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

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

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

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

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

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

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

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

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

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

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to media reports, the fire likely originated from one of the five factories that were engulfed in flames. 

In Pics | Chilling visuals capture massive explosion in industrial area in Argentina

The U.N. Security Council will vote Monday on a resolution backing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, diplomats said, while Russia submitted a rival draft resolution, setting up a confrontation among the council’s veto powers.&nbsp;Last week the Americans officially launched negotiations within the 15-member Security Council on a text that would follow up on a cease-fire in Israel’s two-year war on the Gaza Strip and endorse Trump's plan.&nbsp;A draft of the resolution seen Thursday by AFP "welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace," a transitional governing body for Gaza, that Trump would theoretically chair, with a mandate running until the end of 2027.&nbsp;It would authorize member states to form a "temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)" that would work with Israel and Egypt and newly trained Palestinian police to help secure border areas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Unlike previous drafts, the latest mentions a possible future Palestinian state.&nbsp;The United States and several Arab and Muslim-majority nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye called Friday for the U.N. Security Council to quickly adopt the resolution.&nbsp;"The United States, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Türkiye express our joint support for the Security Council Resolution currently under consideration," the countries said in a joint statement, adding they were seeking the measure's "swift adoption."&nbsp;Friday's joint statement comes as Russia circulated a competing draft resolution to Council members that does not authorize the creation of a board of peace or the immediate deployment of an international force in Gaza, according to the text seen Friday by AFP.The Russian version welcomes "the initiative that led to the cease-fire" but does not name Trump.&nbsp;It also only calls on the U.N. secretary-general to submit a report that addresses the possibilities of deploying an international stabilization force in war-ravaged Gaza.The United States has called the cease-fire "fragile," and warned Friday of the risks of not adopting its draft.&nbsp;"Any refusal to back this resolution is a vote either for the continued reign of Hamas terrorists or for the return to war with Israel, condemning the region and its people to perpetual conflict," the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, wrote in The Washington Post.&nbsp;"Every departure from this path, be it by those who wish to play political games or to relitigate the past, will come with a real human cost."&nbsp;While it seemed until now that Council members supported principles of the peace plan, diplomatic sources noted there were questions about the U.S. text, particularly regarding the absence of a monitoring mechanism by the Council, the role of the Palestinian Authority, and details of the ISF's mandate.&nbsp;The Russian U.N. mission said in a statement that its alternative proposal differed by recognizing the principle of a "two-State solution for the Israeli-Palestinian settlement.""Unfortunately, these provisions were not given due regard in the U.S. draft," it said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

The United States and several Arab and Muslim-majority nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye called Friday for the U.N. Security Council to quickly adopt the resolution.

The U.N. Security Council will vote Monday on a resolution backing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, diplomats said, while Russia submitted a rival draft resolution, setting up a confrontation among the council’s veto powers. Last week the Americans officially launched negotiations within the 15-member Security Council on a text that would follow up on a cease-fire in Israel’s two-year war on the Gaza Strip and endorse Trump's plan. A draft of the resolution seen Thursday by AFP "welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace," a transitional governing body for Gaza, that Trump would theoretically chair, with a mandate running until the end of 2027. It would authorize member states to form a "temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)" that would work with Israel and Egypt and newly trained Palestinian police to help secure border areas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. Unlike previous drafts, the latest mentions a possible future Palestinian state. The United States and several Arab and Muslim-majority nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye called Friday for the U.N. Security Council to quickly adopt the resolution. "The United States, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Türkiye express our joint support for the Security Council Resolution currently under consideration," the countries said in a joint statement, adding they were seeking the measure's "swift adoption." Friday's joint statement comes as Russia circulated a competing draft resolution to Council members that does not authorize the creation of a board of peace or the immediate deployment of an international force in Gaza, according to the text seen Friday by AFP. The Russian version welcomes "the initiative that led to the cease-fire" but does not name Trump. It also only calls on the U.N. secretary-general to submit a report that addresses the possibilities of deploying an international stabilization force in war-ravaged Gaza. The United States has called the cease-fire "fragile," and warned Friday of the risks of not adopting its draft. "Any refusal to back this resolution is a vote either for the continued reign of Hamas terrorists or for the return to war with Israel, condemning the region and its people to perpetual conflict," the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, wrote in The Washington Post. "Every departure from this path, be it by those who wish to play political games or to relitigate the past, will come with a real human cost." While it seemed until now that Council members supported principles of the peace plan, diplomatic sources noted there were questions about the U.S. text, particularly regarding the absence of a monitoring mechanism by the Council, the role of the Palestinian Authority, and details of the ISF's mandate. The Russian U.N. mission said in a statement that its alternative proposal differed by recognizing the principle of a "two-State solution for the Israeli-Palestinian settlement." "Unfortunately, these provisions were not given due regard in the U.S. draft," it said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The United States and several Arab and Muslim-majority nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye called Friday for the U.N. Security Council to quickly adopt the resolution.

UN Security Council to vote Monday on Trump's Gaza plan

The US military is reportedly planning to divide Gaza into a “green zone” that will be under Israeli and international military control, where reconstruction activities will take place, and a “red zone” that will be left in ruins. This comes ahead of the UN Security Council vote on Monday (Nov 17) on a resolution to endorse US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.According to a Guardian report, citing US military planning documents, the international forces will initially be deployed alongside Israeli troops in east Gaza. The war-torn strip will be divided by the current Israeli-controlled “yellow line”, it added.While the US has insisted that its plan is realistic, questions have been raised about Washington’s commitment to turn the ceasefire into an enduring political settlement with Palestinian control in the region, initially promised by Trump.“Ideally, you would want to make it all whole, right? But that’s aspirational,” an anonymous US official told the Guardian. “It’s going to take some time. It’s not going to be easy.”However, creating “green zones” in Gaza may risk drawing parallels with Afghanistan and Iraq, places marked with US military failures. Notably, Trump’s 20-point plan aims at demilitarisation of Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, and even an Israeli withdrawal to a “security perimeter” out of the territory. Meanwhile, activists have raised alarm over the need for urgent reconstruction in Gaza as more than 80 per cent of the structures in the region have been damaged and destroyed, including schools and hospitals.<h2>Trump’s 20-point plan</h2>According to Trump’s 20-point plan, a transitional body called the ‘Board of Peace’ will be created to govern the territory. The resolution would also authorise member states to form a “temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)” that would work with Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police to secure Gaza’s borders, oversee demilitarisation efforts, and help with “permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups.” The ISF would also support humanitarian access and civilian protection inside the territory.“The first step is we have to get the [resolution]” by the UNSC resolution, the US official said. “Countries are not going to make firm commitments until they actually see the language that has been passed.” The US president earlier ruled out the possibility of putting any US soldiers on Gaza soil to ensure the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the enclave and to start the reconstruction process.

Activists have raised alarm over the need for urgent reconstruction in Gaza as more than 80 per cent of the structures in the region have been damaged and destroyed, including schools and hospitals.

The US military is reportedly planning to divide Gaza into a “green zone” that will be under Israeli and international military control, where reconstruction activities will take place, and a “red zone” that will be left in ruins. This comes ahead of the UN Security Council vote on Monday (Nov 17) on a resolution to endorse US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. According to a Guardian report, citing US military planning documents, the international forces will initially be deployed alongside Israeli troops in east Gaza. The war-torn strip will be divided by the current Israeli-controlled “yellow line”, it added. While the US has insisted that its plan is realistic, questions have been raised about Washington’s commitment to turn the ceasefire into an enduring political settlement with Palestinian control in the region, initially promised by Trump. “Ideally, you would want to make it all whole, right? But that’s aspirational,” an anonymous US official told the Guardian. “It’s going to take some time. It’s not going to be easy.” However, creating “green zones” in Gaza may risk drawing parallels with Afghanistan and Iraq, places marked with US military failures. Notably, Trump’s 20-point plan aims at demilitarisation of Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, and even an Israeli withdrawal to a “security perimeter” out of the territory. Meanwhile, activists have raised alarm over the need for urgent reconstruction in Gaza as more than 80 per cent of the structures in the region have been damaged and destroyed, including schools and hospitals. Trump’s 20-point plan According to Trump’s 20-point plan, a transitional body called the ‘Board of Peace’ will be created to govern the territory. The resolution would also authorise member states to form a “temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)” that would work with Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police to secure Gaza’s borders, oversee demilitarisation efforts, and help with “permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups.” The ISF would also support humanitarian access and civilian protection inside the territory. “The first step is we have to get the [resolution]” by the UNSC resolution, the US official said. “Countries are not going to make firm commitments until they actually see the language that has been passed.” The US president earlier ruled out the possibility of putting any US soldiers on Gaza soil to ensure the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the enclave and to start the reconstruction process.

Activists have raised alarm over the need for urgent reconstruction in Gaza as more than 80 per cent of the structures in the region have been damaged and destroyed, including schools and hospitals.

US military to divide Gaza into ‘green zone’ and ‘red zone’? Here’s what report claims

A Cold War-era military base, which had been lying dormant for more than 20 years since 2004, has been reactivated. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, after being operational for more than half a century, was abandoned due to its lack of logistical and financial utility. Lying 500 miles off the coast of Venezuela, this Puerto Rican base has now seen the largest US mobilisation in decades. What the US official describes as counter narcotics operation appears like a preparation for a broader military operation due to its sheer scale and composition. More than 10,000 US personnel now operate in the United States Southern Command, with about half positioned in Puerto Rico and half on vessels offshore. The airbase became central to their operations in September, when &nbsp;F-35B stealth fighters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and specialised reconnaissance platforms were transferred there. Reuters reported five F-35B on the ramp. Construction crews are clearing taxiways and facilities of the José Aponte de la Torre Airport, which was functional when the base was abandoned.&nbsp;"I feel tense, kind of anxious, not knowing what is going to happen, maybe an attack on someone close," said a Puerto Rican local, Damien Leon, to CBS News. "Right now, the United States is the most powerful in the world," said the mayor of Ceiba, Samuel Rivera Baez. "Having them here taking care of us, we feel more than safe."The US has at least four military ships in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and three guided missile destroyers, along with others in the Caribbean basin. Recent Pentagon images show a B-52 bomber flying over the USS Gerald R. Ford. On October 26, the USS Gravely docked in Port of Spain and conducted a joint military exercise with the local forces of &nbsp;Trinidad and Tobago, less than 7 miles from Venezuela's port.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump said he has “sort of” made up his mind about the administration's next steps in Venezuela, but "I can't tell you what it would be." On November 13, the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, aimed at removing the 'narco terrorists' from the Caribbean.&nbsp;<h2>Caribbean tensions rise</h2>Iran is sending drones to Venezuela, and Venezuela has deployed those drones along its coastlines for defence, including the Kamikaze drones with a range of 1000 km or more. Venezuelan Minister of Defence Vladimir Padrino announced the deployment of significantly larger vessels further north in their territorial waters. Venezuelan officers were reportedly training for guerrilla-style defence against a possible US strike. China is also preparing to send military equipment to Venezuela. It has already deployed a naval hospital ship as part of the “Mission Harmony 2025” a move seen as a strategic hint to the US. China has also established a "zero-tariff" trade agreement with Caracas at the Shanghai Expo 2025. According to a report by the Washington Post, just a month ago, Nicolas Maduro sent a letter to Russia seeking more military aid and a three-year financing plan for military repairs and acquisitions through Russia's state-owned defence conglomerate. Russian intelligence vessel, Kareliya, was spotted about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. Venezuela has mobilised 200,000 troops. Maduro says that Washington is using counter-narcotics as a pretext for war. He has called for ‘peace’. As the Operation Southern Spear unfolds Caribbean is edging towards a confrontation, whether this will end with a standoff or there will be more is likely to unfold soon. &nbsp;

The US reactivates Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico with F-35 jets, drones, and thousands of troops as Caribbean tensions rise with Venezuela seeking help from its allies in Russia, China and Iran.

A Cold War-era military base, which had been lying dormant for more than 20 years since 2004, has been reactivated. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, after being operational for more than half a century, was abandoned due to its lack of logistical and financial utility. Lying 500 miles off the coast of Venezuela, this Puerto Rican base has now seen the largest US mobilisation in decades. What the US official describes as counter narcotics operation appears like a preparation for a broader military operation due to its sheer scale and composition. More than 10,000 US personnel now operate in the United States Southern Command, with about half positioned in Puerto Rico and half on vessels offshore. The airbase became central to their operations in September, when F-35B stealth fighters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and specialised reconnaissance platforms were transferred there. Reuters reported five F-35B on the ramp. Construction crews are clearing taxiways and facilities of the José Aponte de la Torre Airport, which was functional when the base was abandoned. "I feel tense, kind of anxious, not knowing what is going to happen, maybe an attack on someone close," said a Puerto Rican local, Damien Leon, to CBS News. "Right now, the United States is the most powerful in the world," said the mayor of Ceiba, Samuel Rivera Baez. "Having them here taking care of us, we feel more than safe." The US has at least four military ships in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and three guided missile destroyers, along with others in the Caribbean basin. Recent Pentagon images show a B-52 bomber flying over the USS Gerald R. Ford. On October 26, the USS Gravely docked in Port of Spain and conducted a joint military exercise with the local forces of Trinidad and Tobago, less than 7 miles from Venezuela's port. US President Donald Trump said he has “sort of” made up his mind about the administration's next steps in Venezuela, but "I can't tell you what it would be." On November 13, the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, aimed at removing the 'narco terrorists' from the Caribbean. Caribbean tensions rise Iran is sending drones to Venezuela, and Venezuela has deployed those drones along its coastlines for defence, including the Kamikaze drones with a range of 1000 km or more. Venezuelan Minister of Defence Vladimir Padrino announced the deployment of significantly larger vessels further north in their territorial waters. Venezuelan officers were reportedly training for guerrilla-style defence against a possible US strike. China is also preparing to send military equipment to Venezuela. It has already deployed a naval hospital ship as part of the “Mission Harmony 2025” a move seen as a strategic hint to the US. China has also established a "zero-tariff" trade agreement with Caracas at the Shanghai Expo 2025. According to a report by the Washington Post, just a month ago, Nicolas Maduro sent a letter to Russia seeking more military aid and a three-year financing plan for military repairs and acquisitions through Russia's state-owned defence conglomerate. Russian intelligence vessel, Kareliya, was spotted about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. Venezuela has mobilised 200,000 troops. Maduro says that Washington is using counter-narcotics as a pretext for war. He has called for ‘peace’. As the Operation Southern Spear unfolds Caribbean is edging towards a confrontation, whether this will end with a standoff or there will be more is likely to unfold soon.

