outcome is due to the war in the Middle East and the Ukrainian drone attacks on the refinery network of Russia. The report also indicated that diesel futures in the United States booked their sharpest rise since July on Monday, adding 7.4 per cent to $4.19 per gallon. According to AAA data, the average retail price for a gallon of diesel was $5.32 on Tuesday, which rose from $4.88 per gallon a month ago and $3.71 per gallon a year ago. “Refining margins remain elevated because every additional barrel of product has become significantly more valuable than every additional barrel of crude,” Kpler lead analyst for refining supply and modelling, Sumit Ritolia, told the Wall Street Journal this week. The report also indicates that the 3-2-1 crack spread, a key benchmark for refining margins, has surged past $70 per barrel, well above its typical range of under $20. Refineries are running at unusually high utilisation rates to offset supply losses from the Middle East and Russia, but this comes with limits. Kpler's Ritolia told the WSJ that utilisation above 90-95 per cent leaves refineries with almost no operational flexibility. Exxon and Chevron recently reported utilisation rates between 95-97 per cent, while Shell's exceeded 100 per cent. As refineries now enter maintenance season, a critical period for ensuring fuel supply security, some output will inevitably be lost, likely pushing fuel prices higher still. Certain regions face a broader refinery shortage, particularly Europe, where refineries have been shutting down for years amid EU and national decarbonization efforts aimed at mass transport electrification. Since this shift hasn't fully materialised, demand for hydrocarbon fuels remains strong, even as domestic refining capacity shrinks, leaving the EU more exposed to global energy markets and driving up its import costs. Rebalance of supply chain Analysts currently expect refining margins to remain significantly higher than usual until the end of the year. If the war in the Middle East ends in future, it will likely take time to rebalance the supply chain. China, which had prevented a spike in global crude oil futures by cutting back on imports, doesn't appear poised to do the same for fuel prices. While the country has maintained its export restrictions, it has eased them somewhat, permitting refiners to export more fuel in August. This temporary relaxation of export caps applies for the month, though refiners unable to secure buyers for their full allotment will be allowed to carry some volumes over into September. This move is unlikely to ease the global fuel shortage, much like record U.S. exports haven't fully resolved it — even though they've helped offset some of the shortfall from Russia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, within the U.S., diesel inventories have dropped to their lowest level for this time of year in three decades, according to Reuters' reporting on record diesel prices. This means the U.S., despite being the world's largest oil and fuel exporter, has limited room to further increase exports to fuel-starved regions. The US Energy Information Administration stated earlier this week that it expects some oil production in the Middle East to remain offline well into 2027, potentially through the end of the year. This points to a prolonged supply squeeze on both crude oil and fuel supplies. Such a trend could accelerate toward electrification, though rising fuel costs spreading across industries, including EV manufacturing, might also dampen demand for EVs themselves.

A key benchmark for refining margins has surged past $70 per barrel, well above its typical range of under $20. Refineries are running at unusually high utilisation rates to offset supply losses from the Middle East and Russia, but this comes with limits.

Refinery attacks in Russia-Ukraine war and West Asia conflicts trigger global fuel price surge

The Trump administration has come under criticism after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that 2,000 video gamers have been hired as air traffic controllers under a new federal recruitment initiative aimed at addressing a nationwide staffing shortage.Duffy first introduced the campaign in April, arguing that the Federal Aviation Administration needed to broaden its search for talent beyond traditional career pathways. This week, he said the effort had delivered record results.“In April, we launched a NEW CAMPAIGN to recruit video gamers as air traffic controllers – and supercharged the entire hiring process to get the BEST &amp; BRIGHTEST in faster. The results are HISTORIC.”According to Duffy, the 2,000 hires represent the largest number of controller appointments in a single year, with another 2,000 candidates “in the pipeline.” He shared the update on social media alongside a video featuring newly recruited controllers celebrating their successful interviews and entry into the profession.The FAA has defended the initiative, saying the campaign targets young people with skills that may be well suited to the demands of air traffic control. The agency noted that many current controllers did not follow a conventional college route.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-pilot-fell-asleep-during-phuket-delhi-flight-here-s-what-we-know-1786593726749">Air India pilot who consumed marijuana fell asleep during Phuket-Delhi flight? Here’s what we know</a>“With only about 25 per cent of controllers holding a traditional college degree, this effort is focused on reaching talented young people pursuing alternative career paths, many of whom are active in gaming,” the FAA said.The agency also cited feedback from experienced controllers.“Feedback from controller exit interviews reinforces this, with several controllers pointing to gaming as an influence on their ability to think quickly, stay focused, and manage complexity.”Supporters of the initiative argue that fast decision-making, sustained concentration and spatial awareness are valuable skills for air traffic control. Critics, however, have questioned whether gaming experience should play a role in recruitment for a safety-critical profession.The controversy has added a new dimension to the broader debate over how the United States should modernise recruitment for one of its most demanding public safety jobs.

