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More than 72 hours after the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday (Jun 24), an American rescue team pulled out a nine-month-old baby and her mother from beneath the rubble, the US Department of State said on Saturday (Jun 27). This comes after the deadly quakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within a minute of each other, resulting in widespread destruction.In a statement, the State Department spokesperson said, “This heroic rescue was carried out in Catia La Mar by the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team (USA-01), which deployed to Venezuela on June 26 following activation by the State Department.”According to the US officials, both the infant and the mother escaped with only minor injuries despite remaining trapped under the rubble for more than 72 hours. The video of the rescue was shared on social media by the US State Department.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Against impossible odds, hope endures. 🇺🇸 American search and rescue teams rescued an infant from beneath the rubble following the earthquake in Venezuela. Every life saved is a victory. <a href="https://t.co/PcFayXEqNP">pic.twitter.com/PcFayXEqNP</a>&mdash; Department of State (@StateDept) <a href="https://x.com/StateDept/status/2070998469553053742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>18-day-old baby found alive</h2>In another “miracle” rescue, a newborn and her mother were found alive under the debris of an eight-storey apartment building after it collapsed near La Guaira. Dayana Patiño and her 18-day-old son were stuck under rubble for 32 hours, without being able to breastfeed as they were unable to move. Volunteers searching the area heard the baby’s cries and the mother’s calls for help nearly 12 hours after they began looking for them, despite fears that both had died. Guided by emergency responders, volunteers cleared a path through the wreckage, rescuing the baby first before safely bringing out Patiño. Both were transferred to a clinic in Caracas and did not suffer any fractures.Merly Adreina Quintero, one of the volunteers, told NBC News, “She fought to keep her baby safe. It was a miracle because neither the mother nor the baby suffered any fractures.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An 18 day old baby rescued from the earthquake rubble in Venezuela is handed back to the Father. Notice the joy and love on everyone’s face especially the Father… can you imagine how he feels right now? <a href="https://t.co/LLOUiHWm37">pic.twitter.com/LLOUiHWm37</a>&mdash; Leah Rain ✝️🇺🇸🎸🏝️ (@LeahRain77) <a href="https://x.com/LeahRain77/status/2070649869757243699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Rescue operations continue</h2>The rescues come as emergency teams continue searching for survivors after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela’s northern coast on Wednesday. The death toll in the disaster has reached 1,430, with tens of thousands reported missing. Authorities expect the number to rise further as thousands were injured and more than 68,900 were missing.International rescue efforts have intensified, with 17 flights carrying over 1,600 rescue personnel arriving in Venezuela. Urban Search and Rescue teams from Virginia, California and Florida have deployed 312 specialists, including firefighters, doctors, engineers and canine units, along with more than 200,000 pounds of rescue equipment. The United States has also pledged $150 million in emergency assistance to support relief and recovery operations.

US rescuers pulled a baby and mother alive from Venezuela quake rubble after 72 hours. Another 18-day-old infant was also found alive as death toll rose to 1,430.

More than 72 hours after the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday (Jun 24), an American rescue team pulled out a nine-month-old baby and her mother from beneath the rubble, the US Department of State said on Saturday (Jun 27). This comes after the deadly quakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within a minute of each other, resulting in widespread destruction. In a statement, the State Department spokesperson said, “This heroic rescue was carried out in Catia La Mar by the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team (USA-01), which deployed to Venezuela on June 26 following activation by the State Department.” According to the US officials, both the infant and the mother escaped with only minor injuries despite remaining trapped under the rubble for more than 72 hours. The video of the rescue was shared on social media by the US State Department.

US rescuers pulled a baby and mother alive from Venezuela quake rubble after 72 hours. Another 18-day-old infant was also found alive as the death toll rose to 1,430.

Venezuela earthquake: US teams rescue infant after 72 hours; newborn found alive | VIDEO

France is witnessing "a higher than normal number of deaths" linked to the ongoing heatwave, Health Minister Stephanie Rist said on Saturday, warning that the full impact is still unfolding as the country battles one of its most severe heatwaves in decades.&nbsp;A historic heatwave driven by a Saharan "heat dome" has gripped France, pushing temperatures to record levels across the country. Temperatures ranged between 39°C and 44.3°C in several areas, while Paris recorded 40.9°C. The extreme conditions prompted Météo France to place 72 departments under its highest Red Alert, triggering a major public health crisis.&nbsp;"The extreme heat of recent days has a delayed impact, particularly on vulnerable people but also on some younger ones, who end up in the emergency room five to 10 days after the heatwave," Rist told La Tribune newspaper.&nbsp;"We're seeing indicators that mortality will very likely be higher than at the same time last year."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-trump-s-new-deportations-chief-meet-ice-director-nominee-lance-schroyer-1782596933816">Who is Trump's new deportations chief? Meet ICE director nominee Lance Schroyer</a><h2>Hospitals remain under pressure</h2>French authorities said on Thursday that hospitals in and around Paris were approaching saturation as they continued to deal with the effects of the prolonged heatwave.&nbsp;Rist said the burden on hospitals is expected to continue even after temperatures fall, as patients with chronic illnesses may continue to experience health complications.&nbsp;"The effects of the heatwave for patients with chronic illnesses "can last for several weeks."&nbsp;"But providing reliable figures takes time. Only 60 per cent of death certificates are issued electronically. We have to wait for the paper certificates to come in," she said.&nbsp;The minister added that the figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible".&nbsp;The government has activated the highest level of its emergency health plan, deploying the country's medical reserve force to support overstretched hospitals. Authorities have also banned public alcohol consumption and stopped evening alcohol sales in Paris and other Red Alert areas to reduce pressure on emergency services and lower the risk of severe dehydration.&nbsp;Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at least 74 people have drowned in France since June 18 as the country grappled with the extreme heat.&nbsp;Most of the deaths occurred "in unauthorised, unsupervised bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and ponds," he said, adding that there had also been drownings in private swimming pools.

The government activated its highest emergency health plan to support overwhelmed hospitals, while Rist said official mortality figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible".

France is witnessing "a higher than normal number of deaths" linked to the ongoing heatwave, Health Minister Stephanie Rist said on Saturday, warning that the full impact is still unfolding as the country battles one of its most severe heatwaves in decades. A historic heatwave driven by a Saharan "heat dome" has gripped France, pushing temperatures to record levels across the country. Temperatures ranged between 39°C and 44.3°C in several areas, while Paris recorded 40.9°C. The extreme conditions prompted Météo France to place 72 departments under its highest Red Alert, triggering a major public health crisis. "The extreme heat of recent days has a delayed impact, particularly on vulnerable people but also on some younger ones, who end up in the emergency room five to 10 days after the heatwave," Rist told La Tribune newspaper. "We're seeing indicators that mortality will very likely be higher than at the same time last year." Also Read: Who is Trump's new deportations chief? Meet ICE director nominee Lance Schroyer Hospitals remain under pressure French authorities said on Thursday that hospitals in and around Paris were approaching saturation as they continued to deal with the effects of the prolonged heatwave. Rist said the burden on hospitals is expected to continue even after temperatures fall, as patients with chronic illnesses may continue to experience health complications. "The effects of the heatwave for patients with chronic illnesses "can last for several weeks." "But providing reliable figures takes time. Only 60 per cent of death certificates are issued electronically. We have to wait for the paper certificates to come in," she said. The minister added that the figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible". The government has activated the highest level of its emergency health plan, deploying the country's medical reserve force to support overstretched hospitals. Authorities have also banned public alcohol consumption and stopped evening alcohol sales in Paris and other Red Alert areas to reduce pressure on emergency services and lower the risk of severe dehydration. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at least 74 people have drowned in France since June 18 as the country grappled with the extreme heat. Most of the deaths occurred "in unauthorised, unsupervised bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and ponds," he said, adding that there had also been drownings in private swimming pools.

The government activated its highest emergency health plan to support overwhelmed hospitals, while Rist said official mortality figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible".

France heatwave turns deadly as deaths rise and drowning toll reaches record high

An Indian student has been found dead in &nbsp;London on June 23 with his family seeking answers about the situation leading to his death. The 25-year-old student, identified as S Srinath Reddy went to London for higher studies from Telangana last year. He was found dead in his room with other students alleging that he hanged himself to death. He is from Talamadla village in Tadvai mandal of Telangana's Kamareddy district. His father, Madhusudhan Reddy said the family is yet to receive complete details about how their son died. His family has requested both the state and Central government to coordinate with the British authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his death.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trap-to-kill-him-india-man-shot-dead-in-us-after-delivering-pizza-1780809490628">'Trap to kill him': Indian man shot dead in US after delivering pizza</a>&nbsp;According to the family, Srinath spoke to the family in phone the same night when he passed away. He reportedly attended a friend's birthday party in London on the night of June 22. The family said that he sounded normal and cheerful during the telephonic conversation with his family that night. The family said that they had no indication that anything was wrong. According to the roommate, who is also a son of a relative, Srinath had allegedly died by hanging. The London police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-after-wedding-indian-origin-pilot-dies-in-us-helicopter-crash-on-way-to-honeymoon-1780302991608">Hours after wedding, Indian-origin pilot dies in US helicopter crash on way to honeymoon</a>&nbsp;Reports indicate that Srinath belonged to a humble farming family who took out education loans to send him abroad. A crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe has been organised by well-wishers to manage the legal documentation and heavy financial costs involved in returning his body to India. Official confirmation or statements from London's Metropolitan Police are still awaited. As of JJune 28, neither the Indian High Commission in London nor the Telangana State Government has released an official public press statement regarding the death of S Srinath Reddy.

A 25-year-old student from Telangana's Kamareddy district was found dead in his London accommodation days after attending a friend's birthday party. His family has sought answers over the circumstances of his death

An Indian student has been found dead in London on June 23 with his family seeking answers about the situation leading to his death. The 25-year-old student, identified as S Srinath Reddy went to London for higher studies from Telangana last year. He was found dead in his room with other students alleging that he hanged himself to death. He is from Talamadla village in Tadvai mandal of Telangana's Kamareddy district. His father, Madhusudhan Reddy said the family is yet to receive complete details about how their son died. His family has requested both the state and Central government to coordinate with the British authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his death. Also Read: 'Trap to kill him': Indian man shot dead in US after delivering pizza According to the family, Srinath spoke to the family in phone the same night when he passed away. He reportedly attended a friend's birthday party in London on the night of June 22. The family said that he sounded normal and cheerful during the telephonic conversation with his family that night. The family said that they had no indication that anything was wrong. According to the roommate, who is also a son of a relative, Srinath had allegedly died by hanging. The London police have registered a case and are investigating the incident. Also Read: Hours after wedding, Indian-origin pilot dies in US helicopter crash on way to honeymoon Reports indicate that Srinath belonged to a humble farming family who took out education loans to send him abroad. A crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe has been organised by well-wishers to manage the legal documentation and heavy financial costs involved in returning his body to India. Official confirmation or statements from London's Metropolitan Police are still awaited. As of JJune 28, neither the Indian High Commission in London nor the Telangana State Government has released an official public press statement regarding the death of S Srinath Reddy.

A 25-year-old student from Telangana's Kamareddy district was found dead in his London accommodation days after attending a friend's birthday party. His family has sought answers over the circumstances of his death

Indian student found dead in London room after attending birthday party, family seeks answers

US Central Command on Saturday (Jun 27) released footage of strikes on Iran. This comes as tensions once again rise in the Middle East despite a ceasefire following an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz.Sharing the video of strikes, CENTCOM wrote on X, “US Navy and Air Force fighter jets conducted strikes tonight on 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz for Iran's drone attack on M/T Kiku.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Navy and Air Force fighter jets conducted strikes tonight on 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz for Iran&#39;s drone attack on M/T Kiku. <a href="https://t.co/Z0TLZRqmF6">pic.twitter.com/Z0TLZRqmF6</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2071029590932258941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a statement, the US military said that they acted in response to the Iranian attack on M/T Kiku. The Panama-flagged tanker, carrying two million barrels of crude oil, was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by an Iranian drone.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-vote-puts-iran-on-notice-trump-lauds-reversal-of-senate-war-powers-vote-1782372253064">‘This vote puts Iran on notice’: Trump lauds reversal of Senate war powers vote</a>&nbsp;“After yesterday’s US strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET. The Panama-flagged tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz with more than two million barrels of crude oil,” CENTCOM said.“CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping,” it added. “US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities.”The statement added that commercial vessel transit continues through the Strait of Hormuz.<h2>‘Iran will no longer exist’</h2>In a post on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Tehran, warning that “Iran will no longer exist.”“United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN! It is very possible that they will never learn! There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!” Trump wrote.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-requests-88-billion-for-iran-war-other-expenses-1782355453624">Trump administration requests $88 billion for Iran war, other expenses</a><h2>Iran retaliates</h2>Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday (Jun 28) that it carried out retaliatory strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain in response to the US attacks on Iran. It also vowed a “crushing response” to any further military action by the United States.The Guards “destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the Fifth Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain,” they said in a statement.“Any enemy aggression, whatever the pretext, even against insignificant targets... will have a crushing response,” they added.Watch | US-Iran war: IRGC says it hit US airbase in Kuwait, fifth naval fleet in Bahrain<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-irgc-says-it-hit-us-airbase-in-kuwait-fifth-naval-fleet-in-bahrain-1782615456775/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-irgc-says-it-hit-us-airbase-in-kuwait-fifth-naval-fleet-in-bahrain-1782615456775/embed</a>&nbsp;

US releases footage of strikes on 10 Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz after renewed tensions. The move follows an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel despite a ceasefire.

US Central Command on Saturday (Jun 27) released footage of strikes on Iran. This comes as tensions once again rise in the Middle East despite a ceasefire following an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz. Sharing the video of strikes, CENTCOM wrote on X, “US Navy and Air Force fighter jets conducted strikes tonight on 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz for Iran's drone attack on M/T Kiku.”

US releases footage of strikes on 10 Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz after renewed tensions. The move follows an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel despite a ceasefire.

