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Members of the Tennessee execution team repeatedly failed to establish functioning intravenous (IV) lines in Christa Pike’s arms during an attempted execution and warned that some of her veins may have ruptured, or ‘blown’, before she was injected with pentobarbital, according to a court document filed by her attorney on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Attorney Randy Spivey wrote that the IV team used approximately 10 needles and attempted to establish access at several sites on both arms. The team also struggled to push saline through the final IV line it managed to establish, according to the filing. Pike, 50, was hospitalised after surviving two doses of pentobarbital during Tennessee’s attempt to execute her on September 30. The execution was scheduled in connection with the 1995 stabbing death of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/serbia-elections-nearly-150-000-people-take-to-streets-in-massive-rally-against-aleksandar-vucic-in-pics-1792711292143">Serbia elections: Nearly 150,000 people take to streets in massive rally against Aleksandar Vucic | In pics</a>&nbsp;Pike was 18 at the time of the killing, which she committed with her boyfriend after torturing Slemmer. She later became one of the youngest women sentenced to death. Under Tennessee’s execution protocol, a second dose of pentobarbital is required if the first dose fails to cause death. However, the protocol does not specify what officials should do if a person survives the second injection.&nbsp;Following the failed execution, Pike was taken to a hospital, where she remained on a ventilator for several days. At one point, her attorneys feared she might not survive. She eventually regained consciousness and returned to prison after being discharged.<h2>Who is Christa Pike?</h2>Christa Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, a 19-year-old fellow student at a training programme. Pike was 18 years old when the killing took place. According to court records, she believed Slemmer was trying to steal her boyfriend. Pike’s boyfriend was also convicted for his involvement in the murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Christa Pike survived a failed Tennessee execution after the team struggled to establish IV lines, raising questions about lethal injection procedures

Members of the Tennessee execution team repeatedly failed to establish functioning intravenous (IV) lines in Christa Pike’s arms during an attempted execution and warned that some of her veins may have ruptured, or ‘blown’, before she was injected with pentobarbital, according to a court document filed by her attorney on Thursday. Attorney Randy Spivey wrote that the IV team used approximately 10 needles and attempted to establish access at several sites on both arms. The team also struggled to push saline through the final IV line it managed to establish, according to the filing. Pike, 50, was hospitalised after surviving two doses of pentobarbital during Tennessee’s attempt to execute her on September 30. The execution was scheduled in connection with the 1995 stabbing death of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer. Also Read: Serbia elections: Nearly 150,000 people take to streets in massive rally against Aleksandar Vucic | In pics Pike was 18 at the time of the killing, which she committed with her boyfriend after torturing Slemmer. She later became one of the youngest women sentenced to death. Under Tennessee’s execution protocol, a second dose of pentobarbital is required if the first dose fails to cause death. However, the protocol does not specify what officials should do if a person survives the second injection. Following the failed execution, Pike was taken to a hospital, where she remained on a ventilator for several days. At one point, her attorneys feared she might not survive. She eventually regained consciousness and returned to prison after being discharged. Who is Christa Pike? Christa Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, a 19-year-old fellow student at a training programme. Pike was 18 years old when the killing took place. According to court records, she believed Slemmer was trying to steal her boyfriend. Pike’s boyfriend was also convicted for his involvement in the murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Christa Pike survived two doses of pentobarbital during a failed Tennessee execution after repeated IV insertion problems, her lawyer says

Christa Pike's failed execution: Tennessee team struggled to insert IV lines, lawyer says

Around 150,000 supporters rallied in Belgrade as Serbia’s student-led opposition challenged Aleksandar Vucic’s 14-year rule ahead of crucial parliamentary elections

Around 150,000 people rallied in Belgrade behind Serbia’s student-led opposition movement ahead of a crucial parliamentary election challenging Aleksandar Vucic

Serbia elections: Nearly 150,000 people take to streets in massive rally against Aleksandar Vucic | In pics

The US Supreme Court on Thursday allowed New Hampshire officials to restrict the circumstances in which voters can use student identification cards to obtain a ballot, ruling that a lower court decision blocking enforcement of the policy came too close to Election Day. The unsigned order marked a victory for New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, a Republican, and the Republican National Committee (RNC), which had backed him in the legal dispute.&nbsp;The court did not disclose how the justices voted but provided a brief explanation citing the ‘Purcell principle’, which warns courts against making last-minute changes to election rules. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of the court’s liberal justices, issued a brief dissent questioning the application of the Purcell doctrine. New Hampshire voters are scheduled to elect a senator in November to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.&nbsp;A recent CNN poll found that Democrats held a 31 percentage point advantage over Republicans among younger adults. Lower federal courts had permitted the state to enforce the central provision of a law passed by the state legislature this spring. Under the legislation, student IDs can no longer be used on their own to verify a voter’s identity. However, state law also contains a ‘safety valve’ that allows voters to establish their identity through alternative means.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-is-ready-to-resume-ukraine-us-peace-talks-but-rejects-short-ceasefire-amid-deadly-attacks-1792703841269">Putin says Russia is ready to resume Ukraine-US peace talks but rejects 'short ceasefire' amid deadly attacks</a>&nbsp;The dispute before the Supreme Court centred on whether student IDs could be considered alongside other evidence when election officials assessed the identity of someone requesting a ballot. After New Hampshire officials interpreted the new law as prohibiting the use of student IDs even under these circumstances, the voting rights group Coalition for Open Democracy filed a lawsuit.&nbsp;On October 2, a federal district court blocked enforcement of the state’s interpretation. New Hampshire subsequently filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court, arguing that the Purcell opinion required the justices to rule in its favour. The RNC had also warned that the lower court’s decision threatens to disrupt identity verification in New Hampshire’s looming elections.&nbsp;The Supreme Court has faced several high-profile election disputes ahead of next month’s midterm elections. Among the most prominent was a decision in mid-September rejecting President Donald Trump’s proposal to change how mail ballots are sent to voters nationwide.

The US Supreme Court allows New Hampshire to limit student ID use for voter verification, citing the Purcell principle ahead of the midterm elections

The US Supreme Court on Thursday allowed New Hampshire officials to restrict the circumstances in which voters can use student identification cards to obtain a ballot, ruling that a lower court decision blocking enforcement of the policy came too close to Election Day. The unsigned order marked a victory for New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, a Republican, and the Republican National Committee (RNC), which had backed him in the legal dispute. The court did not disclose how the justices voted but provided a brief explanation citing the ‘Purcell principle’, which warns courts against making last-minute changes to election rules. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of the court’s liberal justices, issued a brief dissent questioning the application of the Purcell doctrine. New Hampshire voters are scheduled to elect a senator in November to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. A recent CNN poll found that Democrats held a 31 percentage point advantage over Republicans among younger adults. Lower federal courts had permitted the state to enforce the central provision of a law passed by the state legislature this spring. Under the legislation, student IDs can no longer be used on their own to verify a voter’s identity. However, state law also contains a ‘safety valve’ that allows voters to establish their identity through alternative means. Also Read: Putin says Russia is ready to resume Ukraine-US peace talks but rejects 'short ceasefire' amid deadly attacks The dispute before the Supreme Court centred on whether student IDs could be considered alongside other evidence when election officials assessed the identity of someone requesting a ballot. After New Hampshire officials interpreted the new law as prohibiting the use of student IDs even under these circumstances, the voting rights group Coalition for Open Democracy filed a lawsuit. On October 2, a federal district court blocked enforcement of the state’s interpretation. New Hampshire subsequently filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court, arguing that the Purcell opinion required the justices to rule in its favour. The RNC had also warned that the lower court’s decision threatens to disrupt identity verification in New Hampshire’s looming elections. The Supreme Court has faced several high-profile election disputes ahead of next month’s midterm elections. Among the most prominent was a decision in mid-September rejecting President Donald Trump’s proposal to change how mail ballots are sent to voters nationwide.

The US Supreme Court allows New Hampshire to restrict student IDs for voter verification, overturning a lower court ruling ahead of elections

US midterms 2026: US Supreme Court allows New Hampshire to restrict student IDs for voting

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Moscow was prepared to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States, but stressed that discussions should focus on security arrangements under a final peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. "The goal of these discussions will be to address the issue of ensuring security for both Ukraine and Russia... within the framework of a final agreement, not after some kind of short pause in fighting," Putin told a reporter from state TV.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of showing no change in its approach to the war after launching a wave of ballistic missile attacks shortly after US envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin to discuss restarting peace negotiations. Air raid sirens sounded throughout the night and into the day in Kyiv. City authorities said two people were killed and more than 30 others injured in the attacks. In the eastern city of Lozova, two women aged 50 and 60 were killed and dozens of people wounded when an attack struck a crowded market. Separately, two people were injured in Russia’s Moscow region during a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vivek-should-keep-it-up-trump-defends-ramaswamy-s-controversial-campaign-ad-targeting-amy-acton-1792702768630">'Vivek should keep it up': Trump defends Ramaswamy's controversial campaign ad targeting Amy Acton</a><h2>‘No real change’ in Russia’s position</h2>The attacks followed the Kremlin’s announcement that it was prepared to resume trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and Washington next month. However, Moscow rejected new proposals presented by Witkoff that had been developed in coordination with European countries and Ukraine. Overnight strikes affected 12 Ukrainian regions, damaging residential buildings, energy facilities, shops, cafes and a monastery in Kyiv. The attacks on the Ukrainian capital have intensified as winter approaches.&nbsp;Meanwhile, authorities ordered all families and children to evacuate the frontline towns of Kramatorsk and neighbouring Sloviansk in eastern Ukraine following a series of attacks that killed dozens of civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the latest wave of attacks began "almost immediately" after Witkoff and Putin concluded hours of talks in Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;Zelensky also criticised the US envoy’s description of the Russian president as a ‘humanitarian’, arguing that the continued attacks contradicted such characterisations. "This means there has been no real change in its attitude towards everything that is happening," Zelensky said.

Putin says Russia is ready to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the US but wants a final security agreement as deadly strikes hit Ukrainian cities

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Moscow was prepared to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States, but stressed that discussions should focus on security arrangements under a final peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. "The goal of these discussions will be to address the issue of ensuring security for both Ukraine and Russia... within the framework of a final agreement, not after some kind of short pause in fighting," Putin told a reporter from state TV. Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of showing no change in its approach to the war after launching a wave of ballistic missile attacks shortly after US envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin to discuss restarting peace negotiations. Air raid sirens sounded throughout the night and into the day in Kyiv. City authorities said two people were killed and more than 30 others injured in the attacks. In the eastern city of Lozova, two women aged 50 and 60 were killed and dozens of people wounded when an attack struck a crowded market. Separately, two people were injured in Russia’s Moscow region during a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack. Also Read: 'Vivek should keep it up': Trump defends Ramaswamy's controversial campaign ad targeting Amy Acton ‘No real change’ in Russia’s position The attacks followed the Kremlin’s announcement that it was prepared to resume trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and Washington next month. However, Moscow rejected new proposals presented by Witkoff that had been developed in coordination with European countries and Ukraine. Overnight strikes affected 12 Ukrainian regions, damaging residential buildings, energy facilities, shops, cafes and a monastery in Kyiv. The attacks on the Ukrainian capital have intensified as winter approaches. Meanwhile, authorities ordered all families and children to evacuate the frontline towns of Kramatorsk and neighbouring Sloviansk in eastern Ukraine following a series of attacks that killed dozens of civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the latest wave of attacks began "almost immediately" after Witkoff and Putin concluded hours of talks in Saint Petersburg. Zelensky also criticised the US envoy’s description of the Russian president as a ‘humanitarian’, arguing that the continued attacks contradicted such characterisations. "This means there has been no real change in its attitude towards everything that is happening," Zelensky said.

Putin says Russia is ready for Ukraine-US peace talks but rejects a short ceasefire as deadly Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities

Putin says Russia is ready to resume Ukraine-US peace talks but rejects 'short ceasefire' amid deadly attacks

US President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced support for Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for Ohio governor, defending a controversial attack advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic rival, Amy Acton. The advertisement has drawn widespread criticism because it features Acton’s mother, whose husband was charged with sexually abusing Acton when she was a child. Ramaswamy has faced mounting backlash over the campaign ad and its portrayal of the family’s troubled history.&nbsp;However, Trump defended the advertisement on his Truth Social platform, describing it as ‘very powerful’ and accusing the media of launching a ‘well coordinated attack’ to pressure Ramaswamy into withdrawing it. "Vivek should keep it up, and let everyone listen to the mother of a defective, dishonest, and incapable Candidate, explain how the daughter is a DISASTER who, uncontrollably, lies, cheats, and steals!" Trump wrote. "I only wish the mothers of my opponents would be so brave as to come forward and explain that their son or daughter is a liar, and much worse."&nbsp;Trump, 80, added, “If my mother, the legendary Mary MacLeod Trump, said anything bad about me, the Fake News would play it up.” The controversy comes as political rhetoric intensifies ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, when voters will decide races for governorships, Senate seats and every seat in the House of Representatives, along with other congressional contests.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-despicable-amy-acton-hits-back-at-vivek-ramaswamy-over-ohio-campaign-ad-featuring-her-estranged-mother-1792695100839">'This is despicable': Amy Acton hits back at Vivek Ramaswamy over Ohio campaign ad featuring her estranged mother</a>&nbsp;Ramaswamy, a billionaire biotech entrepreneur who challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, is competing against Acton to become Ohio’s next governor. Acton is a physician by training and previously served as director of the state health department. In the campaign advertisement, Acton’s mother, Arthur, claims that her daughter has 'lied her entire life'.&nbsp;Arthur’s husband fled before he could stand trial on the sexual assault charges and has since died. Acton has said she had not seen her mother since 1978. On Tuesday, Acton released a statement saying that she and her brother endured abuse, hunger, and neglect during their childhood.&nbsp;The advertisement has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. However, US Vice President JD Vance defended Ramaswamy, describing him as his ‘good friend’ while campaigning in Ohio, his home state. Earlier this month, Vance also highlighted other attack advertisements targeting Acton that accused her of having problems with alcohol.

