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India is all set to host the BRICS Summit 2026 on Sep 12-13 and if not anyone else, US President Donald Trump is definitely watching. As leaders disucss the current world situation, with specific focus on economy amid the Iran war, Strait of Hormuz disruption and tariff war, Trump is keeping a close watch as all of the above relates to him. Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over its efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar, used his tariff threat against member nations and termed the bloc as “anti-American.” With BRICS Summit in India, all eyes are set at its outcome and how US will react.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-university-students-expose-grim-reality-of-pgs-alumni-bats-for-hostel-ground-report-1788922473528"> 'High rent, no light': DU students expose grim reality of Delhi PGs; alumni bat for hostel</a><h2>100% tariffs over de-dollarisation</h2>After winning the US elections for the second time in 2024, Trump demanded that BRICS member countries commit to not creating a new currency or supporting another currency that would replace the US dollar or face 100% tariffs. "We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. "They can go find another 'sucker'. There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-building-collapse-abvp-warns-pg-owners-nsui-alleges-death-toll-cover-up-as-govt-orders-audit-of-pg-hubs-1788836602313">Delhi building collapse: ABVP warns PG owners, NSUI alleges death toll cover-up as govt orders audit of PG hubs</a><h2>‘Attack on the dollar’</h2>In Oct 2025, Trump said that BRICS' de-dollarisation push as an “attack on the dollar.” He has also claimed that BRICS was created to weaken the US currency and argued that losing the dollar's global reserve status would be a major blow to American economic power. He also warned of tariffs. “I told anybody who wants to be in BRICS, that's fine, but we're going to put tariffs on your nation,” he said to reporters in Oval Office.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, &quot;...I told anybody who wants to be in BRICS, that&#39;s fine, but we&#39;re going to put tariffs on your nation. Everybody dropped out. They&#39;re all dropping out of BRICS. BRICS was an attack on the dollar and I said, you want to play that game,… <a href="https://t.co/nzjvI8CRzG">pic.twitter.com/nzjvI8CRzG</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/1978218090463961513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Additional tariffs over ‘anti-American’ policies</h2>Trump expanded his criticism beyond the currency issue. In July 2025, Trump said that countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of BRICS, will be charged an additional 10% tariff. "Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The threat was aimed at countries that he believed were aligning themselves with BRICS initiatives that challenged US economic interests, however he did not clarify.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260909/image-1788940385057.png"><h2>Trump claims BRICS is ‘fading out’</h2>In July 2025, Trump claimed that tariff threats have weakened the bloc. He has described BRICS as a "little group" that is "fading out fast", and claimed that member countries backed away from de-dollarisation after he threatened to restrict their access to the US market. Trump has also said that BRICS members had effectively "dropped out" because of his tariff threats. “There is a little group called Brics, and it is fading out fast. But the BRICS tried and wanted to take over the dollar and the dominance of the dollar and the standard of the dollar. I said that anybody in the BRICS consortium of nations, we are going to tariff you 10 per cent, and they had a meeting the following day. Almost nobody showed up,” the Potus said while talking about how he approaches global economic rivals. “When I heard about this group of six countries in Brics, I hit them very hard, and if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," he added. Without taking names of any particular country, Trump said: “We can never let anyone play games with us.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, &quot;... This (The Genius Act) is really strengthening the US Dollar and giving the Dollar a great prominence. There is a little group called BRICS, and it is fading out fast. But BRICS tried and wanted to take over the Dollar and the… <a href="https://t.co/wG6GEe8OOs">pic.twitter.com/wG6GEe8OOs</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/1946294504837001358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over de-dollarisation, threatening 100% tariffs on countries seeking to replace the US dollar and an additional 10% levy over alleged anti-American policies. Trump has also mocked the bloc as fading and claimed his pressure weakened it.

India is all set to host the BRICS Summit 2026 on Sep 12-13 and if not anyone else, US President Donald Trump is definitely watching. As leaders disucss the current world situation, with specific focus on economy amid the Iran war, Strait of Hormuz disruption and tariff war, Trump is keeping a close watch as all of the above relates to him. Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over its efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar, used his tariff threat against member nations and termed the bloc as “anti-American.” With BRICS Summit in India, all eyes are set at its outcome and how US will react. Also Read: 'High rent, no light': DU students expose grim reality of Delhi PGs; alumni bat for hostel 100% tariffs over de-dollarisation After winning the US elections for the second time in 2024, Trump demanded that BRICS member countries commit to not creating a new currency or supporting another currency that would replace the US dollar or face 100% tariffs. "We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. "They can go find another 'sucker'. There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added. Also Read: Delhi building collapse: ABVP warns PG owners, NSUI alleges death toll cover-up as govt orders audit of PG hubs ‘Attack on the dollar’ In Oct 2025, Trump said that BRICS' de-dollarisation push as an “attack on the dollar.” He has also claimed that BRICS was created to weaken the US currency and argued that losing the dollar's global reserve status would be a major blow to American economic power. He also warned of tariffs. “I told anybody who wants to be in BRICS, that's fine, but we're going to put tariffs on your nation,” he said to reporters in Oval Office.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over de-dollarisation, threatening 100% tariffs on countries seeking to replace the US dollar and an additional 10% levy over alleged anti-American policies. Trump has also mocked the bloc as fading and claimed his pressure weakened it.

Trump vs BRICS: From 100% tariff threat to 'little group fading out', what US president said | RECAP

Brent North Sea crude, the international oil benchmark, climbed above $100 a barrel on Wednesday (September 9) for the first time since late July, as renewed tensions in the Middle East raised concerns over global supplies. Brent prices surged more than 2% to $100.19 a barrel before easing slightly to $99.90. The sharp rise has also fueled concerns that higher energy costs could add to inflationary pressures.&nbsp;Brent crude futures rose $2.15, or 2.2%, to $100.07 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.70, or 1.83%, to $94.73. Brent has climbed roughly 25% since early August as hopes for a permanent resolution to the six-month-old US-Iran conflict have faded. The latest surge has been fuelled by growing concerns that the conflict could spread across the Middle East and disrupt key oil-supply routes.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-prices-might-hit-100-and-it-could-be-bad-news-for-trump-ahead-of-midterms-1788938670443"> US oil prices at $100 could be bad news for Trump ahead of midterm elections</a>&nbsp;This week, attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Saudi energy facilities set oil installations ablaze, raising fears of a significant widening of the conflict. The attacks could also threaten crude shipments through the Red Sea, an important alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. Oil flows through Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, have been severely disrupted since the Iran war satrted on February 28.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before fighting resumed on August 30, around 8 million to 9 million barrels per day had moved through the strait, according to Rystad Energy Chief Economist Claudio Galimberti. That was roughly twice the previous week's volume. More recently, however, flows have fallen below 2 million barrels per day. The supply risks have prompted a growing number of major banks, including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and HSBC, to raise their forecasts for crude prices in recent days.

Brent crude surpasses $100 a barrel as renewed Middle East tensions raise supply concerns, pushing oil prices higher and fueling inflation fears

Brent North Sea crude, the international oil benchmark, climbed above $100 a barrel on Wednesday (September 9) for the first time since late July, as renewed tensions in the Middle East raised concerns over global supplies. Brent prices surged more than 2% to $100.19 a barrel before easing slightly to $99.90. The sharp rise has also fueled concerns that higher energy costs could add to inflationary pressures. Brent crude futures rose $2.15, or 2.2%, to $100.07 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.70, or 1.83%, to $94.73. Brent has climbed roughly 25% since early August as hopes for a permanent resolution to the six-month-old US-Iran conflict have faded. The latest surge has been fuelled by growing concerns that the conflict could spread across the Middle East and disrupt key oil-supply routes. Also Read: US oil prices at $100 could be bad news for Trump ahead of midterm elections This week, attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Saudi energy facilities set oil installations ablaze, raising fears of a significant widening of the conflict. The attacks could also threaten crude shipments through the Red Sea, an important alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. Oil flows through Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, have been severely disrupted since the Iran war satrted on February 28. Before fighting resumed on August 30, around 8 million to 9 million barrels per day had moved through the strait, according to Rystad Energy Chief Economist Claudio Galimberti. That was roughly twice the previous week's volume. More recently, however, flows have fallen below 2 million barrels per day. The supply risks have prompted a growing number of major banks, including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and HSBC, to raise their forecasts for crude prices in recent days.

Brent crude tops $100 a barrel for the first time since July as renewed Middle East tensions fuel supply concerns and inflation fears

Brent Crude hits $100 per barrel after seven weeks as tension in Middle East escalates

Modi-Xi total recall: See the photo journey from the 2019 Mamallapuram summit to Galwan, years of India-China tensions and the 2026 diplomatic thaw

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Apple is holding its biggest hardware event of the year today, September 9, and it marks a major moment for the company. The “Surprise and shine” keynote will be the first major Apple product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook earlier this month. The event will begin at 10:30 PM IST in India.&nbsp;The biggest expected announcements are the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which reports suggest could be called the iPhone Ultra. Apple has not confirmed the product names or specifications.<h2>Apple event September 9: Where to watch in India</h2>The keynote begins at:Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026Time: 10:30 PM ISTUS time: 10 AM PTLocation: Apple Park, CupertinoWatch online: Apple’s website, Apple TV app and YouTube Live&nbsp;Apple has confirmed the 10 AM PT start and says viewers can watch through Apple.com, the Apple TV app or YouTube Live.<h2>iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone: What to expect</h2>The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to bring upgraded processors and camera changes, while Apple’s first foldable could be the biggest new product in years. Reports have pointed to a book-style foldable with a large inner display and a smaller outer screen. Reuters says the device is expected to be a high-end model costing more than $2,500, while the Pro and Pro Max models are also expected to receive upgrades.&nbsp;The foldable is reportedly expected to use a new hinge design aimed at reducing the visible crease. Other reports have suggested Touch ID could return and that the device could be considerably thinner when opened. However, these details remain unconfirmed until Apple takes the stage.&nbsp;<h2>Apple Watch, AirPods and more could also appear</h2>The iPhone may not be the only attraction. Apple is also expected to unveil new Apple Watch and AirPods models, with reports pointing to the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5. There is also speculation around new smart-home products, although some announcements could be held for a later event.&nbsp;For John Ternus, however, the biggest challenge will be larger than any single device. His first keynote as CEO comes as Apple tries to maintain iPhone momentum while making a major entry into the foldable market and competing more aggressively in AI. The first Apple event of the Ternus era begins tonight at 10:30 PM IST.

Apple’s September 9 “Surprise and shine” event begins at 10:30 PM IST today. It is the first major Apple keynote under CEO John Ternus, with the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and a first foldable iPhone widely expected to headline the event.

Apple is holding its biggest hardware event of the year today, September 9, and it marks a major moment for the company. The “Surprise and shine” keynote will be the first major Apple product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook earlier this month. The event will begin at 10:30 PM IST in India. The biggest expected announcements are the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which reports suggest could be called the iPhone Ultra. Apple has not confirmed the product names or specifications. Apple event September 9: Where to watch in India The keynote begins at: Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Time: 10:30 PM IST US time: 10 AM PT Location: Apple Park, Cupertino Watch online: Apple’s website, Apple TV app and YouTube Live Apple has confirmed the 10 AM PT start and says viewers can watch through Apple.com, the Apple TV app or YouTube Live. iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone: What to expect The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to bring upgraded processors and camera changes, while Apple’s first foldable could be the biggest new product in years. Reports have pointed to a book-style foldable with a large inner display and a smaller outer screen. Reuters says the device is expected to be a high-end model costing more than $2,500, while the Pro and Pro Max models are also expected to receive upgrades. The foldable is reportedly expected to use a new hinge design aimed at reducing the visible crease. Other reports have suggested Touch ID could return and that the device could be considerably thinner when opened. However, these details remain unconfirmed until Apple takes the stage. Apple Watch, AirPods and more could also appear The iPhone may not be the only attraction. Apple is also expected to unveil new Apple Watch and AirPods models, with reports pointing to the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5. There is also speculation around new smart-home products, although some announcements could be held for a later event. For John Ternus, however, the biggest challenge will be larger than any single device. His first keynote as CEO comes as Apple tries to maintain iPhone momentum while making a major entry into the foldable market and competing more aggressively in AI. The first Apple event of the Ternus era begins tonight at 10:30 PM IST.

Apple’s September 9 “Surprise and shine” event begins at 10:30 PM IST today. It is the first major Apple keynote under CEO John Ternus, with the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and a first foldable iPhone widely expected to headline the event.

First Apple keynote hosted by new CEO John Ternus: Where to watch iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch today

The Oxford University's Pitt Rivers Museum will be returning the remains of 39 people who were taken during Britain's colonial rule in India. The university said that it is preparing to repatriate the remains of 39 people taken from the Naga community in northeast India. The decision came after the university approved a restitution request by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and other groups. The agreement marks the culmination of a six-year dialogue. The FNR initiated the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) team in 2020 to engage with the university, leading to a delegation viewing the remains and drafting the Naga-Oxford Declaration on Repatriation in June 2025.&nbsp;In a statement, Museum director Laura Van Broekhoven told CBS News, “the remains have been away from their homeland for far too long.” According to the museum, the group's requested for 40 sets of human remains, but the university approved the return of 39 of them in July because one "does not have a clear provenance as Naga." The FNR and other Naga organisations in a statement said, "Repatriation, for the Nagas, is not simply about bones and ancestral remains finding their way back to the land but importantly about memory returning to where it belongs." The museum said it was "working closely" with the Naga community to agree on a date for a handover ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pitt Rivers Museum holds over 6,000 Naga artifacts. Nearly 700 are on display, according to the museum's website. The museum has faced charges of racism and cultural insensitivity because it displayed its famous collection of shrunken heads and other human remains. In 2020, it removed the collection with an aim to "decolonise" its collections. "Our audience research has shown that visitors often saw the museum's displays of human remains as a testament to other cultures being 'savage',&nbsp; 'primitive' or 'gruesome'. Rather than enabling our visitors to reach a deeper understanding of each other's ways of being, the displays reinforced racist and stereotypical thinking that goes against the museum's values today,'' Van Broekhoven said in a statement at the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tasnim-jara-bangladesh-election-independent-oxford-graduate-1770144100452">Who is Tasnim Jara? Oxford-educated doctor takes on Bangladesh's politics as independent candidate</a><h2>What's the story of these remains?</h2>The remains—predominantly human skulls—were taken more than a century ago during British colonial rule. They were largely accumulated between 1910 and 1940 by colonial administrators and anthropologists John Henry Hutton and James Philip Mills. The museum explicitly acknowledged that many of these remains—which included a warrior's cranium, a woman's skull, and a youth's jaw—were forcibly taken or confiscated during punitive military expeditions burned against Naga villages by colonial forces. Once in Oxford, they were cataloged as "headhunting trophies" and put on public exhibition in a display titled "Treatment of Dead Enemies," where they remained for a century until being taken down in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum has approved the return of the remains of 39 Naga people taken from northeast India during British colonial rule. The repatriation follows a request by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, with the handover ceremony to be held in Oxford.

