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United States President Donald Trump granted a repeat pardon to a militia member involved in the January 6, 2021, riots at the Capitol Hill in Washington. Dan Wilson, a member of far-right group Oath Keepers, was serving five years in jail for illegal possession of firearms, and was already pardoned along with 15,00 other rioters by Trump on the day of his January 20 inauguration this year.&nbsp; &nbsp;Wilson's separate conviction for illegally possessing firearms in his Kentucky home was not initially covered. He was sentenced to five years in prison and was due to be released in 2028. &nbsp;The latest pardon issued through a presidential decree is "full and unconditional".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slashes-tariffs-on-groceries-fearing-us-voters-ire-over-inflation-cheers-indian-exporters-1763234307740">Trump rolls back tariffs on groceries fearing US voters’ ire over inflation; Indian exporters cheer</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration initially argued in February that the pardon did not cover the firearms conviction because it was unrelated to the Capitol riot. But the Justice Department changed course a few weeks later, ruling that it should apply to the weapons offences because they were discovered during an FBI investigation into the riot.<h2>Capitol riots of 2020</h2>Thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump gathered in Washington, DC, as Congress convened to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, and vice-presidential candidate emerged victorious in the 2020 presidential elections, beating Republican Donald Trump, who was seeking a second consecutive term in office.&nbsp;The crowd marched to the US Capitol Hill following a rally where Trump made claims of election fraud and the stealing of the mandate in the presidential elections. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-open-to-talks-with-maduro-even-as-washington-slaps-terror-tag-on-his-alleged-cartel-1763341987551">Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel</a>&nbsp;Breaching security parameters and overwhelming the law enforcement, rioters forcefully entered the building and vandalised offices, interrupted the certification process, and forced lawmakers who were present at the Capitol Hill to take shelter in a secure location.The vandalism resulted in multiple injuries, several deaths, including a Capitol police officer. The incident led to a major federal investigation and, arrest of hundreds on charges ranging from unlawful entry to conspiracy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wilson had already been pardoned along with 1,500 other rioters by President Trump, but he was serving a separate jail sentence for the illegal possession of firearms found in his Kentucky home.



United States President Donald Trump granted a repeat pardon to a militia member involved in the January 6, 2021, riots at the Capitol Hill in Washington. Dan Wilson, a member of far-right group Oath Keepers, was serving five years in jail for illegal possession of firearms, and was already pardoned along with 15,00 other rioters by Trump on the day of his January 20 inauguration this year. Wilson's separate conviction for illegally possessing firearms in his Kentucky home was not initially covered. He was sentenced to five years in prison and was due to be released in 2028. The latest pardon issued through a presidential decree is "full and unconditional". Also Read: Trump rolls back tariffs on groceries fearing US voters’ ire over inflation; Indian exporters cheer The Trump administration initially argued in February that the pardon did not cover the firearms conviction because it was unrelated to the Capitol riot. But the Justice Department changed course a few weeks later, ruling that it should apply to the weapons offences because they were discovered during an FBI investigation into the riot. Capitol riots of 2020 Thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump gathered in Washington, DC, as Congress convened to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, and vice-presidential candidate emerged victorious in the 2020 presidential elections, beating Republican Donald Trump, who was seeking a second consecutive term in office. The crowd marched to the US Capitol Hill following a rally where Trump made claims of election fraud and the stealing of the mandate in the presidential elections. Also Read: Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel Breaching security parameters and overwhelming the law enforcement, rioters forcefully entered the building and vandalised offices, interrupted the certification process, and forced lawmakers who were present at the Capitol Hill to take shelter in a secure location.The vandalism resulted in multiple injuries, several deaths, including a Capitol police officer. The incident led to a major federal investigation and, arrest of hundreds on charges ranging from unlawful entry to conspiracy.

Wilson had already been pardoned along with 1,500 other rioters by President Trump, but he was serving a separate jail sentence for the illegal possession of firearms found in his Kentucky home.&nbsp;

Trump re-pardons militia member involved in Capitol Hill riots

A $170,000-heist at a jewellery store was carried out by a group of masked robbers in California on Thursday. During the incident, the owner of the shop came out with a gun and launched a firing at the robbers. The whole scene was caught on camera, which also surfaced on social media.&nbsp;The security footage went viral on the social media platform X, shows a masked robber opening the gate of the jewellery store. Later, three other masked robbers rushed to the shop and began robbing. In response, the shop owner in Madera launched a fire at the gang, chasing them out of his shop and into the street; however, the thieves still managed to escape with $170,000 worth of gems.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEW: Masked robbers go flying out the front door of a jewelry store they were robbing when the owner of the shop came out with a gun. Surveillance video shows the moment a group of masked thugs went running for their lives in Madera, California. The robbers were able to steal… <a href="https://t.co/dGiiZsswL6">pic.twitter.com/dGiiZsswL6</a>&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1990102901621232082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Authorities say five seasoned criminals, all wearing black masks and gloves, burst into Olivia’s Fine Jewellery around 5.30 pm Thursday, smashing display cases and snatching valuables in what investigators believe was a well-orchestrated heist. Surprisingly, the whole incident was also witnessed in the CCTV footage.<h3>Probe into the incident underway</h3>Surveillance footage shows a store clerk shoving one intruder back over the counter, causing the suspect’s trousers to slip down. Seconds later, the store owner appears with a gun and fires, sending the robbers scrambling, according to police.&nbsp;Another video from outside captures the owner chasing the fleeing suspects and shooting into the street. Police said it is still unknown whether any of the thieves were struck. The group fled in a dark-coloured sedan, the City of Madera Police Department said.&nbsp;“It’s shocking to the conscience," police Sgt. Blake Short told ABC 7. “It’s scary to the [shop-owning] family because it is a mom-and-pop store, with family being your own employees, it’s your own business and your livelihood," the official further added. Meanwhile, the probe into the incident is still underway as officers continue searching for the suspects.

Officials say five seasoned criminals, all wearing black masks and gloves, burst into Olivia’s Fine Jewellery around 5.30 pm Thursday, smashing display cases and snatching valuables in what investigators believe was a well-orchestrated heist.

A $170,000-heist at a jewellery store was carried out by a group of masked robbers in California on Thursday. During the incident, the owner of the shop came out with a gun and launched a firing at the robbers. The whole scene was caught on camera, which also surfaced on social media. The security footage went viral on the social media platform X, shows a masked robber opening the gate of the jewellery store. Later, three other masked robbers rushed to the shop and began robbing. In response, the shop owner in Madera launched a fire at the gang, chasing them out of his shop and into the street; however, the thieves still managed to escape with $170,000 worth of gems.

Officials say five seasoned criminals, all wearing black masks and gloves, burst into Olivia’s Fine Jewellery around 5.30 pm Thursday, smashing display cases and snatching valuables in what investigators believe was a well-orchestrated heist.

Jewellery heist: Masked robbers smash display cases, snatch valuables worth $170,000 from California store — VIDEO

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity on Monday (November 17, 2025). The verdict was delivered by the ICT as hundreds watched the proceedings on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka.&nbsp;The tribunal stated that Hasina, along with the then Home Minister and Inspector General of Police, collectively committed crimes against humanity. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The court said that six people at Chankharpul were killed using “lethal weapons” during the protest on August 5.<h3>What is the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)?</h3>The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is a special court in Bangladesh, which was established to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. The ICT has delivered high-profile verdicts against local collaborators under the 1973 Act, which also remained a unique effort in South Asia to achieve transitional justice.&nbsp;Its main aim was to provide transitional justice for the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators (such as the Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams paramilitaries) during the nine-month war for independence, which resulted in an estimated three million deaths and hundreds of thousands of rapes. The tribunal consists of specially appointed judges, an investigation agency, and a prosecution team. Two tribunals (ICT-1 and ICT-2) were created to expedite the trial process.<h3>What is the history of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)?</h3>Ever since the Government of the Awami League came into power in 2009, it established the Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh, naming as 'the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)' to fulfil its longstanding commitment to the dispensation of justice for the atrocities of 1971.&nbsp;The International Crimes (Tribunal) Act of 1973 serves as the legal foundation empowering authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It was established following strong domestic and global demands for justice and closure for victims of the Liberation War.&nbsp;Since its inception, the ICT has issued multiple landmark judgments, handing life sentences and death penalties to top leaders of political and militant organisations for atrocities such as genocide, mass sexual violence, and targeted killings.&nbsp;

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has delivered high-profile verdicts against local collaborators under the 1973 Act, which also remained a unique effort in South Asia to achieve transitional justice.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity on Monday (November 17, 2025). The verdict was delivered by the ICT as hundreds watched the proceedings on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka. The tribunal stated that Hasina, along with the then Home Minister and Inspector General of Police, collectively committed crimes against humanity. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The court said that six people at Chankharpul were killed using “lethal weapons” during the protest on August 5. What is the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)? The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is a special court in Bangladesh, which was established to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. The ICT has delivered high-profile verdicts against local collaborators under the 1973 Act, which also remained a unique effort in South Asia to achieve transitional justice. Its main aim was to provide transitional justice for the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators (such as the Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams paramilitaries) during the nine-month war for independence, which resulted in an estimated three million deaths and hundreds of thousands of rapes. The tribunal consists of specially appointed judges, an investigation agency, and a prosecution team. Two tribunals (ICT-1 and ICT-2) were created to expedite the trial process. What is the history of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)? Ever since the Government of the Awami League came into power in 2009, it established the Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh, naming as 'the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)' to fulfil its longstanding commitment to the dispensation of justice for the atrocities of 1971. The International Crimes (Tribunal) Act of 1973 serves as the legal foundation empowering authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It was established following strong domestic and global demands for justice and closure for victims of the Liberation War. Since its inception, the ICT has issued multiple landmark judgments, handing life sentences and death penalties to top leaders of political and militant organisations for atrocities such as genocide, mass sexual violence, and targeted killings.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has delivered high-profile verdicts against local collaborators under the 1973 Act, which also remained a unique effort in South Asia to achieve transitional justice.

What is the ICT? Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal that sentenced deposed PM Sheikh Hasina to death — All you need to know

Bangladesh government on Monday (Nov 17) urged India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after both had been sentenced to death nation's International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to last year's student-led protests and crackdown by Hasina that has led to deaths of hundreds of protestors, eventually resulting in her ouster and the collapse of the Awami League government.&nbsp;In a letter to the Indian authorities, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry cited an extradition agreement between the two countries and stated that it was an “obligatory responsibility” for India to facilitate Hasina's return.&nbsp;Also Read: ‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-biased-politically-motivated-sheikh-hasina-issues-first-statement-after-bangladesh-court-sentences-her-to-death-1763371717202">Biased, politically motivated’: Sheikh Hasina issues first statement after Bangladesh court sentences her to death</a>&nbsp;“It would be a grave act of unfriendly behaviour and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant asylum to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity. We call on the Indian government to immediately hand over these two convicted individuals to the Bangladeshi authorities. This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries,” the statement reads. Earlier, calling Sheikh Hasina's death sentence 'a historic verdict', Mohammed Yunus, who leads the Bangladesh interim government, urged people to remain "calm, restrained, and responsible".&nbsp;"The announced death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on charges of crimes against humanity is a historic verdict. Fully recognising the profound significance of this ruling, the interim government calls upon people from all walks of life to remain calm, restrained, and responsible. Everyone is specially urged to refrain from any form of unrest, excitement-driven behaviour, violence, or law-breaking activities in the post-verdict period," a statement by the Bangladesh government reads.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-sheikh-hasina-appeal-against-the-death-penalty-for-crimes-against-humanity-bangladesh-studnet-protest-1763375749189">Can Sheikh Hasina appeal against the death penalty for ‘crimes against humanity’?</a>&nbsp;"It is natural for emotions to arise among the public — especially among the families of the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising — surrounding this long-awaited verdict. However, the government firmly warns everyone not to take any steps under the influence of those emotions that could disrupt public order. The government further clearly states that any attempt to create anarchy, disorder, or breach of public peace will be suppressed with strict measures," it added.&nbsp;

Citing extradition agreement between the two countries, the Bangladesh foreign ministry said it was an “obligatory responsibility” for India to facilitate Hasina's return.