CENTCOM releases video of US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran | WATCH

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday (June 28) said it launched a joint missile and drone attack targeting eight US military sites at Ali Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Port Salman, Bahrain, in response to the second night of American strikes on multiple targets inside the Islamic Republic over attack on a commercial vessel in Starit of Hormuz.&nbsp;The latest exchange marked the second consecutive night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the ceasefire agreement signed on June 19 under renewed strain. The agreement was aimed at ending the West Asia conflict that began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.&nbsp;"During a joint missile and drone operation at 2-3 am today, Sunday, July 27, destroyed eight important infrastructures of the child-killing US army at the Ali Salem base in Kuwait and the Fifth Naval Fleet in Port Salman, Bahrain, by launching ballistic missiles and drones, and decisively responded to the recent US aggression," the IRGC said in a statement reported by Iranian media.&nbsp;The IRGC also warned of a stronger response to any future US military action while describing the American strikes carried out on the previous two days as attacks on insignificant targets.&nbsp;It further warned ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to comply with arrangements put in place by Iran and threatened to respond more forcefully to violations.&nbsp;"Based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, arrangements are in place to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with the Islamic Republic, and from now on, offending ships will be dealt with more forcefully than in the past, and any potential enemy aggression, under any pretext, even if the aggressions are against insignificant targets like last night and tonight, will have a crushing response," the statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-on-multiple-targets-in-iran-over-attack-on-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-1782600052605">'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation</a>&nbsp;<h2>Kuwait and Bahrain on alert</h2>Tehran also warned that violating the ceasefire would be against Article 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding and could result in the complete suspension of the process.&nbsp;Confirming the attack, the Kuwaiti Army said on X, "The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defence systems intercepting the hostile attacks.&nbsp;Everyone is kindly requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities."&nbsp;Similarly, Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged residents to take shelter in safe places.&nbsp;Meanwhile, shortly after the US strikes, Donald Trump threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!

The fresh exchange marked a second straight night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the June 19 ceasefire agreement to the test.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday (June 28) said it launched a joint missile and drone attack targeting eight US military sites at Ali Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Port Salman, Bahrain, in response to the second night of American strikes on multiple targets inside the Islamic Republic over attack on a commercial vessel in Starit of Hormuz. The latest exchange marked the second consecutive night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the ceasefire agreement signed on June 19 under renewed strain. The agreement was aimed at ending the West Asia conflict that began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. "During a joint missile and drone operation at 2-3 am today, Sunday, July 27, destroyed eight important infrastructures of the child-killing US army at the Ali Salem base in Kuwait and the Fifth Naval Fleet in Port Salman, Bahrain, by launching ballistic missiles and drones, and decisively responded to the recent US aggression," the IRGC said in a statement reported by Iranian media. The IRGC also warned of a stronger response to any future US military action while describing the American strikes carried out on the previous two days as attacks on insignificant targets. It further warned ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to comply with arrangements put in place by Iran and threatened to respond more forcefully to violations. "Based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, arrangements are in place to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with the Islamic Republic, and from now on, offending ships will be dealt with more forcefully than in the past, and any potential enemy aggression, under any pretext, even if the aggressions are against insignificant targets like last night and tonight, will have a crushing response," the statement said. Also Read: 'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation Kuwait and Bahrain on alert Tehran also warned that violating the ceasefire would be against Article 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding and could result in the complete suspension of the process. Confirming the attack, the Kuwaiti Army said on X, "The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defence systems intercepting the hostile attacks. Everyone is kindly requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities." Similarly, Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged residents to take shelter in safe places. Meanwhile, shortly after the US strikes, Donald Trump threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement. "United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!

The fresh exchange marked a second straight night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the June 19 ceasefire agreement to the test.

Iran targets US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain after fresh American strikes, warns ships against violating Hormuz arrangement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Saturday visited the National Botanical Garden in Victoria, soon after the Prime Minister began his official State Visit to the island nation. During the visit, Modi was seen feeding giant tortoises, including the famed 194-year-old Jonathan, recognised as the world's oldest living land animal.&nbsp;Sharing moments from the visit on X, Modi highlighted the significance of the Aldabra giant tortoise, a species native to Seychelles.&nbsp;"Visited the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden with President Dr Patrick Herminie. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise, which is native to Seychelles, is among the largest and longest-living species on Earth, with some of them witnessing over two centuries of history," Modi wrote.&nbsp;The Prime Minister also noted that the tortoises have become a symbol of friendship between India and Seychelles, recalling that the island nation gifted pairs to the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata in 2014 and to the Hyderabad Zoo a few years later.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-on-multiple-targets-in-iran-over-attack-on-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-1782600052605">'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation</a><h2>One of the largest and longest living tortoise species</h2>The Aldabra giant tortoise, scientifically known as Aldabrachelys gigantea, is one of the largest and longest living land tortoises in the world. It is found naturally only on the remote Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles, where its isolated habitat helped the species survive while many other giant tortoises disappeared over time.&nbsp;The species grew to its enormous size through a process known as island gigantism. With no large predators and little competition for food, these tortoises gradually evolved into giant reptiles over many generations. Adult males can weigh up to 250 kilograms and have a shell measuring about four feet in length. They also have powerful elephant-like legs, a long, flexible neck to reach higher vegetation, and a specialised nasal structure that helps them drink from shallow pools.<h2>A key species in Seychelles' ecosystem</h2>Beyond their remarkable size and lifespan, Aldabra giant tortoises play an important role in maintaining their habitat. Their grazing and movement shape the landscape by creating dense plant communities known as tortoise turf. As they feed, they also spread seeds through their dung, helping native plants grow across the islands.&nbsp;Because of this ecological role, conservationists have introduced colonies of Aldabra giant tortoises to other degraded islands in the Indian Ocean to help restore biodiversity.

The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the last surviving giant tortoise species on Earth and is among the world's longest living animals, with some individuals living for more than 200 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Saturday visited the National Botanical Garden in Victoria, soon after the Prime Minister began his official State Visit to the island nation. During the visit, Modi was seen feeding giant tortoises, including the famed 194-year-old Jonathan, recognised as the world's oldest living land animal. Sharing moments from the visit on X, Modi highlighted the significance of the Aldabra giant tortoise, a species native to Seychelles. "Visited the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden with President Dr Patrick Herminie. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise, which is native to Seychelles, is among the largest and longest-living species on Earth, with some of them witnessing over two centuries of history," Modi wrote. The Prime Minister also noted that the tortoises have become a symbol of friendship between India and Seychelles, recalling that the island nation gifted pairs to the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata in 2014 and to the Hyderabad Zoo a few years later. Also Read: 'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation One of the largest and longest living tortoise species The Aldabra giant tortoise, scientifically known as Aldabrachelys gigantea, is one of the largest and longest living land tortoises in the world. It is found naturally only on the remote Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles, where its isolated habitat helped the species survive while many other giant tortoises disappeared over time. The species grew to its enormous size through a process known as island gigantism. With no large predators and little competition for food, these tortoises gradually evolved into giant reptiles over many generations. Adult males can weigh up to 250 kilograms and have a shell measuring about four feet in length. They also have powerful elephant-like legs, a long, flexible neck to reach higher vegetation, and a specialised nasal structure that helps them drink from shallow pools. A key species in Seychelles' ecosystem Beyond their remarkable size and lifespan, Aldabra giant tortoises play an important role in maintaining their habitat. Their grazing and movement shape the landscape by creating dense plant communities known as tortoise turf. As they feed, they also spread seeds through their dung, helping native plants grow across the islands. Because of this ecological role, conservationists have introduced colonies of Aldabra giant tortoises to other degraded islands in the Indian Ocean to help restore biodiversity.

The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the last surviving giant tortoise species on Earth and is among the world's longest living animals, with some individuals living for more than 200 years.

WION Wonderful World | What is the Aldabra giant tortoise? Meet one of longest living spices PM Modi visited in Seychelles

US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!&nbsp;These remarks come shortly after the US military carried out additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement through another attack on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;&nbsp;The attack marked the second consecutive night of strikes on the Islamic Republic following Friday's US attack and Tehran's retaliation, raising uncertainty over the future of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian on June 19.&nbsp;In a statement, CENTCOM said, "US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities".&nbsp;According to the US, the latest strikes were launched after Iran allegedly failed to honour the ceasefire and its forces carried out a one-way drone attack on the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku near the Strait of Hormuz while it was transporting more than two million barrels of crude oil.&nbsp;"After yesterday's U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement, but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET," the statement said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/9JgYDCZXuB">https://t.co/9JgYDCZXuB</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2070987021930102919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping," the statement said, adding, "Commercial vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz continue. U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready".

The latest strikes marked a second consecutive night of military action between the United States and Iran, putting the June 19 Memorandum of Agreement between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian under renewed strain.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement. "United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist! These remarks come shortly after the US military carried out additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement through another attack on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack marked the second consecutive night of strikes on the Islamic Republic following Friday's US attack and Tehran's retaliation, raising uncertainty over the future of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian on June 19. In a statement, CENTCOM said, "US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities". According to the US, the latest strikes were launched after Iran allegedly failed to honour the ceasefire and its forces carried out a one-way drone attack on the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku near the Strait of Hormuz while it was transporting more than two million barrels of crude oil. "After yesterday's U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement, but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET," the statement said.

The latest strikes marked a second consecutive night of military action between the United States and Iran, putting the June 19 Memorandum of Agreement between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian under renewed strain.

'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (June 28) announced that he will nominate Lance Schroyer as the next director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), replacing David Venturella, who had been carrying out the director's responsibilities.&nbsp;In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Schroyer's law enforcement background and wrote that he “has over 29 YEARS of Law Enforcement experience in Oklahoma — A State where I WON all 77 Counties in 2016, 2020, and 2024! Lance is a former Oklahoma State Trooper, and United States Marine”.&nbsp;He described Schroyer as “is a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst” and said he has “firsthand experience getting Illegal Aliens OFF our streets”.<h2>Who is Lance Schroyer?</h2>Lance Schroyer is a veteran law enforcement officer from Oklahoma. He spent much of his career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, where he served as a trooper, lieutenant, captain, and later Major.&nbsp;Before joining law enforcement full-time, Schroyer served in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military service, he continued working in public safety and law enforcement across Oklahoma for many years.&nbsp;A significant part of his career focused on immigration enforcement partnerships. He played a leading role in promoting and expanding 287(g) agreements in Oklahoma.&nbsp;Trump amplified that work in his post, saying, "He is a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst, including spearheading 287g Law Enforcement partnerships with ICE! Lance has firsthand experience getting Illegal Aliens OFF our streets and, just like ME and our Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and ME, he LOVES the men and women of ICE".&nbsp;Schroyer also served on Oklahoma's Drug Dog Advisory Council, where he contributed to discussions on law enforcement operations and security planning.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-1-430-in-venezuela-quake-as-un-estimates-damage-at-6-of-gdp-1782592087034">Death toll rises to 1,430 in Venezuela quake as UN estimates damage at 6% of GDP</a><h2>ICE faces criticism amid immigration crackdown</h2>During Trump's second administration, ICE has faced controversy and legal scrutiny following 52 custodial deaths in its first 500 days. The agency has also faced criticism over medical neglect and overcrowding. Public protests intensified after the fatal law enforcement shootings of two US citizens during ICE raids in Minneapolis, leading to violent clashes over the agency's enforcement tactics.&nbsp;Despite the criticism, Trump defended the agency's work and said, "Lance Schroyer has what it takes to DETAIN AND DEPORT Illegal Alien Criminals, including murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers at a rate never seen before."

ICE under Trump has faced legal scrutiny and public criticism over custodial deaths, allegations of medical neglect and overcrowding, along with protests following the fatal shootings of two US citizens during ICE raids in Minneapolis.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (June 28) announced that he will nominate Lance Schroyer as the next director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), replacing David Venturella, who had been carrying out the director's responsibilities. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Schroyer's law enforcement background and wrote that he “has over 29 YEARS of Law Enforcement experience in Oklahoma — A State where I WON all 77 Counties in 2016, 2020, and 2024! Lance is a former Oklahoma State Trooper, and United States Marine”. He described Schroyer as “is a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst” and said he has “firsthand experience getting Illegal Aliens OFF our streets”. Who is Lance Schroyer? Lance Schroyer is a veteran law enforcement officer from Oklahoma. He spent much of his career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, where he served as a trooper, lieutenant, captain, and later Major. Before joining law enforcement full-time, Schroyer served in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military service, he continued working in public safety and law enforcement across Oklahoma for many years. A significant part of his career focused on immigration enforcement partnerships. He played a leading role in promoting and expanding 287(g) agreements in Oklahoma. Trump amplified that work in his post, saying, "He is a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst, including spearheading 287g Law Enforcement partnerships with ICE! Lance has firsthand experience getting Illegal Aliens OFF our streets and, just like ME and our Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and ME, he LOVES the men and women of ICE". Schroyer also served on Oklahoma's Drug Dog Advisory Council, where he contributed to discussions on law enforcement operations and security planning. Also Read: Death toll rises to 1,430 in Venezuela quake as UN estimates damage at 6% of GDP ICE faces criticism amid immigration crackdown During Trump's second administration, ICE has faced controversy and legal scrutiny following 52 custodial deaths in its first 500 days. The agency has also faced criticism over medical neglect and overcrowding. Public protests intensified after the fatal law enforcement shootings of two US citizens during ICE raids in Minneapolis, leading to violent clashes over the agency's enforcement tactics. Despite the criticism, Trump defended the agency's work and said, "Lance Schroyer has what it takes to DETAIN AND DEPORT Illegal Alien Criminals, including murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers at a rate never seen before."

ICE under Trump has faced legal scrutiny and public criticism over custodial deaths, allegations of medical neglect and overcrowding, along with protests following the fatal shootings of two US citizens during ICE raids in Minneapolis.