The Oxford University's Pitt Rivers Museum will be returning the remains of 39 people who were taken during Britain's colonial rule in India. The university said that it is preparing to repatriate the remains of 39 people taken from the Naga community in northeast India. The decision came after the university approved a restitution request by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and other groups. The agreement marks the culmination of a six-year dialogue. The FNR initiated the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD) team in 2020 to engage with the university, leading to a delegation viewing the remains and drafting the Naga-Oxford Declaration on Repatriation in June 2025. In a statement, Museum director Laura Van Broekhoven told CBS News, “the remains have been away from their homeland for far too long.” According to the museum, the group's requested for 40 sets of human remains, but the university approved the return of 39 of them in July because one "does not have a clear provenance as Naga." The FNR and other Naga organisations in a statement said, "Repatriation, for the Nagas, is not simply about bones and ancestral remains finding their way back to the land but importantly about memory returning to where it belongs." The museum said it was "working closely" with the Naga community to agree on a date for a handover ceremony. The Pitt Rivers Museum holds over 6,000 Naga artifacts. Nearly 700 are on display, according to the museum's website. The museum has faced charges of racism and cultural insensitivity because it displayed its famous collection of shrunken heads and other human remains. In 2020, it removed the collection with an aim to "decolonise" its collections. "Our audience research has shown that visitors often saw the museum's displays of human remains as a testament to other cultures being 'savage', 'primitive' or 'gruesome'. Rather than enabling our visitors to reach a deeper understanding of each other's ways of being, the displays reinforced racist and stereotypical thinking that goes against the museum's values today,'' Van Broekhoven said in a statement at the time. Also Read: Who is Tasnim Jara? Oxford-educated doctor takes on Bangladesh's politics as independent candidate What's the story of these remains? The remains—predominantly human skulls—were taken more than a century ago during British colonial rule. They were largely accumulated between 1910 and 1940 by colonial administrators and anthropologists John Henry Hutton and James Philip Mills. The museum explicitly acknowledged that many of these remains—which included a warrior's cranium, a woman's skull, and a youth's jaw—were forcibly taken or confiscated during punitive military expeditions burned against Naga villages by colonial forces. Once in Oxford, they were cataloged as "headhunting trophies" and put on public exhibition in a display titled "Treatment of Dead Enemies," where they remained for a century until being taken down in 2020.

Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum has approved the return of the remains of 39 Naga people taken from northeast India during British colonial rule. The repatriation follows a request by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, with the handover ceremony to be held in Oxford.

'Memory returning home': Why Oxford is sending back remains of 39 Naga people to India

Will Pakistan enter the Iran war, albeit indirectly? The Macca Defence alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkey might compel the South Asian nation to do so. Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif indicated as much, saying that all three signatories to the defence pact would respond if there is any aggression against one. The context is recent attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi forces, which is a group supported by, and helping, Iran to stand up to the US-Israel attacks.<h2>Houthi strikes could activate Mecca Defence Pact: What Pakistan defence minister said</h2>Iran-backed Houthis recently launched missile and drone strikes against Saudi cities and economic assets, injuring at least 73 people.Pakistan condemned the attacks, with its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.Speaking to local media, Pakistani defence minister Asif warned that the Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate the Mecca Defence Alliance. "If there is any aggression against one member state, all three member states will respond,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>How the collective response aspect of Mecca Pact could drag Pakistan to the wider regional conflict&nbsp;</h2>The three countries are bound by the terms of their joint defence agreement, said Asif, while speaking on the show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath.&nbsp;The pact's core principle is collective defence, akin to NATO. If one member faces aggression, the other two are expected to respond under the pact’s terms, agreed upon by the three nations in August.Asif, however, said he had no information about any communication between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia over the latest attacks.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-crosses-300-in-yemen-as-houthi-offensive-forces-thousands-to-flee-1788754670547">Death toll crosses 300 in Yemen as Houthi offensive forces thousands to abandon homes</a><h2>Defensive pact, not an attack agreement</h2>Asif stressed the defensive nature of the pact, saying it does not allow Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to attack another country.“This is not an aggressive agreement under which the three countries would, on their own initiative, attack another country,” he said.Asif said the continued attacks on Saudi territory could make the relevant provisions operative.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-saudi-backed-forces-launch-major-offensives-1788803403466/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-saudi-backed-forces-launch-major-offensives-1788803403466/embed</a><h2>Warning against Houthis</h2>Asif warned against using non-state actors to widen existing regional disputes, saying the Houthis should not extend Yemen’s conflict into Saudi Arabia.He hoped Saudi Arabia would not be drawn deeper into Yemen’s internal conflict.The pact could serve as a deterrent without automatically leading to military action, he said, adding, “We don't need to respond to a brick with a stone.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-unleash-terror-in-red-sea-the-new-frontline-of-iran-war-that-also-targets-saudi-israel-all-major-attacks-this-year-1786449981831">Houthis unleash terror in Red Sea, the new frontline of Iran war that also targets Saudi, Israel | All major attacks this year</a><h2>What Is The Mecca Defence Alliance?</h2>Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey formalised their longstanding defence cooperation through the Mecca Defence Alliance, which was signed on August 6. The pact, which seeks to strengthen military coordination, collective deterrence and security cooperation. It treats aggression against one member as a threat to all three, authorising collective response. If Pakistan joins in defending Saudi against the Houthis, it would amount to the peace negotiator in the Iran war indirectly joining the side that's anti-Iran.

Pakistan has warned that continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate its Mecca Defence Alliance with the kingdom and Turkey. The pact calls for collective response if one of the three countries faces attacks. Here is what Pakistani defence minister said about it 

Will Pakistan enter the Iran war, albeit indirectly? The Macca Defence alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkey might compel the South Asian nation to do so. Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif indicated as much, saying that all three signatories to the defence pact would respond if there is any aggression against one. The context is recent attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi forces, which is a group supported by, and helping, Iran to stand up to the US-Israel attacks. Houthi strikes could activate Mecca Defence Pact: What Pakistan defence minister said Iran-backed Houthis recently launched missile and drone strikes against Saudi cities and economic assets, injuring at least 73 people. Pakistan condemned the attacks, with its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. Speaking to local media, Pakistani defence minister Asif warned that the Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate the Mecca Defence Alliance. "If there is any aggression against one member state, all three member states will respond,” he said. How the collective response aspect of Mecca Pact could drag Pakistan to the wider regional conflict The three countries are bound by the terms of their joint defence agreement, said Asif, while speaking on the show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath. The pact's core principle is collective defence, akin to NATO. If one member faces aggression, the other two are expected to respond under the pact’s terms, agreed upon by the three nations in August. Asif, however, said he had no information about any communication between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia over the latest attacks. Also read: Death toll crosses 300 in Yemen as Houthi offensive forces thousands to abandon homes Defensive pact, not an attack agreement Asif stressed the defensive nature of the pact, saying it does not allow Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to attack another country.“This is not an aggressive agreement under which the three countries would, on their own initiative, attack another country,” he said. Asif said the continued attacks on Saudi territory could make the relevant provisions operative. https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-saudi-backed-forces-launch-major-offensives-1788803403466/embed Warning against Houthis Asif warned against using non-state actors to widen existing regional disputes, saying the Houthis should not extend Yemen’s conflict into Saudi Arabia. He hoped Saudi Arabia would not be drawn deeper into Yemen’s internal conflict. The pact could serve as a deterrent without automatically leading to military action, he said, adding, “We don't need to respond to a brick with a stone.” Also read: Houthis unleash terror in Red Sea, the new frontline of Iran war that also targets Saudi, Israel | All major attacks this year What Is The Mecca Defence Alliance? Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey formalised their longstanding defence cooperation through the Mecca Defence Alliance, which was signed on August 6. The pact, which seeks to strengthen military coordination, collective deterrence and security cooperation. It treats aggression against one member as a threat to all three, authorising collective response. If Pakistan joins in defending Saudi against the Houthis, it would amount to the peace negotiator in the Iran war indirectly joining the side that's anti-Iran.

Pakistan has warned that continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate its Mecca Defence Alliance with the kingdom and Turkey. The pact calls for collective response if one of the three countries faces attacks. Here is what Pakistani defence minister said about it&nbsp;

Will Pakistan enter West Asia conflict over Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia? What defence minister Asif said about Mecca pact's collective defence

Delhi has been given a festive look for the BRICS Summit 2026, with posters and lights adorning key parts of the national capital. The event will be held at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, with member nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - attending. The city has been dressed in the colours of the Indian national flag for the summit. Several heads of state, foreign delegates, heads of international organisations, and key dignitaries will be visiting the capital.&nbsp;In view of the event, security has been tightened in the capital. Delhi Traffic Police issued a comprehensive plan and advisories. Additional CP (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta confirmed that extensive security and mobility protocols are being implemented to ensure smooth transit for foreign delegates while minimising public inconvenience. Traffic police are conducting carcade rehearsals on the identified routes and have been informed about the arrangements.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-brics-flex-its-collective-clout-at-florida-g20-act-as-bloc-within-a-bloc-1788897945720">Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?</a><h2>Diversions in Delhi</h2>"They will stay in nine hotels. So, the routes from there to Bharat Mandapam have been identified. We are doing carcade rehearsals on the routes. Proper briefing is given to our staff," the ACP said. Informing about traffic movement and arrangements, he said a total of 22 diversions are in place, and alternate routes have been set up. “We have made 22 diversion points from which we will divert. We will guide the public to take alternative routes,” he said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brics-is-not-anti-west-it-s-just-challenging-the-west-s-monopoly-on-power-1788887405395">BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power | The Verdict</a>&nbsp;The police are keeping people updated on the traffic situation as the days of the event approach. A few selected routes will remain restricted. This includes routes surrounding Bharat Mandapam, including Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg.<h2>Traffic restrictions in Delhi</h2>&nbsp;The police have identified more than 35 roads where traffic will be controlled or diverted. Traffic will be halted in these areas during VIP movement, which would mostly be in central, south and adjoining parts of Delhi. Police officials say the restriction in movement is being done keeping in mind the smooth movement of foreign leaders and delegations while causing minimal inconvenience to the public. However, the advisory states commuters should turn to public transport, especially Delhi Metro.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed<h2>Holiday for BRICS Summit</h2> Besides traffic diversions and restrictions, authorities have also announced an official public holiday for schools and government offices on September 11.<h2>Beautification of Delhi</h2> Delhi is also being spruced up for the BRICS Summit. The New Delhi Municipal Council is undertaking streetscape improvement works across major areas of the capital. Roads are being repaired, and kerbs are being cleaned and refreshed. This also includes clearly marked zebra crossings, upgraded footpaths, thematic paintings and improvements to public spaces. The idea is to improve the overall appearance and infrastructure of Delhi.

BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi will host the three-day event from September 11 to 13. The city has been spruced up for the event. Security has been tightened in several areas, with several restrictions on traffic movement being placed. What you need to know.   

Delhi has been given a festive look for the BRICS Summit 2026, with posters and lights adorning key parts of the national capital. The event will be held at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, with member nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - attending. The city has been dressed in the colours of the Indian national flag for the summit. Several heads of state, foreign delegates, heads of international organisations, and key dignitaries will be visiting the capital. In view of the event, security has been tightened in the capital. Delhi Traffic Police issued a comprehensive plan and advisories. Additional CP (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta confirmed that extensive security and mobility protocols are being implemented to ensure smooth transit for foreign delegates while minimising public inconvenience. Traffic police are conducting carcade rehearsals on the identified routes and have been informed about the arrangements. Also Read: Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout? Diversions in Delhi "They will stay in nine hotels. So, the routes from there to Bharat Mandapam have been identified. We are doing carcade rehearsals on the routes. Proper briefing is given to our staff," the ACP said. Informing about traffic movement and arrangements, he said a total of 22 diversions are in place, and alternate routes have been set up. “We have made 22 diversion points from which we will divert. We will guide the public to take alternative routes,” he said. Also Read: BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power | The Verdict The police are keeping people updated on the traffic situation as the days of the event approach. A few selected routes will remain restricted. This includes routes surrounding Bharat Mandapam, including Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg. Traffic restrictions in Delhi The police have identified more than 35 roads where traffic will be controlled or diverted. Traffic will be halted in these areas during VIP movement, which would mostly be in central, south and adjoining parts of Delhi. Police officials say the restriction in movement is being done keeping in mind the smooth movement of foreign leaders and delegations while causing minimal inconvenience to the public. However, the advisory states commuters should turn to public transport, especially Delhi Metro. https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed Holiday for BRICS Summit Besides traffic diversions and restrictions, authorities have also announced an official public holiday for schools and government offices on September 11. Beautification of Delhi Delhi is also being spruced up for the BRICS Summit. The New Delhi Municipal Council is undertaking streetscape improvement works across major areas of the capital. Roads are being repaired, and kerbs are being cleaned and refreshed. This also includes clearly marked zebra crossings, upgraded footpaths, thematic paintings and improvements to public spaces. The idea is to improve the overall appearance and infrastructure of Delhi.

BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi will host the three-day event from September 11 to 13. The city has been spruced up for the event. Security has been tightened in several areas, with several restrictions on traffic movement being placed. What you need to know. &nbsp;&nbsp;

BRICS Summit 2026: Traffic restrictions, advisories, holidays and other preparations

Latest News Today Live Updates: After US attack on Iranian ships, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Jordan on Wednesday (Sep 9), saying it was targeting Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key facility used by US forces. In a statement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they "struck the American Al-Azraq base in Jordan with heavy missile strikes" in a "punitive operation", IRNA reported. Soon after, Jordan's army said it shot down 18 missiles from IranDays after devastating floods battered parts of Nepal, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s northwestern Mustang district on Tuesday night (Sep 8), with tremors felt in at least three neighbouring districts. According to official data from the National Centre of Seismology, the seismic activity occurred at 9:38 PM IST.More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at UK airports on Tuesday after a technical problem with Britain's air traffic control system caused widespread disruption, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it had identified a problem with its flight processing system and that engineers were working urgently to restore normal operations.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sharpened his attack on the Opposition, once again using the phrase ‘naaraaz fufa ji’, or angry uncle, for critics who question his government’s development record. Speaking at the NaMo for Viksit Bharat event in Gujarat’s Vadodara, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 35,000 crore. Among the key projects is a 2,800-kilometre dedicated rail freight corridor, which he described as a ‘historic achievement of the 21st century’.President Donald Trump gave three of his closest White House aides $45,000 each in cash holiday gifts, according to annual financial disclosure filings submitted by the officials. Natalie Harp, Chamberlain Harris and Margo Martin each reported receiving $45,000 from Trump. The gifts totaled $135,000 and were separate from the aides’ taxpayer-funded annual salaries of $150,000.India is set to host BRICS Summit 2026 and WION is leading the coverage. Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

The UK Police have launched a criminal investigation into donations to the Reform UK party. This comes after an investigation by Channel 4 News, which showed that the anti-immigration party had broken rules on foreign donations.The Metropolitan Police said that it had received “a number of reports relating to donations and polling involving a political party,” following the broadcast by Channel 4. “Detectives have assessed the information provided and determined that there are potential offences requiring investigation,” it said.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-investigate-reform-uk-donations-1788964051763">READ MORE</a>

UK police launch criminal investigation into Reform UK donations

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has named Umer Un Nabi as the mastermind behind the November 2025 Red Fort car blast that killed 11 and injured 29 others. In the chargesheet, the agency has alleged that Nabi, also known as Pinda and Rahul Bhat, was “operational in-charge” of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) terror module, which had been revived by him in recent years to carry out terror attacks across India. The investigators have described the AGuH as a revived manifestation of Al-Qaida in the Indian Sub-continent.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reviving-terror-module-training-terrorists-nia-chargesheet-reveals-mastermind-umer-un-nabi-s-role-in-red-fort-blast-1788960592658">Read more.</a>

Reviving terror module, training terrorists: NIA chargesheet reveals ‘mastermind’ Umer Un Nabi’s role in Red Fort blast

Japan’s fragmented political opposition suffered another major setback on Wednesday (September 9) after its main party announced plans to disband, following an unsuccessful effort to challenge Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s highly popular administration. The Centrist Reform Alliance will cease its activities, party leader Junya Ogawa announced at a press conference, bringing an eight-month attempt to establish a strong political alternative to Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to an end.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-s-main-opposition-party-centrist-reform-alliance-collapses-after-eight-months-1788948335493">Read more.</a>

Japan's main Opposition party, Centrist Reform Alliance, collapses after eight months

India is making final arrangements for the 18th BRICS Summit this weekend, with officials describing the gathering as a large-scale logistical operation designed to keep New Delhi functioning while hosting an expanded bloc of leaders, partners and journalists.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-is-a-large-logistical-exercise-1300-journalists-expected-mea-official-says-1788954762516">Read more.</a>

BRICS Summit is a ‘large logistical exercise’, 1300 Journalists expected, MEA official says

Several vessels in the Gulf region were on fire on Wednesday (Sep 9), according to a British maritime agency, as Iran said it had attacked 20 ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest incidents come amid a deadlock in the six-month war, with Iran maintaining its grip on the strategic waterway while Washington continues to press its counterblockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US strikes on its oil tankers, calling the attacks a threat to regional security.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-on-fire-iran-claims-attacks-on-20-ships-condemns-us-strikes-on-tankers-1788952350661">Read more.</a>

Gulf on fire: Iran claims attacks on 20 ships, condemns US strikes on tankers

Two people were ‌critically injured ​after ​an explosion at a hydroelectric power station ⁠in ​southern Switzerland on Wednesday (Sep 9, local broadcaster ​RSI reported, citing ​police. The blast resulted in part of a building to collapse. According to reports, rescue ​efforts ​are ⁠underway.

