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At least 12 people died while trying to escape a wildfire in southern Spain, and 23 others were reported missing on Friday, while firefighters were still battling to control one of the deadliest blazes in the country. The wildfire started in the Los Gallardos area of Almería, a few kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast. Officials said they have never had such a devastating fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his condolences to the families of the ⁠victims and said he felt “enormous sadness and devastation."&nbsp;Andalusia’s regional leader Juanma Moreno said in a news conference Friday that at least 23 people remain missing.&nbsp;Regional officials say most or all of the victims were foreign nationals living in the area. The toll may go up, said media reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | A wildfire killed 12 people in Almeria in southern Spain as soaring temperatures gripped much of the country, Spanish authorities said Friday. Several victims of the Los Gallardos fire were found inside burnt-out vehicles, local media reported. Some 150 firefighters were… <a href="https://t.co/VzF73H70H2">pic.twitter.com/VzF73H70H2</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2075528982897086608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-death-to-come-on-my-own-soil-sheikh-hasina-party-leaders-to-return-surrender-in-december-1783679799431">‘Want death to come on my own soil’: Sheikh Hasina says will return, surrender in December</a><h2>Four victims found in one car believed to be of British origin</h2>&nbsp;Four of the victims were in one car, and officials believe them to be of British origin, as their car had a steering wheel on the right-hand side. The other seven victims were part of a separate group.Local emergencies minister Antonio Sanz said those who died were trying to leave the village and were trapped by flames. They were not following the evacuation route shared by authorities. “The consequences have been terrible,” Sanz said.&nbsp;Seven others were found dead after apparently abandoning ⁠their cars and attempting to escape on foot along a route that was not part of the evacuation plan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hiv-outbreak-health-minister-mustafa-kamal-blames-night-party-goers-for-child-infections-1783677297132">Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections</a>&nbsp;Although 19 people have been reported missing, authorities say it is possible they have sought refuge with family or friends. Reports said that one Spaniard was among the victims.The area is a popular holiday destination and home to many foreigners, especially the French, Britons, and Belgians.&nbsp;<h2>Early summer heatwaves left large parts of Spain parched and vulnerable</h2>&nbsp;Early summer heatwaves left large parts of Spain parched and vulnerable to any spark, triggering an early start to wildfire season.So far this year, about 57,000 hectares (140,850 acres) have burned, about half the annual average for the past two decades and making up 40% of all the area burned in the European Union, said European Forest Fire Information System.Last year, a record heatwave in August provoked the worst wildfire season in three decades, charring 330,000 hectares, an area twice the size ⁠of London.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-blames-karur-police-for-41-stampede-deaths-alleges-conspiracy-1781171238989">CM Vijay blames Karur Police for 41 stampede deaths, alleges conspiracy</a>&nbsp;As authorities sought to identify the dead and track down the missing, anxious relatives from around the world posted messages on social media and local forums.&nbsp;<h2>UK Foreign Office in touch with Spain govt</h2>&nbsp;The UK Foreign Office has said that it is in contact with authorities in Spain after reports said that four British people may have been killed in the fire.“I’m aware of those reports, and the Foreign Office are in touch with the relevant authorities in Spain,” said a No 10 spokeswoman.&nbsp;The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service says that Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing more than twice as fast as the global average.

Regional officials say most or all of the victims were foreign nationals living in the area. The toll may rise, said some media reports. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his condolences to the families of the ⁠victims and said he felt “enormous sadness and devastation."

At least 12 people died while trying to escape a wildfire in southern Spain, and 23 others were reported missing on Friday, while firefighters were still battling to control one of the deadliest blazes in the country. The wildfire started in the Los Gallardos area of Almería, a few kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast. Officials said they have never had such a devastating fire. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his condolences to the families of the ⁠victims and said he felt “enormous sadness and devastation." Andalusia’s regional leader Juanma Moreno said in a news conference Friday that at least 23 people remain missing. Regional officials say most or all of the victims were foreign nationals living in the area. The toll may go up, said media reports.

Regional officials say most or all of the victims were foreign nationals living in the area. The toll may rise, said some media reports. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his condolences to the families of the ⁠victims and said he felt “enormous sadness and devastation."

Foreigners among 12 killed, 23 missing in Spain’s devastating wildfire; toll may go up

Indian origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to begin his first space mission to the International Space Station on July 14. The mission will mark his maiden journey into space and will see him spend about eight months aboard the orbiting laboratory, where he will carry out a series of scientific experiments focused on long-duration space travel.&nbsp;According to NASA, Menon will lift off aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS 29 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on July 14. He will serve as a flight engineer alongside Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The crew will join Expedition 74 before later becoming part of Expedition 75 aboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;NASA will broadcast live launch and docking coverage on its YouTube channel beginning at 9:45 a.m. EDT on Tuesday.<h2>Who is Anil Menon?</h2>Dr Anil Menon is a physician, mechanical engineer and colonel in the United States Space Force. He was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents. His background combines medicine, engineering and aerospace experience, making him one of NASA's multidisciplinary astronauts.&nbsp;Menon earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University before completing a master's degree in mechanical engineering and a Doctor of Medicine from Stanford University. He later finished residencies in emergency medicine and aerospace medicine at Stanford University and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-bavi-triggers-deadly-landslides-kills-at-least-15-in-philippines-as-taiwan-braces-for-impact-1783681076513">Typhoon Bavi triggers deadly landslides, kills at least 15 in Philippines as Taiwan braces for impact</a>&nbsp;Before joining NASA's astronaut corps, Menon served as SpaceX's first flight surgeon. He helped oversee the NASA SpaceX Demo 2 mission, the first crewed flight of the Dragon spacecraft. He also played a key role in building SpaceX's human spaceflight medical programme and supported NASA and SpaceX missions as a crew flight surgeon.&nbsp;Alongside his space work, Menon continues to practise emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann's Texas Medical Centre and teaches residents in the University of Texas medical residency programme.<h2>What will Menon do on the ISS?</h2>During his stay aboard the International Space Station, Menon will carry out scientific research and technology demonstrations designed to support future human space missions while also benefiting life on Earth.&nbsp;According to NASA, he will continue research to improve the space production of semiconductor crystals, helping support large-scale manufacturing of components used in high-performance computers, artificial intelligence and advanced medical devices.Menon will also perform ultrasound using augmented reality and artificial intelligence methods that could reduce the need for medical support from Earth during future space missions.&nbsp;He will take part as a test subject in research examining how spaceflight affects blood flow, helping scientists develop ways to protect future astronauts. In addition, he will test bioprinting vascular constructs in microgravity to improve understanding of the ageing process and support future therapeutic developments.

On his first space mission, Anil Menon will spend around eight months on the ISS carrying out scientific experiments on long-duration space travel.

Indian origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to begin his first space mission to the International Space Station on July 14. The mission will mark his maiden journey into space and will see him spend about eight months aboard the orbiting laboratory, where he will carry out a series of scientific experiments focused on long-duration space travel. According to NASA, Menon will lift off aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS 29 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on July 14. He will serve as a flight engineer alongside Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The crew will join Expedition 74 before later becoming part of Expedition 75 aboard the International Space Station. NASA will broadcast live launch and docking coverage on its YouTube channel beginning at 9:45 a.m. EDT on Tuesday. Who is Anil Menon? Dr Anil Menon is a physician, mechanical engineer and colonel in the United States Space Force. He was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents. His background combines medicine, engineering and aerospace experience, making him one of NASA's multidisciplinary astronauts. Menon earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University before completing a master's degree in mechanical engineering and a Doctor of Medicine from Stanford University. He later finished residencies in emergency medicine and aerospace medicine at Stanford University and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Also Read: Typhoon Bavi triggers deadly landslides, kills at least 15 in Philippines as Taiwan braces for impact Before joining NASA's astronaut corps, Menon served as SpaceX's first flight surgeon. He helped oversee the NASA SpaceX Demo 2 mission, the first crewed flight of the Dragon spacecraft. He also played a key role in building SpaceX's human spaceflight medical programme and supported NASA and SpaceX missions as a crew flight surgeon. Alongside his space work, Menon continues to practise emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann's Texas Medical Centre and teaches residents in the University of Texas medical residency programme. What will Menon do on the ISS? During his stay aboard the International Space Station, Menon will carry out scientific research and technology demonstrations designed to support future human space missions while also benefiting life on Earth. According to NASA, he will continue research to improve the space production of semiconductor crystals, helping support large-scale manufacturing of components used in high-performance computers, artificial intelligence and advanced medical devices. Menon will also perform ultrasound using augmented reality and artificial intelligence methods that could reduce the need for medical support from Earth during future space missions. He will take part as a test subject in research examining how spaceflight affects blood flow, helping scientists develop ways to protect future astronauts. In addition, he will test bioprinting vascular constructs in microgravity to improve understanding of the ageing process and support future therapeutic developments.

On his first space mission, Anil Menon will spend around eight months on the ISS carrying out scientific experiments on long-duration space travel.

Who is Anil Menon? Indian-origin NASA astronaut set for July 14 launch on eight month ISS mission

At least 15 people have died after Typhoon Bavi triggered landslides in the southern Philippines, while Taiwan evacuated thousands of residents and grounded hundreds of flights as the powerful storm approached the island.&nbsp;Authorities said a landslide caused by days of heavy rain killed 10 people in Sarangani province on the southern island of Mindanao on Friday. The latest incident raised the storm's death toll in the Philippines to at least 15.&nbsp;"Ten people got buried and were killed" when soil saturated by days of rain caused the landslide in Mindanao's Sarangani province, regional civil defence director Rodrigo Sosmena, AFP quoted as saying.&nbsp;Earlier on Friday, another landslide on Mindanao left at least five people dead, while six others remained missing.&nbsp;Bavi earlier swept across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a super typhoon before weakening over the Pacific Ocean. It is forecast to strike northern and eastern Taiwan before moving towards Japan's southwestern islands and eastern China over the weekend.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-visit-is-historic-pm-modi-begins-first-new-zealand-trip-by-an-indian-prime-minister-in-four-decades-1783677484662">‘This visit is historic’: PM Modi begins first New Zealand trip by an Indian prime minister in four decades</a><h2>Taiwan braces for Typhoon Bavi</h2>Neighbouring Taiwan evacuated more than 2,000 people from their homes and cancelled hundreds of flights as the storm drew closer.&nbsp;Forecasters said Typhoon Bavi is expected to batter northern and eastern Taiwan on Friday and Saturday before moving across Japan's remote southwestern islands and then into eastern China.&nbsp;After hitting Guam and the Northern Marianas on Monday as a super typhoon, Bavi weakened into a typhoon as it travelled across the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said Bavi's maximum sustained wind speeds reached 155 kilometres per hour, with gusts of around 190 kilometres per hour on Friday.&nbsp;Many schools and businesses remained closed across northern and eastern Taiwan on Friday, while hundreds of flights were cancelled.<h2>Japan and China remain on alert</h2>Japan's remote Sakashima Islands suspended classes and closed some government offices as authorities warned of high waves, strong winds and possible landslides.&nbsp;After passing Taiwan and Japan, Typhoon Bavi is expected to make landfall along China's eastern coast over the weekend, where maritime and transport authorities have activated emergency response measures.

Typhoon Bavi triggered deadly landslides that killed at least 15 people in the Philippines as Taiwan evacuated thousands and prepared for the storm's impact.

At least 15 people have died after Typhoon Bavi triggered landslides in the southern Philippines, while Taiwan evacuated thousands of residents and grounded hundreds of flights as the powerful storm approached the island. Authorities said a landslide caused by days of heavy rain killed 10 people in Sarangani province on the southern island of Mindanao on Friday. The latest incident raised the storm's death toll in the Philippines to at least 15. "Ten people got buried and were killed" when soil saturated by days of rain caused the landslide in Mindanao's Sarangani province, regional civil defence director Rodrigo Sosmena, AFP quoted as saying. Earlier on Friday, another landslide on Mindanao left at least five people dead, while six others remained missing. Bavi earlier swept across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a super typhoon before weakening over the Pacific Ocean. It is forecast to strike northern and eastern Taiwan before moving towards Japan's southwestern islands and eastern China over the weekend. Also Read: ‘This visit is historic’: PM Modi begins first New Zealand trip by an Indian prime minister in four decades Taiwan braces for Typhoon Bavi Neighbouring Taiwan evacuated more than 2,000 people from their homes and cancelled hundreds of flights as the storm drew closer. Forecasters said Typhoon Bavi is expected to batter northern and eastern Taiwan on Friday and Saturday before moving across Japan's remote southwestern islands and then into eastern China. After hitting Guam and the Northern Marianas on Monday as a super typhoon, Bavi weakened into a typhoon as it travelled across the Pacific Ocean. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said Bavi's maximum sustained wind speeds reached 155 kilometres per hour, with gusts of around 190 kilometres per hour on Friday. Many schools and businesses remained closed across northern and eastern Taiwan on Friday, while hundreds of flights were cancelled. Japan and China remain on alert Japan's remote Sakashima Islands suspended classes and closed some government offices as authorities warned of high waves, strong winds and possible landslides. After passing Taiwan and Japan, Typhoon Bavi is expected to make landfall along China's eastern coast over the weekend, where maritime and transport authorities have activated emergency response measures.

Typhoon Bavi triggered deadly landslides that killed at least 15 people in the Philippines as Taiwan evacuated thousands and prepared for the storm's impact.

