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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>
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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

US President Donald Trump revealed he discussed the idea of renaming the Atlantic Ocean on Google Maps with Google CEO Sundar Pichai; however, the company showed little enthusiasm for the idea. Trump's remark came while addressing a rally in South Carolina on October 21, where he also joked about rebranding the Pacific Ocean as the “American Ocean” and mused over how European leaders might react to such a move. Trump said he had weighed renaming the Atlantic Ocean but ultimately decided to discuss the idea after speaking to Pichai. He also referred to a previous decision by Google to display the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US-based Google Maps users. While addressing the rally, Trump recounted his conversation with Pichai, calling him a “brilliant guy”, about the proposal.

“And I said, Sundar, I’m thinking of the Atlantic Ocean. Can you handle it?” Trump said. In response, Pichai said, “No, no, no. This time I’m not doing it. Oceans are different, sir. You know, they cover a lot of… They cover really a lot of countries. Please don’t ask us to do that.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/it-s-a-crime-not-to-see-this-scene-tehran-puts-trump-behind-bars-1792648664879">'It's a crime not to see this scene': Tehran puts Trump ‘behind bars’</a><h3>Trump mentions Google co-founder Sergey Brin</h3>While appreciating the company's leadership, Trump also mentioned Google co-founder Sergey Brin. “So we seriously looked at the Atlantic Ocean, and I called Google Maps, who were really great with the lake,” Trump said to supporters at Clemson. “And I spoke to a brilliant guy, Sundar. He heads all of Google. He’s a brilliant guy. Sergey and Sundar, totally brilliant guys,” he said, apparently referring to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. “And, you know, they’re still rattled from the Gulf.” The US President then indicated he might abandon the proposal to rename the Atlantic Ocean. “So I’ll probably pass. Should I pass? I think let’s keep it the Atlantic Ocean, right?” Trump said. He did, however, raise the idea of renaming the Pacific Ocean, asking the audience how Europe might react to such a move. “We’re going to call it the American Ocean. How do you think Europe would fit?” he said. Trump added that he only favoured the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and had no intention of attaching his name or his country’s name to any other body of water.

Trump said he had weighed renaming the Atlantic Ocean but ultimately decided to discuss the idea after speaking to Pichai. He also referred to a previous decision by Google to display the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US-based Google Maps users.

US President Donald Trump revealed he discussed the idea of renaming the Atlantic Ocean on Google Maps with Google CEO Sundar Pichai; however, the company showed little enthusiasm for the idea. Trump's remark came while addressing a rally in South Carolina on October 21, where he also joked about rebranding the Pacific Ocean as the “American Ocean” and mused over how European leaders might react to such a move. Trump said he had weighed renaming the Atlantic Ocean but ultimately decided to discuss the idea after speaking to Pichai. He also referred to a previous decision by Google to display the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US-based Google Maps users. While addressing the rally, Trump recounted his conversation with Pichai, calling him a “brilliant guy”, about the proposal.

Trump said he had weighed renaming the Atlantic Ocean but ultimately decided to discuss the idea after speaking to Pichai. He also referred to a previous decision by Google to display the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US-based Google Maps users.

'This time I’m not doing it': Trump reveals Google CEO refused his Atlantic Ocean renaming idea

After US universities were asked by the Department of Defense to cut review research cooperation with foreign institutions, universities in America have scaled back ties with Chinese universities. Pentagon argues that the move will prevent research output from leaking abroad. China objected the step as a move to block normal academic exchanges.&nbsp;All 30 unnamed higher education institutions, part of initial research security audits, were issued “formal notifications” in August by the US Department of Defense.&nbsp;“Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation,” said Joseph Jewell, assistant secretary of defense for science and technology, in August.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-wants-pulitzer-for-writing-after-nobel-peace-prize-dream-goes-in-vain-watch-1792649951311">Trump wants Pulitzer for writing after Nobel Peace Prize dream goes in vain | WATCH</a>&nbsp;According to South China Morning Post, the review also covered partnerships with entities the department considered as national security risks. The list includes 130 organizations, including Chinese universities and institutions in Russia and Iran.&nbsp;The American universities were warned by the Department of Defense of stopping federal research funding if they failed to abide by the instructions and fail to meet research security standards.&nbsp;The first-round review of the universities led to more than 80 actions in connection with terminating partnerships. No specifics were given by DOD about which universities cut ties with which institutions. Though, seven universities, including Virginia Tech, were said to be taking swift action.&nbsp;The monitoring of universities' overseas research collaborations is expected to continue after this first review.&nbsp;China is protesting the move saying that US is limiting academic exchanges on the grounds of national security and "turning academic exchanges into a political issue." It argues that scientific research requires an open environment, and blocking normal exchanges will not only harm China but also US researchers and universities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All 30 unnamed higher education institutions, part of initial research security audits, were issued “formal notifications” in August by DOD.

After US universities were asked by the Department of Defense to cut review research cooperation with foreign institutions, universities in America have scaled back ties with Chinese universities. Pentagon argues that the move will prevent research output from leaking abroad. China objected the step as a move to block normal academic exchanges. All 30 unnamed higher education institutions, part of initial research security audits, were issued “formal notifications” in August by the US Department of Defense. “Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation,” said Joseph Jewell, assistant secretary of defense for science and technology, in August. ALSO READ: Trump wants Pulitzer for writing after Nobel Peace Prize dream goes in vain | WATCH According to South China Morning Post, the review also covered partnerships with entities the department considered as national security risks. The list includes 130 organizations, including Chinese universities and institutions in Russia and Iran. The American universities were warned by the Department of Defense of stopping federal research funding if they failed to abide by the instructions and fail to meet research security standards. The first-round review of the universities led to more than 80 actions in connection with terminating partnerships. No specifics were given by DOD about which universities cut ties with which institutions. Though, seven universities, including Virginia Tech, were said to be taking swift action. The monitoring of universities' overseas research collaborations is expected to continue after this first review. China is protesting the move saying that US is limiting academic exchanges on the grounds of national security and "turning academic exchanges into a political issue." It argues that scientific research requires an open environment, and blocking normal exchanges will not only harm China but also US researchers and universities.

All 30 unnamed higher education institutions, part of initial research security audits, were issued “formal notifications” in August by DOD.

US universities scale back ties with China amid pressure from Pentagon

Texas is heading into the November 3 midterm elections with three major statewide contests that could prove to be a telling measure of whether Hispanic voters who moved towards Republicans in 2024 are now ready to shift back to Democrats. The Senate, governor and attorney general races provide three different tests of that question, even as Republicans retain a structural advantage in the state.The shift is visible in polling. A survey of Hispanic likely voters conducted for The Cook Political Report and TelevisaUnivision between August 26 and September 3 found Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton 63 to 30 per cent in the Senate race. In the governor’s contest, Democrat Gina Hinojosa led incumbent Greg Abbott 60 to 33 per cent.Those numbers are a sharp contrast with 2024, when Donald Trump won Texas Hispanic voters by 10 percentage points, according to the same polling analysis. But support among one demographic group does not automatically translate into statewide victories. The three races will test whether Democrats can broaden their coalition and turn that support into votes across Texas.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-us-midterm-bribe-5-000-dividend-1-2-trillion-promise-fiscal-hawks-and-the-voters-who-want-the-cheque-but-don-t-expect-it-1792228505050">US Midterms: Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend as economists call it a 'half-baked political scheme'. Can a Republican win guarantee it?</a><h2>Senate: Talarico faces Paxton as Republicans confront divisions</h2>Talarico, a Democratic state representative, is challenging Paxton, the state attorney general who won the Republican nomination after defeating Senator John Cornyn in a primary runoff. The contest has become one of the closely watched Senate races of the cycle. Recent polling has shown a tight statewide contest, despite Talarico’s advantage among Hispanic voters.The campaign has also exposed divisions within the Republican establishment. Neil Bush, the son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of George W. Bush, said he had voted early for Talarico, citing concerns about Paxton’s record and praise for the Democrat’s character. Barbara Bush, George W. Bush’s daughter, donated $2,500 to a political action committee supporting Talarico, according to campaign finance records reported by Houston Public Media.<h2>Governor: Hinojosa tests Abbott’s support among Hispanic voters</h2>Republican Governor Abbott is seeking another term against Democratic state Representative Hinojosa. The Cook Political Report-TelevisaUnivision survey found Hinojosa ahead among Hispanic likely voters by 27 points, despite Abbott winning 40 per cent of the Hispanic vote in his 2022 re-election campaign.The statewide picture is much closer. The University of Texas Texas Politics Project’s poll tracker showed Abbott and Hinojosa trading narrow leads across surveys, with several October polls putting Abbott ahead and others giving Hinojosa a small advantage. The contest will test whether Democrats can turn gains among Hispanic voters into a broader statewide coalition.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-trump-s-failed-gamble-inside-the-missouri-map-battle-that-went-all-the-way-to-the-supreme-court-1791884336872">US Midterms 2026: Trump's failed gamble? Inside the Missouri map battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court</a><h2>Attorney general: Does the shift extend down the ballot?</h2>The third contest pits Republican state Senator Mayes Middleton against Democratic state Senator Nathan Johnson for the attorney general’s office, which Paxton is leaving to run for the Senate. A September survey by Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center put Middleton at 47 per cent and Johnson at 42 per cent. Other polls have shown a closer race, including a University of Texas survey that gave Johnson a narrow lead.<h2>Texas elections: One state, three tests</h2>Notably, Texas has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate since 1988, and Republicans have held the governor’s office since 1995. The three races therefore carry significance beyond the individual candidates: they will show whether Democrats can make gains among Hispanic voters while also persuading enough voters from other groups to compete statewide.

Texas’s Senate, governor and attorney general races are testing whether Hispanic voters who backed Republicans in 2024 are shifting back to Democrats. Polls show strong Democratic leads among Hispanic voters, but is a statewide win possible?

Texas is heading into the November 3 midterm elections with three major statewide contests that could prove to be a telling measure of whether Hispanic voters who moved towards Republicans in 2024 are now ready to shift back to Democrats. The Senate, governor and attorney general races provide three different tests of that question, even as Republicans retain a structural advantage in the state. The shift is visible in polling. A survey of Hispanic likely voters conducted for The Cook Political Report and TelevisaUnivision between August 26 and September 3 found Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton 63 to 30 per cent in the Senate race. In the governor’s contest, Democrat Gina Hinojosa led incumbent Greg Abbott 60 to 33 per cent. Those numbers are a sharp contrast with 2024, when Donald Trump won Texas Hispanic voters by 10 percentage points, according to the same polling analysis. But support among one demographic group does not automatically translate into statewide victories. The three races will test whether Democrats can broaden their coalition and turn that support into votes across Texas. Also read | US Midterms: Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend as economists call it a 'half-baked political scheme'. Can a Republican win guarantee it? Senate: Talarico faces Paxton as Republicans confront divisions Talarico, a Democratic state representative, is challenging Paxton, the state attorney general who won the Republican nomination after defeating Senator John Cornyn in a primary runoff. The contest has become one of the closely watched Senate races of the cycle. Recent polling has shown a tight statewide contest, despite Talarico’s advantage among Hispanic voters. The campaign has also exposed divisions within the Republican establishment. Neil Bush, the son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of George W. Bush, said he had voted early for Talarico, citing concerns about Paxton’s record and praise for the Democrat’s character. Barbara Bush, George W. Bush’s daughter, donated $2,500 to a political action committee supporting Talarico, according to campaign finance records reported by Houston Public Media. Governor: Hinojosa tests Abbott’s support among Hispanic voters Republican Governor Abbott is seeking another term against Democratic state Representative Hinojosa. The Cook Political Report-TelevisaUnivision survey found Hinojosa ahead among Hispanic likely voters by 27 points, despite Abbott winning 40 per cent of the Hispanic vote in his 2022 re-election campaign. The statewide picture is much closer. The University of Texas Texas Politics Project’s poll tracker showed Abbott and Hinojosa trading narrow leads across surveys, with several October polls putting Abbott ahead and others giving Hinojosa a small advantage. The contest will test whether Democrats can turn gains among Hispanic voters into a broader statewide coalition. Also read | US Midterms 2026: Trump's failed gamble? Inside the Missouri map battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court Attorney general: Does the shift extend down the ballot? The third contest pits Republican state Senator Mayes Middleton against Democratic state Senator Nathan Johnson for the attorney general’s office, which Paxton is leaving to run for the Senate. A September survey by Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center put Middleton at 47 per cent and Johnson at 42 per cent. Other polls have shown a closer race, including a University of Texas survey that gave Johnson a narrow lead. Texas elections: One state, three tests Notably, Texas has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate since 1988, and Republicans have held the governor’s office since 1995. The three races therefore carry significance beyond the individual candidates: they will show whether Democrats can make gains among Hispanic voters while also persuading enough voters from other groups to compete statewide.

