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In yet another revelation about the shocking heist at Paris' Louvre museum, France's Ministry of Culture said in a statement that the priceless jewels thieves stole were not privately insured. Moreover, reports are also suggesting that the thieves might have already melted the precious jewels to avoid being caught. In a seven minute heist on Oct 19, theives 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, 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.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-louvre-contacted-israeli-intel-firm-for-help-in-investigation-here-s-what-museum-said-1760969442426">Did Louvre contact Israeli intel firm for help in investigation? Here’s what museum said</a>&nbsp;Erin Thompson, an art crime expert at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, explained that thieves involved in high-profile museum heists often dismantle or melt down recognizable items within hours to reduce the risk of being identified. While this process significantly diminishes the historical and cultural value of the objects, it also makes them far more difficult to trace back to their origins, she told USA Today. Thomson added that if the Louvre thieves are experienced, they may attempt to recut the larger gemstones. “Selling something like Empress Eugénie’s crown is highly risky—breaking it down into individual diamonds is far safer,” she explained. Speaking to CNN, Remigiusz Plath, secretary of the International Council of Museum Security, noted a growing trend of musuem heist in recent years.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-tourists-asked-to-leave-after-louvre-museum-robbery-priceless-jwellery-stolen-1760885964016">Watch: Tourists asked to leave after Louvre Museum robbery, ‘priceless jwellery’ stolen</a><h2>Why were the jewels not insured?</h2>French law restricts institutions like the Louvre from insuring their collections unless the artworks are being transported or loaned to another museum, according to Romain Déchelette, president of Serex Assurances, a French fine art insurance firm. Déchelette explained to CBS News that since the Louvre is a national museum, its entire collection is classified as state property. As such, the French government holds full responsibility for the artworks. This legal framework means that, under normal circumstances, the museum does not take out private insurance for its pieces while they remain on-site, as their protection falls under state accountability.<h2>Louvre Museum reopens</h2>Meanwhile, the Louvre Museum reopened to the public on Wednesday, three days after a bold daylight heist saw eight priceless royal jewelry pieces, valued at around €88 million ($102 million), stolen from its collection. Visitors returned to the world’s most-visited museum at its regular opening time of 9 a.m. (0700 GMT), but the Apollo Gallery—where the robbery occurred—remains closed as investigators continue to examine the scene for clues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three days after a daring €88M jewel heist at Paris' Louvre, the museum reopened, though the Apollo Gallery remains closed. The stolen Napoleonic-era pieces weren’t insured due to French law. Experts fear the thieves have melted or altered the jewels to avoid detection.

In yet another revelation about the shocking heist at Paris' Louvre museum, France's Ministry of Culture said in a statement that the priceless jewels thieves stole were not privately insured. Moreover, reports are also suggesting that the thieves might have already melted the precious jewels to avoid being caught. In a seven minute heist on Oct 19, theives 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, 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. Read More | Did Louvre contact Israeli intel firm for help in investigation? Here’s what museum said Erin Thompson, an art crime expert at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, explained that thieves involved in high-profile museum heists often dismantle or melt down recognizable items within hours to reduce the risk of being identified. While this process significantly diminishes the historical and cultural value of the objects, it also makes them far more difficult to trace back to their origins, she told USA Today. Thomson added that if the Louvre thieves are experienced, they may attempt to recut the larger gemstones. “Selling something like Empress Eugénie’s crown is highly risky—breaking it down into individual diamonds is far safer,” she explained. Speaking to CNN, Remigiusz Plath, secretary of the International Council of Museum Security, noted a growing trend of musuem heist in recent years. Watch: Tourists asked to leave after Louvre Museum robbery, ‘priceless jwellery’ stolen Why were the jewels not insured? French law restricts institutions like the Louvre from insuring their collections unless the artworks are being transported or loaned to another museum, according to Romain Déchelette, president of Serex Assurances, a French fine art insurance firm. Déchelette explained to CBS News that since the Louvre is a national museum, its entire collection is classified as state property. As such, the French government holds full responsibility for the artworks. This legal framework means that, under normal circumstances, the museum does not take out private insurance for its pieces while they remain on-site, as their protection falls under state accountability. Louvre Museum reopens Meanwhile, the Louvre Museum reopened to the public on Wednesday, three days after a bold daylight heist saw eight priceless royal jewelry pieces, valued at around €88 million ($102 million), stolen from its collection. Visitors returned to the world’s most-visited museum at its regular opening time of 9 a.m. (0700 GMT), but the Apollo Gallery—where the robbery occurred—remains closed as investigators continue to examine the scene for clues.

Three days after a daring €88M jewel heist at Paris' Louvre, the museum reopened, though the Apollo Gallery remains closed. The stolen Napoleonic-era pieces weren’t insured due to French law. Experts fear the thieves have melted or altered the jewels to avoid detection.

France reveals stolen Louvre Museum jewels were 'uninsured': May have already been dismantled or melted - Know why

In the early hours of Wednesday (October 22), a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas left six people dead and 17 others wounded, including two children. Ukrainian authorities reported that the assault also caused severe power outages across the country, particularly affecting energy infrastructure during the harsh winter months.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on social media, saying, "Another night shows Russia's refusal to feel the pressure for prolonging this war." The explosions in Kyiv sent a column of smoke rising above the city, as residents experienced both physical and infrastructural impacts. Many areas were left without electricity and heating due to the assault on power stations.&nbsp;Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones during the same period, though no significant damage was reported on its side. This military escalation follows a setback in diplomatic efforts to resolve the war. A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was called off just a day earlier, with Trump citing concerns over a "wasted" meeting. Trump had previously advocated for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region to Russia, a suggestion firmly rejected by Kyiv, which insists on preserving its territorial integrity.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skywest-flight-6469-returns-to-omaha-after-cockpit-communication-failure-sparks-hijacking-fears-1761119133820">SkyWest flight 6469 returns to Omaha after cockpit communication failure sparks hijacking fears</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, European allies have stood firmly behind Ukraine, offering continued support without any compromise on land. President Zelensky voiced his frustration, noting that Russian diplomacy remains hollow until it feels the consequences of its aggression. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, with Russia now controlling nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory. Despite ongoing peace talks and international mediation, the fighting continues to cause immense civilian suffering on both sides.

Russian strikes kill six in Kyiv amid energy blackouts, power cuts across Ukraine

In the early hours of Wednesday (October 22), a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas left six people dead and 17 others wounded, including two children. Ukrainian authorities reported that the assault also caused severe power outages across the country, particularly affecting energy infrastructure during the harsh winter months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on social media, saying, "Another night shows Russia's refusal to feel the pressure for prolonging this war." The explosions in Kyiv sent a column of smoke rising above the city, as residents experienced both physical and infrastructural impacts. Many areas were left without electricity and heating due to the assault on power stations. Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones during the same period, though no significant damage was reported on its side. This military escalation follows a setback in diplomatic efforts to resolve the war. A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was called off just a day earlier, with Trump citing concerns over a "wasted" meeting. Trump had previously advocated for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region to Russia, a suggestion firmly rejected by Kyiv, which insists on preserving its territorial integrity. Also Read: SkyWest flight 6469 returns to Omaha after cockpit communication failure sparks hijacking fears Meanwhile, European allies have stood firmly behind Ukraine, offering continued support without any compromise on land. President Zelensky voiced his frustration, noting that Russian diplomacy remains hollow until it feels the consequences of its aggression. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, with Russia now controlling nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory. Despite ongoing peace talks and international mediation, the fighting continues to cause immense civilian suffering on both sides.

A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv leaves six dead, including two children, and caused widespread power outages across Ukraine during the winter season

SkyWest Flight 6469, en route to Los Angeles, was forced to turn back to Omaha on Monday (October 20) after a communication failure between the cockpit and cabin crew led to confusion. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff, left pilots believing that a hijacking attempt was underway. The plane, an Embraer ERJ 175, had just taken off from Omaha’s Eppley Airfield when the crew in the cabin found themselves unable to contact the pilots via the aircraft's interphone system. In a panic, the cabin crew began banging on the cockpit door in an attempt to get the pilots’ attention. Hearing the unusual banging and unable to communicate with the crew, the pilots assumed someone was attempting to breach the cockpit, triggering a hijacking alert. Without further information, they declared an emergency and turned the flight around. Passengers aboard reported feeling a sharp, unexpected U-turn during the early stages of the flight.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-reveals-real-reason-why-he-is-critical-of-indian-pm-modi-bjp-1761118768748">'...room for certain kinds of Indians': Zohran Mamdani reveals REAL reason why he is critical of Indian PM Modi</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">An American Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles made an emergency landing in Nebraska after the pilots believed someone was trying to break into the cockpit, authorities and the airline reported. They later clarified that it was a false alarm caused by a technical problem in… <a href="https://t.co/Yg9XqbXmvP">pic.twitter.com/Yg9XqbXmvP</a>&mdash; FL360aero (@fl360aero) <a href="https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1980742803128021317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The aircraft, which was only 40 miles into its journey, made an emergency return to Omaha, where police and emergency responders were on hand when the plane landed. The captain later addressed passengers, explaining that the return was due to uncertainty about the situation on board. He apologised for the confusion, assuring them the decision was made out of caution.&nbsp;The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed after the incident that a malfunction in the interphone system had caused the breakdown in communication. No hijacking attempt had taken place, and the situation was quickly resolved. ESPN writer Brian Windhorst, a passenger on the flight, described the incident as unsettling, noting the abruptness of the turn and the absence of announcements in the aircraft.

SkyWest flight 6469 returns to Omaha after cockpit communication failure sparks hijacking fears

SkyWest Flight 6469, en route to Los Angeles, was forced to turn back to Omaha on Monday (October 20) after a communication failure between the cockpit and cabin crew led to confusion. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff, left pilots believing that a hijacking attempt was underway. The plane, an Embraer ERJ 175, had just taken off from Omaha’s Eppley Airfield when the crew in the cabin found themselves unable to contact the pilots via the aircraft's interphone system. In a panic, the cabin crew began banging on the cockpit door in an attempt to get the pilots’ attention. Hearing the unusual banging and unable to communicate with the crew, the pilots assumed someone was attempting to breach the cockpit, triggering a hijacking alert. Without further information, they declared an emergency and turned the flight around. Passengers aboard reported feeling a sharp, unexpected U-turn during the early stages of the flight. Also Read: '...room for certain kinds of Indians': Zohran Mamdani reveals REAL reason why he is critical of Indian PM Modi Watch the video here

A communication glitch on SkyWest Flight 6469 led pilots to fear a hijacking. The plane turned back to Omaha after a brief 40-mile flight

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani explained why he is critical of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his temple run on the ocassion of Diwali. Stating that he grew up in an India that celebrated pluralism, Mamdani, who earlier called the Indian PM a ‘war criminal’ said that Modi and the BJP “has room for certain kinds of Indians”. He made the remarks during his outreach to Hindu American voters on Diwali. Earlier, Mamdani had said that Muslims were eradicated from Gujarat during 2022 riots. The mayoral polls are due this November.&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, I have been critical of Mr. Modi because of the vision that I grew up with was of an India that was pluralistic, an India where everyone belonged, no matter their religion. And my critique has been of Mr. Modi and the BJP political party for their vision of an India that only has room for certain kinds of Indians, and it's part of a belief that pluralism is something to be celebrated, something to be strived for," he said. ""And I also know that I'm running to be the mayor of New York City - eight and a half million people - many of whom may feel differently than me about Mr. Modi, and that's their right, and I will look to represent them all the same, because my responsibility to them as New Yorkers is to ensure that they are safe, to ensure they can afford this city," he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night I visited four temples across Queens to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights, ending at Maharaja Sweets in Jackson Heights, where we gave out six kinds of delicious treats alongside some very special guests. Happy Diwali, NYC! <a href="https://t.co/MKZB6UnrsT">pic.twitter.com/MKZB6UnrsT</a>&mdash; Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZohranKMamdani/status/1980606111838355647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Mamdani and his controversies</h2>With the heat of New York mayoral polls rising, Mamdani was on a temple run to woo the Indian-American voters. Last month, he was accused of wearing shoes inside Hindu temples. However, the organisers of Mamdani’s temple visits have refuted the claim, saying the photo was taken outside the sanctum area, where shoes are still permitted. Mamdani, who registered a spectacular victory in New York mayoral primary, identifies as Democratic socialist, currently represents Astoria and Long Island City in the New York State Assembly. He has been in midst of controversies since his campaign began, with US President Donald Trump also calling him "100 percent Lunatic Communist."