Typhoon Bavi triggers deadly landslides, kills at least 15 in Philippines as Taiwan braces for impact

Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India after being sentenced to death in Bangladesh and her Awami League party being banned, has said in an interview that she and senior party leaders voluntarily plan to return around December and surrender in court, adding that she faces a risk to her life and may be killed but would still go back to her home country.&nbsp;The 78-year-old leader told Reuters that she and other Awami League leaders want to return to the country and present themselves in court.“They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go,” said Hasina.“My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed.”&nbsp;<h2>Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia</h2>&nbsp;Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after protests ended her 20 years in power across terms. In November, Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced her to death in absentia for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the first time Hasina has announced a timeline for her return with other exiled Awami League leaders including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also faces a death sentence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-hiv-outbreak-health-minister-mustafa-kamal-blames-night-party-goers-for-child-infections-1783677297132">Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections</a>&nbsp;“The authorities in Dhaka want to take me back, they are repeatedly sending letters to India seeking to have me sent back,” she said. “I will go myself.”&nbsp;India’s foreign ministry had said in April that it was examining Bangladesh’s extradition request and wanted to “engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties.”&nbsp;Hasina entered politics after the assassination of her father, the country’s founding leader, and much of her family in a military coup.She was credited with helping transform the economy of the Muslim-majority nation but faced accusations that her government suppressed dissent and weakened democratic institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Cases filed against almost all of our leaders and workers’</h2>&nbsp;“Cases have been filed against almost all of our leaders and workers, and many of them are in hiding,” Hasina told Reuters. “So I said that this time I am returning home, and one day, all of you should come. All together, we will all surrender in court,” she said but did not share any specific date for her return.“I believe in justice and I feel that once proceedings start, it will be clear to the people how farcical the court is — and that I want to prove it.”&nbsp;Hasina said she had not held any talks with the authorities in Dhaka about her plans.“Democracy, voting rights, the political rights of the Awami League, and justice are not subjects for secret talks.”She also said she was not concerned about her probable imprisonment, saying she had been arrested several times before.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-blames-karur-police-for-41-stampede-deaths-alleges-conspiracy-1781171238989">CM Vijay blames Karur Police for 41 stampede deaths, alleges conspiracy</a><h2>‘When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen‘</h2>&nbsp;Hasina said she fled Bangladesh in 2024 because of threats to her life as crowds advanced toward her residence.“When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen, no government is above error,” she said. “But the right to judge the good and bad, the right and wrong of a government belongs to the people. I leave that judgment to the people.”&nbsp;“They may have convicted me, and I may not be able to contest elections. But why should they suspend the Awami League? If we have done badly, let the people decide,” she said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-announces-return-former-bangladesh-pm-sets-december-deadline-1783681049002/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-announces-return-former-bangladesh-pm-sets-december-deadline-1783681049002/embed</a>&nbsp;

Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina said that when a government works for a long time, it can make mistakes, but the right to judge the government rests with the people. Hasina added that she may be arrested on her return or even be killed, but will still go.

Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India after being sentenced to death in Bangladesh and her Awami League party being banned, has said in an interview that she and senior party leaders voluntarily plan to return around December and surrender in court, adding that she faces a risk to her life and may be killed but would still go back to her home country. The 78-year-old leader told Reuters that she and other Awami League leaders want to return to the country and present themselves in court. “They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me. Still, I have to go,” said Hasina. “My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed.” Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after protests ended her 20 years in power across terms. In November, Bangladesh’s war crimes court sentenced her to death in absentia for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising. This is the first time Hasina has announced a timeline for her return with other exiled Awami League leaders including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also faces a death sentence. Also Read: Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections “The authorities in Dhaka want to take me back, they are repeatedly sending letters to India seeking to have me sent back,” she said. “I will go myself.” India’s foreign ministry had said in April that it was examining Bangladesh’s extradition request and wanted to “engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties.” Hasina entered politics after the assassination of her father, the country’s founding leader, and much of her family in a military coup. She was credited with helping transform the economy of the Muslim-majority nation but faced accusations that her government suppressed dissent and weakened democratic institutions. ‘Cases filed against almost all of our leaders and workers’ “Cases have been filed against almost all of our leaders and workers, and many of them are in hiding,” Hasina told Reuters. “So I said that this time I am returning home, and one day, all of you should come. All together, we will all surrender in court,” she said but did not share any specific date for her return. “I believe in justice and I feel that once proceedings start, it will be clear to the people how farcical the court is — and that I want to prove it.” Hasina said she had not held any talks with the authorities in Dhaka about her plans. “Democracy, voting rights, the political rights of the Awami League, and justice are not subjects for secret talks.” She also said she was not concerned about her probable imprisonment, saying she had been arrested several times before. Also Read: CM Vijay blames Karur Police for 41 stampede deaths, alleges conspiracy ‘When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen‘ Hasina said she fled Bangladesh in 2024 because of threats to her life as crowds advanced toward her residence. “When a government works for a long time, mistakes can happen, no government is above error,” she said. “But the right to judge the good and bad, the right and wrong of a government belongs to the people. I leave that judgment to the people.” “They may have convicted me, and I may not be able to contest elections. But why should they suspend the Awami League? If we have done badly, let the people decide,” she said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-announces-return-former-bangladesh-pm-sets-december-deadline-1783681049002/embed

Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina said that when a government works for a long time, it can make mistakes, but the right to judge the government rests with the people. Hasina added that she may be arrested on her return or even be killed, but will still go.

‘Want death to come on my own soil’: Sheikh Hasina says will return, surrender in December

A 61-year-old man was sucked up to his shoulders out of a plane window after the debris from the shattered engine struck the glass. His wife held on to him for several minutes to save him. A passenger told Greek outlet ERT that the man's head and shoulders were sticking out of the window. The terrifying incident happened on a Ryanair flight to Memmingen, Germany. The Boeing 737 left the Macedonia airport in Thessaloniki, Greece, at 5:55 am on Friday morning. Nearly an hour later, passengers heard a loud bang, which caused the plane's glass to shatter.&nbsp;The Serbian man was immediately sucked out of the window as the plane cruised at a height of 20,000ft. The plane's engine had failed, and several pieces from its motor were flung around, with debris hitting the windows, cracking them open. It triggered immediate chaos on the plane. The man's wife held on to him for 5 minutes, making every effort to keep him safe and inside the plane. Footage shows oxygen masks hanging in the cabin and a hole in the window.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This is almost impossible, but it actually happened. A Malta Air Boeing 737-800 operating Ryanair flight FR1879 from Thessaloniki to Memmingen returned safely to Greece after a cabin window shattered during the climb through FL150, triggering a cabin decompression and the… <a href="https://t.co/IS9cLDnyXx">pic.twitter.com/IS9cLDnyXx</a>&mdash; Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) <a href="https://x.com/Turbinetraveler/status/2075501649234198757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The flight returned to Thessaloniki after "a passenger window dislodged inflight", Ryanair said in a statement. It added that the plane landed safely, and one passenger requested and received medical assistance. Another plane was arranged for the passengers who flew back at 9:53 am. “A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen on Friday morning (10 July) returned to Thessaloniki shortly after take-off when a passenger window dislodged inflight. The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal.”<h2>Seatbelt saved the Serbian man</h2>A female passenger told &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Radio Thessaloniki 94.5, "A noise was heard as if a tire had burst. There was panic with screams, screams and voices because we immediately lost altitude from the decompression." She thought that somebody had opened the emergency door. The woman said the man sucked out of the window was wearing a seatbelt. "They grabbed him and held him down, fortunately he hadn't taken off his seatbelt. His head was completely outside the plane."

A Serbian man was sucked out of a plane window after debris from the broken engine smashed into the glass at an altitude of 20,000ft. The Ryanair flight was going to Germany from Greece. The man's wife held onto him for several minutes to prevent him from falling off the plane.

A 61-year-old man was sucked up to his shoulders out of a plane window after the debris from the shattered engine struck the glass. His wife held on to him for several minutes to save him. A passenger told Greek outlet ERT that the man's head and shoulders were sticking out of the window. The terrifying incident happened on a Ryanair flight to Memmingen, Germany. The Boeing 737 left the Macedonia airport in Thessaloniki, Greece, at 5:55 am on Friday morning. Nearly an hour later, passengers heard a loud bang, which caused the plane's glass to shatter. The Serbian man was immediately sucked out of the window as the plane cruised at a height of 20,000ft. The plane's engine had failed, and several pieces from its motor were flung around, with debris hitting the windows, cracking them open. It triggered immediate chaos on the plane. The man's wife held on to him for 5 minutes, making every effort to keep him safe and inside the plane. Footage shows oxygen masks hanging in the cabin and a hole in the window.

A Serbian man was sucked out of a plane window after debris from the broken engine smashed into the glass at an altitude of 20,000ft. The Ryanair flight was going to Germany from Greece. The man's wife held onto him for several minutes to prevent him from falling off the plane.

Man sucked out of plane window up to shoulders at 20,000ft. Seatbelt and his wife saved him

The not-so-subtle “AI war” over export controls has taken a new twist, with reports that American AI firms such as OpenAI and Google have been selling their models to Chinese groups blacklisted by the Pentagon over China-related national security concerns. According to a report in the Financial Times, such transactions are taking place with Chinese firms including Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu through their subsidiaries in Singapore. Has the US lost the AI control race before it has even begun?<h2>OpenAI and Google admit to selling advanced AI services to Chinese firms blacklisted by the Pentagon</h2>Chinese technology groups Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent were recently included on the Pentagon’s 1260H list, which identifies companies alleged to have links with China’s military establishment. However, according to the FT report, both OpenAI and Google confirmed that they supplied advanced AI services to Singapore-based subsidiaries of these companies.Singapore-incorporated entities can legally contract with American AI providers even when their parent companies are blacklisted. This makes it difficult to ensure that AI models face the same level of export controls as those already imposed on advanced semiconductors.Singapore’s position as a regional technology hub allows multinational companies to operate under Singaporean law while serving customers across Asia. This has made the city-state an important gateway for AI services and an increasingly significant focus for US regulators.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthropic-vs-pentagon-judge-blocks-designation-of-ai-firm-as-supply-chain-risk-it-s-1-0-for-now-1774592991787">Anthropic vs Pentagon: Judge blocks designation of AI firm as ‘supply chain risk’. It's 1–0, for now</a><h2>US export controls restrict advanced AI services to mainland China, but are rules circumvented?</h2>Frontier AI is increasingly being viewed as a national security asset rather than just a commercial technology. This is why the US restricts access to advanced AI services from mainland China. But that does not broadly prohibit overseas subsidiaries of Chinese companies from purchasing US AI models.&nbsp;Citing OpenAI, the FT reported that the company “blocks direct access to its models from China” but allows some Chinese-owned companies to use its services in jurisdictions “where safeguards can be enforced.” Google said its AI services are available in markets including Singapore and Hong Kong, subject to its usage policies. However, it acknowledged that “geographical restrictions alone are insufficient” to prevent sophisticated users from circumventing controls.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-anthropic-fable-5-mythos-5-jailbreaking-national-security-1781335223909">US locks down Anthropic's most powerful AI after alarming jailbreak warning</a><h2>OpenAI blocks API access for Alibaba-affiliated users</h2>The FT report came even as OpenAI said it suspended API access for Alibaba-affiliated users last month after detecting suspected “distillation”, an activity through which developers use outputs from advanced AI models to improve competing systems.OpenAI said it reported the suspected activity to the US government.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-tech-tensions-redraw-supply-chains-the-world-scrambles-between-us-china-1783268807974/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-tech-tensions-redraw-supply-chains-the-world-scrambles-between-us-china-1783268807974/embed</a><h2>Anthropic takes a stricter approach</h2>Anthropic has taken a much stricter approach, banning China-headquartered companies and all foreign subsidiaries they own from accessing its most advanced AI models. The company has previously accused Chinese AI labs, including DeepSeek, Moonshot and MiniMax, of attempting model distillation. In Congressional testimony in June, Anthropic alleged that Alibaba used “tens of thousands of fraudulent accounts” to generate more than 28 million exchanges with its Claude models in a distillation operation.<h2>US-China technology rivalry extends from AI hardware to software</h2>Since 2022, the US has tightened restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips, particularly those made by Nvidia, while expanding blacklists covering Chinese technology companies. The Biden administration introduced sweeping semiconductor controls, while the Trump administration continued to tighten restrictions on advanced AI technologies, arguing that these capabilities could strengthen China’s military and intelligence capabilities.In response, China tightened export controls on strategic minerals such as gallium, germanium and rare earth elements, which are critical for advanced technology manufacturing.Chinese AI companies, including DeepSeek, Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent, have accelerated the development of competitive large language models (LLMs) to reduce dependence on US technology. The Chinese government has intensified investment in domestic AI models and semiconductor development.&nbsp;

OpenAI and Google’s AI services are being sold to Chinese firms blacklisted by Pentagon, using the Singapore subsidiary route. AI export controls are being challenged this way as the US-China technology rivalry shifts from chips to frontier AI models.