Donald Trump defends Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial Ohio governor campaign ad targeting Democratic rival Amy Acton amid criticism from both parties

US President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced support for Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for Ohio governor, defending a controversial attack advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic rival, Amy Acton. The advertisement has drawn widespread criticism because it features Acton’s mother, whose husband was charged with sexually abusing Acton when she was a child. Ramaswamy has faced mounting backlash over the campaign ad and its portrayal of the family’s troubled history. However, Trump defended the advertisement on his Truth Social platform, describing it as ‘very powerful’ and accusing the media of launching a ‘well coordinated attack’ to pressure Ramaswamy into withdrawing it. "Vivek should keep it up, and let everyone listen to the mother of a defective, dishonest, and incapable Candidate, explain how the daughter is a DISASTER who, uncontrollably, lies, cheats, and steals!" Trump wrote. "I only wish the mothers of my opponents would be so brave as to come forward and explain that their son or daughter is a liar, and much worse." Trump, 80, added, “If my mother, the legendary Mary MacLeod Trump, said anything bad about me, the Fake News would play it up.” The controversy comes as political rhetoric intensifies ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, when voters will decide races for governorships, Senate seats and every seat in the House of Representatives, along with other congressional contests.

Trump backs Vivek Ramaswamy over a controversial Ohio campaign ad featuring rival Amy Acton's estranged mother, drawing criticism from both parties

'Vivek should keep it up': Trump defends Ramaswamy's controversial campaign ad targeting Amy Acton

President Donald Trump called Elon Musk on Wednesday and asked the SpaceX chief to remove restrictions on a military-grade version of Starlink in Ukraine, which Musk had throttled, according to US officials in an article published in The Wall Street Journal. The satellite internet system was operating more normally on Thursday, shortly after the conversation, US and Ukrainian officials said. However, some Ukrainian officials reported that full functionality had not been restored, although connection speeds had improved compared with the restricted levels.&nbsp;According to officials, Trump told Musk he was frustrated that Starlink’s speeds remained capped at around 100 miles an hour. The restriction left some Ukrainian offensive drones and interceptors unable to effectively counter Russian attacks. The conversation followed a Wall Street Journal report revealing that Musk had ordered the slowdown. SpaceX and the White House have offered differing accounts of whether Musk made the decision independently or at the administration’s direction.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-heat-ray-weapon-pete-hegseth-reportedly-authorises-dhs-to-test-it-at-us-mexico-border-1792696490814">What is the ‘heat ray’ weapon? Pete Hegseth reportedly authorises DHS to test it at US-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;Trump has told aides and allies this week that he wanted to reverse the Starlink slowdown. Ukrainian forces rely on the satellite network to defend positions along the front line, officials said. For the past week, the president and senior administration officials have faced questions about why Starlink was throttled and whether the administration directed the move. The slowdown started days after Trump and Musk publicly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for attacking Russian diesel refineries, which Trump blames for higher energy prices. Trump has repeatedly denied ordering the restriction or knowing who was responsible. The Journal previously reported that he spoke with Musk hours after the slowdown became public.&nbsp;The connectivity problems further strained US-Ukraine relations, bringing them to their lowest point in months. Asked about Musk’s decision to throttle Starlink, Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Thursday, “it’s completely understandable that he doesn’t want to get in the middle of a war without the US government effectively directing him on what to do.” “I don’t think this is about Elon. I think it’s fundamentally about what America’s policy in Ukraine and Russia is going to be,” he continued.&nbsp;Vance’s remarks differed from statements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Musk had the authority to enforce his company’s terms of service without input from the administration. “There are terms of service that ultimately need to be complied to, and that’s where Starlink has the option to make those decisions,” Hegseth said, speaking to reporters earlier this week.&nbsp;The speed restriction prevented Ukrainian hardware traveling at high speeds from maintaining connections to Starlink’s satellite network, according to people familiar with the matter. Ukrainian officials warned that the move would cost Ukrainian lives. On Thursday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) announced an investigation into how Starlink’s service was degraded for Ukraine without notice and the implications of the Pentagon’s dependence on SpaceX for critical satellite communications.

Trump urged Elon Musk to lift Starlink restrictions in Ukraine after speed caps disrupted military drones and interceptors amid Russian attacks

President Donald Trump called Elon Musk on Wednesday and asked the SpaceX chief to remove restrictions on a military-grade version of Starlink in Ukraine, which Musk had throttled, according to US officials in an article published in The Wall Street Journal. The satellite internet system was operating more normally on Thursday, shortly after the conversation, US and Ukrainian officials said. However, some Ukrainian officials reported that full functionality had not been restored, although connection speeds had improved compared with the restricted levels. According to officials, Trump told Musk he was frustrated that Starlink’s speeds remained capped at around 100 miles an hour. The restriction left some Ukrainian offensive drones and interceptors unable to effectively counter Russian attacks. The conversation followed a Wall Street Journal report revealing that Musk had ordered the slowdown. SpaceX and the White House have offered differing accounts of whether Musk made the decision independently or at the administration’s direction. Also Read: What is the ‘heat ray’ weapon? Pete Hegseth reportedly authorises DHS to test it at US-Mexico border Trump has told aides and allies this week that he wanted to reverse the Starlink slowdown. Ukrainian forces rely on the satellite network to defend positions along the front line, officials said. For the past week, the president and senior administration officials have faced questions about why Starlink was throttled and whether the administration directed the move. The slowdown started days after Trump and Musk publicly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for attacking Russian diesel refineries, which Trump blames for higher energy prices. Trump has repeatedly denied ordering the restriction or knowing who was responsible. The Journal previously reported that he spoke with Musk hours after the slowdown became public. The connectivity problems further strained US-Ukraine relations, bringing them to their lowest point in months. Asked about Musk’s decision to throttle Starlink, Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Thursday, “it’s completely understandable that he doesn’t want to get in the middle of a war without the US government effectively directing him on what to do.” “I don’t think this is about Elon. I think it’s fundamentally about what America’s policy in Ukraine and Russia is going to be,” he continued. Vance’s remarks differed from statements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Musk had the authority to enforce his company’s terms of service without input from the administration. “There are terms of service that ultimately need to be complied to, and that’s where Starlink has the option to make those decisions,” Hegseth said, speaking to reporters earlier this week. The speed restriction prevented Ukrainian hardware traveling at high speeds from maintaining connections to Starlink’s satellite network, according to people familiar with the matter. Ukrainian officials warned that the move would cost Ukrainian lives. On Thursday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) announced an investigation into how Starlink’s service was degraded for Ukraine without notice and the implications of the Pentagon’s dependence on SpaceX for critical satellite communications.

Trump urged Elon Musk to lift Starlink speed restrictions in Ukraine, as improved connectivity raised hopes for stronger Ukrainian military operations

Trump called Musk to lift Starlink restrictions affecting Ukraine's military operation: Report

France has reported the first known human case of the Shamonda virus, which usually infects livestock. The patient, who was hospitalised with a serious medical condition, died. However, French authorities said no risk to the general public had been identified.&nbsp;The health and agriculture ministries said the infection appeared to be an exceptional case involving a severely immunocompromised patient. Preliminary findings suggest the patient contracted the virus through a midge bite in eastern France.&nbsp;“Despite circulating in Africa and Asia for several decades, the Shamonda virus has never previously been detected in humans,” the ministries said.<h2>What is the Shamonda virus?</h2>Shamonda belongs to the Orthobunyavirus group and is usually transmitted to animals by small biting insects. It was first detected in Nigeria in the mid-1960s and has since been reported in cattle in parts of Africa and in Japan.&nbsp;In cattle, the virus can cause acute diarrhoea, fever, lethargy and reduced milk production. Cattle are considered its main animal hosts, although sporadic infections in smaller livestock and horses have also been identified in France this summer.&nbsp;The virus was detected in Europe for the first time at the end of July, including on cattle farms in France. It has since been found in 14 western European countries, according to an epidemiological bulletin from France’s national animal health research institute.&nbsp;Tom Solomon, head of The Pandemic Institute in Britain and a member of a University of Liverpool health protection unit studying infections that spread from animals to humans, said there is still much to learn about the virus, AFP reported.&nbsp;“We don't know whether healthy people can become infected without developing symptoms, what symptoms the virus might normally cause, or how frequently it might cause serious disease,” he said.<h3>Investigation into patient’s death continues</h3>French authorities said preliminary findings suggested that the neurological complications the patient experienced before death were likely linked to the infection. However, clinical, biological and epidemiological investigations are still ongoing.&nbsp;The investigation has been reported to the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Authorities have reiterated that no risk to the general public has been identified so far.

France has reported the first known human case of the livestock-associated Shamonda virus in a severely immunocompromised patient who later died, while authorities say no risk to the general public has been identified.

France has reported the first known human case of the Shamonda virus, which usually infects livestock. The patient, who was hospitalised with a serious medical condition, died. However, French authorities said no risk to the general public had been identified. The health and agriculture ministries said the infection appeared to be an exceptional case involving a severely immunocompromised patient. Preliminary findings suggest the patient contracted the virus through a midge bite in eastern France. “Despite circulating in Africa and Asia for several decades, the Shamonda virus has never previously been detected in humans,” the ministries said. What is the Shamonda virus? Shamonda belongs to the Orthobunyavirus group and is usually transmitted to animals by small biting insects. It was first detected in Nigeria in the mid-1960s and has since been reported in cattle in parts of Africa and in Japan. In cattle, the virus can cause acute diarrhoea, fever, lethargy and reduced milk production. Cattle are considered its main animal hosts, although sporadic infections in smaller livestock and horses have also been identified in France this summer. The virus was detected in Europe for the first time at the end of July, including on cattle farms in France. It has since been found in 14 western European countries, according to an epidemiological bulletin from France’s national animal health research institute. Tom Solomon, head of The Pandemic Institute in Britain and a member of a University of Liverpool health protection unit studying infections that spread from animals to humans, said there is still much to learn about the virus, AFP reported. “We don't know whether healthy people can become infected without developing symptoms, what symptoms the virus might normally cause, or how frequently it might cause serious disease,” he said. Investigation into patient’s death continues French authorities said preliminary findings suggested that the neurological complications the patient experienced before death were likely linked to the infection. However, clinical, biological and epidemiological investigations are still ongoing. The investigation has been reported to the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Authorities have reiterated that no risk to the general public has been identified so far.

France has reported the first known human case of the livestock-associated Shamonda virus in a severely immunocompromised patient who later died, while authorities say no risk to the general public has been identified.

France reports first human case of livestock virus Shamonda, patient dies; what we know so far

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly signed a memo last month authorising the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to test a non-lethal ‘heat ray’ for potential use along the US southern border. Known as the Active Denial System, the ‘heat ray’ is a military-grade weapon that fires an energy beam, causing a sensation of intense heat on the surface of the skin, according to a 2009 National Defense University case study. The sensation creates an intolerable sensation and reflexive movement such as ducking or running.&nbsp;According to a memo first obtained by CNN, Hegseth authorised a ‘temporary loan’ of the Active Denial System to the DHS for seven months starting in September. The department can request additional use of the Pentagon system if required. A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement that the agency was continually evaluating new technology, especially technology that can save lives while simultaneously enhancing national security effectiveness. It remains unclear how the DHS intends to use the Active Denial System. However, the memo allows the department to consider deploying it in potential operations along the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-despicable-amy-acton-hits-back-at-vivek-ramaswamy-over-ohio-campaign-ad-featuring-her-estranged-mother-1792695100839">'This is despicable': Amy Acton hits back at Vivek Ramaswamy over Ohio campaign ad featuring her estranged mother</a><h2>What is a heat ray weapon?</h2>The US military first took the system to Afghanistan nearly 20 years ago, but it was returned to the United States shortly afterwards without being used, according to The Washington Post. CBP officials had reportedly considered using the Active Denial System in areas experiencing high numbers of illegal border crossings or for crowd dispersal. However, the system was never deployed. The Active Denial System produces an invisible beam of 95 gigahertz that penetrates approximately 1/64th of an inch into the skin, creating a burning sensation.&nbsp;Technically, the system is not a ‘heat ray’ because it uses millimeter waves rather than infrared radiation, Forbes reported in 2020. According to CNN, Pentagon officials have compared the sensation to a blast of heat experienced when opening a hot oven. The effect is temporary and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. In 2012, the Marine Corps announced that the system complied with the United States' international legal obligations. Officials also said they felt comfortable that it was safe.&nbsp;During President Donald Trump's first administration, officials explored using the Active Denial System on multiple occasions. In 2018, the administration considered deploying it to stop migrants from crossing the US border, The New York Times reported. Later, in 2020, officials also sought to use the system to control protests in Washington DC following the killing of George Floyd, according to The Washington Post.<h2>Pete Hegseth’s staff damage priceless Eisenhower globe in botched Pentagon move</h2>A priceless globe dating back to before the Second World War, which US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wanted for his Pentagon office, was damaged during a botched relocation attempt by his staff, army officials have acknowledged.Photographs published by The Washington Post on Thursday show the shattered 30-inch Eisenhower globe, which was reportedly used by Dwight D Eisenhower, the 34th US president, while planning the D-Day landings in his role as Allied supreme commander.&nbsp;According to The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the February incident, Hegseth’s aides chose not to hire specialist movers. Instead, they decided to transport the fragile item themselves, but dropped it during the attempt. In an email to the newspaper, a US Army spokesperson confirmed that the damage occurred during ‘an attempted move’.&nbsp;“The spherical portion of the globe was detached from the metal mounting that allows it to rotate,” the spokesperson said. One photograph shows broken fragments of the globe scattered beneath its wooden frame on a blue hallway carpet. Another reveals a gash several inches wide at the bottom of the globe, with its base punched through.

