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

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

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

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

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

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

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

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

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

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

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The widow of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in 2018 by Saudi agents, said it was "very painful" that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit the United States on Tuesday.President Donald Trump is expected to roll out the red carpet for the Saudi prince's first visit to the United States since Khashoggi was killed inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, sparking global outrage.The pair are expected to sign defense and nuclear deals that will see US F-35 stealth fighters sold to Saudi Arabia.Hanan Elatr Khashoggi told CNN that "it's very painful for me" to see Prince Mohammed visit Washington, where he will be received as though he were a head of state, not a de facto ruler."It will be better if Jamal was here and receiving the crown prince by himself, and meet him and share with him his vision and mission and all his ideas," she said in the interview aired Monday.Before his death, "Jamal actually was waiting for an invitation from the crown prince and wished to have the space to be heard," she added. "He had good ideas for his country."Hanan Elatr Kashoggi said she had written to Trump asking for his help in reaching a financial settlement with Prince Mohammed.The killing "destroyed my life", she said, hoping Washington would remember that as it seeks ties with Riyadh."I hope they look at the American values of human rights and (democracy)" besides any deal and selling weapons, she said."There is something missing," she added, pointing to the lack of "real justice."The killing of Jamal Khashoggi – a US resident and critic of the Saudi regime – had chilled relations between the two countries after US intelligence suggested that Prince Mohammed approved the operation to murder him, an allegation which Saudi authorities deny.His dismembered body has never been found and Prince Mohammed was never among those sanctioned by Washington.Following an opaque trial in Saudi Arabia, five Saudis were sentenced to death and three others to prison terms. The death sentences have since been commuted.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The killing of Jamal Khashoggi – a US resident and critic of the Saudi regime – had chilled relations between the two countries after US intelligence suggested that Prince Mohammed approved the operation to murder him, an allegation which Saudi authorities deny.

The widow of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in 2018 by Saudi agents, said it was "very painful" that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit the United States on Tuesday. President Donald Trump is expected to roll out the red carpet for the Saudi prince's first visit to the United States since Khashoggi was killed inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, sparking global outrage. The pair are expected to sign defense and nuclear deals that will see US F-35 stealth fighters sold to Saudi Arabia. Hanan Elatr Khashoggi told CNN that "it's very painful for me" to see Prince Mohammed visit Washington, where he will be received as though he were a head of state, not a de facto ruler. "It will be better if Jamal was here and receiving the crown prince by himself, and meet him and share with him his vision and mission and all his ideas," she said in the interview aired Monday. Before his death, "Jamal actually was waiting for an invitation from the crown prince and wished to have the space to be heard," she added. "He had good ideas for his country." Hanan Elatr Kashoggi said she had written to Trump asking for his help in reaching a financial settlement with Prince Mohammed. The killing "destroyed my life", she said, hoping Washington would remember that as it seeks ties with Riyadh. "I hope they look at the American values of human rights and (democracy)" besides any deal and selling weapons, she said. "There is something missing," she added, pointing to the lack of "real justice." The killing of Jamal Khashoggi – a US resident and critic of the Saudi regime – had chilled relations between the two countries after US intelligence suggested that Prince Mohammed approved the operation to murder him, an allegation which Saudi authorities deny. His dismembered body has never been found and Prince Mohammed was never among those sanctioned by Washington. Following an opaque trial in Saudi Arabia, five Saudis were sentenced to death and three others to prison terms. The death sentences have since been commuted. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The killing of Jamal Khashoggi – a US resident and critic of the Saudi regime – had chilled relations between the two countries after US intelligence suggested that Prince Mohammed approved the operation to murder him, an allegation which Saudi authorities deny.

‘Very painful’: Widow of journalist Khashoggi on Saudi prince’s US visit

The ties between US President Donald Trump and his former ally, Elon Musk, may be warming up. Tesla CEO is expected to attend the dinner at the White House during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday (Nov 18). The two had a falling out earlier in July this year after Musk’s criticism of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’.Musk, along with golfer Tiger Woods, are invited to the East Room dinner at the White House by Trump, reported Punchbowl News. It is not clear whether Tesla CEO has accepted the invitation.Following their dramatic ‘break-up’ in June, Trump and Musk were seen together first time in public in September at a memorial service for murdered activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a university event.In the same month, Tesla CEO was absent from a White House dinner for top tech and business leaders. Musk said that he was invited but declined the invitation as he could not attend the dinner.An X user who questioned, “Bill Gates but not Elon Musk...?” Responding to the person, Musk wrote, “I was invited, but unfortunately could not attend. A representative of mine will be there.”<h2>Saudi crown prince visit</h2>Saudi crown prince will arrive in Washington on Tuesday for his two-day visit focused on defence, energy and artificial intelligence. His trip will mark the first to the US in seven years, since the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, which sparked global outrage.Trump and Prince Mohammed will hold bilateral talks at the which house following the dinner. On Wednesday (Nov 19), Saudi Arabia will host an investment forum at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.Earlier on Monday (Nov 17), the US president said that he would sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of the Gulf leader’s visit.

Following their dramatic ‘break-up’ in June, Trump and Musk were seen together first time in public in September at a memorial service for murdered activist Charlie Kirk.

The ties between US President Donald Trump and his former ally, Elon Musk, may be warming up. Tesla CEO is expected to attend the dinner at the White House during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday (Nov 18). The two had a falling out earlier in July this year after Musk’s criticism of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’. Musk, along with golfer Tiger Woods, are invited to the East Room dinner at the White House by Trump, reported Punchbowl News. It is not clear whether Tesla CEO has accepted the invitation. Following their dramatic ‘break-up’ in June, Trump and Musk were seen together first time in public in September at a memorial service for murdered activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a university event. In the same month, Tesla CEO was absent from a White House dinner for top tech and business leaders. Musk said that he was invited but declined the invitation as he could not attend the dinner. An X user who questioned, “Bill Gates but not Elon Musk...?” Responding to the person, Musk wrote, “I was invited, but unfortunately could not attend. A representative of mine will be there.” Saudi crown prince visit Saudi crown prince will arrive in Washington on Tuesday for his two-day visit focused on defence, energy and artificial intelligence. His trip will mark the first to the US in seven years, since the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, which sparked global outrage. Trump and Prince Mohammed will hold bilateral talks at the which house following the dinner. On Wednesday (Nov 19), Saudi Arabia will host an investment forum at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. Earlier on Monday (Nov 17), the US president said that he would sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of the Gulf leader’s visit.

Following their dramatic ‘break-up’ in June, Trump and Musk were seen together first time in public in September at a memorial service for murdered activist Charlie Kirk.

Musk to join Trump and Saudi Crown Prince for White House dinner? What we know

As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the United States on Tuesday (Nov 18), there are signs of bilateral engagements that point to intensifying security ties among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the US. This raises the question of whether both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could be used by Washington as vantage points for monitoring Iran. It also prompts a wider inquiry into what a Saudi–Pakistan–US security arrangement might mean for India. The Crown Prince’s visit is expected to cement the US–Saudi partnership even as the kingdom’s longstanding security ties with Pakistan remain well-known. These tracks could intersect when it comes to managing their shared regional rival, Iran. But where would India figure in all these?<h2>Setting the context: Saudi Crown Prince visit and growing US ties</h2>MBS’s visit might see the firming up of major Saudi investment commitments in the US economy. President Donald Trump has hinted that F-35 fighter jets and other advanced American defence equipment could be made available to Riyadh. Discussions around a Saudi civilian nuclear programme continue, alongside consultations on technological cooperation in artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, and semiconductor supply chains. The White House is also pushing for Saudi–Israeli normalisation under the broader framework of the Abraham Accords, a process already underway in several Gulf and Arab states.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-saudi-arabia-meets-crown-prince-mbs-elon-musk-joins-in-for-vip-lunch-9064561">Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here</a><h2>Saudi–Pakistan strategic ties are firming up</h2>Meanwhile, Saudi-Pakistan cooperation took a dramatic step forward in September with the signing of the Saudi–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Coming in the aftermath of India–Pakistan tensions and Operation Sindoor - India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack- &nbsp;the pact declared that an attack on either state would be treated as an attack on both, echoing the collective defence logic of NATO’s Article 5. Saudi Arabia faces ongoing threats from the Houthis in Yemen even as it seeks to balance Iran’s influence, and Pakistan continues to provide the kingdom with military training and manpower. Reports that Pakistani nuclear capabilities could be used to support Saudi deterrence, although officially denied, have contributed to the perception that Riyadh is developing fallback security options should its relationship with the US deteriorate. The Saudi-Pakistan pact had ruffled some feathers in India.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starlink-tesla-optimus-and-more-why-was-elon-musk-in-saudi-arabia-during-trumps-west-asia-visit-9067875">Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit</a><h2>America's new interest in Pakistan: A useful nuisance</h2>Trump’s renewed interest in Pakistan adds a further layer of complexity to these arragements. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and its army chief Gen Asim Munir visited Washington recently for meetings centred on counterterrorism cooperation and the revival of military-to-military engagement. To India’s discomfort, these interactions signalled that the US continues to see strategic value in maintaining a working relationship with Islamabad.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-saudi-arabia-ties-saudi-crown-prince-to-visit-us-us-will-sell-f-35-jets-to-saudi-1763456903081/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-saudi-arabia-ties-saudi-crown-prince-to-visit-us-us-will-sell-f-35-jets-to-saudi-1763456903081/embed</a><h2>Iran remains a central concern for all three states</h2>Despite the Saudi–Iran détente that followed the 2023 agreement brokered by China, the two remain strategic adversaries divided by deep-rooted sectarian, geopolitical, and ideological differences. Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, its nuclear programme, and the activities of Iranian-backed groups across the region are regarded by Saudi Arabia as long-term security challenges. Pakistan, for its part, has had a troubled history with Iran involving border instability, sectarian militancy, rivalry in Afghanistan, and mutual accusations of supporting militant actors. Although Pakistan maintains formal diplomatic ties with Tehran, its strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia is much stronger.<h2>Saudi Arabia is also &nbsp;attempting to reduce regional tensions&nbsp;</h2>Vision 2030 agenda, Mohammed bin Salman’s economic and social transformation plan requires a stable regional environment, which explains both the pursuit of détente with Iran and efforts to normalise ties with Israel in coordination with the US. Reducing the likelihood of major regional conflicts is a core priority for the kingdom’s long-term strategic trajectory.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-ve-been-a-great-ally-trump-teases-f-35-jet-sale-to-saudi-arabia-a-day-before-mohammed-bin-salman-meeting-1763433097070">'They've been a great ally': Trump teases F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia a day before Mohammed bin Salman meeting</a><h2>For India, a fast-shifting landscape demanding careful attention</h2>The Saudi–Pakistan defence pact initially created suspicion in New Delhi, as it theoretically could be invoked during a future India–Pakistan confrontation. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly assured India that its commitments to Pakistan are not directed against Indian interests. The kingdom maintains extensive economic ties with India: energy, investment, and throgh Indian expat workers. India also continues to maintain strong relations with the US despite recent fluctuations linked to American domestic politics and Trump's tariff tantrums. These diversified partnerships provide New Delhi with diplomatic leverage.Nonetheless, India faces a more complex regional environment as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan strengthen their ties with Washington. For now, India retains both the political influence and economic capability to navigate a situation in which Saudi Arabia and Pakistan move closer to the United States. But a tighter embrace among the three could pose a problem in future. &nbsp;

Saudi Crown Prince MBS’s US visit boosts Saudi–US ties while Saudi–Pakistan defence links deepen and Pakistan-US relationship improves separately. India must watch this three-way relationship and how it could shift regional dynamics. Here is why


As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the United States on Tuesday (Nov 18), there are signs of bilateral engagements that point to intensifying security ties among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the US. This raises the question of whether both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could be used by Washington as vantage points for monitoring Iran. It also prompts a wider inquiry into what a Saudi–Pakistan–US security arrangement might mean for India. The Crown Prince’s visit is expected to cement the US–Saudi partnership even as the kingdom’s longstanding security ties with Pakistan remain well-known. These tracks could intersect when it comes to managing their shared regional rival, Iran. But where would India figure in all these? Setting the context: Saudi Crown Prince visit and growing US ties MBS’s visit might see the firming up of major Saudi investment commitments in the US economy. President Donald Trump has hinted that F-35 fighter jets and other advanced American defence equipment could be made available to Riyadh. Discussions around a Saudi civilian nuclear programme continue, alongside consultations on technological cooperation in artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, and semiconductor supply chains. The White House is also pushing for Saudi–Israeli normalisation under the broader framework of the Abraham Accords, a process already underway in several Gulf and Arab states. Also read: Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here Saudi–Pakistan strategic ties are firming up Meanwhile, Saudi-Pakistan cooperation took a dramatic step forward in September with the signing of the Saudi–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Coming in the aftermath of India–Pakistan tensions and Operation Sindoor - India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack- the pact declared that an attack on either state would be treated as an attack on both, echoing the collective defence logic of NATO’s Article 5. Saudi Arabia faces ongoing threats from the Houthis in Yemen even as it seeks to balance Iran’s influence, and Pakistan continues to provide the kingdom with military training and manpower. Reports that Pakistani nuclear capabilities could be used to support Saudi deterrence, although officially denied, have contributed to the perception that Riyadh is developing fallback security options should its relationship with the US deteriorate. The Saudi-Pakistan pact had ruffled some feathers in India. Also read: Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit America's new interest in Pakistan: A useful nuisance Trump’s renewed interest in Pakistan adds a further layer of complexity to these arragements. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and its army chief Gen Asim Munir visited Washington recently for meetings centred on counterterrorism cooperation and the revival of military-to-military engagement. To India’s discomfort, these interactions signalled that the US continues to see strategic value in maintaining a working relationship with Islamabad. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-saudi-arabia-ties-saudi-crown-prince-to-visit-us-us-will-sell-f-35-jets-to-saudi-1763456903081/embed Iran remains a central concern for all three states Despite the Saudi–Iran détente that followed the 2023 agreement brokered by China, the two remain strategic adversaries divided by deep-rooted sectarian, geopolitical, and ideological differences. Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, its nuclear programme, and the activities of Iranian-backed groups across the region are regarded by Saudi Arabia as long-term security challenges. Pakistan, for its part, has had a troubled history with Iran involving border instability, sectarian militancy, rivalry in Afghanistan, and mutual accusations of supporting militant actors. Although Pakistan maintains formal diplomatic ties with Tehran, its strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia is much stronger. Saudi Arabia is also attempting to reduce regional tensions Vision 2030 agenda, Mohammed bin Salman’s economic and social transformation plan requires a stable regional environment, which explains both the pursuit of détente with Iran and efforts to normalise ties with Israel in coordination with the US. Reducing the likelihood of major regional conflicts is a core priority for the kingdom’s long-term strategic trajectory. Also read: 'They've been a great ally': Trump teases F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia a day before Mohammed bin Salman meeting For India, a fast-shifting landscape demanding careful attention The Saudi–Pakistan defence pact initially created suspicion in New Delhi, as it theoretically could be invoked during a future India–Pakistan confrontation. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly assured India that its commitments to Pakistan are not directed against Indian interests. The kingdom maintains extensive economic ties with India: energy, investment, and throgh Indian expat workers. India also continues to maintain strong relations with the US despite recent fluctuations linked to American domestic politics and Trump's tariff tantrums. These diversified partnerships provide New Delhi with diplomatic leverage. Nonetheless, India faces a more complex regional environment as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan strengthen their ties with Washington. For now, India retains both the political influence and economic capability to navigate a situation in which Saudi Arabia and Pakistan move closer to the United States. But a tighter embrace among the three could pose a problem in future.

