National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a proposal for a new strategic coalition that could reshape alignments in West Asia. Netanyahu described the idea as a “hexagon of alliances”, a structured grouping of countries that share similar security concerns and strategic interests. India was identified as a central partner, alongside Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. The framework is also expected to draw in select Arab, African, and Asian countries, though specific names have not yet been disclosed.&nbsp;The announcement, issued by Israel’s foreign office on February 22, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical friction in the region. Tensions between Israel and Iran remain elevated, while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalised a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025, an arrangement some analysts have likened to an “Islamic Nato.” Turkey has also signalled possible interest in that pact.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-round-of-india-israel-fta-negotiations-begins-in-new-delhi-ahead-of-pm-modi-s-visit-1771951501537">First round of India-Israel FTA negotiations begins in New Delhi ahead of PM Modi’s visit</a>&nbsp;Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25–26 marks his second trip to the country as Prime Minister. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, discussions between the two leaders are expected to cover regional developments and broader global issues of shared concern. During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu outlined his vision for the alliance architecture, stating that it would bring together nations across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia that share common assessments of regional threats.<h2>What is Hexagon Alliance?</h2>He characterised the proposed bloc as a counter to what he called two destabilising forces: a “radical Shia axis,” primarily referring to Iran and its allied groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis; and what he termed an emerging “radical Sunni axis,” which he linked to extremist organisations operating in the region.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sahara-sands-reveal-dragon-like-terror-new-species-of-apex-predator-stuns-researchers-1771954181163/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sahara-sands-reveal-dragon-like-terror-new-species-of-apex-predator-stuns-researchers-1771954181163/embed</a>&nbsp;Unlike earlier informal alignments, including the India-UAE-Israel-Greece understanding and multilateral platforms such as I2U2, this initiative signals a more formalised and security-focused structure. The proposed hexagon framework is intended to expand cooperation in defence coordination, intelligence-sharing, and strategic resilience.&nbsp;By publicly articulating the concept and naming both partners and adversaries, Netanyahu has elevated the discussion from quiet diplomatic coordination to an openly declared strategic doctrine — one that positions India as a pivotal player in an evolving regional balance.

What is ‘Hexagon Alliance’, proposed by Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of PM Modi' Israel visit?

On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a proposal for a new strategic coalition that could reshape alignments in West Asia. Netanyahu described the idea as a “hexagon of alliances”, a structured grouping of countries that share similar security concerns and strategic interests. India was identified as a central partner, alongside Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. The framework is also expected to draw in select Arab, African, and Asian countries, though specific names have not yet been disclosed. The announcement, issued by Israel’s foreign office on February 22, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical friction in the region. Tensions between Israel and Iran remain elevated, while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalised a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025, an arrangement some analysts have likened to an “Islamic Nato.” Turkey has also signalled possible interest in that pact. Also Read: First round of India-Israel FTA negotiations begins in New Delhi ahead of PM Modi’s visit Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25–26 marks his second trip to the country as Prime Minister. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, discussions between the two leaders are expected to cover regional developments and broader global issues of shared concern. During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu outlined his vision for the alliance architecture, stating that it would bring together nations across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia that share common assessments of regional threats. What is Hexagon Alliance? He characterised the proposed bloc as a counter to what he called two destabilising forces: a “radical Shia axis,” primarily referring to Iran and its allied groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis; and what he termed an emerging “radical Sunni axis,” which he linked to extremist organisations operating in the region. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sahara-sands-reveal-dragon-like-terror-new-species-of-apex-predator-stuns-researchers-1771954181163/embed Unlike earlier informal alignments, including the India-UAE-Israel-Greece understanding and multilateral platforms such as I2U2, this initiative signals a more formalised and security-focused structure. The proposed hexagon framework is intended to expand cooperation in defence coordination, intelligence-sharing, and strategic resilience. By publicly articulating the concept and naming both partners and adversaries, Netanyahu has elevated the discussion from quiet diplomatic coordination to an openly declared strategic doctrine — one that positions India as a pivotal player in an evolving regional balance.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu proposes a ‘hexagon’ alliance including India to counter regional threat axes ahead of India PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel

India kicked off the first round of the Free Trade Agreement talks with Israel on Tuesday (Feb 24), after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with Israeli negotiators who are in New Delhi for the deliberations. These talks are scheduled to take place until February 26. Goyal hailed the meeting as an important step towards enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation.&nbsp;"Met a delegation from Israel today, visiting India for the first round of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations (23rd-26th February 2026). The FTA negotiations mark an important step towards enhancing India-Israel bilateral trade &amp; economic cooperation, aimed at creating greater opportunities for businesses and people on both sides," Goyal wrote in a post on X.&nbsp;During the maiden round, the talks are expected to be centred around trade in services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedure and trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, among others, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a release. Chief Negotiator of India, Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, reiterated the significance of this engagement for the two countries and encouraged both sides to work on a balanced agreement to build a forward-looking framework for an evolving partnership, the release said.&nbsp;Chief Negotiator of Israel for the FTA, Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director Trade Policy &amp; Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner, Foreign Trade Administration, Ministry of Economy and Industry, Israel, expressed that the two countries shared a close relationship, and that the FTA has the potential to strengthen supply chains, enhance cooperation and open new markets for both countries.&nbsp;The negotiation of the trade deal began days ahead of Prime Minister Modi's scheduled two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday. Confirming the visit Indian PM on Sunday hailed “the deep bond between India and Israel” and the multi-dimensional nature of bilateral relations. The trip marks his first visit to Israel in his third term and his second overall since 2017. During his visit, he is slated to address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and is expected to sign multiple agreements in the areas of defence, technology and trade.&nbsp;In a post on X, Modi expressed appreciation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s welcoming words, saying, “India attaches great importance to the strong and enduring friendship with Israel, a friendship based on mutual trust, innovation and a shared aspiration for peace and progress.” Netanyahu also announced that Modi’s trip would help forge a new alliance to counter what he described as “radical” adversaries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dgca-cracks-down-on-vsr-after-ajit-pawar-s-plane-crash-all-learjets-grounded-1771947591488">DGCA cracks down on VSR after Ajit Pawar's plane crash, all Learjets grounded</a>&nbsp;“In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a ‘hexagon’ of alliances around or within the Middle East,” the Israeli leader said.&nbsp;“This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I won’t detail at the moment,” Netanyahu said, adding that he will further elaborate on his plan in the future.&nbsp;“The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shiite axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis,” he added.

The first round of FTA talks kicks off after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation of Israeli negotiators in New Delhi.

India kicked off the first round of the Free Trade Agreement talks with Israel on Tuesday (Feb 24), after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with Israeli negotiators who are in New Delhi for the deliberations. These talks are scheduled to take place until February 26. Goyal hailed the meeting as an important step towards enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation. "Met a delegation from Israel today, visiting India for the first round of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations (23rd-26th February 2026). The FTA negotiations mark an important step towards enhancing India-Israel bilateral trade & economic cooperation, aimed at creating greater opportunities for businesses and people on both sides," Goyal wrote in a post on X. During the maiden round, the talks are expected to be centred around trade in services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedure and trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, among others, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a release. Chief Negotiator of India, Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, reiterated the significance of this engagement for the two countries and encouraged both sides to work on a balanced agreement to build a forward-looking framework for an evolving partnership, the release said. Chief Negotiator of Israel for the FTA, Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director Trade Policy & Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner, Foreign Trade Administration, Ministry of Economy and Industry, Israel, expressed that the two countries shared a close relationship, and that the FTA has the potential to strengthen supply chains, enhance cooperation and open new markets for both countries. The negotiation of the trade deal began days ahead of Prime Minister Modi's scheduled two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday. Confirming the visit Indian PM on Sunday hailed “the deep bond between India and Israel” and the multi-dimensional nature of bilateral relations. The trip marks his first visit to Israel in his third term and his second overall since 2017. During his visit, he is slated to address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and is expected to sign multiple agreements in the areas of defence, technology and trade. In a post on X, Modi expressed appreciation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s welcoming words, saying, “India attaches great importance to the strong and enduring friendship with Israel, a friendship based on mutual trust, innovation and a shared aspiration for peace and progress.” Netanyahu also announced that Modi’s trip would help forge a new alliance to counter what he described as “radical” adversaries. Also Read: DGCA cracks down on VSR after Ajit Pawar's plane crash, all Learjets grounded “In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a ‘hexagon’ of alliances around or within the Middle East,” the Israeli leader said. “This includes India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean nations (Greece and Cyprus), and nations in Asia that I won’t detail at the moment,” Netanyahu said, adding that he will further elaborate on his plan in the future. “The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shiite axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis,” he added.

The first round of FTA talks kicks off after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation of Israeli negotiators in New Delhi.

First round of India-Israel FTA negotiations begins in New Delhi ahead of PM Modi’s visit

Amid the diplomatic tensions over Tehran's nuclear programme, the US has reportedly moved over 150 military aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East in recent days. As per the satellite imagery and flight-tracking data reviewed by The Washington Post, the buildup includes cargo planes, refuelling aircraft and combat jets, and marks one of the largest US force deployments in the region in more than two decades. The newspaper added that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford was near Crete, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-to-attack-israel-netanyahu-warns-unimaginable-response-if-tehran-makes-most-serious-mistake-in-its-history-1771876770668">Iran to attack Israel? Netanyahu warns 'unimaginable' response if Tehran makes 'most serious mistake in its history'</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that the US military has begun moving 12 F-22 stealth fighter jets toward the Middle East. The report said the F-22s were seen taking off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England and linking up with KC-46 refuelling planes as they headed toward the region. Multiple fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s, F-15s and F-16s, were spotted heading to the region in recent days, according to the Military Air Tracking Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/el-mencho-s-girlfriend-helped-commandos-track-him-here-s-what-we-know-about-operation-to-catch-mexico-s-most-wanted-man-1771865467024">El Mencho’s girlfriend helped commandos track him? Here’s what we know about operation to catch Mexico’s most wanted man</a>&nbsp;Amid all this, Iran's deputy foreign minister said Tehran is ready to take any necessary step to reach a deal with the US and hopes Washington displays the same willingness. Majid Takht-Ravanchi added that a US strike on Iran would be a “real gamble.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/epstein-was-obsessed-with-girls-like-every-unmarried-billionaire-yale-professor-defends-emails-with-sex-offender-on-good-looking-blonde-student-1770906176284">Epstein was 'obsessed with girls, like every unmarried billionaire': Yale professor defends emails with sex offender on 'good-looking blonde' student</a>&nbsp;Amid this, an Iranian diplomat has said that the Islamic Republic should be fully prepared for war if it wants to avoid war. As Tehran prepares for a third round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva on Thursday (Feb 26), former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said Tehran was fully prepared for a fair and respectful agreement and that “the ball is in the Americans’ court,” but rejected the idea that military threats could extract concessions.&nbsp;

Satellite data shows the US has deployed over 150 military aircraft near Iran, one of the largest buildups in years, as President Trump pressures Tehran amid stalled nuclear talks, though no strike has been ordered.

Amid the diplomatic tensions over Tehran's nuclear programme, the US has reportedly moved over 150 military aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East in recent days. As per the satellite imagery and flight-tracking data reviewed by The Washington Post, the buildup includes cargo planes, refuelling aircraft and combat jets, and marks one of the largest US force deployments in the region in more than two decades. The newspaper added that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford was near Crete, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln. Also read: Iran to attack Israel? Netanyahu warns 'unimaginable' response if Tehran makes 'most serious mistake in its history' Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that the US military has begun moving 12 F-22 stealth fighter jets toward the Middle East. The report said the F-22s were seen taking off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England and linking up with KC-46 refuelling planes as they headed toward the region. Multiple fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s, F-15s and F-16s, were spotted heading to the region in recent days, according to the Military Air Tracking Alliance. Also read: El Mencho’s girlfriend helped commandos track him? Here’s what we know about operation to catch Mexico’s most wanted man Amid all this, Iran's deputy foreign minister said Tehran is ready to take any necessary step to reach a deal with the US and hopes Washington displays the same willingness. Majid Takht-Ravanchi added that a US strike on Iran would be a “real gamble.” Also read: Epstein was 'obsessed with girls, like every unmarried billionaire': Yale professor defends emails with sex offender on 'good-looking blonde' student Amid this, an Iranian diplomat has said that the Islamic Republic should be fully prepared for war if it wants to avoid war. As Tehran prepares for a third round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva on Thursday (Feb 26), former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said Tehran was fully prepared for a fair and respectful agreement and that “the ball is in the Americans’ court,” but rejected the idea that military threats could extract concessions.

Satellite data shows the US has deployed over 150 military aircraft near Iran, one of the largest buildups in years, as President Trump pressures Tehran amid stalled nuclear talks, though no strike has been ordered.