Pete Hegseth reportedly approved a seven-month loan of the Active Denial System to DHS for potential use along the US-Mexico border

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly signed a memo last month authorising the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to test a non-lethal ‘heat ray’ for potential use along the US southern border. Known as the Active Denial System, the ‘heat ray’ is a military-grade weapon that fires an energy beam, causing a sensation of intense heat on the surface of the skin, according to a 2009 National Defense University case study. The sensation creates an intolerable sensation and reflexive movement such as ducking or running. According to a memo first obtained by CNN, Hegseth authorised a ‘temporary loan’ of the Active Denial System to the DHS for seven months starting in September. The department can request additional use of the Pentagon system if required. A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement that the agency was continually evaluating new technology, especially technology that can save lives while simultaneously enhancing national security effectiveness. It remains unclear how the DHS intends to use the Active Denial System. However, the memo allows the department to consider deploying it in potential operations along the US-Mexico border. Also Read: 'This is despicable': Amy Acton hits back at Vivek Ramaswamy over Ohio campaign ad featuring her estranged mother What is a heat ray weapon? The US military first took the system to Afghanistan nearly 20 years ago, but it was returned to the United States shortly afterwards without being used, according to The Washington Post. CBP officials had reportedly considered using the Active Denial System in areas experiencing high numbers of illegal border crossings or for crowd dispersal. However, the system was never deployed. The Active Denial System produces an invisible beam of 95 gigahertz that penetrates approximately 1/64th of an inch into the skin, creating a burning sensation. Technically, the system is not a ‘heat ray’ because it uses millimeter waves rather than infrared radiation, Forbes reported in 2020. According to CNN, Pentagon officials have compared the sensation to a blast of heat experienced when opening a hot oven. The effect is temporary and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. In 2012, the Marine Corps announced that the system complied with the United States' international legal obligations. Officials also said they felt comfortable that it was safe. During President Donald Trump's first administration, officials explored using the Active Denial System on multiple occasions. In 2018, the administration considered deploying it to stop migrants from crossing the US border, The New York Times reported. Later, in 2020, officials also sought to use the system to control protests in Washington DC following the killing of George Floyd, according to The Washington Post. Pete Hegseth’s staff damage priceless Eisenhower globe in botched Pentagon move A priceless globe dating back to before the Second World War, which US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wanted for his Pentagon office, was damaged during a botched relocation attempt by his staff, army officials have acknowledged. Photographs published by The Washington Post on Thursday show the shattered 30-inch Eisenhower globe, which was reportedly used by Dwight D Eisenhower, the 34th US president, while planning the D-Day landings in his role as Allied supreme commander. According to The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the February incident, Hegseth’s aides chose not to hire specialist movers. Instead, they decided to transport the fragile item themselves, but dropped it during the attempt. In an email to the newspaper, a US Army spokesperson confirmed that the damage occurred during ‘an attempted move’. “The spherical portion of the globe was detached from the metal mounting that allows it to rotate,” the spokesperson said. One photograph shows broken fragments of the globe scattered beneath its wooden frame on a blue hallway carpet. Another reveals a gash several inches wide at the bottom of the globe, with its base punched through.

Pete Hegseth reportedly authorised DHS to borrow a military ‘heat ray’ for seven months as officials consider its potential use at the US-Mexico border

What is the ‘heat ray’ weapon? Pete Hegseth reportedly authorises DHS to test it at US-Mexico border

Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio, has condemned an attack ad featuring her estranged mother, calling it ‘despicable’. Acton responded to the campaign advertisement released by her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, on Wednesday evening, saying, "This is despicable, what he's done". In the ad, Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, claims that Acton 'lied her entire life;. However, the advertisement does not mention that Arthur's husband was charged with raping Acton when she was a child or that Acton and her brother were subsequently removed from Arthur's custody.&nbsp;Released on Monday, the advertisement has triggered political backlash and drawn national attention to the Ohio governor's race. Acton and Ramaswamy are competing to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who has endorsed Ramaswamy, in the 3 November midterm election. DeWine has reportedly described the advertisement as deeply troubling and called for it to be withdrawn, raising questions about whether the controversy could damage Ramaswamy's electoral prospects. "I've never attacked his family. I would never do that," Acton said about Ramaswamy at a campaign stop on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;"You can see that there are so many people who have experienced trauma and abuse in their lives," she added, referring to the reaction to the advertisement. According to information provided to the BBC by Acton's campaign, she last saw her mother in a courtroom in 1978, following the indictment of her stepfather. Arthur's husband left town before he could stand trial. He was never prosecuted and died in 2004.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-democrats-sue-trump-administration-over-alleged-threats-and-intimidation-ahead-of-election-musk-issues-warning-to-dems-1792617494480">US midterms: Democrats sue Trump administration over alleged 'threats and intimidation' ahead of election, Musk issues warning to Dems</a>&nbsp;In an advertisement released earlier this week, Acton's brother recalled the abuse they experienced as children and criticised Ramaswamy for turning sexual assault into a political talking point. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said his office was reviewing complaints about Ramaswamy's advertisement. The complaints concern whether the ad may initially have aired without a legally required disclaimer identifying who paid for it. Ramaswamy took responsibility for the advertisement the day after it was released on social media. He also announced that his campaign would spend $4m (£3m) to broadcast it across Ohio.&nbsp;The editorial board of The Columbus Dispatch, a local Ohio news outlet, endorsed Acton following the advertisement's release, describing it as ‘revolting and unsettling’. On Thursday, former Republican Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci expressed concern about the potential political fallout in a post on X. "The floor may have just fallen out from under the Republican campaign for Ohio Governor. "And any Republican who fails to distance themselves from this ad risks taking on water as well."&nbsp;MK Pritzker, the wife of Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, announced on Wednesday that she would donate $500,000 to support Acton's election campaign. President Donald Trump also commented on the controversy, saying: "It's a very unusual situation to have a mother hate a daughter that much. “But I don't think that has anything to do with Vivek.” Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance urged fellow Republicans to stop ‘whining’ about the advertisement. He also said he was 'a little bit disgusted by criticism of the ad from members of his own party.&nbsp;A VoteHub poll released on Thursday showed Acton leading Ramaswamy by 1%, a margin within the poll's margin of error. The survey was conducted before the advertisement was released. If elected, Acton would become the first Democrat to win the Ohio governorship in two decades.

Amy Acton condemns Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial attack ad featuring her estranged mother as political backlash grows in the Ohio governor race

Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio, has condemned an attack ad featuring her estranged mother, calling it ‘despicable’. Acton responded to the campaign advertisement released by her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, on Wednesday evening, saying, "This is despicable, what he's done". In the ad, Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, claims that Acton 'lied her entire life;. However, the advertisement does not mention that Arthur's husband was charged with raping Acton when she was a child or that Acton and her brother were subsequently removed from Arthur's custody. Released on Monday, the advertisement has triggered political backlash and drawn national attention to the Ohio governor's race. Acton and Ramaswamy are competing to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who has endorsed Ramaswamy, in the 3 November midterm election. DeWine has reportedly described the advertisement as deeply troubling and called for it to be withdrawn, raising questions about whether the controversy could damage Ramaswamy's electoral prospects. "I've never attacked his family. I would never do that," Acton said about Ramaswamy at a campaign stop on Wednesday evening. "You can see that there are so many people who have experienced trauma and abuse in their lives," she added, referring to the reaction to the advertisement. According to information provided to the BBC by Acton's campaign, she last saw her mother in a courtroom in 1978, following the indictment of her stepfather. Arthur's husband left town before he could stand trial. He was never prosecuted and died in 2004. Also Read: US midterms: Democrats sue Trump administration over alleged 'threats and intimidation' ahead of election, Musk issues warning to Dems In an advertisement released earlier this week, Acton's brother recalled the abuse they experienced as children and criticised Ramaswamy for turning sexual assault into a political talking point. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said his office was reviewing complaints about Ramaswamy's advertisement. The complaints concern whether the ad may initially have aired without a legally required disclaimer identifying who paid for it. Ramaswamy took responsibility for the advertisement the day after it was released on social media. He also announced that his campaign would spend $4m (£3m) to broadcast it across Ohio. The editorial board of The Columbus Dispatch, a local Ohio news outlet, endorsed Acton following the advertisement's release, describing it as ‘revolting and unsettling’. On Thursday, former Republican Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci expressed concern about the potential political fallout in a post on X. "The floor may have just fallen out from under the Republican campaign for Ohio Governor. "And any Republican who fails to distance themselves from this ad risks taking on water as well." MK Pritzker, the wife of Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, announced on Wednesday that she would donate $500,000 to support Acton's election campaign. President Donald Trump also commented on the controversy, saying: "It's a very unusual situation to have a mother hate a daughter that much. “But I don't think that has anything to do with Vivek.” Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance urged fellow Republicans to stop ‘whining’ about the advertisement. He also said he was 'a little bit disgusted by criticism of the ad from members of his own party. A VoteHub poll released on Thursday showed Acton leading Ramaswamy by 1%, a margin within the poll's margin of error. The survey was conducted before the advertisement was released. If elected, Acton would become the first Democrat to win the Ohio governorship in two decades.

Amy Acton calls Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad featuring her estranged mother ‘despicable’ as controversy intensifies in Ohio’s governor race

'This is despicable': Amy Acton hits back at Vivek Ramaswamy over Ohio campaign ad featuring her estranged mother

A US judge has ordered President Donald Trump to answer questions under oath by December 11 in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC over the editing of a speech he delivered before the 2021 US Capitol riot. Charles Tobin, a lawyer representing the BBC, told the court that we still haven't been able to depose the plaintiff, with two months remaining in the discovery period. Trump cancelled a previously scheduled deposition on October 16, citing matters of national importance while campaigning in Georgia.&nbsp;Under US law, a deposition is an out-of-court statement made under oath in response to questions. The proceedings are recorded and can be used in subsequent legal proceedings. US Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett ruled that Trump must appear for the deposition by December 11, unless the discovery period is extended. Last week, attorneys asked Lett to compel Trump to attend the deposition after the last scheduled meeting failed to take place.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-hits-mines-in-hormuz-trump-accuses-iran-of-driving-up-oil-prices-ahead-of-us-midterms-1792686379571">‘Fake hits, mines’ in Hormuz? Trump accuses Iran of driving up oil prices ahead of US midterms</a>&nbsp;On the day of the cancelled deposition, Trump attended a midterms campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, followed by a fundraiser at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. In a separate filing on Wednesday, Trump's lawyers said the president could appear for the interview between 11 and 22 January next year. They also argued that the BBC was wrong to claim that President Trump is avoiding his deposition in this action. Trump filed the lawsuit in Florida, accusing the BBC of intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring a speech he delivered outside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.&nbsp;The BBC apologised for the editing error, acknowledging that the broadcast gave the mistaken impression that President Trump made a direct call for violent action. The broadcaster has since asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the programme does not meet the legal requirements for defamation and was not available in the United States. In July, Trump's lawyers conceded that they had no evidence that the documentary was available in the US through the BBC's BritBox subscription service, as they had originally claimed.&nbsp;&nbsp;They also lacked evidence that it was available on the BBC's website, BBC Select or through US broadcasters. Trump subsequently agreed to drop the lawsuit against BBC Studios, the broadcaster's commercial arm, after the BBC argued that it had no role in creating or producing the documentary.&nbsp;

A US judge orders Donald Trump to give a deposition by 11 December in his BBC defamation lawsuit over the editing of his January 6 speech

A US judge has ordered President Donald Trump to answer questions under oath by December 11 in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC over the editing of a speech he delivered before the 2021 US Capitol riot. Charles Tobin, a lawyer representing the BBC, told the court that we still haven't been able to depose the plaintiff, with two months remaining in the discovery period. Trump cancelled a previously scheduled deposition on October 16, citing matters of national importance while campaigning in Georgia. Under US law, a deposition is an out-of-court statement made under oath in response to questions. The proceedings are recorded and can be used in subsequent legal proceedings. US Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett ruled that Trump must appear for the deposition by December 11, unless the discovery period is extended. Last week, attorneys asked Lett to compel Trump to attend the deposition after the last scheduled meeting failed to take place. Also Read: ‘Fake hits, mines’ in Hormuz? Trump accuses Iran of driving up oil prices ahead of US midterms On the day of the cancelled deposition, Trump attended a midterms campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, followed by a fundraiser at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. In a separate filing on Wednesday, Trump's lawyers said the president could appear for the interview between 11 and 22 January next year. They also argued that the BBC was wrong to claim that President Trump is avoiding his deposition in this action. Trump filed the lawsuit in Florida, accusing the BBC of intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring a speech he delivered outside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The BBC apologised for the editing error, acknowledging that the broadcast gave the mistaken impression that President Trump made a direct call for violent action. The broadcaster has since asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the programme does not meet the legal requirements for defamation and was not available in the United States. In July, Trump's lawyers conceded that they had no evidence that the documentary was available in the US through the BBC's BritBox subscription service, as they had originally claimed. They also lacked evidence that it was available on the BBC's website, BBC Select or through US broadcasters. Trump subsequently agreed to drop the lawsuit against BBC Studios, the broadcaster's commercial arm, after the BBC argued that it had no role in creating or producing the documentary.

A US judge has ordered Trump to answer questions under oath by 11 December in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC over a Panorama edit

Trump ordered to answer questions under oath in BBC defamation lawsuit by December 11

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Oct 22) took a swipe at US envoy Steve Witkoff for hailing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” after Moscow launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv. Zelensky accused Russia of striking Kyiv with ballistic missiles just hours after peace talks between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin.<h2>Kyiv hit hours after peace talks</h2>In a post on X, Zelensky said Russia had launched three waves of ballistic missiles at Kyiv since Wednesday evening, with 21 missiles used in the attack. Two people were killed and 34 injured across Ukraine, including five children, he said.“Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian ‘humanitarians’ since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles,” Zelensky said.“Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged,” he added, listing residential buildings, energy facilities, railway infrastructure, metro facilities, shopping malls and businesses among the affected sites. A monastery was also damaged, he added.The strikes followed hours-long talks between Witkoff and Putin in Saint Petersburg. Zelensky said the timing showed Moscow had not changed its approach to the war despite renewed diplomatic efforts.“Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack,” he said. “This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening.”Zelensky called for stronger air defences, faster missile deliveries and sanctions against Russia, arguing that Moscow needed to face greater pressure to end the killing.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian “humanitarians” since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles. Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged: ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, infrastructure at one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping malls, and businesses. Even a monastery is among the damaged sites. Our emergency services are working at all the affected locations. Twelve of our regions came under Russian attack overnight. In Kyiv and across the regions, 34 people were injured, including five children. As of now, two people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones.

Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack. This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening. It is important to keep trying to find the right solutions to end this war. But when Russia responds to negotiations with ballistic missiles, real pressure on Russia is needed to bring about different steps – steps toward ending the killing. Stronger air defenses and the rapid delivery of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, sanctions over the war – all of this must be in place. I am grateful to everyone who sees the situation for what it is and acknowledges the reality. The aggressor deserves to be treated accordingly. Ukraine deserves support. People's lives deserve protection. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2113173153807569079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>More attacks as hopes for a breakthrough fade</h2>The violence was not confined to the capital. In the eastern city of Lozova, two women aged 50 and 60 were killed in an attack on a crowded market, while several others were wounded. Ukraine also ordered families and children to evacuate frontline towns including Kramatorsk and Sloviansk after a series of deadly attacks.The Kremlin has said it is willing to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the US next month, but rejected proposals developed by Witkoff with European countries and Ukraine. Russia continues to demand Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of the eastern Donetsk region it still controls, alongside restrictions on Kyiv’s military and Western alliances. Ukraine has rejected those demands.US President Donald Trump struck a more optimistic note on Wednesday, saying negotiators were “maybe now the closest we’ve been” to ending the war. Witkoff described his meeting with Putin as “constructive”, while acknowledging that important work remained.Zelensky, meanwhile, warned that Russia was taking advantage of slower air-defence supplies from Ukraine’s partners. “Stronger air defenses and the rapid delivery of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, sanctions over the war – all of this must be in place,” he wrote, urging allies to step up support for Ukraine.

Zelensky mocked Steve Witkoff’s praise of Putin as a “humanitarian” after Russia fired 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv, killing two people and injuring dozens across Ukraine, including five children.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Oct 22) took a swipe at US envoy Steve Witkoff for hailing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” after Moscow launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv. Zelensky accused Russia of striking Kyiv with ballistic missiles just hours after peace talks between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin. Kyiv hit hours after peace talks In a post on X, Zelensky said Russia had launched three waves of ballistic missiles at Kyiv since Wednesday evening, with 21 missiles used in the attack. Two people were killed and 34 injured across Ukraine, including five children, he said. “Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian ‘humanitarians’ since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles,” Zelensky said. “Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged,” he added, listing residential buildings, energy facilities, railway infrastructure, metro facilities, shopping malls and businesses among the affected sites. A monastery was also damaged, he added. The strikes followed hours-long talks between Witkoff and Putin in Saint Petersburg. Zelensky said the timing showed Moscow had not changed its approach to the war despite renewed diplomatic efforts. “Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack,” he said. “This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening.” Zelensky called for stronger air defences, faster missile deliveries and sanctions against Russia, arguing that Moscow needed to face greater pressure to end the killing.

Zelensky mocked Steve Witkoff’s praise of Putin as a “humanitarian” after Russia fired 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv, killing two people and injuring dozens across Ukraine, including five children.

‘Russian humanitarians’ fired missiles at Kyiv: Zelensky takes swipe at Witkoff over Putin praise

Facing mounting pressure from the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signalled willingness to freeze the current frontline for a ceasefire deal. This would effectively imply surrendering 25 per cent of Ukraine’s territory to Russia.Barely hours after US special envoy Steve Witkoff described Putin as a 'humanitarian', Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other regions overnight.According to Zelensky, three waves of 21 ballistic missiles were launched at the Ukrainian capital by Russia, killing at least two people and wounding 34 others. Residential buildings, energy facilities, railway stations, shopping malls and a monastery suffered damage.Kyiv authorities also said that Russian strikes damaged subway infrastructure on the southern bridge over the Dnipro River in the Ukrainian capital.In Kharkiv, firefighters grappled to extinguish burning trucks. One person was killed and 15 others were injured in reported Russian strikes.Authorities also accused Russia of carrying out nearly 60 drone attacks on 26 settlements in Sumy. This led to the death of one civilian.With killings reported in Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Chernihiv as well, Ukraine said that at least nine people were killed in Russian strikes over the past day.According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia’s mass overnight attack involved the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile, which can execute unpredictable evasive manoeuvres in terminal descent.The S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system was also reportedly used in the strikes.This is not all. The Oniks anti-ship cruise missile was also reportedly used. With a range of 800 kilometres, it can carry both conventional as well as nuclear payloads.The Ukrainian Air Force also claimed to have shot down 181 out of 210 drones of various types fired by Russia. This included 110 jet-powered drones. Strikes were recorded at 32 locations.Now, among the missiles, one stands out. Russia unleashed the Zircon.Zircon is a Russian nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. Initially designed as a ship-launched anti-ship weapon to counter Western aircraft carriers, it has been repurposed by Russia for land-attack missions.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-fires-nuclear-capable-hypersonic-missiles-zelensky-ready-to-surrender-25-territory-1792691466217/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-fires-nuclear-capable-hypersonic-missiles-zelensky-ready-to-surrender-25-territory-1792691466217/embed</a>On the other hand, the Moscow mayor accused Ukraine of launching 630 drones on the Russian capital from overnight to Thursday, most of which were destroyed by air defence systems. Two people were injured in the drone attacks.Now, Moscow’s attack came just hours after Putin agreed in principle to resume three-way negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the US as early as next month.According to the Kremlin, these talks could take place in Abu Dhabi on or after November 10 and would focus on how to guarantee the security of Ukraine and Russia once the war ended.This came after US special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Putin in St. Petersburg to seek a diplomatic solution to the protracted war in Ukraine.Witkoff said that Trump is 'deeply grateful' for Putin’s decision to sell diesel to the US and also hailed him for releasing retired teacher Stephen Hubbard.The 74-year-old American citizen was sentenced in 2024 to seven years in prison for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine. After his release from prison, he met Witkoff and then flew back to Texas.Despite Trump seeking to woo Putin, Russia was less enthused. It said that there wasn’t really much substance in the latest peace proposals.On his part, though, Trump claimed that an end to the Ukraine war could be closer than ever before.After his meeting with Witkoff, Zelensky too expressed willingness to hold trilateral talks with the US and Russia as soon as possible, preferably no later than early November.However, the mood on the streets of Kyiv is not very optimistic about an early end to the war.Now, is Trump’s bid to ease sanctions on Russia and push for a ceasefire on its terms also linked to the situation in Iran, where the US is trapped in a prolonged war?Some experts believe that Trump may use these concessions as leverage to convince Putin to bring Iran back to the negotiating table.Interestingly, during his talks with Witkoff, Putin himself offered to help settle the West Asia crisis, citing Russia’s special relationship with Iran.

Despite Trump seeking to woo Putin, Russia was less enthused. It said that there wasn’t really much substance in the latest peace proposals. On his part, though, Trump claimed that an end to the Ukraine war could be closer than ever before.

Facing mounting pressure from the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signalled willingness to freeze the current frontline for a ceasefire deal. This would effectively imply surrendering 25 per cent of Ukraine’s territory to Russia. Barely hours after US special envoy Steve Witkoff described Putin as a 'humanitarian', Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other regions overnight. According to Zelensky, three waves of 21 ballistic missiles were launched at the Ukrainian capital by Russia, killing at least two people and wounding 34 others. Residential buildings, energy facilities, railway stations, shopping malls and a monastery suffered damage. Kyiv authorities also said that Russian strikes damaged subway infrastructure on the southern bridge over the Dnipro River in the Ukrainian capital. In Kharkiv, firefighters grappled to extinguish burning trucks. One person was killed and 15 others were injured in reported Russian strikes. Authorities also accused Russia of carrying out nearly 60 drone attacks on 26 settlements in Sumy. This led to the death of one civilian. With killings reported in Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Chernihiv as well, Ukraine said that at least nine people were killed in Russian strikes over the past day. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia’s mass overnight attack involved the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile, which can execute unpredictable evasive manoeuvres in terminal descent. The S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system was also reportedly used in the strikes. This is not all. The Oniks anti-ship cruise missile was also reportedly used. With a range of 800 kilometres, it can carry both conventional as well as nuclear payloads. The Ukrainian Air Force also claimed to have shot down 181 out of 210 drones of various types fired by Russia. This included 110 jet-powered drones. Strikes were recorded at 32 locations. Now, among the missiles, one stands out. Russia unleashed the Zircon. Zircon is a Russian nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. Initially designed as a ship-launched anti-ship weapon to counter Western aircraft carriers, it has been repurposed by Russia for land-attack missions. https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-fires-nuclear-capable-hypersonic-missiles-zelensky-ready-to-surrender-25-territory-1792691466217/embed On the other hand, the Moscow mayor accused Ukraine of launching 630 drones on the Russian capital from overnight to Thursday, most of which were destroyed by air defence systems. Two people were injured in the drone attacks. Now, Moscow’s attack came just hours after Putin agreed in principle to resume three-way negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the US as early as next month. According to the Kremlin, these talks could take place in Abu Dhabi on or after November 10 and would focus on how to guarantee the security of Ukraine and Russia once the war ended. This came after US special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Putin in St. Petersburg to seek a diplomatic solution to the protracted war in Ukraine. Witkoff said that Trump is 'deeply grateful' for Putin’s decision to sell diesel to the US and also hailed him for releasing retired teacher Stephen Hubbard. The 74-year-old American citizen was sentenced in 2024 to seven years in prison for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine. After his release from prison, he met Witkoff and then flew back to Texas. Despite Trump seeking to woo Putin, Russia was less enthused. It said that there wasn’t really much substance in the latest peace proposals. On his part, though, Trump claimed that an end to the Ukraine war could be closer than ever before. After his meeting with Witkoff, Zelensky too expressed willingness to hold trilateral talks with the US and Russia as soon as possible, preferably no later than early November. However, the mood on the streets of Kyiv is not very optimistic about an early end to the war. Now, is Trump’s bid to ease sanctions on Russia and push for a ceasefire on its terms also linked to the situation in Iran, where the US is trapped in a prolonged war? Some experts believe that Trump may use these concessions as leverage to convince Putin to bring Iran back to the negotiating table. Interestingly, during his talks with Witkoff, Putin himself offered to help settle the West Asia crisis, citing Russia’s special relationship with Iran.

Despite Trump seeking to woo Putin, Russia was less enthused. It said that there wasn’t really much substance in the latest peace proposals. On his part, though, Trump claimed that an end to the Ukraine war could be closer than ever before.

GRAVITAS | Putin fires nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles, Zelensky ready to surrender 25% territory

Abuja, Nigeria | 22 October 2026, The British High Commission in Nigeria has reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Nigeria's digital transformation agenda following a successful suite of events and engagements during a recent visit by the British Standards Institution to Nigeria.Central to the visit, was the successful delivery of an Executive Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Governance and Standards in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) under the UK Government's Digital Access Programme.The four-day workshop brought together senior government leaders, regulators and technology practitioners to strengthen Nigeria's capacity for responsible AI adoption, governance and oversight. It explored practical approaches to implementing internationally recognised standards for AI governance, risk management, assurance and accountability, while supporting Nigeria's ambition to become a leading AI economy in Africa.The workshop builds on several years of collaboration between BSI and Nigerian government institutions to promote standards as a catalyst for economic growth and digital transformation. Working closely with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Data Protection Council (NDPC), National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and other stakeholders, BSI has supported capacity building, policy engagement and awareness raising on the application of international standards to emerging digital technologies.As Nigeria accelerates its adoption of emerging technologies, standards are increasingly recognised as a critical foundation for innovation, providing common frameworks that build trust, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance data governance, improve interoperability and support responsible technology deployment. Through this partnership, the UK and Nigeria are working to promote international best practice in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital trust, data governance, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, digital public services and electronic waste management.The Executive Workshop on AI Governance and Standards represents another milestone in this collaboration. Over three days of intensive training, senior public sector leaders explored how international standards can help organisations manage AI risks, improve institutional oversight and create enabling environments for innovation. Participants examined leading standards, including ISO/IEC 42001 for AI Management Systems, ISO/IEC 23894 for AI Risk Management and other emerging frameworks designed to support safe and trustworthy AI deployment.The programme culminated in a high-level close-out reception in Abuja that convened policymakers, regulators, standards experts, industry representatives and development partners to discuss the future of AI governance and standards-led innovation in Nigeria.Speaking at the event, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission, highlighted the strategic importance of standards in unlocking the benefits of emerging technologies.She said: "Artificial Intelligence presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, innovation and social development. However, realising these benefits requires the right governance frameworks, strong institutions and trusted standards that can underpin safe, secure and responsible adoption.""The UK is proud to support Nigeria's digital transformation journey. Our collaboration with BSI, NITDA, SON, and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) reflects a shared belief that standards are not simply technical tools; they are strategic enablers of innovation, investment, trade and public trust. By aligning around internationally recognised standards, we can help create the conditions for sustainable digital growth and unlock greater opportunities for businesses, governments and citizens."Ms Bell further noted that the UK-Nigeria partnership on standards has evolved into a broad platform for cooperation on issues ranging from trust and assurance involving digital trade, AI governance and digital public infrastructure to cybersecurity, data protection, with potential to expanding further in E-Waste Management and E-Health.Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Coordinator of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), highlighted the importance of strengthening national capability for AI governance and thanked the UK Government and BSI for their continued support.He said: “Together, we have moved beyond theoretical conversations about emerging technology to build genuine, sovereign institutional capacity. Let us use this evening to forget a permanent cross-government Community of Practice.”At the close-out of the workshop, which was held at the Afreximbank trade centre, successful participating officials were recognized, contributing to a growing ecosystem of policymakers, regulators and practitioners equipped to champion responsible AI adoption across Nigeria's public and private sectors.Beyond the AI Governance and Standards Policy and Practice workshop, the BSI had engagements with adjacent government agencies including NESREA and the FCDO Climate Finance team to assess e-waste management models in Nigeria and explore opportunities to deepen existing partnership on digital trade standards.This partnership recognises that standards play a critical role in translating policy ambitions into practical implementation. As Nigeria continues to develop its AI ecosystem, expand digital services and strengthen data governance frameworks can help ensure that innovation in Nigeria is standards-led, inclusive and sustainable.The British High Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria's vision for a digitally enabled economy through partnerships that fosterinnovation, strengthen governance and promote trusted technology. Through collaboration with BSI and strategic Nigerian institutions, the UK will continue to champion standards-led approaches that enable sustainable and inclusive digital transformation. &nbsp;

The programme culminated in a high-level close-out reception in Abuja that convened policymakers, regulators, standards experts, industry representatives and development partners to discuss the future of AI governance and standards-led innovation in Nigeria.

