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Three US lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the house of representatives to terminate President Donald Trump's tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India. Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi tabled the measure on Friday, describing the duties as "illegal" and harmful to American workers, consumers, and supply chains. All of them are democratic lawmakers. The resolution follows a similar bipartisan Senate effort earlier this year to end comparable tariffs on Brazil, highlighting growing congressional unease over Trump's use of emergency powers for trade policy. &nbsp;The tariffs, invoked under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stem from an initial 25% levy in August, followed by additional "secondary" duties that pushed rates to 50% on many Indian goods. “North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state – especially in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors.” &nbsp;Congressman Veasey echoed concerns about consumer impact. “India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said. &nbsp;Indian-American Congressman Krishnamoorthi called the policy counterproductive. “President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” he said. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.” &nbsp;The move comes against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic engagement. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump held talks, reviewing bilateral progress. US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker visited New Delhi for foreign office consultations, while Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer held talks on trade issues. In a congressional hearing, US lawmakers have also voiced support for stronger ties in India. This week also saw major tech firms like Intel, Microsoft pledging billions in investments in India.

Three Democratic US lawmakers have introduced a House resolution to end President Trump’s up to 50% tariffs on Indian imports, calling them illegal and harmful to US workers, consumers, and supply chains, as Congress grows uneasy over the use of emergency powers for trade policy.

Three US lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the house of representatives to terminate President Donald Trump's tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India. Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi tabled the measure on Friday, describing the duties as "illegal" and harmful to American workers, consumers, and supply chains. All of them are democratic lawmakers. The resolution follows a similar bipartisan Senate effort earlier this year to end comparable tariffs on Brazil, highlighting growing congressional unease over Trump's use of emergency powers for trade policy. The tariffs, invoked under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stem from an initial 25% levy in August, followed by additional "secondary" duties that pushed rates to 50% on many Indian goods. “North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state – especially in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors.” Congressman Veasey echoed concerns about consumer impact. “India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said. Indian-American Congressman Krishnamoorthi called the policy counterproductive. “President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” he said. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.” The move comes against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic engagement. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump held talks, reviewing bilateral progress. US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker visited New Delhi for foreign office consultations, while Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer held talks on trade issues. In a congressional hearing, US lawmakers have also voiced support for stronger ties in India. This week also saw major tech firms like Intel, Microsoft pledging billions in investments in India.

The tariffs, invoked under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stem from an initial 25% levy in August, followed by additional "secondary" duties that pushed rates to 50 percent on many Indian goods

US lawmakers introduce resolution to end Trump's tariffs on India

US President Donald Trump shrugged off the new photos released from Jeffrey Epstein files by House Democrats on Friday (Dec 12). The pictures also included Trump with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died of an apparent suicide in prison during his trial. This comes after the House Oversight Committee released dozens of images amid the 95,000 files, with many featuring Epstein with several prominent figures, including the US president. The release of new documents and photos come after Trump signed a bill last month ordering the public release of files regarding the Epstein case.“I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over, actually,” Trump said on Friday. “I haven’t seen it, but, I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over Palm Beach. He has photos with everybody. I mean, there are hundreds and hundreds of people that have photos with him. So that’s no big deal. I know nothing about.”Trump can be seen in three of the undated images released by the Democrats. In two of the photos, he is seen with women with redacted identities. The third picture shows the US president with Epstein. In another image, Trump’s face can be seen on a bunch condom with the caption, “I’m HUUUUGE,” and a sign reading “Trump condom $4.50.”Posting the images on X, Oversight Democrats wrote, “Oversight Dems received 95,000 new photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. These disturbing images raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world. Time to end this White House cover-up. Release the files!”The images showed former president Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, movie producer Woody Allen, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, royal family member Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, professor Alan Dershowitz, VirginGroup founder Richard Branson, Steve Bannon, and others.Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson slammed House Democrats for “selectively releasing cherry-picked photos.”While the images released do not implicate any individuals in Epstein’s criminal activities, they offer insights into the convicted financier’s personal life and relationships. Trump has repeatedly said that he had distanced himself from the sex offender in the 2000s.

The release of new documents and photos comes after Trump signed a bill last month ordering the public release of files regarding the Epstein case.

US President Donald Trump shrugged off the new photos released from Jeffrey Epstein files by House Democrats on Friday (Dec 12). The pictures also included Trump with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died of an apparent suicide in prison during his trial. This comes after the House Oversight Committee released dozens of images amid the 95,000 files, with many featuring Epstein with several prominent figures, including the US president. The release of new documents and photos come after Trump signed a bill last month ordering the public release of files regarding the Epstein case. “I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over, actually,” Trump said on Friday. “I haven’t seen it, but, I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over Palm Beach. He has photos with everybody. I mean, there are hundreds and hundreds of people that have photos with him. So that’s no big deal. I know nothing about.” Trump can be seen in three of the undated images released by the Democrats. In two of the photos, he is seen with women with redacted identities. The third picture shows the US president with Epstein. In another image, Trump’s face can be seen on a bunch condom with the caption, “I’m HUUUUGE,” and a sign reading “Trump condom $4.50.” Posting the images on X, Oversight Democrats wrote, “Oversight Dems received 95,000 new photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. These disturbing images raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world. Time to end this White House cover-up. Release the files!” The images showed former president Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, movie producer Woody Allen, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, royal family member Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, professor Alan Dershowitz, VirginGroup founder Richard Branson, Steve Bannon, and others. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson slammed House Democrats for “selectively releasing cherry-picked photos.” While the images released do not implicate any individuals in Epstein’s criminal activities, they offer insights into the convicted financier’s personal life and relationships. Trump has repeatedly said that he had distanced himself from the sex offender in the 2000s.

The release of new documents and photos comes after Trump signed a bill last month ordering the public release of files regarding the Epstein case.

‘No big deal’: Trump brushes off new Epstein photos, claims he ‘knows nothing’

Legendary Argentina star Lionel Messi arrived in India’s Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday (Dec 13) morning as he begins his GOAT tour. Messi, who is considered by many to be the greatest player to play football, arrived in India for his second tour, having last played in 2011 in a friendly match. Fans were seen thronging the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata with high security measures in place.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | West Bengal | Star footballer Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata, officially kicking off his G.O.A.T India Tour 2025. Visuals from outside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. <a href="https://t.co/dzMK00Z5OP">pic.twitter.com/dzMK00Z5OP</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1999601822026334655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Messi arrives in India</h2>The much-anticipated tour will kick off on Saturday, where Messi will be seen meeting former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who will also be in attendance. Fans were seen cheering for Messi, who arrived in Kolkata in the early hours, before he was escorted to his hotel by high security. Fans were seen singing Messi’s name, while the Argentine’s posters and banners were also a highlight reel in the early hours.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Messi’s schedule in Kolkata</h2><ul><li>9:30 am to 10:30 am: Meet-and-greet programme</li><li>10:30 am to 11:15 am: Virtual inauguration of Messi’s statue</li><li>11:15 am to 11:25 am: Arrival at Yuva Bharati</li><li>11:30 am: Shah Rukh Khan arrives at Yuva Bharati</li><li>12:00 pm: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Sourav Ganguly arrive at the stadium</li><li>12:00 pm to 12:30 pm: Friendly match, felicitation and interaction</li><li>2:00 pm: Departure for Hyderabad</li></ul>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The 2022 World Cup winner will be in Kolkata until 2 pm before he leaves for Hyderabad, where he is scheduled to play a charity match that involves Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The GOAT tour will then head to Mumbai, where Messi will again play a charity match and later participate in a fashion event, which will also see him team up with Luis Suarez. The last day of the tour will be in New Delhi as the Argentine will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before concluding his tour at an event in New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Lionel Messi, who is considered by many to be the greatest player to play football, arrived in India for his second tour, having last played in 2011 in a friendly match. 

Legendary Argentina star Lionel Messi arrived in India’s Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday (Dec 13) morning as he begins his GOAT tour. Messi, who is considered by many to be the greatest player to play football, arrived in India for his second tour, having last played in 2011 in a friendly match. Fans were seen thronging the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata with high security measures in place.

Lionel Messi, who is considered by many to be the greatest player to play football, arrived in India for his second tour, having last played in 2011 in a friendly match.&nbsp;

Watch: Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata for GOAT tour, fans throng airport with tight security measures in place

China and Japan are embroiled in one of the most serious diplomatic tussle in years over Japanese PM Sanae &nbsp;Takaichi's remark on Taiwan. A new report has now revealed that Takaichi was advised against making any such remark in the parliament that could antagonise Beijing. Critics are blaming Takaichi for this misstep, as it has put the peace and security of the Asia Pacific region in jeopardy, with war clouds hovering over it.&nbsp;Documents obtained by opposition lawmaker Kiyomi Tsujimoto shown to Bloomberg reveals that the script prepared for Takaichi by the showed that the planned response for any queries related to Taiwan was for her to decline to comment. In Japan, bureaucrats prepare answers for cabinet members before they take questions in parliament or at press conferences. The includes both questions submitted in advance by lawmakers and the recommended responses. The Japanese PM was advised to avoid discussing Taiwan.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Cabinet Secretariat’s response was the same as that of previous administrations, and she should have said she would refrain from answering hypothetical questions about a Taiwan emergency,” Tsujimoto told Bloomberg after posting images of the script on X. Bloomberg reported that the Cabinet Secretariat declined to confirm over the phone the authenticity of the documents posted on Tsujimoto’s X account, but acknowledged disclosing documents to her. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara deflected a question on whether Takaichi’s Taiwan comments were prepared beforehand, asking reporters to direct such questions to the relevant department. However, Tsujimoto also revealed that a written response from Cabinet Secretariat states that the premier’s answers in parliament were largely in line with the government’s stance.<h2>What was Takaichi's statement?</h2>On Nov 14, Takaichi was asked by an opposition lawmaker in parliament about “survival-threatening situations.” In response, Takaichi gave an example that an attempt to bring Taiwan completely under the control of Beijing using battleships and military force could constitute such a situation. She also added that an attack on US warships sent to break any Chinese blockade on Taiwan could require Tokyo to intervene militarily to defend itself and its ally.<h2>What is the meaning of ‘survival-threatening situations’?</h2>The term ‘survival-threatening situation’ used by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi refers to a specific legal term in Japanese law that was made under the 2015 security legislation. It describes a situation where an armed attack on a foreign country closely related to Japan poses a threat to Japan's survival and clearly endangers the fundamental rights of the Japanese people. Under the law, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) can retaliate alongside the US and other nations based on their right of collective self-defence, even if Japan itself is not under attack. To make the law effective, three conditions must be met: first, an armed attack occurs against a country closely related to Japan; second, there is a clear danger to Japan’s existence; and third, there are no other appropriate means available. When these conditions are met, the government will resort to the “minimum necessary use of force.”