The US reactivates Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico with F-35 jets, drones, and thousands of troops as Caribbean tensions rise with Venezuela seeking help from its allies in Russia, China and Iran.

A war is brewing in Caribbean: US reopens a naval base in Puerto Rico closed 20 years ago

A massive explosion rocked the industrial area outside the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires on Friday (Nov 14), igniting fire in the Ezeiza city. According to officials, at least 22 people were injured in the incident.“The explosions and fire breaking out in the different factories are huge,” said Ezeiza mayor, Gaston Granados, as quoted by the AFP news agency.“We are trying to control (the fire) and extinguish it but have not been able to so far,” Granados said, adding that the cause of the explosion was not known. Several videos surfaced on social media, showing thick smoke rising and huge flames rising from the industrial area.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨Terrible explosión en Ezeiza. Voló por los aires la fábrica de pintura Sinteplast. La noche más tranquila en el Conurbano. <a href="https://t.co/9SWenbdZlC">pic.twitter.com/9SWenbdZlC</a>&mdash; Mati Smith🇦🇷 (@Trumperizar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trumperizar/status/1989490443319382068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Ezeiza&quot;: Por explosiones en la zona industrial de Carlos Spegazzini <a href="https://t.co/tm0f3oVU2N">pic.twitter.com/tm0f3oVU2N</a>&mdash; ¿Por qué es tendencia? (@porquetendencia) <a href="https://twitter.com/porquetendencia/status/1989502986364592137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Así las imágenes de la explosión e incendio en una planta química de Ezeiza en Buenos Aires, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/hu9p0PWHH7">pic.twitter.com/hu9p0PWHH7</a>&mdash; Nación Norteña (@NacionNortena) <a href="https://twitter.com/NacionNortena/status/1989519875249725502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As per local media reports, five factories were struck by explosions and a blaze. The industrial area has several manufacturing companies making tyres, chemical products and other goods.“It is a complex fire. It will be a long fire,” said Fabian Garcia, civil defence director for Buenos Aires province.The smoke and fire also resulted in reduced visibility in the area, affecting flight operations at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport, the major international airport in Argentina. Many flights were delayed or diverted due to poor weather visibility in the region following the blast.According to media reports, the fire likely originated from one of the five factories that were engulfed in flames. Granados told local media that one of the five was a chemical plant, where the warehouses caught fire. Another factory was a plastics plant.Most of those who were injured in the incident received minor to moderate burns and injuries from glass shattering, the local media reported. Meanwhile, firefighters are working to control the massive blaze in the city.

As per local media reports, five factories were struck by explosions and a blaze. The industrial area has several manufacturing companies making tyres, chemical products and other goods.

A massive explosion rocked the industrial area outside the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires on Friday (Nov 14), igniting fire in the Ezeiza city. According to officials, at least 22 people were injured in the incident. “The explosions and fire breaking out in the different factories are huge,” said Ezeiza mayor, Gaston Granados, as quoted by the AFP news agency. “We are trying to control (the fire) and extinguish it but have not been able to so far,” Granados said, adding that the cause of the explosion was not known. Several videos surfaced on social media, showing thick smoke rising and huge flames rising from the industrial area.

As per local media reports, five factories were struck by explosions and a blaze. The industrial area has several manufacturing companies making tyres, chemical products and other goods.

WATCH | Chilling videos emerge after massive explosion rocks industrial area in Argentina

President Donald Trump signed an order Friday to lower US tariffs on agricultural imports such as beef, bananas, coffee and tomatoes, as his government comes under pressure from voters grappling with the escalating cost of living.These products are now exempted from his "reciprocal" tariffs, imposed this year to address behaviour deemed unfair, after the administration considered issues like the US capacity -- or lack thereof -- to produce certain goods.But other duties in place will continue to apply.The new tariff exemptions are backdated, so they technically took effect on Thursday, according to the order published by the White House.The Trump administration has been stepping up efforts to convince Americans of the economy's strength as affordability concerns emerged as a key issue in this month's elections for New York City mayor, and the governors of New Jersey and Virginia.Democrats swept all three of those races, with an intense focus on cost-of-living issues.The list of tariff exemptions published Friday also covers other produce such as avocados, coconuts and pineapples.Among the products targeted are commodities that the United States imports in order to meet domestic demand.The majority of America's coffee comes from abroad, and coffee prices have jumped by around 20 per cent in August and September, respectively.Part of the reason involved climate shocks, but costs have also been disrupted by tariffs.National Coffee Association president Bill Murray said the White House move will help "ease cost-of-living pressures for the two-thirds of American adults who rely on coffee each day" and secure supplies for US companies.Beef prices have been rising this year as well, in part due to a tighter supply of cattle.On Friday, the White House said that "certain qualifying agricultural products will no longer be subject to those tariffs, such as certain food not grown in the United States."<h2>'We're going to fix it'</h2>Washington's latest announcement comes a day after it unveiled trade agreements with Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador and El Salvador.Under the deals, Washington committed to removing "reciprocal" tariffs as well on certain goods that the United States cannot grow, mine or produce in sufficient quantities.Since returning to the presidency in January, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on US trading partners, sparking warnings from economists that these could fuel inflation and weigh on growth.While there has not been a sharp uptick in overall consumer inflation, policymakers have noted that tariffs pushed up prices of certain goods.They expect the effect of higher levies to continue filtering through the world's biggest economy.The Trump administration has acknowledged affordability worries that Americans are facing, with Trump's top economic advisor nodding to a loss of purchasing power in recent years."That's something that we're going to fix, and we're going to fix it right away," Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, said this week.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Trump administration has been stepping up efforts to convince Americans of the economy's strength as affordability concerns emerged as a key issue in this month's elections for New York City mayor, and the governors of New Jersey and Virginia.

President Donald Trump signed an order Friday to lower US tariffs on agricultural imports such as beef, bananas, coffee and tomatoes, as his government comes under pressure from voters grappling with the escalating cost of living. These products are now exempted from his "reciprocal" tariffs, imposed this year to address behaviour deemed unfair, after the administration considered issues like the US capacity -- or lack thereof -- to produce certain goods. But other duties in place will continue to apply. The new tariff exemptions are backdated, so they technically took effect on Thursday, according to the order published by the White House. The Trump administration has been stepping up efforts to convince Americans of the economy's strength as affordability concerns emerged as a key issue in this month's elections for New York City mayor, and the governors of New Jersey and Virginia. Democrats swept all three of those races, with an intense focus on cost-of-living issues. The list of tariff exemptions published Friday also covers other produce such as avocados, coconuts and pineapples. Among the products targeted are commodities that the United States imports in order to meet domestic demand. The majority of America's coffee comes from abroad, and coffee prices have jumped by around 20 per cent in August and September, respectively. Part of the reason involved climate shocks, but costs have also been disrupted by tariffs. National Coffee Association president Bill Murray said the White House move will help "ease cost-of-living pressures for the two-thirds of American adults who rely on coffee each day" and secure supplies for US companies. Beef prices have been rising this year as well, in part due to a tighter supply of cattle. On Friday, the White House said that "certain qualifying agricultural products will no longer be subject to those tariffs, such as certain food not grown in the United States." 'We're going to fix it' Washington's latest announcement comes a day after it unveiled trade agreements with Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador and El Salvador. Under the deals, Washington committed to removing "reciprocal" tariffs as well on certain goods that the United States cannot grow, mine or produce in sufficient quantities. Since returning to the presidency in January, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on US trading partners, sparking warnings from economists that these could fuel inflation and weigh on growth. While there has not been a sharp uptick in overall consumer inflation, policymakers have noted that tariffs pushed up prices of certain goods. They expect the effect of higher levies to continue filtering through the world's biggest economy. The Trump administration has acknowledged affordability worries that Americans are facing, with Trump's top economic advisor nodding to a loss of purchasing power in recent years. "That's something that we're going to fix, and we're going to fix it right away," Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, said this week. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Trump administration has been stepping up efforts to convince Americans of the economy's strength as affordability concerns emerged as a key issue in this month's elections for New York City mayor, and the governors of New Jersey and Virginia.

Trump signs order lowering tariffs on beef, coffee, other agricultural goods

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement and support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and launched a personal attack on her, labelling her a 'ranting lunatic'. While Greene maintains that she has been a scapegoat for demanding justice for Epstein victims and demanding the release of files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.&nbsp;“She has told many people that she is upset that I don’t return her phone calls anymore, but with 219 Congressmen/women, 53 U.S. Senators, 24 Cabinet Members, almost 200 Countries, and an otherwise normal life to lead, I can’t take a ranting Lunatic’s call every day,” wrote Trump in a Truth Social Post.Marjorie had been cornering Trump for some time over various issues, and since last week, Trump has decided to respond. This marks a remarkable rift within the Republicans, where two former allies are at loggerheads.&nbsp;

Marjorie denied calling Trump and said that it's the Epstein files that have sent Trump over the edge. In a post on social platform X, Greene expressed her anguish about how far Trump is going to stop the release of the Epstein files. She also had been critical of Trump's overemphasis on foreign policies, and attacked Trump on domestic policies like health insurance premiums and problems that are hurting the vulnerable section of the population.Greene said that she stood by Donald Trump when everyone was against him and spent her own money and energy. But she will speak up when Trump is wrong, because “I don’t worship or serve Donald Trump”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump just attacked me and lied about me. I haven’t called him at all, but I did send these text messages today. Apparently this is what sent him over the edge. The Epstein files. And of course he’s coming after me hard to make an example to scare all the other… <a href="https://t.co/EcUzaohZZs">pic.twitter.com/EcUzaohZZs</a>&mdash; Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1989518703507963940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During the visit of Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara to the White House, &nbsp;Trump said, “I don’t know what happened to Marjorie, nice woman. She’s lost her way, I think.” Trump accused her of drifting off to the “other side”. He defended his global focus as necessary, saying he must "view the presidency as a worldwide situation, not locally," because “we could have a world that’s on fire, where wars come to our shores very easily, if you had a bad president.”&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump withdraws support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her a “ranting lunatic” over Epstein files demands. Greene responds, defending her stance on justice for Epstein victims and criticising Trump’s domestic policies.

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement and support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and launched a personal attack on her, labelling her a 'ranting lunatic'. While Greene maintains that she has been a scapegoat for demanding justice for Epstein victims and demanding the release of files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “She has told many people that she is upset that I don’t return her phone calls anymore, but with 219 Congressmen/women, 53 U.S. Senators, 24 Cabinet Members, almost 200 Countries, and an otherwise normal life to lead, I can’t take a ranting Lunatic’s call every day,” wrote Trump in a Truth Social Post. Marjorie had been cornering Trump for some time over various issues, and since last week, Trump has decided to respond. This marks a remarkable rift within the Republicans, where two former allies are at loggerheads.

US President Donald Trump withdraws support from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her a “ranting lunatic” over Epstein files demands. Greene responds, defending her stance on justice for Epstein victims and criticising Trump’s domestic policies.

'Ranting lunatic': Trump withdraws support from Marjorie Taylor Greene as Republican rift widens

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 14) said that he would sue the BBC for up to $5 billion over a misleading edited video of his speech. The US president’s remarks come a day after the British broadcaster said that its chairman apologised but insisted that the mistake does not amount to defamation. Earlier this week, Trump’s lawyers sent a letter to the BBC, accusing it of defaming the US president over an edited clip from a speech before the 2021 US Capitol riot.“We’ll sue them for anywhere between a billion and five billion dollars, probably some time next week. I think I have to do it. They've even admitted that they cheated,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.He further claimed that people of the UK are “very angry” about the incident, labelling the BBC as “fake news”.“The people of the UK are very angry about what happened, as you can imagine, because it shows the BBC is fake news,” Trump said.He also said that he planned on raising the issue with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has backed the independence of the broadcaster while avoiding taking sides against Trump. He added that Starmer is “very embarrassed”.“I’m going to call him over the weekend. He actually put a call into me. He’s very embarrassed.”On Monday, the BBC admitted that the edit wrongly gave the impression that Trump had directly called for violent action before the Capitol riot. The fallout has already led to the resignations of the director-general and the BBC's head of news.In the letter sent to the White House, BBC chair Samir Shah, told Trump that both he and the corporation “are sorry for the edit of the president’s speech,” the broadcaster said in a statement, as per AFP.&nbsp;

The US president’s remarks come a day after the British broadcaster apologised but insisted that the mistake does not amount to defamation.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Nov 14) said that he would sue the BBC for up to $5 billion over a misleading edited video of his speech. The US president’s remarks come a day after the British broadcaster said that its chairman apologised but insisted that the mistake does not amount to defamation. Earlier this week, Trump’s lawyers sent a letter to the BBC, accusing it of defaming the US president over an edited clip from a speech before the 2021 US Capitol riot. “We’ll sue them for anywhere between a billion and five billion dollars, probably some time next week. I think I have to do it. They've even admitted that they cheated,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. He further claimed that people of the UK are “very angry” about the incident, labelling the BBC as “fake news”. “The people of the UK are very angry about what happened, as you can imagine, because it shows the BBC is fake news,” Trump said. He also said that he planned on raising the issue with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has backed the independence of the broadcaster while avoiding taking sides against Trump. He added that Starmer is “very embarrassed”. “I’m going to call him over the weekend. He actually put a call into me. He’s very embarrassed.” On Monday, the BBC admitted that the edit wrongly gave the impression that Trump had directly called for violent action before the Capitol riot. The fallout has already led to the resignations of the director-general and the BBC's head of news. In the letter sent to the White House, BBC chair Samir Shah, told Trump that both he and the corporation “are sorry for the edit of the president’s speech,” the broadcaster said in a statement, as per AFP.

