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Former US national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of illegally retaining classified documents, admitting the offence before a federal court after initially denying the charges.&nbsp;Asked by federal judge Theodore Chuang if he was guilty, the 77-year-old veteran diplomat replied: "I am, Your Honour, and I'm sorry for it."&nbsp;Under a plea agreement with the Department of Justice, Bolton faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. He must also pay a $2.25 million fine and forfeit his federal pension.&nbsp;Bolton had originally been indicted on 18 counts linked to the improper handling of classified material. On Friday, he admitted to a single charge involving the illegal retention of classified information. The documents included diary entries containing national defence information, with some classified at the top secret level.&nbsp;According to prosecutors, Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of sensitive material with two individuals who did not have security clearance or authorisation to access it. The documents included notes from intelligence briefings and meetings with senior US officials and foreign leaders. The material was allegedly intended for possible use in his memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which was highly critical of the Trump administration. The two individuals have not been identified, but they are believed to be his wife and daughter.&nbsp;Authorities also said Bolton's personal email account was hacked by an Iranian-linked actor after he left office in September 2019. Although he reported the cyberattack to law enforcement, the Department of Justice said he failed to disclose that the account contained national defence information.&nbsp;"He reported that hack to law enforcement but did not tell the agents or anyone else in the US government that the account contained national defence information," the Department of Justice said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-tariff-threats-return-this-time-targeting-europe-over-big-tech-taxes-1782500956398">Trump's tariff threats return, this time targeting Europe over Big Tech taxes</a><h2>Sentencing set for October</h2>Sentencing has been scheduled for October 28.&nbsp;Bolton served as Donald Trump's national security adviser during the president's first term before becoming one of his most vocal critics. He has frequently described Trump as "unfit to be president" and has continued to criticise him through television appearances and published writings.&nbsp;Trump has repeatedly attacked his former aide and withdrew his security detail shortly after returning to the White House in January last year. The Trump Justice Department has also pursued criminal cases against other prominent critics of the president, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI director James Comey.

A fierce Trump critic, Bolton was initially indicted on 18 counts of mishandling classified material. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegally retaining classified information, including top- secret diary entries.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of illegally retaining classified documents, admitting the offence before a federal court after initially denying the charges. Asked by federal judge Theodore Chuang if he was guilty, the 77-year-old veteran diplomat replied: "I am, Your Honour, and I'm sorry for it." Under a plea agreement with the Department of Justice, Bolton faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. He must also pay a $2.25 million fine and forfeit his federal pension. Bolton had originally been indicted on 18 counts linked to the improper handling of classified material. On Friday, he admitted to a single charge involving the illegal retention of classified information. The documents included diary entries containing national defence information, with some classified at the top secret level. According to prosecutors, Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of sensitive material with two individuals who did not have security clearance or authorisation to access it. The documents included notes from intelligence briefings and meetings with senior US officials and foreign leaders. The material was allegedly intended for possible use in his memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which was highly critical of the Trump administration. The two individuals have not been identified, but they are believed to be his wife and daughter. Authorities also said Bolton's personal email account was hacked by an Iranian-linked actor after he left office in September 2019. Although he reported the cyberattack to law enforcement, the Department of Justice said he failed to disclose that the account contained national defence information. "He reported that hack to law enforcement but did not tell the agents or anyone else in the US government that the account contained national defence information," the Department of Justice said. Also Read: Trump's tariff threats return, this time targeting Europe over Big Tech taxes Sentencing set for October Sentencing has been scheduled for October 28. Bolton served as Donald Trump's national security adviser during the president's first term before becoming one of his most vocal critics. He has frequently described Trump as "unfit to be president" and has continued to criticise him through television appearances and published writings. Trump has repeatedly attacked his former aide and withdrew his security detail shortly after returning to the White House in January last year. The Trump Justice Department has also pursued criminal cases against other prominent critics of the president, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI director James Comey.

A fierce Trump critic, Bolton was initially indicted on 18 counts of mishandling classified material. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegally retaining classified information, including top- secret diary entries.

Ex-Trump NSA John Bolton, turned outspoken critic, pleads guilty to mishandling classified documents

Days after securing a ceasefire agreement with Iran, US President Donald Trump returned to his familiar tariff strategy on Friday by threatening to impose a 100 per cent tariff on European countries that levy digital services taxes on American technology companies.&nbsp;He also warned that any existing trade agreements with those countries would be scrapped, a move that could jeopardise the trade deal recently concluded between Washington and Brussels after months of negotiations.&nbsp;"Any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, adding that "this TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, or not."&nbsp;The warning came only a day after European Union member states approved a trade agreement negotiated with the United States last year. The deal limits tariffs on European imports to 15 per cent.&nbsp;European Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) target the local revenues of large technology companies rather than their corporate profits. Several European countries have already introduced such taxes, while others are considering similar measures.&nbsp;Trump has repeatedly argued that non-tariff barriers are a major obstacle to trade. He has particularly criticised European regulations governing the technology and environmental sectors, claiming those rules restrict American exports.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Trump threatened to impose a 100 per cent tariff on French wine and champagne unless Paris withdrew its digital services tax on technology companies.&nbsp;France introduced a three per cent tax in 2019 on the revenues earned within the country by major technology firms, including Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google's parent company Alphabet.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-trump-nixon-watergate-12-hour-news-cycle-1782451512979">JD Vance compares Trump to Nixon, says Watergate would last just 12 hours today</a><h2>European Union vows swift response</h2>The European Union responded on Friday by warning that it would act quickly if Trump followed through on his latest tariff threat.&nbsp;"If pursued, the EU will respond swiftly and decisively to defend its rights and regulatory autonomy," a European Commission spokesman said.

Trump warned of a 100 per cent tariff on any European country that imposes a Digital Services Tax on American companies, saying the measure would override any trade deal with the United States, just a day after the European Union approved a new US trade agreement.

Days after securing a ceasefire agreement with Iran, US President Donald Trump returned to his familiar tariff strategy on Friday by threatening to impose a 100 per cent tariff on European countries that levy digital services taxes on American technology companies. He also warned that any existing trade agreements with those countries would be scrapped, a move that could jeopardise the trade deal recently concluded between Washington and Brussels after months of negotiations. "Any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, adding that "this TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, or not." The warning came only a day after European Union member states approved a trade agreement negotiated with the United States last year. The deal limits tariffs on European imports to 15 per cent. European Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) target the local revenues of large technology companies rather than their corporate profits. Several European countries have already introduced such taxes, while others are considering similar measures. Trump has repeatedly argued that non-tariff barriers are a major obstacle to trade. He has particularly criticised European regulations governing the technology and environmental sectors, claiming those rules restrict American exports. Earlier this month, Trump threatened to impose a 100 per cent tariff on French wine and champagne unless Paris withdrew its digital services tax on technology companies. France introduced a three per cent tax in 2019 on the revenues earned within the country by major technology firms, including Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google's parent company Alphabet. Also Read: JD Vance compares Trump to Nixon, says Watergate would last just 12 hours today European Union vows swift response The European Union responded on Friday by warning that it would act quickly if Trump followed through on his latest tariff threat. "If pursued, the EU will respond swiftly and decisively to defend its rights and regulatory autonomy," a European Commission spokesman said.

Trump warned of a 100 per cent tariff on any European country that imposes a Digital Services Tax on American companies, saying the measure would override any trade deal with the United States, just a day after the European Union approved a new US trade agreement.

Trump's tariff threats return, this time targeting Europe over Big Tech taxes

Negotiators from the US, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework on Friday after the fifth round of diplomatic talks. Talks ⁠included discussions on a US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand some of the territory they occupy to Lebanon’s military.&nbsp;Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, but for Israel, the sticking point was the condition that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border.&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;“It’s the beginning of the beginning. There’s a lot of work ahead. Today is the first step. The first step is sometimes the hardest one,” US Secretary of ⁠State ⁠Marco Rubio said at the signing ceremony while announcing the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following several days of talks ⁠in Washington.&nbsp;“We are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States of America,” Rubio said at the signing ceremony.&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;He added that the agreement “begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security.”&nbsp;The US-mediated talks aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militant group in Lebanon.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-twin-quakes-toll-climbs-to-589-thousands-missing-us-temporarily-removes-sanctions-on-caracas-1782482230379">Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas</a>&nbsp;Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on Iran.&nbsp;As per reports, Israel has agreed for the IDF’s partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israeli forces will pull out of two areas located inside the six-mile-long buffer zone the IDF has established in southern Lebanon.&nbsp;The areas have already been cleared by the IDF of Hezbollah infrastructure.

Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, but Israel insisted that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border.

Negotiators from the US, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework on Friday after the fifth round of diplomatic talks. Talks ⁠included discussions on a US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand some of the territory they occupy to Lebanon’s military. Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, but for Israel, the sticking point was the condition that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border. Also Read: Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate “It’s the beginning of the beginning. There’s a lot of work ahead. Today is the first step. The first step is sometimes the hardest one,” US Secretary of ⁠State ⁠Marco Rubio said at the signing ceremony while announcing the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following several days of talks ⁠in Washington. “We are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States of America,” Rubio said at the signing ceremony. Also Read: ‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi He added that the agreement “begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security.” The US-mediated talks aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militant group in Lebanon. Also Read: Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on Iran. As per reports, Israel has agreed for the IDF’s partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israeli forces will pull out of two areas located inside the six-mile-long buffer zone the IDF has established in southern Lebanon. The areas have already been cleared by the IDF of Hezbollah infrastructure.

Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, but Israel insisted that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border.

US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after fifth round of talks in DC

United States President Donald Trump on Friday slammed Iran for "drone attack on Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz," and called it a "foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement". Trump alleged that a "large and expensive" cargo vessel was hit in the attack, while US forces intercepted three other drones.&nbsp;Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, The Islamic Republic of Iran shot at least four One Way Attack Drones at Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz. One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship. Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement.&nbsp;Iran, however rejected the claims by Trump calling them "a complete lie," according to NourNews. Iran's Revolutionary Guards spokesperson said the Strait of Hormuz "is Iranian territory and has nothing to do with the US."<h2>International Maritime Organization halts evacuations in Hormuz</h2>&nbsp;The attack has come at a time when the United Nations maritime agency is starting operation to move stranded ships out of the strait this week, using an alternative route. These ships will move close to the shores of Oman rather than sailing through the central part of the strait, reported AP.&nbsp;Immediately after the attack, the International Maritime Organization halted the evacuations on Friday and said they will not resume until there are guarantees that there will be no attacks on ships again, said the news agency report.&nbsp;According to Arsenio Dominguez, the agency’s secretary-general 115 ships have already been moved out, while 500 are still stuck in the area.

Trump took to Truth Social and said that a large and expensive cargo vessel was hit in the attack, while US forces intercepted three other drones.

United States President Donald Trump on Friday slammed Iran for "drone attack on Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz," and called it a "foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement". Trump alleged that a "large and expensive" cargo vessel was hit in the attack, while US forces intercepted three other drones. Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, The Islamic Republic of Iran shot at least four One Way Attack Drones at Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz. One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship. Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement. Iran, however rejected the claims by Trump calling them "a complete lie," according to NourNews. Iran's Revolutionary Guards spokesperson said the Strait of Hormuz "is Iranian territory and has nothing to do with the US." International Maritime Organization halts evacuations in Hormuz The attack has come at a time when the United Nations maritime agency is starting operation to move stranded ships out of the strait this week, using an alternative route. These ships will move close to the shores of Oman rather than sailing through the central part of the strait, reported AP. Immediately after the attack, the International Maritime Organization halted the evacuations on Friday and said they will not resume until there are guarantees that there will be no attacks on ships again, said the news agency report. According to Arsenio Dominguez, the agency’s secretary-general 115 ships have already been moved out, while 500 are still stuck in the area.

Trump took to Truth Social and said that a "large and expensive" cargo vessel was hit in the attack, while US forces intercepted three other drones.

'Foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement': Trump claims drone attack on ships by Iran in Hormuz

Ministers of the European Union governments gathered for a discussion on climate change policies on Thursday and were surprisingly joined by a young participant at the negotiating table: a three-month-old baby.Swedish climate minister Romina Pourmokhtari brought her son, Adam, to the EU council meeting in Luxembourg to highlight the benefits of parental leave policies which don’t force women to choose between work and family responsibilities.&nbsp;“I wanted to showcase being an example of not having to make that choice. Which, of course, also requires having a partner that’s not a dinosaur, someone who’s quite modern ⁠and up for it to tag along,” said Pourmokhtari while speaking to the Reuters news agency.&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;An EU Council official later confirmed that it was the first time in the institution’s history that a baby had joined a meeting of the ministers.&nbsp;Pourmokhtari, 30, was the youngest government minister in Sweden’s history when she took office in 2022. She has just returned from parental leave, while her husband is on leave until Sweden’s election in September and travelled with her to Luxembourg to care for Adam.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaceToPower</a> | Swedish minister brings baby to EU meet In a first for the EU, a three-month-old infant attends a climate conference <a href="https://x.com/kripatistic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kripatistic</a> has more <a href="https://t.co/D20NSJvtWU">pic.twitter.com/D20NSJvtWU</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2070525428725616702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweden has one of the world’s most generous parental leave policies, funded by the country’s high taxes, which has become a political flashpoint in the election campaign.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-twin-quakes-toll-climbs-to-589-thousands-missing-us-temporarily-removes-sanctions-on-caracas-1782482230379">Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas</a> Swedish parents get about 16 months of paid leave ⁠in total. Out of this leave, 90 days are reserved for each parent individually and cannot be transferred to the other. However, if a parent does not utilise their allotted number of leaves, they are forfeited.&nbsp;These non-transferable periods, popularly known as “dad months”, were introduced to encourage fathers to spend more time with their little ones.&nbsp;Pourmokhtari credits this policy and the support from her team with making it “much ⁠less controversial” for her husband to take care of Adam while she works.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zero-tolerance-for-any-attempt-to-exploit-sanatan-faith-of-devotees-says-cm-yogi-after-arrests-in-ram-temple-donation-theft-case-1782473006937">‘Zero tolerance for any attempt to exploit Sanatan, faith of devotees,’ says CM Yogi after arrests in Ram temple donation theft case</a>&nbsp;She said supportive policies were not just a question of spending taxes on longer leave periods and urged governments to also consider more flexible rules on parents sharing leave and ⁠affordable childcare.&nbsp;“It’s creating a lot of value that shouldn’t be underestimated. Value that might not always be economic, but in the end, might also be economic, in not having burnt-out workers,” she said, alluding to ⁠the burden on many parents struggling to juggle work and family.Krzysztof Bolesta, Poland’s deputy climate minister, said it had been no trouble having a baby in a political meeting.“I think it’s great. It’s not a handicap, it’s just a part of life,” he said.

Swedish parents get about 16 months of paid leave ⁠in total. Out of this leave, 90 days are reserved for each parent individually and cannot be transferred to the other. However, if a parent does not utilise their allotted number of leaves, they are forfeited.