Bangladesh government on Monday (Nov 17) urged India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after both had been sentenced to death nation's International Crimes Tribunal for “crimes against humanity” linked to last year's student-led protests and crackdown by Hasina that has led to deaths of hundreds of protestors, eventually resulting in her ouster and the collapse of the Awami League government. In a letter to the Indian authorities, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry cited an extradition agreement between the two countries and stated that it was an “obligatory responsibility” for India to facilitate Hasina's return. Also Read: ‘Biased, politically motivated’: Sheikh Hasina issues first statement after Bangladesh court sentences her to death “It would be a grave act of unfriendly behaviour and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant asylum to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity. We call on the Indian government to immediately hand over these two convicted individuals to the Bangladeshi authorities. This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries,” the statement reads. Earlier, calling Sheikh Hasina's death sentence 'a historic verdict', Mohammed Yunus, who leads the Bangladesh interim government, urged people to remain "calm, restrained, and responsible". "The announced death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on charges of crimes against humanity is a historic verdict. Fully recognising the profound significance of this ruling, the interim government calls upon people from all walks of life to remain calm, restrained, and responsible. Everyone is specially urged to refrain from any form of unrest, excitement-driven behaviour, violence, or law-breaking activities in the post-verdict period," a statement by the Bangladesh government reads. Also Read: Can Sheikh Hasina appeal against the death penalty for ‘crimes against humanity’? "It is natural for emotions to arise among the public — especially among the families of the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising — surrounding this long-awaited verdict. However, the government firmly warns everyone not to take any steps under the influence of those emotions that could disrupt public order. The government further clearly states that any attempt to create anarchy, disorder, or breach of public peace will be suppressed with strict measures," it added.

Citing the extradition agreement between the two countries, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said it was an “obligatory responsibility” for India to facilitate Hasina's return. &nbsp;

“It would be an act of unfriendly behaviour”: Bangladesh asks India to extradite Former PM Hasina

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky signed a letter of intent on Monday (Nov 17) under which Kyiv will get up to 100 Rafale fighter jets and other air defence hardware from French companies.&nbsp;The letter of intent, which is not a purchase and sales contract, is projected to be realised "over a timeframe of about 10 years", the French presidency said, AFP reported.&nbsp;The signed deal also lays out an agreement for the new generation SAMP-T air defence systems, which are under development, radar systems, and drones."A great day," Macron wrote in a brief post on X in French and Ukrainian over a picture of the deal being signed.&nbsp;A French official, while talking to AFP anonymously, said that the deal would "enable it (Kyiv) to acquire the systems it needs to respond to Russian aggression". This visit of Zelensky's ninth visit since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;‘Ball is in the Ukrainian court’&nbsp;The deal comes days after Russia's Foreign Ministry said that the country is ready to resume the peace deal negotiation with Ukraine in Türkiye. The statement came via the Russian state news agency TASS as the war between the two nations is about to reach its fourth year. The last time delegations of both countries met for the discussion was in July this year. The talks lasted only 40 minutes and ended without any result. TASS quoted Alexei Polishchuk, director of the ministry’s second department for CIS countries, as saying that Turkish officials had “repeatedly urged" both Moscow and Kyiv to restart dialogue. “The Russian team is ready for this — the ball is in the Ukrainian court," Alexei Polishchuk said. During the July talks, Ukraine proposed an August summit between its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Türkiye. Moscow said Putin will only meet Zelensky on Russian soil. Kyiv refused the demand.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky signed a letter of intent on Monday (Nov 17) under which Kyiv will get up to 100 Rafale fighter jets and other air defence hardware from French companies.



French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky signed a letter of intent on Monday (Nov 17) under which Kyiv will get up to 100 Rafale fighter jets and other air defence hardware from French companies. The letter of intent, which is not a purchase and sales contract, is projected to be realised "over a timeframe of about 10 years", the French presidency said, AFP reported. The signed deal also lays out an agreement for the new generation SAMP-T air defence systems, which are under development, radar systems, and drones. "A great day," Macron wrote in a brief post on X in French and Ukrainian over a picture of the deal being signed. A French official, while talking to AFP anonymously, said that the deal would "enable it (Kyiv) to acquire the systems it needs to respond to Russian aggression". This visit of Zelensky's ninth visit since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine in February 2022. ‘Ball is in the Ukrainian court’ The deal comes days after Russia's Foreign Ministry said that the country is ready to resume the peace deal negotiation with Ukraine in Türkiye. The statement came via the Russian state news agency TASS as the war between the two nations is about to reach its fourth year. The last time delegations of both countries met for the discussion was in July this year. The talks lasted only 40 minutes and ended without any result. TASS quoted Alexei Polishchuk, director of the ministry’s second department for CIS countries, as saying that Turkish officials had “repeatedly urged" both Moscow and Kyiv to restart dialogue. “The Russian team is ready for this — the ball is in the Ukrainian court," Alexei Polishchuk said. During the July talks, Ukraine proposed an August summit between its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Türkiye. Moscow said Putin will only meet Zelensky on Russian soil. Kyiv refused the demand.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky signed a letter of intent on Monday (Nov 17) under which Kyiv will get up to 100 Rafale fighter jets and other air defence hardware from French companies.&nbsp;

Ukraine to get 100 Rafale fighter jets from France to use in war with Russia. Details of Macron-Zelensky deal inside

Bangladesh's domestic war crimes court, the International Crimes Tribunal, announced the death penalty for the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Nov 17). The sentences were pronounced after the court found Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity" during the student protest in the country in August 2024.&nbsp;What did the court say?&nbsp;The bench, headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, also pronounced the same charges against Hasina's two aides - former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.&nbsp;The court's judgment said that the three accused acted in connivance with each other to commit atrocities in order to kill protesters throughout the country. But the court pardoned the former police chief, who "sought an apology from the tribunal and the people of the country".&nbsp;The court said Hasina's government did not pay attention to the demands of students. It said that instead of listening students, Hasina made derogatory remarks and called them 'Razakars', a derogatory term used in Bangladesh. "Sheikh Hasina ordered law enforcement agencies to use drones to locate congregating protesters and helicopters and lethal weapons to kill them," the court said.&nbsp;What was Hasina's reaction to the verdict?&nbsp;Hasina issued her first statement on the verdict just minutes after it was announced. She called the verdict “biased and politically motivated”.&nbsp;"As I have stated, what happened in July and August last year was a tragedy for our country and for many families who lots their loved ones. In taking the actions we did try to stem the disorder, Bangladesh's political leaders acted in good faith and werr trying to minimise the loss of life. We lost control of the situation, but to characterise what happened as premedicated assault on citizens is simply to misread the facts," her official statement said.&nbsp;Can Hasina appeal against the verdict?&nbsp;Now, the prime question that arises is, can Hasina appeal against the verdict? Yes, she can. As per the law, the ousted PM can appeal the verdict in the Supreme Court. But Hasina's son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, told Reuters on the eve of the verdict that they would not appeal unless a democratically elected government took office with the Awami League’s participation. &nbsp;

The bench, headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, also pronounced the same charges against Hasina two aides - former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.



Bangladesh's domestic war crimes court, the International Crimes Tribunal, announced the death penalty for the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Nov 17). The sentences were pronounced after the court found Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity" during the student protest in the country in August 2024. What did the court say? The bench, headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, also pronounced the same charges against Hasina's two aides - former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The court's judgment said that the three accused acted in connivance with each other to commit atrocities in order to kill protesters throughout the country. But the court pardoned the former police chief, who "sought an apology from the tribunal and the people of the country". The court said Hasina's government did not pay attention to the demands of students. It said that instead of listening students, Hasina made derogatory remarks and called them 'Razakars', a derogatory term used in Bangladesh. "Sheikh Hasina ordered law enforcement agencies to use drones to locate congregating protesters and helicopters and lethal weapons to kill them," the court said. What was Hasina's reaction to the verdict? Hasina issued her first statement on the verdict just minutes after it was announced. She called the verdict “biased and politically motivated”. "As I have stated, what happened in July and August last year was a tragedy for our country and for many families who lots their loved ones. In taking the actions we did try to stem the disorder, Bangladesh's political leaders acted in good faith and werr trying to minimise the loss of life. We lost control of the situation, but to characterise what happened as premedicated assault on citizens is simply to misread the facts," her official statement said. Can Hasina appeal against the verdict? Now, the prime question that arises is, can Hasina appeal against the verdict? Yes, she can. As per the law, the ousted PM can appeal the verdict in the Supreme Court. But Hasina's son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, told Reuters on the eve of the verdict that they would not appeal unless a democratically elected government took office with the Awami League’s participation.

The bench, headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, also pronounced the same charges against Hasina's two aides - former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.&nbsp;

Can Sheikh Hasina appeal against the death penalty for ‘crimes against humanity’?

The International Crimes Tribunal found Hasina guilty on three counts, ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising in August 2024. 

Death penalty for Sheikh Hasina: Court’s verdict on ‘crimes against humanity’ explained in 7 points

Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Nov 17) called the court verdict convicting her of ‘crimes against humanity’, as “biased and politically motivated”. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 announced a death sentence for Hasina, marking the end of a months-long trial. The tribunal delivered the verdict as crowds watched the hearing on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka.“The verdicts announced against me have been made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate,” Hasina said in a statement issued from hiding in India. “They are biased and politically motivated.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The verdicts announced against me have been made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate. They are biased and politically motivated,&quot; says ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on the ICT verdict against her <a href="https://t.co/wNgVhIuCFG">pic.twitter.com/wNgVhIuCFG</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1990353431664718320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hasina, who is currently living in India, defied court ordering her to return to Dhaka to attend her trial. Critics have accused her of imprisoning political rivals, enacting strict anti-press laws, and overseeing widespread human rights abuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hasina refused to recognise the authority of the court, rejecting all charges. “Its guilty verdict against me was a foregone conclusion,” she added in her lengthy five-page statement. She added that she would be willing to attend a fresh trial from outside Bangladesh.&nbsp;“I am not afraid to face my accusers in a proper tribunal where the evidence can be weighed and tested fairly,” she said. “That is why I have repeatedly challenged the interim government to bring these charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.”&nbsp;She further added, “The interim government will not accept this challenge, because it knows that the ICC would acquit me. The interim government also fears that the ICC would scrutinise its own record of human rights breaches in office.”&nbsp;Slamming Muhammad Yunus, Hasina said that he came to power “unconstitutionally” and with the support of extremist elements. “Under his rule, every protest from students, garment workers, doctors, nurses, and teachers to professionals has been met with suppression, some of it brutal. Peaceful demonstrators have been shot and killed. Journalists who attempt to report these incidents face harassment and torture,” she said.&nbsp;She also alleged that houses, businesses, and properties belonging to leaders of her party, the Awami League, across the country were burned and destroyed.&nbsp;Speaking about the violence in July and August last year, Hasina said, “In taking the actions we did to try to stem the disorder, Bangladesh's political leaders acted in good faith and were trying to minimise the loss of life. We lost control of the situation, but to characterize what happened as a premeditated assault on citizens is simply to misread the facts.”&nbsp;She added that despite their lurid claims, the prosecutors failed to produce any persuasive evidence against her that she ordered the use of “lethal force” against the people. She alleged that audio files and transcripts cited as evidence have been taken out of context and are fragmentary. “The fact is that operational control rested with security forces on the ground, acting under established legal protocols,” she said.

