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Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday (Oct 23) labelled the United States "enemy" even as the current President Vladimir Putin warned his American counterpart Donald Trump that Moscow would never bow down to US pressure. The strong statements come as the US on Wednesday (Oct 22) imposed sanctions against the two biggest Russian oil companies, citing Putin's "refusal to end this senseless war" in Ukraine. The sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil also target nearly three dozen of their subsidiaries, which led to an almost immediate five per cent jump in oil prices.<h2>Russia takes a strong stance against the US</h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday remained defiant and vowed that Moscow would never bow to US pressure, even as he admitted that Washington’s new sanctions could cause “some losses” to Russia’s economy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-did-not-use-american-long-range-weapons-on-russia-zelensky-1761248995166">‘We did not use American long-range weapons on Russia’: Zelensky</a>Slamming the latest US sanctions that aim to choke off the Kremlin’s energy revenues and force it to negotiate over the war in Ukraine, Putin said that it was an "unfriendly act that does nothing to strengthen Russian-American relations". He insisted that the "attempt to put pressure on Russia" was futile, adding, "No self-respecting country ever does anything under pressure".Conceding that "some losses are expected" from the measures. Putin suggested that Trump should take a hard look at "who his administration is really working for" when advisers urge him to impose sanctions on Russian oil.<h2>Putin warns Trump</h2>The new sanctions—the first against Moscow since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January—immediately pushed global oil prices up 5 per cent. The EU also agreed on a phased ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-purely-counterproductive-russia-fumes-over-trump-sanctions-on-its-oil-companies-1761230271142">‘Counterproductive’: Russia fumes over Trump sanctions on its oil companies</a>Putin warned that the move would backfire by raising global prices. He also cautioned that Russia's response would be “very strong, if not overwhelming,” if attacked with US-made Tomahawk missiles, which Ukraine has been lobbying Washington to supply.Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on social media called the US measures an "act of war", accusing Washington of abandoning diplomacy. "The US is our enemy," Medvedev wrote. "Its talkative ‘peacemaker’ has now fully embarked on a path of war against Russia."Putin, however, struck a more measured tone, saying he remained open to dialogue with Trump. "Dialogue is always better than war," he said, adding that the planned Budapest summit between the two leaders would likely be postponed.<h2>India, China cut down on Russian oil purchases?</h2>According to AFP, there were early signs that Russia's two biggest buyers—China and India—were reacting to the sanctions. Reliance Industries, India’s largest importer of Russian oil, said it was "recalibrating" purchases to align with government guidance. Sources also told Reuters that Chinese state-owned firms had suspended seaborne Russian crude imports, at least temporarily, to avoid violating US restrictions. Losing its two biggest customers would deal a severe blow to the Kremlin, with oil and gas making up about a fifth of Russia’s GDP.&nbsp;

Russia hit back hard at Washington after new US sanctions targeted its top oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil. Vladimir Putin warned Donald Trump that Moscow “will never bow to US pressure,” while Dmitry Medvedev declared, “The US is our enemy.” All you need to know.

Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday (Oct 23) labelled the United States "enemy" even as the current President Vladimir Putin warned his American counterpart Donald Trump that Moscow would never bow down to US pressure. The strong statements come as the US on Wednesday (Oct 22) imposed sanctions against the two biggest Russian oil companies, citing Putin's "refusal to end this senseless war" in Ukraine. The sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil also target nearly three dozen of their subsidiaries, which led to an almost immediate five per cent jump in oil prices. Russia takes a strong stance against the US Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday remained defiant and vowed that Moscow would never bow to US pressure, even as he admitted that Washington’s new sanctions could cause “some losses” to Russia’s economy. Also read | ‘We did not use American long-range weapons on Russia’: Zelensky Slamming the latest US sanctions that aim to choke off the Kremlin’s energy revenues and force it to negotiate over the war in Ukraine, Putin said that it was an "unfriendly act that does nothing to strengthen Russian-American relations". He insisted that the "attempt to put pressure on Russia" was futile, adding, "No self-respecting country ever does anything under pressure". Conceding that "some losses are expected" from the measures. Putin suggested that Trump should take a hard look at "who his administration is really working for" when advisers urge him to impose sanctions on Russian oil. Putin warns Trump The new sanctions—the first against Moscow since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January—immediately pushed global oil prices up 5 per cent. The EU also agreed on a phased ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports. Also read | ‘Counterproductive’: Russia fumes over Trump sanctions on its oil companies Putin warned that the move would backfire by raising global prices. He also cautioned that Russia's response would be “very strong, if not overwhelming,” if attacked with US-made Tomahawk missiles, which Ukraine has been lobbying Washington to supply. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on social media called the US measures an "act of war", accusing Washington of abandoning diplomacy. "The US is our enemy," Medvedev wrote. "Its talkative ‘peacemaker’ has now fully embarked on a path of war against Russia." Putin, however, struck a more measured tone, saying he remained open to dialogue with Trump. "Dialogue is always better than war," he said, adding that the planned Budapest summit between the two leaders would likely be postponed. India, China cut down on Russian oil purchases? According to AFP, there were early signs that Russia's two biggest buyers—China and India—were reacting to the sanctions. Reliance Industries, India’s largest importer of Russian oil, said it was "recalibrating" purchases to align with government guidance. Sources also told Reuters that Chinese state-owned firms had suspended seaborne Russian crude imports, at least temporarily, to avoid violating US restrictions. Losing its two biggest customers would deal a severe blow to the Kremlin, with oil and gas making up about a fifth of Russia’s GDP.

Russia hit back hard at Washington after new US sanctions targeted its top oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil. Vladimir Putin warned Donald Trump that Moscow “will never bow to US pressure,” while Dmitry Medvedev declared, “The US is our enemy.” All you need to know.

'US is our enemy': Putin, Medvedev slam Trump after new US sanctions, vow Russia will 'never bow to pressure'

Hamas terrorists who had abducted Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Mor from the Nova music festival, and others who participated in the October 7, 2023, onslaught, were killed in strikes in the Gaza Strip earlier this year, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet announced on Thursday. The announcement came less than two weeks after Or and Mor were released from Hamas captivity as part of a ceasefire deal. Argamani, Or’s girlfriend, was rescued from Gaza in a special operation in June 2024. After an intelligence review, the IDF and Shin Bet said they were able to confirm the deaths of eight Palestinian terrorists who invaded Israel on October 7 and were involved in the abductions and murders of Israelis.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-purely-counterproductive-russia-fumes-over-trump-sanctions-on-its-oil-companies-1761230271142">‘Purely counterproductive’: Russia fumes over Trump sanctions on its oil companies</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴The IDF eliminated the terrorists responsible for the abduction of Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Mor from the Nova music festival. It can now be revealed that eight terrorists who infiltrated Israeli territory and took part in the brutal October 7th Massacre, among them… <a href="https://t.co/5DRAr3ATdL">pic.twitter.com/5DRAr3ATdL</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1981403455043330518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

All were killed between March and August of this year. Among the terrorists listed by the IDF and Shin Bet was Ahmad Ibrahim Rajab Shaar, responsible for the abduction of Argamani and Or on October 7. Shaar was killed in a strike on August 22.Ahmad Abu Marhil, responsible for the abduction of Or on October 7, was killed in a strike on March 26. Arafat Dib, responsible for the abduction of Mor on October 7 and holding him in Hamas captivity in Gaza, was killed in a strike on May 30. Odeh Alyan Ahmad Qaware, who held Israeli hostages in captivity, was killed on August 26. Bakr Mujida, who broke Israel’s Gaza border barrier with a tractor in the October 7 onslaught, was killed on July 13. Firas Ghrir Sweilam al-Hadaf, who invaded Kibbutz Kissufim, was killed on August 23. Ibrahim Saleh Rajab Bakhit, who also invaded Israel on October 7, was killed on July 6, while Mu’ayid Mahmoud Muhammad Nufal was killed on March 27. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mp-imran-masood-compares-bhagat-singh-to-hamas-says-both-were-fighting-for-their-land-1761244134465">Congress MP Imran Masood compares Bhagat Singh to Hamas, says, ‘Both were fighting for their land’</a> The effort to eliminate terrorists who participated in the October 7 onslaught was led by a unit in the Shin Bet named after the World War I-era Jewish underground organization “Nili,” an acronym for a Hebrew phrase that translates as “The eternity of Israel will not lie.”The Nili unit was established immediately after the Hamas-led attack and comprised of experienced intelligence personnel from the IDF and Shin Bet. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trinidad-and-tobago-plans-to-build-ram-mandir-eyes-role-as-west-s-hindu-heritage-hub-1761226380234">Trinidad and Tobago plans to build Ram Mandir, eyes role as West’s Hindu heritage hub</a> Hundreds of October 7 terrorists, including top commanders in Hamas and other terror groups who commanded the massacre and abductions, were killed during the war due to the efforts of the Nili unit, said officials. On October 7, around 5,600 Hamas terrorists stormed across the border, massacred 1,200 people, and took 251 hostages to Gaza. As per IDF estimates, more than 1,600 terrorists were killed during the onslaught in Israel, and 149 were captured, while the remainder managed to flee back to Gaza, where they were targeted during the war. WATCH: South Korea’s ‘Monster Missile’: The Eight-Tonne Bunker Killer<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-s-monster-missile-the-eight-tonne-bunker-killer-1761247372257/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-s-monster-missile-the-eight-tonne-bunker-killer-1761247372257/embed</a>

On October 7, around 5,600 Hamas terrorists stormed across the border, massacred 1,200 people, and took 251 hostages to Gaza. As per IDF estimates, more than 1,600 terrorists were killed during the onslaught in Israel, and 149 were captured, while the remainder managed to flee back to Gaza.

Hamas terrorists who had abducted Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Mor from the Nova music festival, and others who participated in the October 7, 2023, onslaught, were killed in strikes in the Gaza Strip earlier this year, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet announced on Thursday. The announcement came less than two weeks after Or and Mor were released from Hamas captivity as part of a ceasefire deal. Argamani, Or’s girlfriend, was rescued from Gaza in a special operation in June 2024. After an intelligence review, the IDF and Shin Bet said they were able to confirm the deaths of eight Palestinian terrorists who invaded Israel on October 7 and were involved in the abductions and murders of Israelis. Also Read: ‘Purely counterproductive’: Russia fumes over Trump sanctions on its oil companies

On October 7, around 5,600 Hamas terrorists stormed across the border, massacred 1,200 people, and took 251 hostages to Gaza. As per IDF estimates, more than 1,600 terrorists were killed during the onslaught in Israel, and 149 were captured, while the remainder managed to flee back to Gaza.