The Trump administration is facing backlash after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that 2,000 video gamers have been hired as air traffic controllers under a new FAA recruitment drive.

The Trump administration has come under criticism after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that 2,000 video gamers have been hired as air traffic controllers under a new federal recruitment initiative aimed at addressing a nationwide staffing shortage. Duffy first introduced the campaign in April, arguing that the Federal Aviation Administration needed to broaden its search for talent beyond traditional career pathways. This week, he said the effort had delivered record results. “In April, we launched a NEW CAMPAIGN to recruit video gamers as air traffic controllers – and supercharged the entire hiring process to get the BEST & BRIGHTEST in faster. The results are HISTORIC.” According to Duffy, the 2,000 hires represent the largest number of controller appointments in a single year, with another 2,000 candidates “in the pipeline.” He shared the update on social media alongside a video featuring newly recruited controllers celebrating their successful interviews and entry into the profession. The FAA has defended the initiative, saying the campaign targets young people with skills that may be well suited to the demands of air traffic control. The agency noted that many current controllers did not follow a conventional college route. Also read | Air India pilot who consumed marijuana fell asleep during Phuket-Delhi flight? Here’s what we know “With only about 25 per cent of controllers holding a traditional college degree, this effort is focused on reaching talented young people pursuing alternative career paths, many of whom are active in gaming,” the FAA said. The agency also cited feedback from experienced controllers. “Feedback from controller exit interviews reinforces this, with several controllers pointing to gaming as an influence on their ability to think quickly, stay focused, and manage complexity.” Supporters of the initiative argue that fast decision-making, sustained concentration and spatial awareness are valuable skills for air traffic control. Critics, however, have questioned whether gaming experience should play a role in recruitment for a safety-critical profession. The controversy has added a new dimension to the broader debate over how the United States should modernise recruitment for one of its most demanding public safety jobs.

The Trump administration is facing backlash after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that 2,000 video gamers have been hired as air traffic controllers under a new FAA recruitment drive.

Could a video gamer be in charge of your next flight? FAA hires 2,000 players as air traffic controllers