The tribunal delivered the verdict as crowds watched the hearing on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Nov 17) called the court verdict convicting her of ‘crimes against humanity’, as “biased and politically motivated”. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 announced a death sentence for Hasina, marking the end of a months-long trial. The tribunal delivered the verdict as crowds watched the hearing on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka. “The verdicts announced against me have been made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate,” Hasina said in a statement issued from hiding in India. “They are biased and politically motivated.”

The tribunal delivered the verdict as crowds watched the hearing on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka.

‘Biased, politically motivated’: Sheikh Hasina issues first statement after Bangladesh court sentences her to death

Sheikh Hasina, the ex-PM of Bangladesh who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, has served for a total of two distinct periods, encompassing five terms in office. Her premiership ended abruptly when she resigned and fled the country in August 2024 following mass protests.

Sheikh Hasina: The Iron lady who transformed Bangladesh’s political landscape — Know her complete Journey

A Bangladesh court on Monday (Nov 17) convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, marking the end of a months-long trial. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 delivered the verdict as hundreds watched the proceedings on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka.&nbsp;The tribunal stated that Hasina, along with the then Home Minister and Inspector General of Police, collectively committed crimes against humanity. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The court said that six people at Chankharpul were killed using “lethal weapons” during the protest on August 5. &nbsp;“Sheikh Hasina has committed crimes against humanity. Six protesters at Chankharpul were killed using lethal weapons on August 5. By issuing orders and through the inaction of Sheikh Hasina, the then Home Minister, and the IG of police, the students were killed. These killings happened under the orders and full knowledge of PM Sheikh Hasina. By such acts, they committed crimes against humanity,” reads the charges.&nbsp;Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has described the former prime minister as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the alleged atrocities amid the violent protests.&nbsp;Hasina, who is currently in India, has defied the tribunal’s order to return to Bangladesh. The Awami League leader is facing trial on charges of ordering a deadly crackdown against the student-led uprising that led to her ouster last year on August 5.&nbsp;Ahead of the verdict, Hasina’s son and advisor Sajeeb Wazed said that the verdict will not impact his mother. “We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death…What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security,” said Wazed, as quoted by Reuters. He currently lives in Washington, DC.&nbsp;

A Bangladesh court on Monday (Nov 17) convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity.

A Bangladesh court on Monday (Nov 17) convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, marking the end of a months-long trial. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 delivered the verdict as hundreds watched the proceedings on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka. The tribunal stated that Hasina, along with the then Home Minister and Inspector General of Police, collectively committed crimes against humanity. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The court said that six people at Chankharpul were killed using “lethal weapons” during the protest on August 5. “Sheikh Hasina has committed crimes against humanity. Six protesters at Chankharpul were killed using lethal weapons on August 5. By issuing orders and through the inaction of Sheikh Hasina, the then Home Minister, and the IG of police, the students were killed. These killings happened under the orders and full knowledge of PM Sheikh Hasina. By such acts, they committed crimes against humanity,” reads the charges. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has described the former prime minister as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the alleged atrocities amid the violent protests. Hasina, who is currently in India, has defied the tribunal’s order to return to Bangladesh. The Awami League leader is facing trial on charges of ordering a deadly crackdown against the student-led uprising that led to her ouster last year on August 5. Ahead of the verdict, Hasina’s son and advisor Sajeeb Wazed said that the verdict will not impact his mother. “We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death…What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security,” said Wazed, as quoted by Reuters. He currently lives in Washington, DC.

A Bangladesh court on Monday (Nov 17) convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity.

Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death: Bangladesh tribunal finds ex-PM guilty of crimes against humanity over student protest crackdown

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 14) crashed what was supposed to be a quiet celebration at Mar-a-Lago. The evening took a strange turn when Trump suddenly appeared and drifted straight into the middle of the wedding party and started rambling about how he would make his way into Heaven's pearly gates. A video of the 79-year-old POTUS crashing the private party is going viral on social media. Here's what happened.<h2>Trump crashes a wedding. Watch video</h2>The controversial US president on Friday crashed a wedding at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago and was seen lecturing the happy couple. As per reports, it began as a quick greeting for the bride and groom but soon veered off in another direction. Trump, while speaking with the happy couple, apparently spotted conservative radio host Eric Metaxas across the room and immediately raised his voice, telling everyone within earshot that Metaxas would be the man to get him into heaven."He's going to get me into heaven!" Trump declared as he grabbed Metaxas’ hand. Metaxas, caught off guard, tried to steer things back to normal. He told Trump that heaven probably wasn’t a topic to unpack in the middle of a friend’s wedding. In a later Instagram post, the 62 year old author said he laughed it off and told Trump, "'I'd really like to talk to you about that… but another time.” Then I reminded him, 'Don't forget—you’re America's Supercentennial President'."Watch video here:

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Trump didn't seem bothered. After a few more comments, he turned his attention back to the newlyweds, calling them a "good-looking couple" and joking that their photo belonged in a hotel ad. The wedding belonged to Michael Wilkerson, an investment banker who founded Stormwall, a right leaning forum. Wilkerson writes about American identity and politics, and his books often frame the country through a lens of exceptionalism.<h2>Trump's love for crashing weddings</h2>Apparently, this was not the first time he has done this. Guests at Mar-a-Lago have grown used to Trump drifting into private events, sometimes to offer congratulations and other times to unload whatever is on his mind. In 2021 he wandered into a wedding reception and started talking about Iran. Two years later, in 2023, he showed up at his New Jersey golf club just hours after pleading not guilty in the case tied to his alleged efforts to overturn 2020 election.

A video of US President Donald Trump wandering into a wedding at Mar-a-Lago is going viral online. The POTUS turned a simple greeting into a ramble about getting into heaven. Watch the viral clip here.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 14) crashed what was supposed to be a quiet celebration at Mar-a-Lago. The evening took a strange turn when Trump suddenly appeared and drifted straight into the middle of the wedding party and started rambling about how he would make his way into Heaven's pearly gates. A video of the 79-year-old POTUS crashing the private party is going viral on social media. Here's what happened. Trump crashes a wedding. Watch video The controversial US president on Friday crashed a wedding at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago and was seen lecturing the happy couple. As per reports, it began as a quick greeting for the bride and groom but soon veered off in another direction. Trump, while speaking with the happy couple, apparently spotted conservative radio host Eric Metaxas across the room and immediately raised his voice, telling everyone within earshot that Metaxas would be the man to get him into heaven. "He's going to get me into heaven!" Trump declared as he grabbed Metaxas’ hand. Metaxas, caught off guard, tried to steer things back to normal. He told Trump that heaven probably wasn’t a topic to unpack in the middle of a friend’s wedding. In a later Instagram post, the 62 year old author said he laughed it off and told Trump, "'I'd really like to talk to you about that… but another time.” Then I reminded him, 'Don't forget—you’re America's Supercentennial President'." Watch video here:

A video of US President Donald Trump wandering into a wedding at Mar-a-Lago is going viral online. The POTUS turned a simple greeting into a ramble about getting into heaven. Watch the viral clip here.

Newlyweds stunned as Trump crashes Mar-a-Lago wedding, rants about getting into heaven. Watch video

A Bangladesh court on Monday (Nov 17) convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina of ‘crimes against humanity’, marking the end of a months-long trial. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 delivered the verdict as crowds watched the hearing on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka.&nbsp;The tribunal stated that Hasina, along with the then Home Minister and Inspector General of Police, collectively committed crimes against humanity. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The court said that six people at Chankharpul were killed using “lethal weapons” during the protest on August 5. &nbsp;Hasina, who is currently in India, has defied the tribunal’s order to return to Bangladesh. The Awami League leader is facing trial on charges of ordering a deadly crackdown against the student-led uprising that led to her ouster last year on August 5.&nbsp;“Sheikh Hasina has committed crimes against humanity. Six protesters at Chankharpul were killed using lethal weapons on August 5. By issuing orders and through the inaction of Sheikh Hasina, the then Home Minister, and the IG of police, the students were killed. These killings happened under the orders and full knowledge of PM Sheikh Hasina. By such acts, they committed crimes against humanity,” reads the charges.&nbsp;Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has described the former prime minister as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the alleged atrocities amid the violent protests.&nbsp;Ahead of the verdict, Hasina’s son and advisor Sajeeb Wazed said that the verdict will not impact his mother. “We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death…What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security,” said Wazed, as quoted by Reuters. He currently lives in Washington, DC.&nbsp;The ICT was established by Hasina’s government in 2010 to prosecute the 1971 war atrocities. However, the court is now trying her and investigating abuses linked to last year’s crackdown against protesters. A politically divisive institution, the tribunal has convicted and executed several opposition leaders under Hasina’s rule.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has described the former prime minister as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the alleged atrocities amid the violent protests.

A Bangladesh court on Monday (Nov 17) convicted ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina of ‘crimes against humanity’, marking the end of a months-long trial. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 delivered the verdict as crowds watched the hearing on big screens set up by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs across Dhaka. The tribunal stated that Hasina, along with the then Home Minister and Inspector General of Police, collectively committed crimes against humanity. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The court said that six people at Chankharpul were killed using “lethal weapons” during the protest on August 5. Hasina, who is currently in India, has defied the tribunal’s order to return to Bangladesh. The Awami League leader is facing trial on charges of ordering a deadly crackdown against the student-led uprising that led to her ouster last year on August 5. “Sheikh Hasina has committed crimes against humanity. Six protesters at Chankharpul were killed using lethal weapons on August 5. By issuing orders and through the inaction of Sheikh Hasina, the then Home Minister, and the IG of police, the students were killed. These killings happened under the orders and full knowledge of PM Sheikh Hasina. By such acts, they committed crimes against humanity,” reads the charges. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has described the former prime minister as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the alleged atrocities amid the violent protests. Ahead of the verdict, Hasina’s son and advisor Sajeeb Wazed said that the verdict will not impact his mother. “We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They’re televising it. They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death…What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security,” said Wazed, as quoted by Reuters. He currently lives in Washington, DC. The ICT was established by Hasina’s government in 2010 to prosecute the 1971 war atrocities. However, the court is now trying her and investigating abuses linked to last year’s crackdown against protesters. A politically divisive institution, the tribunal has convicted and executed several opposition leaders under Hasina’s rule.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has described the former prime minister as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the alleged atrocities amid the violent protests.