Who is Trump's new deportations chief? Meet ICE director nominee Lance Schroyer

The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes climbed to 1,430 on Saturday as millions of people continued to face shortages of sanitation facilities and other essential services. With public anger mounting over the response of local authorities, US backed interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez said the country was not alone.&nbsp;The United States said one runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport had resumed operations, allowing C-17 military aircraft to land. A US naval ship had also reached the Venezuelan coast with additional assistance.&nbsp;The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries were being deployed to help locate survivors.&nbsp;The United Nations' migration agency assessed available population and damage data and estimated that "up to 6.76 million people could be affected," and would "require emergency shelter, safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, healthcare, protection support and essential relief items."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-cabinet-split-on-lebanon-deal-netanyahu-calls-it-historic-ben-gvir-a-big-mistake-1782588406399">Israeli cabinet split on Lebanon deal; Netanyahu calls it 'historic', Ben Gvir 'big mistake'</a><h2>UN estimates damage at $6.7 billion</h2>The United Nations also estimated on Saturday that the twin earthquakes caused physical damage worth $6.7 billion, equivalent to about six per cent of Venezuela's gross domestic product.&nbsp;According to the UN Development Programme, the preliminary estimate is based on seismic modelling, satellite imagery and population data. It includes losses to assets such as housing, but does not account for wider economic disruption caused by Wednesday's disaster.&nbsp;UNDP said the back-to-back earthquakes struck major population and economic centres along Venezuela's northern coast, including Caracas and the states of La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Yaracuy and Aragua.&nbsp;"Direct physical damage is estimated at $6.7 billion (range of $4.7 billion to $8.7 billion), driven by losses to housing and economic assets," the statement said.&nbsp;"This does not include infrastructure damage, wider economic disruption and longer-term reconstruction costs," it said, adding that the total economic impact could be between 1.5 and three times the cost of direct damage.

Another magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck off Venezuela's northern coast on Friday, days after twin powerful quakes triggered one of the country's worst natural disasters in decades.

The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes climbed to 1,430 on Saturday as millions of people continued to face shortages of sanitation facilities and other essential services. With public anger mounting over the response of local authorities, US backed interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez said the country was not alone. The United States said one runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport had resumed operations, allowing C-17 military aircraft to land. A US naval ship had also reached the Venezuelan coast with additional assistance. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries were being deployed to help locate survivors. The United Nations' migration agency assessed available population and damage data and estimated that "up to 6.76 million people could be affected," and would "require emergency shelter, safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, healthcare, protection support and essential relief items." Also Read: Israeli cabinet split on Lebanon deal; Netanyahu calls it 'historic', Ben Gvir 'big mistake' UN estimates damage at $6.7 billion The United Nations also estimated on Saturday that the twin earthquakes caused physical damage worth $6.7 billion, equivalent to about six per cent of Venezuela's gross domestic product. According to the UN Development Programme, the preliminary estimate is based on seismic modelling, satellite imagery and population data. It includes losses to assets such as housing, but does not account for wider economic disruption caused by Wednesday's disaster. UNDP said the back-to-back earthquakes struck major population and economic centres along Venezuela's northern coast, including Caracas and the states of La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Yaracuy and Aragua. "Direct physical damage is estimated at $6.7 billion (range of $4.7 billion to $8.7 billion), driven by losses to housing and economic assets," the statement said. "This does not include infrastructure damage, wider economic disruption and longer-term reconstruction costs," it said, adding that the total economic impact could be between 1.5 and three times the cost of direct damage.

Another magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck off Venezuela's northern coast on Friday, days after twin powerful quakes triggered one of the country's worst natural disasters in decades.

Death toll in Venezuela quake climbs above 1,400 as UN estimates damage at 6% of GDP

Israel's right-wing coalition government has appeared divided over the recent agreement signed with neighbouring Lebanon after the United States pushed the Jewish state to reach a deal. The move follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Tehran, whose first clause calls for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, as part of efforts to end the Middle East conflict that began after the US-Israeli strike on February 28.&nbsp;The agreement is expected to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Lebanon that followed the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, after Israel launched strikes targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah.&nbsp;Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday welcomed the US-brokered agreement with Lebanon and described it as a major milestone that weakened Iran and Hezbollah.&nbsp;"Yesterday ... we achieved a historic deal for the state of Israel after direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon," Netanyahu said in a televised briefing. "This is a blow to Iran and Hezbollah."&nbsp;Netanyahu also made it clear that Israeli forces would continue to remain in the security zone established by the military around 10 kilometres inside Lebanese territory.&nbsp;"We will remain in the area until Hezbollah and the rest of the terror groups are disarmed," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-gunfire-rocks-pakistan-s-karachi-police-launch-operation-1782581763581">Explosion, gunfire rock Pakistan's Karachi, police launch operation</a>&nbsp;"Both the United States and Lebanon have recognised Israel's right to maintain a security zone inside Lebanon for as long as it remains necessary to safeguard our security.&nbsp;"We will continue to hold this security zone until Hezbollah and all other terrorist organisations are fully disarmed and no longer pose any threat to Israel from Lebanese territory," he said.<h2>Ben Gvir rejects Lebanon agreement</h2>However, the agreement has triggered criticism from within Netanyahu's own coalition. Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir rejected the US-brokered deal, arguing that the Lebanese government could not be relied upon to disarm Hezbollah.&nbsp;"The agreement with Lebanon is a big mistake... Indeed, we are staying in most of the territory for now, but the state of Lebanon will not disarm Hezbollah," he said on his Telegram channel.&nbsp;"Members of the Lebanese government are Hezbollah ministers, and Lebanon cannot be trusted to take Hezbollah's weapons ... Only IDF soldiers will destroy Hezbollah, no other party will do it for us."

The United States, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement in Washington on June 27, following the fifth round of US-mediated talks aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israel's right-wing coalition government has appeared divided over the recent agreement signed with neighbouring Lebanon after the United States pushed the Jewish state to reach a deal. The move follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Tehran, whose first clause calls for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, as part of efforts to end the Middle East conflict that began after the US-Israeli strike on February 28. The agreement is expected to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Lebanon that followed the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, after Israel launched strikes targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday welcomed the US-brokered agreement with Lebanon and described it as a major milestone that weakened Iran and Hezbollah. "Yesterday ... we achieved a historic deal for the state of Israel after direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon," Netanyahu said in a televised briefing. "This is a blow to Iran and Hezbollah." Netanyahu also made it clear that Israeli forces would continue to remain in the security zone established by the military around 10 kilometres inside Lebanese territory. "We will remain in the area until Hezbollah and the rest of the terror groups are disarmed," he said. Also Read: Explosion, gunfire rock Pakistan's Karachi, police launch operation "Both the United States and Lebanon have recognised Israel's right to maintain a security zone inside Lebanon for as long as it remains necessary to safeguard our security. "We will continue to hold this security zone until Hezbollah and all other terrorist organisations are fully disarmed and no longer pose any threat to Israel from Lebanese territory," he said. Ben Gvir rejects Lebanon agreement However, the agreement has triggered criticism from within Netanyahu's own coalition. Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir rejected the US-brokered deal, arguing that the Lebanese government could not be relied upon to disarm Hezbollah. "The agreement with Lebanon is a big mistake... Indeed, we are staying in most of the territory for now, but the state of Lebanon will not disarm Hezbollah," he said on his Telegram channel. "Members of the Lebanese government are Hezbollah ministers, and Lebanon cannot be trusted to take Hezbollah's weapons ... Only IDF soldiers will destroy Hezbollah, no other party will do it for us."

The United States, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement in Washington on June 27, following the fifth round of US-mediated talks aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israeli cabinet split on Lebanon deal; Netanyahu calls it 'historic', Ben Gvir 'big mistake'

A powerful explosion and heavy gunfire has been reported in Karachi, Pakistan. The blast took place near the entrance of the Pakistan Rangers Headquarters in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area where there are many universities and the country's Meteorological Department.&nbsp;At least three Pakistan Sindh Rangers personnel were killed in an attack on a paramilitary forces building in Karachi, Reuters reported, citing the Dawn newspaper.&nbsp;Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the explosion and subsequent firing. The area was cordoned, and an operation to determine the nature of the incident was launched.&nbsp;The cause of the blast and the number of casualties were not immediately known.&nbsp; Rescue 1122 Sindh said it had received reports of an explosion near Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 5 in Karachi and immediately dispatched teams to the scene from its central command and control centre.&nbsp;The provincial police chief of Sindh and Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police has been asked to submit a detailed report on the incident by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah

Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the explosion and subsequent firing.

A powerful explosion and heavy gunfire has been reported in Karachi, Pakistan. The blast took place near the entrance of the Pakistan Rangers Headquarters in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area where there are many universities and the country's Meteorological Department. At least three Pakistan Sindh Rangers personnel were killed in an attack on a paramilitary forces building in Karachi, Reuters reported, citing the Dawn newspaper. Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the explosion and subsequent firing. The area was cordoned, and an operation to determine the nature of the incident was launched. The cause of the blast and the number of casualties were not immediately known. Rescue 1122 Sindh said it had received reports of an explosion near Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 5 in Karachi and immediately dispatched teams to the scene from its central command and control centre. The provincial police chief of Sindh and Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police has been asked to submit a detailed report on the incident by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah

Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the explosion and subsequent firing.

Karachi rocked by explosion and gunfire, three Pakistani Rangers killed

Twenty days after Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) erupted in mass protests, the movement's leadership has set a hard deadline and is warning of a "major announcement" if Islamabad does not act. The Joint Awami Action Committee, banned by the Pakistani government on June 5, said on Sunday that if their demands were not met by 8 Muharram, the organisation would escalate. In a statement issued directly by the JAAC, the committee urged residents to maintain voluntary shutdown strikes, wheel-jam protests, and sit-ins, while calling on the public to remain peaceful under all circumstances."The rulers can go to any extent to make their conspiracies succeed," the statement read, "but we must be clear in our minds that our focus is only and only our demands."The committee also warned that deliberate propaganda would be used to divert attention from the movement's core objectives, and that the struggle would continue regardless. "This is a people's movement," the statement said. "As long as the last one of us is alive, there will be neither a shortage of leadership nor any compromise on demands."The warning came as the committee acknowledged publicly what it called an irreversible cost of the loss of young lives it described as martyrs, and dozens of families it said had been destroyed by the crackdown. "We lost our precious youth forever," the statement said. "Now, this is the time for steadfastness."Drug mafias, blockades, and a movement under siegeThe most explosive allegation came from JAAC organiser Khawaja Mehran, who went live on Facebook on June 12, during a public rally at midnight, accusing Pakistan's Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence of orchestrating the violence on behalf of drug trafficking networks. In the broadcast, video of which has circulated widely among supporters, Mehran claimed to possess evidence linking these networks to two named senior Pakistan military officers operating in the region.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-military-lawmakers-of-china-stripped-off-their-posts-amid-xi-jinping-s-deepening-anti-corruption-drive-1782578304014">Six military lawmakers of China stripped off their posts amid Xi Jinping's deepening anti-corruption drive</a>WION has not independently verified Mehran's claims. They are presented here as allegations made publicly by a JAAC organiser, not as established fact.Furthermore, Trucks carrying food and essential supplies remain stranded at the territory's entry points, the JAAC said. The blockade has entered its twelfth day with no resolution in sight. Each side blames the other for the breakdown, and with no talks imminent and a deadline now on the table, the standoff in what India regards as its illegally occupied territory is edging toward a new and uncertain phase where Pakistan is brutally crushing basic human rights.The deadline announcement adds a new pressure point to a crisis that has already turned deadly. Security forces have killed at least 11 protesters since the government banned the JAAC on June 5, with more than 200 others injured in the crackdown that followed, according to local media reports. Internet services across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have remained suspended since the same date, cutting residents off even as the movement deepened. (<a href="https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wionews.com%2Findia-news%2Fprotests-intensify-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-after-govt-bans-primary-advocacy-body-jaac-ahead-of-elections-1780835112422&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cgulshan.parveen%40wionews.com%7Cb019bd14ef0a471cc82508ded05a2257%7Cd9454a4401f64fa99ad115ee73b1b80d%7C0%7C0%7C639177282792759320%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6T4aGWI8qbn3XvFqRreVCyxmo8xuhvpq8NmffCplL50%3D&amp;reserved=0">To know&nbsp;in&nbsp;detail about&nbsp;the&nbsp;background of&nbsp;the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;demands raised read our earlier reporting</a>.)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's now banned JAAC has set an 8 Muharram deadline, warning of a "major announcement" if demands go unmet. A JAAC organiser has publicly alleged Army and ISI collaboration with drug mafias to kill protest leaders. 

Twenty days after Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) erupted in mass protests, the movement's leadership has set a hard deadline and is warning of a "major announcement" if Islamabad does not act. The Joint Awami Action Committee, banned by the Pakistani government on June 5, said on Sunday that if their demands were not met by 8 Muharram, the organisation would escalate. In a statement issued directly by the JAAC, the committee urged residents to maintain voluntary shutdown strikes, wheel-jam protests, and sit-ins, while calling on the public to remain peaceful under all circumstances. "The rulers can go to any extent to make their conspiracies succeed," the statement read, "but we must be clear in our minds that our focus is only and only our demands." The committee also warned that deliberate propaganda would be used to divert attention from the movement's core objectives, and that the struggle would continue regardless. "This is a people's movement," the statement said. "As long as the last one of us is alive, there will be neither a shortage of leadership nor any compromise on demands." The warning came as the committee acknowledged publicly what it called an irreversible cost of the loss of young lives it described as martyrs, and dozens of families it said had been destroyed by the crackdown. "We lost our precious youth forever," the statement said. "Now, this is the time for steadfastness." Drug mafias, blockades, and a movement under siege The most explosive allegation came from JAAC organiser Khawaja Mehran, who went live on Facebook on June 12, during a public rally at midnight, accusing Pakistan's Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence of orchestrating the violence on behalf of drug trafficking networks. In the broadcast, video of which has circulated widely among supporters, Mehran claimed to possess evidence linking these networks to two named senior Pakistan military officers operating in the region. Also read: Six military lawmakers of China stripped off their posts amid Xi Jinping's deepening anti-corruption drive WION has not independently verified Mehran's claims. They are presented here as allegations made publicly by a JAAC organiser, not as established fact. Furthermore, Trucks carrying food and essential supplies remain stranded at the territory's entry points, the JAAC said. The blockade has entered its twelfth day with no resolution in sight. Each side blames the other for the breakdown, and with no talks imminent and a deadline now on the table, the standoff in what India regards as its illegally occupied territory is edging toward a new and uncertain phase where Pakistan is brutally crushing basic human rights. The deadline announcement adds a new pressure point to a crisis that has already turned deadly. Security forces have killed at least 11 protesters since the government banned the JAAC on June 5, with more than 200 others injured in the crackdown that followed, according to local media reports. Internet services across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have remained suspended since the same date, cutting residents off even as the movement deepened. (To know in detail about the background of the protests and the demands raised read our earlier reporting.)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's now banned JAAC has set an 8 Muharram deadline, warning of a "major announcement" if demands go unmet. A JAAC organiser has publicly alleged Army and ISI collaboration with drug mafias to kill protest leaders.&nbsp;

Drug mafias, food blockades, internet blackouts: How Pakistan is bulldozing  protesters in Occupied Kashmir? And losing the clock

Six military lawmakers of China, former financial regulator head Li Yunze and ​Politburo member Ma Xingrui were stripped of their posts in the ‌National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. The notice from the ​National People's Congress Standing Committee, provided no ​reason for the dismissals.&nbsp;Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;According to the notice, the removed military lawmakers include General ​Xu Xueqiang, who has been the head of the Equipment Development ‌Department ⁠of the Central Military Commission, that shoulders the responsibility of overseeing the development, acquisition and testing of equipment for the People's Liberation Army (PLA).&nbsp;Xu has also served as the commander-in-chief of ​China's Manned ⁠Space Programme since 2022.&nbsp;Other military lawmakers to have been removed from their position are, General Li Fengbiao, whoserved as political ​commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command, &nbsp;⁠General Guo Puxiao, who had been the political commissar of the PLA Air Force, as well as the ⁠Eastern ​Theatre Command's Wang Kangping, Cyberspace Force's ​Zhang Minghua, and the Army's Yin Hongxing.&nbsp;Last month, a Chinese court gave two former defense ministers suspended death sentences for corruption. Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by a military court.&nbsp;This means that the death sentences given to the two defence ministers for bribery will be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, with no chance of sentence reduction or parole.Wei, 72, served as defense minister from 2018 to 2023. Li then took over as the defence minister in 2023 but stayed in the position for only eight months as he suddenly disappeared from public life, sparking speculation of his removal. Later both were placed under investigation by the military’s anti-graft arm.&nbsp;

Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.