The not-so-subtle “AI war” over export controls has taken a new twist, with reports that American AI firms such as OpenAI and Google have been selling their models to Chinese groups blacklisted by the Pentagon over China-related national security concerns. According to a report in the Financial Times, such transactions are taking place with Chinese firms including Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu through their subsidiaries in Singapore. Has the US lost the AI control race before it has even begun? OpenAI and Google admit to selling advanced AI services to Chinese firms blacklisted by the Pentagon Chinese technology groups Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent were recently included on the Pentagon’s 1260H list, which identifies companies alleged to have links with China’s military establishment. However, according to the FT report, both OpenAI and Google confirmed that they supplied advanced AI services to Singapore-based subsidiaries of these companies. Singapore-incorporated entities can legally contract with American AI providers even when their parent companies are blacklisted. This makes it difficult to ensure that AI models face the same level of export controls as those already imposed on advanced semiconductors. Singapore’s position as a regional technology hub allows multinational companies to operate under Singaporean law while serving customers across Asia. This has made the city-state an important gateway for AI services and an increasingly significant focus for US regulators. Also read: Anthropic vs Pentagon: Judge blocks designation of AI firm as ‘supply chain risk’. It's 1–0, for now US export controls restrict advanced AI services to mainland China, but are rules circumvented? Frontier AI is increasingly being viewed as a national security asset rather than just a commercial technology. This is why the US restricts access to advanced AI services from mainland China. But that does not broadly prohibit overseas subsidiaries of Chinese companies from purchasing US AI models. Citing OpenAI, the FT reported that the company “blocks direct access to its models from China” but allows some Chinese-owned companies to use its services in jurisdictions “where safeguards can be enforced.” Google said its AI services are available in markets including Singapore and Hong Kong, subject to its usage policies. However, it acknowledged that “geographical restrictions alone are insufficient” to prevent sophisticated users from circumventing controls. Also read: US locks down Anthropic's most powerful AI after alarming jailbreak warning OpenAI blocks API access for Alibaba-affiliated users The FT report came even as OpenAI said it suspended API access for Alibaba-affiliated users last month after detecting suspected “distillation”, an activity through which developers use outputs from advanced AI models to improve competing systems. OpenAI said it reported the suspected activity to the US government. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-tech-tensions-redraw-supply-chains-the-world-scrambles-between-us-china-1783268807974/embed Anthropic takes a stricter approach Anthropic has taken a much stricter approach, banning China-headquartered companies and all foreign subsidiaries they own from accessing its most advanced AI models. The company has previously accused Chinese AI labs, including DeepSeek, Moonshot and MiniMax, of attempting model distillation. In Congressional testimony in June, Anthropic alleged that Alibaba used “tens of thousands of fraudulent accounts” to generate more than 28 million exchanges with its Claude models in a distillation operation. US-China technology rivalry extends from AI hardware to software Since 2022, the US has tightened restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips, particularly those made by Nvidia, while expanding blacklists covering Chinese technology companies. The Biden administration introduced sweeping semiconductor controls, while the Trump administration continued to tighten restrictions on advanced AI technologies, arguing that these capabilities could strengthen China’s military and intelligence capabilities. In response, China tightened export controls on strategic minerals such as gallium, germanium and rare earth elements, which are critical for advanced technology manufacturing. Chinese AI companies, including DeepSeek, Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent, have accelerated the development of competitive large language models (LLMs) to reduce dependence on US technology. The Chinese government has intensified investment in domestic AI models and semiconductor development.

OpenAI and Google’s AI services are being sold to Chinese firms blacklisted by Pentagon, using the Singapore subsidiary route. AI export controls are being challenged this way as the US-China technology rivalry shifts from chips to frontier AI models.

OpenAI, Google are selling AI to Chinese firms blacklisted by Pentagon, says report: The battleground of AI export controls

As Pakistan reports a spike in HIV cases among children, an investigation has been launched to find the cause. Reports suggest dozens of minors were infected in government-run hospitals with the re-use of contaminated syringes. Saeed Ghani, the provincial labour minister, has said at least 78 have contracted HIV at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Pakistan’s southeastern Sindh. And now, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has claimed that not syringes but night partygoers are the reason behind the spike in cases.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiv-outbreak-horror-331-children-infected-in-pakistan-s-punjab-unsafe-injection-practices-found-at-govt-hospital-1776250256924">HIV outbreak horror: 331 children infected in Pakistan's Punjab, unsafe injection practices found at govt hospital</a>&nbsp;The federal health minister revealed that a recent assessment in Islamabad shows a worrying trend: more than 30 new HIV cases are now being reported every month in the capital. This was declared during the Standing Committee for Health briefing.&nbsp;Significantly, health official Kamal clarified that these newly identified HIV-positive individuals do not fit the historical demographic of people who inject drugs using shared syringes. Instead, he stated that many of the new cases involve young men and women who frequently attend nightlife events. According to Kamal, investigation into these cases revealed that a notable number of individuals visiting these night parties had tested positive for HIV, signalling a shift in how the virus is spreading among the capital's youth.

Pakistan has launched a major investigation after a shocking spike in child HIV cases at a government-run hospital in Sindh, sparking public fury as Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal faces heavy backlash for blaming "night party goers" instead of contaminated syringe reuse.

As Pakistan reports a spike in HIV cases among children, an investigation has been launched to find the cause. Reports suggest dozens of minors were infected in government-run hospitals with the re-use of contaminated syringes. Saeed Ghani, the provincial labour minister, has said at least 78 have contracted HIV at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Pakistan’s southeastern Sindh. And now, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has claimed that not syringes but night partygoers are the reason behind the spike in cases. Also read: HIV outbreak horror: 331 children infected in Pakistan's Punjab, unsafe injection practices found at govt hospital The federal health minister revealed that a recent assessment in Islamabad shows a worrying trend: more than 30 new HIV cases are now being reported every month in the capital. This was declared during the Standing Committee for Health briefing. Significantly, health official Kamal clarified that these newly identified HIV-positive individuals do not fit the historical demographic of people who inject drugs using shared syringes. Instead, he stated that many of the new cases involve young men and women who frequently attend nightlife events. According to Kamal, investigation into these cases revealed that a notable number of individuals visiting these night parties had tested positive for HIV, signalling a shift in how the virus is spreading among the capital's youth.

Pakistan has launched a major investigation after a shocking spike in child HIV cases at a government-run hospital in Sindh, sparking public fury as Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal faces heavy backlash for blaming "night party goers" instead of contaminated syringe reuse.

Pakistan HIV outbreak: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal blames 'night party goers' for infections

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Indonesia earlier this week was also the story of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. During his visit, the melody of the popular song from the 1998 Bollywood film of the same name starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, was played at the venue. President Prabowo said he had "Indian DNA", and that he and his aides love to sing or dance to Indian music.&nbsp;<h2>"Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and the Indonesian President's 'Indian DNA'</h2>Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo Subianto together played the traditional Indonesian musical instrument, the angklung, drawing smiles from those present. The angklung is made of bamboo tubes that produce sound when shaken. This joint performance symbolised the cultural harmony between the two nations and delighted the audience. The melody of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai played at the venue of Modi's engagements.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-indonesia-strengthen-ties-indonesia-confers-highest-honour-to-pm-modi-1783424516060/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-indonesia-strengthen-ties-indonesia-confers-highest-honour-to-pm-modi-1783424516060/embed</a>President Prabowo said he had done a genome sequencing and found he had "Indian DNA". “So whenever I hear Indian music, I find my body moving,” he added. He revealed that many of his ministers and military generals also enjoy singing or dancing to Indian songs.Later, at a community event with the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, Modi noted the popularity of Bollywood in Indonesia. Speaking in Hindi, he specifically referred to the song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and told President Prabowo Subianto that when India and Indonesia come together, it goes far beyond "kuch kuch hota hai" (a little happens) to "bahut kuch hota hai" (a lot happens).Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-quotes-kuch-kuch-hota-hai-karan-johar-calls-it-language-of-love-1783499943384">PM Narendra Modi quotes Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Karan Johar calls it language of love</a><h2>Popularity of Bollywood and Indian Songs in Indonesia</h2>These exchanges should be seen in the context of the enduring popularity of Bollywood films and Indian songs in Indonesia.Indian films and music have been embedded in the Southeast Asian nation's cultural fabric for decades, owing to historical ties and shared mythological traditions such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Bollywood films and their soundtracks have been screened and broadcast in Indonesia since the mid-20th century.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-confirms-signing-brahmos-cruise-missile-deal-with-vietnam-says-indonesia-pact-in-final-stages-1780147810239">India says signed BrahMos cruise missile deal with Vietnam, Indonesia pact in final stages</a>Generations of Indonesians have grown up watching Bollywood films, with fans remembering classics from the 1950s to the 1990s as well as modern hits. Shah Rukh Khan's films, and songs from movies such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kal Ho Naa Ho, remain perennial favourites and are frequently played at weddings, parties and community events across Indonesia.Songs by A.R. Rahman, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and contemporary Indian artists often go viral on TikTok and other local social media platforms. Indonesians enthusiastically perform cover versions of these songs and create TikTok videos dancing to them, reflecting the continued popularity of Indian music and cinema in the country.

From Narendra Modi's remarks on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai song, to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto saying he had Indian DNA as he moves to Indian songs, the love for Bollywood and Indian music was on full display during the Indian leader's visit to Indonesia. A recap

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Indonesia earlier this week was also the story of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. During his visit, the melody of the popular song from the 1998 Bollywood film of the same name starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, was played at the venue. President Prabowo said he had "Indian DNA", and that he and his aides love to sing or dance to Indian music. "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and the Indonesian President's 'Indian DNA' Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo Subianto together played the traditional Indonesian musical instrument, the angklung, drawing smiles from those present. The angklung is made of bamboo tubes that produce sound when shaken. This joint performance symbolised the cultural harmony between the two nations and delighted the audience. The melody of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai played at the venue of Modi's engagements. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-indonesia-strengthen-ties-indonesia-confers-highest-honour-to-pm-modi-1783424516060/embed President Prabowo said he had done a genome sequencing and found he had "Indian DNA". “So whenever I hear Indian music, I find my body moving,” he added. He revealed that many of his ministers and military generals also enjoy singing or dancing to Indian songs. Later, at a community event with the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, Modi noted the popularity of Bollywood in Indonesia. Speaking in Hindi, he specifically referred to the song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and told President Prabowo Subianto that when India and Indonesia come together, it goes far beyond "kuch kuch hota hai" (a little happens) to "bahut kuch hota hai" (a lot happens). Also read: PM Narendra Modi quotes Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Karan Johar calls it language of love Popularity of Bollywood and Indian Songs in Indonesia These exchanges should be seen in the context of the enduring popularity of Bollywood films and Indian songs in Indonesia. Indian films and music have been embedded in the Southeast Asian nation's cultural fabric for decades, owing to historical ties and shared mythological traditions such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Bollywood films and their soundtracks have been screened and broadcast in Indonesia since the mid-20th century. Also read: India says signed BrahMos cruise missile deal with Vietnam, Indonesia pact in final stages Generations of Indonesians have grown up watching Bollywood films, with fans remembering classics from the 1950s to the 1990s as well as modern hits. Shah Rukh Khan's films, and songs from movies such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kal Ho Naa Ho, remain perennial favourites and are frequently played at weddings, parties and community events across Indonesia. Songs by A.R. Rahman, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and contemporary Indian artists often go viral on TikTok and other local social media platforms. Indonesians enthusiastically perform cover versions of these songs and create TikTok videos dancing to them, reflecting the continued popularity of Indian music and cinema in the country.

From Narendra Modi's remarks on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai song, to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto saying he had Indian DNA as he moves to Indian songs, the love for Bollywood and Indian music was on full display during the Indian leader's visit to Indonesia. A recap

'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai': How Bollywood song symbolised Indonesia's love for Indian music during PM Modi's visit

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has confirmed that the US space agency possesses images of unidentified objects which scientists have not yet been able to explain. Speaking on The Jack Gordon Podcast, Isaacman said some imagery collected by NASA could not currently be explained away as comets or other known natural phenomena."We have captured imagery... based on the data that we have within that imagery, we don't know what it is," Isaacman said, adding that President Donald Trump has been supportive of greater transparency around such material.<h2>There's life out there</h2>While Isaacman stopped short of saying that the unexplained images could be proof of aliens, he said he believes humanity could eventually discover that life is common across the universe, though he acknowledged there is no definitive evidence yet."I think there's a very real possibility we're going to arrive at a conclusion in our lifetime that perhaps there's life everywhere out there and that it isn't as infrequent as we might think it to possibly be," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/do-not-open-until-2276-inside-the-us-time-capsule-that-won-t-be-opened-for-250-years-america-anniversary-1783040677941">Do not open until 2276: Inside the US time capsule that won't be opened for 250 years</a><h2>NASA may have proof of alien life</h2>While Isaacman said NASA has images that remain unexplained, he rejected one of the most persistent UFO conspiracy theories. When asked whether the US government had recovered crashed alien spacecraft or extraterrestrial bodies, he said he had never seen evidence to support those claims.However, Isaacman revealed that NASA may already have proof of aliens. "We got samples on Mars right now. If we bring them back, there is a very high probability that they will point to, at some point, microbial life at least on Mars," he said.NASA has long viewed Mars sample analysis as one of the best opportunities to determine whether the Red Planet once hosted microscopic life, although plans to return those samples have faced delays and funding challenges.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humans-to-live-on-the-moon-by-2029-nasa-awards-600mn-in-contracts-unveils-next-phase-of-lunar-base-plans-1782868223488">Humans to live on the Moon by 2029? NASA awards $600mn in contracts, unveils next phase of lunar base plans</a><h2>'Are we alone?'</h2>Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and civilian astronaut appointed to lead NASA, said the search for life elsewhere remains one of the agency's biggest scientific goals."I can't hate the subject. In fact, I'm incredibly fascinated about it because that is at the heart of what we're trying to do at NASA, answer the question: Are we alone?" said the NASA director. He also defended future human exploration of space, arguing that humanity's long-term future should not be confined to Earth. "I do not believe it is our destiny to remain on one planet," Isaacman said. &nbsp;

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says the agency has captured images of unidentified objects that scientists still cannot explain. He also claimed that Mars samples could provide evidence of ancient alien life and help answer humanity's biggest question: Are we alone?