Texas’s Senate, governor and attorney general races are testing whether Hispanic voters who backed Republicans in 2024 are shifting back to Democrats. Polls show strong Democratic leads among Hispanic voters, but is a statewide win possible?

US midterms 2026: Texas hasn't elected a Democratic senator since 1988. Can Nov 3 elections change that?

Websites around the world are facing a serious cybersecurity alert after researchers identified two critical vulnerabilities in PHP, the programming language used to run web applications. The flaws, known as PHP2Shell, could allow attackers to execute malicious code on affected servers without needing login credentials.&nbsp;&nbsp;OpenAI says its GPT-5.6 Sol model helped identify one of the vulnerabilities, while cybersecurity firm Wiz independently discovered and reported both. The PHP development team has released security updates, and India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a critical warning.&nbsp;<h2>What Is PHP2Shell And Why Is It Dangerous?</h2>The flaws are tracked as CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619. Both have a reported severity score of 9.2 out of 10 under the CVSS 4.0 system. Successful exploitation could let attackers execute code remotely or access sensitive information held in a server’s memory.&nbsp;&nbsp;In simple terms, attackers could potentially exploit a vulnerable server by sending specially crafted requests, without first signing in. Depending on the affected system, this could lead to server compromise, data exposure or changes to website content.PHP powers a substantial share of websites and web applications, making the vulnerabilities a concern for organisations using affected versions. Some government and other organisations have reportedly taken websites offline as a precaution while assessing their exposure. That does not mean every PHP-powered website has been hacked.&nbsp;<h2>Which PHP Versions Need Urgent Updates?</h2>CERT-In has warned that the vulnerabilities affect PHP versions earlier than these patched releases:&nbsp;- PHP 8.5.12- PHP 8.4.27- PHP 8.3.36- PHP 8.2.35Website owners should install the appropriate security update immediately. PHP 8.1 and older versions are no longer supported by the PHP project, so organisations using them should consult their hosting provider or software distributor about available fixes and upgrade options.&nbsp;<h2>What Should Website Owners And Users Do?</h2>Organisations should identify all PHP installations, update affected systems, check third-party applications and review server logs for suspicious activity. If an exposed system cannot be patched promptly, administrators should follow official guidance on restricting access or temporarily isolating it.&nbsp; Ordinary users do not need to stop browsing the internet. They should remain alert to suspicious links and phishing messages, avoid entering sensitive information on unfamiliar websites, and use strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication where available.The incident also highlights AI’s growing role in cybersecurity: AI tools can help researchers uncover serious weaknesses, but rapid disclosure makes timely patching and responsible security practices essential.

Two critical PHP vulnerabilities, known as PHP2Shell, could allow unauthenticated remote code execution on vulnerable servers. OpenAI says GPT-5.6 Sol helped identify one flaw. CERT-In has issued a warning, and security updates are available for affected PHP versions.

Websites around the world are facing a serious cybersecurity alert after researchers identified two critical vulnerabilities in PHP, the programming language used to run web applications. The flaws, known as PHP2Shell, could allow attackers to execute malicious code on affected servers without needing login credentials. OpenAI says its GPT-5.6 Sol model helped identify one of the vulnerabilities, while cybersecurity firm Wiz independently discovered and reported both. The PHP development team has released security updates, and India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a critical warning. What Is PHP2Shell And Why Is It Dangerous? The flaws are tracked as CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619. Both have a reported severity score of 9.2 out of 10 under the CVSS 4.0 system. Successful exploitation could let attackers execute code remotely or access sensitive information held in a server’s memory. In simple terms, attackers could potentially exploit a vulnerable server by sending specially crafted requests, without first signing in. Depending on the affected system, this could lead to server compromise, data exposure or changes to website content. PHP powers a substantial share of websites and web applications, making the vulnerabilities a concern for organisations using affected versions. Some government and other organisations have reportedly taken websites offline as a precaution while assessing their exposure. That does not mean every PHP-powered website has been hacked. Which PHP Versions Need Urgent Updates? CERT-In has warned that the vulnerabilities affect PHP versions earlier than these patched releases: - PHP 8.5.12 - PHP 8.4.27 - PHP 8.3.36 - PHP 8.2.35 Website owners should install the appropriate security update immediately. PHP 8.1 and older versions are no longer supported by the PHP project, so organisations using them should consult their hosting provider or software distributor about available fixes and upgrade options. What Should Website Owners And Users Do? Organisations should identify all PHP installations, update affected systems, check third-party applications and review server logs for suspicious activity. If an exposed system cannot be patched promptly, administrators should follow official guidance on restricting access or temporarily isolating it. Ordinary users do not need to stop browsing the internet. They should remain alert to suspicious links and phishing messages, avoid entering sensitive information on unfamiliar websites, and use strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication where available. The incident also highlights AI’s growing role in cybersecurity: AI tools can help researchers uncover serious weaknesses, but rapid disclosure makes timely patching and responsible security practices essential.

Two critical PHP vulnerabilities, known as PHP2Shell, could allow unauthenticated remote code execution on vulnerable servers. OpenAI says GPT-5.6 Sol helped identify one flaw. CERT-In has issued a warning, and security updates are available for affected PHP versions.

PHP security alert: Why WordPress and other websites need urgent updates

Microsoft has warned that a China-aligned hacking group used artificial intelligence to speed up cyberattacks against organisations worldwide, automating tasks that would traditionally require significant human effort.The technology company identified the group as Storm-0940, which allegedly used an AI-powered security testing framework called ARTEX to target cloud systems. Following a supply-chain compromise linked to IT services provider ConnectWise, the attackers attempted to access more than 2,250 customer environments, with activity reaching around 2,900 sign-in attempts per minute, Microsoft reported.&nbsp;However, Microsoft said most attempts were unsuccessful. It also cautioned that suspicious sign-in activity does not automatically mean customer data was stolen.<h2>How Did Hackers Use AI To Accelerate Attacks?</h2>According to Microsoft, Storm-0940 used ARTEX to automate activities such as scanning systems, identifying potential targets and testing passwords. The group allegedly used the framework to abuse applications that already had permission to access target environments. This allowed attackers to attempt authentication without requiring an interactive sign-in by a user.Microsoft said the approach accelerated access attempts against Microsoft 365 customer environments. In some cases, attackers reportedly obtained privileged cloud access in less than three hours. The findings highlight how AI-powered tools can increase the speed and scale of cyberattacks. They do not, however, mean that every targeted organisation was successfully compromised.<h2>What Is ARTEX And Why Is It A Concern?</h2>ARTEX is described as an open-source framework that uses AI models to automate security testing. Such tools can help legitimate security teams identify weaknesses and test defences. The same capabilities can also be misused. AI agents can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, allowing attackers to scan systems and test access methods across many targets in less time.Microsoft said Storm-0940 used ARTEX to accelerate its operations. The company linked the campaign to a supply-chain compromise involving ConnectWise, whose IT management and cloud backup services are used by organisations.A supply-chain incident can have a wider impact because a compromise involving a service provider may expose multiple customer environments to risk.<h2>What Should Organisations Do To Stay Safe?</h2>Microsoft has advised organisations to review cloud accounts for suspicious sign-ins and unexpected changes to application credentials or access permissions.Security teams should also examine application access, investigate unusual authentication activity and remove unnecessary permissions. Organisations should ensure that compromised credentials are revoked and that affected systems are investigated before being considered secure. The key concern is not simply that hackers are using AI. It is that automation can help them move faster, target more organisations and exploit existing access before defenders can respond.

Microsoft says China-aligned hackers used AI framework ARTEX to accelerate cyberattacks, attempting to access more than 2,250 customer environments after a ConnectWise-related incident. Activity reportedly reached 2,900 sign-in attempts per minute, although most attempts were unsuccessful.

Microsoft has warned that a China-aligned hacking group used artificial intelligence to speed up cyberattacks against organisations worldwide, automating tasks that would traditionally require significant human effort. The technology company identified the group as Storm-0940, which allegedly used an AI-powered security testing framework called ARTEX to target cloud systems. Following a supply-chain compromise linked to IT services provider ConnectWise, the attackers attempted to access more than 2,250 customer environments, with activity reaching around 2,900 sign-in attempts per minute, Microsoft reported. However, Microsoft said most attempts were unsuccessful. It also cautioned that suspicious sign-in activity does not automatically mean customer data was stolen. How Did Hackers Use AI To Accelerate Attacks? According to Microsoft, Storm-0940 used ARTEX to automate activities such as scanning systems, identifying potential targets and testing passwords. The group allegedly used the framework to abuse applications that already had permission to access target environments. This allowed attackers to attempt authentication without requiring an interactive sign-in by a user. Microsoft said the approach accelerated access attempts against Microsoft 365 customer environments. In some cases, attackers reportedly obtained privileged cloud access in less than three hours. The findings highlight how AI-powered tools can increase the speed and scale of cyberattacks. They do not, however, mean that every targeted organisation was successfully compromised. What Is ARTEX And Why Is It A Concern? ARTEX is described as an open-source framework that uses AI models to automate security testing. Such tools can help legitimate security teams identify weaknesses and test defences. The same capabilities can also be misused. AI agents can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, allowing attackers to scan systems and test access methods across many targets in less time. Microsoft said Storm-0940 used ARTEX to accelerate its operations. The company linked the campaign to a supply-chain compromise involving ConnectWise, whose IT management and cloud backup services are used by organisations. A supply-chain incident can have a wider impact because a compromise involving a service provider may expose multiple customer environments to risk. What Should Organisations Do To Stay Safe? Microsoft has advised organisations to review cloud accounts for suspicious sign-ins and unexpected changes to application credentials or access permissions. Security teams should also examine application access, investigate unusual authentication activity and remove unnecessary permissions. Organisations should ensure that compromised credentials are revoked and that affected systems are investigated before being considered secure. The key concern is not simply that hackers are using AI. It is that automation can help them move faster, target more organisations and exploit existing access before defenders can respond.

Microsoft says a China-aligned hacking group used an AI-powered framework to accelerate cyberattacks against organisations worldwide. The campaign involved more than 2,250 attempted sign-ins to customer environments following a ConnectWise-related incident, with activity reaching around 2,900 attempts per minute.

Microsoft warns that China-linked hackers used AI to speed up cyberattacks: Here's how to stay safe

Italy has battled widespread protests for the last few days. The protests, triggered by discontent over the cost of living, wars and more, have led to Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni approving a raft of security measures. These measures, approved on Tuesday (Oct 21), include tougher ‌penalties for rioters and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting.The unrest has produced videos of citizens raging on the streets, demanding their rights, and a second wave of content which is stranger than the first. Hint: it includes a stolen tray of gelato, a street beating framed as justice, and a young girl in red sent flying by a water cannon.<h2>The gelato moment</h2>Of all the things unfolding during the riots in Milan, one clip is being called "the most Italian moment yet". The viral video shows a man stealing a tray of gelato, only to be swarmed by other rioters who apparently wanted a share too. The caption that carried it across X read, "Viva la revoluzione! Next, we take the tiramisu!"