US all set to strike Iran? Satellite images show over 150 American military aircraft deployed near Tehran

With barely two months to go for the Tamil Nadu polls, VK Sasikala, a former aide of late Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, announced the launch of a new political party. The announcement was made at a public meeting in the Ramanathapuram district, on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary(24 Feb). Sasikala said that she would reveal the name of her party soon, while revealing a party flag bearing the black, white, and red colours, like that of the AIADMK flag.&nbsp;Speaking at the event, Sasikala said she was going to start a new party for the people of Tamil Nadu. She elaborated that her party would follow the path of Dravidian political leaders CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran, and J Jayalalithaa, and serve the common people of Tamil Nadu. Notably, her party flag also bears the faces of the aforementioned leaders, who had served as Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;While she did not specify whom she was referring to, Sasikala also announced that her party would root out enemies and traitors. This reference is widely seen as an attack on AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami. Palaniswami was once handpicked by Sasikala to lead the Tamil Nadu Government as Chief Minister, but he later ousted her from the party when Sasikala was in jail for a corruption case. Since then, Palaniswami has been firm against accepting Sasikala or her family members into the AIADMK.&nbsp;A member of the Thevar community, which is influential in southern Tamil Nadu, Sasikala had been a close confidante of Jayalalithaa for over three decades. This proximity to power earned her significant influence. While she remained a powerful presence behind the scenes during Jayalalithaa's tenure, Sasikala formally stepped into politics after Jayalalithaa's demise in December 2016. She was elevated as the AIADMK General Secretary, which is the top post in the party, and had also made attempts to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;However, Sasikala's political ambitions were short-lived, as dramatic developments altered her political fortunes. In 2017, she was convicted in a disproportionate assets case and was sentenced to four years in prison. While in prison, she was expelled from the AIADMK. Legal hurdles stemming from her conviction in the graft case also prohibit her from contesting in the elections until 2027. &nbsp;

VK Sasikala launched a new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls, invoking Jayalalithaa’s legacy and challenging AIADMK leadership, though legal restrictions bar her from contesting elections until 2027.

With barely two months to go for the Tamil Nadu polls, VK Sasikala, a former aide of late Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, announced the launch of a new political party. The announcement was made at a public meeting in the Ramanathapuram district, on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary(24 Feb). Sasikala said that she would reveal the name of her party soon, while revealing a party flag bearing the black, white, and red colours, like that of the AIADMK flag. Speaking at the event, Sasikala said she was going to start a new party for the people of Tamil Nadu. She elaborated that her party would follow the path of Dravidian political leaders CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran, and J Jayalalithaa, and serve the common people of Tamil Nadu. Notably, her party flag also bears the faces of the aforementioned leaders, who had served as Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu. While she did not specify whom she was referring to, Sasikala also announced that her party would root out enemies and traitors. This reference is widely seen as an attack on AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami. Palaniswami was once handpicked by Sasikala to lead the Tamil Nadu Government as Chief Minister, but he later ousted her from the party when Sasikala was in jail for a corruption case. Since then, Palaniswami has been firm against accepting Sasikala or her family members into the AIADMK. A member of the Thevar community, which is influential in southern Tamil Nadu, Sasikala had been a close confidante of Jayalalithaa for over three decades. This proximity to power earned her significant influence. While she remained a powerful presence behind the scenes during Jayalalithaa's tenure, Sasikala formally stepped into politics after Jayalalithaa's demise in December 2016. She was elevated as the AIADMK General Secretary, which is the top post in the party, and had also made attempts to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. However, Sasikala's political ambitions were short-lived, as dramatic developments altered her political fortunes. In 2017, she was convicted in a disproportionate assets case and was sentenced to four years in prison. While in prison, she was expelled from the AIADMK. Legal hurdles stemming from her conviction in the graft case also prohibit her from contesting in the elections until 2027.

VK Sasikala launched a new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls, invoking Jayalalithaa’s legacy and challenging AIADMK leadership, though legal restrictions bar her from contesting elections until 2027.

Ahead of Tamil Nadu polls, Sasikala floats new political party

US television anchor Savannah Guthrie has revealed that her family is now offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to the return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for 24 days. In an emotional video shared on Instagram, the NBC host spoke through tears, saying the family is “aching” as the search continues. Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home, and investigators believe she may have been abducted during the night.&nbsp;Savannah Guthrie said her family is holding on to hope for a miracle. At the same time, she acknowledged the painful possibility that her mother may no longer be alive. Alongside the reward, the family pledged to donate $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Guthrie urged anyone with information to come forward, encouraging those who may be hesitant to see the reward as a sign to speak up.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-you-don-t-want-war-be-ready-for-war-iranian-diplomat-s-suggestion-to-tehran-as-wh-says-trump-is-ready-to-use-force-1771942575064">'If you don't want war, be ready for war': Iranian diplomat's suggestion to Tehran as WH says Trump is ready to use force</a><h2>Watch the video posted by Savannah Guthrie here</h2>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVJKU2wADV3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVJKU2wADV3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVJKU2wADV3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

She said the family longs either for a miraculous reunion or the chance to properly honor her mother’s life. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on 1 February after she failed to attend church services. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has stated that evidence suggests she may have been taken from her home against her will, possibly overnight.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-high-waves-push-seawater-into-streets-along-malecon-winter-brings-repeated-flooding-to-havana-1771945155493/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-high-waves-push-seawater-into-streets-along-malecon-winter-brings-repeated-flooding-to-havana-1771945155493/embed</a>&nbsp;Authorities have shared images of a man identified as a prime suspect, captured on a Nest doorbell camera at her home. Law enforcement sources say the same individual had previously appeared at her front door before her disappearance. The FBI’s Phoenix field office has asked anyone with firsthand knowledge of the case to contact its tip line. Prior to the family’s announcement, a $200,000 reward had been in place, split between the FBI and Tucson Crime Stoppers. Investigators say they have received nearly 40,000 tips. DNA collected from a glove discovered near the property, similar to one seen in the doorbell footage, did not match any profiles in the FBI’s database.&nbsp;Officials have also confirmed that members of the Guthrie family have been cleared as suspects. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has previously said that implying otherwise would be both incorrect and unfair.

Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Savannah Guthrie announces $1M reward in search for missing mother

US television anchor Savannah Guthrie has revealed that her family is now offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to the return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for 24 days. In an emotional video shared on Instagram, the NBC host spoke through tears, saying the family is “aching” as the search continues. Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home, and investigators believe she may have been abducted during the night. Savannah Guthrie said her family is holding on to hope for a miracle. At the same time, she acknowledged the painful possibility that her mother may no longer be alive. Alongside the reward, the family pledged to donate $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Guthrie urged anyone with information to come forward, encouraging those who may be hesitant to see the reward as a sign to speak up. Also Read: 'If you don't want war, be ready for war': Iranian diplomat's suggestion to Tehran as WH says Trump is ready to use force Watch the video posted by Savannah Guthrie here

Savannah Guthrie’s family offers a $1 million reward as the search continues for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, missing in a suspected Tucson abduction

A historic blizzard is battering Northeastern US dumping over 2 feet of snow in many areas and producing hurricane-force gust, which grounded flights and left millions of people stuck indoors. According to the National Weather Service, heavy snowfall is observed in 21 cities and towns across New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey, called Monday's storm a “doozy” in an afternoon conference adding that it has been “serious and severe”<h2>Massachusetts power outage&nbsp;</h2>Roughly a quarter of a million households in Massachusetts remain without power this morning. And it could take three to five days before everyone gets it back, according to Doug Foley, the president of Massachusetts electric operations at Eversource. 100 per cent of households in Outer Cape communities like Provincetown and Wellfleet, nearly 70 per cent communities in for coastal South Shore towns like Plymouth and sc<h2>Massachusetts travel ban</h2>In Massachusetts travel ban has been imposed on all non-essential motor vehicles. This remains in effect in Tuesday morning in South eastern counties- Bristol, Plymouth, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineya. According to an order from Governor Maura Healey, the travel ban carries up to a $500 fine; exem tions apply for emergency respondents healthcare workers. This is done to keep the roads clear for snow removal and emergency crews. The state officials have not decided a time frame for the ban, it is likely to remain as long as the officials do not decide it is safe for clearing the road and non-essential travel to resume.<h2>Massachusetts flights cancellation&nbsp;</h2>Over 1000 flights are cancelled at Boston Logan International airport. One runway has been cleared and being used, as crews work to clear other runways to restart operations. Airport officials have indicated that full flight schedules may not resume at least till Wednesday, it may extend longer. Airlines have issued travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook flights without change fees for travel through late February as operations recover&nbsp;

A powerful northeaster batters Massachusetts, prompting Gov. Maura Healey to extend travel bans in southeastern counties. Power restoration could take days as cleanup continues.

A historic blizzard is battering Northeastern US dumping over 2 feet of snow in many areas and producing hurricane-force gust, which grounded flights and left millions of people stuck indoors. According to the National Weather Service, heavy snowfall is observed in 21 cities and towns across New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey, called Monday's storm a “doozy” in an afternoon conference adding that it has been “serious and severe” Massachusetts power outage Roughly a quarter of a million households in Massachusetts remain without power this morning. And it could take three to five days before everyone gets it back, according to Doug Foley, the president of Massachusetts electric operations at Eversource. 100 per cent of households in Outer Cape communities like Provincetown and Wellfleet, nearly 70 per cent communities in for coastal South Shore towns like Plymouth and sc Massachusetts travel ban In Massachusetts travel ban has been imposed on all non-essential motor vehicles. This remains in effect in Tuesday morning in South eastern counties- Bristol, Plymouth, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineya. According to an order from Governor Maura Healey, the travel ban carries up to a $500 fine; exem tions apply for emergency respondents healthcare workers. This is done to keep the roads clear for snow removal and emergency crews. The state officials have not decided a time frame for the ban, it is likely to remain as long as the officials do not decide it is safe for clearing the road and non-essential travel to resume. Massachusetts flights cancellation Over 1000 flights are cancelled at Boston Logan International airport. One runway has been cleared and being used, as crews work to clear other runways to restart operations. Airport officials have indicated that full flight schedules may not resume at least till Wednesday, it may extend longer. Airlines have issued travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook flights without change fees for travel through late February as operations recover

A powerful northeaster batters Massachusetts, prompting Gov. Maura Healey to extend travel bans in southeastern counties. Power restoration could take days as cleanup continues.

Massachusetts travel ban extended after ‘Blizzard of 2026’; thousands remain without power

As the Indian information technology sector trembles amid mounting artificial intelligence fears and a record equity sell-off in the markets, the Nifty IT index has witnessed a severe bloodbath in recent days, hitting a 30-month low on Tuesday and wiping out nearly ₹10,000 crore in foreign investment from Indian tech stocks in just the last few days. The sell-off is driven by an “AI panic trade” triggered by a research report and the launch of Anthropic’s Claude Code this week.&nbsp;A report published by Citrini Research and co-authored by Alap Shah has fuelled fresh AI concerns for the IT sector. The report, titled “The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis,” maps a doomsday scenario for India’s prized sector, which has long been the preferred choice of the country’s top talent.&nbsp;It presents a fictional perspective set on June 30, 2028, looking back at how AI decimated the global services economy, especially the Indian IT industry, which relies on cheaper software solutions for customers in advanced economies such as the US.&nbsp;Citrini argues that India’s services model was built on providing developers at a fraction of Western wages. However, with the advent of “agentic AI,” the marginal cost of a coding agent has collapsed to the cost of electricity, potentially rendering Indian developers obsolete.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/god-s-own-country-to-officially-become-keralam-union-cabinet-approves-decision-to-rename-kerala-1771932449695">God’s Own Country to officially become 'Keralam': Union Cabinet approves decision to rename Kerala</a>&nbsp;The report further introduces the idea of “Ghost GDP,” contemplating a scenario where corporate profits and productivity (GDP) soar on paper but are not passed on to humans as they are replaced by AI, leading to a halt in money circulation back into the consumer economy.&nbsp;It predicts that by 2027, the $200+ billion services surplus that anchors India’s economy could “evaporate,” causing the rupee to crash by 18% and forcing India into preliminary bailout talks with the IMF.&nbsp;It also sketches a “2028 reality” in which clients at prominent companies like Infosys and Wipro begin cancelling contracts to build software internally using artificial intelligence.The IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector accounts for approximately 7.5% to 8% of India’s total GDP and contributes over 25% of the country’s total export earnings. The sector employs nearly 5.8 to 5.95 million professionals and acts as a primary source of foreign exchange, bringing in an estimated $224 billion in revenue for FY25.&nbsp;In contrast to the Citrini report, analysts from JPMorgan and HSBC argue that even if AI can write perfect code, human experts will still be needed to “plumb” it into massive corporate systems without breaking them.&nbsp;NASSCOM recently underlined that upgrading global legacy code (like COBOL) is a $1.6 trillion opportunity, and AI does not kill that work; it simply makes it faster, allowing Indian firms to handle larger volumes of projects. &nbsp;India has also begun preparing for potential strain on the outsourcing industry through Global Capability Centres (GCCs), over 50% of which are now located in the country, further strengthening its position as a global R&amp;D hub.

Citrini argues that India’s services model was built on providing developers at a fraction of Western wages. However, with the advent of “agentic AI,” the marginal cost of a coding agent has collapsed to the cost of electricity, potentially rendering Indian developers obsolete.