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi sparked tensions with China after a comment on Taiwan as an example of using Japan's “survival-threatening situation” law, despite official advice to avoid such scenarios.

China and Japan are embroiled in one of the most serious diplomatic tussle in years over Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's remark on Taiwan. A new report has now revealed that Takaichi was advised against making any such remark in the parliament that could antagonise Beijing. Critics are blaming Takaichi for this misstep, as it has put the peace and security of the Asia Pacific region in jeopardy, with war clouds hovering over it. Documents obtained by opposition lawmaker Kiyomi Tsujimoto shown to Bloomberg reveals that the script prepared for Takaichi by the showed that the planned response for any queries related to Taiwan was for her to decline to comment. In Japan, bureaucrats prepare answers for cabinet members before they take questions in parliament or at press conferences. The includes both questions submitted in advance by lawmakers and the recommended responses. The Japanese PM was advised to avoid discussing Taiwan. “The Cabinet Secretariat’s response was the same as that of previous administrations, and she should have said she would refrain from answering hypothetical questions about a Taiwan emergency,” Tsujimoto told Bloomberg after posting images of the script on X. Bloomberg reported that the Cabinet Secretariat declined to confirm over the phone the authenticity of the documents posted on Tsujimoto’s X account, but acknowledged disclosing documents to her. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara deflected a question on whether Takaichi’s Taiwan comments were prepared beforehand, asking reporters to direct such questions to the relevant department. However, Tsujimoto also revealed that a written response from Cabinet Secretariat states that the premier’s answers in parliament were largely in line with the government’s stance. What was Takaichi's statement? On Nov 14, Takaichi was asked by an opposition lawmaker in parliament about “survival-threatening situations.” In response, Takaichi gave an example that an attempt to bring Taiwan completely under the control of Beijing using battleships and military force could constitute such a situation. She also added that an attack on US warships sent to break any Chinese blockade on Taiwan could require Tokyo to intervene militarily to defend itself and its ally. What is the meaning of ‘survival-threatening situations’? The term ‘survival-threatening situation’ used by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi refers to a specific legal term in Japanese law that was made under the 2015 security legislation. It describes a situation where an armed attack on a foreign country closely related to Japan poses a threat to Japan's survival and clearly endangers the fundamental rights of the Japanese people. Under the law, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) can retaliate alongside the US and other nations based on their right of collective self-defence, even if Japan itself is not under attack. To make the law effective, three conditions must be met: first, an armed attack occurs against a country closely related to Japan; second, there is a clear danger to Japan’s existence; and third, there are no other appropriate means available. When these conditions are met, the government will resort to the “minimum necessary use of force.”

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi sparked tensions with China after a comment on Taiwan as an example of using Japan's “survival-threatening situation” law, despite official advice to avoid such scenarios.

Takaichi was advised against making Taiwan remark in parliament fearing China's backlash? What's the truth

Shortly after US President Donald Trump made a truce call to leaders of the warring South Asian nations, Cambodia accused Thailand of continuing airstrikes on its territory even as both sides had agreed to halt hostilities. In a statement posted on X, the Cambodian defence ministry said that Thai forces carried out fresh attacks earlier in the day. There was no immediate response from Thai authorities to the Cambodian claims. Cambodia said that Thai military used F-16 fighter jets to drop as many as seven bombs on multiple locations in Cambodian territories.&nbsp;&nbsp;“On December 13, 2025, the Thai military used two F-16 fighter jets to drop seven bombs” on multiple locations inside Cambodia, the ministry said.The statement added that the strikes continued despite the announcement of a truce. “Thai military aircraft have not stopped bombing yet,” the post on X by Cambodian defence ministry added. Earlier, US President Trump said that the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are ready for peace and agreed to halt fighting. Trump announced the truce on his social media platform Truth Social, after speaking with both leaders over the phone. "I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;Trump also called the triggering point of the fresh clashes an “accident.” The fresh clashes were triggered after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, allegedly placed near disputed border area by Cambodia, in November. Cambodia denied the claims, but the Thai soldier died later prompting Thailand to launch an air strike. Trump said, “The roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly.”&nbsp;The Southeast Asian nations - Thailand and Cambodia - dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border. Both countries also claim the land surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple as their own. In the fresh clashes, at least 15 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed so far. More than half a million people have fled border areas. &nbsp;

Cambodia accused Thailand of carrying out fresh F-16 airstrikes despite a US-brokered truce announced by President Donald Trump after calls with both leaders. Thailand has not responded. The fighting stems from a long-running border dispute and recent clashes 

Shortly after US President Donald Trump made a truce call to leaders of the warring South Asian nations, Cambodia accused Thailand of continuing airstrikes on its territory even as both sides had agreed to halt hostilities. In a statement posted on X, the Cambodian defence ministry said that Thai forces carried out fresh attacks earlier in the day. There was no immediate response from Thai authorities to the Cambodian claims. Cambodia said that Thai military used F-16 fighter jets to drop as many as seven bombs on multiple locations in Cambodian territories. “On December 13, 2025, the Thai military used two F-16 fighter jets to drop seven bombs” on multiple locations inside Cambodia, the ministry said.The statement added that the strikes continued despite the announcement of a truce. “Thai military aircraft have not stopped bombing yet,” the post on X by Cambodian defence ministry added. Earlier, US President Trump said that the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are ready for peace and agreed to halt fighting. Trump announced the truce on his social media platform Truth Social, after speaking with both leaders over the phone. "I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump also called the triggering point of the fresh clashes an “accident.” The fresh clashes were triggered after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, allegedly placed near disputed border area by Cambodia, in November. Cambodia denied the claims, but the Thai soldier died later prompting Thailand to launch an air strike. Trump said, “The roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly.” The Southeast Asian nations - Thailand and Cambodia - dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border. Both countries also claim the land surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple as their own. In the fresh clashes, at least 15 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed so far. More than half a million people have fled border areas.

Cambodia accused Thailand of carrying out fresh F-16 airstrikes despite a US-brokered truce announced by President Donald Trump after calls with both leaders. Thailand has not responded. The fighting stems from a long-running border dispute and recent clashes&nbsp;

Cambodia accuses Thailand of fresh F-16 airstrikes despite Trump's peace call - What we know

A Pakistani university has launched a course to teach Sanskrit to students and is planning to introduce the Gita and Mahabharat afterwards - for the first time after the 1947 partition. The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has launched a four-credit course in the language. As part of the course, students are also being exposed to the Urdu rendition of "Hai katha sangram ki", the iconic theme from the Mahabharat television series.&nbsp;The initiative was a result of Dr Ali Usman Qasmi, Director of the Gurmani Centre, who told The Tribune that Pakistan has one of the richest yet most neglected Sanskrit archives at the Punjab University library.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;"A significant collection of Sanskrit palm-leaf manuscripts was catalogued in the 1930s by scholar JCR Woolner, but no Pakistani academic has engaged with this collection since 1947. Only foreign researchers use it. Training scholars locally will change that," he said.&nbsp;"In 10-15 years, we could see Pakistan-based scholars of the Gita and the Mahabharata," Dr Qasmi said.&nbsp;It's also the result of the efforts of Dr Shahid Rasheed, Associate Professor of Sociology at Forman Christian College.&nbsp;"Classical languages contain much wisdom for mankind. I started with learning Arabic and Persian, and then studied Sanskrit," Dr Rasheed said. "It took almost a year to cover classical Sanskrit grammar. And I'm still studying it," he added.&nbsp;"I tell them, why should we not learn it? It is the binding language of the entire region. Sanskrit grammarian Panini's village was in this region. Much writing was done here during the Indus Valley Civilisation. Sanskrit is like a mountain – a cultural monument. We need to own it. It is ours too; it's not tied to any one particular religion," he added.

The initiative was a result of Dr Ali Usman Qasmi, Director of the Gurmani Centre, who told The Tribune that Pakistan has one of the richest yet most neglected Sanskrit archives at the Punjab University library.



A Pakistani university has launched a course to teach Sanskrit to students and is planning to introduce the Gita and Mahabharat afterwards - for the first time after the 1947 partition. The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has launched a four-credit course in the language. As part of the course, students are also being exposed to the Urdu rendition of "Hai katha sangram ki", the iconic theme from the Mahabharat television series. The initiative was a result of Dr Ali Usman Qasmi, Director of the Gurmani Centre, who told The Tribune that Pakistan has one of the richest yet most neglected Sanskrit archives at the Punjab University library. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US "A significant collection of Sanskrit palm-leaf manuscripts was catalogued in the 1930s by scholar JCR Woolner, but no Pakistani academic has engaged with this collection since 1947. Only foreign researchers use it. Training scholars locally will change that," he said. "In 10-15 years, we could see Pakistan-based scholars of the Gita and the Mahabharata," Dr Qasmi said. It's also the result of the efforts of Dr Shahid Rasheed, Associate Professor of Sociology at Forman Christian College. "Classical languages contain much wisdom for mankind. I started with learning Arabic and Persian, and then studied Sanskrit," Dr Rasheed said. "It took almost a year to cover classical Sanskrit grammar. And I'm still studying it," he added. "I tell them, why should we not learn it? It is the binding language of the entire region. Sanskrit grammarian Panini's village was in this region. Much writing was done here during the Indus Valley Civilisation. Sanskrit is like a mountain – a cultural monument. We need to own it. It is ours too; it's not tied to any one particular religion," he added.

The initiative was a result of Dr Ali Usman Qasmi, Director of the Gurmani Centre, who told The Tribune that Pakistan has one of the richest yet most neglected Sanskrit archives at the Punjab University library.&nbsp;

Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharat, and Sanskrit to be taught in Pakistan school. Know all about the initiative

Billionaire Elon Musk again had an outburst on social media over his estranged transgender daughter. The tech mogul said on X that her transition was a “tragic mental illness" caused by “the evil woke mind virus". This was in response to a jibe by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The remark was made after Newsom told a podcaster that he wanted to see more transgender students.&nbsp;In response to the video shared by Elon Musk’s Public Action Committee (PAC) on X, Newsom’s office said, “Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon."&nbsp;“I assume you’re referring to my son, Xavier, who has a tragic mental illness caused by the evil woke mind virus you push on vulnerable children. I love Xavier very much and hope he recovers. My daughters are Azure, Exa (she goes by Y) and Arcadia, and they do indeed love me very much," Musk said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nobel-prize-winning-activist-narges-mohammadi-violently-arrested-1765548088891">Iran: Nobel-prize-winning activist Narges Mohammadi ‘violently’ arrested</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon. <a href="https://t.co/HeJIm5fJMS">https://t.co/HeJIm5fJMS</a>&mdash; Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovPressOffice/status/1999203789367095643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the past as well, Musk has repeatedly referred to his daughter using her birth name and described her transition as the work of a “woke mind virus." The Tesla CEO had previously accused Wilson of adopting extreme ideologies, saying, “She went beyond socialism to being a full communist and thinking that anyone rich is evil."&nbsp;An internet user wrote, “No matter what you think about Elon, hitting him with his children is the lowest you can get.”&nbsp;Another said, “Kids are off limits. What Gavin Newsom’s team did was shameful. I’m sorry you were put in a situation where you had to defend your kid, Elon.”&nbsp;“Elon, why don’t you support your daughter?” said another.&nbsp;“Classy move from a governor’s office: just mock a father’s estrangement from his child. Real moral high ground there," wrote another.