Terrorists who abducted Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or and Eitan Mor from Nova music festival killed in war: IDF

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (Oct 23) that Kyiv did not use American long-range weapons on Russia in the ongoing war. He also stated that Ukraine's domestically produced long-range capabilities reach 3,000 km.&nbsp;"I hope that they will make a political decision, positive decision in one or another way to help Ukraine with funds," Zelensky told a press conference in Brussels, where EU leaders discussed the plans.&nbsp;"Russia brought war to our land, and they have to pay for this war," he said.Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Russian Geographical Society at the Kremlin the same day. He stated in the meeting that the new sanctions imposed by the US on Moscow would not significantly affect the Russian economy.&nbsp;He also criticised the sanctions by the US, saying no "self-recpecting" country ever does anything under pressure.&nbsp;This came after Russia rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. The Kremlin hinted that Russia's stance on peace remains unchanged. This came after Trump said last week that the Russian President Vladimir Putin wants a peace deal. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Trump’s demand for “an immediate ceasefire, which has suddenly become a topic of discussion again,” was contrary to what was agreed at the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska in August.&nbsp;“You see, if we just stop, it means forgetting the root causes of this conflict, which the American administration clearly understood,” Lavrov said, the New York Times reported. “I am referring to ensuring Ukraine’s nonaligned, nonnuclear status, which implies refraining from any attempts to draw it into NATO," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-clarifies-100-000-h-1b-fee-rule-after-lawsuit-check-who-gets-exemptions-and-what-1761025836778">US clarifies $100,000 H-1B fee rule after lawsuit — Check who gets exemptions?</a>&nbsp;A joint statement issued Tuesday morning, signed by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and top EU officials, backed the American president's proposal for peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (Oct 23) that Kyiv did not use American long-range weapons on Russia in the ongoing war. He also stated that Ukraine domestically produced long-range capabilities reach 3,000 km.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (Oct 23) that Kyiv did not use American long-range weapons on Russia in the ongoing war. He also stated that Ukraine's domestically produced long-range capabilities reach 3,000 km. "I hope that they will make a political decision, positive decision in one or another way to help Ukraine with funds," Zelensky told a press conference in Brussels, where EU leaders discussed the plans. "Russia brought war to our land, and they have to pay for this war," he said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Russian Geographical Society at the Kremlin the same day. He stated in the meeting that the new sanctions imposed by the US on Moscow would not significantly affect the Russian economy. He also criticised the sanctions by the US, saying no "self-recpecting" country ever does anything under pressure. This came after Russia rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. The Kremlin hinted that Russia's stance on peace remains unchanged. This came after Trump said last week that the Russian President Vladimir Putin wants a peace deal. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Trump’s demand for “an immediate ceasefire, which has suddenly become a topic of discussion again,” was contrary to what was agreed at the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska in August. “You see, if we just stop, it means forgetting the root causes of this conflict, which the American administration clearly understood,” Lavrov said, the New York Times reported. “I am referring to ensuring Ukraine’s nonaligned, nonnuclear status, which implies refraining from any attempts to draw it into NATO," he added. Also read: US clarifies $100,000 H-1B fee rule after lawsuit — Check who gets exemptions? A joint statement issued Tuesday morning, signed by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and top EU officials, backed the American president's proposal for peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (Oct 23) that Kyiv did not use American long-range weapons on Russia in the ongoing war. He also stated that Ukraine's domestically produced long-range capabilities reach 3,000 km.&nbsp;

‘We did not use American long-range weapons on Russia’: Zelensky

On Sunday (Oct 19), on the day of the Louvre museum heist, another museum in France was robbed. Around 2,000 gold and silver coins, amounting to $104,000, were stolen. This heist took place only hours after the massive robbery at the Louvre, where people flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting. It was a museum dedicated to the French philosopher Denis Diderot in Landres. It was on Tuesday, when the museum opened, that the workers noticed the display was damaged, and that was what alerted them.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-heist-hollywood-style-louvre-heist-rocks-the-heart-of-paris-wion-1761118723050/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-heist-hollywood-style-louvre-heist-rocks-the-heart-of-paris-wion-1761118723050/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What was stolen?</h2>The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840, as per local media reports. They were found during renovation at the building, which now houses the museum.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-you-know-cursed-diamond-that-louvre-thieves-refused-to-steal-has-an-indian-connection-1761199081453">Did you know? ‘Cursed’ diamond that Louvre thieves refused to steal has an Indian connection</a>&nbsp;<h2>Louvre director admits to security failure</h2>&nbsp;On Wednesday (Oct 22), days after the heist at France’s Louvre museum, the director Laurence des Cars admitted to inadequate camera surveillance. In the daylight robbery, thieves took away prized jewels worth $102 million from the premises. She also said that the diamond- and emerald-studded crown, which was dropped and damaged during the robbery, could be restored. In less than 10 minutes, the museum, where tourists flock to see legendary Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, lost its sparkle and sparked a lot of security concerns.&nbsp;<h2>What all was stolen in the Louvre heist?</h2>&nbsp;As per a report by Bloomberg, the robbers stole a total of eight royal artifacts which included: a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise, second wife Napoleon Bonaparte; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugénie’s diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thieves-used-cherry-picker-angle-grinder-in-7-minute-louvre-museum-heist-pulled-off-like-a-breeze-1760880195775">Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze</a>&nbsp;The crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, however, has been found by the authorities in damaged condition near the museum. The crown has 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, and golden eagles, as per the museum website.

The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840.

On Sunday (Oct 19), on the day of the Louvre museum heist, another museum in France was robbed. Around 2,000 gold and silver coins, amounting to $104,000, were stolen. This heist took place only hours after the massive robbery at the Louvre, where people flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting. It was a museum dedicated to the French philosopher Denis Diderot in Landres. It was on Tuesday, when the museum opened, that the workers noticed the display was damaged, and that was what alerted them. https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-heist-hollywood-style-louvre-heist-rocks-the-heart-of-paris-wion-1761118723050/embed What was stolen? The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840, as per local media reports. They were found during renovation at the building, which now houses the museum. Also read: Did you know? ‘Cursed’ diamond that Louvre thieves refused to steal has an Indian connection Louvre director admits to security failure On Wednesday (Oct 22), days after the heist at France’s Louvre museum, the director Laurence des Cars admitted to inadequate camera surveillance. In the daylight robbery, thieves took away prized jewels worth $102 million from the premises. She also said that the diamond- and emerald-studded crown, which was dropped and damaged during the robbery, could be restored. In less than 10 minutes, the museum, where tourists flock to see legendary Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, lost its sparkle and sparked a lot of security concerns. What all was stolen in the Louvre heist? As per a report by Bloomberg, the robbers stole a total of eight royal artifacts which included: a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise, second wife Napoleon Bonaparte; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugénie’s diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch. Also read: Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze The crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, however, has been found by the authorities in damaged condition near the museum. The crown has 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, and golden eagles, as per the museum website.

The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840.

Hours after Louvre heist, another French museum robbed off gold and silver coins worth $104,000

The British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan seemed to teach a lesson to Nikki Haley's son on immigration in the US. It all started on social media when Nikki's son, Nalin Haley, argued for ending mass immigration to the US. Hasan reminded him that Nilin's own grandfather was a migrant. Nilin's grandfather migrated from India to the US in 1969.&nbsp;"I don't care where you are from. Even if it's Canada, we have to stop mass migration. We have too many people. It's irresponsible to let in immigrants when companies already aren't hiring, AI is replacing many jobs, and the economy is fragile. The last thing we need is foreigners taking away jobs Americans can do," wrote the 24-year-old, who is the son of former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.&nbsp;He also argued that states should be allowed to deny H-1B visas to foreign workers. He said, "Buy from businesses that hire Americans. I;m aware immigration law is federal but individual states should also be allowed to deny H-1B visa workers in their states."&nbsp;Responding to this on X, Hasan wrote, "Nalin's grandfather, Ajit Singh Randhawa, the late father of Nikki Haley, a Sikh immigrant from India, had to confront similar bogus anti-immigrant arguments from the right when he moved to the US for work in 1969."&nbsp;Shortly, Nalin hit back saying, "This ain't 1969, bud. And you should be denaturalised. All you do is complain about America anyway."&nbsp;This after Mehdi Hasan took a dig at US President Donald Trump during a speech at the No Kings protest in Washington. During the demonstration, in which thousands of people across America participated, Hasan said, “The great irony is, of course, that Donald Trump is the son of an immigrant, the grandson of an immigrant, and married to an immigrant." Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/creating-viable-alternative-to-govern-gaza-key-to-success-of-peace-plan-hamas-will-fail-jared-kushner-1760902542892">Creating ‘viable alternative’ to govern Gaza key to peace plan success: Kushner</a>&nbsp;“In fact, two of his three wives were immigrants, proving yet again that immigrants will do the jobs that even Americans are not willing to do,” he added.

Nalin Haley argued for ending mass immigration to the US. Hasan reminded him that Nilin own grandfather was a migrant. Nilin grandfather migrated from India to the US in 1969.

The British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan seemed to teach a lesson to Nikki Haley's son on immigration in the US. It all started on social media when Nikki's son, Nalin Haley, argued for ending mass immigration to the US. Hasan reminded him that Nilin's own grandfather was a migrant. Nilin's grandfather migrated from India to the US in 1969. "I don't care where you are from. Even if it's Canada, we have to stop mass migration. We have too many people. It's irresponsible to let in immigrants when companies already aren't hiring, AI is replacing many jobs, and the economy is fragile. The last thing we need is foreigners taking away jobs Americans can do," wrote the 24-year-old, who is the son of former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley. He also argued that states should be allowed to deny H-1B visas to foreign workers. He said, "Buy from businesses that hire Americans. I;m aware immigration law is federal but individual states should also be allowed to deny H-1B visa workers in their states." Responding to this on X, Hasan wrote, "Nalin's grandfather, Ajit Singh Randhawa, the late father of Nikki Haley, a Sikh immigrant from India, had to confront similar bogus anti-immigrant arguments from the right when he moved to the US for work in 1969." Shortly, Nalin hit back saying, "This ain't 1969, bud. And you should be denaturalised. All you do is complain about America anyway." This after Mehdi Hasan took a dig at US President Donald Trump during a speech at the No Kings protest in Washington. During the demonstration, in which thousands of people across America participated, Hasan said, “The great irony is, of course, that Donald Trump is the son of an immigrant, the grandson of an immigrant, and married to an immigrant." Also read: Creating ‘viable alternative’ to govern Gaza key to peace plan success: Kushner “In fact, two of his three wives were immigrants, proving yet again that immigrants will do the jobs that even Americans are not willing to do,” he added.

Nalin Haley argued for ending mass immigration to the US. Hasan reminded him that Nilin's own grandfather was a migrant. Nilin's grandfather migrated from India to the US in 1969.

‘Your grandpa migrated from India to US in 1969’: Mehdi Hasan to Nikki Haley’s son over immigration

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), on Thursday (Oct 23), made more than two dozen arrests across the USA in illegal gambling and sports rigging cases. The arrests also included two prominent NBA personalities as well: Portland Trail Blazer coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. FBI director Kash Patel, while addressing a press briefing, said that the cases against the personnel include allegations of wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, and unlawful gambling. Apart from the NBA names, members of major crime families in New York - Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese crime families - were also arrested.<h2>What is the whole FBI case which led to arrest of NBA coach and player</h2>According to US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.: 31 people, who were named in the case, “alleged to have participated in a nationwide scheme to rig illegal poker games," where victims were lured on the pretext of underground games with celebrities and “high-tech cheating technology” was used to steal millions from them.According to the NYC police commissioner, the machines used in these rigged games were "custom shuffling machines that could read the order of cards, barcoded decks and hidden cameras built into tables and light fixtures."As for NBA part, Insider as well as non-public information was used to place bets on NBA games. The pieces of information included details about players sitting out or benching themselves during the game at a specific time.<h2>What did NBA say about personnel getting arrested?</h2>In a statement released shortly after the arrests of Billups and Rozier, NBA said: "Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority."Billups coached the Trail Blazer in their opening game of the season on Wednesday (Oct 22) while Rozier, who is in 11th NBA season, sat out the Heat's game against the Orlando Magic.

FBI director Kash Patel said that the cases against the personnel include allegations of wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, and unlawful gambling. Apart from the NBA names, members of major crime families in New York - Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese crime families - were also arrested.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), on Thursday (Oct 23), made more than two dozen arrests across the USA in illegal gambling and sports rigging cases. The arrests also included two prominent NBA personalities as well: Portland Trail Blazer coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. FBI director Kash Patel, while addressing a press briefing, said that the cases against the personnel include allegations of wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, and unlawful gambling. Apart from the NBA names, members of major crime families in New York - Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese crime families - were also arrested. What is the whole FBI case which led to arrest of NBA coach and player According to US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.: 31 people, who were named in the case, “alleged to have participated in a nationwide scheme to rig illegal poker games," where victims were lured on the pretext of underground games with celebrities and “high-tech cheating technology” was used to steal millions from them. According to the NYC police commissioner, the machines used in these rigged games were "custom shuffling machines that could read the order of cards, barcoded decks and hidden cameras built into tables and light fixtures." As for NBA part, Insider as well as non-public information was used to place bets on NBA games. The pieces of information included details about players sitting out or benching themselves during the game at a specific time. What did NBA say about personnel getting arrested? In a statement released shortly after the arrests of Billups and Rozier, NBA said: "Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority." Billups coached the Trail Blazer in their opening game of the season on Wednesday (Oct 22) while Rozier, who is in 11th NBA season, sat out the Heat's game against the Orlando Magic.

FBI director Kash Patel said that the cases against the personnel include allegations of wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, and unlawful gambling. Apart from the NBA names, members of major crime families in New York - Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese crime families - were also arrested.