Crown Prince MBS’s US visit boosts Saudi–US ties while Saudi–Pakistan defence links deepen and Pakistan-US relationship improves separately. India must watch this three-way relationship and how it could shift regional dynamics. Here is why &nbsp;

Crown Prince MBS US visit: Will Saudi–Pak–US relationships cause worry for India?

Three people have died from the Marburg virus in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health said on Monday, less than a week after an outbreak was declared.The Marburg virus is one of the deadliest known pathogens. Like Ebola, it causes severe bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea and has a 21-day incubation period.&nbsp;Also like Ebola, it is transmitted via contact with bodily fluids and has a fatality rate of between 25 and 80 percent.The outbreak -- the first ever recorded in Ethiopia -- was confirmed in the city of Jinka, about 430 kilometres (211 miles) southwest of capital Addis Ababa, and a few hundred kilometres from South Sudan and Kenya's borders.&nbsp;The ministry said on Facebook that "17 suspected cases have been tested, and 3 deaths have been confirmed as caused by the virus."Three other individuals who exhibited symptoms but whose cases were not laboratory confirmed also died, the ministry said.Health authorities in Africa's second most populous nation said "129 people who had contact with the patients are currently in self-isolation and under close monitoring."&nbsp;World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed on Friday that at least nine cases had been detected in southern Ethiopia, two days after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) was alerted to a suspected haemorrhagic virus in the region.Africa CDC confirmed the outbreak on Saturday after laboratory tests returned positive for the deadly virus.&nbsp;An epidemic of Marburg virus killed 10 people in Tanzania in January before being contained in March. Rwanda said in December 2024 it had managed to stamp out its first known Marburg epidemic, which caused 15 deaths. There is no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg, but oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms increases patients' chances of survival. Last year, Rwanda trialled an experimental vaccine from the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Ethiopia has reported its first Marburg virus outbreak, with three confirmed deaths and several suspected cases in Jinka. Health officials are monitoring 129 contacts. The WHO and Africa CDC have confirmed the outbreak. The deadly virus, similar to Ebola, has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Three people have died from the Marburg virus in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health said on Monday, less than a week after an outbreak was declared. The Marburg virus is one of the deadliest known pathogens. Like Ebola, it causes severe bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea and has a 21-day incubation period. Also like Ebola, it is transmitted via contact with bodily fluids and has a fatality rate of between 25 and 80 percent. The outbreak -- the first ever recorded in Ethiopia -- was confirmed in the city of Jinka, about 430 kilometres (211 miles) southwest of capital Addis Ababa, and a few hundred kilometres from South Sudan and Kenya's borders. The ministry said on Facebook that "17 suspected cases have been tested, and 3 deaths have been confirmed as caused by the virus." Three other individuals who exhibited symptoms but whose cases were not laboratory confirmed also died, the ministry said. Health authorities in Africa's second most populous nation said "129 people who had contact with the patients are currently in self-isolation and under close monitoring." World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed on Friday that at least nine cases had been detected in southern Ethiopia, two days after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) was alerted to a suspected haemorrhagic virus in the region. Africa CDC confirmed the outbreak on Saturday after laboratory tests returned positive for the deadly virus. An epidemic of Marburg virus killed 10 people in Tanzania in January before being contained in March. Rwanda said in December 2024 it had managed to stamp out its first known Marburg epidemic, which caused 15 deaths. There is no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg, but oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms increases patients' chances of survival. Last year, Rwanda trialled an experimental vaccine from the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Ethiopia has reported its first Marburg virus outbreak, with three confirmed deaths and several suspected cases in Jinka. Health officials are monitoring 129 contacts. The WHO and Africa CDC have confirmed the outbreak. The deadly virus, similar to Ebola, has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia, 3 dead: Here's what we know

In 2011, &nbsp;Indian Mujahideen was a familiar name for security agencies, who described it as India’s first truly domestic terrorist organisation. The group’s objective was to carry out bomb blasts across multiple Indian cities, and for several it succeeded, including in Delhi. Eventually, the NIA and other agencies arrested its leaders and dismantled its networks. At the time, many believed India had defeated domestic Islamist terrorism — home-grown plots carried out by radicalised individuals who, at least on the surface, did not have detailed operational links to global jihadist groups. Further investigations revealed that IM was not just domestic: It had backing from Pakistan-based groups and possibly its spy agency, ISI. Cut to 2025: An apparently accidental blast in Delhi’s Red Fort area on November 10 opened the eyes of security forces to a new era of domestically grown terrorism, this time with some help from neighbouring countries and global jihadist organisations.<h2>Indian Mujahideen and the crackdown on domestic terror</h2>Indian security agencies dismantled the Indian Mujahideen through a series of arrests, including its founder Yasin Bhatkal in 2013 and Abdul Subhan Qureshi in 2018. This was followed by a period of relative calm in major Indian cities, interrupted only by the large-scale cross-border terror attacks in Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019) and Pehelgam attack this year, &nbsp;all attributed to Pakistan-based handlers. Indian Mujahideen, despite being described as a domestic group, was rooted in Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) networks. It received ideological, logistical, and some operational support from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and HuJI. Its bomb-making expertise and funding was tracked to Karachi and Gulf-based handlers. Today, India is once again confronting a resurgence of a similar threat — but the new version looks different.Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-blast-suspects-used-dead-drop-emails-to-plan-attacks-reveals-probe-1763220717682"> Delhi blast suspects used ‘dead drop’ emails to plan attacks, reveals probe</a>&nbsp;<h2>What’s same and what’s different about the new domestic terrorists?</h2>The most disturbing aspect of the new wave of Islamist domestic terrorism is how elusive these actors have been, and the fact that they consist of “white-collar terrorists” — doctors, lecturers, software engineers, clerics, and university students hiding in plain sight. Unlike the IM’s centralised Pakistan-linked structure, these new modules consist of self-radicalised professionals operating in decentralised sleeper cells. Their radicalisation is largely online, inspired by the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, without requiring them to physically travel to conflict zones or to Pakistan-based terror training camps.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-delhi-blast-probe-raids-at-several-locations-in-j-k-1763439792375/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-delhi-blast-probe-raids-at-several-locations-in-j-k-1763439792375/embed</a><h2>New domestic terrorists are adept at the use of technology</h2>Investigations show that many members of these modules maintained double lives, working as doctors, teachers, or tech professionals while quietly plotting attacks. They used a mix of old and new technologies: dead-drop emails, encrypted communications through WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Threema, and WhatsApp clones. They consumed and circulated online propaganda, often through dark web channels. Despite being fragmented, they established transnational linkages both online and offline. Support from handlers or aligned groups in Pakistan, and allegedly in Turkey, has also emerged in several investigations.<h2>Sleeper cells uncovered — but who was sleeping?</h2>While it must be acknowledged that alert security agencies have thwarted several potential attacks and arrested ISIS- and al-Qaeda-linked modules since the Delhi blast, one cannot ignore the question: how were these groups not detected earlier, especially as reports now indicate that the Delhi module had been plotting attacks for three years? The answer may be in how difficult it is to crack open these sleeper modules, because most of them are autonomous, decentralised and self-organised.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-blast-over-2-000-kashmiri-students-tenants-questioned-13k-cctv-footage-scanned-1763371739821">Delhi blast: Over 2,000 Kashmiri students, tenants questioned, 13k CCTV footage scanned</a><h2>The self-starter terrorist: A new breed of globally linked domestic extremist</h2>Once the genie was out of the bottle following the Faridabad raid and the Delhi blast, security agencies moved swiftly, disrupting ISIS-inspired cells from Hyderabad in the south to Kashmir in the north. The sheer number of professionals involved has shocked investigators: doctors, engineers, IT experts, and corporate executives. Many of them are believed to have self-radicalised on Telegram, dark web forums, and ISIS publications tailored to South Asia, such as “Voice of Hind”. Most operate autonomously with no need for the old model of crossing borders. Funding appears to rely on hawala-based micro-transfers, online donations and cryptocurrency, rather than large foreign remittances.<h2>A pan-India threat: What the investigations revealed</h2>What is worrying is the near-national footprint of these groups. In the Pune–Thane region of Maharashtra, anaesthesiologist Dr Adnan Ali Sarkar and IT professional Tabish Siddiqui were charged with recruiting youth, manufacturing improvised explosive devices, and preparing to impose “Islamic rule” in India. Another conspirator, Rizwan Ali, was arrested in Lucknow after avoiding capture for months. In Karnataka, a Ballari-based cell led by Minaj, alias Md Sulaiman, was found with sulphur, potassium nitrate, weapons, and ISIS literature, and is believed to have radicalised young men online. A Hyderabad-based suspect previously investigated for attempting to produce ricin poison has also resurfaced in ISIS-linked probes. In Tamil Nadu's Chennai, ISIS recruiter Abdul Basith was arrested for radicalising youth through restricted WhatsApp groups.<h2>The global reach of India’s domestic terrorists</h2>Despite many not having fought alongside foreign terrorist groups, the new domestic terrorists in India have demonstrated the ability to form transnational linkages. In Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, accused operative Arif Husain is believed to have procured weapons through the Nepal border. A couple, including one person with an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, was arrested in Nepal with suspected links to the Delhi blast module. International hideouts are also becoming part of their ecosystem. Pune conspirators Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan were detained after months of hiding in Indonesia.<h2>Delhi blast: Only the tip of the iceberg?</h2>The premature blast on November 10 is emblematic of this new threat. The bomber, Dr Umar Un Nabi, was an assistant professor of general medicine from Pulwama working at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. He was part of a Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked white-collar module of Kashmiri doctors radicalised online. Reports suggest the group had planned a series of blasts similar to the one at Red Fort for at least three years. Their aim was to deploy as many as 32 vehicles in serial VBIED (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device) attacks. Some members were in the process of modifying drones for Hamas-style strikes and experimenting with crude rocket fabrication. Jasir Bilal Wani, one of the arrested, is being described as a “drone technician”. More than 2,900 kg of explosives seized in raids in Faridabad near Delhi revealed the shocking scale of the threat. While this seizure may have prevented a devastating chain of attacks, the accidental explosion at Nowgam police station during the handling of the seized material showed just how potent it was.<h2>Universities as operational hubs: The shift from the IM era to the white-collar module era</h2>At least in the Faridabad module, a university campus was used as an operational base, raising serious concerns about how deeply India’s professional and academic spaces have been infiltrated.IM grew out of SIMI and had a hierarchical structure supported by handlers in Pakistan. Today’s domestic terrorist modules do not appear to have rigid structures or defined leadership. They form in online echo chambers. Radicalisation no longer requires madrassa networks or riot-linked grievances; it now happens through targeted digital propaganda. Jihad has been gamified for young Indian recruits. While IM used basic emails and low-tech devices, the 2020s modules operate at the cutting edge of technology: encrypted apps, cryptocurrency-based funding, and carefully maintained digital invisibility.<h2>The new demographic of terror in India</h2>This is no longer a profile of angry, lower-middle-class youths with limited exposure. The new recruits are doctors, engineers, corporate employees, and university students — people with access to money, mobility, professional networks, and technical expertise.Earlier, domestic groups depended heavily on Pakistan-based LeT, JeM, and HuJI for training and funding. While some links still exist, today’s cells pledge allegiance online to ISIS’s global caliphate or al-Qaeda’s Ghazwa-e-Hind vision, which refers to a theological narrative about the conquest of India. There is no proven direct physical contact with these groups, though Pakistan’s proxies and handlers may still exert influence. Operationally, however, the engine is domestic and self-driven.<h2>Islamist domestic terrorism never disappeared — it adapted</h2>All evidence points to a disturbing conclusion: domestic terrorism in India with global linkages never truly ended; it adapted to a new era. Its tactics have shifted dramatically. Instead of serial blasts in crowded markets, the new wave features suicide VBIEDs, drone experiments, rocket prototypes, and multi-city attack plans executed with professional precision. Long-term planning and sophisticated communication methods have made detection harder, especially as these operatives blend seamlessly into mainstream society. India is now confronting a more sophisticated, decentralised, and transnational version of a monster once believed to be defeated — but clearly rising again.