 This was in response to a jibe by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The remark was made after Newsom told a podcaster that he wanted to see more transgender students.



Billionaire Elon Musk again had an outburst on social media over his estranged transgender daughter. The tech mogul said on X that her transition was a “tragic mental illness" caused by “the evil woke mind virus". This was in response to a jibe by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The remark was made after Newsom told a podcaster that he wanted to see more transgender students. In response to the video shared by Elon Musk’s Public Action Committee (PAC) on X, Newsom’s office said, “Correct. We’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon." “I assume you’re referring to my son, Xavier, who has a tragic mental illness caused by the evil woke mind virus you push on vulnerable children. I love Xavier very much and hope he recovers. My daughters are Azure, Exa (she goes by Y) and Arcadia, and they do indeed love me very much," Musk said. Also read: Iran: Nobel-prize-winning activist Narges Mohammadi ‘violently’ arrested

This was in response to a jibe by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The remark was made after Newsom told a podcaster that he wanted to see more transgender students.&nbsp;

‘Tragic mental illness’: Musk calls his trans daughter his ‘son’ with ‘woke mind virus’

The US Food and Drug Administration intends to put a “black box” warning—the most serious type, which highlights major risks such as severe side effects and restrictions—on COVID-19 vaccines, said a CNN report on Friday, citing two people familiar with the agency’s plans. The plan to include the warnings for COVID shots is being coordinated by Vinay Prasad, the FDA’s chief medical and scientific officer and director of the agency’s Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Unless the FDA announces it, any claim about what it will do is pure speculation,” said US Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon about the plans to include the warning.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-s-suing-euroclear-over-plan-to-use-moscow-s-frozen-cash-to-help-ukraine-1765562394242">Russia says it’s suing Euroclear over plan to use Moscow’s frozen cash to help Ukraine</a>&nbsp;After the report, vaccine-maker Moderna pointed to its statement issued in September about the safety of its COVID shot. Pfizer also reiterated a statement that its vaccine continues to demonstrate a favourable safety and efficacy profile supported by extensive real-world evidence.Prasad told staffers last month in a memo that COVID shots probably contributed to the deaths of at least 10 children who died of heart inflammation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reddit-sues-australia-over-ban-for-under-16s-calls-it-intrusion-on-free-political-discourse-1765557290650">Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse</a>&nbsp;The FDA is investigating deaths potentially related to COVID-19 vaccines across multiple age groups as part of a safety review, a HHS spokesperson said on Tuesday.FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has previously said the agency was looking at such deaths in young people.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a>&nbsp;Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine sceptic, has sharply changed government policy on COVID vaccines, limiting access to people aged 65 and above, as well as those with underlying conditions.The plan to add the warning has not been finalised and may still change, the CNN report said.&nbsp;It was not immediately clear whether the plans for the warnings would be applied only to mRNA vaccines or all COVID vaccines, and if they would apply to all age groups.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-h-1b-worker-equals-10-illegal-aliens-send-indian-techies-back-says-us-pollster-slams-trump-admin-1765474555216">‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin</a>&nbsp;Vaccines from Pfizer and partner BioNTech and Moderna use messenger RNA technology, while the Novavax shot is a more traditional protein-based one.

The FDA is investigating deaths potentially related to COVID-19 vaccines across multiple age groups as part of a safety review. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has previously said the agency was looking at such deaths in young people.

The US Food and Drug Administration intends to put a “black box” warning—the most serious type, which highlights major risks such as severe side effects and restrictions—on COVID-19 vaccines, said a CNN report on Friday, citing two people familiar with the agency’s plans. The plan to include the warnings for COVID shots is being coordinated by Vinay Prasad, the FDA’s chief medical and scientific officer and director of the agency’s Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Unless the FDA announces it, any claim about what it will do is pure speculation,” said US Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon about the plans to include the warning. Also Read: Russia says it’s suing Euroclear over plan to use Moscow’s frozen cash to help Ukraine After the report, vaccine-maker Moderna pointed to its statement issued in September about the safety of its COVID shot. Pfizer also reiterated a statement that its vaccine continues to demonstrate a favourable safety and efficacy profile supported by extensive real-world evidence. Prasad told staffers last month in a memo that COVID shots probably contributed to the deaths of at least 10 children who died of heart inflammation. Also Read: Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse The FDA is investigating deaths potentially related to COVID-19 vaccines across multiple age groups as part of a safety review, a HHS spokesperson said on Tuesday. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has previously said the agency was looking at such deaths in young people. Also Read: Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe? Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine sceptic, has sharply changed government policy on COVID vaccines, limiting access to people aged 65 and above, as well as those with underlying conditions. The plan to add the warning has not been finalised and may still change, the CNN report said. It was not immediately clear whether the plans for the warnings would be applied only to mRNA vaccines or all COVID vaccines, and if they would apply to all age groups. Also Read: ‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin Vaccines from Pfizer and partner BioNTech and Moderna use messenger RNA technology, while the Novavax shot is a more traditional protein-based one.

The FDA is investigating deaths potentially related to COVID-19 vaccines across multiple age groups as part of a safety review. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has previously said the agency was looking at such deaths in young people.

FDA plans to put ‘black box’ warning on Covid vaccines: Report

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Dec 12) said that the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to halt fighting after days of deadly border clashes. Trump announced the truce on his social media platform &nbsp;Truth Social, after speaking with both leaders over the phone. Earlier in the day, the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that he told the US president that Cambodia is at fault for the recent border clashes, hinting that Bangonk was willing to halt the clashes.&nbsp;"I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, referring to an agreement reached in October.&nbsp;"The roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly. Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America", he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a>&nbsp;Hailing the Malaysian president for his contribution in brokering the true Trump said, "It is my honour to work with Anutin and Hun in resolving what could have evolved into a major War between two otherwise wonderful and prosperous Countries! I would also like to thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, for his assistance in this very important matter". Fighting between the two Southeast Asian neighbours this week has killed at least 20 people and displaced nearly half a million on both sides of their disputed border. Trump, who earlier claimed credit for brokering a truce in July that halted a previous flare-up, said he would speak with both leaders to “get that one back on track.”&nbsp;In July, fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops over five days, with 43 people killed and 300,000 displaced in the worst clashes along the border in a decade. Donald Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations in Malaysia this October, after the US president previously threatened to withhold trade privileges from the two countries unless they stopped fighting.&nbsp;The border dispute dates back centuries, originating from maps drawn when Cambodia was under French colonial rule and which Thailand says are inaccurate. A scattering of temples along the border is claimed by both sides. The ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding areas became a major cause of friction between the two countries. Tensions have escalated over territorial claims, especially after the UNESCO designation of the temple in 2008. Periodic clashes, including skirmishes and the death of villagers, have led to diplomatic and military standoffs.

Fighting between the two Southeast Asian neighbours this week has killed at least 20 people and displaced nearly half a million on both sides of their disputed border.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Dec 12) said that the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to halt fighting after days of deadly border clashes. Trump announced the truce on his social media platform Truth Social, after speaking with both leaders over the phone. Earlier in the day, the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that he told the US president that Cambodia is at fault for the recent border clashes, hinting that Bangonk was willing to halt the clashes. "I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, referring to an agreement reached in October. "The roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly. Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America", he added. Also Read: Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe? Hailing the Malaysian president for his contribution in brokering the true Trump said, "It is my honour to work with Anutin and Hun in resolving what could have evolved into a major War between two otherwise wonderful and prosperous Countries! I would also like to thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, for his assistance in this very important matter". Fighting between the two Southeast Asian neighbours this week has killed at least 20 people and displaced nearly half a million on both sides of their disputed border. Trump, who earlier claimed credit for brokering a truce in July that halted a previous flare-up, said he would speak with both leaders to “get that one back on track.” In July, fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops over five days, with 43 people killed and 300,000 displaced in the worst clashes along the border in a decade. Donald Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations in Malaysia this October, after the US president previously threatened to withhold trade privileges from the two countries unless they stopped fighting. The border dispute dates back centuries, originating from maps drawn when Cambodia was under French colonial rule and which Thailand says are inaccurate. A scattering of temples along the border is claimed by both sides. The ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding areas became a major cause of friction between the two countries. Tensions have escalated over territorial claims, especially after the UNESCO designation of the temple in 2008. Periodic clashes, including skirmishes and the death of villagers, have led to diplomatic and military standoffs.

Fighting between the two Southeast Asian neighbours this week has killed at least 20 people and displaced nearly half a million on both sides of their disputed border.

Trump announces ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, says both leaders agreed to uphold October peace agreement

Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen "winking" at a reporter in a light-hearted exchange at an international forum in Turkmenistan on Friday (Dec 12). The moment was captured after the Russian supremo concluded talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A video was shared by RT India on X that showed Putin, while looking at the camera in an address to the reporter. The video is now being widely reshared online.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">❗️Vladimir Putin coyly winks at journalist after talks with Turkish President Erdogan Good sign? <a href="https://t.co/DNWYuoE8AR">pic.twitter.com/DNWYuoE8AR</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/1999453316468863406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Putin and Erdogan were in Ashgabat for the International Peace and Trust Forum, which was held in honour of the 30th anniversary of the former Soviet nation’s declaration of neutrality.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-recruiting-africans-to-fight-in-ukraine-war-ex-south-african-president-s-daughter-accused-of-luring-17-men-for-this-1764938371858">Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this</a>&nbsp;Interestingly, the video came just after the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was seen crashing the Putin-Erdogan meeting. Although he reportedly left just after 10 minutes of crashing. The Pakistani PM was reportedly waiting for Putin for a long time, 40 minutes to be specific, but the Russian leader did not show up. After this, Sharif, with his delegates, crashed Putin's meeting. But he left the venue within 10 minutes.&nbsp;Sharif and Putin were scheduled to meet at an international forum in Turkmenistan commemorating the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The Pakistan PM was waiting for Putin with his Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, for 40 minutes. He was said to have departed roughly 10 minutes later.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-who-won-nyc-mayor-polls-on-promise-to-make-city-affordable-set-to-move-into-100mn-mansion-with-wife-for-safety-1765296231524">Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’</a>&nbsp;An earlier video shared by RT India showed Sharif sitting with an empty chair on his side, along with his delegates, and waiting for the Russian president. The video on X was captioned, "Moment PM Sharif gate-crashed Putin’s meeting with Erdogan after waiting for 40 mins".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A video was shared by RT India on X that showed Putin, while looking at the camera in an address to the reporter. The video is now being widely reshared online.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen "winking" at a reporter in a light-hearted exchange at an international forum in Turkmenistan on Friday (Dec 12). The moment was captured after the Russian supremo concluded talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A video was shared by RT India on X that showed Putin, while looking at the camera in an address to the reporter. The video is now being widely reshared online. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US

A video was shared by RT India on X that showed Putin, while looking at the camera in an address to the reporter. The video is now being widely reshared online.