Two injured in explosion at hydro station in Switzerland: Report

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday dissolved parliament and called snap parliamentary elections for October 25, a key demand of the country's long-running protest movement.Parliamentary elections were not due until December 2027, but Vucic called the early vote after nearly two years of anti-government demonstrations."I am calling parliamentary elections for October 25," Vucic said in a nationally televised address.

Serbia dissolves parliament, calls October 25 snap vote

A 24-year-old Mumbai businessman has found himself at the centre of a security breach investigation after allegedly posing as a Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) official to enter a high-security venue in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). Rohan Premal Parekh, a resident of Khar, was arrested by Mumbai Police along with his bodyguard, Dilip Rajaram Kunde, after the duo allegedly attempted to enter Jio World Plaza on Monday, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to attend the Global Fintech Fest in BKC. Police have clarified that the incident has no connection with PM Narendra Modi’s scheduled event.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-rohan-parekh-what-we-know-about-the-man-in-mumbai-s-pmo-impersonation-case-1788943375634">Read here</a>

Who is Rohan Parekh? What we know about the man in Mumbai’s PMO impersonation case

In its first response against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, India said that such strikes undermine regional security and threaten freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in government's official response said that India condemns such strikes. Houthis on Tuesday targeted energy facilities belonging to oil giant Saudi Aramco in southern Saudi Arabia as part of a “broad operation.” Saudi authorities said that the strikes triggered fires at multiple oil installations and utility sites and injured 73 people. On Monday, Houthis said that Saudi Arabia launched multiple attacks on Houthi-held areas using aircraft and cruise missiles and struck al-Jawf, al-Bayda, Marib and Taiz provinces.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/undermines-security-and-stability-india-condemns-houthi-attacks-on-saudi-arabia-1788941941670">Read here</a>

'Undermines security and stability': India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Supreme Court took strong exception to a Greater Noida Executive Magistrate issuing a notice to a 2nd-year student over his alleged campaign for participation in the proposed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests, despite the apex court’s earlier direction against coercive action against students in connection with the agitation. The issue was raised before a bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana during oral mentioning. The lawyer informed the apex court that the notice was issued against a second-year student of Gautam Buddha University based on a report submitted by the Noida Police. “How could a Magistrate dare to issue notice? We made it clear no coercive action against any student. No Magistrate could violate that order,” said the CJI.

'How dare a magistrate do that?': SC fumes over CJP stir notice to Noida student

Benchmark Brent crude oil futures rose past $100 a barrel, breaching the symbolic barrier for the first time ​since July 24&nbsp;

Brent crude rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalates

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public life represented a journey from public service to “service of the nation”, as the party prepares to launch its nationwide ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’. BJP is planning month-long campaign that will include public outreach and service-oriented programmes, including initiatives aimed at connecting beneficiaries with government welfare schemes. The party has also planned programmes at the grassroots level, including activities at Anganwadi centres and camps to help eligible citizens access government schemes. The campaign is also expected to culminate in a mass event on October 17, with around 1.25 lakh elected representatives from the panchayat level to Parliament expected to participate in a rendition of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’.&nbsp;

‘From public service to service of nation’: Nitin Nabin hails PM as BJP plans Seva Sankalp Abhiyan from Modi's birthday

Four people, including one child, have been killed and 29 injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, the governor of the southern Krasnodar region said on Wednesday

Russia says Ukrainian drone attack killed four in Novorossiysk

Israel has given 30 days notice for the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, amid worsening relations between the countries, according to Reuters report

Israel tells British consulate in East Jerusalem to close within 30 days: Reuters

The Trump administration is seeking greater U.S. access to Venezuela’s mineral resources, including gold, as it broadens efforts to expand American influence over the South American nation’s vast natural wealth beyond oil, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. The initiative could pave the way for increased U.S. investment in Venezuela’s mining sector, potentially giving American companies access not only to oil but also to minerals considered critical to U.S. national security, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

US seeks more access to Venezuela's mineral wealth after tapping its oil, sources say

The Madras High Court has held that a Christian woman cannot invoke Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), to seek restitution of conjugal rights against a Hindu man whom she claims to be her husband. The court observed that the HMA applies to Hindus and to marriages solemnised in accordance with the statutory requirements governing Hindu marriages. A Division Bench comprising Justice P.T. Asha and Justice N. Mala made the observation while dismissing a civil miscellaneous appeal filed by the woman challenging the Family Court, Villupuram’s dismissal of her petition seeking restitution of conjugal rights.

Madras HC: Christian woman cannot invoke Hindu Marriage Act against Hindu husband

India, Sri Lanka set to sign three MoUs during Rajnath Singh’s visit, including one likely covering air defence weapons supplies

India, Sri Lanka to sign 3 MoUs during Rajnath’s visit, including one likely on air defence weapons supply

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sharpened his attack on the Opposition, once again using the phrase ‘naaraaz fufa ji’, or angry uncle, for critics who question his government’s development record. Speaking at the NaMo for Viksit Bharat event in Gujarat’s Vadodara, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 35,000 crore. Among the key projects is a 2,800-kilometre dedicated rail freight corridor, which he described as a ‘historic achievement of the 21st century’.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-doubles-down-on-naaraaz-fufa-ji-jibe-takes-fresh-swipe-at-opposition-after-unveiling-35-000-crore-projects-in-vadodara-1788927977464">Read here</a>

PM Modi doubles down on 'naaraaz fufa ji' jibe, takes fresh swipe at Opposition after unveiling ₹35,000 crore projects in Vadodara

Latest News Today Live Updates: After US attack on Iranian ships, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Jordan on Wednesday. PM Modi sharpened his attack on the Opposition, once again using the phrase ‘naaraaz fufa ji’, for critics who question his government’s development record

Latest News Today Live Updates: After US attack on Iranian ships, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Jordan on Wednesday (Sep 9), saying it was targeting Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key facility used by US forces. In a statement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they "struck the American Al-Azraq base in Jordan with heavy missile strikes" in a "punitive operation", IRNA reported. Soon after, Jordan's army said it shot down 18 missiles from Iran Days after devastating floods battered parts of Nepal, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s northwestern Mustang district on Tuesday night (Sep 8), with tremors felt in at least three neighbouring districts. According to official data from the National Centre of Seismology, the seismic activity occurred at 9:38 PM IST. More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at UK airports on Tuesday after a technical problem with Britain's air traffic control system caused widespread disruption, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it had identified a problem with its flight processing system and that engineers were working urgently to restore normal operations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sharpened his attack on the Opposition, once again using the phrase ‘naaraaz fufa ji’, or angry uncle, for critics who question his government’s development record. Speaking at the NaMo for Viksit Bharat event in Gujarat’s Vadodara, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 35,000 crore. Among the key projects is a 2,800-kilometre dedicated rail freight corridor, which he described as a ‘historic achievement of the 21st century’. President Donald Trump gave three of his closest White House aides $45,000 each in cash holiday gifts, according to annual financial disclosure filings submitted by the officials. Natalie Harp, Chamberlain Harris and Margo Martin each reported receiving $45,000 from Trump. The gifts totaled $135,000 and were separate from the aides’ taxpayer-funded annual salaries of $150,000. India is set to host BRICS Summit 2026 and WION is leading the coverage. Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Latest News Today Live Updates: After US attack on Iranian ships, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Jordan on Wednesday. PM Modi sharpened his attack on the Opposition, once again using the phrase ‘naaraaz fufa ji’, for critics who question his government’s development record

Latest News India and World LIVE Updates: Russia says Ukrainian drone attack killed four in Novorossiysk

Digital infrastructure investors across Africa could soon see an end to red tape, overlapping mandates, and regulatory delays, as the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, pushes for a more unified regulatory approach.&nbsp;Inuwa made the case during a Regulatory Roundtable session titled "Regulations that Build: Aligning Policy and Digital Infrastructure Investment Priorities," held at ITW Data Cloud Africa 2026. He used the platform to address the friction that both foreign and domestic investors face when they have to navigate multiple government agencies to get things done.&nbsp;According to Inuwa, investors want government to function as one cohesive unit rather than a patchwork of disconnected institutions. He argued that aligning agencies internally around a single regulatory interface would cut out duplication, speed up licensing approvals, and give businesses clearer, more predictable timelines when entering the market.&nbsp;He also pointed to a shift in regulatory philosophy driven by the convergence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-density data centers, which he said has made traditional, sector-by-sector regulation insufficient. In response, NITDA is adopting a horizontal regulatory framework: broad, foundational standards that individual sector regulators can then build on. As an example, Inuwa cited Nigeria's National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, noting that the Central Bank of Nigeria used NITDA's horizontal framework to issue a single circular covering the financial sector, allowing banks to meet digital stability requirements without chasing separate approvals from multiple agencies.&nbsp;Looking beyond Nigeria's borders, Inuwa called for unified standards for cross-border data transfers and regional markets, built around interoperability, trust, and security. He suggested that if African countries adopt standardised data classifications, clearly distinguishing sovereign in-country data from public or hybrid cloud assets, they could enable smoother data exchange across the continent and recognise one another's compliance standards without duplicating local procedures.&nbsp;On the perception that regulators see tech firms mainly as sources of revenue, Inuwa pushed back, stating that NITDA operates on a Regulatory Intelligence Framework built to support business growth rather than extract money from operators. He described regulation as a tool for shaping economic behaviour rather than a rigid set of rules, adding that NITDA does not charge for its regulations and is instead focused on building markets, developing local capacity, and drawing in long-term investment.&nbsp;Joining Inuwa on the panel were Caroline Okafor, Legal Enforcement and Regulation lead at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC); Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Mercy Ndegwa, Director of Public Policy for East &amp; Horn of Africa and Economic Policy Lead for Africa at Meta; and Eng. Dennis Chepkwony, Director of the Universal Service Fund at Kenya's Communication Authority.

NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has called for co-regulation and unified digital standards across Africa to reduce regulatory red tape, speed up licensing and attract investment. Speaking at ITW Data Cloud Africa 2026, he pushed for interoperable data rules and coordinated regulation.

Digital infrastructure investors across Africa could soon see an end to red tape, overlapping mandates, and regulatory delays, as the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, pushes for a more unified regulatory approach. Inuwa made the case during a Regulatory Roundtable session titled "Regulations that Build: Aligning Policy and Digital Infrastructure Investment Priorities," held at ITW Data Cloud Africa 2026. He used the platform to address the friction that both foreign and domestic investors face when they have to navigate multiple government agencies to get things done. According to Inuwa, investors want government to function as one cohesive unit rather than a patchwork of disconnected institutions. He argued that aligning agencies internally around a single regulatory interface would cut out duplication, speed up licensing approvals, and give businesses clearer, more predictable timelines when entering the market. He also pointed to a shift in regulatory philosophy driven by the convergence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-density data centers, which he said has made traditional, sector-by-sector regulation insufficient. In response, NITDA is adopting a horizontal regulatory framework: broad, foundational standards that individual sector regulators can then build on. As an example, Inuwa cited Nigeria's National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, noting that the Central Bank of Nigeria used NITDA's horizontal framework to issue a single circular covering the financial sector, allowing banks to meet digital stability requirements without chasing separate approvals from multiple agencies. Looking beyond Nigeria's borders, Inuwa called for unified standards for cross-border data transfers and regional markets, built around interoperability, trust, and security. He suggested that if African countries adopt standardised data classifications, clearly distinguishing sovereign in-country data from public or hybrid cloud assets, they could enable smoother data exchange across the continent and recognise one another's compliance standards without duplicating local procedures. On the perception that regulators see tech firms mainly as sources of revenue, Inuwa pushed back, stating that NITDA operates on a Regulatory Intelligence Framework built to support business growth rather than extract money from operators. He described regulation as a tool for shaping economic behaviour rather than a rigid set of rules, adding that NITDA does not charge for its regulations and is instead focused on building markets, developing local capacity, and drawing in long-term investment. Joining Inuwa on the panel were Caroline Okafor, Legal Enforcement and Regulation lead at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC); Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Mercy Ndegwa, Director of Public Policy for East & Horn of Africa and Economic Policy Lead for Africa at Meta; and Eng. Dennis Chepkwony, Director of the Universal Service Fund at Kenya's Communication Authority.

NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has called for co-regulation and unified digital standards across Africa to reduce regulatory red tape, speed up licensing and attract investment. Speaking at ITW Data Cloud Africa 2026, he pushed for interoperable data rules and coordinated regulation.

Cut the red tape: NITDA's Inuwa makes case for co-regulation across Africa

President Donald Trump gave three of his closest White House aides $45,000 each in cash holiday gifts, according to annual financial disclosure filings submitted by the officials. Natalie Harp, Chamberlain Harris and Margo Martin each reported receiving $45,000 from Trump. The gifts totaled $135,000 and were separate from the aides’ taxpayer-funded annual salaries of $150,000. The financial disclosures list Trump as the source of each payment and describe the money as a ‘cash gift for the holidays’.&nbsp;&nbsp;Harris identified Trump’s location as Washington, DC, while Harp and Martin listed Palm Beach, Florida. The disclosures were filed under federal government requirements governing public financial reporting by senior government officials. Each $45,000 payment represents 30% of the recipient’s annual White House salary. The three aides are among the officials who have frequent access to Trump and play prominent roles around the president.&nbsp;Harp, who serves as a special assistant and executive assistant to Trump, has attracted attention for her highly visible presence around the president. She is frequently seen at Trump’s side, printing articles, social media posts and other material for him, earning her the nickname 'the human printer'. Harris serves as deputy director of Oval Office operations and as an executive assistant to the president. Trump also appointed her to the Commission of Fine Arts, a federal panel responsible for reviewing architectural and design matters in Washington.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-firefighters-carried-him-to-safety-on-9-11-what-actually-happened-1788920387076">Trump claims firefighters carried him to safety on 9/11: What actually happened</a>&nbsp;That appointment has become particularly notable because the commission is involved in reviewing Trump’s proposed White House ballroom, a project that has sparked legal and political controversy. Former commissioners and preservation advocates criticized Harris’ appointment and questioned whether she had the qualifications for the position. Martin, Trump’s communications adviser, also travels regularly with the president. She frequently records and publishes videos of Trump, including footage showing him dancing on a tarmac in Malaysia and interacting with visitors in the Oval Office.&nbsp;The financial filings provide limited information about the circumstances surrounding the holiday payments. A White House spokesperson defended the gifts, saying, “The President has a longstanding practice of giving Christmas gifts to people in his orbit, including at times employees and aides, both in government and in his time in the private sector,” a White House spokesperson said. “The gifts at issue here have nothing to do with any of these individuals’ official government duties, and, therefore, are entirely permissible under relevant legal and ethical standards.”