The US president’s remarks come a day after the British broadcaster apologised but insisted that the mistake does not amount to defamation.

Trump to sue BBC over edited video? Says he plans to raise issue with Starmer a day after British broadcaster’s apology

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, will lead his country’s delegation to the seventh NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave in New Delhi from Nov. 19-20, the interim government in Dhaka announced earlier today. Hosted by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the gathering will include counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, at the Indian Ocean security forum that has quietly expanded, from just a trilateral maritime dialogue previously.&nbsp;'The Interim Government emphasises regional cooperation as a priority and has actively participated in meetings of various regional bodies. In April this year, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was elected Chair of BIMSTEC. He has been working hard to reactivate SAARC', Bangladesh statement said.&nbsp;The visit marks the highest-level security engagement between India and Bangladesh since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina, who fled to India after student-led protests toppled her 15-year rule, had forged a tight partnership with New Delhi on counterterrorism, border management, and trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since her departure, and takeover of Yunus interim govt, Delhi Dhaka ties remain frosty. Bangladesh accuses India of sheltering Hasina as Delhi worries about rising anti India views in Dhaka and about the safety of minority Hindu population in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Next week's Colombo Security Conclave will focus on maritime domain awareness, counterterrorism, and disaster response. Maldives will be represented by NSA Ibrahim Latheef, Mauritius by NSA Vivek Johri &amp; Sri Lanka by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha at the conclave. &nbsp;

Hosted by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the gathering will include counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, at the Indian Ocean security forum that has quietly expanded, from just a trilateral maritime dialogue previously.

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, will lead his country’s delegation to the seventh NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave in New Delhi from Nov. 19-20, the interim government in Dhaka announced earlier today. Hosted by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the gathering will include counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, at the Indian Ocean security forum that has quietly expanded, from just a trilateral maritime dialogue previously. 'The Interim Government emphasises regional cooperation as a priority and has actively participated in meetings of various regional bodies. In April this year, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was elected Chair of BIMSTEC. He has been working hard to reactivate SAARC', Bangladesh statement said. The visit marks the highest-level security engagement between India and Bangladesh since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina, who fled to India after student-led protests toppled her 15-year rule, had forged a tight partnership with New Delhi on counterterrorism, border management, and trade. Since her departure, and takeover of Yunus interim govt, Delhi Dhaka ties remain frosty. Bangladesh accuses India of sheltering Hasina as Delhi worries about rising anti India views in Dhaka and about the safety of minority Hindu population in the country. Next week's Colombo Security Conclave will focus on maritime domain awareness, counterterrorism, and disaster response. Maldives will be represented by NSA Ibrahim Latheef, Mauritius by NSA Vivek Johri & Sri Lanka by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha at the conclave.

Hosted by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the gathering will include counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, at the Indian Ocean security forum that has quietly expanded, from just a trilateral maritime dialogue previously.

Bangladesh’s top security official to visit Delhi for key security conclave hosted by NSA Ajit Doval

On Friday (Nov 14), many in central Stockholm were hit by a bus. The accident occurred on Valhallavägen near the Royal Institute of Technology. The authorities confirmed three were killed and three injured. The first responders: police, emergency services and ambulances rushed to the incident spot. Valhallavägen was closed between Odengatan and Engelbrektsgatan as the operation continued. As reported by news agency AFP, the incident occurred in the Ostermalm district of the Swedish capital, and police said earlier that the driver had been arrested and a manslaughter investigation opened. The police said the double-decker bus crashed into a bus stop queue in central Stockholm during Friday's afternoon rush hour.

The first responders, police, emergency services and ambulances rushed to the incident spot. Valhallavägen was closed between Odengatan and Engelbrektsgatan as the operation continued.

On Friday (Nov 14), many in central Stockholm were hit by a bus. The accident occurred on Valhallavägen near the Royal Institute of Technology. The authorities confirmed three were killed and three injured. The first responders: police, emergency services and ambulances rushed to the incident spot. Valhallavägen was closed between Odengatan and Engelbrektsgatan as the operation continued. As reported by news agency AFP, the incident occurred in the Ostermalm district of the Swedish capital, and police said earlier that the driver had been arrested and a manslaughter investigation opened. The police said the double-decker bus crashed into a bus stop queue in central Stockholm during Friday's afternoon rush hour.

The first responders, police, emergency services and ambulances rushed to the incident spot. Valhallavägen was closed between Odengatan and Engelbrektsgatan as the operation continued.

Many feared dead in Sweden’s Stockholm after bus ramped into pedestrians

US President Donald Trump said Friday (Nov 14), he wants the Justice Department and FBI to investigate links between the late alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and former Democratic President Bill Clinton.&nbsp;Seeking to turn the tables after a new trove of Epstein emails reignited questions over his own ties to the disgraced financier, Trump also demanded a probe into US bank JPMorgan Chase, ex-Harvard president Larry Summers and others.&nbsp;Republican Trump accused rival Democrats of "using the Epstein Hoax" to distract from the party's recent compromise to end a record US government shutdown, and said the scandal involved "Democrats, not Republicans."&nbsp;"I will be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, JP Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions," Trump said on Truth Social.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011">Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</a>&nbsp;"Records show that these men, and many others, spent large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his 'Island.'"&nbsp;Clinton has long faced scrutiny over his ties to Epstein and flew on his private plane, although he has never been accused of wrongdoing in the scandal.&nbsp;Epstein said that Clinton had "never ever" been to his notorious private island in the Caribbean, according to several emails in the latest trove dating from 2011 and viewed by AFP.&nbsp;There was no immediate comment from Clinton, Summers, LinkedIn founder Hoffman or JP Morgan Chase, which in 2023 agreed to pay $290 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought by victims of Epstein, its former client.&nbsp;Trump's message broke two days of silence over the scandal, with the emails released on Wednesday renewing questions over the 79-year-old's long, close relationship with Epstein.&nbsp;Epstein died in prison in 2019 -- by suicide, authorities ruled -- before he could face trial on federal sex charges. But questions over his alleged masterminding of a sex ring where powerful men were provided with underaged girls only grew.<h2>&nbsp;'A country to run'&nbsp;</h2>Trump himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing yet the scandal has dogged Trump since his return to the White House in January, despite his attempts to put on a lid on the issue.&nbsp;Trump and some of his close allies -- including his FBI chief Kash Patel -- had in the past promised his right-wing base they would seek the release of all the evidence against Epstein, including details of his alleged clients.&nbsp;But there was a furious MAGA backlash after Trump's Justice Department in a July memo reaffirmed he died by suicide, and that a "client list" Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed to have been reviewing did not in fact exist.&nbsp;The scandal peaked again on Wednesday with the release of emails subpoenaed by Congress from Epstein's estate.&nbsp;The email traffic between Epstein and friends said Trump "knew about the girls" and had spent "hours" with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims and the main accuser.&nbsp;The White House says Giuffre, who herself died by suicide in April, had declared that Trump "couldn't have been friendlier."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-emails-russian-diplomats-jagland-1763121190887">Epstein tried to reach Sergei Lavrov to give insights on Trump, emails reveal</a>&nbsp;Now the House of Representatives will vote as early as next week on demanding release by the Justice Department of its materials on Epstein, after a rebellion by a handful of MAGA lawmakers provided sufficient votes.&nbsp;Those materials could include far more damning evidence than has been previously seen on the links between Epstein and his circle, which over the years ranged from Trump to Britain's ex-prince Andrew.&nbsp;Trump on Friday made clear he does not want the effort to proceed.&nbsp;"Don't waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run!" he said on social media.

Republican Trump accused rival Democrats of "using the Epstein Hoax" to distract from the party's recent compromise to end a record US government shutdown, and said the scandal involved "Democrats, not Republicans."



US President Donald Trump said Friday (Nov 14), he wants the Justice Department and FBI to investigate links between the late alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and former Democratic President Bill Clinton. Seeking to turn the tables after a new trove of Epstein emails reignited questions over his own ties to the disgraced financier, Trump also demanded a probe into US bank JPMorgan Chase, ex-Harvard president Larry Summers and others. Republican Trump accused rival Democrats of "using the Epstein Hoax" to distract from the party's recent compromise to end a record US government shutdown, and said the scandal involved "Democrats, not Republicans." "I will be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, JP Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions," Trump said on Truth Social. Also Read: Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' "Records show that these men, and many others, spent large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his 'Island.'" Clinton has long faced scrutiny over his ties to Epstein and flew on his private plane, although he has never been accused of wrongdoing in the scandal. Epstein said that Clinton had "never ever" been to his notorious private island in the Caribbean, according to several emails in the latest trove dating from 2011 and viewed by AFP. There was no immediate comment from Clinton, Summers, LinkedIn founder Hoffman or JP Morgan Chase, which in 2023 agreed to pay $290 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought by victims of Epstein, its former client. Trump's message broke two days of silence over the scandal, with the emails released on Wednesday renewing questions over the 79-year-old's long, close relationship with Epstein. Epstein died in prison in 2019 -- by suicide, authorities ruled -- before he could face trial on federal sex charges. But questions over his alleged masterminding of a sex ring where powerful men were provided with underaged girls only grew. 'A country to run' Trump himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing yet the scandal has dogged Trump since his return to the White House in January, despite his attempts to put on a lid on the issue. Trump and some of his close allies -- including his FBI chief Kash Patel -- had in the past promised his right-wing base they would seek the release of all the evidence against Epstein, including details of his alleged clients. But there was a furious MAGA backlash after Trump's Justice Department in a July memo reaffirmed he died by suicide, and that a "client list" Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed to have been reviewing did not in fact exist. The scandal peaked again on Wednesday with the release of emails subpoenaed by Congress from Epstein's estate. The email traffic between Epstein and friends said Trump "knew about the girls" and had spent "hours" with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims and the main accuser. The White House says Giuffre, who herself died by suicide in April, had declared that Trump "couldn't have been friendlier." Also Read: Epstein tried to reach Sergei Lavrov to give insights on Trump, emails reveal Now the House of Representatives will vote as early as next week on demanding release by the Justice Department of its materials on Epstein, after a rebellion by a handful of MAGA lawmakers provided sufficient votes. Those materials could include far more damning evidence than has been previously seen on the links between Epstein and his circle, which over the years ranged from Trump to Britain's ex-prince Andrew. Trump on Friday made clear he does not want the effort to proceed. "Don't waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run!" he said on social media.

Republican Trump accused rival Democrats of "using the Epstein Hoax" to distract from the party's recent compromise to end a record US government shutdown, and said the scandal involved “Democrats, not Republicans.”

Trump demands probe into Epstein links to Bill Clinton

The Pakistan government on Friday said that authorities have arrested four militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan for their involvement in a suicide attack outside a court campus in Islamabad. According to Pakistani authorities, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (11 Nov) attack outside a district court, which killed 12 people and wounded dozens.&nbsp;“The network was handled and guided at every step by the … high command based in Afghanistan,” a Pakistani government statement said on Friday, adding that the cell’s alleged commander and three other members were in custody.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-pakistan-supreme-court-judges-resign-after-27th-amendment-enacted-as-law-1763056049861">'A grave assault on Constitution': Two Pakistan Supreme Court judges resign after 27th Amendment enacted as Law</a>&nbsp;“Investigations are continuing, and more revelations and arrests are expected,” it said, identifying the bomber as Usman alias Qari, a resident of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. The government did not detail where the arrests were made. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate on Thursday that the bomber was Afghan. On Monday, Naqvi alleged that Afghan nationals were involved in this week’s attack on Cadet College Wana, a military-affiliated institution in northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;Tensions between Pakistan and its Western neighbour, Afghanistan, escalated in recent months, prompted by frequent border clashes, security concerns, and disagreement over interference in each other's domestic affairs.&nbsp;Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harbouring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil, which launches attacks inside Pakistan.&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: Pakistan enacts 27th Amendment; Army chief gains lifelong immunity and expanded powers</a>&nbsp;Taliban government, however, denies any involvement and argues that it's not its responsibility to look after Pakistan's internal security issues.The dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations.&nbsp;The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;

Pakistan arrested four TTP-linked militants over the Islamabad court bombing that killed 12. Pakistan says they were receiving instructions from handlers based in Afghanistan.

The Pakistan government on Friday said that authorities have arrested four militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan for their involvement in a suicide attack outside a court campus in Islamabad. According to Pakistani authorities, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the Tuesday (11 Nov) attack outside a district court, which killed 12 people and wounded dozens. “The network was handled and guided at every step by the … high command based in Afghanistan,” a Pakistani government statement said on Friday, adding that the cell’s alleged commander and three other members were in custody. Also Read: 'A grave assault on Constitution': Two Pakistan Supreme Court judges resign after 27th Amendment enacted as Law “Investigations are continuing, and more revelations and arrests are expected,” it said, identifying the bomber as Usman alias Qari, a resident of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. The government did not detail where the arrests were made. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate on Thursday that the bomber was Afghan. On Monday, Naqvi alleged that Afghan nationals were involved in this week’s attack on Cadet College Wana, a military-affiliated institution in northwest Pakistan. Tensions between Pakistan and its Western neighbour, Afghanistan, escalated in recent months, prompted by frequent border clashes, security concerns, and disagreement over interference in each other's domestic affairs. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harbouring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil, which launches attacks inside Pakistan. Also Read: Military rule 2.0: Pakistan enacts 27th Amendment; Army chief gains lifelong immunity and expanded powers Taliban government, however, denies any involvement and argues that it's not its responsibility to look after Pakistan's internal security issues. The dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations. The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.