Domestically grown terrorism, the monster once thought defeated, is resurging in India. How is it different from the old avatars, like the Indian Mujahideen?

In 2011, Indian Mujahideen was a familiar name for security agencies, who described it as India’s first truly domestic terrorist organisation. The group’s objective was to carry out bomb blasts across multiple Indian cities, and for several it succeeded, including in Delhi. Eventually, the NIA and other agencies arrested its leaders and dismantled its networks. At the time, many believed India had defeated domestic Islamist terrorism — home-grown plots carried out by radicalised individuals who, at least on the surface, did not have detailed operational links to global jihadist groups. Further investigations revealed that IM was not just domestic: It had backing from Pakistan-based groups and possibly its spy agency, ISI. Cut to 2025: An apparently accidental blast in Delhi’s Red Fort area on November 10 opened the eyes of security forces to a new era of domestically grown terrorism, this time with some help from neighbouring countries and global jihadist organisations. Indian Mujahideen and the crackdown on domestic terror Indian security agencies dismantled the Indian Mujahideen through a series of arrests, including its founder Yasin Bhatkal in 2013 and Abdul Subhan Qureshi in 2018. This was followed by a period of relative calm in major Indian cities, interrupted only by the large-scale cross-border terror attacks in Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019) and Pehelgam attack this year, all attributed to Pakistan-based handlers. Indian Mujahideen, despite being described as a domestic group, was rooted in Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) networks. It received ideological, logistical, and some operational support from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and HuJI. Its bomb-making expertise and funding was tracked to Karachi and Gulf-based handlers. Today, India is once again confronting a resurgence of a similar threat — but the new version looks different. Also read: Delhi blast suspects used ‘dead drop’ emails to plan attacks, reveals probe What’s same and what’s different about the new domestic terrorists? The most disturbing aspect of the new wave of Islamist domestic terrorism is how elusive these actors have been, and the fact that they consist of “white-collar terrorists” — doctors, lecturers, software engineers, clerics, and university students hiding in plain sight. Unlike the IM’s centralised Pakistan-linked structure, these new modules consist of self-radicalised professionals operating in decentralised sleeper cells. Their radicalisation is largely online, inspired by the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, without requiring them to physically travel to conflict zones or to Pakistan-based terror training camps. https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-delhi-blast-probe-raids-at-several-locations-in-j-k-1763439792375/embed New domestic terrorists are adept at the use of technology Investigations show that many members of these modules maintained double lives, working as doctors, teachers, or tech professionals while quietly plotting attacks. They used a mix of old and new technologies: dead-drop emails, encrypted communications through WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Threema, and WhatsApp clones. They consumed and circulated online propaganda, often through dark web channels. Despite being fragmented, they established transnational linkages both online and offline. Support from handlers or aligned groups in Pakistan, and allegedly in Turkey, has also emerged in several investigations. Sleeper cells uncovered — but who was sleeping? While it must be acknowledged that alert security agencies have thwarted several potential attacks and arrested ISIS- and al-Qaeda-linked modules since the Delhi blast, one cannot ignore the question: how were these groups not detected earlier, especially as reports now indicate that the Delhi module had been plotting attacks for three years? The answer may be in how difficult it is to crack open these sleeper modules, because most of them are autonomous, decentralised and self-organised. Also read: Delhi blast: Over 2,000 Kashmiri students, tenants questioned, 13k CCTV footage scanned The self-starter terrorist: A new breed of globally linked domestic extremist Once the genie was out of the bottle following the Faridabad raid and the Delhi blast, security agencies moved swiftly, disrupting ISIS-inspired cells from Hyderabad in the south to Kashmir in the north. The sheer number of professionals involved has shocked investigators: doctors, engineers, IT experts, and corporate executives. Many of them are believed to have self-radicalised on Telegram, dark web forums, and ISIS publications tailored to South Asia, such as “Voice of Hind”. Most operate autonomously with no need for the old model of crossing borders. Funding appears to rely on hawala-based micro-transfers, online donations and cryptocurrency, rather than large foreign remittances. A pan-India threat: What the investigations revealed What is worrying is the near-national footprint of these groups. In the Pune–Thane region of Maharashtra, anaesthesiologist Dr Adnan Ali Sarkar and IT professional Tabish Siddiqui were charged with recruiting youth, manufacturing improvised explosive devices, and preparing to impose “Islamic rule” in India. Another conspirator, Rizwan Ali, was arrested in Lucknow after avoiding capture for months. In Karnataka, a Ballari-based cell led by Minaj, alias Md Sulaiman, was found with sulphur, potassium nitrate, weapons, and ISIS literature, and is believed to have radicalised young men online. A Hyderabad-based suspect previously investigated for attempting to produce ricin poison has also resurfaced in ISIS-linked probes. In Tamil Nadu's Chennai, ISIS recruiter Abdul Basith was arrested for radicalising youth through restricted WhatsApp groups. The global reach of India’s domestic terrorists Despite many not having fought alongside foreign terrorist groups, the new domestic terrorists in India have demonstrated the ability to form transnational linkages. In Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, accused operative Arif Husain is believed to have procured weapons through the Nepal border. A couple, including one person with an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, was arrested in Nepal with suspected links to the Delhi blast module. International hideouts are also becoming part of their ecosystem. Pune conspirators Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan were detained after months of hiding in Indonesia. Delhi blast: Only the tip of the iceberg? The premature blast on November 10 is emblematic of this new threat. The bomber, Dr Umar Un Nabi, was an assistant professor of general medicine from Pulwama working at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. He was part of a Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked white-collar module of Kashmiri doctors radicalised online. Reports suggest the group had planned a series of blasts similar to the one at Red Fort for at least three years. Their aim was to deploy as many as 32 vehicles in serial VBIED (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device) attacks. Some members were in the process of modifying drones for Hamas-style strikes and experimenting with crude rocket fabrication. Jasir Bilal Wani, one of the arrested, is being described as a “drone technician”. More than 2,900 kg of explosives seized in raids in Faridabad near Delhi revealed the shocking scale of the threat. While this seizure may have prevented a devastating chain of attacks, the accidental explosion at Nowgam police station during the handling of the seized material showed just how potent it was. Universities as operational hubs: The shift from the IM era to the white-collar module era At least in the Faridabad module, a university campus was used as an operational base, raising serious concerns about how deeply India’s professional and academic spaces have been infiltrated. IM grew out of SIMI and had a hierarchical structure supported by handlers in Pakistan. Today’s domestic terrorist modules do not appear to have rigid structures or defined leadership. They form in online echo chambers. Radicalisation no longer requires madrassa networks or riot-linked grievances; it now happens through targeted digital propaganda. Jihad has been gamified for young Indian recruits. While IM used basic emails and low-tech devices, the 2020s modules operate at the cutting edge of technology: encrypted apps, cryptocurrency-based funding, and carefully maintained digital invisibility. The new demographic of terror in India This is no longer a profile of angry, lower-middle-class youths with limited exposure. The new recruits are doctors, engineers, corporate employees, and university students — people with access to money, mobility, professional networks, and technical expertise. Earlier, domestic groups depended heavily on Pakistan-based LeT, JeM, and HuJI for training and funding. While some links still exist, today’s cells pledge allegiance online to ISIS’s global caliphate or al-Qaeda’s Ghazwa-e-Hind vision, which refers to a theological narrative about the conquest of India. There is no proven direct physical contact with these groups, though Pakistan’s proxies and handlers may still exert influence. Operationally, however, the engine is domestic and self-driven. Islamist domestic terrorism never disappeared — it adapted All evidence points to a disturbing conclusion: domestic terrorism in India with global linkages never truly ended; it adapted to a new era. Its tactics have shifted dramatically. Instead of serial blasts in crowded markets, the new wave features suicide VBIEDs, drone experiments, rocket prototypes, and multi-city attack plans executed with professional precision. Long-term planning and sophisticated communication methods have made detection harder, especially as these operatives blend seamlessly into mainstream society. India is now confronting a more sophisticated, decentralised, and transnational version of a monster once believed to be defeated — but clearly rising again.

Domestically grown terrorism, the monster once thought defeated, is resurging in India. How is it different from the old avatars, like the Indian Mujahideen?

Return of domestic terrorism in India, this time with help from neighbours and global Jihadist groups

Jeff Bezos, who stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021, is now leading a new AI venture backed by $6.2 billion, marking his first return to a co-chief executive position in four years. The new venture of Amazon's founder is called ‘Project Prometheus’, which is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, including computers, aerospace, and automobiles&nbsp;Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily.<h3>What is Project Prometheus?</h3>Based on a report published in the New York Times, the project 'Prometheus' focuses on developing advanced artificial intelligence tools to accelerate engineering and manufacturing processes in sectors like aerospace, automobiles, and computing. The company employs researchers from leading AI firms and aims to create AI models that learn from complex physical experiments rather than just text.&nbsp;The Project Prometheus aligns with the broader vision of Bezos for space exploration and technological innovation, integrating AI applications to support robotics, scientific discovery, and cost-effective off-planet labour. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind.&nbsp;The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI.&nbsp;Unlike the generative AI technology behind ChatGPT, it also focuses on developing systems that learn from real-world experimentation, rather than just digital text, to intensify scientific discovery in physics, chemistry and engineering.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-calls-jeff-bezos-a-copycat-after-amazon-founder-launched-6-2b-ai-startup-prometheus-1763445449642">Elon Musk calls Jeff Bezos a ‘copycat’ after Amazon founder launches $6.2B AI startup ‘Prometheus’</a>

Jeff Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily.

Jeff Bezos, who stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021, is now leading a new AI venture backed by $6.2 billion, marking his first return to a co-chief executive position in four years. The new venture of Amazon's founder is called ‘Project Prometheus’, which is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, including computers, aerospace, and automobiles Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily. What is Project Prometheus? Based on a report published in the New York Times, the project 'Prometheus' focuses on developing advanced artificial intelligence tools to accelerate engineering and manufacturing processes in sectors like aerospace, automobiles, and computing. The company employs researchers from leading AI firms and aims to create AI models that learn from complex physical experiments rather than just text. The Project Prometheus aligns with the broader vision of Bezos for space exploration and technological innovation, integrating AI applications to support robotics, scientific discovery, and cost-effective off-planet labour. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind. The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI. Unlike the generative AI technology behind ChatGPT, it also focuses on developing systems that learn from real-world experimentation, rather than just digital text, to intensify scientific discovery in physics, chemistry and engineering. Also read: Elon Musk calls Jeff Bezos a ‘copycat’ after Amazon founder launches $6.2B AI startup ‘Prometheus’

Jeff Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily.

What is Project 'Prometheus'? Jeff Bezos’ $6.2B AI startup to transform THESE sectors

Thomas Crooks, the man who was arrested for the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, used they/them pronouns and had a “muscle mommy” fetish, according to a report carried by the New York Post, citing sources. He had secret social media accounts where he posted threats of political violence and violent art. According to the report, Crooks had an interest in female bodybuilders and searched for videos of muscular women. The latest revelations were made after new details on his online activity emerged on Monday (Nov 17). The Post reported that Crooks likely had two accounts on DeviantArt, one of which linked to Crooks shared just one post. He reposted an image of a muscular female bodybuilder and a smaller man in his underwear. His YouTube search history showed multiple searches for muscular women and female bodybuilders.&nbsp;The DeviantArt account also mentions the pronouns as They/Them. However, it is unclear whether Crooks identified as transgender. His other social media activity shows a growing interest in violent content, as he posted radical comments and artwork. The publication stated that the sources used publicly available research tools to link multiple email addresses to Crooks. Based on this, they were able to find usernames associated with those emails on YouTube, Snapchat, PayPal, Discord, Chess.com, Quora, and DeviantArt.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thomas-crooks-talked-to-himself-was-mentally-unravelling-in-weeks-before-attempting-to-kill-donald-trump-report-1749528647463">Thomas Crooks 'talked to himself', was 'mentally unravelling', in weeks before attempting to kill Donald Trump: Report</a>&nbsp;According to the report, his early social media posts show he supported Trump. One of his comments under an MSNBC clip from July 2019 reads, “Everyone of the trump hating democrats deserve to have their heads chopped of and put on steaks for the world to see what happens when you f–k with America [sic]." &nbsp;Several of his comments and posts were violently antisemitic and racist, especially targeting Hispanic immigrants.&nbsp;<h2>Crooks turned anti-Trump during Covid pandemic</h2>He also quoted Chinese communist dictator Mao Zedong in several comments, supposedly admitting he would use an assault rifle against political opponents. “The only true political power comes from the barrel of a gun,” he wrote. However, his views on Trump seem to have taken a turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he believed the president did not put timely social distancing mandates in place and was reluctant to ban social gatherings. He wrote in YouTube comments in 2020 that Trump was "too slow and everything he’s doing now should have been done."&nbsp;He also started posting violent art around this time. He also searched for how to fire an AR-15 “as fast as possible,” and about how to make a fertiliser bomb and a Molotov cocktail. Crooks tried to kill Trump on July 13, 2024, at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, taking a shot at him from the top of a building. The bullet grazed Trump's ear, leaving him bleeding.

The man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump in 2024 had a fetish for “muscular female bodybuilders” and possibly started harbouring anger for him during the pandemic. His posts are full of violence and searches for fertiliser bombs and Molotov cocktails.