Donald Trump gave three top White House aides $45,000 holiday cash gifts each, totaling $135,000, according to federal financial disclosures

President Donald Trump gave three of his closest White House aides $45,000 each in cash holiday gifts, according to annual financial disclosure filings submitted by the officials. Natalie Harp, Chamberlain Harris and Margo Martin each reported receiving $45,000 from Trump. The gifts totaled $135,000 and were separate from the aides’ taxpayer-funded annual salaries of $150,000. The financial disclosures list Trump as the source of each payment and describe the money as a ‘cash gift for the holidays’. Harris identified Trump’s location as Washington, DC, while Harp and Martin listed Palm Beach, Florida. The disclosures were filed under federal government requirements governing public financial reporting by senior government officials. Each $45,000 payment represents 30% of the recipient’s annual White House salary. The three aides are among the officials who have frequent access to Trump and play prominent roles around the president. Harp, who serves as a special assistant and executive assistant to Trump, has attracted attention for her highly visible presence around the president. She is frequently seen at Trump’s side, printing articles, social media posts and other material for him, earning her the nickname 'the human printer'. Harris serves as deputy director of Oval Office operations and as an executive assistant to the president. Trump also appointed her to the Commission of Fine Arts, a federal panel responsible for reviewing architectural and design matters in Washington. Also Read: Trump claims firefighters carried him to safety on 9/11: What actually happened That appointment has become particularly notable because the commission is involved in reviewing Trump’s proposed White House ballroom, a project that has sparked legal and political controversy. Former commissioners and preservation advocates criticized Harris’ appointment and questioned whether she had the qualifications for the position. Martin, Trump’s communications adviser, also travels regularly with the president. She frequently records and publishes videos of Trump, including footage showing him dancing on a tarmac in Malaysia and interacting with visitors in the Oval Office. The financial filings provide limited information about the circumstances surrounding the holiday payments. A White House spokesperson defended the gifts, saying, “The President has a longstanding practice of giving Christmas gifts to people in his orbit, including at times employees and aides, both in government and in his time in the private sector,” a White House spokesperson said. “The gifts at issue here have nothing to do with any of these individuals’ official government duties, and, therefore, are entirely permissible under relevant legal and ethical standards.”

Donald Trump gave three top White House aides $45,000 holiday cash gifts each, totaling $135,000, according to their federal financial disclosures

Trump's $135,000 holiday surprise for three White House aides revealed in new disclosures

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at UK airports on Tuesday after a technical problem with Britain's air traffic control system caused widespread disruption, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it had identified a problem with its flight processing system and that engineers were working urgently to restore normal operations. The disruption affected flights to and from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, as well as services operated by several leading airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, KLM and Lufthansa.&nbsp;Although British airspace remained open and flights continued to depart, the technical failure resulted in significant delays and cancellations across the country's aviation network. NATS later said it had implemented a fix and that its systems were beginning to recover. By Tuesday evening, NATS confirmed that the problem with its flight processing system had been fixed. However, delays remained at 15 UK airports and elsewhere as airlines and airports worked to clear the backlog created by the disruption."We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible," NATS said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters. "Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time," it added.&nbsp;Heathrow, Britain's busiest airport, said it was working with NATS to address the disruption. Flightradar24 reported that arrivals and departures were being regulated at airports across the London flight information region because of the technical issue.The impact was quickly reflected in flight schedules. FlightAware data showed that around 100 flights had been cancelled at Heathrow, while 367 were delayed. At Gatwick, approximately 250 flights were delayed, representing about 31% of the airport's total flights. By Tuesday afternoon, nearly 300 cancellations had been recorded across affected airports as NATS systems began returning to normal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-firefighters-carried-him-to-safety-on-9-11-what-actually-happened-1788920387076">Trump claims firefighters carried him to safety on 9/11: What actually happened</a>&nbsp;Airports outside London also reported disruption. Edinburgh Airport warned passengers that the technical issue could affect its operations, while Dublin Airport said flights arriving from and departing for Britain were also experiencing problems. Luton, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Glasgow airports also reported delays or cancellations. Airlines were forced to make operational changes as the disruption spread. British Airways said its services were being affected by the NATS problem.&nbsp;"This is entirely out of our control, and we're in touch with our customers whilst our teams work to get them on their way as quickly as possible," the airline said in a statement cited by Reuters. Air India also warned passengers that flights to and from the UK had been affected by the NATS technical failure. In a post on X, the airline said it had been forced to divert, delay or cancel multiple flights operating to and from UK airports. The airline also warned that some other services could be affected because aircraft and crews had been left out of position.&nbsp;EasyJet said the disruption was causing delays across Europe. British Airways accounted for 96 of the reported cancellations, followed by easyJet with 92, KLM with 20, Lufthansa with 12 and Swiss with 11. The latest incident follows previous technical failures that have caused significant disruption across Britain's aviation network. In 2024, the UK's aviation regulator said NATS needed to strengthen its contingency arrangements after a flight-plan processing malfunction in the previous year caused widespread disruption.&nbsp;Airline executives estimated that the earlier incident cost the industry more than £100 million in refunds and compensation. A separate radar-related technical problem in July last year also disrupted flights for more than four hours at Heathrow and other major airports. NATS subsequently reported progress in restoring its systems.&nbsp;"We have implemented a fix and our flight system is starting to recover," NATS said in a post on X. Despite the technical issue being resolved, passengers were expected to face continued delays and cancellations as airlines and airports worked through the backlog and gradually restored their schedules.

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled across UK airports after a NATS technical failure disrupted Heathrow, Gatwick and airports across Britain

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at UK airports on Tuesday after a technical problem with Britain's air traffic control system caused widespread disruption, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it had identified a problem with its flight processing system and that engineers were working urgently to restore normal operations. The disruption affected flights to and from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, as well as services operated by several leading airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, KLM and Lufthansa. Although British airspace remained open and flights continued to depart, the technical failure resulted in significant delays and cancellations across the country's aviation network. NATS later said it had implemented a fix and that its systems were beginning to recover. By Tuesday evening, NATS confirmed that the problem with its flight processing system had been fixed. However, delays remained at 15 UK airports and elsewhere as airlines and airports worked to clear the backlog created by the disruption. "We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible," NATS said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters. "Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time," it added. Heathrow, Britain's busiest airport, said it was working with NATS to address the disruption. Flightradar24 reported that arrivals and departures were being regulated at airports across the London flight information region because of the technical issue. The impact was quickly reflected in flight schedules. FlightAware data showed that around 100 flights had been cancelled at Heathrow, while 367 were delayed. At Gatwick, approximately 250 flights were delayed, representing about 31% of the airport's total flights. By Tuesday afternoon, nearly 300 cancellations had been recorded across affected airports as NATS systems began returning to normal. Also Read: Trump claims firefighters carried him to safety on 9/11: What actually happened Airports outside London also reported disruption. Edinburgh Airport warned passengers that the technical issue could affect its operations, while Dublin Airport said flights arriving from and departing for Britain were also experiencing problems. Luton, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Glasgow airports also reported delays or cancellations. Airlines were forced to make operational changes as the disruption spread. British Airways said its services were being affected by the NATS problem. "This is entirely out of our control, and we're in touch with our customers whilst our teams work to get them on their way as quickly as possible," the airline said in a statement cited by Reuters. Air India also warned passengers that flights to and from the UK had been affected by the NATS technical failure. In a post on X, the airline said it had been forced to divert, delay or cancel multiple flights operating to and from UK airports. The airline also warned that some other services could be affected because aircraft and crews had been left out of position. EasyJet said the disruption was causing delays across Europe. British Airways accounted for 96 of the reported cancellations, followed by easyJet with 92, KLM with 20, Lufthansa with 12 and Swiss with 11. The latest incident follows previous technical failures that have caused significant disruption across Britain's aviation network. In 2024, the UK's aviation regulator said NATS needed to strengthen its contingency arrangements after a flight-plan processing malfunction in the previous year caused widespread disruption. Airline executives estimated that the earlier incident cost the industry more than £100 million in refunds and compensation. A separate radar-related technical problem in July last year also disrupted flights for more than four hours at Heathrow and other major airports. NATS subsequently reported progress in restoring its systems. "We have implemented a fix and our flight system is starting to recover," NATS said in a post on X. Despite the technical issue being resolved, passengers were expected to face continued delays and cancellations as airlines and airports worked through the backlog and gradually restored their schedules.

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled across United Kingdom airports after a NATS technical failure caused widespread delays and disruption

UK flight chaos: More than 1,000 flights cancelled after NATS technical failure

President Donald Trump has repeatedly made claims over the years about what he saw, did and experienced during and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, he offered another account on Tuesday while honouring first responders at the White House. Trump said he had taken workers from his organization to the World Trade Center site after the attacks and described a moment when two firefighters allegedly carried him away because they feared a nearby building was about to collapse.&nbsp;The account may contain elements of events that occurred in the chaotic days following the attacks. However, Trump has not provided evidence establishing that the specific incident involving the firefighters occurred as he described it. Some elements of his account are also misleading. Trump was at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan when the attacks occurred, several miles from the World Trade Center. There is no public evidence showing that he was inside the building he identified as the ‘US Steel building’ when firefighters allegedly carried him away.&nbsp;The White House did not provide evidence or additional details when asked to substantiate Trump's account. An unsigned Tuesday email from the White House said, “He was a private citizen at the time, not everything he did was documented.” Later on Tuesday, spokesperson Davis Ingle criticised media coverage of Trump's remarks.&nbsp;“President Trump spent the morning paying tribute to the heroic first responders who laid down their lives in service to others in the September 11th attacks and honouring their incredible families. The President was relaying his experience of a city reeling immediately after and in the days and weeks after the horrific attacks, and the fact that the failing legacy media is using this to try to attack him is a disgrace and yet another reason why Americans’ trust in the media is at an all-time low,” Ingle said.&nbsp;Here is what Trump said and what the available evidence shows.<h2>What Trump said</h2>Speaking at the White House, Trump described his involvement in the aftermath of the attacks and said he brought workers to the site. “For nine months, rescue and recovery crews worked day and night on the site. I want to just thank my people; I took a lot of my me(n), I was building a big building in New York, and I took the whole crew down there right after this happened,” he said. &nbsp;“And they were, they had no hesitation, everybody went down with me. We went down, it was a big group of people. Wasn’t too much we could do, I’ll be honest, it was, you know, it was raw, and nobody’s seen anything like it, ever. We had other buildings; the United States Steel building was creaking, really creaking, and we thought it was going to fall down; the truth is it creaked a lot, it creaked. It still creaks. But it never came down, and I re(member), I’ll never forget two firemen. We thought it was coming down on top of us, and two firemen, big, strong guys, and I’m not the smallest guy in the world, they grabbed me under the arms, said, ‘Gotta get out of here.’ And they literally lifted me up. This is not easy to do. I’m big. They lifted me up and they started running with me. I said, ‘Fellas, I can run myself.’ But they were amazing, but they thought it was coming down; it didn’t come down. US Steel.” The statement raises several questions about when and where the alleged incident occurred.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-missile-barrage-at-jordan-captures-most-mysterious-us-underwater-toy-in-hormuz-oil-prices-rise-1788913994388">Iran launches missile barrage at Jordan, captures 'most mysterious US underwater toy' in Hormuz; oil prices rise</a><h2>Trump was not near the World Trade Center when the attacks started</h2>Trump did not specify precisely when the firefighters allegedly carried him away. However, his description that he went to Ground Zero ‘right after this happened’ could leave the impression that the incident occurred on September 11. Available accounts establish that Trump was at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan when the attacks took place. He was therefore several miles from the World Trade Center at the time of the attacks.&nbsp;A former Trump Organization executive told Politico in 2016 that Trump did not do much out of the ordinary that day. Trump's own previous version of the firefighter story provides additional context. In 2016, he said the alleged incident happened a couple of days after the attacks rather than on the day itself. That distinction matters because it places the claim in the period after the initial attacks, when evacuations and fears about damaged buildings were occurring around Lower Manhattan.<h2>No public evidence places Trump inside the ‘US Steel building’</h2>Trump referred to a building he called the ‘United States Steel building’, saying it was ‘creaking’ and that people feared it could collapse. The building is better known as One Liberty Plaza. In 2001, it was located immediately across from the World Trade Center complex. There is no public evidence establishing that Trump was inside One Liberty Plaza during the alleged incident with the firefighters. Two days after the attacks, Trump was interviewed outdoors in the general vicinity of Ground Zero. Trump's 2016 account also differed in an important way from Tuesday's wording. At that time, he said the building that appeared to be in danger of collapsing was "not so far from us," indicating that he was not necessarily inside the building itself.<h2>Watch what Trump said here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump claims he was basically lifted out of the rubble on 9/11: &quot;Two fireman, big strong guys, they grabbed me under the arms -- &#39;got to get our of here!&#39; -- and they literally lifted me up, and they started running with me.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/63k48q7o4d">pic.twitter.com/63k48q7o4d</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://x.com/atrupar/status/2097340939740037395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>There were genuine fears about One Liberty Plaza</h2>The absence of evidence supporting Trump's specific account does not mean that concerns about One Liberty Plaza were fabricated. In the days following the attacks, there were fears that the building could collapse. Building officials said it was structurally sound, but rescue workers and journalists were evacuated from the building on September 12, 2001, amid concerns.&nbsp;The Washington Post also reported that rescue workers were rushed away from the building again on September 14. Trump himself described the atmosphere around Ground Zero during an NBC interview on September 13, 2001. “Every few minutes, a whistle would go off and everybody would just run, because you have all the buildings around it, which are in such a weakened state that people just don’t know. And so they just have to take off, and then they come back, and they’re working under 50-story buildings that you don’t know if they’re going to fall down. So it’s a terrible thing for the workers and it’s a terrible thing for the world, really.”&nbsp;That account demonstrates that people working around Ground Zero faced genuine uncertainty and periodic evacuations. It is therefore possible that Trump experienced or witnessed one of those moments of panic. But there is no public evidence establishing that firefighters physically lifted him and ran with him as he described Tuesday. Trump also did not tell NBC during the September 13 interview that he himself had been carried away by firefighters.<h2>No public evidence confirms Trump's claimed rescue crew</h2>Trump's Tuesday remarks also referenced taking "the whole crew" to Ground Zero after the attacks. He did not explicitly say Tuesday that the workers participated in clearing rubble or carrying out rescue operations. However, Trump has made broader claims in previous years about sending workers to Ground Zero and helping with the recovery effort. He has not publicly produced evidence establishing those claims, including his previous assertion that he had sent a group of roughly 100 workers to the site.&nbsp;Richard Alles, a retired New York Fire Department official who was a battalion chief on 9/11, said in 2019 that he did not recall seeing Trump at the site during the recovery operation. “I spent many months there myself, and I never witnessed him,” Richard Alles, a retired New York Fire Department official who was a battalion chief on 9/11 and who attended a Trump White House event in 2019, told The New York Times in 2019. Alles also told PolitiFact in 2019 that a group of 100 workers would have generated records because people working at the site were operating under the supervision of emergency authorities.&nbsp;There were contemporary reports of Trump interacting with police officers and volunteers near the World Trade Center site. The Associated Press reported in 2016 that news accounts from the days after 9/11 included references to Trump giving high-fives to police officers and volunteers heading toward the World Trade Center. Those reports, however, do not establish Trump's broader claims about organizing or deploying a large rescue and recovery crew.<h2>What about Trump's claim that the building "still creaks"?</h2>Trump also said the building ‘still creaks’. There is no public evidence supporting that claim. One Liberty Plaza reopened in October 2001, less than two months after the attacks. The building has continued operating as an office property. The fact that the building survived the attacks and reopened does not establish that it "still creaks" in the manner Trump described.<h2>So what is the truth?</h2>Unsubstantiated and misleading. Trump's latest story contains elements that are consistent with the documented chaos and evacuation fears around Lower Manhattan in the days following 9/11. There were genuine concerns about damaged buildings, including One Liberty Plaza, and workers at Ground Zero were periodically evacuated.&nbsp;However, there is no public evidence confirming Trump's specific claim that two firefighters physically lifted him under the arms and carried him away because they believed a building was about to collapse. Trump was also not at the World Trade Center when the attacks occurred, and his own earlier account placed the alleged firefighter incident several days after September 11.&nbsp;Likewise, there is no publicly available evidence establishing his broader claims that he organized a large crew to participate in rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. The available record therefore supports the existence of a dangerous and uncertain environment around Ground Zero, but it does not substantiate the specific details of Trump's latest account.