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, during Diwali outreach, criticized PM Modi for promoting a non-pluralistic India. He emphasised his belief in inclusivity and said his stance stems from growing up in a diverse India.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani explained why he is critical of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his temple run on the ocassion of Diwali. Stating that he grew up in an India that celebrated pluralism, Mamdani, who earlier called the Indian PM a ‘war criminal’ said that Modi and the BJP “has room for certain kinds of Indians”. He made the remarks during his outreach to Hindu American voters on Diwali. Earlier, Mamdani had said that Muslims were eradicated from Gujarat during 2022 riots. The mayoral polls are due this November. "So, I have been critical of Mr. Modi because of the vision that I grew up with was of an India that was pluralistic, an India where everyone belonged, no matter their religion. And my critique has been of Mr. Modi and the BJP political party for their vision of an India that only has room for certain kinds of Indians, and it's part of a belief that pluralism is something to be celebrated, something to be strived for," he said. ""And I also know that I'm running to be the mayor of New York City - eight and a half million people - many of whom may feel differently than me about Mr. Modi, and that's their right, and I will look to represent them all the same, because my responsibility to them as New Yorkers is to ensure that they are safe, to ensure they can afford this city," he added.

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, during Diwali outreach, criticized PM Modi for promoting a non-pluralistic India. He emphasised his belief in inclusivity and said his stance stems from growing up in a diverse India.

Zohran Mamdani on temple run in Diwali, reveals REAL reason why he is critical of Indian PM Modi

Renowned Hindi and Telugu filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma stirred controversy with his remark on the Gaza genocide by drawing a simile of the Israeli bombing of Gaza with the Hindu festival of light, Diwali.&nbsp;In a post on social media platform X, Ram Gopal Varma said, “In INDIA, only one day is DIWALI and in GAZA, every day is DIWALI”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In INDIA only one day is DIWALI and in GAZA, every day is DIWALI🔥🔥🔥&mdash; Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGVzoomin/status/1980278432765521946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In India, Diwali is typically considered a ‘festival of light’, and it is also accompanied by fireworks, sweets, and prayers. Diwali celebrates light and hope. Gaza is a humanitarian crisis where innocent people are killed daily". Celebrating a mass murder represents a state of moral decay within the soul of India. Ram Gopal Varma, known for films such as Satya and Company, is also known for his controversial social media statements.&nbsp;The comment has drawn a reaction from both national and international audiences. Users responded, “You will take years to become a human. You don't even know the difference between celebration and devastation.”&nbsp;Many are calling him "insensitive and inhumane“.&nbsp;Journalist Rana Ayyub responded, “What is left for a virus to kill in a morally corrupt nation?”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Imagine comparing Diwali celebration to Gaza’s crimes of war. At least these social media platforms helped us identify the ‘famous’ yet the hateful amongst us. What makes a person so hateful is something I’ll never fathom or ever hope to. <a href="https://t.co/aa7mKQfBR0">pic.twitter.com/aa7mKQfBR0</a>&mdash; Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankac19/status/1980575972840862138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There had been a growing criticism over India's deepening ties with Israel. Since October 2023, the Indian government has emerged as one of the major supporters of Israel. Earlier this month, thousands of supporters came out in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other cities in support of Gaza, and opposing the defence partnership of India and Israel. There had been a historical shift in India's stand on the Israel-Palestine conflict. India has on several occasions abstained from voting against Israel, an international call for a military embargo and refused to join the genocide case at the Hague.&nbsp;

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma faces massive backlash for comparing Gaza bombings to Diwali, sparking outrage among netizens and political leaders.

Renowned Hindi and Telugu filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma stirred controversy with his remark on the Gaza genocide by drawing a simile of the Israeli bombing of Gaza with the Hindu festival of light, Diwali. In a post on social media platform X, Ram Gopal Varma said, “In INDIA, only one day is DIWALI and in GAZA, every day is DIWALI”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma faces massive backlash for comparing Gaza bombings to Diwali, sparking outrage among netizens and political leaders.

'In GAZA, every day is DIWALI': Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's 'inhumane' remark on Gaza

In a marked departure from its traditional male-dominated structure, the United Nations-designated terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed has begun recruiting women through a new online course aimed at indoctrinating participants and building a dedicated female brigade. The course, titled “Tufat al-Muminat” is set to start on Nov. 8 and will consist of 40-minute daily sessions delivered via online meeting platforms. It is designed to draw in women from across Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, charging each enrollee a 500 Pakistani rupee donation (about $1.80) while requiring them to complete an online information form. The initiative, led by relatives of the group’s founder, Masood Azhar, shows JeM’s evolving tactics amid recent setbacks, including deadly Indian airstrikes that decimated its headquarters in Pakistan's heartland-Punjab.&nbsp;JeM, has been responsible for major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary officers, announced the formation of its women’s wing, Jamat ul-Muminat (Community of Believing Women), on October 8. The brigade’s leadership includes Azhar’s younger sister, Sadiya Azhar, whose husband, Yusuf Azhar, a senior JeM commander, was killed in India’s Operation Sindoor airstrikes in May. &nbsp;Also on the group’s advisory council, or Shura, are another of Azhar’s sisters, Safia Azhar, and Afreera Farooq, the widow of Umar Farooq, the JeM operative behind the Pulwama attack who was later killed in an Indian counterterrorism operation. The instructors for the course will include Sadiya Azhar.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspected-ulfa-i-terrorist-killed-in-arunachal-pradesh-encounter-search-operation-underway-1761108577190">Suspected ULFA (I) terrorist killed in Arunachal Pradesh encounter, Search operation underway</a>&nbsp;The program is framed as a means to empower women but sources familiar with JeM’s operations say it is part of a broader push to create female suicide squads modeled on those used by groups like the Islamic State and Hamas.JeM’s pivot toward women comes months after Operation Sindoor, a series of Indian missile strikes on May 7 that targeted the group’s Bahawalpur headquarters, Markaz Subhanallah, killing several Azhar family members and commanders.&nbsp;The attacks prompted Azhar and his brother, Talha al-Saif, to rethink the group’s strategy, including the integration of women into operational roles — a shift from JeM’s roots, which historically discouraged female involvement in combat.&nbsp;Intelligence reports indicate that initial recruitment for Jamat ul-Muminat has focused on the wives of JeM commanders and economically vulnerable women studying at the group’s centers in Bahawalpur, Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Haripur and Mansehra. An event on Oct. 19 in Rawalkot, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, called “Dukhtaran-e-Islam”, served as an early mobilization effort.&nbsp;The fundraising aspect of the course highlights broader concerns about Pakistan’s enforcement of global financial safeguards. Despite commitments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body combating money laundering and terror financing, Islamabad has turned a blind eye to groups like JeM, which operate seminaries and collect donations openly. In a Sept. 27 speech at Markaz Usman-o-Ali, Azhar himself urged followers to donate amid the group’s rebuilding efforts, a plea now extended through this program.

Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed launches online course to recruit women into new all-female unit

In a marked departure from its traditional male-dominated structure, the United Nations-designated terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed has begun recruiting women through a new online course aimed at indoctrinating participants and building a dedicated female brigade. The course, titled “Tufat al-Muminat” is set to start on Nov. 8 and will consist of 40-minute daily sessions delivered via online meeting platforms. It is designed to draw in women from across Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, charging each enrollee a 500 Pakistani rupee donation (about $1.80) while requiring them to complete an online information form. The initiative, led by relatives of the group’s founder, Masood Azhar, shows JeM’s evolving tactics amid recent setbacks, including deadly Indian airstrikes that decimated its headquarters in Pakistan's heartland-Punjab. JeM, has been responsible for major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary officers, announced the formation of its women’s wing, Jamat ul-Muminat (Community of Believing Women), on October 8. The brigade’s leadership includes Azhar’s younger sister, Sadiya Azhar, whose husband, Yusuf Azhar, a senior JeM commander, was killed in India’s Operation Sindoor airstrikes in May. Also on the group’s advisory council, or Shura, are another of Azhar’s sisters, Safia Azhar, and Afreera Farooq, the widow of Umar Farooq, the JeM operative behind the Pulwama attack who was later killed in an Indian counterterrorism operation. The instructors for the course will include Sadiya Azhar. Also Read: Suspected ULFA (I) terrorist killed in Arunachal Pradesh encounter, Search operation underway The program is framed as a means to empower women but sources familiar with JeM’s operations say it is part of a broader push to create female suicide squads modeled on those used by groups like the Islamic State and Hamas. JeM’s pivot toward women comes months after Operation Sindoor, a series of Indian missile strikes on May 7 that targeted the group’s Bahawalpur headquarters, Markaz Subhanallah, killing several Azhar family members and commanders. The attacks prompted Azhar and his brother, Talha al-Saif, to rethink the group’s strategy, including the integration of women into operational roles — a shift from JeM’s roots, which historically discouraged female involvement in combat. Intelligence reports indicate that initial recruitment for Jamat ul-Muminat has focused on the wives of JeM commanders and economically vulnerable women studying at the group’s centers in Bahawalpur, Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Haripur and Mansehra. An event on Oct. 19 in Rawalkot, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, called “Dukhtaran-e-Islam”, served as an early mobilization effort. The fundraising aspect of the course highlights broader concerns about Pakistan’s enforcement of global financial safeguards. Despite commitments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body combating money laundering and terror financing, Islamabad has turned a blind eye to groups like JeM, which operate seminaries and collect donations openly. In a Sept. 27 speech at Markaz Usman-o-Ali, Azhar himself urged followers to donate amid the group’s rebuilding efforts, a plea now extended through this program.

JeM, has been responsible for major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary officers, announced the formation of its women’s wing, Jamat ul-Muminat (Community of Believing Women), on October 8

For the first time, mosquitoes have been spotted in Iceland, a country previously known for its mosquito-free status. The discovery came after an unusually warm spring, which saw temperatures break several records. Insect enthusiast Bjorn Hjaltason made the find during an observation session, where he was using wine-soaked ropes to attract moths. Over the course of several nights, he encountered two female mosquitoes and one male, which were later confirmed to be Culiseta annulata—a species capable of surviving colder winters.&nbsp;Until now, Iceland, along with Antarctica, had been one of the few places on Earth without mosquitoes, thanks to its cold climate and lack of stagnant water where the insects typically breed. However, recent temperature spikes, including the hottest day ever recorded in May, have raised concerns about the impact of climate change on the delicate ecosystems of the island.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-photographers-capture-once-in-a-lifetime-rare-red-lightning-over-new-zealand-s-skies-1761106853609">WATCH | Photographers capture 'once-in-a-lifetime' rare red lightning over New Zealand's skies</a>&nbsp;Hjaltason shared the discovery on social media, describing his surprise at finding "a strange fly on a red wine ribbon" and later speculating that the mosquitoes may have arrived via shipping containers from the nearby Grundartangi industrial area. The insects were sent to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History for identification, where entomologist Matthias Alfredsson confirmed they were Culiseta annulata.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eerie-glow-at-the-centre-of-milky-way-could-reveal-a-cosmic-giant-never-seen-before-1760700098843">Eerie glow at the centre of Milky Way could reveal a cosmic giant never seen before</a>&nbsp;While it's still unclear how the mosquitoes made their way to Iceland, scientists will continue to monitor the situation, particularly as warmer temperatures could become more frequent in the coming years. The shift in climate could significantly affect local wildlife, which has long been adapted to colder conditions. Hjaltason's discovery marks a possible turning point for Iceland, with further investigation needed to determine whether these mosquitoes have become permanently established on the island.

