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US President Donald Trump said that two surviving "narcoterrorists" from a semi-submersible vessel destroyed by the US military in the Caribbean will be sent to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia, Al Jazeera reported. "It was my great honour to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narcotrafficking transit route," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. He said that US intelligence has confirmed the vessel was carrying fentanyl and other narcotics. The vessel was targeted on Thursday in what Trump described as a strike aimed at disrupting a major drug trafficking route. Two crew members were killed, he said, while two others survived and were airlifted by US forces in a helicopter rescue operation to a nearby US Navy warship. The US military held the survivors on board at least until Friday evening, as per Al Jazeera. The press office for Ecuador's government said it was not aware of the plans for repatriation. There was no immediate comment from Colombian authorities. The president has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels. He is relying on the same legal authority used by the administration of former President George W Bush when it declared a war on terrorism after the September 11 attacks on the US. This includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and use lethal force to take out their leadership. Trump is also treating the suspected traffickers as if they were enemy soldiers in a traditional war, Al Jazeera reported. At least six vessels, most of them speedboats, have been targeted by US strikes in the Caribbean since September, with Venezuela alleged to be the origin of some of them. Washington says its campaign is dealing a decisive blow to drug trafficking, but it has provided no evidence that the people killed were drug smugglers. With Trump's confirmation of the death toll on his Truth Social platform, that means US military actions against vessels in the region have killed at least 29 people.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US President Trump on Truth Social announced that the two survivors of a semi-submersible “drug-carrying submarine” US destroyed in the Caribbean would be sent to Ecuador and Colombia. 

US President Donald Trump said that two surviving "narcoterrorists" from a semi-submersible vessel destroyed by the US military in the Caribbean will be sent to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia, Al Jazeera reported. "It was my great honour to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narcotrafficking transit route," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. He said that US intelligence has confirmed the vessel was carrying fentanyl and other narcotics. The vessel was targeted on Thursday in what Trump described as a strike aimed at disrupting a major drug trafficking route. Two crew members were killed, he said, while two others survived and were airlifted by US forces in a helicopter rescue operation to a nearby US Navy warship. The US military held the survivors on board at least until Friday evening, as per Al Jazeera. The press office for Ecuador's government said it was not aware of the plans for repatriation. There was no immediate comment from Colombian authorities. The president has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels. He is relying on the same legal authority used by the administration of former President George W Bush when it declared a war on terrorism after the September 11 attacks on the US. This includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and use lethal force to take out their leadership. Trump is also treating the suspected traffickers as if they were enemy soldiers in a traditional war, Al Jazeera reported. At least six vessels, most of them speedboats, have been targeted by US strikes in the Caribbean since September, with Venezuela alleged to be the origin of some of them. Washington says its campaign is dealing a decisive blow to drug trafficking, but it has provided no evidence that the people killed were drug smugglers. With Trump's confirmation of the death toll on his Truth Social platform, that means US military actions against vessels in the region have killed at least 29 people. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US President Trump on Truth Social announced that the two survivors of a semi-submersible “drug-carrying submarine” US destroyed in the Caribbean would be sent to Ecuador and Colombia.&nbsp;

Trump says two 'narcoterrorists' from destroyed drug submarine to be repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador

Hamas on Sunday (Oct 19) rejected a US State Department warning that accused the group of planning an imminent attack against civilians in Gaza, calling the claim "false allegations" and aligned with "misleading Israeli propaganda. In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the group said it "categorically denies" allegations of any plans to violate the current ceasefire with Israel, arguing that Washington’s warning provides political cover for Israel’s continued "crimes and systematic aggression."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-hamas-planning-imminent-attack-on-gaza-civilians-calls-it-grave-ceasefire-violation-1760832556840">US warns Hamas planning ‘imminent attack’ on Gaza civilians, calls it grave ceasefire violation</a><h2>What did Hamas say?</h2>In a statement, the militant group said, "The facts on the ground reveal the exact opposite." Labelling Israel "occupation authorities", it said Israeli forces "have formed, armed, and financed criminal gangs that have carried out murders, kidnappings, thefts of aid trucks, and robberies against Palestinian civilians".The group said that it "affirms that the police forces in Gaza, with broad civil and popular support, are fulfilling their national duty in pursuing these gangs and holding them accountable according to clear legal mechanisms, to protect citizens and safeguard public and private property.""The movement calls on the US administration to stop repeating the occupation's misleading narrative and to address its repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement," it added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-king-trump-trump-shares-ai-generated-video-mocking-protestors-amid-no-kings-protests-1760852945951">‘King Trump’: Trump shares AI-generated video mocking protestors amid ‘No Kings’ protests</a><h2>US claims Hamas planning an imminent attack on Gaza&nbsp;</h2>The US earlier on Sunday claimed that Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza. It said that such a move would be a "grave violation of the fragile ceasefire that very recently halted nearly two years of war. The US State Department said it had "credible reports" that Hamas was preparing to launch a new attack. The statement did not specify the nature of the alleged attack or the source of the intelligence.The warning follows President Donald Trump’s sharp comments earlier this week, when he threatened action against Hamas if it continued targeting civilians. "If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them," Trump wrote on Truth Social, without elaborating on what form such intervention would take or who exactly “we” referred to. &nbsp;

Hamas denied US claims that it was planning an attack on Gaza civilians. Washington said it had “credible reports” of a ceasefire breach. Tensions rise as both sides trade accusations. The Palestinian militants, however, are calling the warning "false" and Israeli propaganda.

Hamas on Sunday (Oct 19) rejected a US State Department warning that accused the group of planning an imminent attack against civilians in Gaza, calling the claim "false allegations" and aligned with "misleading Israeli propaganda. In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the group said it "categorically denies" allegations of any plans to violate the current ceasefire with Israel, arguing that Washington’s warning provides political cover for Israel’s continued "crimes and systematic aggression." Also read | US warns Hamas planning ‘imminent attack’ on Gaza civilians, calls it grave ceasefire violation What did Hamas say? In a statement, the militant group said, "The facts on the ground reveal the exact opposite." Labelling Israel "occupation authorities", it said Israeli forces "have formed, armed, and financed criminal gangs that have carried out murders, kidnappings, thefts of aid trucks, and robberies against Palestinian civilians". The group said that it "affirms that the police forces in Gaza, with broad civil and popular support, are fulfilling their national duty in pursuing these gangs and holding them accountable according to clear legal mechanisms, to protect citizens and safeguard public and private property." "The movement calls on the US administration to stop repeating the occupation's misleading narrative and to address its repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement," it added. Also read | ‘King Trump’: Trump shares AI-generated video mocking protestors amid ‘No Kings’ protests US claims Hamas planning an imminent attack on Gaza The US earlier on Sunday claimed that Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza. It said that such a move would be a "grave violation of the fragile ceasefire that very recently halted nearly two years of war. The US State Department said it had "credible reports" that Hamas was preparing to launch a new attack. The statement did not specify the nature of the alleged attack or the source of the intelligence. The warning follows President Donald Trump’s sharp comments earlier this week, when he threatened action against Hamas if it continued targeting civilians. "If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them," Trump wrote on Truth Social, without elaborating on what form such intervention would take or who exactly “we” referred to.

Hamas denied US claims that it was planning an attack on Gaza civilians. Washington said it had “credible reports” of a ceasefire breach. Tensions rise as both sides trade accusations. The Palestinian militants, however, are calling the warning "false" and Israeli propaganda.

Gaza ceasefire at risk? US warns of Hamas attack on civilians, militants call claim false say 'we categorically deny it'

US President Donald Trump stoked the political fire on Sunday (Oct 19) by sharing an AI-generated video in which he appeared to pilot a fighter jet emblazoned with the words "King Trump." The video comes amid the "No Kings" protests, which CNN reported drew nearly seven million participants nationwide. The Trump administration also leaned into the theatrics, posting a screengrab on X that showed Trump wearing a crown in a nod to his "Emperor" persona.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/KvgQUNH1Ug">pic.twitter.com/KvgQUNH1Ug</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1979723618155466841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-i-don-t-want-to-destroy-his-political-career-trump-makes-bizarre-remark-about-pm-modi-1760580304027">‘I don’t want to destroy his political career’: Trump makes bizarre remark about PM Modi</a><h2>Watch ‘King Trump’ video here</h2>Taking to Truth Social, Trump posted the clearly AI-generated video in which he can be dumping mud on protesters from the air at what looked like Times Square. The 19-second clip, posted on Truth Social, even showed influencer Harry Sisson getting splattered in the chaos. You can watch it here:

<h2>No Kings protest</h2>The recent "No Kings" saw seven million people participate — an increase of two million from the first round of rallies in June. Protesters from more than 2,700 cities and towns turned up to voice opposition to Trump’s administration and policies.Despite the massive turnout, police described the demonstrations as largely peaceful, with no major incidents or arrests reported. In Chicago, the epicentre of Trump’s immigration crackdown, demonstrators waved upside-down American flags alongside Mexican and Pride flags, carrying homemade signs and "Hands Off Chicago" posters. Los Angeles saw participants dressed in inflatable costumes waving American flags, while in Washington, DC, federal employees and former staffers marched along Pennsylvania Avenue on Day 18 of the ongoing government shutdown, calling for calmer political rhetoric.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ridiculous-question-trump-dodges-question-on-whether-he-ordered-cia-to-take-out-maduro-1760590458951">‘Ridiculous question’: Trump dodges question on whether he ordered CIA to 'take out' Maduro</a>The protests arrive at a politically fraught moment. A federal government shutdown continues to paralyse parts of the administration, and partisan deadlock in Congress over funding bills has fueled public frustration. Democratic leaders have broadly voiced support for the rallies, framing them as a democratic response to authoritarian tendencies, while many Republican lawmakers dismissed the protests as anti-American.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump shared an AI-generated video showing himself as “King Trump” flying a fighter jet and dumping mud on protesters in Times Square. The post came amid the massive “No Kings” protests, which saw seven million Americans rally against his administration.

US President Donald Trump stoked the political fire on Sunday (Oct 19) by sharing an AI-generated video in which he appeared to pilot a fighter jet emblazoned with the words "King Trump." The video comes amid the "No Kings" protests, which CNN reported drew nearly seven million participants nationwide. The Trump administration also leaned into the theatrics, posting a screengrab on X that showed Trump wearing a crown in a nod to his "Emperor" persona.