Fact-checking Donald Trump’s latest 9/11 claims about firefighters, Ground Zero, One Liberty Plaza and rescue work, separating documented facts from unproven assertions

President Donald Trump has repeatedly made claims over the years about what he saw, did and experienced during and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, he offered another account on Tuesday while honouring first responders at the White House. Trump said he had taken workers from his organization to the World Trade Center site after the attacks and described a moment when two firefighters allegedly carried him away because they feared a nearby building was about to collapse. The account may contain elements of events that occurred in the chaotic days following the attacks. However, Trump has not provided evidence establishing that the specific incident involving the firefighters occurred as he described it. Some elements of his account are also misleading. Trump was at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan when the attacks occurred, several miles from the World Trade Center. There is no public evidence showing that he was inside the building he identified as the ‘US Steel building’ when firefighters allegedly carried him away. The White House did not provide evidence or additional details when asked to substantiate Trump's account. An unsigned Tuesday email from the White House said, “He was a private citizen at the time, not everything he did was documented.” Later on Tuesday, spokesperson Davis Ingle criticised media coverage of Trump's remarks. “President Trump spent the morning paying tribute to the heroic first responders who laid down their lives in service to others in the September 11th attacks and honouring their incredible families. The President was relaying his experience of a city reeling immediately after and in the days and weeks after the horrific attacks, and the fact that the failing legacy media is using this to try to attack him is a disgrace and yet another reason why Americans’ trust in the media is at an all-time low,” Ingle said. Here is what Trump said and what the available evidence shows. What Trump said Speaking at the White House, Trump described his involvement in the aftermath of the attacks and said he brought workers to the site. “For nine months, rescue and recovery crews worked day and night on the site. I want to just thank my people; I took a lot of my me(n), I was building a big building in New York, and I took the whole crew down there right after this happened,” he said. “And they were, they had no hesitation, everybody went down with me. We went down, it was a big group of people. Wasn’t too much we could do, I’ll be honest, it was, you know, it was raw, and nobody’s seen anything like it, ever. We had other buildings; the United States Steel building was creaking, really creaking, and we thought it was going to fall down; the truth is it creaked a lot, it creaked. It still creaks. But it never came down, and I re(member), I’ll never forget two firemen. We thought it was coming down on top of us, and two firemen, big, strong guys, and I’m not the smallest guy in the world, they grabbed me under the arms, said, ‘Gotta get out of here.’ And they literally lifted me up. This is not easy to do. I’m big. They lifted me up and they started running with me. I said, ‘Fellas, I can run myself.’ But they were amazing, but they thought it was coming down; it didn’t come down. US Steel.” The statement raises several questions about when and where the alleged incident occurred. Also Read: Iran launches missile barrage at Jordan, captures 'most mysterious US underwater toy' in Hormuz; oil prices rise Trump was not near the World Trade Center when the attacks started Trump did not specify precisely when the firefighters allegedly carried him away. However, his description that he went to Ground Zero ‘right after this happened’ could leave the impression that the incident occurred on September 11. Available accounts establish that Trump was at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan when the attacks took place. He was therefore several miles from the World Trade Center at the time of the attacks. A former Trump Organization executive told Politico in 2016 that Trump did not do much out of the ordinary that day. Trump's own previous version of the firefighter story provides additional context. In 2016, he said the alleged incident happened a couple of days after the attacks rather than on the day itself. That distinction matters because it places the claim in the period after the initial attacks, when evacuations and fears about damaged buildings were occurring around Lower Manhattan. No public evidence places Trump inside the ‘US Steel building’ Trump referred to a building he called the ‘United States Steel building’, saying it was ‘creaking’ and that people feared it could collapse. The building is better known as One Liberty Plaza. In 2001, it was located immediately across from the World Trade Center complex. There is no public evidence establishing that Trump was inside One Liberty Plaza during the alleged incident with the firefighters. Two days after the attacks, Trump was interviewed outdoors in the general vicinity of Ground Zero. Trump's 2016 account also differed in an important way from Tuesday's wording. At that time, he said the building that appeared to be in danger of collapsing was "not so far from us," indicating that he was not necessarily inside the building itself. Watch what Trump said here

Donald Trump’s latest 9/11 account claims firefighters carried him from danger, but public evidence does not substantiate key parts of the story

Trump claims firefighters carried him to safety on 9/11: What actually happened

The UK government has inaugurated a community-built digital connectivity hub in Siun, Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun State, as part of efforts to close Nigeria's digital divide and expand internet access in underserved areas. The Siun Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub, commissioned on September 2, 2026, is one of ten such facilities being supported nationwide under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Digital Access Programme. The project is implemented by the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI), and is designed to be community-built, community-owned and community-managed to ensure long-term sustainability.&nbsp;Built with locally sourced materials and powered by sustainable energy, the hub will offer residents reliable internet access, digital skills training, and a shared space for entrepreneurship, education and community learning. Speaking at the inauguration, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnership at the FCDO, said the hub reflected the strength of community ownership in driving sustainable digital transformation, noting that empowering communities to identify their own challenges and co-create solutions makes such transformation more inclusive and impactful.&nbsp;HRM Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, the Olu of Siun, whose leadership helped mobilise local participation throughout the hub's design and construction, said the facility would equip youths and market women with skills needed for the 21st century, describing it as a symbol of what communities can achieve by working together. Representing HRM Oba Dr. Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Prof. Ajao Adenekan said the inauguration marked the opening of new opportunities for the community, not merely a new building.&nbsp;The Siun hub joins similar UK-backed connectivity centres already running in Kaduna, Kwara, Abia and Ogun States, which have provided internet access and digital literacy training to underserved populations. The digital access programme forms part of the UK's broader partnership with Nigeria to promote digital inclusion, policy reform and economic opportunity through connectivity investment.

UK government inaugurates a community-built digital hub in Siun, Ogun State, expanding internet access, digital skills and opportunities

The UK government has inaugurated a community-built digital connectivity hub in Siun, Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun State, as part of efforts to close Nigeria's digital divide and expand internet access in underserved areas. The Siun Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub, commissioned on September 2, 2026, is one of ten such facilities being supported nationwide under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Digital Access Programme. The project is implemented by the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI), and is designed to be community-built, community-owned and community-managed to ensure long-term sustainability. Built with locally sourced materials and powered by sustainable energy, the hub will offer residents reliable internet access, digital skills training, and a shared space for entrepreneurship, education and community learning. Speaking at the inauguration, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnership at the FCDO, said the hub reflected the strength of community ownership in driving sustainable digital transformation, noting that empowering communities to identify their own challenges and co-create solutions makes such transformation more inclusive and impactful. HRM Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, the Olu of Siun, whose leadership helped mobilise local participation throughout the hub's design and construction, said the facility would equip youths and market women with skills needed for the 21st century, describing it as a symbol of what communities can achieve by working together. Representing HRM Oba Dr. Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Prof. Ajao Adenekan said the inauguration marked the opening of new opportunities for the community, not merely a new building. The Siun hub joins similar UK-backed connectivity centres already running in Kaduna, Kwara, Abia and Ogun States, which have provided internet access and digital literacy training to underserved populations. The digital access programme forms part of the UK's broader partnership with Nigeria to promote digital inclusion, policy reform and economic opportunity through connectivity investment.

UK inaugurates a community-built digital hub in Siun, Ogun State, expanding internet access, digital skills and economic opportunities for residents

UK opens digital connectivity hub in Siun to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide

Escalating the trade war with Canada, US President Donald Trump announced a ban on several Canadian products including alcoholic beverages, motorcycles and dairy products from import on Tuesday (Sep 8). He also ordered federal agencies to stop buying Canadian products through the government's main purchasing catalogue until Ottawa provides equal market access to American businesses and farmers. The import bans will go into effect on September 29 and were published on the White House's website. The directive regarding purchase of Canadian products will immediately begin and the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) have been ordered to remove Canadian goods from federal purchasing channels. This came after Canada's retaliatory tariffs on US goods ‌took effect after midnight on Tuesday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foolish-to-fight-trump-admin-escalates-trade-war-warning-to-canada-after-talks-breakdown-1787500955103">‘Foolish to fight’: Trump admin escalates trade war warning to Canada after talks breakdown</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260909/image-1788917110954.png"></figure>A seemingly angry Trump, in a post on Truth Social, accused Canada of unfair trade practices, claiming that Canadian federal and local governments block American small businesses from selling to their public sector while its companies enjoy open access to US government contracts. "Everyone knows that Canada doesn’t let our Great Dairy Farmers sell into the Canadian Market, and that the only reason Canada makes Autos is because of previous disastrous Trade Agreements while other Presidents were in Office," Trump wrote. Declaring a policy of "NO RECIPROCITY – NO ACCESS!", President Trump stated that Canadian goods will remain banned from US government supply lists until Ottawa grants equal market access to American businesses and farmers. "I am hereby directing the GSA, working with the USTR, to take all necessary steps to REMOVE Canadian-origin products from GSA’s Multiple Award Schedules unless Canada restores full and fair reciprocity for American Farmers and Companies. Those schedules account for more than 50 BILLION DOLLARS a year," Trump added. As Trump went on a rant, he also slammed the former US President Joe Biden-led administration for its stance towards Canada&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-carney-hold-fresh-talks-as-canada-faces-50-us-tariffs-1787305534270">Trump, Carney hold fresh talks as Canada faces 50% US tariffs</a> Meanwhile, Canada's retaliatory tariffs targeting US merchandise officially came into force shortly after midnight on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Mark Carney ramped up economic measures against the nation's primary trading partner following the breakdown of bilateral negotiations last month, deepening a prolonged 18-month trade dispute.&nbsp; The United States has levied heavy 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian imports. Canada implemented retaliatory tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on roughly $20 billion USD worth of American products. &nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has ordered US agencies to stop buying Canadian products and announced import bans on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles and dairy goods, escalating the trade war with Ottawa after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on US imports.

Escalating the trade war with Canada, US President Donald Trump announced a ban on several Canadian products including alcoholic beverages, motorcycles and dairy products from import on Tuesday (Sep 8). He also ordered federal agencies to stop buying Canadian products through the government's main purchasing catalogue until Ottawa provides equal market access to American businesses and farmers. The import bans will go into effect on September 29 and were published on the White House's website. The directive regarding purchase of Canadian products will immediately begin and the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) have been ordered to remove Canadian goods from federal purchasing channels. This came after Canada's retaliatory tariffs on US goods ‌took effect after midnight on Tuesday. Also Read: ‘Foolish to fight’: Trump admin escalates trade war warning to Canada after talks breakdown A seemingly angry Trump, in a post on Truth Social, accused Canada of unfair trade practices, claiming that Canadian federal and local governments block American small businesses from selling to their public sector while its companies enjoy open access to US government contracts. "Everyone knows that Canada doesn’t let our Great Dairy Farmers sell into the Canadian Market, and that the only reason Canada makes Autos is because of previous disastrous Trade Agreements while other Presidents were in Office," Trump wrote. Declaring a policy of "NO RECIPROCITY – NO ACCESS!", President Trump stated that Canadian goods will remain banned from US government supply lists until Ottawa grants equal market access to American businesses and farmers. "I am hereby directing the GSA, working with the USTR, to take all necessary steps to REMOVE Canadian-origin products from GSA’s Multiple Award Schedules unless Canada restores full and fair reciprocity for American Farmers and Companies. Those schedules account for more than 50 BILLION DOLLARS a year," Trump added. As Trump went on a rant, he also slammed the former US President Joe Biden-led administration for its stance towards Canada Also Read: Trump, Carney hold fresh talks as Canada faces 50% US tariffs Meanwhile, Canada's retaliatory tariffs targeting US merchandise officially came into force shortly after midnight on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Mark Carney ramped up economic measures against the nation's primary trading partner following the breakdown of bilateral negotiations last month, deepening a prolonged 18-month trade dispute. The United States has levied heavy 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian imports. Canada implemented retaliatory tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on roughly $20 billion USD worth of American products.

US President Donald Trump has ordered US agencies to stop buying Canadian products and announced import bans on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles and dairy goods, escalating the trade war with Ottawa after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on US imports.

US-Canada trade war: Trump bans Canadian motorcycle, alcohol, dairy imports as retaliatory tariffs kick in

Days after devastating floods battered parts of Nepal, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s northwestern Mustang district on Tuesday night (Sep 8), with tremors felt in at least three neighbouring districts. According to official data from the National Centre of Seismology, the seismic activity occurred at 9:38 PM IST.&nbsp; The epicentre was recorded at latitude 29.022° N and longitude 83.978° E in northwestern Nepal. The event registered at a depth of 143 kilometres below the surface.&nbsp; Due to the relatively deep focus of the earthquake, surface impact was limited. No immediate casualties or major structural damage have been reported as the situation is being assessed.&nbsp; The earthquake occurred at 9.53 pm, with its epicentre at Lomanthang in Mustang, around 375 km northwest of Kathmandu, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre. Tremors were also felt in Manang, Dolpa and Myagdi districts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/nepal-floods-drone-footage-shows-devighat-devastated-by-catastrophic-floods-1788851995966">Nepal Floods: Drone footage shows Devighat devastated by catastrophic floods</a>&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;faced a catastrophic humanitarian crisis last month as flash flood Bhote Koshi River led to the death of 1,357 people with several missing even as search and rescue operations enter their fourteenth day. Nepal's economic losses from the flash floods are estimated at $2.56 billion in raw direct damages, with broader economic impacts and long-term recovery costs projected to soar between $4 billion and $7 billion, according to Reuters. Nepal Police informed that 1,366 casualties have been reported, while 4,077 individuals remain unaccounted for across the disaster zone. The official breakdown of recovered victims includes 533 men, 339 women, and 502 partial human remains. Out of the total recoveries made so far, police authorities have successfully verified and handed over 102 bodies to their families for final rites. To preserve unidentified remains safely, 1,147 bodies have been buried underground under strict forensic guidelines.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-floods-wion-crew-documents-extent-of-nepal-floods-devastation-1788864580930">Nepal floods: Wion crew documents extent of Nepal floods devastation</a>&nbsp;India is helping Nepal in rescue operation. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said Indian and Nepalese teams continued efforts to manually clear debris and mud from the Chilime tunnel. In a post on X, Srivastava said, “Chilime Tunnel Rescue Operation update: India and Nepal teams continued their efforts to manually clear the tunnel of debris and mud. To overcome the challenge posed by sloping tunnel teams have deployed HDPE pipes to ensure smooth movement inside the tunnel." He said work was also progressing on creating a temporary track from Syafrubesi to the tunnel portal through controlled blasting. (ANI)

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal’s northwestern Mustang district on Tuesday night, with the epicentre at Lomanthang. Tremors were felt in Manang, Dolpa and Myagdi days after devastating floods hit Rasuwa