Six military lawmakers of China, former financial regulator head Li Yunze and Politburo member Ma Xingrui were stripped of their posts in the ‌National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. The notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee, provided no reason for the dismissals. Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping. According to the notice, the removed military lawmakers include General Xu Xueqiang, who has been the head of the Equipment Development ‌Department ⁠of the Central Military Commission, that shoulders the responsibility of overseeing the development, acquisition and testing of equipment for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xu has also served as the commander-in-chief of China's Manned ⁠Space Programme since 2022. Other military lawmakers to have been removed from their position are, General Li Fengbiao, whoserved as political commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command, ⁠General Guo Puxiao, who had been the political commissar of the PLA Air Force, as well as the ⁠Eastern Theatre Command's Wang Kangping, Cyberspace Force's Zhang Minghua, and the Army's Yin Hongxing. Last month, a Chinese court gave two former defense ministers suspended death sentences for corruption. Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by a military court. This means that the death sentences given to the two defence ministers for bribery will be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, with no chance of sentence reduction or parole. Wei, 72, served as defense minister from 2018 to 2023. Li then took over as the defence minister in 2023 but stayed in the position for only eight months as he suddenly disappeared from public life, sparking speculation of his removal. Later both were placed under investigation by the military’s anti-graft arm.

Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.

Six military lawmakers of China stripped off their posts amid Xi Jinping's deepening anti-corruption drive

The proposal to establish Gwadar Port as Tajikistan’s primary transit hub identifies road connectivity as central to making the corridor work. What the proposal does not foreground is that the only viable overland route from Gwadar to Tajikistan passes through Afghanistan.&nbsp;For a landlocked country that currently relies on Afghanistan for transit and pays an economic premium for the associated risk and delay, the question Tajikistan’s trade planners are likely asking is straightforward: how does routing through Gwadar change the Afghan dependency?&nbsp;<h2>Torkham and Chaman are the bottlenecks</h2>&nbsp;Any cargo moving from Gwadar’s coast toward Tajikistan must pass through either Torkham, on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Chaman, in Balochistan. Both crossings are documented bottlenecks. Truck queues at both terminals run to days during peak periods. Border infrastructure is chronically underfunded for current trade volumes it is asked to handle, customs procedures are slow, and coordination between Pakistani and Afghan border management is inconsistent. Pakistan’s proposal treats road connectivity to Tajikistan as a discussion point. The discussion should begin with these two crossings and the documented record of their performance.&nbsp;<h2>Taliban governance is not a stable transit guarantee</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Afghanistan under Taliban governance since August 2021 has not provided the predictable, rule-based transit environment that scheduled commercial freight requires. Border closures, arbitrary duties, and political disputes between Kabul and Islamabad have periodically disrupted trade. The Torkham crossing was shut for days in 2023 following a dispute between Pakistani and Afghan border authorities, directly affecting cargo in transit. Any transit framework Pakistan builds for Tajikistan through this corridor is contingent on a political relationship with Kabul that has been volatile and a security environment that has been unpredictable. These are not abstract risks. They are documented events.&nbsp;<h2>Weak infrastructure inside Afghanistan</h2>&nbsp;Beyond the border terminals, the road infrastructure inside Afghanistan on the Gwadar-to-Tajikistan overland route is inadequate for the kind of high-volume, multi-commodity commercial transit Tajikistan requires. Road quality, bridge capacity, and fuel availability along the corridor are all constraints that add time, cost, and risk to each shipment. International freight insurers already price these conditions into their Afghan corridor premiums, and those premiums compound the insurance surcharges that Gwadar itself attracts because of active Baloch insurgency.&nbsp;<h2>Chabahar bypasses Afghanistan</h2>&nbsp;The Iran-Tajikistan corridor through Chabahar does not pass through Afghanistan. It leverages Iranian territory and Turkmen and Uzbek networks under treaty-backed protocols, connecting to infrastructure developed for Iran’s Central Asian strategy. Iran and Tajikistan have now signed formal agreements to operationalise Chabahar as a transit corridor, including a railway transit MoU that enables Iranian freight wagons to operate on Tajikistan’s network.&nbsp;For Tajikistan, this is the material difference between the two proposals. Gwadar asks Tajikistan to continue depending on Afghan transit but via a different port. Chabahar removes that dependency. That distinction is no longer just an argument being made in deliberations. It is now the basis of a signed framework.

The Iran-Tajikistan corridor through Chabahar does not pass through Afghanistan. It leverages Iranian territory and Turkmen and Uzbek networks under treaty-backed protocols, connecting to infrastructure developed for Iran’s Central Asian strategy.

The proposal to establish Gwadar Port as Tajikistan’s primary transit hub identifies road connectivity as central to making the corridor work. What the proposal does not foreground is that the only viable overland route from Gwadar to Tajikistan passes through Afghanistan. For a landlocked country that currently relies on Afghanistan for transit and pays an economic premium for the associated risk and delay, the question Tajikistan’s trade planners are likely asking is straightforward: how does routing through Gwadar change the Afghan dependency? Torkham and Chaman are the bottlenecks Any cargo moving from Gwadar’s coast toward Tajikistan must pass through either Torkham, on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Chaman, in Balochistan. Both crossings are documented bottlenecks. Truck queues at both terminals run to days during peak periods. Border infrastructure is chronically underfunded for current trade volumes it is asked to handle, customs procedures are slow, and coordination between Pakistani and Afghan border management is inconsistent. Pakistan’s proposal treats road connectivity to Tajikistan as a discussion point. The discussion should begin with these two crossings and the documented record of their performance. Taliban governance is not a stable transit guarantee Afghanistan under Taliban governance since August 2021 has not provided the predictable, rule-based transit environment that scheduled commercial freight requires. Border closures, arbitrary duties, and political disputes between Kabul and Islamabad have periodically disrupted trade. The Torkham crossing was shut for days in 2023 following a dispute between Pakistani and Afghan border authorities, directly affecting cargo in transit. Any transit framework Pakistan builds for Tajikistan through this corridor is contingent on a political relationship with Kabul that has been volatile and a security environment that has been unpredictable. These are not abstract risks. They are documented events. Weak infrastructure inside Afghanistan Beyond the border terminals, the road infrastructure inside Afghanistan on the Gwadar-to-Tajikistan overland route is inadequate for the kind of high-volume, multi-commodity commercial transit Tajikistan requires. Road quality, bridge capacity, and fuel availability along the corridor are all constraints that add time, cost, and risk to each shipment. International freight insurers already price these conditions into their Afghan corridor premiums, and those premiums compound the insurance surcharges that Gwadar itself attracts because of active Baloch insurgency. Chabahar bypasses Afghanistan The Iran-Tajikistan corridor through Chabahar does not pass through Afghanistan. It leverages Iranian territory and Turkmen and Uzbek networks under treaty-backed protocols, connecting to infrastructure developed for Iran’s Central Asian strategy. Iran and Tajikistan have now signed formal agreements to operationalise Chabahar as a transit corridor, including a railway transit MoU that enables Iranian freight wagons to operate on Tajikistan’s network. For Tajikistan, this is the material difference between the two proposals. Gwadar asks Tajikistan to continue depending on Afghan transit but via a different port. Chabahar removes that dependency. That distinction is no longer just an argument being made in deliberations. It is now the basis of a signed framework.

The Iran-Tajikistan corridor through Chabahar does not pass through Afghanistan. It leverages Iranian territory and Turkmen and Uzbek networks under treaty-backed protocols, connecting to infrastructure developed for Iran’s Central Asian strategy.

Gwadar reroutes Tajikistan’s Afghan dependency. Chabahar ends it

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been consistently in headlines since the start of the war with the US and Israel, but not much is known about it. Iran’s most powerful institution today is an enigma that stirs both fear and interest. Its critics call it a “state within a state” and an “opaque military-security complex” that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. The IRGC is a military force, an intelligence organisation, an economic conglomerate and a political power centre.&nbsp;The IRGC was established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in May 1979 after the Islamic Revolution, as he distrusted the regular Iranian military, believing it was still loyal to the monarchy he had overthrown. Khomeini created IRGC as a parallel military force to prevent any attempt to reverse the new political order.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>The Iran-Iraq War propelled IRGC ahead</h2>&nbsp;Soon the Iran-Iraq War broke out, and as it continued from 1980 to 1988, the IRGC became a formidable military force. The eight-year conflict saw the IRGC expand rapidly in manpower, develop a command structure and gain prestige through battlefield sacrifices.&nbsp;By the end of the war, the Guards had become an indispensable pillar of the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-lebanon-sign-trilateral-framework-agreement-after-fifth-round-of-talks-in-dc-1782498292166">US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after fifth round of talks in DC</a>&nbsp;In the next four decades, the IRGC grew rapidly and built its own ground, naval and aerospace forces, independent of Iran’s conventional army. The Aerospace Force took charge of developing the ballistic missile programme and drone technology, both of which have become central to Iran’s military strategy. The IRGC Navy adopted tactics centred on swarms of fast attack boats and anti-ship missiles to challenge the bigger naval forces in the Persian Gulf.<h2>The Quds Force, an IRGC arm, cultivated armed proxy groups</h2>&nbsp;Similarly, the Quds Force, responsible for overseas operations, supports non-state actors like the Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. It also deployed personnel in conflicts abroad like the Syrian Civil War and the Iraqi offensive against Islamic State.&nbsp;IRGC gradually cultivated alliances with armed groups and governments across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere and helped Iran build an ‘axis of resistance’ stretching across the region.&nbsp;<h2>Increasing influence, blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance</h2>&nbsp;The IRGC then started spreading its tentacles and stealthily increased its influence in Iran’s economy by controlling construction firms, energy projects, telecommunications, banking, shipping and even manufacturing.Its engineering conglomerate, Khatam al-Anbiya, secured major infrastructure contracts, making the Guards one of the biggest actors in Iran’s economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-s-minister-romina-pourmokhtari-brings-baby-to-eu-meeting-on-climate-1782494743205">Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate</a>&nbsp;Besides, several former IRGC commanders entered politics, parliament and senior government positions, further blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance.<h2>The secretive, undecipherable and unknown aspects</h2>&nbsp;However, in spite of its sweeping presence and influence, the IRGC remains highly secretive, and its internal chain of command is difficult to decipher.&nbsp;The IRGC controls military planning and intelligence operations, but its influence on nuclear policy and domestic political decisions is not known for certain.The IRGC has helped Iran adapt to sanctions, maintain covert supply routes and support allied groups despite sustained international pressure.&nbsp;The US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in 2019, but Iran insisted that the Guards are a legitimate branch of its armed forces.<h2>IRGC’s role in the war with US and Israel</h2>&nbsp;The IRGC has been taking on the United States and Israel in the military confrontation and coordinated Iran’s missile and drone attacks. Its Aerospace Force launched waves of ballistic missiles and long-range drones on Israel and US military assets in the Gulf.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-strong-nuclear-verification-needed-in-iran-after-war-says-iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-1782488144019">‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi</a>&nbsp;Iran’s projectiles penetrated the formidable Israeli and US air defence systems, highlighting the scale and sophistication of Iran’s missile programme.&nbsp;IRGC varied launch patterns and used different classes of missiles to test and overwhelm Israeli air defences.Tehran directly targeted American military assets despite Washington’s overwhelming conventional superiority.&nbsp;<h2>Resilience and operational continuity reinforce dominance in Iran</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Israeli strikes eliminated several senior IRGC commanders and targeted military infrastructure, dealing one of the most significant blows to the Guards and exposing its vulnerabilities.&nbsp;Even after the deaths of several senior commanders in 2025, the organisation demonstrated its institutional resilience by rapidly appointing successors and maintaining operational continuity.&nbsp;The war further reinforced IRGC’s dominance within Iran’s political and security establishment and its influence over strategic decision-making grew even stronger.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iranian-military-sites-after-drone-attack-on-cargo-ship-in-hormuz-1782507187416">US strikes Iran in 'powerful response' to drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;The conflict concentrated power in Iran’s security institutions, as IRGC emerged as the principal architect of national security strategy.<h2>Challenges military might of US and Israel</h2>&nbsp;IRGC is no match for the combined conventional military capabilities of the US and Israel. The US has the world’s most powerful military, while Israel has an overwhelming technological superiority. The IRGC adopted the strategy of asymmetric warfare by using methods that exploited the adversary’s vulnerabilities rather than confronting its strengths directly.&nbsp;Iran invested heavily in ballistic missiles, drones, cyber capabilities, naval swarm tactics and proxy forces across the Middle East, all relatively low-cost capabilities to tackle technologically superior adversaries.Over three decades, the IRGC developed one of the largest ballistic missile arsenals in the Middle East. The sheer volume of launches strained sophisticated air defence systems like Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow networks.Besides, the long-range drones provide precision-strike capabilities and psychological impact at a fraction of the cost of advanced fighter aircraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;The West Asia conflict has shown that relatively inexpensive unmanned systems can threaten far more expensive military assets.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foolish-violation-of-our-ceasefire-agreement-trump-claims-drone-attack-on-ships-by-iran-in-hormuz-1782498036028">'Foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement': Trump claims drone attack on ships by Iran in Hormuz</a>&nbsp;However, the limits of the IRGC’s approach have also been exposed. Israel and the US repeatedly demonstrated their ability to penetrate Iranian intelligence networks, conduct precision strikes and target senior military leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IRGC focused less on achieving outright military victory than on prolonging the conflict and making it costly and politically difficult for its adversaries.&nbsp;However, the most noteworthy development came when the US and Iranian negotiators sat down together in Switzerland after the MoU signing, and when Washington agreed to set up the deconfliction channel including CENTCOM and IRGC, which the US had designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