Thomas Crooks, the man who was arrested for the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, used they/them pronouns and had a “muscle mommy” fetish, according to a report carried by the New York Post, citing sources. He had secret social media accounts where he posted threats of political violence and violent art. According to the report, Crooks had an interest in female bodybuilders and searched for videos of muscular women. The latest revelations were made after new details on his online activity emerged on Monday (Nov 17). The Post reported that Crooks likely had two accounts on DeviantArt, one of which linked to Crooks shared just one post. He reposted an image of a muscular female bodybuilder and a smaller man in his underwear. His YouTube search history showed multiple searches for muscular women and female bodybuilders. The DeviantArt account also mentions the pronouns as They/Them. However, it is unclear whether Crooks identified as transgender. His other social media activity shows a growing interest in violent content, as he posted radical comments and artwork. The publication stated that the sources used publicly available research tools to link multiple email addresses to Crooks. Based on this, they were able to find usernames associated with those emails on YouTube, Snapchat, PayPal, Discord, Chess.com, Quora, and DeviantArt. Also Read: Thomas Crooks 'talked to himself', was 'mentally unravelling', in weeks before attempting to kill Donald Trump: Report According to the report, his early social media posts show he supported Trump. One of his comments under an MSNBC clip from July 2019 reads, “Everyone of the trump hating democrats deserve to have their heads chopped of and put on steaks for the world to see what happens when you f–k with America [sic]." Several of his comments and posts were violently antisemitic and racist, especially targeting Hispanic immigrants. Crooks turned anti-Trump during Covid pandemic He also quoted Chinese communist dictator Mao Zedong in several comments, supposedly admitting he would use an assault rifle against political opponents. “The only true political power comes from the barrel of a gun,” he wrote. However, his views on Trump seem to have taken a turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he believed the president did not put timely social distancing mandates in place and was reluctant to ban social gatherings. He wrote in YouTube comments in 2020 that Trump was "too slow and everything he’s doing now should have been done." He also started posting violent art around this time. He also searched for how to fire an AR-15 “as fast as possible,” and about how to make a fertiliser bomb and a Molotov cocktail. Crooks tried to kill Trump on July 13, 2024, at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, taking a shot at him from the top of a building. The bullet grazed Trump's ear, leaving him bleeding.

The man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump in 2024 had a fetish for “muscular female bodybuilders” and possibly started harbouring anger for him during the pandemic. His posts are full of violence and searches for fertiliser bombs and Molotov cocktails.

Thomas Crooks has 'muscle mommy' fetish, likely became Trump hater during Covid: Report

The founder of xAI, Elon Musk, has mocked Jeff Bezos by calling him a “copycat” after reports surfaced that the founder of Amazon is coming up with his new venture called ‘Project Prometheus’, which has already raised $6.2 billion. He will act as co-chief executive of the AI startup, with a significant contribution to its founding from his end, according to The New York Times.&nbsp;After the news about Prometheus surfaced, Elon Musk didn’t hold back and wrote on X, “Haha no way … Copy 🐈” (sic), openly accusing Jeff Bezos of mimicking his AI ambitions, a charge he’s levelled before. Musk’s own venture, xAI, is already a major player in the generative AI space.&nbsp;It isn’t the first time the Tesla and SpaceX chief has used the “copycat” dig. In 2020, he hurled the same insult at Bezos after Amazon bought the self-driving startup Zoox.&nbsp;This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs.<h3>What is Project Prometheus?</h3>The startup is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, which include computers, aerospace, and automobiles, according to the NYT report. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind.&nbsp;The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-day-vs-night-when-is-the-best-time-to-fill-petrol-in-your-car-1763310782901">'Day vs Night': When is the best time to fill petrol in your car?</a>

This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs.

The founder of xAI, Elon Musk, has mocked Jeff Bezos by calling him a “copycat” after reports surfaced that the founder of Amazon is coming up with his new venture called ‘Project Prometheus’, which has already raised $6.2 billion. He will act as co-chief executive of the AI startup, with a significant contribution to its founding from his end, according to The New York Times. After the news about Prometheus surfaced, Elon Musk didn’t hold back and wrote on X, “Haha no way … Copy 🐈” (sic), openly accusing Jeff Bezos of mimicking his AI ambitions, a charge he’s levelled before. Musk’s own venture, xAI, is already a major player in the generative AI space. It isn’t the first time the Tesla and SpaceX chief has used the “copycat” dig. In 2020, he hurled the same insult at Bezos after Amazon bought the self-driving startup Zoox. This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs. What is Project Prometheus? The startup is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, which include computers, aerospace, and automobiles, according to the NYT report. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind. The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI. Also read: 'Day vs Night': When is the best time to fill petrol in your car?

This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs.

Elon Musk calls Jeff Bezos a ‘copycat’ after Amazon founder launches $6.2B AI startup 'Prometheus'

Charlie Kirk's murder led to a flurry of conspiracy theories, including one where his security team was alleged to have made certain hand gestures right before he was shot. Now the man who was heading the security has spoken on the matter. 

Charlie Kirk’s head of security clears the air on 'unusual hand signals' right before he was shot

"US President Donald Trump’s administration filed a lawsuit on Monday (Nov 17) against California over new laws that ban federal officers from wearing facial coverings and require them to have identification while carrying out their duties. In the lawsuit, the administration argued that the state’s laws violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, according to which federal laws supersede state laws. They further claimed that the laws put the federal officers’ safety at risk.“Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties,” the attorney general, Pam Bondi, said in a statement. “California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand.”In the suit, the Department of Justice described the issue as California’s “unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called ‘No Secret Police Act’ and ‘No Vigilantes Act’”.During Trump’s immigration crackdown, federal officers have covered their faces during raids and refused to provide any identification to people they detain.In September, California’s governor Gavin Newsom signed laws, making the state the first to ban most law enforcement officers, including face coverings for federal immigration agents, while conducting their duties.The law bans ski masks, neck gaiters and other facial coverings for local and federal agents, including immigration officials. However, it excludes undercover agents, protective equipment like N95 masks or tactical gear and does not apply to state police. The officers are also required to wear clear identification with their agency and badge number on duty starting in January.Calling the law a “PR stunt”, the DHS had posted on X in September, “To be clear: We will NOT comply with Gavin Newsom's unconstitutional mask ban.”

In the lawsuit, the administration argued that the state’s laws violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, according to which federal laws supersede state laws.

"US President Donald Trump’s administration filed a lawsuit on Monday (Nov 17) against California over new laws that ban federal officers from wearing facial coverings and require them to have identification while carrying out their duties. In the lawsuit, the administration argued that the state’s laws violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, according to which federal laws supersede state laws. They further claimed that the laws put the federal officers’ safety at risk. “Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties,” the attorney general, Pam Bondi, said in a statement. “California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand.” In the suit, the Department of Justice described the issue as California’s “unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called ‘No Secret Police Act’ and ‘No Vigilantes Act’”. During Trump’s immigration crackdown, federal officers have covered their faces during raids and refused to provide any identification to people they detain. In September, California’s governor Gavin Newsom signed laws, making the state the first to ban most law enforcement officers, including face coverings for federal immigration agents, while conducting their duties. The law bans ski masks, neck gaiters and other facial coverings for local and federal agents, including immigration officials. However, it excludes undercover agents, protective equipment like N95 masks or tactical gear and does not apply to state police. The officers are also required to wear clear identification with their agency and badge number on duty starting in January. Calling the law a “PR stunt”, the DHS had posted on X in September, “To be clear: We will NOT comply with Gavin Newsom's unconstitutional mask ban.”

In the lawsuit, the administration argued that the state’s laws violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, according to which federal laws supersede state laws.

‘These laws cannot stand’: Trump administration sues California over ban on federal agents wearing masks

Donald Trump on Monday announced that he would be “OK” with the US carrying out strikes inside Mexico if that’s what it took to curb narcotics entering the country. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he argued that drug trafficking has become so destructive that extraordinary steps should be on the table. When asked directly if he would authorise a US counter drug operation on Mexican soil, Trump said, “Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It's OK with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/newlyweds-stunned-as-trump-crashes-mar-a-lago-wedding-rants-about-getting-into-heaven-watch-video-1763369281472">Newlyweds stunned as Trump crashes Mar-a-Lago wedding, rants about getting into heaven. Watch video</a><h2>So, is the US going to strike Mexico?</h2>Even as he said, he was “OK” with striking inside Mexico, Trump insisted he wasn’t announcing anything, but said he would be “proud” to take such action, “because we're going to save millions of lives by doing it.”Pressed on whether he would only act with Mexico’s permission, Trump refused to give a straight answer and said he “wouldn’t answer that question.” However, he insisted that he has been in contact with Mexican officials and that they know “how I stand.”Trump then claimed the US has mapped out cartel networks down to the last detail. “We’ve stopped the waterways, but we know every route. We know every route, we know the addresses of every drug lord,” he said. “We know their address, we know their front door. We know everything about every one of them. They’re killing our people. That’s like a war. Would I do it? I’d be proud to.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-endorses-trump-s-20-point-gaza-peace-plan-which-hamas-says-ignores-political-and-humanitarian-demands-and-rights-of-palestinians-1763425275999">UN endorses Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan which Hamas says does not meet Palestinians' rights</a>Previously, NBC News reported that the administration has been weighing a new strategy that would involve sending US troops and intelligence teams into Mexico to go after cartel leaders. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, meanwhile, has been firm that no foreign military action will happen without her government’s approval.

Donald Trump said he’d be OK with US strikes inside Mexico to curb drug trafficking, calling cartels a war level threat. He stopped short of announcing action but claimed the US has mapped cartel networks.

Donald Trump on Monday announced that he would be “OK” with the US carrying out strikes inside Mexico if that’s what it took to curb narcotics entering the country. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he argued that drug trafficking has become so destructive that extraordinary steps should be on the table. When asked directly if he would authorise a US counter drug operation on Mexican soil, Trump said, “Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It's OK with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs”. Also read | Newlyweds stunned as Trump crashes Mar-a-Lago wedding, rants about getting into heaven. Watch video So, is the US going to strike Mexico? Even as he said, he was “OK” with striking inside Mexico, Trump insisted he wasn’t announcing anything, but said he would be “proud” to take such action, “because we're going to save millions of lives by doing it.” Pressed on whether he would only act with Mexico’s permission, Trump refused to give a straight answer and said he “wouldn’t answer that question.” However, he insisted that he has been in contact with Mexican officials and that they know “how I stand.” Trump then claimed the US has mapped out cartel networks down to the last detail. “We’ve stopped the waterways, but we know every route. We know every route, we know the addresses of every drug lord,” he said. “We know their address, we know their front door. We know everything about every one of them. They’re killing our people. That’s like a war. Would I do it? I’d be proud to.” Also read | UN endorses Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan which Hamas says does not meet Palestinians' rights Previously, NBC News reported that the administration has been weighing a new strategy that would involve sending US troops and intelligence teams into Mexico to go after cartel leaders. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, meanwhile, has been firm that no foreign military action will happen without her government’s approval.

Donald Trump said he’d be OK with US strikes inside Mexico to curb drug trafficking, calling cartels a war level threat. He stopped short of announcing action but claimed the US has mapped cartel networks.

Trump says he’d be 'proud' if US carries out strikes inside Mexico. Here's why

A chartered Embraer aircraft carrying Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and his delegation skidded off runway 29 while landing at Kolwezi Airport on Monday (Nov 17). The aircraft slid on its belly and caught fire in the tail section. As per reports, 20 officials were onboard and everyone escaped without being hurt. Video circulating online shows people evacuating while the fuselage lay off the runway. The accident followed a fatal accident at the Kalando mine on November 15. Survivors also said that they had to escape smoke filled cabin after the aircraft skidded off. The aircraft appears to belong to Angolan operator Airjet, based on markings seen in videos, though this is not formally confirmed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Plane of Congo’s minister CRASHES after mine disaster visit The Embraer ERJ-145LR overshot the runway catching fire. Minerals Minister Kabamba and some 20 others were onboard NO INJURIES were reported, miraculously The plane came back from Kinshasa, where 49 ppl died last week <a href="https://t.co/EoX2VRmFQn">pic.twitter.com/EoX2VRmFQn</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/1990444672020586964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the Mines Ministry of DRC said that the delegation was travelling to Lualaba province after a deadly mining accident in Kalondo, where 32 people were killed. He was scheduled to meet local authorities, assess damage, and coordinate support measures. It added that the incident will not affect the minister’s mission or commitment to supporting affected communities, and technical meetings have already begun.&nbsp;Aviation officials have not yet confirmed the cause. Possible factors include mechanical failure, pilot error, runway conditions, or weather. Emergency teams quickly responded and extinguished the fire.

A chartered jet carrying DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba skidded off the runway at Kolwezi Airport and caught fire, but all 20 officials onboard escaped safely. The minister was travelling to Lualaba after a deadly mine accident. Cause of the landing failure is under investigation.

A chartered Embraer aircraft carrying Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and his delegation skidded off runway 29 while landing at Kolwezi Airport on Monday (Nov 17). The aircraft slid on its belly and caught fire in the tail section. As per reports, 20 officials were onboard and everyone escaped without being hurt. Video circulating online shows people evacuating while the fuselage lay off the runway. The accident followed a fatal accident at the Kalando mine on November 15. Survivors also said that they had to escape smoke filled cabin after the aircraft skidded off. The aircraft appears to belong to Angolan operator Airjet, based on markings seen in videos, though this is not formally confirmed.

A chartered jet carrying DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba skidded off the runway at Kolwezi Airport and caught fire, but all 20 officials onboard escaped safely. The minister was travelling to Lualaba after a deadly mine accident. Cause of the landing failure is under investigation.