Pakistan arrested four TTP-linked militants over the Islamabad court bombing that killed 12. Pakistan says they were receiving instructions from handlers based in Afghanistan.

Pakistan nabs four TTP militants linked to Afghan cell in connection with suicide bombing in Islamabad court

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will press for security guarantees while US President Donald Trump will urge him to normalise ties with Israel when the de facto Saudi ruler breaks a seven-year absence from Washington this week.Saudi Arabia is unlikely to agree to normalisation at this stage, with Prince Mohammed's priority set for firmer US security guarantees after Israeli strikes in September on Qatar, an iron-clad US ally, rattled the wealthy Gulf region."For the Saudis, the goal of this trip... appears to be threefold: to elevate, consolidate, and facilitate security and defence cooperation," wrote Aziz Alghashian from the Washington-based think tank Arab Gulf States Institute.The 40-year-old heir to the throne is making his first US visit since the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents prompted worldwide outrage and briefly upended ties.&nbsp;Prince Mohammed is friendly with Trump, a relationship that was burnished by a lavish welcome and $600 billion in investment pledges when Trump visited the world's biggest oil exporter in May. The visit will last three days starting Monday, with the crown prince to meet Trump on Tuesday, a source close to the government had told AFP, as the Saudi ruler's trips are rarely announced in advance. A US-Saudi investment forum spotlighting energy and artificial intelligence will take place in Washington during the prince's visit, the event's website says.&nbsp;<h2>‘We keep being asked’</h2>&nbsp;Ahead of his arrival, Trump has been vocal about Saudi Arabia, a Middle East heavyweight, recognising Israel by joining the Abraham Accords -- a grand prize for the White House that Riyadh seems unlikely to bestow in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war. "We have a lot of people joining the Abraham Accords and hopefully we are going to get Saudi Arabia very soon," Trump told a business forum in Miami.&nbsp;Tentative moves towards normalisation, in return for security and energy guarantees, were put on hold after the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 triggered Israel's devastating war in Gaza. Riyadh appears in no mood to acquiesce in the current climate, especially as it leads an international push for a Palestinian state -- its oft-stated condition for normalising ties. "A Palestinian state is a prerequisite for regional integration," Manal Radwan, who heads the negotiating team at the Saudi foreign affairs ministry, underlined this month at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain."We have said it many times, and I don't think that we have received a full understanding, because we keep being asked this question," she added.&nbsp;Instead, the Saudi ruler will seek better US security guarantees. Doha secured an executive order that Trump signed, vowing to defend Qatar against attacks after Israel's attack -- a deal that experts say other Gulf countries are eager to snatch. As well as advanced air and missile defence systems, Riyadh is reportedly seeking to buy F-35 fighter jets, currently only owned by Israel in the Middle East. It will also push hard for access to the high-tech chips it needs to fuel its artificial intelligence ambitions, experts said.&nbsp;<h2>Bromance&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;As Riyadh embarks on ambitious tourist and entertainment projects to diversify its oil-reliant economy, it has sought to de-escalate regional tensions -- including with former arch-rival Iran. Radwan said the kingdom would continue to offer its "good offices" on the Iranian issue, adding that "direct negotiation between Iran and the United States is essential to resolve the nuclear file". "At stake is whether the Crown Prince can formalise a durable US–Saudi framework that delivers credible deterrence against Iran and underwrites Vision 2030," said Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King's College London, referring to the oil-rich kingdom's ambitious economic diversification plan.&nbsp;"In return, Washington will press for tighter guardrails on sensitive China links and tangible movement tied to an eventual Israel track and a plausible political horizon for Palestinians," he told AFP. In May, at the start of Trump's first foreign tour since returning to office, his "bromance" with Prince Mohammed was on full display, with the president warmly complimenting his host. Their bonhomie has delivered results, particularly with regards to Syria, whose long-time president was toppled last December after 14 years of civil war.&nbsp;Trump said it was the prince who convinced him to drop sanctions on Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, and to meet the country's jihadist-turned-president in Riyadh. Six months later, Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House.

The 40-year-old heir to the throne is making his first US visit since the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents prompted worldwide outrage and briefly upended ties.



Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will press for security guarantees while US President Donald Trump will urge him to normalise ties with Israel when the de facto Saudi ruler breaks a seven-year absence from Washington this week. Saudi Arabia is unlikely to agree to normalisation at this stage, with Prince Mohammed's priority set for firmer US security guarantees after Israeli strikes in September on Qatar, an iron-clad US ally, rattled the wealthy Gulf region. "For the Saudis, the goal of this trip... appears to be threefold: to elevate, consolidate, and facilitate security and defence cooperation," wrote Aziz Alghashian from the Washington-based think tank Arab Gulf States Institute. The 40-year-old heir to the throne is making his first US visit since the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents prompted worldwide outrage and briefly upended ties. Prince Mohammed is friendly with Trump, a relationship that was burnished by a lavish welcome and $600 billion in investment pledges when Trump visited the world's biggest oil exporter in May. The visit will last three days starting Monday, with the crown prince to meet Trump on Tuesday, a source close to the government had told AFP, as the Saudi ruler's trips are rarely announced in advance. A US-Saudi investment forum spotlighting energy and artificial intelligence will take place in Washington during the prince's visit, the event's website says. ‘We keep being asked’ Ahead of his arrival, Trump has been vocal about Saudi Arabia, a Middle East heavyweight, recognising Israel by joining the Abraham Accords -- a grand prize for the White House that Riyadh seems unlikely to bestow in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war. "We have a lot of people joining the Abraham Accords and hopefully we are going to get Saudi Arabia very soon," Trump told a business forum in Miami. Tentative moves towards normalisation, in return for security and energy guarantees, were put on hold after the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 triggered Israel's devastating war in Gaza. Riyadh appears in no mood to acquiesce in the current climate, especially as it leads an international push for a Palestinian state -- its oft-stated condition for normalising ties. "A Palestinian state is a prerequisite for regional integration," Manal Radwan, who heads the negotiating team at the Saudi foreign affairs ministry, underlined this month at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. "We have said it many times, and I don't think that we have received a full understanding, because we keep being asked this question," she added. Instead, the Saudi ruler will seek better US security guarantees. Doha secured an executive order that Trump signed, vowing to defend Qatar against attacks after Israel's attack -- a deal that experts say other Gulf countries are eager to snatch. As well as advanced air and missile defence systems, Riyadh is reportedly seeking to buy F-35 fighter jets, currently only owned by Israel in the Middle East. It will also push hard for access to the high-tech chips it needs to fuel its artificial intelligence ambitions, experts said. Bromance As Riyadh embarks on ambitious tourist and entertainment projects to diversify its oil-reliant economy, it has sought to de-escalate regional tensions -- including with former arch-rival Iran. Radwan said the kingdom would continue to offer its "good offices" on the Iranian issue, adding that "direct negotiation between Iran and the United States is essential to resolve the nuclear file". "At stake is whether the Crown Prince can formalise a durable US–Saudi framework that delivers credible deterrence against Iran and underwrites Vision 2030," said Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King's College London, referring to the oil-rich kingdom's ambitious economic diversification plan. "In return, Washington will press for tighter guardrails on sensitive China links and tangible movement tied to an eventual Israel track and a plausible political horizon for Palestinians," he told AFP. In May, at the start of Trump's first foreign tour since returning to office, his "bromance" with Prince Mohammed was on full display, with the president warmly complimenting his host. Their bonhomie has delivered results, particularly with regards to Syria, whose long-time president was toppled last December after 14 years of civil war. Trump said it was the prince who convinced him to drop sanctions on Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, and to meet the country's jihadist-turned-president in Riyadh. Six months later, Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House.

The 40-year-old heir to the throne is making his first US visit since the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents prompted worldwide outrage and briefly upended ties.&nbsp;

Saudi prince, eyeing defence pledge, to meet Trump after long US absence

Ties between China and Japan worsened after Beijing’s defence ministry on Friday (Nov 14) warned that Japan would face a “crushing defeat” by the Chinese military if it attempted to use force to intervene over Taiwan. On Thursday, China’s foreign ministry issued a similar threat, stating that any Japanese military involvement in the Taiwan Strait would be regarded as “an act of aggression.”&nbsp;"Should the Japanese side fail to draw lessons from history and dare to take a risk, or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a crushing defeat against the steel-willed People's Liberation Army and pay a heavy price," Jiang said in a statement, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson, Jiang Bin said in a statement.<h2>Takachi's remarks</h2>The Asian neighbours, who have been at odds with each other through the course of history, have been locked in an escalating war of words this week, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan in Parliament.&nbsp;Her comments on November 7 were widely interpreted as implying that an attack on Taiwan, which is just 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the nearest Japanese island, could warrant Tokyo's military support.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-japan-directly-get-involved-if-china-invades-taiwan-pm-says-its-forces-could-be-activated-here-s-why-this-warning-matters-1762756234944">Will Japan directly get involved if China invades Taiwan? PM says its forces could be activated. Here's why this warning matters</a>&nbsp;If a Taiwan emergency entails "battleships and the use of force, then that could constitute a situation threatening the survival (of Japan), any way you slice it," Takaichi told parliament.&nbsp;"The so-called Taiwan contingency has become so serious that we have to anticipate the worst-case scenario," said Takaichi.&nbsp;Japan's self-imposed rules say that it can only act militarily under certain conditions, including an existential threat.&nbsp;Wang Hung-jen, a political analyst at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, said the comments "sent a very strong message to China: Japan is no longer just standing by and watching".&nbsp;The Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday called on Japan to "retract the unjustified remarks", warning otherwise that the "consequences... must be borne by the Japanese side".&nbsp;Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and insists it can use force to reunify the island if required. While most nations, including Japan and the United States, do not formally recognise Taiwan as an independent country, Washington opposes any move to seize the self-governed island by force and continues to provide it with military support.&nbsp;

China and Japan exchanged sharp warnings after Tokyo hinted it could aid Taiwan militarily. Beijing threatened severe consequences, escalating tensions as Japan faces growing security concerns and reviews its defence posture.

Ties between China and Japan worsened after Beijing’s defence ministry on Friday (Nov 14) warned that Japan would face a “crushing defeat” by the Chinese military if it attempted to use force to intervene over Taiwan. On Thursday, China’s foreign ministry issued a similar threat, stating that any Japanese military involvement in the Taiwan Strait would be regarded as “an act of aggression.” "Should the Japanese side fail to draw lessons from history and dare to take a risk, or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a crushing defeat against the steel-willed People's Liberation Army and pay a heavy price," Jiang said in a statement, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson, Jiang Bin said in a statement. Takachi's remarks The Asian neighbours, who have been at odds with each other through the course of history, have been locked in an escalating war of words this week, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan in Parliament. Her comments on November 7 were widely interpreted as implying that an attack on Taiwan, which is just 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the nearest Japanese island, could warrant Tokyo's military support. Also Read: Will Japan directly get involved if China invades Taiwan? PM says its forces could be activated. Here's why this warning matters If a Taiwan emergency entails "battleships and the use of force, then that could constitute a situation threatening the survival (of Japan), any way you slice it," Takaichi told parliament. "The so-called Taiwan contingency has become so serious that we have to anticipate the worst-case scenario," said Takaichi. Japan's self-imposed rules say that it can only act militarily under certain conditions, including an existential threat. Wang Hung-jen, a political analyst at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, said the comments "sent a very strong message to China: Japan is no longer just standing by and watching". The Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday called on Japan to "retract the unjustified remarks", warning otherwise that the "consequences... must be borne by the Japanese side". Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and insists it can use force to reunify the island if required. While most nations, including Japan and the United States, do not formally recognise Taiwan as an independent country, Washington opposes any move to seize the self-governed island by force and continues to provide it with military support.

China and Japan exchanged sharp warnings after Tokyo hinted it could aid Taiwan militarily. Beijing threatened severe consequences, escalating tensions as Japan faces growing security concerns and reviews its defence posture.

China–Japan tensions spike after Beijing warns of “crushing defeat” over possible Taiwan intervention

The late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein tried to connect with top Russian diplomats through Thorbjørn Jagland, the former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, according to one of the hundreds of emails released by the congressional investigations on Thursday. &nbsp;The emails were obtained after a Democratic subpoena of Epstein’s estate, and contain years of interactions with Russian officials and others close to Trump.<h2>Jeffrey Epstein's mail to Thorbjørn Jagland</h2>“I think you might suggest to Putin that Lavrov can get insight on talking to me,” Epstein wrote in an email to Thorbjørn Jagland on June 24, 2018. &nbsp;“Thank you fo a lovely evening. I’ll com to un high level week,” replied Jagland in a cryptic email. It is unclear if they followed up on the conversation. In a similar conversation, Epstein also indicated that he talked with former Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin, before Churkin died in 2017“Churkin was great,” Epstein wrote. “He understood Trump after our conversations. it is not complex. He must be seen to get something, it's that simple.”Thorbjørn Jagland was a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee till 2020 and also served as the Prime Minister of Norway for one year. He has been accused of inaction against corruption[10][11] and of servility towards Vladimir Putin's Russia. He distanced himself from the development. In a text message to the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Jagland said, “In my work I have met a lot of people, many have put me in contact with even more. This is part of normal diplomatic activity…what has come to light about Jeffrey Epstein’s private life, I strongly distance myself from.”This email from Epstein to Jagland was just weeks ahead of the Helsinki summit in July 2018 to discuss situations in Syria and Ukraine. Epstein criticised Trump’s approach to dealing with Putin in an email to former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. Epstein referred to Trump's acceptance of Putin's denial of Russian involvement in the 2016 Presidential election. Epstein was arrested in 2019 and died in a prison in Manhattan awaiting his trial.The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said on Wednesday that these emails prove absolutely nothing. Trump accused Democrats of “trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again”.

Newly released congressional emails reveal Jeffrey Epstein tried to connect with Russian diplomats via Thorbjørn Jagland ahead of the 2018 Helsinki summit.