As the Indian information technology sector trembles amid mounting artificial intelligence fears and a record equity sell-off in the markets, the Nifty IT index has witnessed a severe bloodbath in recent days, hitting a 30-month low on Tuesday and wiping out nearly ₹10,000 crore in foreign investment from Indian tech stocks in just the last few days. The sell-off is driven by an “AI panic trade” triggered by a research report and the launch of Anthropic’s Claude Code this week. A report published by Citrini Research and co-authored by Alap Shah has fuelled fresh AI concerns for the IT sector. The report, titled “The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis,” maps a doomsday scenario for India’s prized sector, which has long been the preferred choice of the country’s top talent. It presents a fictional perspective set on June 30, 2028, looking back at how AI decimated the global services economy, especially the Indian IT industry, which relies on cheaper software solutions for customers in advanced economies such as the US. Citrini argues that India’s services model was built on providing developers at a fraction of Western wages. However, with the advent of “agentic AI,” the marginal cost of a coding agent has collapsed to the cost of electricity, potentially rendering Indian developers obsolete. Also Read: God’s Own Country to officially become 'Keralam': Union Cabinet approves decision to rename Kerala The report further introduces the idea of “Ghost GDP,” contemplating a scenario where corporate profits and productivity (GDP) soar on paper but are not passed on to humans as they are replaced by AI, leading to a halt in money circulation back into the consumer economy. It predicts that by 2027, the $200+ billion services surplus that anchors India’s economy could “evaporate,” causing the rupee to crash by 18% and forcing India into preliminary bailout talks with the IMF. It also sketches a “2028 reality” in which clients at prominent companies like Infosys and Wipro begin cancelling contracts to build software internally using artificial intelligence. The IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector accounts for approximately 7.5% to 8% of India’s total GDP and contributes over 25% of the country’s total export earnings. The sector employs nearly 5.8 to 5.95 million professionals and acts as a primary source of foreign exchange, bringing in an estimated $224 billion in revenue for FY25. In contrast to the Citrini report, analysts from JPMorgan and HSBC argue that even if AI can write perfect code, human experts will still be needed to “plumb” it into massive corporate systems without breaking them. NASSCOM recently underlined that upgrading global legacy code (like COBOL) is a $1.6 trillion opportunity, and AI does not kill that work; it simply makes it faster, allowing Indian firms to handle larger volumes of projects. India has also begun preparing for potential strain on the outsourcing industry through Global Capability Centres (GCCs), over 50% of which are now located in the country, further strengthening its position as a global R&D hub.

Citrini argues that India’s services model was built on providing developers at a fraction of Western wages. However, with the advent of “agentic AI,” the marginal cost of a coding agent has collapsed to the cost of electricity, potentially rendering Indian developers obsolete.

Is Indian IT sector going to die? Viral Citrini report warns of 2028 ‘collapse’ as AI replaces labour arbitrage

Iran is about to complete a deal with China to purchase CM-302 anti-ship cruise missiles ahead of potential strikes from the United States as it deploys a massive naval force near the coasts of the Islamic Republic, according to several media reports. 

New threat to US Navy? How China's CM-302 supersonic missiles could boost Iran’s naval strike power

Amid escalated tensions between Iran and the US over Tehran's nuclear programme, an Iranian diplomat has said that the Islamic Republic should be fully prepared for war if it wants to avoid war. As Tehran prepares for a third round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva on Thursday (Feb 26), former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said Tehran was fully prepared for a fair and respectful agreement and that “the ball is in the Americans’ court,” but rejected the idea that military threats could extract concessions.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-to-attack-israel-netanyahu-warns-unimaginable-response-if-tehran-makes-most-serious-mistake-in-its-history-1771876770668">Iran to attack Israel? Netanyahu warns 'unimaginable' response if Tehran makes 'most serious mistake in its history'</a>&nbsp;“If we want war not to happen, we must be 100 per cent ready for war,” he said, adding that Iran’s armed forces were at the highest level of readiness.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/el-mencho-s-girlfriend-helped-commandos-track-him-here-s-what-we-know-about-operation-to-catch-mexico-s-most-wanted-man-1771865467024">El Mencho’s girlfriend helped commandos track him? Here’s what we know about operation to catch Mexico’s most wanted man</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday (Feb 24) that the US President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy as a first option on Iran but is prepared to use lethal force if necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/epstein-was-obsessed-with-girls-like-every-unmarried-billionaire-yale-professor-defends-emails-with-sex-offender-on-good-looking-blonde-student-1770906176284">Epstein was 'obsessed with girls, like every unmarried billionaire': Yale professor defends emails with sex offender on 'good-looking blonde' student</a>&nbsp;This came as the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to brief top lawmakers at the White House on Tuesday on Iran, Politico reported. The briefing is likely to include House and Senate leaders and the top members of the intelligence committees and will take place hours before Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address at the Capitol.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-claim-to-overshadow-epstein-files-russia-demands-concrete-data-on-alexei-navalny-poisoning-allegation-putin-1771428712351">‘A claim to overshadow Epstein Files’: Russia demands ‘concrete data’ on Alexei Navalny poisoning allegation</a>&nbsp;

An Iranian diplomat urged full military readiness to prevent war as the Geneva nuclear talks approach, while the White House said Trump prefers diplomacy but is prepared to use force if necessary.

Amid escalated tensions between Iran and the US over Tehran's nuclear programme, an Iranian diplomat has said that the Islamic Republic should be fully prepared for war if it wants to avoid war. As Tehran prepares for a third round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva on Thursday (Feb 26), former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said Tehran was fully prepared for a fair and respectful agreement and that “the ball is in the Americans’ court,” but rejected the idea that military threats could extract concessions. Also read: Iran to attack Israel? Netanyahu warns 'unimaginable' response if Tehran makes 'most serious mistake in its history' “If we want war not to happen, we must be 100 per cent ready for war,” he said, adding that Iran’s armed forces were at the highest level of readiness. Also read: El Mencho’s girlfriend helped commandos track him? Here’s what we know about operation to catch Mexico’s most wanted man Meanwhile, the White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday (Feb 24) that the US President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy as a first option on Iran but is prepared to use lethal force if necessary. Also read: Epstein was 'obsessed with girls, like every unmarried billionaire': Yale professor defends emails with sex offender on 'good-looking blonde' student This came as the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to brief top lawmakers at the White House on Tuesday on Iran, Politico reported. The briefing is likely to include House and Senate leaders and the top members of the intelligence committees and will take place hours before Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address at the Capitol. Also read: ‘A claim to overshadow Epstein Files’: Russia demands ‘concrete data’ on Alexei Navalny poisoning allegation

An Iranian diplomat urged full military readiness to prevent war as the Geneva nuclear talks approach, while the White House said Trump prefers diplomacy but is prepared to use force if necessary.

'If you don't want war, be ready for war': Iranian diplomat's suggestion to Tehran as WH says Trump is ready to use force

Reports are claiming that former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who also served as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and head of the Council of Europe, was recently hospitalised after an alleged suicide attempt in the wake of corruption charges arising from his links to late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The news came days after Jagland was formally charged with aggravated corruption that could lead to 10 years in prison. He has denied any wrongdoing, calling his links to Epstein “unwise” or “poor judgement”, and saying he would cooperate fully with the probe.<h2>Was the news of Jagland suicide attempt silenced?</h2>According to various media reports and social media posts, the Norwegian Editors' Association reportedly reached an agreement with Jagland's lawyer not to cover his suicide attempt, which happened last week.&nbsp;But some outlets went ahead and published the story anyway. The OSINT outlet Faytuks Network was among the first to report the development. Reports suggested that Jagland's condition is serious.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-peter-mandelson-faces-allegations-of-giving-sensitive-info-to-epstein-1771904668957/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-peter-mandelson-faces-allegations-of-giving-sensitive-info-to-epstein-1771904668957/embed</a><h2>Who is Thorbjørn Jagland, linked to Epstein files?</h2>A prominent Norwegian politician, Thorbjørn Jagland served as Norwegian prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. He also served as Norway's Foreign Minister and as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015.His links to Epstein were revealed in the release of Epstein files by the US Justice Department.Jagland and his family members planned or made visits to Epstein's properties in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, according to email communications released in the US. There are also reports that they planned a visit to Epstein's private island in Little St James, known in media accounts as ‘pedo island’, though it was possibly cancelled.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-jesus-watches-over-her-whoops-disturbing-epstein-files-email-mocking-young-victim-s-faith-goes-viral-1771055911141">'Jesus watches over her… whoops': Disturbing Epstein files email mocking young victim’s faith goes viral</a>&nbsp;Epstein reportedly sought Jagland's help to arrange meetings or messages with high-profile figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, or to promote financial ideas.Jagland was described in some Epstein communications as a “Nobel big shot”.The relationship appears mutually beneficial in Epstein's view. Jagland offered access and influence in diplomatic and human rights circles, while Epstein provided luxury perks, gifts, travel, and possibly loans.<h2>Norway's probe into Jagland–Epstein links</h2>Norwegian police charged Jagland with gross corruption over his Epstein connections, which he denied. &nbsp;The charges followed a probe by Norway's economic crime unit Økokrim into Jagland. Police raided Jagland's home in Oslo and other properties.The probe is into whether he misused his official positions as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee or head of the Council of Europe to receive improper benefits from Epstein. The Council of Europe waived his diplomatic immunity at Norway's request to allow the probe to proceed.The period in which he was in touch with Epstein, from 2011 to 2018, coincided with his roles as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee (2009–2015) and Secretary General of the Council of Europe (2009–2019).Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revealed-at-least-6-epstein-secret-storage-units-missed-by-fbi-what-are-they-hiding-unseen-pics-of-young-victims-blackmail-material-powerful-men-1771892294014">REVEALED! At least 6 Epstein secret storage units missed by FBI. What are they hiding?</a>Økokrim Director Pål K. Lønseth said there were “reasonable grounds” to investigate whether Jagland received improper benefits, such as gifts, travel expenses, loans, or holidays from Epstein, connected to his official positions.Following Økokrim searches of Jagland's residence in Oslo and other recreational and coastal homes, he was formally charged under the Norwegian Penal Code.&nbsp;The investigation remains ongoing.No evidence has linked Jagland to Epstein's criminal sexual activities or any direct involvement in abuse or trafficking.&nbsp;The main focus of the probe is on him allegedly accepting undue benefits or peddling influence.

Reports suggest that former Norwegian PM Thorbjørn Jagland was hospitalised after an alleged suicide attempt days after being charged with aggravated corruption over his links to late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. He had denied any wrongdoing.

Reports are claiming that former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who also served as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and head of the Council of Europe, was recently hospitalised after an alleged suicide attempt in the wake of corruption charges arising from his links to late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The news came days after Jagland was formally charged with aggravated corruption that could lead to 10 years in prison. He has denied any wrongdoing, calling his links to Epstein “unwise” or “poor judgement”, and saying he would cooperate fully with the probe. Was the news of Jagland suicide attempt silenced? According to various media reports and social media posts, the Norwegian Editors' Association reportedly reached an agreement with Jagland's lawyer not to cover his suicide attempt, which happened last week. But some outlets went ahead and published the story anyway. The OSINT outlet Faytuks Network was among the first to report the development. Reports suggested that Jagland's condition is serious. https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-peter-mandelson-faces-allegations-of-giving-sensitive-info-to-epstein-1771904668957/embed Who is Thorbjørn Jagland, linked to Epstein files? A prominent Norwegian politician, Thorbjørn Jagland served as Norwegian prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. He also served as Norway's Foreign Minister and as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015. His links to Epstein were revealed in the release of Epstein files by the US Justice Department. Jagland and his family members planned or made visits to Epstein's properties in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, according to email communications released in the US. There are also reports that they planned a visit to Epstein's private island in Little St James, known in media accounts as ‘pedo island’, though it was possibly cancelled. Also read: 'Jesus watches over her… whoops': Disturbing Epstein files email mocking young victim’s faith goes viral Epstein reportedly sought Jagland's help to arrange meetings or messages with high-profile figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, or to promote financial ideas. Jagland was described in some Epstein communications as a “Nobel big shot”. The relationship appears mutually beneficial in Epstein's view. Jagland offered access and influence in diplomatic and human rights circles, while Epstein provided luxury perks, gifts, travel, and possibly loans. Norway's probe into Jagland–Epstein links Norwegian police charged Jagland with gross corruption over his Epstein connections, which he denied. The charges followed a probe by Norway's economic crime unit Økokrim into Jagland. Police raided Jagland's home in Oslo and other properties. The probe is into whether he misused his official positions as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee or head of the Council of Europe to receive improper benefits from Epstein. The Council of Europe waived his diplomatic immunity at Norway's request to allow the probe to proceed. The period in which he was in touch with Epstein, from 2011 to 2018, coincided with his roles as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee (2009–2015) and Secretary General of the Council of Europe (2009–2019). Also read: REVEALED! At least 6 Epstein secret storage units missed by FBI. What are they hiding? Økokrim Director Pål K. Lønseth said there were “reasonable grounds” to investigate whether Jagland received improper benefits, such as gifts, travel expenses, loans, or holidays from Epstein, connected to his official positions. Following Økokrim searches of Jagland's residence in Oslo and other recreational and coastal homes, he was formally charged under the Norwegian Penal Code. The investigation remains ongoing. No evidence has linked Jagland to Epstein's criminal sexual activities or any direct involvement in abuse or trafficking. The main focus of the probe is on him allegedly accepting undue benefits or peddling influence.

Reports suggest that former Norwegian PM Thorbjørn Jagland was hospitalised after an alleged suicide attempt days after being charged with aggravated corruption over his links to late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. He had denied any wrongdoing.