FBI arrests 31 including New York mafia family members, NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Tony Rozier in illegal sports betting, gambling case

Chief intelligence officer of US consulting firm makes big revelations on “sex warfare” which has potential of being a threat to the countries tech secrets and other things kept under wraps. James Mulvenon of Pamir Consulting told news agency The Times that China and Russia are sending their operatives to procure information. And in one such approach, he said these operatives are targeting Silicon Valley professionals. Though honey trap may not be the new concept in the world of espionage, but Mulvenon brought to light how attractive foreign seductresses are trying to make inroads at important conferences and event held in the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Sex warfare’: What is all about?</h2>&nbsp;Speaking of his encounter, Mulvenon, who provides risk assessments for American companies investing in China, said he was one among those targeted, all this pursuit of gaining access into tech secrets. Speaking to The Times, he said, “I’m getting an enormous number of very sophisticated LinkedIn requests from the same type of attractive young Chinese woman. It really seems to have ramped up recently.”&nbsp;He continued that Chinese and Russian spies have been seen getting in touch with Silicon Valley professionals and industry insiders. Many of these operatives are seen at business conferences on Chinese investment risks. He pointed at one such particular event where he saw “two attractive Chinese women” who tried to get entry, and he also highlighted how they had all the information about the event. “It is a phenomenon. And I will tell you: it is weird,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Increase in events hosted by China</h2> The Times interacted with counterintelligence experts and found how China has been hosting competitions for startups in US. This is also another way of procuring information and data. Sensitive business plans and everything that goes around it is at risk of being leaked to China. And earlier in February, the House Committee on Homeland Security alerted about the events conducted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They said over 60 cases of spying have also been recorded.

Chinese and Russian spies have been seen getting in touch with Silicon Valley professionals and industry insiders. Many of these operatives are seen at business conferences on Chinese investment risks

Chief intelligence officer of US consulting firm makes big revelations on “sex warfare” which has potential of being a threat to the countries tech secrets and other things kept under wraps. James Mulvenon of Pamir Consulting told news agency The Times that China and Russia are sending their operatives to procure information. And in one such approach, he said these operatives are targeting Silicon Valley professionals. Though honey trap may not be the new concept in the world of espionage, but Mulvenon brought to light how attractive foreign seductresses are trying to make inroads at important conferences and event held in the US. ‘Sex warfare’: What is all about? Speaking of his encounter, Mulvenon, who provides risk assessments for American companies investing in China, said he was one among those targeted, all this pursuit of gaining access into tech secrets. Speaking to The Times, he said, “I’m getting an enormous number of very sophisticated LinkedIn requests from the same type of attractive young Chinese woman. It really seems to have ramped up recently.” He continued that Chinese and Russian spies have been seen getting in touch with Silicon Valley professionals and industry insiders. Many of these operatives are seen at business conferences on Chinese investment risks. He pointed at one such particular event where he saw “two attractive Chinese women” who tried to get entry, and he also highlighted how they had all the information about the event. “It is a phenomenon. And I will tell you: it is weird,” he added. Increase in events hosted by China The Times interacted with counterintelligence experts and found how China has been hosting competitions for startups in US. This is also another way of procuring information and data. Sensitive business plans and everything that goes around it is at risk of being leaked to China. And earlier in February, the House Committee on Homeland Security alerted about the events conducted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They said over 60 cases of spying have also been recorded.

Chinese and Russian spies have been seen getting in touch with Silicon Valley professionals and industry insiders. Many of these operatives are seen at business conferences on Chinese investment risks.

China and Russia waging 'sex warfare' in US; send female spies after Silicon Valley secrets, target makes big revelations

US President Donald Trump has used his special powers to pardon Binance’s convicted founder Changpeng Zhao, who had admitted allowing money laundering while heading the cryptocurrency exchange and served jail time. Zhao, accused of failing to stop criminals from using his platform to illegally move money connected to child sex abuse, drug trafficking, and terrorism, has ties with the Trump family’s crypto venture. Zhao, founder of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, had pleaded guilty to one count of failing to maintain an anti-money-laundering programme. Zhao, one of the most powerful people in the crypto world, had to step down as Binance chief when the company agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement with the US government to end a years-long probe into misconduct at the world’s largest crypto exchange.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | US President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonaldTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonaldTrump</a> pardons convicted Binance founder <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChanpengZhao?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChanpengZhao</a>, says the White House. <a href="https://t.co/8tEhXcj0mB">pic.twitter.com/8tEhXcj0mB</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1981383921498751104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Zhao pleaded guilty, White House says Biden admin persecuted him</h2> The Binance founder had asked Trump for a pardon previously, and the White House now says Zhao was persecuted by the Joe Biden administration. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Thursday that the Biden administration prosecuted Zhao out of a “desire to punish the cryptocurrency industry”. She added that there were “no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims”. Zhao, while pleading guilty in November in the money-laundering case, had told the court, “I failed here… I deeply regret my failure, and I am sorry.” Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-purely-counterproductive-russia-fumes-over-trump-sanctions-on-its-oil-companies-1761230271142">‘Purely counterproductive’: Russia fumes over Trump sanctions on its oil companies</a> <h2>Zhao has ties with Trump family venture? </h2> Changpeng Zhao has ties to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture that the Republican president and his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. launched in September. Trump’s most recent financial disclosure report says he made more than $57 million last year from this venture, which has launched ‘USD1’, a ‘stablecoin’ form of crypto that’s pegged at a 1-to-1 ratio to the US dollar.World Liberty Financial also recently announced that an investment fund in the United Arab Emirates would be using $2 billion worth of this ‘USD1’ coin to purchase a stake in Binance. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-the-head-of-church-of-england-prays-publicly-with-pope-in-a-500-year-first-1761222338198">King Charles, the head of Church of England, prays publicly with Pope in a 500-year first</a> The pardon came two months after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump family’s crypto venture, which has generated about $4.5 billion since the 2024 election, has been helped by “a partnership with an under-the-radar trading platform quietly administered by Binance.” Trump's pardon of Zhao paves the way for the crypto mogul to return to the business he helped found in 2017. He has already served his time in prison. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trinidad-and-tobago-plans-to-build-ram-mandir-eyes-role-as-west-s-hindu-heritage-hub-1761226380234">Trinidad and Tobago plans to build Ram Mandir, eyes role as West’s Hindu heritage hub</a> Zhao’s pardon by Trump is the latest in a series of those extended to executives convicted of white-collar crimes. Earlier this year, he pardoned the founders of crypto exchange BitMEX in connection with similar anti-money laundering violations and the founder of electric truck company Nikola, convicted of fraud. He has also commuted the sentence of the executive of now-defunct start-up Ozy Media. Recently, Trump commuted the 87-month prison sentence of former New York Rep. George Santos, who had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. WATCH: Sophisticated Western technology strengthens Russia’s stealth fleet<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sophisticated-western-technology-strengthens-russia-s-stealth-fleet-1761236594917/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sophisticated-western-technology-strengthens-russia-s-stealth-fleet-1761236594917/embed</a>

Trump's pardon of Zhao paves the way for the crypto mogul to return to the business he helped found in 2017. He has already served his time in prison. Zhao’s pardon by Trump is the latest in a series of those extended to executives convicted of white-collar crimes.

US President Donald Trump has used his special powers to pardon Binance’s convicted founder Changpeng Zhao, who had admitted allowing money laundering while heading the cryptocurrency exchange and served jail time. Zhao, accused of failing to stop criminals from using his platform to illegally move money connected to child sex abuse, drug trafficking, and terrorism, has ties with the Trump family’s crypto venture. Zhao, founder of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, had pleaded guilty to one count of failing to maintain an anti-money-laundering programme. Zhao, one of the most powerful people in the crypto world, had to step down as Binance chief when the company agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement with the US government to end a years-long probe into misconduct at the world’s largest crypto exchange.

Trump's pardon of Zhao paves the way for the crypto mogul to return to the business he helped found in 2017. He has already served his time in prison. Zhao’s pardon by Trump is the latest in a series of those extended to executives convicted of white-collar crimes.

Trump pardons convicted Binance founder Changpeng Zhao having ties with family crypto venture

US President Donald Trump has warned Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will lose "all support" from America if it tries to annex the West Bank. In a Time magazine interview published on Thursday (Oct 23), the American president said about the West Bank annexation, "It won’t happen. It won’t happen. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-and-usha-vance-getting-divorce-former-wh-press-secretary-claims-not-all-is-well-in-their-marriage-details-here-1761143711469">JD and Usha Vance getting divorce? Former WH press secretary claims not all is well in their marriage. Details here</a>&nbsp;“And you can’t do that now. We’ve had great Arab support. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries. It will not happen. Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened," he added.&nbsp;Israel's parliament approves bill for West Bank annexation&nbsp;The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-demand-for-immidiate-ceasefire-with-ukraine-contrary-to-trump-putin-agreement-in-alaska-kremlin-1761072472770">Trump’s demand for immediate ceasefire with Ukraine ‘contrary to Trump-Putin agreement in Alaska: Kremlin</a>&nbsp;The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.&nbsp;"They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," said Rubio.

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

US President Donald Trump has warned Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will lose "all support" from America if it tries to annex the West Bank. In a Time magazine interview published on Thursday (Oct 23), the American president said about the West Bank annexation, "It won’t happen. It won’t happen. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries. Also read:JD and Usha Vance getting divorce? Former WH press secretary claims not all is well in their marriage. Details here “And you can’t do that now. We’ve had great Arab support. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries. It will not happen. Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened," he added. Israel's parliament approves bill for West Bank annexation The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance. Also read: Trump’s demand for immediate ceasefire with Ukraine ‘contrary to Trump-Putin agreement in Alaska: Kremlin The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. "They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," said Rubio.

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

'I gave my word to Arab countries’: Trump threatens Netanyahu will lose US support if annexed West Bank

Russia reacted with outrage on Thursday after the United States sanctioned its two largest oil companies, the first economic penalties slapped on Moscow by President Donald Trump in his second term. The new sanctions earned the wrath of Russian officials and the country’s largely state-controlled media. If anyone “still harboured illusions—here you go,” said the hawkish ex-President Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. “The USA is our adversary, and their loquacious ‘peacemaker’,— meaning Trump — “has now fully taken up the path of war with Russia,” Medvedev wrote in a social media post.&nbsp;“We view this step as purely counterproductive,” added Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in a news briefing Thursday. “If the current US administration decides to follow the example of its predecessors, the outcome will be exactly the same: a failure, both politically at home and harmful to global economic stability,” she said.The measures “will not cause any particular difficulties,” she said. “Our country has developed a strong immunity to Western restrictions and will continue to steadily strengthen its economic and energy potential.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-the-head-of-church-of-england-prays-publicly-with-pope-in-a-500-year-first-1761222338198">King Charles, the head of Church of England, prays publicly with Pope in a 500-year first</a>&nbsp;Experts said it remains to be seen how much damage the new sanctions cause to the Russian economy as Trump aims to pressure Moscow to halt its assault on Ukraine.&nbsp;After cancelling his planned summit with Putin in Budapest, citing a lack of progress in negotiations, Trump took the major step by effectively blacklisting Rosneft and Lukoil. The sanctions’ announcement was welcomed by Kyiv and its European allies, which added their own new raft of sanctions on Russia, which has so far managed to withstand Western sanctions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump has often expressed frustration with Putin, accusing him of making positive diplomatic noises and then bombing Ukrainian civilians again, but had till now not taken direct action.This week, he said that meeting the Russian leader would be a “waste of time,” after Russia rejected the American demand that a ceasefire should come before talks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trinidad-and-tobago-plans-to-build-ram-mandir-eyes-role-as-west-s-hindu-heritage-hub-1761226380234">Trinidad and Tobago plans to build Ram Mandir, eyes role as West’s Hindu heritage hub</a>&nbsp;“We cancelled the meeting with President Putin. It just didn’t feel right to me,” Trump said at a White House gathering of reporters. “It didn’t feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get. So I cancelled it, but we’ll do it in the future.” The sanctions drew praise from Ukraine and its supporters.&nbsp;“We waited for this. God bless, it will work. And this is very important,” Zelensky said in Brussels.The Biden administration, along with the European Union and others, had tried to squeeze Russia’s banking and energy sectors, attempting to isolate it from the global market, which caused Russia some pain as its oil and gas revenues declined.&nbsp;Moscow responded by increasing sales to China and India and using its so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels to carry exports off-book.&nbsp;WATCH: Is Jack the Ripper's Identity Finally Known After 137 Years?<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-jack-the-ripper-s-identity-finally-known-after-137-years-1761220414121/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-jack-the-ripper-s-identity-finally-known-after-137-years-1761220414121/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

After cancelling his planned summit with Putin in Budapest, citing a lack of progress in negotiations, Trump took the major step by effectively blacklisting Rosneft and Lukoil. The sanctions’ announcement was welcomed by Kyiv and its European allies.