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has confirmed that the US space agency possesses images of unidentified objects which scientists have not yet been able to explain. Speaking on The Jack Gordon Podcast, Isaacman said some imagery collected by NASA could not currently be explained away as comets or other known natural phenomena. "We have captured imagery... based on the data that we have within that imagery, we don't know what it is," Isaacman said, adding that President Donald Trump has been supportive of greater transparency around such material. There's life out there While Isaacman stopped short of saying that the unexplained images could be proof of aliens, he said he believes humanity could eventually discover that life is common across the universe, though he acknowledged there is no definitive evidence yet. "I think there's a very real possibility we're going to arrive at a conclusion in our lifetime that perhaps there's life everywhere out there and that it isn't as infrequent as we might think it to possibly be," he said. Also read | Do not open until 2276: Inside the US time capsule that won't be opened for 250 years NASA may have proof of alien life While Isaacman said NASA has images that remain unexplained, he rejected one of the most persistent UFO conspiracy theories. When asked whether the US government had recovered crashed alien spacecraft or extraterrestrial bodies, he said he had never seen evidence to support those claims. However, Isaacman revealed that NASA may already have proof of aliens. "We got samples on Mars right now. If we bring them back, there is a very high probability that they will point to, at some point, microbial life at least on Mars," he said. NASA has long viewed Mars sample analysis as one of the best opportunities to determine whether the Red Planet once hosted microscopic life, although plans to return those samples have faced delays and funding challenges. Also read | Humans to live on the Moon by 2029? NASA awards $600mn in contracts, unveils next phase of lunar base plans 'Are we alone?' Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and civilian astronaut appointed to lead NASA, said the search for life elsewhere remains one of the agency's biggest scientific goals. "I can't hate the subject. In fact, I'm incredibly fascinated about it because that is at the heart of what we're trying to do at NASA, answer the question: Are we alone?" said the NASA director. He also defended future human exploration of space, arguing that humanity's long-term future should not be confined to Earth. "I do not believe it is our destiny to remain on one planet," Isaacman said.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says the agency has captured images of unidentified objects that scientists still cannot explain. He also claimed that Mars samples could provide evidence of ancient alien life and help answer humanity's biggest question: Are we alone?

Did NASA chief just confirm aliens? US Space agency's director Jared Isaacman REVEALS: 'We have images...'

Fidji Simo announced on Thursday (Jul 9) that she was stepping down from her full-time role at OpenAI as CEO of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) Deployment due to health issues, transitioning to a part-time adviser role. Simo has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a neuroimmune condition she has lived with for about seven years after being diagnosed around 2019. She has described experiencing severe flare-ups requiring ongoing treatment and management. Who is Fidji Simo, what is POTS, and how did her diagnosis make her an advocate of AI for tackling such rare diseases?<h2>About Fidji Simo, who is exiting as OpenAI AGI CEO</h2>Fidji Simo, born on 5 October 1985, is a French-American business executive. She grew up in Sète, a small fishing town in southern France, and was the first in her family to graduate high school. She later earned a Master of Science in Management from HEC Paris and spent her final year at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.Simo joined Facebook- now Meta Platforms- &nbsp;in 2011, eventually becoming head of the Facebook app and a key aide of founder-CEO Mark Zuckerberg. From 2021 to 2025, she served as CEO of grocery delivery company Instacart. She joined OpenAI's board in March 2024 and was appointed the company's first CEO of Applications in May 2025, later retitled CEO of AGI Deployment. Reporting to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, she oversaw product, engineering, operations and business teams. She has also served on the boards of Shopify and Cirque du Soleil, among others.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/samantha-ruth-prabhu-opens-up-about-health-struggles-amid-myositis-diagnosis-691838">Samantha Ruth Prabhu opens up about health struggles amid Myositis diagnosis</a><h2>What is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) which Fidgi Simo is suffering from?</h2>Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects heart rate, blood circulation and other involuntary body functions. It is marked by an unusually rapid increase in heart rate when standing. Common symptoms include dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, fainting, chest pain, nausea, heart palpitations and difficulty standing for long periods. POTS often overlaps with conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraines and Long COVID. Around 80 per cent of diagnosed cases occur in women, and the condition is often underdiagnosed.Simo has said she consulted nearly 40 specialists before receiving a diagnosis, highlighting the difficulties many patients face in obtaining appropriate care.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/the-boys-actress-erin-moriarty-reveals-graves-disease-diagnosis-go-get-checked-1749954958809">The Boys actress Erin Moriarty reveals Graves disease diagnosis: Go get checked...'</a><h2>How Fidgi Simo managed POTS while on a high-flying career</h2>Simo has spoken publicly about living with POTS to raise awareness and reduce stigma around chronic illnesses. She managed the condition through medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments, including exercise, sleep, nutrition and avoiding known triggers, while continuing to lead major technology companies. However, a severe flare-up in early 2026 led to medical leave in April, and her recovery took longer than expected, prompting her to step down from her full-time position.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/on-quest-to-reverse-ageing-bryan-johnson-gets-diagnosed-with-incurable-disease-1783623424119/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/on-quest-to-reverse-ageing-bryan-johnson-gets-diagnosed-with-incurable-disease-1783623424119/embed</a>Based on her experiences, Simo also became an advocate for neuroimmune research. She co-founded the Metrodora Institute and ChronicleBio, and serves as president of the non-profit Complex Disorders Alliance (CODA), supporting research, improved diagnosis and better treatments for conditions such as POTS and CFS. She has also highlighted the potential of AI to improve care for patients with complex chronic illnesses.

OpenAI executive Fidji Simo is stepping down from her full-time role as the firm's AGI CEO, after a severe POTS flare-up. Here's who she is, what postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is, its symptoms and how she managed it alongside a busy career.

Fidji Simo announced on Thursday (Jul 9) that she was stepping down from her full-time role at OpenAI as CEO of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) Deployment due to health issues, transitioning to a part-time adviser role. Simo has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a neuroimmune condition she has lived with for about seven years after being diagnosed around 2019. She has described experiencing severe flare-ups requiring ongoing treatment and management. Who is Fidji Simo, what is POTS, and how did her diagnosis make her an advocate of AI for tackling such rare diseases? About Fidji Simo, who is exiting as OpenAI AGI CEO Fidji Simo, born on 5 October 1985, is a French-American business executive. She grew up in Sète, a small fishing town in southern France, and was the first in her family to graduate high school. She later earned a Master of Science in Management from HEC Paris and spent her final year at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Simo joined Facebook- now Meta Platforms- in 2011, eventually becoming head of the Facebook app and a key aide of founder-CEO Mark Zuckerberg. From 2021 to 2025, she served as CEO of grocery delivery company Instacart. She joined OpenAI's board in March 2024 and was appointed the company's first CEO of Applications in May 2025, later retitled CEO of AGI Deployment. Reporting to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, she oversaw product, engineering, operations and business teams. She has also served on the boards of Shopify and Cirque du Soleil, among others. Also read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu opens up about health struggles amid Myositis diagnosis What is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) which Fidgi Simo is suffering from? Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects heart rate, blood circulation and other involuntary body functions. It is marked by an unusually rapid increase in heart rate when standing. Common symptoms include dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, fainting, chest pain, nausea, heart palpitations and difficulty standing for long periods. POTS often overlaps with conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraines and Long COVID. Around 80 per cent of diagnosed cases occur in women, and the condition is often underdiagnosed. Simo has said she consulted nearly 40 specialists before receiving a diagnosis, highlighting the difficulties many patients face in obtaining appropriate care. Also read: The Boys actress Erin Moriarty reveals Graves disease diagnosis: Go get checked...' How Fidgi Simo managed POTS while on a high-flying career Simo has spoken publicly about living with POTS to raise awareness and reduce stigma around chronic illnesses. She managed the condition through medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments, including exercise, sleep, nutrition and avoiding known triggers, while continuing to lead major technology companies. However, a severe flare-up in early 2026 led to medical leave in April, and her recovery took longer than expected, prompting her to step down from her full-time position. https://www.wionews.com/videos/on-quest-to-reverse-ageing-bryan-johnson-gets-diagnosed-with-incurable-disease-1783623424119/embed Based on her experiences, Simo also became an advocate for neuroimmune research. She co-founded the Metrodora Institute and ChronicleBio, and serves as president of the non-profit Complex Disorders Alliance (CODA), supporting research, improved diagnosis and better treatments for conditions such as POTS and CFS. She has also highlighted the potential of AI to improve care for patients with complex chronic illnesses.

OpenAI executive Fidji Simo is stepping down from her full-time role as the firm's AGI CEO, after a severe POTS flare-up. Here's who she is, what postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is, its symptoms and how she managed it alongside a busy career.

Fidji Simo to step down as OpenAI's AGI Deployment CEO due to POTS. Know more about the disease, symptoms and how she managed it

A fresh political storm has erupted in Washington after reports that FBI Director Kash Patel has ordered hundreds of bureau personnel to assist in an investigation linked to Donald Trump's long-running claims about the 2020 presidential election. The move has triggered sharp criticism from Senate Democrats, who have accused the FBI of "misusing taxpayers dollars" by diverting resources away from national security priorities to pursue what they describe as a politically driven investigation.Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, in a letter, has demanded answers from Patel and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche after reports that the FBI had mobilised 260 intelligence analysts from field offices across the United States.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-appeals-again-in-e-jean-carroll-case-tries-to-defy-order-to-pay-his-sexual-assault-victim-5-8-million-claims-unrecoverable-loss-1783565071503">Trump appeals again in E. Jean Carroll case, tries to defy order to pay his sexual assault victim $5.8 million, claims 'unrecoverable loss'</a><h2>FBI's latest 'priority investigation'</h2>According to internal FBI documents cited by MS NOW, 260 FBI analysts have been reassigned to support what is described as a "priority investigation" based in Atlanta, Georgia. The investigation's focus? The 2020 election, Trump claims he won.Warner argued that the decision amounts to a misuse of federal resources. "Dedicated FBI special agents and intelligence analysts work tirelessly to identify legitimate threats involving terrorism, counterintelligence, espionage, cyberattacks and violent crime," he wrote. "Unlike those serious threats, this fool's errand of an investigation will only erode trust in the FBI, the Department of Justice and America's elections."The senator went further, calling it "a misuse of taxpayer dollars" and alleging that critical national security personnel were being redirected to serve the political interests of the president. Warner has also requested a formal briefing from the FBI and Justice Department.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/never-before-seen-footage-reveals-what-epstein-s-private-island-little-st-james-actually-looked-like-from-the-inside-watch-1783578066878">Never-before-seen footage exposes eerie interiors of Jeffrey Epstein's private island Little St. James | Watch</a><h2>Massive deployment raises questions</h2>The reported scale of the operation has drawn particular attention. An unclassified FBI memo reportedly instructed every field office to immediately provide support to the Atlanta investigation, with staffing quotas determined by the size of each office. The 260 analysts have reportedly been tasked with completing 708 records checks each by July 17, while overtime, including weekends and holidays, has been authorised. Separate teams of FBI agents are also said to be working on the investigation.But what are they looking for? According to the MS NOW report citing an official, the "short answer" is they are "Looking for derogatory information".For this, investigators are examining social media activity, business records, travel history and associations in an effort to identify potentially incriminating information.<h2>Trump vs Biden: 2020 election dispute</h2>Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in Georgia by 11,779 votes in the 2020 presidential election. The outcome has since been reaffirmed through recounts, post-election audits, state certification processes and multiple court rulings.

Senate Democrats have accused FBI Director Kash Patel of diverting hundreds of bureau personnel to investigate Donald Trump's 2020 election claims, calling it a "misuse of taxpayer dollars" and a politically driven "fool's errand". 

A fresh political storm has erupted in Washington after reports that FBI Director Kash Patel has ordered hundreds of bureau personnel to assist in an investigation linked to Donald Trump's long-running claims about the 2020 presidential election. The move has triggered sharp criticism from Senate Democrats, who have accused the FBI of "misusing taxpayers dollars" by diverting resources away from national security priorities to pursue what they describe as a politically driven investigation. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, in a letter, has demanded answers from Patel and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche after reports that the FBI had mobilised 260 intelligence analysts from field offices across the United States. Also read | Trump appeals again in E. Jean Carroll case, tries to defy order to pay his sexual assault victim $5.8 million, claims 'unrecoverable loss' FBI's latest 'priority investigation' According to internal FBI documents cited by MS NOW, 260 FBI analysts have been reassigned to support what is described as a "priority investigation" based in Atlanta, Georgia. The investigation's focus? The 2020 election, Trump claims he won. Warner argued that the decision amounts to a misuse of federal resources. "Dedicated FBI special agents and intelligence analysts work tirelessly to identify legitimate threats involving terrorism, counterintelligence, espionage, cyberattacks and violent crime," he wrote. "Unlike those serious threats, this fool's errand of an investigation will only erode trust in the FBI, the Department of Justice and America's elections." The senator went further, calling it "a misuse of taxpayer dollars" and alleging that critical national security personnel were being redirected to serve the political interests of the president. Warner has also requested a formal briefing from the FBI and Justice Department. Also read | Never-before-seen footage exposes eerie interiors of Jeffrey Epstein's private island Little St. James | Watch Massive deployment raises questions The reported scale of the operation has drawn particular attention. An unclassified FBI memo reportedly instructed every field office to immediately provide support to the Atlanta investigation, with staffing quotas determined by the size of each office. The 260 analysts have reportedly been tasked with completing 708 records checks each by July 17, while overtime, including weekends and holidays, has been authorised. Separate teams of FBI agents are also said to be working on the investigation. But what are they looking for? According to the MS NOW report citing an official, the "short answer" is they are "Looking for derogatory information". For this, investigators are examining social media activity, business records, travel history and associations in an effort to identify potentially incriminating information. Trump vs Biden: 2020 election dispute Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in Georgia by 11,779 votes in the 2020 presidential election. The outcome has since been reaffirmed through recounts, post-election audits, state certification processes and multiple court rulings.