Bangladesh court finds ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of ‘crimes against humanity’

They say you don’t need to put a lid on a bucket full of crabs for fear of them escaping: they will just pull each other down and make sure none rises above the others. Something similar to this ‘crab mentality’ is happening in China’s economy. Intense competition is slowing growth across multiple sectors. Economists are describing this race to the bottom as ‘involution’, or ‘neijuan’ in Mandarin. Despite massive investment, Chinese companies report slower revenue growth, and workers face rising pressure for little gain. Here is what you should know about this phenomenon.<h2>What is involution? Self-defeating competition affecting Chinese firms</h2>China has launched an anti-involution campaign to curb overexpansion and enforce industry consolidation. Involution occurs when companies, workers, or industries invest heavily in resources and capital into a fixed or shrinking set of opportunities and sectors, resulting in diminishing returns, overcapacity, and little real progress. Firms engage in price wars, overproduction, leading to margin erosion. Workers face heavier workloads and credential inflation without corresponding wage or productivity gains. Weak domestic demand, excess capacity, and difficulty shifting from investment-led growth to consumption-driven models exacerbate the problem. Since the early 2020s, the term has been widely used to describe challenges in manufacturing, tech, real estate, and education.<h2>Factors that show China’s economy in involution: Slowing GDP growth</h2>China’s GDP growth is slowing despite heavy investment. Full-year growth for 2025 is projected at 4.8 per cent, below the 5 to 6 per cent target of previous years. The first quarter grew only 1.2 per cent, down from 1.6 per cent in the last quarter of 2024. Fixed-asset investment fell 0.5 per cent in the first nine months, the first decline in decades. Despite trillions of yuan in government stimulus, results have been minimal, as resources chase saturated markets, rather than creating new opportunities.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-s-industrial-profits-keep-shrinking-in-june-as-price-wars-take-a-toll-1753611669973">China’s industrial profits keep shrinking in June as price wars take a toll</a><h2>Chinese youth unemployment is surging</h2>As of August 2025, urban unemployment for people aged 16 to 24 reached nearly 19 per cent, up from 17.8 per cent in July. Millions of graduates face high-pressure, low-wage positions. Many take extra certifications and training, but the jobs simply do not exist. This creates a cycle of overwork, low wages and stress, leaving young workers trapped in intense competition with limited career progress.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-s-economic-growth-loses-steam-in-july-as-domestic-demand-weakens-1755233264488">China’s economic growth loses steam in July as domestic demand weakens</a><h2>The real estate sector is in crisis, adding to Chinese involution</h2>Between January and October 2025, property investments fell 14.7 per cent year-on-year, with new home sales projected to drop 8 per cent. Developers are offering deep discounts, while many projects remain unfinished. Distressed sales, where properties are sold at heavy markdowns, hit 22 per cent of all transactions in 2023–2024. Oversupply has pushed prices down, and local governments are burdened with debt. The sector, once a growth engine, is now caught in a self-defeating cycle of overbuilding and price decline.<h2>Industrial sectors show involution trends</h2>Electric vehicle, solar panel, and semiconductor production are operating below capacity due to weak demand. Price wars in these sectors eroded margins and profits for everyone involved. Retail sales growth is weak, and credit demand remains subdued. Deflationary pressures persist despite policy easing. China’s trade surplus reached 88 per cent of the 2024 record by September, but this masks domestic stagnation. Beijing has introduced measures to curb output in key industries for 2025–2026, which could slow investment further.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-economy-under-pressure-amid-trade-tension-1760287846568/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-economy-under-pressure-amid-trade-tension-1760287846568/embed</a><h2>Consumption is faltering as investment returns weaken</h2>Growth increasingly relies on exports and Chinese government support, both facing external pressures such as trade tensions with the US. Analysts call for structural reforms, including boosting household spending, clearing ‘zombie firms’—companies unable to cover debt with profits—and reducing overcapacity. Without these changes, China risks a prolonged slowdown.China’s involution shows that more money, effort, and labour do not automatically produce more growth. The economy is moving faster but achieving slower returns, caught in a cycle that threatens stability and long-term prosperity.

China’s economy is facing a unique phenomenon known as involution. It's a combination of slow  GDP growth, surge in youth unemployment, and overcapacity in sectors like real estate and electric vehicles. This is happening despite heavy investment and policy support. Here is what you should know.


They say you don’t need to put a lid on a bucket full of crabs for fear of them escaping: they will just pull each other down and make sure none rises above the others. Something similar to this ‘crab mentality’ is happening in China’s economy. Intense competition is slowing growth across multiple sectors. Economists are describing this race to the bottom as ‘involution’, or ‘neijuan’ in Mandarin. Despite massive investment, Chinese companies report slower revenue growth, and workers face rising pressure for little gain. Here is what you should know about this phenomenon. What is involution? Self-defeating competition affecting Chinese firms China has launched an anti-involution campaign to curb overexpansion and enforce industry consolidation. Involution occurs when companies, workers, or industries invest heavily in resources and capital into a fixed or shrinking set of opportunities and sectors, resulting in diminishing returns, overcapacity, and little real progress. Firms engage in price wars, overproduction, leading to margin erosion. Workers face heavier workloads and credential inflation without corresponding wage or productivity gains. Weak domestic demand, excess capacity, and difficulty shifting from investment-led growth to consumption-driven models exacerbate the problem. Since the early 2020s, the term has been widely used to describe challenges in manufacturing, tech, real estate, and education. Factors that show China’s economy in involution: Slowing GDP growth China’s GDP growth is slowing despite heavy investment. Full-year growth for 2025 is projected at 4.8 per cent, below the 5 to 6 per cent target of previous years. The first quarter grew only 1.2 per cent, down from 1.6 per cent in the last quarter of 2024. Fixed-asset investment fell 0.5 per cent in the first nine months, the first decline in decades. Despite trillions of yuan in government stimulus, results have been minimal, as resources chase saturated markets, rather than creating new opportunities. Also read: China’s industrial profits keep shrinking in June as price wars take a toll Chinese youth unemployment is surging As of August 2025, urban unemployment for people aged 16 to 24 reached nearly 19 per cent, up from 17.8 per cent in July. Millions of graduates face high-pressure, low-wage positions. Many take extra certifications and training, but the jobs simply do not exist. This creates a cycle of overwork, low wages and stress, leaving young workers trapped in intense competition with limited career progress. Also read: China’s economic growth loses steam in July as domestic demand weakens The real estate sector is in crisis, adding to Chinese involution Between January and October 2025, property investments fell 14.7 per cent year-on-year, with new home sales projected to drop 8 per cent. Developers are offering deep discounts, while many projects remain unfinished. Distressed sales, where properties are sold at heavy markdowns, hit 22 per cent of all transactions in 2023–2024. Oversupply has pushed prices down, and local governments are burdened with debt. The sector, once a growth engine, is now caught in a self-defeating cycle of overbuilding and price decline. Industrial sectors show involution trends Electric vehicle, solar panel, and semiconductor production are operating below capacity due to weak demand. Price wars in these sectors eroded margins and profits for everyone involved. Retail sales growth is weak, and credit demand remains subdued. Deflationary pressures persist despite policy easing. China’s trade surplus reached 88 per cent of the 2024 record by September, but this masks domestic stagnation. Beijing has introduced measures to curb output in key industries for 2025–2026, which could slow investment further. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-economy-under-pressure-amid-trade-tension-1760287846568/embed Consumption is faltering as investment returns weaken Growth increasingly relies on exports and Chinese government support, both facing external pressures such as trade tensions with the US. Analysts call for structural reforms, including boosting household spending, clearing ‘zombie firms’—companies unable to cover debt with profits—and reducing overcapacity. Without these changes, China risks a prolonged slowdown. China’s involution shows that more money, effort, and labour do not automatically produce more growth. The economy is moving faster but achieving slower returns, caught in a cycle that threatens stability and long-term prosperity.

China’s economy is facing a unique phenomenon known as involution. It's a combination of slow &nbsp;GDP growth, surge in youth unemployment, and overcapacity in sectors like real estate and electric vehicles. This is happening despite heavy investment and policy support.&nbsp;

These 4 factors show China is facing a dangerous 'involution'. But what is it?

At least 32 people died after an unlicensed copper mine collapsed in the village of Mulondo in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lualaba Province governor Fifi Massuka said on Sunday (Nov 16). A government agency official reportedly said that the death toll was actually 49, and about 20 others were taken to the hospital in a very serious condition. The collapse happened on Saturday (Nov 15) at the Kalando mining site in Lualaba.&nbsp;<h2>Watch the video below -&nbsp;</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">At least 32 people have died after a collapse at a cobalt mine in southeastern DR Congo, authorities say. A bridge at the site gave way, killing dozens of informal miners in Lualaba province.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DRC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mining?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mining</a> <a href="https://t.co/bdcNrBndpI">pic.twitter.com/bdcNrBndpI</a>&mdash; Cyrus (@Cyrus_In_The_X) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cyrus_In_The_X/status/1990123049580892342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The DRC is the world’s largest supplier of cobalt, producing over 70 per cent of the global supply. Cobalt is an important material which is used in batteries for electric cars, laptops and mobile phones.&nbsp;&nbsp;A report from SAEMAPE, a government agency that oversees small-scale mining groups, said that the presence of soldiers at the site triggered panic among the miners.&nbsp;&nbsp;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>&nbsp;A human rights group has demanded an independent inquiry into the military’s actions, citing reports of clashes between miners and soldiers. Although the army has not yet commented.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roy Kaumba, the provincial interior minister, also told reporters that 32 deaths had been confirmed. &nbsp;&nbsp;In Congo, small-scale mining is very common and directly employs up to 2 million people, while supporting more than 10 million others. However, accidents are common because many of these mining sites are informal and have poor regulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-referendum-this-tiny-nation-gave-a-massive-no-to-foreign-military-bases-in-huge-setback-for-us-regional-plans-1763356818029">This tiny nation gave a massive NO to foreign military bases, in huge setback for US regional plans</a>&nbsp;Miners often work with almost no safety gear and in dangerous and unstable conditions. Each year, people are killed as they dig deep underground mining spots in hopes of finding more minerals.

In Congo, small-scale mining is very common and directly employs up to 2 million people, while supporting more than 10 million others. However, accidents are common because many of these mining sites are informal and have poor regulations. 