For the first time, mosquitoes are found in THIS country following record heat

For the first time, mosquitoes have been spotted in Iceland, a country previously known for its mosquito-free status. The discovery came after an unusually warm spring, which saw temperatures break several records. Insect enthusiast Bjorn Hjaltason made the find during an observation session, where he was using wine-soaked ropes to attract moths. Over the course of several nights, he encountered two female mosquitoes and one male, which were later confirmed to be Culiseta annulata—a species capable of surviving colder winters. Until now, Iceland, along with Antarctica, had been one of the few places on Earth without mosquitoes, thanks to its cold climate and lack of stagnant water where the insects typically breed. However, recent temperature spikes, including the hottest day ever recorded in May, have raised concerns about the impact of climate change on the delicate ecosystems of the island. Also Read: WATCH | Photographers capture 'once-in-a-lifetime' rare red lightning over New Zealand's skies Hjaltason shared the discovery on social media, describing his surprise at finding "a strange fly on a red wine ribbon" and later speculating that the mosquitoes may have arrived via shipping containers from the nearby Grundartangi industrial area. The insects were sent to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History for identification, where entomologist Matthias Alfredsson confirmed they were Culiseta annulata. Also Read: Eerie glow at the centre of Milky Way could reveal a cosmic giant never seen before While it's still unclear how the mosquitoes made their way to Iceland, scientists will continue to monitor the situation, particularly as warmer temperatures could become more frequent in the coming years. The shift in climate could significantly affect local wildlife, which has long been adapted to colder conditions. Hjaltason's discovery marks a possible turning point for Iceland, with further investigation needed to determine whether these mosquitoes have become permanently established on the island.

For the first time, mosquitoes have appeared in Iceland, once known for being mosquito-free, after experiencing a record-breaking heatwave this spring

At least 1,000 demonstrators have clashed with cops during an anti-immigration protest in southwest Dublin, the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, where they threw bottles and launched fireworks at officials. The protest erupted and sparked a row after a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a 26-year-old man on the grounds of the Citywest Hotel, which houses asylum applicants in Saggart, southwest of the Irish capital.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇪 Ireland on Edge People are burning police cars. They are stopping vehicles, checking IDs. A 10-year-old girl was raped by an African migrant. The streets are tense. The country is ready to erupt. <a href="https://t.co/383i3quj38">pic.twitter.com/383i3quj38</a>&mdash; WashingtonAmerica.Net (@WADailyNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WADailyNews/status/1980855771866026401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The unnamed man, who appeared in court on Tuesday, has been charged in connection with the sexual assault case. According to local media reports, the accused, who requested a Romanian interpreter in court, is believed to be an asylum seeker. However, police have not confirmed his nationality or ethnicity, according to a report in Al Jazeera.&nbsp;The victim, a young girl, was reportedly under state care when the incident occurred. Ireland’s child and family agency, Tusla, said she had “absconded” during an outing to the city centre and was later reported missing.<h3>Police van set on fire</h3>In response to the incident, protests surrounded the ground areas of the hotel on Tuesday, including an anti-immigrant demonstration. The protestors also held signs that read “Irish lives matter”, and chanted, “Get them out!”&nbsp;When cops charged at them using pepper spray to drive them away from the hotel complex, protesters set a police van on fire, as per the report by news agency AFP. “The weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected,” Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said in response to the protests. “This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response," he added.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin described the incident as “extremely serious and deeply concerning.” Tuesday’s unrest followed almost two years after riots erupted in central Dublin in November 2023, following a knife attack outside a school that left three children injured. At that time, police had identified the suspect as a man in his 50s from Algeria.

The unnamed man, who appeared in court on Tuesday, has been charged in connection with the sexual assault case. The accused is believed to be an asylum seeker. However, police have not confirmed his nationality or ethnicity.

At least 1,000 demonstrators have clashed with cops during an anti-immigration protest in southwest Dublin, the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, where they threw bottles and launched fireworks at officials. The protest erupted and sparked a row after a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a 26-year-old man on the grounds of the Citywest Hotel, which houses asylum applicants in Saggart, southwest of the Irish capital.

The unnamed man, who appeared in court on Tuesday, has been charged in connection with the sexual assault case. The accused is believed to be an asylum seeker. However, police have not confirmed his nationality or ethnicity.

WATCH: Anti-immigrant protests erupt in Dublin; demonstrators clash with cops, burn vehicle — Here's why

Disclaimer: The video contains disturbing visuals; viewer discretion is advised.&nbsp;Disturbing video of a masked Israeli settler attacking a Palestinian woman with a club as she tended to her olive grove in Turmus’ayya in Ramallah, West Bank has emerged. The horrific video captured by US journalist Jasper Nathaniel shows the ongoing torment that the Palestinian people face regularly.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is a video of an Israeli terrorist, also known as a &quot;settler&quot;, illegally living on stolen land, beating an indigenous Palestinian woman with a club as she tended to her olive grove. She was later rushed to hospital. The most brutal of Apartheids.<a href="https://t.co/OW3TIgL1I4">pic.twitter.com/OW3TIgL1I4</a>&mdash; Niz (@NizMhani) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizMhani/status/1980223999721484327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 55-year-old woman, identified as Afaf Abu Alia, was repeatedly hit on the head until she was knocked unconscious. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after suffering from a brain haemorrhage. The video gained attention after Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestine, reshared it.&nbsp;“For 2 years, the world has seen scenes like this from the West Bank. I wonder where decent Israelis are; those who protest in Tel Aviv. Hatred of Hamas is one thing, but do they not feel some obligation to act to stop their fellow citizens behaving like criminals on the loose?” wrote Francesca Albanese.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ICYMI <a href="https://twitter.com/JillFilipovic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JillFilipovic</a>—this is video of a Jew (me) being hunted by Israeli settlers. <a href="https://t.co/ttuQy7SvXi">https://t.co/ttuQy7SvXi</a> <a href="https://t.co/sR3wF1mrUc">pic.twitter.com/sR3wF1mrUc</a>&mdash; jasper nathaniel (@infinite_jaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/infinite_jaz/status/1980564274029187081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US journalist Jasper Nathaniel, who is Jewish by faith, called it ‘the single worst individual act of violence I’ve seen’. As he was trying to escape the area, he was chased down by hundreds of Israeli settlers.&nbsp;“I’m running for my life at this point ... The guy with the club was chasing me, and when I got in the car, he started clubbing it and attacking the windshield."“Then from the car we see the woman standing there, and we honestly think he’s going to run by her, but then he clubs her, and I see her knocked unconscious with the first strike, but then he hits her again after the first strike."The months of October and November are considered the season of olive harvesting in Palestine. It is a significant part of their culture and economy. Brutal settler attacks have been repeatedly reported during the season. &nbsp;According to a BBC report, the IDF claimed to have arrived at the scene of the violence and dispersed the crowd. However, Nathaniel denied all these claims: "No Israeli forces showed up to the attack at any point." He said that the IDF was at the location at first, they were the ones who "lured" him and others to an "ambush".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Just going to let this one speak for itself. <a href="https://t.co/JdPUeKBoYV">pic.twitter.com/JdPUeKBoYV</a>&mdash; jasper nathaniel (@infinite_jaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/infinite_jaz/status/1980256847048085949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A shocking video filmed by U.S. journalist Jasper Nathaniel shows a masked Israeli settler attacking 55-year-old Afaf Abu Alia. The UN condemns the violence.

Disclaimer: The video contains disturbing visuals; viewer discretion is advised. Disturbing video of a masked Israeli settler attacking a Palestinian woman with a club as she tended to her olive grove in Turmus’ayya in Ramallah, West Bank has emerged. The horrific video captured by US journalist Jasper Nathaniel shows the ongoing torment that the Palestinian people face regularly.

A shocking video filmed by U.S. journalist Jasper Nathaniel shows a masked Israeli settler attacking 55-year-old Afaf Abu Alia. The UN condemns the violence.

VIDEO | Israeli settler brutally beats Palestinian woman unconscious with a club during olive harvest

A man crashed his car into a security gate near the White House on Tuesday night (October 21), leading to his immediate arrest by Secret Service officers. The incident occurred at approximately 10:37 pm at a checkpoint near one of the White House entrances. The Secret Service have arrested the driver, who was later identified after a search of his vehicle, which authorities declared safe. Details about the suspect, including his identity and any potential motives, have not been disclosed. The incident has gained attention on social media, with videos showing Secret Service officers inspecting the damaged car, taking measurements, and documenting the scene.&nbsp;Despite the crash, no lockdown was issued for the White House. The road leading to the gate remains closed while the vehicle is being removed. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump was in the White House during the event. The Secret Service is continuing its investigation into the incident. At the same time, the White House is undergoing renovations, with the East Wing being demolished for a new ballroom.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-immigrant-protests-erupt-in-dublin-demonstrators-clash-with-cops-burn-vehicle-here-s-why-1761113551906">Anti-immigrant protests erupt in Dublin; demonstrators clash with cops, burn vehicle — Here's why?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING NEWS: car at White House appears to have either stopped at or struck the barricades and several blocks around the complex now shut down as Secret Service investigates. <a href="https://t.co/unJ14nj4G5">pic.twitter.com/unJ14nj4G5</a>&mdash; Scott Thuman (@ScottThuman) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottThuman/status/1980854262742609973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Past incidents</h2>Incidents involving vehicles crashing into White House security gates have happened before. In both January and May of 2024, such events raised security concerns but were ultimately ruled non-threatening by authorities. In January 2024, a motorist drove into an outer gate near the White House and was detained by law enforcement. The Secret Service confirmed there was no danger posed to the residence or the surrounding area, and the then-President Joe Biden was not in the White House during the occurrence. In a separate incident in May, a man lost his life after ramming a vehicle into a security barrier close to the White House. According to the Secret Service, the event did not present any threat to public safety, according to a report in New York Times.

WATCH | Man drives car into White House security barrier; arrested

A man crashed his car into a security gate near the White House on Tuesday night (October 21), leading to his immediate arrest by Secret Service officers. The incident occurred at approximately 10:37 pm at a checkpoint near one of the White House entrances. The Secret Service have arrested the driver, who was later identified after a search of his vehicle, which authorities declared safe. Details about the suspect, including his identity and any potential motives, have not been disclosed. The incident has gained attention on social media, with videos showing Secret Service officers inspecting the damaged car, taking measurements, and documenting the scene. Despite the crash, no lockdown was issued for the White House. The road leading to the gate remains closed while the vehicle is being removed. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump was in the White House during the event. The Secret Service is continuing its investigation into the incident. At the same time, the White House is undergoing renovations, with the East Wing being demolished for a new ballroom. Also Read: Anti-immigrant protests erupt in Dublin; demonstrators clash with cops, burn vehicle — Here's why?

A man crashed his car into a White House security gate on Tuesday night, was arrested, and his vehicle deemed safe. Investigations are ongoing with no lockdown issued

A rare phenomenon known as ‘red sprites’, a type of upper-atmosphere lightning, was photographed by three photographers in New Zealand, capturing one of nature's most elusive displays. Tom Rae from New Zealand, alongside Spanish photographers Dan Zafra and Jose Cantabrana, had originally ventured to the Omarama Clay Cliffs on October 11 to photograph the Milky Way. Little did they know, the night would become unforgettable. While expecting clear skies to capture their intended shots, the group was unexpectedly treated to an extraordinary light show. Cantabrana, noticing a storm building on the horizon, suggested the possibility of red sprites. Rae recalled how, as Cantabrana reviewed his camera files, they discovered that a red sprite had indeed been captured. The moment was met with surprise and excitement, with the photographers reacting in awe.<h2>Watch the stunning picture here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A perfect coincidence’: rare red lightning captured in New Zealand skies ...EXXELENT BAUTIFUL SKY.. ...THE UNIVERSE IS WONDERFUL... Photographers Tom Rae, Dan Zafra and José Cantabrana capture extremely unusual phenomenon – also known as red sprites THE GUARDIAN Wed 22 Oct… <a href="https://t.co/FnQWS652QT">pic.twitter.com/FnQWS652QT</a>&mdash; www.Jonny Clock1977.us (@JonnyClock1977) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyClock1977/status/1980854719573586062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Red sprites are a rare type of electrical discharge that occurs high above thunderstorms. Unlike typical lightning, which strikes downward, these luminous red bursts shoot upwards toward the ionosphere, forming striking, jellyfish-like shapes. First photographed by a University of Minnesota team in 1989, these flashes are so brief—lasting only a fraction of a second—that they are seldom visible to the naked eye. However, Rae was in the perfect spot at the right moment and saw one as it lit up the sky.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/life-on-mars-study-finds-traces-of-life-may-still-lie-beneath-the-planet-s-frozen-surface-1761038308995">Life on Mars? Study finds traces of life may still lie beneath the planet's frozen surface</a>&nbsp;For Rae, capturing this phenomenon was a surreal experience. As an award-winning photographer specialising in nightscapes, he described the brief yet intense red flash as ‘ethereal’, a fleeting moment of beauty that felt almost unreal. He emphasised that capturing such events requires not only technical skill but also an understanding of the science behind them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zafra, who had also never witnessed such an event, called it one of the most unforgettable nights of his life. "I could see the Milky Way stretching across the horizon while these massive red tendrils of light danced in the sky above a distant storm," he was quoted as saying to The Guardian. According to Zafra, no other image has captured both the Milky Way and red sprites in a single shot. The trio knew they had captured something rare and exceptional—a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event.