Senate Democrats have accused FBI Director Kash Patel of diverting hundreds of bureau personnel to investigate Donald Trump's 2020 election claims, calling it a "misuse of taxpayer dollars" and a politically driven "fool's errand".&nbsp;

Kash Patel's 'fool errand' EXPOSED: 260 FBI agents deployed to investigate Trump's 2020 election loss; Democrats slam 'misuse of taxpayer dollars'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented personalised pistols, ammunition, and Turkish export control waivers to leaders attending the annual NATO summit in Ankara, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.&nbsp;Importing a live firearm without authorisation is illegal in both the UK and Belgium, leaders handled the gifts differently. Starmer left his weapon in Turkey for decommissioning. Conversely, von der Leyen and Costa intend to bring their firearms to Brussels.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, President <a href="https://x.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a>, for the warm welcome to Ankara. The EU and Türkiye are strategic partners, and we are committed to strengthening our relationship. In a more challenging world, our partnership matters more than ever. Türkiye has been an important partner in… <a href="https://t.co/gbFpMGgvkM">pic.twitter.com/gbFpMGgvkM</a>&mdash; Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2075074876872720467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed that von der Leyen thanked the Turkish leader for the gift. He stated that the weapon will be securely transported, stored, and decommissioned to ensure it cannot fire live ammunition. Once decommissioned, von der Leyen plans to donate the pistol to a military museum in the Belgian capital. Similarly, a European Council official noted that Costa's pistol will be imported according to Belgian law, then decommissioned and stored following the security requirements of the Council’s General Secretariat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The gifts were presented following a working dinner at the Presidential Complex, where von der Leyen, Costa, and Erdoğan discussed bilateral EU-Turkey relations. Their conversation spanned topics including defence, migration, mobility, trade, and industrial policy. Prior to this meeting, questions had arisen regarding the agenda and whether von der Leyen and Erdoğan could achieve a rapprochement despite previous missteps. <h3>About Erdogan's NATO pistol gifts</h3><ul><li>The model: A vintage, rare Gümüşay .357 Magnum six-shot revolver manufactured in the 1990s by state-owned Turkish arms maker MKE. </li><li>Personalisation: The handgun was custom-engraved with the specific world leader’s name on the frame. </li><li>Live ammunition: They were fully operational firearms. The plush display boxes included six live rounds resting next to the gun. For some leaders, like the UK's Keir Starmer, the package included a cleaning kit and a 500-bullet block. </li><li>Export waivers: To bypass standard red tape, Erdogan included officially signed notes exempting the weapons from Turkish export control.</li></ul>

Turkish President Erdogan triggered a diplomatic and logistical scramble by gifting personalised .357 Magnum revolvers and live ammunition to NATO summit leaders, forcing strict customs reviews across Europe.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented personalised pistols, ammunition, and Turkish export control waivers to leaders attending the annual NATO summit in Ankara, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Importing a live firearm without authorisation is illegal in both the UK and Belgium, leaders handled the gifts differently. Starmer left his weapon in Turkey for decommissioning. Conversely, von der Leyen and Costa intend to bring their firearms to Brussels.

Turkish President Erdogan triggered a diplomatic and logistical scramble by gifting personalised .357 Magnum revolvers and live ammunition to NATO summit leaders, forcing strict customs reviews across Europe.

Pistol protocol: Why Keir Starmer left Erdogan's gifted gun in Turkey while EU chiefs took theirs

The American stock market isn't just an investment vehicle anymore; it's becoming the country's de facto pension system. But how does that change everything in Washington's response to the next equity market crash? Let's decode. Gallup's April survey found 58 per cent of US adults own stock directly or through funds, and the wealthiest one per cent alone hold over 50 per cent of all corporate equities. That's not a niche investor class anymore. That's a voting bloc.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-impacts-the-rate-of-interest-for-personal-loan-across-different-lenders-1783604432936">What impacts the rate of interest for personal loan across different lenders</a> Now add Trump accounts to the mix; more than 500,000 children's accounts received their first $1,000 government deposit when trading launched on July 4th, with 6 million families already signed up. Wells Fargo estimates these accounts could funnel nearly $20 billion into markets this year alone. That is a permanent new buyer base, layered in from birth.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wall-street-becomes-america-s-retirement-fund-1783571247149/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wall-street-becomes-america-s-retirement-fund-1783571247149/embed</a><h2>Why does this matter for crisis policy?</h2>Because social security is running out of runway. The retirement trust fund is projected to be depleted by the December quarter of 2032, just six years away. That is likely to trigger an automatic 22 per cent benefit cut if Congress does nothing. As the state safety net frays, the stock market is quietly stepping into its place. Put those two trends together of mass equity ownership plus a wobbling public pension system, and the political cost of a prolonged bear market becomes almost unbearable for any administration. That's the logic behind the theory gaining traction on trading desks.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-jump-by-2-63-as-fresh-us-strikes-on-iran-shake-up-strait-of-hormuz-again-1783471599627">Fresh US-Iran strikes send oil prices soaring. Here's why markets are worried</a> So, the Federal Reserve could eventually buy equity ETFs directly in the next major downturn, following the precedent it set with corporate bond ETFs during the pandemic. Notably, that path has already been carved by Japan and China's central banks. Stock bears keep getting run over. And now we know why.

More than half of Americans now own stocks, Social Security's trust fund is projected to run dry by 2032, and millions of children have begun investing through Trump Accounts. Has Wall Street quietly become America's pension system, making future market bailouts almost inevitable? 

The American stock market isn't just an investment vehicle anymore; it's becoming the country's de facto pension system. But how does that change everything in Washington's response to the next equity market crash? Let's decode. Gallup's April survey found 58 per cent of US adults own stock directly or through funds, and the wealthiest one per cent alone hold over 50 per cent of all corporate equities. That's not a niche investor class anymore. That's a voting bloc. Also read | What impacts the rate of interest for personal loan across different lenders Now add Trump accounts to the mix; more than 500,000 children's accounts received their first $1,000 government deposit when trading launched on July 4th, with 6 million families already signed up. Wells Fargo estimates these accounts could funnel nearly $20 billion into markets this year alone. That is a permanent new buyer base, layered in from birth. https://www.wionews.com/videos/wall-street-becomes-america-s-retirement-fund-1783571247149/embed Why does this matter for crisis policy? Because social security is running out of runway. The retirement trust fund is projected to be depleted by the December quarter of 2032, just six years away. That is likely to trigger an automatic 22 per cent benefit cut if Congress does nothing. As the state safety net frays, the stock market is quietly stepping into its place. Put those two trends together of mass equity ownership plus a wobbling public pension system, and the political cost of a prolonged bear market becomes almost unbearable for any administration. That's the logic behind the theory gaining traction on trading desks. Also read | Fresh US-Iran strikes send oil prices soaring. Here's why markets are worried So, the Federal Reserve could eventually buy equity ETFs directly in the next major downturn, following the precedent it set with corporate bond ETFs during the pandemic. Notably, that path has already been carved by Japan and China's central banks. Stock bears keep getting run over. And now we know why.

More than half of Americans now own stocks, Social Security's trust fund is projected to run dry by 2032, and millions of children have begun investing through Trump Accounts. Has Wall Street quietly become America's pension system, making future market bailouts almost inevitable?&nbsp;

Too political to fail? The real reason America can't afford another Wall Street crash

The European Parliament on Thursday (Jul 9) adopted a resolution condemning the widespread abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage of young girls in Pakistan. Calling on the South Asian nation to strengthen protections of girls belonging to religious minorities, the resolution called on Islamabad to overhaul its legal system. This comes after a 13-year-old Christian girl was forced into marriage with her abductor.<h2>A crisis Pakistan is ignoring</h2>In a resolution passed on Thursday, EU lawmakers warned that the abduction and forced conversion of young minority girls in the country has turned into an ongoing crisis that officials are largely ignoring.At the centre of the international backlash is the case of Maria Shahbaz. She was just 13 when she was taken from her home in July 2025, forced to convert to Islam, and married off to a 30-year-old man. Her family fought the marriage in court, but Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court officially upheld the union this past March, despite school and birth records proving she was a minor. Right now, Maria remains in her abductor's custody while her parents try to pull together a final legal appeal.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weapon-of-war-india-at-un-condemns-conflict-related-sexual-violence-highlights-role-of-women-peacekeepers-1783645114228">'Weapon of war': India at UN condemns conflict-related sexual violence, highlights role of women peacekeepers</a>European officials say Maria's story is just the tip of the iceberg. "MEPs are calling for her to have access to legal representation, her family, and psychological support. They condemn similar abuses committed against underage girls belonging to religious minorities, underlining that her case is emblematic of broader human rights violations faced by minorities in Pakistan".<h2>Hindu, Christian girls targeted in Pakistan</h2>The resolution highlighted United Nations data from 2025 showing that roughly 75 per cent of the women and girls forced into these conversions are Hindu, while the remaining 25 per cent are Christian.Lawmakers demanded that Pakistan must come up with a "national mechanism," a nationwide tracking system, so families can actually report abductions without being turned away by local police. Crucially, they are calling for the men behind these marriages to be prosecuted instead of being let off the hook by local magistrates.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspected-terror-plot-targeting-ayodhya-ram-temple-uncovered-man-with-alleged-pakistan-links-arrested-in-karnataka-1782359020050">Terror plot targeting Ayodhya Ram Temple foiled; UP man with alleged Pakistan links arrested in Karnataka</a>"The perpetrators must be prosecuted and Pakistan's judicial framework strengthened, they add, and abducted girls must be able to return safely," the resolution said.Advocacy groups like Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) have been pushing the case for months. Highlighting Maria's case, the group noted that this was not an isolated incident but a well-documented pattern. They say local courts frequently accept falsified statements from abductors claiming the girls converted entirely on their own free will.&nbsp;

The European Parliament has condemned Pakistan over the widespread abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Hindu and Christian girls, calling Maria Shahbaz's case emblematic of a broader human rights crisis. The resolution urges Islamabad to overhaul its legal system.

The European Parliament on Thursday (Jul 9) adopted a resolution condemning the widespread abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage of young girls in Pakistan. Calling on the South Asian nation to strengthen protections of girls belonging to religious minorities, the resolution called on Islamabad to overhaul its legal system. This comes after a 13-year-old Christian girl was forced into marriage with her abductor. A crisis Pakistan is ignoring In a resolution passed on Thursday, EU lawmakers warned that the abduction and forced conversion of young minority girls in the country has turned into an ongoing crisis that officials are largely ignoring. At the centre of the international backlash is the case of Maria Shahbaz. She was just 13 when she was taken from her home in July 2025, forced to convert to Islam, and married off to a 30-year-old man. Her family fought the marriage in court, but Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court officially upheld the union this past March, despite school and birth records proving she was a minor. Right now, Maria remains in her abductor's custody while her parents try to pull together a final legal appeal. Also read | 'Weapon of war': India at UN condemns conflict-related sexual violence, highlights role of women peacekeepers European officials say Maria's story is just the tip of the iceberg. "MEPs are calling for her to have access to legal representation, her family, and psychological support. They condemn similar abuses committed against underage girls belonging to religious minorities, underlining that her case is emblematic of broader human rights violations faced by minorities in Pakistan". Hindu, Christian girls targeted in Pakistan The resolution highlighted United Nations data from 2025 showing that roughly 75 per cent of the women and girls forced into these conversions are Hindu, while the remaining 25 per cent are Christian. Lawmakers demanded that Pakistan must come up with a "national mechanism," a nationwide tracking system, so families can actually report abductions without being turned away by local police. Crucially, they are calling for the men behind these marriages to be prosecuted instead of being let off the hook by local magistrates. Also read | Terror plot targeting Ayodhya Ram Temple foiled; UP man with alleged Pakistan links arrested in Karnataka "The perpetrators must be prosecuted and Pakistan's judicial framework strengthened, they add, and abducted girls must be able to return safely," the resolution said. Advocacy groups like Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) have been pushing the case for months. Highlighting Maria's case, the group noted that this was not an isolated incident but a well-documented pattern. They say local courts frequently accept falsified statements from abductors claiming the girls converted entirely on their own free will.

The European Parliament has condemned Pakistan over the widespread abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Hindu and Christian girls, calling Maria Shahbaz's case emblematic of a broader human rights crisis. The resolution urges Islamabad to overhaul its legal system.

EU Parliament slams Pakistan over forced marriages after 13-year-old girl's custody given to her rapist

US media reports that Israel recently shared intelligence with Washington regarding a new, "specific" Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump. News outlet CNN, citing unnamed sources, reported that Washington has been monitoring a "steady drumbeat" of threats, but noted this warning was distinct. The Wall Street Journal also corroborated the "fresh" plot via unidentified sources. Tehran has long vowed retaliation against Trump for ordering the January 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. He was the then-commander of the Quds Force, an elite, extraterritorial special operations arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the country's supreme leader, Khomeini, is being laid to rest, scores of people are seen carrying posters that read “kill Trump”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-final-journey-of-iran-s-slain-supreme-leader-1783624335835/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-final-journey-of-iran-s-slain-supreme-leader-1783624335835/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;When contacted by news agency AFP, a White House official referenced Trump’s Wednesday (July 8) remarks aboard Air Force One while returning from a NATO summit in Turkey. Trump stated, "They want to take out the US leader — me," adding that he had seen he was on every one of their lists.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-on-iran-after-trump-claims-conflict-will-end-very-quickly-1783543325422">US launches fresh strikes on Iran after Trump claims conflict will end ‘very quickly</a>&nbsp;He added, “I'm on whatever list. I saw this morning I'm on every single one of their lists.” The reports surfaced amid renewed US and Iranian attacks, which have heightened fears of all-out war. They also follow Trump's puzzling decision to depart Turkey using his old Air Force One plane. He sent his new, Qatari-gifted jet ahead to Britain, where he later switched planes for the journey back to home turf, Washington. This switch, occurring on the new jet's maiden foreign trip, sparked speculation that its security features were inadequate, especially given fresh US strikes against Iran, a country bordering Turkey.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airport-warships-visas-and-more-trump-s-name-added-to-at-least-5-us-government-initiatives-1783628600207">Airport, warships, visas and more: Trump's name added to at least 5 US government initiatives</a>&nbsp;News outlet The New York Times reported that the Secret Service requested the plane switch as a "security precaution." During a press conference, Trump sidestepped direct safety questions but alluded to previous alleged Iranian assassination attempts.