Ministers of the European Union governments gathered for a discussion on climate change policies on Thursday and were surprisingly joined by a young participant at the negotiating table: a three-month-old baby. Swedish climate minister Romina Pourmokhtari brought her son, Adam, to the EU council meeting in Luxembourg to highlight the benefits of parental leave policies which don’t force women to choose between work and family responsibilities. “I wanted to showcase being an example of not having to make that choice. Which, of course, also requires having a partner that’s not a dinosaur, someone who’s quite modern ⁠and up for it to tag along,” said Pourmokhtari while speaking to the Reuters news agency. Also Read: ‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi An EU Council official later confirmed that it was the first time in the institution’s history that a baby had joined a meeting of the ministers. Pourmokhtari, 30, was the youngest government minister in Sweden’s history when she took office in 2022. She has just returned from parental leave, while her husband is on leave until Sweden’s election in September and travelled with her to Luxembourg to care for Adam.

Swedish parents get about 16 months of paid leave ⁠in total. Out of this leave, 90 days are reserved for each parent individually and cannot be transferred to the other. However, if a parent does not utilise their allotted number of leaves, they are forfeited.

Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate

A small aircraft reportedly struck Beijing's tallest building, on Friday after deviating from its planned flight path, according to preliminary information. Videos of the shocking incident was widely shared on social media in which one could see impact of the crash.&nbsp;The dramatic footage showed debris falling from the 108-storey CITIC Tower also known as China Zun that is the headquarters of the state-owned conglomerate CITIC Group.&nbsp;In the video one could see a portion of the building damaged, while the tail section of the plane and the broken window of a cab was seen lying on the ground in the clip. Two glass panels of the building were also broken in the crash.&nbsp;There was also a small fire on the ground, with plumes of smoke seen rising from the site after the crash.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">今天下午，一架型号为 B-12PP 的国产轻型通航小飞机，撞到了北京第一高楼 - 中国尊 <a href="https://t.co/CobNs6fSBA">pic.twitter.com/CobNs6fSBA</a>&mdash; Sea (@Sea_Bitcoin) <a href="https://x.com/Sea_Bitcoin/status/2070468242691563543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 108-storey CITIC Tower also known as China Zun can accommodate 12,000 office workers. However there is no report of any casualty in the crash so far.&nbsp;After police reached the scene, roads around the skyscraper &nbsp;were closed and people were stopped from making videos.&nbsp;Police also asked people to delete pictures and videos they had taken of the crash, reported Reuters. In fact Chinese social media &nbsp;removed the pictures and videos but they were available on X by the time it was deleted.&nbsp;According to CNN the aircraft was produced by a local general aviation company that offers services like pilot training,&nbsp;

The dramatic footage of the aircraft crash showed debris falling from the 108-storey CITIC Tower also known as China Zun.

A small aircraft reportedly struck Beijing's tallest building, on Friday after deviating from its planned flight path, according to preliminary information. Videos of the shocking incident was widely shared on social media in which one could see impact of the crash. The dramatic footage showed debris falling from the 108-storey CITIC Tower also known as China Zun that is the headquarters of the state-owned conglomerate CITIC Group. In the video one could see a portion of the building damaged, while the tail section of the plane and the broken window of a cab was seen lying on the ground in the clip. Two glass panels of the building were also broken in the crash. There was also a small fire on the ground, with plumes of smoke seen rising from the site after the crash.

The dramatic footage of the aircraft crash showed debris falling from the 108-storey CITIC Tower also known as China Zun.

VIDEO: Small aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest building, smoke, falling debris recorded

A “very strong” verification system is needed in Iran after the war to ensure that the country doesn’t develop nuclear weapons, the UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Friday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head’s remarks come as the United States and Iran negotiate a broader deal to end the war, with Tehran’s nuclear programme still being a key sticking point.&nbsp;“I think the objective of this (recent US-Iran) agreement is to ensure that there is no development of nuclear weapons in Iran. The government of Iran has declared quite clearly that this is not their intention,” Grossi told reporters in Japan.&nbsp;“But of course intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place ... as soon as is practicable,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-twin-quakes-toll-climbs-to-589-thousands-missing-us-temporarily-removes-sanctions-on-caracas-1782482230379">Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas</a><h2>‘Interim ⁠US-Iran accord gives UN inspectors ⁠access to Iran’: IAEA chief</h2>&nbsp;Grossi said that the interim US-Iran peace accord gives UN nuclear inspectors access to Iran after Tehran indicated that the key sites would remain off-limits until a final deal with Washington was reached and sanctions lifted.&nbsp;He further said that the watchdog had “barely initiated” talks with Tehran following its recent preliminary agreement with the US about what to do with Tehran’s uranium stockpile.&nbsp;“Initial conversations have taken place. ... We expect this work to pick up soon,” Grossi said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pledges-stronger-backing-for-bangladesh-s-brics-sco-ambitions-as-trade-and-connectivity-top-agenda-1782478384233">China pledges stronger backing for Bangladesh’s BRICS, SCO ambitions as trade and connectivity top agenda</a>&nbsp;Iran has consistently denied seeking to acquire a nuclear bomb while remaining adamant about its right to operate a full-scale civilian nuclear programme.Under a law passed by the Iranian parliament following last year’s 12-day war with Israel, Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA last July.&nbsp;Iran’s ⁠deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Wednesday that there were no plans to grant access to inspectors, but the IAEA chief said on Friday that inspections had to happen.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zero-tolerance-for-any-attempt-to-exploit-sanatan-faith-of-devotees-says-cm-yogi-after-arrests-in-ram-temple-donation-theft-case-1782473006937">‘Zero tolerance for any attempt to exploit Sanatan, faith of devotees,’ says CM Yogi after arrests in Ram temple donation theft case</a><h2>‘IAEA will have to have access and inspect. We hope to be there soon’</h2>&nbsp;“There is an agreement, and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect,” he said at a press conference in Japan. “We hope to be there soon.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-ceo-meets-pm-modi-says-e-com-giant-to-invest-48bn-in-india-by-2030-expand-ai-cloud-infra-1782387595374">Amazon CEO meets PM Modi, says e-com giant to invest $48bn in India by 2030, expand AI, cloud infra</a>&nbsp;UN inspectors have already held an initial exchange with Iranian ⁠officials to discuss technical issues, Grossi said. The first goal of the visit to Iran would be to check whether IAEA seals on previously inspected material remained intact and whether any material was missing, he said.&nbsp;Iran has not informed the watchdog how much of its enriched ⁠uranium survived US and Israeli attacks or where it is. The IAEA estimates Iran had 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up ⁠to 60% before the conflict began. If enriched further, that would be enough for 10 nuclear weapons, according to the IAEA yardstick.

Iran has consistently denied seeking to acquire a nuclear bomb while remaining adamant about its right to operate a full-scale civilian nuclear programme. Under a law passed by the Iranian parliament after last year’s 12-day war, Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA last July.

A “very strong” verification system is needed in Iran after the war to ensure that the country doesn’t develop nuclear weapons, the UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Friday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head’s remarks come as the United States and Iran negotiate a broader deal to end the war, with Tehran’s nuclear programme still being a key sticking point. “I think the objective of this (recent US-Iran) agreement is to ensure that there is no development of nuclear weapons in Iran. The government of Iran has declared quite clearly that this is not their intention,” Grossi told reporters in Japan. “But of course intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place ... as soon as is practicable,” he said. Also Read: Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas ‘Interim ⁠US-Iran accord gives UN inspectors ⁠access to Iran’: IAEA chief Grossi said that the interim US-Iran peace accord gives UN nuclear inspectors access to Iran after Tehran indicated that the key sites would remain off-limits until a final deal with Washington was reached and sanctions lifted. He further said that the watchdog had “barely initiated” talks with Tehran following its recent preliminary agreement with the US about what to do with Tehran’s uranium stockpile. “Initial conversations have taken place. ... We expect this work to pick up soon,” Grossi said. Also Read: China pledges stronger backing for Bangladesh’s BRICS, SCO ambitions as trade and connectivity top agenda Iran has consistently denied seeking to acquire a nuclear bomb while remaining adamant about its right to operate a full-scale civilian nuclear programme. Under a law passed by the Iranian parliament following last year’s 12-day war with Israel, Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA last July. Iran’s ⁠deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Wednesday that there were no plans to grant access to inspectors, but the IAEA chief said on Friday that inspections had to happen. Also Read: ‘Zero tolerance for any attempt to exploit Sanatan, faith of devotees,’ says CM Yogi after arrests in Ram temple donation theft case ‘IAEA will have to have access and inspect. We hope to be there soon’ “There is an agreement, and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access and inspect,” he said at a press conference in Japan. “We hope to be there soon.” Also Read: Amazon CEO meets PM Modi, says e-com giant to invest $48bn in India by 2030, expand AI, cloud infra UN inspectors have already held an initial exchange with Iranian ⁠officials to discuss technical issues, Grossi said. The first goal of the visit to Iran would be to check whether IAEA seals on previously inspected material remained intact and whether any material was missing, he said. Iran has not informed the watchdog how much of its enriched ⁠uranium survived US and Israeli attacks or where it is. The IAEA estimates Iran had 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up ⁠to 60% before the conflict began. If enriched further, that would be enough for 10 nuclear weapons, according to the IAEA yardstick.

Iran has consistently denied seeking to acquire a nuclear bomb while remaining adamant about its right to operate a full-scale civilian nuclear programme. Under a law passed by the Iranian parliament after last year’s 12-day war, Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA last July.

‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez said on Friday that the death toll from the devastating earthquakes in the country has risen to 589, while 2,980 people have been injured. She also announced the militarisation of La Guaira, the worst-affected province.&nbsp;“We are going to rescue the people who are trapped,” she said, adding, “We are working tirelessly on this task.”&nbsp;Rodríguez said dozens of people have been rescued alive. “It brings us joy that they can embrace their families and loved ones,” she said.“There have been 214 aftershocks so far. This demonstrates and reflects the seismic activity in our territory,” she said, adding that the worst-hit state of La Guaira will be “militarised” to help the emergency response.&nbsp;Rodriguez thanked countries for their assistance, saying foreign rescue teams had been deployed across different affected regions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pledges-stronger-backing-for-bangladesh-s-brics-sco-ambitions-as-trade-and-connectivity-top-agenda-1782478384233">China pledges stronger backing for Bangladesh’s BRICS, SCO ambitions as trade and connectivity top agenda</a><h2>Govt website lists 50,000 as missing</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, authorities warned that hundreds of people remain trapped or missing. A government website set up to report missing persons had listed around 50,000 unaccounted-for individuals by Friday morning.The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck around 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening during a public holiday. The US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000.Before this disaster, the deadliest earthquake struck Venezuela in 1967, claiming 240 lives.&nbsp;La Guaira, the coastal region north of Caracas, was the worst affected by Wednesday’s twin earthquakes and has been declared a “disaster zone”, with at least 100 buildings collapsed, including high-rise apartment blocks.Residents continued searching for survivors with their bare hands and basic tools amid complaints about the lack of heavy rescue equipment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zero-tolerance-for-any-attempt-to-exploit-sanatan-faith-of-devotees-says-cm-yogi-after-arrests-in-ram-temple-donation-theft-case-1782473006937">‘Zero tolerance for any attempt to exploit Sanatan, faith of devotees,’ says CM Yogi after arrests in Ram temple donation theft case</a>&nbsp;The UN said international search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries are travelling to Venezuela to help look for survivors.&nbsp;<h2>Foreign aid, support pour for rescue and relief</h2>&nbsp;International rescue teams started arriving late Thursday. The Dominican Republic was the first to deploy personnel to La Guaira, while Mexico sent 250 rescuers, El Salvador 188, Spain nearly 100, and Colombia dispatched a 63-member rescue team. Switzerland and Germany have also sent rescue crews with search dogs and specialised equipment.&nbsp;The disaster has struck Venezuela, which is already weakened by years of economic crisis, political instability and deteriorating infrastructure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-drop-to-pre-war-level-as-oman-affirms-no-transit-fees-for-crossing-hormuz-1782395148857">Oil prices drop to pre-war level as Oman affirms no transit fees for crossing Hormuz</a>&nbsp;The United Nations' migration agency estimates that nearly seven million people could be affected and has begun supplying emergency shelters and relief materials.The Caracas Stock Exchange remained closed after being converted into an aid collection centre.Despite the widespread destruction, foreign energy companies said operations in Venezuela’s vital oil sector had not suffered major disruptions, with key infrastructure largely spared.&nbsp;<h2>US temporarily lifts sanctions on Venezuela</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has temporarily removed sanctions on Venezuela. This will enable the Venezuelan government to make temporary transactions for earthquake relief, which would not be possible otherwise due to economic sanctions in place.This exemption will be in place until 23 October, said the New York Times report.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-ceo-meets-pm-modi-says-e-com-giant-to-invest-48bn-in-india-by-2030-expand-ai-cloud-infra-1782387595374">Amazon CEO meets PM Modi, says e-com giant to invest $48bn in India by 2030, expand AI, cloud infra</a>&nbsp;The United States announced $150 million in earthquake assistance after temporarily easing sanctions to facilitate humanitarian aid. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would deploy rescue teams, while the Pentagon would help support operations at Caracas’ damaged airport.

A website of the Venezuelan government set up to report missing persons had listed around 50,000 unaccounted-for individuals by Friday morning. The US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000.

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez said on Friday that the death toll from the devastating earthquakes in the country has risen to 589, while 2,980 people have been injured. She also announced the militarisation of La Guaira, the worst-affected province. “We are going to rescue the people who are trapped,” she said, adding, “We are working tirelessly on this task.” Rodríguez said dozens of people have been rescued alive. “It brings us joy that they can embrace their families and loved ones,” she said. “There have been 214 aftershocks so far. This demonstrates and reflects the seismic activity in our territory,” she said, adding that the worst-hit state of La Guaira will be “militarised” to help the emergency response. Rodriguez thanked countries for their assistance, saying foreign rescue teams had been deployed across different affected regions. Also Read: China pledges stronger backing for Bangladesh’s BRICS, SCO ambitions as trade and connectivity top agenda Govt website lists 50,000 as missing Meanwhile, authorities warned that hundreds of people remain trapped or missing. A government website set up to report missing persons had listed around 50,000 unaccounted-for individuals by Friday morning. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck around 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening during a public holiday. The US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000. Before this disaster, the deadliest earthquake struck Venezuela in 1967, claiming 240 lives. La Guaira, the coastal region north of Caracas, was the worst affected by Wednesday’s twin earthquakes and has been declared a “disaster zone”, with at least 100 buildings collapsed, including high-rise apartment blocks. Residents continued searching for survivors with their bare hands and basic tools amid complaints about the lack of heavy rescue equipment. Also Read: ‘Zero tolerance for any attempt to exploit Sanatan, faith of devotees,’ says CM Yogi after arrests in Ram temple donation theft case The UN said international search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries are travelling to Venezuela to help look for survivors. Foreign aid, support pour for rescue and relief International rescue teams started arriving late Thursday. The Dominican Republic was the first to deploy personnel to La Guaira, while Mexico sent 250 rescuers, El Salvador 188, Spain nearly 100, and Colombia dispatched a 63-member rescue team. Switzerland and Germany have also sent rescue crews with search dogs and specialised equipment. The disaster has struck Venezuela, which is already weakened by years of economic crisis, political instability and deteriorating infrastructure. Also Read: Oil prices drop to pre-war level as Oman affirms no transit fees for crossing Hormuz The United Nations' migration agency estimates that nearly seven million people could be affected and has begun supplying emergency shelters and relief materials. The Caracas Stock Exchange remained closed after being converted into an aid collection centre. Despite the widespread destruction, foreign energy companies said operations in Venezuela’s vital oil sector had not suffered major disruptions, with key infrastructure largely spared. US temporarily lifts sanctions on Venezuela Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has temporarily removed sanctions on Venezuela. This will enable the Venezuelan government to make temporary transactions for earthquake relief, which would not be possible otherwise due to economic sanctions in place. This exemption will be in place until 23 October, said the New York Times report. Also Read: Amazon CEO meets PM Modi, says e-com giant to invest $48bn in India by 2030, expand AI, cloud infra The United States announced $150 million in earthquake assistance after temporarily easing sanctions to facilitate humanitarian aid. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would deploy rescue teams, while the Pentagon would help support operations at Caracas’ damaged airport.