WATCH: Putin winks at camera after talks with Erdogan - AND after Pakistan PM crashed the meeting

Russia said on Friday that its Central Bank is suing Belgian bank Euroclear in a Moscow court in response to moves by Ukraine’s European allies to use Moscow's frozen assets to help Kyiv fund its military and economy. Russia also threatened the European Union with a global campaign of retaliation to recover hundreds of billions of euros if the bloc makes any use of the funds.The central bank said in a statement on Friday that it’s filing a lawsuit at the Moscow Arbitration Court against “unlawful actions” by the Belgium-based depository that make it “impossible for the bank to dispose of its funds and securities.”&nbsp;The Bank of Russia warned in a statement that it’ll challenge any unauthorised use of the assets by the European Commission “in all available competent authorities, including national courts, judicial bodies of foreign states and international organisations.” It will also seek “enforcement of judicial decisions” in any state, the bank said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reddit-sues-australia-over-ban-for-under-16s-calls-it-intrusion-on-free-political-discourse-1765557290650">Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse</a>&nbsp;Russia would seek damages equal to the total amount of its frozen assets as well as additional income lost from them.&nbsp;Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war. The EU wants to keep Ukraine financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security, and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a>&nbsp;Brussels calls it a “reparations loan” and has come up with a plan to prop up Ukraine’s economy.“It’s only fair that Russia’s frozen assets should be used to rebuild what Russia has destroyed,” says Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the assets will “enable Ukraine to protect itself effectively against future Russian attacks”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-h-1b-worker-equals-10-illegal-aliens-send-indian-techies-back-says-us-pollster-slams-trump-admin-1765474555216">‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin</a>&nbsp;Legally using the interest is seen as safe, as Russia is under sanction and the proceeds are not Russian sovereign property.&nbsp;The bank’s intervention aims to ramp up pressure on European officials, many of whom are already nervous about the financial and legal consequences of using the Russian state assets to aid Ukraine.

The EU wants to keep Kyiv financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war.

Russia said on Friday that its Central Bank is suing Belgian bank Euroclear in a Moscow court in response to moves by Ukraine’s European allies to use Moscow's frozen assets to help Kyiv fund its military and economy. Russia also threatened the European Union with a global campaign of retaliation to recover hundreds of billions of euros if the bloc makes any use of the funds. The central bank said in a statement on Friday that it’s filing a lawsuit at the Moscow Arbitration Court against “unlawful actions” by the Belgium-based depository that make it “impossible for the bank to dispose of its funds and securities.” The Bank of Russia warned in a statement that it’ll challenge any unauthorised use of the assets by the European Commission “in all available competent authorities, including national courts, judicial bodies of foreign states and international organisations.” It will also seek “enforcement of judicial decisions” in any state, the bank said. Also Read: Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse Russia would seek damages equal to the total amount of its frozen assets as well as additional income lost from them. Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war. The EU wants to keep Ukraine financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security, and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Also Read: Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe? Brussels calls it a “reparations loan” and has come up with a plan to prop up Ukraine’s economy. “It’s only fair that Russia’s frozen assets should be used to rebuild what Russia has destroyed,” says Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the assets will “enable Ukraine to protect itself effectively against future Russian attacks”. Also Read: ‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin Legally using the interest is seen as safe, as Russia is under sanction and the proceeds are not Russian sovereign property. The bank’s intervention aims to ramp up pressure on European officials, many of whom are already nervous about the financial and legal consequences of using the Russian state assets to aid Ukraine.

The EU wants to keep Kyiv financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war.

Russia says it’s suing Euroclear over plan to use Moscow’s frozen cash to help Ukraine

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Friday (Dec 12) said that around 2000 Afghan nationals who entered the country after the 2021 United States withdrawal from Afghanistan have suspected connections with terrorist groups. She accused the Biden Administration of giving refuge to 100,000 Afghans in the country without proper vetting.&nbsp;She echoed the statement made by a counterterrorism official on Thursday, who said that about 2000 Afghan nationals living in the United States have been identified for alleged links with extremist organisations.&nbsp;Joe Kent, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), testified in front of the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee that the individuals entered the country under “Operation Allies Welcome” and were under review for suspected ties to terrorist organisations.&nbsp;“We’ve identified 2,000 of that group of 88,000 who have ties to terrorist organisations,” Kent said, referring to Afghans evacuated to the United States after 2021. He said authorities were working with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to investigate the cases.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-pax-silica-initiative-the-us-led-grouping-that-excluded-india-china-us-modi-trump-jinping-trade-war-tariffs-semiconductor-us-hegemony-1765541403919">What is Pax Silica Initiative? The US-led grouping that excluded India</a>&nbsp;Kent stated that United States agencies had identified around 18,000 people with an alleged connection with militant groups who had entered America during former President Joe Biden's administration. He described these people as the most significant terrorism-related threat to the United States at present. However, he does not specify how many individuals were of Afghan origin among them.&nbsp;The NCTC director claimed that terror groups such as Islamic states and Al Qaeda are making a sanctuary in countries including Afghanistan and Syria due to the political instability, and these groups are using online platforms and encrypted apps to grow their influence and plan attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abrego-garcia-vs-trump-how-migrant-became-symbol-of-resistance-against-trump-administration-s-crackdown-on-immigrants-1765554806980">Abrego Garcia vs Trump: How a migrant became symbol of resistance against Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants</a>&nbsp;Kent blamed the policy of the Biden Administration for the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., in November. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the alleged shooter, was an Afghan national and entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. &nbsp;

United States agencies had identified around 18,000 people with an alleged connection with militant groups who had entered America during former President Joe Biden's administration, a senior counterterrorism official said. 

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Friday (Dec 12) said that around 2000 Afghan nationals who entered the country after the 2021 United States withdrawal from Afghanistan have suspected connections with terrorist groups. She accused the Biden Administration of giving refuge to 100,000 Afghans in the country without proper vetting. She echoed the statement made by a counterterrorism official on Thursday, who said that about 2000 Afghan nationals living in the United States have been identified for alleged links with extremist organisations. Joe Kent, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), testified in front of the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee that the individuals entered the country under “Operation Allies Welcome” and were under review for suspected ties to terrorist organisations. “We’ve identified 2,000 of that group of 88,000 who have ties to terrorist organisations,” Kent said, referring to Afghans evacuated to the United States after 2021. He said authorities were working with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to investigate the cases. Also Read: What is Pax Silica Initiative? The US-led grouping that excluded India Kent stated that United States agencies had identified around 18,000 people with an alleged connection with militant groups who had entered America during former President Joe Biden's administration. He described these people as the most significant terrorism-related threat to the United States at present. However, he does not specify how many individuals were of Afghan origin among them. The NCTC director claimed that terror groups such as Islamic states and Al Qaeda are making a sanctuary in countries including Afghanistan and Syria due to the political instability, and these groups are using online platforms and encrypted apps to grow their influence and plan attacks. Also Read: Abrego Garcia vs Trump: How a migrant became symbol of resistance against Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants Kent blamed the policy of the Biden Administration for the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., in November. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the alleged shooter, was an Afghan national and entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome.

United States agencies had identified around 18,000 people with an alleged connection with militant groups who had entered America during former President Joe Biden's administration, a senior counterterrorism official said.&nbsp;

At least 2,000 Afghans living in US have terror connections: DNI Tulsi Gabbard

Social news aggregation and forum social media platform Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia’s highest court on Friday challenging the country’s social media ban for under-16 children, while calling it an intrusion on free political discourse, just days after the landmark law came into effect. Reddit, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in the filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country’s constitution. It added that even if the court upheld the ban, Reddit should be exempt since it did not meet the definition of social media. The filing names the Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells as defendants.&nbsp;The suit was filed just two days after the world’s first nationwide ban on people under 16 accessing social media came into force. Earlier, two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group had filed a suit in November.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Australian govt on the side of parents and kids, not platforms’</h2>&nbsp;The legal challenge from the Silicon Valley tech major paves the way for a long court battle.&nbsp;Reacting to the legal challenge, a spokesperson for Wells said the Australian government was “on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms” and would “stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media”.&nbsp;Reddit and nine other platforms, including Meta’s Instagram, Alphabet’s YouTube, and TikTok, campaigned against the ban for over a year before ultimately saying they would comply.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-h-1b-worker-equals-10-illegal-aliens-send-indian-techies-back-says-us-pollster-slams-trump-admin-1765474555216">‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin</a><h2>Reddit filed lawsuit to protect profits, says minister</h2>&nbsp;Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression, and “we will fight this action every step of the way”.“It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control and we are seeing it now by some social media or big tech giants,” he told reporters in Brisbane.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-war-widens-after-us-mexico-announces-up-to-50-tariffs-on-imports-from-india-other-asian-countries-1765454197194">Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries</a>&nbsp;Tech companies that fail to comply face Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million) fines if they do not purge Australia-based users younger than 16.Australia’s social media ban is being closely watched, as New Zealand and Malaysia are also mulling similar restrictions.

Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression. “We will fight this action every step of the way. It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control, and we are seeing it now,” he said.

Social news aggregation and forum social media platform Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia’s highest court on Friday challenging the country’s social media ban for under-16 children, while calling it an intrusion on free political discourse, just days after the landmark law came into effect. Reddit, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in the filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country’s constitution. It added that even if the court upheld the ban, Reddit should be exempt since it did not meet the definition of social media. The filing names the Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells as defendants. The suit was filed just two days after the world’s first nationwide ban on people under 16 accessing social media came into force. Earlier, two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group had filed a suit in November. Also Read: Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe? ‘Australian govt on the side of parents and kids, not platforms’ The legal challenge from the Silicon Valley tech major paves the way for a long court battle. Reacting to the legal challenge, a spokesperson for Wells said the Australian government was “on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms” and would “stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media”. Reddit and nine other platforms, including Meta’s Instagram, Alphabet’s YouTube, and TikTok, campaigned against the ban for over a year before ultimately saying they would comply. Also Read: ‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin Reddit filed lawsuit to protect profits, says minister Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression, and “we will fight this action every step of the way”. “It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control and we are seeing it now by some social media or big tech giants,” he told reporters in Brisbane. Also Read: Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries Tech companies that fail to comply face Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million) fines if they do not purge Australia-based users younger than 16. Australia’s social media ban is being closely watched, as New Zealand and Malaysia are also mulling similar restrictions.

Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression. “We will fight this action every step of the way. It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control, and we are seeing it now,” he said.

Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse

A federal judge temporarily blocked the US immigration officials from once again detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, hours after the judge ordered him to be released from an immigration detention facility. The temporary restraining order issued on early Friday came as the latest setback to the Trump administration's repeated efforts to deport Abrego Gracia, who has become a symbol of resistance against Donald Trump's ongoing crackdown on immigrants after he was wrongfully deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador.<h2>Who is Abrego Garcia?</h2>Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia was born in El Salvador and first arrived in the United States around 2011 as a teenager fleeing gang violence and settled in Maryland with his American wife and child. In October 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection and a work permit, ruling he could not be deported to El Salvador, citing credible threats to his life from gangs there.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a><h2>What happened in his case?</h2>On March 12, 2025, Abrego Garcia was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Baltimore, Maryland. Three days later, on March 15, 2025, officials deported him to El Salvador despite the 2019 protection order, sending him to the maximum-security Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT). The deportation proved faulty and lacking legal grounds; the US government later called the removal an “administrative error.”<h2>Return to US and Charges</h2>Following legal pressure and a US Supreme Court order on April 10, 2025, to facilitate his return. The government had to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States on June 6, 2025. Hours after his return, he appeared in federal court in Tennessee, where a grand jury indicted him on human smuggling charges linked to a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-pax-silica-initiative-the-us-led-grouping-that-excluded-india-china-us-modi-trump-jinping-trade-war-tariffs-semiconductor-us-hegemony-1765541403919">What is Pax Silica Initiative? The US-led grouping that excluded India</a><h2>Legal battle and continued detention</h2>In August 2025, a judge ordered his release from criminal custody so he could await trial in Maryland, but Immigration officials detained him again during an August 25 check-in at ICE in Baltimore, starting proceedings to deport him to a third country, such as Uganda, &nbsp;plans later blocked by federal judges.&nbsp;On 11 December 2025, a federal judge in Maryland ruled that Abrego Garcia’s detention lacked legal justification and ordered his immediate release from ICE custody, dismissing claims ICE had lawful grounds to hold him.

Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador amid the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on immigrants.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the US immigration officials from once again detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, hours after the judge ordered him to be released from an immigration detention facility. The temporary restraining order issued on early Friday came as the latest setback to the Trump administration's repeated efforts to deport Abrego Gracia, who has become a symbol of resistance against Donald Trump's ongoing crackdown on immigrants after he was wrongfully deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Who is Abrego Garcia? Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia was born in El Salvador and first arrived in the United States around 2011 as a teenager fleeing gang violence and settled in Maryland with his American wife and child. In October 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection and a work permit, ruling he could not be deported to El Salvador, citing credible threats to his life from gangs there. Also Read: Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe? What happened in his case? On March 12, 2025, Abrego Garcia was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Baltimore, Maryland. Three days later, on March 15, 2025, officials deported him to El Salvador despite the 2019 protection order, sending him to the maximum-security Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT). The deportation proved faulty and lacking legal grounds; the US government later called the removal an “administrative error.” Return to US and Charges Following legal pressure and a US Supreme Court order on April 10, 2025, to facilitate his return. The government had to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States on June 6, 2025. Hours after his return, he appeared in federal court in Tennessee, where a grand jury indicted him on human smuggling charges linked to a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop. Also Read: What is Pax Silica Initiative? The US-led grouping that excluded India Legal battle and continued detention In August 2025, a judge ordered his release from criminal custody so he could await trial in Maryland, but Immigration officials detained him again during an August 25 check-in at ICE in Baltimore, starting proceedings to deport him to a third country, such as Uganda, plans later blocked by federal judges. On 11 December 2025, a federal judge in Maryland ruled that Abrego Garcia’s detention lacked legal justification and ordered his immediate release from ICE custody, dismissing claims ICE had lawful grounds to hold him.

Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador amid the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on immigrants.

Abrego Garcia vs Trump: How a migrant became symbol of resistance against Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was scheduled to meet the Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Dec 12), reportedly crashed a closed-door meeting of the Russian leader with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - after waiting for 40 minutes. As per a video shared by RT India, Sharif was seen furiously entering the closed door with his delegates behind, as Putin and Erdogan were having a meeting.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;Sharif and Putin were scheduled to meet at an international forum in Turkmenistan commemorating the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The Pakistan PM was waiting for Putin with his Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, for 40 minutes. He was said to have departed roughly 10 minutes later.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">❗️The Moment PM Sharif Gate-crashed Putin&#39;s Meeting With Erdogan After Waiting For 40 Mins <a href="https://t.co/r4L9XhA9IY">https://t.co/r4L9XhA9IY</a> <a href="https://t.co/shi7YLMgmP">pic.twitter.com/shi7YLMgmP</a>&mdash; RT_India (@RT_India_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_India_news/status/1999452392333726066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">❗️🇵🇰 PM Sharif Waited For Over 40 Minutes For President Putin Before Growing Tired And Gate-crashing Russian Leader&#39;s Meeting With Erdogan - RT Correspondent He left ten minutes later. <a href="https://t.co/tgUdPHT4eh">pic.twitter.com/tgUdPHT4eh</a>&mdash; RT_India (@RT_India_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_India_news/status/1999448538510688567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

An earlier video shared by RT India showed Sharif sitting with an empty chair on his side, along with his delegates, and waiting for the Russian president. The video on X was captioned, "Moment PM Sharif gate-crashed Putin’s meeting with Erdogan after waiting for 40 mins".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;After this, the Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen "winking" at a reporter. The moment was captured after the Russian supremo concluded talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A video was shared by RT India on X that showed Putin, while looking at the camera in an address to the reporter. The video is now being widely reshared online.&nbsp;Putin and Erdogan were in Ashgabat for the International Peace and Trust Forum, which was held in honour of the 30th anniversary of the former Soviet nation’s declaration of neutrality.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pakistan PM is waiting for Putin Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for 40 minutes. He is said to have departed roughly 10 minutes later.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was scheduled to meet the Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Dec 12), reportedly crashed a closed-door meeting of the Russian leader with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - after waiting for 40 minutes. As per a video shared by RT India, Sharif was seen furiously entering the closed door with his delegates behind, as Putin and Erdogan were having a meeting. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US Sharif and Putin were scheduled to meet at an international forum in Turkmenistan commemorating the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The Pakistan PM was waiting for Putin with his Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, for 40 minutes. He was said to have departed roughly 10 minutes later.

The Pakistan PM is waiting for Putin Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for 40 minutes. He is said to have departed roughly 10 minutes later.

WATCH: Pakistan PM crashes Putin-Erdogan meeting after waiting for Russian prez for 40 minutes. This is what happened next

New photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate OUT. Shows Trump, Bill Gates, and other famous personalities. 

New photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate OUT. Show Trump, Bill Gates, and...

President Donald Trump is reported to be planning a ‘Core-5’ superclub of the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan and is mulling the new grouping of ‘major powers’ as a potential alternative to the G7 (Group of Seven), sidelining Europe, reported Politico, citing Defence One. The Core-5 club could become the most powerful bloc in history and redraw the geopolitical map forever. The reports gain credibility, as Trump had given hints of such a bold geopolitical experiment at the G7 Summit in June this year, suggesting that Russia and China should be part of the bloc. He even went on to claim that it was a “very big mistake” to remove Russia in 2014 after it annexed Crimea. Defence One said the proposal was included in the longer version of the US’s National Security Strategy, but the White House has denied the existence of any unpublished document.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-h-1b-worker-equals-10-illegal-aliens-send-indian-techies-back-says-us-pollster-slams-trump-admin-1765474555216">‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin</a>&nbsp;At the G7 Summit, Trump said, “You wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in,” adding that “not having Putin as part of the bloc makes life more complicated”. The thought seems to have spurred Trump into exploring the idea of a five-nation superclub by bringing the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan under one strategic umbrella.&nbsp;“The strategy proposes a Core 5, or C5, made up of the US, China, Russia, India, and Japan—which are several of the countries with more than 100 million people,” the report said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-brazen-attempt-to-browbeat-56-ex-judges-slam-opposition-move-to-impeach-justice-swaminathan-1765538768334">‘Brazen attempt to browbeat’: 56 ex-judges slam opposition move to impeach Justice Swaminathan</a>&nbsp;Even the first agenda of the Core-5 group has been reportedly decided: Middle East security, focusing on normalising relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term.&nbsp;<h2>Core-5 plan marks major shift in priorities and policy for the US&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The proposal of the ‘Core-5’ superclub marks a huge shift in priorities for the US, which has so far relied on its European allies, and pushes towards greater engagement with emerging powers.&nbsp;Though the ‘Core-5’ proposal was not in the National Security Strategy released by the US on December 5, it did declare the desire to achieve stability in ties with Russia and mentioned contradictions with Europe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-war-widens-after-us-mexico-announces-up-to-50-tariffs-on-imports-from-india-other-asian-countries-1765454197194">Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries</a>&nbsp;Besides, the ties between the US and India also seem to be easing after initial tensions as PM Narendra Modi held his third phone call with Trump on Thursday in recent months, and described them as “very warm”.Trump had slapped India with the highest tariff of 50%, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, souring ties between the two nations.&nbsp;The Core-5 would not have the G7 requirement of the countries being both wealthy and democratically governed.&nbsp;

Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term.