Chartered plane crashes in Congo, terrifying footage shows exact moment: Casualties and causes — What we know

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Nov 17) said that he will talk to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who voiced a similar statement, saying that he was ready to talk “face to face”. This comes as tensions in the Caribbean escalate with the presence of the US military, which has hardened its crackdown against drug cartels.“This country will continue to be at peace, and in the United States, anyone who wants to talk to Venezuela will talk face to face, without any problem,” Maduro said on his weekly television program hours after Trump suggested talks between the two leaders.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the US president said, “At a certain period of time, I'll be talking to him,” adding that the Venezuelan president “has not been good to the United States.”When asked whether he would rule out US troops inside Venezuela, Trump said, “No, I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything.” He added, “We just have to take care of Venezuela. They dumped hundreds of thousands of people into our country from prisons.”A US Marine contingent is currently conducting its second military exercise in Trinidad and Tobago in less than a month. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that it would not allow the US to use the archipelago’s territory for launching strikes against Venezuelans.“The US has NEVER requested use of our territory to launch any attacks against the people of Venezuela,” Persad-Bissessar told AFP. “Trinidad and Tobago will not participate in any act that could harm the Venezuelan people.”Venezuela has accused Washington of seeking regime change in Caracas. In recent months, the US has expanded its military presence in the region, positioning an aircraft carrier group, warships and several stealth jets. Despite criticism over mounting civilian toll and lack of transparency, the US has maintained that it is defending itself against “narco-terrorists”. Washington has also accused Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel – an accusation he denies.Since September, the US has conducted at least 21 strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific with at least 83 people killed on boats allegedly ferrying drugs in international waters.

This comes as tensions in the Caribbean escalate with the presence of the US military, which has hardened its crackdown against drug cartels.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Nov 17) said that he will talk to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who voiced a similar statement, saying that he was ready to talk “face to face”. This comes as tensions in the Caribbean escalate with the presence of the US military, which has hardened its crackdown against drug cartels. “This country will continue to be at peace, and in the United States, anyone who wants to talk to Venezuela will talk face to face, without any problem,” Maduro said on his weekly television program hours after Trump suggested talks between the two leaders. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the US president said, “At a certain period of time, I'll be talking to him,” adding that the Venezuelan president “has not been good to the United States.” When asked whether he would rule out US troops inside Venezuela, Trump said, “No, I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything.” He added, “We just have to take care of Venezuela. They dumped hundreds of thousands of people into our country from prisons.” A US Marine contingent is currently conducting its second military exercise in Trinidad and Tobago in less than a month. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that it would not allow the US to use the archipelago’s territory for launching strikes against Venezuelans. “The US has NEVER requested use of our territory to launch any attacks against the people of Venezuela,” Persad-Bissessar told AFP. “Trinidad and Tobago will not participate in any act that could harm the Venezuelan people.” Venezuela has accused Washington of seeking regime change in Caracas. In recent months, the US has expanded its military presence in the region, positioning an aircraft carrier group, warships and several stealth jets. Despite criticism over mounting civilian toll and lack of transparency, the US has maintained that it is defending itself against “narco-terrorists”. Washington has also accused Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel – an accusation he denies. Since September, the US has conducted at least 21 strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific with at least 83 people killed on boats allegedly ferrying drugs in international waters.

This comes as tensions in the Caribbean escalate with the presence of the US military, which has hardened its crackdown against drug cartels.

Maduro hints at ‘face to face’ talks, but Trump won’t ‘rule out’ US troops in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Nov 17) said that the US might offer F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. His statement comes ahead of a key talk with Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday. Pressed on if the US would agree to sell the jets to Saudi Arabia, he said, “We will be doing that. We will be selling F-35s,” adding that “They've been a great ally”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/newlyweds-stunned-as-trump-crashes-mar-a-lago-wedding-rants-about-getting-into-heaven-watch-video-1763369281472">Newlyweds stunned as Trump crashes Mar-a-Lago wedding, rants about getting into heaven. Watch video</a><h2>Why does this matter?</h2>Right now, Israel is the sole operator of the F-35 in the Middle East, which gives it a big edge. However, Riyadh has long sought to acquire the powerful jets.The US, till now, has only allowed the sale of F-35 jets to its top allies, including some NATO countries and Israel. In 2019, it even kicked Turkey out of the F-35 programme because it purchased a Russian defence system. This was because Washington was worried that Russia could acquire the jet technology through the back door.Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Israeli leaders aren't thrilled about Saudis possibly getting their hands on the same planes, reports AFP. According to the report, Israeli officials have voiced concern despite a push to normalise relations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-42-indians-feared-dead-as-umrah-bus-collides-with-diesel-tanker-near-medina-1763355303584">Saudi Arabia bus-tanker collision: At least 42 Indians feared dead as Umrah bus collides with diesel tanker near Medina</a><h2>Trump-Bin Salman trip to include a nuclear treaty?</h2>The trip is expected to bring more than military news. Citing people in the know, AFP reported that Trump and the Saudi royal are also expected to sign a pact on peaceful nuclear cooperation. The kingdom, one of the world’s top producers, insists that it wants to reduce its reliance on crude oil and diversify toward nuclear power, and is looking for advanced US technology available under the "123 agreement". Lawmakers are expected to scrutinise whatever deal comes out. Saudi leaders say nukes aren't the goal. This would be Prince Mohammed's first trip to Washington since 2018, when the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi triggered global outrage and briefly upended ties between the two nations.

US President Donald Trump said the US may sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. This comes ahead of his meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Nov 17) said that the US might offer F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. His statement comes ahead of a key talk with Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday. Pressed on if the US would agree to sell the jets to Saudi Arabia, he said, “We will be doing that. We will be selling F-35s,” adding that “They've been a great ally”. Also read | Newlyweds stunned as Trump crashes Mar-a-Lago wedding, rants about getting into heaven. Watch video Why does this matter? Right now, Israel is the sole operator of the F-35 in the Middle East, which gives it a big edge. However, Riyadh has long sought to acquire the powerful jets. The US, till now, has only allowed the sale of F-35 jets to its top allies, including some NATO countries and Israel. In 2019, it even kicked Turkey out of the F-35 programme because it purchased a Russian defence system. This was because Washington was worried that Russia could acquire the jet technology through the back door. Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Israeli leaders aren't thrilled about Saudis possibly getting their hands on the same planes, reports AFP. According to the report, Israeli officials have voiced concern despite a push to normalise relations. Also read | Saudi Arabia bus-tanker collision: At least 42 Indians feared dead as Umrah bus collides with diesel tanker near Medina Trump-Bin Salman trip to include a nuclear treaty? The trip is expected to bring more than military news. Citing people in the know, AFP reported that Trump and the Saudi royal are also expected to sign a pact on peaceful nuclear cooperation. The kingdom, one of the world’s top producers, insists that it wants to reduce its reliance on crude oil and diversify toward nuclear power, and is looking for advanced US technology available under the "123 agreement". Lawmakers are expected to scrutinise whatever deal comes out. Saudi leaders say nukes aren't the goal. This would be Prince Mohammed's first trip to Washington since 2018, when the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi triggered global outrage and briefly upended ties between the two nations.

US President Donald Trump said the US may sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. This comes ahead of his meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

'They've been a great ally': Trump teases F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia a day before Mohammed bin Salman meeting

The UN Security Council on Monday (Nov 18) pushed through a major US-drafted resolution, bolstering US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Thirteen countries voted in favour of the plan, which Trump claims would lead to "further Peace all over the World". While Russia and China held back and abstained from voting, neither moved to veto the measure, clearing the way for its adoption.<h2>Trump lauds support for his Gaza peace plan</h2>Trump wasted no time praising the vote online. On Truth Social, he claimed that the resolution"acknowledging and endorsing the BOARD OF PEACE, which will be chaired by me...will go down as one of the biggest approvals in the History of the United Nations, (and) will lead to further Peace all over the World."After the vote, US ambassador Mike Waltz said the resolution marked a "significant step that will enable Gaza to prosper and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-confirms-21st-strike-on-alleged-drug-boat-kills-three-in-international-waters-watch-video-1763346714245">Pentagon confirms 21st strike on alleged drug boat, kills three in international waters. Watch video</a>Meanwhile, the US Mission to the United Nations, in a statement, said that it welcomes the UNSC backing and “applauds key Council partners for coming together at a moment of consequence to chart a path forward toward lasting peace in Gaza and stability across the region”. It added that “Today’s action marks a meaningful step forward in advancing President Trump’s historic 20-Point Plan, which the Council fully endorsed in its entirety. This resolution establishes – for the first time – a real and viable pathway to peace and security in Gaza.”&nbsp;<h2>Hamas slams UN vote</h2>However, the reaction inside the region was far from unified. Hamas, which the text blocks from any role in governing Gaza, rejected the resolution and said it failed to address the "political and humanitarian demands and rights" of Palestinians.The resolution itself went through several rounds of negotiation as diplomats tried to get enough support. In its final form, it endorses the ceasefire that has held since October 10 and lays out a new structure for managing Gaza’s recovery after two years of heavy fighting. Much of the territory remains destroyed after Israel’s devastating campaign that followed the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pushes-un-to-back-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-warns-delay-will-gravely-hurt-palestinians-1763080241222">US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will 'gravely' hurt Palestinians</a>A central part of the plan is the creation of an International Stabilization Force. The ISF would work alongside Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police units to secure border zones, demilitarise the strip, and protect civilians. It would also help ensure aid deliveries move without obstruction. The resolution also sketches out a path, however vague, toward a future Palestinian state. Once the Palestinian Authority carries out reforms and rebuilding gets underway, the text says "the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood". Israel, however, has already dismissed that idea outright.

The UN Security Council approved a US-backed resolution supporting Trump’s Gaza peace plan, with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions. Trump celebrated the move, while Hamas rejected it.

The UN Security Council on Monday (Nov 18) pushed through a major US-drafted resolution, bolstering US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Thirteen countries voted in favour of the plan, which Trump claims would lead to "further Peace all over the World". While Russia and China held back and abstained from voting, neither moved to veto the measure, clearing the way for its adoption. Trump lauds support for his Gaza peace plan Trump wasted no time praising the vote online. On Truth Social, he claimed that the resolution"acknowledging and endorsing the BOARD OF PEACE, which will be chaired by me...will go down as one of the biggest approvals in the History of the United Nations, (and) will lead to further Peace all over the World." After the vote, US ambassador Mike Waltz said the resolution marked a "significant step that will enable Gaza to prosper and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security." Also read | Pentagon confirms 21st strike on alleged drug boat, kills three in international waters. Watch video Meanwhile, the US Mission to the United Nations, in a statement, said that it welcomes the UNSC backing and “applauds key Council partners for coming together at a moment of consequence to chart a path forward toward lasting peace in Gaza and stability across the region”. It added that “Today’s action marks a meaningful step forward in advancing President Trump’s historic 20-Point Plan, which the Council fully endorsed in its entirety. This resolution establishes – for the first time – a real and viable pathway to peace and security in Gaza.” Hamas slams UN vote However, the reaction inside the region was far from unified. Hamas, which the text blocks from any role in governing Gaza, rejected the resolution and said it failed to address the "political and humanitarian demands and rights" of Palestinians. The resolution itself went through several rounds of negotiation as diplomats tried to get enough support. In its final form, it endorses the ceasefire that has held since October 10 and lays out a new structure for managing Gaza’s recovery after two years of heavy fighting. Much of the territory remains destroyed after Israel’s devastating campaign that followed the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. Also read | US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will 'gravely' hurt Palestinians A central part of the plan is the creation of an International Stabilization Force. The ISF would work alongside Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police units to secure border zones, demilitarise the strip, and protect civilians. It would also help ensure aid deliveries move without obstruction. The resolution also sketches out a path, however vague, toward a future Palestinian state. Once the Palestinian Authority carries out reforms and rebuilding gets underway, the text says "the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood". Israel, however, has already dismissed that idea outright.

The UN Security Council approved a US-backed resolution supporting Trump’s Gaza peace plan, with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions. Trump celebrated the move, while Hamas rejected it.

UN endorses Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan which Hamas says does not meet Palestinians' rights

On Monday (Nov 17), Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding Hasina guilty of “crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. She fled the country and reportedly stays in Indian capital New Delhi ever since. As the verdict was out, interim leader Muhammad Yunus welcomed the death penalty for Hasina ruled by the tribunal. He said “no one is above the law” and the ruling “recognises suffering” of the students killed during the protests in 2024. He noted, that as many as 1,400 lives were lost.&nbsp;He took to X, to write, “The courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. The conviction and sentencing affirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law. This verdict offers vital, if insufficient, justice to the thousands harmed in the uprising of July and August 2024, and to the families who still carry their loss.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sheikh-hasina-s-death-penalty-sham-verdict-by-undemocratic-regime-says-son-sajeeb-wazed-wion-exclusive-1763392005230">Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’, says son Sajeeb Wazed</a>&nbsp;He added, “Bangladesh is now rejoining global currents of accountability. The students and citizens who stood for change understood this, and many paid with their lives—giving their today for our tomorrow.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus DHAKA, Today, the courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. The conviction and sentencing affirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law. This…&mdash; Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefAdviserGoB/status/1990425014617968759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;In response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”&nbsp;The statement added, “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.”

 Muhammad Yunus said “no one is above the law” and the ruling “recognises suffering” of the students killed during the protests in 2024. He noted, that as many as 1,400 lives were lost.

On Monday (Nov 17), Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding Hasina guilty of “crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. She fled the country and reportedly stays in Indian capital New Delhi ever since. As the verdict was out, interim leader Muhammad Yunus welcomed the death penalty for Hasina ruled by the tribunal. He said “no one is above the law” and the ruling “recognises suffering” of the students killed during the protests in 2024. He noted, that as many as 1,400 lives were lost. He took to X, to write, “The courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. The conviction and sentencing affirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law. This verdict offers vital, if insufficient, justice to the thousands harmed in the uprising of July and August 2024, and to the families who still carry their loss.” Also read: Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’, says son Sajeeb Wazed He added, “Bangladesh is now rejoining global currents of accountability. The students and citizens who stood for change understood this, and many paid with their lives—giving their today for our tomorrow.”