Norwegian ex-PM Thorbjorn Jagland attempted suicide following corruption charges linked to paedophile Epstein: Reports

IN PICS | Massive Blizzard freezes Northeast US, leaves half a million in dark

Jordanian House of Representatives speaker &nbsp;Mazen al-Qadi rejected the US ambassador’s remarks on Arab lands in a parliamentary debate organised on Monday. Jordanian parliament voted unanimously to remove the name Israel from the minutes of the meeting in a symbolic protest against the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee's comments during an interview with the conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. Jordanian MP Hail Ayash, who said that the Jewish state “represents an enemy to every Jordanian”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordanian Parliament speaker Mazen al-Qadi said Huckabee's comments, which allegedly justified Israeli control over the “Arab lands”, are a violation of international law and the UN charter. "These statements are a blatant provocation and a serious breach of state sovereignty," said Qadi. He added that the West Bank and Gaza Strip are Palestinian territories and claims of divine right for the Jewish people are “unacceptable and undermine prospects for a just, two-state solution,” according to anti-Zionist outlet Roya News.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-uk-baby-born-womb-transplant-hugo-powell-grace-bell-1771929335158">First UK baby born after womb transplant: Hugo Powell delivered in London</a>&nbsp;Another MP at the Jordanian parliament, Ali Khalaileh, urged the summoning of the US ambassador to Jordan, James Holtsnider, seek clarification on the statement of Mike Huckabee. Jordanian MP Abdul Nasser Khasawneh has called for a permanent removal of the term “Israeli entity” from official discourse and refering it as a usurping entity. &nbsp;This marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic tension between Tel Aviv and Amman, even though both countries signed a treaty to normalise relations in 1994.&nbsp;Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, represented the Kingdom at the Peace Council meeting chaired by US President Donald Trump, attended by 48 countries. Jordan plans to contribute to the plan by training Palestinian police personnel within Jordan, enhancing field hospital operations in Gaza, continuing to treat patients from Gaza in Jordanian facilities, and providing humanitarian aid alongside international partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaker Mazen al-Qadi condemns comments by US envoy Mike Huckabee as Jordanian MPs protest and call for clarification from James Holtsnider. FM Ayman Safadi attends peace meeting hosted by Donald Trump.

Jordanian House of Representatives speaker Mazen al-Qadi rejected the US ambassador’s remarks on Arab lands in a parliamentary debate organised on Monday. Jordanian parliament voted unanimously to remove the name Israel from the minutes of the meeting in a symbolic protest against the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee's comments during an interview with the conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. Jordanian MP Hail Ayash, who said that the Jewish state “represents an enemy to every Jordanian”. Jordanian Parliament speaker Mazen al-Qadi said Huckabee's comments, which allegedly justified Israeli control over the “Arab lands”, are a violation of international law and the UN charter. "These statements are a blatant provocation and a serious breach of state sovereignty," said Qadi. He added that the West Bank and Gaza Strip are Palestinian territories and claims of divine right for the Jewish people are “unacceptable and undermine prospects for a just, two-state solution,” according to anti-Zionist outlet Roya News. Also Read: First UK baby born after womb transplant: Hugo Powell delivered in London Another MP at the Jordanian parliament, Ali Khalaileh, urged the summoning of the US ambassador to Jordan, James Holtsnider, seek clarification on the statement of Mike Huckabee. Jordanian MP Abdul Nasser Khasawneh has called for a permanent removal of the term “Israeli entity” from official discourse and refering it as a usurping entity. This marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic tension between Tel Aviv and Amman, even though both countries signed a treaty to normalise relations in 1994. Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, represented the Kingdom at the Peace Council meeting chaired by US President Donald Trump, attended by 48 countries. Jordan plans to contribute to the plan by training Palestinian police personnel within Jordan, enhancing field hospital operations in Gaza, continuing to treat patients from Gaza in Jordanian facilities, and providing humanitarian aid alongside international partners.

Speaker Mazen al-Qadi condemns comments by US envoy Mike Huckabee as Jordanian MPs protest and call for clarification from James Holtsnider. FM Ayman Safadi attends peace meeting hosted by Donald Trump.

Jordanian parliament rejects Mike Huckabee's remark, vote to remove 'Israel' from minutes

Russian authorities have launched a criminal inquiry into Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, accusing him of facilitating terrorist activity. The move marks a significant escalation in the government’s ongoing confrontation with the messaging platform, which remains widely used across the country. State-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that the case was opened following materials submitted by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Officials allege that Telegram has been infiltrated by Western and Ukrainian intelligence networks.&nbsp;Earlier this month, regulators announced they would deliberately slow Telegram’s traffic, citing repeated legal violations. The Kremlin has been encouraging users to migrate to a state-backed messaging service called MAX, part of a broader effort to construct what it describes as a “sovereign internet”, a digital ecosystem subject to strict domestic oversight.&nbsp;Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said authorities had identified content on Telegram that could represent a potential security risk. He claimed numerous breaches had been documented and accused the company’s leadership of refusing to cooperate with Russian regulators. According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, officials contend that Telegram was used in at least 13 alleged Ukrainian operations targeting senior Russian military figures, as well as in thousands of incidents involving bombings, arson, and assassinations since the war started.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-trade-war-in-asia-ignites-as-china-imposes-restrictions-on-japan-over-remilitarisation-1771930000748">After Trump, trade war in Asia ignites as China imposes restrictions on Japan over ‘remilitarisation’</a>&nbsp;Despite intensifying pressure, Moscow has refrained from blocking Telegram outright. The app is deeply embedded in everyday communication for both civilians and government officials, and it plays a critical role on the battlefield.Russian officials have signaled that Telegram could continue operating if it complies fully with domestic regulations. Critics argue that such compliance would require granting authorities access to encrypted conversations and removing opposition-linked channels.&nbsp;Durov’s relationship with the Russian state has long been strained. He left Russia in 2014 after selling his stake in VK, often compared to Facebook, amid mounting political pressure. He later founded Telegram and now resides in Dubai, holding both Emirati and French citizenship. An earlier attempt by Moscow to ban Telegram in 2018 ultimately failed, leading to a period of uneasy coexistence. However, renewed restrictions on independent media and digital platforms have once again placed the messaging app under scrutiny.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/queen-camilla-praises-gisele-pelicot-s-extraordinary-dignity-1771938886278/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/queen-camilla-praises-gisele-pelicot-s-extraordinary-dignity-1771938886278/embed</a>&nbsp;Russia has already blocked platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, prompting many users to turn to virtual private networks to bypass restrictions. Durov has yet to respond publicly to the latest investigation. Earlier this month, however, he criticized Moscow’s measures, drawing comparisons to efforts by Iran to restrict the platform.&nbsp;The entrepreneur has also faced criticism in the West. Last August, French authorities detained him for three days as part of an inquiry into alleged criminal activity conducted via Telegram, including child exploitation material, narcotics distribution, and financial fraud.

Russia launches criminal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov on suspicion of 'abetting terrorist activities'

Russian authorities have launched a criminal inquiry into Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, accusing him of facilitating terrorist activity. The move marks a significant escalation in the government’s ongoing confrontation with the messaging platform, which remains widely used across the country. State-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that the case was opened following materials submitted by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Officials allege that Telegram has been infiltrated by Western and Ukrainian intelligence networks. Earlier this month, regulators announced they would deliberately slow Telegram’s traffic, citing repeated legal violations. The Kremlin has been encouraging users to migrate to a state-backed messaging service called MAX, part of a broader effort to construct what it describes as a “sovereign internet”, a digital ecosystem subject to strict domestic oversight. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said authorities had identified content on Telegram that could represent a potential security risk. He claimed numerous breaches had been documented and accused the company’s leadership of refusing to cooperate with Russian regulators. According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, officials contend that Telegram was used in at least 13 alleged Ukrainian operations targeting senior Russian military figures, as well as in thousands of incidents involving bombings, arson, and assassinations since the war started. Also Read: After Trump, trade war in Asia ignites as China imposes restrictions on Japan over ‘remilitarisation’ Despite intensifying pressure, Moscow has refrained from blocking Telegram outright. The app is deeply embedded in everyday communication for both civilians and government officials, and it plays a critical role on the battlefield. Russian officials have signaled that Telegram could continue operating if it complies fully with domestic regulations. Critics argue that such compliance would require granting authorities access to encrypted conversations and removing opposition-linked channels. Durov’s relationship with the Russian state has long been strained. He left Russia in 2014 after selling his stake in VK, often compared to Facebook, amid mounting political pressure. He later founded Telegram and now resides in Dubai, holding both Emirati and French citizenship. An earlier attempt by Moscow to ban Telegram in 2018 ultimately failed, leading to a period of uneasy coexistence. However, renewed restrictions on independent media and digital platforms have once again placed the messaging app under scrutiny. https://www.wionews.com/videos/queen-camilla-praises-gisele-pelicot-s-extraordinary-dignity-1771938886278/embed Russia has already blocked platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, prompting many users to turn to virtual private networks to bypass restrictions. Durov has yet to respond publicly to the latest investigation. Earlier this month, however, he criticized Moscow’s measures, drawing comparisons to efforts by Iran to restrict the platform. The entrepreneur has also faced criticism in the West. Last August, French authorities detained him for three days as part of an inquiry into alleged criminal activity conducted via Telegram, including child exploitation material, narcotics distribution, and financial fraud.

Russia launches criminal investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov, escalating pressure as Kremlin pushes for tighter internet control

A resurfaced 2016 audio clip, allegedly featuring El Mencho threatening police and referencing corruption, highlights the cartel’s alleged influence over local enforcement, though authorities have not verified its authenticity.

‘You better tell your f*****g people to...’: Old audio clip reveals El Mencho ordering Mexico cops

A boy, Hugo, became the first British baby to be born out of a womb transplant, a phenomenon which is termed by Grace Bell as “simply a miracle”. Grace Bell was born without a womb. She doesn't have periods, but does have normal ovaries- a condition known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MKRH) syndrome. She had only two ways to carry her own child: one was surrogacy, and the second was to hope for a womb transplant.&nbsp;The donor of the womb for Bell was a deceased lady. Womb transplant is an extremely rare procedure, and it took 10 hours for Bell to transplant the womb at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford in June 2024. Only 70 babies have been born out of a womb transplant across the world, only two from Europe and only thirty from the womb of a deceased lady.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/shanghai-sinkhole-qixin-road-february-2026-1770893952135">Watch | Sudden collapse, massive sinkhole swallows road in Shanghai</a>The donor has donated five other organs, which were transplanted into four other people. The parents of the donor wish to remain annonymous said, “Through organ donation, she has given other families the precious gift of time, hope, healing and now life. As her parents, we feel tremendous pride at the legacy she leaves behind – a legacy of compassion, courage and love that continues to touch lives even after her passing.”Hugo Powell was delivered at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea hospital in London, weighing 3.09kg (6lb 13oz) just ahead of Christmas. He is now 10 weeks old. Grace said she remembers when Hugo was born, "It was simply a miracle. I remember waking up in the morning and seeing his little face, with his little dummy in, and it felt like I needed to wake up from a dream. It was just incredible."&nbsp;The couple, Grace and Steve has named the middle name Richard, after Prof Richard Smith, the clinical lead at the charity Womb Transplant UK and a consultant gynaecological surgeon at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust. He started researching womb transplantation more than 25 years ago and was present at Hugo's birth. The couple might plan to conceive another baby, after which surgeons will remove the transplanted womb. This is to save Bell from taking lifetime drugs to prevent the body's immune system from attacking the transplant organ.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Baby Hugo Powell becomes the first UK child born following a womb transplant. Mother Grace Bell, who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, underwent the rare surgery at The Churchill Hospital. The procedure was led by Richard Smith of Womb Transplant UK.

A boy, Hugo, became the first British baby to be born out of a womb transplant, a phenomenon which is termed by Grace Bell as “simply a miracle”. Grace Bell was born without a womb. She doesn't have periods, but does have normal ovaries- a condition known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MKRH) syndrome. She had only two ways to carry her own child: one was surrogacy, and the second was to hope for a womb transplant. The donor of the womb for Bell was a deceased lady. Womb transplant is an extremely rare procedure, and it took 10 hours for Bell to transplant the womb at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford in June 2024. Only 70 babies have been born out of a womb transplant across the world, only two from Europe and only thirty from the womb of a deceased lady. Also Read: Watch | Sudden collapse, massive sinkhole swallows road in Shanghai The donor has donated five other organs, which were transplanted into four other people. The parents of the donor wish to remain annonymous said, “Through organ donation, she has given other families the precious gift of time, hope, healing and now life. As her parents, we feel tremendous pride at the legacy she leaves behind – a legacy of compassion, courage and love that continues to touch lives even after her passing.” Hugo Powell was delivered at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea hospital in London, weighing 3.09kg (6lb 13oz) just ahead of Christmas. He is now 10 weeks old. Grace said she remembers when Hugo was born, "It was simply a miracle. I remember waking up in the morning and seeing his little face, with his little dummy in, and it felt like I needed to wake up from a dream. It was just incredible." The couple, Grace and Steve has named the middle name Richard, after Prof Richard Smith, the clinical lead at the charity Womb Transplant UK and a consultant gynaecological surgeon at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust. He started researching womb transplantation more than 25 years ago and was present at Hugo's birth. The couple might plan to conceive another baby, after which surgeons will remove the transplanted womb. This is to save Bell from taking lifetime drugs to prevent the body's immune system from attacking the transplant organ.