A website of the Venezuelan government set up to report missing persons had listed around 50,000 unaccounted-for individuals by Friday morning. The US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000.

Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas

A wild elephant attacked a bus carrying air force personnel in Kirinda, a town in Sri Lanka. The elephant smashed through the vehicle's front windshield and passenger door glass. The incident occurred on June 23, 2026, in the island's southern province. The bus sustained structural damage, while no injuries were reported.&nbsp;Similar incidents were reported earlier in Sri Lanka. In June, a video circulated showing a wild elephant completely flipping a passenger van on its side, and it started raiding it for fruits and food supplies. Another wild elephant attacked a minivan near Yala National Park, lifting it and tearing a door off while searching for snacks after passengers attempted to feed it.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sspx-pope-leo-xvi-bishop-consecrations-1782476872428">Traditionalist Catholics reject Pope Leo XVI and Vatican authority in a dramatic showdown</a>The attack by Wild Animal to forest boundaries is common in Sri Lanka. Experts suggest this is particularly due to the reduced habitat of wild animals, and further, people aggravate the aggression by offering food while passing by. This makes these animals associate food with vehicles, leading them to approach and attack vehicle on not recieving treats.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ਜਦੋਂ Elephant ਨੇ ਫੌਜੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਬੱਸ ਉੱਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Elephant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elephant</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/srilanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#srilanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mv0rzMQfzw">pic.twitter.com/Mv0rzMQfzw</a>&mdash; BBC News Punjabi (@bbcnewspunjabi) <a href="https://x.com/bbcnewspunjabi/status/2070481292701925403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A wild elephant smashed the windshield of a bus carrying Sri Lankan Air Force personnel in Kirinda, highlighting the country's growing human-elephant conflict.

A wild elephant attacked a bus carrying air force personnel in Kirinda, a town in Sri Lanka. The elephant smashed through the vehicle's front windshield and passenger door glass. The incident occurred on June 23, 2026, in the island's southern province. The bus sustained structural damage, while no injuries were reported. Similar incidents were reported earlier in Sri Lanka. In June, a video circulated showing a wild elephant completely flipping a passenger van on its side, and it started raiding it for fruits and food supplies. Another wild elephant attacked a minivan near Yala National Park, lifting it and tearing a door off while searching for snacks after passengers attempted to feed it. Also Read: Traditionalist Catholics reject Pope Leo XVI and Vatican authority in a dramatic showdown The attack by Wild Animal to forest boundaries is common in Sri Lanka. Experts suggest this is particularly due to the reduced habitat of wild animals, and further, people aggravate the aggression by offering food while passing by. This makes these animals associate food with vehicles, leading them to approach and attack vehicle on not recieving treats.

A wild elephant smashed the windshield of a bus carrying Sri Lankan Air Force personnel in Kirinda, highlighting the country's growing human-elephant conflict.

Watch: Wild elephant attacks Air Force bus in Sri Lanka, passengers escape unhurt

On Wednesday (Jun 24), powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, resulting in devastation across the country and killing 589 people as rescuers race to find survivors below the collapsed buildings. Just seconds before the earthquake hit, many Android users received an alert on their smartphones. The notification was sent through Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System and warned users that an earthquake was detected nearby, giving some people enough time to take cover and save lives. This has highlighted how technology can provide seconds of advanced warning during seismic emergencies. Google’s alert system has gained attention following that notification, with people, including in India, asking whether it is available here.<h2>Is Google’s earthquake alert system available in India?</h2>Yes. Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System has been available in India since September 2023. According to the company, it was launched in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences. The system can provide Android users with automatic early warning alerts when there is an earthquake in their area.<h2>How does Google's earthquake alert system work?</h2>While Google’s system cannot predict earthquakes, it can detect shaking in the region. According to Google, each Android smartphone is equipped with tiny accelerometers, which can detect seismic activity. When a phone is plugged in and charging, it can detect the early shaking of an earthquake. If several phones detect the shaking at the same time, Google’s server uses the information to determine whether an earthquake may be occurring in the region. It also estimates the epicentre and magnitude.The server then sends alerts to phones in nearby regions within seconds due to the speed of the internet, reaching phones several seconds before a massive earthquake hits. In India, the alerts are available in regional languages that are supported by Android.<h2>How do users receive alerts?</h2>To receive earthquake warning alerts on phones in India, people need an Android smartphone running Android 5.0 or later. The device should also be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data connectivity, with location services enabled. For alerts to come through, the Android Earthquake Alerts settings should be switched on in the phone.Users who do not wish to receive the alerts can disable them from their phone settings.<h2>More than just alerts</h2>Google also provides earthquake-related information through Google Search. Searching for terms like “earthquake near me” can display details about recent seismic activity along with official safety guidance.The alerts issued during the Venezuela earthquakes have brought renewed focus to how early warning technology works. Although these systems do not predict earthquakes, they can provide users with a few seconds of notice after a quake begins, depending on their distance from the epicentre.

The Venezuela earthquake has put Google's Android earthquake alerts in the spotlight. But is the feature available in India? Here’s what you need to know.

On Wednesday (Jun 24), powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, resulting in devastation across the country and killing 589 people as rescuers race to find survivors below the collapsed buildings. Just seconds before the earthquake hit, many Android users received an alert on their smartphones. The notification was sent through Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System and warned users that an earthquake was detected nearby, giving some people enough time to take cover and save lives. This has highlighted how technology can provide seconds of advanced warning during seismic emergencies. Google’s alert system has gained attention following that notification, with people, including in India, asking whether it is available here. Is Google’s earthquake alert system available in India? Yes. Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System has been available in India since September 2023. According to the company, it was launched in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences. The system can provide Android users with automatic early warning alerts when there is an earthquake in their area. How does Google's earthquake alert system work? While Google’s system cannot predict earthquakes, it can detect shaking in the region. According to Google, each Android smartphone is equipped with tiny accelerometers, which can detect seismic activity. When a phone is plugged in and charging, it can detect the early shaking of an earthquake. If several phones detect the shaking at the same time, Google’s server uses the information to determine whether an earthquake may be occurring in the region. It also estimates the epicentre and magnitude. The server then sends alerts to phones in nearby regions within seconds due to the speed of the internet, reaching phones several seconds before a massive earthquake hits. In India, the alerts are available in regional languages that are supported by Android. How do users receive alerts? To receive earthquake warning alerts on phones in India, people need an Android smartphone running Android 5.0 or later. The device should also be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data connectivity, with location services enabled. For alerts to come through, the Android Earthquake Alerts settings should be switched on in the phone. Users who do not wish to receive the alerts can disable them from their phone settings. More than just alerts Google also provides earthquake-related information through Google Search. Searching for terms like “earthquake near me” can display details about recent seismic activity along with official safety guidance. The alerts issued during the Venezuela earthquakes have brought renewed focus to how early warning technology works. Although these systems do not predict earthquakes, they can provide users with a few seconds of notice after a quake begins, depending on their distance from the epicentre.

The Venezuela earthquake has put Google's Android earthquake alerts in the spotlight. But is the feature available in India? Here’s what you need to know.

Is Google’s earthquake alert system available in India? Here’s what you need to know

A section of traditional Catholics is turning against the authority of Pope Leo XVI. They are consecrating four bishops next week without papal consent. The group Society of St Pius X (SSPX) is seeking a schismatic outsider status instead of reconciliation with the papacy. They do not mind that their four bishops will not be in communion with Rome. The July 1 event marks nearly four decades since the group SSPX became a thorn in the Vatican's side. The SSPX superior, Fr Davide Pagliarani, has justified the consecrations as a “state of necessity” to save souls.“The ceremony of July 1st will have no other purpose than to ensure the continued administration of the sacraments of Holy Orders and Confirmation, together with those sacramentals reserved to bishops, according to the traditional rite of the Holy Roman Church and the immemorial Faith,” said Pagliarani.&nbsp;They have organised a large-scale, four-day, livestreamed event at their Swiss seminary, complete with booking accommodation, car pooling network and custom levelled festival wine for attendees.Pope Leo has warned that any act of consecration will automatically result in excommunication. While Pope Leo tried to bring them back to the mainstream, they hit a brick wall over ideological contradictions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-rare-earth-processing-military-bases-1782471550958">US Army to build rare earth processing plants on military bases to cut China dependence</a><h2>What is the Society of St Pius X (SSPX)?</h2>&nbsp;"To me, they look really like Traditionalism 2.0," said Massimo Faggioli, professor of theology at Villanova University, Leo's alma mater. The group has embraced the digital branding of its anti-modern, traditional and religious identity. "Their game is not about getting back into the fold, but getting back into the monopoly of that ultra-traditionalist identity," said Faggioli.&nbsp;The group split with the papacy over the modernising reforms of the 1960s Second Vatican Council. The group prefer their Masses in Latin and says that the post-Vatican II Church is awash in heresies and strayed from the core of Catholicism. It argues that its uncompromising traditionalism is the only shield against the peril of modernism. The group first broke with the Vatican in 1988, when its founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, consecrated four bishops without papal consent. The Vatican then excommunicated them; the group still has no legal status. It continues to grow parallel to the Vatican- with two bishops, 733 priests, 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates and 250 religious sisters representing 50 nationalities.&nbsp;

The Society of St. Pius X plans to consecrate four bishops without papal approval, risking excommunication and deepening its decades-long split with the Vatican.

A section of traditional Catholics is turning against the authority of Pope Leo XVI. They are consecrating four bishops next week without papal consent. The group Society of St Pius X (SSPX) is seeking a schismatic outsider status instead of reconciliation with the papacy. They do not mind that their four bishops will not be in communion with Rome. The July 1 event marks nearly four decades since the group SSPX became a thorn in the Vatican's side. The SSPX superior, Fr Davide Pagliarani, has justified the consecrations as a “state of necessity” to save souls. “The ceremony of July 1st will have no other purpose than to ensure the continued administration of the sacraments of Holy Orders and Confirmation, together with those sacramentals reserved to bishops, according to the traditional rite of the Holy Roman Church and the immemorial Faith,” said Pagliarani. They have organised a large-scale, four-day, livestreamed event at their Swiss seminary, complete with booking accommodation, car pooling network and custom levelled festival wine for attendees. Pope Leo has warned that any act of consecration will automatically result in excommunication. While Pope Leo tried to bring them back to the mainstream, they hit a brick wall over ideological contradictions. Also Read: US Army to build rare earth processing plants on military bases to cut China dependence What is the Society of St Pius X (SSPX)? "To me, they look really like Traditionalism 2.0," said Massimo Faggioli, professor of theology at Villanova University, Leo's alma mater. The group has embraced the digital branding of its anti-modern, traditional and religious identity. "Their game is not about getting back into the fold, but getting back into the monopoly of that ultra-traditionalist identity," said Faggioli. The group split with the papacy over the modernising reforms of the 1960s Second Vatican Council. The group prefer their Masses in Latin and says that the post-Vatican II Church is awash in heresies and strayed from the core of Catholicism. It argues that its uncompromising traditionalism is the only shield against the peril of modernism. The group first broke with the Vatican in 1988, when its founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, consecrated four bishops without papal consent. The Vatican then excommunicated them; the group still has no legal status. It continues to grow parallel to the Vatican- with two bishops, 733 priests, 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates and 250 religious sisters representing 50 nationalities.

The Society of St. Pius X plans to consecrate four bishops without papal approval, risking excommunication and deepening its decades-long split with the Vatican.

Traditionalist Catholics reject Pope Leo XVI and Vatican authority in a dramatic showdown