Abuja, Nigeria | 22 October 2026, The British High Commission in Nigeria has reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Nigeria's digital transformation agenda following a successful suite of events and engagements during a recent visit by the British Standards Institution to Nigeria. Central to the visit, was the successful delivery of an Executive Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Governance and Standards in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) under the UK Government's Digital Access Programme. The four-day workshop brought together senior government leaders, regulators and technology practitioners to strengthen Nigeria's capacity for responsible AI adoption, governance and oversight. It explored practical approaches to implementing internationally recognised standards for AI governance, risk management, assurance and accountability, while supporting Nigeria's ambition to become a leading AI economy in Africa. The workshop builds on several years of collaboration between BSI and Nigerian government institutions to promote standards as a catalyst for economic growth and digital transformation. Working closely with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Data Protection Council (NDPC), National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and other stakeholders, BSI has supported capacity building, policy engagement and awareness raising on the application of international standards to emerging digital technologies. As Nigeria accelerates its adoption of emerging technologies, standards are increasingly recognised as a critical foundation for innovation, providing common frameworks that build trust, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance data governance, improve interoperability and support responsible technology deployment. Through this partnership, the UK and Nigeria are working to promote international best practice in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital trust, data governance, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, digital public services and electronic waste management. The Executive Workshop on AI Governance and Standards represents another milestone in this collaboration. Over three days of intensive training, senior public sector leaders explored how international standards can help organisations manage AI risks, improve institutional oversight and create enabling environments for innovation. Participants examined leading standards, including ISO/IEC 42001 for AI Management Systems, ISO/IEC 23894 for AI Risk Management and other emerging frameworks designed to support safe and trustworthy AI deployment. The programme culminated in a high-level close-out reception in Abuja that convened policymakers, regulators, standards experts, industry representatives and development partners to discuss the future of AI governance and standards-led innovation in Nigeria. Speaking at the event, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnerships and Digital at the British High Commission, highlighted the strategic importance of standards in unlocking the benefits of emerging technologies. She said: "Artificial Intelligence presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, innovation and social development. However, realising these benefits requires the right governance frameworks, strong institutions and trusted standards that can underpin safe, secure and responsible adoption." "The UK is proud to support Nigeria's digital transformation journey. Our collaboration with BSI, NITDA, SON, and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) reflects a shared belief that standards are not simply technical tools; they are strategic enablers of innovation, investment, trade and public trust. By aligning around internationally recognised standards, we can help create the conditions for sustainable digital growth and unlock greater opportunities for businesses, governments and citizens." Ms Bell further noted that the UK-Nigeria partnership on standards has evolved into a broad platform for cooperation on issues ranging from trust and assurance involving digital trade, AI governance and digital public infrastructure to cybersecurity, data protection, with potential to expanding further in E-Waste Management and E-Health. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Coordinator of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), highlighted the importance of strengthening national capability for AI governance and thanked the UK Government and BSI for their continued support. He said: “Together, we have moved beyond theoretical conversations about emerging technology to build genuine, sovereign institutional capacity. Let us use this evening to forget a permanent cross-government Community of Practice.” At the close-out of the workshop, which was held at the Afreximbank trade centre, successful participating officials were recognized, contributing to a growing ecosystem of policymakers, regulators and practitioners equipped to champion responsible AI adoption across Nigeria's public and private sectors. Beyond the AI Governance and Standards Policy and Practice workshop, the BSI had engagements with adjacent government agencies including NESREA and the FCDO Climate Finance team to assess e-waste management models in Nigeria and explore opportunities to deepen existing partnership on digital trade standards. This partnership recognises that standards play a critical role in translating policy ambitions into practical implementation. As Nigeria continues to develop its AI ecosystem, expand digital services and strengthen data governance frameworks can help ensure that innovation in Nigeria is standards-led, inclusive and sustainable. The British High Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria's vision for a digitally enabled economy through partnerships that foster innovation, strengthen governance and promote trusted technology. Through collaboration with BSI and strategic Nigerian institutions, the UK will continue to champion standards-led approaches that enable sustainable and inclusive digital transformation.

The programme culminated in a high-level close-out reception in Abuja that convened policymakers, regulators, standards experts, industry representatives and development partners to discuss the future of AI governance and standards-led innovation in Nigeria.

UK and Nigerian partners deepen collaboration on AI governance, standards and digital transformation

As the US midterm campaign enters its final stretch, the challenge for Republicans is getting tougher. Amid US President Donald Trump's campaign blitz, his approval rating has hit a new low.&nbsp;According to the CNN-SSRS poll, which surveyed nearly 1,700 adults from October 15 to 18, Trump's approval rating dipped to 32%. This is seven points lower than his approval rating just before the 2018 midterms during his first presidency.&nbsp;Additionally, 49% of respondents indicated they would vote for Democrats, compared with 39% who favoured Republicans. The opinion poll highlighted a strong lead for Democrats among Black and Latino voters, as well as women and younger adults. Cost-of-living concerns remain the most important issue for voters.&nbsp;What is worrying for the US president, though, is a possible erosion in his own voter base. For instance, nearly four in 10 Republican-aligned adults younger than 45 disapprove of Trump.&nbsp;Also, 13% of respondents revealed that they had already cast their votes. Among this group, 70% claimed to have voted for Democrats. As for those who are yet to vote, 46% favoured Democrats.&nbsp;Amid this, speculation is rife that Democrats want Trump to campaign more, as they believe it could help them electorally. With Trump openly urging people to vote, assuming that he is on the ballot, his rivals are also pushing this case.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/netanyahu-dials-pm-modi-invites-him-and-capt-smit-machchhar-to-light-torch-on-israel-s-independence-day-1792677210739">Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day</a>&nbsp;According to an analysis by the Associated Press, advertisements run by Democrats across platforms since September 1 refer to Trump 180,000 times. They have spent over $163 million on such advertisements.&nbsp;In comparison, Republican advertisements mentioned the president just 16,000 times during the same period. Much of the Democratic advertising accuses Republican candidates of backing Trump on issues such as tariffs and the Iran war.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-approval-ratings-hit-a-new-low-democrats-want-us-president-to-campaign-more-1792689644199/embed&nbsp;But what does this strategy indicate? According to some experts, Democrats want the election to be a referendum on Trump. They want to equate a vote for a Republican candidate with a vote for Trump.&nbsp;Meanwhile, chaos marred a Republican rally in South Carolina where Trump was campaigning for the late Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham. Some people repeatedly interrupted Trump. A protester was even punched in the face and knocked to the ground by Trump supporters. Amid the pandemonium, Trump called them 'paid protesters'.

Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 32% as Democrats lead Republicans in voter preference ahead of the US midterm elections and seek to make the contest a referendum on the president.

As the US midterm campaign enters its final stretch, the challenge for Republicans is getting tougher. Amid US President Donald Trump's campaign blitz, his approval rating has hit a new low. According to the CNN-SSRS poll, which surveyed nearly 1,700 adults from October 15 to 18, Trump's approval rating dipped to 32%. This is seven points lower than his approval rating just before the 2018 midterms during his first presidency. Additionally, 49% of respondents indicated they would vote for Democrats, compared with 39% who favoured Republicans. The opinion poll highlighted a strong lead for Democrats among Black and Latino voters, as well as women and younger adults. Cost-of-living concerns remain the most important issue for voters. What is worrying for the US president, though, is a possible erosion in his own voter base. For instance, nearly four in 10 Republican-aligned adults younger than 45 disapprove of Trump. Also, 13% of respondents revealed that they had already cast their votes. Among this group, 70% claimed to have voted for Democrats. As for those who are yet to vote, 46% favoured Democrats. Amid this, speculation is rife that Democrats want Trump to campaign more, as they believe it could help them electorally. With Trump openly urging people to vote, assuming that he is on the ballot, his rivals are also pushing this case. Also Read: Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day According to an analysis by the Associated Press, advertisements run by Democrats across platforms since September 1 refer to Trump 180,000 times. They have spent over $163 million on such advertisements. In comparison, Republican advertisements mentioned the president just 16,000 times during the same period. Much of the Democratic advertising accuses Republican candidates of backing Trump on issues such as tariffs and the Iran war. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-approval-ratings-hit-a-new-low-democrats-want-us-president-to-campaign-more-1792689644199/embed But what does this strategy indicate? According to some experts, Democrats want the election to be a referendum on Trump. They want to equate a vote for a Republican candidate with a vote for Trump. Meanwhile, chaos marred a Republican rally in South Carolina where Trump was campaigning for the late Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham. Some people repeatedly interrupted Trump. A protester was even punched in the face and knocked to the ground by Trump supporters. Amid the pandemonium, Trump called them 'paid protesters'.

Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 32% as Democrats lead Republicans in voter preference ahead of the US midterm elections and seek to make the contest a referendum on the president.

Trump’s approval ratings hit a new low, Democrats want US president to campaign more | Gravitas

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Oct 22) accused Iran of driving up the prices of oil ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. He claimed that the “evil regime” is making up “fake hits, mines, and everything else” in the Strait of Hormuz because more oil is coming through the strategic waterway now “than it did even prior to the beginning of the conflict”. He also lashed out at Iran for executing protesters, calling the regime “evil”.“Iran is doing everything they can to drive up the price of Oil prior to the U.S. Midterm Election,” Trump claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform. “They are even making up fake hits, mines, and everything else, because more Oil is coming through the Hormuz Strait now than it did even prior to the beginning of the Conflict.”<h2>Trump accuses Iran of killing 75,000 protesters</h2>Trump also accused Iran of killing 75,000 protesters in less than seven months. Calling the Iranian regime “truly an evil regime”, he said that he hoped the American public and rest o the world understands “how evil they are”. He also said that he was “shocked” that the world and Democrats do not seem to care about the matter.He said, “They continue to kill protestors, and anyone else that happens to be in their way. It is truly an Evil Regime, and I can only hope the American Public, and the World, understands how EVIL they are! 75,000 protestors lie dead in less than seven months. It is shocking how the World, and the Dumocrat Party, seem not to care.”<h2>‘Iran can never have nuclear weapon’</h2>Reiterating his stance on Iran’s nuclear program, Trump said that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon”.“IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, AND THEY WILL NEVER A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” the US president wrote in all caps.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of manipulating oil prices ahead of the US midterms, alleging fake attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and condemning Tehran’s crackdown on protesters and nuclear ambitions.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Oct 22) accused Iran of driving up the prices of oil ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. He claimed that the “evil regime” is making up “fake hits, mines, and everything else” in the Strait of Hormuz because more oil is coming through the strategic waterway now “than it did even prior to the beginning of the conflict”. He also lashed out at Iran for executing protesters, calling the regime “evil”. “Iran is doing everything they can to drive up the price of Oil prior to the U.S. Midterm Election,” Trump claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform. “They are even making up fake hits, mines, and everything else, because more Oil is coming through the Hormuz Strait now than it did even prior to the beginning of the Conflict.” Trump accuses Iran of killing 75,000 protesters Trump also accused Iran of killing 75,000 protesters in less than seven months. Calling the Iranian regime “truly an evil regime”, he said that he hoped the American public and rest o the world understands “how evil they are”. He also said that he was “shocked” that the world and Democrats do not seem to care about the matter. He said, “They continue to kill protestors, and anyone else that happens to be in their way. It is truly an Evil Regime, and I can only hope the American Public, and the World, understands how EVIL they are! 75,000 protestors lie dead in less than seven months. It is shocking how the World, and the Dumocrat Party, seem not to care.” ‘Iran can never have nuclear weapon’ Reiterating his stance on Iran’s nuclear program, Trump said that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon”. “IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, AND THEY WILL NEVER A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” the US president wrote in all caps.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of manipulating oil prices ahead of the US midterms, alleging fake attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and condemning Tehran’s crackdown on protesters and nuclear ambitions.

‘Fake hits, mines’ in Hormuz? Trump accuses Iran of driving up oil prices ahead of US midterms

Poland’s biggest private defence company is seeking to expand its footprint in India, with its co-owner predicting that WB Group drones will be manufactured in the country as early as next year.&nbsp;Adam Bartosiewicz, vice-president and co-owner of WB Group (also known as WB Electronics), spoke to WION's Sidhant Sibal while accompanying Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on a visit that included key talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. This is the first time in a decade that a Polish PM is visiting India.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’m very proud that the Prime Minister has mentioned our name in our involvement in the defence of India,” Mr Bartosiewicz said. “Similar to our involvement in the defence of Ukraine, it looks like we are everywhere.”&nbsp;WB Group has supplied loitering munitions and other unmanned systems that have seen extensive use in the Ukraine conflict. The company says this has given it more than a decade of operational experience.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/netanyahu-dials-pm-modi-invites-him-and-capt-smit-machchhar-to-light-torch-on-israel-s-independence-day-1792677210739">Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our accumulated experience from that conflict resulted not only in technologies that have been battle-proven but also it allows us to have a lot of foresight for the future [about] how drones will evolve, ”Mr Bartosiewicz said.&nbsp;He argued that India and Poland are well placed to cooperate on both drones and satellite technology, which he described as increasingly interconnected. “Those two worlds connect and in the future, it will connect even more,” he said.&nbsp;High-altitude operations and the communications challenges posed by mountainous terrain, he added, make satellite integration particularly relevant for Indian conditions.&nbsp;Mr Bartosiewicz said the company is already adapting its platforms for the Indian environment and has supplied systems previously used by the Indian military. Looking ahead, WB Group’s stated ambition is to build a substantial local presence rather than simply manufacturing abroad.&nbsp;“Our ambition is to establish WB India as the grand house of India, exactly like we have achieved… in our part of Europe,” he said. The plan includes engaging local engineering talent for joint development work, not only assembly. “Apart from just pure manufacturing processes, we will also see a lot of future for joint developments. Eventually, in the future, also independent developments in WB India.”&nbsp;Asked directly whether Indian-made WB drones would appear soon, he replied: “Yes, in the very next year. It’s not an overstatement.”&nbsp;The comments come as India and Poland seek to strengthen defence industrial cooperation amid India’s “Make in India” drive and Warsaw’s expanding role as a European defence producer. WB Group, Poland’s largest privately owned defence technology firm, has grown rapidly through exports of unmanned systems and related technologies.