President Donald Trump is reported to be planning a ‘Core-5’ superclub of the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan and is mulling the new grouping of ‘major powers’ as a potential alternative to the G7 (Group of Seven), sidelining Europe, reported Politico, citing Defence One. The Core-5 club could become the most powerful bloc in history and redraw the geopolitical map forever. The reports gain credibility, as Trump had given hints of such a bold geopolitical experiment at the G7 Summit in June this year, suggesting that Russia and China should be part of the bloc. He even went on to claim that it was a “very big mistake” to remove Russia in 2014 after it annexed Crimea. Defence One said the proposal was included in the longer version of the US’s National Security Strategy, but the White House has denied the existence of any unpublished document. Also Read: ‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin At the G7 Summit, Trump said, “You wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in,” adding that “not having Putin as part of the bloc makes life more complicated”. The thought seems to have spurred Trump into exploring the idea of a five-nation superclub by bringing the US, Russia, China, India, and Japan under one strategic umbrella. “The strategy proposes a Core 5, or C5, made up of the US, China, Russia, India, and Japan—which are several of the countries with more than 100 million people,” the report said. Also Read: ‘Brazen attempt to browbeat’: 56 ex-judges slam opposition move to impeach Justice Swaminathan Even the first agenda of the Core-5 group has been reportedly decided: Middle East security, focusing on normalising relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term. Core-5 plan marks major shift in priorities and policy for the US The proposal of the ‘Core-5’ superclub marks a huge shift in priorities for the US, which has so far relied on its European allies, and pushes towards greater engagement with emerging powers. Though the ‘Core-5’ proposal was not in the National Security Strategy released by the US on December 5, it did declare the desire to achieve stability in ties with Russia and mentioned contradictions with Europe. Also Read: Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries Besides, the ties between the US and India also seem to be easing after initial tensions as PM Narendra Modi held his third phone call with Trump on Thursday in recent months, and described them as “very warm”. Trump had slapped India with the highest tariff of 50%, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, souring ties between the two nations. The Core-5 would not have the G7 requirement of the countries being both wealthy and democratically governed.

Getting Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states, is one of Trump’s key goals in his second term. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Abraham Accords, which was signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term.

Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?

China is going to impose a value-added tax (VAT) on contraceptive drugs and products - first time in 30 years. As per the revised law, &nbsp;consumers will now have to pay a 13 per cent tax on these items that were VAT-exempt since 1993. The country is currently dealing with plunging birth rates, and the move is to tackle the same problem. These items were VAT-exempt since China enforced a one-child policy, which has since been changed, and strongly encouraged birth control over the past three decades.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;India took over as the world's most populated country after the death rate in China surpassed the birth rate in 2023. As per the changed law, the tax will be applicable from January 1, 2026. China is shifting from reducing birth rates to encouraging people to have more kids.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-recruiting-africans-to-fight-in-ukraine-war-ex-south-african-president-s-daughter-accused-of-luring-17-men-for-this-1764938371858">Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this</a>&nbsp;The population status of China&nbsp;In the last three years, China's population has declined, with 9.54 million births recorded in 2024, which is roughly half of the 18.8 million births registered almost 10 years ago.&nbsp;A risk to public health?&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-who-won-nyc-mayor-polls-on-promise-to-make-city-affordable-set-to-move-into-100mn-mansion-with-wife-for-safety-1765296231524">Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’</a>&nbsp;Yes, there is risk. An expert, quoted by AP, said, “Higher prices may reduce access to contraceptives among economically disadvantaged populations, potentially leading to increases in unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Those outcomes could, in turn, lead to more abortions and higher health-care costs.”

India took over as the world most populated country after the death rate in China surpassed the birth rate in 2023. As per the changed law, the tax will be applicable from January 1, 2026.



China is going to impose a value-added tax (VAT) on contraceptive drugs and products - first time in 30 years. As per the revised law, consumers will now have to pay a 13 per cent tax on these items that were VAT-exempt since 1993. The country is currently dealing with plunging birth rates, and the move is to tackle the same problem. These items were VAT-exempt since China enforced a one-child policy, which has since been changed, and strongly encouraged birth control over the past three decades. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US India took over as the world's most populated country after the death rate in China surpassed the birth rate in 2023. As per the changed law, the tax will be applicable from January 1, 2026. China is shifting from reducing birth rates to encouraging people to have more kids. Also read: Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this The population status of China In the last three years, China's population has declined, with 9.54 million births recorded in 2024, which is roughly half of the 18.8 million births registered almost 10 years ago. A risk to public health? Also read: Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’ Yes, there is risk. An expert, quoted by AP, said, “Higher prices may reduce access to contraceptives among economically disadvantaged populations, potentially leading to increases in unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Those outcomes could, in turn, lead to more abortions and higher health-care costs.”

India took over as the world's most populated country after the death rate in China surpassed the birth rate in 2023. As per the changed law, the tax will be applicable from January 1, 2026.&nbsp;

Tax on condoms? Why is China imposing VAT on contraceptives, and how RISKY is it

&nbsp;Iranian security forces on Friday (Dec 12) "violently" arrested the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi at a memorial ceremony for a lawyer who died earlier this month, her supporters said.&nbsp;Mohammadi was granted temporary leave from prison in December 2024. She was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;The Narges Mohammadi Foundation said that activists Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pouran Nazemi, Alieh Motalebzadeh and several others were also detained during the gathering.&nbsp;Mohammadi has accused the Iranian authorities of intensifying pressure on civil society since the June ceasefire with Israel. She said repression of activists, journalists and critics has deepened.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-recruiting-africans-to-fight-in-ukraine-war-ex-south-african-president-s-daughter-accused-of-luring-17-men-for-this-1764938371858">Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this</a>&nbsp;Mohammadi’s Paris-based husband, Taghi Rahmani, confirmed on X that she had been arrested at the ceremony in the eastern city of Mashhad along with Sepideh Gholian, a fellow prominent activist. “Alikordi was a prominent figure among Iran’s community of human rights defenders,” the New York-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran said on Thursday. “Over the past several years, he had been repeatedly arrested, harassed and threatened by security and judicial forces," it added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-who-won-nyc-mayor-polls-on-promise-to-make-city-affordable-set-to-move-into-100mn-mansion-with-wife-for-safety-1765296231524">Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’</a>&nbsp;

Mohammadi was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X.

Iranian security forces on Friday (Dec 12) "violently" arrested the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi at a memorial ceremony for a lawyer who died earlier this month, her supporters said. Mohammadi was granted temporary leave from prison in December 2024. She was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US The Narges Mohammadi Foundation said that activists Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pouran Nazemi, Alieh Motalebzadeh and several others were also detained during the gathering. Mohammadi has accused the Iranian authorities of intensifying pressure on civil society since the June ceasefire with Israel. She said repression of activists, journalists and critics has deepened. Also read: Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this Mohammadi’s Paris-based husband, Taghi Rahmani, confirmed on X that she had been arrested at the ceremony in the eastern city of Mashhad along with Sepideh Gholian, a fellow prominent activist. “Alikordi was a prominent figure among Iran’s community of human rights defenders,” the New York-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran said on Thursday. “Over the past several years, he had been repeatedly arrested, harassed and threatened by security and judicial forces," it added. Also read: Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’

Mohammadi was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X.

Iran: Nobel-prize-winning activist Narges Mohammadi ‘violently’ arrested

World's first space hotel is set to launch in 2027. It is a milestone for space tourism, which has long been imagined. A California-based company, Above: Space Development Corporation, is going to open a commercial space hotel, Voyager Station, in orbit. Something that has been only imagined in science fiction movies will now become reality, the world's first orbital resort with every possible facility like dining restaurants, fully-stocked bars, a gym, a concert hall, and even a cinema.<h2>How will Voyager Station sustain in orbit?</h2>The hotel will spin 1.5 rotations per minute, through centrifugal force it will replicate the moon's (one-sixth of the Earth's) gravity, and then gradually it will try to replicate Mars or even Earth to make the stay feasible for people. The rotating wheel concept was envisioned by Wernher von Braun. The hotel will maintain its orbit by a mixture of inertia and centripetal force through forward momentum and Earth's original gravity. The concept was there since 1900, first attributed to Russian school teacher Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, later popularised by the German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun.&nbsp;<h2>The Voyager Station</h2>The Voyager Station is designed to have 24 specialised modules, spanning approximately 125,000 square feet. It can accommodate up to 400 people, including guests and crew members. It will feature private suites, lounges with expansive views of Earth. The Voyager Station will launch from Kennedy Space Centre. Upon arrival, visitors will dock at the zero gravity pod and, via a specialised elevator, they will move to the outer modules. Stays at the hotel will be very expensive and can cost up to tens of millions. Eventhough the concept has been there for more than a century, this version has a test hardware in development. The work is likely to begin in 2026, and the opening is in 2027. However, the time frame remains extremely ambitious without any physical development till now.

Voyager Station, the world’s first space hotel, is set to launch in 2027. Learn about its design, facilities, orbit mechanism, and the future of space tourism.

World's first space hotel is set to launch in 2027. It is a milestone for space tourism, which has long been imagined. A California-based company, Above: Space Development Corporation, is going to open a commercial space hotel, Voyager Station, in orbit. Something that has been only imagined in science fiction movies will now become reality, the world's first orbital resort with every possible facility like dining restaurants, fully-stocked bars, a gym, a concert hall, and even a cinema. How will Voyager Station sustain in orbit? The hotel will spin 1.5 rotations per minute, through centrifugal force it will replicate the moon's (one-sixth of the Earth's) gravity, and then gradually it will try to replicate Mars or even Earth to make the stay feasible for people. The rotating wheel concept was envisioned by Wernher von Braun. The hotel will maintain its orbit by a mixture of inertia and centripetal force through forward momentum and Earth's original gravity. The concept was there since 1900, first attributed to Russian school teacher Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, later popularised by the German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun. The Voyager Station The Voyager Station is designed to have 24 specialised modules, spanning approximately 125,000 square feet. It can accommodate up to 400 people, including guests and crew members. It will feature private suites, lounges with expansive views of Earth. The Voyager Station will launch from Kennedy Space Centre. Upon arrival, visitors will dock at the zero gravity pod and, via a specialised elevator, they will move to the outer modules. Stays at the hotel will be very expensive and can cost up to tens of millions. Eventhough the concept has been there for more than a century, this version has a test hardware in development. The work is likely to begin in 2026, and the opening is in 2027. However, the time frame remains extremely ambitious without any physical development till now.

Voyager Station, the world’s first space hotel, is set to launch in 2027. Learn about its design, facilities, orbit mechanism, and the future of space tourism.

World’s first space hotel Voyager Station to launch in 2027: Facilities, design, and how it will sustain in orbit

In return for the &nbsp;$7 billion bailout programme to curb corruption, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) listed 11 new conditions for Pakistan. The bailout programme is also for improving governance and identifying leaks in government departments in Islamabad. The conditions came just a day after the IMF on Thursday (Dec 11) released the $1.2 billion as part of its ongoing loan programmes aimed at building climate resilience in Pakistan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;What are the IMF conditions?&nbsp;The fresh 11 conditions are aimed at mitigating corruption vulnerabilities, bringing more transparency in the government and bureaucracy and ensuring liberalisation of the sugar market.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-recruiting-africans-to-fight-in-ukraine-war-ex-south-african-president-s-daughter-accused-of-luring-17-men-for-this-1764938371858">Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this</a>&nbsp;One of the conditions said that Pakistan has to furnish the details of the assets of high-ranking bureaucrats on the government website by December 2026. This is to bring transparency and identify mismatches between income and assets.The Shehbaz Sharif government has also been asked to publish an action plan to curb corruption in 10 identified departments.&nbsp;The organisation has also asked Pakistan to study in detail the remittance costs and identify bottlenecks to cross-border payments.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-who-won-nyc-mayor-polls-on-promise-to-make-city-affordable-set-to-move-into-100mn-mansion-with-wife-for-safety-1765296231524">Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’</a>&nbsp;

The conditions came just a day after the IMF on Thursday (Dec 11) released the $1.2 billion as part of its ongoing loan programmes aimed at building climate resilience in Pakistan.