The late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein tried to connect with top Russian diplomats through Thorbjørn Jagland, the former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, according to one of the hundreds of emails released by the congressional investigations on Thursday. The emails were obtained after a Democratic subpoena of Epstein’s estate, and contain years of interactions with Russian officials and others close to Trump. Jeffrey Epstein's mail to Thorbjørn Jagland “I think you might suggest to Putin that Lavrov can get insight on talking to me,” Epstein wrote in an email to Thorbjørn Jagland on June 24, 2018. “Thank you fo a lovely evening. I’ll com to un high level week,” replied Jagland in a cryptic email. It is unclear if they followed up on the conversation. In a similar conversation, Epstein also indicated that he talked with former Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin, before Churkin died in 2017“Churkin was great,” Epstein wrote. “He understood Trump after our conversations. it is not complex. He must be seen to get something, it's that simple.” Thorbjørn Jagland was a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee till 2020 and also served as the Prime Minister of Norway for one year. He has been accused of inaction against corruption[10][11] and of servility towards Vladimir Putin's Russia. He distanced himself from the development. In a text message to the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Jagland said, “In my work I have met a lot of people, many have put me in contact with even more. This is part of normal diplomatic activity…what has come to light about Jeffrey Epstein’s private life, I strongly distance myself from.” This email from Epstein to Jagland was just weeks ahead of the Helsinki summit in July 2018 to discuss situations in Syria and Ukraine. Epstein criticised Trump’s approach to dealing with Putin in an email to former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. Epstein referred to Trump's acceptance of Putin's denial of Russian involvement in the 2016 Presidential election. Epstein was arrested in 2019 and died in a prison in Manhattan awaiting his trial. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said on Wednesday that these emails prove absolutely nothing. Trump accused Democrats of “trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again”.

Newly released congressional emails reveal Jeffrey Epstein tried to connect with Russian diplomats via Thorbjørn Jagland ahead of the 2018 Helsinki summit.

Epstein tried to reach Sergei Lavrov to give insights on Trump, emails reveal

Money from the drug trade does not stop at the beach. It needs to be cleaned and moved into the formal economy. In Balochistan, where the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar are billed as engines of growth, the same construction boom that attracts clean capital can also absorb dirty cash. International and Pakistani sources describe how drug proceeds move through hawala, shell firms and front people, then land in high-risk sectors such as real estate and construction. Weak ownership transparency and patchy enforcement increase that risk.&nbsp;UNODC and FATF have long warned that profits from Afghan heroin and, more recently, methamphetamine, are laundered both inside the region and abroad. Typical routes include money or value transfer services, cash smuggling and investments in legal businesses—especially property—because these absorb large sums with little scrutiny. In Pakistan and its neighbourhood, hawala remains a key channel. These are not abstract risks: they are the standard playbook for organised crime.&nbsp;Pakistan’s past assessments by FATF and the Asia/Pacific Group show why infrastructure and real estate deserve special attention. The 2019 mutual evaluation and subsequent follow-up reports flag structural weaknesses: limited transparency into who really owns companies, uneven supervision of “DNFBPs” (lawyers, accountants, real estate agents), and reliance on paper checks. While Pakistan has implemented reforms and left the FATF “grey list” in 2022, both the FATF/APG documents, as well as expert commentary, stress that real estate and construction remain high-risk channels for laundering.&nbsp;Policy also shapes incentives. Gwadar’s free zone profits enjoy long tax holidays and other exemptions intended to attract investors. These incentives are lawful, but they make the zone a magnet for fast-moving capital with fewer fiscal frictions—conditions that can attract both legitimate money and funds seeking a quick wash. Public investor guides spell out the depth of those exemptions, which, in some cases, run to 2039.&nbsp;The state’s own records show how front people and shell structures work on the ground. Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has used the Benami law since 2019 to target properties held through “name-lenders” and stand-ins. In 2020, FBR reported detecting hundreds of benami cases worth tens of billions of rupees; in 2025, it announced freshseizures where plots were held through a front person with forged credentials. Benami deals do not prove drug money, but they show how capital enters land and construction while hiding the real owner—exactly what a launderer needs.&nbsp;Auditors have also traced trade-based schemes that distort the books for Pakistan-linked firms, including contractors and importers. An Auditor-General report on customs found importers using shell companies in Dubai to under-invoice goods and move value off the books—classic techniques that can also hide criminal proceeds behind “normal” procurement. When construction materials are under-invoiced, projects gain unexplained price advantages, while illicit money slips through as supplier payments.&nbsp;In Balochistan, oversight gaps around big public works make those risks sharper. Transparency International Pakistan wrote in February 2025 to the Gwadar Port Authority about a tender it said breached procurement rules—one of several letters that month to federal and provincial bodies on weak compliance. Local media have also reported large accounting and contracting irregularities in Gwadar water and infrastructure projects reviewed by the provincial Public Accounts Committee. Such findings do not identify narcotics money, but they show a control environment where illicit capital could blend in.&nbsp;Financial regulators say they are tightening the net. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has pushed for beneficial-ownership disclosure since 2018 and, in April 2025, signalled plans for a central register of real owners to meet global standards. These steps matter: infrastructure contractors, sub-contractors and zone-registered companies should not be able to hide their ultimate controllers behind layers of nominees. But until such registers are live, verified and linked to public procurement, enforcement remains slow and reactive.&nbsp;What then ties narco-profits to cranes and concrete? First, the supply of illicit money is real and large. UNODC estimates show drug-related illicit financial flows on a scale comparable to formal exports in some markets; studies of Afghan opiate finance explain how proceeds cycle through hawala and into assets. When seizures surge on the nearby “southern route”, the pool of cash seeking a home expands.&nbsp;Second, the channels exist. Pakistan’s own Financial Monitoring Unit has documented cases where hawala networks supported smuggling and high-value imports. Benami seizures show how front people hold plots; audit findings show how shell firms and under-invoicing bleed value through trade. Each of these is a standard laundering step: placement through cash businesses and MVTS, layering through trade and shells, and integration through property and contracts.&nbsp;Third, the opportunity space around CPEC is wide. A 2021 analysis by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime warned that large transport corridors, including CPEC, can also serve organised crime by easing the movement of goods, people and finance unless governance keeps pace. Add generous tax breaks in Gwadar’s free zone and a procurement culture that watchdogs keep challenging, and you have a market where clean and dirty money can look the same on paper.&nbsp;None of these claims that any named CPEC firm is funded by drugs. It shows a system where the distance between narco-capital and infrastructure financing can be short. The remedy is not to halt projects, but to close the paths that dirty money takes. That means publishing the ultimate owners of every company that wins a public works contract in Balochistan. Requiring independent source-of-funds checks on major Gwadar free-zone investments; linking procurement and tax data to spot under-invoicing; and making benami orders and court outcomes searchable by project and district. It also means extending risk-based supervision to lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents who set up the shells and move the cash.

International and Pakistani sources describe how drug proceeds move through hawala, shell firms and front people, then land in high-risk sectors such as real estate and construction. Weak ownership transparency and patchy enforcement increase that risk.

Money from the drug trade does not stop at the beach. It needs to be cleaned and moved into the formal economy. In Balochistan, where the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar are billed as engines of growth, the same construction boom that attracts clean capital can also absorb dirty cash. International and Pakistani sources describe how drug proceeds move through hawala, shell firms and front people, then land in high-risk sectors such as real estate and construction. Weak ownership transparency and patchy enforcement increase that risk. UNODC and FATF have long warned that profits from Afghan heroin and, more recently, methamphetamine, are laundered both inside the region and abroad. Typical routes include money or value transfer services, cash smuggling and investments in legal businesses—especially property—because these absorb large sums with little scrutiny. In Pakistan and its neighbourhood, hawala remains a key channel. These are not abstract risks: they are the standard playbook for organised crime. Pakistan’s past assessments by FATF and the Asia/Pacific Group show why infrastructure and real estate deserve special attention. The 2019 mutual evaluation and subsequent follow-up reports flag structural weaknesses: limited transparency into who really owns companies, uneven supervision of “DNFBPs” (lawyers, accountants, real estate agents), and reliance on paper checks. While Pakistan has implemented reforms and left the FATF “grey list” in 2022, both the FATF/APG documents, as well as expert commentary, stress that real estate and construction remain high-risk channels for laundering. Policy also shapes incentives. Gwadar’s free zone profits enjoy long tax holidays and other exemptions intended to attract investors. These incentives are lawful, but they make the zone a magnet for fast-moving capital with fewer fiscal frictions—conditions that can attract both legitimate money and funds seeking a quick wash. Public investor guides spell out the depth of those exemptions, which, in some cases, run to 2039. The state’s own records show how front people and shell structures work on the ground. Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has used the Benami law since 2019 to target properties held through “name-lenders” and stand-ins. In 2020, FBR reported detecting hundreds of benami cases worth tens of billions of rupees; in 2025, it announced fresh seizures where plots were held through a front person with forged credentials. Benami deals do not prove drug money, but they show how capital enters land and construction while hiding the real owner—exactly what a launderer needs. Auditors have also traced trade-based schemes that distort the books for Pakistan-linked firms, including contractors and importers. An Auditor-General report on customs found importers using shell companies in Dubai to under-invoice goods and move value off the books—classic techniques that can also hide criminal proceeds behind “normal” procurement. When construction materials are under-invoiced, projects gain unexplained price advantages, while illicit money slips through as supplier payments. In Balochistan, oversight gaps around big public works make those risks sharper. Transparency International Pakistan wrote in February 2025 to the Gwadar Port Authority about a tender it said breached procurement rules—one of several letters that month to federal and provincial bodies on weak compliance. Local media have also reported large accounting and contracting irregularities in Gwadar water and infrastructure projects reviewed by the provincial Public Accounts Committee. Such findings do not identify narcotics money, but they show a control environment where illicit capital could blend in. Financial regulators say they are tightening the net. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has pushed for beneficial-ownership disclosure since 2018 and, in April 2025, signalled plans for a central register of real owners to meet global standards. These steps matter: infrastructure contractors, sub-contractors and zone-registered companies should not be able to hide their ultimate controllers behind layers of nominees. But until such registers are live, verified and linked to public procurement, enforcement remains slow and reactive. What then ties narco-profits to cranes and concrete? First, the supply of illicit money is real and large. UNODC estimates show drug-related illicit financial flows on a scale comparable to formal exports in some markets; studies of Afghan opiate finance explain how proceeds cycle through hawala and into assets. When seizures surge on the nearby “southern route”, the pool of cash seeking a home expands. Second, the channels exist. Pakistan’s own Financial Monitoring Unit has documented cases where hawala networks supported smuggling and high-value imports. Benami seizures show how front people hold plots; audit findings show how shell firms and under-invoicing bleed value through trade. Each of these is a standard laundering step: placement through cash businesses and MVTS, layering through trade and shells, and integration through property and contracts. Third, the opportunity space around CPEC is wide. A 2021 analysis by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime warned that large transport corridors, including CPEC, can also serve organised crime by easing the movement of goods, people and finance unless governance keeps pace. Add generous tax breaks in Gwadar’s free zone and a procurement culture that watchdogs keep challenging, and you have a market where clean and dirty money can look the same on paper. None of these claims that any named CPEC firm is funded by drugs. It shows a system where the distance between narco-capital and infrastructure financing can be short. The remedy is not to halt projects, but to close the paths that dirty money takes. That means publishing the ultimate owners of every company that wins a public works contract in Balochistan. Requiring independent source-of-funds checks on major Gwadar free-zone investments; linking procurement and tax data to spot under-invoicing; and making benami orders and court outcomes searchable by project and district. It also means extending risk-based supervision to lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents who set up the shells and move the cash.

International and Pakistani sources describe how drug proceeds move through hawala, shell firms and front people, then land in high-risk sectors such as real estate and construction. Weak ownership transparency and patchy enforcement increase that risk.

Tracking the financial trail: Narco-profits and infrastructure projects in Balochistanac

Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in the Karelia region near the Russia-Finland border on November 13 (Thursday), reported the Russian Ministry of Defence. The crash reportedly killed two pilots on board. No civilian injuries were reported in the disaster. This recent incident marks at least the fifth such crash this year, whether due to a technical malfunction or friendly fire.“Today, at around 7:00 p.m. Moscow time, a Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Karelia while performing a scheduled training flight. The aircraft crashed in an uninhabited area. The flight was performed without ammunition. The crew of the aircraft was killed,” read a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defence.Artur Parfenchikov, head of the Karelian Republic, said in a statement that the deceased pilots were part of Russia's 159th Fighter Aviation Regiment.<h2>Trend of Russian jet crashes</h2>In mid-October, the Ukrainian Navy claimed that the Russian Defence system shot down one of its own Su-30SM jets while trying to repel a Ukrainian drone attack over Crimea. However, Russia did not disclose the reason for the loss of the jet. &nbsp;Earlier in April 2025, a Sukhoi Su-34 crashed during a training flight near Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region. Russian media claimed that the aircraft faced a mechanical failure with part of its landing gear. In March 2025, a Su-25 attack aircraft crashed in the Primorsky Krai during a scheduled training flight. In February 2025, a Russian Su-24 fighter jet violated Polish airspace. Russia attributed it to its navigational failure. &nbsp;A growing trend of non-combat aviation loss accidents is being noticed in the Russian Air Force. Experts point to a decline in safety standards, due to inexperienced pilots, a lack of training time and increasing demand for combat with Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Karelia near the Finland border, killing two pilots. This marks at least the fifth Russian military aircraft incident in 2025.

Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in the Karelia region near the Russia-Finland border on November 13 (Thursday), reported the Russian Ministry of Defence. The crash reportedly killed two pilots on board. No civilian injuries were reported in the disaster. This recent incident marks at least the fifth such crash this year, whether due to a technical malfunction or friendly fire. “Today, at around 7:00 p.m. Moscow time, a Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Karelia while performing a scheduled training flight. The aircraft crashed in an uninhabited area. The flight was performed without ammunition. The crew of the aircraft was killed,” read a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defence. Artur Parfenchikov, head of the Karelian Republic, said in a statement that the deceased pilots were part of Russia's 159th Fighter Aviation Regiment. Trend of Russian jet crashes In mid-October, the Ukrainian Navy claimed that the Russian Defence system shot down one of its own Su-30SM jets while trying to repel a Ukrainian drone attack over Crimea. However, Russia did not disclose the reason for the loss of the jet. Earlier in April 2025, a Sukhoi Su-34 crashed during a training flight near Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region. Russian media claimed that the aircraft faced a mechanical failure with part of its landing gear. In March 2025, a Su-25 attack aircraft crashed in the Primorsky Krai during a scheduled training flight. In February 2025, a Russian Su-24 fighter jet violated Polish airspace. Russia attributed it to its navigational failure. A growing trend of non-combat aviation loss accidents is being noticed in the Russian Air Force. Experts point to a decline in safety standards, due to inexperienced pilots, a lack of training time and increasing demand for combat with Ukraine.

A Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Karelia near the Finland border, killing two pilots. This marks at least the fifth Russian military aircraft incident in 2025.

Growing trend of Russian jet crashes, Su-30 fighter jet crashes near Finland border during training

Famous pop star Billie Eilish, in a series of social media posts, attacked the world's first trillionaire, calling out the extreme wealth and inequality. In a series of stories, Billie referred to Elon as "f---ing pathetic p---- bitch coward." The nine-time Grammy award-winning musician posted slides from an activist group, My Voice, My Choice, which implies that Musk could use his fortune to solve all the major issues, from world hunger to saving endangered species.&nbsp;It was a carousel post, the first slide in the post featured a picture of Elon Musk, with captions: "Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire. Here's what he could do with it." The subsequent slides suggest a series of pictures that Musk could perform these tasks with a tiny portion of his wealth. Tesla founder could "end world hunger" and "choose to spend $40 billion every year to end world hunger by 2030 or provide universal safe clean water $140 billion for the planet for the next seven years."&nbsp;The following slide suggested that Musk could protect 10433 endangered species, by paying $1billion- $2 billion annually. The final slide reads, “At just $53.2 billion, Musk could rebuild Gaza and the occupied West Bank according to the EU. Although the UN predicts this could be upwards of $70 billion for Gaza alone. If he wanted to spread the wealth and aid further, he could also rebuild Ukraine and Syria at a cost of $793.2 billion.”<h2>World's first trillionaire</h2>The post from Billie Eilish comes as Elon Musk becomes the World's first trillionaire after Tesla shareholders approved a landmark package for Musk. Musk, who is valued at $465 billion already, would get stock options worth $1 trillion if he could achieve targets such as increasing Tesla's market value from roughly $1.4 trillion to $8.5 trillion, selling one million humanoid robots and achieving 10 million paid users for its self-driving software.Billie Eilish had been vocal about her stands against billionaires. Last month, during her acceptance of the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards, she called out how there can be so many billionaires amid such widespread hunger and dire need.“We're in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark and people need empathy and help more than, kind of, ever, especially in our country…I'd say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it,” said the pop star. Among the audience, there were people like Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, &nbsp;Rhode founder Hailey Bieber and 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas. She notably announced $11.5 million from her ‘Hit Me Soft and Hard’ tour income to various organisations and charities. Billie Eilish has a net worth of around $53 million in October 2025.&nbsp;

Billie Eilish lashes out at Elon Musk after he becomes the world’s first trillionaire, criticising inequality and sharing activist posts on solving global crises.

Famous pop star Billie Eilish, in a series of social media posts, attacked the world's first trillionaire, calling out the extreme wealth and inequality. In a series of stories, Billie referred to Elon as "f---ing pathetic p---- bitch coward." The nine-time Grammy award-winning musician posted slides from an activist group, My Voice, My Choice, which implies that Musk could use his fortune to solve all the major issues, from world hunger to saving endangered species. It was a carousel post, the first slide in the post featured a picture of Elon Musk, with captions: "Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire. Here's what he could do with it." The subsequent slides suggest a series of pictures that Musk could perform these tasks with a tiny portion of his wealth. Tesla founder could "end world hunger" and "choose to spend $40 billion every year to end world hunger by 2030 or provide universal safe clean water $140 billion for the planet for the next seven years." The following slide suggested that Musk could protect 10433 endangered species, by paying $1billion- $2 billion annually. The final slide reads, “At just $53.2 billion, Musk could rebuild Gaza and the occupied West Bank according to the EU. Although the UN predicts this could be upwards of $70 billion for Gaza alone. If he wanted to spread the wealth and aid further, he could also rebuild Ukraine and Syria at a cost of $793.2 billion.” World's first trillionaire The post from Billie Eilish comes as Elon Musk becomes the World's first trillionaire after Tesla shareholders approved a landmark package for Musk. Musk, who is valued at $465 billion already, would get stock options worth $1 trillion if he could achieve targets such as increasing Tesla's market value from roughly $1.4 trillion to $8.5 trillion, selling one million humanoid robots and achieving 10 million paid users for its self-driving software. Billie Eilish had been vocal about her stands against billionaires. Last month, during her acceptance of the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards, she called out how there can be so many billionaires amid such widespread hunger and dire need. “We're in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark and people need empathy and help more than, kind of, ever, especially in our country…I'd say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it,” said the pop star. Among the audience, there were people like Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, Rhode founder Hailey Bieber and 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas. She notably announced $11.5 million from her ‘Hit Me Soft and Hard’ tour income to various organisations and charities. Billie Eilish has a net worth of around $53 million in October 2025.

Billie Eilish lashes out at Elon Musk after he becomes the world’s first trillionaire, criticising inequality and sharing activist posts on solving global crises.

'Pathetic coward': Pop star Billie Eilish, took a dig at the world's first trillionaire Elon Musk

Just hours after offering to attend peace talks in Istanbul, Russia has pounded the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with air strikes on Friday (Nov 14). At least 11 people were injured after Russia followed its diplomatic overture with a massive aerial assault that also damaged infrastructure across multiple districts. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that those injured included a pregnant woman and a man who is in critical condition.<h2>Russian drones, missiles pound the Ukrainian capital</h2>Waves of drones and missiles hit the Ukrainian capital in the early hours of Friday, damaging residential buildings and utilities. Authorities warned of possible disruptions to heating and power supply. Air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly as explosions hit several districts of the capital. According to Ukraine’s air force, air-defence systems were activated throughout the night. Local officials described widespread debris impact, fires and shattered homes across multiple neighbourhoods. This was one of the most intense attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lavrov-blames-us-for-failed-putin-trump-talks-kremlin-says-ukraine-will-have-to-come-to-table-sooner-or-later-trump-putin-lavrov-ukraine-moscow-1763036741096">Lavrov blames US for failed Putin-Trump talks; Kremlin says Ukraine will have to come to table 'sooner or later'</a><h2>Russian offensive came after its offer of talks in Istanbul</h2>The new escalation came hours after Moscow’s renewed diplomatic overtures. On Wednesday, Russia said it was prepared to resume peace talks with Ukraine under the Istanbul format. The chargé d’affaires in Turkey said the “ball is in the Ukrainian court.” The Istanbul format refers to earlier rounds of negotiations, none of which produced lasting progress. Kremlin officials said they had already proposed several working groups and were awaiting a response from Kyiv, which has not replied.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-visits-troops-near-zaporizhzhia-frontline-1763091512629/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-visits-troops-near-zaporizhzhia-frontline-1763091512629/embed</a><h2>Russia continues to make territorial gains</h2>Russia has made incremental territorial gains in the southern Zaporizhzhia region in recent weeks, where Ukraine lost three settlements amid low visibility and heavy pressure.Between October 14 and November 11, Russian forces are believed to have gained roughly 165 square miles of Ukrainian territory.Despite being hampered by manpower challenges, Ukrainian forces repelled multiple assaults on the eastern and southern fronts. Ukraine is facing resource strains, with its air-defence interception rates falling in recent months.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-ukraine-s-war-hopes-delusional-1762781125249">Russia calls Ukraine’s war hopes ‘delusional’, claims capture of three frontline villages</a><h2>Russia is pursuing a dual strategy: Talk offers and military pressure</h2>Ukraine has been maintaining war momentum while showing willingness to negotiate. Russia is pressuring Ukraine to come to the negotiating table, saying it has no other options.Friday’s strike on Kyiv highlights the volatility surrounding Moscow’s latest offer for talks. &nbsp;

Russia has followed up the offer of Istanbul peace talks with a massive strike on Kyiv, damaging infrastructure of the Ukrainian capital. Russia is pressing military gains across southern Ukraine, and putting pressure on Ukraine to come to the negotiating table.
 

Just hours after offering to attend peace talks in Istanbul, Russia has pounded the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with air strikes on Friday (Nov 14). At least 11 people were injured after Russia followed its diplomatic overture with a massive aerial assault that also damaged infrastructure across multiple districts. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that those injured included a pregnant woman and a man who is in critical condition. Russian drones, missiles pound the Ukrainian capital Waves of drones and missiles hit the Ukrainian capital in the early hours of Friday, damaging residential buildings and utilities. Authorities warned of possible disruptions to heating and power supply. Air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly as explosions hit several districts of the capital. According to Ukraine’s air force, air-defence systems were activated throughout the night. Local officials described widespread debris impact, fires and shattered homes across multiple neighbourhoods. This was one of the most intense attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months. Also read: Lavrov blames US for failed Putin-Trump talks; Kremlin says Ukraine will have to come to table 'sooner or later' Russian offensive came after its offer of talks in Istanbul The new escalation came hours after Moscow’s renewed diplomatic overtures. On Wednesday, Russia said it was prepared to resume peace talks with Ukraine under the Istanbul format. The chargé d’affaires in Turkey said the “ball is in the Ukrainian court.” The Istanbul format refers to earlier rounds of negotiations, none of which produced lasting progress. Kremlin officials said they had already proposed several working groups and were awaiting a response from Kyiv, which has not replied. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-visits-troops-near-zaporizhzhia-frontline-1763091512629/embed Russia continues to make territorial gains Russia has made incremental territorial gains in the southern Zaporizhzhia region in recent weeks, where Ukraine lost three settlements amid low visibility and heavy pressure. Between October 14 and November 11, Russian forces are believed to have gained roughly 165 square miles of Ukrainian territory. Despite being hampered by manpower challenges, Ukrainian forces repelled multiple assaults on the eastern and southern fronts. Ukraine is facing resource strains, with its air-defence interception rates falling in recent months. Also read: Russia calls Ukraine’s war hopes ‘delusional’, claims capture of three frontline villages Russia is pursuing a dual strategy: Talk offers and military pressure Ukraine has been maintaining war momentum while showing willingness to negotiate. Russia is pressuring Ukraine to come to the negotiating table, saying it has no other options. Friday’s strike on Kyiv highlights the volatility surrounding Moscow’s latest offer for talks.

Russia has followed up the offer of Istanbul peace talks with a massive strike on Kyiv, damaging infrastructure of the Ukrainian capital. Russia is pressing military gains across southern Ukraine, and putting pressure on Ukraine to come to the negotiating table. &nbsp;

Russia - Ukraine war : After offering talks, Russian missiles and drones pound Ukrainian capital Kyiv

An Iranian student has set himself on fire over the demolition of his family's food stand. The 20-year-old student, Ahmad Baledi, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have ordered an investigation into the matter. According to the judiciary's Mizan Online news portal, the District Mayor and head of the enforcement arm in the southwestern city of Ahvaz were arrested over the incident. According to Iranian state media IRNA, three other warrants have been issued in connection with the case.&nbsp;“I will not receive my son's body until both Reza Amini, the mayor of Ahvaz, and one of the municipal directors, named Amid Shams, leave the city,” said Ahmad's father, Mujahid Baldi, to the Nour News agency.Ahmad doused himself in petrol and set himself ablaze as the municipal worker approached to demolish his family's food kiosk, the family's only source of income. He had suffered a 70 per cent burn and was taken to the intensive care unit. He “was sent to a hospital in the city of Ahvaz for treatment, but he died despite the efforts of the medical staff,” said Iranian state media. Initially, Ahvaz's municipality stated that there was no ‘coercive action’ but a court-sanctioned eviction. But later, the President ordered a thorough investigation and consoled the family. According to IRNA city's mayor has resigned, and four others were suspended.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeIran2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeIran2025</a> : Ahvaz — Iran Iranian student Ahmad Baledi dies after self-immolation protest against regime’s repressive measures News of Ahmad’s death sent shockwaves through Ahvaz. That same evening, crowds of outraged citizens, students, and relatives gathered outside the… <a href="https://t.co/nWgPEHIz3G">pic.twitter.com/nWgPEHIz3G</a>&mdash; sheer_iran (@sheriran95) <a href="https://twitter.com/sheriran95/status/1988260726960525663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">In response to the Iranian regime’s repression of defenseless citizens, including the family of Ahmad Baledi and Baluch citizens, the country&#39;s rebellious youth have retaliated with fiery operations against state symbols and centers of repression.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IranProtests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranProtests</a> <a href="https://t.co/388sQ8nvZW">pic.twitter.com/388sQ8nvZW</a>&mdash; People&#39;s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mojahedineng/status/1988665463040274653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Poverty in Khuzestan province</h2>The southwestern province of Khuzestan is mainly composed of the Arab population, who allege discrimination from the Iranian Shiite population. Located approximately 550 km away from Tehran, the oil-rich Khuzestan province suffers from water scarcity, and farmers end up without adequate ‘drinking water', whole shoals of fish wash up dead on the riverside. The province of Khuzestan has witnessed some large protests over the years. There was also a huge gathering and protests surrounding the Baledis' death and during his funeral in Ahvaz.&nbsp;

A 20-year-old Iranian student died after setting himself on fire when officials moved to demolish his family’s food stall. Ahvaz mayor arrested; probe ordered.