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-status="hidden">🇮🇹 Of all the things happening during the riots in Milan, this might be the most Italian moment yet...

A guy steals a tray of gelato, only to get swarmed by other rioters who apparently wanted some, too.

Viva la revoluzione! Next, we take the tiramisu! 😂

Writers: Lynn, Michael https://t.co/fzGh6q0bBS&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2112906754900295985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-france-indonesia-and-beyond-protests-grip-the-world-as-anger-over-inflation-and-housing-boils-over-in-pics-1792578029692">India, France, Indonesia and beyond: Protests grip the world as anger over inflation and housing boils over | In pics</a><h2>Vigilante justice, or something else</h2>A second clip is being shared with the caption, "Italian civilians show the best way to deal with looters!" It shows a group of men on a street chasing, grabbing, and physically assaulting a man in white clothing, presented as citizens handling thieves during the chaos. The clip is from the riots in Milan.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-status="hidden">Italian civilians show the best way to deal with looters! https://t.co/PbsRXwgjtE&mdash; David Vance (@DavidVance) <a href="https://x.com/DavidVance/status/2112893794131538315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Water Cannon vs Lady in red</h2>A third video shows Italian police turning a water cannon on a young girl dressed in red who had joined a group of far-left rioters in Bologna. The blast sent her flying.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-status="hidden">🇮🇹 This is why you don’t wear bright colors to a riot!!

Man, she was strutting with class and confidence too, right before being put on her ass! 😂

Writers: Jamie, Michael https://t.co/jfO6DjJh6B&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2112567014007181773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombed-the-vidhana-soudha-bihar-man-arrested-over-ai-generated-bengaluru-blast-video-netizens-slam-zero-freedom-of-speech-watch-1792643344153">'Bombed the Vidhana Soudha': Bihar man arrested over AI-generated Bengaluru blast video; netizens slam 'zero freedom of speech' | Watch</a><h2>What is actually happening in Italy</h2>The unrest began in Milan on October 18, 2026, driven by protests over rising living costs that escalated into looting and vandalism, largely involving young people, including minors and some foreign nationals.Italy approved a raft of security measures on Tuesday, including a new offence of violent participation in a demonstration, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting. Anyone in a group of at least five people who endangers public safety during protests faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of €20,000 ($22,460), with penalties rising if faces are concealed or people are injured. Police can now detain youths aged 14 to 17 even without a crime, provided there is evidence they pose a danger."There is nothing revolutionary about vandalising and stealing. Vandalism and theft are not protest; they are criminality," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on social media.Five hundred army troops will be deployed alongside police in Milan until the end of 2026. "We know what it means to look for a job, to earn an insufficient wage, and to see no prospects for the future ... but hardship must never be used as an excuse for violence," Meloni said.

A stolen tray of gelato, a street beating sold as justice, and a girl in red sent flying by a water cannon. Italy's riots have gone viral in more ways than one. Scroll down to watch viral videos.


Italy has battled widespread protests for the last few days. The protests, triggered by discontent over the cost of living, wars and more, have led to Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni approving a raft of security measures. These measures, approved on Tuesday (Oct 21), include tougher ‌penalties for rioters and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting. The unrest has produced videos of citizens raging on the streets, demanding their rights, and a second wave of content which is stranger than the first. Hint: it includes a stolen tray of gelato, a street beating framed as justice, and a young girl in red sent flying by a water cannon. The gelato moment Of all the things unfolding during the riots in Milan, one clip is being called "the most Italian moment yet". The viral video shows a man stealing a tray of gelato, only to be swarmed by other rioters who apparently wanted a share too. The caption that carried it across X read, "Viva la revoluzione! Next, we take the tiramisu!"

A stolen tray of gelato, a street beating sold as justice, and a girl in red sent flying by a water cannon. Italy's riots have gone viral in more ways than one. Scroll down to watch viral videos.

Italy protests gone wild? Viral gelato theft, street ‘justice’ and lady in red: Bizarre videos turn violent riots into memes | Watch

Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey and Indonesia have signed a defence industry cooperation agreement to expand joint manufacturing, research and development, technology sharing and military training. It is a unique pact that connects the defence departments and industries of four Muslim-majority nations located across the Gulf, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The deal comes even as the mutual defence vision of the Makkah Alliance, Pakistan's separate agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, didn't take off after Houthi rebel attacks on the Arab kingdom in the wake of the US-Israel-Iran war.&nbsp;<h2>What's in the Badr Memorandum of Understanding?</h2>The Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Doha on Wednesday (Oct 21) brings together the four countries' defence ministries, Pakistan's defence production organisation and Turkey's Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB). The aim is to combine their defence industrial capabilities, strengthen domestic production and develop equipment and technologies suited to modern warfare.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mecca-pact-traps-pakistan-in-its-most-dangerous-war-gravitas-1789059882550/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/mecca-pact-traps-pakistan-in-its-most-dangerous-war-gravitas-1789059882550/embed</a>Joint production, technical training, research and development, and the exchange or transfer of technology are all within the scope of the MoU. The aim is to build defence industrial capacity and improve self-reliance rather than depend on overseas suppliers.Unlike the Makkah pact, the agreement is not a mutual defence pact and does not oblige the signatories to help one another in the event of an attack.The Badr MoU was signed by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif; Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani; Turkish National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler; and Indonesia's Deputy Defence Minister for Logistics, Defence Industries and Technology Affairs, Marshal Yusuf Jauhari.Haluk Görgün, head of Turkey's Presidency of Defence Industries, said the agreement could turn the partners' complementary capabilities into practical projects. Asif said Pakistan viewed cooperation with trusted partners as a way to advance self-reliance.<h2>Significant defence pact for four Muslim-majority countries</h2>The framework may also support products and solutions for allied and friendly countries, opening up potential export opportunities. The four countries have not announced specific projects or a detailed implementation timetable.All four signatories are Muslim-majority countries, and the name "Badr" carries historical Islamic resonance. However, the pact is being framed as a practical industrial and technological partnership, not as a pan-Islamic military alliance.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-the-mecca-joint-defence-agreement-says-about-withdrawal-and-military-support-read-full-text-of-the-pact-here-1792535491584">What the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement says about withdrawal and military support. Read full text of the pact here</a><h2>Deal comes amid US-Israel-Iran conflict even as Houthi attacks test Makkah pact</h2>The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August 2026 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, includes a collective defence commitment. The Badr MoU is not officially being described as a response to the Iran conflict. It comes as countries in the Middle East and South Asia reassess security partnerships and seek to strengthen domestic defence capabilities. Its focus is defence production and cooperation, not joint combat operations or obligations to intervene in conflicts.

Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey and Indonesia signed the Badr MoU to expand joint defence manufacturing, technology sharing, research and military training amid regional tensions. Here is why it is significant

Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey and Indonesia have signed a defence industry cooperation agreement to expand joint manufacturing, research and development, technology sharing and military training. It is a unique pact that connects the defence departments and industries of four Muslim-majority nations located across the Gulf, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The deal comes even as the mutual defence vision of the Makkah Alliance, Pakistan's separate agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, didn't take off after Houthi rebel attacks on the Arab kingdom in the wake of the US-Israel-Iran war. What's in the Badr Memorandum of Understanding? The Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Doha on Wednesday (Oct 21) brings together the four countries' defence ministries, Pakistan's defence production organisation and Turkey's Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB). The aim is to combine their defence industrial capabilities, strengthen domestic production and develop equipment and technologies suited to modern warfare. https://www.wionews.com/videos/mecca-pact-traps-pakistan-in-its-most-dangerous-war-gravitas-1789059882550/embed Joint production, technical training, research and development, and the exchange or transfer of technology are all within the scope of the MoU. The aim is to build defence industrial capacity and improve self-reliance rather than depend on overseas suppliers. Unlike the Makkah pact, the agreement is not a mutual defence pact and does not oblige the signatories to help one another in the event of an attack. The Badr MoU was signed by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif; Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani; Turkish National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler; and Indonesia's Deputy Defence Minister for Logistics, Defence Industries and Technology Affairs, Marshal Yusuf Jauhari. Haluk Görgün, head of Turkey's Presidency of Defence Industries, said the agreement could turn the partners' complementary capabilities into practical projects. Asif said Pakistan viewed cooperation with trusted partners as a way to advance self-reliance. Significant defence pact for four Muslim-majority countries The framework may also support products and solutions for allied and friendly countries, opening up potential export opportunities. The four countries have not announced specific projects or a detailed implementation timetable. All four signatories are Muslim-majority countries, and the name "Badr" carries historical Islamic resonance. However, the pact is being framed as a practical industrial and technological partnership, not as a pan-Islamic military alliance. Also read: What the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement says about withdrawal and military support. Read full text of the pact here Deal comes amid US-Israel-Iran conflict even as Houthi attacks test Makkah pact The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August 2026 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, includes a collective defence commitment. The Badr MoU is not officially being described as a response to the Iran conflict. It comes as countries in the Middle East and South Asia reassess security partnerships and seek to strengthen domestic defence capabilities. Its focus is defence production and cooperation, not joint combat operations or obligations to intervene in conflicts.

Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey and Indonesia signed the Badr MoU to expand joint defence manufacturing, technology sharing, research and military training amid regional tensions. Here is why it is significant

Pakistan signs another defence pact even as Makkah Alliance shows no teeth. This time, it's  with Qatar, Indonesia, Turkey

Israel has banned a United Airlines pilot from its airspace over alleged Iran links. This is the latest aviation security action taken by the Jewish nation since Indian captain Smit Machchhar was attacked in the cockpit by an Omani copilot. Machchar was hit with an axe on September 30 when piloting a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, but passengers, fellow crew, and pilots prevented the alleged attempt to crash the aircraft.&nbsp;<h2>Israel's pilot bans continue</h2>The latest among the bans is United Airlines pilot Sina Amjadian, who has been barred from entering Israeli airspace, Israeli media reported. This came after checking the pilot's social media posts that Israeli officials interpreted as showing support for Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Hezbollah.From October 1, Israel directed airlines to keep crew members who hold citizenship, including dual nationality, of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel off flights entering or crossing its airspace. This measure covers around 31 countries, including Muslim-majority ones like Pakistan, Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Algeria, Tunisia, and Niger.Air France warned staff to comply with the rules, and an Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight was denied entry after Israeli authorities found an Indonesian pilot in the cockpit. The aircraft was turned back to Addis Ababa so the crew could be changed.Also read: "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-scariest-thing-was-flydubai-captain-smit-machchhar-recalls-cockpit-fight-and-how-he-thought-of-his-son-and-daughter-1792303636872">The scariest thing was"... flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar recalls cockpit fight and how he thought of his son and daughter</a><h2>Israeli restrictions affect aviation</h2>Since the attack, Israel has implemented tighter rules for wet-leased flights. In wet leasing, an airline rents an aircraft along with its crew from another operator. Israeli carriers that rely on foreign aircraft and crews have been affected by this move. For instance, Arkia and Israir halted ticket sales on some routes, including services to Marrakech, Morocco, amid uncertainty over the new security requirements.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/flydubai-hijack-scare-netanyahu-salutes-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-after-flydubai-incident-1790826604431/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/flydubai-hijack-scare-netanyahu-salutes-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-after-flydubai-incident-1790826604431/embed</a><h2>Israel expands aviation security screening after the attack</h2>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered tighter aviation security, with authorities expanding identity checks. More comprehensive crew information is being sought for flights that enter Israel, after reports emerged that foreign crew manifests had not been consistently vetted.The changes have affected individual pilots, airline staffing rosters, and wet-lease arrangements.&nbsp;