&nbsp;Muhammad Yunus said “no one is above the law” and the ruling “recognises suffering” of the students killed during the protests in 2024. He noted, that as many as 1,400 lives were lost.

'No one above the law': Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus hails death sentence for ousted PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh's interim government has written to Indian authorities demanding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after both were sentenced to death by the nation’s International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to last year's student-led protests, citing India's obligation under the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty (2013). What are India's options? Does it have to comply with Bangladesh under the treaty?&nbsp;According to the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, a request can only be made if the individual has been charged, accused or convicted of an extraditable offence. Since an arrest warrant has been issued against Hasina in connection with "crimes against humanity," this makes Dhaka eligible to send an extradition request to India, which it has made.&nbsp;But Article 1 and Article 2 of the treaty address dual criminality, meaning the alleged offence must be punishable under the domestic laws of both countries. India interprets "crime against humanity" charges differently, and mostly in the context of international tribunals rather than domestic political events. This gives India a space where it can argue that the charged offence does not fit the definition according to its own legal system.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-would-be-an-act-of-unfriendly-behaviour-bangladesh-asks-india-to-extradite-former-pm-hasina-modi-yunus-intrim-goverment-1763380213318"> “It would be an act of unfriendly behaviour”: Bangladesh asks India to extradite Former PM Hasina</a>&nbsp;Article 6(1) of the treaty provides another window to India, which clearly states that extradition may be refused if the alleged offence is considered an "offence of a political character", which fits perfectly with the present political scenario in Bangladesh, as Hasina was forcibly ousted from the Prime Minister post and the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has a poor reputation in treating political opponents and dissenters, which explains the fast-track conviction of Sheikh Hasina where the verdict was issued within a year.&nbsp;The Yunus government may invoke Article 6 (2), which provides an exception for offences of a political nature. But for this to work, the Bangladeshi government has to prove the charges were brought in good faith, which will be a near-impossible task for the interim government.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sheikh-hasina-s-death-penalty-sham-verdict-by-undemocratic-regime-says-son-sajeeb-wazed-wion-exclusive-1763392005230">Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’ by ‘undemocratic regime’, says son Sajeeb Wazed | WION Exclusive</a>&nbsp;With the treaty being bilateral in nature, there is no neutral mechanism to address disputes arising from the treaty. The United Nations cannot intervene in the implementation of a bilateral extradition treaty, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can only hear cases with the consent of both governments.&nbsp;Apart from the treaty, India's own Extradition Act 1962 provides ample legal space in matters related to individuals who were charged in offences which are political in nature.

Yunus-led interim government has sought the extradition of Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 treaty. However, dual criminality, political-offence exceptions, and India’s Extradition Act give New Delhi strong grounds to refuse.

Bangladesh's interim government has written to Indian authorities demanding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after both were sentenced to death by the nation’s International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to last year's student-led protests, citing India's obligation under the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty (2013). What are India's options? Does it have to comply with Bangladesh under the treaty? According to the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, a request can only be made if the individual has been charged, accused or convicted of an extraditable offence. Since an arrest warrant has been issued against Hasina in connection with "crimes against humanity," this makes Dhaka eligible to send an extradition request to India, which it has made. But Article 1 and Article 2 of the treaty address dual criminality, meaning the alleged offence must be punishable under the domestic laws of both countries. India interprets "crime against humanity" charges differently, and mostly in the context of international tribunals rather than domestic political events. This gives India a space where it can argue that the charged offence does not fit the definition according to its own legal system. Also Read: “It would be an act of unfriendly behaviour”: Bangladesh asks India to extradite Former PM Hasina Article 6(1) of the treaty provides another window to India, which clearly states that extradition may be refused if the alleged offence is considered an "offence of a political character", which fits perfectly with the present political scenario in Bangladesh, as Hasina was forcibly ousted from the Prime Minister post and the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has a poor reputation in treating political opponents and dissenters, which explains the fast-track conviction of Sheikh Hasina where the verdict was issued within a year. The Yunus government may invoke Article 6 (2), which provides an exception for offences of a political nature. But for this to work, the Bangladeshi government has to prove the charges were brought in good faith, which will be a near-impossible task for the interim government. Also Read: Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’ by ‘undemocratic regime’, says son Sajeeb Wazed | WION Exclusive With the treaty being bilateral in nature, there is no neutral mechanism to address disputes arising from the treaty. The United Nations cannot intervene in the implementation of a bilateral extradition treaty, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can only hear cases with the consent of both governments. Apart from the treaty, India's own Extradition Act 1962 provides ample legal space in matters related to individuals who were charged in offences which are political in nature.

Yunus-led interim government has sought the extradition of Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 treaty. However, dual criminality, political-offence exceptions, and India’s Extradition Act give New Delhi strong grounds to refuse.

Does India have to extradite Hasina under the 2013 treaty with Bangladesh? What are New Delhi’s options?

After a week of hostility and public confrontation, the UK broadcaster on Monday (17 Nov) said it will challenge any legal action by the United States President Donald Trump, claiming there is "no basis for a defamation suit." Trump has threatened the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) with between $1 billion and 5 billion over an edited version of one of his past speeches.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-dishonest-bbc-1762785769573">Trump slams ‘dishonest’ BBC; outgoing news chief Turness defends it as ‘not institutionally biased’</a>&nbsp;Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said, “We’ll sue them. We’ll sue them for anywhere between a billion and five billion dollars, probably sometime next week. We have to do it, they’ve even admitted that they cheated. Not that they couldn’t have done that. They cheated. They changed the words coming out of my mouth.”&nbsp;BBC chair Samir Shah wrote a letter to Trump apologising for the edit, but he said he strongly disagreed that there was a basis for a defamation claim. &nbsp;Shah, in an email to BBC staff on Monday, said there was speculation about the possibility of legal action, including potential costs or settlements.&nbsp;"In all this we are, of course, acutely aware of the privilege of our funding and the need to protect our licence fee payers, the British public," Shah wrote.&nbsp;"I want to be very clear with you - our position has not changed. There is no basis for a defamation case, and we are determined to fight this."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-re-pardons-militia-member-involved-in-capitol-hill-riots-united-states-president-trump-joe-biden-kamla-harris-1763385485078">Trump re-pardons militia member involved in Capitol Hill riots</a>&nbsp; Two top BBC executives, Head of News Deborah Turness and Director-General Tim Davie, resigned on November 10. Following her resignation, Turness said the corporation "is not institutionally biased." "Mistakes are made", but the BBC's journalists are “hardworking people who strive for impartiality.”&nbsp;The BBC has come under criticism for editing a portion of Trump's January 6, 2021, speech delivered before protesters stormed the US Capitol in Washington. Critics argued that the edited version, featured in a BBC documentary, was misleading as it omitted a key section in which Trump urged his supporters to demonstrate "peacefully and patriotically."&nbsp;

BBC chair Samir Shah wrote a letter to Trump apologising for the edit, but he said he strongly disagreed that there was a basis for a defamation claim.

After a week of hostility and public confrontation, the UK broadcaster on Monday (17 Nov) said it will challenge any legal action by the United States President Donald Trump, claiming there is "no basis for a defamation suit." Trump has threatened the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) with between $1 billion and 5 billion over an edited version of one of his past speeches. Also Read: Trump slams ‘dishonest’ BBC; outgoing news chief Turness defends it as ‘not institutionally biased’ Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said, “We’ll sue them. We’ll sue them for anywhere between a billion and five billion dollars, probably sometime next week. We have to do it, they’ve even admitted that they cheated. Not that they couldn’t have done that. They cheated. They changed the words coming out of my mouth.” BBC chair Samir Shah wrote a letter to Trump apologising for the edit, but he said he strongly disagreed that there was a basis for a defamation claim. Shah, in an email to BBC staff on Monday, said there was speculation about the possibility of legal action, including potential costs or settlements. "In all this we are, of course, acutely aware of the privilege of our funding and the need to protect our licence fee payers, the British public," Shah wrote. "I want to be very clear with you - our position has not changed. There is no basis for a defamation case, and we are determined to fight this." Also Read: Trump re-pardons militia member involved in Capitol Hill riots Two top BBC executives, Head of News Deborah Turness and Director-General Tim Davie, resigned on November 10. Following her resignation, Turness said the corporation "is not institutionally biased." "Mistakes are made", but the BBC's journalists are “hardworking people who strive for impartiality.” The BBC has come under criticism for editing a portion of Trump's January 6, 2021, speech delivered before protesters stormed the US Capitol in Washington. Critics argued that the edited version, featured in a BBC documentary, was misleading as it omitted a key section in which Trump urged his supporters to demonstrate "peacefully and patriotically."

BBC chair Samir Shah wrote a letter to Trump apologising for the edit, but he said he strongly disagreed that there was a basis for a defamation claim.

Trump vs BBC: UK broadcaster vows to fight president’s defamation claims

On Monday (Nov 17), Iran announced the suspension of one-way tourist visa cancellation for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports. This will be implemented starting November 22. Indian tourists travelling to the country will no longer enjoy visa-free entry. In an advisory, the Iranian embassy states, “The implementation of the one-way tourist visa cancellation regulations for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been suspended as of 22nd November 2025.”&nbsp;“From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it added.

This will be implemented starting November 22. Indian tourists travelling to the country will no longer enjoy visa-free entry. In an advisory, the Iranian embassy states,

On Monday (Nov 17), Iran announced the suspension of one-way tourist visa cancellation for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports. This will be implemented starting November 22. Indian tourists travelling to the country will no longer enjoy visa-free entry. In an advisory, the Iranian embassy states, “The implementation of the one-way tourist visa cancellation regulations for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been suspended as of 22nd November 2025.” “From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it added.

This will be implemented starting November 22. Indian tourists travelling to the country will no longer enjoy visa-free entry. In an advisory, the Iranian embassy states,

Iran suspends one-way tourist visa cancellation for Indian nationals. Here's what it means

One thing that became a topic of discussion on the internet was the date of the verdict. November 17 was the date Hasina got married to M. A. Wazed Miah in 1967.

November 17: The date that gave Sheikh Hasina a marriage — and a death sentence

On Monday (Nov 17), Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. She fled the country and reportedly stays in Indian capital New Delhi ever since. And in response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”&nbsp;The statement added, “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.”&nbsp;Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has denounced the death sentence handed down to his mother as a “complete sham” orchestrated by an “unelected and undemocratic regime.” Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Wazed, who lives in the United States, said the trial was rushed in under 100 days after laws were amended without parliamentary approval.<h2>Sheikh Hasina's son's reaction to the ruling:</h2><ul><li>The verdict is a sham. You have a regime that is completely unelected and undemocratic. They had to amend the laws to fast-track this trial, which you cannot amend the law without parliament. A trial of this historic nature was conducted within 100 days; that's impossible. My mother wasn't even allowed to select her own attorneys. Our attorneys were barred from going to the courts at all, and she was defended by a public defender. So this was a sham trial. We knew what the verdict was going to be. Everybody knew what the verdict was going to be.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Right now, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh. This regime is doing everything completely legally, and the courts are rubber-stamping everything. So right now, there's no point in trying to do anything. There's no legal Avenue. But in the future, when the rule of law returns, because everything in this trial was done so illegally, it will all get thrown out.</li></ul>

In response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

On Monday (Nov 17), Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. She fled the country and reportedly stays in Indian capital New Delhi ever since. And in response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.” The statement added, “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.” Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has denounced the death sentence handed down to his mother as a “complete sham” orchestrated by an “unelected and undemocratic regime.” Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Wazed, who lives in the United States, said the trial was rushed in under 100 days after laws were amended without parliamentary approval. Sheikh Hasina's son's reaction to the ruling: The verdict is a sham. You have a regime that is completely unelected and undemocratic. They had to amend the laws to fast-track this trial, which you cannot amend the law without parliament. A trial of this historic nature was conducted within 100 days; that's impossible. My mother wasn't even allowed to select her own attorneys. Our attorneys were barred from going to the courts at all, and she was defended by a public defender. So this was a sham trial. We knew what the verdict was going to be. Everybody knew what the verdict was going to be. Right now, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh. This regime is doing everything completely legally, and the courts are rubber-stamping everything. So right now, there's no point in trying to do anything. There's no legal Avenue. But in the future, when the rule of law returns, because everything in this trial was done so illegally, it will all get thrown out.

In response to this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the "International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh" concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

'India remains committed to best interests of Bangladesh': MEA responds to tribunal's ruling on Sheikh Hasina

Elon Musk triggered a new controversy on Monday (Nov 17), as the discussion over H‑1B visas captured public attention by claiming that the United States is facing a major shortage of individuals who are capable of undertaking "challenging physical" work. The Billaniore, who himself was once an H1B visa holder, further asserted that America has a shortfall of people who are willing to undergo training for demanding physical work. "America has a major shortage of people who can do challenging physical work or who even wish to train to do so", Musk wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">America has a major shortage of people who can do challenging physical work or who even wish to train to do so&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1990125395748802705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Musk made these remarks in response to Ford CEO's observations in a recent appearance on Office Hours, where he cautioned that the company is facing trouble finding 5,000 mechanic positions, which offer an annual compensation of $120,000, highlighting skill gaps and labour shortages.These comments come at a time when President Donald Trump imposed stricter conditions on the H1B visa programme, making it difficult for job seekers to enter the United States. Beginning September 1, US employers seeking to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations have to pay $1 lakh supplemental fee for new workers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/musk-could-become-world-s-first-trillionaire-after-this-move-by-tesla-shareholders-1762486209099">'Super-appreciate it...this is sick': Elon Musk could become world’s first trillionaire after THIS move by Tesla shareholders</a>&nbsp;A congresswoman from Georgia, Marjorie Taylor Greene, is introducing a bill to eliminate the H1-B visa program and take away the pathway it offers to citizenship it offers, forcing individuals to "return home when their visa expires.&nbsp;However, softening his stance since, Trump in an interview said that the United States need specific talents from foreign nations, therefore he is not considering terminating the H1B visa programme completely.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/what-is-amazon-leo-the-e-commerce-platform-to-challenge-elon-musk-s-starlink-in-space-internet-battle-1763279637386">What is Amazon Leo? The e-commerce platform to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink in space-internet battle</a>&nbsp;Elon Musk, on the other hand, had long defended the H-1B visa as "a vital tool for attracting global talent," and advocated that the "H1B makes America strong", he often credited it for helping him and many critical people build companies like Tesla and SpaceX. However, the Tesla CEO called the system broken and voiced the need for reforms.&nbsp;His recent comments triggered a sharp response from social media users, accusing him of underestimating Americans.&nbsp;

As the Trump administration is tightening the H1B process, making it harder for foreign workers to get in, Tesla CEO claimed that the United States is facing a shortage of people who can do demanding physical work.