Trump shared an AI-generated video showing himself as “King Trump” flying a fighter jet and dumping mud on protesters in Times Square. The post came amid the massive “No Kings” protests, which saw seven million Americans rally against his administration.

‘King Trump’: Trump shares AI-generated video mocking protestors amid ‘No Kings’ protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during an interview on Friday (Oct 17) said that US President Donald Trump refused to approve Kyiv’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, dealing a setback to Ukraine’s push for stronger Western firepower in its war against Russia. Speaking on NBC’s "Meet the Press with Kristen Welker," Zelensky said Trump "didn't say 'no,' but for today, didn't say 'yes'," &nbsp;when asked about providing Tomahawks — US-made cruise missiles capable of striking targets more than 1,500 miles away.<h2>Difficult with only Ukrainian power</h2>Zelensky, who met with Trump earlier in the day on Friday, said, "It's very difficult just to operate only with Ukrainian drones. We need long-range Tomahawks, and United States has similar things".He noted that Ukraine needs Tomahawks for "mixed" uses. "We need it for mixed — using like Russia uses it, it’s understandable how it works, so our teams work on it, I said, and I’m honest, it’s good that President Trump didn't say 'no,' but for today, didn't say 'yes'."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-hamas-planning-imminent-attack-on-gaza-civilians-calls-it-grave-ceasefire-violation-1760832556840">US warns Hamas planning ‘imminent attack’ on Gaza civilians, calls it grave ceasefire violation</a><h2>Why isn't Trump giving Ukraine Tomahawks?</h2>Zelensky met with Trump at the White House earlier Friday. He told NBC that Trump argued the missile delivery would not align with “America’s interests,” though he did not elaborate on what that meant.Trump later told reporters that sending Tomahawks is "not easy" and suggested that the US should instead focus on ending the war. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over with without thinking about Tomahawks,” he said, adding that he had urged both Russia and Ukraine to “stop where they are.”The remarks came a day after Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders, according to both sides, agreed to hold another meeting in Budapest, following their August summit in Alaska.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-i-don-t-want-to-destroy-his-political-career-trump-makes-bizarre-remark-about-pm-modi-1760580304027">‘I don’t want to destroy his political career’: Trump makes bizarre remark about PM Modi</a><h2>Russian warning to the US</h2>Russia has warned Washington against arming Ukraine with Tomahawks, which have a range of more than 1,500 miles (2,414.02 kilometres). Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on Telegram that "Trump said that if the Russian President doesn’t resolve the Ukrainian conflict, ‘it will end badly for him.’ He’s making this threat for the hundredth time, in short."Labelling Trump "business peacemaker," he added that if the US President "is referring to Tomahawk missiles, then the phrase is incorrect. The delivery of these missiles could end badly for everyone. And most of all, for Trump himself."Zelensky, however, suggested Putin fears what U.S. long-range weapons in Ukrainian hands could mean for Moscow. “I think Putin is afraid that the United States will deliver us Tomahawks,” he said. “And I think he’s really afraid we will use them.” &nbsp;

Ukrainian President Zelensky said Trump refused, for now, to approve long-range Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine, citing US interests. Zelensky called it a setback, noting Kyiv relies mostly on drones. Russia, meanwhile, has warned the US that such deliveries could backfire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during an interview on Friday (Oct 17) said that US President Donald Trump refused to approve Kyiv’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, dealing a setback to Ukraine’s push for stronger Western firepower in its war against Russia. Speaking on NBC’s "Meet the Press with Kristen Welker," Zelensky said Trump "didn't say 'no,' but for today, didn't say 'yes'," when asked about providing Tomahawks — US-made cruise missiles capable of striking targets more than 1,500 miles away. Difficult with only Ukrainian power Zelensky, who met with Trump earlier in the day on Friday, said, "It's very difficult just to operate only with Ukrainian drones. We need long-range Tomahawks, and United States has similar things". He noted that Ukraine needs Tomahawks for "mixed" uses. "We need it for mixed — using like Russia uses it, it’s understandable how it works, so our teams work on it, I said, and I’m honest, it’s good that President Trump didn't say 'no,' but for today, didn't say 'yes'." Also read | US warns Hamas planning ‘imminent attack’ on Gaza civilians, calls it grave ceasefire violation Why isn't Trump giving Ukraine Tomahawks? Zelensky met with Trump at the White House earlier Friday. He told NBC that Trump argued the missile delivery would not align with “America’s interests,” though he did not elaborate on what that meant. Trump later told reporters that sending Tomahawks is "not easy" and suggested that the US should instead focus on ending the war. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over with without thinking about Tomahawks,” he said, adding that he had urged both Russia and Ukraine to “stop where they are.” The remarks came a day after Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders, according to both sides, agreed to hold another meeting in Budapest, following their August summit in Alaska. Also read | ‘I don’t want to destroy his political career’: Trump makes bizarre remark about PM Modi Russian warning to the US Russia has warned Washington against arming Ukraine with Tomahawks, which have a range of more than 1,500 miles (2,414.02 kilometres). Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on Telegram that "Trump said that if the Russian President doesn’t resolve the Ukrainian conflict, ‘it will end badly for him.’ He’s making this threat for the hundredth time, in short." Labelling Trump "business peacemaker," he added that if the US President "is referring to Tomahawk missiles, then the phrase is incorrect. The delivery of these missiles could end badly for everyone. And most of all, for Trump himself." Zelensky, however, suggested Putin fears what U.S. long-range weapons in Ukrainian hands could mean for Moscow. “I think Putin is afraid that the United States will deliver us Tomahawks,” he said. “And I think he’s really afraid we will use them.”

Ukrainian President Zelensky said Trump refused, for now, to approve long-range Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine, citing US interests. Zelensky called it a setback, noting Kyiv relies mostly on drones. Russia, meanwhile, has warned the US that such deliveries could backfire.

‘Not yes, not no’: Zelensky reveals Trump said Ukrainian request for Tomahawk missiles doesn't align with 'America’s interests'

The United States on Saturday (Oct 18) warned that it has “credible reports” suggesting Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza. Washington said that the move would be a “grave violation” of the fragile ceasefire that very recently halted nearly two years of war. "This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts," the US State Department said in a statement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-i-don-t-want-to-destroy-his-political-career-trump-makes-bizarre-remark-about-pm-modi-1760580304027">‘I don’t want to destroy his political career’: Trump makes bizarre remark about PM Modi</a><h2>US warns Hamas</h2>The US State Department warned that if Hamas goes ahead with this attack, "measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire." However, it did not specify what those measures would be.The warning follows President Donald Trump’s sharp comments earlier this week, when he threatened action against Hamas if it continued targeting civilians. "If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them," Trump wrote on Truth Social, without elaborating on what form such intervention would take or who exactly “we” referred to.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sam-altman-okays-ai-porn-on-chatgpt-says-current-version-less-enjoyable-to-users-with-no-mental-health-problems-1760493777871">Sam Altman okays AI porn on ChatGPT, says OpenAI chatbot's current version 'less enjoyable'</a><h2>A fragile peace in Gaza</h2>Last week, Hamas and Israel agreed to a phased peace deal. The ceasefire agreement, brokered last week by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, ended Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in exchange for Hamas releasing the remaining hostages captured during its October 7, 2023 attacks. The first phase of the deal — involving the return of living hostages and the bodies of those confirmed dead — remains underway but has been marked by repeated delays and mutual accusations of non-compliance.Washington said it has alerted the other guarantors of the peace deal about the "imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas. The warning also comes amid reports that Hamas has tightened control over Gaza’s shattered cities, launching a crackdown on alleged collaborators. Earlier this week, Hamas released a video showing the execution of eight blindfolded men, branding them "collaborators and outlaws" spying for Israel — footage that drew condemnation from human rights groups.Any renewed violence, US officials warned, could collapse the deal entirely and reignite a conflict that has already left tens of thousands dead and Gaza in ruins. &nbsp;

The US claims it has “credible reports” that Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza — a move it warned would be a “grave violation” of the fragile ceasefire that recently ended nearly two years of war.

The United States on Saturday (Oct 18) warned that it has “credible reports” suggesting Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza. Washington said that the move would be a “grave violation” of the fragile ceasefire that very recently halted nearly two years of war. "This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts," the US State Department said in a statement. Also read | ‘I don’t want to destroy his political career’: Trump makes bizarre remark about PM Modi US warns Hamas The US State Department warned that if Hamas goes ahead with this attack, "measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire." However, it did not specify what those measures would be. The warning follows President Donald Trump’s sharp comments earlier this week, when he threatened action against Hamas if it continued targeting civilians. "If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them," Trump wrote on Truth Social, without elaborating on what form such intervention would take or who exactly “we” referred to. Also read | Sam Altman okays AI porn on ChatGPT, says OpenAI chatbot's current version 'less enjoyable' A fragile peace in Gaza Last week, Hamas and Israel agreed to a phased peace deal. The ceasefire agreement, brokered last week by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, ended Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in exchange for Hamas releasing the remaining hostages captured during its October 7, 2023 attacks. The first phase of the deal — involving the return of living hostages and the bodies of those confirmed dead — remains underway but has been marked by repeated delays and mutual accusations of non-compliance. Washington said it has alerted the other guarantors of the peace deal about the "imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas. The warning also comes amid reports that Hamas has tightened control over Gaza’s shattered cities, launching a crackdown on alleged collaborators. Earlier this week, Hamas released a video showing the execution of eight blindfolded men, branding them "collaborators and outlaws" spying for Israel — footage that drew condemnation from human rights groups. Any renewed violence, US officials warned, could collapse the deal entirely and reignite a conflict that has already left tens of thousands dead and Gaza in ruins.

The US claims it has “credible reports” that Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza — a move it warned would be a “grave violation” of the fragile ceasefire that recently ended nearly two years of war.