Asian stock markets saw sharp declines on Friday as a global selloff in technology shares intensified, resulting in South Korea's main stock index, KOSPI, falling over 8 per cent, forcing authorities to temporarily halt trading through a circuit breaker mechanism. Japan's Nikkei 225 index also fell nearly 5 per cent amid fears of recent surge in the artificial intelligence-related stocks has run too far and too fast. In addition, Hong Kong's Hang Seng also declined 2.4 per cent, the blue-chip CSI300 index of China fell by 2.9 per cent, and the Shanghai Composite lost over 2 per cent. Friday's losses came after another broad selloff across Asian markets earlier this week. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index, excluding Japan, declined 3.8 per cent, marking the biggest weekly decline in more than a year. This followed a strong rally in regional markets earlier in the quarter.<h3>Why the sudden fall of Asian stock markets?</h3>The development unfolded after American technology giant Apple announced to jack up prices of some of its product lines by as much as 20 per cent. It raised prices across its iPad and MacBook, citing a rise in chip costs due to the recent global AI surge. Apple has also increased prices across TVs and HomePods. Additionally, the Asian market tanked as the South Korean government announced to tax unrealised gains on equities, which weighed on sentiment for AI and chip-related stocks. Following the announcement on Thursday, it triggered panic across markets, prompting investors to opt to reduce their exposures in AI and tech stocks. The Nasdaq Composite index in the US fell by 0.5 per cent overnight. Similarly, Apple's shares declined by more than 6 per cent. Competitor Dell declined 5.5 per cent, and the rest of the other big tech stocks in the US also ended lower. In Asia, shares of SK Hynix tumbled more than 8 per cent on Friday, while TSMC and Samsung recorded losses between 2 and 5 per cent.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-is-making-xbox-consoles-more-expensive-here-s-why-microsoft-raised-prices-1782460762910">AI is making Xbox consoles more expensive. Here's why Microsoft raised prices</a><h3>Shortages of graphics and memory chips</h3>The decline comes as companies worldwide continue to grapple with rising costs and shortages of graphics and memory chips. The global semiconductor industry is largely dominated by major players such as SK Hynix, Samsung and Micron Technology. These manufacturers have increasingly prioritised the production of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI data centres because they generate higher profits. As a result, production capacity for chips commonly used in consumer electronics—including smartphones, personal computers, laptops and other devices—has been significantly reduced. The shift has contributed to a shortage of consumer-grade chips, driving up prices across the electronics sector. The situation, often referred to as the "RAMageddon" shortage, has prompted companies such as HP Inc., Dell Technologies and ASUS to increase prices. Shortly after Apple announced price hikes on Monday, gaming giant Xbox also revealed price increases of up to 25 per cent, marking its second such move within a year. Industry experts also underscored that Asian stock markets have come under intense pressure in recent months due to geopolitical tensions, soaring oil prices, and growing competition from China, along with concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) valuations. Reacting to the recent development in Asia's overall stock market, Harsha Vardhana VM, Founder and CEO of Atom Financial Services Group, said the current selloff is driven not only by a single factor but several challenges hitting the markets simultaneously. "Oil is probably the most straightforward piece. Once the US-Iran conflict pushed crude past $100 a barrel, the damage spread quickly and widely. South Korea, Japan, and India do not produce enough oil domestically to absorb that kind of price move without feeling it. Companies saw their costs go up. Households started pulling back on spending. And then the Federal Reserve, watching energy keep inflation elevated, found itself with fewer reasons to cut rates. A cautious Fed means a stronger dollar, and a stronger dollar is generally bad news for Asian currencies and the foreign investors who hold Asian assets. So what started as a geopolitical shock in the Middle East ended up sitting in the profit margins of a Korean steelmaker or an Indian airline. That is how connected these things are," Harsha Vardhana VM said.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-intercepts-suspected-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-at-sea-1782474149108/embed<h3>AI rally loses momentum</h3>The technology sector, which powered most of the market of Asia gains in 2025, has also become a source of concern. South Korea and Taiwan benefited enormously from the booming demand for semiconductors and AI-related technologies. However, investors are now having several questions about whether stock prices accurately reflect company earnings. According to Vardhana, valuations in the semiconductor sector became increasingly disconnected from fundamentals. "The AI story is a bit more uncomfortable to tell, because it involves markets getting carried away with a genuinely real theme. South Korea and Taiwan had a spectacular 2025. The world wanted semiconductors, and these were the countries that made them. But at some point, the valuations stopped reflecting what companies were actually earning and started reflecting what investors hoped they would earn. When Broadcom came out in early June with AI chip revenue that fell short of expectations, it was not a disaster on its own. But it was enough to remind everyone that the earnings story had not quite caught up to the price story, and valuations were stretched too. In markets priced the way those were, that reminder tends to be expensive," he said. "Most of the coverage around the Asian selloff has focused on oil prices and chip stocks, and those are fair explanations as far as they go. But there is a bigger and more unsettling story sitting underneath all of it that is not getting the attention it deserves. For a long time, the Asian growth story rested on a fairly comfortable assumption. Countries like South Korea, Taiwan and Japan had built real advantages in industries the world depended on. What 2026 is starting to reveal is that some of that advantage was genuinely earned, and some of it was there simply because China had not yet decided to show up and compete for it," he added.<h3>China's growing competitive challenge</h3>Beyond short-term concerns over oil prices and technology stocks, Vardhana believes a more significant structural shift is taking place across Asia. For decades, countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Japan built strong competitive advantages in sectors ranging from semiconductors and batteries to automobiles and shipbuilding. However, China is increasingly challenging that dominance. "What 2026 is starting to reveal is that some of that advantage was genuinely earned, and some of it was there simply because China had not yet decided to show up and compete for it. South Korea is the place where this is most stark. The country built its entire economic identity around a handful of industries. Semiconductors. Displays. Batteries. Automobiles. Shipbuilding. For decades, these were South Korean industries, and that was more or less taken for granted. Chinese firms have reportedly now overtaken South Korea in seven of those eight categories. Not nibbled away at the edges. Overtaken. And the money knew this before the headlines did. Foreign investors had been quietly selling out of Samsung for months before the big crash. &nbsp;The 12.2% single-day fall in the KOSPI in March was not a shock to anyone who had been paying attention. It was more like a conclusion that markets had been slowly writing for a while and finally signed off on," Vardhana said. He added that China's own equity markets have their problems; however, separate from the role of the Shanghai Composite on any given day, the competitive pressure that Chinese manufacturers are putting on the rest of the region is not a cyclical thing. Vardhana noted that it does not ease when sentiment improves or when a ceasefire stops, as it is a slow, structural reshaping of who makes what and at what price. That is the part of this story worth sitting with.<h3>What does it mean for India?</h3>India faces a different set of challenges. While the country has benefited from domestic growth drivers such as interest rate cuts, recovering consumption and government-led infrastructure spending, valuations remain demanding. Vardhana warned that Indian equities have little room for disappointment. "India is caught in the crossfire even though its problems are different in nature. The domestic fundamentals, rate cuts, a recovering consumption cycle, and a government capex push are still intact. But at a forward P/E of 23 times, there is no room for earnings to disappoint in the second half of the year. Clients with heavy exposure to global tech funds or IT-heavy portfolios should be looking at rebalancing toward domestic consumption and quality financials. Gold deserves a place in the allocation while oil and geopolitical risk remain elevated. And anyone waiting for FII flows to rescue Indian markets in the near term should probably plan around domestic conviction instead," he further said.

Industry experts highlighted that Asian stock markets have come under intense pressure in recent months due to geopolitical tensions, soaring oil prices, and growing competition from China, along with concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) valuations. 

Asian stock markets saw sharp declines on Friday as a global selloff in technology shares intensified, resulting in South Korea's main stock index, KOSPI, falling over 8 per cent, forcing authorities to temporarily halt trading through a circuit breaker mechanism. Japan's Nikkei 225 index also fell nearly 5 per cent amid fears of recent surge in the artificial intelligence-related stocks has run too far and too fast. In addition, Hong Kong's Hang Seng also declined 2.4 per cent, the blue-chip CSI300 index of China fell by 2.9 per cent, and the Shanghai Composite lost over 2 per cent. Friday's losses came after another broad selloff across Asian markets earlier this week. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index, excluding Japan, declined 3.8 per cent, marking the biggest weekly decline in more than a year. This followed a strong rally in regional markets earlier in the quarter. Why the sudden fall of Asian stock markets? The development unfolded after American technology giant Apple announced to jack up prices of some of its product lines by as much as 20 per cent. It raised prices across its iPad and MacBook, citing a rise in chip costs due to the recent global AI surge. Apple has also increased prices across TVs and HomePods. Additionally, the Asian market tanked as the South Korean government announced to tax unrealised gains on equities, which weighed on sentiment for AI and chip-related stocks. Following the announcement on Thursday, it triggered panic across markets, prompting investors to opt to reduce their exposures in AI and tech stocks. The Nasdaq Composite index in the US fell by 0.5 per cent overnight. Similarly, Apple's shares declined by more than 6 per cent. Competitor Dell declined 5.5 per cent, and the rest of the other big tech stocks in the US also ended lower. In Asia, shares of SK Hynix tumbled more than 8 per cent on Friday, while TSMC and Samsung recorded losses between 2 and 5 per cent. Also read: AI is making Xbox consoles more expensive. Here's why Microsoft raised prices Shortages of graphics and memory chips The decline comes as companies worldwide continue to grapple with rising costs and shortages of graphics and memory chips. The global semiconductor industry is largely dominated by major players such as SK Hynix, Samsung and Micron Technology. These manufacturers have increasingly prioritised the production of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI data centres because they generate higher profits. As a result, production capacity for chips commonly used in consumer electronics—including smartphones, personal computers, laptops and other devices—has been significantly reduced. The shift has contributed to a shortage of consumer-grade chips, driving up prices across the electronics sector. The situation, often referred to as the "RAMageddon" shortage, has prompted companies such as HP Inc., Dell Technologies and ASUS to increase prices. Shortly after Apple announced price hikes on Monday, gaming giant Xbox also revealed price increases of up to 25 per cent, marking its second such move within a year. Industry experts also underscored that Asian stock markets have come under intense pressure in recent months due to geopolitical tensions, soaring oil prices, and growing competition from China, along with concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) valuations. Reacting to the recent development in Asia's overall stock market, Harsha Vardhana VM, Founder and CEO of Atom Financial Services Group, said the current selloff is driven not only by a single factor but several challenges hitting the markets simultaneously. "Oil is probably the most straightforward piece. Once the US-Iran conflict pushed crude past $100 a barrel, the damage spread quickly and widely. South Korea, Japan, and India do not produce enough oil domestically to absorb that kind of price move without feeling it. Companies saw their costs go up. Households started pulling back on spending. And then the Federal Reserve, watching energy keep inflation elevated, found itself with fewer reasons to cut rates. A cautious Fed means a stronger dollar, and a stronger dollar is generally bad news for Asian currencies and the foreign investors who hold Asian assets. So what started as a geopolitical shock in the Middle East ended up sitting in the profit margins of a Korean steelmaker or an Indian airline. That is how connected these things are," Harsha Vardhana VM said. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-intercepts-suspected-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-at-sea-1782474149108/embed AI rally loses momentum The technology sector, which powered most of the market of Asia gains in 2025, has also become a source of concern. South Korea and Taiwan benefited enormously from the booming demand for semiconductors and AI-related technologies. However, investors are now having several questions about whether stock prices accurately reflect company earnings. According to Vardhana, valuations in the semiconductor sector became increasingly disconnected from fundamentals. "The AI story is a bit more uncomfortable to tell, because it involves markets getting carried away with a genuinely real theme. South Korea and Taiwan had a spectacular 2025. The world wanted semiconductors, and these were the countries that made them. But at some point, the valuations stopped reflecting what companies were actually earning and started reflecting what investors hoped they would earn. When Broadcom came out in early June with AI chip revenue that fell short of expectations, it was not a disaster on its own. But it was enough to remind everyone that the earnings story had not quite caught up to the price story, and valuations were stretched too. In markets priced the way those were, that reminder tends to be expensive," he said. "Most of the coverage around the Asian selloff has focused on oil prices and chip stocks, and those are fair explanations as far as they go. But there is a bigger and more unsettling story sitting underneath all of it that is not getting the attention it deserves. For a long time, the Asian growth story rested on a fairly comfortable assumption. Countries like South Korea, Taiwan and Japan had built real advantages in industries the world depended on. What 2026 is starting to reveal is that some of that advantage was genuinely earned, and some of it was there simply because China had not yet decided to show up and compete for it," he added. China's growing competitive challenge Beyond short-term concerns over oil prices and technology stocks, Vardhana believes a more significant structural shift is taking place across Asia. For decades, countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Japan built strong competitive advantages in sectors ranging from semiconductors and batteries to automobiles and shipbuilding. However, China is increasingly challenging that dominance. "What 2026 is starting to reveal is that some of that advantage was genuinely earned, and some of it was there simply because China had not yet decided to show up and compete for it. South Korea is the place where this is most stark. The country built its entire economic identity around a handful of industries. Semiconductors. Displays. Batteries. Automobiles. Shipbuilding. For decades, these were South Korean industries, and that was more or less taken for granted. Chinese firms have reportedly now overtaken South Korea in seven of those eight categories. Not nibbled away at the edges. Overtaken. And the money knew this before the headlines did. Foreign investors had been quietly selling out of Samsung for months before the big crash. The 12.2% single-day fall in the KOSPI in March was not a shock to anyone who had been paying attention. It was more like a conclusion that markets had been slowly writing for a while and finally signed off on," Vardhana said. He added that China's own equity markets have their problems; however, separate from the role of the Shanghai Composite on any given day, the competitive pressure that Chinese manufacturers are putting on the rest of the region is not a cyclical thing. Vardhana noted that it does not ease when sentiment improves or when a ceasefire stops, as it is a slow, structural reshaping of who makes what and at what price. That is the part of this story worth sitting with. What does it mean for India? India faces a different set of challenges. While the country has benefited from domestic growth drivers such as interest rate cuts, recovering consumption and government-led infrastructure spending, valuations remain demanding. Vardhana warned that Indian equities have little room for disappointment. "India is caught in the crossfire even though its problems are different in nature. The domestic fundamentals, rate cuts, a recovering consumption cycle, and a government capex push are still intact. But at a forward P/E of 23 times, there is no room for earnings to disappoint in the second half of the year. Clients with heavy exposure to global tech funds or IT-heavy portfolios should be looking at rebalancing toward domestic consumption and quality financials. Gold deserves a place in the allocation while oil and geopolitical risk remain elevated. And anyone waiting for FII flows to rescue Indian markets in the near term should probably plan around domestic conviction instead," he further said.

Industry experts highlighted that Asian stock markets have come under intense pressure in recent months due to geopolitical tensions, soaring oil prices, and growing competition from China, along with concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) valuations.&nbsp;

From South Korea to Japan: Why are Asian stock markets bleeding billions? Expert reveals shocking details

An earthquake measuring 6.7-magnitude on the Richter scale struck off the southern Philippines on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said. Less than three weeks back a major tremor in the same area left more than 80 people dead.&nbsp;The epicentre of the quake was at a depth of 65.7 kilometres (41 miles) about 21 kilometres southwest of Mindanao island's Sarangani town.&nbsp;"It was kind of strong, but it was quick. We saw the table and some of the lights shaking," said Santa Maria town rescue official Jerson Talahig, as reported by AFP.<h2>The Venezuela tragedy</h2>On the other hand, the death toll in the Venezuela earthquake has climbed to 589, while 2,980 people have been injured, said Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez said on Friday.&nbsp;“There have been 214 aftershocks so far. This demonstrates and reflects the seismic activity in our territory,” she said, adding that the worst-hit state of La Guaira will be “militarised” to help the emergency response.&nbsp;Rodriguez thanked countries for their assistance, saying foreign rescue teams had been deployed across different affected regions.&nbsp;Meanwhile, authorities warned that hundreds of people remain trapped or missing. A government website set up to report missing persons had listed around 50,000 unaccounted-for individuals by Friday morning.&nbsp;The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck around 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening during a public holiday. The US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000. &nbsp;

The epicentre of the quake was at a depth of 65.7 kilometres (41 miles) about 21 kilometres southwest of Mindanao islands Sarangani town.

An earthquake measuring 6.7-magnitude on the Richter scale struck off the southern Philippines on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said. Less than three weeks back a major tremor in the same area left more than 80 people dead. The epicentre of the quake was at a depth of 65.7 kilometres (41 miles) about 21 kilometres southwest of Mindanao island's Sarangani town. "It was kind of strong, but it was quick. We saw the table and some of the lights shaking," said Santa Maria town rescue official Jerson Talahig, as reported by AFP. The Venezuela tragedy On the other hand, the death toll in the Venezuela earthquake has climbed to 589, while 2,980 people have been injured, said Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez said on Friday. “There have been 214 aftershocks so far. This demonstrates and reflects the seismic activity in our territory,” she said, adding that the worst-hit state of La Guaira will be “militarised” to help the emergency response. Rodriguez thanked countries for their assistance, saying foreign rescue teams had been deployed across different affected regions. Meanwhile, authorities warned that hundreds of people remain trapped or missing. A government website set up to report missing persons had listed around 50,000 unaccounted-for individuals by Friday morning. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck around 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening during a public holiday. The US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000.

The epicentre of the quake was at a depth of 65.7 kilometres (41 miles) about 21 kilometres southwest of Mindanao island's Sarangani town.