Days after devastating floods battered parts of Nepal, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s northwestern Mustang district on Tuesday night (Sep 8), with tremors felt in at least three neighbouring districts. According to official data from the National Centre of Seismology, the seismic activity occurred at 9:38 PM IST. The epicentre was recorded at latitude 29.022° N and longitude 83.978° E in northwestern Nepal. The event registered at a depth of 143 kilometres below the surface. Due to the relatively deep focus of the earthquake, surface impact was limited. No immediate casualties or major structural damage have been reported as the situation is being assessed. The earthquake occurred at 9.53 pm, with its epicentre at Lomanthang in Mustang, around 375 km northwest of Kathmandu, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre. Tremors were also felt in Manang, Dolpa and Myagdi districts. Also Read: Nepal Floods: Drone footage shows Devighat devastated by catastrophic floods Nepal faced a catastrophic humanitarian crisis last month as flash flood Bhote Koshi River led to the death of 1,357 people with several missing even as search and rescue operations enter their fourteenth day. Nepal's economic losses from the flash floods are estimated at $2.56 billion in raw direct damages, with broader economic impacts and long-term recovery costs projected to soar between $4 billion and $7 billion, according to Reuters. Nepal Police informed that 1,366 casualties have been reported, while 4,077 individuals remain unaccounted for across the disaster zone. The official breakdown of recovered victims includes 533 men, 339 women, and 502 partial human remains. Out of the total recoveries made so far, police authorities have successfully verified and handed over 102 bodies to their families for final rites. To preserve unidentified remains safely, 1,147 bodies have been buried underground under strict forensic guidelines. Also Read: Nepal floods: Wion crew documents extent of Nepal floods devastation India is helping Nepal in rescue operation. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said Indian and Nepalese teams continued efforts to manually clear debris and mud from the Chilime tunnel. In a post on X, Srivastava said, “Chilime Tunnel Rescue Operation update: India and Nepal teams continued their efforts to manually clear the tunnel of debris and mud. To overcome the challenge posed by sloping tunnel teams have deployed HDPE pipes to ensure smooth movement inside the tunnel." He said work was also progressing on creating a temporary track from Syafrubesi to the tunnel portal through controlled blasting. (ANI)

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal’s northwestern Mustang district on Tuesday night, with the epicentre at Lomanthang. Tremors were felt in Manang, Dolpa and Myagdi days after devastating floods hit Rasuwa

5.3 magnitude earthquake strikes Nepal days after devastating floods

After US attack on Iranian ships, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Jordan on Wednesday (Sep 9), saying it was targeting Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key facility used by US forces. In a statement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they "struck the American Al-Azraq base in Jordan with heavy missile strikes" in a "punitive operation", IRNA reported. Soon after, Jordan's army said it shot down 18 missiles from Iran. "Jordan's air defense systems engaged 20 ballistic missiles launched toward Jordanian territory, successfully intercepting and destroying 18 of them, while two missiles fell in unpopulated areas," the army said in a statement, adding that they came from Iran.&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 Breaking: Iran has launched what IRGC-linked outlets describe as its largest missile barrage since the 40-day war, targeting U.S. military positions in Jordan. Videos from Jordan show projectiles overhead. Iranian outlets claim cluster munitions were used and that Muwaffaq… <a href="https://t.co/DW9zwAMa6u">pic.twitter.com/DW9zwAMa6u</a>&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) <a href="https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2097442450931425591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/iran-to-announce-new-restricted-zone-in-the-gulf-top-security-official-says-1788756621453">Iran to announce new restricted zone in the Gulf</a>&nbsp;This comes after US forces struck five Iranian ⁠tankers linked to the IRGC on Tuesday (Sep 8) in response to Iran's attempted missile ⁠attacks on ⁠US Navy warship in the past two days, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. US forces struck four crude oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman and one near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. It also cofirmed that the US ship had evaded the attempted attacks and was continuing to patrol regional waters, and no American personnel had been harmed. CENTCOM also said US forces instructed the crews of the vessels to abandon ship prior to striking.&nbsp;US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his trip to Colombia, warned Tehran that the US would respond every time Iran targeted its naval ships.“Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships and for every time they do that, or try to do that, they’re going to lose tankers,” he told reporters in Baranquilla.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CENTCOM forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers, Sept. 8, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. The U.S. warship successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks and… <a href="https://t.co/Gi8a2tloN1">pic.twitter.com/Gi8a2tloN1</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2097448820099711412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Oil prices rise</h2>Meanwhile, as strikes and counter strikes began, oil prices jumped for the fourth straight session, gaining more than $1 in early trade on Wednesday after Iran launched ​fresh attacks on US military assets in Jordan. Brent crude futures rose $1.57, or 1.6%, to $99.49 a barrel by ​0001 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $94.63 ​a barrel, up $1.60, or 1.72%.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/relations-continue-to-develop-iran-hails-india-ties-ahead-of-brics-summit-as-us-keeps-close-watch-1788847544834">'Relations continue to develop': Iran hails India ties ahead of BRICS Summit</a><h2>Iran says it captured US submarine drone in Strait of Hormuz</h2>Amid the attacks, IRGC also said that it has captured a US uncrewed submarine at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said the ​vessel was a Dive-LD, a large autonomous underwater vehicle built by ⁠California defense firm Anduril. The 19-foot (5.8-metre) submersible can carry out missions including mine ​countermeasures, seabed mapping, intelligence gathering and the inspection of underwater infrastructure such as cables ​and pipelines, the company has said. "We trapped one of the most modern, intelligent and unmanned submarines of the terrorist American army at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. This submersible is ​equipped with the latest technologies," the Revolutionary Guards Navy said in a statement ​carried by Iranian state media.&nbsp;In response, a Pentagon spokesperson said an underwater drone had “malfunctioned more than ‌a ⁠day ago.” "It was surveying regional waters in support of ongoing operations. The defective drone was an older model that neither collected sensitive data nor carried any classified sonar or radar equipment," the spokesperson said.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260909/image-1788915299648.png"></figure>

Iran launched missiles at a US-linked base in Jordan, with Amman saying it intercepted 18 of 20 missiles. The US struck five IRGC-linked Iranian tankers, while Tehran claimed it captured a US submarine drone near the Strait of Hormuz.

After US attack on Iranian ships, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Jordan on Wednesday (Sep 9), saying it was targeting Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key facility used by US forces. In a statement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they "struck the American Al-Azraq base in Jordan with heavy missile strikes" in a "punitive operation", IRNA reported. Soon after, Jordan's army said it shot down 18 missiles from Iran. "Jordan's air defense systems engaged 20 ballistic missiles launched toward Jordanian territory, successfully intercepting and destroying 18 of them, while two missiles fell in unpopulated areas," the army said in a statement, adding that they came from Iran. WATCH VIDEO

Iran launched missiles at a US-linked base in Jordan, with Amman saying it intercepted 18 of 20 missiles. The US struck five IRGC-linked Iranian tankers, while Tehran claimed it captured a US submarine drone near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran launches missile barrage at Jordan, captures 'most mysterious US underwater toy' in Hormuz; oil prices rise

US forces struck multiple Iranian ⁠tankers linked to the IRGC on Tuesday in response to more attempted missile ⁠attacks on ⁠a US Navy warship, said a US official speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;The US attacked several Iranian tankers, with local media reporting that crews have been evacuated.One ship was reportedly targeted off the shores of Kharg Island, reported local media, adding that the crew of the targeted vessels have been evacuated. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency later confirmed that US forces attacked and struck an Iranian tanker off Kharg Island.&nbsp;Kharg Island is the most crucial point in the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports were handled from the island, which is the heartland of Iranian oil exports.&nbsp;Another explosion was reported on an oil tanker near the Yekbani coast of Jask port, said Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, adding that the tanker’s crew were safely evacuated in the initial moments after the attack.&nbsp;Iran’s Fars news agency reported an explosion being heard in the southern Jask area off the Gulf of Oman and east of the Strait of Hormuz, after reports of earlier explosions on Kharg Island.&nbsp;<h2>IRGC warns crew of oil tankers near ports to leave the vessels immediately</h2>&nbsp;In response to the attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy has warned crews of oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately leave their vessels, saying the ships could be targeted in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian tankers.The warning, carried by Iranian state television, said the US military had targeted several Iranian oil tankers. It accused Kuwait and Bahrain of hosting US forces and assisting in the attacks.The Revolutionary Guard warned tanker crews to abandon their vessels whether they were at anchor or docked, saying they “will be targeted.”&nbsp;On Saturday, the US military struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with ballistic missiles, warning that it would, “if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Iran says it captured a US sea drone in the Strait of Hormuz</h2>&nbsp;Iranian forces captured a US Navy sea drone in the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s semiofficial state news agency said Tuesday.The news agency, Tasnim, posted a photo of the captured vessel on social media.&nbsp;US military officials acknowledged the incident on Tuesday but downplayed its significance, saying the drone was “defective” and lacked secretive technology.&nbsp;They said that one of its underwater drones “malfunctioned” more than a day earlier, after Iran said its forces captured an American unmanned submarine in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;“An underwater drone operated by US forces malfunctioned more than a day ago. It was surveying regional waters in support of ongoing operations,” US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said, without mentioning whether the device was seized by Iran.

One ship was reportedly targeted off the shores of Kharg Island, reported local media, adding that the crew of the targeted vessels have been evacuated. Another explosion was reported on an oil tanker near the Yekbani coast of Jask port, said Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.

US forces struck multiple Iranian ⁠tankers linked to the IRGC on Tuesday in response to more attempted missile ⁠attacks on ⁠a US Navy warship, said a US official speaking on condition of anonymity. The US attacked several Iranian tankers, with local media reporting that crews have been evacuated. One ship was reportedly targeted off the shores of Kharg Island, reported local media, adding that the crew of the targeted vessels have been evacuated. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency later confirmed that US forces attacked and struck an Iranian tanker off Kharg Island. Kharg Island is the most crucial point in the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports were handled from the island, which is the heartland of Iranian oil exports. Another explosion was reported on an oil tanker near the Yekbani coast of Jask port, said Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, adding that the tanker’s crew were safely evacuated in the initial moments after the attack. Iran’s Fars news agency reported an explosion being heard in the southern Jask area off the Gulf of Oman and east of the Strait of Hormuz, after reports of earlier explosions on Kharg Island. IRGC warns crew of oil tankers near ports to leave the vessels immediately In response to the attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy has warned crews of oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately leave their vessels, saying the ships could be targeted in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian tankers. The warning, carried by Iranian state television, said the US military had targeted several Iranian oil tankers. It accused Kuwait and Bahrain of hosting US forces and assisting in the attacks. The Revolutionary Guard warned tanker crews to abandon their vessels whether they were at anchor or docked, saying they “will be targeted.” On Saturday, the US military struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with ballistic missiles, warning that it would, “if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.” Iran says it captured a US sea drone in the Strait of Hormuz Iranian forces captured a US Navy sea drone in the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s semiofficial state news agency said Tuesday. The news agency, Tasnim, posted a photo of the captured vessel on social media. US military officials acknowledged the incident on Tuesday but downplayed its significance, saying the drone was “defective” and lacked secretive technology. They said that one of its underwater drones “malfunctioned” more than a day earlier, after Iran said its forces captured an American unmanned submarine in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. “An underwater drone operated by US forces malfunctioned more than a day ago. It was surveying regional waters in support of ongoing operations,” US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said, without mentioning whether the device was seized by Iran.

One ship was reportedly targeted off the shores of Kharg Island, reported local media, adding that the crew of the targeted vessels have been evacuated. Another explosion was reported on an oil tanker near the Yekbani coast of Jask port, said Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.

US strikes Iranian tankers after missile attack attempts on warship; IRGC vows to retaliate

The rapid growth of BRICS has turned the grouping of nations into an increasingly influential alternative voice within the global order. BRICS has evolved considerably since its original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and it now brings together 11 countries after including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Besides, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as partner countries in 2025, further increasing the grouping’s clout as it commands a substantial share of the world’s population and economic activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is notable that all five original BRICS members are also members of the G20. This gives BRICS members the ability to promote their priorities inside the G20 while coordinating separately among themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>BRICS nations demand greater influence for developing countries in financial institutions</h2>&nbsp;BRICS members demand greater influence for developing countries in institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, while also supporting reforms of global governance.&nbsp;BRICS countries can coordinate on issues where their interests overlap, like reform of global financial institutions, greater representation for emerging economies, development finance, trade and the use of national currencies.&nbsp;As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice.&nbsp;<h2>G20 struggling to maintain consensus</h2>&nbsp;The probability of such a situation gains importance as the G20 itself is struggling to maintain consensus. The United States, which holds the 2026 G20 presidency, has placed economic growth, trade imbalances and other “America First” priorities high on the agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;At a recent G20 finance ministers’ meeting in North Carolina, China objected to language on non-market policies and global trade imbalances and prevented a joint communiqué. As a result, the US issued a chair’s statement.&nbsp;China obstructed consensus on language concerning “non-market policies” aimed at addressing global trade imbalances. While 19 G20 members, including the US, EU, Japan, and India, agreed on the need to eliminate such practices, China opposed wording that targeted its economic strategies, thereby blocking a joint communiqué.However, China and Russia may see the G20 as an opportunity to challenge what they regard as an overly Western-dominated global economic order.&nbsp;&nbsp;The G20 continues to possess a major institutional advantage: it brings together the world's largest economies from both the developed and developing worlds.&nbsp;&nbsp;BRICS may evolve into a powerful negotiating bloc within the broader global system of G20, giving emerging economies greater leverage.&nbsp;If BRICS succeeds, the G20 may have to negotiate not simply with individual emerging powers, but with a more organised Global South coalition.

As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice.

The rapid growth of BRICS has turned the grouping of nations into an increasingly influential alternative voice within the global order. BRICS has evolved considerably since its original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and it now brings together 11 countries after including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Besides, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as partner countries in 2025, further increasing the grouping’s clout as it commands a substantial share of the world’s population and economic activity. It is notable that all five original BRICS members are also members of the G20. This gives BRICS members the ability to promote their priorities inside the G20 while coordinating separately among themselves. BRICS nations demand greater influence for developing countries in financial institutions BRICS members demand greater influence for developing countries in institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, while also supporting reforms of global governance. BRICS countries can coordinate on issues where their interests overlap, like reform of global financial institutions, greater representation for emerging economies, development finance, trade and the use of national currencies. As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice. G20 struggling to maintain consensus The probability of such a situation gains importance as the G20 itself is struggling to maintain consensus. The United States, which holds the 2026 G20 presidency, has placed economic growth, trade imbalances and other “America First” priorities high on the agenda. At a recent G20 finance ministers’ meeting in North Carolina, China objected to language on non-market policies and global trade imbalances and prevented a joint communiqué. As a result, the US issued a chair’s statement. China obstructed consensus on language concerning “non-market policies” aimed at addressing global trade imbalances. While 19 G20 members, including the US, EU, Japan, and India, agreed on the need to eliminate such practices, China opposed wording that targeted its economic strategies, thereby blocking a joint communiqué. However, China and Russia may see the G20 as an opportunity to challenge what they regard as an overly Western-dominated global economic order. The G20 continues to possess a major institutional advantage: it brings together the world's largest economies from both the developed and developing worlds. BRICS may evolve into a powerful negotiating bloc within the broader global system of G20, giving emerging economies greater leverage. If BRICS succeeds, the G20 may have to negotiate not simply with individual emerging powers, but with a more organised Global South coalition.

As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice.

Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?