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, while describing her as ‘one of my most trusted aides.’ At 28, Leavitt became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. She was also the first woman to hold the demanding position while pregnant. After giving birth to her daughter, she returned to the White House briefing room last month following a short maternity leave. Known for her aggressive defense of Trump and his policies, Leavitt developed a reputation as a fierce defender of the president, regularly confronting reporters while maintaining close relationships with those the Commander-in-chief. Even though Trump made the announcement, he did not reveal who could take over the high-profile position.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-my-most-trusted-aides-trump-announces-karoline-leavitt-s-departure-as-white-house-press-secretary-1786568997991">'One of my most trusted aides': Trump announces Karoline Leavitt’s departure as White House press secretary</a><h2>Why is Karoline Leavitt leaving?</h2>In both her and Trump's social media posts, the reason cited for Leavitt's departure was that she wanted to spend more time with her family. Leavitt said that balancing motherhood while working in “one of the world's most demanding jobs” had been the most rewarding yet challenging period of her life. “The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” she added.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260813/image-1786609614181.png"> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-is-nasty-trump-says-this-about-karoline-leavitt-as-she-returns-to-white-house-press-briefings-1785031131080">'She is nasty': Trump says THIS about Karoline Leavitt as she returns to White House press briefings</a><h2>What is the REAL reason for Karoline's exit?</h2>The Daily Mail reported quoting a source that Leavitt experienced an extreme burnout after her return in July. "It was a very stressful job to do with her children. She never got any sleep, and she didn't want her performance to slip either, so she decided to stay as long as she could and do the job well,' the source told Daily Mail. They added that Trump made his best attempts to keep her and convince Leavitt to stay on. "Trump really didn't want her to leave as he actually trusts her," another source added. People close to the press secretary added that Leavitt was ready to step down but wanted to do so only after Trump's "blessing.""Babies have a way of changing your perspective and shifting your priorities that is truly unexplainable. You only have one chance when your children are little. Karoline is incredibly talented. I know she is going to have other major opportunities in her future," Katie Miller, wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, told the Daily Mail.&nbsp;Conspiracy theorists have linked Leavitt's sudden exit with the Air Force One incident that has blown up. After the NATO summit in Turkey on July 8, Trump was seen boarding the Air Force One but then he swapped the planes amid threat from Iran as per Israeli intelligence report. But he left his pool of journalists in Air Force One even as threat from Iran loomed. Conspiracy theorists said that Leavitt was reportedly not ready to face the questions over it and there were internal friction over it. There's no clarity or confirmation on this as of now, and it continues to remain a social media chatter.

Trump has announced Karoline Leavitt will leave as White House press secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her family. Reports cite burnout after her maternity leave, while unverified conspiracy theories link her exit to an Air Force One incident.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, while describing her as ‘one of my most trusted aides.’ At 28, Leavitt became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. She was also the first woman to hold the demanding position while pregnant. After giving birth to her daughter, she returned to the White House briefing room last month following a short maternity leave. Known for her aggressive defense of Trump and his policies, Leavitt developed a reputation as a fierce defender of the president, regularly confronting reporters while maintaining close relationships with those the Commander-in-chief. Even though Trump made the announcement, he did not reveal who could take over the high-profile position. Also Read: 'One of my most trusted aides': Trump announces Karoline Leavitt’s departure as White House press secretary Why is Karoline Leavitt leaving? In both her and Trump's social media posts, the reason cited for Leavitt's departure was that she wanted to spend more time with her family. Leavitt said that balancing motherhood while working in “one of the world's most demanding jobs” had been the most rewarding yet challenging period of her life. “The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” she added. Also Read: 'She is nasty': Trump says THIS about Karoline Leavitt as she returns to White House press briefings What is the REAL reason for Karoline's exit? The Daily Mail reported quoting a source that Leavitt experienced an extreme burnout after her return in July. "It was a very stressful job to do with her children. She never got any sleep, and she didn't want her performance to slip either, so she decided to stay as long as she could and do the job well,' the source told Daily Mail. They added that Trump made his best attempts to keep her and convince Leavitt to stay on. "Trump really didn't want her to leave as he actually trusts her," another source added. People close to the press secretary added that Leavitt was ready to step down but wanted to do so only after Trump's "blessing." "Babies have a way of changing your perspective and shifting your priorities that is truly unexplainable. You only have one chance when your children are little. Karoline is incredibly talented. I know she is going to have other major opportunities in her future," Katie Miller, wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, told the Daily Mail. Conspiracy theorists have linked Leavitt's sudden exit with the Air Force One incident that has blown up. After the NATO summit in Turkey on July 8, Trump was seen boarding the Air Force One but then he swapped the planes amid threat from Iran as per Israeli intelligence report. But he left his pool of journalists in Air Force One even as threat from Iran loomed. Conspiracy theorists said that Leavitt was reportedly not ready to face the questions over it and there were internal friction over it. There's no clarity or confirmation on this as of now, and it continues to remain a social media chatter.

Trump has announced Karoline Leavitt will leave as White House press secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her family. Reports cite burnout after her maternity leave, while unverified conspiracy theories link her exit to an Air Force One incident.

Trump's plane swap amid threat from Iran linked to Karoline Leavitt 's exit as Press Secretary?

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