Russia reacted with outrage on Thursday after the United States sanctioned its two largest oil companies, the first economic penalties slapped on Moscow by President Donald Trump in his second term. The new sanctions earned the wrath of Russian officials and the country’s largely state-controlled media. If anyone “still harboured illusions—here you go,” said the hawkish ex-President Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. “The USA is our adversary, and their loquacious ‘peacemaker’,— meaning Trump — “has now fully taken up the path of war with Russia,” Medvedev wrote in a social media post. “We view this step as purely counterproductive,” added Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in a news briefing Thursday. “If the current US administration decides to follow the example of its predecessors, the outcome will be exactly the same: a failure, both politically at home and harmful to global economic stability,” she said. The measures “will not cause any particular difficulties,” she said. “Our country has developed a strong immunity to Western restrictions and will continue to steadily strengthen its economic and energy potential.” Also Read: King Charles, the head of Church of England, prays publicly with Pope in a 500-year first Experts said it remains to be seen how much damage the new sanctions cause to the Russian economy as Trump aims to pressure Moscow to halt its assault on Ukraine. After cancelling his planned summit with Putin in Budapest, citing a lack of progress in negotiations, Trump took the major step by effectively blacklisting Rosneft and Lukoil. The sanctions’ announcement was welcomed by Kyiv and its European allies, which added their own new raft of sanctions on Russia, which has so far managed to withstand Western sanctions. Trump has often expressed frustration with Putin, accusing him of making positive diplomatic noises and then bombing Ukrainian civilians again, but had till now not taken direct action. This week, he said that meeting the Russian leader would be a “waste of time,” after Russia rejected the American demand that a ceasefire should come before talks. Also Read: Trinidad and Tobago plans to build Ram Mandir, eyes role as West’s Hindu heritage hub “We cancelled the meeting with President Putin. It just didn’t feel right to me,” Trump said at a White House gathering of reporters. “It didn’t feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get. So I cancelled it, but we’ll do it in the future.” The sanctions drew praise from Ukraine and its supporters. “We waited for this. God bless, it will work. And this is very important,” Zelensky said in Brussels. The Biden administration, along with the European Union and others, had tried to squeeze Russia’s banking and energy sectors, attempting to isolate it from the global market, which caused Russia some pain as its oil and gas revenues declined. Moscow responded by increasing sales to China and India and using its so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels to carry exports off-book. WATCH: Is Jack the Ripper's Identity Finally Known After 137 Years? https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-jack-the-ripper-s-identity-finally-known-after-137-years-1761220414121/embed

After cancelling his planned summit with Putin in Budapest, citing a lack of progress in negotiations, Trump took the major step by effectively blacklisting Rosneft and Lukoil. The sanctions’ announcement was welcomed by Kyiv and its European allies.

‘Purely counterproductive’: Russia fumes over Trump sanctions on its oil companies

On Wednesday (Oct 22), days after the heist at France’s Louvre museum, the director Laurence des Cars admitted to inadequate camera surveillance. In the daylight robbery, thieves took away prized jewels worth $102 million from the premises. She also said that the diamond- and emerald-studded crown, which was dropped and damaged during the robbery, could be restored. In less than 10 minutes, the museum, where tourists flock to see legendary Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, lost its sparkle and sparked a lot of security concerns.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-director-testifies-before-french-senate-admits-glaring-security-lapses-1761156475997/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-director-testifies-before-french-senate-admits-glaring-security-lapses-1761156475997/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking for the first time after the heist, the museum director told French lawmakers, “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed.”&nbsp;She added, "The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-you-know-cursed-diamond-that-louvre-thieves-refused-to-steal-has-an-indian-connection-1761199081453">Did you know? ‘Cursed’ diamond that Louvre thieves refused to steal has an Indian connection</a>&nbsp;<h2>What all was stolen in the robbery? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;As per a report by Bloomberg, the robbers stole a total of eight royal artifacts which included: a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise, second wife Napoleon Bonaparte; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugénie’s diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thieves-used-cherry-picker-angle-grinder-in-7-minute-louvre-museum-heist-pulled-off-like-a-breeze-1760880195775">Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze</a>&nbsp;The crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, however, has been found by the authorities in damaged condition near the museum. The crown has 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, and golden eagles, as per the museum website.

Speaking for the first time after the heist, the museum director Laurence des Cars told French lawmakers, “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed.”

On Wednesday (Oct 22), days after the heist at France’s Louvre museum, the director Laurence des Cars admitted to inadequate camera surveillance. In the daylight robbery, thieves took away prized jewels worth $102 million from the premises. She also said that the diamond- and emerald-studded crown, which was dropped and damaged during the robbery, could be restored. In less than 10 minutes, the museum, where tourists flock to see legendary Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, lost its sparkle and sparked a lot of security concerns. https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-director-testifies-before-french-senate-admits-glaring-security-lapses-1761156475997/embed Speaking for the first time after the heist, the museum director told French lawmakers, “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed.” She added, "The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in.” Also read: Did you know? ‘Cursed’ diamond that Louvre thieves refused to steal has an Indian connection What all was stolen in the robbery? As per a report by Bloomberg, the robbers stole a total of eight royal artifacts which included: a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise, second wife Napoleon Bonaparte; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugénie’s diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch. Also read: Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze The crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, however, has been found by the authorities in damaged condition near the museum. The crown has 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, and golden eagles, as per the museum website.

Speaking for the first time after the heist, the museum director Laurence des Cars told French lawmakers, “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed.”

'Camera did not cover balcony involved in break-in': Louvre museum director admits to security lapse

After a divorce rumour spread by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, US Vice President JD Vance laughed off the claims, saying he is very grateful to have Usha by her side. When he was asked about Psaki's claim that the Vance couple were facing troubles in their marriage, the US VP said, “I think it’s disgraceful, but of course the second lady can speak for herself.”&nbsp;“I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife, and I know — at least I hope — that my wife feels the same about me. I’m honored to have Usha by my side," he added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">NEW: Vice President Vance laughs off Jen Psaki’s comments about his wife, Usha: “I think it’s disgraceful, but of course the second lady can speak for herself.” “I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife, and I know — at least I hope — that my wife feels the same about me.”… <a href="https://t.co/DprrMR1IbB">pic.twitter.com/DprrMR1IbB</a>&mdash; Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/1981321483952468002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-and-usha-vance-getting-divorce-former-wh-press-secretary-claims-not-all-is-well-in-their-marriage-details-here-1761143711469">JD and Usha Vance getting divorce? Former WH press secretary claims not all is well in their marriage. Details here</a>&nbsp;Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, made a claim without proof that the marital life of the US Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance is not going great. Talking at an episode of the "I've Had It" series, she said, without any proof, that the couple might be heading for a divorce. “I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife. Like, are you OK? Please blink four times. Come over here, we’ll save you," Psaki said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Psaki further said in the podcast that Vance had his sights set on the presidency. Calling the US VP “the little Manchurian candidate,” she claimed he "wants to be president more than anything else", adding that he will do anything to “get there.” Reacting to this, Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications and the President's aide, slammed Psaki, who has worked with former President Obama and Biden. “Jen Psuki must be transferring her own personal issues onto others,” Cheung wrote on X. He misspelled her surname. “@jrpsaki is a dumba** who has no comprehension of the truth and has to overcompensate for her lack of talent by saying untrue things. Circle back on that, moron,” he added.

When he was asked about Psaki claim that the Vance couple were facing troubles in their marriage, the US VP said he thinks it is disgraceful.

After a divorce rumour spread by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, US Vice President JD Vance laughed off the claims, saying he is very grateful to have Usha by her side. When he was asked about Psaki's claim that the Vance couple were facing troubles in their marriage, the US VP said, “I think it’s disgraceful, but of course the second lady can speak for herself.” “I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife, and I know — at least I hope — that my wife feels the same about me. I’m honored to have Usha by my side," he added.

When he was asked about Psaki's claim that the Vance couple were facing troubles in their marriage, the US VP said, “I think it’s disgraceful".&nbsp;

'The second lady can speak for herself': JD Vance on divorce rumours

In a pointed critique of the ruling National Conference (NC) government, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti announced on Thursday that her party, despite holding just three seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, will extend its support to the NC during the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The move, she emphasised, underscores a fragile unity against perceived threats to democratic norms—but not without sharp warnings to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.&nbsp;Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP's electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region. "We fought elections for the freedom of speech," Mufti declared, "but I hear it's being suppressed again. Selected journalists are being allowed to enter the assembly."&nbsp;The PDP chief reserved her harshest words for the contentious Land Regularisation Bill, a proposed legislation and a measure critics have dubbed "land jihad" for allegedly favouring certain communities at the expense of indigenous rights. Positioning herself as a staunch defender of Kashmiri land rights, Mufti issued a direct challenge to Abdullah: "The Leader of the Opposition has said we will see how the Land Regularisation Bill is tabled. It's a land jihad, and I want to tell Omar Abdullah to ensure that the bill comes in the assembly and it's passed. Otherwise, it will be a betrayal."&nbsp;"People will then decide it, and it will also get clear who is supporting the BJP."The reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) evoked long-standing accusations that the NC has softened its stance toward New Delhi's policies post the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, potentially at the cost of regional autonomy.&nbsp;Mehbooba Further added that "We support Shammi Oberoi for the third seat and will vote accordingly. However, we will not vote for the fourth seat to avoid contributing to their defeat. The NC should redirect their votes for the fourth seat, ''

Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region.

In a pointed critique of the ruling National Conference (NC) government, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti announced on Thursday that her party, despite holding just three seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, will extend its support to the NC during the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The move, she emphasised, underscores a fragile unity against perceived threats to democratic norms—but not without sharp warnings to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP's electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region. "We fought elections for the freedom of speech," Mufti declared, "but I hear it's being suppressed again. Selected journalists are being allowed to enter the assembly." The PDP chief reserved her harshest words for the contentious Land Regularisation Bill, a proposed legislation and a measure critics have dubbed "land jihad" for allegedly favouring certain communities at the expense of indigenous rights. Positioning herself as a staunch defender of Kashmiri land rights, Mufti issued a direct challenge to Abdullah: "The Leader of the Opposition has said we will see how the Land Regularisation Bill is tabled. It's a land jihad, and I want to tell Omar Abdullah to ensure that the bill comes in the assembly and it's passed. Otherwise, it will be a betrayal." "People will then decide it, and it will also get clear who is supporting the BJP." The reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) evoked long-standing accusations that the NC has softened its stance toward New Delhi's policies post the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, potentially at the cost of regional autonomy. Mehbooba Further added that "We support Shammi Oberoi for the third seat and will vote accordingly. However, we will not vote for the fourth seat to avoid contributing to their defeat. The NC should redirect their votes for the fourth seat, ''

Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region.