At least 32 people died after an unlicensed copper mine collapsed in the village of Mulondo in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lualaba Province governor Fifi Massuka said on Sunday (Nov 16). A government agency official reportedly said that the death toll was actually 49, and about 20 others were taken to the hospital in a very serious condition. The collapse happened on Saturday (Nov 15) at the Kalando mining site in Lualaba. Watch the video below -

In Congo, small-scale mining is very common and directly employs up to 2 million people, while supporting more than 10 million others. However, accidents are common because many of these mining sites are informal and have poor regulations.&nbsp;

Horrific video captures moment Congo copper mine collapses; at least 32 dead

New York Times Square saw a big Langar (communal meal) gathering that brought together helpers, local teams, and tourists inspired by Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message. Padma Bhushan Sant Singh Chatwal, a New York entrepreneur, along with Onkar Singh, the coordinator of ‘Let’s Share a Meal’ distributed thousands of meals at the Times Square Langar event held in celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings.<h2>'Vand chhakna'</h2>Saturday’s event was held in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti early this month, on November 5. Also known as Gurpurab, the day celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and its first of the ten gurus in Sikhism. People worldwide mark the day through prayers, devotional singing, parades, or helping others together.The Langar was held in line with Guru Nanak's teaching of the timeless principle of "Vand Chhakna," openly sharing with others whatever you have. Across the world, every day, hundreds of thousands take part in the Sikh practice, regardless of origin, wealth, or religion to break bread side by side.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | New York: Padma Bhushan Indian-American businessman Sant Singh Chatwal, along with Onkar Singh, Coordinator &#39;Let’s Share a Meal&#39; and hundreds of volunteers, distributed thousands of meals &#39;Langar&#39; (Free Food) at Times Square on November 15, celebrating the teachings of… <a href="https://t.co/nO7tVkQy3Q">pic.twitter.com/nO7tVkQy3Q</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1989995940229316819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>The event’s aim?</h2>As per a statement by Let's Share a Meal, the event highlighted unity, fairness, togetherness and aimed at spreading the message of oneness, equality, and compassion, inspiring people of all cultures to serve and share with love.&nbsp;

A Times Square Langar brought volunteers, locals, and tourists together to share thousands of free meals in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Led by Sant Singh Chatwal and coordinator Onkar Singh, the event marked Gurpurab and echoed Guru Nanak’s call of ‘vand chhakna’.

New York Times Square saw a big Langar (communal meal) gathering that brought together helpers, local teams, and tourists inspired by Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message. Padma Bhushan Sant Singh Chatwal, a New York entrepreneur, along with Onkar Singh, the coordinator of ‘Let’s Share a Meal’ distributed thousands of meals at the Times Square Langar event held in celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings. 'Vand chhakna' Saturday’s event was held in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti early this month, on November 5. Also known as Gurpurab, the day celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and its first of the ten gurus in Sikhism. People worldwide mark the day through prayers, devotional singing, parades, or helping others together. The Langar was held in line with Guru Nanak's teaching of the timeless principle of "Vand Chhakna," openly sharing with others whatever you have. Across the world, every day, hundreds of thousands take part in the Sikh practice, regardless of origin, wealth, or religion to break bread side by side.

A Times Square Langar brought volunteers, locals, and tourists together to share thousands of free meals in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Led by Sant Singh Chatwal and coordinator Onkar Singh, the event marked Gurpurab and echoed Guru Nanak’s call of ‘vand chhakna’.

Times Square hosts massive Langar as New Yorkers honour Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teaching of 'vand chhakna'

Heavy rain caused major flooding in Shahrek Hezarani Village in Abdanan, Ilam Province of the Iran. The Abdanan Governor confirmed that emergency teams from the Crisis Management Headquarters were assisting on the ground after water inundated the homes of 40 families.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Heavy rain this evening caused severe flooding in Shahrek Hezarani Village in Abdanan, Ilam Province, Iran. The Abdanan Governor said that emergency teams from the Crisis Management Headquarters were at the scene helping residents. Water entered the homes of 40 families. <a href="https://t.co/ZLnv3jHyzl">pic.twitter.com/ZLnv3jHyzl</a>&mdash; Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeatherMonitors/status/1990126274048651652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A video of flooding has also surfaced on the social media platform X, showing high-speed water rushing through the streets of the village. A few of the vehicles parked on the street of the village have been partially submerged in the flood, and water is also seen entering the houses.<h3>'Cloud-seeding' in Iran</h3>Previously, Iran's officials attempted artificial rain known as 'cloud-seeding' to combat the country's worst drought in decades. The process was accomplished over the Urmia lake basin on Saturday, Iran's official news agency Irna reported.&nbsp;Urmia is the largest lake in Iran, but it has largely dried out, leaving a vast salt bed. The agency added that further operations will continue in East and West Azerbaijan. The artificial rain was conducted after Iran recorded low rainfall, resulting in reservoirs getting nearly empty.&nbsp;Last week, President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioned that without imminent rainfall, Tehran may face water rationing and even possible evacuations. According to Iran’s meteorological agency, nationwide rainfall has dropped by nearly 89 per cent compared with long-term averages, Irna reported. Officials said this is the country’s driest autumn in five decades.&nbsp;Authorities have also moved to introduce penalties for homes and businesses that use excessive water.&nbsp;Ahmad Vazifeh, who heads Iran's National Centre for Climate and Drought Crisis Management, said reservoirs in Tehran, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan and Markazi are in a “critical condition”, with water levels falling to single digits. On Friday, hundreds gathered at a Tehran mosque to pray for rain.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weather-system-brews-in-bay-of-bengal-heavy-rainfall-warning-for-chennai-1763205669302">Weather system brews in Bay of Bengal; heavy rainfall warning for Chennai</a>

A video of flooding has also surfaced on the social media platform X showing high-speed water rushing through the streets of the village. A few of the vehicles parked on the street of the village have been partially submerged in the flood.

Heavy rain caused major flooding in Shahrek Hezarani Village in Abdanan, Ilam Province of the Iran. The Abdanan Governor confirmed that emergency teams from the Crisis Management Headquarters were assisting on the ground after water inundated the homes of 40 families.

A video of flooding has also surfaced on the social media platform X showing high-speed water rushing through the streets of the village. A few of the vehicles parked on the street of the village have been partially submerged in the flood.

VIDEO: Flash floods ravage Iran’s Shahrek Hezarani; Homes submerged, rescue ops on

People of Ecuador have voted against allowing foreign military bases in the Pacific nation, dealing a major setback to United States' ambitions in the region and contradicting the position of the country’s president, who supported such cooperation. In a national referendum held on Sunday, (Nov 16), nearly 60 per cent of voters rejected lifting the longstanding constitutional ban on foreign bases. Another proposal to convene a new constitution-drafting assembly was also rejected by similar margins. The results reflected public resistance to wide-ranging institutional reforms.<h2>Ecuador’s referendum rebuffs Noboa’s security rationale on foreign military bases</h2>The proposal to allow foreign military facilities was central to President Daniel Noboa’s security agenda. The referendum sought permission to overturn Article 5 of the 2008 constitution, which designates Ecuador as a territory of peace and prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases. The defeat of the proposal represents a significant political setback for Noboa, who came to power in 2023 and had attempted to link the measure to his broader anti-crime strategy in a country beset by gang violence.Noboa had argued that Ecuador’s escalating drug-related violence required international support, particularly from the United States. He maintained that tackling transnational criminal networks demanded coordinated responses and described foreign military facilities or shared operations centres as essential tools. Allowing foreign bases, he said, would enhance intelligence sharing and counter-narcotics surveillance.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-taxi-driver-to-gang-lord-who-is-fito-ecuador-s-most-wanted-man-extradited-to-us-to-face-justice-1753072907835">From taxi driver to gang lord: Who is Fito, Ecuador's most wanted man extradited to US to face justice?</a><h2>The United States had a military base in Ecuador until 2009</h2>Before the 2008 constitution came into force, the United States operated a Forward Operating Location in Manta from 1999 until 2009. The American presence supported regional anti-drug surveillance flights until former President Rafael Correa refused to renew the agreement, citing sovereignty concerns. Noboa repeatedly invoked this earlier period of cooperation between Ecuador and the United States while campaigning for a Yes vote.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-deadly-riots-rock-ecuadorian-prison-machala-facility-violence-1762778297341/embed">Ecuador: Deadly Riots Rock Ecuadorian Prison | Machala Facility Violence</a><h2>Ecuadorians favour sovereignty over foreign military presence</h2>Left-wing parties, including Correa’s Citizens’ Revolution, characterised the foreign military base proposal as an unacceptable intrusion on Ecuador’s national sovereignty. Opponents argued that allowing foreign military forces risked opening the door to greater US influence in Latin America. Regarding Ecuador’s security crisis, they insisted that solutions should be pursued domestically without compromising constitutional protections.<h2>Ecuador referendum: Strategic implications for the United States</h2>The referendum result is widely viewed as a lost opportunity for the United States to re-establish a strategic foothold on the Pacific coast. Reopening Manta would have strengthened US surveillance of drug trafficking routes across Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. It would also have aligned with Washington’s broader interest in monitoring left-leaning governments in the region, including developments in Venezuela.Since the closure of Manta in 2009, Ecuador has hosted no foreign military bases, and the referendum has firmly upheld the 2008 prohibition. Noboa accepted the results and pledged to continue combating organised crime with the tools currently available.

Ecuador voters have rejected foreign military bases. This is a setback to President Noboa and US regional plans as the people of the Pacific nation chose national sovereignty over foreign presence. Here is why it matters


People of Ecuador have voted against allowing foreign military bases in the Pacific nation, dealing a major setback to United States' ambitions in the region and contradicting the position of the country’s president, who supported such cooperation. In a national referendum held on Sunday, (Nov 16), nearly 60 per cent of voters rejected lifting the longstanding constitutional ban on foreign bases. Another proposal to convene a new constitution-drafting assembly was also rejected by similar margins. The results reflected public resistance to wide-ranging institutional reforms. Ecuador’s referendum rebuffs Noboa’s security rationale on foreign military bases The proposal to allow foreign military facilities was central to President Daniel Noboa’s security agenda. The referendum sought permission to overturn Article 5 of the 2008 constitution, which designates Ecuador as a territory of peace and prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases. The defeat of the proposal represents a significant political setback for Noboa, who came to power in 2023 and had attempted to link the measure to his broader anti-crime strategy in a country beset by gang violence. Noboa had argued that Ecuador’s escalating drug-related violence required international support, particularly from the United States. He maintained that tackling transnational criminal networks demanded coordinated responses and described foreign military facilities or shared operations centres as essential tools. Allowing foreign bases, he said, would enhance intelligence sharing and counter-narcotics surveillance. Also read: From taxi driver to gang lord: Who is Fito, Ecuador's most wanted man extradited to US to face justice? The United States had a military base in Ecuador until 2009 Before the 2008 constitution came into force, the United States operated a Forward Operating Location in Manta from 1999 until 2009. The American presence supported regional anti-drug surveillance flights until former President Rafael Correa refused to renew the agreement, citing sovereignty concerns. Noboa repeatedly invoked this earlier period of cooperation between Ecuador and the United States while campaigning for a Yes vote. Also read: Ecuador: Deadly Riots Rock Ecuadorian Prison | Machala Facility Violence Ecuadorians favour sovereignty over foreign military presence Left-wing parties, including Correa’s Citizens’ Revolution, characterised the foreign military base proposal as an unacceptable intrusion on Ecuador’s national sovereignty. Opponents argued that allowing foreign military forces risked opening the door to greater US influence in Latin America. Regarding Ecuador’s security crisis, they insisted that solutions should be pursued domestically without compromising constitutional protections. Ecuador referendum: Strategic implications for the United States The referendum result is widely viewed as a lost opportunity for the United States to re-establish a strategic foothold on the Pacific coast. Reopening Manta would have strengthened US surveillance of drug trafficking routes across Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. It would also have aligned with Washington’s broader interest in monitoring left-leaning governments in the region, including developments in Venezuela. Since the closure of Manta in 2009, Ecuador has hosted no foreign military bases, and the referendum has firmly upheld the 2008 prohibition. Noboa accepted the results and pledged to continue combating organised crime with the tools currently available.