Israel has barred a United Airlines pilot over allegations of support for Iran and Hezbollah. This is the latest of tightened aviation security measures after the Flydubai cockpit attack targeting Indian captain Smit Machchhar

Israel has banned a United Airlines pilot from its airspace over alleged Iran links. This is the latest aviation security action taken by the Jewish nation since Indian captain Smit Machchhar was attacked in the cockpit by an Omani copilot. Machchar was hit with an axe on September 30 when piloting a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, but passengers, fellow crew, and pilots prevented the alleged attempt to crash the aircraft. Israel's pilot bans continue The latest among the bans is United Airlines pilot Sina Amjadian, who has been barred from entering Israeli airspace, Israeli media reported. This came after checking the pilot's social media posts that Israeli officials interpreted as showing support for Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Hezbollah. From October 1, Israel directed airlines to keep crew members who hold citizenship, including dual nationality, of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel off flights entering or crossing its airspace. This measure covers around 31 countries, including Muslim-majority ones like Pakistan, Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Algeria, Tunisia, and Niger. Air France warned staff to comply with the rules, and an Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight was denied entry after Israeli authorities found an Indonesian pilot in the cockpit. The aircraft was turned back to Addis Ababa so the crew could be changed. Also read: "The scariest thing was"... flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar recalls cockpit fight and how he thought of his son and daughter Israeli restrictions affect aviation Since the attack, Israel has implemented tighter rules for wet-leased flights. In wet leasing, an airline rents an aircraft along with its crew from another operator. Israeli carriers that rely on foreign aircraft and crews have been affected by this move. For instance, Arkia and Israir halted ticket sales on some routes, including services to Marrakech, Morocco, amid uncertainty over the new security requirements. https://www.wionews.com/videos/flydubai-hijack-scare-netanyahu-salutes-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-after-flydubai-incident-1790826604431/embed Israel expands aviation security screening after the attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered tighter aviation security, with authorities expanding identity checks. More comprehensive crew information is being sought for flights that enter Israel, after reports emerged that foreign crew manifests had not been consistently vetted. The changes have affected individual pilots, airline staffing rosters, and wet-lease arrangements.

Israel has barred a United Airlines pilot over allegations of support for Iran and Hezbollah. This is the latest of tightened aviation security measures after the Flydubai cockpit attack targeting Indian captain Smit Machchhar

Smit Machchhar attack aftermath: Israel bans United Airlines pilot over Iran links | All aviation actions taken by Jewish state so far

US President Donald Trump has now said that he should have received the Pulitzer Prize, after shifting gears from his obsession for the Nobel Peace Prize. While addressing a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday (Oct 21), Trump ranted that he had been denied both awards and insisted he deserved recognition for his writing as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking at T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, where he campaigning for the US Midterms, Trump took aim at the journalists who won Pulitzer Prizes for their coverage of the Russia investigation, claiming their reporting was inaccurate. “I didn't get the Nobel Prize. I didn't get the Pulitzer. I should have gotten the Pulitzer for writing, too,” Trump told the crowd. “The people that got it shouldn't have gotten it, you know? They got a Pulitzer Prize for their accurate and wonderful writing on the subject of Russia, Russia, Russia. But they had it wrong. They all had it wrong,” he added.&nbsp; &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/you-are-a-dummy-you-are-a-stupid-person-trump-loses-temper-with-cnn-abc-reporters-after-questions-about-russia-sanctions-1792622582981">'You are a dummy, you are a stupid person': Trump loses temper</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump: I didn't get the Nobel Prize. I didn't get the Pulitzer. I should have gotten the Pulitzer for writing too. https://t.co/OAuyWm7to4&mdash; Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://x.com/Acyn/status/2113062481543496058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-caution-the-president-trump-s-ex-press-secretary-warns-after-zacharia-s-exit-1792608063786">‘I caution the president...’: Trump’s ex-press secretary warns after Zacharia’s exit</a>&nbsp;Trump's rant about the awards came while speaking about Stephen Hubbard, the recently released retired American teacher who had been held captive in Russia since 2022. Trump's mention of Russia also likely stemmed from his ongoing lawsuit against the Pulitzer Prize Board. In 2022, the board defended its decision to award the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting to The New York Times and The Washington Post for their reporting on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's unclear what writing Trump was referring to when he said that he deserves a Pulitzer.&nbsp;While Trump has published several books, many were co-written with professional authors. Trump's breakthrough book, "The Art of the Deal," was released in 1987 but later the co-author Tony Schwartz claimed that he wrote the vast majority of the manuscript with little input from Trump.&nbsp;Moreover, Trump also appeared to forget the name of the Nobel Peace Prize, mistakenly calling it the&nbsp;"Pulitzer Prize." &nbsp;"I settled all these wars, and they gave the wonderful peace prize, right? Does anybody know the name of that peace prize? The peace prize. They gave the Pulitzer Prize to a young lady," Trump said.

US President Donald Trump said he deserved a Pulitzer Prize for writing while criticising journalists who won the award for Russia investigation coverage. Trump, who has also complained about missing the Nobel Peace Prize, claimed the reporting was inaccurate and “wrong”.

US President Donald Trump has now said that he should have received the Pulitzer Prize, after shifting gears from his obsession for the Nobel Peace Prize. While addressing a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday (Oct 21), Trump ranted that he had been denied both awards and insisted he deserved recognition for his writing as well. Speaking at T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, where he campaigning for the US Midterms, Trump took aim at the journalists who won Pulitzer Prizes for their coverage of the Russia investigation, claiming their reporting was inaccurate. “I didn't get the Nobel Prize. I didn't get the Pulitzer. I should have gotten the Pulitzer for writing, too,” Trump told the crowd. “The people that got it shouldn't have gotten it, you know? They got a Pulitzer Prize for their accurate and wonderful writing on the subject of Russia, Russia, Russia. But they had it wrong. They all had it wrong,” he added. Also Read: 'You are a dummy, you are a stupid person': Trump loses temper

US President Donald Trump said he deserved a Pulitzer Prize for writing while criticising journalists who won the award for Russia investigation coverage. Trump, who has also complained about missing the Nobel Peace Prize, claimed the reporting was inaccurate and “wrong”.

Trump wants Pulitzer for writing after Nobel Peace Prize dream goes in vain | WATCH

The Trump administration on Wednesday (Oct 21) abandoned its legal battle over a sweeping rewrite of a widely used student loan forgiveness scheme. The Justice Department had challenged rulings issued in June, when federal judges sided with advocates who argued that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programme was at risk of being turned into a lever for political payback. On Wednesday, it withdrew two appeals through single-sentence joint agreements under which each side bears its own costs. Officials offered no reason for the retreat that comes less than three weeks before the US midterms, in which cost of living is a major election issue.Supporters of the programme meanwhile welcomed it. Dan Zibel, an attorney with the advocacy group Student Defense, said in a written statement that the administration's effort to bend public service loan forgiveness against organisations it disapproves of had been undemocratic and legally unsound from the outset. He described the outcome as a meaningful win for the millions of people who have spent their careers in public service.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/had-the-audacity-vance-defends-ramaswamy-s-attack-ad-on-amy-acton-as-polymarket-odds-for-ohio-governor-crash-to-22-1792648645641">'Had the audacity...': Vance defends Ramaswamy's attack ad on Amy Acton as Polymarket odds for Republican's Ohio governor bid crash to 22%</a><h2>How the PSLF programme works</h2>Public Service Loan Forgiveness was built to draw workers into government, public schools, fire and police departments, public hospitals and nonprofits by wiping out their loans once they had made payments for ten years.That changed last year, when the administration drafted a rule handing Education Secretary Linda McMahon the power to remove employers from the scheme if she concluded their work served a "substantial illegal purpose."The wording was loose, and its apparent targets were employers backing undocumented immigrants or transgender youth, a move that stood to hit borrowers working at schools, public hospitals and legal aid groups. The rewrite would have amounted to a fundamental remaking of a programme that has already erased the debts of more than a million Americans.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thinking-of-you-nancy-pelosi-becomes-the-latest-target-of-suspicious-white-powder-letters-1792638681634">'Thinking of You...': Nancy Pelosi becomes the latest target of suspicious white powder letters</a><h2>The courts step in</h2>Days before the rule was due to take effect in July, US District Judge Myong Joun in Massachusetts struck it down, finding that the Education Department had exceeded its authority and that the change risked breaching First Amendment free speech protections. His decision followed two lawsuits brought by more than 20 states, a coalition of nonprofit groups and several cities. District Judge Amir Ali in Washington reached a similar conclusion the same day in a separate case filed by nonprofit organisations.

The Justice Department has quietly walked away from its bid to rewrite public service loan forgiveness, dropping two appeals without explanation. Advocates call it a win for millions who built careers in public service. All you need to know.

The Trump administration on Wednesday (Oct 21) abandoned its legal battle over a sweeping rewrite of a widely used student loan forgiveness scheme. The Justice Department had challenged rulings issued in June, when federal judges sided with advocates who argued that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programme was at risk of being turned into a lever for political payback. On Wednesday, it withdrew two appeals through single-sentence joint agreements under which each side bears its own costs. Officials offered no reason for the retreat that comes less than three weeks before the US midterms, in which cost of living is a major election issue. Supporters of the programme meanwhile welcomed it. Dan Zibel, an attorney with the advocacy group Student Defense, said in a written statement that the administration's effort to bend public service loan forgiveness against organisations it disapproves of had been undemocratic and legally unsound from the outset. He described the outcome as a meaningful win for the millions of people who have spent their careers in public service. Also read | 'Had the audacity...': Vance defends Ramaswamy's attack ad on Amy Acton as Polymarket odds for Republican's Ohio governor bid crash to 22% How the PSLF programme works Public Service Loan Forgiveness was built to draw workers into government, public schools, fire and police departments, public hospitals and nonprofits by wiping out their loans once they had made payments for ten years. That changed last year, when the administration drafted a rule handing Education Secretary Linda McMahon the power to remove employers from the scheme if she concluded their work served a "substantial illegal purpose." The wording was loose, and its apparent targets were employers backing undocumented immigrants or transgender youth, a move that stood to hit borrowers working at schools, public hospitals and legal aid groups. The rewrite would have amounted to a fundamental remaking of a programme that has already erased the debts of more than a million Americans. Also read | 'Thinking of You...': Nancy Pelosi becomes the latest target of suspicious white powder letters The courts step in Days before the rule was due to take effect in July, US District Judge Myong Joun in Massachusetts struck it down, finding that the Education Department had exceeded its authority and that the change risked breaching First Amendment free speech protections. His decision followed two lawsuits brought by more than 20 states, a coalition of nonprofit groups and several cities. District Judge Amir Ali in Washington reached a similar conclusion the same day in a separate case filed by nonprofit organisations.

The Justice Department has quietly walked away from its bid to rewrite public service loan forgiveness, dropping two appeals without explanation. Advocates call it a win for millions who built careers in public service. All you need to know.