Philippines rattled by magnitude 6.7 quake, no casualties reported so far

New Delhi: China has thrown its weight behind Bangladesh’s bid to join BRICS and its application to become a partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as the two countries vowed to deepen their “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” during a high-level visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Beijing.&nbsp;In a detailed joint communiqué released after talks in Beijing, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties and work towards building “a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era”.&nbsp;The document highlights trade, infrastructure, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges as central pillars of cooperation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zero-tolerance-for-any-attempt-to-exploit-sanatan-faith-of-devotees-says-cm-yogi-after-arrests-in-ram-temple-donation-theft-case-1782473006937">‘Zero tolerance for any attempt to exploit Sanatan, faith of devotees,’ says CM Yogi after arrests in Ram temple donation theft case</a>&nbsp;“Both sides agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to jointly build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, to bring about more benefits to the two countries and peoples,” the communiqué stated.&nbsp;Bangladesh PM Rahman, who was in China from 22-26 June at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang and also attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos) in Dalian, held wide-ranging discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li and other senior leaders.&nbsp;Trade and investment featured prominently in the talks. China committed to supporting Bangladesh’s industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, while Bangladesh welcomed zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines and pledged a favourable environment for Chinese enterprises.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-drop-to-pre-war-level-as-oman-affirms-no-transit-fees-for-crossing-hormuz-1782395148857">Oil prices drop to pre-war level as Oman affirms no transit fees for crossing Hormuz</a> The two sides agreed to advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project and the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram.&nbsp;Connectivity projects also dominated discussions. The communiqué mentioned exploring “newer options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between China and Bangladesh,” alongside cooperation in green energy, photovoltaic technology, and disaster management.&nbsp;&nbsp;China offered support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-ceo-meets-pm-modi-says-e-com-giant-to-invest-48bn-in-india-by-2030-expand-ai-cloud-infra-1782387595374">Amazon CEO meets PM Modi, says e-com giant to invest $48bn in India by 2030, expand AI, cloud infra</a>&nbsp;Bangladesh reaffirmed its strong commitment to the One-China principle, stating that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China” and opposed any form of “Taiwan independence”. China, in turn, backed Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independent development path.&nbsp;The two countries also agreed to deepen defence cooperation, including exchanges, visits and training, and to maintain engagement on UN peacekeeping. Bangladesh expressed appreciation for China’s role in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, with Beijing promising continued humanitarian support and facilitation of a solution with Myanmar.&nbsp;In the realm of multilateralism, the communiqué noted China’s support for Bangladesh playing a “greater role in multilateral institutions such as the U.N.” and welcomed more countries to join regional processes.

Bangladesh PM Rahman, who was in China from 22-26 June at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang and also attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos) in Dalian, held wide-ranging discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li and other senior leaders.

New Delhi: China has thrown its weight behind Bangladesh’s bid to join BRICS and its application to become a partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as the two countries vowed to deepen their “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” during a high-level visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Beijing. In a detailed joint communiqué released after talks in Beijing, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties and work towards building “a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era”. The document highlights trade, infrastructure, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges as central pillars of cooperation. Also Read: ‘Zero tolerance for any attempt to exploit Sanatan, faith of devotees,’ says CM Yogi after arrests in Ram temple donation theft case “Both sides agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to jointly build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, to bring about more benefits to the two countries and peoples,” the communiqué stated. Bangladesh PM Rahman, who was in China from 22-26 June at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang and also attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos) in Dalian, held wide-ranging discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li and other senior leaders. Trade and investment featured prominently in the talks. China committed to supporting Bangladesh’s industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, while Bangladesh welcomed zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines and pledged a favourable environment for Chinese enterprises. Also Read: Oil prices drop to pre-war level as Oman affirms no transit fees for crossing Hormuz The two sides agreed to advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project and the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram. Connectivity projects also dominated discussions. The communiqué mentioned exploring “newer options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between China and Bangladesh,” alongside cooperation in green energy, photovoltaic technology, and disaster management. China offered support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Also Read: Amazon CEO meets PM Modi, says e-com giant to invest $48bn in India by 2030, expand AI, cloud infra Bangladesh reaffirmed its strong commitment to the One-China principle, stating that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China” and opposed any form of “Taiwan independence”. China, in turn, backed Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independent development path. The two countries also agreed to deepen defence cooperation, including exchanges, visits and training, and to maintain engagement on UN peacekeeping. Bangladesh expressed appreciation for China’s role in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, with Beijing promising continued humanitarian support and facilitation of a solution with Myanmar. In the realm of multilateralism, the communiqué noted China’s support for Bangladesh playing a “greater role in multilateral institutions such as the U.N.” and welcomed more countries to join regional processes.

Bangladesh PM Rahman, who was in China from 22-26 June at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang and also attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos) in Dalian, held wide-ranging discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li and other senior leaders.

China pledges stronger backing for Bangladesh’s BRICS, SCO ambitions as trade and connectivity top agenda

The US army is planning to build mineral processing plants in military bases across the country. Pentagon has reached agreement with REalloys Inc, Titan Mining Corp, ioneer Ltd. and Energy Exploration Technologies to set up plants across various bases in the country, reuters reported. Since taking office US President has tried to reduce reliance on China, for rare earth mineral, graphite, lithium and boron, the US Army. This initiative is first of its kind leverages military properties to secure the defense supply chain, establish strategic stockpiles, and aggressively decouple from Chinese monopolies for advanced weapons, semiconductor and electric vehicle battries.&nbsp;Canadian miner Titan Mining will built and operate graphite purification facilities in at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas and Anniston Army Depot in Alabama. Its subsidiary, Empire State Mines has received conditional lease for two years for the negotiation and finalization of the formal Business Terms Agreements with the US Army, which could be extended for nearly 50 years.US based REalloys has also received long term agreement from US army to develop processing facilities for heavy rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium the ⁠Tooele Army Depot in Utah. REalloy said that it could start developing its facility as early as 2027. While construction of Titan's facilities is targeted to begin in the second half of that year.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-heckled-idf-graduation-go-home-1782469286041">'Go home!': Netanyahu heckled during IDF ceremony as he defends war record</a>While Energy Exploration Technology will develop a domestic lithium processing facility and Sydney based ioneer Ltd. will establish a specialised Boron processing plant.&nbsp;This is the first time US army has awarded commercial minning facility within military. It is supposed to reduce local zoning and environmental regulatory gridlock. Further reports suggest they are likely to put private capital, unlike tradition government contracts. This is a direct outcome of US President Donald Trump's executive order invoking emergency powers to boost critical minerals production capabilities signed on last March. The geopolitical tension refuses to simmer down as last week China's commerce department signed export controls on US rare earth companies MP Materials Corp and USA Rare Earth Inc.&nbsp;The United States is executing an aggressive "mine-to-magnet" reindustrialisation strategy. It has allorted a $725 million conditional loan to the Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital. Energy Fuels rapidly created a close loop western supply chain acquiring Germany's Vacuumschmelze (VAC) for $1.9 billion, which is one of the largest non-Chinese manufacturers of permanent rare-earth magnets.

The US Army has signed agreements to build rare earth, graphite, lithium and boron processing plants on military bases to reduce dependence on China's critical minerals.

The US army is planning to build mineral processing plants in military bases across the country. Pentagon has reached agreement with REalloys Inc, Titan Mining Corp, ioneer Ltd. and Energy Exploration Technologies to set up plants across various bases in the country, reuters reported. Since taking office US President has tried to reduce reliance on China, for rare earth mineral, graphite, lithium and boron, the US Army. This initiative is first of its kind leverages military properties to secure the defense supply chain, establish strategic stockpiles, and aggressively decouple from Chinese monopolies for advanced weapons, semiconductor and electric vehicle battries. Canadian miner Titan Mining will built and operate graphite purification facilities in at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas and Anniston Army Depot in Alabama. Its subsidiary, Empire State Mines has received conditional lease for two years for the negotiation and finalization of the formal Business Terms Agreements with the US Army, which could be extended for nearly 50 years. US based REalloys has also received long term agreement from US army to develop processing facilities for heavy rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium the ⁠Tooele Army Depot in Utah. REalloy said that it could start developing its facility as early as 2027. While construction of Titan's facilities is targeted to begin in the second half of that year. Also read: 'Go home!': Netanyahu heckled during IDF ceremony as he defends war record While Energy Exploration Technology will develop a domestic lithium processing facility and Sydney based ioneer Ltd. will establish a specialised Boron processing plant. This is the first time US army has awarded commercial minning facility within military. It is supposed to reduce local zoning and environmental regulatory gridlock. Further reports suggest they are likely to put private capital, unlike tradition government contracts. This is a direct outcome of US President Donald Trump's executive order invoking emergency powers to boost critical minerals production capabilities signed on last March. The geopolitical tension refuses to simmer down as last week China's commerce department signed export controls on US rare earth companies MP Materials Corp and USA Rare Earth Inc. The United States is executing an aggressive "mine-to-magnet" reindustrialisation strategy. It has allorted a $725 million conditional loan to the Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital. Energy Fuels rapidly created a close loop western supply chain acquiring Germany's Vacuumschmelze (VAC) for $1.9 billion, which is one of the largest non-Chinese manufacturers of permanent rare-earth magnets.

The US Army has signed agreements to build rare earth, graphite, lithium and boron processing plants on military bases to reduce dependence on China's critical minerals.

US Army to build rare earth processing plants on military bases to cut China dependence

What could be called 'artificial intelligence cannibalism' is allegedly being committed by Chinese AI firms targeting American AI company Anthropic. In a recent formal complaint, Anthropic publicly accused Chinese tech giant Alibaba's Qwen AI lab of conducting the largest known "adversarial distillation attack" to extract capabilities from its widely used Claude AI models. How does AI distillation work? Here is what you should know.<h2>What is Anthropic accusing Alibaba of doing?</h2>Ahead of the upcoming US Senate hearing on artificial intelligence, Anthropic sent a letter on &nbsp;June 10 to US Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/anthropic-says-alibaba-illicitly-extracted-claude-ai-model-capabilities-2026-06-24/">alleging </a>that millions of ‘AI distillation’ attacks were carried out by Alibaba's AI wing on Claude.The letter claimed that operators linked to Alibaba and its Qwen AI lab used approximately 25,000 fraudulent accounts to generate more than 28.8 million exchanges with Claude models. These exchanges consisted of interactions and prompts submitted to the AI model over a six-week period between 22 April and 5 June 2026. &nbsp;Anthropic described the attacks as an effort to "brazenly and illicitly" extract Claude's capabilities and called it the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/anthropic-claims-alibaba-ran-brazen-campaign-to-access-its-claude-ai-model-69d7a392">largest known </a>distillation attack against the company to date.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/are-ai-tools-reducing-people-s-critical-thinking-skills-1777272249863">Are AI tools reducing people’s critical thinking skills?</a><h2>What is an 'adversarial distillation attack'?</h2>An adversarial distillation attack is a technique in which a stronger AI model—in this case Claude—is queried at scale to collect high-quality responses and outputs from it. These responses are then used to train or improve weaker or less capable AI models. This method allows attackers to replicate advanced capabilities of large language models (LLMs), including reasoning, coding and agentic behaviour, at a fraction of the original training cost, without direct access to the model's weights or architecture.AI model distillation is increasingly being used as a low-cost method by competitors, particularly those facing computing or AI chip-related sanctions, to narrow the gap with leading US AI laboratories such as Anthropic, OpenAI and Google. Anthropic has been increasingly vocal about these threats.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-is-making-your-next-macbook-more-expensive-here-s-why-1782458264297">AI is making your next MacBook more expensive. Here's why</a><h2>Alibaba allegedly targeted Anthropic's agentic reasoning, autonomous and coding capabilities</h2>In the letter, Anthropic claimed that the alleged distillation campaign from China specifically targeted Claude's most valuable and commercially sensitive capabilities, including software engineering, coding, agentic reasoning, autonomous decision-making and task handling. According to the company, Claude's ability to perform long-horizon and complex tasks, as well as its advanced reasoning capabilities, were also targeted.Anthropic said these actions violated its terms of service and geographic access restrictions, given that Claude is not officially available in China, while allegedly ignoring repeated US government warnings about AI intellectual property theft.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/debate-continues-over-ai-s-impact-on-human-jobs-summer-davos-1782373302795/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/debate-continues-over-ai-s-impact-on-human-jobs-summer-davos-1782373302795/embed</a><h2>Past instances of AI distillation attacks targeting Anthropic</h2>This is not the first time that American AI companies have faced alleged distillation attacks. In February 2026, Anthropic publicly identified similar, although smaller-scale, campaigns by other Chinese AI labs. The company allegedly recorded around 150,000 exchanges from DeepSeek, more than 3.4 million exchanges from Moonshot AI, and approximately 13 million exchanges from MiniMax. These campaigns were significantly smaller than Alibaba's alleged 28.8 million exchanges.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-washing-is-here-fake-product-claims-citing-ai-as-cause-of-layoffs-and-more-and-no-ai-won-t-cure-diseases-doctors-will-1782370454223">'AI Washing': Fake product claims, citing AI as cause of layoffs, and more. And no, AI won't cure diseases, doctors will</a><h2>White House accusations of Chinese "industrial-scale" AI intellectual property theft</h2>Shortly after Anthropic sent the letter, the US Department of Commerce, on June 12, imposed restrictions on access to the company's newest AI models, Mythos and Fable, citing concerns that they could be used by military and intelligence entities in China and other countries of concern. Anthropic subsequently disabled global access to those models.Around the same time, Alibaba was added to the US Department of Defense's list of Chinese military companies, alongside several other Chinese firms. Alibaba is challenging that designation.Anthropic has called for coordinated government-industry action, greater threat intelligence sharing and stronger penalties to protect US leadership in artificial intelligence.The company has also expressed support for US government's efforts to combat AI intellectual property theft and reaffirmed its commitment to working with Congress and the administration on the issue. Alibaba's shares reportedly fell by around 3 per cent following news of the allegations, while the controversy renewed debate over national security, intellectual property protection and the global AI arms race.

Anthropic accused Alibaba's Qwen AI lab of carrying out the largest known AI 'distillation attack' on Claude. Millions of interactions were used to extract advanced AI capabilities, it claimed. But what is a distillation attack?