Mehbooba Mufti announces support to National Conference for the upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections

Israeli ultra-orthodox Shas party has announced resignation from all positions in the &nbsp;Knesset, including chairmanships of parliamentary committees, on Thursday as a protest against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. This move comes as the Israeli government failed to pass a law to regulate the conscription of yeshiva students.&nbsp;Shas, following the instructions from the Council of Torah Sages, withdrew from the coalition. The party, however, refrained from bringing down the Government or quitting the coalition.&nbsp;"In accordance with the directive of the Council of Torah Scholars… according to which the government must bring to a vote the law to regulate the status of yeshiva students no later than the opening of the winter session of the Knesset — which, unfortunately, has not yet been implemented — Shas announces its withdrawal from its coalition roles in the Knesset,” said the party in a statement.&nbsp;Shas lawmakers Yossi Taib and Yoni Mashriki resigned as chairs of the Knesset Education and Health Committees, respectively. Shas leader Aryeh Deri will continue attending the cabinet committee security meeting, hinting at a possible reconciliation if the draft issue is to be resolved.Shas also stated that it will consult its action rabbinic council and other ultra orthodox factions before going for a vote.&nbsp;Shas' recent resignation is in line with the similar action in July 2025, when the party, along with the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, quit the cabinet opposing the conscription of Haredi men in the IDF. The conscription law has become a bone of contention since 2024, when the Supreme Court determined that the long-standing exemption for religious seminary students had no legal basis. Now, with the ongoing military operations in Gaza IDF is facing a manpower shortage and has been pushing for increased conscription. By August 2025, the IDF had begun drafting previously exempt Haredi men. The exit of Shas and the United Torah Judaism has made Netanyahu vulnerable with a minority government in the Knesset.&nbsp;

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Shas party resigns from all Knesset positions in protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to pass a law on yeshiva student conscription, deepening the coalition crisis.

Israeli ultra-orthodox Shas party has announced resignation from all positions in the Knesset, including chairmanships of parliamentary committees, on Thursday as a protest against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. This move comes as the Israeli government failed to pass a law to regulate the conscription of yeshiva students. Shas, following the instructions from the Council of Torah Sages, withdrew from the coalition. The party, however, refrained from bringing down the Government or quitting the coalition. "In accordance with the directive of the Council of Torah Scholars… according to which the government must bring to a vote the law to regulate the status of yeshiva students no later than the opening of the winter session of the Knesset — which, unfortunately, has not yet been implemented — Shas announces its withdrawal from its coalition roles in the Knesset,” said the party in a statement. Shas lawmakers Yossi Taib and Yoni Mashriki resigned as chairs of the Knesset Education and Health Committees, respectively. Shas leader Aryeh Deri will continue attending the cabinet committee security meeting, hinting at a possible reconciliation if the draft issue is to be resolved. Shas also stated that it will consult its action rabbinic council and other ultra orthodox factions before going for a vote. Shas' recent resignation is in line with the similar action in July 2025, when the party, along with the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, quit the cabinet opposing the conscription of Haredi men in the IDF. The conscription law has become a bone of contention since 2024, when the Supreme Court determined that the long-standing exemption for religious seminary students had no legal basis. Now, with the ongoing military operations in Gaza IDF is facing a manpower shortage and has been pushing for increased conscription. By August 2025, the IDF had begun drafting previously exempt Haredi men. The exit of Shas and the United Torah Judaism has made Netanyahu vulnerable with a minority government in the Knesset.

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Shas party resigns from all Knesset positions in protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to pass a law on yeshiva student conscription, deepening the coalition crisis.

Israeli orthodox Shas quits its coalition position over regulation around haredi draft law

Trinidad and Tobago is considering plans to establish a Ram Mandir (temple) in its capital city, as the Caribbean nation seeks to strengthen its position as a cultural and spiritual hub for Hinduism in the western hemisphere. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced the government’s strong support for the initiative during discussions with religious leaders, including representatives who facilitated the arrival of a Ram Lalla idol replica from Ayodhya earlier this year. “Trinidad and Tobago is often referred to as ‘Ramayan country’,” Padarath said, highlighting the nation’s unique role in preserving Hindu traditions outside India. “The Ram Lalla initiative is something that we welcome—it is something we support.”&nbsp;Padarath said that government officials are actively exploring ways to advance the temple project, viewing it as both a spiritual endeavour and a potential tourism draw for the twin-island nation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jain-community-members-buy-190-luxury-cars-get-rs-21-crore-discount-in-bulk-deal-1760891278156">Jain community members buy 190 luxury cars, get Rs 21 crore discount in bulk deal</a>&nbsp;Prem Bhandari, founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir in New York, has proposed the creation of an “Ayodhya Nagari”—a Hindu spiritual and cultural hub for devotees in North America who may not be able to travel to the holy city of Ayodhya in India.&nbsp;Bhandari presented the proposal to Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.&nbsp;The initiative follows the unveiling of a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir in Trinidad in May 2025.&nbsp;Earlier this year, more than 10,000 worshippers gathered in Port of Spain to welcome the idol replica, underscoring their cultural and spiritual connection to India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-the-head-of-church-of-england-prays-publicly-with-pope-in-a-500-year-first-1761222338198">King Charles, the head of Church of England, prays publicly with Pope in a 500-year first</a>&nbsp;The minister said that Trinidad and Tobago has become a “mecca” for Hindu religious expression in the Caribbean, where traditions such as Bhagwat Katha and Ramayan recitations have been preserved for generations since the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century.&nbsp;He added that the proposed temple would serve multiple purposes beyond worship, including education, cultural preservation, and tourism.&nbsp;The government views the Ram Mandir project as an opportunity to promote religious tourism, while deepening awareness and devotion to Lord Ram’s teachings among local and international devotees.&nbsp;Padarath said that “major announcements” regarding the Ram Mandir and related initiatives to strengthen Hindu religious life in the country are expected in the coming months.

The initiative follows the unveiling of a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir in Trinidad in May 2025. Earlier this year, more than 10,000 worshippers gathered in Port of Spain to welcome the idol replica, underscoring their cultural and spiritual connection to India.

Trinidad and Tobago is considering plans to establish a Ram Mandir (temple) in its capital city, as the Caribbean nation seeks to strengthen its position as a cultural and spiritual hub for Hinduism in the western hemisphere. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced the government’s strong support for the initiative during discussions with religious leaders, including representatives who facilitated the arrival of a Ram Lalla idol replica from Ayodhya earlier this year. “Trinidad and Tobago is often referred to as ‘Ramayan country’,” Padarath said, highlighting the nation’s unique role in preserving Hindu traditions outside India. “The Ram Lalla initiative is something that we welcome—it is something we support.” Padarath said that government officials are actively exploring ways to advance the temple project, viewing it as both a spiritual endeavour and a potential tourism draw for the twin-island nation. Also Read: Jain community members buy 190 luxury cars, get Rs 21 crore discount in bulk deal Prem Bhandari, founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir in New York, has proposed the creation of an “Ayodhya Nagari”—a Hindu spiritual and cultural hub for devotees in North America who may not be able to travel to the holy city of Ayodhya in India. Bhandari presented the proposal to Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The initiative follows the unveiling of a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir in Trinidad in May 2025. Earlier this year, more than 10,000 worshippers gathered in Port of Spain to welcome the idol replica, underscoring their cultural and spiritual connection to India. Also Read: King Charles, the head of Church of England, prays publicly with Pope in a 500-year first The minister said that Trinidad and Tobago has become a “mecca” for Hindu religious expression in the Caribbean, where traditions such as Bhagwat Katha and Ramayan recitations have been preserved for generations since the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century. He added that the proposed temple would serve multiple purposes beyond worship, including education, cultural preservation, and tourism. The government views the Ram Mandir project as an opportunity to promote religious tourism, while deepening awareness and devotion to Lord Ram’s teachings among local and international devotees. Padarath said that “major announcements” regarding the Ram Mandir and related initiatives to strengthen Hindu religious life in the country are expected in the coming months.

The initiative follows the unveiling of a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir in Trinidad in May 2025. Earlier this year, more than 10,000 worshippers gathered in Port of Spain to welcome the idol replica, underscoring their cultural and spiritual connection to India.

Trinidad and Tobago plans to build Ram Mandir, eyes role as West’s Hindu heritage hub

Britain’s King Charles III and Pope Leo prayed together in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday, in the first joint worship including an English monarch, who is also head of the Church of England, and a Catholic pontiff since King Henry VIII broke away from Rome in 1534. English prayers and Latin chants echoed through the chapel, where Leo was elected the first pope from the US by the world’s Catholic cardinals six months ago. Charles, supreme governor of the Church of England, was seated at the pope’s left near the altar of the chapel as Leo and Anglican Archbishop Stephen Cottrell led a service that featured the Sistine Chapel Choir and two royal choirs. King Charles had met the last three popes, and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI even travelled to Britain, but they never had joint prayers. King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Vatican earlier this year to see Pope Francis. They also had a private meeting with Leo on Thursday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A historic moment took place on Thursday: for the first time in 500 years, the Pope prayed alongside the King of England. Pope Leo XIV led an Ecumenical Prayer for the Care of Creation with the Royal Family in the Sistine Chapel at midday. The prayer service marked the conclusion… <a href="https://t.co/LFK6mvLFoI">pic.twitter.com/LFK6mvLFoI</a>&mdash; EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) <a href="https://twitter.com/EWTNVatican/status/1981340026441973947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;King Charles will travel to Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Catholicism’s four most venerated churches, in the afternoon. where Leo has approved giving him a new title of “Royal Confrater”, or brother, at the connected abbey.Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that Charles had also approved two British honours for Leo: making him the “Papal Confrater” of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and conferring on him the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.&nbsp;&nbsp;Charles will also be gifted a special seat in the apse of the basilica. The wooden chair, reserved in the future for use only by British monarchs, is decorated with the king’s coat of arms and the ecumenical motto “Ut unum sint” (That they may be one).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">King Charles III and Queen Camilla met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican this morning as part of their official state visit. They were welcomed into the San Damaso courtyard by Swiss Guard and the hymn &quot;God save the King.&quot; Their meeting with the Holy Father marks a historic… <a href="https://t.co/UZrLCO7qaZ">pic.twitter.com/UZrLCO7qaZ</a>&mdash; Vatican News (@VaticanNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/VaticanNews/status/1981307811691724844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>King Charles’ Vatican visit marks improvement in ties</h2>&nbsp;King and Queen Camilla’s state visit to the Vatican marks an improvement of ties between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, five centuries after their separation.The split between the Catholic Church and the Church of England was formalized in 1534, after Pope Clement VII refused to annul King Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thieves-used-cherry-picker-angle-grinder-in-7-minute-louvre-museum-heist-pulled-off-like-a-breeze-1760880195775">Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze</a>&nbsp;Henry’s desire for a male heir—and a new wife who might provide one—was the immediate catalyst, but other factors like the English crown’s seizure of church assets and the growth of Protestant ideas in England were also at play.The teachings of the Catholics and Protestants align on many major issues, but the Catholic Church does not ordain women and generally does not allow priests to marry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that King Charles had also approved two British honours for Pope Leo: making him the “Papal Confrater” of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and conferring on him the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

Britain’s King Charles III and Pope Leo prayed together in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday, in the first joint worship including an English monarch, who is also head of the Church of England, and a Catholic pontiff since King Henry VIII broke away from Rome in 1534. English prayers and Latin chants echoed through the chapel, where Leo was elected the first pope from the US by the world’s Catholic cardinals six months ago. Charles, supreme governor of the Church of England, was seated at the pope’s left near the altar of the chapel as Leo and Anglican Archbishop Stephen Cottrell led a service that featured the Sistine Chapel Choir and two royal choirs. King Charles had met the last three popes, and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI even travelled to Britain, but they never had joint prayers. King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Vatican earlier this year to see Pope Francis. They also had a private meeting with Leo on Thursday morning.

Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that King Charles had also approved two British honours for Pope Leo: making him the “Papal Confrater” of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and conferring on him the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

King Charles, the head of Church of England, prays publicly with Pope in a 500-year first

Amid the border clashes with Afghanistan's Taliban, Pakistan has a new problem now - &nbsp;the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a video message, the TTP challenged Pakistan’s army chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir to come himself in the battle, "if he had his mother's milk", rather than sending his soldiers.