Trump's Justice Department quietly drops legal fight to overhaul student loan forgiveness program

Alina Habba, the US President Donald Trump’s legal aide and MAGA insider, is at the centre of multiple financial controversies, just ahead of the Midterm elections. The New York Times reported on Wednesday (Oct 21) that Venezuelan billionaire banker Julio Herrera Velutini’s family guaranteed her more than $50 million over four years to become general counsel of Concord Partners, an appointment deal that she took. &nbsp;Concord is a little-known Florida firm established by Velutini’s daughter Isabela Herrera, who is an American citizen. The appointment agreement was finalised in late October 2025, while Habba was still serving as US attorney in New Jersey. The question is whether the appointment deal was linked to Herrera’s pursuit of a presidential pardon, which he eventually received from Trump weeks after Habba began working for Concord. Habba has denied any such link.<h2>The ‘$50 million for presidential pardon’ controversy: Who is Herrera?</h2>Herrera is a Venezuelan billionaire banker with Italian citizenship. In 2022, he was charged over an alleged scheme to bribe Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced into dismissing a regulator investigating his bank. He pleaded guilty in August 2025 to a single misdemeanour campaign finance charge under a deal negotiated by his lawyer, Christopher M. Kise. Interestingly, Kise has a Trump connection too. The former Florida solicitor general had served on Trump’s personal legal team.Herrera pursued clemency to clear his record. His daughter donated $3.5 million to a Trump-linked super PAC.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-and-money-from-bloomberg-to-musk-corporate-donors-super-pacs-and-lobbies-it-s-all-about-the-cash-1792575103022">US Midterms 2026 and money: From Bloomberg to Musk, corporate donors, super PACs and lobbies, it's all about the cash</a><h2>How is Alina Habba’s contract linked to the presidential pardon of Herrera?</h2>According to the NYT, Habba’s contract at Concord guaranteed her $10 million annually for four years, apart from bonuses. She began working for Concord on New Year’s Day of 2026, while still serving as a senior adviser to then Attorney General Pam Bondi, who oversaw US attorneys. Note here that Habba was also a special government employee, a status that permitted limited government service alongside outside employment, subject to conflict-of-interest restrictions.Along with Herrera, Trump also pardoned two others, including a former FBI agent who had worked as Herrera’s consultant. All three had pleaded guilty to misdemeanour charges and were pardoned shortly before their scheduled sentencing.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-ballroom-project-raises-333-million-1792433135876/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-ballroom-project-raises-333-million-1792433135876/embed</a><h2>Was Habba recruited to help Herrera’s clemency campaign?</h2>That is a central question raised by the NYT investigation. People familiar with Habba’s contract told the newspaper they believed she had been hired to help with Herrera’s pardon bid and were shocked at the scale of her compensation. Habba is saying that any insinuation that her employment had anything to do with securing a pardon was false. The US Department of Justice said she had not discussed a pardon with anyone. The White House also denied her involvement<h2>Habba's other controversy: The Richard Grenell feud</h2>The pardon controversy followed a separate dispute involving Habba’s husband, Turkish investor Turhan Mildon, whom she married in September 2026. Mildon has business interests in Venezuela. According to NYT reporting, his connections to figures around Nicolás Maduro’s government exposed his Venezuelan assets to potential risks amid Washington’s campaign against the administration. Maduro was captured by US forces in January 2026 and his regime was removed.Habba has accused Richard Grenell, a former US special envoy to Venezuela and former Kennedy Center president, of mishandling funds connected to her husband. The dispute concerns a payment linked to the Kennedy Center and a reported transaction involving the Democratic Republic of Congo and a Texas defence company. Trump directed White House Counsel Will Scharf to investigate, while Grenell denied wrongdoing.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ric-stole-the-money-a-cash-for-access-to-trump-scandal-links-venezuela-turkey-congo-and-kennedy-center-1792479714607">"Ric stole the money!": A 'cash-for-access to Trump' scandal links Venezuela, Turkey, Congo and Kennedy Center</a><h2>The many legal disputes of Alina Habba</h2>Habba is a longtime legal ally and legal aide of Trump. In 2022, she filed a lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and others, alleging a conspiracy against Trump. That case was dismissed, and Habba was ordered to pay the defendants’ legal fees.She also represented Trump in writer E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case, which he lost. In August 2025, US District Judge Matthew Brann ruled that Habba’s appointment as acting US attorney for New Jersey was unlawful. The ruling disqualified her from participating in certain prosecutions, and she resigned in December 2025.

Trump aide and MAGA insider Alina Habba is facing scrutiny over a $50 million contract linked to Venezuelan banker Julio Herrera Velutini, who was pardoned by Donald Trump weeks after she joined his daughter’s company. And this is not her first controversy

Alina Habba, the US President Donald Trump’s legal aide and MAGA insider, is at the centre of multiple financial controversies, just ahead of the Midterm elections. The New York Times reported on Wednesday (Oct 21) that Venezuelan billionaire banker Julio Herrera Velutini’s family guaranteed her more than $50 million over four years to become general counsel of Concord Partners, an appointment deal that she took. Concord is a little-known Florida firm established by Velutini’s daughter Isabela Herrera, who is an American citizen. The appointment agreement was finalised in late October 2025, while Habba was still serving as US attorney in New Jersey. The question is whether the appointment deal was linked to Herrera’s pursuit of a presidential pardon, which he eventually received from Trump weeks after Habba began working for Concord. Habba has denied any such link. The ‘$50 million for presidential pardon’ controversy: Who is Herrera? Herrera is a Venezuelan billionaire banker with Italian citizenship. In 2022, he was charged over an alleged scheme to bribe Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced into dismissing a regulator investigating his bank. He pleaded guilty in August 2025 to a single misdemeanour campaign finance charge under a deal negotiated by his lawyer, Christopher M. Kise. Interestingly, Kise has a Trump connection too. The former Florida solicitor general had served on Trump’s personal legal team. Herrera pursued clemency to clear his record. His daughter donated $3.5 million to a Trump-linked super PAC. Also read: US Midterms 2026 and money: From Bloomberg to Musk, corporate donors, super PACs and lobbies, it's all about the cash How is Alina Habba’s contract linked to the presidential pardon of Herrera? According to the NYT, Habba’s contract at Concord guaranteed her $10 million annually for four years, apart from bonuses. She began working for Concord on New Year’s Day of 2026, while still serving as a senior adviser to then Attorney General Pam Bondi, who oversaw US attorneys. Note here that Habba was also a special government employee, a status that permitted limited government service alongside outside employment, subject to conflict-of-interest restrictions. Along with Herrera, Trump also pardoned two others, including a former FBI agent who had worked as Herrera’s consultant. All three had pleaded guilty to misdemeanour charges and were pardoned shortly before their scheduled sentencing. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-ballroom-project-raises-333-million-1792433135876/embed Was Habba recruited to help Herrera’s clemency campaign? That is a central question raised by the NYT investigation. People familiar with Habba’s contract told the newspaper they believed she had been hired to help with Herrera’s pardon bid and were shocked at the scale of her compensation. Habba is saying that any insinuation that her employment had anything to do with securing a pardon was false. The US Department of Justice said she had not discussed a pardon with anyone. The White House also denied her involvement Habba's other controversy: The Richard Grenell feud The pardon controversy followed a separate dispute involving Habba’s husband, Turkish investor Turhan Mildon, whom she married in September 2026. Mildon has business interests in Venezuela. According to NYT reporting, his connections to figures around Nicolás Maduro’s government exposed his Venezuelan assets to potential risks amid Washington’s campaign against the administration. Maduro was captured by US forces in January 2026 and his regime was removed. Habba has accused Richard Grenell, a former US special envoy to Venezuela and former Kennedy Center president, of mishandling funds connected to her husband. The dispute concerns a payment linked to the Kennedy Center and a reported transaction involving the Democratic Republic of Congo and a Texas defence company. Trump directed White House Counsel Will Scharf to investigate, while Grenell denied wrongdoing. Also read: "Ric stole the money!": A 'cash-for-access to Trump' scandal links Venezuela, Turkey, Congo and Kennedy Center The many legal disputes of Alina Habba Habba is a longtime legal ally and legal aide of Trump. In 2022, she filed a lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and others, alleging a conspiracy against Trump. That case was dismissed, and Habba was ordered to pay the defendants’ legal fees. She also represented Trump in writer E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case, which he lost. In August 2025, US District Judge Matthew Brann ruled that Habba’s appointment as acting US attorney for New Jersey was unlawful. The ruling disqualified her from participating in certain prosecutions, and she resigned in December 2025.

Trump aide and MAGA insider Alina Habba is facing scrutiny over a $50 million contract linked to Venezuelan banker Julio Herrera Velutini, who was pardoned by Donald Trump weeks after she joined his daughter’s company. And this is not her first controversy

Trump aide Alina Habba had a multimillion-dollar ‘appointment deal’ linked to a Venezuelan billionaire who got a pardon from US president

In her first interview since federal agents raided her Washington, DC, home, US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar on Wednesday (Oct 21) called allegations that she married her brother “insane.” The Minnesota Democrat also defended her family's finances and said that she is a “working class” and living “paycheck to paycheck.” She also suggested she and her husband had a combined net-worth of some $30 million, but later claimed was a mistake and revised down. She also urged her supporters to donate to her re-election campaign so she could “fight Trump and his administration for trying to intimidate me and so many other people right before the midterm elections.” She also refuted reports reports that investigators obtained her DNA during the search. However, some reports pointed out that she did not fully deny being related to her ex-husband.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-ilhan-omar-could-go-to-jail-amid-federal-probe-calls-somalia-a-s-house-1792544664745">Trump says Ilhan Omar 'could go to jail' amid federal probe</a>&nbsp;“Not to my knowledge,” Omar responded, when asked by MS NOW’s Chris Hayes if there was any “weird kernel of truth” to the claim that she wed her brother. Omar said the marriage allegations began on a Somali blog and subsequently spread among conservative commentators. "Somebody put in there that, you know, he had to have been my brother or something to that effect," she said. According to Omar, bloggers "went and like found random people who are like ... 'She introduced him to us and said he was her brother,' which is, you know, insane."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/feds-obtain-dna-evidence-that-could-prove-ilhan-omar-married-her-brother-1792470549843">Feds obtain DNA evidence that could prove Ilhan Omar married her brother: Report</a><h2>What is the allegation?</h2>The allegations that have been circulating for over a decade is that Omar entered into a sham marriage with her biological brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, to get him a green card. Federal prosecutors are currently investigating whether the 2009 marriage between Representative Omar and Elmi involved a deliberate attempt to circumvent US immigration laws. Federal investigators are examining whether Omar or her late father, Nur Omar Mohamed, provided false information on immigration documents, including details concerning her birth date, according to The New York Post, citing sources familiar with the investigation. Omar emigrated from Somalia with her family in 1995, and reportedly became a US citizen at age 17 through her father's naturalization in 2000.<h2>How Trump reacted?</h2>US President Donald Trump criticized Representative Ilhan Omar’s response of "not to my knowledge" when asked whether she had married her brother, stating, “That’s not a good answer. That’s an answer that a lot of us assume.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🇺🇸 “Did you marry your brother?” should be the easiest question in politics... and Ilhan Omar somehow made it harder😅

Trump wasn't buying her response:

“'Not to my knowledge'... that’s not a good answer. 

That’s an answer a lot of us assume.”

With federal prosecutors reportedly holding her DNA, the country may soon get a much clearer answer than “not to my knowledge”… but when a simple “no, he’s not my brother” was right there and she didn’t say it, tells us everything we need to know.