What could be called 'artificial intelligence cannibalism' is allegedly being committed by Chinese AI firms targeting American AI company Anthropic. In a recent formal complaint, Anthropic publicly accused Chinese tech giant Alibaba's Qwen AI lab of conducting the largest known "adversarial distillation attack" to extract capabilities from its widely used Claude AI models. How does AI distillation work? Here is what you should know. What is Anthropic accusing Alibaba of doing? Ahead of the upcoming US Senate hearing on artificial intelligence, Anthropic sent a letter on June 10 to US Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, alleging that millions of ‘AI distillation’ attacks were carried out by Alibaba's AI wing on Claude. The letter claimed that operators linked to Alibaba and its Qwen AI lab used approximately 25,000 fraudulent accounts to generate more than 28.8 million exchanges with Claude models. These exchanges consisted of interactions and prompts submitted to the AI model over a six-week period between 22 April and 5 June 2026. Anthropic described the attacks as an effort to "brazenly and illicitly" extract Claude's capabilities and called it the largest known distillation attack against the company to date. Also read: Are AI tools reducing people’s critical thinking skills? What is an 'adversarial distillation attack'? An adversarial distillation attack is a technique in which a stronger AI model—in this case Claude—is queried at scale to collect high-quality responses and outputs from it. These responses are then used to train or improve weaker or less capable AI models. This method allows attackers to replicate advanced capabilities of large language models (LLMs), including reasoning, coding and agentic behaviour, at a fraction of the original training cost, without direct access to the model's weights or architecture. AI model distillation is increasingly being used as a low-cost method by competitors, particularly those facing computing or AI chip-related sanctions, to narrow the gap with leading US AI laboratories such as Anthropic, OpenAI and Google. Anthropic has been increasingly vocal about these threats. Also read: AI is making your next MacBook more expensive. Here's why Alibaba allegedly targeted Anthropic's agentic reasoning, autonomous and coding capabilities In the letter, Anthropic claimed that the alleged distillation campaign from China specifically targeted Claude's most valuable and commercially sensitive capabilities, including software engineering, coding, agentic reasoning, autonomous decision-making and task handling. According to the company, Claude's ability to perform long-horizon and complex tasks, as well as its advanced reasoning capabilities, were also targeted. Anthropic said these actions violated its terms of service and geographic access restrictions, given that Claude is not officially available in China, while allegedly ignoring repeated US government warnings about AI intellectual property theft. https://www.wionews.com/videos/debate-continues-over-ai-s-impact-on-human-jobs-summer-davos-1782373302795/embed Past instances of AI distillation attacks targeting Anthropic This is not the first time that American AI companies have faced alleged distillation attacks. In February 2026, Anthropic publicly identified similar, although smaller-scale, campaigns by other Chinese AI labs. The company allegedly recorded around 150,000 exchanges from DeepSeek, more than 3.4 million exchanges from Moonshot AI, and approximately 13 million exchanges from MiniMax. These campaigns were significantly smaller than Alibaba's alleged 28.8 million exchanges. Also read: 'AI Washing': Fake product claims, citing AI as cause of layoffs, and more. And no, AI won't cure diseases, doctors will White House accusations of Chinese "industrial-scale" AI intellectual property theft Shortly after Anthropic sent the letter, the US Department of Commerce, on June 12, imposed restrictions on access to the company's newest AI models, Mythos and Fable, citing concerns that they could be used by military and intelligence entities in China and other countries of concern. Anthropic subsequently disabled global access to those models. Around the same time, Alibaba was added to the US Department of Defense's list of Chinese military companies, alongside several other Chinese firms. Alibaba is challenging that designation. Anthropic has called for coordinated government-industry action, greater threat intelligence sharing and stronger penalties to protect US leadership in artificial intelligence. The company has also expressed support for US government's efforts to combat AI intellectual property theft and reaffirmed its commitment to working with Congress and the administration on the issue. Alibaba's shares reportedly fell by around 3 per cent following news of the allegations, while the controversy renewed debate over national security, intellectual property protection and the global AI arms race.

Anthropic accused Alibaba's Qwen AI lab of carrying out the largest known AI 'distillation attack' on its AI Claude model. Millions of interactions were used to extract advanced AI capabilities, it claimed. But what is a distillation attack?

‘AI Cannibalism’: Anthropic accuses Chinese tech giant Alibaba of 29 million adversarial distillation attacks. What is it?

United Kingdom King Charles III and Queen Camilla have announced that they would live at Clarence House in London and won't move into Buckingham Palace even after £369m renovation works is complete. The decision is a first in British monarchy after the Buckingham Palace became a royal residence since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. it must be remembered that since becoming King in 2022, Charles never really fully shifted to the Buckingham Palace. Now, his move to exit the palace is being termed as an attempt to "to greatly increase opportunities for public access." It has been insisted by the palace officials that The Buckingham “continue in every traditional way to be the beating heart of the monarchy, just not its resting head.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/burning-of-white-house-to-speaking-french-king-charles-iii-roasts-americans-during-us-visit-trump-claps-1777445977668">Burning of White House to 'speaking French': King Charles III ROASTS Americans during US visit, Trump claps</a><h2>King Charles Buckingham Palace plans and disagreements with mother</h2>King Charles decision to leave the palace might not be a significant one – if only there wouldn't have been a larger vision to it. Charles' move is being seen as a major part of his broader cost-cutting and modernising agenda. It is well known fact that Charles had “plans” for the palace since long and his mother - late Queen Elizabeth - disagreed with him on the matter. Charles argued that Buckingham Palace was structurally and environmentally unsustainable as a modern family home. He wanted it to be full-time public museum and art gallery.&nbsp;&nbsp;When he proposed his plans to the then Queen and his mother - sometime in 2021 - she vehemently opposed the idea. According to royal sources quoted in various reports, Queen Elizabeth believed saw the palace as a place where the Queen raised her four children and has presided during her decades on the throne. &nbsp;She's wanted it to remain a family home of sorts.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is reported widely that Charles had issues with her mother's traditional way of running the crown as he viewed it as outdated and out of touch with modern British taxpayers. He also believed that monarchy remained secluded and out of touch with people for large part of her mother's reign. In this light, the move to change address from Buckingham Palace might actually be Charles way of finally distancing himself from the traditional manner of the monarchy.<h2>Was Queen Elizabeth ever asked to leave the Buckingham Palace?</h2>The Buckingham Palace story also brings back memories of 50s when Queen Elizabeth was suggested to move out of Buckingham Palace as Britain grappled with a severe economic crisis. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, as Britain struggled with post-World War II economic austerity, a debate emerged over whether the royal family should move out of Buckingham Palace. Many believed the costly upkeep of the palace was difficult to justify at a time when the country was facing severe financial hardship and widespread rationing.&nbsp;&nbsp;The renovation of the palace that was hit by nine bombs during the war was seen as a tone-deaf financial drain while ordinary British citizens were living on strict food and fuel rationing. Calls were made for the Queen to move out of the palace permanently to save taxpayers money but she refused. The then UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill strongly advised the young Queen to stay put, arguing that the British public needed Buckingham Palace to remain a symbol of national stability and post-war resilience. Instead of moving out, Queen Elizabeth agreed to scale back the repair costs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/king-charles-visits-9-11-memorial-leaves-handwritten-note-of-enduring-solidarity-1777545632297">King Charles visits 9/11 memorial, leaves handwritten note of ‘enduring solidarity’</a>&nbsp;It was only in 2020 that the Queen moved out of the palace due to COVID-19 pandemic. The palace required over 500 staff – which was impossible during the deadly pandemic years. Therefore, Elizabeth shifted to Windsor Castle. After spending two years at Windsor Castle and following the death of Prince Philip, she announced in March 2022 never to return to Buckingham Palace as a full-time resident. She died in September 2022.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will remain at Clarence House instead of moving into Buckingham Palace after its £369 million renovation. The decision marks a historic break from royal tradition and revives memories of a old story

United Kingdom King Charles III and Queen Camilla have announced that they would live at Clarence House in London and won't move into Buckingham Palace even after £369m renovation works is complete. The decision is a first in British monarchy after the Buckingham Palace became a royal residence since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. it must be remembered that since becoming King in 2022, Charles never really fully shifted to the Buckingham Palace. Now, his move to exit the palace is being termed as an attempt to "to greatly increase opportunities for public access." It has been insisted by the palace officials that The Buckingham “continue in every traditional way to be the beating heart of the monarchy, just not its resting head.” Also Read: Burning of White House to 'speaking French': King Charles III ROASTS Americans during US visit, Trump claps King Charles Buckingham Palace plans and disagreements with mother King Charles decision to leave the palace might not be a significant one – if only there wouldn't have been a larger vision to it. Charles' move is being seen as a major part of his broader cost-cutting and modernising agenda. It is well known fact that Charles had “plans” for the palace since long and his mother - late Queen Elizabeth - disagreed with him on the matter. Charles argued that Buckingham Palace was structurally and environmentally unsustainable as a modern family home. He wanted it to be full-time public museum and art gallery. When he proposed his plans to the then Queen and his mother - sometime in 2021 - she vehemently opposed the idea. According to royal sources quoted in various reports, Queen Elizabeth believed saw the palace as a place where the Queen raised her four children and has presided during her decades on the throne. She's wanted it to remain a family home of sorts. It is reported widely that Charles had issues with her mother's traditional way of running the crown as he viewed it as outdated and out of touch with modern British taxpayers. He also believed that monarchy remained secluded and out of touch with people for large part of her mother's reign. In this light, the move to change address from Buckingham Palace might actually be Charles way of finally distancing himself from the traditional manner of the monarchy. Was Queen Elizabeth ever asked to leave the Buckingham Palace? The Buckingham Palace story also brings back memories of 50s when Queen Elizabeth was suggested to move out of Buckingham Palace as Britain grappled with a severe economic crisis. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, as Britain struggled with post-World War II economic austerity, a debate emerged over whether the royal family should move out of Buckingham Palace. Many believed the costly upkeep of the palace was difficult to justify at a time when the country was facing severe financial hardship and widespread rationing. The renovation of the palace that was hit by nine bombs during the war was seen as a tone-deaf financial drain while ordinary British citizens were living on strict food and fuel rationing. Calls were made for the Queen to move out of the palace permanently to save taxpayers money but she refused. The then UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill strongly advised the young Queen to stay put, arguing that the British public needed Buckingham Palace to remain a symbol of national stability and post-war resilience. Instead of moving out, Queen Elizabeth agreed to scale back the repair costs. Also Read: King Charles visits 9/11 memorial, leaves handwritten note of ‘enduring solidarity’ It was only in 2020 that the Queen moved out of the palace due to COVID-19 pandemic. The palace required over 500 staff – which was impossible during the deadly pandemic years. Therefore, Elizabeth shifted to Windsor Castle. After spending two years at Windsor Castle and following the death of Prince Philip, she announced in March 2022 never to return to Buckingham Palace as a full-time resident. She died in September 2022.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will remain at Clarence House instead of moving into Buckingham Palace after its £369 million renovation. The decision marks a historic break from royal tradition and revives memories of a old story

Britain once wanted Queen Elizabeth out of Buckingham Palace. 70 years later, King Charles makes it a reality: INSIDE the untold story

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced heckling on camera during his speech at the IDF's Bahad 1's combat officer graduation ceremony, near Mitzpe Ramon on Thursday. As Netanyahu reflected on his military service and the loss of a friend in combat, a voice from the audience shouted, "Go home!"Netanyahu was defending the government's record, saying that“Only a blind man would say there are no achievements.” He claimed that operations including “Kalavi” and “Roar of the Lion” were major accomplishments, further adding that there were “more missions to perform” against Iran and Hamas."There were years when I heard the conversation, I heard veteran officers turn to new ones and ask them, ' Has anyone been in a collision under fire? But in recent years, these questions have hardly been asked. You arrived at Bahad 1 equipped with operational experience that you acquired in the War of Rebirth. Sometimes it is a painful experience. Before I came here, I was a fighter, and I lost a dear friend," said Netanyahu, when one voice shouted “Go Home” while a supporter shouted, “Go Bibi!"

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&#39;Go home!&#39; - Netanyahu heckled during combat officer graduation address Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recalling his military service and the loss of a friend in combat when someone in the audience shouted, &quot;Go home!&quot; Netanyahu continued his speech, turning to… <a href="https://t.co/nZGoeg2xu8">pic.twitter.com/nZGoeg2xu8</a>&mdash; Viory Video (@vioryvideo) <a href="https://x.com/vioryvideo/status/2070431416039420376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 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/asian-stock-market-crash-ai-selloff-1782462457862">Asian stock market bloodbath: Sell-off wipes out billions across Kospi, Nikkei and Hang Seng</a>The incident took place in front of senior security figures such as Defence Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. This follows a pattern of public heckling with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At an official state ceremony at Mount Herzl, Netanyahu was claiming that Israel had returned its hostages, when one heckler shouted, “Some of them died in the tunnel”.Netanyahu has domestically faced backlash following the signing of the US-Iran MoU. Opposition leader Avigdor Liberman accused the Netanyahu government of pushing Israel towards a “civil war”. In a social media post, he said, “The government is dragging the State of Israel into a civil war - just to cling to power for a few more days.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also spoke at the ceremony. He said that Israel will maintain its forces in the buffer zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu was heckled with shouts of "Go home!" during an IDF graduation ceremony as he defended Israel's military operations and vowed more missions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced heckling on camera during his speech at the IDF's Bahad 1's combat officer graduation ceremony, near Mitzpe Ramon on Thursday. As Netanyahu reflected on his military service and the loss of a friend in combat, a voice from the audience shouted, "Go home!" Netanyahu was defending the government's record, saying that“Only a blind man would say there are no achievements.” He claimed that operations including “Kalavi” and “Roar of the Lion” were major accomplishments, further adding that there were “more missions to perform” against Iran and Hamas. "There were years when I heard the conversation, I heard veteran officers turn to new ones and ask them, ' Has anyone been in a collision under fire? But in recent years, these questions have hardly been asked. You arrived at Bahad 1 equipped with operational experience that you acquired in the War of Rebirth. Sometimes it is a painful experience. Before I came here, I was a fighter, and I lost a dear friend," said Netanyahu, when one voice shouted “Go Home” while a supporter shouted, “Go Bibi!"

Benjamin Netanyahu was heckled with shouts of "Go home!" during an IDF graduation ceremony as he defended Israel's military operations and vowed more missions.

'Go home!': Netanyahu heckled during IDF ceremony as he defends war record

A high-profile case legal battle between members of a billionaire family behind Thailand’s renowned Singha beer has drawn international attention to a century-old law that allows parents to reclaim assets from children deemed “ungrateful”. The case centres on Siranudh “Psi” Scott, a fourth-generation member of the Bhirombhakdi family, one of the wealthies business dynasties in the country. His mother filed a lawsuit seeking to recover land reportedly worth millions of dollars that was gifted to him by his late grandfather.The dispute gained more attention after Siranudh alleged that he had been sexually abused by his older brother and a babysitter during childhood. He also claimed that legal action was taken against him after he spoke out. His mother said that his public statements has damaged the family’s reputation. The court proceedings are ongoing as mediation efforts failed to settle the family dispute.“Looking at the fine print, this law is an attempt to kind of silence any damage done to a family name. Anything remotely damaging to the name is considered disobedient possibly by the law,” Siranudh told AFP. “It has really no place in a liberal society that places importance on the welfare of children,” he added.<h2>What is Thailand’s ‘ungrateful child’ law?</h2>Often referred to as Thailand’s “ungrateful child” law, the provision dates back to 1908. The law reflects long-standing cultural values of Thailand that place strong emphasis on filial duty, respect for parents and preserving family harmony. Under the law, parents can ask a court to revoke property or gifts previously transferred to a child if the child is found to have behaved with serious ingratitude. This may include abandoning elderly parents, physical abuse, or actions that may damage family’s reputation.While the law still remains in force, it is relatively uncommon, and mostly involve lawsuits in wealthy families where valuable property is in question. In most cases, the disputes are settled through court-mediated negotiations rather than full trials.<h2>Why the law is under scrutiny</h2>The Bhirombhakdi family dispute has reignited debate over whether a century-old law still fits the modern society. While supports say that it protects elderly parents from from neglect and preserves family responsibilities, critics have argued that the provision may discourage children from speaking publicly about family disputes or abuse.The final outcome of the recent high-profile case could influence future discussions on balancing traditional family values with individual rights in Thailand.