Baby Hugo Powell becomes the first UK child born following a womb transplant. Mother Grace Bell, who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, underwent the rare surgery at The Churchill Hospital. The procedure was led by Richard Smith of Womb Transplant UK.

First UK baby born after womb transplant: Hugo Powell delivered in London

In yet another explosive revelation, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said that he was virtually under house arrest for 18 months, and denied travel rights even for health reasons. On Tuesday (Feb 24), Bangladeshi newspaper Kaler Kontho published part 2 of exclusive interview with Shahabuddin, in which he said that student groups insisted Yunus' name for interim head while highlighting that the constitution did not have any provision for an interim government. He also said that restrictions on his travel disrupted the Eid traditions followed by the president.&nbsp;&nbsp;He further clarified that he had no intention of stepping down until his term ends in 2028, and would only resign voluntarily now if the BNP government under Tarique Rahman would want him to. In the first part, Shahabuddin described the unconstitutional actions of Yunus, including the plot to remove him, and keeping him in the dark on the US trade deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-there-were-attempts-to-bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-alleges-interim-government-under-yunus-pressured-him-1771844043280">'There were attempts to...': Bangladesh president Shahabuddin alleges interim government under Yunus pressured him</a>&nbsp;"It was as if I was under house arrest in this palace," said Shahabuddin, referring to Bangabhaban, the official residence of the president. "The President participates in the holy Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the National Eidgah Maidan, this tradition has been going on since the country's independence. But Dr Yunus's government has put obstacles in that tradition. I was clearly informed through the security department that you will not go to the National Eidgah to participate in the Eid prayers," Shahabuddin added. He also accused Yunus of not allowing him to travel abroad even for health reasons.<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-there-were-attempts-to-bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-alleges-interim-government-under-yunus-pressured-him-1771844043280">READ PART 1 of the interview here&nbsp;</a></h2>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-victory-over-a-demon-yunus-recalls-hasina-s-fall-in-farewell-address-to-bangladesh-1771261975393">“Victory over a demon”: Yunus recalls Hasina’s fall in farewell address to Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;"I had a bypass surgery at the National University Hospital of Singapore. A year after the surgery, I had a follow-up appointment at the hospital there. I wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to go to Singapore for treatment. In response, I was directly prohibited. They said, if necessary, they will arrange to bring a doctor from abroad, but still, I cannot go abroad," said Sahabuddin.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin accused Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime of sidelining him, restricting travel, and violating constitutional norms. He alleged attempts to force his resignation and install a preferred president, while claiming BNP backed him during the crisis.

In yet another explosive revelation, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said that he was virtually under house arrest for 18 months, and denied travel rights even for health reasons. On Tuesday (Feb 24), Bangladeshi newspaper Kaler Kontho published part 2 of exclusive interview with Shahabuddin, in which he said that student groups insisted Yunus' name for interim head while highlighting that the constitution did not have any provision for an interim government. He also said that restrictions on his travel disrupted the Eid traditions followed by the president. He further clarified that he had no intention of stepping down until his term ends in 2028, and would only resign voluntarily now if the BNP government under Tarique Rahman would want him to. In the first part, Shahabuddin described the unconstitutional actions of Yunus, including the plot to remove him, and keeping him in the dark on the US trade deal. Also Read: 'There were attempts to...': Bangladesh president Shahabuddin alleges interim government under Yunus pressured him "It was as if I was under house arrest in this palace," said Shahabuddin, referring to Bangabhaban, the official residence of the president. "The President participates in the holy Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the National Eidgah Maidan, this tradition has been going on since the country's independence. But Dr Yunus's government has put obstacles in that tradition. I was clearly informed through the security department that you will not go to the National Eidgah to participate in the Eid prayers," Shahabuddin added. He also accused Yunus of not allowing him to travel abroad even for health reasons. READ PART 1 of the interview here Also Read: “Victory over a demon”: Yunus recalls Hasina’s fall in farewell address to Bangladesh "I had a bypass surgery at the National University Hospital of Singapore. A year after the surgery, I had a follow-up appointment at the hospital there. I wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to go to Singapore for treatment. In response, I was directly prohibited. They said, if necessary, they will arrange to bring a doctor from abroad, but still, I cannot go abroad," said Sahabuddin.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin accused Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime of sidelining him, restricting travel, and violating constitutional norms. He alleged attempts to force his resignation and install a preferred president, while claiming BNP backed him during the crisis.

'I was under house arrest...': Bangladesh President Shahabuddin makes explosive allegations against Yunus

A video of Jeffrey Epstein's long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell in Canada's Quebec has gone viral amid furore over documents related to late sex offender. This video claims to show Ghislaine Maxwell is walking free in Canada and she might not be in prison in the US. It must be noted that Maxwell's last appearance was on Feb 9 when she appeared in front of the US House committee via video conferencing. So, what is the truth behind the viral video?&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-fifth-amendment-2016-deposition-epstein-case-1770893974254">Why Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the fifth again: A decade of silence and denial</a><h2>Truth behind the viral video</h2>In the video, the woman resembling Ghislaine Maxwell is seen in front of a toy shop and she did not respond to the name “Ghislaine.” Unironically in front of a toy store with another man accompanying her. According to BBC, the video is an AI video. BBC also spoke to creator of such videos and quoted them saying that video was created using a face swapping AI tool and that the clip was meant to be of a humoristic nature. BBC also factchecked the video by hitting pause at the first second of the video and proving that the woman does not look like Maxwell. Later in the video, the woman's face is swapped to resemble younger Maxwell and not like it appears in 2020 mugshot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-ghislaine-maxwell-shadow-commission-9-11-doj-release-1771133803234">Epstein files show that an email dated one week after the 9/11- “Where is the real pilot?”</a><h2>Ghislaine Maxwell's hearing before US House committee</h2>Ghislaine Maxwell appeared before US House committee on Feb 9, with her attorney adding that she was prepared to speak if granted clemency by US President Donald Trump. Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice invoked her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and not incriminate herself. According to AFP, &nbsp;the US lawmakers asked about her and Epstein's co-conspirators, whether they surrounded themselves with the rich and famous in order to "curry favor" and avoid scrutiny, and whether Trump ever engaged "in sexual activity with an individual introduced to him by you or Jeffrey Epstein." However, speaking via video link, her eyes cast down and wearing a beige uniform, Maxwell repeated the phrase “I invoke my Fifth Amendment right to silence.”&nbsp;US President Donald Trump in July 2025 said that he had thought about clemency for Maxwell. “It’s something I haven’t thought about. I’m allowed to do it, but I haven’t thought about it.” Pressed again, he declined to comment further, saying, “I don’t want to talk about that.” Meanwhile, Maxwell's lawyer Markus said, “We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way.”<h2>Where is Ghislaine Maxwell?</h2>Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan, a minimum-security facility for women in Texas. In Aug 1, 2025, she was moved to the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Texas without any explanation by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The move was seen to be highly unusual because FPC Bryan is a minimum-security facility typically reserved for non-violent white-collar offenders. She was previously lodged at FCI Tallahassee in Florida. Her lawyers had complained about poor conditions in Tallahassee prison and requested that she must be moved to some other facility.

A viral video claiming Ghislaine Maxwell is free in Canada is fake. Fact-checks confirm it’s an AI face-swapped clip. Maxwell remains in US custody at FPC Bryan, Texas, and recently appeared via video before a US House panel, invoking her Fifth Amendment rights.

A video of Jeffrey Epstein's long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell in Canada's Quebec has gone viral amid furore over documents related to late sex offender. This video claims to show Ghislaine Maxwell is walking free in Canada and she might not be in prison in the US. It must be noted that Maxwell's last appearance was on Feb 9 when she appeared in front of the US House committee via video conferencing. So, what is the truth behind the viral video? Also Read: Why Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the fifth again: A decade of silence and denial Truth behind the viral video In the video, the woman resembling Ghislaine Maxwell is seen in front of a toy shop and she did not respond to the name “Ghislaine.” Unironically in front of a toy store with another man accompanying her. According to BBC, the video is an AI video. BBC also spoke to creator of such videos and quoted them saying that video was created using a face swapping AI tool and that the clip was meant to be of a humoristic nature. BBC also factchecked the video by hitting pause at the first second of the video and proving that the woman does not look like Maxwell. Later in the video, the woman's face is swapped to resemble younger Maxwell and not like it appears in 2020 mugshot. Also Read: Epstein files show that an email dated one week after the 9/11- “Where is the real pilot?” Ghislaine Maxwell's hearing before US House committee Ghislaine Maxwell appeared before US House committee on Feb 9, with her attorney adding that she was prepared to speak if granted clemency by US President Donald Trump. Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice invoked her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and not incriminate herself. According to AFP, the US lawmakers asked about her and Epstein's co-conspirators, whether they surrounded themselves with the rich and famous in order to "curry favor" and avoid scrutiny, and whether Trump ever engaged "in sexual activity with an individual introduced to him by you or Jeffrey Epstein." However, speaking via video link, her eyes cast down and wearing a beige uniform, Maxwell repeated the phrase “I invoke my Fifth Amendment right to silence.” US President Donald Trump in July 2025 said that he had thought about clemency for Maxwell. “It’s something I haven’t thought about. I’m allowed to do it, but I haven’t thought about it.” Pressed again, he declined to comment further, saying, “I don’t want to talk about that.” Meanwhile, Maxwell's lawyer Markus said, “We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way.” Where is Ghislaine Maxwell? Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan, a minimum-security facility for women in Texas. In Aug 1, 2025, she was moved to the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Texas without any explanation by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The move was seen to be highly unusual because FPC Bryan is a minimum-security facility typically reserved for non-violent white-collar offenders. She was previously lodged at FCI Tallahassee in Florida. Her lawyers had complained about poor conditions in Tallahassee prison and requested that she must be moved to some other facility.

A viral video claiming Ghislaine Maxwell is free in Canada is fake. Fact-checks confirm it’s an AI face-swapped clip. Maxwell remains in US custody at FPC Bryan, Texas, and recently appeared via video before a US House panel, invoking her Fifth Amendment rights.

Ghislaine Maxwell in Canada's Quebec City? TRUTH behind viral video

China on Tuesday (24 Feb) announced import restrictions on 40 Japanese companies and entities over what it called national security concerns after a months-long row that led to a steep fall in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan. Beijing's commerce ministry, in a statement, said "The measures are aimed at curbing Japan's 'remilitarisation' and nuclear ambitions and are completely legitimate, reasonable and lawful." The rift between Asia's two leading economies was triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November suggesting Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on self-governed Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of China and has ramped up efforts to acquire. Takaichi stated that if China were to use warships and military force against Taiwan, it would "undoubtedly become a survival-threatening situation" for Japan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-crude-volumes-remain-6-above-pre-ukraine-invasion-levels-with-india-china-turkey-in-mix-report-1771919864722">India remains key buyer of Russian oil as Moscow's crude exports stay above pre-Ukraine war levels: Report</a>&nbsp;The Chinese measures cover exports of “dual-use” items, which can have both civilian and military applications, targeting 20 Japanese entities, including subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan’s space agency.&nbsp;China’s commerce ministry added 20 other Japanese organisations, including automobile manufacturer Subaru, to a “watch list”, resulting in stricter reviews of export items that could be used for military purposes.&nbsp;"Honest and law-abiding Japanese entities have nothing to worry about," it added.&nbsp;Japan had strongly protested these measures and called for reversal, according to deputy chief cabinet secretary Kei Sato, who called Beijing's move "absolutely intolerable and extremely regrettable."&nbsp;In November, Takaichi's comments on Taiwan sparked tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The Japanese prime minister stated that if China were to use warships and military force against Taiwan, it would "undoubtedly become a survival-threatening situation" for Japan.&nbsp;China also fears remilitarization of Japan, after Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap general election on the Japan First agenda with her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) clinching 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, marking the party's best-ever performance.&nbsp;Her victory is looked at as a public endorsement of her policies, such as a strong emphasis on national security and proactive government spending. She was often referred to as Japan's "Iron Lady" due to her hawkish stance on countering China.&nbsp;Takachi's proposed plan includes raising defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and completing a five-year plan to bolster the Self-Defence Forces (SDF), along with amending Article 9 of the constitution to allow Japan to raise a formal standing military and acquire long-range striking capabilities.&nbsp;She vowed to defend Japan's territory, territorial waters and airspace and pledged to strengthen the country's defences and intelligence capacity.&nbsp;"No one will come to the aid of a nation that lacks the resolve to defend itself with its own hands. We will steadfastly protect our nation's peace and independence, our territory, territorial waters, airspace, and the lives and safety of our citizens," Takaichi said in first speech after the victory.&nbsp;"We will also enhance intelligence capabilities. We will strengthen our national intelligence analysis capabilities, prevent crises, and establish a system to strategically protect our national interests," she added.

The rift between Asia's two leading economies was triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November suggesting Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on self-governed Taiwan.