Writer: Daniel https://t.co/u4Sos3wSl8&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2113107044660130284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
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US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has called allegations that she married her brother “insane” in her first interview since federal agents raided her home. President Donald Trump criticised her response, while Omar also addressed her finances and denied knowledge of DNA evidence being obtained

In her first interview since federal agents raided her Washington, DC, home, US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar on Wednesday (Oct 21) called allegations that she married her brother “insane.” The Minnesota Democrat also defended her family's finances and said that she is a “working class” and living “paycheck to paycheck.” She also suggested she and her husband had a combined net-worth of some $30 million, but later claimed was a mistake and revised down. She also urged her supporters to donate to her re-election campaign so she could “fight Trump and his administration for trying to intimidate me and so many other people right before the midterm elections.” She also refuted reports reports that investigators obtained her DNA during the search. However, some reports pointed out that she did not fully deny being related to her ex-husband. Also Read: Trump says Ilhan Omar 'could go to jail' amid federal probe “Not to my knowledge,” Omar responded, when asked by MS NOW’s Chris Hayes if there was any “weird kernel of truth” to the claim that she wed her brother. Omar said the marriage allegations began on a Somali blog and subsequently spread among conservative commentators. "Somebody put in there that, you know, he had to have been my brother or something to that effect," she said. According to Omar, bloggers "went and like found random people who are like ... 'She introduced him to us and said he was her brother,' which is, you know, insane." Also Read: Feds obtain DNA evidence that could prove Ilhan Omar married her brother: Report What is the allegation? The allegations that have been circulating for over a decade is that Omar entered into a sham marriage with her biological brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, to get him a green card. Federal prosecutors are currently investigating whether the 2009 marriage between Representative Omar and Elmi involved a deliberate attempt to circumvent US immigration laws. Federal investigators are examining whether Omar or her late father, Nur Omar Mohamed, provided false information on immigration documents, including details concerning her birth date, according to The New York Post, citing sources familiar with the investigation. Omar emigrated from Somalia with her family in 1995, and reportedly became a US citizen at age 17 through her father's naturalization in 2000. How Trump reacted? US President Donald Trump criticized Representative Ilhan Omar’s response of "not to my knowledge" when asked whether she had married her brother, stating, “That’s not a good answer. That’s an answer that a lot of us assume.”

US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has called allegations that she married her brother “insane” in her first interview since federal agents raided her home. President Donald Trump criticised her response, while Omar also addressed her finances and denied knowledge of DNA evidence being obtained

Ilhan Omar breaks silence over alleged marriage to her brother; Trump thinks it's 'really good answer'

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday (Oct 21) defended a controversial attack ad by Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign against his Democratic rival in the Ohio governor's race. The ad calls Democrat Amy Acton a "liar" and features her estranged mother, Donna Arthur, disputing Acton's account of a childhood she says involved a period of homelessness and sexual abuse. Arthur, whom Acton says she has not seen since 1978, urges Ohioans not to vote for her daughter.Acton has said she was sexually abused by her stepfather when she was 12. Her mother stayed with the stepfather, who was charged with rape but fled the state and was never tried. He died in 2004. Acton's brother has supported her account.The ad initially appeared on social media on Tuesday without identifying its source, but Ramaswamy's campaign later accepted it was behind the spot and was spending $4 million to promote it. You can watch the ad here:Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vivek-ramaswamy-ad-featuring-amy-acton-s-estranged-mother-turns-sexual-abuse-into-political-talking-point-sparks-backlash-ahead-of-vance-ohio-visit-1792551414959">'Despicable low': Ramaswamy turns sexual abuse into 'political talking point'; ad featuring Acton's estranged mother sparks backlash | Watch</a><h2>Vance brushes aside the blowback</h2>Vance, campaigning with Ramaswamy and Republican US Senator Jon Husted on Wednesday, brushed aside the criticism. "Vivek Ramaswamy had the audacity to run a TV commercial which calls it out like it is and calls Amy Acton a liar," said Vance, who rose to fame on his own story of childhood neglect in Ohio."And my message, ladies and gentlemen, is very simple. Whatever you think about any of the TV advertisements, focus on the substance and focus on the facts."<h2>A 'disgusting attack'</h2>Acton's brother, Philip Stearns, has previously labelled Ramaswamy's ad as a "desperate, disgusting attack." Acton campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock said Ramaswamy's decision to promote the ad was "both despicable and entirely predictable."As the backlash built on Tuesday, Ramaswamy's campaign spokesperson Connie Luck issued a statement saying: "We don't know what happened between Amy and her mother ... but we know that Amy Acton is a serial fabulist."Ramaswamy also faced a heckler at a campaign event in Westerville, who shouted, "She was 12 years old," apparently referring to the abuse claims. Conservative commentator Meghan McCain called the ad "dastardly," writing on X that it "never should have been created."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thinking-of-you-nancy-pelosi-becomes-the-latest-target-of-suspicious-white-powder-letters-1792638681634">'Thinking of You...': Nancy Pelosi becomes the latest target of suspicious white powder letters</a><h2>The market turns on Ramaswamy</h2>Ramaswamy's chances had already been slipping on the prediction market Polymarket, but after the ad was released, his odds dropped to just 22 per cent. Acton meanwhile held a 79 per cent chance of winning as of Wednesday afternoon, a dramatic shift from a year ago when Ramaswamy stood at 71 per cent and Acton at 30.Opinion polls show Acton with a narrow lead over Ramaswamy, and analysts said the scandal could cement her position as the favourite. A Marist Poll conducted before the ad was released had Acton at 50 per cent among likely voters to Ramaswamy's 43.

JD Vance has defended Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign ad making light of the sexual assault of his rival Amy Acton. He says voters should focus on the facts and not what is being called a 'disgusting attack'. Meanwhile, as per Polymarket, the Republican's odds have collapsed to 22 percent.

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday (Oct 21) defended a controversial attack ad by Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign against his Democratic rival in the Ohio governor's race. The ad calls Democrat Amy Acton a "liar" and features her estranged mother, Donna Arthur, disputing Acton's account of a childhood she says involved a period of homelessness and sexual abuse. Arthur, whom Acton says she has not seen since 1978, urges Ohioans not to vote for her daughter. Acton has said she was sexually abused by her stepfather when she was 12. Her mother stayed with the stepfather, who was charged with rape but fled the state and was never tried. He died in 2004. Acton's brother has supported her account. The ad initially appeared on social media on Tuesday without identifying its source, but Ramaswamy's campaign later accepted it was behind the spot and was spending $4 million to promote it. You can watch the ad here: Also read | 'Despicable low': Ramaswamy turns sexual abuse into 'political talking point'; ad featuring Acton's estranged mother sparks backlash | Watch Vance brushes aside the blowback Vance, campaigning with Ramaswamy and Republican US Senator Jon Husted on Wednesday, brushed aside the criticism. "Vivek Ramaswamy had the audacity to run a TV commercial which calls it out like it is and calls Amy Acton a liar," said Vance, who rose to fame on his own story of childhood neglect in Ohio. "And my message, ladies and gentlemen, is very simple. Whatever you think about any of the TV advertisements, focus on the substance and focus on the facts." A 'disgusting attack' Acton's brother, Philip Stearns, has previously labelled Ramaswamy's ad as a "desperate, disgusting attack." Acton campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock said Ramaswamy's decision to promote the ad was "both despicable and entirely predictable." As the backlash built on Tuesday, Ramaswamy's campaign spokesperson Connie Luck issued a statement saying: "We don't know what happened between Amy and her mother ... but we know that Amy Acton is a serial fabulist." Ramaswamy also faced a heckler at a campaign event in Westerville, who shouted, "She was 12 years old," apparently referring to the abuse claims. Conservative commentator Meghan McCain called the ad "dastardly," writing on X that it "never should have been created." Also read | 'Thinking of You...': Nancy Pelosi becomes the latest target of suspicious white powder letters The market turns on Ramaswamy Ramaswamy's chances had already been slipping on the prediction market Polymarket, but after the ad was released, his odds dropped to just 22 per cent. Acton meanwhile held a 79 per cent chance of winning as of Wednesday afternoon, a dramatic shift from a year ago when Ramaswamy stood at 71 per cent and Acton at 30. Opinion polls show Acton with a narrow lead over Ramaswamy, and analysts said the scandal could cement her position as the favourite. A Marist Poll conducted before the ad was released had Acton at 50 per cent among likely voters to Ramaswamy's 43.

JD Vance has defended Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign ad making light of the sexual assault of his rival Amy Acton. He says voters should focus on the facts and not what is being called a 'disgusting attack'. Meanwhile, as per Polymarket, the Republican's odds have collapsed to 22 percent.

'Had the audacity...': Vance defends Ramaswamy's attack ad on Amy Acton as Polymarket odds for Republican's Ohio governor bid crash to 22%

In top stories today, an attack on King Fahd International airport in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf near Bahrain and Qatar left one dead, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority announced early Thursday. Eight people were also injured in the attack while the airport suffered infrastructure damages. As a result of the attacks, flights were diverted away from the airport, said Global flight-tracking service Flightradar24 on X.In other big news of the day, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday (Oct 21) that it is getting ready to reveal a new weapon it referred to as the "Father of All Bombs". Without offering many details about the weapon, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said, “We are in the stage of preparing to unveil the 'Father of All Bombs'. This is something new for the enemy.” The announcement comes after reports that Washington has prepared plans to use a Massive Ordnance Air Blast, dubbed the "mother of all bombs", to hit military sites in Iran if ordered by US President Donald Trump.And in news from India, the Indian Embassy in Paris, issued an advisory for its nationals living in the country and those travelling to France to "remain vigilant and exercise due caution" and "avoid large gatherings and crowded places." The embassy, sharing the advisory in a post on X wrote, "In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities."Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

US President Donald Trump revealed he discussed the idea of renaming the Atlantic Ocean on Google Maps with Google CEO Sundar Pichai; however, the company showed little enthusiasm for the idea. Trump's remark came while addressing a rally in South Carolina on October 21, where he also joked about rebranding the Pacific Ocean as the “American Ocean” and mused over how European leaders might react to such a move.<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">Read more.</a>

Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey and Indonesia have signed a defence industry cooperation agreement to expand joint manufacturing, research and development, technology sharing and military training. It is a unique pact that connects the defence departments and industries of four Muslim-majority nations located across the Gulf, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The deal comes even as the mutual defence vision of the Makkah Alliance, Pakistan's separate agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, didn't take off after Houthi rebel attacks on the Arab kingdom in the wake of the US-Israel-Iran war.<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">Read more.</a>

Pakistan signs another defence pact even as Makkah Alliance shows no teeth. This time, it's with Qatar, Indonesia, Turkey

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.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/completely-unacceptable-india-condemns-attacks-on-saudi-airport-oil-field-1-indian-killed-3-injured-1792669677012">Read more.</a>

IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi has said the “enemy understands no language other than that of force and power”, Iranian state media report.

IRGC says ‘enemy understands no language but force’

US President Donald Trump revealed he discussed the idea of renaming the Atlantic Ocean on Google Maps with Google CEO Sundar Pichai; however, the company showed little enthusiasm for the idea. Trump's remark came while addressing a rally in South Carolina on October 21, where he also joked about rebranding the Pacific Ocean as the “American Ocean” and mused over how European leaders might react to such a move.

Trump reveals Google CEO refused his Atlantic Ocean renaming idea

Meta and its social media platforms Facebook and Instagram are facing a class action lawsuit in Australia over allegations that addictive design features are harming children and teenagers.

Meta faces Australian lawsuit over alleged social media harm to children

The final four civil rights activists among the several dozen detained yesterday after taking part in olive harvesting in the occupied West Bank have been released from detention, according to Rabbis for Human Rights.

Four detained US activists freed, given 15-day ban from entering West Bank

All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that she was not involved in a separate protest call issued by the organisation CJP at Central Park on October 16.

'Not involved with CJP's protest call': Neha Bora to Delhi HC on Oct 16 detention

Houthi-affiliated media reports that three air strikes have hit the al-Sarari area in Taiz Governorate, southwestern Yemen.

Houthis hit Yemen’s al-Sarari region in Taiz

The Greek Finance Ministry stated that it is implementing sanctions against Tehran, and it has backed efforts to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities linked to Iran.

Greece says implementing sanctions against Iran

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned it will “extend confrontation to US bases” in the region if Washington continues to urge “vessels to pass through mined waterways illegally”. &nbsp;

IRGC threatens US bases if tankers continue ‘illegal’ routes

War-related risks in the Strait of Hormuz and an increase in ship-to-ship transfers account for more than half of the USD 20 per barrel year-on-year rise in global crude oil freight rates, according to a Goldman Sachs report.&nbsp;Global crude shipping costs are now seven times higher than a year ago, surging above USD 20 per barrel from USD 3.&nbsp;The report cited a USD 7 war risk premium for crossing Hormuz, USD 4 from ship-to-ship transfers, and higher fuel and tanker costs. Asian refiners reliant on distant imports face squeezed margins, with Brent crude trading around USD 111.51 per barrel.