Releasing a few clips on social media, the TTP was seen with militants and weapons. The videos included the footage of an October 8 ambush in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram, in which 22 Pakistani soldiers were claimed to have been killed.&nbsp;In one of the shared clips, a senior TTP member was seen telling the camera and threatening Asim Munir to face them and lead the battles by himself, "if" he is a man. As per the Pakistani officials, the senior member of identified as Kazim. He is the same person; the Pakistani authorities announced a reward of 10 crore on.&nbsp;Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes&nbsp;A temporary ceasefire of 48 hours was announced by Pakistan in the clashes. As per Reuters, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration have agreed to a temporary ceasefire for 48 hours starting 6:00 p.m. Pakistan local time (1300 GMT) on Wednesday (Oct 15).&nbsp;This came after at least 15 more civilians were killed in the Taliban ruling nation, whereas they were reported dead. While Reuters reported at least six Pakistani paramilitary soldiers were killed in a clash with militants near the Afghan border, Afghan officials told AFP news agency that 15 civilians were dead and dozens were injured in the fresh violence on the border between the two countries.&nbsp;How did it all start?&nbsp;It all started around 10:30 pm on Saturday (October 11) when Taliban forces attacked the Pakistan border, which later converted into multiple firing at various locations in the border area. Pakistan named Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Bahram Chah, and Chitral as the locations where the clashes erupted. They all come under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province except Bahram Chah in Balochistan.&nbsp;The Pakistani military on Sunday condemned what it called “the cowardly action”, saying it was aimed at destabilising the border to facilitate terrorism”.&nbsp;“Exercising the right of self-defence, the alert Armed Forces of Pakistan repelled the assault decisively,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said in a statement.&nbsp;What triggered the clashes?

Afghanistan experienced two major bomb blasts on Thursday Taliban government accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s “sovereign territory”.

Releasing a few clips on social media, the TTP was seen with militants and weapons. The videos included the footage of an October 8 ambush in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kurram, in which 22 Pakistani soldiers were claimed to have been killed.

Amid the border clashes with Afghanistan's Taliban, Pakistan has a new problem now - the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a video message, the TTP challenged Pakistan’s army chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir to come himself in the battle, "if he had his mother's milk", rather than sending his soldiers.

Releasing a few clips on social media, the TTP was seen with militants and weapons. The videos included the footage of an October 8 ambush in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram, in which 22 Pakistani soldiers were claimed to have been killed.

'Fight us if you have had your mother's milk': Pakistani Taliban to Asim Munir

Artworks of Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar, on display at a Kochi art gallery, Kerala, were allegedly vandalised by two other artists who claimed that the pieces were obscene. The incident took place during the international exhibition titled Estranged Geographies at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, where artists Hochimin P H and Sudamshu reportedly damaged Benammar’s seven linocut graphic prints.&nbsp;The exhibition was organised by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi. It was opened on October 18 and is scheduled to last for a month. The seven linocut graphic prints of Benammar were on display at the exhibition, and it was curated by Anushka Rajendran and Damian Christinger.<h3>The Akademi chairperson condemned the attack</h3>According to a report in the Indian Express, Hochimin P H and Sudamshu reportedly tore away the seven prints around 6:30 pm on Wednesday. When the gallery was closing and only two people were present. In response to the incident, the Akademi’s chairperson, Murali Cheeroth, condemned the attack, assuring to file a complaint with the local police against the vandalism.&nbsp;“The incident is an attack on artistic freedom and has outraged the art community in Kerala. The damaged work was part of a prestigious international show, which was backed by reputed cultural organisations and embassies. The attack was meant to disrupt the state’s peaceful landscape,” he said.&nbsp;The Akademi chairperson claimed that there was no obscenity which was alleged by the persons who reportedly vandalised Benammar’s seven linocut graphic prints. “It was a baseless campaign. Instead of raising concerns through discussion, they vandalised the gallery. If we had interfered in the stated work, it would have been depicted as censoring from the Akademi,” he added.&nbsp;On Thursday, Hanan Benammar expressed concern over the vandalisation of her artwork by a Kerala artist, and she described the incident as an attack on artistic freedom and free expression.&nbsp;Along with Benammar, the exhibition features works by Damien Ajavon, Elodie Pong, Mithra Kamalam, Rejani S R, Vinu V V, and Yto Barrada. As stated on her website, Benammar’s practice “conceptually engages with geopolitical, environmental, and social issues,” often through long-term projects that take shape as sound and video installations, performances, sculptures, music, and public interventions. She is also involved in curating, organising, and initiating collaborative artistic platforms and projects.

In response to the incident, the Akademi’s chairperson, Murali Cheeroth, condemned the attack and said that he would file a complaint with the local police against the vandalism.

Artworks of Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar, on display at a Kochi art gallery, Kerala, were allegedly vandalised by two other artists who claimed that the pieces were obscene. The incident took place during the international exhibition titled Estranged Geographies at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, where artists Hochimin P H and Sudamshu reportedly damaged Benammar’s seven linocut graphic prints. The exhibition was organised by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi. It was opened on October 18 and is scheduled to last for a month. The seven linocut graphic prints of Benammar were on display at the exhibition, and it was curated by Anushka Rajendran and Damian Christinger. The Akademi chairperson condemned the attack According to a report in the Indian Express, Hochimin P H and Sudamshu reportedly tore away the seven prints around 6:30 pm on Wednesday. When the gallery was closing and only two people were present. In response to the incident, the Akademi’s chairperson, Murali Cheeroth, condemned the attack, assuring to file a complaint with the local police against the vandalism. “The incident is an attack on artistic freedom and has outraged the art community in Kerala. The damaged work was part of a prestigious international show, which was backed by reputed cultural organisations and embassies. The attack was meant to disrupt the state’s peaceful landscape,” he said. The Akademi chairperson claimed that there was no obscenity which was alleged by the persons who reportedly vandalised Benammar’s seven linocut graphic prints. “It was a baseless campaign. Instead of raising concerns through discussion, they vandalised the gallery. If we had interfered in the stated work, it would have been depicted as censoring from the Akademi,” he added. On Thursday, Hanan Benammar expressed concern over the vandalisation of her artwork by a Kerala artist, and she described the incident as an attack on artistic freedom and free expression. Along with Benammar, the exhibition features works by Damien Ajavon, Elodie Pong, Mithra Kamalam, Rejani S R, Vinu V V, and Yto Barrada. As stated on her website, Benammar’s practice “conceptually engages with geopolitical, environmental, and social issues,” often through long-term projects that take shape as sound and video installations, performances, sculptures, music, and public interventions. She is also involved in curating, organising, and initiating collaborative artistic platforms and projects.

In response to the incident, the Akademi’s chairperson, Murali Cheeroth, condemned the attack and said that he would file a complaint with the local police against the vandalism.

International artists' display vandalised at Kochi art gallery over allegations of ‘obscenity’

A bizarre attempt to kill a cockroach turned deadly in Osan, Gyeonggi Province of South Korea. The woman tried to use an improvised flamethrower to set the cockroach on fire instead she set the apartment ablaze, killing one of her neighbours. According to local reports, as the neighbour was trying to escape the fire through the window, she fell down and lost her life. Eight other residents suffered from smoke inhalation.&nbsp;<h2>Cause of fire</h2>According to a report from The Korea Times, the woman who started the fire is in her late 20s, but the name of woman has not been disclosed. According to the report, the woman was trying to kill a cockroach using an aerosol spray and a lighter; she claims that she has done that a few times. But this time the flame engulfed the inflammable items in the apartment and quickly spread through the staircase, blocking the escape route for other citizens on the upper floor of the apartment.<h2>How did the woman die?</h2>The woman who died is in her 30s, used to live with her husband and two-month-old baby. As the fire spread, she and her husband tried to escape through the window. They handed their baby to the resident on the other block, and then tried to evacuate themself. Her husband managed to pass over to the other block, but she fell down. She was taken to the nearby intensive care unit, but she succumbed to injuries.The incident highlights the risk of killing pests using aerosol sprays; similar incidents have been reported in Japan and Australia. Aerosol contains highly inflammable liquid, which can cause an explosive vapour cloud.&nbsp;The police in Osan said that the woman could be charged with negligence, which started the fire and caused a death.

A woman in South Korea accidentally set her apartment building on fire while trying to kill a cockroach. The blaze killed a young mother and injured several others.

A bizarre attempt to kill a cockroach turned deadly in Osan, Gyeonggi Province of South Korea. The woman tried to use an improvised flamethrower to set the cockroach on fire instead she set the apartment ablaze, killing one of her neighbours. According to local reports, as the neighbour was trying to escape the fire through the window, she fell down and lost her life. Eight other residents suffered from smoke inhalation. Cause of fire According to a report from The Korea Times, the woman who started the fire is in her late 20s, but the name of woman has not been disclosed. According to the report, the woman was trying to kill a cockroach using an aerosol spray and a lighter; she claims that she has done that a few times. But this time the flame engulfed the inflammable items in the apartment and quickly spread through the staircase, blocking the escape route for other citizens on the upper floor of the apartment. How did the woman die? The woman who died is in her 30s, used to live with her husband and two-month-old baby. As the fire spread, she and her husband tried to escape through the window. They handed their baby to the resident on the other block, and then tried to evacuate themself. Her husband managed to pass over to the other block, but she fell down. She was taken to the nearby intensive care unit, but she succumbed to injuries. The incident highlights the risk of killing pests using aerosol sprays; similar incidents have been reported in Japan and Australia. Aerosol contains highly inflammable liquid, which can cause an explosive vapour cloud. The police in Osan said that the woman could be charged with negligence, which started the fire and caused a death.

A woman in South Korea accidentally set her apartment building on fire while trying to kill a cockroach. The blaze killed a young mother and injured several others.

Woman's crazy attempt to kill cockroach sparks deadly apartment fire and kills neighbour

Astronomers have discovered a cosmic 'interstellar tunnel', a channel of superheated gas that connects our solar system to distant stars across the Milky Way. Astronomers from the Max Planck Institute used data from the eROSITA X-ray telescope to map a vast region of hot, low-density plasma surrounding our sun known as the Local Hot Bubble (LHB).&nbsp;This peculiar region formed because of a series of cosmic explosions called supernova and is estimated to be about 300 light-years across. The sky is divided into galactic coordinates where ‘latitude’ measures the angle above or below the Milky Way plane. They detected that "the temperature of the LHB exhibits a north-south dichotomy at high latitudes.” Imagine the space as a map; they divided all the regions into small bins or pixels and tried to measure the warm gas, dust cavities, and interstellar structures from each such region.By combining these results with the data from the eROSITA X-ray telescope, they discovered a mysterious corridor of glowing gas stretching outward toward the constellation Centaurus and possibly another pathway extending toward Canis Major. The data hints that this might be a network of channels that runs between star-forming regions and pockets of heated gas.&nbsp;<h2>Previous theories about interstellar tunnels</h2>Ideas about an interstellar network of tunnels are not new. Researchers have previously predicted that the space around our solar system is not empty or a simple vacuum, but could hold a labyrinth of cavities, channels and other hot gas bubbles. But there was never enough data or a proper method of data collection to confirm this. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute argue that the “average thermal pressure in this bubble is lower than expected, indicating that it might be open in some directions”.Scientists now plan to explore if those 'tunnels' really connect the Local Hot Bubble to some nearby Planetary Nursery. But one thing proves that the cosmos around us is more alive and interconnected than we can imagine.

Astronomers have uncovered a stunning 'interstellar tunnel' of hot gas that may link our Solar System to distant star regions. The finding could completely change what we know about our place in the galaxy and how stars are connected across the Milky Way.

Astronomers have discovered a cosmic 'interstellar tunnel', a channel of superheated gas that connects our solar system to distant stars across the Milky Way. Astronomers from the Max Planck Institute used data from the eROSITA X-ray telescope to map a vast region of hot, low-density plasma surrounding our sun known as the Local Hot Bubble (LHB). This peculiar region formed because of a series of cosmic explosions called supernova and is estimated to be about 300 light-years across. The sky is divided into galactic coordinates where ‘latitude’ measures the angle above or below the Milky Way plane. They detected that "the temperature of the LHB exhibits a north-south dichotomy at high latitudes.” Imagine the space as a map; they divided all the regions into small bins or pixels and tried to measure the warm gas, dust cavities, and interstellar structures from each such region. By combining these results with the data from the eROSITA X-ray telescope, they discovered a mysterious corridor of glowing gas stretching outward toward the constellation Centaurus and possibly another pathway extending toward Canis Major. The data hints that this might be a network of channels that runs between star-forming regions and pockets of heated gas. Previous theories about interstellar tunnels Ideas about an interstellar network of tunnels are not new. Researchers have previously predicted that the space around our solar system is not empty or a simple vacuum, but could hold a labyrinth of cavities, channels and other hot gas bubbles. But there was never enough data or a proper method of data collection to confirm this. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute argue that the “average thermal pressure in this bubble is lower than expected, indicating that it might be open in some directions”. Scientists now plan to explore if those 'tunnels' really connect the Local Hot Bubble to some nearby Planetary Nursery. But one thing proves that the cosmos around us is more alive and interconnected than we can imagine.