Ecuador voters have rejected foreign military bases. This is a setback to President Noboa and US regional plans as the people of the Pacific nation chose national sovereignty over foreign presence. Here is why it matters &nbsp;

This tiny nation gave a massive NO to foreign military bases, in huge setback for US regional plans

At least 42 may have died when a bus full of Indian Umrah travellers hit a diesel tanker near Medina on Monday (Nov 17) morning, local media in Saudi Arabia reported. Most of the victims of the horrific accident are believed to be Indian citizens, some reportedly from Hyderabad. The Telangana government said it has reached out to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for information. In a brief statement, officials confirmed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has asked authorities in New Delhi to stay in close contact with embassy staff and track developments.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-dead-seven-injured-as-tata-sumo-collides-with-truck-in-j-k-s-budgam-cm-call-for-probe-1763273899494">Four dead, seven injured after Tata Sumo collides with truck in J&amp;K's Budgam</a><h2>What happened?</h2>Reports suggest that the accident occurred near 1:30 am IST (approximately 11 pm, November 16 local time) in Mufrihat. The vehicle carrying pilgrims who had finished their Umrah pilgrimage was travelling from Mecca to Madinah. As per MediaOne, there were 43 people on the bus—but just one made it through. The survivor has been shifted to a medical centre. Maktoob Media reported that around 20 women, along with 11 kids, were on the bus. Since most seemed to be sleeping during the crash, they barely had a chance to react after flames spread.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: A bus travelling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker and caught fire, killing 42 passengers. Reports say 18 passengers from Hyderabad were on board; only one survived. Officials confirm 21 women and 11 children among the dead.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a> <a href="https://t.co/LtUqsoNfDz">pic.twitter.com/LtUqsoNfDz</a>&mdash; Sai Ram B (@SaiRamSays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaiRamSays/status/1990281273047396797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Local officials estimate that 42 people have died in the tragic crash, but have not yet released an official figure and said they were checking for any additional survivors.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-open-to-talks-with-maduro-even-as-washington-slaps-terror-tag-on-his-alleged-cartel-1763341987551">Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel</a><h2>CGI Jeddah launches 24x7 control room</h2>The Consulate General of India, in a social media post, has set up a 24x7 Control Room to aid Indians in Saudi Arabia. CGI Jeddah has also shared a toll-free helpline number.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgirms, a 24x7 Control Room has been set up in Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The contact details of the Helpline are as under: Toll free number- 8002440003<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a>…&mdash; India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) <a href="https://twitter.com/CGIJeddah/status/1990282761559560259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In an official statement, the state government confirmed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has alerted officials in New Delhi and instructed them to coordinate closely with embassy authorities. Telangana Chief Secretary in Hyderabad, Ramakrishna Rao, alerted the Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal, who is in Delhi. He ordered to collect details on how many people belonging to our state are in the accident and provide them immediately as per the CMO.

A bus carrying Umrah pilgrims crashed into a fuel truck near Medina, killing an estimated 42 people. Most victims are believed to be from India, including several from Hyderabad.

At least 42 may have died when a bus full of Indian Umrah travellers hit a diesel tanker near Medina on Monday (Nov 17) morning, local media in Saudi Arabia reported. Most of the victims of the horrific accident are believed to be Indian citizens, some reportedly from Hyderabad. The Telangana government said it has reached out to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for information. In a brief statement, officials confirmed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has asked authorities in New Delhi to stay in close contact with embassy staff and track developments. Also read | Four dead, seven injured after Tata Sumo collides with truck in J&K's Budgam What happened? Reports suggest that the accident occurred near 1:30 am IST (approximately 11 pm, November 16 local time) in Mufrihat. The vehicle carrying pilgrims who had finished their Umrah pilgrimage was travelling from Mecca to Madinah. As per MediaOne, there were 43 people on the bus—but just one made it through. The survivor has been shifted to a medical centre. Maktoob Media reported that around 20 women, along with 11 kids, were on the bus. Since most seemed to be sleeping during the crash, they barely had a chance to react after flames spread.

A bus carrying Umrah pilgrims crashed into a fuel truck near Medina, killing an estimated 42 people. Most victims are believed to be from India, including several from Hyderabad.

Saudi Arabia bus-tanker collision: At least 42 Indians feared dead as Umrah bus collides with diesel tanker near Medina

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday (Nov 16) that House Republicans should vote to release the files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, despite opposing the measure previously. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, the president also slammed Democrats for pushing the “hoax”. This comes after recently released emails written by the disgraced financier suggested that Trump “knew about the girls”, an allegation the Republican denied.Trump wrote on Truth Social, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party, including our recent Victory on the Democrat ‘Shutdown’”.The 79-year-old president added that the Department of Justice has already started going through tens of thousands of pages and is looking at “various Democrat operatives”, including Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers, and their relationship with Epstein.“Nobody cared about Jeffrey Epstein when he was alive and, if the Democrats had anything, they would have released it before our Landslide Election Victory,” Trump said.Trump further claimed that all he cares about is that Republicans get “back on point”, focusing on the economy, affordability for Americans, rebuilding the military, securing borders, deporting illegal immigrants, and “stopping transgender for everyone”.“Let’s start talking about the Republican Party’s Record Setting Achievements, and not fall into the Epstein ‘TRAP,’ which is actually a curse on the Democrats, not us. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he said.In another post, Trump claimed that Democrats “had the sleazy relationships with Epstein, and should be prosecuted!!!”“It’s a Democrat Hoax for purposes of deflection, just like the Russia, Russia, Russia Scam!!!” he said, sharing a post by David Schoen, attorney representing Trump in his second impeachment trial. “If Jeffrey Epstein had any dirt on Donald Trump, he would have had great leverage in the criminal case against him at the time he died. The fact that he unequivocally said he had none ought to shut down the false claims otherwise; but facts are no obstacle to political attacks,” Schoen said, defending Trump.&nbsp;

The 79-year-old president added that the Department of Justice has already started going through tens of thousands of pages and is looking at “various Democrat operatives” and their relationship with Epstein.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday (Nov 16) that House Republicans should vote to release the files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, despite opposing the measure previously. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, the president also slammed Democrats for pushing the “hoax”. This comes after recently released emails written by the disgraced financier suggested that Trump “knew about the girls”, an allegation the Republican denied. Trump wrote on Truth Social, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party, including our recent Victory on the Democrat ‘Shutdown’”. The 79-year-old president added that the Department of Justice has already started going through tens of thousands of pages and is looking at “various Democrat operatives”, including Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers, and their relationship with Epstein. “Nobody cared about Jeffrey Epstein when he was alive and, if the Democrats had anything, they would have released it before our Landslide Election Victory,” Trump said. Trump further claimed that all he cares about is that Republicans get “back on point”, focusing on the economy, affordability for Americans, rebuilding the military, securing borders, deporting illegal immigrants, and “stopping transgender for everyone”. “Let’s start talking about the Republican Party’s Record Setting Achievements, and not fall into the Epstein ‘TRAP,’ which is actually a curse on the Democrats, not us. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he said. In another post, Trump claimed that Democrats “had the sleazy relationships with Epstein, and should be prosecuted!!!” “It’s a Democrat Hoax for purposes of deflection, just like the Russia, Russia, Russia Scam!!!” he said, sharing a post by David Schoen, attorney representing Trump in his second impeachment trial. “If Jeffrey Epstein had any dirt on Donald Trump, he would have had great leverage in the criminal case against him at the time he died. The fact that he unequivocally said he had none ought to shut down the false claims otherwise; but facts are no obstacle to political attacks,” Schoen said, defending Trump.

The 79-year-old president added that the Department of Justice has already started going through tens of thousands of pages and is looking at “various Democrat operatives” and their relationship with Epstein.

‘We have nothing to hide’: Trump takes a U-turn, backs release of Epstein files

The Pentagon on Sunday (Nov 16) announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific.<h2>American strikes continue; over 80 alleged "narco terrorists" killed</h2>In a post online US Southern Command said that Intelligence showed the vessel was carrying narcotics. "Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics". It added that "Three male narcoterrorists aboard the vessel were killed," and that "The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific and was struck in international waters."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,… <a href="https://t.co/iM1PhIsroj">pic.twitter.com/iM1PhIsroj</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/1990147866397221102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This brings the total number of deaths linked to these "narco-terrorism" operations to 83. Officials say the mission is designed to choke off the drug trade before it reaches US shores, and reports suggest they have used everything from fighter jets to drones to do it. Citing a Defense Department official, CNN reports that the US carried out the twentieth strike just last week.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-open-to-talks-with-maduro-even-as-washington-slaps-terror-tag-on-his-alleged-cartel-1763341987551">Trump says open to talks with Maduro even as Washington slaps terror tag on his alleged cartel</a>The effort has drawn heavy fire. Colombia’s president said last week he would halt intelligence cooperation with Washington until the attacks stop. Legal experts in the US have also warned that the campaign could violate both American and international law. The Justice Department, for its part, has told Congress it does not need approval to continue the strikes.<h2>US moves to designate alleged Maduro-led cartel a terrorist group</h2>Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday announced that Washington plans to formally classify the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. The US argues the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel and fuels violence and drug trafficking across the region.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strike-kills-3-in-caribbean-critics-say-no-justification-under-international-law-1762077521529">US strike kills 3 in Caribbean, critics say ‘no justification under international law’</a>"Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe," he said in a statement. Caracas calls the accusations absurd and claims the growing US military presence in the Caribbean is cover for regime change.Washington maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate leader and a drug trafficker, a charge he rejects. Doubling down, Rubio said, "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government." He insisted that the US will continue to use every tool available to cut off the funding and reach of groups it considers narco terrorists.

The US carried out its 21st strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing three men and pushing the total death toll in these operations to 83. 

The Pentagon on Sunday (Nov 16) announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific. American strikes continue; over 80 alleged "narco terrorists" killed In a post online US Southern Command said that Intelligence showed the vessel was carrying narcotics. "Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics". It added that "Three male narcoterrorists aboard the vessel were killed," and that "The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific and was struck in international waters."

The US carried out its 21st strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing three men and pushing the total death toll in these operations to 83.&nbsp;

Pentagon confirms 21st strike on alleged drug boat, kills three in international waters. Watch video

The Federal Aviation Administration late Sunday (Nov 16) announced that it would end the mandated flight reductions at 40 airports in the United States effective Monday (Nov 17). The restrictions were imposed on November 7 over air traffic control concerns amid the longest federal shutdown in American history. The cuts reduced air traffic capacity by at least 4 per cent, resulting in thousands of delays and cancellations of flights across the country. Last week, US President Donald Trump signed into law a bill to reopen the government.In a joint statement, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said, “The flight reduction emergency order will be terminated on Monday, November 17 at 6 am. This means normal operations can resume across the National Airspace System.”Bedford added that the staffing issues at air traffic control centres, which contributed to delays and cancellations of flights, are also starting to resolve.“Today’s decision to rescind the order reflects the steady decline in staffing concerns across the NAS and allows us to return to normal operations,” Bedford said. “I am grateful for the hard work of the FAA safety and operations teams and for their focus on the safety of the traveling public.”The statement added that the FAA recorded only one staffing issue on Sunday, a stark contrast from the 81 staffing triggers recorded on November 8.Reuters reported that several major airlines in the country had not cancelled any flights on Monday. It added that air traffic controllers and other FAA employees began receiving back pay on Friday (Nov 14). On Wednesday (Nov 12), the US Congress sent the bill for the US president's signature after it was passed by the House, following a vote.“With my signature, the federal government will now resume normal operations and my administration, and our partners in Congress, will continue our work to lower the cost of living, restore public safety... and make America affordable again for all Americans,” Trump said.