Middle East tensions push oil shipping costs up sharply: Goldman Sachs

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the opposition, saying the Congress would not win elections even by 2030 due to its "negative politics".&nbsp;Addressing a gathering in Delhi, he accused Rahul Gandhi of levelling "vote theft" allegations to safeguard the vote bank of infiltrators and dismissed Congress' questions over the Election Commission's neutrality. Shah also warned AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal that his party would be "rooted out" of Punjab. He inaugurated 43 Delhi Jal Board projects worth Rs 8,941 crore aimed at cleaning the Yamuna river.

Amit Shah hits out at Congress, Kejriwal; says Congress won't win elections even by 2030

Russia's defence ministry said it shot down 808 Ukrainian drones overnight, with air defence systems destroying the drones over various regions and annexed Crimea. The launches came after President Vladimir Putin met in Saint Petersburg with US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff. The incident underscores continued hostilities despite diplomatic engagement, coming alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's claim that Russian ballistic missile strikes showed no change in Moscow's position on the war.

Russia says it downed 808 Ukrainian drones overnight after Putin-Witkoff meeting

Asian equities sank on October 22 as tech firms resumed their downward spiral following mixed earnings from Wall Street giants, with sentiment also soured by a spike in oil prices. Seoul's Kospi fell more than three per cent, and Tokyo's Nikkei dropped 2.7 per cent, while Hong Kong dived over three per cent. Tesla reported lower profits and cut its capital spending forecast, while Meta lifted its AI spending estimates. Confidence was further hit by a more than two per cent rise in oil prices after Houthi attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities and an airport, with the US ordering non-essential embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia.

Asian equities sink as tech selloff deepens and oil prices spike on Saudi attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow's firing of ballistic missiles at Ukraine shortly after US envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin showed the Kremlin's position on the war had not changed. "This means there has been no real change in its attitude," Zelensky said, adding that the strikes killed two people and wounded 34. The comments came as Russia's defence ministry said it shot down 808 Ukrainian drones overnight, in the wake of the Putin-Witkoff meeting in Saint Petersburg.

Zelensky says Witkoff-Putin talks did nothing to change in Kremlin's stance, strikes

As of earlier this afternoon, the typhoon Champi center was located about 500 kilometers (five hundred kilometers) east-southeast of Taiwan's southernmost point. Champi is classified as a severe typhoon with sustained winds near 51 meters per second (fifty-one meters per second)—that's equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.

Taiwan issues both land and sea typhoon warnings 

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Just departed India having advanced our economic and strategic priorities in the region. Continuing to build our economic partnership and energy security cooperation makes both our nations stronger. https://t.co/SaZK1QbpsO&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) &lt;a href="https://x.com/SecRubio/status/2113164244015542404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;October 22, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio departs India

The drones, launched after Putin met Wednesday in Saint Petersburg with US President Donald Trump's envoy, were destroyed by air defence systems over various regions of Russia and annexed Crimea, the ministry said in a statement.

Russia claims to down 808 Ukrainian drones overnight

In a joint operation, the Indian Army’s 52 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Baramulla Police apprehended two suspected terrorist associates from the Darpura Nursery area of &nbsp;Delina Ghat in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, following credible intelligence inputs.Officials said one Turkish-made KANIK pistol, one magazine containing 10 rounds and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from their possession.

Two Suspected Terrorist Associates Arrested in Baramulla

Seven people were killed on the Ukrainian side after US President Donald Trump's envoy held talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg.Trump sought to strike an optimistic tone after Witkoff's meeting with Putin on Wednesday, saying negotiators were "maybe now the closest we've been" to ending the war.

Russian strikes kill 7 in Ukraine after US envoy meets Putin

Students in Indonesia's West Kalimantan city of Pontianak clashed with police late on Wednesday (October 21) during a protest against the government's handling of haze and respiratory illnesses brought on by months of forest fires in the area.

Indonesian students clash with police

The Indian Embassy in Paris, issued an advisory for its nationals living in the country and those travelling to France to "remain vigilant and exercise due caution" and “avoid large gatherings and crowded places.”

In top stories today, an attack on King Fahd International airport in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf near Bahrain and Qatar left one dead, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority announced early Thursday. Eight people were also injured in the attack while the airport suffered infrastructure damages. As a result of the attacks, flights were diverted away from the airport, said Global flight-tracking service Flightradar24 on X. In other big news of the day, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday (Oct 21) that it is getting ready to reveal a new weapon it referred to as the "Father of All Bombs". Without offering many details about the weapon, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said, “We are in the stage of preparing to unveil the 'Father of All Bombs'. This is something new for the enemy.” The announcement comes after reports that Washington has prepared plans to use a Massive Ordnance Air Blast, dubbed the "mother of all bombs", to hit military sites in Iran if ordered by US President Donald Trump. And in news from India, the Indian Embassy in Paris, issued an advisory for its nationals living in the country and those travelling to France to "remain vigilant and exercise due caution" and "avoid large gatherings and crowded places." The embassy, sharing the advisory in a post on X wrote, "In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities." Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

The Indian Embassy in Paris, issued an advisory for its nationals living in the country and those travelling to France to "remain vigilant and exercise due caution" and “avoid large gatherings and crowded places.”

Latest News India and World HIGHLIGHTS: Saudi Arabia airport attacked, Iran threatens US with 'Father of all Bombs' and more

Amid the ongoing violent protests in France, the Indian Embassy issued an advisory for its nationals living in the country and those travelling to France to &nbsp;"remain vigilant and exercise due caution" and &nbsp;"avoid large gatherings and crowded places." The embassy, sharing the advisory in a post on X wrote, "In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities."&nbsp;The Indian embassy in Paris also shared its emergency contact number and asked people to approach them in case of any exigency.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-killed-several-injured-in-attack-on-saudi-arabia-s-king-fahd-airport-1792643615693">1 killed, several injured in attack on Saudi Arabia's King Fahd airport</a>&nbsp;"Please also stay informed through local news, follow official updates (https://gouvernement.fr) and check for public transport disruptions (https://ratp.fr). In case of any emergency, Indian nationals can contact: Embassy of India, Paris: +33 6 48 34 00 63 | cons.paris@mea.gov.in. Consulate General of India, Marseille: +33 7 43 16 25 59| cgo.marseille@mea.gov.in," wrote the Indian embassy sharing its contact numbers.&nbsp;<h2>France under political and economic pressure</h2>&nbsp;Macron and his government are struggling to contain a crisis that has erupted just six months before presidential elections to select his successor. The administration has acknowledged that it ‘lost control’ during Saturday’s widespread rioting. Demonstrations that started largely peacefully over the rising cost of living rapidly escalated into serious violence and extensive looting. Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Limoges were among the cities most severely affected. In Limoges, the town hall was set on fire and partially destroyed.&nbsp;The unrest has prompted several countries to issue travel warnings for France, while financial markets have also reacted nervously to the political instability. On Wednesday, the yield on French government 10-year benchmark bonds climbed above 5%, reaching its highest level since 2002.&nbsp;The combination of public anger, economic uncertainty and political pressure has created a major challenge for Macron's administration as it attempts to restore order and prevent further escalation.&nbsp;

The Indian embassy in Paris also shared its emergency contact number and asked people to approach them in case of any exigency.

Amid the ongoing violent protests in France, the Indian Embassy issued an advisory for its nationals living in the country and those travelling to France to "remain vigilant and exercise due caution" and "avoid large gatherings and crowded places." The embassy, sharing the advisory in a post on X wrote, "In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities." The Indian embassy in Paris also shared its emergency contact number and asked people to approach them in case of any exigency. ALSO READ: 1 killed, several injured in attack on Saudi Arabia's King Fahd airport "Please also stay informed through local news, follow official updates (https://gouvernement.fr) and check for public transport disruptions (https://ratp.fr). In case of any emergency, Indian nationals can contact: Embassy of India, Paris: +33 6 48 34 00 63 | cons.paris@mea.gov.in. Consulate General of India, Marseille: +33 7 43 16 25 59| cgo.marseille@mea.gov.in," wrote the Indian embassy sharing its contact numbers. France under political and economic pressure Macron and his government are struggling to contain a crisis that has erupted just six months before presidential elections to select his successor. The administration has acknowledged that it ‘lost control’ during Saturday’s widespread rioting. Demonstrations that started largely peacefully over the rising cost of living rapidly escalated into serious violence and extensive looting. Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Limoges were among the cities most severely affected. In Limoges, the town hall was set on fire and partially destroyed. The unrest has prompted several countries to issue travel warnings for France, while financial markets have also reacted nervously to the political instability. On Wednesday, the yield on French government 10-year benchmark bonds climbed above 5%, reaching its highest level since 2002. The combination of public anger, economic uncertainty and political pressure has created a major challenge for Macron's administration as it attempts to restore order and prevent further escalation.

The Indian embassy in Paris also shared its emergency contact number and asked people to approach them in case of any exigency.

Remain vigilant, exercise due caution: Indian Embassy in France issues safety advisory

An attack on King Fahd International airport in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf near Bahrain and Qatar left one dead, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority announced early Thursday (Oct 22). Eight people were also injured in the attack while the airport suffered infrastructure damages.&nbsp;As a result of the attacks, flights were diverted away from the airport, said Global flight-tracking service Flightradar24 on X.&nbsp;The Iranian-backed Houthis have not claimed responsibility of the attack so far. Also, there was no confirmation by the Saudi authorities on who carried out the attack or provide further details.The attack comes amid a wider wave of Houthi missile and projectile strikes targeting major airports in Saudi Arabia.<h2>Earlier airport attacks</h2>&nbsp;About two weeks back, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was attacked in which one person was killed and 11 were injured. It also led to a fire in one of its passenger halls.&nbsp;The Houthis claimed responsibility of the attack and warned airlines and passengers against using Saudi Arabian airports and airspace. The group said they targeted the airport with ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.&nbsp;The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia for supporting government forces in Yemen's civil war, as well as an air strike on the airport in Sanaa.<h2>US orders its diplomats to leave Saudi</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, US Department of State issued an order for non-emergency US government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia to leave the country.&nbsp;"Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them," US State department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The strike on King Fahd airport comes amid a string of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis targeting major airports in Saudi Arabia.

An attack on King Fahd International airport in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf near Bahrain and Qatar left one dead, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority announced early Thursday (Oct 22). Eight people were also injured in the attack while the airport suffered infrastructure damages. As a result of the attacks, flights were diverted away from the airport, said Global flight-tracking service Flightradar24 on X. The Iranian-backed Houthis have not claimed responsibility of the attack so far. Also, there was no confirmation by the Saudi authorities on who carried out the attack or provide further details. The attack comes amid a wider wave of Houthi missile and projectile strikes targeting major airports in Saudi Arabia. Earlier airport attacks About two weeks back, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was attacked in which one person was killed and 11 were injured. It also led to a fire in one of its passenger halls. The Houthis claimed responsibility of the attack and warned airlines and passengers against using Saudi Arabian airports and airspace. The group said they targeted the airport with ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones. The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia for supporting government forces in Yemen's civil war, as well as an air strike on the airport in Sanaa. US orders its diplomats to leave Saudi Meanwhile, US Department of State issued an order for non-emergency US government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia to leave the country. "Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them," US State department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X.

The strike on King Fahd airport comes amid a string of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis targeting major airports in Saudi Arabia.