US warns Hamas planning ‘imminent attack’ on Gaza civilians, calls it grave ceasefire violation

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an "immediate ceasefire," announced Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday (Oct 19). This comes after days of deadly cross-border clashes that left dozens dead and threatened to unravel already fragile ties between the neighbours. The breakthrough came after emergency talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at halting the spiral of violence along the border. Qatar’s foreign ministry, in a statement, announced early Sunday that "During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries."The statement added that follow-up meetings would be held in the coming days to ensure the truce holds and to verify its implementation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ridiculous-question-trump-dodges-question-on-whether-he-ordered-cia-to-take-out-maduro-1760590458951">‘Ridiculous question’: Trump dodges question on whether he ordered CIA to 'take out' Maduro</a><h2>Pakistan confirms ceasefire</h2>Islamabad’s delegation was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik. The Afghan side was represented by Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, son of the Taliban’s late founder Mullah Omar. Following the Doha meeting, Pakistan minister Asif confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached and that the two nations would meet again in Istanbul on October 25."Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop," Asif said in a social media post, adding that "neighbouring countries will respect each other's sovereignty".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jd-vance-blurts-out-trump-admin-s-alarming-new-mission-retrain-entire-government-to-target-the-left-1760597060433">JD Vance blurts out Trump admin’s alarming new mission: ‘Retrain entire government’ to target the Left</a><h2>Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes</h2>The Doha meeting followed a wave of Pakistani airstrikes late Friday that Kabul said killed at least ten civilians, including two children, in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Local officials told AFP that three cricket players were among the dead. Pakistan’s military sources, however, said the strikes were aimed at a militant faction linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that had launched a recent attack on paramilitary troops inside Pakistan.The violence erupted on October 11, just days after bomb blasts shook Kabul during an unprecedented visit to India by Taliban foreign minister Amir Muttaqi — a visit that Pakistan viewed with suspicion. The Taliban responded to Pakistan’s strikes by mobilising forces along the southern border, with both sides trading accusations of ceasefire violations. Kabul has long denied Islamabad’s claims that it harbours the Pakistani Taliban, while Pakistan insists the TTP uses Afghan territory as a base for attacks.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire after deadly cross-border clashes, announced Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday (Oct 19).

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an "immediate ceasefire," announced Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday (Oct 19). This comes after days of deadly cross-border clashes that left dozens dead and threatened to unravel already fragile ties between the neighbours. The breakthrough came after emergency talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at halting the spiral of violence along the border. Qatar’s foreign ministry, in a statement, announced early Sunday that "During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries." The statement added that follow-up meetings would be held in the coming days to ensure the truce holds and to verify its implementation. Also read | ‘Ridiculous question’: Trump dodges question on whether he ordered CIA to 'take out' Maduro Pakistan confirms ceasefire Islamabad’s delegation was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik. The Afghan side was represented by Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, son of the Taliban’s late founder Mullah Omar. Following the Doha meeting, Pakistan minister Asif confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached and that the two nations would meet again in Istanbul on October 25. "Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop," Asif said in a social media post, adding that "neighbouring countries will respect each other's sovereignty". Also read | JD Vance blurts out Trump admin’s alarming new mission: ‘Retrain entire government’ to target the Left Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes The Doha meeting followed a wave of Pakistani airstrikes late Friday that Kabul said killed at least ten civilians, including two children, in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Local officials told AFP that three cricket players were among the dead. Pakistan’s military sources, however, said the strikes were aimed at a militant faction linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that had launched a recent attack on paramilitary troops inside Pakistan. The violence erupted on October 11, just days after bomb blasts shook Kabul during an unprecedented visit to India by Taliban foreign minister Amir Muttaqi — a visit that Pakistan viewed with suspicion. The Taliban responded to Pakistan’s strikes by mobilising forces along the southern border, with both sides trading accusations of ceasefire violations. Kabul has long denied Islamabad’s claims that it harbours the Pakistani Taliban, while Pakistan insists the TTP uses Afghan territory as a base for attacks.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire after deadly cross-border clashes, announced Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday (Oct 19).

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ‘immediate ceasefire’ after deadly airstrikes, says Qatar

Hundreds of thousands of people hit the roads in protests against President Donald Trump in more than 2,500 rallies organised coast-to-coast across the US on Saturday. Crowds crammed Times Square for the event organised by No Kings, a coalition of left-leaning groups. Demonstrations under the banner in June attracted over five million people nationwide. Trump allies are accusing the protesters of being allied with the far-left Antifa movement and condemned the protest as “the hate America rally”. Republican governors in several US states even placed National Guard troops on standby. The protest organisers say the gathering will challenge Trump’s “authoritarianism”.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: ‘No Kings’ protesters at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach form HUGE human banner reading ‘No kings, Yes on 50’<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nokingsprotest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nokingsprotest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoKingsDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoKingsDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nokingsinamerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nokingsinamerica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nokingsdayprotest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nokingsdayprotest</a> no kings protest sign <a href="https://t.co/2hYBdGq21K">pic.twitter.com/2hYBdGq21K</a>&mdash; No Kings (@NoKingsProtest) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoKingsProtest/status/1979639242549850586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>‘The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings’</h2>&nbsp;“The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty,” they said.Protesters in Europe also took to the streets in Berlin, Madrid, and Rome to show solidarity with their American counterparts.“A king! This is not an act. You know—they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” Trump said in a preview clip of the Fox News interview set to air on Sunday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-dhaka-s-international-airport-all-flight-operations-suspended-1760789887198">Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended</a>&nbsp;Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated the state’s National Guard ahead of a protest in the state’s capital, Austin, and said the troops would be needed due to the “planned Antifa-linked demonstration”.Denouncing the move, the state’s top Democrat, Gene Wu, said, “Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do—and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Analysts are calling this the biggest protest in American history!!! 😱😱😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/2vnVzpNslJ">pic.twitter.com/2vnVzpNslJ</a>&mdash; No Kings (@NoKingsProtest) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoKingsProtest/status/1979637622801867117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this week, actor Robert De Niro, a Trump critic, shared a short video urging Americans to join in raising our voices non-violently. “We’ve had two and a half centuries of democracy... often challenging, sometimes messy, always essential,” he said.“Now we have a would-be king who wants to take it away: King Donald the First.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impressed-by-india-s-aadhaar-pm-keir-starmer-plans-brit-card-for-uk-citizens-1760794820972">‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens</a>&nbsp;On its website, ‘No Kings’ organisers say, “The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”&nbsp;Protests took place in Washington, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans, and small towns across all 50 states.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NoKings protests from around the globe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoKingsDayOct18th?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoKingsDayOct18th</a> <a href="https://t.co/D3vKZhEMVs">pic.twitter.com/D3vKZhEMVs</a>&mdash; No Kings (@NoKingsProtest) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoKingsProtest/status/1979629225004142597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Crowds collect outside US embassies</h2>&nbsp;Crowds gathered outside US embassies in Berlin, Rome, Paris, and Sweden in solidarity with the protesters in the US, holding signs denouncing fascism and dictatorships. Top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer encouraged demonstrators to let their voices be heard.“I say to my fellow Americans this No Kings Day: Do not let Donald Trump and Republicans intimidate you into silence. That’s what they want to do. They’re afraid of the truth,” he wrote on X.&nbsp;Since taking office, Trump has accelerated immigration crackdowns, threatened to cut federal funding for universities over pro-Palestinian protests and diversity policies, and authorised the deployment of National Guard troops in several states.

Donald Trump’s allies are accusing the protesters of being allied with the far-left Antifa movement and condemned the protest as “the hate America rally”. Meanwhile, Republican governors in several US states placed National Guard troops on standby.

Hundreds of thousands of people hit the roads in protests against President Donald Trump in more than 2,500 rallies organised coast-to-coast across the US on Saturday. Crowds crammed Times Square for the event organised by No Kings, a coalition of left-leaning groups. Demonstrations under the banner in June attracted over five million people nationwide. Trump allies are accusing the protesters of being allied with the far-left Antifa movement and condemned the protest as “the hate America rally”. Republican governors in several US states even placed National Guard troops on standby. The protest organisers say the gathering will challenge Trump’s “authoritarianism”.

Donald Trump’s allies are accusing the protesters of being allied with the far-left Antifa movement and condemned the protest as “the hate America rally”. Meanwhile, Republican governors in several US states placed National Guard troops on standby.

Anti-Trump rallies sweep across US and world as huge crowds turn up in No Kings protests

New Delhi: Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, on a three-day visit to India, positioned her nation’s strategic deep-water ports as vital gateways to bolster India’s burgeoning trade ambitions and firm up economic ties between the two countries. Sri Lanka has three key ports: Colombo in the southwest, Hambantota in the south, and Trincomalee in the northeastthat handle the country’s trade with the world but also are strategically located on key global shipping lines in the Indian Ocean. Speaking at a civic reception hosted by the Think Tank, India Foundation, she said, “Sri Lanka seeks to develop as a maritime hub for the Indian Ocean Region” and the country can be a “natural cost-efficient hub" for India’s export and import trade with the world using the “deep-water and efficient ports located in the east-west shipping lanes”.&nbsp;While Colombo port handles the largest amount of trade in the country, Hambantota has become the emerging hub, and Trincomalee is one of the world’s deepest natural harbours. India is playing a pivotal role in Trincomalee, developing its deep-water port and oil tank farm as a regional energy and trade hub. The PM pointed out, “Our ports can continue to be developed further as gateways to India’s trade. Being India’s closest maritime neighbour, Sri Lanka can be a natural complement and partner to India achieving its ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal.”&nbsp;PM Amarasuriya met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visited IIT Delhi and her alma mater, the Hindu College.&nbsp;She emphasised that Colombo is committed to “deepening our economic partnership” through negotiations on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement which “we are hopeful of recommencing soon”. The Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) is a proposed bilateral pact between India and Sri Lanka aimed at deepening economic ties beyond the existing India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA). The ISFTA, signed in 1998 and operational since March 2000, was the first such agreement for both nations and has boosted bilateral trade, with India’s exports to Sri Lanka reaching approximately USD 4.1 billion and Sri Lanka’s exports to India at USD 1.4 billion in FY 2023-24. ETCA seeks to expand this framework by emphasising services trade, investments, technology transfer etc. India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, largest source of tourism, and a significant investor.&nbsp;The PM fondly recalled her visit to the Hindu College in Delhi University, pointing how her visit to the Indian national capital has been “a personal homecoming” because of this. She was a student of Sociology at Hindu College from 1991-1994 after she got Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship. She said, “The classrooms in Delhi taught me as much about society as the city itself through its diversity, its debates, and its deep sense of history.” PM Amarasuriya, who also holds the education portfolio pointed to “India’s sense of generosity in choosing to invest in the education of students from different countries including Sri Lanka” and by “educating and empowering our youth and through capacity building” India helps “us to strengthen understanding between our peoples and strengthen our institutions which is important for shared growth, peace, and prosperity”.&nbsp;She also highlighted the “deep concerns” of Colombo over Indian fishermen fishing in Sri Lankan waters and said that this matter “requires sensitive handling and sustainable solutions” with the Indian side. Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu state frequently cross into Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy for illegal fishing. Sri Lanka;s concerns regarding the Indian fishermen issue include the ecological damage from Indian bottom trawling, which depletes fish stocks and harms marine habitats, threatening the livelihoods of northern Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen.