Astronomers have uncovered a stunning 'interstellar tunnel' of hot gas that may link our Solar System to distant star regions. The finding could completely change what we know about our place in the galaxy and how stars are connected across the Milky Way.

Scientists discover shocking 'interstellar tunnel' linking our solar system to other stars

A fatal crash involving a semitruck and an SUV took place on the 10 Freeway in California's Ontario on Tuesday afternoon (Oct 22). A Punjabi truck driver named Jashanpreet Singh has been arrested. As per authorities, the 21-year-old truck driver slammed into the back of an SUV and then plowed into multiple other vehicles in the same lane, leading to death of three people. Dashcam footage appears to show that the driver did not apply breaks on the freeway. At least four were also injured in the accident.&nbsp;<h2>Jashanpreet Singh entered US illegally?</h2>According to multiple reports, Jashanpreet Singh is a resident of Yuba City in United States' Northern California. However, it is still not clear whether he is a US citizen or illegally migrated into the country. According to CHP officer Rodrigo Jimenez, the 21-year-old driver was hospitalised after the crash, where medical staff and officers determined he was under the influence of drugs. Singh reportedly failed to brake before colliding with slow-moving traffic, killing three people, KTLA reported.&nbsp;Fox News reporter Bill Melugin claimed—citing ICE sources—that Singh is an “Indian illegal alien” who was caught and released at the California border in March 2022 under the Biden administration. He said that Singh was let into the country under the Biden administration’s ‘alternatives to detention’ policy, pending an immigration hearing. Melugin added that ICE has placed a detainer on Singh with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, where he remains in custody on suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Notably, after the Florida Turnpike involving another Sikh truck driver, the US had stopped issuing visas for truck drivers. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration has paused all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers."The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers," he had added.&nbsp;

A crash on California’s I-10 killed three after 21-year-old trucker Jashanpreet Singh, allegedly under the influence, hit several vehicles. Fox News claimed he’s an “Indian illegal alien” released at the border in 2022. The case follows a visa freeze for foreign truck drivers in the U.S.

A fatal crash involving a semitruck and an SUV took place on the 10 Freeway in California's Ontario on Tuesday afternoon (Oct 22). A Punjabi truck driver named Jashanpreet Singh has been arrested. As per authorities, the 21-year-old truck driver slammed into the back of an SUV and then plowed into multiple other vehicles in the same lane, leading to death of three people. Dashcam footage appears to show that the driver did not apply breaks on the freeway. At least four were also injured in the accident. Jashanpreet Singh entered US illegally? According to multiple reports, Jashanpreet Singh is a resident of Yuba City in United States' Northern California. However, it is still not clear whether he is a US citizen or illegally migrated into the country. According to CHP officer Rodrigo Jimenez, the 21-year-old driver was hospitalised after the crash, where medical staff and officers determined he was under the influence of drugs. Singh reportedly failed to brake before colliding with slow-moving traffic, killing three people, KTLA reported. Fox News reporter Bill Melugin claimed—citing ICE sources—that Singh is an “Indian illegal alien” who was caught and released at the California border in March 2022 under the Biden administration. He said that Singh was let into the country under the Biden administration’s ‘alternatives to detention’ policy, pending an immigration hearing. Melugin added that ICE has placed a detainer on Singh with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, where he remains in custody on suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. Notably, after the Florida Turnpike involving another Sikh truck driver, the US had stopped issuing visas for truck drivers. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration has paused all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers."The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers," he had added.

A crash on California’s I-10 killed three after 21-year-old trucker Jashanpreet Singh, allegedly under the influence, hit several vehicles. Fox News claimed he’s an “Indian illegal alien” released at the border in 2022. The case follows a visa freeze for foreign truck drivers in the U.S.

Another Punjabi driver involved in fatal crash in US: Was he illegal immigrant high on drugs?

Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Gulf nation's earlier stand that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ and urged against adopting a ‘maximalist view’. While speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit, Anwar Gargash said that compromise is necessary, and there is a need to find a balance between Israel's security and a viable Palestinian state.&nbsp;“Are we going to continue with this sort of maximalist views on how to address the Palestinian issue, for example, by the Israeli right, which has to understand that this is not going to go away?” said Gargash.He also said that direct confrontation has not yielded any results for both Israelis and Palestinians. He also asserted that “We are very adamant about any annexation in the Palestinian territories.” He said that normalisation with Israel, “gave us leverage on the issue of annexation.”He said that the role of the "Palestinian Authority" remains central, but added that the UAE has “sometimes been a lonely voice in the call for reform.”While talking about the Israeli strike on Qatar, he said, “The Israeli strike in Qatar changed how we see Gulf security - Gulf security is connected.” He also commended the US efforts in the Gaza ceasefire deal and reminded that Qatar has the largest US base in the Middle East, "but concepts about Gulf security are changing.” The US remains central to stability in the Middle East.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held a conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He said that the UAE "is ready to work with all parties to maintain the ceasefire and explore new paths to reduce escalation and achieve peace"Israeli Parliament on Wednesday moved a bill to annexe the Palestinian territories in the West Bank. The potential bill and its implementation can usher in another conflict in the region of West Asia.&nbsp;

UAE’s Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargesh reiterated that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ for Abu Dhabi, urging Israel to pursue compromise and balance between its security and the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Gulf nation's earlier stand that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ and urged against adopting a ‘maximalist view’. While speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit, Anwar Gargash said that compromise is necessary, and there is a need to find a balance between Israel's security and a viable Palestinian state. “Are we going to continue with this sort of maximalist views on how to address the Palestinian issue, for example, by the Israeli right, which has to understand that this is not going to go away?” said Gargash. He also said that direct confrontation has not yielded any results for both Israelis and Palestinians. He also asserted that “We are very adamant about any annexation in the Palestinian territories.” He said that normalisation with Israel, “gave us leverage on the issue of annexation.” He said that the role of the "Palestinian Authority" remains central, but added that the UAE has “sometimes been a lonely voice in the call for reform.” While talking about the Israeli strike on Qatar, he said, “The Israeli strike in Qatar changed how we see Gulf security - Gulf security is connected.” He also commended the US efforts in the Gaza ceasefire deal and reminded that Qatar has the largest US base in the Middle East, "but concepts about Gulf security are changing.” The US remains central to stability in the Middle East. Earlier on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held a conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He said that the UAE "is ready to work with all parties to maintain the ceasefire and explore new paths to reduce escalation and achieve peace" Israeli Parliament on Wednesday moved a bill to annexe the Palestinian territories in the West Bank. The potential bill and its implementation can usher in another conflict in the region of West Asia.

UAE’s Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargesh reiterated that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ for Abu Dhabi, urging Israel to pursue compromise and balance between its security and the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

UAE warns Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory is a 'RED LINE'

A man from Telangana, Hyderabad, who travelled to Russia in April for employment in the construction sector, has been trapped in the middle of the Russia-Ukraine war after he was defrauded by his job agent. The victim, identified as Mohammed Ahmed, was reportedly forced to fight on the frontlines of the war.&nbsp;After he was trapped, his wife, Afsha Begum, appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 37-year-old Ahmed, claiming he had been held in Russia and forced into combat training, according to a report in NDTV.&nbsp;In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Afsha stated that a Mumbai-based consultancy firm had offered her husband employment with a construction company in Russia. According to her, Ahmed travelled to Russia in April 2025 under this agreement.&nbsp;She further alleged that her husband was left idle for almost a month before being moved, along with 30 others, to a remote location where they were allegedly forced to undergo weapons training.&nbsp;"After training, 26 persons were taken to the border area to fight the Ukrainian Army. While being taken to the border area, Ahmed jumped from the army vehicle, due to which he suffered a fracture in his right leg. He refused to fight. But he is being threatened to either fight against the Ukrainian Army or get killed," she said.&nbsp;Afsha Begum requested that the government arrange the quick repatriation of her husband. She added that he is the sole breadwinner of the family, which includes his paralysed mother, herself and their two children, aged 10 and four.<h3>Viral video of Mohammed Ahmed</h3>A selfie video recorded by Ahmed, reportedly in Russia, stated that a total of 17 have been killed till now out of 25 men who trained with him, including an Indian. "The place where I am is a border, and war is going on. We four Indians refused to go (into the warzone). They threatened us to fight and pointed a weapon at me and another person... They placed a gun to my neck and said that they would shoot me and stage it as if I was killed by a drone," he said.&nbsp;"I have a plaster on my leg and am unable to walk. Please do not spare the agent who sent me here (Russia). He got me entangled in all this. He made me sit here for 25 days without work. I kept asking for work, but in vain. I was forcefully dragged into this in the guise of employment in Russia," Ahmed added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> Sir, one Mohammed Ahmed resident of H No: 6-3-1242/2 M S Maqta, Opposite Raj Bhawan, Hyderabad, Telangana State holder of Indian Passport No: X9564204 who was in search of job was offered to work in Russia in a construction company by Trust Consultancy whos owener… <a href="https://t.co/ex3VdbFNQl">pic.twitter.com/ex3VdbFNQl</a>&mdash; Amjed Ullah Khan MBT (@amjedmbt) <a href="https://twitter.com/amjedmbt/status/1978594536390803722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>What is the stance of the Indian government?</h3>In response to the video, the counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Tadu Mamu, stated that the embassy had forwarded Ahmed’s details to Russian authorities and requested his early release from the Russian Army, along with safe repatriation to India. "The Embassy has been following up on all cases of Indian nationals in the Russian Army on priority," the official said.&nbsp;The official added that Ahmed’s family would be kept updated on any progress. Last month, India had also urged Russia to discharge 27 more Indian citizens recently recruited into its military.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi has received fresh reports from families indicating that more Indians are serving in the Russian forces. "As per our information, 27 Indian nationals are presently serving in the Russian army. We are also in close touch with their family members in the matter," he said on September 26.

Mohammed Ahmed's wife stated that a Mumbai-based consultancy firm had offered her husband employment with a construction company in Russia. According to her, Ahmed travelled to Russia in April 2025 under this agreement.

A man from Telangana, Hyderabad, who travelled to Russia in April for employment in the construction sector, has been trapped in the middle of the Russia-Ukraine war after he was defrauded by his job agent. The victim, identified as Mohammed Ahmed, was reportedly forced to fight on the frontlines of the war. After he was trapped, his wife, Afsha Begum, appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 37-year-old Ahmed, claiming he had been held in Russia and forced into combat training, according to a report in NDTV. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Afsha stated that a Mumbai-based consultancy firm had offered her husband employment with a construction company in Russia. According to her, Ahmed travelled to Russia in April 2025 under this agreement. She further alleged that her husband was left idle for almost a month before being moved, along with 30 others, to a remote location where they were allegedly forced to undergo weapons training. "After training, 26 persons were taken to the border area to fight the Ukrainian Army. While being taken to the border area, Ahmed jumped from the army vehicle, due to which he suffered a fracture in his right leg. He refused to fight. But he is being threatened to either fight against the Ukrainian Army or get killed," she said. Afsha Begum requested that the government arrange the quick repatriation of her husband. She added that he is the sole breadwinner of the family, which includes his paralysed mother, herself and their two children, aged 10 and four. Viral video of Mohammed Ahmed A selfie video recorded by Ahmed, reportedly in Russia, stated that a total of 17 have been killed till now out of 25 men who trained with him, including an Indian. "The place where I am is a border, and war is going on. We four Indians refused to go (into the warzone). They threatened us to fight and pointed a weapon at me and another person... They placed a gun to my neck and said that they would shoot me and stage it as if I was killed by a drone," he said. "I have a plaster on my leg and am unable to walk. Please do not spare the agent who sent me here (Russia). He got me entangled in all this. He made me sit here for 25 days without work. I kept asking for work, but in vain. I was forcefully dragged into this in the guise of employment in Russia," Ahmed added.