China on Tuesday (24 Feb) announced import restrictions on 40 Japanese companies and entities over what it called national security concerns after a months-long row that led to a steep fall in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan. Beijing's commerce ministry, in a statement, said "The measures are aimed at curbing Japan's 'remilitarisation' and nuclear ambitions and are completely legitimate, reasonable and lawful." The rift between Asia's two leading economies was triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November suggesting Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on self-governed Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of China and has ramped up efforts to acquire. Takaichi stated that if China were to use warships and military force against Taiwan, it would "undoubtedly become a survival-threatening situation" for Japan. Also Read: India remains key buyer of Russian oil as Moscow's crude exports stay above pre-Ukraine war levels: Report The Chinese measures cover exports of “dual-use” items, which can have both civilian and military applications, targeting 20 Japanese entities, including subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan’s space agency. China’s commerce ministry added 20 other Japanese organisations, including automobile manufacturer Subaru, to a “watch list”, resulting in stricter reviews of export items that could be used for military purposes. "Honest and law-abiding Japanese entities have nothing to worry about," it added. Japan had strongly protested these measures and called for reversal, according to deputy chief cabinet secretary Kei Sato, who called Beijing's move "absolutely intolerable and extremely regrettable." In November, Takaichi's comments on Taiwan sparked tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The Japanese prime minister stated that if China were to use warships and military force against Taiwan, it would "undoubtedly become a survival-threatening situation" for Japan. China also fears remilitarization of Japan, after Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap general election on the Japan First agenda with her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) clinching 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, marking the party's best-ever performance. Her victory is looked at as a public endorsement of her policies, such as a strong emphasis on national security and proactive government spending. She was often referred to as Japan's "Iron Lady" due to her hawkish stance on countering China. Takachi's proposed plan includes raising defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and completing a five-year plan to bolster the Self-Defence Forces (SDF), along with amending Article 9 of the constitution to allow Japan to raise a formal standing military and acquire long-range striking capabilities. She vowed to defend Japan's territory, territorial waters and airspace and pledged to strengthen the country's defences and intelligence capacity. "No one will come to the aid of a nation that lacks the resolve to defend itself with its own hands. We will steadfastly protect our nation's peace and independence, our territory, territorial waters, airspace, and the lives and safety of our citizens," Takaichi said in first speech after the victory. "We will also enhance intelligence capabilities. We will strengthen our national intelligence analysis capabilities, prevent crises, and establish a system to strategically protect our national interests," she added.

The rift between Asia's two leading economies was triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November suggesting Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on self-governed Taiwan.

After Trump, trade war in Asia ignites as China imposes restrictions on Japan over ‘remilitarisation’

Lolita Express haunts UK royals as paedophile Epstein's flights used Air Force bases, six airport runways. Did Andrew allow it? Jeffrey Epstein's Lolita Express is haunting the British royal family. British police are now probing whether the fleet of aircraft owned by Epstein were used to facilitate human trafficking or sexual exploitation linked to the late paedophile financier’s network. At the heart of this probe is the role of Andrew Monunbaten-Windsor. The question is whether he facilitiated these flights when he was Prince Andrew. The planes had reportedly landed in or departed from the runways of at least six major UK airports including Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and Birmingham.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-evidence-in-epstein-uk-flight-probe-destroyed-1771863251508/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-evidence-in-epstein-uk-flight-probe-destroyed-1771863251508/embed</a><h2>Andrew was already known as ‘Airmiles Andy’ for misusing publicly funded aircraft</h2>Andrew, himself a trained pilot and air force veteran, was nicknamed “Airmiles Andy” for extensive official travel in which he often used publicly funded aircraft, including those of the Royal Air Force.Andrew was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to disclosures made in the US as part of the Epstein files releases.Some of the emails released in the US allegedly showed he shared sensitive information with Epstein.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-lolita-express-the-infamous-plane-at-the-heart-of-paedophile-jeffrey-epstein-s-trafficking-operations-now-1771855783749">Where is ‘Lolita Express’, the infamous plane at the heart of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking operations, now?</a><h2>Epstein - Andrew flights: Former UK PM Gordon Brown's letters to police</h2>Gordon Brown, the former prime minister who was in office when Prince Andrew was a British trade representative, has now written to several police departments in the nationHe urged them to investigate whether Andrew used taxpayer-funded RAF jets and bases to facilitate meetings with Epstein while he was the &nbsp;UK trade envoy, in the 2001–2011 period.Saying that &nbsp;Britain’s “unacknowledged role” in the Epstein saga “is by far the biggest scandal of all,” Brown cited “new and additional information” suggesting official flights may have doubled as cover for private engagements linked to Epstein.Calling any misuse of public money “wholly unacceptable,” Brown wanted the British Ministry of Defence and other departments to be questioned on the matter.He wanted full disclosure of records authorising Epstein plaine landings. Brown’s letters listed nine UK runways — including commercial hubs and RAF bases — used by Epstein’s aircraft. He asked what security checks were done, especially after Epstein’s 2008 US conviction, and whether Andrew helped secure access to military airfields.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-uk-flight-trail-sparks-new-police-scrutiny-pressure-mounts-on-former-prince-andrew-1771400837529">Epstein UK flight trail sparks new police scrutiny, pressure mounts on former Prince Andrew</a><h2>Several sightings of Epstein flights were already reported in British media, but promptly ignored</h2>Epstein’s Gulfstream jet — dubbed the “Lolita Express” — &nbsp;landed at RAF Marham in December 2000 after arriving at Luton. Such landings more than two decades ago were already reported by British media, including The Telegraph newspaper.Epstein's consternation about the reportage has been revealed in the latest Epstein file release by US Justice Department.The documents include an email exchange, showing Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell initially dismissing a Telegraph inquiry as “crap and not true.”But Epstein replied: “Just spoke to Larry [a pilot]… it’s true.”Maxwell wrote back: “S***”.A 2011 Telegraph headline, The Duke, his paedophile guest, and the most unusual use of an RAF base, had enraged Epstein. The duke here refers to Andrew.After the article was published, Epstein's lawyers protested the “grossly inaccurate and persistent references to him being a ‘paedophile’”. At the time, his team also demanded “a categoric clarification and apology” from the paper.<h2>Lolita Express in UK: A significant evidence gap involving UK air force</h2>There is lack of evidence on decades-old landings involving some Royal Air Force bases. These records are automatically deleted after three months under RAF record-retention policies. This has complicated efforts to reconstruct movements of the Epstein Lolita Express flights.&nbsp;Police are now relying on commercial airport records and interviews with airport personnel where possible. The British Ministry of Defence said that private aircraft may use RAF bases subject to fees and security clearance. But now, such explanations are not going to suffice

British police are probing into landings and takeoffs of Lolita Express, Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet, in UK airports and air force bases. The question is about former prince Andrew's role in the security clearances and possibile official complicity

Lolita Express haunts UK royals as paedophile Epstein's flights used Air Force bases, six airport runways. Did Andrew allow it? Jeffrey Epstein's Lolita Express is haunting the British royal family. British police are now probing whether the fleet of aircraft owned by Epstein were used to facilitate human trafficking or sexual exploitation linked to the late paedophile financier’s network. At the heart of this probe is the role of Andrew Monunbaten-Windsor. The question is whether he facilitiated these flights when he was Prince Andrew. The planes had reportedly landed in or departed from the runways of at least six major UK airports including Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and Birmingham. https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-evidence-in-epstein-uk-flight-probe-destroyed-1771863251508/embed Andrew was already known as ‘Airmiles Andy’ for misusing publicly funded aircraft Andrew, himself a trained pilot and air force veteran, was nicknamed “Airmiles Andy” for extensive official travel in which he often used publicly funded aircraft, including those of the Royal Air Force. Andrew was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to disclosures made in the US as part of the Epstein files releases. Some of the emails released in the US allegedly showed he shared sensitive information with Epstein. Also read: Where is ‘Lolita Express’, the infamous plane at the heart of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking operations, now? Epstein - Andrew flights: Former UK PM Gordon Brown's letters to police Gordon Brown, the former prime minister who was in office when Prince Andrew was a British trade representative, has now written to several police departments in the nation He urged them to investigate whether Andrew used taxpayer-funded RAF jets and bases to facilitate meetings with Epstein while he was the UK trade envoy, in the 2001–2011 period. Saying that Britain’s “unacknowledged role” in the Epstein saga “is by far the biggest scandal of all,” Brown cited “new and additional information” suggesting official flights may have doubled as cover for private engagements linked to Epstein. Calling any misuse of public money “wholly unacceptable,” Brown wanted the British Ministry of Defence and other departments to be questioned on the matter. He wanted full disclosure of records authorising Epstein plaine landings. Brown’s letters listed nine UK runways — including commercial hubs and RAF bases — used by Epstein’s aircraft. He asked what security checks were done, especially after Epstein’s 2008 US conviction, and whether Andrew helped secure access to military airfields. Also read: Epstein UK flight trail sparks new police scrutiny, pressure mounts on former Prince Andrew Several sightings of Epstein flights were already reported in British media, but promptly ignored Epstein’s Gulfstream jet — dubbed the “Lolita Express” — landed at RAF Marham in December 2000 after arriving at Luton. Such landings more than two decades ago were already reported by British media, including The Telegraph newspaper. Epstein's consternation about the reportage has been revealed in the latest Epstein file release by US Justice Department. The documents include an email exchange, showing Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell initially dismissing a Telegraph inquiry as “crap and not true.” But Epstein replied: “Just spoke to Larry [a pilot]… it’s true.” Maxwell wrote back: “S***”. A 2011 Telegraph headline, The Duke, his paedophile guest, and the most unusual use of an RAF base, had enraged Epstein. The duke here refers to Andrew. After the article was published, Epstein's lawyers protested the “grossly inaccurate and persistent references to him being a ‘paedophile’”. At the time, his team also demanded “a categoric clarification and apology” from the paper. Lolita Express in UK: A significant evidence gap involving UK air force There is lack of evidence on decades-old landings involving some Royal Air Force bases. These records are automatically deleted after three months under RAF record-retention policies. This has complicated efforts to reconstruct movements of the Epstein Lolita Express flights. Police are now relying on commercial airport records and interviews with airport personnel where possible. The British Ministry of Defence said that private aircraft may use RAF bases subject to fees and security clearance. But now, such explanations are not going to suffice

British police are probing into landings and takeoffs of Lolita Express, Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet, in UK airports and air force bases. The question is about former prince Andrew's role in the security clearances and possible official complicity

Epstein files: Lolita Express haunts UK royals as flights used Air Force bases, six airport runways. Andrew allowed it? Evidence destroyed?

PM Narendra Modi will travel to Israel on Wednesday, February 25, for a two-day official visit. Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar, on Monday, said that both parties are expected to update the joint security agreement. The agreement will likely provide scopes for broader security cooperation and Indian access to sensitive Israeli technologies.&nbsp;Ezar further claimed that the two nations are working on a free trade agreement. “..We are making progress in negotiations for a free trade agreement. We also want to connect the financial systems of the two countries and invite Indian companies to participate in infrastructure tenders in Israel,” said Azar.Israeli researchers and foreign policy think tanks Center for Strategic and International Studies at Bar-Ilan University, emphasised that Israel should extend cooperation with India. According to Dr Lauren Dagan Amos, India is seeking cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum and energy, and Israel is poised to assist with brain capabilities and experience.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-peter-attia-cbs-quits-epstein-files-controversy-1771916983966">Who is Peter Attia? The celebrity doctor resigns from CBS News over Epstein fallout</a>Israeli media reported that the security agreement will allow for “deeper cooperation in defence industries”, including Israeli technologies that India did not have access to before, considering the “security challenges that the Indians have gone through in the past year.”It remains unclear what security technologies will be offered by Israel to India. Azar further added that the agreement will "allow for things to open up that were not there before" in India's security sector. The Indian government had previously used highly invasive Peagusus software developed by NSO, to target &nbsp;300 verified Indian mobile numbers belonging to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, journalists and activists such as Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of digital media outlet The Wire, and Anand Mangnale, South Asia editor at The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), CBI chief Alok Verma, and Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa.The details of the attack were disclosed by the human rights group <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/12/india-damning-new-forensic-investigation-reveals-repeated-use-of-pegasus-spyware-to-target-high-profile-journalists/">Amnesty International</a>. The Indian government did not cooperate with the probe committee, citing national security concerns. In April 2025, the SC observed that there is nothing wrong with a country possessing a spying tool, but it depends on who it was used against. The case is still pending for review.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi begins a two-day Israel visit as Ambassador Reuven Azar signals an updated security agreement, deeper defence tech access, and progress on a free trade deal. Pegasus spyware row may cast a shadow.

PM Narendra Modi will travel to Israel on Wednesday, February 25, for a two-day official visit. Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar, on Monday, said that both parties are expected to update the joint security agreement. The agreement will likely provide scopes for broader security cooperation and Indian access to sensitive Israeli technologies. Ezar further claimed that the two nations are working on a free trade agreement. “..We are making progress in negotiations for a free trade agreement. We also want to connect the financial systems of the two countries and invite Indian companies to participate in infrastructure tenders in Israel,” said Azar. Israeli researchers and foreign policy think tanks Center for Strategic and International Studies at Bar-Ilan University, emphasised that Israel should extend cooperation with India. According to Dr Lauren Dagan Amos, India is seeking cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum and energy, and Israel is poised to assist with brain capabilities and experience. Also read: Who is Peter Attia? The celebrity doctor resigns from CBS News over Epstein fallout Israeli media reported that the security agreement will allow for “deeper cooperation in defence industries”, including Israeli technologies that India did not have access to before, considering the “security challenges that the Indians have gone through in the past year.” It remains unclear what security technologies will be offered by Israel to India. Azar further added that the agreement will "allow for things to open up that were not there before" in India's security sector. The Indian government had previously used highly invasive Peagusus software developed by NSO, to target 300 verified Indian mobile numbers belonging to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, journalists and activists such as Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of digital media outlet The Wire, and Anand Mangnale, South Asia editor at The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), CBI chief Alok Verma, and Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa. The details of the attack were disclosed by the human rights group Amnesty International. The Indian government did not cooperate with the probe committee, citing national security concerns. In April 2025, the SC observed that there is nothing wrong with a country possessing a spying tool, but it depends on who it was used against. The case is still pending for review.