A legal dispute within Thailand’s billionaire Singha beer family has revived debate over the country’s century-old “ungrateful child” law, which allows parents to reclaim gifts from children in certain cases.

A high-profile case legal battle between members of a billionaire family behind Thailand’s renowned Singha beer has drawn international attention to a century-old law that allows parents to reclaim assets from children deemed “ungrateful”. The case centres on Siranudh “Psi” Scott, a fourth-generation member of the Bhirombhakdi family, one of the wealthies business dynasties in the country. His mother filed a lawsuit seeking to recover land reportedly worth millions of dollars that was gifted to him by his late grandfather. The dispute gained more attention after Siranudh alleged that he had been sexually abused by his older brother and a babysitter during childhood. He also claimed that legal action was taken against him after he spoke out. His mother said that his public statements has damaged the family’s reputation. The court proceedings are ongoing as mediation efforts failed to settle the family dispute. “Looking at the fine print, this law is an attempt to kind of silence any damage done to a family name. Anything remotely damaging to the name is considered disobedient possibly by the law,” Siranudh told AFP. “It has really no place in a liberal society that places importance on the welfare of children,” he added. What is Thailand’s ‘ungrateful child’ law? Often referred to as Thailand’s “ungrateful child” law, the provision dates back to 1908. The law reflects long-standing cultural values of Thailand that place strong emphasis on filial duty, respect for parents and preserving family harmony. Under the law, parents can ask a court to revoke property or gifts previously transferred to a child if the child is found to have behaved with serious ingratitude. This may include abandoning elderly parents, physical abuse, or actions that may damage family’s reputation. While the law still remains in force, it is relatively uncommon, and mostly involve lawsuits in wealthy families where valuable property is in question. In most cases, the disputes are settled through court-mediated negotiations rather than full trials. Why the law is under scrutiny The Bhirombhakdi family dispute has reignited debate over whether a century-old law still fits the modern society. While supports say that it protects elderly parents from from neglect and preserves family responsibilities, critics have argued that the provision may discourage children from speaking publicly about family disputes or abuse. The final outcome of the recent high-profile case could influence future discussions on balancing traditional family values with individual rights in Thailand.

A legal dispute within Thailand’s billionaire Singha beer family has revived debate over the country’s century-old “ungrateful child” law, which allows parents to reclaim gifts from children in certain cases.

What is Thailand’s ‘ungrateful child’ law? Singha beer family feud renews debate over century-old law

South Korea announced on Friday (June 26) that its military forces will be trained as drone operators in a significant move to design its warfare strategy. The defence minister Ahn Gyu confirmed that they are planning to train 500,000 authorised military personnel across the army, navy, air force and marines to become “drone warriors”. The initiative is a part of a massive structural overhaul under its "Defence Innovation 4.0" blueprint. In order to accomplish the plan, South Korea also unveiled on Friday (Jun 26) a plan to acquire 20,000 military drones. Seoul's move comes to fend off threats from North Korea, citing lessons learned from wars in Ukraine and the West Asia war. Their military plans to acquire nearly 11,000 commercial drones for training purposes by the end of 2026, rising to 60,000 by 2029. Seoul also announced plans to accelerate the development of an indigenous long-range loitering munition dubbed K-Lucas. The drone system is inspired by the American Lucas (low-cost uncrewed combat attack system) drone, which was itself reverse-engineered from Iran’s Shahed-136 kamikaze drone that Russia has widely used in the war against Ukraine.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-the-first-time-india-reveals-name-of-six-soldiers-killed-during-operation-sindoor-1782463103041">For the first time, India reveals names of six soldiers killed during Operation Sindoor</a><h2>Why is South Korea focusing on making military forces ‘drone warriors’?</h2><h3>Mass deployment of low-cost drones</h3>South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu indicated that a small number of high-cost weapon systems dominated the battlefields in the past; however, the mass deployment of low-cost drones is transforming the nature of warfare. In response, South Korea decided to include expanding counter-drone systems, including laser and high-power microwave weapons. Ahn said the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that drones have become a decisive force on modern battlefields. He added that the widespread deployment of inexpensive drones in large numbers is reshaping the character of warfare. Ahn also cautioned that North Korea continues to advance its military capabilities, posing growing risks to both military installations and civilian infrastructure in South Korea.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-braces-for-twin-storms-flights-cancelled-1782462417507/embed<h3>Demographic crisis</h3>In addition, the next catalyst for this move is a severe national demographic crisis as South Korea maintains the lowest fertility rate in the world, prompting the nation to a shrinking pool of conscription-aged citizens. Military strategists project that the country’s active-duty personnel strength will drop significantly over the next decade. Therefore, to maintain a robust deterrence posture against North Korea without a massive human footprint, the South Korean military is substituting boots on the ground with automated systems. By giving training to its force by operating, maintaining, and coordinating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Seoul aims to drastically multiply the combat effectiveness of its smaller, leaner frontline units. The ministry also said that the Drone Operations Command of South Korea, set up in 2023, will be reorganised into a new Defence Drone Headquarters. The command attracted surveillance following a drone operation over Pyongyang in October 2024 under then-president Yoon Suk Yeol. In response, Yoon has since been sentenced to 30 years jail term for sending drones into North Korea to "manufacture" a crisis ahead of a disastrous martial law bid.&nbsp;

South Korea's Defence Minister said the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that drones have become a decisive force on modern battlefields. He added that the widespread deployment of inexpensive drones in large numbers is reshaping the character of warfare.

South Korea announced on Friday (June 26) that its military forces will be trained as drone operators in a significant move to design its warfare strategy. The defence minister Ahn Gyu confirmed that they are planning to train 500,000 authorised military personnel across the army, navy, air force and marines to become “drone warriors”. The initiative is a part of a massive structural overhaul under its "Defence Innovation 4.0" blueprint. In order to accomplish the plan, South Korea also unveiled on Friday (Jun 26) a plan to acquire 20,000 military drones. Seoul's move comes to fend off threats from North Korea, citing lessons learned from wars in Ukraine and the West Asia war. Their military plans to acquire nearly 11,000 commercial drones for training purposes by the end of 2026, rising to 60,000 by 2029. Seoul also announced plans to accelerate the development of an indigenous long-range loitering munition dubbed K-Lucas. The drone system is inspired by the American Lucas (low-cost uncrewed combat attack system) drone, which was itself reverse-engineered from Iran’s Shahed-136 kamikaze drone that Russia has widely used in the war against Ukraine. Also read: For the first time, India reveals names of six soldiers killed during Operation Sindoor Why is South Korea focusing on making military forces ‘drone warriors’? Mass deployment of low-cost drones South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu indicated that a small number of high-cost weapon systems dominated the battlefields in the past; however, the mass deployment of low-cost drones is transforming the nature of warfare. In response, South Korea decided to include expanding counter-drone systems, including laser and high-power microwave weapons. Ahn said the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that drones have become a decisive force on modern battlefields. He added that the widespread deployment of inexpensive drones in large numbers is reshaping the character of warfare. Ahn also cautioned that North Korea continues to advance its military capabilities, posing growing risks to both military installations and civilian infrastructure in South Korea. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-braces-for-twin-storms-flights-cancelled-1782462417507/embed Demographic crisis In addition, the next catalyst for this move is a severe national demographic crisis as South Korea maintains the lowest fertility rate in the world, prompting the nation to a shrinking pool of conscription-aged citizens. Military strategists project that the country’s active-duty personnel strength will drop significantly over the next decade. Therefore, to maintain a robust deterrence posture against North Korea without a massive human footprint, the South Korean military is substituting boots on the ground with automated systems. By giving training to its force by operating, maintaining, and coordinating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Seoul aims to drastically multiply the combat effectiveness of its smaller, leaner frontline units. The ministry also said that the Drone Operations Command of South Korea, set up in 2023, will be reorganised into a new Defence Drone Headquarters. The command attracted surveillance following a drone operation over Pyongyang in October 2024 under then-president Yoon Suk Yeol. In response, Yoon has since been sentenced to 30 years jail term for sending drones into North Korea to "manufacture" a crisis ahead of a disastrous martial law bid.

South Korea's Defence Minister said the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that drones have become a decisive force on modern battlefields. He added that the widespread deployment of inexpensive drones in large numbers is reshaping the character of warfare.

Why South Korea wants 500,000 'drone warriors' and 20,000 military drones? WION explains

Asian equity markets are tumbling again across all major indexes on Friday. From South Korea's Kospi, Japan's Nikkei, Taiwan's Taiex, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, to Shanghai's composite index, there was a massive sell-off as traders rushed to cash out on their AI gains. &nbsp;Following a massive 6.1 per cent overnight dive by Apple on Wall Street, institutional investors aggressively dumped AI-exposed and semiconductor equities across Asia.&nbsp;The decline was led by South Korea's Kospi, which fell by around 8 per cent, triggering another circuit breaker, the second such halt in a matter of days; it lost around $340 bn in market valuation. Kospi has seen the wildest swings over the last five days after hitting record valuation amid growing concerns about an AI bubble. The benchmark South Korean index reached at 9,385.59 points, before falling to 8,411.21 on Friday. Tokyo's Nikkei plunged more than 4.15 per cent to 69,360, losing around $355 Billion. It was the heaviest hit index with SoftBank plunging more than 13 per cent. This was followed by Taiwan's Taiex, which gave up 3.3 per cent, $127 Billion. A similar sell-off was seen in China's blue-chip CSI300 index and Hong Kong Hang Seng at $229 billion.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-kospi-black-tuesday-crash-ai-rally-fears-1782293032201">South Korea's 'Black Tuesday'- Why KOSPI suffered its worst-ever points decline</a><h2>Why is there a bloodbath in the Asian Market?</h2>The bloodbath in the Asian market followed a massive dip on Wall Street. The anatomy of the global feedback loop functioned like a mirror image as the two dragged each other down in a domino effect. On Monday night, June 22, Kospi hit its record valuation of 9,385.59 points. The next day was “Black Tuesday” when regulators issued stark leverage warnings on overextended retail ETFs. The KOSPI plunged 10 per cent, halting domestic trading via emergency circuit breakers. Tuesday afternoon, Wall Street faces an “AI Wake Up call,” Nasdaq 100 drops 2.21 per cent, Nvidia drops 4.1 per cent, and Micron sinks 13.2 per cent. On Thursday, Apple rises price of its Mac, iPad, and home device lineups. There were hikes of 15 per cent to 25 per cent, driven by exuberant demand for AI chips, triggering a massive sell-off in Apple stocks 6.1 per cent overnight. Nasdaq futures dive another 1.7 per cent amid rumours of an OpenAI IPO delay. Then on Friday, Asian investors executed a massive sell-off.Analysts are divided on calling it a signal of an AI bubble burst or a market correction. The correction camp argues that KOSPI was up 62 per cent for the quarter and the Nikkei was up 34 per cent leading into this week. So a pullback was normal. While the AI Bubble camp argues that massive AI capex without any proper demand has been a warning sign for investors. Now, delays from the OpenAI IPO are hinting at the market's ability to sustain another AI IPO. The significant indicator is the lock-up expiry of SpaceX IPO, which is due in August, when the float of 5 per cent stocks will receive additional 20 per cent, a massive supply shock. The ongoing global technology rout heavily changes how insiders will behave when the unlock gate drops.&nbsp;

Asian stock markets plunged as AI-related stocks triggered a massive sell-off following Wall Street losses. Here's what caused the sharp decline.Asian stock markets plunged as AI-related stocks triggered a massive sell-off following Wall Street losses. Here's what caused the sharp decline.

Asian equity markets are tumbling again across all major indexes on Friday. From South Korea's Kospi, Japan's Nikkei, Taiwan's Taiex, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, to Shanghai's composite index, there was a massive sell-off as traders rushed to cash out on their AI gains. Following a massive 6.1 per cent overnight dive by Apple on Wall Street, institutional investors aggressively dumped AI-exposed and semiconductor equities across Asia. The decline was led by South Korea's Kospi, which fell by around 8 per cent, triggering another circuit breaker, the second such halt in a matter of days; it lost around $340 bn in market valuation. Kospi has seen the wildest swings over the last five days after hitting record valuation amid growing concerns about an AI bubble. The benchmark South Korean index reached at 9,385.59 points, before falling to 8,411.21 on Friday. Tokyo's Nikkei plunged more than 4.15 per cent to 69,360, losing around $355 Billion. It was the heaviest hit index with SoftBank plunging more than 13 per cent. This was followed by Taiwan's Taiex, which gave up 3.3 per cent, $127 Billion. A similar sell-off was seen in China's blue-chip CSI300 index and Hong Kong Hang Seng at $229 billion. Also Read: South Korea's 'Black Tuesday'- Why KOSPI suffered its worst-ever points decline Why is there a bloodbath in the Asian Market? The bloodbath in the Asian market followed a massive dip on Wall Street. The anatomy of the global feedback loop functioned like a mirror image as the two dragged each other down in a domino effect. On Monday night, June 22, Kospi hit its record valuation of 9,385.59 points. The next day was “Black Tuesday” when regulators issued stark leverage warnings on overextended retail ETFs. The KOSPI plunged 10 per cent, halting domestic trading via emergency circuit breakers. Tuesday afternoon, Wall Street faces an “AI Wake Up call,” Nasdaq 100 drops 2.21 per cent, Nvidia drops 4.1 per cent, and Micron sinks 13.2 per cent. On Thursday, Apple rises price of its Mac, iPad, and home device lineups. There were hikes of 15 per cent to 25 per cent, driven by exuberant demand for AI chips, triggering a massive sell-off in Apple stocks 6.1 per cent overnight. Nasdaq futures dive another 1.7 per cent amid rumours of an OpenAI IPO delay. Then on Friday, Asian investors executed a massive sell-off. Analysts are divided on calling it a signal of an AI bubble burst or a market correction. The correction camp argues that KOSPI was up 62 per cent for the quarter and the Nikkei was up 34 per cent leading into this week. So a pullback was normal. While the AI Bubble camp argues that massive AI capex without any proper demand has been a warning sign for investors. Now, delays from the OpenAI IPO are hinting at the market's ability to sustain another AI IPO. The significant indicator is the lock-up expiry of SpaceX IPO, which is due in August, when the float of 5 per cent stocks will receive additional 20 per cent, a massive supply shock. The ongoing global technology rout heavily changes how insiders will behave when the unlock gate drops.

Asian stock markets plunged as AI-related stocks triggered a massive sell-off following Wall Street losses. Here's what caused the sharp decline.