While Colombo port handles the largest amount of trade in the island nation, the Hambantota port has become the emerging hub, and Trincomalee is one of the world’s deepest natural harbours. The ports are strategically located on key global shipping lines in the Indian Ocean.

New Delhi: Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, on a three-day visit to India, positioned her nation’s strategic deep-water ports as vital gateways to bolster India’s burgeoning trade ambitions and firm up economic ties between the two countries. Sri Lanka has three key ports: Colombo in the southwest, Hambantota in the south, and Trincomalee in the northeastthat handle the country’s trade with the world but also are strategically located on key global shipping lines in the Indian Ocean. Speaking at a civic reception hosted by the Think Tank, India Foundation, she said, “Sri Lanka seeks to develop as a maritime hub for the Indian Ocean Region” and the country can be a “natural cost-efficient hub" for India’s export and import trade with the world using the “deep-water and efficient ports located in the east-west shipping lanes”. While Colombo port handles the largest amount of trade in the country, Hambantota has become the emerging hub, and Trincomalee is one of the world’s deepest natural harbours. India is playing a pivotal role in Trincomalee, developing its deep-water port and oil tank farm as a regional energy and trade hub. The PM pointed out, “Our ports can continue to be developed further as gateways to India’s trade. Being India’s closest maritime neighbour, Sri Lanka can be a natural complement and partner to India achieving its ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal.” PM Amarasuriya met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visited IIT Delhi and her alma mater, the Hindu College. She emphasised that Colombo is committed to “deepening our economic partnership” through negotiations on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement which “we are hopeful of recommencing soon”. The Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) is a proposed bilateral pact between India and Sri Lanka aimed at deepening economic ties beyond the existing India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA). The ISFTA, signed in 1998 and operational since March 2000, was the first such agreement for both nations and has boosted bilateral trade, with India’s exports to Sri Lanka reaching approximately USD 4.1 billion and Sri Lanka’s exports to India at USD 1.4 billion in FY 2023-24. ETCA seeks to expand this framework by emphasising services trade, investments, technology transfer etc. India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, largest source of tourism, and a significant investor. The PM fondly recalled her visit to the Hindu College in Delhi University, pointing how her visit to the Indian national capital has been “a personal homecoming” because of this. She was a student of Sociology at Hindu College from 1991-1994 after she got Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship. She said, “The classrooms in Delhi taught me as much about society as the city itself through its diversity, its debates, and its deep sense of history.” PM Amarasuriya, who also holds the education portfolio pointed to “India’s sense of generosity in choosing to invest in the education of students from different countries including Sri Lanka” and by “educating and empowering our youth and through capacity building” India helps “us to strengthen understanding between our peoples and strengthen our institutions which is important for shared growth, peace, and prosperity”. She also highlighted the “deep concerns” of Colombo over Indian fishermen fishing in Sri Lankan waters and said that this matter “requires sensitive handling and sustainable solutions” with the Indian side. Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu state frequently cross into Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy for illegal fishing. Sri Lanka;s concerns regarding the Indian fishermen issue include the ecological damage from Indian bottom trawling, which depletes fish stocks and harms marine habitats, threatening the livelihoods of northern Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen.

While Colombo port handles the largest amount of trade in the island nation, the Hambantota port has become the emerging hub, and Trincomalee is one of the world’s deepest natural harbours. The ports are strategically located on key global shipping lines in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka PM Amarasuriya pitches deep-water ports as gateways to India’s global trade ambitions

Amid a lot of formal suits, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's fashion choice specifically stood out during the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The tie featured bold stripes of white, blue and red arranged in the same sequence as that of the Russian flag.&nbsp;Similar colours are also present in the US flag, but the arrangement of them is in the same manner that raised some eyebrows on Social Media, whether this was just a random fashion choice or a deliberate statement with any hidden message.&nbsp;&nbsp;One Ukrainian commentator reacted on Social Media, "Hegseth wore a tie with Russian flags to meet with Zelensky. Is he trying to send a message, or is he just an ignorant idiot? Or did his actual boss, Elbridge Colby, ask him to do it?".Russian commentators were also quick to pick up on the nonverbal cues. One user commented, “Also, those stripes are unusually wide for a tie. I think he had it custom-made.” Another user interpreted it not as support of Russia but as opposing Zelensky."A russian flag tie. At the White House. To meet Zelensky. American politicians like Hegseth know exactly what message they're sending. They don't hide the fact that they are on the Kremlin payroll and completely compromised. They are traitors," said the reporter Caolon Roberston.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨⚡️U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended last night’s meeting between Trump and Zelensky wearing a tie in the colors of the Russian flag 🇷🇺. The scene drew wide attention on social media and went viral among both Americans and Russians. <a href="https://t.co/K3GTdvJGUf">pic.twitter.com/K3GTdvJGUf</a>&mdash; RussiaNews 🇷🇺 (@mog_russEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/mog_russEN/status/1979483076922065260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There was another weird occurrence, like a HuffPost journalist asking, “Who chose the location of the Trump and Putin meeting in Budapest?” and White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt responding, “Your mom did that”. It seems like US President Donald Trump, his team also have some weird quirk.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stirred controversy after wearing a tie resembling the Russian flag during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. The wardrobe choice drew online backlash amid ongoing US-Ukraine-Russia tensions.

Amid a lot of formal suits, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's fashion choice specifically stood out during the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The tie featured bold stripes of white, blue and red arranged in the same sequence as that of the Russian flag. Similar colours are also present in the US flag, but the arrangement of them is in the same manner that raised some eyebrows on Social Media, whether this was just a random fashion choice or a deliberate statement with any hidden message. One Ukrainian commentator reacted on Social Media, "Hegseth wore a tie with Russian flags to meet with Zelensky. Is he trying to send a message, or is he just an ignorant idiot? Or did his actual boss, Elbridge Colby, ask him to do it?".Russian commentators were also quick to pick up on the nonverbal cues. One user commented, “Also, those stripes are unusually wide for a tie. I think he had it custom-made.” Another user interpreted it not as support of Russia but as opposing Zelensky. "A russian flag tie. At the White House. To meet Zelensky. American politicians like Hegseth know exactly what message they're sending. They don't hide the fact that they are on the Kremlin payroll and completely compromised. They are traitors," said the reporter Caolon Roberston.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stirred controversy after wearing a tie resembling the Russian flag during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. The wardrobe choice drew online backlash amid ongoing US-Ukraine-Russia tensions.

US Def Sec Pete Hegseth wears tie in Russian colours in Trump-Zelensky summit

A flight from Hangzhou to Seoul turned nightmare for passengers after a power bank caught fire mid-air, filling the cabin with smoke and causing panic. Reportedly, the incident happened aboard a China-based Airbus A321 when it was flying at an altitude of 10 kilometres. The fire reportedly started in an overhead luggage compartment where the device was stored.As smoke started spreading, the cabin crew responded promptly, using fire extinguishers to put out the flame. The pilots contacted the air traffic control swiftly for an emergency landing at the Shanghai Pudong Airport, although the crew managed to control the situation before the plane touched down safely. No passenger or crew member was injured.The video of the incident captured from inside the aircraft has gone viral on social media. In the clip, flames can be seen erupting from an overhead compartment during the flight. While the passengers can be seen panicking and moving away, crew members rush to control the fire.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Another view of the lithium battery fire that caused Air China flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Incheon to make an emergency landing in Shanghai. That&#39;s not something you want to see mid-air! <a href="https://t.co/XRsBa5SGUb">pic.twitter.com/XRsBa5SGUb</a>&mdash; Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1979492821284319263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Such incidents have raised concerns regarding safety risks associated with portable electronic devices on planes, like power banks, which typically contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries and can pose a fire hazard if damaged, overheated, or mishandled. Aviation authorities already mandate passengers to carry power banks in their cabin luggage, where the crew can access them swiftly in similar incident of fire.Recently, Emirates announced the ban on using power banks during flights over safety concerns, effective October 1, this year. The airlines cited a rising number of battery-related incidents in aviation as a reason for the move.“From 1 October, using or charging a power bank on board Emirates flights will no longer be permitted. Customers can still carry one power bank on board, and it must be in cabin baggage. Power banks are not permitted in checked-in baggage,” Emirates said in a statement.“The use of power banks has grown significantly in recent years, leading to more battery-related incidents in aviation. This measure aims to reduce such risks,” the statement added.

The video of the incident captured from inside the aircraft has gone viral on social media. In the clip, flames can be seen erupting from an overhead compartment during the flight.

A flight from Hangzhou to Seoul turned nightmare for passengers after a power bank caught fire mid-air, filling the cabin with smoke and causing panic. Reportedly, the incident happened aboard a China-based Airbus A321 when it was flying at an altitude of 10 kilometres. The fire reportedly started in an overhead luggage compartment where the device was stored. As smoke started spreading, the cabin crew responded promptly, using fire extinguishers to put out the flame. The pilots contacted the air traffic control swiftly for an emergency landing at the Shanghai Pudong Airport, although the crew managed to control the situation before the plane touched down safely. No passenger or crew member was injured. The video of the incident captured from inside the aircraft has gone viral on social media. In the clip, flames can be seen erupting from an overhead compartment during the flight. While the passengers can be seen panicking and moving away, crew members rush to control the fire.

The video of the incident captured from inside the aircraft has gone viral on social media. In the clip, flames can be seen erupting from an overhead compartment during the flight.