An Iranian student has set himself on fire over the demolition of his family's food stand. The 20-year-old student, Ahmad Baledi, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have ordered an investigation into the matter. According to the judiciary's Mizan Online news portal, the District Mayor and head of the enforcement arm in the southwestern city of Ahvaz were arrested over the incident. According to Iranian state media IRNA, three other warrants have been issued in connection with the case. “I will not receive my son's body until both Reza Amini, the mayor of Ahvaz, and one of the municipal directors, named Amid Shams, leave the city,” said Ahmad's father, Mujahid Baldi, to the Nour News agency. Ahmad doused himself in petrol and set himself ablaze as the municipal worker approached to demolish his family's food kiosk, the family's only source of income. He had suffered a 70 per cent burn and was taken to the intensive care unit. He “was sent to a hospital in the city of Ahvaz for treatment, but he died despite the efforts of the medical staff,” said Iranian state media. Initially, Ahvaz's municipality stated that there was no ‘coercive action’ but a court-sanctioned eviction. But later, the President ordered a thorough investigation and consoled the family. According to IRNA city's mayor has resigned, and four others were suspended.

A 20-year-old Iranian student died after setting himself on fire when officials moved to demolish his family’s food stall. Ahvaz mayor arrested; probe ordered.

20-year-old Iranian sets himself ablaze as officials tear odwn family food stall; mayor arrested

The internet has gone gaga over a new picture of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani shared by Kushal Byatnal, the Indian-origin entrepreneur &amp; and CEO of fintech company Extend. Posting the picture on X, Byatnal said that his office in NYC is "directly across the street" from the campaign headquarters of Mamdani. In the picture, Mamdani was seen sitting opposite to US Senator Elizabeth Warren. Internet cannot keep calm as the two Democrats were seen having a “deep debate.”&nbsp;“Our office is directly across the street from Mamdani's campaign HQ. We looked over after standup today and surprise, Elizabeth Warren and Mamdani in a deep debate,” the CEO wrote on X. He added that the team was “tempted to put up a sign petitioning for Extend to take over doc processing for NYC,” a reference to the company’s business in digital documentation tools.&nbsp;Social media users left a range of comments on the post. A user said, it is “typical indian neighbour behaviour lol”, while other one said that Mamdani should not be having conversation with Warren as her policies do not work for NYC. A few other users wanted to know about the conversation between the two. A few users also wanted the conversation to be around contesting the Presidential Elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Byatnal also shared an update and said that “the blinds are all closed this morning.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20251114/image-1763101140129.png"></figure><h2><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20251114/image-1763101187413.png"></h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">update: the blinds are all closed this morning <a href="https://t.co/biFGfyc4wG">https://t.co/biFGfyc4wG</a> <a href="https://t.co/stGadLwKpF">pic.twitter.com/stGadLwKpF</a>&mdash; Kushal Byatnal (@kushalbyatnal) <a href="https://twitter.com/kushalbyatnal/status/1989006865015976429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Zohran Mamdani's victory</h2>Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani registered a spectacular victory in New York Mayoral elections on Nov 4 by defeating Trump-backed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an independent candidate, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani knows that he has created history as he is the man of many firsts - first Indian-American to be the mayor of NYC, first immigrant mayor of NYC, first Muslim mayor of NYC, first South Asian mayor of NYC and the youngest mayor of the city in over a century.&nbsp;After his victory, he introduced the five women who will co-chair his transition. The transition team includes former deputy mayors Maria Torres-Springer and Melanie Hartzog, former FTC Chair Lina Khan, and United Way of New York City CEO Grace Bonilla. Meanwhile, Mamdani's first outing after win was with US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a Nepalese restaurant called Laliguras Bistro. Images of two having momos, chilli chicken and chai (tea) went viral!

A photo of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani chatting with Senator Elizabeth Warren, shared by entrepreneur Kushal Byatnal, went viral. Taken from his office across the street, the picture sparked social media buzz, jokes, and speculation about their conversation

The internet has gone gaga over a new picture of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani shared by Kushal Byatnal, the Indian-origin entrepreneur & and CEO of fintech company Extend. Posting the picture on X, Byatnal said that his office in NYC is "directly across the street" from the campaign headquarters of Mamdani. In the picture, Mamdani was seen sitting opposite to US Senator Elizabeth Warren. Internet cannot keep calm as the two Democrats were seen having a “deep debate.” “Our office is directly across the street from Mamdani's campaign HQ. We looked over after standup today and surprise, Elizabeth Warren and Mamdani in a deep debate,” the CEO wrote on X. He added that the team was “tempted to put up a sign petitioning for Extend to take over doc processing for NYC,” a reference to the company’s business in digital documentation tools. Social media users left a range of comments on the post. A user said, it is “typical indian neighbour behaviour lol”, while other one said that Mamdani should not be having conversation with Warren as her policies do not work for NYC. A few other users wanted to know about the conversation between the two. A few users also wanted the conversation to be around contesting the Presidential Elections. Meanwhile, Byatnal also shared an update and said that “the blinds are all closed this morning.”

A photo of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani chatting with Senator Elizabeth Warren, shared by entrepreneur Kushal Byatnal, went viral. Taken from his office across the street, the picture sparked social media buzz, jokes, and speculation about their conversation

Indian-origin CEO clicks Mamdani, Elizabeth Warren from office window - Internet says 'typical neighbour behaviour'

Several Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and other Russian territories were targeted in long-range strikes by Ukraine on Nov 13. Kyiv used domestically produced long-range weapons, including Flamingo and Bars missiles to hit the targets. The &nbsp;Ukrainian military said that the missiles hit an oil terminal, drone storage sites and a radar station among others. Command posts and depots in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region were also targeted in the strikes.&nbsp;According to the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the strike was carried out to degrade Russia’s military, logistical, and economic capabilities.&nbsp;"To conduct complex strikes, Ukraine employs attack UAVs, loitering munitions, and various types of missiles. Last night, several long-range strike systems were launched, including the domestically developed Flamingo, Bars, and Liutyi (drones)," said the report released by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, as per the Kyiv Independent.&nbsp;The Morskoy Neftyanoy Terminal oil storage facility and a helicopter parking site were the main targets of the Ukrainian missiles in occupied Crimea.&nbsp;While in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the target of Ukrainian missiles was an oil depot near Berdyansk and forward command posts of Russia’s 5th Combined Arms Army and the 127th Motor Rifle Division, according to the Kyiv Independent that cited the Ukrainian Defense Forces.<h2>The long-range cruise missile Flamingo</h2>&nbsp;The indigenously developed long-range cruise missile Flamingo is capable of striking targets at 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles).&nbsp;The production of the domestically produced weapon has eased Kyiv's dependence on Western partners, who have been slow in delivering adequate weaponry amid rising Russian offensives.&nbsp;In November 2024, Ukrainian president Zelensky announced Kyiv produced its first 100 missiles, and since it has continued to increase domestic weapon production and use them in war against Russia. In April this year, Zelensky said that over 40% of the weapons used in the war are domestically produced, including over 95% of drones used by the Ukrainian forces on the battlefield against Russia. &nbsp;

The Morskoy Neftyanoy Terminal oil storage facility and a helicopter parking site were the main targets of the Ukrainian missiles in occupied Crimea.

Several Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and other Russian territories were targeted in long-range strikes by Ukraine on Nov 13. Kyiv used domestically produced long-range weapons, including Flamingo and Bars missiles to hit the targets. The Ukrainian military said that the missiles hit an oil terminal, drone storage sites and a radar station among others. Command posts and depots in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region were also targeted in the strikes. According to the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the strike was carried out to degrade Russia’s military, logistical, and economic capabilities. "To conduct complex strikes, Ukraine employs attack UAVs, loitering munitions, and various types of missiles. Last night, several long-range strike systems were launched, including the domestically developed Flamingo, Bars, and Liutyi (drones)," said the report released by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, as per the Kyiv Independent. The Morskoy Neftyanoy Terminal oil storage facility and a helicopter parking site were the main targets of the Ukrainian missiles in occupied Crimea. While in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the target of Ukrainian missiles was an oil depot near Berdyansk and forward command posts of Russia’s 5th Combined Arms Army and the 127th Motor Rifle Division, according to the Kyiv Independent that cited the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The long-range cruise missile Flamingo The indigenously developed long-range cruise missile Flamingo is capable of striking targets at 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles). The production of the domestically produced weapon has eased Kyiv's dependence on Western partners, who have been slow in delivering adequate weaponry amid rising Russian offensives. In November 2024, Ukrainian president Zelensky announced Kyiv produced its first 100 missiles, and since it has continued to increase domestic weapon production and use them in war against Russia. In April this year, Zelensky said that over 40% of the weapons used in the war are domestically produced, including over 95% of drones used by the Ukrainian forces on the battlefield against Russia.

The Morskoy Neftyanoy Terminal oil storage facility and a helicopter parking site were the main targets of the Ukrainian missiles in occupied Crimea.

Ukraine confirms Flamingo rocket strikes on Crimea, Zaporizhzhia. Know all about the long-range cruise missile

President Donald Trump, who himself happens to be in the overweight category, has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity and certain chronic illnesses as grounds to deny visas. This marks one of the most sweeping health-based restrictions in years. The directive, as per reports, is part of new instructions sent to embassies and consulates around the world. The State Department has told visa officers to broaden the list of medical conditions that could count against an applicant, folding obesity, diabetes, and several long-term illnesses into the mix, KFF Health News first reported.<h2>But why is Trump targeting obesity?</h2>In a blunt message, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that visa officers "must consider an applicant's health" while listing a spate of conditions that could be the deal breaker. "Certain medical conditions – including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions." But why these medical conditions? In a cable dated November 6 and obtained by Politico, Rubio told officers, these conditions "can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care." Any illness that might lead to costly care, he wrote, should be weighed as a possible drain on US resources.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011">Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</a>What this really means is that the administration is taking a far tougher stance on the long-standing "public charge" rule, under which immigration officials can reject people who are likely to rely on government aid.<h2>How many people will be affected by this new guideline?</h2>Trump's order can potentially affect hundreds of thousands of people. On paper, the criteria can sweep in a huge number of people. Data shows that diabetes affects about one in ten adults worldwide. Meanwhile, obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or above, now includes one in eight people globally. In the US, that share climbs above 40 per cent.<h2>A touch of irony</h2>The irony? According to the Daily Beast, Trump himself landed in the obesity range during his 2020 physical, with a BMI of 30.5 at 244 pounds (110.68 kg). During his checkup earlier this year, he weighed in at 224 pounds (101.6 kg), which moved him into the "overweight" category.The new visa instructions fit into the broader hard line Trump has embraced since returning to office. He has pushed for mass deportations, tightened legal immigration pathways, and last month slashed the annual refugee admissions cap from 125,000 to 7,500.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bbc-apologises-to-trump-for-misleading-edit-as-1-billion-lawsuit-threat-looms-1763081091796">BBC apologises to Trump for misleading edit as $1 billion lawsuit threat looms</a>Asked about the new guidelines, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the Daily Beast that the administration was "putting the interests of the American people first" and enforcing rules that protect taxpayers. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly echoed that line, saying that "For 100 years, State Department policy has included an authority to deny visa applicants who would pose a financial burden to taxpayers, such as individuals who were seeking publicly-funded health care in the United States and could further drain healthcare resources from American citizens. President Trump’s Administration is finally fully enforcing this policy, and putting Americans first".

President Trump has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses as possible grounds to deny visas, calling them potential burdens on taxpayers. Here's all you need to know.

President Donald Trump, who himself happens to be in the overweight category, has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity and certain chronic illnesses as grounds to deny visas. This marks one of the most sweeping health-based restrictions in years. The directive, as per reports, is part of new instructions sent to embassies and consulates around the world. The State Department has told visa officers to broaden the list of medical conditions that could count against an applicant, folding obesity, diabetes, and several long-term illnesses into the mix, KFF Health News first reported. But why is Trump targeting obesity? In a blunt message, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that visa officers "must consider an applicant's health" while listing a spate of conditions that could be the deal breaker. "Certain medical conditions – including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions." But why these medical conditions? In a cable dated November 6 and obtained by Politico, Rubio told officers, these conditions "can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care." Any illness that might lead to costly care, he wrote, should be weighed as a possible drain on US resources. Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' What this really means is that the administration is taking a far tougher stance on the long-standing "public charge" rule, under which immigration officials can reject people who are likely to rely on government aid. How many people will be affected by this new guideline? Trump's order can potentially affect hundreds of thousands of people. On paper, the criteria can sweep in a huge number of people. Data shows that diabetes affects about one in ten adults worldwide. Meanwhile, obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or above, now includes one in eight people globally. In the US, that share climbs above 40 per cent. A touch of irony The irony? According to the Daily Beast, Trump himself landed in the obesity range during his 2020 physical, with a BMI of 30.5 at 244 pounds (110.68 kg). During his checkup earlier this year, he weighed in at 224 pounds (101.6 kg), which moved him into the "overweight" category. The new visa instructions fit into the broader hard line Trump has embraced since returning to office. He has pushed for mass deportations, tightened legal immigration pathways, and last month slashed the annual refugee admissions cap from 125,000 to 7,500. Also read | BBC apologises to Trump for misleading edit as $1 billion lawsuit threat looms Asked about the new guidelines, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the Daily Beast that the administration was "putting the interests of the American people first" and enforcing rules that protect taxpayers. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly echoed that line, saying that "For 100 years, State Department policy has included an authority to deny visa applicants who would pose a financial burden to taxpayers, such as individuals who were seeking publicly-funded health care in the United States and could further drain healthcare resources from American citizens. President Trump’s Administration is finally fully enforcing this policy, and putting Americans first".

President Trump has ordered US diplomats to treat obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses as possible grounds to deny visas, calling them potential burdens on taxpayers. Here's all you need to know.