IRGC critics call it a “state within a state” and an opaque military-security complex that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. It is a military force, an intelligence organisation, and economic conglomerate.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been consistently in headlines since the start of the war with the US and Israel, but not much is known about it. Iran’s most powerful institution today is an enigma that stirs both fear and interest. Its critics call it a “state within a state” and an “opaque military-security complex” that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. The IRGC is a military force, an intelligence organisation, an economic conglomerate and a political power centre. The IRGC was established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in May 1979 after the Islamic Revolution, as he distrusted the regular Iranian military, believing it was still loyal to the monarchy he had overthrown. Khomeini created IRGC as a parallel military force to prevent any attempt to reverse the new political order. The Iran-Iraq War propelled IRGC ahead Soon the Iran-Iraq War broke out, and as it continued from 1980 to 1988, the IRGC became a formidable military force. The eight-year conflict saw the IRGC expand rapidly in manpower, develop a command structure and gain prestige through battlefield sacrifices. By the end of the war, the Guards had become an indispensable pillar of the Islamic Republic. Also Read: US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after fifth round of talks in DC In the next four decades, the IRGC grew rapidly and built its own ground, naval and aerospace forces, independent of Iran’s conventional army. The Aerospace Force took charge of developing the ballistic missile programme and drone technology, both of which have become central to Iran’s military strategy. The IRGC Navy adopted tactics centred on swarms of fast attack boats and anti-ship missiles to challenge the bigger naval forces in the Persian Gulf. The Quds Force, an IRGC arm, cultivated armed proxy groups Similarly, the Quds Force, responsible for overseas operations, supports non-state actors like the Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. It also deployed personnel in conflicts abroad like the Syrian Civil War and the Iraqi offensive against Islamic State. IRGC gradually cultivated alliances with armed groups and governments across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere and helped Iran build an ‘axis of resistance’ stretching across the region. Increasing influence, blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance The IRGC then started spreading its tentacles and stealthily increased its influence in Iran’s economy by controlling construction firms, energy projects, telecommunications, banking, shipping and even manufacturing. Its engineering conglomerate, Khatam al-Anbiya, secured major infrastructure contracts, making the Guards one of the biggest actors in Iran’s economy. Also Read: Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate Besides, several former IRGC commanders entered politics, parliament and senior government positions, further blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance. The secretive, undecipherable and unknown aspects However, in spite of its sweeping presence and influence, the IRGC remains highly secretive, and its internal chain of command is difficult to decipher. The IRGC controls military planning and intelligence operations, but its influence on nuclear policy and domestic political decisions is not known for certain. The IRGC has helped Iran adapt to sanctions, maintain covert supply routes and support allied groups despite sustained international pressure. The US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in 2019, but Iran insisted that the Guards are a legitimate branch of its armed forces. IRGC’s role in the war with US and Israel The IRGC has been taking on the United States and Israel in the military confrontation and coordinated Iran’s missile and drone attacks. Its Aerospace Force launched waves of ballistic missiles and long-range drones on Israel and US military assets in the Gulf. Also Read: ‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi Iran’s projectiles penetrated the formidable Israeli and US air defence systems, highlighting the scale and sophistication of Iran’s missile programme. IRGC varied launch patterns and used different classes of missiles to test and overwhelm Israeli air defences. Tehran directly targeted American military assets despite Washington’s overwhelming conventional superiority. Resilience and operational continuity reinforce dominance in Iran Israeli strikes eliminated several senior IRGC commanders and targeted military infrastructure, dealing one of the most significant blows to the Guards and exposing its vulnerabilities. Even after the deaths of several senior commanders in 2025, the organisation demonstrated its institutional resilience by rapidly appointing successors and maintaining operational continuity. The war further reinforced IRGC’s dominance within Iran’s political and security establishment and its influence over strategic decision-making grew even stronger. Also Read: US strikes Iran in 'powerful response' to drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz The conflict concentrated power in Iran’s security institutions, as IRGC emerged as the principal architect of national security strategy. Challenges military might of US and Israel IRGC is no match for the combined conventional military capabilities of the US and Israel. The US has the world’s most powerful military, while Israel has an overwhelming technological superiority. The IRGC adopted the strategy of asymmetric warfare by using methods that exploited the adversary’s vulnerabilities rather than confronting its strengths directly. Iran invested heavily in ballistic missiles, drones, cyber capabilities, naval swarm tactics and proxy forces across the Middle East, all relatively low-cost capabilities to tackle technologically superior adversaries. Over three decades, the IRGC developed one of the largest ballistic missile arsenals in the Middle East. The sheer volume of launches strained sophisticated air defence systems like Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow networks. Besides, the long-range drones provide precision-strike capabilities and psychological impact at a fraction of the cost of advanced fighter aircraft. The West Asia conflict has shown that relatively inexpensive unmanned systems can threaten far more expensive military assets. Also Read: 'Foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement': Trump claims drone attack on ships by Iran in Hormuz However, the limits of the IRGC’s approach have also been exposed. Israel and the US repeatedly demonstrated their ability to penetrate Iranian intelligence networks, conduct precision strikes and target senior military leaders. The IRGC focused less on achieving outright military victory than on prolonging the conflict and making it costly and politically difficult for its adversaries. However, the most noteworthy development came when the US and Iranian negotiators sat down together in Switzerland after the MoU signing, and when Washington agreed to set up the deconfliction channel including CENTCOM and IRGC, which the US had designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

IRGC critics call it a “state within a state” and an opaque military-security complex that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. It is a military force, an intelligence organisation, and economic conglomerate.

The IRGC: Iran’s most powerful force that outwits formidable rivals, remains an enigma

Fresh military exchanges between the US and Iran have once again cast doubt over the future of the recently announced ceasefire and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). While both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement, experts believe the biggest obstacle is not the latest strike, but decades of deep-rooted mistrust.&nbsp;Speaking to WION, Peter Kuznick, professor of history and director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, said the recent incident in the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to be the decisive factor that causes the agreement to collapse. "This incident is only a slight influence in terms of the possibility of breaking it up," Kuznick said.

Instead, he argued that the success of any long-term agreement depends on overcoming a history of distrust that stretches back decades. "There is so little trust. The Americans don't trust the Iranians. The Iranians have good reason not to trust the Americans," he told WION.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-naim-qassem-rejects-us-israel-lebanon-framework-1782568541289">Hezbollah's Naim Qassem calls US-Israel-Lebanon framework 'humiliating' warns against surrendering 'sovereignty'</a>&nbsp;Kuznick pointed to the 1953 CIA-backed overthrow of Iran's democratically elected government as a key reason behind Tehran's continuing distrust of Washington. He also referred to more recent developments, saying Iran views US and Israeli military strikes carried out during negotiations as further evidence that Washington cannot be fully trusted.&nbsp;"And then more recently, the US and Israel have attacked twice during the negotiations," he said.<h2>Domestic pressure on both sides</h2>According to Kuznick, political pressure within both countries is making negotiations even more fragile. In America, he said, sections of President Donald Trump's own Republican Party believe the agreement represents a major concession to Iran. "You've got a lot of pressure inside the United States from within Trump's own party, who see the agreement that he struck as a complete abject surrender," Kuznick said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analyst-flagged-minab-school-as-civilian-site-in-2019-warning-missed-report-1782564048188">Analyst flagged Minab school as civilian site in 2019, warning missed: Report</a>&nbsp;"They're very angry. They're putting a lot of pressure on Trump right now,” he added. He said Iran is facing similar divisions at home. "There are a lot of people who don't like the fact that the Iranians are even negotiating with the United States, whom they still consider to be the Great Satan," he added.<h2>'Less than 50 per cent' chance of success</h2>Taken together, Kuznick believes these political and historical factors leave the agreement on shaky ground. "So there's so little trust," he said. "The chances of this agreement actually working out are less than 50 per cent, certainly, maybe much less than that."

Professor Peter Kuznick warns the US-Iran ceasefire faces a less than fifty per cent chance of success, driven by deep-rooted historical mistrust and domestic political opposition within both nations.

Fresh military exchanges between the US and Iran have once again cast doubt over the future of the recently announced ceasefire and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). While both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement, experts believe the biggest obstacle is not the latest strike, but decades of deep-rooted mistrust. Speaking to WION, Peter Kuznick, professor of history and director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, said the recent incident in the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to be the decisive factor that causes the agreement to collapse. "This incident is only a slight influence in terms of the possibility of breaking it up," Kuznick said.

Professor Peter Kuznick warns the US-Iran ceasefire faces a less than fifty per cent chance of success, driven by deep-rooted historical mistrust and domestic political opposition within both nations.

What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has said that the US-Israel-Lebanon framework is &nbsp;“humiliating, shameful, and a surrender of sovereignty”. He said that it was a major mistake by Lebanese authorities and accused them of effectively legitimising the Israeli occupation of Lebanon by signing the deal. He refused to connect withdrawl from southern Lebanon to the group’s disarmament. In a statement released on Saturday, Qassem said that the agreement was "null and void”. He suggested that the agreement should apply the framework of the US-Iranian agreement.“The framework agreement in Washington is humiliating, shameful, and a surrender of sovereignty. This agreement is null and void, and the provisions of the Iranian-American memorandum of understanding must be implemented,” said Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ketan-agarwal-nisha-parveen-media-bias-selective-outrage-india-1782559387961">Nisha Parveen and Ketan Agarwal: How sexism and xenophobia determine whose death matters</a>“We will continue as a resistance in the field to defeat the occupation. We will continue as a resistance in the field to defeat the occupation,” said Qaseem. He said linking Israeli withdrawl from Southern Lebanon is a “red line”, which will not be crossed. He warned that such a move would turn the Lebanese Government into an Israeli puppet.&nbsp;Qaseem also praised Iran's role in securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, calling it a “gift of honour, dignity and strength”. He said that it was a "powerful move" which secured the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.The trilateral agreement signed between the US, Israel, and Lebanon in Washington aims to establish a sequenced process to end months of intense border conflict. However, it bypasses clause one of the US-Iran agreement brokered by Pakistan and GCC mediators, which mandates cessation of hostilities on all fronts and withdrawl of Israeli forces. The fiery rejection from Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has the potential to trigger a “civil war” in Lebanon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the US-Israel-Lebanon framework as "humiliating" and "null and void," warning it legitimises Israeli occupation.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has said that the US-Israel-Lebanon framework is “humiliating, shameful, and a surrender of sovereignty”. He said that it was a major mistake by Lebanese authorities and accused them of effectively legitimising the Israeli occupation of Lebanon by signing the deal. He refused to connect withdrawl from southern Lebanon to the group’s disarmament. In a statement released on Saturday, Qassem said that the agreement was "null and void”. He suggested that the agreement should apply the framework of the US-Iranian agreement. “The framework agreement in Washington is humiliating, shameful, and a surrender of sovereignty. This agreement is null and void, and the provisions of the Iranian-American memorandum of understanding must be implemented,” said Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. Also read: Nisha Parveen and Ketan Agarwal: How sexism and xenophobia determine whose death matters “We will continue as a resistance in the field to defeat the occupation. We will continue as a resistance in the field to defeat the occupation,” said Qaseem. He said linking Israeli withdrawl from Southern Lebanon is a “red line”, which will not be crossed. He warned that such a move would turn the Lebanese Government into an Israeli puppet. Qaseem also praised Iran's role in securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, calling it a “gift of honour, dignity and strength”. He said that it was a "powerful move" which secured the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. The trilateral agreement signed between the US, Israel, and Lebanon in Washington aims to establish a sequenced process to end months of intense border conflict. However, it bypasses clause one of the US-Iran agreement brokered by Pakistan and GCC mediators, which mandates cessation of hostilities on all fronts and withdrawl of Israeli forces. The fiery rejection from Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has the potential to trigger a “civil war” in Lebanon.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the US-Israel-Lebanon framework as "humiliating" and "null and void," warning it legitimises Israeli occupation.

Hezbollah's Naim Qassem calls US-Israel-Lebanon framework 'humiliating' warns against surrendering 'sovereignty'

For years, the world's most powerful passports have been measured by one metric: how many destinations they can access without a visa. Holders of passports from countries like Singapore, Japan and several European nations can travel to more than 190 destinations with little paperwork, according to the Henley Passport Index. It is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).&nbsp;But even the strongest passports have their limits.&nbsp;Multiple countries remain exceptionally difficult to enter. And that's not because of the nationality of the traveller alone, but due to war, diplomatic isolation, political restrictions or tightly controlled immigration systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;North Korea: North Korea remains one of the most difficult countries in the world to visit. Entry is tightly regulated, and tourists cannot simply book flights and arrive at the border. Most foreign visitors must travel through authorised tour operators, obtain prior approval from North Korean authorities and follow strict itineraries once inside the country.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-one-bites-the-dust-larry-the-cat-is-now-fed-up-with-pms-resignations-in-the-uk-doesn-t-want-to-remember-their-names-1782134836315">'Another one bites the dust': Larry the cat is now fed up with PMs resignations in the UK, doesn't want to remember their names</a>&nbsp;Since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has imposed prolonged border closures and has only gradually reopened to limited categories of visitors, with tourism remaining highly restricted.&nbsp;Afghanistan: Afghanistan technically issues visas through some of its diplomatic missions abroad. But obtaining one can be unpredictable, and many embassies no longer operate normally following the Taliban's return to power in 2021.&nbsp;Even if a visa is granted, governments, including those of the UK, the US and Australia, advise against all travel because of the security situation.&nbsp;Syria: Syria has never operated a broad visa-free regime for foreign visitors. Travellers from most countries must obtain visas before arrival, and in many cases, security clearance or additional approvals are required. Ongoing conflict, damaged infrastructure and limited international flights further complicate entry.&nbsp;Yemen: Like Afghanistan, Yemen illustrates that holding a powerful passport does not guarantee practical access.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-why-islamabad-mou-doesn-t-hand-hormuz-to-iran-1782235179523">WION Exclusive: Why Islamabad MoU doesn’t hand Hormuz to Iran</a>&nbsp;While visas may be available under certain circumstances, years of conflict have left commercial aviation severely disrupted. Security concerns, limited diplomatic services and unstable conditions mean that even travellers with valid documentation may find entry impossible or unsafe.<h2>Why are powerful passports not enough?</h2>Passport rankings measure visa-free access, but they do not account for geopolitical realities.A country may technically issue visas while simultaneously experiencing armed conflict, restricting commercial flights or advising against tourism altogether. Others maintain strict immigration controls regardless of a traveller's nationality.&nbsp;Diplomatic relations also matter. Some countries process applications more quickly for citizens of friendly states, while others impose additional screening based on political or security considerations.