Mid-air horror: Power bank catches fire on China-Seoul flight, causing chaos | WATCH

The IDF said on Saturday night that the Red Cross has notified the military that it has collected two caskets, with the apparent bodies of two slain hostages, from Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip. The Red Cross will take the caskets to IDF troops inside Gaza, where a military rabbi will preside over a small ceremony. The remains will then be taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv for identification of the remains. Earlier, Hamas’ armed wing said on Saturday that it will hand over the bodies of two more hostages as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said on its Telegram channel that the group will “handover at 10:00 PM (1900 GMT) today the bodies of two Israeli captives, whose remains were recovered earlier today in the Gaza Strip”.&nbsp;&nbsp;The development took place after, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office had announced that the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza will remain closed indefinitely, citing Hamas’s failure to live up to the ceasefire deal. “Its reopening will be considered based on the extent to which Hamas fulfills its part in returning the fallen hostages, and in implementing the agreed-upon framework,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.&nbsp;The statement contradicted an earlier announcement by the Palestinian embassy in Egypt, which said the crossing would open on Monday.&nbsp;The Rafah Crossing was set to open for the movement of Palestinians in both directions as part of the ceasefire, not for the entry of aid. As many as 18 bodies of dead hostages remain held in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-dhaka-s-international-airport-all-flight-operations-suspended-1760789887198">Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended</a>&nbsp;<h2>Hostage families hail PM’s move to keep Rafah Crossing closed</h2>&nbsp;The Hostages and Missing Families Forum praised the prime minister’s move to indefinitely close the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza, accusing Hamas of failing to live up to its side of the ceasefire deal.The government “must take a firm stance against Hamas and demand the return of all 18 [deceased] hostages without exception, and use every lever at its disposal,” the Forum said in a statement.“The government must declare that it will not proceed with implementing the agreement until all the fallen hostages are returned, in accordance with the Trump framework,” it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impressed-by-india-s-aadhaar-pm-keir-starmer-plans-brit-card-for-uk-citizens-1760794820972">‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens</a><h2>IDF says it killed Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon</h2>&nbsp;The IDF said on Saturday that it killed a Hezbollah operative in a drone strike in southern Lebanon earlier in the day. The member of the terror group had been operating heavy machinery in the village of Kfar Dounine, in an attempt to restore Hezbollah infrastructure in the area that had been destroyed during the fighting last year, it said.The “terrorist’s activities constituted a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the IDF said.&nbsp;WATCH: Gaza peace deal: 18 hostage bodies still held, Israel accuses Hamas of delays<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-peace-deal-18-hostage-bodies-still-held-israel-accuses-hamas-of-delays-1760807283334/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-peace-deal-18-hostage-bodies-still-held-israel-accuses-hamas-of-delays-1760807283334/embed</a>&nbsp;

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s move to indefinitely close the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza, accusing Hamas of failing to live up to its side of the ceasefire deal.

The IDF said on Saturday night that the Red Cross has notified the military that it has collected two caskets, with the apparent bodies of two slain hostages, from Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip. The Red Cross will take the caskets to IDF troops inside Gaza, where a military rabbi will preside over a small ceremony. The remains will then be taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv for identification of the remains. Earlier, Hamas’ armed wing said on Saturday that it will hand over the bodies of two more hostages as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said on its Telegram channel that the group will “handover at 10:00 PM (1900 GMT) today the bodies of two Israeli captives, whose remains were recovered earlier today in the Gaza Strip”. The development took place after, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office had announced that the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza will remain closed indefinitely, citing Hamas’s failure to live up to the ceasefire deal. “Its reopening will be considered based on the extent to which Hamas fulfills its part in returning the fallen hostages, and in implementing the agreed-upon framework,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. The statement contradicted an earlier announcement by the Palestinian embassy in Egypt, which said the crossing would open on Monday. The Rafah Crossing was set to open for the movement of Palestinians in both directions as part of the ceasefire, not for the entry of aid. As many as 18 bodies of dead hostages remain held in the Gaza Strip. Also Read: Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended Hostage families hail PM’s move to keep Rafah Crossing closed The Hostages and Missing Families Forum praised the prime minister’s move to indefinitely close the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza, accusing Hamas of failing to live up to its side of the ceasefire deal. The government “must take a firm stance against Hamas and demand the return of all 18 [deceased] hostages without exception, and use every lever at its disposal,” the Forum said in a statement. “The government must declare that it will not proceed with implementing the agreement until all the fallen hostages are returned, in accordance with the Trump framework,” it added. Also Read: ‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens IDF says it killed Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon The IDF said on Saturday that it killed a Hezbollah operative in a drone strike in southern Lebanon earlier in the day. The member of the terror group had been operating heavy machinery in the village of Kfar Dounine, in an attempt to restore Hezbollah infrastructure in the area that had been destroyed during the fighting last year, it said. The “terrorist’s activities constituted a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the IDF said. WATCH: Gaza peace deal: 18 hostage bodies still held, Israel accuses Hamas of delays https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-peace-deal-18-hostage-bodies-still-held-israel-accuses-hamas-of-delays-1760807283334/embed

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s move to indefinitely close the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza, accusing Hamas of failing to live up to its side of the ceasefire deal.

Hamas hand over 2 more bodies of hostages after Netanyahu says Rafah Crossing to be closed indefinitely

In a preview of an upcoming interview, Trump's two Middle East negotiators, Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, said that for a moment, Trump felt like Israel was 'out of control' and that the Israeli strike on Qatar was hurting their cause. In an upcoming show, 60 minutes of the CBS News, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff spoke to Leslie Stahl, hinting at a rare tension between Trump's top negotiator and Tel Aviv.Steve Witkoff describes how they received the news of Israeli strikes on Qatar, "And we woke up the next morning to find out that there had been this attack, and of course, I was called by the president. You had no idea? Obviously, none whatsoever. You know, I think both Jared and I felt—I feel we felt a little bit betrayed.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Exclusive: Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, and special envoy Steve Witkoff give a behind-the-scenes look at the tense moments leading up to the ceasefire and hostage deal after an Israeli bombing threatened to derail the agreement. “[Trump] felt like the Israelis… <a href="https://t.co/WtZpJcYHTG">pic.twitter.com/WtZpJcYHTG</a>&mdash; 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Minutes/status/1979296272600195314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jared Kushner who had led several Middle East Negotiations, said after the botched up attempt to kill Hamas leader, and Israel was going out of control. “I think he felt like the Israelis were getting a little bit out of control in what they were doing and that it was time to be very strong and stop them from doing things that he felt were not in their long-term interests,” said Kushner.&nbsp;Stahl was highlighting that Netanyahu had attacked a ‘peacemaker’. Witkoff respond that the attack had a 'metastasizing effect' on the negotiations, as Qataris were critical about it to begin with and it fratcured their diplomatic trust and it also pushed Hamas underground.The segment will air on Sunday in CBS, the preview signal a rare public cirticsm of Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli military forces from its longstanding ally United States.

Israel’s strike in Qatar “hurt their own cause,” revealing rare tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv over the Gaza conflict. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff calls it a “major setback” for peace talks.

In a preview of an upcoming interview, Trump's two Middle East negotiators, Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, said that for a moment, Trump felt like Israel was 'out of control' and that the Israeli strike on Qatar was hurting their cause. In an upcoming show, 60 minutes of the CBS News, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff spoke to Leslie Stahl, hinting at a rare tension between Trump's top negotiator and Tel Aviv. Steve Witkoff describes how they received the news of Israeli strikes on Qatar, "And we woke up the next morning to find out that there had been this attack, and of course, I was called by the president. You had no idea? Obviously, none whatsoever. You know, I think both Jared and I felt—I feel we felt a little bit betrayed.”

Israel’s strike in Qatar “hurt their own cause,” revealing rare tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv over the Gaza conflict. US envoy Steve Witkoff calls it a “major setback” for peace talks.

Kushner says Israel was 'out of control', strike in Qatar ‘hurt their own cause’

Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to meet US President Donald Trump in Hungary for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. However he faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) that could lead to his potential arrest while travelling outside of the Russia, especially the EU. The warrant, which was issued in March 2023, accuses the Russian president of involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine during the conflict.<h2>Can Putin be arrested in Hungary?</h2>The ICC, which is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, depends on its member nations to enforce its arrest warrants. However, Hungary has unsured that Putin can enter the country for a summit with Trump in Budapest and return home.Trump on Thursday (Oct 16) said that he agreed to meet with Putin on a second summit on Ukraine war hosted in the Hungarian capital, saying that it may happen in the next two weeks. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke with the US president on Thursday and the Russian president on Friday, saying that preparations “are going full steam ahead.” Meanwhile, Hungary is in the process of leaving the ICC.Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said, “We will ensure that he enters Hungary, has successful negotiations here, and then returns home.”He added, “There is no need for any kind of consultation with anyone, we are a sovereign country here. We will receive (Putin) with respect, host him, and provide the conditions for him to negotiate with the American president.”The EU has welcomed the Budapest meeting if it could help bring peace in Ukraine. It added that Putin was under an asset freeze but not a travel ban by the bloc. Putin will also need to find a way to navigate an EU flight ban on Russian aircraft for the upcoming meeting.

The ICC, which is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, depends on its member nations to enforce its arrest warrants. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to meet US President Donald Trump in Hungary for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. However he faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) that could lead to his potential arrest while travelling outside of the Russia, especially the EU. The warrant, which was issued in March 2023, accuses the Russian president of involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine during the conflict. Can Putin be arrested in Hungary? The ICC, which is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, depends on its member nations to enforce its arrest warrants. However, Hungary has unsured that Putin can enter the country for a summit with Trump in Budapest and return home. Trump on Thursday (Oct 16) said that he agreed to meet with Putin on a second summit on Ukraine war hosted in the Hungarian capital, saying that it may happen in the next two weeks. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke with the US president on Thursday and the Russian president on Friday, saying that preparations “are going full steam ahead.” Meanwhile, Hungary is in the process of leaving the ICC. Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said, “We will ensure that he enters Hungary, has successful negotiations here, and then returns home.” He added, “There is no need for any kind of consultation with anyone, we are a sovereign country here. We will receive (Putin) with respect, host him, and provide the conditions for him to negotiate with the American president.” The EU has welcomed the Budapest meeting if it could help bring peace in Ukraine. It added that Putin was under an asset freeze but not a travel ban by the bloc. Putin will also need to find a way to navigate an EU flight ban on Russian aircraft for the upcoming meeting.

The ICC, which is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, depends on its member nations to enforce its arrest warrants.&nbsp;

Can Putin be arrested while travelling to Hungary to meet Trump as he faces ICC warrant?

Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Saturday, raising the total number of mortal remains handed over to 135, said the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. As per the ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, Israel was stipulated to return bodies of 15 Palestinians in exchange for each deceased Israeli handed over to it by Hamas. Late on Friday night, Hamas handed over the body of another Israeli hostage, who Israel identified as Eliyahu Margalit. Hamas has handed over the bodies of nine Israelis and one Nepalese student since the ceasefire came into effect and claims the other bodies are not traceable.&nbsp;Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said on Saturday that Margalit’s body was identified after testing by the National Center for Forensic Medicine, and his family has been notified. The 76-year-old was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, from the horse stables where he worked in Kibbutz Nir Oz.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-dhaka-s-international-airport-all-flight-operations-suspended-1760789887198">Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended</a>&nbsp;President Trump had warned that he would give a go-ahead to Israel for resuming the war if Hamas doesn’t live up to its end of the deal and return the bodies of all 28 hostages.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Gaza health ministry claimed that some of the bodies returned on Saturday bore signs of “abuse, beatings, handcuffing and blindfolding”, but the Israeli military denied the charge and termed the claims as usual “false propaganda” of Hamas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impressed-by-india-s-aadhaar-pm-keir-starmer-plans-brit-card-for-uk-citizens-1760794820972">‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens</a>&nbsp;Hamas says it is committed to the terms of the ceasefire deal, including the handover of bodies, but claims the retrieval of bodies is hampered by the scope of the devastation and the presence of dangerous, unexploded bombs.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ministry of health also said that more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed in the two-year-long war. It claimed that the number of dead has risen since the ceasefire went into effect, as more dead bodies were found during recovery efforts under the rubble.Hamas is also accusing Israel of continuing its attacks and violating the ceasefire.

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said that Margalit’s body was identified after testing by the National Center for Forensic Medicine, and his family has been notified. The 76-year-old was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Saturday, raising the total number of mortal remains handed over to 135, said the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. As per the ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, Israel was stipulated to return bodies of 15 Palestinians in exchange for each deceased Israeli handed over to it by Hamas. Late on Friday night, Hamas handed over the body of another Israeli hostage, who Israel identified as Eliyahu Margalit. Hamas has handed over the bodies of nine Israelis and one Nepalese student since the ceasefire came into effect and claims the other bodies are not traceable. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said on Saturday that Margalit’s body was identified after testing by the National Center for Forensic Medicine, and his family has been notified. The 76-year-old was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, from the horse stables where he worked in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Also Read: Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended President Trump had warned that he would give a go-ahead to Israel for resuming the war if Hamas doesn’t live up to its end of the deal and return the bodies of all 28 hostages. Meanwhile, the Gaza health ministry claimed that some of the bodies returned on Saturday bore signs of “abuse, beatings, handcuffing and blindfolding”, but the Israeli military denied the charge and termed the claims as usual “false propaganda” of Hamas. Also Read: ‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens Hamas says it is committed to the terms of the ceasefire deal, including the handover of bodies, but claims the retrieval of bodies is hampered by the scope of the devastation and the presence of dangerous, unexploded bombs. The ministry of health also said that more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed in the two-year-long war. It claimed that the number of dead has risen since the ceasefire went into effect, as more dead bodies were found during recovery efforts under the rubble. Hamas is also accusing Israel of continuing its attacks and violating the ceasefire.

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said that Margalit’s body was identified after testing by the National Center for Forensic Medicine, and his family has been notified. The 76-year-old was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies, identifies remains of another hostage

Millions of protestors are expected to join in for more than 2,500 demonstrations across 50 states for another day of ‘No Kings’ protest. The protest is a symbolic demonstration across the US against what the demonstrators perceive as the rising authoritarianism in the Trump administration. There had been attacks on civil rights, skyrocketing costs, abductions, disappearances, deportation, deployment of the National Guard on the streets of America, gutting healthcare, gerrymandering maps and selling out families for billionaires.The protests are also seen as a celebration of free speech. “I think what you'll see on No Kings II in October is a boisterous, joyful crowd expressing their political opinions in a peaceful, joyous way. People with dogs, people with kids, people with funny signs, music, dancing, laughing, community building, and a sense of collective effervescence that comes when you gather with a lot of people with a shared purpose,” said Ezra Levin, one of the co-founders of Indivisible, to USA Today.Organisers and protestors have repeatedly drawn upon the 3.5 per cent law from the political science research that if 3.5 per cent of the population in any authoritarian regime participates in a non-violent protest, they can topple the regime.<h2>Who is organising the protest?</h2>The protests are being organised by more than 200 organisations as partners. The main partner is Indivisible, is a progressive movement and organisation in the United States initiated in 2016 as a reaction to the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Other key partners include American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Common Defence, 50501 Movement, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, United We Dream, MoveOn and National Nurses United.<h2>What is the reaction of Trump and GOP leaders?</h2>US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, denied allegations of seeking unlimited power. He stated that "I'm not a king". He added, "I don’t feel like a king, I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.”House Speaker Mike Johnson alleged that the demonstrations were by "pro-Hamas supporters," "Antifa types," and “Marxists.” He said that the protests were "hate America" and unpatriotic. Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the National Guard and state police to Austin to “deter criminal mischief”.<h2>How did the Democrats react?</h2>Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed support and encouraged peaceful participation in the protest. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders are scheduled to attend a rally. Schumer defended the protests against the Republican rhetoric. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a "declaration of independence".&nbsp;

People gather across 50 states in the US for "No Kings" national day of protest on October 18, 2025.
From New York to San Francisco, millions of Americans are expected to hit the streets to voice their anger over President Donald Trump's policies at nationwide "No Kings" protests.

Millions of protestors are expected to join in for more than 2,500 demonstrations across 50 states for another day of ‘No Kings’ protest. The protest is a symbolic demonstration across the US against what the demonstrators perceive as the rising authoritarianism in the Trump administration. There had been attacks on civil rights, skyrocketing costs, abductions, disappearances, deportation, deployment of the National Guard on the streets of America, gutting healthcare, gerrymandering maps and selling out families for billionaires. The protests are also seen as a celebration of free speech. “I think what you'll see on No Kings II in October is a boisterous, joyful crowd expressing their political opinions in a peaceful, joyous way. People with dogs, people with kids, people with funny signs, music, dancing, laughing, community building, and a sense of collective effervescence that comes when you gather with a lot of people with a shared purpose,” said Ezra Levin, one of the co-founders of Indivisible, to USA Today. Organisers and protestors have repeatedly drawn upon the 3.5 per cent law from the political science research that if 3.5 per cent of the population in any authoritarian regime participates in a non-violent protest, they can topple the regime. Who is organising the protest? The protests are being organised by more than 200 organisations as partners. The main partner is Indivisible, is a progressive movement and organisation in the United States initiated in 2016 as a reaction to the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Other key partners include American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Common Defence, 50501 Movement, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, United We Dream, MoveOn and National Nurses United. What is the reaction of Trump and GOP leaders? US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, denied allegations of seeking unlimited power. He stated that "I'm not a king". He added, "I don’t feel like a king, I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.” House Speaker Mike Johnson alleged that the demonstrations were by "pro-Hamas supporters," "Antifa types," and “Marxists.” He said that the protests were "hate America" and unpatriotic. Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the National Guard and state police to Austin to “deter criminal mischief”. How did the Democrats react? Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed support and encouraged peaceful participation in the protest. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders are scheduled to attend a rally. Schumer defended the protests against the Republican rhetoric. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a "declaration of independence".

People gather across 50 states in the US for "No Kings" national day of protest on October 18, 2025. From New York to San Francisco, millions of Americans are expected to hit the streets to voice their anger over President Donald Trump's policies at nationwide "No Kings" protests.

Millions to join in 2500 rallies across 50 states for 'No Kings' protests in US

China Eastern Airlines has announced that it will resume round-trip flights between Shanghai and New Delhi from November 9 after the governments of the two nations announced normalisation of ties. The airline has also started the sale of tickets for the route.&nbsp;Both India and China had announced resuming direct flights between selected cities after a five-year hiatus following a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin in August this year.&nbsp;The flights between the two cities will operate every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The outbound flight from Shanghai’s Pudong Airport will depart at 12:50 pm and arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 5:45 pm (local time).&nbsp;The return flight will depart from Delhi at 7:55 pm and arrive in Shanghai Pudong at 4:10 am the next day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-dhaka-s-international-airport-all-flight-operations-suspended-1760789887198">Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended</a>&nbsp;The Chinese airline has selected the A330-200 aircraft for the route, which is known for its long-range performance and comfortable cabin environment, a company statement said.Earlier this month, IndiGo announced daily flights from Kolkata to China’s Guangzhou from October 26. The airline is also expected to launch flights between Delhi and Guangzhou.&nbsp;Direct flights to China stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued after border skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops in April-May 2020 took bilateral ties to a new low.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impressed-by-india-s-aadhaar-pm-keir-starmer-plans-brit-card-for-uk-citizens-1760794820972">‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens</a>&nbsp;The border standoff continued between the two countries amid heavy troop deployment on both sides in the Ladakh sector of the LAC.&nbsp;An understanding was reached between the two sides last October, after which both the armies disengaged from the “friction points” of Demchok and Depsang.

The Chinese airline has selected the A330-200 aircraft for the route, which is known for its long-range performance and comfortable cabin environment. Earlier this month, India’s IndiGo Airlines had announced daily flights from Kolkata to China’s Guangzhou from October 26. 

China Eastern Airlines has announced that it will resume round-trip flights between Shanghai and New Delhi from November 9 after the governments of the two nations announced normalisation of ties. The airline has also started the sale of tickets for the route. Both India and China had announced resuming direct flights between selected cities after a five-year hiatus following a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin in August this year. The flights between the two cities will operate every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The outbound flight from Shanghai’s Pudong Airport will depart at 12:50 pm and arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 5:45 pm (local time). The return flight will depart from Delhi at 7:55 pm and arrive in Shanghai Pudong at 4:10 am the next day. Also Read: Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended The Chinese airline has selected the A330-200 aircraft for the route, which is known for its long-range performance and comfortable cabin environment, a company statement said. Earlier this month, IndiGo announced daily flights from Kolkata to China’s Guangzhou from October 26. The airline is also expected to launch flights between Delhi and Guangzhou. Direct flights to China stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued after border skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops in April-May 2020 took bilateral ties to a new low. Also Read: ‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens The border standoff continued between the two countries amid heavy troop deployment on both sides in the Ladakh sector of the LAC. An understanding was reached between the two sides last October, after which both the armies disengaged from the “friction points” of Demchok and Depsang.