79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial. All you need to know

&nbsp;US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday (Nov 13) announced a new operation against “narco-terrorists” in the Western Hemisphere. The military campaign, dubbed “Southern Spear”, will be led by a joint task force and is aimed at securing “our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people,” he said, without giving further details about the operation. This comes after Pentagon officials said on Thursday (Nov 13) that the United States conducted its 20th strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat. At least four people were killed in the strike, which took place on Monday (Nov 10).“President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X. “Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.”“Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood – and we will protect it,” he said.The announcement comes amid speculations that the US may be preparing to strike targets in Venezuela, calling its President Nicolas Maduro illegitimate and the head of a narco-trafficking network.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened attacks on the country following several strikes against boats allegedly smuggling drugs in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Earlier this week, the US expanded its military presence in the region by positioning its aircraft carrier strike group as part of its campaign against drug cartels, the Navy’s Fourth Fleet announced Tuesday (Nov 11).<h2>Rubio pushes back EU criticism</h2>While the Pentagon has stated that the operations are being conducted to disrupt drug-trafficking networks, the strikes have drawn criticism from governments in the region for their mounting civilian toll and lack of transparency. At least 79 people have been killed as a result of the strikes so far.Defending the US strikes against alleged drug vessels, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (Nov 12) said that the European Union don’t get to determine how the United States defends its national security.“I don’t think that the European Union gets to determine what international law is. They certainly don’t get to determine is how the United States defends its national security. The United States is under attack from organized criminal narco-terrorists in our hemisphere, and the president is responding in the defense of our country,” Rubio told reporters following a meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers in Canada.Watch | US Shutdown Ends, Hunger Crisis Exposes Washington's Forgotten America <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-shutdown-ends-hunger-crisis-exposes-washington-s-forgotten-america-1763055526075/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-shutdown-ends-hunger-crisis-exposes-washington-s-forgotten-america-1763055526075/embed</a>&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the US expanded its military presence in the region by positioning its aircraft carrier strike group as part of its campaign against drug cartels, the Navy’s Fourth Fleet announced Tuesday (Nov 11).

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday (Nov 13) announced a new operation against “narco-terrorists” in the Western Hemisphere. The military campaign, dubbed “Southern Spear”, will be led by a joint task force and is aimed at securing “our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people,” he said, without giving further details about the operation. This comes after Pentagon officials said on Thursday (Nov 13) that the United States conducted its 20th strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat. At least four people were killed in the strike, which took place on Monday (Nov 10). “President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X. “Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.” “Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood – and we will protect it,” he said. The announcement comes amid speculations that the US may be preparing to strike targets in Venezuela, calling its President Nicolas Maduro illegitimate and the head of a narco-trafficking network. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened attacks on the country following several strikes against boats allegedly smuggling drugs in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Earlier this week, the US expanded its military presence in the region by positioning its aircraft carrier strike group as part of its campaign against drug cartels, the Navy’s Fourth Fleet announced Tuesday (Nov 11). Rubio pushes back EU criticism While the Pentagon has stated that the operations are being conducted to disrupt drug-trafficking networks, the strikes have drawn criticism from governments in the region for their mounting civilian toll and lack of transparency. At least 79 people have been killed as a result of the strikes so far. Defending the US strikes against alleged drug vessels, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (Nov 12) said that the European Union don’t get to determine how the United States defends its national security. “I don’t think that the European Union gets to determine what international law is. They certainly don’t get to determine is how the United States defends its national security. The United States is under attack from organized criminal narco-terrorists in our hemisphere, and the president is responding in the defense of our country,” Rubio told reporters following a meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers in Canada. Watch | US Shutdown Ends, Hunger Crisis Exposes Washington's Forgotten America https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-shutdown-ends-hunger-crisis-exposes-washington-s-forgotten-america-1763055526075/embed

Earlier this week, the US expanded its military presence in the region by positioning its aircraft carrier strike group as part of its campaign against drug cartels, the Navy’s Fourth Fleet announced Tuesday (Nov 11).

‘Drugs are killing our people...’: Hegseth announces ‘Operation Southern Spear’ – What is it?

The BBC said Thursday (Nov 13) that its chairman has written to US President Donald Trump to apologise for a misleading edit of one of his speeches, but insisted the mistake does not amount to defamation. The move comes as the broadcaster faces growing scrutiny over how it portrayed Trump's January 6, 2021, speech in a "Panorama" documentary aired last year. On Monday, the BBC admitted that the edit wrongly gave the impression that Trump had directly called for violent action before the Capitol riot. The fallout has already led to the resignations of the director-general and the BBC's head of news, and triggered a threat from Trump's legal team to sue for $1 billion.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011">Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</a><h2>BBC apologises to Trump</h2>BBC chair Samir Shah, according to AFP, has sent a personal letter to the White House, telling Trump that both he and the corporation "are sorry for the edit of the president's speech," the broadcaster said in a statement.But the BBC pushed back on claims of defamation, saying in a statement that while it "sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited," it "strongly disagrees" that Trump has grounds for a lawsuit. BBC lawyers have written to Trump’s team laying out their position, it added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pushes-un-to-back-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-warns-delay-will-gravely-hurt-palestinians-1763080241222">US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will 'gravely' hurt Palestinians</a><h2>Another speech "edited" to defame Trump?</h2>The controversy widened Thursday as the BBC confirmed it is now reviewing a second instance where Trump's words may have been stitched together in a misleading way. According to The Telegraph, a 2022 "Newsnight" report edited lines from different parts of Trump's speech to make it appear he told supporters to march to the Capitol and "fight like hell."A BBC spokesperson said the issue "has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it."The editing storm has erupted at a sensitive moment for the broadcaster, which is preparing for negotiations over its Royal Charter renewal. The current charter expires in 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has so far tried to avoid getting pulled into a fight with Trump, stressing the importance of the BBC's independence while steering clear of taking sides. &nbsp;

The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump for a misleading edit of his January 6 speech but says the error is not defamation, despite his threat to sue for $1 billion.

The BBC said Thursday (Nov 13) that its chairman has written to US President Donald Trump to apologise for a misleading edit of one of his speeches, but insisted the mistake does not amount to defamation. The move comes as the broadcaster faces growing scrutiny over how it portrayed Trump's January 6, 2021, speech in a "Panorama" documentary aired last year. On Monday, the BBC admitted that the edit wrongly gave the impression that Trump had directly called for violent action before the Capitol riot. The fallout has already led to the resignations of the director-general and the BBC's head of news, and triggered a threat from Trump's legal team to sue for $1 billion. Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' BBC apologises to Trump BBC chair Samir Shah, according to AFP, has sent a personal letter to the White House, telling Trump that both he and the corporation "are sorry for the edit of the president's speech," the broadcaster said in a statement. But the BBC pushed back on claims of defamation, saying in a statement that while it "sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited," it "strongly disagrees" that Trump has grounds for a lawsuit. BBC lawyers have written to Trump’s team laying out their position, it added. Also read | US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will 'gravely' hurt Palestinians Another speech "edited" to defame Trump? The controversy widened Thursday as the BBC confirmed it is now reviewing a second instance where Trump's words may have been stitched together in a misleading way. According to The Telegraph, a 2022 "Newsnight" report edited lines from different parts of Trump's speech to make it appear he told supporters to march to the Capitol and "fight like hell." A BBC spokesperson said the issue "has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it." The editing storm has erupted at a sensitive moment for the broadcaster, which is preparing for negotiations over its Royal Charter renewal. The current charter expires in 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has so far tried to avoid getting pulled into a fight with Trump, stressing the importance of the BBC's independence while steering clear of taking sides.

The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump for a misleading edit of his January 6 speech but says the error is not defamation, despite his threat to sue for $1 billion.

BBC apologises to Trump for misleading edit as $1 billion lawsuit threat looms

The United States has urged the UN Security Council to rally behind its draft resolution supporting President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza. On Thursday (Nov 13), the nation warned that any delay could lead to Palestinians suffering "grave" consequences. In a sharp message, the US mission to the UN said divisions inside the Council at this stage would carry grave, "tangible" and entirely preventable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza. Washington argued that the Gaza ceasefire was fragile and that the Council should move quickly toward securing peace.<h2>Don't "sow discord" now, warns US</h2>A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said that, "Attempts to sow discord now -- when agreement on this resolution is under active negotiation -- has grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza". Calling the ceasefire an "historic moment to pave a path towards enduring peace in the Middle East," the spokesperson added that it was "fragile," and insisted "we urge the Council to unite and move forward to secure the peace that is desperately needed."This comes as America, last week, launched negotiations on a draft that endorses Trump's plan to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-beatings-starvation-rape-threats-un-panel-accuses-israel-of-systematic-torture-of-palestinians-1762993864850">'Severe beatings, starvation, rape threats': UN panel accuses Israel of 'systematic torture' of Palestinians</a><h2>Trump's Gaza peace plan</h2>The draft resolution, now in its third version, according to AFP, is built around Trump’s proposed roadmap for stabilising Gaza after two years of war between Israel and Hamas. The document endorses the creation of a transitional body called the 'Board of Peace,' which Trump would theoretically head, with a mandate running through 2027.The resolution would also authorise member states to form a "temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)" that would work with Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police to secure Gaza’s borders, oversee demilitarisation efforts, and help with "permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups". The ISF would also support humanitarian access and civilian protection inside the territory.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011">Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</a>For the first time, the latest draft briefly also mentions a future Palestinian state. Once the Palestinian Authority carries out reforms and rebuilding begins in Gaza, the text says ""the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood". The US says it "will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence."US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sounded upbeat during a stop in Canada on Wednesday, saying negotiations on the text were "making good progress" and that he expects the Council to act soon.Still, diplomats say several issues remain unresolved. Some members want clearer oversight provisions from the Security Council itself, more details on the Palestinian Authority’s role, and details on how the ISF would operate. &nbsp;

The US urged the UN Security Council to back its resolution supporting Trump's Gaza peace plan, warning delays would harm Palestinians. Washington says the ceasefire is fragile. Here's all you need to know. 

The United States has urged the UN Security Council to rally behind its draft resolution supporting President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza. On Thursday (Nov 13), the nation warned that any delay could lead to Palestinians suffering "grave" consequences. In a sharp message, the US mission to the UN said divisions inside the Council at this stage would carry grave, "tangible" and entirely preventable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza. Washington argued that the Gaza ceasefire was fragile and that the Council should move quickly toward securing peace. Don't "sow discord" now, warns US A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said that, "Attempts to sow discord now -- when agreement on this resolution is under active negotiation -- has grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza". Calling the ceasefire an "historic moment to pave a path towards enduring peace in the Middle East," the spokesperson added that it was "fragile," and insisted "we urge the Council to unite and move forward to secure the peace that is desperately needed." This comes as America, last week, launched negotiations on a draft that endorses Trump's plan to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas. Also read | 'Severe beatings, starvation, rape threats': UN panel accuses Israel of 'systematic torture' of Palestinians Trump's Gaza peace plan The draft resolution, now in its third version, according to AFP, is built around Trump’s proposed roadmap for stabilising Gaza after two years of war between Israel and Hamas. The document endorses the creation of a transitional body called the 'Board of Peace,' which Trump would theoretically head, with a mandate running through 2027. The resolution would also authorise member states to form a "temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)" that would work with Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police to secure Gaza’s borders, oversee demilitarisation efforts, and help with "permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups". The ISF would also support humanitarian access and civilian protection inside the territory. Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' For the first time, the latest draft briefly also mentions a future Palestinian state. Once the Palestinian Authority carries out reforms and rebuilding begins in Gaza, the text says ""the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood". The US says it "will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sounded upbeat during a stop in Canada on Wednesday, saying negotiations on the text were "making good progress" and that he expects the Council to act soon. Still, diplomats say several issues remain unresolved. Some members want clearer oversight provisions from the Security Council itself, more details on the Palestinian Authority’s role, and details on how the ISF would operate.

The US urged the UN Security Council to back its resolution supporting Trump's Gaza peace plan, warning delays would harm Palestinians. Washington says the ceasefire is fragile. Here's all you need to know.&nbsp;

US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will 'gravely' hurt Palestinians

world

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

world news

In Pics | Chilling visuals capture massive explosion in industrial area in Argentina

UN Security Council to vote Monday on Trump's Gaza plan

US military to divide Gaza into ‘green zone’ and ‘red zone’? What report claims

Caribbean tensions rise, US reopens Puerto Rico base closed 20 years ago

WATCH | Chilling videos emerge after massive explosion in Argentina

Trump signs order lowering tariffs on beef, coffee, other agricultural goods

Republican rift widens, Trump withdraws support from Marjorie Taylor Greene

Trump to sue BBC over edited video? Says Starmer is ‘very embarrassed’

Bangladesh’s top security official to visit Delhi for key security conclave

Many feared dead in Sweden’s Stockholm after bus ramped into pedestrians

Trump demands probe into Epstein links to Bill Clinton

Pakistan nabs four TTP militants linked to Afghan cell

Saudi prince, eyeing defence pledge, to meet Trump after long US absence

China–Japan tensions spike after Beijing warns of “crushing defeat” over possible Taiwan intervention

Epstein tried to reach Sergei Lavrov to give insights on Trump, emails reveal

Tracking the financial trail: Narco-profits and infra projects in Balochistan

Growing trend of Russian jet crashes, Su-30 crashes near Finland border

'Pathetic coward': Pop star Billie Eilish, took a dig at trillionaire Elon Musk

Russia-Ukraine war : After offering talks, Russia pounds Ukrainian capital Kyiv

Iranian man dies from self-immolation in a food stand dispute

Indian-origin CEO clicks Mamdani, Elizabeth Warren from office window - See pic

Ukraine confirms Flamingo missile strikes on Crimea, Zaporizhzhia

79-year-old 'overweight' Trump makes obesity and age grounds for US visa denial

‘Drugs are killing our people...’: Hegseth announces ‘Operation Southern Spear’

BBC apologises to Trump for misleading edit as $1 billion lawsuit threat looms

US pushes UN to back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warns delay will hurt Palestinians