WATCH | Photographers capture 'once-in-a-lifetime' rare red lightning over New Zealand's skies

A rare phenomenon known as ‘red sprites’, a type of upper-atmosphere lightning, was photographed by three photographers in New Zealand, capturing one of nature's most elusive displays. Tom Rae from New Zealand, alongside Spanish photographers Dan Zafra and Jose Cantabrana, had originally ventured to the Omarama Clay Cliffs on October 11 to photograph the Milky Way. Little did they know, the night would become unforgettable. While expecting clear skies to capture their intended shots, the group was unexpectedly treated to an extraordinary light show. Cantabrana, noticing a storm building on the horizon, suggested the possibility of red sprites. Rae recalled how, as Cantabrana reviewed his camera files, they discovered that a red sprite had indeed been captured. The moment was met with surprise and excitement, with the photographers reacting in awe. Watch the stunning picture here

Three photographers in New Zealand capture rare red sprites, a fleeting lightning phenomenon, while shooting the Milky Way, creating a stunning cosmic moment

Francesca Orsini, a London-based scholar of Hindi and South Asian literature, has been denied entry to India despite holding an Indian visa valid for another five years. Orsini, who is professor emeritus at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London was deported after her arrival at the Delhi airport Monday night, over alleged visa violations. Peter Kornicki, her husband said that Indian immigration authorities did not offer her an explanation for their action. However, news agency PTI quoted a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs and said that Orsini was travelling on a tourist visa, but she misused it for academic activity and since March 2025, she was blacklisted. She was deported to Hong Kong within hours because her purpose of travel did not match her visa category.<h2>Who is Francesca Orsini?</h2>Francesca Orsini is a leading scholar of Hindi and professor emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Orsini is originally from Italy, where she completed her undergraduate studies in Hindi, Orsini later studied at the Central Institute of Hindi and Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. Orisini is author of ‘The Hindi Public Sphere 1920-1940: Language and Literature in the Age of Nationalism’, published by Oxford University Press in 2002. Orsini held a fellowship at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute during the 2013–2014 academic year. She previously taught at the University of Cambridge and at SOAS, University of London. After more than thirty years of affiliation with SOAS, she retired from the institution in 2021. Her work explores the Hindi language in the context of nationalist movements during that period, focusing on literary texts and journals.&nbsp;The Indian Express quoted Alok Rai, former professor at Delhi University’s Department of English, and said, “She came to India to learn Hindi, and fell in love with the country. Her first big work was on the making of the Hindi public sphere, and she then went beyond that. She has done detailed textual work on older texts, and is a very meticulous textual scholar. She is also an Urdu scholar… and has studied Persian.”&nbsp;In October of last year, Orsini presented the second Shamsur Rahman Faruqi Memorial Lecture, titled ‘The Purab: A Multilingual Literary History’, an event hosted by the Dastangoi Collective in Delhi. In 2020, she gave talks at both Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi and the University of Delhi, focusing on themes of literary history and world literature. At the University of Delhi, her lecture centered on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat. Additionally, in 2021, she delivered the BN Ganguli Memorial Lecture online, organized by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, where she spoke on ‘Hindi Internationalism: Literature and the Cold War.’

Francesca Orsini, a renowned Hindi and South Asian literature scholar and professor emerita at SOAS, was deported from India over alleged visa misuse. Despite a valid visa, authorities claimed she engaged in academic work on a tourist visa. She's known for her work on Hindi, Urdu

Francesca Orsini, a London-based scholar of Hindi and South Asian literature, has been denied entry to India despite holding an Indian visa valid for another five years. Orsini, who is professor emeritus at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London was deported after her arrival at the Delhi airport Monday night, over alleged visa violations. Peter Kornicki, her husband said that Indian immigration authorities did not offer her an explanation for their action. However, news agency PTI quoted a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs and said that Orsini was travelling on a tourist visa, but she misused it for academic activity and since March 2025, she was blacklisted. She was deported to Hong Kong within hours because her purpose of travel did not match her visa category. Who is Francesca Orsini? Francesca Orsini is a leading scholar of Hindi and professor emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Orsini is originally from Italy, where she completed her undergraduate studies in Hindi, Orsini later studied at the Central Institute of Hindi and Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. Orisini is author of ‘The Hindi Public Sphere 1920-1940: Language and Literature in the Age of Nationalism’, published by Oxford University Press in 2002. Orsini held a fellowship at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute during the 2013–2014 academic year. She previously taught at the University of Cambridge and at SOAS, University of London. After more than thirty years of affiliation with SOAS, she retired from the institution in 2021. Her work explores the Hindi language in the context of nationalist movements during that period, focusing on literary texts and journals. The Indian Express quoted Alok Rai, former professor at Delhi University’s Department of English, and said, “She came to India to learn Hindi, and fell in love with the country. Her first big work was on the making of the Hindi public sphere, and she then went beyond that. She has done detailed textual work on older texts, and is a very meticulous textual scholar. She is also an Urdu scholar… and has studied Persian.” In October of last year, Orsini presented the second Shamsur Rahman Faruqi Memorial Lecture, titled ‘The Purab: A Multilingual Literary History’, an event hosted by the Dastangoi Collective in Delhi. In 2020, she gave talks at both Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi and the University of Delhi, focusing on themes of literary history and world literature. At the University of Delhi, her lecture centered on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat. Additionally, in 2021, she delivered the BN Ganguli Memorial Lecture online, organized by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, where she spoke on ‘Hindi Internationalism: Literature and the Cold War.’

Francesca Orsini, a renowned Hindi and South Asian literature scholar and professor emerita at SOAS, was deported from India over alleged visa misuse. Despite a valid visa, authorities claimed she engaged in academic work on a tourist visa. She's known for her work on Hindi, Urdu

UK professor Francesca Orsini deported from Delhi airport: Who is she and why was she refused entry into India?

US President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Tuesday (October 21) that the US will proceed with imposing a staggering 155% tariff on Chinese imports starting November 1. This decision comes despite Trump's desire to maintain cordial relations with Beijing. In a response to a query from news agency ANI about tariffs on China due to its continued oil trade with Russia, Trump said, "Starting November 1, China will face a 155% tariff, and I don’t think it will be sustainable for them."&nbsp;Although Trump expressed a personal wish for friendly relations with China, he pointed out that years of unfavourable economic deals have forced the US to adopt a stronger stance. “I want to be friendly with China, but they’ve been very aggressive in trade, and past US leaders allowed them to take advantage of us," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-s-contributing-to-trump-s-250m-white-house-ballroom-and-why-1761099842585">Who’s contributing to Trump's $250M White House ballroom,&nbsp;and&nbsp;why?</a>&nbsp;Trump highlighted that his previous trade agreements with the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, which involved tariffs, were crucial for ‘national security’. He emphasised that these deals had generated billions in revenue for the US, which could now be used to reduce the national debt. This move represents a broader strategy of ‘secondary tariffs’ against countries indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, through their energy ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;While similar measures targeted India’s Russian oil imports, the new tariffs indicate a shift toward China, the largest importer of Russian crude. Additionally, in a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed plans for a further 100% tariff on Chinese goods, to be added on top of existing tariffs, starting November 1. He described this as a response to China's ‘extraordinarily aggressive’ trade actions and their ‘hostile’ letter to the world. Furthermore, Trump announced that the US will impose export controls on critical software from the same date. The president claimed that China’s stance was a deliberate plan devised over years and described it as a breach of international trade norms.

Trump doubles down on tariffs, plans 155% on Chinese goods starting November 1

US President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Tuesday (October 21) that the US will proceed with imposing a staggering 155% tariff on Chinese imports starting November 1. This decision comes despite Trump's desire to maintain cordial relations with Beijing. In a response to a query from news agency ANI about tariffs on China due to its continued oil trade with Russia, Trump said, "Starting November 1, China will face a 155% tariff, and I don’t think it will be sustainable for them." Although Trump expressed a personal wish for friendly relations with China, he pointed out that years of unfavourable economic deals have forced the US to adopt a stronger stance. “I want to be friendly with China, but they’ve been very aggressive in trade, and past US leaders allowed them to take advantage of us," he said. Also Read: Who’s contributing to Trump's $250M White House ballroom, and why? Trump highlighted that his previous trade agreements with the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, which involved tariffs, were crucial for ‘national security’. He emphasised that these deals had generated billions in revenue for the US, which could now be used to reduce the national debt. This move represents a broader strategy of ‘secondary tariffs’ against countries indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, through their energy ties. While similar measures targeted India’s Russian oil imports, the new tariffs indicate a shift toward China, the largest importer of Russian crude. Additionally, in a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed plans for a further 100% tariff on Chinese goods, to be added on top of existing tariffs, starting November 1. He described this as a response to China's ‘extraordinarily aggressive’ trade actions and their ‘hostile’ letter to the world. Furthermore, Trump announced that the US will impose export controls on critical software from the same date. The president claimed that China’s stance was a deliberate plan devised over years and described it as a breach of international trade norms.

US president Trump announces a 155% tariff on Chinese goods starting November 1, blaming past US trade mistakes and escalating tensions over China's trade actions

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Oct 22) celebrated Diwali at the White House and revealed that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about trade as he extended Diwali wishes to him. Trump then reiterated that PM Modi has reassured him that India would lower&nbsp;its Russian oil imports. Trump also called PM Modi a "great friend". He issued the statement after lighting candles and lamp in his Oval Office during&nbsp;a Diwali event at the White House. The event was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, FBI chief Kash Patel and intelligence head Tulsi Gabbard, besides the new US envoy to India Sergio Gor and other prominent&nbsp;Indian American business leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I just spoke to your prime minister today. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that," he told reporters at the White House. Repeating his controversial claims about India not buying Russian oil and PM Modi agreeing to it, he said, “We just have a very good relationship, and he's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as with Russia and Ukraine. And as you know, they're not going to be buying too much oil. So, they've got it way back, and they're continuing to cut it way back.” This comes despite the Indian government rejecting his claims by stating that India's energy imports are based on its own demands. The MEA in a statement said that India takes decisions to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumers in a volatile energy scenario.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> lights the diyas in celebration of Diwali 🪔🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/RQ5Kl2GSev">pic.twitter.com/RQ5Kl2GSev</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1980743608157229088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In response to the Diwali wishes by Trump, PM Modi thanked him and shared a message of hope and unity. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20251022/image-1761101910045.png"></figure><h2>India rejects Trump's claims</h2>&nbsp;On Thursday, just hours after Trump claimed that Modi had "assured" him that New Delhi would soon stop buying oil from Russia, New Delhi, in a statement, said it was its “consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario.” While avoiding directly accepting or refuting Trump's claims, the South Asian nation noted, “India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario.” However, later, when asked by a reporter, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal refused that such a call happened and said: "I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders".

Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House, claiming he spoke with PM Modi about trade and India reducing Russian oil imports. He called Modi a "great friend." India rejected the claim, stating energy decisions are based on national interests

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Oct 22) celebrated Diwali at the White House and revealed that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about trade as he extended Diwali wishes to him. Trump then reiterated that PM Modi has reassured him that India would lower its Russian oil imports. Trump also called PM Modi a "great friend". He issued the statement after lighting candles and lamp in his Oval Office during a Diwali event at the White House. The event was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, FBI chief Kash Patel and intelligence head Tulsi Gabbard, besides the new US envoy to India Sergio Gor and other prominent Indian American business leaders. "I just spoke to your prime minister today. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that," he told reporters at the White House. Repeating his controversial claims about India not buying Russian oil and PM Modi agreeing to it, he said, “We just have a very good relationship, and he's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as with Russia and Ukraine. And as you know, they're not going to be buying too much oil. So, they've got it way back, and they're continuing to cut it way back.” This comes despite the Indian government rejecting his claims by stating that India's energy imports are based on its own demands. The MEA in a statement said that India takes decisions to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumers in a volatile energy scenario.”

Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House, claiming he spoke with PM Modi about trade and India reducing Russian oil imports. He called Modi a "great friend." India rejected the claim, stating energy decisions are based on national interests

'He wants to see Ukraine war end, so...:' Trump speaks to Modi on Diwali, repeats Russian oil claim - How Indian PM responded

Construction has started on the White House's new $250 million ballroom, a lavish 90,000 square-foot venue that will replace portions of the East Wing. While the project is officially being funded by private donors, President Trump has said he will personally cover a significant part of the cost, with some donors reportedly willing to contribute up to $20 million each. Legal experts are raising alarms over the potential ethical implications of such funding, with critics fearing it could open the door for donors to gain special access to the administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Richard Painter, who served as the Bush White House's chief ethics lawyer, called the project an ‘ethics nightmare’, suggesting it could lead to undue influence from corporations seeking government favours. Among those attending a recent White House donor dinner were executives from major companies such as Blackstone, OpenAI, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, as well as prominent figures like the Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Manchester United. Trump commented that some attendees had suggested donations of up to $25 million, which he said he would gladly accept.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-ll-see-what-happens-trump-reveals-real-reason-why-he-cancelled-budapest-meeting-with-putin-1761095447909">'We’ll see what happens...': Trump reveals REAL reason why he cancelled Budapest meeting with Putin</a>&nbsp;Although the full list of donors has yet to be disclosed, one contributor has been revealed: YouTube, which is contributing $22 million as part of a settlement agreement regarding Trump's suspended account following the January 6th Capitol attack. The donations are being channeled through the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit organization that collaborates with the National Park Service to fund various White House and national mall projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump and his administration argue that the ballroom will benefit future administrations and save taxpayer money, as it replaces the temporary tents often used for large-scale events. However, critics worry that the new venue could facilitate political fundraising in ways that previous, smaller facilities did not. Despite the controversy, proving any ethical violations is likely to be difficult.

Who’s contributing to Trump's $250M White House ballroom, and why?

Construction has started on the White House's new $250 million ballroom, a lavish 90,000 square-foot venue that will replace portions of the East Wing. While the project is officially being funded by private donors, President Trump has said he will personally cover a significant part of the cost, with some donors reportedly willing to contribute up to $20 million each. Legal experts are raising alarms over the potential ethical implications of such funding, with critics fearing it could open the door for donors to gain special access to the administration. Richard Painter, who served as the Bush White House's chief ethics lawyer, called the project an ‘ethics nightmare’, suggesting it could lead to undue influence from corporations seeking government favours. Among those attending a recent White House donor dinner were executives from major companies such as Blackstone, OpenAI, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, as well as prominent figures like the Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Manchester United. Trump commented that some attendees had suggested donations of up to $25 million, which he said he would gladly accept. Also Read: 'We’ll see what happens...': Trump reveals REAL reason why he cancelled Budapest meeting with Putin Although the full list of donors has yet to be disclosed, one contributor has been revealed: YouTube, which is contributing $22 million as part of a settlement agreement regarding Trump's suspended account following the January 6th Capitol attack. The donations are being channeled through the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit organization that collaborates with the National Park Service to fund various White House and national mall projects. Trump and his administration argue that the ballroom will benefit future administrations and save taxpayer money, as it replaces the temporary tents often used for large-scale events. However, critics worry that the new venue could facilitate political fundraising in ways that previous, smaller facilities did not. Despite the controversy, proving any ethical violations is likely to be difficult.

The $250M ballroom project at the White House, funded by wealthy donors and corporations, raises concerns of potential ethics violations and ‘pay-to-play’ schemes

US President Donald Trump has confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 22) that his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been put on hold. Issuing his remark from the White House, Trump said that he didn’t want a “wasted meeting” with his Russian counterpart. This comes after Russia rejected Trump's demand for a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that 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. The Kremlin pressed that its stance on peace remains unchanged. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said that he would join the summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest if he is invited.&nbsp;“I don’t want to have a wasted meeting, I don’t want to have a waste of time — so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said in remarks at the White House on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “No precise timeframe was initially set here” and that “Preparation is needed, serious preparation.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump had announced last week that he will be meeting Putin in Budapest, Hungary. However, the meeting was called off after a call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday. The two were set to meet this week or next but the White House said that both had a "productive" call and that a meeting was no longer "necessary." The White House officials also confirmed to Reuters that there are "no plans" for US President Donald Trump to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin “in the immediate future.” The White House did not share any further details on why the talks had been paused.&nbsp;Trump and Putin earlier met in August during a summit in Alaska, which produced no concrete output to end the war in Ukraine. The White House decision to shelve the plans for a second Trump-Putin summit could be as Washington might to avoid another similar scenario. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump confirmed that his planned meeting with Russian President Putin is on hold after Russia rejected a ceasefire demand in Ukraine. The White House said no immediate plans exist for rescheduling, but did not speak a word on ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 22) that his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been put on hold. Issuing his remark from the White House, Trump said that he didn’t want a “wasted meeting” with his Russian counterpart. This comes after Russia rejected Trump's demand for a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that 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. The Kremlin pressed that its stance on peace remains unchanged. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said that he would join the summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest if he is invited. “I don’t want to have a wasted meeting, I don’t want to have a waste of time — so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said in remarks at the White House on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “No precise timeframe was initially set here” and that “Preparation is needed, serious preparation.” Trump had announced last week that he will be meeting Putin in Budapest, Hungary. However, the meeting was called off after a call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday. The two were set to meet this week or next but the White House said that both had a "productive" call and that a meeting was no longer "necessary." The White House officials also confirmed to Reuters that there are "no plans" for US President Donald Trump to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin “in the immediate future.” The White House did not share any further details on why the talks had been paused. Trump and Putin earlier met in August during a summit in Alaska, which produced no concrete output to end the war in Ukraine. The White House decision to shelve the plans for a second Trump-Putin summit could be as Washington might to avoid another similar scenario.

Trump confirmed that his planned meeting with Russian President Putin is on hold after Russia rejected a ceasefire demand in Ukraine. The White House said no immediate plans exist for rescheduling, but did not speak a word on ceasefire

'We’ll see what happens...': Trump reveals REAL reason why he cancelled Budapest meeting with Putin

Russia has 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;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louvre-burglary-sparks-outrage-critics-blame-diversity-hires-for-the-theft-of-the-decade-1761034277502">Louvre heist sparks outrage, 'diversity hires' blames for 'theft of the decade'</a>&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.&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;“Russia’s Stalling Tactics have shown time and time again that Ukraine is the only party serious about peace. We can all see that Putin continues to choose violence and destruction,” the statement said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Trump said on Monday (Oct 20) that Ukraine “could still win” its war against Russia — but quickly added he doesn't think it will. He made the comments during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House. When asked to clarify remarks he made earlier at the United Nations, where he claimed Kyiv "could possibly win the war" against Vladimir Putin's Russia, Trump said, “Well, they could. They could still win it. I don’t think they will, but they could still win it.”

A joint statement issued Tuesday morning, signed by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and top EU officials, backed the American president proposal for peace.



Russia has 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. Also read: Louvre heist sparks outrage, 'diversity hires' blames for 'theft of the decade' “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. “Russia’s Stalling Tactics have shown time and time again that Ukraine is the only party serious about peace. We can all see that Putin continues to choose violence and destruction,” the statement said. Meanwhile, Trump said on Monday (Oct 20) that Ukraine “could still win” its war against Russia — but quickly added he doesn't think it will. He made the comments during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House. When asked to clarify remarks he made earlier at the United Nations, where he claimed Kyiv "could possibly win the war" against Vladimir Putin's Russia, Trump said, “Well, they could. They could still win it. I don’t think they will, but they could still win it.”

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.&nbsp;

Trump’s demand for immediate ceasefire with Ukraine ‘contrary to Trump-Putin agreement in Alaska: Kremlin

US Vice-president JD Vance has played down the concerns regarding the feasibility of tense Hamas-Israel peace deal which was announced on October 10 after two years of conflict. Vance is currently in Israel where he made the comments about US President Donald Trump mediated ceasefire deal. The US VP, however, declined to put a timeline on things like hostage exchange in his comments but warned Hamas of 'very bad things' if they were to backtrack on the deal. While there's been no major breach of ceasefire since the announcement, a violent clash had erupted in Gaza in which two IDF soldiers had died along with dozens in Gaza.&nbsp;<h2>Vance optimistic about peace deal but warns Hamas</h2>&nbsp;“If Hamas doesn’t comply with the deal, very bad things are going to happen. But I’m not going to do what the president of United States has thus far refused to do, which is put an explicit deadline on it, because a lot of this stuff is difficult,” Vance said at a new conference on Tuesday (Oct 21) in Israel. “What we’ve seen the past week gives me great optimism the ceasefire is going to hold. I feel very optimistic. Can I say with 100% certainty that it’s going to work? No,” he added about the deal.&nbsp;<h2>Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal</h2>&nbsp;The US-mediated deal for the conflict which started on October 7, 2023, was struck on October 10, after which the exchange of hostages and bodies began. After the announcement of the ceasefire, Israel has so far returned 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza, along with the bodies of 15 Palestinians for each Israeli hostage's remains. Hamas, on the other hand, has released all 20 alive hostages along with 13 dead bodies as well, leaving 15 bodies with Hamas so far.

The US VP, however, declined to put a timeline on things like hostage exchange in his comments but warned Hamas of 'very bad things' if they were to backtrack on the deal. 

US Vice-president JD Vance has played down the concerns regarding the feasibility of tense Hamas-Israel peace deal which was announced on October 10 after two years of conflict. Vance is currently in Israel where he made the comments about US President Donald Trump mediated ceasefire deal. The US VP, however, declined to put a timeline on things like hostage exchange in his comments but warned Hamas of 'very bad things' if they were to backtrack on the deal. While there's been no major breach of ceasefire since the announcement, a violent clash had erupted in Gaza in which two IDF soldiers had died along with dozens in Gaza. Vance optimistic about peace deal but warns Hamas “If Hamas doesn’t comply with the deal, very bad things are going to happen. But I’m not going to do what the president of United States has thus far refused to do, which is put an explicit deadline on it, because a lot of this stuff is difficult,” Vance said at a new conference on Tuesday (Oct 21) in Israel. “What we’ve seen the past week gives me great optimism the ceasefire is going to hold. I feel very optimistic. Can I say with 100% certainty that it’s going to work? No,” he added about the deal. Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal The US-mediated deal for the conflict which started on October 7, 2023, was struck on October 10, after which the exchange of hostages and bodies began. After the announcement of the ceasefire, Israel has so far returned 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza, along with the bodies of 15 Palestinians for each Israeli hostage's remains. Hamas, on the other hand, has released all 20 alive hostages along with 13 dead bodies as well, leaving 15 bodies with Hamas so far.

The US VP, however, declined to put a timeline on things like hostage exchange in his comments but warned Hamas of 'very bad things' if they were to backtrack on the deal.&nbsp;

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: US VP Vance 'optimistic' about ongoing deal but warns Hamas of 'very bad things' if it doesn't comply

Days after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “every inch of Pakistan’s land is within the reach of BrahMos”, Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir, in his address at the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters, mentioned how the country will not tolerate any violation of its territorial integrity. Munir further noted it will be met with a firm and decisive response. The country blames India for its internal rifts, and Islamabad's inaction against terror outfits operating on its soil forced India to conduct precision strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-tensions-rise-kp-blames-centre-for-terror-surge-afridi-issues-new-directives-1761053917284/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-tensions-rise-kp-blames-centre-for-terror-surge-afridi-issues-new-directives-1761053917284/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;In May, India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). So much so that a country which claimed the operation killed innocent civilians, and months later, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander Masood Ilyas was seen addressing a crowd and saying that Masood Azhar's family was ‘torn into pieces’ in Bahawalpur.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-masood-azhar-s-family-was-wiped-out-jaish-commander-s-big-admission-four-months-after-operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-1758016080216"> 'Masood Azhar's family was wiped out': Jaish commander's BIG admission four months after Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Every inch of Pakistan is within the reach of BrahMos’</h2>&nbsp;Addressing a crowd in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “BrahMos is not just a system but has proven to be the country’s biggest practical proof. Operation Sindoor has determined that victory is not a small incident but our habit. Our country is confident that our adversaries cannot escape BrahMos. And if it’s about Pakistan, then every inch of their land is in the reach of BrahMos.”&nbsp;Singh said, “Op Sindoor was only a trailer, and that itself has made it clear to Pakistan that if India can give birth to Pakistan, at the right time it can…” And in a dramatic pause, the defence minister said a lot more than mere words could express. He continued, “I need not say any more.”

As Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights the success of Operation Sindoor and the power of BrahMos, Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir says the country will not tolerate any violation of its territorial integrity.

Days after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “every inch of Pakistan’s land is within the reach of BrahMos”, Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir, in his address at the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters, mentioned how the country will not tolerate any violation of its territorial integrity. Munir further noted it will be met with a firm and decisive response. The country blames India for its internal rifts, and Islamabad's inaction against terror outfits operating on its soil forced India to conduct precision strikes. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-tensions-rise-kp-blames-centre-for-terror-surge-afridi-issues-new-directives-1761053917284/embed In May, India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). So much so that a country which claimed the operation killed innocent civilians, and months later, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander Masood Ilyas was seen addressing a crowd and saying that Masood Azhar's family was ‘torn into pieces’ in Bahawalpur. Also read: 'Masood Azhar's family was wiped out': Jaish commander's BIG admission four months after Operation Sindoor ‘Every inch of Pakistan is within the reach of BrahMos’ Addressing a crowd in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “BrahMos is not just a system but has proven to be the country’s biggest practical proof. Operation Sindoor has determined that victory is not a small incident but our habit. Our country is confident that our adversaries cannot escape BrahMos. And if it’s about Pakistan, then every inch of their land is in the reach of BrahMos.” Singh said, “Op Sindoor was only a trailer, and that itself has made it clear to Pakistan that if India can give birth to Pakistan, at the right time it can…” And in a dramatic pause, the defence minister said a lot more than mere words could express. He continued, “I need not say any more.”

As Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights the success of Operation Sindoor and the power of BrahMos, Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir says the country will not tolerate any violation of its territorial integrity.

Days after Rajnath Singh says 'every inch of Pak within reach', Pak Field Marshal Munir boasts of decisive response for violations

Hamas has reiterated its demand for more time and heavy machinery to locate and hand over the bodies of Israeli hostages under the peace deal. According to Israel, Hamas still hasn't returned the remains of 15 hostages, as was agreed upon in the deal which stopped the two-year-long conflict between the two sides. According to Israel, Hamas can return the bodies in a much lesser timeframe, and the delay is intentional, while concerns remain over the repurposing of heavy machinery it is asking for. The US-mediated deal was struck on October 10, after which the exchange of hostages and bodies began.&nbsp;<h2>Hamas wants more time and machinery to return bodies of Israeli hostages</h2>&nbsp;“We are ready to recover and hand over all the bodies [of the hostages] according to the agreement; we have no desire to keep anyone with us — let them return to their relatives, and our martyrs will also return and be buried with dignity," said Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya says in an interview with the Al-Qahira Al-Akhbariya news channel.&nbsp;The reason behind the demand is the difficulty in locating the hostages' bodies, as they are under the rubble in Gaza, which suffered the most damage during the conflict between the two sides.&nbsp;<h2>How is the ceasefire deal working out?</h2>&nbsp;After the announcement of the ceasefire, Israel has so far returned 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza, along with the bodies of 15 Palestinians for each Israeli hostage's remains. Hamas, on the other hand, has released all 20 alive hostages along with 13 dead bodies as well, leaving 15 bodies with Hamas so far.&nbsp;The conflict saw widespread damage and loss of lives as well as property, especially in Gaza Strip, which ended after US President Donald Trump mediated a peace deal ensuring a ceasefire between the two sides.

 According to Israel, Hamas can return the bodies in a much lesser timeframe, and the delay is intentional, while concerns remain over the repurposing of heavy machinery it is asking for. 

Hamas has reiterated its demand for more time and heavy machinery to locate and hand over the bodies of Israeli hostages under the peace deal. According to Israel, Hamas still hasn't returned the remains of 15 hostages, as was agreed upon in the deal which stopped the two-year-long conflict between the two sides. According to Israel, Hamas can return the bodies in a much lesser timeframe, and the delay is intentional, while concerns remain over the repurposing of heavy machinery it is asking for. The US-mediated deal was struck on October 10, after which the exchange of hostages and bodies began. Hamas wants more time and machinery to return bodies of Israeli hostages “We are ready to recover and hand over all the bodies [of the hostages] according to the agreement; we have no desire to keep anyone with us — let them return to their relatives, and our martyrs will also return and be buried with dignity," said Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya says in an interview with the Al-Qahira Al-Akhbariya news channel. The reason behind the demand is the difficulty in locating the hostages' bodies, as they are under the rubble in Gaza, which suffered the most damage during the conflict between the two sides. How is the ceasefire deal working out? After the announcement of the ceasefire, Israel has so far returned 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza, along with the bodies of 15 Palestinians for each Israeli hostage's remains. Hamas, on the other hand, has released all 20 alive hostages along with 13 dead bodies as well, leaving 15 bodies with Hamas so far. The conflict saw widespread damage and loss of lives as well as property, especially in Gaza Strip, which ended after US President Donald Trump mediated a peace deal ensuring a ceasefire between the two sides.

&nbsp;According to Israel, Hamas can return the bodies in a much lesser timeframe, and the delay is intentional, while concerns remain over the repurposing of heavy machinery it is asking for.&nbsp;

Hamas asks for more time and heavy machinery to find and hand over bodies of remaining Israeli hostages

The social media platform Discord announced a major data breach, including at least 70,000 photo IDs, personal information, and credit card details. The breach, as reported by Discord, was not from its internal systems but a third-party service (Zendesk) used by Discord for ‘customer service efforts’.&nbsp;“An unauthorised party targeted our third-party customer support services to access user data, with a view to extort a financial ransom from Discord,” read a statement from Discord.&nbsp;However, Zendesk denied any vulnerability in its internal systems. "Our investigation indicates this incident did not arise from a vulnerability within Zendesk's platform. Zendesk’s own systems were not compromised," said Zendesk spokesperson in a statement.&nbsp;An updated statement on October 9 released by Discord identified &nbsp;5CA as compromised provider. However 5CA issued a public statement on October 14, 2025, denying Discord's version of events. It clarified that none of its systems were involved and denied handling any government IDs on behalf of Discord. The statement suggested the incident may have been caused by "human error" outside of its internal systems.&nbsp;The data includes personal information, such as name, email ID and contact information; billing information, such as the last four digits of cards and transaction history; IP addresses, messages with customer service, government photo ID, and corporate data. The government photo ID were accessed by the third party for age verification. The statement also clarified that full credit card details or CVV numbers were not leaked. Similarly, password authentication details, messages on Discord beyond those with the customer service executives were safe. It also confirmed that only those users who have connected with a customer service executive are exposed to the attack.&nbsp;Discord is a San Francisco-based popular messaging platform which is popular among gamers and developers. It hosts approximately 200 million users worldwide.Discord claimed in the statement that it had revoked the "customer support provider’s access" to its ticketing system and connected with law enforcement agencies for further investigation into the matter. It has urged users to remain vigilant over any possible text messages they might receive in the next couple of weeks. It has also launched an internal investigation with a leading computer forensics firm to push for remedial measures. This is the third time the platform has faced a cyber attack, which resulted in a data breach. The most significant was one in August 2023, when the Discord.io service was compromised and approximately 760,000 user accounts were affected.&nbsp;

Discord confirms a data breach affecting over 70,000 users, exposing government ID photos and personal information via a third-party support vendor. Learn who’s affected and how to protect yourself.

The social media platform Discord announced a major data breach, including at least 70,000 photo IDs, personal information, and credit card details. The breach, as reported by Discord, was not from its internal systems but a third-party service (Zendesk) used by Discord for ‘customer service efforts’. “An unauthorised party targeted our third-party customer support services to access user data, with a view to extort a financial ransom from Discord,” read a statement from Discord. However, Zendesk denied any vulnerability in its internal systems. "Our investigation indicates this incident did not arise from a vulnerability within Zendesk's platform. Zendesk’s own systems were not compromised," said Zendesk spokesperson in a statement. An updated statement on October 9 released by Discord identified 5CA as compromised provider. However 5CA issued a public statement on October 14, 2025, denying Discord's version of events. It clarified that none of its systems were involved and denied handling any government IDs on behalf of Discord. The statement suggested the incident may have been caused by "human error" outside of its internal systems. The data includes personal information, such as name, email ID and contact information; billing information, such as the last four digits of cards and transaction history; IP addresses, messages with customer service, government photo ID, and corporate data. The government photo ID were accessed by the third party for age verification. The statement also clarified that full credit card details or CVV numbers were not leaked. Similarly, password authentication details, messages on Discord beyond those with the customer service executives were safe. It also confirmed that only those users who have connected with a customer service executive are exposed to the attack. Discord is a San Francisco-based popular messaging platform which is popular among gamers and developers. It hosts approximately 200 million users worldwide. Discord claimed in the statement that it had revoked the "customer support provider’s access" to its ticketing system and connected with law enforcement agencies for further investigation into the matter. It has urged users to remain vigilant over any possible text messages they might receive in the next couple of weeks. It has also launched an internal investigation with a leading computer forensics firm to push for remedial measures. This is the third time the platform has faced a cyber attack, which resulted in a data breach. The most significant was one in August 2023, when the Discord.io service was compromised and approximately 760,000 user accounts were affected.

Discord confirms a data breach affecting over 70,000 users, exposing government ID photos and personal information via a third-party support vendor. Learn who’s affected and how to protect yourself.

70,000 government ID, personal information, partial credit card details exposed in Discord data breach

Former French President Nicholas Sarkozy arrived at La Sante state prison on Tuesday (Oct 21) to start his five-year prison sentence. He was convicted of illegal funding for his campaign from the now-deceased dictator of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy, who was France's president from 2007 to 2012, has denied the allegations since onset but is now the first French president post-war to go to prison and the first former head of a European Union country to serve prison time. During the trial, the judge found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy but acquitted him of three separate charges of corruption, misuse of Libyan public funds and illegal election campaign funding.<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>What was the pact between Sarkozy and Gaddafi?</h2>&nbsp;According to the case details, Sarkozy had struck a pact with Gaddafi to obtain funding from the former Libyan dictator for his election campaign in return for diplomatic, legal, and business favours. The trail came after a 10-year anti-corruption probe. It was first in March 2011 when a Libyan news agency reported about Gaddafi financing Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign.&nbsp;In 2014, French24 had reported that in a recorded interview with France 3 TV, Gaddafi reportedly said: "Sarkozy is mentally deficient … It’s thanks to me that he became president … We gave him the funds that allowed him to win.”In the same year, Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam had Euronews: “The first thing we ask of this clown is that he return the money to the Libyan people. We helped him so he could help the Libyan people, but he let us down.”&nbsp;<h2>What happened to Gaddafi?</h2>&nbsp;The former Libyan dictator was killed by opposition forces with the backing of NATO forces in October 2011, shortly after the Arab Spring pro-democracy protests broke out in the same year. Notably, Sarkozy was the first Western leader to push of military intervention in Libya after the protests broke out. As for his deal with Gaddafi, Sarkozy had said that the campaign funding allegations are motivated by his backing of opposition against the Libyan dictator.

As per the case details, Sarkozy had struck a pact with Gaddafi to obtain funding from the former Libyan dictator for his election campaign in return for for diplomatic, legal and business favours. 