Israeli intelligence has warned the United States of a specific, newly devised Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, escalating tensions as a shaky 60-day regional ceasefire risks collapsing entirely. 

US media reports that Israel recently shared intelligence with Washington regarding a new, "specific" Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump. News outlet CNN, citing unnamed sources, reported that Washington has been monitoring a "steady drumbeat" of threats, but noted this warning was distinct. The Wall Street Journal also corroborated the "fresh" plot via unidentified sources. Tehran has long vowed retaliation against Trump for ordering the January 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. He was the then-commander of the Quds Force, an elite, extraterritorial special operations arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the country's supreme leader, Khomeini, is being laid to rest, scores of people are seen carrying posters that read “kill Trump” https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-final-journey-of-iran-s-slain-supreme-leader-1783624335835/embed When contacted by news agency AFP, a White House official referenced Trump’s Wednesday (July 8) remarks aboard Air Force One while returning from a NATO summit in Turkey. Trump stated, "They want to take out the US leader — me," adding that he had seen he was on every one of their lists. Also read: US launches fresh strikes on Iran after Trump claims conflict will end ‘very quickly He added, “I'm on whatever list. I saw this morning I'm on every single one of their lists.” The reports surfaced amid renewed US and Iranian attacks, which have heightened fears of all-out war. They also follow Trump's puzzling decision to depart Turkey using his old Air Force One plane. He sent his new, Qatari-gifted jet ahead to Britain, where he later switched planes for the journey back to home turf, Washington. This switch, occurring on the new jet's maiden foreign trip, sparked speculation that its security features were inadequate, especially given fresh US strikes against Iran, a country bordering Turkey. Also read: Airport, warships, visas and more: Trump's name added to at least 5 US government initiatives News outlet The New York Times reported that the Secret Service requested the plane switch as a "security precaution." During a press conference, Trump sidestepped direct safety questions but alluded to previous alleged Iranian assassination attempts.

Israeli intelligence has warned the United States of a specific, newly devised Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, escalating tensions as a shaky 60-day regional ceasefire risks collapsing entirely.

Trump assassination plot: Israel shares intelligence on 'new' Iranian threat to US president: Reports

India on Thursday (Jul 9) used a UN Security Council debate to strongly condemn conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), calling it a weapon of war, terrorism, torture and political repression used to subjugate communities and silence dissent. Ambassador P Harish noted that the UN Secretary-General’s report points to a sharp rise in verified cases in 2025 and underlines the scale of the problem.At the debate in New York, Harish said India "strongly condemns such heinous acts" and warned that sexual violence continues amid what he described as a culture of impunity. He said the issue demands collective action by member states, especially because the crimes leave both physical and psychological scars that continue long after the fighting ends.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hollow-rhetoric-india-tears-into-islamabad-at-un-categorically-rejects-china-pakistan-kashmir-joint-statement-1779853413179">'Pakistan will face consequences': India delivers sharp warning at UN over cross-border terrorism</a>"Today's open debate is on a subject that warrants collective deliberation by member states, particularly in the wake of findings of the UNSG's report on conflict-related sexual violence that corroborates a sharp increase in verified cases in 2025 and the extreme brutality involved.:<h2>India pitches women peacekeepers as part of the answer</h2>Harish also pointed to India’s peacekeeping record, arguing that the deployment of women peacekeepers has had a "transformative impact" in tackling conflict-related sexual violence. He cited the first-ever all-women police unit India deployed to Liberia in 2007, saying it was "instrumental in creating an environment for addressing criminality, deterring sexual and gender-based violence, and in helping to rebuild safety and confidence among people."India, he added, sees this not as a symbolic measure but as a practical one that can improve prevention and response on the ground.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahadev-app-mastermind-sourabh-chandrakar-arrested-in-oman-inside-the-240-crore-a-day-betting-empire-wion-decodes-1783578959074">Mahadev app mastermind Sourabh Chandrakar arrested in Oman: Inside the ₹240-crore-a-day betting empire | WION Decodes</a><h2>Two Indian peacekeepers to be honoured</h2>The Indian envoy also announced that Major Moiz Yaseen and Major Sonia Devendra Nevaskar will receive the 2026 UN Secretary-General’s Military Gender Advocate of the Year Recognition Certificate for their work on preventing CRSV. According to Harish, both officers played key roles in building victim-centred reporting channels, gender data systems and prevention networks inside UN missions.Harish said Yaseen, serving as Force Ombudsperson and Welfare Officer in UNMISS, created an accessible and confidential grievance mechanism and held more than 40 tailored sessions. Nevaskar, he said, worked on intelligence and planning functions for CRSV prevention and engaged host authorities on gender issues.Why the statement mattersIndia’s intervention comes as the UN continues to warn of rising violence in conflict zones and persistent impunity for perpetrators.&nbsp;

India strongly condemned conflict-related sexual violence at the UN Security Council, describing it as a weapon of war, terrorism and political repression. New Delhi also highlighted the role of women peacekeepers. Scroll down for more.

India on Thursday (Jul 9) used a UN Security Council debate to strongly condemn conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), calling it a weapon of war, terrorism, torture and political repression used to subjugate communities and silence dissent. Ambassador P Harish noted that the UN Secretary-General’s report points to a sharp rise in verified cases in 2025 and underlines the scale of the problem. At the debate in New York, Harish said India "strongly condemns such heinous acts" and warned that sexual violence continues amid what he described as a culture of impunity. He said the issue demands collective action by member states, especially because the crimes leave both physical and psychological scars that continue long after the fighting ends. Also read | 'Pakistan will face consequences': India delivers sharp warning at UN over cross-border terrorism "Today's open debate is on a subject that warrants collective deliberation by member states, particularly in the wake of findings of the UNSG's report on conflict-related sexual violence that corroborates a sharp increase in verified cases in 2025 and the extreme brutality involved.: India pitches women peacekeepers as part of the answer Harish also pointed to India’s peacekeeping record, arguing that the deployment of women peacekeepers has had a "transformative impact" in tackling conflict-related sexual violence. He cited the first-ever all-women police unit India deployed to Liberia in 2007, saying it was "instrumental in creating an environment for addressing criminality, deterring sexual and gender-based violence, and in helping to rebuild safety and confidence among people." India, he added, sees this not as a symbolic measure but as a practical one that can improve prevention and response on the ground. Also read | Mahadev app mastermind Sourabh Chandrakar arrested in Oman: Inside the ₹240-crore-a-day betting empire | WION Decodes Two Indian peacekeepers to be honoured The Indian envoy also announced that Major Moiz Yaseen and Major Sonia Devendra Nevaskar will receive the 2026 UN Secretary-General’s Military Gender Advocate of the Year Recognition Certificate for their work on preventing CRSV. According to Harish, both officers played key roles in building victim-centred reporting channels, gender data systems and prevention networks inside UN missions. Harish said Yaseen, serving as Force Ombudsperson and Welfare Officer in UNMISS, created an accessible and confidential grievance mechanism and held more than 40 tailored sessions. Nevaskar, he said, worked on intelligence and planning functions for CRSV prevention and engaged host authorities on gender issues. Why the statement matters India’s intervention comes as the UN continues to warn of rising violence in conflict zones and persistent impunity for perpetrators.

India strongly condemned conflict-related sexual violence at the UN Security Council, describing it as a weapon of war, terrorism and political repression. New Delhi also highlighted the role of women peacekeepers. Scroll down for more.

'Weapon of war': India at UN condemns conflict-related sexual violence, highlights role of women peacekeepers

Syrian authorities on Thursday (July 9) said preliminary investigations had found that the cell behind the twin bomb blasts in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit this week was affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group. Ahmad al-Dalati, head of internal security for the Damascus countryside, said investigators were able to identify the group after tracking one of its members.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/charlie-kirk-assassination-who-is-tyler-robinson-s-partner-lance-twiggs-how-big-is-his-role-in-the-case-1783623092431">Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs? How big is his role in the case?</a>&nbsp;Speaking to Syria's state-run Ekhbariya TV, al-Dalati said the investigation found that the cell responsible for the July 7 bombings had links to IS. "We were able to track down one member of the cell responsible for the July 7 Damascus bombings, and by monitoring him, we identified the rest of the group's members," al-Dalati said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-buries-ali-khamenei-at-imam-reza-shrine-131-days-after-us-strikes-killed-him-1783635604784">Iran buries Ali Khamenei at Imam Reza shrine 131 days after US strikes killed him</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the entire cell had been taken into custody. In a post on X, Khattab said authorities would disclose the identities of the suspects, their roles and their affiliations once the investigation had been completed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-citizenship-is-not-for-sale-trump-to-seek-supreme-court-rehearing-on-birthright-citizenship-1783546317893">'American citizenship is not for sale': Trump to seek Supreme Court rehearing on birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;The authorities have not yet released further details about the suspects or provided additional evidence regarding the alleged links between the detained cell and the Islamic State group.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-get-much-worse-trump-threatens-stronger-us-bombing-if-iran-attacks-ships-again-1783548885529">‘It will get much worse’: Trump threatens stronger US bombing if Iran attacks ships again</a>

Syrian authorities arrested an Islamic State-affiliated cell responsible for the July 7 twin bombings in Damascus, which occurred during a high-profile visit by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Syrian authorities on Thursday (July 9) said preliminary investigations had found that the cell behind the twin bomb blasts in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit this week was affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group. Ahmad al-Dalati, head of internal security for the Damascus countryside, said investigators were able to identify the group after tracking one of its members. Also read: Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs? How big is his role in the case? Speaking to Syria's state-run Ekhbariya TV, al-Dalati said the investigation found that the cell responsible for the July 7 bombings had links to IS. "We were able to track down one member of the cell responsible for the July 7 Damascus bombings, and by monitoring him, we identified the rest of the group's members," al-Dalati said. Also read: Iran buries Ali Khamenei at Imam Reza shrine 131 days after US strikes killed him Earlier, Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the entire cell had been taken into custody. In a post on X, Khattab said authorities would disclose the identities of the suspects, their roles and their affiliations once the investigation had been completed. Also read: 'American citizenship is not for sale': Trump to seek Supreme Court rehearing on birthright citizenship The authorities have not yet released further details about the suspects or provided additional evidence regarding the alleged links between the detained cell and the Islamic State group. Also read: ‘It will get much worse’: Trump threatens stronger US bombing if Iran attacks ships again

Syrian authorities arrested an Islamic State-affiliated cell responsible for the July 7 twin bombings in Damascus, which occurred during a high-profile visit by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Damascus twin blasts: Syria says Islamic State-linked cell arrested after Macron visit

Apple is on the verge of overtaking Google parent Alphabet to become the world's second most valuable company, as investors continue to back the iPhone maker despite concerns over its artificial intelligence strategy and rising costs.&nbsp;Apple's market capitalisation has climbed to around $4.56 trillion, edging closer to Nvidia, which remains the world's most valuable company at approximately $4.78 trillion. Alphabet, meanwhile, is valued at about $4.43 trillion, leaving Apple well positioned to move into second place if its shares continue to gain.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airport-warships-visas-and-more-trump-s-name-added-to-at-least-5-us-government-initiatives-1783628600207">Airport, warships, visas and more: Trump's name added to at least 5 US government initiatives</a>&nbsp;According to Dow Jones Market Data, the gap between Apple and Nvidia has narrowed sharply over the past year. On August 4, 2025, Nvidia was worth about $1.37 trillion, more than Apple, marking the widest gap since Apple lost its position as the world's most valuable company. That difference has now shrunk to roughly $200 billion.&nbsp;Apple's rise has come even as the company has faced scrutiny over its AI roadmap and higher component costs. Investors have continued to buy its shares, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term prospects. At the same time, Nvidia's stock has cooled after a remarkable multi-year rally driven by the AI boom. Market analysts say investors are increasingly looking beyond Nvidia for exposure to artificial intelligence.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-updates-netanyahu-on-us-moves-in-gulf-as-they-discuss-regional-coordination-1783633014563">Trump updates Netanyahu on US 'moves in Gulf' as they discuss regional coordination</a>&nbsp;Mike Reynolds, Vice President of Investment Strategy at Glenmede, told MarketWatch that investors are seeking AI opportunities outside Nvidia rather than concentrating their investments in a single company. "When you become the biggest stock in the world, there's a target on your back from people trying to chip away at your moat, and I think that's part of what we're seeing," Reynolds said, according to MarketWatch.

Driven by a 15 per cent year-to-date stock rally, Apple's market cap reached $4.56 trillion, closing in on second-place Alphabet ($4.43 trillion) as investors diversify AI investments away from Nvidia.

Apple is on the verge of overtaking Google parent Alphabet to become the world's second most valuable company, as investors continue to back the iPhone maker despite concerns over its artificial intelligence strategy and rising costs. Apple's market capitalisation has climbed to around $4.56 trillion, edging closer to Nvidia, which remains the world's most valuable company at approximately $4.78 trillion. Alphabet, meanwhile, is valued at about $4.43 trillion, leaving Apple well positioned to move into second place if its shares continue to gain. Also read: Airport, warships, visas and more: Trump's name added to at least 5 US government initiatives According to Dow Jones Market Data, the gap between Apple and Nvidia has narrowed sharply over the past year. On August 4, 2025, Nvidia was worth about $1.37 trillion, more than Apple, marking the widest gap since Apple lost its position as the world's most valuable company. That difference has now shrunk to roughly $200 billion. Apple's rise has come even as the company has faced scrutiny over its AI roadmap and higher component costs. Investors have continued to buy its shares, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term prospects. At the same time, Nvidia's stock has cooled after a remarkable multi-year rally driven by the AI boom. Market analysts say investors are increasingly looking beyond Nvidia for exposure to artificial intelligence. Also read: Trump updates Netanyahu on US 'moves in Gulf' as they discuss regional coordination Mike Reynolds, Vice President of Investment Strategy at Glenmede, told MarketWatch that investors are seeking AI opportunities outside Nvidia rather than concentrating their investments in a single company. "When you become the biggest stock in the world, there's a target on your back from people trying to chip away at your moat, and I think that's part of what we're seeing," Reynolds said, according to MarketWatch.