PM Narendra Modi begins a two-day Israel visit as Ambassador Reuven Azar signals an updated security agreement, deeper defence tech access, and progress on a free trade deal. Pegasus spyware row may cast a shadow.

Israeli envoy: Israel will give India access to sensitive security technologies

On Tuesday (Feb 24), Thailand's army said it had a cross-border exchange after a violation by neighbouring Cambodia. This comes after the December truce. As reported by news agency AFP, Cambodian forces "fired a single 40 mm grenade round" near a Thai patrol in the border province of Sisaket on Tuesday morning, prompting return fire, according to a Thai army statement. No Thai personnel were injured, it added.&nbsp;Cambodia's defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata declined to answer questions from AFP about the alleged&nbsp;incident.&nbsp;<h2>Full-scale outbreak</h2>&nbsp;On July 24, Thailand and Cambodia forces fired rounds at each other near the contested border. While both sides traded blame on who initiated it. The clash began where the ancient Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple is located, which is along the border of Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. The cross-border firing then spread to at least six areas. This led to the Thai military official Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri to close the border between the countries.&nbsp;<h2>The December truce</h2>On December 27, the teo countries announced a news 72-hour ceasefire. This agreement paused the cross-border firing. Thai and Cambodian lawmarkers met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Following the meeting the foreign minister’s office called it “hard-won” and urged both sides to “rebuild political mutual trust.”&nbsp;

On Tuesday (Feb 24), Thailand's army said it had a cross-border exchange after a violation by neighbouring Cambodia. This comes after the December truce.

On Tuesday (Feb 24), Thailand's army said it had a cross-border exchange after a violation by neighbouring Cambodia. This comes after the December truce. As reported by news agency AFP, Cambodian forces "fired a single 40 mm grenade round" near a Thai patrol in the border province of Sisaket on Tuesday morning, prompting return fire, according to a Thai army statement. No Thai personnel were injured, it added. Cambodia's defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata declined to answer questions from AFP about the alleged incident. Full-scale outbreak On July 24, Thailand and Cambodia forces fired rounds at each other near the contested border. While both sides traded blame on who initiated it. The clash began where the ancient Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple is located, which is along the border of Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. The cross-border firing then spread to at least six areas. This led to the Thai military official Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri to close the border between the countries. The December truce On December 27, the teo countries announced a news 72-hour ceasefire. This agreement paused the cross-border firing. Thai and Cambodian lawmarkers met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Following the meeting the foreign minister’s office called it “hard-won” and urged both sides to “rebuild political mutual trust.”

On Tuesday (Feb 24), Thailand's army said it had a cross-border exchange after a violation by neighbouring Cambodia. This comes after the December truce.

Thailand army accuses Cambodia of violating ceasefire

Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed by the Mexican army. The founder and leader of CJNG, one of Mexico’s most violent cartels involved in large-scale drug trafficking, remained a shadowy figure. Here is what you probably didn't know about him.

El Mencho death: He was a police officer, and other things you didn't know about the violent Mexico drug cartel CJNG's leader

USS Gerald R Ford heads towards Israel amid rising US-Iran tensions, though it hasn’t reached West Asia yet. Despite reported onboard issues, experts say it won’t impact Trump’s strike decision. US continues military buildup as Iran warns of wider regional war.

USS Gerald R Ford, US refuelers, cargo planes in Israel: Is US planning coordinated strike on Iran amid heightened tensions?

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, has described the upcoming visit of Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney as a milestone in solidifying the partnership. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Ottawa, he said, "This visit comes at a time when we can really put together all that we have been working together to reset the relationship and to take it to the next level". Patnaik emphasised the visit's symbolic weight: "Mark Carney's visit is a statement to the fact that our relationships are solid and that we want to take it to the next level."&nbsp;Carney's itinerary includes stops in Mumbai for business engagements and New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions will focus on ambitious partnerships in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, defence, critical minerals, education, innovation, and people-to-people ties. The Indian High Commissioner noted progress since Modi's attendance at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, last July.&nbsp;Full interview:&nbsp;WION: How do you see India and Canada's relationship? Dinesh K. Patnaik: This is a great relationship. If you really look at it closely, we share all values, all interests, together, and there is a multi-dimensional nature to this relationship. We do everything from students, education, AI, research, innovation, natural gas, energy, nuclear, high tech, you name it, any aspect of the relationship. We have a very close relationship together. Because of some problems in the past, things went down. But since Prime Minister Modi visited Canada in Kananaskis in July of last year, things have taken off. The High Commissioners were appointed in the middle of September, reappointed back, and since then, the last four months have been a whirlwind of activity putting together the relationship with the ministers leading from the front. Minister Jaishankar and Minister Anand have met five times in the last four months. Minister Sidhu has been having a large amount of discussions with Minister Goyal on the way forward. The two prime ministers met at the margins of the G20 and they have given us a mandate to sign a CEPA soon. So this visit comes at a time when we can really put together all that we have been working together to reset the relationship and to take it to the next level.&nbsp;WION: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will be travelling to India. The Indian Prime Minister was in Canada last year. Kananaskis G7 was seen as the big icebreaker. How do you see the upcoming visit of the Canadian Prime Minister helping the relationship? Dinesh K. Patnaik: This is very important because this relationship puts the focus back on what brings us together, on democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedom of the press, market economy, and the economic substance. We are signing deals on energy. We are signing deals on AI, on innovation, on students, on culture, on defence, on aerospace, on space, you name it. The relationship is so wide that I cannot even describe how many sectors we work together on. The financial sector is very important. The Canadian pension funds have invested more than $100 billion in India. We're looking for much more investment. We have the living bridge between both countries, 3 million plus Canadians of Indian origin in this country, out of a population of 40 million. So you can imagine how big a living bridge it is. So all these things put together, Mark Carney's visit is a statement to the fact that our relationships are solid and that we want to take it to the next level.&nbsp;WION: So this visit, what can one expect in terms of outcomes? We have heard the buzz of the uranium deal, if you can perhaps talk about the outcomes. Dinesh K. Patnaik: It's a comprehensive outcome that is going to come up. Its going to demonstrate that the relationship between India and Canada is multi dimensional nature, not just uranium or just economic or just cultural or just political. It's going to show the multi dimensional nature. When you see it, you will see it. It includes everything from Ai, innovation, critical minerals, energy, universities, culture, you name it. Everything is there. This shows the strength of the relationship, and even during when we think we're not very good between us. The last few years, business, people to people, students, none of it really collapsed. Everything we did. Of course, there was some sort of a pause, but nothing really went down and so it's time now for us to launch it and to achieve the true potential of the relationship between our two countries.&nbsp;WION: Can we see that true potential in the trade terms as well? Because much was talked about the trade agreement. Where do we stand right now when it comes to having a trade deal? Dinesh K. Patnaik:&nbsp; The trade minister are having conversation. And minister Goyal, is a very experienced minister, and having got some six or eight bilateral trade agreements already in his pocket. He did the India, EU trade deal which is probably the biggest deal, and everybody in Canada was really amazed, surprised and very positively inclined towards the kind of deal we made with the EU, because Canada has a similar deal with the EU. For India, having made this deal with EU, and it makes easier for India and Canada. We come with a lot of experience to the table. The Canadians are coming with lot of experience on the table. So I'm confident with both of us working together, we'll be able to achieve very good relationships. WION: While the relationship is going very strong, there are concerns as well. There are concerns over Khalistani extremists getting space here in Canada, which has been the issue in the past as well. Has this issue been resolved? What's the Canadian side view? Are they taking care of Indian sensitivities? Dinesh K. Patnaik: I think the Canadians were always sensitive to Indian concerns. Right now, much more than before. They are working with us. The visit of our NSA was extremely important. NSA Ajit Doval came here, had substantive meetings with the Minister for Public Safety and with his counterpart, Nathalie Drouin. And both of them have worked together to put in place a framework of activities where there will be bilateral discussions and dialog and cooperation and implementation on the ground of security concerns, on fentanyl smuggling, on Transnational Organized Crime, on violent extremism, on activities of terrorism, of illegal immigration, fraud, &nbsp;the whole gamut of security relationships, cyber security. So we are in a place where both countries are working together to assuage the concerns of each other, knowing fully well that we should not allow the use of our territory to foment trouble in the other territories.&nbsp;WION: Regarding the Nijjar issue, it was once a dominant factor in the relationship, but it's no longer the main concern. What kind of cooperation can we expect moving forward, and what are our concerns in this regard? Dinesh K. Patnaik: Nijjar issue is in court, so whatever has to happen is to happen in the court. We have always maintained that we will cooperate with Canada. We work together with Canada to make sure that the perpetrators, are brought to justice. So whole idea is we will work together with Canada, and this as aptly demonstrated when NSA Ajit Doval came just recently and had very good meeting with his counterpart and with the Minister for Public Safety, and they all decided that we will put in place a framework for greater security cooperation between both sides. It encompasses all aspects from violent extremism to transnational organised crime to drug smuggling to illegal immigration, fraud to cyber crime, everything would be put together to discuss. Essential part is, whenever there are security issues between any country, it's important that the agencies talk to each other and have interoperability and exchange of information. That's the reason we are also putting together liaison officers in each other's country to have real time discussions between the agencies as well.&nbsp;WION: This includes Khalistani extremists issue? Dinesh K. Patnaik: All issues are on the table, Canada has understood that is a threat in Canada, as it is to India, and I think they are very open about it and clear about it, that we would like to discuss with India all possible ways to make Canada safe for Canadians and India safe for Indians.

Canadian PM Mark Carney's visit “is a statement to the fact that our relationships are solid and that we want to take it to the next level,” India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik told WION. Full interview below.