The restrictions were imposed over air traffic control concerns amid the longest federal shutdown in American history.

The Federal Aviation Administration late Sunday (Nov 16) announced that it would end the mandated flight reductions at 40 airports in the United States effective Monday (Nov 17). The restrictions were imposed on November 7 over air traffic control concerns amid the longest federal shutdown in American history. The cuts reduced air traffic capacity by at least 4 per cent, resulting in thousands of delays and cancellations of flights across the country. Last week, US President Donald Trump signed into law a bill to reopen the government. In a joint statement, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said, “The flight reduction emergency order will be terminated on Monday, November 17 at 6 am. This means normal operations can resume across the National Airspace System.” Bedford added that the staffing issues at air traffic control centres, which contributed to delays and cancellations of flights, are also starting to resolve. “Today’s decision to rescind the order reflects the steady decline in staffing concerns across the NAS and allows us to return to normal operations,” Bedford said. “I am grateful for the hard work of the FAA safety and operations teams and for their focus on the safety of the traveling public.” The statement added that the FAA recorded only one staffing issue on Sunday, a stark contrast from the 81 staffing triggers recorded on November 8. Reuters reported that several major airlines in the country had not cancelled any flights on Monday. It added that air traffic controllers and other FAA employees began receiving back pay on Friday (Nov 14). On Wednesday (Nov 12), the US Congress sent the bill for the US president's signature after it was passed by the House, following a vote. “With my signature, the federal government will now resume normal operations and my administration, and our partners in Congress, will continue our work to lower the cost of living, restore public safety... and make America affordable again for all Americans,” Trump said.

The restrictions were imposed over air traffic control concerns amid the longest federal shutdown in American history.

‘Normal operations can resume’: FAA lifts flight cuts as longest US government shutdown ends

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 16) hinted that Washington may soon hold talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The remark came only hours after the State Department moved toward labelling a cartel it says Maduro controls as a foreign terrorist organisation. Speaking to reporters at the airport in Palm Beach, Trump said, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," adding that Caracas "would like to talk." This comes as the Pentagon announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/obesity-can-now-get-your-us-visa-denied-unless-you-re-donald-trump-all-you-need-to-know-1763092492815">79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know</a><h2>US to designate alleged Maduro cartel a terrorist group</h2>Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday announced that Washington plans to formally classify the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. The US argues the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel and fuels violence and drug trafficking across the region."Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe," he said in a statement. Caracas calls the accusations absurd and claims the growing US military presence in the Caribbean is a cover for regime change.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-penny-for-your-thoughts-us-stops-minting-pennies-after-232-years-here-s-why-1763007463047">'Penny for your thoughts': US stops minting pennies after 232 years. Here's why</a>Washington maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate leader and a drug trafficker, a charge he rejects. Doubling down, Rubio said, "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government." He insisted that the US will continue to use every tool available to cut off the funding and reach of groups it considers narco terrorists.

Trump says that the US may open talks with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug boat while moving to label an alleged Maduro-linked cartel a terrorist group.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 16) hinted that Washington may soon hold talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The remark came only hours after the State Department moved toward labelling a cartel it says Maduro controls as a foreign terrorist organisation. Speaking to reporters at the airport in Palm Beach, Trump said, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," adding that Caracas "would like to talk." This comes as the Pentagon announced that it had carried out the 21st known strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in international waters. US Southern Command confirmed on Sunday that American forces (on Saturday) carried out a strike on a boat moving along a well-known smuggling route in the eastern Pacific. Also read | 79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know US to designate alleged Maduro cartel a terrorist group Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday announced that Washington plans to formally classify the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. The US argues the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel and fuels violence and drug trafficking across the region. "Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe," he said in a statement. Caracas calls the accusations absurd and claims the growing US military presence in the Caribbean is a cover for regime change. Also read | 'Penny for your thoughts': US stops minting pennies after 232 years. Here's why Washington maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate leader and a drug trafficker, a charge he rejects. Doubling down, Rubio said, "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government." He insisted that the US will continue to use every tool available to cut off the funding and reach of groups it considers narco terrorists.

Trump says that the US may open talks with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug boat while moving to label an alleged Maduro-linked cartel a terrorist group.

Trump says open to talks with Maduro, as Washington slaps 'foreign terrorist organisation' tag on his alleged cartel

New Delhi: The Torkham border crossing, once a throbbing artery of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has become a symbol of fractured ties. The gates of the border remain closed, and with it trade. The closure was triggered by Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan, the 2nd with its neighbour in this year. Pakistan's economy, already reeling from inflation and debt, stands to lose. Afghanistan absorbs about $2 billion annually in Pakistani exports, cement, pharmaceuticals, food staples, and textiles, making it Islamabad's third-largest market after the U.S. and China. Transit fees, millions of dollars of windfall from Central Asian and European cargo funneled through Pakistan's ports such as Karachi to Kabul, are evaporating.&nbsp;Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines that could reshape the region's trade dynamics. The decision marks a watershed. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Annual bilateral trade hovered around over a billion dollars, but as the political ties deteriorate amid Pakistan's belligerence, Kabul is running out of patience. Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office announced, “After three months, medicines imported from Pakistan should not be cleared, and no one should be given permission to import them.”&nbsp;Over the past six months, Afghan-Iranian trade has surged to $1.626 billion, eclipsing the $1.108 billion with Pakistan, according to Afghanistan government data. Trade with Iran comes with linkages to the world as well, through the Chabahar Port. Developed with Indian support and investment, Chabahar offers a sanctions-resilient gateway to the Arabian Sea, bypassing Pakistan entirely. As India ties firm up, with its embassy in Kabul reopened and a fresh U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar in hand, New Delhi is ramping up exports of wheat and medicines, filling voids left by Pakistani suppliers.&nbsp;Ariana Afghan Airlines is sweetening the pot, slashing cargo rates to Delhi at $1 per kilogram for exports, and ferrying pine nuts and rugs to Indian markets. "National traders can take advantage of this important opportunity to transport their commercial goods to various countries worldwide via Ariana cargo at lower costs and actively contribute to increasing the country's exports", a statement from the Airlines said.&nbsp;Afghan businesses want more avenues of increasing trade. Jan Agha Nawid, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) , as quoted in Tolo News, said, “We urge the government to sign long-term agreements with neighboring countries to create more trade opportunities for Afghans. Preferential tariffs and reduced transportation and transit costs can help pave the way for broader trade relations.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Last month, during a Delhi visit, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Indian investors to come to his country and announced the opening of cargo plane air connectivity between Delhi-Kabul, Amritsar-Kabul, and Amritsar-Kandahar that will help in the transfer of fresh fruits from Afghanistan to India. He backed the Chabahar port project, saying, "It is advantageous for us". This westward and eastward tilt extends to Central Asia-Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan &amp; beyond to Russia, China.&nbsp;The big trade shift by Afghanistan comes even as Pakistan's economy remains beleaguered, surviving on IMF bailouts despite being in a region of large economies. India, one of the world's largest economies, had long back cut trading ties with Pakistan over Rawalpindi's support to cross border terrorism. From 26/11 terror attacks to Pahalgam terror attack, the linkages to all major terror attacks in India are in Pakistan&nbsp;

Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.

New Delhi: The Torkham border crossing, once a throbbing artery of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has become a symbol of fractured ties. The gates of the border remain closed, and with it trade. The closure was triggered by Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan, the 2nd with its neighbour in this year. Pakistan's economy, already reeling from inflation and debt, stands to lose. Afghanistan absorbs about $2 billion annually in Pakistani exports, cement, pharmaceuticals, food staples, and textiles, making it Islamabad's third-largest market after the U.S. and China. Transit fees, millions of dollars of windfall from Central Asian and European cargo funneled through Pakistan's ports such as Karachi to Kabul, are evaporating. Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines that could reshape the region's trade dynamics. The decision marks a watershed. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage. Annual bilateral trade hovered around over a billion dollars, but as the political ties deteriorate amid Pakistan's belligerence, Kabul is running out of patience. Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office announced, “After three months, medicines imported from Pakistan should not be cleared, and no one should be given permission to import them.” Over the past six months, Afghan-Iranian trade has surged to $1.626 billion, eclipsing the $1.108 billion with Pakistan, according to Afghanistan government data. Trade with Iran comes with linkages to the world as well, through the Chabahar Port. Developed with Indian support and investment, Chabahar offers a sanctions-resilient gateway to the Arabian Sea, bypassing Pakistan entirely. As India ties firm up, with its embassy in Kabul reopened and a fresh U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar in hand, New Delhi is ramping up exports of wheat and medicines, filling voids left by Pakistani suppliers. Ariana Afghan Airlines is sweetening the pot, slashing cargo rates to Delhi at $1 per kilogram for exports, and ferrying pine nuts and rugs to Indian markets. "National traders can take advantage of this important opportunity to transport their commercial goods to various countries worldwide via Ariana cargo at lower costs and actively contribute to increasing the country's exports", a statement from the Airlines said. Afghan businesses want more avenues of increasing trade. Jan Agha Nawid, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) , as quoted in Tolo News, said, “We urge the government to sign long-term agreements with neighboring countries to create more trade opportunities for Afghans. Preferential tariffs and reduced transportation and transit costs can help pave the way for broader trade relations.” Last month, during a Delhi visit, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Indian investors to come to his country and announced the opening of cargo plane air connectivity between Delhi-Kabul, Amritsar-Kabul, and Amritsar-Kandahar that will help in the transfer of fresh fruits from Afghanistan to India. He backed the Chabahar port project, saying, "It is advantageous for us". This westward and eastward tilt extends to Central Asia-Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan & beyond to Russia, China. The big trade shift by Afghanistan comes even as Pakistan's economy remains beleaguered, surviving on IMF bailouts despite being in a region of large economies. India, one of the world's largest economies, had long back cut trading ties with Pakistan over Rawalpindi's support to cross border terrorism. From 26/11 terror attacks to Pahalgam terror attack, the linkages to all major terror attacks in India are in Pakistan

Afghanistan is now accelerating a long-brewing pivot, rerouting commerce through Iran and India, and forging new economic lifelines. For decades, Pakistan dominated Afghanistan's trade, with imports through Karachi's port and crossings like Torkham, which it sought to use as leverage.