1 killed, several injured in attack on Saudi Arabia's King Fahd airport

California representative Nancy Pelosi's office has become the latest to receive "a suspicious letter" on Wednesday (Oct 21). This appears to be the latest incident of "political intimidation" mailings targeted at US Congress members just weeks before the midterm elections. The offices of more than three dozen members of Congress across the political spectrum have received envelopes containing white powder in recent days. One lawmaker's office said preliminary tests indicated the powder was not hazardous.A spokesperson for Pelosi said the letter was "consistent with mailings reported by other congressional offices" and that everyone in the office was safe. "Speaker Pelosi remains focused on serving the people of San Francisco and is concerned for the members and staff whose offices have experienced similar incidents," Nicholas Martin, a spokesperson for the speaker emerita, said in a statement."She is grateful for the efforts of the US Capitol police, the San Francisco Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this series of intimidation across America."More than 100 letters thought to contain white powder were reportedly thought to be circulating in the US mail system. Election offices across the US have also reported receiving suspicious mail.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-warning-sign-for-republicans-members-of-bush-political-dynasty-back-democrat-talarico-over-paxton-in-texas-senate-race-1792636680711">US midterms 2026: Warning sign for Republicans? Members of Bush political dynasty back Democrat Talarico over Paxton in Texas Senate race</a><h2>White powder letters: The investigation</h2>The mailings are under investigation by the FBI, the Capitol police and the US Postal Inspection Service. The FBI declined to confirm "specific instances or letters", but said in a statement earlier this week: "The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including secretary of state offices and their related election offices, and congressional offices."More than three dozen members of the US Congress have had their offices targeted with envelopes containing white powder, less than three weeks before the 3 November midterms, as federal agents try to identify who is behind them.<h2>Acts of political intimidation: Over 100 letters in circulation</h2>Virginia Democrat Suhas Subramanyam, whose Leesburg district office was evacuated on Monday after an envelope containing a suspicious substance arrived, said that "acts of political intimidation have no place in our country". Subramanyam's office said preliminary tests showed the powder was not hazardous.Law enforcement sources told ABC News that more than 100 letters thought to contain white powder were circulating in the US mail system. The FBI, Capitol police and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating, according to a notice sent to Senate staff on Thursday. Election offices in at least 15 states had reported receiving or being targeted by suspicious mail by Thursday evening, according to the Tampa Free Press, which cited federal authorities. No suspect has been named, and federal authorities have not released a confirmed figure.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-us-midterm-bribe-5-000-dividend-1-2-trillion-promise-fiscal-hawks-and-the-voters-who-want-the-cheque-but-don-t-expect-it-1792228505050">US Midterms: Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend as economists call it a 'half-baked political scheme'. Can a Republican win guarantee it?</a><h2>Targets on both sides: Is Iran behind the suspicious letters?</h2>Senators have been targeted across the political spectrum and the country. Letters addressed to the Democratic Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, and authorities intercepted a letter addressed to California senator Alex Padilla, while Chris Murphy of Connecticut said the FBI, the Senate sergeant at arms and Capitol police alerted his team of a letter as well. Republicans in South Dakota, Texas and Nebraska were also targeted, with Mike Rounds saying his Sioux Falls office was evacuated, along with Pete Ricketts and Ted Cruz also reporting a suspicious letter.In the House, at least 10 people were exposed after white powder was sent to the offices of the New York Democrats Hakeem Jeffries, Ritchie Torres and Tom Suozzi. In California, Jimmy Panetta said a staffer opened an envelope at his Santa Cruz office, then cleared the room and called 911. He said such attempts to intimidate "will not deter us from doing our job". In Massachusetts, five staffers left Seth Moulton's Salem office while police investigated, and testing found no substances of concern.<h2>A common signature: 'Thinking of You'</h2>Investigators have described several common features connecting the suspicious letters sent to public officials and election centres. The FBI has stated that the recovered envelopes were processed through a North Texas mail processing centre and carry a postmark or stamp reading "Thinking of You". Senate staff and House offices were warned to watch for plain white envelopes featuring these distinct markings. The US Postal Inspection Service intercepted the vast majority of these envelopes and screened them before being delivered.Previously, in 2024, election officials were targeted in 17 states before the 2024 presidential election, and no suspect has been named in this case.

Nancy Pelosi has become the latest victim of so-called white powder letters as suspicious mailings target more than three dozen Congress members before the midterms. Federal agencies are investigating, but no suspect has been named. What is happening?

California representative Nancy Pelosi's office has become the latest to receive "a suspicious letter" on Wednesday (Oct 21). This appears to be the latest incident of "political intimidation" mailings targeted at US Congress members just weeks before the midterm elections. The offices of more than three dozen members of Congress across the political spectrum have received envelopes containing white powder in recent days. One lawmaker's office said preliminary tests indicated the powder was not hazardous. A spokesperson for Pelosi said the letter was "consistent with mailings reported by other congressional offices" and that everyone in the office was safe. "Speaker Pelosi remains focused on serving the people of San Francisco and is concerned for the members and staff whose offices have experienced similar incidents," Nicholas Martin, a spokesperson for the speaker emerita, said in a statement. "She is grateful for the efforts of the US Capitol police, the San Francisco Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this series of intimidation across America." More than 100 letters thought to contain white powder were reportedly thought to be circulating in the US mail system. Election offices across the US have also reported receiving suspicious mail. Also read | US midterms 2026: Warning sign for Republicans? Members of Bush political dynasty back Democrat Talarico over Paxton in Texas Senate race White powder letters: The investigation The mailings are under investigation by the FBI, the Capitol police and the US Postal Inspection Service. The FBI declined to confirm "specific instances or letters", but said in a statement earlier this week: "The FBI and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including secretary of state offices and their related election offices, and congressional offices." More than three dozen members of the US Congress have had their offices targeted with envelopes containing white powder, less than three weeks before the 3 November midterms, as federal agents try to identify who is behind them. Acts of political intimidation: Over 100 letters in circulation Virginia Democrat Suhas Subramanyam, whose Leesburg district office was evacuated on Monday after an envelope containing a suspicious substance arrived, said that "acts of political intimidation have no place in our country". Subramanyam's office said preliminary tests showed the powder was not hazardous. Law enforcement sources told ABC News that more than 100 letters thought to contain white powder were circulating in the US mail system. The FBI, Capitol police and US Postal Inspection Service are investigating, according to a notice sent to Senate staff on Thursday. Election offices in at least 15 states had reported receiving or being targeted by suspicious mail by Thursday evening, according to the Tampa Free Press, which cited federal authorities. No suspect has been named, and federal authorities have not released a confirmed figure. Also read | US Midterms: Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend as economists call it a 'half-baked political scheme'. Can a Republican win guarantee it? Targets on both sides: Is Iran behind the suspicious letters? Senators have been targeted across the political spectrum and the country. Letters addressed to the Democratic Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, and authorities intercepted a letter addressed to California senator Alex Padilla, while Chris Murphy of Connecticut said the FBI, the Senate sergeant at arms and Capitol police alerted his team of a letter as well. Republicans in South Dakota, Texas and Nebraska were also targeted, with Mike Rounds saying his Sioux Falls office was evacuated, along with Pete Ricketts and Ted Cruz also reporting a suspicious letter. In the House, at least 10 people were exposed after white powder was sent to the offices of the New York Democrats Hakeem Jeffries, Ritchie Torres and Tom Suozzi. In California, Jimmy Panetta said a staffer opened an envelope at his Santa Cruz office, then cleared the room and called 911. He said such attempts to intimidate "will not deter us from doing our job". In Massachusetts, five staffers left Seth Moulton's Salem office while police investigated, and testing found no substances of concern. A common signature: 'Thinking of You' Investigators have described several common features connecting the suspicious letters sent to public officials and election centres. The FBI has stated that the recovered envelopes were processed through a North Texas mail processing centre and carry a postmark or stamp reading "Thinking of You". Senate staff and House offices were warned to watch for plain white envelopes featuring these distinct markings. The US Postal Inspection Service intercepted the vast majority of these envelopes and screened them before being delivered. Previously, in 2024, election officials were targeted in 17 states before the 2024 presidential election, and no suspect has been named in this case.

Nancy Pelosi has become the latest victim of so-called white powder letters as suspicious mailings target more than three dozen Congress members before the midterms. Federal agencies are investigating, but no suspect has been named. What is happening?

'Thinking of You...': Nancy Pelosi becomes the latest target of suspicious white powder letters

After the horrific incident in Ecuador where a huge cross fell on a Father, leading to his death, another cross fell on a priest's head in Colombia, viral video on X showed. According to the clip circulating on X, a priest in Colombia is seen inside a church. He approached the cross attempting to fix his place and change it. Moments later, the cross falls on him, hitting his head. One X user said, “The priest wanted to move the cross for maintenance and cleaning purposes, but it fell on his head.” The post also stated that the priest survived the incident, though he had a slight bump on his bald head. However, the date of the incident is unknown. There has been no official confirmation about the origin, exact location, church, identity of the person, or full context. The authenticity of the viral video is not known.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">سقوط صليب آخر على رأس كاهن... لكن هذه المرة في كولومبيا.

أراد الكاهن نقل الصليب لغرض الصيانة والتنظيف فسقط على رأسه، الرجل نجا برضّة خفيفة على صلعته. https://t.co/wKaVF7blGO&mdash; إياد الحمود (@Eyaaaad) <a href="https://x.com/Eyaaaad/status/2112862790591418868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-viral-video-shows-woman-jogging-past-burning-barricade-amid-paris-unrest-sparks-online-debate-1792441937832">WATCH | Viral video shows woman jogging past burning barricade amid Paris unrest, sparks online debate</a>&nbsp;This comes days after a Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a large crucifix hanging behind him fell on him as he was delivering a sermon. He was identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, who served as parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil. The circumstances that caused the heavy crucifix to detach from the wall remain unclear. Church officials have not publicly provided an explanation for the incident.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The last sermon of Father Patricio Sánchez came to light, delivered just minutes before he died by a wooden statue of Christ in Guayaquil. His sermon was about living your best life with family and friends as everyone will pass away one day. His last words were &quot;Lord Hear Our Prayer&quot;. -- Amen https://t.co/pcEsGix9RD&mdash; Churchkey ✟ (@churchkey) <a href="https://x.com/churchkey/status/2111980094147191189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-waves-at-empty-space-in-viral-video-critics-claim-mental-decline-getting-worse-watch-1792555545544">WATCH | Trump waves at 'empty space' in viral video,' critics claim 'mental decline getting worse' |</a>&nbsp;Molinari did not get back up after the crucifix struck him. Parishioners could be heard screaming and crying as several rushed to help him and call an ambulance. First responders arrived at the scene, but the priest was declared dead the same day, according to officials. According to reports, the priest was speaking about the words of Jesus and death before he died. He urged members of the congregation not to waste their lives scrolling on their phones, but instead devote time to God and their loved ones. “One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God,” he told the congregation.

A viral video circulating on X purportedly shows a cross falling on a priest's head inside a church in Colombia as he attempts to move it. The post claims he survived with a minor injury, but the video's date, location, identity and authenticity remain unverified.

After the horrific incident in Ecuador where a huge cross fell on a Father, leading to his death, another cross fell on a priest's head in Colombia, viral video on X showed. According to the clip circulating on X, a priest in Colombia is seen inside a church. He approached the cross attempting to fix his place and change it. Moments later, the cross falls on him, hitting his head. One X user said, “The priest wanted to move the cross for maintenance and cleaning purposes, but it fell on his head.” The post also stated that the priest survived the incident, though he had a slight bump on his bald head. However, the date of the incident is unknown. There has been no official confirmation about the origin, exact location, church, identity of the person, or full context. The authenticity of the viral video is not known.

A viral video circulating on X purportedly shows a cross falling on a priest's head inside a church in Colombia as he attempts to move it. The post claims he survived with a minor injury, but the video's date, location, identity and authenticity remain unverified.

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