Asian stock market bloodbath: Sell-off wipes out billions across Kospi, Nikkei and Hang Seng

India has swiftly mobilised humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, dispatching a military aircraft loaded with emergency relief supplies. 2 IAF C-17s have left for Venezuela carrying relief material including IA Para Field Hospital, BHISHM Cubes and Medical Supplies.The offer of support came directly from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones,” Indian PM posted on social media. “We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Operation Amistad underway! Two <a href="https://x.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> C17s took-off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts. The assistance contains an Indian Army <a href="https://x.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical… <a href="https://t.co/Dcq8P065tp">pic.twitter.com/Dcq8P065tp</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2070424891841454113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez warmly welcomed India’s gesture. “We warmly welcome the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi... The solidarity expressed by India is in keeping with the spirit of cooperation between our peoples in times of difficulty,” Rodríguez said.This rapid response highlights India’s growing role in international disaster relief, building on its long tradition of providing assistance during global crises.The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and striking seconds apart near Yaracuy state west of Caracas, have caused widespread destruction. At least 235 people have been killed and more than 4,300 injured, with rescue teams still searching for survivors under rubble in La Guaira and parts of the capital. Many buildings collapsed, and critical infrastructure was damaged.India’s contribution forms part of a broader international effort that includes aid from the United States, Mexico, Spain and others. However, New Delhi’s move is seen as particularly significant given the recent diplomatic warmth and shared commitment to South-South cooperation.

This rapid response highlights India’s growing role in international disaster relief, building on its long tradition of providing assistance during global crises.

India has swiftly mobilised humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, dispatching a military aircraft loaded with emergency relief supplies. 2 IAF C-17s have left for Venezuela carrying relief material including IA Para Field Hospital, BHISHM Cubes and Medical Supplies. The offer of support came directly from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones,” Indian PM posted on social media. “We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.”

This rapid response highlights India’s growing role in international disaster relief, building on its long tradition of providing assistance during global crises.

India dispatches 2 IAF C-17 planes carrying field hospital, medical supplies to quake-hit Venezuela

From the catastrophic 1812 Caracas earthquake that claimed up to 20,000 lives to the deadly 2026 Yaracuy twin earthquakes, here's a look at the most destructive earthquakes in Venezuela's recorded history.

From the catastrophic 1812 Caracas earthquake that claimed up to 20,000 lives to the deadly 2026 Yaracuy twin earthquakes, here's a look at the most destructive earthquakes in Venezuela's recorded history.

The 7 deadliest earthquakes to strike Venezuela, from 1812 to 2026

A three-year-old boy has lost his life after being trapped in a car in Saint-Gratien, located in the Val-d'Oise department north of Paris. The incident comes at a time when France recorded its hottest day on record. The public prosecutor's office confirmed that the child entered the car while his father thought he was sleeping. After the child entered the car, he could not escape because the child safety lock was activated. Public prosecutor Guirec Le Bras revealed that the boy's parents and firefighters attempted to revive him but couldn't save him. Le Bras also explained that the boy's mother was resting with the couple's 18-month-old child while the father was working in a garden shed. Although the father had instructed the six-year-old to take a nap, the boy remained unsupervised for at least 45 minutes before entering the unlocked car, which had its child safety lock activated. According to the magistrate, the boy appears to have shut the door behind him and was unable to get out. He was later found unconscious by his parents. The mother was subsequently hospitalised after going into shock. “He apparently shut himself in and became trapped in the vehicle before being found unconscious by his parents,” the prosecutor said, and added that the mother is in the hospital in a state of shock.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-paris-just-ban-alcohol-consumption-and-sales-what-s-the-truth-1782449650615">Did Paris just ban alcohol consumption and sales? What's the truth</a><h3>European heatwave</h3>The incident is the latest in a string of heat-related fatalities linked to the ongoing European heatwave, which has claimed dozens of lives. Earlier this week, two children aged two and four died after being discovered in cardiac arrest inside their mother's vehicle in a residential parking area. Paris endured another bout of extreme heat after temperatures in the French capital reached 40.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking the first time in 150 years that the city surpassed 40 °C in June. Meanwhile, parts of southern England and Wales were bracing for another day of unusually high temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of about 37 C after Hampshire recorded a new June temperature of 36.1 C on Wednesday.&nbsp;

According to the magistrate, the boy appears to have shut the door behind him and was unable to get out. He was later found unconscious by his parents. The mother was subsequently hospitalised after going into shock. 

A three-year-old boy has lost his life after being trapped in a car in Saint-Gratien, located in the Val-d'Oise department north of Paris. The incident comes at a time when France recorded its hottest day on record. The public prosecutor's office confirmed that the child entered the car while his father thought he was sleeping. After the child entered the car, he could not escape because the child safety lock was activated. Public prosecutor Guirec Le Bras revealed that the boy's parents and firefighters attempted to revive him but couldn't save him. Le Bras also explained that the boy's mother was resting with the couple's 18-month-old child while the father was working in a garden shed. Although the father had instructed the six-year-old to take a nap, the boy remained unsupervised for at least 45 minutes before entering the unlocked car, which had its child safety lock activated. According to the magistrate, the boy appears to have shut the door behind him and was unable to get out. He was later found unconscious by his parents. The mother was subsequently hospitalised after going into shock. “He apparently shut himself in and became trapped in the vehicle before being found unconscious by his parents,” the prosecutor said, and added that the mother is in the hospital in a state of shock. Also read: Did Paris just ban alcohol consumption and sales? What's the truth European heatwave The incident is the latest in a string of heat-related fatalities linked to the ongoing European heatwave, which has claimed dozens of lives. Earlier this week, two children aged two and four died after being discovered in cardiac arrest inside their mother's vehicle in a residential parking area. Paris endured another bout of extreme heat after temperatures in the French capital reached 40.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking the first time in 150 years that the city surpassed 40 °C in June. Meanwhile, parts of southern England and Wales were bracing for another day of unusually high temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of about 37 C after Hampshire recorded a new June temperature of 36.1 C on Wednesday.

According to the magistrate, the boy appears to have shut the door behind him and was unable to get out. He was later found unconscious by his parents. The mother was subsequently hospitalised after going into shock.&nbsp;

France heatwave: Three-year-old boy dies after getting trapped in car amid extreme heat in Paris

The number of deaths inside US immigration detention facilities has risen sharply during President Donald Trump's second term, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights. A 73-page report, titled 'Dying in Detention: Rising Deaths in an Expanding US Immigration Detention System', found that 52 people died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the first 500 days of Trump's return to office. This is a whopping 140 per cent surge from earlier figures. The findings come as the administration has significantly expanded detention operations.<h2>ICE arresting more people than ever</h2>According to the report, the average daily population in ICE facilities jumped by 77 per cent, rising from roughly 40,000 detainees to more than 71,000 within a year. During the same period, the death rate in custody increased by 140 per cent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dumocrats-trump-drops-new-nickname-for-democrats-during-iran-war-rant-1782365548404">'DUMocrats': Trump drops new nickname for Democrats during Iran war rant</a><h2>What is behind the alarming rise in custody deaths?</h2>Researchers argue that the rise cannot be explained by population growth alone. Instead, they point to what they describe as chronic shortcomings in medical care, inadequate oversight and deteriorating detention conditions.Several cases highlighted in the report paint a troubling picture.One involved 44-year-old Ukrainian national Maksym Chernyak, who reportedly suffered a stroke while in custody. Human Rights Watch said delays in medical treatment "almost certainly contributed" to his death.

A protester holding a sign gestures as she tries to block a vehicle from entering Delaney Hall, which is being used as a

Another detainee, 32-year-old Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, died in 2025 after contracting COVID-19 and spending nearly two weeks in isolation. More than a year later, his family was still searching for answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. "Only a mother who has lost her child knows what I am feeling," his mother said. "I want my child, and I can’t do anything."The report also cites the case of Mohammad Paktiawal, a former member of Afghanistan's special forces who fled the Taliban takeover in 2021. He died in March after being detained in Texas. ICE later identified him as a "criminal illegal alien from Afghanistan with previous arrests for fraud and theft".Human Rights Watch also found that ICE fails to disclose key information about how such deaths occur. It argues that such deaths raise serious questions about whether the United States is meeting its obligations under international human rights standards, including protections for people held in state custody.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-m-not-going-to-be-bullied-trump-gets-in-to-shouting-match-with-republican-senator-over-iran-war-as-questions-grow-over-peace-deal-1782346277095">'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal</a><h2>ICE rejects Human Rights Watch report</h2>ICE has rejected the report's conclusions. A spokesperson said death rates remain extremely low compared to the total detained population and insisted that detainees receive appropriate medical care."Consistent with data over the last decade, as of May 29, death rates in custody under the Trump administration are 0.008% of the detained population. As bed space has rapidly expanded, we have maintained a higher standard of care than most prisons that hold US citizens, including providing access to proper medical care. For many illegal aliens, this is the best healthcare they have received their entire lives," a spokesperson told Daily Beast.

A new report by Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights claims that 52 people died in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the first 500 days of Donald Trump's second term. The report alleges that deaths in detention rose by 140 per cent.

The number of deaths inside US immigration detention facilities has risen sharply during President Donald Trump's second term, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights. A 73-page report, titled 'Dying in Detention: Rising Deaths in an Expanding US Immigration Detention System', found that 52 people died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the first 500 days of Trump's return to office. This is a whopping 140 per cent surge from earlier figures. The findings come as the administration has significantly expanded detention operations. ICE arresting more people than ever According to the report, the average daily population in ICE facilities jumped by 77 per cent, rising from roughly 40,000 detainees to more than 71,000 within a year. During the same period, the death rate in custody increased by 140 per cent. Also read | 'DUMocrats': Trump drops new nickname for Democrats during Iran war rant What is behind the alarming rise in custody deaths? Researchers argue that the rise cannot be explained by population growth alone. Instead, they point to what they describe as chronic shortcomings in medical care, inadequate oversight and deteriorating detention conditions. Several cases highlighted in the report paint a troubling picture. One involved 44-year-old Ukrainian national Maksym Chernyak, who reportedly suffered a stroke while in custody. Human Rights Watch said delays in medical treatment "almost certainly contributed" to his death.

A new report by Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights claims that 52 people died in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the first 500 days of Donald Trump's second term. The report alleges that deaths in detention rose by 140 per cent.

'Dying in Detention': Deaths in ICE custody up by 140% under Trump, Human Rights Watch reveals SHOCKING data

United Kingdom King Charles III and Queen Camilla have announced that they won't move into Buckingham Palace after its renovation is complete next year. King Charles also became the first British monarch to reveal his tax bill, stating that he paid £12.9m in tax for 2024-2025. The Buckingham Palace has been a royal residence since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837 is is currently undergoing £369m renovation works. The decision to reveal the tax bill has been described by the palace as an aim to “encourage wider understanding of our accountability” while the move to exit the palace is being termed as an attempt to "to greatly increase opportunities for public access."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/king-charles-visits-9-11-memorial-leaves-handwritten-note-of-enduring-solidarity-1777545632297">King Charles visits 9/11 memorial, leaves handwritten note of ‘enduring solidarity’</a><h2>Where will King Charles III and Queen Camilla live?</h2>King Charles III and Queen Camilla will remain at Clarence House in London for the duration of his reign, said the king’s accountant and keeper of the privy purse, James Chalmers. He also added that both would have access to private rooms at the palace to retire to during the day and for occasional overnight stays. It would continue to be the ceremonial and operational centre of royal life. “[Buckingham Palace] is and will remain monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign’s standard flying proudly from the roof whenever his majesty is in London,” said Chalmers. Another royal spokesperson added that it would be “continue in every traditional way to be the beating heart of the monarchy, just not its resting head.” King Charles III has lived at Clarence House since 2003. He took up official residence there following the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who had lived in the house for nearly 50 years. After becoming the King in September 2022, he inherited the right to move into Buckingham Palace but chose to remain in Clarence House to avoid “massive disruption of moving his household 120 metres down the road.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/burning-of-white-house-to-speaking-french-king-charles-iii-roasts-americans-during-us-visit-trump-claps-1777445977668">Burning of White House to 'speaking French': King Charles III ROASTS Americans during US visit, Trump claps</a><h2>What did Charles tax bill reveal?</h2>King Charles paid £12.9m in tax for 2024-2025, but the tax breakup was not provided. Charles' £12.9 million tax payment places him among the UK's highest taxpayers. Though there is no legal obligation on the king, or Prince of Wales, to pay tax, in 1993, after public outcry over proposals the public should foot the restoration bill after a fire at Windsor Castle, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Charles “volunteered” to pay tax. It was also revealed that the King paid £11.7m in tax for 2023-24, while Prince William paid £8.34m for the same period. Since the King became monarch in 2022 and William the Prince of Wales, the combined tax bill of father and son has been more than £50m.

King Charles III has become the first British monarch to publicly disclose his tax bill, revealing he paid £12.9 million in 2024-25. Royal accounts also confirm Charles and Queen Camilla will leave the Buckingham Palace

United Kingdom King Charles III and Queen Camilla have announced that they won't move into Buckingham Palace after its renovation is complete next year. King Charles also became the first British monarch to reveal his tax bill, stating that he paid £12.9m in tax for 2024-2025. The Buckingham Palace has been a royal residence since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837 is is currently undergoing £369m renovation works. The decision to reveal the tax bill has been described by the palace as an aim to “encourage wider understanding of our accountability” while the move to exit the palace is being termed as an attempt to "to greatly increase opportunities for public access." Also Read: King Charles visits 9/11 memorial, leaves handwritten note of ‘enduring solidarity’ Where will King Charles III and Queen Camilla live? King Charles III and Queen Camilla will remain at Clarence House in London for the duration of his reign, said the king’s accountant and keeper of the privy purse, James Chalmers. He also added that both would have access to private rooms at the palace to retire to during the day and for occasional overnight stays. It would continue to be the ceremonial and operational centre of royal life. “[Buckingham Palace] is and will remain monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign’s standard flying proudly from the roof whenever his majesty is in London,” said Chalmers. Another royal spokesperson added that it would be “continue in every traditional way to be the beating heart of the monarchy, just not its resting head.” King Charles III has lived at Clarence House since 2003. He took up official residence there following the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who had lived in the house for nearly 50 years. After becoming the King in September 2022, he inherited the right to move into Buckingham Palace but chose to remain in Clarence House to avoid “massive disruption of moving his household 120 metres down the road.” Also Read: Burning of White House to 'speaking French': King Charles III ROASTS Americans during US visit, Trump claps What did Charles tax bill reveal? King Charles paid £12.9m in tax for 2024-2025, but the tax breakup was not provided. Charles' £12.9 million tax payment places him among the UK's highest taxpayers. Though there is no legal obligation on the king, or Prince of Wales, to pay tax, in 1993, after public outcry over proposals the public should foot the restoration bill after a fire at Windsor Castle, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Charles “volunteered” to pay tax. It was also revealed that the King paid £11.7m in tax for 2023-24, while Prince William paid £8.34m for the same period. Since the King became monarch in 2022 and William the Prince of Wales, the combined tax bill of father and son has been more than £50m.

King Charles III has become the first British monarch to publicly disclose his tax bill, revealing he paid £12.9 million in 2024-25. Royal accounts also confirm Charles and Queen Camilla will leave the Buckingham Palace

UK King Charles won't live in Buckingham Palace, becomes first British monarch to reveal tax bill

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The 7 deadliest earthquakes to strike Venezuela, from 1812 to 2026

Three-year-old dies after getting trapped in car amid extreme heatwave in France