In return for the $7 billion bailout programme to curb corruption, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) listed 11 new conditions for Pakistan. The bailout programme is also for improving governance and identifying leaks in government departments in Islamabad. The conditions came just a day after the IMF on Thursday (Dec 11) released the $1.2 billion as part of its ongoing loan programmes aimed at building climate resilience in Pakistan. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US What are the IMF conditions? The fresh 11 conditions are aimed at mitigating corruption vulnerabilities, bringing more transparency in the government and bureaucracy and ensuring liberalisation of the sugar market. Also read: Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this One of the conditions said that Pakistan has to furnish the details of the assets of high-ranking bureaucrats on the government website by December 2026. This is to bring transparency and identify mismatches between income and assets. The Shehbaz Sharif government has also been asked to publish an action plan to curb corruption in 10 identified departments. The organisation has also asked Pakistan to study in detail the remittance costs and identify bottlenecks to cross-border payments. Also read: Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’

The conditions came just a day after the IMF on Thursday (Dec 11) released the $1.2 billion as part of its ongoing loan programmes aimed at building climate resilience in Pakistan.&nbsp;

IMF nods $7bn bailout for Pakistan, BUT has 11 new conditions. Details inside

A new US-led strategic initiative, Pax Silica, which aims to create a secure supply chain in areas of critical minerals, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, does not include India. The development comes at a time when the teams from Washington are engaged in high-level trade talks in New Delhi with Indian counterparts, as they have already completed five rounds of technical negotiations.&nbsp; The alliance seeks to strengthen supply security for rare minerals and other resources vital for advanced AI technologies, reducing reliance on China, which currently controls nearly 70% of global rare earth mining.&nbsp;The Trump administration's initiative features the United States and eight partner countries, which include Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel as founding members.<h2>What is Pax Sillica initiative?</h2>As the name suggests, Pax comes from Latin pax, meaning peace and stability, and silica, the base compound refined into silicon for computer chips.&nbsp;Pax Silica is a new kind of international grouping and partnership – one that aims to unite the countries that host the world’s most advanced technology companies to unleash the economic potential of the new AI age, a US Department of State statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengal-sir-over-5-mn-voters-identified-for-likely-exclusion-from-voter-list-election-bjp-congress-tmc-rahul-gandhi-modi-1765537185482">West Bengal SIR: Over 5 million voters identified for likely exclusion from voter list</a>&nbsp;As per the statement, the effort stems from advancing US President Donald J Trump’s call for a new era of economic statecraft that produces peace and security for America and its allies through the power of private investment, free enterprise, and economics.<h2>First of its kind</h2>The US government highlighted that this is the first time countries are organising around compute, silicon, minerals, and energy as shared strategic assets. This is American AI diplomacy at its best: building coalitions, shaping markets, and advancing our national interests.&nbsp;According to the state department, the inaugural summit in Washington, DC, on December 12 will see Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and representatives from Japan, Israel, Australia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea signing the Pax Silica Declaration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-order-on-marijuana-will-reclassify-it-for-first-time-in-50-years-say-reports-what-will-change-1765526113813">Trump order on marijuana will reclassify it for first time in 50 years, say reports. What will change?</a>&nbsp;Describing the move as new era of American Statecraft the statement said that following the singing of declaration the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the European Union will gather to discuss "jointly pursuing multilayered partnerships that strengthen supply chain security, address coercive dependencies and single points of failure, and advance the adoption of trusted technology ecosystems".

The US-led Pax Silica initiative, designed to secure critical mineral and tech supply chains and curb China’s dominance, excludes India, as Washington and New Delhi remain locked in trade negotiations following President Trump’s tariffs on Indian exports.

A new US-led strategic initiative, Pax Silica, which aims to create a secure supply chain in areas of critical minerals, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, does not include India. The development comes at a time when the teams from Washington are engaged in high-level trade talks in New Delhi with Indian counterparts, as they have already completed five rounds of technical negotiations. The alliance seeks to strengthen supply security for rare minerals and other resources vital for advanced AI technologies, reducing reliance on China, which currently controls nearly 70% of global rare earth mining. The Trump administration's initiative features the United States and eight partner countries, which include Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel as founding members. What is Pax Sillica initiative? As the name suggests, Pax comes from Latin pax, meaning peace and stability, and silica, the base compound refined into silicon for computer chips. Pax Silica is a new kind of international grouping and partnership – one that aims to unite the countries that host the world’s most advanced technology companies to unleash the economic potential of the new AI age, a US Department of State statement said. Also Read: West Bengal SIR: Over 5 million voters identified for likely exclusion from voter list As per the statement, the effort stems from advancing US President Donald J Trump’s call for a new era of economic statecraft that produces peace and security for America and its allies through the power of private investment, free enterprise, and economics. First of its kind The US government highlighted that this is the first time countries are organising around compute, silicon, minerals, and energy as shared strategic assets. This is American AI diplomacy at its best: building coalitions, shaping markets, and advancing our national interests. According to the state department, the inaugural summit in Washington, DC, on December 12 will see Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and representatives from Japan, Israel, Australia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea signing the Pax Silica Declaration. Also Read: Trump order on marijuana will reclassify it for first time in 50 years, say reports. What will change? Describing the move as new era of American Statecraft the statement said that following the singing of declaration the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the European Union will gather to discuss "jointly pursuing multilayered partnerships that strengthen supply chain security, address coercive dependencies and single points of failure, and advance the adoption of trusted technology ecosystems".

The US-led Pax Silica initiative, designed to secure critical mineral and tech supply chains and curb China’s dominance, excludes India, as Washington and New Delhi remain locked in trade negotiations following President Trump’s tariffs on Indian exports.

What is Pax Silica Initiative? The US-led grouping that excluded India

South Park's long-running joke of Trump and Satan's relationship has reached a climax in the season finale. The season has been centred around an outrageous and satirical storyline, in which US President Donald Trump is in a romantic relationship with Satan, Satan becomes pregnant and is expecting a baby, ie, “Antichrist”. For those who are wondering, how can Satan be pregnant? In South Park, it's possible. The show has built a legacy with its over-the-top satire. In traditional theology, Satan is neither man nor woman, but in South Park, Satan is a cartoon with a physical body and emotions, and can do human things.<h2>The dark twist and Epstein connection&nbsp;</h2>However, even for South Park's standard, they have punched above their weight in ridiculing right-wing figures. In the season 28 finale, Satan is about to give birth to a baby. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and JD Vance were plotting to kill the baby.&nbsp;The episode titled &nbsp;"The Crap Out," begins with Satan preparing to welcome his baby, while Trump is off on a top-secret mission in South Park. Trump is dressed as Santa Claus, and Vance is dressed as the elf. Trump and Vance together break Peter Thiel out of jail. Then Peter Thiel, Donald Trump and JD Vance set out to execute “operation kill my own baby”.Satan figures out and confronts Trump, "This child will be born, and for once, you are going to have to live with the consequences of your actions." But Jesus made a dramatic entrance to save Trump. Satan went into labour; then came the dark twist. The doctor comes out and says, “We've looked at the ultrasound, and it appears at some point, when nobody was watching, the baby hung itself and took its own life."Matt Stone and Trey Parker outdid themselves with the dark gag referencing conspiracy theories about Epstein's death. Fans were quick to point out the similarities with the Jeffrey Epstein suicide: “The Epstein joke made me laugh, but I'm actually near tears that Satan isn't getting his miracle.” Vance claimed that it was a Christmas miracle, and Trump threw a party at the White House. Trump and Vance then came out and announced, "Happy holidays! The baby's dead!"

South Park’s Season 28 finale delivers a shocking twist as Satan’s Antichrist baby dies in an Epstein-inspired gag while Trump and JD Vance plot to kill it.

South Park's long-running joke of Trump and Satan's relationship has reached a climax in the season finale. The season has been centred around an outrageous and satirical storyline, in which US President Donald Trump is in a romantic relationship with Satan, Satan becomes pregnant and is expecting a baby, ie, “Antichrist”. For those who are wondering, how can Satan be pregnant? In South Park, it's possible. The show has built a legacy with its over-the-top satire. In traditional theology, Satan is neither man nor woman, but in South Park, Satan is a cartoon with a physical body and emotions, and can do human things. The dark twist and Epstein connection However, even for South Park's standard, they have punched above their weight in ridiculing right-wing figures. In the season 28 finale, Satan is about to give birth to a baby. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and JD Vance were plotting to kill the baby. The episode titled "The Crap Out," begins with Satan preparing to welcome his baby, while Trump is off on a top-secret mission in South Park. Trump is dressed as Santa Claus, and Vance is dressed as the elf. Trump and Vance together break Peter Thiel out of jail. Then Peter Thiel, Donald Trump and JD Vance set out to execute “operation kill my own baby”. Satan figures out and confronts Trump, "This child will be born, and for once, you are going to have to live with the consequences of your actions." But Jesus made a dramatic entrance to save Trump. Satan went into labour; then came the dark twist. The doctor comes out and says, “We've looked at the ultrasound, and it appears at some point, when nobody was watching, the baby hung itself and took its own life." Matt Stone and Trey Parker outdid themselves with the dark gag referencing conspiracy theories about Epstein's death. Fans were quick to point out the similarities with the Jeffrey Epstein suicide: “The Epstein joke made me laugh, but I'm actually near tears that Satan isn't getting his miracle.” Vance claimed that it was a Christmas miracle, and Trump threw a party at the White House. Trump and Vance then came out and announced, "Happy holidays! The baby's dead!"

South Park’s Season 28 finale delivers a shocking twist as Satan’s Antichrist baby dies in an Epstein-inspired gag while Trump and JD Vance plot to kill it.