Poland’s WB Group plans to manufacture drones in India as early as next year, with the company seeking deeper defence cooperation, local production and joint technology development.

Poland’s biggest private defence company is seeking to expand its footprint in India, with its co-owner predicting that WB Group drones will be manufactured in the country as early as next year. Adam Bartosiewicz, vice-president and co-owner of WB Group (also known as WB Electronics), spoke to WION's Sidhant Sibal while accompanying Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on a visit that included key talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. This is the first time in a decade that a Polish PM is visiting India. “I’m very proud that the Prime Minister has mentioned our name in our involvement in the defence of India,” Mr Bartosiewicz said. “Similar to our involvement in the defence of Ukraine, it looks like we are everywhere.” WB Group has supplied loitering munitions and other unmanned systems that have seen extensive use in the Ukraine conflict. The company says this has given it more than a decade of operational experience. Also Read: Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day “Our accumulated experience from that conflict resulted not only in technologies that have been battle-proven but also it allows us to have a lot of foresight for the future [about] how drones will evolve, ”Mr Bartosiewicz said. He argued that India and Poland are well placed to cooperate on both drones and satellite technology, which he described as increasingly interconnected. “Those two worlds connect and in the future, it will connect even more,” he said. High-altitude operations and the communications challenges posed by mountainous terrain, he added, make satellite integration particularly relevant for Indian conditions. Mr Bartosiewicz said the company is already adapting its platforms for the Indian environment and has supplied systems previously used by the Indian military. Looking ahead, WB Group’s stated ambition is to build a substantial local presence rather than simply manufacturing abroad. “Our ambition is to establish WB India as the grand house of India, exactly like we have achieved… in our part of Europe,” he said. The plan includes engaging local engineering talent for joint development work, not only assembly. “Apart from just pure manufacturing processes, we will also see a lot of future for joint developments. Eventually, in the future, also independent developments in WB India.” Asked directly whether Indian-made WB drones would appear soon, he replied: “Yes, in the very next year. It’s not an overstatement.” The comments come as India and Poland seek to strengthen defence industrial cooperation amid India’s “Make in India” drive and Warsaw’s expanding role as a European defence producer. WB Group, Poland’s largest privately owned defence technology firm, has grown rapidly through exports of unmanned systems and related technologies.

Poland’s WB Group plans to manufacture drones in India as early as next year, with the company seeking deeper defence cooperation, local production and joint technology development.

Poland's biggest defence firm WB Group eyes deeper India ties as Tusk visits New Delhi

At least 16 people were killed and 32 others injured after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck China’s remote Tibet region, state news agency Xinhua reported, citing local authorities. The earthquake struck at 10:33 pm on Thursday (October 22), caused more than 300 houses to collapse. Officials were continuing to assess the damage, while disaster relief operations remained underway, Xinhua said.&nbsp;According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicentre was in a mountainous area approximately 190 kilometres (120 miles) east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the regional capital. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, according to the agency. Authorities activated a Level-II earthquake disaster emergency response in the affected area, Xinhua reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/two-brahmos-missiles-on-tejas-triple-the-range-and-100-indigenisation-says-former-brahmos-ceo-1792691935445">Two BrahMos missiles on Tejas, triple the range and 100% indigenisation, says former BrahMos CEO</a>&nbsp;The epicentre was located in Maru township in Baqen county. Township deputy head Lhawang Dagpo told Xinhua that the tremor was clearly felt inside the township office, where cracks appeared in the walls. The earthquake also disrupted electricity and telecommunications services in the county seat, according to Xinhua. Earthquakes are relatively common in China, where seismic activity has repeatedly caused casualties and widespread damage. In January 2025, at least 126 people were killed when an earthquake struck the rural Tingri county in Tibet. The quake has brought back memories of a devastating earthquake in the region in 2010. A magnitude 7.1 tremor struck Yushu, in neighbouring Qinghai province, around 280 km away from the latest epicentre. The disaster killed at least 2,698 people, while nearly 300 others remained missing. The earthquake comes weeks after flash floods and landslides devastated areas along the Nepal-China border on August 26, 2026, leaving more than 1,400 people dead and thousands missing, according to updated figures.

A magnitude 7 earthquake struck northern Tibet’s Nagqu region at a depth of 10 km on Thursday night, with tremors clearly felt locally. The epicentre was around 400 km from Lhasa.

At least 16 people were killed and 32 others injured after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck China’s remote Tibet region, state news agency Xinhua reported, citing local authorities. The earthquake struck at 10:33 pm on Thursday (October 22), caused more than 300 houses to collapse. Officials were continuing to assess the damage, while disaster relief operations remained underway, Xinhua said. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicentre was in a mountainous area approximately 190 kilometres (120 miles) east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the regional capital. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, according to the agency. Authorities activated a Level-II earthquake disaster emergency response in the affected area, Xinhua reported. Also Read: Two BrahMos missiles on Tejas, triple the range and 100% indigenisation, says former BrahMos CEO The epicentre was located in Maru township in Baqen county. Township deputy head Lhawang Dagpo told Xinhua that the tremor was clearly felt inside the township office, where cracks appeared in the walls. The earthquake also disrupted electricity and telecommunications services in the county seat, according to Xinhua. Earthquakes are relatively common in China, where seismic activity has repeatedly caused casualties and widespread damage. In January 2025, at least 126 people were killed when an earthquake struck the rural Tingri county in Tibet. The quake has brought back memories of a devastating earthquake in the region in 2010. A magnitude 7.1 tremor struck Yushu, in neighbouring Qinghai province, around 280 km away from the latest epicentre. The disaster killed at least 2,698 people, while nearly 300 others remained missing. The earthquake comes weeks after flash floods and landslides devastated areas along the Nepal-China border on August 26, 2026, leaving more than 1,400 people dead and thousands missing, according to updated figures.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, killing 16 people, injuring 32 and collapsing more than 300 houses as rescue operations continued

At least 16 dead, 32 injured after strong 7-magnitude earthquake strikes Tibet weeks after deadly flash floods

The United States is set to get 850 fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets under a 10-year agreement announced by the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin on Thursday. The deal aims to expand aircraft production and strengthen the US defence industrial base, although its financial value has not been disclosed.&nbsp;The agreement, which requires congressional approval and funding, is part of the Pentagon's effort to boost weapons production through long-term contracts.&nbsp;The deal "cements (the plane's) role as the free world's key frontline fighter for years ahead," Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet said.<h3>Lockheed to invest $7 billion in F-35 programme</h3>Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will invest $7 billion in projects supporting the F-35 programme and produce 156 aircraft annually. The deal also covers initial spare parts, 10 years of modification kits and maintenance support, as well as international customer orders.&nbsp;Pentagon acquisition official Michael Duffey said the agreement would help strengthen the US defence industry.&nbsp;"We have fundamentally changed how we stabilise the American defence industrial base to produce at speed and scale," Duffey said.&nbsp;He added, "By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win."&nbsp;Lockheed said the agreement could deliver billions of dollars in savings through long-term pricing and bulk discounts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/netanyahu-dials-pm-modi-invites-him-and-capt-smit-machchhar-to-light-torch-on-israel-s-independence-day-1792677210739">Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day</a><h3>F-35 fighter jet: Features and global demand</h3>The F-35 is a fifth-generation combat aircraft developed by the United States and several allied countries. It comes in three variants, each of which can cost more than $100 million. According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,375 F-35s are based around the world.&nbsp;US forces have used the aircraft in combat during the US-Israeli war against Iran.&nbsp;The United States recently announced approval of a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, reflecting international interest in the aircraft.&nbsp;Turkey, which was expelled from the programme in 2019 after purchasing a Russian air defence system, has expressed confidence that it could regain access to the jets. Israel strongly opposes the move.&nbsp;Lockheed Martin said the F-35 programme would support more than 315,000 jobs and generate nearly $80 billion in economic activity over the next decade.&nbsp;"With the greater certainty that comes from the US government's transformative approach to F-35 production and sustainment, we can make the upfront investments needed to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient supply chain," Taiclet said.&nbsp;"That's good for the taxpayer, good for our suppliers and, most importantly, good for the United States and its allies," he added.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have announced a 10-year framework agreement to produce 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets, with a $7 billion investment from the company to support the programme.

The United States is set to get 850 fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets under a 10-year agreement announced by the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin on Thursday. The deal aims to expand aircraft production and strengthen the US defence industrial base, although its financial value has not been disclosed. The agreement, which requires congressional approval and funding, is part of the Pentagon's effort to boost weapons production through long-term contracts. The deal "cements (the plane's) role as the free world's key frontline fighter for years ahead," Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet said. Lockheed to invest $7 billion in F-35 programme Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will invest $7 billion in projects supporting the F-35 programme and produce 156 aircraft annually. The deal also covers initial spare parts, 10 years of modification kits and maintenance support, as well as international customer orders. Pentagon acquisition official Michael Duffey said the agreement would help strengthen the US defence industry. "We have fundamentally changed how we stabilise the American defence industrial base to produce at speed and scale," Duffey said. He added, "By aligning financial incentives with actual performance, we are ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the lethal capabilities they need to fight and win." Lockheed said the agreement could deliver billions of dollars in savings through long-term pricing and bulk discounts. Also Read: Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day F-35 fighter jet: Features and global demand The F-35 is a fifth-generation combat aircraft developed by the United States and several allied countries. It comes in three variants, each of which can cost more than $100 million. According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,375 F-35s are based around the world. US forces have used the aircraft in combat during the US-Israeli war against Iran. The United States recently announced approval of a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, reflecting international interest in the aircraft. Turkey, which was expelled from the programme in 2019 after purchasing a Russian air defence system, has expressed confidence that it could regain access to the jets. Israel strongly opposes the move. Lockheed Martin said the F-35 programme would support more than 315,000 jobs and generate nearly $80 billion in economic activity over the next decade. "With the greater certainty that comes from the US government's transformative approach to F-35 production and sustainment, we can make the upfront investments needed to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient supply chain," Taiclet said. "That's good for the taxpayer, good for our suppliers and, most importantly, good for the United States and its allies," he added.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have announced a 10-year framework agreement to produce 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets, with a $7 billion investment from the company to support the programme.

US to get 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets under 10-year Pentagon-Lockheed deal

French authorities on Thursday (Oct 22) moved to impose bans or restrictions on demonstrations in several cities ahead of planned weekend rallies. This comes days after protests over the rising cost of living turned violent. Looting, arson and clashes with police have put the government under pressure to restore order, while its decision to ban some marches has triggered a separate row over the right to protest.President Emmanuel Macron announced tighter security measures on Thursday, including curfews and restrictions on groups seeking to organise protests without what he called “legitimacy”. He said the immediate goal was to calm the situation before another round of nationwide demonstrations planned for Saturday.“The priority is a return to calm,” Macron said after meeting ministers and intelligence officials. He is due to chair another defence council meeting on Friday to determine the government’s response.<h2>Police restrictions spark fresh dispute</h2>The measures have already drawn objections from student leaders and protest organisers. Police in Paris banned a student demonstration on Thursday, while authorities in Lyon prohibited all protests scheduled for Saturday. Grenoble, Rouen, Le Havre and Toulon also announced restrictions in city centres.In Paris, police said Saturday’s march could proceed from Bastille in the east of the capital but would not be allowed to enter the city centre, where major public buildings and shops are located.Coppelia Moreau, a university student leader, accused the authorities of dividing demonstrators into acceptable and unacceptable groups.“What we are seeing is a government that doesn't want any demonstrations at all. That goes against the right to demonstrate,” she said, as quoted by AFP. Lawyers have challenged the Paris ban in court.The Yellow Vest movement and unions organising the rallies also rejected the restrictions. Benjamin Ball, who maintains an online map of planned demonstrations, said organisers would not accept the order.<h2>Arrests mount as political pressure grows</h2>The government’s response has drawn criticism from both ends of the political spectrum, even as arrests continue. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said 174 of the 2,500 people arrested since the unrest began had been jailed, while more than 900 were facing prosecution. Police have also arrested a 66-year-old man over the arson attack on the 19th-century town hall in Limoges. Another man, in his 30s, had been arrested earlier in the week.Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader, accused Macron’s government of failing to restore order. Jean-Luc Melenchon, a far-left candidate criticised by the government for his response to the violence, blamed what he called “non-stop brutal repression” for the unrest.Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is seeking support from across the political spectrum. He is meeting representatives of major parties and mayors to discuss the crisis, with talks with student groups planned for Monday. Despite the scale of the violence, Macron has ruled out declaring a state of emergency for now.

France has imposed protest bans and tighter security measures after violent cost-of-living demonstrations led to looting and arson, as Macron’s government faces mounting political pressure to restore order.