At a time when Ukraine is grappling, to contain Russia's advances on the battlefield, Corruption accusations continue to, haunt Zelensky's administration.Now, Ukraine's chief law enforcement officer, is at the centre of the country's latest graft scandal, who has been serving as Ukraine's prosecutor general since June last year, resigned over allegations of corruption.While describing the allegations as ‘completely unsubstantiated’, the official later stressed that he did not want, the prosecutor general's office to be used, as a tool in political confrontation.Over the weekend, investigators raided his office as part of an inquiry into a money laundering case.According to Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau, and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, a group in his office had received bribes, To protect fraudulent call centres, Running phone scams.This money had reportedly been used to buy valuables such as jewellery and expensive property.The agencies also claimed to have unearthed a safe with bundles of hundred dollar bills.While saying that they uncovered five members behind this, the agencies did not name them.In July last year, Ukraine's parliament passed a law putting these two anti-corruption bodies under, the direct authority of the prosecutor general.According to Zelensky, this was necessary to keep the agencies immune from Russian influence.However, he was forced to restore their independence, after thousands of people hit the streets In protest against the law.Zelensky's first major political shakeup, after the commencement of Russia's invasion, dates back to January 2023.At least 15 senior officials including regional governors and deputy governors resigned, In backdrop of corruption allegations.Back then, the Ukrainian president justified this move, citing that it was essential for the country's defence.In February 2024, Zelensky went one step further by, sacking the then commander-in-chief of the Armed forces Valeri Zaluzh-nyi Amid speculation of a rift between the two.In November 2025, Ukraine's justice minister German Galushchenko was dismissed after probe into a 100 million U.S. Dollar corruption scandal in the energy sector.In February this year, he was arrested at Poland's border while trying to flee the country.Energy minister Svitlana Hrynchuk was also sacked along with Galushchenko.This followed by the resignation of Zelensky's close aide and chief of staff Andriy Yermak, whose home was raided by anti-corruption agencies in connection With a money laundering case.But, corruption has not been the sole, reason for all ousters.In July this year, Zelensky dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as the defence minister amid his call for an election and rift with the then armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.After days of widespread protests, Against Fedorov's removal, Zelensky also sacked Syrskyi.Last month, another high-ranking official Iryna Mudra was ousted due to corruption charges.Corruption has penetrated the defence sector as well.According to the New York Times, Ukraine lost about 1.2 billion dollars to Fraud, waste, and mismanagement in 2024, In defence procurement.The report claimed that seven of the country's ten largest Arms manufacturers received new contracts, Despite failure to fulfill previous contracts, Ongoing fraud investigations or arrest of Executives on corruption charges.In wake of this, It is amply clear that, Zelensky faces a tough challenge To set his own house in order....

Ukraine's prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko has resigned amid a corruption probe, adding to mounting pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration.

At a time when Ukraine is grappling, to contain Russia's advances on the battlefield, Corruption accusations continue to, haunt Zelensky's administration. Now, Ukraine's chief law enforcement officer, is at the centre of the country's latest graft scandal, who has been serving as Ukraine's prosecutor general since June last year, resigned over allegations of corruption. While describing the allegations as ‘completely unsubstantiated’, the official later stressed that he did not want, the prosecutor general's office to be used, as a tool in political confrontation. Over the weekend, investigators raided his office as part of an inquiry into a money laundering case. According to Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau, and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, a group in his office had received bribes, To protect fraudulent call centres, Running phone scams. This money had reportedly been used to buy valuables such as jewellery and expensive property. The agencies also claimed to have unearthed a safe with bundles of hundred dollar bills. While saying that they uncovered five members behind this, the agencies did not name them. In July last year, Ukraine's parliament passed a law putting these two anti-corruption bodies under, the direct authority of the prosecutor general. According to Zelensky, this was necessary to keep the agencies immune from Russian influence. However, he was forced to restore their independence, after thousands of people hit the streets In protest against the law. Zelensky's first major political shakeup, after the commencement of Russia's invasion, dates back to January 2023. At least 15 senior officials including regional governors and deputy governors resigned, In backdrop of corruption allegations. Back then, the Ukrainian president justified this move, citing that it was essential for the country's defence. In February 2024, Zelensky went one step further by, sacking the then commander-in-chief of the Armed forces Valeri Zaluzh-nyi Amid speculation of a rift between the two. In November 2025, Ukraine's justice minister German Galushchenko was dismissed after probe into a 100 million U.S. Dollar corruption scandal in the energy sector. In February this year, he was arrested at Poland's border while trying to flee the country. Energy minister Svitlana Hrynchuk was also sacked along with Galushchenko. This followed by the resignation of Zelensky's close aide and chief of staff Andriy Yermak, whose home was raided by anti-corruption agencies in connection With a money laundering case. But, corruption has not been the sole, reason for all ousters. In July this year, Zelensky dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as the defence minister amid his call for an election and rift with the then armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. After days of widespread protests, Against Fedorov's removal, Zelensky also sacked Syrskyi. Last month, another high-ranking official Iryna Mudra was ousted due to corruption charges. Corruption has penetrated the defence sector as well. According to the New York Times, Ukraine lost about 1.2 billion dollars to Fraud, waste, and mismanagement in 2024, In defence procurement. The report claimed that seven of the country's ten largest Arms manufacturers received new contracts, Despite failure to fulfill previous contracts, Ongoing fraud investigations or arrest of Executives on corruption charges. In wake of this, It is amply clear that, Zelensky faces a tough challenge To set his own house in order....

Ukraine's prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko has resigned amid a corruption probe, adding to mounting pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration.

Gravitas | Fresh churn in Zelensky's team: Ukraine's prosecutor general quits amid corruption probe

The Iran war continues to affect global trade and energy supplies, with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz creating growing concerns among countries that depend on the strategic waterway. South Korea, facing pressure from the United States to help secure the route, has now sent a fact-finding team to assess the situation.&nbsp;Seoul announced the move just days after saying it was considering deploying military assets to the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea’s Defence Ministry said the team would assess the regional situation and security conditions. However, it stressed that the mission does not necessarily mean that Seoul will deploy troops.&nbsp;South Korea has a major interest in restoring shipping through the waterway as it depends on the Strait of Hormuz for nearly 61 per cent of its crude oil imports. Tehran, however, has already warned Seoul that any military presence in the area would be viewed as direct support for the aggressor and could lead to serious consequences.&nbsp;The crisis has also raised concerns in Qatar, a key US ally and major energy exporter. Qatar has warned of an industrial catastrophe if the situation continues. Qatar’s Prime Minister Al Thani is currently visiting China as both countries seek to ease tensions in West Asia.&nbsp;Beijing and Doha are also pushing for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is crucial for China’s energy supplies and Qatar’s liquefied natural gas exports. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the region cannot accept the normalisation of a "no war, no peace" situation and called for diplomacy to resume.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trump-hold-frank-one-hour-call-after-us-envoys-visit-moscow-kyiv-1788882870939">Putin, Trump hold ‘frank’ one hour call after US envoys visit Moscow, Kyiv</a>&nbsp;Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also dropped sharply amid the US-Iran conflict. Average daily traffic has fallen to its lowest level since May. Over the past 10 days, only around 10 ships have crossed the waterway on an average day.&nbsp;US Central Command has claimed that it redirected 94 commercial vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports as part of its blockade. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected US pressure and maintained that it will continue to defend its rights.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/qatar-warns-of-industrial-catastrophe-s-korea-sends-team-to-assess-hormuz-situation-1788888019632/embed&nbsp;Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would continue its resistance until the aggressors regretted their actions. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that any US attack on Iran’s oil and natural gas infrastructure would trigger a reciprocal response.&nbsp;Tehran has also asserted its right to self-defence while warning against further escalation in the region. Iran has separately accused Canada of trying to appease the United States amid the two countries’ trade dispute.&nbsp;The accusation followed a joint statement by Canada’s foreign and finance ministers condemning Iran’s threats against vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. They urged Tehran to immediately stop what they described as destabilising activities in West Asia and its support for proxy groups.&nbsp;Iran rejected the Canadian allegations and accused Ottawa of distorting facts about the situation in the region. With Tehran also threatening a maritime exclusion zone in response to the US naval blockade, prospects for an immediate diplomatic breakthrough remain limited.

South Korea has sent a fact-finding team to assess security in the Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic collapses amid the Iran-US conflict, while Qatar and China push for de-escalation and Tehran warns against military intervention.

The Iran war continues to affect global trade and energy supplies, with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz creating growing concerns among countries that depend on the strategic waterway. South Korea, facing pressure from the United States to help secure the route, has now sent a fact-finding team to assess the situation. Seoul announced the move just days after saying it was considering deploying military assets to the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea’s Defence Ministry said the team would assess the regional situation and security conditions. However, it stressed that the mission does not necessarily mean that Seoul will deploy troops. South Korea has a major interest in restoring shipping through the waterway as it depends on the Strait of Hormuz for nearly 61 per cent of its crude oil imports. Tehran, however, has already warned Seoul that any military presence in the area would be viewed as direct support for the aggressor and could lead to serious consequences. The crisis has also raised concerns in Qatar, a key US ally and major energy exporter. Qatar has warned of an industrial catastrophe if the situation continues. Qatar’s Prime Minister Al Thani is currently visiting China as both countries seek to ease tensions in West Asia. Beijing and Doha are also pushing for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is crucial for China’s energy supplies and Qatar’s liquefied natural gas exports. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the region cannot accept the normalisation of a "no war, no peace" situation and called for diplomacy to resume. Also Read: Putin, Trump hold ‘frank’ one hour call after US envoys visit Moscow, Kyiv Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also dropped sharply amid the US-Iran conflict. Average daily traffic has fallen to its lowest level since May. Over the past 10 days, only around 10 ships have crossed the waterway on an average day. US Central Command has claimed that it redirected 94 commercial vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports as part of its blockade. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected US pressure and maintained that it will continue to defend its rights. https://www.wionews.com/videos/qatar-warns-of-industrial-catastrophe-s-korea-sends-team-to-assess-hormuz-situation-1788888019632/embed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would continue its resistance until the aggressors regretted their actions. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that any US attack on Iran’s oil and natural gas infrastructure would trigger a reciprocal response. Tehran has also asserted its right to self-defence while warning against further escalation in the region. Iran has separately accused Canada of trying to appease the United States amid the two countries’ trade dispute. The accusation followed a joint statement by Canada’s foreign and finance ministers condemning Iran’s threats against vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. They urged Tehran to immediately stop what they described as destabilising activities in West Asia and its support for proxy groups. Iran rejected the Canadian allegations and accused Ottawa of distorting facts about the situation in the region. With Tehran also threatening a maritime exclusion zone in response to the US naval blockade, prospects for an immediate diplomatic breakthrough remain limited.

South Korea has sent a fact-finding team to assess security in the Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic collapses amid the Iran-US conflict, while Qatar and China push for de-escalation and Tehran warns against military intervention.

Qatar warns of ‘industrial catastrophe’, S Korea sends team to assess Hormuz situation | Gravitas

Beyond climate action, governance and economic cooperation, BRICS has grown into an important platform for strengthening people-to-people connections and building cultural bridges among its member countries. The grouping represents more than 45 per cent of the world’s population and uses its Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Pillar to promote greater interaction among communities.&nbsp;The cultural track works through the annual BRICS Culture Working Group sessions, dedicated arts and theatre festivals, and the annual meeting of BRICS Culture Ministers.&nbsp;During India’s BRICS Chairship, the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held in Bhopal on August 7. The meeting ended with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, which sets out a practical framework to deepen cultural cooperation among BRICS member states and partner countries.&nbsp;The declaration focuses on expanding cooperation in cultural and creative industries and the wider creative economy. It calls for countries to share methods, experiences and best practices while supporting creators and strengthening professional networks. It also seeks to expand market opportunities for artists and creative professionals through digital tools.&nbsp;The declaration also promotes cooperation on UNESCO multinational nominations, research into the origin and ownership of cultural objects, and the return and restitution of cultural property. It also proposes exploring artificial intelligence-based tools to help trace cultural property.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brics-is-not-anti-west-it-s-just-challenging-the-west-s-monopoly-on-power-1788887405395">BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power</a><h3>Protecting heritage and creators</h3>The Bhopal Declaration calls for greater efforts to protect Traditional Knowledge Systems and Traditional Cultural Expressions. It also encourages cooperation among museums, libraries and archives to preserve documentary heritage through digitisation and conservation.&nbsp;The declaration further focuses on protecting creators’ rights in the age of artificial intelligence. It calls for transparency and fair and equitable remuneration when copyrighted works are used in AI systems.India also announced a pilot initiative to create a Voluntary Artist Registry under the Culture Track. The initiative aims to support cultural exchanges, strengthen professional networks and create more opportunities for artists and creative practitioners across BRICS countries.&nbsp;The Culture Track also created space for bilateral discussions. Union Minister of Culture and the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, held meetings with representatives from participating countries. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cultural cooperation and identifying areas of mutual interest.<h3>India’s cultural heritage takes centre stage</h3>The cultural programme also allowed visiting delegations to explore India’s cultural and civilisational heritage.&nbsp;On August 5, delegates visited the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. Following the ministerial meeting, delegations are being taken to Sanchi to explore its important Buddhist heritage.&nbsp;A visit to Bhimbetka is scheduled for the morning of August 9. The site will allow participating delegations to experience India’s prehistoric rock shelters and ancient cultural heritage.&nbsp;Through these initiatives, the BRICS Culture Track seeks to bring people closer by creating opportunities for cultural exchange, cooperation and shared understanding beyond national borders.

BRICS is using its cultural track to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote cultural cooperation, protect shared heritage and create new opportunities for artists and creative communities across member countries.

Beyond climate action, governance and economic cooperation, BRICS has grown into an important platform for strengthening people-to-people connections and building cultural bridges among its member countries. The grouping represents more than 45 per cent of the world’s population and uses its Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Pillar to promote greater interaction among communities. The cultural track works through the annual BRICS Culture Working Group sessions, dedicated arts and theatre festivals, and the annual meeting of BRICS Culture Ministers. During India’s BRICS Chairship, the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held in Bhopal on August 7. The meeting ended with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, which sets out a practical framework to deepen cultural cooperation among BRICS member states and partner countries. The declaration focuses on expanding cooperation in cultural and creative industries and the wider creative economy. It calls for countries to share methods, experiences and best practices while supporting creators and strengthening professional networks. It also seeks to expand market opportunities for artists and creative professionals through digital tools. The declaration also promotes cooperation on UNESCO multinational nominations, research into the origin and ownership of cultural objects, and the return and restitution of cultural property. It also proposes exploring artificial intelligence-based tools to help trace cultural property. Also Read: BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power Protecting heritage and creators The Bhopal Declaration calls for greater efforts to protect Traditional Knowledge Systems and Traditional Cultural Expressions. It also encourages cooperation among museums, libraries and archives to preserve documentary heritage through digitisation and conservation. The declaration further focuses on protecting creators’ rights in the age of artificial intelligence. It calls for transparency and fair and equitable remuneration when copyrighted works are used in AI systems. India also announced a pilot initiative to create a Voluntary Artist Registry under the Culture Track. The initiative aims to support cultural exchanges, strengthen professional networks and create more opportunities for artists and creative practitioners across BRICS countries. The Culture Track also created space for bilateral discussions. Union Minister of Culture and the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, held meetings with representatives from participating countries. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cultural cooperation and identifying areas of mutual interest. India’s cultural heritage takes centre stage The cultural programme also allowed visiting delegations to explore India’s cultural and civilisational heritage. On August 5, delegates visited the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. Following the ministerial meeting, delegations are being taken to Sanchi to explore its important Buddhist heritage. A visit to Bhimbetka is scheduled for the morning of August 9. The site will allow participating delegations to experience India’s prehistoric rock shelters and ancient cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, the BRICS Culture Track seeks to bring people closer by creating opportunities for cultural exchange, cooperation and shared understanding beyond national borders.

BRICS is using its cultural track to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote cultural cooperation, protect shared heritage and create new opportunities for artists and creative communities across member countries.