The Chinese airline has selected the A330-200 aircraft for the route, which is known for its long-range performance and comfortable cabin environment. Earlier this month, India’s IndiGo Airlines had announced daily flights from Kolkata to China’s Guangzhou from October 26.&nbsp;

China Eastern Airlines to resume Shanghai-Delhi flights from November 9

At least 15 people died in a road accident when a bus driver going the wrong way lost control of the vehicle in northeast Brazil, police said Saturday.The tragedy involving the bus carrying 30 people happened late Friday in Pernambuco state.The driver hit some rocks by the side of the road and then got going in the right direction, but crashed into an embankment and the bus flipped over, the statement said.Eleven women and four men died in the crash. The number of people injured was not immediately disclosed.The driver emerged with only slight injuries and tested negative for alcohol consumption, police said. He was taken to a police station.Some of the passengers were ejected from the bus, they added.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Eleven women and four men died in the crash. The number of people injured was not immediately disclosed.

At least 15 people died in a road accident when a bus driver going the wrong way lost control of the vehicle in northeast Brazil, police said Saturday. The tragedy involving the bus carrying 30 people happened late Friday in Pernambuco state. The driver hit some rocks by the side of the road and then got going in the right direction, but crashed into an embankment and the bus flipped over, the statement said. Eleven women and four men died in the crash. The number of people injured was not immediately disclosed. The driver emerged with only slight injuries and tested negative for alcohol consumption, police said. He was taken to a police station. Some of the passengers were ejected from the bus, they added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Eleven women and four men died in the crash. The number of people injured was not immediately disclosed.

At least 15 killed in Brazil road accident after bus driver loses control

Ukrainian Military sources have claimed that a Russian Sukhoi Su-30 SM fighter jet was shot down by friendly fire from the Russian air defence system while on an operation in the Northwestern part of the annexed region of Crimea. The jet was reportedly on a mission to intercept Ukrainian drone attacks when the incident occurred.&nbsp;Ukrainian Navy claims “a radio interception was obtained regarding the ignition of two engines and the ejection of the crew of the Russian invaders' Su-30SM aircraft.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">рф збило свій винищувач Су-30СМ Засобами розвідки ВМС ЗС України отримано радіоперехоплення про займання 2-х дигунів та катапультування екіпажу літака російських загарбників Су-30СМ, який виконував завдання у західно-північній частині тимчасово окупованої АР Крим. <a href="https://t.co/dW9Cve1eOt">pic.twitter.com/dW9Cve1eOt</a>&mdash; Генеральний штаб ЗСУ (@GeneralStaffUA) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeneralStaffUA/status/1979142199674630632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Russian media and or official sources have not confirmed the friendly-fire shoot down. The incident comes as Russia have intensified its operation in Ukraine, employing a combination of missiles, drones and artillery strikes, to weaken its resolve as the winter approaches. The attacks are targeted at multiple Ukrainian towns and especially the energy infrastructure, intending to cause a power crisis.&nbsp;<h2>Trump and Putin to meet in Budapest</h2>US President Donald Trump had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16, following which the leaders agreed to meet in Hungary. Despite Putin's ICC arrest warrant, Hungary has committed to facilitating Putin's arrival in Budapest. This will be the second meeting following an August 15 meeting in Alaska, where no concrete resolution to the conflict was reached.&nbsp;“There are many questions, negotiating teams need to be determined, and so on and so forth. Therefore, everything will be done in stages, but, of course, the president’s will is there,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.Since the beginning of the war in 2022, Russia has approximately 1,118,000 killed, wounded or missing. Similarly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated that 400,000 Ukrainians have been killed or injured since the war's outset. Russia has blamed Kyiv and its European allies for the continued aggression, while Britain and Ukraine have blamed Russia for posing unacceptable demands and not being serious about seeking peace.&nbsp;

Russian Su-30SM shot down by friendly fire in Crimea, winter attacks intensify in Ukraine, and Trump-Putin to meet in Budapest. War casualties soar on both sides.

Ukrainian Military sources have claimed that a Russian Sukhoi Su-30 SM fighter jet was shot down by friendly fire from the Russian air defence system while on an operation in the Northwestern part of the annexed region of Crimea. The jet was reportedly on a mission to intercept Ukrainian drone attacks when the incident occurred. Ukrainian Navy claims “a radio interception was obtained regarding the ignition of two engines and the ejection of the crew of the Russian invaders' Su-30SM aircraft.”

Russian Su-30SM shot down by friendly fire in Crimea, winter attacks intensify in Ukraine, and Trump-Putin to meet in Budapest. War casualties soar on both sides.

Friendly FIRE? Ukraine claims 'Russia shot down its own Su-30SM fighter jet' over Crimea

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has applauded India’s Aadhaar digital identification as a “massive success” and announced plans for a similar digital identity programme, the Brit Card, in the UK while drawing lessons from India’s experience for their own unique ID system. Unlike Aadhaar, Brit Card will not use biometric data and will initially target illegal employment. Starmer met Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and a key architect of Aadhaar, during his recent two-day visit to Mumbai and discussed how the system rapidly scaled to benefit nearly 1.4 billion citizens. Aadhaar assigns a unique 12-digit biometric ID to residents, streamlining access to welfare, banking, and other services while reportedly saving India billions in administrative costs.&nbsp;<h2>Brit Card will focus on curbing illegal employment</h2>&nbsp;Starmer emphasised that the Brit Card will differ from Aadhaar by excluding biometric data and focusing initially on curbing illegal employment.“I don’t know how many times the rest of you have had to look in the bottom drawer for three bills when you want to get your kids into school or apply for this or apply for that—it drives me to frustration,” he told reporters, highlighting the convenience digital IDs could offer.&nbsp;Starmer also linked the Brit Card to immigration enforcement, stressing its role in tackling illegal working as part of broader migration agreements, including with France.Right-wing parties have spotlighted gig economy platforms allegedly misused by undocumented workers. Despite controversies, Starmer expressed confidence that the UK could gain “a significant advantage” by learning from India’s successful digital ID model, aiming to build public trust while addressing employment and immigration challenges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-dhaka-s-international-airport-all-flight-operations-suspended-1760789887198">Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended</a><h2>Opposition parties, some Labour MPs raise concerns about privacy risks, govt overreach</h2>&nbsp;The UK government has not yet partnered with private tech firms for the programme. Meanwhile, opposition parties and some Labour MPs have raised concerns about rising costs, privacy risks, and potential government overreach. Public support has reportedly declined since Starmer’s announcement amid fears of data breaches and civil liberties violations.&nbsp;While Aadhaar helps provide welfare and services, the Brit Card will have a different focus—initially targeting the prevention of illegal migrant workers—even as it faces significant public opposition over privacy concerns and fears of government overreach.Aadhaar, launched over 15 years ago, now covers nearly 1.4 billion citizens and streamlines access to banking, welfare, and other services by assigning a unique 12-digit biometric ID number to residents. The system is credited with saving the Indian economy billions in administrative costs and corruption.

Starmer also linked the Brit Card to immigration enforcement, stressing its role in tackling illegal working as part of broader migration agreements, including with France. Right-wing parties have spotlighted gig economy platforms allegedly misused by undocumented workers.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has applauded India’s Aadhaar digital identification as a “massive success” and announced plans for a similar digital identity programme, the Brit Card, in the UK while drawing lessons from India’s experience for their own unique ID system. Unlike Aadhaar, Brit Card will not use biometric data and will initially target illegal employment. Starmer met Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and a key architect of Aadhaar, during his recent two-day visit to Mumbai and discussed how the system rapidly scaled to benefit nearly 1.4 billion citizens. Aadhaar assigns a unique 12-digit biometric ID to residents, streamlining access to welfare, banking, and other services while reportedly saving India billions in administrative costs. Brit Card will focus on curbing illegal employment Starmer emphasised that the Brit Card will differ from Aadhaar by excluding biometric data and focusing initially on curbing illegal employment. “I don’t know how many times the rest of you have had to look in the bottom drawer for three bills when you want to get your kids into school or apply for this or apply for that—it drives me to frustration,” he told reporters, highlighting the convenience digital IDs could offer. Starmer also linked the Brit Card to immigration enforcement, stressing its role in tackling illegal working as part of broader migration agreements, including with France. Right-wing parties have spotlighted gig economy platforms allegedly misused by undocumented workers. Despite controversies, Starmer expressed confidence that the UK could gain “a significant advantage” by learning from India’s successful digital ID model, aiming to build public trust while addressing employment and immigration challenges. Also Read: Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended Opposition parties, some Labour MPs raise concerns about privacy risks, govt overreach The UK government has not yet partnered with private tech firms for the programme. Meanwhile, opposition parties and some Labour MPs have raised concerns about rising costs, privacy risks, and potential government overreach. Public support has reportedly declined since Starmer’s announcement amid fears of data breaches and civil liberties violations. While Aadhaar helps provide welfare and services, the Brit Card will have a different focus—initially targeting the prevention of illegal migrant workers—even as it faces significant public opposition over privacy concerns and fears of government overreach. Aadhaar, launched over 15 years ago, now covers nearly 1.4 billion citizens and streamlines access to banking, welfare, and other services by assigning a unique 12-digit biometric ID number to residents. The system is credited with saving the Indian economy billions in administrative costs and corruption.

Starmer also linked the Brit Card to immigration enforcement, stressing its role in tackling illegal working as part of broader migration agreements, including with France. Right-wing parties have spotlighted gig economy platforms allegedly misused by undocumented workers.