French authorities on Thursday (Oct 22) moved to impose bans or restrictions on demonstrations in several cities ahead of planned weekend rallies. This comes days after protests over the rising cost of living turned violent. Looting, arson and clashes with police have put the government under pressure to restore order, while its decision to ban some marches has triggered a separate row over the right to protest. President Emmanuel Macron announced tighter security measures on Thursday, including curfews and restrictions on groups seeking to organise protests without what he called “legitimacy”. He said the immediate goal was to calm the situation before another round of nationwide demonstrations planned for Saturday. “The priority is a return to calm,” Macron said after meeting ministers and intelligence officials. He is due to chair another defence council meeting on Friday to determine the government’s response. Police restrictions spark fresh dispute The measures have already drawn objections from student leaders and protest organisers. Police in Paris banned a student demonstration on Thursday, while authorities in Lyon prohibited all protests scheduled for Saturday. Grenoble, Rouen, Le Havre and Toulon also announced restrictions in city centres. In Paris, police said Saturday’s march could proceed from Bastille in the east of the capital but would not be allowed to enter the city centre, where major public buildings and shops are located. Coppelia Moreau, a university student leader, accused the authorities of dividing demonstrators into acceptable and unacceptable groups. “What we are seeing is a government that doesn't want any demonstrations at all. That goes against the right to demonstrate,” she said, as quoted by AFP. Lawyers have challenged the Paris ban in court. The Yellow Vest movement and unions organising the rallies also rejected the restrictions. Benjamin Ball, who maintains an online map of planned demonstrations, said organisers would not accept the order. Arrests mount as political pressure grows The government’s response has drawn criticism from both ends of the political spectrum, even as arrests continue. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said 174 of the 2,500 people arrested since the unrest began had been jailed, while more than 900 were facing prosecution. Police have also arrested a 66-year-old man over the arson attack on the 19th-century town hall in Limoges. Another man, in his 30s, had been arrested earlier in the week. Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader, accused Macron’s government of failing to restore order. Jean-Luc Melenchon, a far-left candidate criticised by the government for his response to the violence, blamed what he called “non-stop brutal repression” for the unrest. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is seeking support from across the political spectrum. He is meeting representatives of major parties and mayors to discuss the crisis, with talks with student groups planned for Monday. Despite the scale of the violence, Macron has ruled out declaring a state of emergency for now.

France has imposed protest bans and tighter security measures after violent cost-of-living demonstrations led to looting and arson, as Macron’s government faces mounting political pressure to restore order.

France moves to ban fresh protests as Macron faces mounting pressure

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is paying an official visit to Azerbaijan on 23 October 2026, the first stand alone visit by an Indian foreign minister since Sushma Swaraj’s trip in 2018. The Ministry of External Affairs said he would hold talks with his counterpart to "review bilateral ties".The visit follows informal talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek in September. Earlier this month, India’s new ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, presented his credentials to President Aliyev.Energy remains the mainstay of economic ties. ONGC Videsh Ltd has invested more than $1.2 billion in stakes in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil and gas fields and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. India has long been a significant buyer of Azerbaijani crude, and the two sides have explored further cooperation in hydrocarbons and related sectors. India exports rice, pharmaceuticals, machinery, electronics and processed tobacco to Azerbaijan. Direct flights operate between Delhi and Baku (14 a week) and Mumbai and Baku (7 a week).People-to-people links have expanded. In 2025 Azerbaijan received nearly 167,000 Indian tourists, making India one of its top source markets. An Indian community of professionals, students and workers lives in Baku.India recognised Azerbaijan’s independence in December 1991, with formal diplomatic relations established in February 1992. The Indian embassy in Baku opened in 1999.Relations rest on historical civilisational links, energy cooperation and growing people-to-people contacts, though they have at times been affected by differing geopolitical alignments, including India’s defence ties with Armenia and Azerbaijan’s close relationship with Pakistan.

Energy remains the mainstay of economic ties. ONGC Videsh Ltd has invested more than $1.2 billion in stakes in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil and gas fields and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. 

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is paying an official visit to Azerbaijan on 23 October 2026, the first stand alone visit by an Indian foreign minister since Sushma Swaraj’s trip in 2018. The Ministry of External Affairs said he would hold talks with his counterpart to "review bilateral ties". The visit follows informal talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek in September. Earlier this month, India’s new ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, presented his credentials to President Aliyev. Energy remains the mainstay of economic ties. ONGC Videsh Ltd has invested more than $1.2 billion in stakes in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil and gas fields and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. India has long been a significant buyer of Azerbaijani crude, and the two sides have explored further cooperation in hydrocarbons and related sectors. India exports rice, pharmaceuticals, machinery, electronics and processed tobacco to Azerbaijan. Direct flights operate between Delhi and Baku (14 a week) and Mumbai and Baku (7 a week). People-to-people links have expanded. In 2025 Azerbaijan received nearly 167,000 Indian tourists, making India one of its top source markets. An Indian community of professionals, students and workers lives in Baku. India recognised Azerbaijan’s independence in December 1991, with formal diplomatic relations established in February 1992. The Indian embassy in Baku opened in 1999. Relations rest on historical civilisational links, energy cooperation and growing people-to-people contacts, though they have at times been affected by differing geopolitical alignments, including India’s defence ties with Armenia and Azerbaijan’s close relationship with Pakistan.

Energy remains the mainstay of economic ties. ONGC Videsh Ltd has invested more than $1.2 billion in stakes in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil and gas fields and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.&nbsp;

After eight-year gap, India’s foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar to travel to Azerbaijan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and invited him to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar.&nbsp;Machchhar, a Flydubai pilot, averted a major aviation tragedy on September 30 this year. Netanyahu had earlier said that both Modi and the pilot would be invited to participate in the ceremony, an honour traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens.&nbsp;In a post on X, Netanyahu said Modi thanked him for the invitation and highlighted the close ties between the two countries.&nbsp;“Spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light the torch alongside a brave Indian pilot on Israel’s Independence Day,” Netanyahu wrote.&nbsp;He added that Modi had said India and Israel were fighting terrorism together “on land and in the air” and had praised their strong, decades-old relationship.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wanted-atlantic-ocean-renamed-trump-ocean-why-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-said-no-1792672279773">Trump wanted Atlantic Ocean renamed ‘Trump Ocean’: Why Google CEO Sundar Pichai said ‘no’?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">मैंने अपने मित्र, भारत के प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी से बात की और उन्हें इज़राइल के स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर वीर भारतीय पायलट के साथ मशाल प्रज्वलित करने के लिए आमंत्रित किया।

मोदी ने निमंत्रण के लिए मुझे धन्यवाद दिया और कहा कि ज़मीन पर और हवा में, भारत और इज़राइल आतंकवाद के ख़िलाफ़ मिलकर लड़ रहे हैं। उन्होंने हमारे बीच के मज़बूत और वर्षों पुराने संबंधों की भी सराहना की। 🇮🇱🇮🇳&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2113247736573137322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Modi and Netanyahu discuss bilateral ties</h3>Following the conversation, Modi said the two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership.&nbsp;“Received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We reviewed the sustained momentum in our bilateral ties and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our partnership,” Modi wrote on X.&nbsp;According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), both leaders welcomed the continued progress in India-Israel relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Special Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;The two leaders also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;PM Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward, the PMO statement said.

Netanyahu invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and the situation in West Asia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and invited him to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar. Machchhar, a Flydubai pilot, averted a major aviation tragedy on September 30 this year. Netanyahu had earlier said that both Modi and the pilot would be invited to participate in the ceremony, an honour traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens. In a post on X, Netanyahu said Modi thanked him for the invitation and highlighted the close ties between the two countries. “Spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light the torch alongside a brave Indian pilot on Israel’s Independence Day,” Netanyahu wrote. He added that Modi had said India and Israel were fighting terrorism together “on land and in the air” and had praised their strong, decades-old relationship. Also Read: Trump wanted Atlantic Ocean renamed ‘Trump Ocean’: Why Google CEO Sundar Pichai said ‘no’?

Netanyahu invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and the situation in West Asia.

Netanyahu dials PM Modi, invites him and Capt Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel’s Independence Day

In April 2026, four astronauts aboard the Orion capsule ended the Artemis II mission not on a runway, not on a desert plain, but in the open ocean. For the families waiting on shore, the final minutes of that journey carried as much tension as the launch itself. A rocket leaving Earth draws crowds and cheers; a capsule coming home draws quiet prayers. Both moments matter equally, because a mission is only complete when its crew is safely back among us.Once Orion settled on the waves, the crew climbed out of the capsule and onto an inflatable rescue raft. Military helicopters hovered overhead, lifted the astronauts one by one, and flew them to a Navy ship waiting nearby, where doctors examined them. The capsule itself was not left floating in the sea. Navy divers fixed a sturdy cable to it, and a winch — simply a strong motorised pulling machine — gently drew the spacecraft into a special storage bay on the ship. From there, Orion was prepared for its journey back to the Kennedy Space Center.Why do spacefaring nations choose water at all? The answer lies in the hard physics of return. When a capsule comes back from orbit and touches down, it is still moving at roughly the speed of a car on a highway. Hitting solid ground at that speed would be devastating. Water, however, yields. Think of a diver entering a swimming pool compared with falling onto concrete. The water spreads the blow over a slightly longer moment and absorbs part of the shock. That is the mercy the ocean offers.Yet a splashdown is anything but gentle. As Splash Gear Media has often reminded its readers, even with water cushioning the impact, the force that travels through the capsule is huge, and every bolt, seam and heat shield must be strong enough to take it. Engineers cannot leave this to chance, because inside sit human beings who have already survived the fire of re-entry.The sea offers one more gift: sheer size. Oceans cover most of the planet, so a returning crew has an enormous target to aim at rather than a narrow strip of land. This generosity, however, comes with its own risks. Weather is the great uncertainty. Strong winds can push a descending capsule away from its intended spot, and once it is floating, powerful currents can carry it further still. When that happens, recovery teams must begin a search across open water for both the spacecraft and the people inside it — a race in which every minute counts.History holds a sobering lesson here. In 1961, the Liberty Bell 7 capsule began taking on water after its hatch — the small door through which astronauts enter and leave — gave trouble shortly after splashdown. NASA astronaut Gus Grissom managed to get out of the sinking craft and was pulled from the sea alive. The episode taught the world that touching water is not the end of danger.That lesson shaped everything that followed. Today, the United States Navy and dedicated recovery teams take charge the moment a capsule touches water. These crews undergo special training for exactly this work, because conditions at sea can quickly turn an ordinary recovery into a difficult one. Helicopters stand ready to lift both people and hardware. Flotation collars — large inflatable rings strapped around the capsule — keep it bobbing on the surface instead of slipping beneath it, closing the very gap that nearly cost Grissom his life.Behind the Artemis II recovery lay years of quiet preparation that few people ever see. At the Langley Research Center in Virginia, NASA engineers spent several years testing different versions of the Orion capsule in water, carefully measuring what the structure and the crew would feel at the moment of impact. Data from the earlier Artemis I mission was folded into this work. Every test sharpened the computer models that predict how Orion behaves when it meets the sea, so that when real astronauts strapped in, engineers already knew what the ocean would do.For India, which is preparing its own human spaceflight ambitions, the Artemis II story is more than a distant news item. It shows that bringing people home demands as much courage, science and national will as sending them up. The ocean, vast and indifferent, becomes a partner only when human ingenuity prepares for it.

The sea offers one more gift: sheer size. Oceans cover most of the planet, so a returning crew has an enormous target to aim at rather than a narrow strip of land. This generosity, however, comes with its own risks.

In April 2026, four astronauts aboard the Orion capsule ended the Artemis II mission not on a runway, not on a desert plain, but in the open ocean. For the families waiting on shore, the final minutes of that journey carried as much tension as the launch itself. A rocket leaving Earth draws crowds and cheers; a capsule coming home draws quiet prayers. Both moments matter equally, because a mission is only complete when its crew is safely back among us. Once Orion settled on the waves, the crew climbed out of the capsule and onto an inflatable rescue raft. Military helicopters hovered overhead, lifted the astronauts one by one, and flew them to a Navy ship waiting nearby, where doctors examined them. The capsule itself was not left floating in the sea. Navy divers fixed a sturdy cable to it, and a winch — simply a strong motorised pulling machine — gently drew the spacecraft into a special storage bay on the ship. From there, Orion was prepared for its journey back to the Kennedy Space Center. Why do spacefaring nations choose water at all? The answer lies in the hard physics of return. When a capsule comes back from orbit and touches down, it is still moving at roughly the speed of a car on a highway. Hitting solid ground at that speed would be devastating. Water, however, yields. Think of a diver entering a swimming pool compared with falling onto concrete. The water spreads the blow over a slightly longer moment and absorbs part of the shock. That is the mercy the ocean offers. Yet a splashdown is anything but gentle. As Splash Gear Media has often reminded its readers, even with water cushioning the impact, the force that travels through the capsule is huge, and every bolt, seam and heat shield must be strong enough to take it. Engineers cannot leave this to chance, because inside sit human beings who have already survived the fire of re-entry. The sea offers one more gift: sheer size. Oceans cover most of the planet, so a returning crew has an enormous target to aim at rather than a narrow strip of land. This generosity, however, comes with its own risks. Weather is the great uncertainty. Strong winds can push a descending capsule away from its intended spot, and once it is floating, powerful currents can carry it further still. When that happens, recovery teams must begin a search across open water for both the spacecraft and the people inside it — a race in which every minute counts. History holds a sobering lesson here. In 1961, the Liberty Bell 7 capsule began taking on water after its hatch — the small door through which astronauts enter and leave — gave trouble shortly after splashdown. NASA astronaut Gus Grissom managed to get out of the sinking craft and was pulled from the sea alive. The episode taught the world that touching water is not the end of danger. That lesson shaped everything that followed. Today, the United States Navy and dedicated recovery teams take charge the moment a capsule touches water. These crews undergo special training for exactly this work, because conditions at sea can quickly turn an ordinary recovery into a difficult one. Helicopters stand ready to lift both people and hardware. Flotation collars — large inflatable rings strapped around the capsule — keep it bobbing on the surface instead of slipping beneath it, closing the very gap that nearly cost Grissom his life. Behind the Artemis II recovery lay years of quiet preparation that few people ever see. At the Langley Research Center in Virginia, NASA engineers spent several years testing different versions of the Orion capsule in water, carefully measuring what the structure and the crew would feel at the moment of impact. Data from the earlier Artemis I mission was folded into this work. Every test sharpened the computer models that predict how Orion behaves when it meets the sea, so that when real astronauts strapped in, engineers already knew what the ocean would do. For India, which is preparing its own human spaceflight ambitions, the Artemis II story is more than a distant news item. It shows that bringing people home demands as much courage, science and national will as sending them up. The ocean, vast and indifferent, becomes a partner only when human ingenuity prepares for it.

The sea offers one more gift: sheer size. Oceans cover most of the planet, so a returning crew has an enormous target to aim at rather than a narrow strip of land. This generosity, however, comes with its own risks.