Mohammed Ahmed's wife stated that a Mumbai-based consultancy firm had offered her husband employment with a construction company in Russia. According to her, Ahmed travelled to Russia in April 2025 under this agreement.

'Please save him': Wife of Hyderabad man duped by agent for job in Russia to fight war seeks Centre's help

The filmy theft at Louvre museum has refocused global attention on the Regent Diamond, one of the world’s most storied gems. Now housed in the Louvre, its tale began in 17th-century India’s Kollur mines along the Krishna River. In a seven minute heist on Oct 19, thieves carried out a robbery with military precision in a bold daylight and stole eight priceless Napoleonic-era jewels worth around €88 million (US$102 million) from the museum. As per reports, the stolen jewels include a tiara, necklace, and earrings from the Queen Marie-Amélie sapphire set, an emerald necklace and earrings from the Empress Marie-Louise set, and several pieces belonging to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, including a tiara and a large bodice bow brooch. The Crown of Empress Eugénie was dropped during the escape and recovered, though damaged.<h2>What is the story about the Regent Diamond?</h2>According to legend as reported by India Today, the diamond was discovered by a slave miner during Aurangzeb’s 1687 siege of Golconda, who hid it in a leg wound to escape detection. Betrayed and killed, the gem eventually reached Indian merchant Jamchand, who later sold it to Thomas Pitt, then Governor of Madras, in 1701.&nbsp;Multiple reports suggested that Pitt bought the 426-carat rough stone for 48,000 pagodas, secretly shipped it to England, and had it cut into a 141-carat cushion diamond—later dubbed the Pitt Diamond. Rumours of deceit surrounded its sale, inspiring satirical verses by Alexander Pope and criticism for symbolising colonial greed.&nbsp;In 1717, Pitt sold the gem to Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France, for £135,000. Renamed Le Régent, it became part of the French Crown Jewels, adorning the crowns of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Charles X, and even Marie Antoinette’s hat. The diamond survived the French Revolution, was used to fund wars, and later set into Napoleon Bonaparte’s sword in 1801. After his exile, it returned to France and was mounted in a diadem for Empress Eugénie.&nbsp;Since 1887, the Regent Diamond has remained on display at the Louvre Museum, valued at over $60 million and regarded by gem experts as one of the purest and most historically significant diamonds ever cut—a symbol of power, betrayal, and human ambition spanning centuries.

A daring US$102 million jewel heist at the Louvre has renewed focus on the Regent Diamond, a 141-carat gem from India’s 17th-century Kollur mines. Once owned by kings and Napoleon, the diamond symbolizes centuries of power, greed, and legacy and remains safely displayed at the Louvre.

The filmy theft at Louvre museum has refocused global attention on the Regent Diamond, one of the world’s most storied gems. Now housed in the Louvre, its tale began in 17th-century India’s Kollur mines along the Krishna River. In a seven minute heist on Oct 19, thieves carried out a robbery with military precision in a bold daylight and stole eight priceless Napoleonic-era jewels worth around €88 million (US$102 million) from the museum. As per reports, the stolen jewels include a tiara, necklace, and earrings from the Queen Marie-Amélie sapphire set, an emerald necklace and earrings from the Empress Marie-Louise set, and several pieces belonging to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, including a tiara and a large bodice bow brooch. The Crown of Empress Eugénie was dropped during the escape and recovered, though damaged. What is the story about the Regent Diamond? According to legend as reported by India Today, the diamond was discovered by a slave miner during Aurangzeb’s 1687 siege of Golconda, who hid it in a leg wound to escape detection. Betrayed and killed, the gem eventually reached Indian merchant Jamchand, who later sold it to Thomas Pitt, then Governor of Madras, in 1701. Multiple reports suggested that Pitt bought the 426-carat rough stone for 48,000 pagodas, secretly shipped it to England, and had it cut into a 141-carat cushion diamond—later dubbed the Pitt Diamond. Rumours of deceit surrounded its sale, inspiring satirical verses by Alexander Pope and criticism for symbolising colonial greed. In 1717, Pitt sold the gem to Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France, for £135,000. Renamed Le Régent, it became part of the French Crown Jewels, adorning the crowns of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Charles X, and even Marie Antoinette’s hat. The diamond survived the French Revolution, was used to fund wars, and later set into Napoleon Bonaparte’s sword in 1801. After his exile, it returned to France and was mounted in a diadem for Empress Eugénie. Since 1887, the Regent Diamond has remained on display at the Louvre Museum, valued at over $60 million and regarded by gem experts as one of the purest and most historically significant diamonds ever cut—a symbol of power, betrayal, and human ambition spanning centuries.

A daring US$102 million jewel heist at the Louvre has renewed focus on the Regent Diamond, a 141-carat gem from India’s 17th-century Kollur mines. Once owned by kings and Napoleon, the diamond symbolizes centuries of power, greed, and legacy and remains safely displayed at the Louvre.

Did you know? ‘Cursed’ diamond that Louvre thieves refused to steal has an Indian connection

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance.The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.&nbsp;"They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," &nbsp;said Rubio.&nbsp;Hamas' statement called this a direct violation of international law. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is illegal and that Israel should withdraw its settlers."We affirm that the occupation's frantic attempts to annex West Bank lands are invalid and illegitimate and will not change the fact that the West Bank is Palestinian territory according to history, international law, and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice issued in 2024," said Hamas' statement.&nbsp;The United Arab Emirates, in September, indicated that West Bank Annexation would violate the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which was aimed at normalising Israel Arab relations.&nbsp;Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a statement, said that it denounces and condemns the Israeli Knesset's approval, reiterates its support for the “…historical right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital…”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Statement?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Statement</a> | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia&#39;s condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli Knesset&#39;s approval, in preliminary reading, of two draft laws aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and legitimizing Israeli… <a href="https://t.co/HGUJiuF9lw">pic.twitter.com/HGUJiuF9lw</a>&mdash; Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1981074732360618019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Oslo Accords of 1993 were meant to initiate a phased withdrawal of Israel from Palestinian territory in Gaza and the West Bank. The West Bank was divided into three areas: Area A under Palestinian civil and security control, Area B under Palestinian civil control and Israeli security control, and &nbsp;Area C under Israeli military and civil control. However, the planned Israeli withdrawal was never fully realised. As of mid-October 2025, there had been reports of at least 1000 attacks in the year, with 40,000 Palestinians forced from their homes in refugee camps in Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarm since October 7, 2023.

Israel’s parliament narrowly passes a bill to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas condemned the move, and the US Secretary of State warned of its implications on the Gaza cease-fire deal

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance. The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. "They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," said Rubio. Hamas' statement called this a direct violation of international law. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is illegal and that Israel should withdraw its settlers. "We affirm that the occupation's frantic attempts to annex West Bank lands are invalid and illegitimate and will not change the fact that the West Bank is Palestinian territory according to history, international law, and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice issued in 2024," said Hamas' statement. The United Arab Emirates, in September, indicated that West Bank Annexation would violate the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which was aimed at normalising Israel Arab relations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a statement, said that it denounces and condemns the Israeli Knesset's approval, reiterates its support for the “…historical right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital…”

Israel’s parliament narrowly passes a bill to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas condemned the move, and the US Secretary of State warned of its implications on the Gaza cease-fire deal

Israel's parliament approves bill for West Bank annexation, Rubio warns of a fallout

In a significant development and major relief for millions of migrant workers, Saudi Arabia has officially announced to end of the Kafala System, providing more freedom and rights to work in the country. The plan to end the Kafala labour system was announced in June as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Vision 2030', a multi-trillion-dollar plan to clean the reputation of the country to attract foreign investors, including the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and reforms.<h3>What is the kafala system?</h3>The five-decade-old Kafala labour sponsorship system, which had been in place in Saudi Arabia and much of the Middle East, was an inhuman control over employees, which included the seizure of travel documents and the decision on when they could change their jobs or leave the country.&nbsp;This system was introduced in the 1950s to regulate the flow of skilled and unskilled foreign workers from India and other Southeast Asian nations. To prevent the local economy from being overwhelmed by cheap labour, every incoming worker was 'tied' to a kafeel, a sponsor who could be either an individual or a company.&nbsp;This kafeel held extensive authority over the workers’ lives, deciding their place of employment, controlling their wages, and even determining where they could live.&nbsp;More disturbingly, workers were barred from filing abuse complaints without their sponsor’s approval — a clause that seemed both illogical and unjust. Although conditions were somewhat better for skilled or white-collar employees, the system drew widespread criticism from labour and human rights organisations.<h3>How the kafala system will affect the Indian labourers</h3>The end of this system is a landmark move in Gulf labour reforms, aligning with international human rights standards and responding to long-standing pressures from human rights organisations like the International Labour Organisation (ILO), but it has significantly affected around 2.3 to 2.6 million Indian migrant workers residing and working in the kingdom. In addition, it is expected to affect nearly 13 million foreign workers overall, with Indians being the largest expatriate worker group.&nbsp;No matter how exploited they were, and now finally received relief, but due to this system, Indian workers were getting more jobs as compared to other nations, resulting in a record of receiving a high amount of remittance for India. Based on the last reported fiscal year (2023-24), Saudi Arabia accounted for approximately 6.7 per cent of India's total inward remittances.&nbsp;Despite gaining more freedom and mobility, workers may still face challenges in securing new jobs, as individual sponsors might feel uncertain or hesitant about hiring foreign labourers easily without any terms and conditions.

This system was introduced in the 1950s to regulate the flow of skilled and unskilled foreign workers from India and other Southeast Asian nations. To prevent the local economy from being overwhelmed by cheap labour, every incoming worker was 'tied' to a kafeel.

In a significant development and major relief for millions of migrant workers, Saudi Arabia has officially announced to end of the Kafala System, providing more freedom and rights to work in the country. The plan to end the Kafala labour system was announced in June as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Vision 2030', a multi-trillion-dollar plan to clean the reputation of the country to attract foreign investors, including the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and reforms. What is the kafala system? The five-decade-old Kafala labour sponsorship system, which had been in place in Saudi Arabia and much of the Middle East, was an inhuman control over employees, which included the seizure of travel documents and the decision on when they could change their jobs or leave the country. This system was introduced in the 1950s to regulate the flow of skilled and unskilled foreign workers from India and other Southeast Asian nations. To prevent the local economy from being overwhelmed by cheap labour, every incoming worker was 'tied' to a kafeel, a sponsor who could be either an individual or a company. This kafeel held extensive authority over the workers’ lives, deciding their place of employment, controlling their wages, and even determining where they could live. More disturbingly, workers were barred from filing abuse complaints without their sponsor’s approval — a clause that seemed both illogical and unjust. Although conditions were somewhat better for skilled or white-collar employees, the system drew widespread criticism from labour and human rights organisations. How the kafala system will affect the Indian labourers The end of this system is a landmark move in Gulf labour reforms, aligning with international human rights standards and responding to long-standing pressures from human rights organisations like the International Labour Organisation (ILO), but it has significantly affected around 2.3 to 2.6 million Indian migrant workers residing and working in the kingdom. In addition, it is expected to affect nearly 13 million foreign workers overall, with Indians being the largest expatriate worker group. No matter how exploited they were, and now finally received relief, but due to this system, Indian workers were getting more jobs as compared to other nations, resulting in a record of receiving a high amount of remittance for India. Based on the last reported fiscal year (2023-24), Saudi Arabia accounted for approximately 6.7 per cent of India's total inward remittances. Despite gaining more freedom and mobility, workers may still face challenges in securing new jobs, as individual sponsors might feel uncertain or hesitant about hiring foreign labourers easily without any terms and conditions.

This system was introduced in the 1950s to regulate the flow of skilled and unskilled foreign workers from India and other Southeast Asian nations. To prevent the local economy from being overwhelmed by cheap labour, every incoming worker was 'tied' to a kafeel.

What is Kafala system? Saudi Arabia abolishes labour system that can affect 2.3 million Indian workers

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Israel approves bill for West Bank annexation, Rubio warns of a fallout

What is Kafala system? Saudi Arabia abolishes labour system