Elon Musk triggered a new controversy on Monday (Nov 17), as the discussion over H‑1B visas captured public attention by claiming that the United States is facing a major shortage of individuals who are capable of undertaking "challenging physical" work. The Billaniore, who himself was once an H1B visa holder, further asserted that America has a shortfall of people who are willing to undergo training for demanding physical work. "America has a major shortage of people who can do challenging physical work or who even wish to train to do so", Musk wrote on X.

As the Trump administration is tightening the H1B process, making it harder for foreign workers to get in, Tesla CEO claimed that the United States is facing a shortage of people who can do demanding physical work.

America lacks workers for tough jobs, says Elon Musk amid H1B visa row

The death sentence handed down Monday to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has Awami League stalwarts vowing peaceful defiance against what they call a sham tribunal.&nbsp;Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, the country's former education minister, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, lambasted the ruling as a "staged drama," insisting "the whole process is a farce."&nbsp;Chowdhury said "we have a lot of support from the people" and accused Yunus of courting chaos, criticising the regime for "wanting the country to be thrown into chaos."&nbsp; Ties to Pakistan drew Chowdhury's sharpest ire. "Yunus govt wants to make Bangladesh a vassal state of ISI," he charged, evoking the spy agency's shadowy influence. Sidhant Sibal: Your take on the Hasina verdict? Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: This was an expected verdict. It was pre-written. There was a staged drama in the name of a trial. The whole process was illegal. From the formation of the tribunal to the end of the trial, and today's verdict. We have been told that the court's chairman, the tribunal's chairman, did not even go to the court for the last month. We know that this tribunal did not have any mandate to try the offences which it claimed to have tried. This tribunal was set up to try the incidence of crimes against humanity during the 1971 war of independence. These people, the interim regime of Yunus, want to equate the genocides of 71 with what has happened in 2024 to whitewash what the Pakistan army and their collaborators had done. They want to replace history, and therefore they have passed a completely illegal ordinance to amend the law for which they had no legal authority to do. They have appointed their loyal judges there. The prosecutor was, in fact, in the past, a defender of the actual war criminals of 71. He has been appointed as the state prosecutor. And on behalf of the state, a Jamaat-e-Islami lawyer was appointed to represent our leader, Sheikh Hasina. So the whole process is a farce. It is to take revenge for the 1971 trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What next? Will you go for an appeal in this case, and how do you see the verdict impacting the political future for your party and, of course, for the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina? Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: An illegal court passing an illegal verdict has no political consequence. Right now, their objective is to bar us from the next election. Our objective is to oust this illegal government. We do not recognise the authority of this court. We do not recognise this government, and we do not want to participate in any election under these people. So we will continue, as we were continuing, demanding justice, demanding reconciliation, and demanding that people are given a say in what should happen for Bangladesh in the future. So we will be protesting like we were protesting. We have a significant portion of our population favouring us, supporting us, and responding to our protest calls.&nbsp; Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;You said that you're going to hold protests. How do you plan to do so? Your party has been banned. Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: They have banned our activities as if we were a terrorist organisation. Whilst they were hosting terror organisations from Pakistan in Bangladesh, organisations like Lashkar, Jaish had been invited into Bangladesh to hold meetings with high officials. Pakistan army's intelligence officials have been invited. The party that brought the country's freedom has been banned from taking part in any activity. So even if we hold a peaceful rally, we are being arrested. So we know how to do what we need to do. It is a political strategy, and of course, I can't disclose. We will consult with our senior leaders. Awami League has protested and fought repressive dictatorial regimes in the past.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: You said, Jaish, Lashkar&nbsp;terrorists, have been invited to Bangladesh. On this claim, for which you have provided no evidence to support? Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: Jaish has itself said this in public, in Pakistani media, that their mercenaries went to Bangladesh and took part in the riot and then claimed credit for the ouster of our government. Maulana Faazl-ur-Rehman&nbsp;, one of the hard-line Islamist leaders from Pakistan, is now in Bangladesh. And Jaish-e-Mohammed had publicly declared that they are now going to open branches in Bangladesh. It's not what we are saying. It's all in the media. They are the ones who are saying that they will start operating from Bangladesh. So it's not something that we are concocting. So this is what these people want, to turn Bangladesh into a vessel state of ISI, like it used to be between 2001 and 2006.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: You are&nbsp;banned; you cannot stand in the elections. What do you plan to do? Essentially, you look like a force that is not present on the ground. It looks like that. Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: We've already shown that despite us not being in public, we were able to shut down the whole country on the&nbsp;13th. The&nbsp;people are with us. We are all out there. We are all protesting. We are all doing what we have to do, but the media is forbidden from reporting any of our protests. So just because we are absent from Bangladeshi media doesn't mean that we are not out on the street. We have so far been holding peaceful, organised protests where we were requesting people not to take part in their daily activities, just like a general strike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: The interim government in Bangladesh, the Yunu-led government, in a statement, restated the call for the extradition of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: No country where there is any semblance of rule of law will extradite Sheikh Hasina, not just &nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Hasina, but also her colleagues. Many of our political colleagues or activists are in different countries, and they're asking &nbsp;India for her extradition, but they have to prove that she was given a fair trial, and that is the standard of any kind of extradition. They have to prove that she was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and that they have failed to&nbsp;do so, and&nbsp;they are simply finger-pointing at India. Our colleagues have taken asylum and refuge in other countries too, Australia, France, the UK, USA. Of course, they don't have the guts to say&nbsp;that to&nbsp;these countries, because everyone recognises what is happening in Bangladesh and what has happened since the fifth of August. So I don't see any sane government ever responding to any extradition request by this illegal regime of Yunus.

Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, the country former education minister, speaking to WION Sidhant Sibal, lambasted the ruling as a staged drama, insisting the whole process is a farce.

The death sentence handed down Monday to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has Awami League stalwarts vowing peaceful defiance against what they call a sham tribunal. Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, the country's former education minister, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, lambasted the ruling as a "staged drama," insisting "the whole process is a farce." Chowdhury said "we have a lot of support from the people" and accused Yunus of courting chaos, criticising the regime for "wanting the country to be thrown into chaos." Ties to Pakistan drew Chowdhury's sharpest ire. "Yunus govt wants to make Bangladesh a vassal state of ISI," he charged, evoking the spy agency's shadowy influence. Sidhant Sibal: Your take on the Hasina verdict? Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: This was an expected verdict. It was pre-written. There was a staged drama in the name of a trial. The whole process was illegal. From the formation of the tribunal to the end of the trial, and today's verdict. We have been told that the court's chairman, the tribunal's chairman, did not even go to the court for the last month. We know that this tribunal did not have any mandate to try the offences which it claimed to have tried. This tribunal was set up to try the incidence of crimes against humanity during the 1971 war of independence. These people, the interim regime of Yunus, want to equate the genocides of 71 with what has happened in 2024 to whitewash what the Pakistan army and their collaborators had done. They want to replace history, and therefore they have passed a completely illegal ordinance to amend the law for which they had no legal authority to do. They have appointed their loyal judges there. The prosecutor was, in fact, in the past, a defender of the actual war criminals of 71. He has been appointed as the state prosecutor. And on behalf of the state, a Jamaat-e-Islami lawyer was appointed to represent our leader, Sheikh Hasina. So the whole process is a farce. It is to take revenge for the 1971 trial. Sidhant Sibal: What next? Will you go for an appeal in this case, and how do you see the verdict impacting the political future for your party and, of course, for the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina? Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: An illegal court passing an illegal verdict has no political consequence. Right now, their objective is to bar us from the next election. Our objective is to oust this illegal government. We do not recognise the authority of this court. We do not recognise this government, and we do not want to participate in any election under these people. So we will continue, as we were continuing, demanding justice, demanding reconciliation, and demanding that people are given a say in what should happen for Bangladesh in the future. So we will be protesting like we were protesting. We have a significant portion of our population favouring us, supporting us, and responding to our protest calls. Sidhant Sibal: You said that you're going to hold protests. How do you plan to do so? Your party has been banned. Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: They have banned our activities as if we were a terrorist organisation. Whilst they were hosting terror organisations from Pakistan in Bangladesh, organisations like Lashkar, Jaish had been invited into Bangladesh to hold meetings with high officials. Pakistan army's intelligence officials have been invited. The party that brought the country's freedom has been banned from taking part in any activity. So even if we hold a peaceful rally, we are being arrested. So we know how to do what we need to do. It is a political strategy, and of course, I can't disclose. We will consult with our senior leaders. Awami League has protested and fought repressive dictatorial regimes in the past. Sidhant Sibal: You said, Jaish, Lashkar terrorists, have been invited to Bangladesh. On this claim, for which you have provided no evidence to support? Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: Jaish has itself said this in public, in Pakistani media, that their mercenaries went to Bangladesh and took part in the riot and then claimed credit for the ouster of our government. Maulana Faazl-ur-Rehman , one of the hard-line Islamist leaders from Pakistan, is now in Bangladesh. And Jaish-e-Mohammed had publicly declared that they are now going to open branches in Bangladesh. It's not what we are saying. It's all in the media. They are the ones who are saying that they will start operating from Bangladesh. So it's not something that we are concocting. So this is what these people want, to turn Bangladesh into a vessel state of ISI, like it used to be between 2001 and 2006. Sidhant Sibal: You are banned; you cannot stand in the elections. What do you plan to do? Essentially, you look like a force that is not present on the ground. It looks like that. Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: We've already shown that despite us not being in public, we were able to shut down the whole country on the 13th. The people are with us. We are all out there. We are all protesting. We are all doing what we have to do, but the media is forbidden from reporting any of our protests. So just because we are absent from Bangladeshi media doesn't mean that we are not out on the street. We have so far been holding peaceful, organised protests where we were requesting people not to take part in their daily activities, just like a general strike. Sidhant Sibal: The interim government in Bangladesh, the Yunu-led government, in a statement, restated the call for the extradition of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury: No country where there is any semblance of rule of law will extradite Sheikh Hasina, not just Sheikh Hasina, but also her colleagues. Many of our political colleagues or activists are in different countries, and they're asking India for her extradition, but they have to prove that she was given a fair trial, and that is the standard of any kind of extradition. They have to prove that she was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and that they have failed to do so, and they are simply finger-pointing at India. Our colleagues have taken asylum and refuge in other countries too, Australia, France, the UK, USA. Of course, they don't have the guts to say that to these countries, because everyone recognises what is happening in Bangladesh and what has happened since the fifth of August. So I don't see any sane government ever responding to any extradition request by this illegal regime of Yunus.

Br Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, the country's former education minister, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, lambasted the ruling as a "staged drama," insisting “the whole process is a farce.”

Ex-minister Mohibul Hasan denounces Hasina's verdict as 'staged drama' | WION Exclusive

After China issued a travel warning to Japan for its citizens amid a row over Taiwan, Japan on Monday (Nov 17) said that “channels of communication are open" for Beijing. The two Asian countries are going through diplomatic tensions over the remark by the Japanese &nbsp;Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who warned military response against China Over Taiwan.&nbsp;According to Reuters, Masaaki Kanai, the Japanese foreign ministry official in charge of Asia and Oceania affairs, arrived in the Chinese capital to meet his counterpart, Liu Jinsong.&nbsp;“Various channels of communication are open," Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary told a regular press briefing. “We have made a firm request for the Chinese side to take appropriate steps," he said.&nbsp;It started when Takaichi told the Japanese Parliament on November 7 that use of force against the self-ruled island claimed by China could warrant a military response from Tokyo.&nbsp;China's embassy in Japan warned its citizens against travelling to the country by posting online on Friday (Nov 14), "Recently, Japanese leaders have made blatantly provocative remarks regarding Taiwan, severely damaging the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges."&nbsp;"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan solemnly remind Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in the near future," the statement added.&nbsp;Following this, China's multiple large airlines offered full refunds for flights on Japan routes before the end of the year on Saturday (Nov 15). Air China, China Southern and China Eastern all published separate statements on the policies, which will allow ticket holders to refund or change Japan itineraries free of charge for flights from Saturday through December 31, AFP reported.&nbsp;Despite rising tensions with Beijing, Takaichi has indicated she has no intention of retracting her statement. Although she has said she would avoid referring to specific scenarios in the future.

According to Reuters, Masaaki Kanai, the Japanese foreign ministry official in charge of Asia and Oceania affairs, arrived in the Chinese capital to meet his counterpart, Liu Jinsong.