South Park's season finale reveals the fate of Trump and Satan's 'Antichrist' baby, with Epstein link

An amusing scene unfolded in the Pakistani Assembly when the speaker raised his hands with a bundle of cash, asking who it belonged to. The amusing part is, 12 people raised their hands, saying it was theirs. The video of the incident was heavily circulated on social media, showing Pakistan’s National Assembly as the Speaker Ayaz Sadiq discovered a bundle of currency notes lying on the floor. found 10 PKR 5,000 notes (around ₹16,500) on the floor of the Assembly and asked, “Whose money is this? Whoever it belongs to, please raise your hand."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-trump-hold-warm-and-engaging-telephonic-conversation-discussed-regional-and-international-developments-1765464521035">PM Modi-Trump hold ‘warm and engaging’ telephonic conversation, discuss regional and international developments</a>&nbsp;Around 12–13 MPs raised their hands for the ten notes. “There are 10 notes and twelve owners," the Speaker said. Ultimately, the cash went to its actual owner - PTI’s Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, according to Pakistan’s Aaj TV. He later collected the cash from the Assembly office.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇵🇰 पाकिस्तान के Assembly में अध्यक्ष ने कुछ पैसा दिखाकर कहा कि &quot;ये किसी के पैसे गिर गए है, जिनका है हाथ खड़ा करे&quot;। अब जितने पैसे नहीं थे उतने से अधिक सांसदों ने पैसे लेने के लिए अपना हाथ खड़ा कर दिया।😂🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/fDeJ2xm4Qa">pic.twitter.com/fDeJ2xm4Qa</a>&mdash; Einstein Yadav (@GYdv28) <a href="https://twitter.com/GYdv28/status/1998307540283871382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

How did the internet take it?&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-who-won-nyc-mayor-polls-on-promise-to-make-city-affordable-set-to-move-into-100mn-mansion-with-wife-for-safety-1765296231524">Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’</a>&nbsp;A person called the MPs “the system’s rotten eggs," while another commented, “Pakistan can never prosper while these characterless people occupy top slots."One social media user noted, “How honest our parliament is can be seen by this scenario."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-recruiting-africans-to-fight-in-ukraine-war-ex-south-african-president-s-daughter-accused-of-luring-17-men-for-this-1764938371858">Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, one internet user dragged Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, into the drama, saying, “PMLN is such a poor party. The Speaker should have given them the money; it would have helped get Maryam Nawaz slim."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>

The video of the incident was heavily circulated on social media, showing Pakistan National Assembly as the Speaker Ayaz Sadiq discovered a bundle of currency notes lying on the floor.

An amusing scene unfolded in the Pakistani Assembly when the speaker raised his hands with a bundle of cash, asking who it belonged to. The amusing part is, 12 people raised their hands, saying it was theirs. The video of the incident was heavily circulated on social media, showing Pakistan’s National Assembly as the Speaker Ayaz Sadiq discovered a bundle of currency notes lying on the floor. found 10 PKR 5,000 notes (around ₹16,500) on the floor of the Assembly and asked, “Whose money is this? Whoever it belongs to, please raise your hand." Also read: PM Modi-Trump hold ‘warm and engaging’ telephonic conversation, discuss regional and international developments Around 12–13 MPs raised their hands for the ten notes. “There are 10 notes and twelve owners," the Speaker said. Ultimately, the cash went to its actual owner - PTI’s Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, according to Pakistan’s Aaj TV. He later collected the cash from the Assembly office.

The video of the incident was heavily circulated on social media, showing Pakistan’s National Assembly as the Speaker Ayaz Sadiq discovered a bundle of currency notes lying on the floor.

‘Pakistan can never prosper...’: Netizens couldn’t hold back after 12 MPs raised hands for lost cash in Islamabad assembly

Massive sinkholes have been opening up in a region of Turkey, and a recent analysis by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority found 684 sinkholes across the Konya Plain. This started in the early 2000s, and the number of sinkholes has been steadily increasing. New videos taken by drones show these deep sinkholes in this wheat-growing region. According to Konya Technical University, more than 20 new large sinkholes have emerged in the past year in the Karapınar district. These sinkholes are more than 100 feet wide and hundreds of feet deep. What's causing these massive sinkholes to open up in Turkey? According to experts, this is happening because of the reduction in groundwater, drought, and climate change.<h2>Konya Basin and subsidence</h2>Konya Basin is fast losing groundwater primarily because of heavy irrigation for sugar beet and corn production. Turkish geological studies show that the groundwater table in this part of Turkey has dropped by tens of meters over the past few decades. This has led to these monster sinkholes forming fast in the Konya Basin. The situation wasn't as dire until the late 90s. Records show that only a few sinkholes existed in the Konya region until this time, but now dozens of them open up every year. Turkey Today reported that these sinkholes are triggering fear among farmers, as many of them have lost their crops to the land collapsing. Authorities are now working to reduce illegal well drilling.&nbsp;Considerable loss of groundwater leads to subsidence, causing the land to sink. Analyses on subsidence by the university's Sinkhole Research Centre showed that by the end of 2021, 1,850 areas were showing subsidence. Global observations have shown that Turkey is experiencing severe drought. NASA's Earth Observatory observed that water reservoirs in the country had reached their lowest levels in 15 years in 2021.&nbsp;

Sinkholes in Turkey are increasing by the day, as reports suggest nearly 700 of them are now present in the Konya region. These sinkholes have swallowed cropland and have become a major concern for farmers and the authorities.

Massive sinkholes have been opening up in a region of Turkey, and a recent analysis by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority found 684 sinkholes across the Konya Plain. This started in the early 2000s, and the number of sinkholes has been steadily increasing. New videos taken by drones show these deep sinkholes in this wheat-growing region. According to Konya Technical University, more than 20 new large sinkholes have emerged in the past year in the Karapınar district. These sinkholes are more than 100 feet wide and hundreds of feet deep. What's causing these massive sinkholes to open up in Turkey? According to experts, this is happening because of the reduction in groundwater, drought, and climate change. Konya Basin and subsidence Konya Basin is fast losing groundwater primarily because of heavy irrigation for sugar beet and corn production. Turkish geological studies show that the groundwater table in this part of Turkey has dropped by tens of meters over the past few decades. This has led to these monster sinkholes forming fast in the Konya Basin. The situation wasn't as dire until the late 90s. Records show that only a few sinkholes existed in the Konya region until this time, but now dozens of them open up every year. Turkey Today reported that these sinkholes are triggering fear among farmers, as many of them have lost their crops to the land collapsing. Authorities are now working to reduce illegal well drilling. Considerable loss of groundwater leads to subsidence, causing the land to sink. Analyses on subsidence by the university's Sinkhole Research Centre showed that by the end of 2021, 1,850 areas were showing subsidence. Global observations have shown that Turkey is experiencing severe drought. NASA's Earth Observatory observed that water reservoirs in the country had reached their lowest levels in 15 years in 2021.

Sinkholes in Turkey are increasing by the day, as reports suggest nearly 700 of them are now present in the Konya region. These sinkholes have swallowed cropland and have become a major concern for farmers and the authorities.

100 foot sinkholes are swallowing crops in Turkey. There are nearly 700 of them

Following renewed concerns about the health of US President Donald Trump after he was seen wearing a bandage on his hand, the White House on Thursday (Dec 11) clarified the reason behind it. The 79-year-old president has faced repeated scrutiny over his health since he came back in power, with people questioning his physical and cognitive health. This time, the US president was seen wearing adhesive bandages on the back of his right hand in recent days.This comes after Trump on Tuesday blasted media reports questioning his health as “seditious, perhaps even treasonous”. Calling them “fake reports”, he said that no other US president has worked as hard as him, adding that his hours are the longest and the results are among the best.<h2>What did White House say regarding Trump’s bandaged hand?</h2>In a statement, Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeated the same reasons she did months ago when Trump was seen with a bruise on his right hand, which was covered by a thick layer of makeup, snubbing health concerns. Leavitt said that Trump was wearing the adhesive bandages due to the high volume of handshakes.“As for the bandages on the hand, we've also given you an explanation for that,” Leavitt told reporters. “In the past, the president is literally constantly shaking hands.”She added, “He’s also on a daily aspirin regimen, which is something his physical examinations has said in the past as well, which can contribute to the bruise that you see.”<h2>Trump health rumours</h2>Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.”On November 30, Trump said that he would release the results of the MRI scan he underwent in October, but added that he has no idea what part of his body was scanned during the medical examination. Trump also claimed that he aced his cognitive test, contrary to speculations of mental decline made by his political rivals and the public.“Getting an MRI is very standard. What, you think I shouldn’t have it? Other people get it. I had an MRI,” Trump said. “It was just an MRI.”“What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it,” he said.

Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.”

Following renewed concerns about the health of US President Donald Trump after he was seen wearing a bandage on his hand, the White House on Thursday (Dec 11) clarified the reason behind it. The 79-year-old president has faced repeated scrutiny over his health since he came back in power, with people questioning his physical and cognitive health. This time, the US president was seen wearing adhesive bandages on the back of his right hand in recent days. This comes after Trump on Tuesday blasted media reports questioning his health as “seditious, perhaps even treasonous”. Calling them “fake reports”, he said that no other US president has worked as hard as him, adding that his hours are the longest and the results are among the best. What did White House say regarding Trump’s bandaged hand? In a statement, Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeated the same reasons she did months ago when Trump was seen with a bruise on his right hand, which was covered by a thick layer of makeup, snubbing health concerns. Leavitt said that Trump was wearing the adhesive bandages due to the high volume of handshakes. “As for the bandages on the hand, we've also given you an explanation for that,” Leavitt told reporters. “In the past, the president is literally constantly shaking hands.” She added, “He’s also on a daily aspirin regimen, which is something his physical examinations has said in the past as well, which can contribute to the bruise that you see.” Trump health rumours Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.” On November 30, Trump said that he would release the results of the MRI scan he underwent in October, but added that he has no idea what part of his body was scanned during the medical examination. Trump also claimed that he aced his cognitive test, contrary to speculations of mental decline made by his political rivals and the public. “Getting an MRI is very standard. What, you think I shouldn’t have it? Other people get it. I had an MRI,” Trump said. “It was just an MRI.” “What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it,” he said.

Earlier in October, Trump underwent a medical examination, including an MRI scan. While the White House did not share details on why he underwent an MRI, Leavitt said that the results showed that the US president was in “exceptional physical health.”

Why is Trump wearing a bandage on hand? White House breaks silence after rumours

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Is Trump planning Core-5 with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?

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Iran: Nobel-prize-winning activist Narges Mohammadi ‘violently’ arrested

World’s first space hotel Voyager Station to launch in 2027

IMF nods $7bn bailout for Pakistan, BUT has 11 new conditions. Details inside

What is Pax Silica Initiative? The US-led grouping that excluded India

South Park's season finale reveals the fate of Trump-Satan baby 'Antichrist'

Netizens mock 12 MPs who raised hands for lost cash in Pak assembly

100 foot sinkholes in Turkey are swallowing crops. There are nearly 700 of them

Why is Trump wearing a bandage on hand? White House breaks silence after rumours