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, has described the upcoming visit of Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney as a milestone in solidifying the partnership. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Ottawa, he said, "This visit comes at a time when we can really put together all that we have been working together to reset the relationship and to take it to the next level". Patnaik emphasised the visit's symbolic weight: "Mark Carney's visit is a statement to the fact that our relationships are solid and that we want to take it to the next level." Carney's itinerary includes stops in Mumbai for business engagements and New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions will focus on ambitious partnerships in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, defence, critical minerals, education, innovation, and people-to-people ties. The Indian High Commissioner noted progress since Modi's attendance at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, last July. Full interview: WION: How do you see India and Canada's relationship? Dinesh K. Patnaik: This is a great relationship. If you really look at it closely, we share all values, all interests, together, and there is a multi-dimensional nature to this relationship. We do everything from students, education, AI, research, innovation, natural gas, energy, nuclear, high tech, you name it, any aspect of the relationship. We have a very close relationship together. Because of some problems in the past, things went down. But since Prime Minister Modi visited Canada in Kananaskis in July of last year, things have taken off. The High Commissioners were appointed in the middle of September, reappointed back, and since then, the last four months have been a whirlwind of activity putting together the relationship with the ministers leading from the front. Minister Jaishankar and Minister Anand have met five times in the last four months. Minister Sidhu has been having a large amount of discussions with Minister Goyal on the way forward. The two prime ministers met at the margins of the G20 and they have given us a mandate to sign a CEPA soon. So this visit comes at a time when we can really put together all that we have been working together to reset the relationship and to take it to the next level. WION: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will be travelling to India. The Indian Prime Minister was in Canada last year. Kananaskis G7 was seen as the big icebreaker. How do you see the upcoming visit of the Canadian Prime Minister helping the relationship? Dinesh K. Patnaik: This is very important because this relationship puts the focus back on what brings us together, on democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedom of the press, market economy, and the economic substance. We are signing deals on energy. We are signing deals on AI, on innovation, on students, on culture, on defence, on aerospace, on space, you name it. The relationship is so wide that I cannot even describe how many sectors we work together on. The financial sector is very important. The Canadian pension funds have invested more than $100 billion in India. We're looking for much more investment. We have the living bridge between both countries, 3 million plus Canadians of Indian origin in this country, out of a population of 40 million. So you can imagine how big a living bridge it is. So all these things put together, Mark Carney's visit is a statement to the fact that our relationships are solid and that we want to take it to the next level. WION: So this visit, what can one expect in terms of outcomes? We have heard the buzz of the uranium deal, if you can perhaps talk about the outcomes. Dinesh K. Patnaik: It's a comprehensive outcome that is going to come up. Its going to demonstrate that the relationship between India and Canada is multi dimensional nature, not just uranium or just economic or just cultural or just political. It's going to show the multi dimensional nature. When you see it, you will see it. It includes everything from Ai, innovation, critical minerals, energy, universities, culture, you name it. Everything is there. This shows the strength of the relationship, and even during when we think we're not very good between us. The last few years, business, people to people, students, none of it really collapsed. Everything we did. Of course, there was some sort of a pause, but nothing really went down and so it's time now for us to launch it and to achieve the true potential of the relationship between our two countries. WION: Can we see that true potential in the trade terms as well? Because much was talked about the trade agreement. Where do we stand right now when it comes to having a trade deal? Dinesh K. Patnaik: The trade minister are having conversation. And minister Goyal, is a very experienced minister, and having got some six or eight bilateral trade agreements already in his pocket. He did the India, EU trade deal which is probably the biggest deal, and everybody in Canada was really amazed, surprised and very positively inclined towards the kind of deal we made with the EU, because Canada has a similar deal with the EU. For India, having made this deal with EU, and it makes easier for India and Canada. We come with a lot of experience to the table. The Canadians are coming with lot of experience on the table. So I'm confident with both of us working together, we'll be able to achieve very good relationships. WION: While the relationship is going very strong, there are concerns as well. There are concerns over Khalistani extremists getting space here in Canada, which has been the issue in the past as well. Has this issue been resolved? What's the Canadian side view? Are they taking care of Indian sensitivities? Dinesh K. Patnaik: I think the Canadians were always sensitive to Indian concerns. Right now, much more than before. They are working with us. The visit of our NSA was extremely important. NSA Ajit Doval came here, had substantive meetings with the Minister for Public Safety and with his counterpart, Nathalie Drouin. And both of them have worked together to put in place a framework of activities where there will be bilateral discussions and dialog and cooperation and implementation on the ground of security concerns, on fentanyl smuggling, on Transnational Organized Crime, on violent extremism, on activities of terrorism, of illegal immigration, fraud, the whole gamut of security relationships, cyber security. So we are in a place where both countries are working together to assuage the concerns of each other, knowing fully well that we should not allow the use of our territory to foment trouble in the other territories. WION: Regarding the Nijjar issue, it was once a dominant factor in the relationship, but it's no longer the main concern. What kind of cooperation can we expect moving forward, and what are our concerns in this regard? Dinesh K. Patnaik: Nijjar issue is in court, so whatever has to happen is to happen in the court. We have always maintained that we will cooperate with Canada. We work together with Canada to make sure that the perpetrators, are brought to justice. So whole idea is we will work together with Canada, and this as aptly demonstrated when NSA Ajit Doval came just recently and had very good meeting with his counterpart and with the Minister for Public Safety, and they all decided that we will put in place a framework for greater security cooperation between both sides. It encompasses all aspects from violent extremism to transnational organised crime to drug smuggling to illegal immigration, fraud to cyber crime, everything would be put together to discuss. Essential part is, whenever there are security issues between any country, it's important that the agencies talk to each other and have interoperability and exchange of information. That's the reason we are also putting together liaison officers in each other's country to have real time discussions between the agencies as well. WION: This includes Khalistani extremists issue? Dinesh K. Patnaik: All issues are on the table, Canada has understood that is a threat in Canada, as it is to India, and I think they are very open about it and clear about it, that we would like to discuss with India all possible ways to make Canada safe for Canadians and India safe for Indians.

Canadian PM Mark Carney's visit “is a statement to the fact that our relationships are solid and that we want to take it to the next level,” India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik told WION. Full interview below.

India and Canada to 'take relationship to next level' with PM Carney visit, says High Commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is writing to the Commonwealth realms on Tuesday about its backing for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince Andrew, to be axed from the line of royal succession.Albanese said he had communicated with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about Andrew, who is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Britain would have to initiate any change to the line of royal succession -- but it would need the agreement of the 14 other Commonwealth realms that have King Charles III as head of state, he said."Australia likes being first and we have made sure that everyone knows what our position is and we'll be writing today to the other realm countries as well, informing them of our position," Albanese told public broadcaster ABC.The prime minister said he had written to the heads of Australia's own states and territories, which would also need to agree to the change to the monarchy.In a letter to Starmer on Monday, Albanese said his government would agree to any proposal to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession, describing the allegations against him as "grave".Australians are "disgusted" by revelations about late US sex offender Epstein's relations with public figures and they wanted the government to be clear about its position, Albanese told the ABC."King Charles has said that the law must now take its full course. There must be a full, fair and proper investigation. And that needs to occur."The Prime Minister of New Zealand -- also a Commonwealth realm -- said Tuesday he would back the UK government if it decided to remove Andrew from the line of succession."We would definitely support whatever they come to," Christopher Luxon told reporters."The bottom line is no one is above the law, and once that investigation is closed, should the UK government decide to remove him from the line of succession, that is something we would support."- Unprecedented -Andrew's arrest last week was unprecedented in modern British history.Starmer's official spokesman said Monday the British government was not ruling out any steps in relation to the disgraced prince but it would not be appropriate to comment further during the police investigation.Albanese ruled out holding a vote on turning Australia into a republic; however, despite his support for having an Australian head of state."I'm a republican. His Majesty King Charles is very aware of that as well. But the government doesn't have any plans to hold a referendum," he said."We're concentrating on cost-of-living measures and providing that immediate support for Australians is our priority at this point in time."Australia was a British colony for more than 100 years and gained de facto independence in 1901, but has never become a fully fledged republic.In a 1999 referendum, Australians narrowly voted against removing then Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"Australia likes being first and we have made sure that everyone knows what our position is and we'll be writing today to the other realm countries as well, informing them of our position," Albanese said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government is writing to the Commonwealth realms on Tuesday about its backing for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince Andrew, to be axed from the line of royal succession. Albanese said he had communicated with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about Andrew, who is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Britain would have to initiate any change to the line of royal succession -- but it would need the agreement of the 14 other Commonwealth realms that have King Charles III as head of state, he said. "Australia likes being first and we have made sure that everyone knows what our position is and we'll be writing today to the other realm countries as well, informing them of our position," Albanese told public broadcaster ABC. The prime minister said he had written to the heads of Australia's own states and territories, which would also need to agree to the change to the monarchy. In a letter to Starmer on Monday, Albanese said his government would agree to any proposal to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession, describing the allegations against him as "grave". Australians are "disgusted" by revelations about late US sex offender Epstein's relations with public figures and they wanted the government to be clear about its position, Albanese told the ABC. "King Charles has said that the law must now take its full course. There must be a full, fair and proper investigation. And that needs to occur." The Prime Minister of New Zealand -- also a Commonwealth realm -- said Tuesday he would back the UK government if it decided to remove Andrew from the line of succession. "We would definitely support whatever they come to," Christopher Luxon told reporters. "The bottom line is no one is above the law, and once that investigation is closed, should the UK government decide to remove him from the line of succession, that is something we would support." - Unprecedented - Andrew's arrest last week was unprecedented in modern British history. Starmer's official spokesman said Monday the British government was not ruling out any steps in relation to the disgraced prince but it would not be appropriate to comment further during the police investigation. Albanese ruled out holding a vote on turning Australia into a republic; however, despite his support for having an Australian head of state. "I'm a republican. His Majesty King Charles is very aware of that as well. But the government doesn't have any plans to hold a referendum," he said. "We're concentrating on cost-of-living measures and providing that immediate support for Australians is our priority at this point in time." Australia was a British colony for more than 100 years and gained de facto independence in 1901, but has never become a fully fledged republic. In a 1999 referendum, Australians narrowly voted against removing then Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Australians are "disgusted" by revelations about late US sex offender Epstein's relations with public figures and they wanted the government to be clear about its position, said Albanese.

Australia 'disgusted' by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's vile Epstein links, demands removal from line of succession

In a significant development, China has ramped up its production of nuclear-powered submarines over the last five years and is deploying them faster than the United States, posing a challenge to Washington’s long-standing superiority at sea, according to a recent assessment by the UK-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). “China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered-submarine production, surpassing US launch numbers and tonnage in the period 2021–25. Although qualitative differences compared with US and European designs persist, the increasing number of Chinese submarines presents a growing challenge for Western countries struggling to expand their own production,” the think tank states in the report. The report indicated that China has rapidly expanded the output of the nuclear-powered submarine fleet, including attack and ballistic-missile submarines. The IISS report also confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants. Together, these vessels account for a total displacement of around 79,000 tons between 2021 and 2025.<h3>Total submarines launched by US &amp; China in 2016–2020 timeframe</h3>By comparison, the United States launched seven submarines over the same period, with a combined displacement of about 55,000 tonnes. This marks a sharp reversal from the 2016–2020 timeframe, when China commissioned only three submarines totalling 23,000 tonnes, while the US launched seven submarines with a displacement of roughly 55,500 tonnes. China’s nuclear submarines are being built by Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. (BSHIC) at its shipyard in Huludao, northern China. The IISS report, titled “Boomtime in Bohai,” shows that the annual output pace of the company was quite less as compared to its US counterparts until recently, but between 2019 and 2022, production has increased significantly along with a second hall and other facilities. Citing the “Military Balance 2025” report, the IISS analysis also confirmed that, as of early 2025, China possessed 12 operational nuclear-powered submarines, six guided-missile or attack submarines and six ballistic-missile submarines. Meanwhile, the United States Navy (USN) has a large fleet of 65 submarines, out of which 14 are ballistic missile vessels designed for attacks, and 51 are attack or guided-missile submarines.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/clogged-toilets-narrow-pipes-uss-gerald-r-ford-faces-dirty-sewage-problem-amid-possible-us-strike-on-iran-1771836555256/1771836555259"> Clogged toilets, narrow pipes: USS Gerald R Ford faces dirty 'sewage' problem amid possible US strike on Iran</a>

The IISS report confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants. 

In a significant development, China has ramped up its production of nuclear-powered submarines over the last five years and is deploying them faster than the United States, posing a challenge to Washington’s long-standing superiority at sea, according to a recent assessment by the UK-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). “China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered-submarine production, surpassing US launch numbers and tonnage in the period 2021–25. Although qualitative differences compared with US and European designs persist, the increasing number of Chinese submarines presents a growing challenge for Western countries struggling to expand their own production,” the think tank states in the report. The report indicated that China has rapidly expanded the output of the nuclear-powered submarine fleet, including attack and ballistic-missile submarines. The IISS report also confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants. Together, these vessels account for a total displacement of around 79,000 tons between 2021 and 2025. Total submarines launched by US & China in 2016–2020 timeframe By comparison, the United States launched seven submarines over the same period, with a combined displacement of about 55,000 tonnes. This marks a sharp reversal from the 2016–2020 timeframe, when China commissioned only three submarines totalling 23,000 tonnes, while the US launched seven submarines with a displacement of roughly 55,500 tonnes. China’s nuclear submarines are being built by Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. (BSHIC) at its shipyard in Huludao, northern China. The IISS report, titled “Boomtime in Bohai,” shows that the annual output pace of the company was quite less as compared to its US counterparts until recently, but between 2019 and 2022, production has increased significantly along with a second hall and other facilities. Citing the “Military Balance 2025” report, the IISS analysis also confirmed that, as of early 2025, China possessed 12 operational nuclear-powered submarines, six guided-missile or attack submarines and six ballistic-missile submarines. Meanwhile, the United States Navy (USN) has a large fleet of 65 submarines, out of which 14 are ballistic missile vessels designed for attacks, and 51 are attack or guided-missile submarines. Also read: Clogged toilets, narrow pipes: USS Gerald R Ford faces dirty 'sewage' problem amid possible US strike on Iran

The IISS report confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants.&nbsp;

Has China overtaken US in nuclear submarine production race? Here's what IISS's new report explains

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news

What is ‘Hexagon Alliance’, proposed by Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of PM Modi' Israel visit?

India-Israel FTA talks begin in New Delhi ahead of PM Modi’s visit

US all set to strike Iran? Over 150 American military aircraft deployed

Ahead of Tamil Nadu polls, Sasikala floats new political party

Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Family announces $1M reward in search for missing mom

Massachusetts travel ban continues; Boston flights disrupted

Is Indian IT sector over? Report suggests death of industry after advent of AI

How China's CM-302 supersonic missiles could boost Iran’s naval strike power

'If you don't want war, be ready for war': Diplomat's suggestion to Tehran

Epstein links: Norway ex-PM Jagland attempted suicide, claim reports

IN PICS | Massive Blizzard freezes Northeast US, leaves half a million in dark

Jordanian parliament vote to remove 'Israel' from minutes

'Abetting terrorist...': Russia launches criminal case against Telegram founder

‘You better tell your f*****g people to...’: Old audio clip reveals El Mencho ordering Mexico cops

First UK baby born after womb transplant: Hugo Powell delivered in London

Bangladesh President Shahabuddin makes explosive allegations against Yunus

TRUTH behind viral video of Ghislaine Maxwell in Canada's Quebec City

Asia trade tensions ignite as China restricts Japan over security concerns

Lolita Express haunts UK royals: Epstein flight used Air Force bases, runways

Israeli envoy: Israel will give India access to sensitive security technologies

Thailand army accuses Cambodia of violating ceasefire

El Mencho death: Things you didn't know about Mexico drug cartel CJNG's leader

USS Gerald Ford, cargo planes in Israel: Is US planning coordinated Iran strike

India-Canada to 'take relationship to next level' with PM Carney visit: Patnaik

Australia demands Andrew's removal from line of succession over Epstein links

Has China overtaken US in nuclear submarine production? IISS's report explains