Even top-tier passports like Singapore’s cannot overcome geopolitical barriers such as active war zones, political isolation, and strict immigration controls in heavily restricted nations like North Korea and Afghanistan.

For years, the world's most powerful passports have been measured by one metric: how many destinations they can access without a visa. Holders of passports from countries like Singapore, Japan and several European nations can travel to more than 190 destinations with little paperwork, according to the Henley Passport Index. It is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). But even the strongest passports have their limits. Multiple countries remain exceptionally difficult to enter. And that's not because of the nationality of the traveller alone, but due to war, diplomatic isolation, political restrictions or tightly controlled immigration systems. North Korea: North Korea remains one of the most difficult countries in the world to visit. Entry is tightly regulated, and tourists cannot simply book flights and arrive at the border. Most foreign visitors must travel through authorised tour operators, obtain prior approval from North Korean authorities and follow strict itineraries once inside the country. Also read: 'Another one bites the dust': Larry the cat is now fed up with PMs resignations in the UK, doesn't want to remember their names Since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has imposed prolonged border closures and has only gradually reopened to limited categories of visitors, with tourism remaining highly restricted. Afghanistan: Afghanistan technically issues visas through some of its diplomatic missions abroad. But obtaining one can be unpredictable, and many embassies no longer operate normally following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Even if a visa is granted, governments, including those of the UK, the US and Australia, advise against all travel because of the security situation. Syria: Syria has never operated a broad visa-free regime for foreign visitors. Travellers from most countries must obtain visas before arrival, and in many cases, security clearance or additional approvals are required. Ongoing conflict, damaged infrastructure and limited international flights further complicate entry. Yemen: Like Afghanistan, Yemen illustrates that holding a powerful passport does not guarantee practical access. Also read: WION Exclusive: Why Islamabad MoU doesn’t hand Hormuz to Iran While visas may be available under certain circumstances, years of conflict have left commercial aviation severely disrupted. Security concerns, limited diplomatic services and unstable conditions mean that even travellers with valid documentation may find entry impossible or unsafe. Why are powerful passports not enough? Passport rankings measure visa-free access, but they do not account for geopolitical realities. A country may technically issue visas while simultaneously experiencing armed conflict, restricting commercial flights or advising against tourism altogether. Others maintain strict immigration controls regardless of a traveller's nationality. Diplomatic relations also matter. Some countries process applications more quickly for citizens of friendly states, while others impose additional screening based on political or security considerations.

Even top-tier passports like Singapore’s cannot overcome geopolitical barriers such as active war zones, political isolation, and strict immigration controls in heavily restricted nations like North Korea and Afghanistan.

Countries even world's strongest passports struggle to enter

An earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale hit the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on Saturday. Mild tremors were also felt in India's Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi-NCR. No reports of any loss of life or damage to property has been received from anywhere so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;As per National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the nodal agency of the Government of India for monitoring earthquake activity, the quake struck at a depth of 100 km, 177 km east of Kunduz in Afghanistan.&nbsp;Tremors were also felt in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, Swat, Hangu, North Waziristan, Chitral and Rawalpindi.&nbsp;The quake led to panic in some areas in the national capital, as residents rushed outside of their homes and offices.&nbsp;(This is a developing story)

As per details the quake struck at a depth of 100 km, 177 km east of Kunduz in Afghanistan.

An earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale hit the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on Saturday. Mild tremors were also felt in India's Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi-NCR. No reports of any loss of life or damage to property has been received from anywhere so far. As per National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the nodal agency of the Government of India for monitoring earthquake activity, the quake struck at a depth of 100 km, 177 km east of Kunduz in Afghanistan. Tremors were also felt in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, Swat, Hangu, North Waziristan, Chitral and Rawalpindi. The quake led to panic in some areas in the national capital, as residents rushed outside of their homes and offices. (This is a developing story)

As per details the quake struck at a depth of 100 km, 177 km east of Kunduz in Afghanistan.

Earthquake jolts Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi-NCR, no casualties reported so far

Germany has unveiled a new voluntary military service programme to boost recruitment as security concerns grow across Europe. While the country has not brought back compulsory military service, the move has revived debate over conscription, which Germany suspended in 2011. Around 60 countries still require military service in some form, although the rules, duration and eligibility differ from one nation to another.&nbsp;Take a look at the list.&nbsp;South KoreaMilitary service is compulsory for most men because of the continuing threat from North Korea. Depending on the military branch, service generally lasts between 18 and 21 months, while women can join voluntarily.&nbsp;IsraelIsrael has one of the world’s best-known conscription systems. Most Jewish men and women are required to serve after turning 18, although exemptions exist based on religion, health and other special circumstances.&nbsp;UkraineUkraine currently enforces compulsory military service and wartime mobilisation as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Recruitment rules have become stricter since the full-scale war began in 2022.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analyst-flagged-minab-school-as-civilian-site-in-2019-warning-missed-report-1782564048188">Analyst flagged Minab school as civilian site in 2019, warning missed: Report</a>&nbsp;RussiaMilitary service is mandatory for men, who usually serve for one year. The country has also relied on mobilisation drives to expand its armed forces during the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;FinlandMilitary service is compulsory for men, while women can volunteer. Finland maintains conscription to ensure it has one of Europe’s largest trained reserve forces despite its relatively small population.&nbsp;SwitzerlandSwiss men are required to complete military service and remain part of the reserve system for several years. Women are not required to serve but may join voluntarily.&nbsp;SingaporeAll male citizens and permanent residents must complete National Service after turning 18. They continue serving as reservists for several years, making it a key part of Singapore’s defence policy.&nbsp;IranMilitary service is compulsory for men, generally lasting between 18 and 24 months. Completing service is often necessary to access certain government jobs and official services.&nbsp;North KoreaNorth Korea has one of the world’s most extensive conscription systems. Both men and women are required to serve, with military service often lasting several years.&nbsp;ChinaChina’s laws allow compulsory military service, but the People’s Liberation Army is largely staffed by volunteers. Conscription is rarely enforced because recruitment targets are usually met without it.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-india-and-europe-can-learn-from-each-other-in-heat-preparedness-1782556349271">Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness?</a>&nbsp;TurkeyMilitary service is compulsory for men, although some can shorten their service period through government-approved paid military service schemes.&nbsp;BrazilMilitary service is compulsory by law for men. However, only a small proportion of eligible citizens are selected to serve each year, as the military primarily relies on volunteers.&nbsp;Several other countries also continue to enforce mandatory military service. These include Austria, Belarus, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Sweden, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Morocco and Cuba. While the rules differ from country to country, most require military service for men, with a few extending it to women or operating selective or lottery-based systems.

Amid Germany’s new recruitment push, approximately sixty nations globally maintain diverse mandatory military service systems, varying by duration, gender requirements, and enforcement, to address regional security and defence needs.

Germany has unveiled a new voluntary military service programme to boost recruitment as security concerns grow across Europe. While the country has not brought back compulsory military service, the move has revived debate over conscription, which Germany suspended in 2011. Around 60 countries still require military service in some form, although the rules, duration and eligibility differ from one nation to another. Take a look at the list. South Korea Military service is compulsory for most men because of the continuing threat from North Korea. Depending on the military branch, service generally lasts between 18 and 21 months, while women can join voluntarily. Israel Israel has one of the world’s best-known conscription systems. Most Jewish men and women are required to serve after turning 18, although exemptions exist based on religion, health and other special circumstances. Ukraine Ukraine currently enforces compulsory military service and wartime mobilisation as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Recruitment rules have become stricter since the full-scale war began in 2022. Also read: Analyst flagged Minab school as civilian site in 2019, warning missed: Report Russia Military service is mandatory for men, who usually serve for one year. The country has also relied on mobilisation drives to expand its armed forces during the war in Ukraine. Finland Military service is compulsory for men, while women can volunteer. Finland maintains conscription to ensure it has one of Europe’s largest trained reserve forces despite its relatively small population. Switzerland Swiss men are required to complete military service and remain part of the reserve system for several years. Women are not required to serve but may join voluntarily. Singapore All male citizens and permanent residents must complete National Service after turning 18. They continue serving as reservists for several years, making it a key part of Singapore’s defence policy. Iran Military service is compulsory for men, generally lasting between 18 and 24 months. Completing service is often necessary to access certain government jobs and official services. North Korea North Korea has one of the world’s most extensive conscription systems. Both men and women are required to serve, with military service often lasting several years. China China’s laws allow compulsory military service, but the People’s Liberation Army is largely staffed by volunteers. Conscription is rarely enforced because recruitment targets are usually met without it. Also read: Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness? Turkey Military service is compulsory for men, although some can shorten their service period through government-approved paid military service schemes. Brazil Military service is compulsory by law for men. However, only a small proportion of eligible citizens are selected to serve each year, as the military primarily relies on volunteers. Several other countries also continue to enforce mandatory military service. These include Austria, Belarus, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Sweden, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Morocco and Cuba. While the rules differ from country to country, most require military service for men, with a few extending it to women or operating selective or lottery-based systems.

Amid Germany’s new recruitment push, approximately sixty nations globally maintain diverse mandatory military service systems, varying by duration, gender requirements, and enforcement, to address regional security and defence needs.

Germany joins list of nations reviving military services. These are the countries where it’s still compulsory

Way before the tragic incident in which 120 children were killed during the US-Iran war, a US intelligence analyst identified an Iranian military site as an elementary school as early as 2019. But the warning never reached military commanders. The information was reportedly entered into a disconnected intelligence system.&nbsp;The revelation is among a series of failures uncovered during a Pentagon investigation into a US missile strike on the school in Minab, southeastern Iran, on February 28, which Iranian state media said killed 120 children and nearly 200 people overall.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-s-politics-face-heat-as-mps-raise-concern-for-pok-1782560671631">As Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir burns, UK's politics faces heat as MPs raise the matter</a>&nbsp;According to Bloomberg, years before the US launched military operations against Iran, an intelligence analyst reviewing potential future strike targets noticed that a location previously identified as a naval facility used by Iran’s elite military forces had been converted into an elementary school.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-showed-us-what-it-could-do-and-it-s-scary-congressman-andrew-garbarino-on-anthropic-mythos-model-demo-claude-ai-news-1782552364247">'They showed us...and it's scary': Congressman on Anthropic Mythos model demo</a>&nbsp;The analyst reportedly documented the finding in a digital intelligence tool. However, the system was not connected to the official US intelligence database used to develop targeting lists, meaning the information was never passed on to military commanders, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity because they were discussing sensitive issues.One of the sources said the analyst submitted the remarks in 2019.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burkina-faso-severs-diplomatic-ties-with-former-ruler-france-paris-hits-back-1782527292300">Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with former ruler France, Paris hits back</a>&nbsp;According to the report, the warning remained unnoticed even as the same site underwent multiple reviews in subsequent years. At no point was the official targeting database updated to reflect that the building was functioning as a school.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-massive-rush-for-acs-as-france-heatwave-sparks-chaos-inside-store-1782529837804">WATCH: Massive rush for ACs as France heatwave sparks chaos inside store</a>

A Pentagon investigation revealed a US intelligence analyst identified the struck Minab school as a civilian site in 2019, but the warning failed to reach commanders due to a disconnected system.

Way before the tragic incident in which 120 children were killed during the US-Iran war, a US intelligence analyst identified an Iranian military site as an elementary school as early as 2019. But the warning never reached military commanders. The information was reportedly entered into a disconnected intelligence system. The revelation is among a series of failures uncovered during a Pentagon investigation into a US missile strike on the school in Minab, southeastern Iran, on February 28, which Iranian state media said killed 120 children and nearly 200 people overall. Also read: As Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir burns, UK's politics faces heat as MPs raise the matter According to Bloomberg, years before the US launched military operations against Iran, an intelligence analyst reviewing potential future strike targets noticed that a location previously identified as a naval facility used by Iran’s elite military forces had been converted into an elementary school. Also read: 'They showed us...and it's scary': Congressman on Anthropic Mythos model demo The analyst reportedly documented the finding in a digital intelligence tool. However, the system was not connected to the official US intelligence database used to develop targeting lists, meaning the information was never passed on to military commanders, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity because they were discussing sensitive issues. One of the sources said the analyst submitted the remarks in 2019. Also read: Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with former ruler France, Paris hits back According to the report, the warning remained unnoticed even as the same site underwent multiple reviews in subsequent years. At no point was the official targeting database updated to reflect that the building was functioning as a school. Also read: WATCH: Massive rush for ACs as France heatwave sparks chaos inside store

A Pentagon investigation revealed a US intelligence analyst identified the struck Minab school as a civilian site in 2019, but the warning failed to reach commanders due to a disconnected system.