Driven by a 15 per cent year-to-date stock rally, Apple's market cap reached $4.56 trillion, closing in on second-place Alphabet ($4.43 trillion) as investors diversify AI investments away from Nvidia.

Apple closes in on Alphabet as world's No. 2 most valuable company: What's behind the rally?

Iran on Thursday (July 9) buried its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Reza Shrine in the northeastern city of Mashhad, bringing to an end six days of funeral processions that drew millions of mourners across Iran and Iraq. The burial came 131 days after Khamenei was killed in US strikes.&nbsp;The funeral procession in Mashhad was delayed for several hours as vast crowds packed the roads leading to the shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam. According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, the vehicle carrying Khamenei's coffin moved slowly through densely packed mourners waving crimson flags and chanting religious slogans.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-horizons-us-proposes-stricter-h-1b-and-green-card-rules-indians-likely-to-be-affected-1783622237856">US proposes stricter H-1B and Green Card rules, Indians likely to be affected</a>&nbsp;Videos shared online by journalist Ryan Rozbiani showed officials eventually transporting the casket by helicopter because of the overwhelming crowds gathered around the shrine. The Imam Reza Shrine witnessed an unprecedented influx of mourners who travelled from across Iran to attend the final burial ceremony. Tasnim reported that roads leading to the shrine remained packed for hours, with many attendees carrying red flags, a symbol associated with avenging martyrs, while chanting "Labbaik Ya Hussein."&nbsp;During the procession, sections of the crowd were heard chanting, "I swear by the blood of the Supreme Leader, Trump, we will kill you!" while waving large banners calling for the assassination of US President Donald Trump, according to videos and reports from the scene.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/labour-leadership-race-andy-burnham-keir-starmer-replacement-1783620372653">Labour leadership race begins: Andy Burnham set to replace Keir Starmer</a>&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said representatives from more than 70 countries had attended memorial ceremonies held in honour of Khamenei. He described the international participation as an enduring symbol of Iran's diplomatic relationships.&nbsp;The burial concluded nearly a week of nationwide mourning ceremonies following the death of Iran's longtime supreme leader, with authorities describing the turnout as one of the largest in the country's recent history. &nbsp;

Iran buried late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Mashhad’s Imam Reza Shrine, concluding a massive six-day funeral procession marked by millions of mourners and aggressive anti-Trump assassination threats.

Iran on Thursday (July 9) buried its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Reza Shrine in the northeastern city of Mashhad, bringing to an end six days of funeral processions that drew millions of mourners across Iran and Iraq. The burial came 131 days after Khamenei was killed in US strikes. The funeral procession in Mashhad was delayed for several hours as vast crowds packed the roads leading to the shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam. According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, the vehicle carrying Khamenei's coffin moved slowly through densely packed mourners waving crimson flags and chanting religious slogans. Also read: US proposes stricter H-1B and Green Card rules, Indians likely to be affected Videos shared online by journalist Ryan Rozbiani showed officials eventually transporting the casket by helicopter because of the overwhelming crowds gathered around the shrine. The Imam Reza Shrine witnessed an unprecedented influx of mourners who travelled from across Iran to attend the final burial ceremony. Tasnim reported that roads leading to the shrine remained packed for hours, with many attendees carrying red flags, a symbol associated with avenging martyrs, while chanting "Labbaik Ya Hussein." During the procession, sections of the crowd were heard chanting, "I swear by the blood of the Supreme Leader, Trump, we will kill you!" while waving large banners calling for the assassination of US President Donald Trump, according to videos and reports from the scene. Also read: Labour leadership race begins: Andy Burnham set to replace Keir Starmer Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said representatives from more than 70 countries had attended memorial ceremonies held in honour of Khamenei. He described the international participation as an enduring symbol of Iran's diplomatic relationships. The burial concluded nearly a week of nationwide mourning ceremonies following the death of Iran's longtime supreme leader, with authorities describing the turnout as one of the largest in the country's recent history.

Iran buried late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Mashhad’s Imam Reza Shrine, concluding a massive six-day funeral procession marked by millions of mourners and aggressive anti-Trump assassination threats.

Iran buries Ali Khamenei at Imam Reza shrine 131 days after US strikes killed him

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Thursday (July 9) and agreed to continue close coordination between their countries across a range of issues, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-demands-greenland-again-why-the-frozen-island-considered-strategically-important-for-global-security-wion-decodes-1783587380770">Trump demands Greenland again. Why is everyone obsessed with the frozen island?</a>&nbsp;In a statement, Netanyahu's office said Trump briefed the Israeli leader on US "moves in the Gulf" during what it described as ongoing contact between the two leaders. The call came after Iran reported fresh American strikes.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/charlie-kirk-assassination-who-is-tyler-robinson-s-partner-lance-twiggs-how-big-is-his-role-in-the-case-1783623092431">Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs?</a>&nbsp;"As part of the continuous contact" between the two leaders, "President Trump updated the Prime Minister on American moves in the Gulf," Netanyahu's office said in a post on the social media platform X.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-over-900-snakes-slither-through-china-floodwaters-typhoon-maysak-unleashes-venomous-cobras-one-bitten-1783573559378">China's flood nightmare: 900 snakes, including cobras, on the loose | Watch</a>&nbsp;The statement did not provide further details about the US operations discussed during the call.According to Netanyahu's office, the Israeli prime minister also raised concerns over what it described as the increasingly severe rhetoric by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Turkish officials against Israel's existence.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/social-media-ban-for-teens-on-the-cards-pm-modi-praises-australia-s-under-16-social-media-ban-says-we-re-taking-lessons-from-you-1783614717670">'We're taking lessons': PM Modi praises Australia's under-16 social media ban</a>&nbsp;Netanyahu further stressed what his office called the need for security zones along Israel's borders, although no additional details were provided on the proposal. The conversation took place amid heightened regional tensions following reports of fresh US military action and continued instability across West Asia. Neither the White House nor President Trump immediately issued a separate readout of the call.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-jackson-hinkle-maga-communist-khamenei-funeral-1783606860651">Who is Jackson Hinkle? The American who chanted 'Down with USA' at Khamenei's funeral</a>

President Donald Trump briefed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on recent US military moves in the Gulf amid rising Middle East tensions, while Netanyahu voiced security concerns regarding Turkey.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Thursday (July 9) and agreed to continue close coordination between their countries across a range of issues, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. Also read: Trump demands Greenland again. Why is everyone obsessed with the frozen island? In a statement, Netanyahu's office said Trump briefed the Israeli leader on US "moves in the Gulf" during what it described as ongoing contact between the two leaders. The call came after Iran reported fresh American strikes. Also read: Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs? "As part of the continuous contact" between the two leaders, "President Trump updated the Prime Minister on American moves in the Gulf," Netanyahu's office said in a post on the social media platform X. Also read: China's flood nightmare: 900 snakes, including cobras, on the loose | Watch The statement did not provide further details about the US operations discussed during the call. According to Netanyahu's office, the Israeli prime minister also raised concerns over what it described as the increasingly severe rhetoric by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Turkish officials against Israel's existence. Also read: 'We're taking lessons': PM Modi praises Australia's under-16 social media ban Netanyahu further stressed what his office called the need for security zones along Israel's borders, although no additional details were provided on the proposal. The conversation took place amid heightened regional tensions following reports of fresh US military action and continued instability across West Asia. Neither the White House nor President Trump immediately issued a separate readout of the call. Also read: Who is Jackson Hinkle? The American who chanted 'Down with USA' at Khamenei's funeral

President Donald Trump briefed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on recent US military moves in the Gulf amid rising Middle East tensions, while Netanyahu voiced security concerns regarding Turkey.

Trump updates Netanyahu on US 'moves in Gulf' as they discuss regional coordination

Southern Iran was rocked by a series of explosions on Thursday (July 9) as the country entered a third consecutive day of strikes, according to Iranian media reports, while US officials said American forces were not carrying out operations in the country.&nbsp;Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, Choghadak and the port city of Konarak. Ehsan Jahanian, deputy governor of Bushehr, confirmed that explosions had been heard in Bushehr and nearby Choghadak, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. He said authorities were still investigating whether the blasts were caused by Iranian air defence systems, an enemy projectile striking the area, or an enemy drone being intercepted.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-relating-to-trump-what-did-tyler-robinson-s-lover-reveal-to-police-in-interview-video-1783626309607">'Was relating to Trump': What did Tyler Robinson's 'lover' REVEAL to police in interview video?</a>&nbsp;Mehr reported that two explosions were heard around Bushehr, home to Iran's only operational nuclear power plant, and nearby Choghadak. It did not provide details on the cause of the explosions or report any casualties or damage.&nbsp;The agency also said three explosions were heard in Konarak, a port city on Iran's Makran coast. No immediate information was available on the cause of the blasts or any resulting damage. The reports came as Iran faced a third day of strikes following the latest escalation in fighting between the US and Iran.&nbsp;Washington had previously acknowledged carrying out two rounds of strikes, saying they were launched in response to Iranian attacks on shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. However, US officials denied involvement in the latest reported explosions.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-citizenship-is-not-for-sale-trump-to-seek-supreme-court-rehearing-on-birthright-citizenship-1783546317893">'American citizenship is not for sale': Trump to seek Supreme Court rehearing on birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;Sources familiar with the matter told Al Arabiya English that the US military was not conducting strikes in Iran. A US official also told CNN that American forces were not carrying out operations at the time. Separately, an Israeli official told CNN they were "not familiar with any Israeli involvement in strikes in Iran right now."

Amidst ongoing regional escalation, multiple unexplained explosions rocked southern Iran, including near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, though both US and Israeli officials denied involvement in these specific blasts.

Southern Iran was rocked by a series of explosions on Thursday (July 9) as the country entered a third consecutive day of strikes, according to Iranian media reports, while US officials said American forces were not carrying out operations in the country. Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, Choghadak and the port city of Konarak. Ehsan Jahanian, deputy governor of Bushehr, confirmed that explosions had been heard in Bushehr and nearby Choghadak, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. He said authorities were still investigating whether the blasts were caused by Iranian air defence systems, an enemy projectile striking the area, or an enemy drone being intercepted. Also read: 'Was relating to Trump': What did Tyler Robinson's 'lover' REVEAL to police in interview video? Mehr reported that two explosions were heard around Bushehr, home to Iran's only operational nuclear power plant, and nearby Choghadak. It did not provide details on the cause of the explosions or report any casualties or damage. The agency also said three explosions were heard in Konarak, a port city on Iran's Makran coast. No immediate information was available on the cause of the blasts or any resulting damage. The reports came as Iran faced a third day of strikes following the latest escalation in fighting between the US and Iran. Washington had previously acknowledged carrying out two rounds of strikes, saying they were launched in response to Iranian attacks on shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. However, US officials denied involvement in the latest reported explosions. Also read: 'American citizenship is not for sale': Trump to seek Supreme Court rehearing on birthright citizenship Sources familiar with the matter told Al Arabiya English that the US military was not conducting strikes in Iran. A US official also told CNN that American forces were not carrying out operations at the time. Separately, an Israeli official told CNN they were "not familiar with any Israeli involvement in strikes in Iran right now."

Amidst ongoing regional escalation, multiple unexplained explosions rocked southern Iran, including near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, though both US and Israeli officials denied involvement in these specific blasts.

Explosions near Iran's nuclear plant spark questions as US denies role

US President Donald Trump's name is appearing on an expanding list of public institutions and government initiatives during his second term, with Florida's Palm Beach International Airport becoming the latest facility to be renamed in his honour. The airport officially adopted the name Trump International Airport on Thursday (July 9) after legislation approving the change was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in March.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Reuters, the airport's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifier has also been changed from PBI to DJT, reflecting Trump's initials. The renaming adds the airport to a growing list of government-backed projects and programmes that have adopted Trump's name since he returned to the White House last year.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-relating-to-trump-what-did-tyler-robinson-s-lover-reveal-to-police-in-interview-video-1783626309607">'Was relating to Trump': What did Tyler Robinson's 'lover' REVEAL to police in interview video?</a>&nbsp;According to Reuters, Trump's name has been attached to a planned class of US Navy warships, a proposed visa programme for wealthy foreign investors, a government-run prescription drug website and federal savings accounts for children.&nbsp;The Trump administration has also sought to reshape several institutions in Washington. His name was added to the United States Institute of Peace building, although a proposal to rename the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts after him was rejected by the courts.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/charlie-kirk-assassination-who-is-tyler-robinson-s-partner-lance-twiggs-how-big-is-his-role-in-the-case-1783623092431">Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs?</a>&nbsp;The airport's new identity reflects Trump's longstanding association with Palm Beach, home to his Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump's son Eric Trump and his family were aboard the first aircraft to land at the newly renamed airport in the early hours of Thursday on a private jet. "I don't think there's anybody more synonymous with Palm Beach than Donald Trump in maybe all of Florida," Eric Trump told Fox News.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-releases-first-footage-khamenei-damaged-home-us-israeli-strike-1783617547314">Video | Inside Khamenei's damaged home after the US-Israeli strike</a>

Florida's Palm Beach International Airport was officially renamed Trump International Airport (DJT), joining a growing list of government initiatives and facilities named after President Donald Trump during his second term.