Former French President Nicholas Sarkozy arrived at La Sante state prison on Tuesday (Oct 21) to start his five-year prison sentence. He was convicted of illegal funding for his campaign from the now-deceased dictator of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy, who was France's president from 2007 to 2012, has denied the allegations since onset but is now the first French president post-war to go to prison and the first former head of a European Union country to serve prison time. During the trial, the judge found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy but acquitted him of three separate charges of corruption, misuse of Libyan public funds and illegal election campaign funding. What was the pact between Sarkozy and Gaddafi? According to the case details, Sarkozy had struck a pact with Gaddafi to obtain funding from the former Libyan dictator for his election campaign in return for diplomatic, legal, and business favours. The trail came after a 10-year anti-corruption probe. It was first in March 2011 when a Libyan news agency reported about Gaddafi financing Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign. In 2014, French24 had reported that in a recorded interview with France 3 TV, Gaddafi reportedly said: "Sarkozy is mentally deficient … It’s thanks to me that he became president … We gave him the funds that allowed him to win.” In the same year, Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam had Euronews: “The first thing we ask of this clown is that he return the money to the Libyan people. We helped him so he could help the Libyan people, but he let us down.” What happened to Gaddafi? The former Libyan dictator was killed by opposition forces with the backing of NATO forces in October 2011, shortly after the Arab Spring pro-democracy protests broke out in the same year. Notably, Sarkozy was the first Western leader to push of military intervention in Libya after the protests broke out. As for his deal with Gaddafi, Sarkozy had said that the campaign funding allegations are motivated by his backing of opposition against the Libyan dictator.

As per the case details, Sarkozy had struck a pact with Gaddafi to obtain funding from the former Libyan dictator for his election campaign in return for for diplomatic, legal and business favours.&nbsp;

Ex-France President Nicholas Sarkozy starts jail term for election campaign funding deal with Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi - What was it

US billionaires have decided to donate 95% of their wealth which accounts to over $10 billion. Nancy and Rich Kinder are residents of Houston have pledged to give the money in charity with focus on building infrastructure which include on city parks, the arts, education and other local causes. The Kinder Foundation announced an $18.5 million in a project for Emancipation Park. In an interview with news outlet ABC13, Rich said, “We've been very fortunate. You know, whatever wealth you accumulate is the result of a lot of other people helping you along the way. And we just felt early on that the right thing to do was to try to give most or all of that away.”<h2>Who are Rich and Nancy Kinder?</h2>The couple is largest stockholder of Kinder Morgan - one of the largest energy infrastructure companies not only in the United States but whole of North America. Kinder Morgan is also the largest terminal operator in North America and Rich Kinder currently draws a salary of only $1 per year from the company.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-france-president-nicholas-sarkozy-election-campaign-funding-deal-with-libya-dictator-muammar-gaddafi-details-1761054226702">All about Sarkozy's election campaign funding deal with Libyan dictator Gaddafi</a>Nancy also serves as the President and CEO of the Kinder Foundation, she also serves as the "Chairperson of the Downtown Park Corp. and President of the Advisory Board of Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research," notes the Kinder Foundation website.<h2>What's their motivation behind donating the wealth?</h2>The couple wants to leave the 'world a better place' and improve the overall 'wellbeing of the city that made them who they are.' Both, Rich and Nancy Kinder have also contributed to various welfare campaign in the past as well including Rice University, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Texas Children’s Hospital as well as Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett's campaign The Giving Pledge which they trio had started back in 2010.&nbsp;

Houston couple to donate over 95% of their wealth. Nancy and Rich Kinder are committed to giving back to society and helping those in need.

US billionaires have decided to donate 95% of their wealth which accounts to over $10 billion. Nancy and Rich Kinder are residents of Houston have pledged to give the money in charity with focus on building infrastructure which include on city parks, the arts, education and other local causes. The Kinder Foundation announced an $18.5 million in a project for Emancipation Park. In an interview with news outlet ABC13, Rich said, “We've been very fortunate. You know, whatever wealth you accumulate is the result of a lot of other people helping you along the way. And we just felt early on that the right thing to do was to try to give most or all of that away.” Who are Rich and Nancy Kinder? The couple is largest stockholder of Kinder Morgan - one of the largest energy infrastructure companies not only in the United States but whole of North America. Kinder Morgan is also the largest terminal operator in North America and Rich Kinder currently draws a salary of only $1 per year from the company. Also Read - All about Sarkozy's election campaign funding deal with Libyan dictator Gaddafi Nancy also serves as the President and CEO of the Kinder Foundation, she also serves as the "Chairperson of the Downtown Park Corp. and President of the Advisory Board of Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research," notes the Kinder Foundation website. What's their motivation behind donating the wealth? The couple wants to leave the 'world a better place' and improve the overall 'wellbeing of the city that made them who they are.' Both, Rich and Nancy Kinder have also contributed to various welfare campaign in the past as well including Rice University, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Texas Children’s Hospital as well as Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett's campaign The Giving Pledge which they trio had started back in 2010.

The billionaire US couple wants to leave the 'world a better place' and improve the overall 'wellbeing of the city that made them who they are.' Both, Rich and Nancy Kinder have also contributed to various welfare campaign in the past as well.

Who are Nancy and Rich Kinder? US Couple donating 95% of their wealth, estimated over $10 billion

After a clip from the wedding of an Iranian cleric's daughter went viral, the internet threw tons of questions at the regime of the Islamic Republic. The clip was from the wedding ceremony of Iran's former security chief Ali Shamkhani. The clip sparked outrage because women in the function, including the bride, were seen wearing revealing dresses. This holds utmost significance as a young woman, Mhasa Amini, was tortured to death in the country for not wearing her hijab "properly".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louvre-burglary-sparks-outrage-critics-blame-diversity-hires-for-the-theft-of-the-decade-1761034277502">Louvre heist sparks outrage, 'diversity hires' blames for 'theft of the decade'</a>&nbsp;After receiving the utmost backlash, the close aide of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, defends himself on the grounds of privacy. He also hinted that the video leakage from a private ceremony was a "revenge" from his enemies.&nbsp;In his first reaction to the leaked video, Shamkhani told state media, “As I said earlier: Hey you bastards, I’m still alive,” referencing a quote from Papillon (1973), Iran International reported.&nbsp;&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;The leader posted on X the exact line in Hebrew, hinting at blaming Israel for the video leak. He had previously used the same line when addressing Israel after surviving an airstrike on his home in Tehran during June’s war.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-war-a-strange-thing-says-ukraine-could-still-win-but-adds-i-don-t-think-they-will-1761011313214">Trump says Ukraine 'could still win' the war, but adds ‘I don’t think they will’</a>&nbsp;Reacting to the video, moderate cleric Mohammad-Ali Abtahi denied any wrongdoing as he said it was merely a video of unveiled women in a "female-only" gathering.&nbsp;The wedding, which reportedly took place in April 2024, is further fueling anger among those who believe the regime’s leaders are hypocritical in their treatment of women. Ali Shamkhani, 70, has long been a loyal ally of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He previously served as defense minister and headed the Supreme National Security Council until 2023.

The clip sparked outrage because women in the function, including the bride, were seen wearing revealing dresses. This holds utmost significance as a young woman, Mhasa Amini, was tortured to death in the country for not wearing her hijab properly.

After a clip from the wedding of an Iranian cleric's daughter went viral, the internet threw tons of questions at the regime of the Islamic Republic. The clip was from the wedding ceremony of Iran's former security chief Ali Shamkhani. The clip sparked outrage because women in the function, including the bride, were seen wearing revealing dresses. This holds utmost significance as a young woman, Mhasa Amini, was tortured to death in the country for not wearing her hijab "properly". Also read: Louvre heist sparks outrage, 'diversity hires' blames for 'theft of the decade' After receiving the utmost backlash, the close aide of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, defends himself on the grounds of privacy. He also hinted that the video leakage from a private ceremony was a "revenge" from his enemies. In his first reaction to the leaked video, Shamkhani told state media, “As I said earlier: Hey you bastards, I’m still alive,” referencing a quote from Papillon (1973), Iran International reported. Also read: US clarifies $100,000 H-1B fee rule after lawsuit — Check who gets exemptions? The leader posted on X the exact line in Hebrew, hinting at blaming Israel for the video leak. He had previously used the same line when addressing Israel after surviving an airstrike on his home in Tehran during June’s war. Also read: Trump says Ukraine 'could still win' the war, but adds ‘I don’t think they will’ Reacting to the video, moderate cleric Mohammad-Ali Abtahi denied any wrongdoing as he said it was merely a video of unveiled women in a "female-only" gathering. The wedding, which reportedly took place in April 2024, is further fueling anger among those who believe the regime’s leaders are hypocritical in their treatment of women. Ali Shamkhani, 70, has long been a loyal ally of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He previously served as defense minister and headed the Supreme National Security Council until 2023.

The clip sparked outrage because women in the function, including the bride, were seen wearing revealing dresses. This holds utmost significance as a young woman, Mhasa Amini, was tortured to death in the country for not wearing her hijab "properly".

Iran’s Ali Shamkhani defends daughter's 'western-style' wedding, indirectly calls leaked video 'revenge' by Israel

In a surprising turn of events in the political history of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, a conservative veteran long linked with the right wing, was elected as the first female prime minister of the nation on Tuesday. She ended nearly eight decades of uninterrupted male leadership in Japan.&nbsp;The 64-year-old Takaichi won the election after she received 237 votes in the 465-member Lower House and succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month after the electoral setbacks of his party. Her appointment was confirmed by the Upper House and paved the way for her swearing-in as the 104th prime minister of Japan.<h3>Sanae Takaichi's background and political career</h3>Sanae Takaichi was born in Nara Prefecture in 1961 and graduated from Kobe University. Her father was an office worker and her mother a police officer. The background of Takaichi is more modest than compared of several senior LDP members, who often hail from elite institutions such as the University of Tokyo or Harvard Kennedy School.&nbsp;Politics was far from her early life as she was a passionate heavy metal drummer, known for breaking drumsticks mid-performance and always carrying spares. She also enjoyed scuba diving and cars; her cherished Toyota Supra is now showcased in a Nara museum, according to a report in the BBC.&nbsp;Before stepping into politics, Takaichi briefly worked as a television presenter. Her political awakening came in the 1980s, amid tense US-Japan trade relations. Seeking to grasp how Americans viewed Japan, she joined the office of Democratic congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, a vocal critic of Japan at the time.&nbsp;After Takaichi witnessed mixing up Japanese, Chinese and Korean languages and cuisine, as well as observing Japan being often grouped together with China and South Korea, she fought her first parliamentary election in 1992 as an independent but lost.&nbsp;Later, she won a seat a year later and joined the LDP in 1996. Since then, she has been continuously elected as an MP 10 times, losing only once. With this achievement, she built a reputation as the most outspoken conservative voices of the LDP.&nbsp;Including minister for economic security, state minister for trade and industry, and a record-breaking tenure as minister for internal affairs and communications, Takaichi has also held several roles of senior government.&nbsp;Takaichi made her first bid for LDP leadership in 2021 but was defeated by Fumio Kishida. She ran again in 2024, leading in the initial round of voting yet ultimately losing to Shigeru Ishiba. On her third attempt this year, she finally triumphed, positioning herself to become Japan’s first female prime minister pending parliamentary approval.

The 64-year-old Takaichi won the election after she received 237 votes in the 465-member Lower House and succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month after the electoral setbacks of his party. 