BRICS cultural diplomacy: Building bridges between people and nations

Over the last decade, five countries have been quietly building over $40 billion alternative to the World Bank and the IMF-dominated global financial system: the New Development Bank or the BRICS Bank. The amount is modest when compared to the Bretton Woods Twins, but it's a project aimed at dismantling 80 years of financial control, creating a parallel system without replacing it.&nbsp;There is huge asymmetry in place; by the end of 2025, the National Development Bank has approved roughly $42.9 billion. The World Bank approves roughly $100 billion in every fiscal year. The New Development Bank has an authorised capital base of $100 billion. The World Bank has an authorised capital base of roughly $327 billion, while the IMF has a $646 billion quota base. Combined, the Bretton Woods System has roughly $1 trillion in capital base.But there are positive signs too; the New Development Bank has been around for just over a decade, and the Bretton Woods System has been there since the aftermath of the Second World War. It has grown from five founding members to eleven members. It has sanctioned development projects such as in India, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut original rapid transit system; in China, an offshore wind power plant which generated over 1 billion kWh of carbon-free electricity in the first year; in Brazil, Pernambuco state expanded water supply and sanitation services, which benefits roughly $2 million people; and in South Africa, they are modernising the Durban port, a gateway to the African continent. It is more democratised, where every nation has an equal vote, despite China being a bigger economy and Brazil being comparatively smaller. Unlike the World Bank and IMF, where the US holds veto power with over 16 per cent of total voting rights. It does not seek harsh austerity measures, nor does it require structural and political change in exchange for loans to nations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-170000-9-11-records-toxic-air-1788882722776">Zohran Mamdani releases 170,000 pages of 9/11 records, says officials misled New Yorkers over toxic air</a><h2>Can it help the Global South out of Western hegemony?</h2>Structurally, the New Development Bank is an extension of the same capitalist financial architecture that fuels the Bretton Woods System. It's not a radical break from the Western Hegemony; it is an extension of it. It is merely a scaled-up and pooled version of domestic development banks, copying the exact financial blueprint of the World Bank.But the real problem is that it is still dependent on dollar-based assets; it seeks finance from Wall Street and international capital markets for the majority of its bond issuances. Its credit rating is associated with Western credit agencies like Flich and S&amp;P. This is one of the reasons the bank had to freeze one of its founding members, Russia, following the Western sanctions in 2022 to maintain its credit rating of AA+.&nbsp;Under the leadership of President Dilma Rousseff, the NDB has grown its local currency lending portfolio to approximately 25 per cent and plans to achieve the 30 per cent mark by 2026. It actively issues bonds and uses local-currency financing such as the Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee, and South African Rand to protect from US monetary policy shocks and exchange rate volatility. The position is somewhere between hegemony and autonomy. &nbsp;It is not breaking free but trying to build a more inclusive pipeline inside the existing global financial grid.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The New Development Bank, or BRICS Bank, has emerged as an alternative development finance institution, expanding local-currency lending while seeking to reduce dependence on the Western-dominated financial system.

Over the last decade, five countries have been quietly building over $40 billion alternative to the World Bank and the IMF-dominated global financial system: the New Development Bank or the BRICS Bank. The amount is modest when compared to the Bretton Woods Twins, but it's a project aimed at dismantling 80 years of financial control, creating a parallel system without replacing it. There is huge asymmetry in place; by the end of 2025, the National Development Bank has approved roughly $42.9 billion. The World Bank approves roughly $100 billion in every fiscal year. The New Development Bank has an authorised capital base of $100 billion. The World Bank has an authorised capital base of roughly $327 billion, while the IMF has a $646 billion quota base. Combined, the Bretton Woods System has roughly $1 trillion in capital base. But there are positive signs too; the New Development Bank has been around for just over a decade, and the Bretton Woods System has been there since the aftermath of the Second World War. It has grown from five founding members to eleven members. It has sanctioned development projects such as in India, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut original rapid transit system; in China, an offshore wind power plant which generated over 1 billion kWh of carbon-free electricity in the first year; in Brazil, Pernambuco state expanded water supply and sanitation services, which benefits roughly $2 million people; and in South Africa, they are modernising the Durban port, a gateway to the African continent. It is more democratised, where every nation has an equal vote, despite China being a bigger economy and Brazil being comparatively smaller. Unlike the World Bank and IMF, where the US holds veto power with over 16 per cent of total voting rights. It does not seek harsh austerity measures, nor does it require structural and political change in exchange for loans to nations. Also Read: Zohran Mamdani releases 170,000 pages of 9/11 records, says officials misled New Yorkers over toxic air Can it help the Global South out of Western hegemony? Structurally, the New Development Bank is an extension of the same capitalist financial architecture that fuels the Bretton Woods System. It's not a radical break from the Western Hegemony; it is an extension of it. It is merely a scaled-up and pooled version of domestic development banks, copying the exact financial blueprint of the World Bank. But the real problem is that it is still dependent on dollar-based assets; it seeks finance from Wall Street and international capital markets for the majority of its bond issuances. Its credit rating is associated with Western credit agencies like Flich and S&P. This is one of the reasons the bank had to freeze one of its founding members, Russia, following the Western sanctions in 2022 to maintain its credit rating of AA+. Under the leadership of President Dilma Rousseff, the NDB has grown its local currency lending portfolio to approximately 25 per cent and plans to achieve the 30 per cent mark by 2026. It actively issues bonds and uses local-currency financing such as the Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee, and South African Rand to protect from US monetary policy shocks and exchange rate volatility. The position is somewhere between hegemony and autonomy. It is not breaking free but trying to build a more inclusive pipeline inside the existing global financial grid.

The New Development Bank, or BRICS Bank, has emerged as an alternative development finance institution, expanding local-currency lending while seeking to reduce dependence on the Western-dominated financial system.

BRICS Bank: Can the New Development Bank challenge the World Bank and IMF?

Despite Asim Munir having unprecedented control over Pakistan's armed forces, the internal security situation is deteriorating.&nbsp;Balochistan continues to be on the boil, with the Balochistan Liberation Army claiming to have killed 52 Pakistani army personnel in a fresh offensive.&nbsp;BLA stated that these killings took place in 28 operations in the first seven days of September, and also resulting in injuries to multiple personnel.&nbsp;It also claimed to have seized vehicles, a large quantity of weapons and military equipment from Pak security forces.&nbsp;The outfit added that it shot dead an agent of Pakistan's military intelligence in Quetta for carrying out espionage for Munir's forces.&nbsp;As of now, Pakistan is yet to respond to this claim.&nbsp;BLA's assertion comes a day after Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti held a meeting with Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority chief Major General Faisal Naseer.&nbsp;They discussed measures against terrorism, intelligence coordination and the overall law and order situation.&nbsp;Munir himself visited Quetta garrison over the weekend, where he was briefed on Balochistan's security situation and operational readiness.&nbsp;Last week, Pakistani military claimed to have killed 48 terrorists across Balochistan in a 72-hour period.&nbsp;Now, Pak military's actions are having a drastic impact on the ground.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bla-claims-killing-of-52-pak-army-personnel-in-balochistan-munir-s-crackdown-falters-1788887086649/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bla-claims-killing-of-52-pak-army-personnel-in-balochistan-munir-s-crackdown-falters-1788887086649/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Balochistan Post, several families in Kech district have been compelled to abandon their ancestral homes.&nbsp;The report attributes this to intensified checks and curbs on people's movement by Pak security forces.&nbsp;It claimed that authorities have significantly increased the number of checkpoints with people being stopped after almost every kilometre.&nbsp;It has also been alleged that there is constant drone surveillance over homes, which has made it difficult for locals to remain in the area.&nbsp;While Munir's forces are unable to contain the growing attacks by the BLA, they are focusing on suppressing voice of civilians.&nbsp;On one hand, prominent human rights activists like Mahrang Baloch have been jailed, and on the other hand, Pakistan conducted aerial strikes on its own soil in August. This resulted in death of at least 30 innocent Baloch civilians.&nbsp;Baloch rebels have staged a number of attacks this year.&nbsp;In July, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam Project in Balochistan.&nbsp;Earlier in May, over 30 people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a train in Quetta, which was carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families.&nbsp;In this backdrop, it appears that the Pak military establishment's renewed push for new administrative units is also an attempt to help it gain a better foothold in volatile regions like Balochistan, where it has lost its writ to a great extent...

Asim Munir himself visited Quetta garrison over the weekend, where he was briefed on Balochistan's security situation and operational readiness. Last week, Pakistani military claimed to have killed 48 terrorists across Balochistan in a 72-hour period.

Despite Asim Munir having unprecedented control over Pakistan's armed forces, the internal security situation is deteriorating. Balochistan continues to be on the boil, with the Balochistan Liberation Army claiming to have killed 52 Pakistani army personnel in a fresh offensive. BLA stated that these killings took place in 28 operations in the first seven days of September, and also resulting in injuries to multiple personnel. It also claimed to have seized vehicles, a large quantity of weapons and military equipment from Pak security forces. The outfit added that it shot dead an agent of Pakistan's military intelligence in Quetta for carrying out espionage for Munir's forces. As of now, Pakistan is yet to respond to this claim. BLA's assertion comes a day after Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti held a meeting with Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority chief Major General Faisal Naseer. They discussed measures against terrorism, intelligence coordination and the overall law and order situation. Munir himself visited Quetta garrison over the weekend, where he was briefed on Balochistan's security situation and operational readiness. Last week, Pakistani military claimed to have killed 48 terrorists across Balochistan in a 72-hour period. Now, Pak military's actions are having a drastic impact on the ground. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bla-claims-killing-of-52-pak-army-personnel-in-balochistan-munir-s-crackdown-falters-1788887086649/embed According to the Balochistan Post, several families in Kech district have been compelled to abandon their ancestral homes. The report attributes this to intensified checks and curbs on people's movement by Pak security forces. It claimed that authorities have significantly increased the number of checkpoints with people being stopped after almost every kilometre. It has also been alleged that there is constant drone surveillance over homes, which has made it difficult for locals to remain in the area. While Munir's forces are unable to contain the growing attacks by the BLA, they are focusing on suppressing voice of civilians. On one hand, prominent human rights activists like Mahrang Baloch have been jailed, and on the other hand, Pakistan conducted aerial strikes on its own soil in August. This resulted in death of at least 30 innocent Baloch civilians. Baloch rebels have staged a number of attacks this year. In July, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam Project in Balochistan. Earlier in May, over 30 people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a train in Quetta, which was carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families. In this backdrop, it appears that the Pak military establishment's renewed push for new administrative units is also an attempt to help it gain a better foothold in volatile regions like Balochistan, where it has lost its writ to a great extent...

Asim Munir himself visited Quetta garrison over the weekend, where he was briefed on Balochistan's security situation and operational readiness. Last week, Pakistani military claimed to have killed 48 terrorists across Balochistan in a 72-hour period.

BLA claims killing of 52 Pak army personnel in Balochistan, Munir’s crackdown falters | Gravitas

The countdown to the 18th BRICS Summit has begun.India's national capital is preparing for the arrival of global leaders at the high-stakes gathering, where countries at war, countries affected by war, and those pushing for peace will be under the same roof.What began as a BRIC summit in 2009 became BRICS with South Africa's inclusion in 2011.But in the last few years, BRICS has expanded exponentially, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining in 2024. The latest country to join the grouping is Indonesia. With the exception of America and its Western allies, BRICS provides a counterbalance to Western hegemony over the global order.The rules of this new and emerging world order are no longer being drafted in Western capitals. Despite internal differences and disputes, BRICS provides a critical platform for convergence on shared interests, especially trade and the economy.Trump's tariff threats and wars in West Asia and Ukraine have left the Western consensus fractured. At the same time, countries like China and India are positioning themselves as stabilising forces.But there is a caveat. There is still a huge difference between what BRICS can be and what it really is. This untapped potential of the grouping can be realised if the member states manage to work out their differences.China and India have a border dispute to resolve; Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been dragged into the West Asia conflict. Iran and Russia have their own active wars to resolve.The internal power dynamics have certainly not stopped these countries from engaging on common interests. But can they move further without resolving these issues? That remains a big question.BRICS will bring together India, China and Russia once again after last month's SCO Summit.Increased diplomatic engagements and coordination on the bilateral front have revived speculation regarding the RIC trilateral. Russia is striving to revive the activities of the Russia-India-China troika.New Delhi, on the other hand, has shown cautious openness.BRICS nations are facing three big challenges, which boil down to one aspect: the economy.Tariffs, wars and energy — all of these affect the economy.The strings of all these issues are, one way or another, attached to Washington, where the Trump administration will be watching the summit very closely. China and India are the world's second-largest economy and fastest-growing major economy, respectively.Both countries are net importers of oil. The longer the Hormuz blockade continues, the greater will be the cost of energy.Then come tariffs. The US President's tariff onslaught has left countries searching for new markets, and the economic component of BRICS could come into play on this front.The grouping collectively represents 49.5 per cent of the global population, 40 per cent of world GDP and 26 per cent of global trade.Last year's BRICS declaration called for comprehensive UN reform, multilateral trade reform and inclusive governance, while strengthening the group's role as a platform for Global South solidarity.New Delhi has outlined four pillars for its BRICS chairship — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.The focus will be on strengthening economic resilience to navigate global uncertainties and deepening multilateral engagement through policy coordination, development finance and trade facilitation.When BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, all eyes will be on how the forum positions itself in the wake of global challenges.More importantly, how countries position themselves within the group itself amid internal differences and disputes.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed</a>&nbsp;

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi will bring together major emerging economies as they navigate tariffs, wars, energy concerns and internal differences.

The countdown to the 18th BRICS Summit has begun. India's national capital is preparing for the arrival of global leaders at the high-stakes gathering, where countries at war, countries affected by war, and those pushing for peace will be under the same roof. What began as a BRIC summit in 2009 became BRICS with South Africa's inclusion in 2011. But in the last few years, BRICS has expanded exponentially, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining in 2024. The latest country to join the grouping is Indonesia. With the exception of America and its Western allies, BRICS provides a counterbalance to Western hegemony over the global order. The rules of this new and emerging world order are no longer being drafted in Western capitals. Despite internal differences and disputes, BRICS provides a critical platform for convergence on shared interests, especially trade and the economy. Trump's tariff threats and wars in West Asia and Ukraine have left the Western consensus fractured. At the same time, countries like China and India are positioning themselves as stabilising forces. But there is a caveat. There is still a huge difference between what BRICS can be and what it really is. This untapped potential of the grouping can be realised if the member states manage to work out their differences. China and India have a border dispute to resolve; Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been dragged into the West Asia conflict. Iran and Russia have their own active wars to resolve. The internal power dynamics have certainly not stopped these countries from engaging on common interests. But can they move further without resolving these issues? That remains a big question. BRICS will bring together India, China and Russia once again after last month's SCO Summit. Increased diplomatic engagements and coordination on the bilateral front have revived speculation regarding the RIC trilateral. Russia is striving to revive the activities of the Russia-India-China troika. New Delhi, on the other hand, has shown cautious openness. BRICS nations are facing three big challenges, which boil down to one aspect: the economy. Tariffs, wars and energy — all of these affect the economy. The strings of all these issues are, one way or another, attached to Washington, where the Trump administration will be watching the summit very closely. China and India are the world's second-largest economy and fastest-growing major economy, respectively. Both countries are net importers of oil. The longer the Hormuz blockade continues, the greater will be the cost of energy. Then come tariffs. The US President's tariff onslaught has left countries searching for new markets, and the economic component of BRICS could come into play on this front. The grouping collectively represents 49.5 per cent of the global population, 40 per cent of world GDP and 26 per cent of global trade. Last year's BRICS declaration called for comprehensive UN reform, multilateral trade reform and inclusive governance, while strengthening the group's role as a platform for Global South solidarity. New Delhi has outlined four pillars for its BRICS chairship — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The focus will be on strengthening economic resilience to navigate global uncertainties and deepening multilateral engagement through policy coordination, development finance and trade facilitation. When BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, all eyes will be on how the forum positions itself in the wake of global challenges. More importantly, how countries position themselves within the group itself amid internal differences and disputes. https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi will bring together major emerging economies as they navigate tariffs, wars, energy concerns and internal differences.

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