Analyst flagged Minab school as civilian site in 2019, warning missed: Report

Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have spilled into British politics, with dozens of UK MPs pressing the British government to address a violent crackdown on protesters that has left multiple people dead and triggered communications blackouts.The unrest erupted in early June 2026, centred on Rawalakot in the occupied region of Kashmir.Protests organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance, demanded subsidised flour and electricity, greater political rights, and an end to what demonstrators call exploitative governance from Islamabad. Authorities banned the JAAC under anti-terror laws, citing threats to public order.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PoK unrest deepens: Dozens killed in violent clashes with police Thousands join anti-government sit-in protest in Rawalkot Trucks carrying essentials held at checkpoints, barred from entering PoK <a href="https://x.com/JyotsnaKumar13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JyotsnaKumar13</a> has more details <a href="https://t.co/2igrC2cYjW">pic.twitter.com/2igrC2cYjW</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2070686154144289169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-26-11-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-s-aides-seen-at-funeral-of-shoaib-akhtar-s-brother-1782559152836">26/11 terrorist Hafiz Saeed's aides seen at funeral of Shoaib Akhtar's brother</a>&nbsp;Clashes intensified on 7-8 June when mourners gathered outside a hospital morgue in Rawalakot following the death of a JAAC activist, Shahzeb Habib, reportedly shot by police days earlier. Overall reports indicate several deaths, but some independent accounts and activist claims suggest significantly higher civilian casualties, alongside mass arrests, including of women and children. Internet and mobile services were heavily restricted, creating a communications blackout that hindered information flow and contact with relatives.The issue has ignited concern in the UK, home to a large number of people with links to the occupied region. On 6 June, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, led nearly 30 MPs (with some reports citing over 50 signatories) in writing to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The letter highlighted arrests, including those of British nationals, the blackout's impact on families, and a breakdown in dialogue. It urged the UK to engage diplomatically for de-escalation, lift restrictions, support British nationals, and promote peaceful resolution.Prominent MPs including Bob Blackman have publicly condemned the use of live ammunition against civilians, calling for accountability and noting evidence of British nationals among the injured. Protests by PoK activists have occurred outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford and near the UK Parliament, amplifying calls for intervention.Pakistan has rejected the MPs' intervention as "unwarranted," accusing them of disregarding the context and urging the UK to caution its parliamentarians. The statement by Pakistan is seen as a threat. British MP for Peterborough, UK, Mr Andrew Pakes in a recent gathering, said, "it is my duty to speak out against the human rights abuses. The Pakistani government has put out a statement threatening the British MPs for speaking about human rights, peace, and reconciliation."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-showed-us-what-it-could-do-and-it-s-scary-congressman-andrew-garbarino-on-anthropic-mythos-model-demo-claude-ai-news-1782552364247">'They showed us...and it's scary': Congressman on Anthropic Mythos model demo</a>The matter has been raised by the British MPs with the UK's Middle East Hamish Falconer. Falconer was also in Pakistan and met Pakistan's foreign minister, Ishaq Dar. The Pakistani govt has also lodged a formal complaint with BBC Urdu over its reportage on the deteriorating situation in PoK.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has ignited fierce controversy with remarks questioning the Kashmiri identity of residents in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), amid ongoing protests. In a television interview, Asif stated that Rawalakot "is not Kashmir" and that he did not consider its people "proper Kashmiris". Asif has refused to apologise, deepening political tensions in the region.

Dozens of UK MPs have demanded British government intervention following violent crackdowns, civilian deaths, and communications blackouts during civil rights protests in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sparking diplomatic friction.

Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have spilled into British politics, with dozens of UK MPs pressing the British government to address a violent crackdown on protesters that has left multiple people dead and triggered communications blackouts. The unrest erupted in early June 2026, centred on Rawalakot in the occupied region of Kashmir. Protests organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance, demanded subsidised flour and electricity, greater political rights, and an end to what demonstrators call exploitative governance from Islamabad. Authorities banned the JAAC under anti-terror laws, citing threats to public order.

Dozens of UK MPs have demanded British government intervention following violent crackdowns, civilian deaths, and communications blackouts during civil rights protests in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sparking diplomatic friction.

As Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir burns, UK's politics faces heat as MPs raise the matter

A mango-slicing video shot on a point-of-view camera by someone in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu feeds an artificial intelligence data supply chain whose platform layer is valued at $29 billion in the US. The person who made the video- a labourer or a housewife- is paid $2.6 an hour. This cost arbitrage is pushing a boom in companies in the 'egocentric data' collection sector in India. The data collection is tedious, repetitive, yet important in the AI value chain. India is slowly becoming the egocentric data collection back office of the world. This moment in the history of technology is similar to the one that helped India's call centre boom in the 2000s. But is it back to back office status for India in the age of AI?<h2>What is egocentric data collection?</h2>Egocentric data is first-person video captured using head- or chest-mounted cameras while a person performs everyday tasks. The data collected this way is used to train AI models and humanoid robots to imitate human actions. The footage matches the viewpoint of a robot's own cameras. The data teaches the robot's AI brain the spatial relationships and movement far better than conventional third-person video.The human egocentric data collection approach is also cheaper than collecting data through robot teleoperation. One person with a wearable camera can record an entire workday, making large-scale data collection inexpensive. Benchmark datasets such as Meta's Ego4D were built largely in the West. But now, an increasing share of raw data collection is shifting to India because of cheap labour availability.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/for-rs-250-per-hour-how-indians-are-selling-their-future-to-american-ai-companies-1781541364347">'For Rs 250 per hour': How Indians are selling their future to American AI companies</a><h2>Will India become the back office of egocentric data collection?</h2>India has already emerged as a major hub for collecting, processing and annotating AI training data. Companies such as Objectways and iMerit run studios where workers record routine household and workplace activities, earning around 250 rupees an hour.The scale is significant. NASSCOM estimates India's AI data annotation industry could exceed $7 billion by 2030 and employ up to one million people. But the real value created out of this data collection lies elsewhere, often in Silicon Valley in the US. India supplies the cheap labour, while ownership of datasets, AI models, humanoid robots, and platforms remains with the foreign firms.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/it-s-happening-faster-than-expected-how-agentic-ai-is-reshaping-the-tech-industry-1781596627823">It's happening faster than expected: How Agentic AI is reshaping the tech industry</a><h2>India as the egocentric data collection capital of the world: Is it a good thing or a bad thing?</h2>For many workers, especially in the informal economy, egocentric data collection provides income. It creates opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns of India, and offers flexible work to homemakers and first-generation graduates.The drawbacks are more structural. Most profits from this data collection accrue to AI platforms and humanoid robotics companies. Egocentric data collection helps train robots that may eventually replace many of the same manual tasks being recorded by the workers in India. And there is likely to be an expiry date on such jobs. Demand for such data from big AI and robotics firms can disappear quickly as soon as AI models and humanoid robots improve.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-could-help-automate-repetitive-and-routine-tasks-1782391332274/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-could-help-automate-repetitive-and-routine-tasks-1782391332274/embed</a><h2>The call-centre parallel to India's data annotation industry</h2>The egocentric data collection and annotation industry's evolution resembles India's BPO boom of the 2000s. Both rely on labour arbitrage, repetitive work, and thin margins while serving foreign technology companies, which made billions in profits. Like the call-centre industry, egocentric data collection creates employment in the short term, but leaves ownership of technology and intellectual property elsewhere.Call centres generated long-term middle-class jobs, even if India remained a service provider. It also led to the growth of IT outsourcing, making IT services the single largest export of India. But the same can't be predicted about egocentric data collection.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-ai-problem-funding-gap-for-ai-startups-research-and-development-is-the-core-constraint-artificial-intelligence-news-1782542028012">India's AI problem: Funding gap for AI startups, research and development is the core constraint</a>&nbsp;It is a weak foundation for India's AI ambitions, as it does not create a lasting technological advantage for the country. India might be able to dominate the labour-intensive segment while missing the higher-value layers, where the real profits are.The long-term question is whether India can move beyond collecting data to owning datasets. If it does, egocentric data collection could become the first rung of a larger AI industry. If not, India risks remaining the world's AI back office while the real value is created abroad.

India is fast becoming a global hub for collecting egocentric data to train AI models and robots. For some, it's creating jobs. But who benefits in the value chain of automation?

A mango-slicing video shot on a point-of-view camera by someone in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu feeds an artificial intelligence data supply chain whose platform layer is valued at $29 billion in the US. The person who made the video- a labourer or a housewife- is paid $2.6 an hour. This cost arbitrage is pushing a boom in companies in the 'egocentric data' collection sector in India. The data collection is tedious, repetitive, yet important in the AI value chain. India is slowly becoming the egocentric data collection back office of the world. This moment in the history of technology is similar to the one that helped India's call centre boom in the 2000s. But is it back to back office status for India in the age of AI? What is egocentric data collection? Egocentric data is first-person video captured using head- or chest-mounted cameras while a person performs everyday tasks. The data collected this way is used to train AI models and humanoid robots to imitate human actions. The footage matches the viewpoint of a robot's own cameras. The data teaches the robot's AI brain the spatial relationships and movement far better than conventional third-person video. The human egocentric data collection approach is also cheaper than collecting data through robot teleoperation. One person with a wearable camera can record an entire workday, making large-scale data collection inexpensive. Benchmark datasets such as Meta's Ego4D were built largely in the West. But now, an increasing share of raw data collection is shifting to India because of cheap labour availability. Also read: 'For Rs 250 per hour': How Indians are selling their future to American AI companies Will India become the back office of egocentric data collection? India has already emerged as a major hub for collecting, processing and annotating AI training data. Companies such as Objectways and iMerit run studios where workers record routine household and workplace activities, earning around 250 rupees an hour. The scale is significant. NASSCOM estimates India's AI data annotation industry could exceed $7 billion by 2030 and employ up to one million people. But the real value created out of this data collection lies elsewhere, often in Silicon Valley in the US. India supplies the cheap labour, while ownership of datasets, AI models, humanoid robots, and platforms remains with the foreign firms. Also read: It's happening faster than expected: How Agentic AI is reshaping the tech industry India as the egocentric data collection capital of the world: Is it a good thing or a bad thing? For many workers, especially in the informal economy, egocentric data collection provides income. It creates opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns of India, and offers flexible work to homemakers and first-generation graduates. The drawbacks are more structural. Most profits from this data collection accrue to AI platforms and humanoid robotics companies. Egocentric data collection helps train robots that may eventually replace many of the same manual tasks being recorded by the workers in India. And there is likely to be an expiry date on such jobs. Demand for such data from big AI and robotics firms can disappear quickly as soon as AI models and humanoid robots improve. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-could-help-automate-repetitive-and-routine-tasks-1782391332274/embed The call-centre parallel to India's data annotation industry The egocentric data collection and annotation industry's evolution resembles India's BPO boom of the 2000s. Both rely on labour arbitrage, repetitive work, and thin margins while serving foreign technology companies, which made billions in profits. Like the call-centre industry, egocentric data collection creates employment in the short term, but leaves ownership of technology and intellectual property elsewhere. Call centres generated long-term middle-class jobs, even if India remained a service provider. It also led to the growth of IT outsourcing, making IT services the single largest export of India. But the same can't be predicted about egocentric data collection. Also read: India's AI problem: Funding gap for AI startups, research and development is the core constraint It is a weak foundation for India's AI ambitions, as it does not create a lasting technological advantage for the country. India might be able to dominate the labour-intensive segment while missing the higher-value layers, where the real profits are. The long-term question is whether India can move beyond collecting data to owning datasets. If it does, egocentric data collection could become the first rung of a larger AI industry. If not, India risks remaining the world's AI back office while the real value is created abroad.

India is fast becoming a global hub for collecting egocentric data to train AI models and robots. For some, it's creating jobs. But who benefits in the value chain of automation?

What is egocentric data? Will india become world's back office for egocentric data collection? is it a good thing or a bad thing?

The funeral of former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar's brother has triggered controversy after leaders associated with the political wing of the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were seen attending the funeral in Islamabad. Images and a video shared by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) showed several of its senior office-bearers at the gathering. Those identified by the party included Islamabad chief Inam-ur-Rehman Kamboh, deputy general secretary Abdullah Toor, zonal general secretary Hafiz Umar and Khidmat Committee chairman Amjad Bhatti.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-justice-s-muralidhar-un-gaza-war-crimes-report-1782555201194">Who is Justice S Muralidhar? Indian jurist behind the UN report concluding Israel committed genocide in Gaza</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The funeral of former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar&#39;s elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, in Islamabad has come under scrutiny after senior members of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including its deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri, were seen attending the last… <a href="https://t.co/qwNf1gtCYM">pic.twitter.com/qwNf1gtCYM</a>&mdash; The Siasat Daily (@TheSiasatDaily) <a href="https://x.com/TheSiasatDaily/status/2070825284421743065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lunatic-who-wanted-wars-trump-who-started-iran-war-reacts-after-his-ex-nsa-john-bolton-pleads-guilty-1782525452519">Trump, who started Iran war, calls ex-NSA John Bolton 'lunatic' for wanting wars</a>&nbsp;The footage also purportedly showed individuals regarded as close associates of Hafiz Saeed, the founder of LeT and the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, commonly referred to as the 26/11 attacks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-india-visit-is-strategically-significant-wion-decodes-1782544175393">Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant</a>&nbsp;The attendees were seen standing in rows and offering funeral prayers for Shahid Akhtar, Shoaib Akhtar's brother, who reportedly died of a cardiac arrest three days ago, according to Pakistani media reports.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-parisians-are-abandoning-their-homes-and-heading-outdoors-during-the-deadly-heatwave-wion-decodes-1782535651165">Why are Parisians fleeing their homes during the heatwave? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;The presence of PMML leaders at the funeral has drawn attention because the party has been widely described as the political front of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The PMML itself circulated photographs and video from the funeral, identifying the leaders who attended.&nbsp;Neither Shoaib Akhtar nor his family has publicly commented on the presence of the PMML leaders or the individuals purported to be close to Hafiz Saeed at the funeral.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/beat-the-heat-why-europe-is-banning-alcohol-in-heatwave-and-why-drinking-in-hot-weather-is-a-bad-idea-india-1782532904238">Beat the heat: Why Europe is banning alcohol in heatwave, and why drinking in hot weather is a bad idea</a>

The funeral of Shoaib Akhtar’s brother, Shahid, sparked controversy in Islamabad after senior leaders of the PMML, a political front for the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, attended.

The funeral of former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar's brother has triggered controversy after leaders associated with the political wing of the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were seen attending the funeral in Islamabad. Images and a video shared by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) showed several of its senior office-bearers at the gathering. Those identified by the party included Islamabad chief Inam-ur-Rehman Kamboh, deputy general secretary Abdullah Toor, zonal general secretary Hafiz Umar and Khidmat Committee chairman Amjad Bhatti. Also read: Who is Justice S Muralidhar? Indian jurist behind the UN report concluding Israel committed genocide in Gaza

The funeral of Shoaib Akhtar’s brother, Shahid, sparked controversy in Islamabad after senior leaders of the PMML, a political front for the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, attended.