Why astronauts land in the ocean: The science and peril of space splashdowns

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed that Saudi Arabia targeted a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea, adding that their forces are attempting to rescue those on board.&nbsp;Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, made the claim in a statement posted on X on Thursday, citing “preliminary information”. The island lies near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime passage.&nbsp;“The Saudi enemy is targeting an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island, carrying 14 people of Indian nationality, according to preliminary information. The Yemeni Armed Forces are rescuing them and will provide more details later,” Saree said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">العدو السعودي يستهدف يختاً هندياً بالقرب من جزيرة زقر وعلى متنه 14 شخصاً من الجنسية الهندية بحسب المعلومات الأولية. 
القوات المسلحة اليمنية تقوم بإنقاذهم وستقدم المزيد من التفاصيل لاحقاً، وهذا التصرف الأرعن للعدو السعودي بهذا الاستهداف يهدد الملاحة الدولية في البحر الأحمر وعلى المجتمع الدولي إيقاف العدو السعودي عن هذه التصرفات الطائشة.&mdash; العميد/ يحيى سريع (@Yah_Saree) <a href="https://x.com/Yah_Saree/status/2113209931541143558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
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He alleged that the incident threatened international navigation and called on the international community to intervene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The statement did not mention any casualties, and the allegation had not been independently confirmed in the information provided.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/completely-unacceptable-india-condemns-attacks-on-saudi-airport-oil-field-1-indian-killed-3-injured-1792669677012">‘Completely unacceptable’: India condemns attacks on Saudi airport, oil field; 1 Indian killed, 3 injured</a><h2>Indian national killed in Dammam Airport attack</h2>The claim comes amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. On Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said that one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in an attack on Dammam Airport in eastern Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;India condemned the attacks on its nationals and infrastructure in the country. However, authorities have not identified those responsible for the airport attack or provided further details. The Houthis have not commented on the incident.<h2>Aramco evacuates staff as attacks intensify</h2>Meanwhile, Saudi oil giant Aramco asked remaining staff to evacuate its headquarters on Thursday as disruptions linked to the ongoing attacks deepened, AFP reported, citing two sources.&nbsp;Non-essential employees had already been working remotely after the headquarters in eastern Saudi Arabia was hit last week, three sources told AFP, speaking anonymously for security reasons.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia also said it had intercepted four drones in the Riyadh area and near the holy city of Medina.&nbsp;The latest developments follow the collapse in July of a years-long truce in Yemen’s civil war. The Iran-backed Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.&nbsp;The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and have attacked ships, Saudi territory and oil facilities. In September, they launched a major offensive and seized territory held by the Yemeni government along the Red Sea coast.

Yemen’s Houthis have alleged that Saudi Arabia targeted a yacht carrying 14 Indians near Zuqar Island as attacks on Saudi territory and oil infrastructure intensify, with one Indian national also reported killed in an attack on Dammam Airport.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed that Saudi Arabia targeted a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea, adding that their forces are attempting to rescue those on board. Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, made the claim in a statement posted on X on Thursday, citing “preliminary information”. The island lies near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime passage. “The Saudi enemy is targeting an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island, carrying 14 people of Indian nationality, according to preliminary information. The Yemeni Armed Forces are rescuing them and will provide more details later,” Saree said.

Yemen’s Houthis have alleged that Saudi Arabia targeted a yacht carrying 14 Indians near Zuqar Island as attacks on Saudi territory and oil infrastructure intensify, with one Indian national also reported killed in an attack on Dammam Airport.

Saudi Arabia targeted yacht carrying 14 Indians in Red Sea, rescue underway, Houthis claim

China’s mainland-listed shares experienced a technical 'bear' market on Thursday (October 22), after the country’s benchmark CSI 300 index fell by 20 per cent from its June peak. The index tracks the stocks of the 300 largest listed companies on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, which experienced a sharp decline for 10 consecutive weeks and lost nearly 3 per cent so far this week. On Thursday itself, the index fell more than 1 per cent. The sharp reversal of China's stock market indicates that even an artificial intelligence (AI) boom is unable to keep investors excited for a long period. The sell-off has also extended to Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies, prompting a gauge tracking major stocks in the city to drop nearly 2.9 per cent. The development reflects the growing nervousness hovering over China's economic outlook and technology shares.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-time-i-m-not-doing-it-trump-reveals-google-ceo-refused-his-atlantic-ocean-renaming-idea-1792668305153">'This time I’m not doing it': Trump reveals Google CEO refused his Atlantic Ocean renaming idea</a><h3>China's priority remains technological advancement&nbsp;</h3>According to Reuters, Beijing’s October 22 deadline for affluent individuals to declare and pay tax on offshore trust income may have pushed some investors to sell shares to raise cash. Julius Baer economist Sophie Altermatt was quoted as saying the government’s priority remains on technological advancement, industrial upgrading and greater self-sufficiency rather than short-term growth stimulus. Market participants cited in the report also pointed to tighter tax policies as an additional drag on equities in the near term. Compounding the pressure, China’s economy, the world’s second-largest, grew at its weakest pace in more than three years during the second quarter, weighed down by a prolonged property-sector downturn and persistent softness in consumer spending. Sluggish corporate earnings growth has further unsettled investors.&nbsp;The correction has raised several questions in terms of Chinese equities, asking whether these are getting attractive at lower valuations. However, weaker consumption, fading stimulus expectations and uncertainty related to technology stocks continue to weigh on investor sentiment.

The index tracks the stocks of the 300 largest listed companies on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, which experienced a sharp decline for 10 consecutive weeks and lost nearly 3 per cent so far this week.

China’s mainland-listed shares experienced a technical 'bear' market on Thursday (October 22), after the country’s benchmark CSI 300 index fell by 20 per cent from its June peak. The index tracks the stocks of the 300 largest listed companies on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, which experienced a sharp decline for 10 consecutive weeks and lost nearly 3 per cent so far this week. On Thursday itself, the index fell more than 1 per cent. The sharp reversal of China's stock market indicates that even an artificial intelligence (AI) boom is unable to keep investors excited for a long period. The sell-off has also extended to Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies, prompting a gauge tracking major stocks in the city to drop nearly 2.9 per cent. The development reflects the growing nervousness hovering over China's economic outlook and technology shares. Also read: 'This time I’m not doing it': Trump reveals Google CEO refused his Atlantic Ocean renaming idea China's priority remains technological advancement According to Reuters, Beijing’s October 22 deadline for affluent individuals to declare and pay tax on offshore trust income may have pushed some investors to sell shares to raise cash. Julius Baer economist Sophie Altermatt was quoted as saying the government’s priority remains on technological advancement, industrial upgrading and greater self-sufficiency rather than short-term growth stimulus. Market participants cited in the report also pointed to tighter tax policies as an additional drag on equities in the near term. Compounding the pressure, China’s economy, the world’s second-largest, grew at its weakest pace in more than three years during the second quarter, weighed down by a prolonged property-sector downturn and persistent softness in consumer spending. Sluggish corporate earnings growth has further unsettled investors. The correction has raised several questions in terms of Chinese equities, asking whether these are getting attractive at lower valuations. However, weaker consumption, fading stimulus expectations and uncertainty related to technology stocks continue to weigh on investor sentiment.

The index tracks the stocks of the 300 largest listed companies on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, which experienced a sharp decline for 10 consecutive weeks and lost nearly 3 per cent so far this week.

China's stock market plunges 20% from June peak, CSI 300 index enters 'bear' market

US President Donald Trump has recalled asking Google CEO Sundar Pichai to rename the Atlantic Ocean as “Trump Ocean” on Google Maps, claiming that the tech giant rejected his proposal.&nbsp;Speaking at a campaign rally in South Carolina on Wednesday, Trump described Pichai as a “brilliant guy” and recounted their conversation about changing the ocean's name.&nbsp;“I called Google Maps to change the name of the Atlantic Ocean to Trump Ocean. Sundar said, ‘No, no, no,’” Trump said.&nbsp;According to Trump, Pichai explained that the company could not make the change because oceans span multiple countries.&nbsp;“He said, ‘Oceans are different, sir. You know, they cover a lot of countries,’” Trump recalled.&nbsp;Trump also claimed he had shared an image showing the proposed name with the company. However, he said Google made it clear that it would not fulfil his request.&nbsp;The US President later said the suggestion was intended as a joke, adding that it was not among the worst ideas he had proposed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump:

I called Google Maps to change the name of the Atlantic Ocean to Trump Ocean.

Sundar said, “No, no, no. This time I'm not doing it.” He said, “Oceans are different, sir. They cover a lot of countries. Please don't ask us to do that.”

So we'll probably pass. Let's keep it the Atlantic Ocean.&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2113055970834215333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/badr-mou-pakistan-signs-another-defence-pact-even-as-makkah-alliance-shows-no-teeth-this-time-it-s-with-qatar-indonesia-turkey-1792657362378">Pakistan signs another defence pact even as Makkah Alliance shows no teeth. This time, it's with Qatar, Indonesia, Turkey</a>&nbsp;<h2>Trump’s efforts to plaster his name everywhere &nbsp;</h2>Trump's efforts to attach his name to prominent places and government initiatives have extended beyond geographical features. In Florida, state officials renamed Palm Beach International Airport, near his Mar-a-Lago resort, as President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The airport's flight code was also changed to DJT, while a nearby access road was named President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.&nbsp;His administration has also pursued changes involving major national institutions. These include renaming the US Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Centre, as well as plans for a President Donald J. Trump Ballroom at the White House.&nbsp;Trump's name has also featured in defence, healthcare and economic initiatives. The administration introduced the proposed Trump-class battleships for the US Navy, named the Air Force's next-generation fighter the F-47 in reference to Trump's position as the 47th US president, and launched the TrumpRx prescription drug portal.&nbsp;Other initiatives included the Trump Gold Card visa programme for wealthy investors and Form 4547, associated with the administration's tax-related initiatives and Trump's non-consecutive terms as the 45th and 47th president.<h3>Trump’s previous renaming proposals</h3>Earlier this month, Trump floated the idea of renaming either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean as “Trump Ocean” or the “Ocean of the Americas” during a campaign rally in Clarksville, Tennessee.&nbsp;The proposal is part of a broader series of renaming initiatives pursued during Trump's second presidential term. After returning to the White House, he signed an executive order directing the US government to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and restore Alaska's Mount Denali to its former name, Mount McKinley. The administration also proposed calling Lake Ontario “Lake America”.&nbsp;Google Maps adopted the Gulf of America label for users in the United States, triggering strong opposition from Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mocked Trump's decision by suggesting that the entire North American continent should instead be renamed “América Mexicana”.&nbsp;Trump's administration has also pursued changes to military base names. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signed orders restoring names including Fort Bragg, Fort Benning and Fort Hood, reversing earlier renaming decisions.

Donald Trump recalled how Google CEO Sundar Pichai rejected his suggestion to rename the Atlantic Ocean “Trump Ocean” on Google Maps, citing the ocean's international reach.

US President Donald Trump has recalled asking Google CEO Sundar Pichai to rename the Atlantic Ocean as “Trump Ocean” on Google Maps, claiming that the tech giant rejected his proposal. Speaking at a campaign rally in South Carolina on Wednesday, Trump described Pichai as a “brilliant guy” and recounted their conversation about changing the ocean's name. “I called Google Maps to change the name of the Atlantic Ocean to Trump Ocean. Sundar said, ‘No, no, no,’” Trump said. According to Trump, Pichai explained that the company could not make the change because oceans span multiple countries. “He said, ‘Oceans are different, sir. You know, they cover a lot of countries,’” Trump recalled. Trump also claimed he had shared an image showing the proposed name with the company. However, he said Google made it clear that it would not fulfil his request. The US President later said the suggestion was intended as a joke, adding that it was not among the worst ideas he had proposed.

Donald Trump recalled how Google CEO Sundar Pichai rejected his suggestion to rename the Atlantic Ocean “Trump Ocean” on Google Maps, citing the ocean's international reach.

Trump’s bid to put his name on everything: This time, it was Atlantic Ocean; a look at past efforts

India on Thursday (Oct 22) strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and the Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on Wednesday (Oct 21). The Ministry of External Affairs raised concerns over Houthi strikes on the kingdom’s civilian and energy infrastructure, saying that these attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. One Indian national was killed, while three others were injured in the attacks.In a statement, the ministry said, “We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21. These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.”<h2>Indian national killed, three injured</h2>In the attack on Dammam airport, one Indian national was killed, and two others were injured. Another Indian national was injured in the Shaybah oil field attack. The MEA expressed condolences to the bereaved family and wished speedy recovery of those wounded. It added that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities and would provide necessary assistance.“One Indian national unfortunately died and two others were injured in the attack on Dammam airport, while another Indian national was injured in the attack on the Shaybah oil field,” the MEA said. “We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish speedy recovery to those injured. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities and will provide all possible assistance.”<h2>‘Attacks must cease immediately’</h2>Reiterating India’s stance, MEA said that attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are “completely unacceptable and must cease immediately”. It added, “We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest.”&nbsp;

India condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Dammam airport and Shaybah oil field after one Indian national was killed and three others were injured, calling for an immediate halt to strikes on civilian infrastructure.

India on Thursday (Oct 22) strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and the Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on Wednesday (Oct 21). The Ministry of External Affairs raised concerns over Houthi strikes on the kingdom’s civilian and energy infrastructure, saying that these attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. One Indian national was killed, while three others were injured in the attacks. In a statement, the ministry said, “We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21. These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.” Indian national killed, three injured In the attack on Dammam airport, one Indian national was killed, and two others were injured. Another Indian national was injured in the Shaybah oil field attack. The MEA expressed condolences to the bereaved family and wished speedy recovery of those wounded. It added that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities and would provide necessary assistance. “One Indian national unfortunately died and two others were injured in the attack on Dammam airport, while another Indian national was injured in the attack on the Shaybah oil field,” the MEA said. “We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish speedy recovery to those injured. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities and will provide all possible assistance.” ‘Attacks must cease immediately’ Reiterating India’s stance, MEA said that attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are “completely unacceptable and must cease immediately”. It added, “We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest.”

India condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Dammam airport and Shaybah oil field after one Indian national was killed and three others were injured, calling for an immediate halt to strikes on civilian infrastructure.

‘Completely unacceptable’: India condemns attacks on Saudi airport, oil field; 1 Indian killed, 3 injured

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