US President Donald Trump's name is appearing on an expanding list of public institutions and government initiatives during his second term, with Florida's Palm Beach International Airport becoming the latest facility to be renamed in his honour. The airport officially adopted the name Trump International Airport on Thursday (July 9) after legislation approving the change was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in March. According to Reuters, the airport's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifier has also been changed from PBI to DJT, reflecting Trump's initials. The renaming adds the airport to a growing list of government-backed projects and programmes that have adopted Trump's name since he returned to the White House last year. Also read: 'Was relating to Trump': What did Tyler Robinson's 'lover' REVEAL to police in interview video? According to Reuters, Trump's name has been attached to a planned class of US Navy warships, a proposed visa programme for wealthy foreign investors, a government-run prescription drug website and federal savings accounts for children. The Trump administration has also sought to reshape several institutions in Washington. His name was added to the United States Institute of Peace building, although a proposal to rename the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts after him was rejected by the courts. Also read: Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs? The airport's new identity reflects Trump's longstanding association with Palm Beach, home to his Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump's son Eric Trump and his family were aboard the first aircraft to land at the newly renamed airport in the early hours of Thursday on a private jet. "I don't think there's anybody more synonymous with Palm Beach than Donald Trump in maybe all of Florida," Eric Trump told Fox News. Also read: Video | Inside Khamenei's damaged home after the US-Israeli strike

Florida's Palm Beach International Airport was officially renamed Trump International Airport (DJT), joining a growing list of government initiatives and facilities named after President Donald Trump during his second term.

Airport, warships, visas and more: Trump's name added to at least 5 US government initiatives

A police interview video of Lance Twiggs was played during Tyler Robinson's pre-trial hearing in Utah on Wednesday (July 8), giving jurors and the court a detailed account of what Twiggs said happened before and after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September 2025.&nbsp;The footage, recorded by Utah investigators in April 2026, was presented as prosecutors and defence lawyers continued to dispute the evidence that could be admitted at trial. According to the interview shown in court, Twiggs said Robinson left their home early on the day of the shooting before later directing him to a handwritten note.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/charlie-kirk-assassination-who-is-tyler-robinson-s-partner-lance-twiggs-how-big-is-his-role-in-the-case-1783623092431">Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs? How big is his role in the case?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Tyler Robinson&#39;s former roommate and lover Lance Twiggs says when the accused assassin talked about politics, &quot;it was relating to Trump.&quot; &quot;Usually if he did talk about politics stuff, it was relating to Trump or current like, policies.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8LlqgOq32d">pic.twitter.com/8LlqgOq32d</a>&mdash; Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://x.com/FoxNews/status/2075274451671773359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Lance Twiggs recalls day of Charlie Kirk's shooting</h2>According to the police interview played in court, Twiggs told investigators he first met Robinson in 2023 after they became roommates, and that they later entered into a relationship. Twiggs said Robinson left home early on the morning of September 10, 2025, telling him he had a long work shift. He told investigators that he did not hear from Robinson again until about 11 pm, when Robinson instructed him to look beneath a keyboard for a handwritten note.&nbsp;Court filings cited during the hearing stated that the note read: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it."<h2>What did Lance Twiggs tell investigators?</h2>In the interview shown in court, Twiggs said Robinson returned home the following morning, appearing nervous and pacing around the house while avoiding detailed discussion about the shooting.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-attack-iran-for-third-time-if-necessary-says-israel-amid-new-fighting-between-us-and-tehran-1783619632925">Ready to attack Iran for 'third time if necessary', threatens Israel</a>&nbsp;Twiggs told investigators that Robinson eventually admitted responsibility for Charlie Kirk's killing. According to the interview, Twiggs began crying and told Robinson he wished he had not carried out the shooting. He said Robinson replied that he intended to surrender to authorities.&nbsp;The recording played in court formed part of a second police interview conducted on April 20, 2026. Utah District Judge Tony Graf permitted the video to be shown during the hearing, although around 15 minutes had been removed from the version presented in court.

During a Utah pre-trial hearing, Lance Twiggs’s recorded police interview revealed that suspect Tyler Robinson left a handwritten confession note before admitting to the 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk.

A police interview video of Lance Twiggs was played during Tyler Robinson's pre-trial hearing in Utah on Wednesday (July 8), giving jurors and the court a detailed account of what Twiggs said happened before and after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September 2025. The footage, recorded by Utah investigators in April 2026, was presented as prosecutors and defence lawyers continued to dispute the evidence that could be admitted at trial. According to the interview shown in court, Twiggs said Robinson left their home early on the day of the shooting before later directing him to a handwritten note. Also read: Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs? How big is his role in the case?

During a Utah pre-trial hearing, Lance Twiggs’s recorded police interview revealed that suspect Tyler Robinson left a handwritten confession note before admitting to the 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk.

'Was relating to Trump': What did Tyler Robinson's 'lover' REVEAL to police in interview video?

Lance Twiggs is the romantic partner, roommate, and key prosecution witness in the Charlie Kirk assassination case, cooperating with immunity after his DNA and communications linked him to suspect Tyler Robinson.

Lance Twiggs is the romantic partner, roommate, and key prosecution witness in the Charlie Kirk assassination case, cooperating with immunity after his DNA and communications linked him to suspect Tyler Robinson.

Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs? How big is his role in the case?

The Trump administration is preparing a new set of immigration rules that could make it harder for foreign professionals, students and employers to use the US immigration system. The proposals target some of the most widely used pathways for Indians seeking to study and work in the United States.&nbsp;The proposed measures appeared in the latest Unified Regulatory Agendas released by the US Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labour, and State. Although the changes have not yet come into force, they provide the clearest picture of the administration's immigration plans. If approved, they could bring stricter eligibility rules, additional paperwork, closer checks on employers and higher hiring costs for companies employing foreign workers.&nbsp;One of the most significant proposals focuses on the H 1B visa programme, which allows US companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialised occupations. Every year, 85,000 new H-1 B visas are issued under the annual cap.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-attack-iran-for-third-time-if-necessary-says-israel-amid-new-fighting-between-us-and-tehran-1783619632925">Ready to attack Iran for 'third time if necessary', says Israel amid new fighting between US and Tehran</a><h2>Proposed H-1B changes to tighten employer rules</h2>DHS is expected to publish a proposed rule in August that would tighten several parts of the H-1B programme. The proposal could limit exemptions from the H-1B cap that are currently available to universities and certain research organisations.&nbsp;It would also introduce stricter requirements for employers placing H 1B workers at third-party client locations. In addition, authorities plan to increase scrutiny of employers that have previously violated programme rules.&nbsp;The department also plans to widen an existing supplemental fee that currently applies to certain large employers. At present, the fee covers initial H-1B petitions and change of employer applications. Under the proposal, it would also apply to visa extension requests.&nbsp;The change would affect employers with more than 50 employees in the United States if more than half of their workforce holds H-1B or L 1 visas. This would increase costs for firms that rely heavily on outsourced foreign workers.<h2>Higher wages could raise hiring costs</h2>The Labour Department is also preparing changes that could make it more expensive for employers to sponsor foreign workers for H -1B visas and employment-based Green Cards.&nbsp;It plans to revise the prevailing wage levels used for H-1B and PERM labour certification cases. Under the proposal, the entry-level wage would rise from the 17th percentile to the 34th percentile, while higher wage categories would also increase. As a result, employers would have to offer higher minimum salaries to sponsor foreign workers.&nbsp;India is expected to be among the countries most affected because Indians make up a large share of H 1B visa holders, employment-based Green Card applicants and international students in the United States.&nbsp;The proposed changes could also affect international students. India sent about 3.6 lakh students to the United States during the 2024 to 25 academic year, making it the largest source of international students.

The Trump administration is proposing stricter immigration rules that could tighten H-1B visa requirements, raise employer costs and affect thousands of Indian professionals and students seeking opportunities in the United States.

The Trump administration is preparing a new set of immigration rules that could make it harder for foreign professionals, students and employers to use the US immigration system. The proposals target some of the most widely used pathways for Indians seeking to study and work in the United States. The proposed measures appeared in the latest Unified Regulatory Agendas released by the US Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labour, and State. Although the changes have not yet come into force, they provide the clearest picture of the administration's immigration plans. If approved, they could bring stricter eligibility rules, additional paperwork, closer checks on employers and higher hiring costs for companies employing foreign workers. One of the most significant proposals focuses on the H 1B visa programme, which allows US companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialised occupations. Every year, 85,000 new H-1 B visas are issued under the annual cap. Also Read: Ready to attack Iran for 'third time if necessary', says Israel amid new fighting between US and Tehran Proposed H-1B changes to tighten employer rules DHS is expected to publish a proposed rule in August that would tighten several parts of the H-1B programme. The proposal could limit exemptions from the H-1B cap that are currently available to universities and certain research organisations. It would also introduce stricter requirements for employers placing H 1B workers at third-party client locations. In addition, authorities plan to increase scrutiny of employers that have previously violated programme rules. The department also plans to widen an existing supplemental fee that currently applies to certain large employers. At present, the fee covers initial H-1B petitions and change of employer applications. Under the proposal, it would also apply to visa extension requests. The change would affect employers with more than 50 employees in the United States if more than half of their workforce holds H-1B or L 1 visas. This would increase costs for firms that rely heavily on outsourced foreign workers. Higher wages could raise hiring costs The Labour Department is also preparing changes that could make it more expensive for employers to sponsor foreign workers for H -1B visas and employment-based Green Cards. It plans to revise the prevailing wage levels used for H-1B and PERM labour certification cases. Under the proposal, the entry-level wage would rise from the 17th percentile to the 34th percentile, while higher wage categories would also increase. As a result, employers would have to offer higher minimum salaries to sponsor foreign workers. India is expected to be among the countries most affected because Indians make up a large share of H 1B visa holders, employment-based Green Card applicants and international students in the United States. The proposed changes could also affect international students. India sent about 3.6 lakh students to the United States during the 2024 to 25 academic year, making it the largest source of international students.

The Trump administration is proposing stricter immigration rules that could tighten H-1B visa requirements, raise employer costs and affect thousands of Indian professionals and students seeking opportunities in the United States.

WION Horizons: US proposes stricter H-1B and Green Card rules from August, Indians likely to be affected

Nomination opened for selecting the next leader of the Labour Party today, after the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned on June 22, 2026. Labour MPs who want to contest for the leadership role must secure backing from 20 per cent of their colleague which is currently 81. Each MP can submit their nomination by July 16 &nbsp;to the Parliamentary Labour Party office in Parliament. The candidate with the support of 20 per cent or more MPs must secure backing from at least three organisations affiliated with the Labour Party, and two of them must be trade unions&nbsp;Around 403 MPs have already submitted their nominations, and the former Greater Manchester MP Andy Burnham, also known as “King of the North”, is expected to get most of them in his favour. He was previously ineligible to run because he did not hold a seat in Westminster, but he cleared his final hurdle by winning a crucial by-election for the Makerfield constituency. He was sworn in as MP the same day Starmer resigned.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-releases-first-footage-khamenei-damaged-home-us-israeli-strike-1783617547314">Video | Inside Khamenei's damaged home after the US-Israeli strike</a>&nbsp;Starmer became prime minister on July 5, 2024, after a landslide Labour election victory following 14 years of Conservative Party rule. But then the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the United States, who had a relationship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, had pushed his popularity downwards. Mandelson was sacked, and Starmer also lost back-to-back local elections. The calls for resignation grew louder over domestic policy shifts, and it finally happened as Burnham won the Makerfiel by-election.Burnham is expected to be the only candidate; other potential contenders have all ruled themselves out. Former Defence Minister Al Carns, who was considering to run, confirmed last Wednesday that he will not challenge Burnham.&nbsp;“I’d hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate,” said Carns in a statement. “But months of internal Labour politics isn’t what the country needs right now. We’ve got to get on with the job. Andy Burnham’s earned this and he’s got my full backing.” If Burnham is the only candidate, then a special conference will be held on July 17 to formally confirm him as the Prime Minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Labour has opened nominations for its leadership contest after Keir Starmer's resignation, with Andy Burnham emerging as the overwhelming favourite.

Nomination opened for selecting the next leader of the Labour Party today, after the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned on June 22, 2026. Labour MPs who want to contest for the leadership role must secure backing from 20 per cent of their colleague which is currently 81. Each MP can submit their nomination by July 16 to the Parliamentary Labour Party office in Parliament. The candidate with the support of 20 per cent or more MPs must secure backing from at least three organisations affiliated with the Labour Party, and two of them must be trade unions Around 403 MPs have already submitted their nominations, and the former Greater Manchester MP Andy Burnham, also known as “King of the North”, is expected to get most of them in his favour. He was previously ineligible to run because he did not hold a seat in Westminster, but he cleared his final hurdle by winning a crucial by-election for the Makerfield constituency. He was sworn in as MP the same day Starmer resigned. Also Read: Video | Inside Khamenei's damaged home after the US-Israeli strike Starmer became prime minister on July 5, 2024, after a landslide Labour election victory following 14 years of Conservative Party rule. But then the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the United States, who had a relationship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, had pushed his popularity downwards. Mandelson was sacked, and Starmer also lost back-to-back local elections. The calls for resignation grew louder over domestic policy shifts, and it finally happened as Burnham won the Makerfiel by-election. Burnham is expected to be the only candidate; other potential contenders have all ruled themselves out. Former Defence Minister Al Carns, who was considering to run, confirmed last Wednesday that he will not challenge Burnham. “I’d hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate,” said Carns in a statement. “But months of internal Labour politics isn’t what the country needs right now. We’ve got to get on with the job. Andy Burnham’s earned this and he’s got my full backing.” If Burnham is the only candidate, then a special conference will be held on July 17 to formally confirm him as the Prime Minister.

Labour has opened nominations for its leadership contest after Keir Starmer's resignation, with Andy Burnham emerging as the overwhelming favourite.

Labour leadership race begins as Andy Burnham emerges frontrunner to replace Starmer

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Charlie Kirk Assassination: Who is Tyler Robinson’s ‘partner’ Lance Twiggs?