WATCH: 26/11 terrorist Hafiz Saeed's aides seen at funeral of Shoaib Akhtar's brother

At a time when the Indian Government extended its unconditional support to Israel, as it continues to massacre innocent civilians in Gaza, Indian retired justice Srinivasan Muralidhar is making headlines globally as Chair of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, for its latest report on war crimes. The report submitted shocking yet widely known findings that Israel is deliberately targeting children and causing “unprecedented death, injury and trauma” in its ongoing genocide against Palestinians. The report concluded that 20,179 children were killed since the war started on October 7, 2023 and roughly 30 per cent of all fatalities. It targets children to weaken demographic vitality and the capacity of the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination. The Israeli Foreign Ministry called the report “a propaganda piece as outrageous as its previous ones,” while the Israeli ambassador to the UN called it a “blood libel disguised as a UN document."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-democrats-godless-communists-greatest-communist-speech-1782550081489">Trump calls Democrats 'godless communists', claims he would be 'the greatest communist in history'</a><h2>Who is Srinivasan Muralidhar?</h2>Srinivasan Muralidhar is widely regarded as one of the uncompromising jurists of India. He is currently the chair of the three-member UN human rights commission investigating war crimes. He started his legal career as an advocate in Chennai, then practised in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. He topped the Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record exam in 1990 and was also appointed as a member of the Law Commission of India. He was then appointed as a judge of the Delhi Court.&nbsp;In his career as a Justice, he has taken some unprecedented decisions, like decriminalising homosexuality, convicting senior politician Sajjan Kumar for the Anti-Sikh Riots, and conducting a midnight hearing during the 2020 Delhi Riots to allow safe passage for the riot victims, and the next afternoon rebuked the Delhi Police for its failure to take action against ruling party leaders. He was then transferred within an hour to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and later retired as Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court. He brought that same judicious rigour to the UN Commission. The report produced by S Muralidhar and his team does not engage in euphemisms and calls the atrocities a “genocide”. It described the situation by quoting Israeli soldiers who said it was "‘like a game’- sitting remotely and killing children."&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Israeli forces have killed over 20,000 children &amp; injured 44,000 more since 7 Oct. 2023, Srinivasan Muralidhar, chair of the <a href="https://x.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory &amp; Israel, told reporters today. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/HRC62?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRC62</a> More on their new report ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/gK2KhtlgFb">https://t.co/gK2KhtlgFb</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZQGUQkJKxD">pic.twitter.com/ZQGUQkJKxD</a>&mdash; UN Human Rights Council Investigative Bodies (@uninvhrc) <a href="https://x.com/uninvhrc/status/2069467663227609595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;A breast feeding baby was shot by a quad copter through the head&quot; Yesterday the UN commission of inquiry published a report detailing how Israel deliberately targets &amp; kills Palestinian children. The IHRA definition would find this commissioner “guilty of antisemitism”. <a href="https://t.co/IjulrokmhE">pic.twitter.com/IjulrokmhE</a>&mdash; Ranjeet Brar (@Rango1917) <a href="https://x.com/Rango1917/status/2070423872344567990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Former Chief Justice S. Muralidhar chairs the UN Commission whose latest report concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Here's his legal career and landmark judgments.

At a time when the Indian Government extended its unconditional support to Israel, as it continues to massacre innocent civilians in Gaza, Indian retired justice Srinivasan Muralidhar is making headlines globally as Chair of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, for its latest report on war crimes. The report submitted shocking yet widely known findings that Israel is deliberately targeting children and causing “unprecedented death, injury and trauma” in its ongoing genocide against Palestinians. The report concluded that 20,179 children were killed since the war started on October 7, 2023 and roughly 30 per cent of all fatalities. It targets children to weaken demographic vitality and the capacity of the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination. The Israeli Foreign Ministry called the report “a propaganda piece as outrageous as its previous ones,” while the Israeli ambassador to the UN called it a “blood libel disguised as a UN document." Also Read: Trump calls Democrats 'godless communists', claims he would be 'the greatest communist in history' Who is Srinivasan Muralidhar? Srinivasan Muralidhar is widely regarded as one of the uncompromising jurists of India. He is currently the chair of the three-member UN human rights commission investigating war crimes. He started his legal career as an advocate in Chennai, then practised in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. He topped the Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record exam in 1990 and was also appointed as a member of the Law Commission of India. He was then appointed as a judge of the Delhi Court. In his career as a Justice, he has taken some unprecedented decisions, like decriminalising homosexuality, convicting senior politician Sajjan Kumar for the Anti-Sikh Riots, and conducting a midnight hearing during the 2020 Delhi Riots to allow safe passage for the riot victims, and the next afternoon rebuked the Delhi Police for its failure to take action against ruling party leaders. He was then transferred within an hour to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and later retired as Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court. He brought that same judicious rigour to the UN Commission. The report produced by S Muralidhar and his team does not engage in euphemisms and calls the atrocities a “genocide”. It described the situation by quoting Israeli soldiers who said it was "‘like a game’- sitting remotely and killing children."

Former Chief Justice S. Muralidhar chairs the UN Commission whose latest report concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Here's his legal career and landmark judgments..

Who is Justice S Muralidhar? Indian jurist behind the UN report concluding Israel committed genocide in Gaza

The year 2026 is when the West is feeling the true effects of climate change and global warming. Europe is baking under a heat dome, and the United States is next, where some parts will be swept by a dangerous heatwave. India has been under the scorching sun for years, with each summer getting hotter. The Super El Niño has taken over the globe, which could lead to droughts and even hotter conditions. So how is the European heatwave different from what happens in India, and what can it tell us about our future, and what we may have gotten wrong?&nbsp;According to experts, what is happening in Europe is an indication that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged worldwide. "For India, it signals hotter summers, longer heatwaves, greater water stress, and increased health risks. What is exceptional today may become normal tomorrow," Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, says.&nbsp;Others think that the problem lies in the fact that the extreme heat was treated as a problem in the poorer, hotter parts of the world. India, the Gulf, and sub-Saharan Africa. “So when temperate, wealthy Europe starts recording the temperatures it has this year, the useful lesson isn't that India should brace itself. It's that the old assumption was wrong. Heat resilience was never really about how hot your climate already is, or how rich you are,” Ruchir Punjabi, co-founder of Zero Prize, an organisation that works to address India’s most urgent environmental challenges.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/analysis-economic-toll-of-heatwaves-and-droughts-on-india-amid-europe-heatwave-1782378337441">Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave</a>&nbsp;The primary problem with heatwaves in India is that it comes with several add-ons. “What makes India's situation different is that heat here rarely arrives on its own. It comes with water shortages, with some of the worst air quality in the world, with dense cities and millions of people who work outdoors and simply cannot stay in,” Ruchir says. “A construction worker in Nagpur at midday has nowhere to go. A family under a tin roof in Mumbai is in unbearable heat by early afternoon.”&nbsp;<h2>How India’s preparedness in tackling heat compares to Europe</h2> India has experience on its side, and there is a lot it can learn from the way Europe is handling the crisis. But it is also true the other way around. “Indian cities have greater experience dealing with heat, while many European cities historically did not. However, Europe often has stronger healthcare and emergency systems. India has experience; Europe has infrastructure. Both still face significant challenges,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-omega-block-europe-heatwave-1782385542948">Omega Block is baking Europe, and humans have amplified it - How does it form and work?</a>&nbsp;In 2013, Ahmedabad introduced South Asia's first Heat Action Plan after a 2010 heatwave killed more than 1,300 people in the city. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) worked alongside public health experts to establish a blueprint for protecting vulnerable populations. It works with three core strategies - Early Warning &amp; Alert Systems, creating public awareness and medical and infrastructure preparedness.&nbsp;The model has been replicated not just in several Indian cities but also in other South Asian countries. “Much of Europe is only writing these plans now,” Ruchir says. “The Ahmedabad plan is studied abroad precisely because it was built for a city with limited resources and high exposure, which is closer to the global norm than London or Paris is,” adds Ruchir. So India is basically ahead when it comes to plans and policies.&nbsp;There is also a lazy assumption that Indian cities are concrete and grey while European ones are green and well-planned. The data doesn't support it. Delhi's green cover is around 23 per cent, higher than London's tree canopy at roughly 20 per cent.&nbsp;<h2>Where Europe is ahead of India?</h2> India has a thing or two to learn from Europe as well. The most important lesson is one India arguably learned earlier: heat is a public health problem, not just an environmental one, says Ruchir. “When hospitals fill up, when people can't work outdoors, when schools close and power grids strain, heat has stopped being about the weather,” he says. Europe basically is better at coordinating a health response across regions and on surge planning in hospitals.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/beat-the-heat-why-europe-is-banning-alcohol-in-heatwave-and-why-drinking-in-hot-weather-is-a-bad-idea-india-1782532904238">Beat the heat: Why Europe is banning alcohol in heatwave, and why drinking in hot weather is a bad idea</a><h2>What India needs to do to tackle the increasing heat better</h2> India can strengthen heat-health warning systems, protect vulnerable populations, expand urban green spaces, promote climate-sensitive architecture, and use data-driven planning. Heat should be treated as a major public health issue,” &nbsp;Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-heatwave-health-officials-warn-against-drinking-in-extreme-heat-1782548836451/embed&nbsp;Ruchir echoes these views. “Where I think we should concentrate is urban planning, because that is where the long-term gains sit. More tree cover, shaded public spaces, cooler buildings, restored water bodies,” he says. However, simply doing all this doesn’t mean that heat exposure is lowered. “The discipline that has been missing is measuring whether an intervention actually lowers heat exposure for the people living with it, rather than assuming that good design produces good outcomes.” &nbsp;

India has more experience in fighting heatwaves and extreme temperatures, while Europe is only now putting plans on paper. There is a lot that India can teach Europe in terms of tackling hot conditions. Meanwhile, Europe is better at coordinating a health response. 

The year 2026 is when the West is feeling the true effects of climate change and global warming. Europe is baking under a heat dome, and the United States is next, where some parts will be swept by a dangerous heatwave. India has been under the scorching sun for years, with each summer getting hotter. The Super El Niño has taken over the globe, which could lead to droughts and even hotter conditions. So how is the European heatwave different from what happens in India, and what can it tell us about our future, and what we may have gotten wrong? According to experts, what is happening in Europe is an indication that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged worldwide. "For India, it signals hotter summers, longer heatwaves, greater water stress, and increased health risks. What is exceptional today may become normal tomorrow," Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, says. Others think that the problem lies in the fact that the extreme heat was treated as a problem in the poorer, hotter parts of the world. India, the Gulf, and sub-Saharan Africa. “So when temperate, wealthy Europe starts recording the temperatures it has this year, the useful lesson isn't that India should brace itself. It's that the old assumption was wrong. Heat resilience was never really about how hot your climate already is, or how rich you are,” Ruchir Punjabi, co-founder of Zero Prize, an organisation that works to address India’s most urgent environmental challenges. Also Read: Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave The primary problem with heatwaves in India is that it comes with several add-ons. “What makes India's situation different is that heat here rarely arrives on its own. It comes with water shortages, with some of the worst air quality in the world, with dense cities and millions of people who work outdoors and simply cannot stay in,” Ruchir says. “A construction worker in Nagpur at midday has nowhere to go. A family under a tin roof in Mumbai is in unbearable heat by early afternoon.” How India’s preparedness in tackling heat compares to Europe India has experience on its side, and there is a lot it can learn from the way Europe is handling the crisis. But it is also true the other way around. “Indian cities have greater experience dealing with heat, while many European cities historically did not. However, Europe often has stronger healthcare and emergency systems. India has experience; Europe has infrastructure. Both still face significant challenges,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says. Also Read: Omega Block is baking Europe, and humans have amplified it - How does it form and work? In 2013, Ahmedabad introduced South Asia's first Heat Action Plan after a 2010 heatwave killed more than 1,300 people in the city. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) worked alongside public health experts to establish a blueprint for protecting vulnerable populations. It works with three core strategies - Early Warning & Alert Systems, creating public awareness and medical and infrastructure preparedness. The model has been replicated not just in several Indian cities but also in other South Asian countries. “Much of Europe is only writing these plans now,” Ruchir says. “The Ahmedabad plan is studied abroad precisely because it was built for a city with limited resources and high exposure, which is closer to the global norm than London or Paris is,” adds Ruchir. So India is basically ahead when it comes to plans and policies. There is also a lazy assumption that Indian cities are concrete and grey while European ones are green and well-planned. The data doesn't support it. Delhi's green cover is around 23 per cent, higher than London's tree canopy at roughly 20 per cent. Where Europe is ahead of India? India has a thing or two to learn from Europe as well. The most important lesson is one India arguably learned earlier: heat is a public health problem, not just an environmental one, says Ruchir. “When hospitals fill up, when people can't work outdoors, when schools close and power grids strain, heat has stopped being about the weather,” he says. Europe basically is better at coordinating a health response across regions and on surge planning in hospitals. Also Read: Beat the heat: Why Europe is banning alcohol in heatwave, and why drinking in hot weather is a bad idea What India needs to do to tackle the increasing heat better India can strengthen heat-health warning systems, protect vulnerable populations, expand urban green spaces, promote climate-sensitive architecture, and use data-driven planning. Heat should be treated as a major public health issue,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says. https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-heatwave-health-officials-warn-against-drinking-in-extreme-heat-1782548836451/embed Ruchir echoes these views. “Where I think we should concentrate is urban planning, because that is where the long-term gains sit. More tree cover, shaded public spaces, cooler buildings, restored water bodies,” he says. However, simply doing all this doesn’t mean that heat exposure is lowered. “The discipline that has been missing is measuring whether an intervention actually lowers heat exposure for the people living with it, rather than assuming that good design produces good outcomes.”

India has more experience in fighting heatwaves and extreme temperatures, while Europe is only now putting plans on paper. There is a lot that India can teach Europe in terms of tackling hot conditions. Meanwhile, Europe is better at coordinating a health response.&nbsp;

Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness?

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26/11 terrorist Hafiz Saeed's aides seen at funeral of Shoaib Akhtar's brother