In a surprising turn of events in the political history of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, a conservative veteran long linked with the right wing, was elected as the first female prime minister of the nation on Tuesday. She ended nearly eight decades of uninterrupted male leadership in Japan. The 64-year-old Takaichi won the election after she received 237 votes in the 465-member Lower House and succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month after the electoral setbacks of his party. Her appointment was confirmed by the Upper House and paved the way for her swearing-in as the 104th prime minister of Japan. Sanae Takaichi's background and political career Sanae Takaichi was born in Nara Prefecture in 1961 and graduated from Kobe University. Her father was an office worker and her mother a police officer. The background of Takaichi is more modest than compared of several senior LDP members, who often hail from elite institutions such as the University of Tokyo or Harvard Kennedy School. Politics was far from her early life as she was a passionate heavy metal drummer, known for breaking drumsticks mid-performance and always carrying spares. She also enjoyed scuba diving and cars; her cherished Toyota Supra is now showcased in a Nara museum, according to a report in the BBC. Before stepping into politics, Takaichi briefly worked as a television presenter. Her political awakening came in the 1980s, amid tense US-Japan trade relations. Seeking to grasp how Americans viewed Japan, she joined the office of Democratic congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, a vocal critic of Japan at the time. After Takaichi witnessed mixing up Japanese, Chinese and Korean languages and cuisine, as well as observing Japan being often grouped together with China and South Korea, she fought her first parliamentary election in 1992 as an independent but lost. Later, she won a seat a year later and joined the LDP in 1996. Since then, she has been continuously elected as an MP 10 times, losing only once. With this achievement, she built a reputation as the most outspoken conservative voices of the LDP. Including minister for economic security, state minister for trade and industry, and a record-breaking tenure as minister for internal affairs and communications, Takaichi has also held several roles of senior government. Takaichi made her first bid for LDP leadership in 2021 but was defeated by Fumio Kishida. She ran again in 2024, leading in the initial round of voting yet ultimately losing to Shigeru Ishiba. On her third attempt this year, she finally triumphed, positioning herself to become Japan’s first female prime minister pending parliamentary approval.

The 64-year-old Takaichi won the election after she received 237 votes in the 465-member Lower House and succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month after the electoral setbacks of his party.&nbsp;

Who is Sanae Takaichi? The ‘Iron Lady’ and first female Prime Minister of Japan

India’s BrahMos missile, a homegrown supersonic weapon, has become a defining symbol of India’s defence self-reliance and technological strength. (Supersonic means the missile travels faster than the speed of sound—over 1,200 km/h—allowing it to strike targets with extreme speed and precision.) Co-developed with Russia, the BrahMos reportedly played a key role in striking Pakistan’s military bases during the May 7–10 conflict—known as Operation Sindoor—where it demonstrated unmatched precision and power.&nbsp;The BrahMos story began in 1993, when Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, then Secretary of DRDO, visited Russia to explore joint work on supersonic missiles. During his visit, he came across a half-finished supersonic engine project that had been abandoned after the Soviet Union’s collapse due to a lack of funds. Recognising the potential of collaboration, this meeting laid the foundation for a landmark defence partnership.&nbsp;Five years later, on February 12, 1998, Dr. Kalam and Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister NV Mikhailov signed an agreement to create BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPOM, with India holding 50.5% and Russia 49.5%. The venture was established to design, develop, and market the world’s only supersonic cruise missile, bringing together Indian innovation and Russian experience.&nbsp;The first contract, signed on July 9, 1999, included India’s contribution of $126.25 million (about ₹11,110 crores today's price conversion ) and Russia’s share of $123.75 million (around ₹10,890 crores). Work began that same year in the specialised laboratories of DRDO and NPOM. The first successful launch took place on June 12, 2001, from a land-based launcher at Chandipur, Odisha. Since then, BrahMos has been displayed at major international defence shows, beginning with MAKS-1 in Moscow in 2001, marking India’s entry into the global missile arena.&nbsp;Following numerous successful tests, the BrahMos was inducted into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It flies at a speed of Mach 2.8 (about 3,430 km/h)—nearly three times the speed of sound. Its success is rooted in India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), launched in 1983 to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. Originally designed for land and ship launches, the BrahMos was later modified in 2013 for air-launch capability, making it adaptable across all major platforms.&nbsp;“The most challenging task,” said S.K. Mishra, former Director General of DRDO, “was to integrate the BrahMos missile on the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet.” The redesign, handled by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), was estimated by Sukhoi to cost ₹1,300 crore, but HAL completed it for just ₹88 crore, showcasing India’s engineering excellence.The BrahMos’ global reputation grew rapidly. In 2024, India delivered BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, marking its first export of the supersonic system. This followed a $375 million (₹33,000 crore) deal signed in 2022, with a second batch delivered in April 2025. S.K. Mishra noted that other countries, including Argentina, have also shown strong interest, demonstrating BrahMos’s global credibility.&nbsp;At present, India has three BrahMos variants—air-launched, land-based, and submarine-launched. The missile operates in two stages: a solid-fuel booster for take-off, followed by a ramjet engine that propels it to Mach 3 speed, allowing it to fly from 15 km altitude to just 10 metres above the ground. Its “fire and forget” principle means that once launched, it needs no further guidance. With a low radar signature, high speed, and massive impact power, it is extremely difficult to intercept.&nbsp;Originally limited to 290 km under Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) rules, the BrahMos’ range was extended to 450 km after India joined the MTCR in 2016. Ongoing tests aim to develop a new 800 km version, featuring an upgraded ramjet engine and improved guidance systems, including an INS (Inertial Navigation System) that works even without GPS, and external navigation through GPS, GLONASS, and NavIC satellites. The new version, expected by 2027, promises greater accuracy and resilience against jamming.&nbsp;Once tests are complete, the Navy can upgrade its existing 450-km BrahMos missiles to the 800-km version through software updates—modifying only the fire-control graphical interface (the computer system used by operators to select targets and monitor launches). The Army and Navy will induct the upgraded version first, followed by the air-launched variant.&nbsp;In March last year, the Defence Ministry signed its largest-ever deal worth ₹19,519 crores to buy over 220 BrahMos missiles for the Indian Navy. About 20 warships, including India’s latest destroyers and frigates, are already equipped with vertically launched BrahMos systems. Following Operation Sindoor, the Defence Acquisitions Council, led by Rajnath Singh, also approved 110 more air-launched BrahMos missiles worth ₹10,800 crores for the IAF.&nbsp;Calling Operation Sindoor a “trailer,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that every part of Pakistan is now within BrahMos’s reach, sending a powerful message to India’s adversaries. Speaking on October 18, after flagging off the first BrahMos batch from the Lucknow unit with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Singh described the missile as a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance and technological power.&nbsp;He said, “India believes its enemies cannot escape the power of BrahMos.” Referring to Operation Sindoor, he added, “If India could create Pakistan, it also knows what to do when the time comes,” making his message unmistakably clear.During the same event, Singh noted that the Lucknow facility will produce around 100 BrahMos missiles each year for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, generating a ₹3,000 crore turnover and ₹500 crore in GST revenue. He praised the speed and efficiency of the project, which has strengthened both BrahMos’s reputation and Lucknow’s industrial identity. He also highlighted PTC Industries’ contribution in setting up the Strategic Material Technology Complex, proving that India is moving rapidly toward full self-reliance in defence production with strong private sector participation. From strategic material production to ready-to-fit critical components, India’s entire missile supply chain is now domestically developed.&nbsp;From a vision shared in 1993 to global recognition three decades later, BrahMos stands as a living symbol of India’s innovation, resilience, and resolve. It is not just a missile—it is the embodiment of India’s confidence to defend its sovereignty and shape its future in the modern world.

The BrahMos story began in 1993, when Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, then Secretary of DRDO, visited Russia to explore joint work on supersonic missiles.

India’s BrahMos missile, a homegrown supersonic weapon, has become a defining symbol of India’s defence self-reliance and technological strength. (Supersonic means the missile travels faster than the speed of sound—over 1,200 km/h—allowing it to strike targets with extreme speed and precision.) Co-developed with Russia, the BrahMos reportedly played a key role in striking Pakistan’s military bases during the May 7–10 conflict—known as Operation Sindoor—where it demonstrated unmatched precision and power. The BrahMos story began in 1993, when Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, then Secretary of DRDO, visited Russia to explore joint work on supersonic missiles. During his visit, he came across a half-finished supersonic engine project that had been abandoned after the Soviet Union’s collapse due to a lack of funds. Recognising the potential of collaboration, this meeting laid the foundation for a landmark defence partnership. Five years later, on February 12, 1998, Dr. Kalam and Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister NV Mikhailov signed an agreement to create BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPOM, with India holding 50.5% and Russia 49.5%. The venture was established to design, develop, and market the world’s only supersonic cruise missile, bringing together Indian innovation and Russian experience. The first contract, signed on July 9, 1999, included India’s contribution of $126.25 million (about ₹11,110 crores today's price conversion ) and Russia’s share of $123.75 million (around ₹10,890 crores). Work began that same year in the specialised laboratories of DRDO and NPOM. The first successful launch took place on June 12, 2001, from a land-based launcher at Chandipur, Odisha. Since then, BrahMos has been displayed at major international defence shows, beginning with MAKS-1 in Moscow in 2001, marking India’s entry into the global missile arena. Following numerous successful tests, the BrahMos was inducted into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It flies at a speed of Mach 2.8 (about 3,430 km/h)—nearly three times the speed of sound. Its success is rooted in India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), launched in 1983 to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. Originally designed for land and ship launches, the BrahMos was later modified in 2013 for air-launch capability, making it adaptable across all major platforms. “The most challenging task,” said S.K. Mishra, former Director General of DRDO, “was to integrate the BrahMos missile on the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet.” The redesign, handled by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), was estimated by Sukhoi to cost ₹1,300 crore, but HAL completed it for just ₹88 crore, showcasing India’s engineering excellence. The BrahMos’ global reputation grew rapidly. In 2024, India delivered BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, marking its first export of the supersonic system. This followed a $375 million (₹33,000 crore) deal signed in 2022, with a second batch delivered in April 2025. S.K. Mishra noted that other countries, including Argentina, have also shown strong interest, demonstrating BrahMos’s global credibility. At present, India has three BrahMos variants—air-launched, land-based, and submarine-launched. The missile operates in two stages: a solid-fuel booster for take-off, followed by a ramjet engine that propels it to Mach 3 speed, allowing it to fly from 15 km altitude to just 10 metres above the ground. Its “fire and forget” principle means that once launched, it needs no further guidance. With a low radar signature, high speed, and massive impact power, it is extremely difficult to intercept. Originally limited to 290 km under Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) rules, the BrahMos’ range was extended to 450 km after India joined the MTCR in 2016. Ongoing tests aim to develop a new 800 km version, featuring an upgraded ramjet engine and improved guidance systems, including an INS (Inertial Navigation System) that works even without GPS, and external navigation through GPS, GLONASS, and NavIC satellites. The new version, expected by 2027, promises greater accuracy and resilience against jamming. Once tests are complete, the Navy can upgrade its existing 450-km BrahMos missiles to the 800-km version through software updates—modifying only the fire-control graphical interface (the computer system used by operators to select targets and monitor launches). The Army and Navy will induct the upgraded version first, followed by the air-launched variant. In March last year, the Defence Ministry signed its largest-ever deal worth ₹19,519 crores to buy over 220 BrahMos missiles for the Indian Navy. About 20 warships, including India’s latest destroyers and frigates, are already equipped with vertically launched BrahMos systems. Following Operation Sindoor, the Defence Acquisitions Council, led by Rajnath Singh, also approved 110 more air-launched BrahMos missiles worth ₹10,800 crores for the IAF. Calling Operation Sindoor a “trailer,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that every part of Pakistan is now within BrahMos’s reach, sending a powerful message to India’s adversaries. Speaking on October 18, after flagging off the first BrahMos batch from the Lucknow unit with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Singh described the missile as a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance and technological power. He said, “India believes its enemies cannot escape the power of BrahMos.” Referring to Operation Sindoor, he added, “If India could create Pakistan, it also knows what to do when the time comes,” making his message unmistakably clear. During the same event, Singh noted that the Lucknow facility will produce around 100 BrahMos missiles each year for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, generating a ₹3,000 crore turnover and ₹500 crore in GST revenue. He praised the speed and efficiency of the project, which has strengthened both BrahMos’s reputation and Lucknow’s industrial identity. He also highlighted PTC Industries’ contribution in setting up the Strategic Material Technology Complex, proving that India is moving rapidly toward full self-reliance in defence production with strong private sector participation. From strategic material production to ready-to-fit critical components, India’s entire missile supply chain is now domestically developed. From a vision shared in 1993 to global recognition three decades later, BrahMos stands as a living symbol of India’s innovation, resilience, and resolve. It is not just a missile—it is the embodiment of India’s confidence to defend its sovereignty and shape its future in the modern world.

The BrahMos story began in 1993, when Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, then Secretary of DRDO, visited Russia to explore joint work on supersonic missiles.

Every part of Pakistan is in reach: The Power and politics of BrahMos

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Every part of Pakistan is in reach: The Power and politics of BrahMos