Afghanistan dumps Pakistan trade amid conflict, turns to Iran and India

The most advanced aircraft carrier of the United States arrived in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday in a display of military power and major buildup, raising questions about what the influx of troops and weaponry could signal for the Trump administration’s drug enforcement campaign in South America. The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, announced by the US military, marks a major moment in the Trump administration’s counterdrug operation but is being interpreted as a pressure tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Since early September, US strikes have killed at least 80 people in 20 attacks on small boats accused of transporting drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-starts-cloud-seeding-to-induce-rain-amid-worst-drought-in-decades-1763318195494">Iran starts cloud seeding to induce rain amid worst drought in decades</a>&nbsp;The Ford rounds off the largest buildup of US firepower in the region, bringing the total number of troops to around 12,000 on nearly a dozen Navy ships in what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dubbed “Operation Southern Spear.”The Ford’s carrier strike group, which includes squadrons of fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers, transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands on Sunday morning, the Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-no-longer-enriching-uranium-at-any-site-in-the-country-says-foreign-minister-abbas-aragchi-1763308754108">Iran no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, says foreign minister Abbas Aragchi</a>&nbsp;Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, who commands the Ford’s carrier strike group, said it will bolster an already large force of American warships to “protect our nation’s security and prosperity against narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.”&nbsp;The Trump administration insists that the buildup of warships is focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the US, but it has released no evidence to support its assertions that those killed in the boats were “narcoterrorists.” Trump has indicated military action would expand beyond strikes by sea, saying the US would “stop the drugs coming in by land.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asylum-system-is-broken-illegal-migration-tearing-our-country-apart-says-home-secretary-1763305068332">Asylum system is broken, illegal migration ‘tearing our country apart’, says UK home secretary</a>&nbsp;The US has long used aircraft carriers to pressure and deter aggression by other nations since their warplanes can strike targets deep inside another country.Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States does not recognize Maduro, who was widely accused of stealing last year’s election, as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Rubio has called Venezuela’s government a “transshipment organization” that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs.Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the US, has said the US government is “fabricating” a war against him.

The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, announced by the US military, marks a major moment in the Trump administration’s counterdrug operation but is being interpreted as a pressure tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The most advanced aircraft carrier of the United States arrived in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday in a display of military power and major buildup, raising questions about what the influx of troops and weaponry could signal for the Trump administration’s drug enforcement campaign in South America. The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, announced by the US military, marks a major moment in the Trump administration’s counterdrug operation but is being interpreted as a pressure tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Since early September, US strikes have killed at least 80 people in 20 attacks on small boats accused of transporting drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean. Also Read: Iran starts cloud seeding to induce rain amid worst drought in decades The Ford rounds off the largest buildup of US firepower in the region, bringing the total number of troops to around 12,000 on nearly a dozen Navy ships in what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dubbed “Operation Southern Spear.” The Ford’s carrier strike group, which includes squadrons of fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers, transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands on Sunday morning, the Navy said in a statement. Also Read: Iran no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, says foreign minister Abbas Aragchi Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, who commands the Ford’s carrier strike group, said it will bolster an already large force of American warships to “protect our nation’s security and prosperity against narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.” The Trump administration insists that the buildup of warships is focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the US, but it has released no evidence to support its assertions that those killed in the boats were “narcoterrorists.” Trump has indicated military action would expand beyond strikes by sea, saying the US would “stop the drugs coming in by land.” Also Read: Asylum system is broken, illegal migration ‘tearing our country apart’, says UK home secretary The US has long used aircraft carriers to pressure and deter aggression by other nations since their warplanes can strike targets deep inside another country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States does not recognize Maduro, who was widely accused of stealing last year’s election, as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Rubio has called Venezuela’s government a “transshipment organization” that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs. Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the US, has said the US government is “fabricating” a war against him.

The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, announced by the US military, marks a major moment in the Trump administration’s counterdrug operation but is being interpreted as a pressure tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Most advanced US aircraft carrier arrives in Caribbean in major buildup near Venezuela

The authorities in Iran have started cloud seeding and sprayed clouds with chemicals in a bid to induce rain to combat the worst drought in the country in decades. The cloud seeding process was conducted over the Urmia lake basin on Saturday, Iran’s official news agency Irna reported. Urmia, Iran’s largest lake, has largely dried up, and appears as a big salt bed. Further cloud seeding will be done in east and west Azerbaijan, the agency said.&nbsp;In cloud seeding, chemical salts like silver or potassium iodide are injected into clouds so that water vapour condenses easily and turns into rain. The technique has been in vogue for decades and has been used by the UAE in recent years to address water scarcity.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-no-longer-enriching-uranium-at-any-site-in-the-country-says-foreign-minister-abbas-aragchi-1763308754108">Iran no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, says foreign minister Abbas Aragchi</a>&nbsp;Rainfall in Iran is at a record low, and the reservoirs are nearly empty. Last week, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that if it does not rain soon, the water supply in Tehran could be rationed and people may be evacuated.&nbsp;Iran’s meteorological organisation said rainfall had dipped by about 89 per cent this year compared with the long-term average.“We are in the driest autumn experienced in 50 years,” it added. On Friday, hundreds of men and women gathered at a mosque in Tehran to pray for rainfall.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asylum-system-is-broken-illegal-migration-tearing-our-country-apart-says-home-secretary-1763305068332">Asylum system is broken, illegal migration ‘tearing our country apart’, says home secretary</a>&nbsp;Officials have also announced plans to penalise businesses and households that consume excessive amounts of water.Ahmad Vazifeh, the head of Iran’s National Centre for Climate and Drought Crisis Management, said dams in Tehran, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan and Markazi are in a “worrying state”, with water levels in the single-digit percentages.The meteorologists in Iran reported there was some rainfall in the west and northwest of the country on Saturday. Besides, a video showed snowfall on a ski resort north of Tehran for the first time this year.

Rainfall in Iran is at a record low, and the reservoirs are nearly empty. Last week, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that if it does not rain soon, the water supply in Tehran could be rationed and people may be evacuated.

The authorities in Iran have started cloud seeding and sprayed clouds with chemicals in a bid to induce rain to combat the worst drought in the country in decades. The cloud seeding process was conducted over the Urmia lake basin on Saturday, Iran’s official news agency Irna reported. Urmia, Iran’s largest lake, has largely dried up, and appears as a big salt bed. Further cloud seeding will be done in east and west Azerbaijan, the agency said. In cloud seeding, chemical salts like silver or potassium iodide are injected into clouds so that water vapour condenses easily and turns into rain. The technique has been in vogue for decades and has been used by the UAE in recent years to address water scarcity. Also Read: Iran no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, says foreign minister Abbas Aragchi Rainfall in Iran is at a record low, and the reservoirs are nearly empty. Last week, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that if it does not rain soon, the water supply in Tehran could be rationed and people may be evacuated. Iran’s meteorological organisation said rainfall had dipped by about 89 per cent this year compared with the long-term average. “We are in the driest autumn experienced in 50 years,” it added. On Friday, hundreds of men and women gathered at a mosque in Tehran to pray for rainfall. Also Read: Asylum system is broken, illegal migration ‘tearing our country apart’, says home secretary Officials have also announced plans to penalise businesses and households that consume excessive amounts of water. Ahmad Vazifeh, the head of Iran’s National Centre for Climate and Drought Crisis Management, said dams in Tehran, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan and Markazi are in a “worrying state”, with water levels in the single-digit percentages. The meteorologists in Iran reported there was some rainfall in the west and northwest of the country on Saturday. Besides, a video showed snowfall on a ski resort north of Tehran for the first time this year.

Rainfall in Iran is at a record low, and the reservoirs are nearly empty. Last week, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that if it does not rain soon, the water supply in Tehran could be rationed and people may be evacuated.

Iran starts cloud seeding to induce rain amid worst drought in decades

After Jeffrey Epstein's old emails were unearthed and created fresh controversy due to the mention of Donald Trump, the US president declared that he will request the Department of Justice (DoJ) to probe the former Democratic president's connections to the sexual offence case. After this, former US president Bill Clinton reacted.&nbsp;“Jeffrey Epstein and I had a very bad relationship for many years. But he also saw strength, because I was president, so he dictated a couple of memos to himself,” Trump said.&nbsp;“You’re gonna find out what did he know, with respect to Bill Clinton, with respect to the head of Harvard, with respect to all of those people that he knew, including JP Morgan Chase,” the POTUS added.&nbsp;Reacting to this, Clinton's spokeswoman, Angel Ureña, stated in a brief statement on X: “These emails prove Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing. The rest is noise meant to distract from election losses, backfiring shutdowns, and who knows what else.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-rule-2-0-pakistan-enacts-27th-amendment-army-chief-gains-lifelong-immunity-and-expanded-powers-shahbaz-sharif-nawaz-sharif-asim-munir-1762955753702">Military Rule 2.0: Pak Army Chief gains lifelong immunity and expanded powers</a>&nbsp;The alleged sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, claimed in several private emails that US President Donald Trump was aware of his act and "Spent hours" at his house. Epstein claimed that the then-friend of his "knew about the girls". The emails released by the House Democrats on Wednesday (Nov 12) showed that the alleged sex offender claimed Trump spent time with one of his victims. Trump has always denied any involvement in the case, saying he and Epstein were once on friendly terms but later parted ways. However, the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said the emails, selected from thousands of pages of documents received by their panel, told a different story.&nbsp;“These latest emails and correspondence raise glaring questions about what else the White House is hiding and the nature of the relationship between Epstein and the president,” Representative Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Jeffrey Epstein old emails were unearthed and created fresh controversy due to the mention of Donald Trump, the US president declared that he will request the Department of Justice (DoJ) to probe the former Democratic president connections to the sexual offence case. 

After Jeffrey Epstein's old emails were unearthed and created fresh controversy due to the mention of Donald Trump, the US president declared that he will request the Department of Justice (DoJ) to probe the former Democratic president's connections to the sexual offence case. After this, former US president Bill Clinton reacted. “Jeffrey Epstein and I had a very bad relationship for many years. But he also saw strength, because I was president, so he dictated a couple of memos to himself,” Trump said. “You’re gonna find out what did he know, with respect to Bill Clinton, with respect to the head of Harvard, with respect to all of those people that he knew, including JP Morgan Chase,” the POTUS added. Reacting to this, Clinton's spokeswoman, Angel Ureña, stated in a brief statement on X: “These emails prove Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing. The rest is noise meant to distract from election losses, backfiring shutdowns, and who knows what else.” Also read: Military Rule 2.0: Pak Army Chief gains lifelong immunity and expanded powers The alleged sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, claimed in several private emails that US President Donald Trump was aware of his act and "Spent hours" at his house. Epstein claimed that the then-friend of his "knew about the girls". The emails released by the House Democrats on Wednesday (Nov 12) showed that the alleged sex offender claimed Trump spent time with one of his victims. Trump has always denied any involvement in the case, saying he and Epstein were once on friendly terms but later parted ways. However, the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said the emails, selected from thousands of pages of documents received by their panel, told a different story. “These latest emails and correspondence raise glaring questions about what else the White House is hiding and the nature of the relationship between Epstein and the president,” Representative Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, said in a statement.

After Jeffrey Epstein's old emails were unearthed and created fresh controversy due to the mention of Donald Trump, the US president declared that he will request the Department of Justice (DoJ) to probe the former Democratic president's connections to the sexual offence case.&nbsp;

'Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing': Ex-US prez reacts after Trump declares DOJ will probe his connection to Epstein case. Details inside

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'Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing': Ex-US prez on Epstein case