After China issued a travel warning to Japan for its citizens amid a row over Taiwan, Japan on Monday (Nov 17) said that “channels of communication are open" for Beijing. The two Asian countries are going through diplomatic tensions over the remark by the Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who warned military response against China Over Taiwan. According to Reuters, Masaaki Kanai, the Japanese foreign ministry official in charge of Asia and Oceania affairs, arrived in the Chinese capital to meet his counterpart, Liu Jinsong. “Various channels of communication are open," Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary told a regular press briefing. “We have made a firm request for the Chinese side to take appropriate steps," he said. It started when Takaichi told the Japanese Parliament on November 7 that use of force against the self-ruled island claimed by China could warrant a military response from Tokyo. China's embassy in Japan warned its citizens against travelling to the country by posting online on Friday (Nov 14), "Recently, Japanese leaders have made blatantly provocative remarks regarding Taiwan, severely damaging the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges." "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan solemnly remind Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in the near future," the statement added. Following this, China's multiple large airlines offered full refunds for flights on Japan routes before the end of the year on Saturday (Nov 15). Air China, China Southern and China Eastern all published separate statements on the policies, which will allow ticket holders to refund or change Japan itineraries free of charge for flights from Saturday through December 31, AFP reported. Despite rising tensions with Beijing, Takaichi has indicated she has no intention of retracting her statement. Although she has said she would avoid referring to specific scenarios in the future.

According to Reuters, Masaaki Kanai, the Japanese foreign ministry official in charge of Asia and Oceania affairs, arrived in the Chinese capital to meet his counterpart, Liu Jinsong.&nbsp;

‘Channels of communication are open’: Japan after China asks citizens not to travel Tokyo amid Taiwan row

Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has denounced the death sentence handed down to his mother as a “complete sham” orchestrated by an “unelected and undemocratic regime.” Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Wazed, who lives in the United States, said the trial was rushed in under 100 days after laws were amended without parliamentary approval.“My mother wasn’t even allowed to select her own attorneys,” he said. “Our lawyers were barred from court, and she was defended by a public defender.”&nbsp;He accused the Yunus administration of aligning with the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and turning Bangladesh into “an extension of Pakistan,” citing recent high-level visits by Pakistani officials. Wazed vowed escalating protests and nationwide shutdowns, rejecting upcoming elections as “one-sided” after the Awami League was banned.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Your response to the verdict on former PM Sheikh Hasina?&nbsp;Sajeeb Wazed: The verdict is a sham. You have a regime that is completely unelected and undemocratic. They had to amend the laws to fast-track this trial, which you cannot amend the law without parliament. A trial of this historic nature was conducted within 100 days; that's impossible. My mother wasn't even allowed to select her own attorneys. Our attorneys were barred from going to the courts at all, and she was defended by a public defender. So this was a sham trial. We knew what the verdict was going to be. Everybody knew what the verdict was going to be.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: So what next? Do you plan to go for an appeal?&nbsp;Sajeeb Wazed: Right now, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh. This regime is doing everything completely legally, and the courts are rubber-stamping everything. So right now, there's no point in trying to do anything. There's no legal Avenue. But in the future, when the rule of law returns, because everything in this trial was done so illegally, it will all get thrown out. Sidhant Sibal: There has been a statement by the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry urging India for extradition as well. What's your take on that? Sajeeb Wazed: My take is simple. The request has to be legal to comply with any treaties. Again, an illegal regime, illegally amended laws, and sham trials. Why would the government of any country comply with such an illegal request?&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: We saw a lot of engagement between the Yunus interim government and the Pakistani Government as well. We saw the visit of the Pakistani military officials, political leaders, as well. What do you make out of it?&nbsp;Sajeeb Wazed: The Yunus regime is backed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, who are an Islamist and terrorist organisation that oppose the creation of Bangladesh; they have always been close to Pakistan. They never wanted separation from Pakistan, and the Yunus regime is making Bangladesh basically an extension of Pakistan.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What's your future course of action?&nbsp;Sajeeb Wazed: Our plan is to fight now. While protests have been successful, people have responded. We called for shutdowns, and everyone stayed home for two or three days. The country has been shut down, and we are going to escalate. These elections, as well, are a sham because they've banned our party, which is the largest and oldest party, and they've also de facto banned almost all secular and progressive parties. So they're going to have a completely one-sided election, and it's going to be a complete sham.

Wazed vowed escalating protests and nationwide shutdowns, rejecting upcoming elections as one-sided after the Awami League was banned.

Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has denounced the death sentence handed down to his mother as a “complete sham” orchestrated by an “unelected and undemocratic regime.” Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Wazed, who lives in the United States, said the trial was rushed in under 100 days after laws were amended without parliamentary approval. “My mother wasn’t even allowed to select her own attorneys,” he said. “Our lawyers were barred from court, and she was defended by a public defender.” He accused the Yunus administration of aligning with the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and turning Bangladesh into “an extension of Pakistan,” citing recent high-level visits by Pakistani officials. Wazed vowed escalating protests and nationwide shutdowns, rejecting upcoming elections as “one-sided” after the Awami League was banned. Sidhant Sibal: Your response to the verdict on former PM Sheikh Hasina? Sajeeb Wazed: The verdict is a sham. You have a regime that is completely unelected and undemocratic. They had to amend the laws to fast-track this trial, which you cannot amend the law without parliament. A trial of this historic nature was conducted within 100 days; that's impossible. My mother wasn't even allowed to select her own attorneys. Our attorneys were barred from going to the courts at all, and she was defended by a public defender. So this was a sham trial. We knew what the verdict was going to be. Everybody knew what the verdict was going to be. Sidhant Sibal: So what next? Do you plan to go for an appeal? Sajeeb Wazed: Right now, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh. This regime is doing everything completely legally, and the courts are rubber-stamping everything. So right now, there's no point in trying to do anything. There's no legal Avenue. But in the future, when the rule of law returns, because everything in this trial was done so illegally, it will all get thrown out. Sidhant Sibal: There has been a statement by the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry urging India for extradition as well. What's your take on that? Sajeeb Wazed: My take is simple. The request has to be legal to comply with any treaties. Again, an illegal regime, illegally amended laws, and sham trials. Why would the government of any country comply with such an illegal request? Sidhant Sibal: We saw a lot of engagement between the Yunus interim government and the Pakistani Government as well. We saw the visit of the Pakistani military officials, political leaders, as well. What do you make out of it? Sajeeb Wazed: The Yunus regime is backed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, who are an Islamist and terrorist organisation that oppose the creation of Bangladesh; they have always been close to Pakistan. They never wanted separation from Pakistan, and the Yunus regime is making Bangladesh basically an extension of Pakistan. Sidhant Sibal: What's your future course of action? Sajeeb Wazed: Our plan is to fight now. While protests have been successful, people have responded. We called for shutdowns, and everyone stayed home for two or three days. The country has been shut down, and we are going to escalate. These elections, as well, are a sham because they've banned our party, which is the largest and oldest party, and they've also de facto banned almost all secular and progressive parties. So they're going to have a completely one-sided election, and it's going to be a complete sham.

Wazed vowed escalating protests and nationwide shutdowns, rejecting upcoming elections as “one-sided” after the Awami League was banned.

Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’ by ‘undemocratic regime’, says son Sajeeb Wazed  | WION Exclusive

Afghanistan's national carrier, Ariana Afghan Airlines, has slashed cargo rates between Afghanistan and India by more than half in a dramatic discount offered only on the Delhi route to increase trade between the 2 countries. The move marks the clearest sign yet that Kabul is accelerating a strategic economic reorientation away from Pakistan and toward Iran, India, and Central Asia.&nbsp;Starting immediately, Afghan exports to India, primarily pomegranates, almonds, saffron, etc, will fly for $1 per kilogram to Delhi, while imports from India will cost just 80 cents per kilogram on the cargo flight of Ariana Afghan Airlines. “Earlier, Ariana was charging $2 per kilogram for cargo between Delhi and Kabul,” said Mawlawi Bakhturahman Sharafat, the airline’s director general. “Now, it has been instructed to reduce the rate to 80 cents per kg from Delhi to Kabul and $1 per kg from Kabul to Delhi.”&nbsp;Sharafat described the cuts as unprecedented. He highlighted that “no such discounts have been given to any other foreign routes" and “the special discounts are only for India routes. This shows the strong relationship between the 2 countries.” The director general of the oldest airline of Afghanistan added that Delhi was chosen deliberately, explaining that “we selected Delhi, because people of India, Afghanistan have strong and close ties. Politically we have a good relationship.”&nbsp;The announcement comes weeks after Pakistan sealed the Torkham crossing, the crossing that once carried the bulk of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade. The crossing remains closed, following Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan in October. The ties between the 2 countries are at an all-time low. The numbers tell the story of Afghanistan's pivot. In the past six months, bilateral trade with Iran has soared to $1.626 billion, overtaking the $1.108 billion recorded with Pakistan, according to Afghan government data. Much of that commerce now flows through Chabahar Port on Iran’s southern coast, a facility built with heavy Indian investment precisely to give landlocked Afghanistan a Pakistan-free gateway to the sea.&nbsp;Last month in New Delhi, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged Indian companies to invest in his country and announced new direct cargo flights linking Delhi with Kabul, Amritsar with Kabul, and Amritsar with Kandahar, routes designed to rush Afghan fresh fruit to Indian tables within hours rather than weeks. With the cargo route discount and push for trade with India, Iran, clearly, Afghanistan is rewriting its economic map, and Pakistan is no longer at its center.

The announcement comes weeks after Pakistan sealed the Torkham crossing, the crossing that once carried the bulk of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade. The crossing remains closed, following Pakistan attack on Afghanistan in October. 

Afghanistan's national carrier, Ariana Afghan Airlines, has slashed cargo rates between Afghanistan and India by more than half in a dramatic discount offered only on the Delhi route to increase trade between the 2 countries. The move marks the clearest sign yet that Kabul is accelerating a strategic economic reorientation away from Pakistan and toward Iran, India, and Central Asia. Starting immediately, Afghan exports to India, primarily pomegranates, almonds, saffron, etc, will fly for $1 per kilogram to Delhi, while imports from India will cost just 80 cents per kilogram on the cargo flight of Ariana Afghan Airlines. “Earlier, Ariana was charging $2 per kilogram for cargo between Delhi and Kabul,” said Mawlawi Bakhturahman Sharafat, the airline’s director general. “Now, it has been instructed to reduce the rate to 80 cents per kg from Delhi to Kabul and $1 per kg from Kabul to Delhi.” Sharafat described the cuts as unprecedented. He highlighted that “no such discounts have been given to any other foreign routes" and “the special discounts are only for India routes. This shows the strong relationship between the 2 countries.” The director general of the oldest airline of Afghanistan added that Delhi was chosen deliberately, explaining that “we selected Delhi, because people of India, Afghanistan have strong and close ties. Politically we have a good relationship.” The announcement comes weeks after Pakistan sealed the Torkham crossing, the crossing that once carried the bulk of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade. The crossing remains closed, following Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan in October. The ties between the 2 countries are at an all-time low. The numbers tell the story of Afghanistan's pivot. In the past six months, bilateral trade with Iran has soared to $1.626 billion, overtaking the $1.108 billion recorded with Pakistan, according to Afghan government data. Much of that commerce now flows through Chabahar Port on Iran’s southern coast, a facility built with heavy Indian investment precisely to give landlocked Afghanistan a Pakistan-free gateway to the sea. Last month in New Delhi, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged Indian companies to invest in his country and announced new direct cargo flights linking Delhi with Kabul, Amritsar with Kabul, and Amritsar with Kandahar, routes designed to rush Afghan fresh fruit to Indian tables within hours rather than weeks. With the cargo route discount and push for trade with India, Iran, clearly, Afghanistan is rewriting its economic map, and Pakistan is no longer at its center.

The announcement comes weeks after Pakistan sealed the Torkham crossing, the crossing that once carried the bulk of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade. The crossing remains closed, following Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan in October.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's National Carrier reduces cargo rates to India to increase trade

world

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

world news

‘Very painful’: Widow of journalist Khashoggi on Saudi prince’s US visit

Musk to join Trump and Saudi Crown Prince for White House dinner? What we know

Crown Prince MBS US visit: Will Saudi–Pak–US ties cause worry for India?

Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia, 3 dead: Here's what we know

Return of the domestic terrorist in India

What is Project 'Prometheus'? Bezos’ $6.2B AI startup to transform key sectors

Crooks has 'muscle mommy' fetish, turned against Trump during Covid: Report

Elon Musk calls Bezos a ‘copycat’ after Amazon founder launches $6.2B AI rival

Charlie Kirk’s head of security clears the air on 'unusual hand signals'

Trump administration sues California over ban on federal agents wearing masks

Trump says he’d be 'proud' to strike inside Mexico. Here's why

Congo plane crash caught on video, all passengers escape miraculously

Maduro hints at talks, but Trump won’t ‘rule out’ US troops in Venezuela

'They've been a great ally': Trump teases F-35 jet sale to Saudi Arabia a day before Mohammed bin Salman meeting

UN endorses Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, Russia and China stay silent

Bangladesh interim leader Yunus hails death sentence for ousted PM Hasina

Does India have to extradite Hasina under the 2013 treaty with Bangladesh?

Trump vs BBC: UK broadcaster vows to fight president’s defamation claims

Iran suspends one-way tourist visa cancellation for Indian nationals

November 17: The date that gave Sheikh Hasina a marriage — and a death sentence

MEA responds to tribunal's ruling on Sheikh Hasina

America lacks workers for tough jobs, says Elon Musk amid H1B visa row

Ex-minister Mohibul Hasan denounces Hasina's verdict as 'staged drama'

‘Channels of communication are open’: Japan on tensions with China

Sheikh Hasina's death penalty: ‘Sham verdict’, says son Sajeeb Wazed

Afghanistan's National Carrier reduces cargo rates to India to increase trade