‘Impressed’ by India’s Aadhaar, PM Keir Starmer plans Brit Card for UK citizens

Gold prices have surged across major cities in India, driving the festive demand of Dhanteras 2025. As of October 18, the price of 24-carat gold across major Indian cities has reached a record Rs 1,34,800 per 10 grams. It then simmered down with varying rates across cities at Mumbai, Rs 1,32,770, New Delhi at Rs 1,32,920, &nbsp;and Chennai at Rs 1,33,090. Similarly, the price for 22-carat gold ranged from Rs 1,21,700 to &nbsp;Rs 1,22,000.&nbsp;Experts are predicting a further surge, driven by the continued geopolitical tension. Globally, gold prices have hit their best week in five years. The price rise is driven by the central bank purchasing, fear of rate cuts by US Federal Reserve, and massive ETF (exchange-traded funds) inflows. &nbsp;Peter Schiff, the Chief Economic and Global strategist at Euro Pacific Asset Management, said “this is getting serious” and “something big is about to happen”. The persistent trade friction between US-China and speculation of further rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, along with the ongoing surge in gold prices to historic highs in October 2025 seen as indicators of looming risks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is getting serious. Gold is at $4,370. It could hit $4,400 tonight. That&#39;s a 10% move in just over a week. Something big is about to happen.&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1978950935708618861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Global fear drives the demand for a hedge</h2>The latest surge in gold prices reflects more than festive enthusiasm, like a deep-seated economic anxiety. Key economic warnings include the growing fiscal crisis among the wealthy nations in 2025, and the overheated AI stock market, which economists warn could trigger a global market crash like the dotcom bubble crash of 2000.&nbsp;With global inflation pressure and bond yields fluctuating, the demand for gold as a hedge against rising prices remains bullish. Popular predictions by Goldman Sachs, HSBC and ANZ project gold to reach $4,000- $5,000 per ounce in 2025 to 2026. As a result of the global bullion demand, Indian cultural values mirror the financial caution. Dhanteras have long been associated with wealth and auspiciousness, and are pushing buyers towards jewellery, gold coins and digital gold despite the skyrocketing prices.

Gold prices in India soar to ₹1,34,800 per 10 grams ahead of Dhanteras 2025, with experts warning of a global market crisis amid economic uncertainty.

Gold prices have surged across major cities in India, driving the festive demand of Dhanteras 2025. As of October 18, the price of 24-carat gold across major Indian cities has reached a record Rs 1,34,800 per 10 grams. It then simmered down with varying rates across cities at Mumbai, Rs 1,32,770, New Delhi at Rs 1,32,920, and Chennai at Rs 1,33,090. Similarly, the price for 22-carat gold ranged from Rs 1,21,700 to Rs 1,22,000. Experts are predicting a further surge, driven by the continued geopolitical tension. Globally, gold prices have hit their best week in five years. The price rise is driven by the central bank purchasing, fear of rate cuts by US Federal Reserve, and massive ETF (exchange-traded funds) inflows. Peter Schiff, the Chief Economic and Global strategist at Euro Pacific Asset Management, said “this is getting serious” and “something big is about to happen”. The persistent trade friction between US-China and speculation of further rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, along with the ongoing surge in gold prices to historic highs in October 2025 seen as indicators of looming risks.

Gold prices in India soar to ₹1,34,800 per 10 grams ahead of Dhanteras 2025, with experts warning of a global market crisis amid economic uncertainty.

Amid Dhanteras gold prices skyrocket, economist warn of 'something big'

Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to take place in Qatar’s Doha on Saturday (Oct 18). This comes after Islamabad launched air strikes, killing at least 10, violating the ceasefire that had temporarily brought calm at the border. Ahead of the talks, Pakistan said that it does not seek escalation, while the Taliban government warned that Kabul “reserves the right to respond”.Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan remains committed to peace, but blamed Pakistan for the recent hostilities between the two countries.“As previously agreed, negotiations with the Pakistani side are scheduled to take place today in Doha. In this regard, a high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by the Honorable Minister of Defense, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has departed for Doha,” Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote in a post on X.Condemning the recent attacks by Pakistan, he added, “However, last night, Pakistani military forces once again conducted airstrikes on civilian areas in Paktika, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of a number of civilians. The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns, in the harshest terms, the repeated crimes of the Pakistani forces and the violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Such acts are deemed provocative and are viewed as deliberate attempts to prolong the conflict.”Mujahid further said that Afghanistan “reserves the right to respond to these violations,” although its forces have been instructed to “refrain” from launching any new military operations at the time. He reiterated Kabul’s stance on peaceful resolutions, adding that recent incidents were a result of Pakistani aggression.<h2>Pakistan says ‘not seeking escalation’</h2>Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Islamabad “does not seek escalation” despite the recent strikes.“The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border,” the ministry said in a statement on X. “Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA.”“Pakistan appreciates the mediation efforts of Qatar and hopes these discussions contribute to peace and stability in the region.”Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief Asim Malik will be leading the delegation for the talks in Doha.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan remains committed to peace, but blamed Pakistan for the recent hostilities between the two countries.

Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to take place in Qatar’s Doha on Saturday (Oct 18). This comes after Islamabad launched air strikes, killing at least 10, violating the ceasefire that had temporarily brought calm at the border. Ahead of the talks, Pakistan said that it does not seek escalation, while the Taliban government warned that Kabul “reserves the right to respond”. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan remains committed to peace, but blamed Pakistan for the recent hostilities between the two countries. “As previously agreed, negotiations with the Pakistani side are scheduled to take place today in Doha. In this regard, a high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by the Honorable Minister of Defense, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has departed for Doha,” Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote in a post on X. Condemning the recent attacks by Pakistan, he added, “However, last night, Pakistani military forces once again conducted airstrikes on civilian areas in Paktika, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of a number of civilians. The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns, in the harshest terms, the repeated crimes of the Pakistani forces and the violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Such acts are deemed provocative and are viewed as deliberate attempts to prolong the conflict.” Mujahid further said that Afghanistan “reserves the right to respond to these violations,” although its forces have been instructed to “refrain” from launching any new military operations at the time. He reiterated Kabul’s stance on peaceful resolutions, adding that recent incidents were a result of Pakistani aggression. Pakistan says ‘not seeking escalation’ Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Islamabad “does not seek escalation” despite the recent strikes. “The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border,” the ministry said in a statement on X. “Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA.” “Pakistan appreciates the mediation efforts of Qatar and hopes these discussions contribute to peace and stability in the region.” Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief Asim Malik will be leading the delegation for the talks in Doha.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan remains committed to peace, but blamed Pakistan for the recent hostilities between the two countries.

Can Doha talks lead to peace? Afghanistan says ‘right to respond’ as Pakistan claims not seeking escalation

A massive fire broke out at the cargo terminal of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday following which all flight operations at the airport were suspended by the authorities. According to local media, the fire erupted at the airport’s cargo village, where imported goods are stored, near Gate No. 8 at around 2:15 pm. Biman Bangladesh Airlines spokesperson Kawser Mahmud said teams from the airport fire department, the Bangladesh Air Force fire unit, and other agencies promptly responded and are working to douse the fire. Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Zasim said nine firefighting units were initially deployed to control the fire, with 15 more heading to the scene. Officials said that as flames intensified, aircraft parked in nearby hangars were towed to safer locations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> | Fire breaks out in the cargo area of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, forcing suspension of all flight operations. 32 firefighting units are on site, and all aircraft are confirmed safe. Cause and damage yet to be determined. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhakaAirport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhakaAirport</a>… <a href="https://t.co/Szodqpl3Dh">pic.twitter.com/Szodqpl3Dh</a>&mdash; DD News (@DDNewslive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive/status/1979506497630662793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Confirming the incident, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) Executive Director SM Ragib Samad told the media outlet Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), “The fire broke out at the cargo area of the airport, and all relevant fire units are working to bring the blaze under control.”“We are handling an emergency situation; please cooperate with us. Our airport fire service teams are working to control the fire at Shahjalal International Airport. Fire units from the Air Force and Civil Defence are also engaged. You will receive accurate information in due time,” he said in an audio message circulated to the media.He added that flight operations have been temporarily suspended due to the fire.&nbsp;<h2>Dhaka-bound international flights diverted to Chattogram, Kolkata</h2>&nbsp;Several Dhaka-bound international flights were diverted, with aircraft landing in Chattogram and Kolkata, while a number of departing flights remained on the taxiway awaiting clearance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: A fire broke out at a section of the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport this afternoon. More details awaited.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhaka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhaka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirportFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirportFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HazratShahjalal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HazratShahjalal</a> (Full video available on PTI Videos – <a href="https://t.co/n147TvqRQz">https://t.co/n147TvqRQz</a>) <a href="https://t.co/flGkHso2xq">pic.twitter.com/flGkHso2xq</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1979501934768800160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, the Fire Service, and two fire units of the Bangladesh Air Force are working to douse the fire.Authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.&nbsp;“Thirty units are currently working at the site while six more are on the way,” Tahla Bin Jashim, an officer at the Fire Service media cell, told media around 4 pm.&nbsp;“The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined. So far, no casualties have been reported,” he said.&nbsp;WATCH: Pak-Afghanistan clash: Pakistan strikes target Afghanistan's Paktika province<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-afghanistan-clash-pakistan-strikes-target-afghanistan-s-paktika-province-1760788403278/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-afghanistan-clash-pakistan-strikes-target-afghanistan-s-paktika-province-1760788403278/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, the Fire Service, and two fire units of the Bangladesh Air Force are working to douse the fire. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A massive fire broke out at the cargo terminal of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday following which all flight operations at the airport were suspended by the authorities. According to local media, the fire erupted at the airport’s cargo village, where imported goods are stored, near Gate No. 8 at around 2:15 pm. Biman Bangladesh Airlines spokesperson Kawser Mahmud said teams from the airport fire department, the Bangladesh Air Force fire unit, and other agencies promptly responded and are working to douse the fire. Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Zasim said nine firefighting units were initially deployed to control the fire, with 15 more heading to the scene. Officials said that as flames intensified, aircraft parked in nearby hangars were towed to safer locations.

Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, the Fire Service, and two fire units of the Bangladesh Air Force are working to douse the fire. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka’s international airport; all flight operations suspended

Footage verified by Sky News shows a convoy of trucks loaded with supplies such as water bottles, jerry-cans, and fuel moving from about 1.4 km inside the Israel-controlled area near the Erez Border Crossing towards a militia headquarters, led by Ashraf Al-Mansi, which describes itself as the ‘People’s Army'. The route originates around 400 m close to an IDF outpost. Almost every establishment has been razed to the ground, and very few people remain in that part of Gaza; and no aid has come through the crossing since February.&nbsp;Sky News reports could not verify the exact content of the package, but the report confirmed the presence of food, water bottles and a large amount of fuel branded with SOS Energy, an Israeli fuel supplier.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">New footage verified by Sky News shows evidence of Israeli support for Gaza militia as Hamas attempts to reassert its authority through a violent crackdown on suspected collaborators. 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/P7pJNv8b0Z">https://t.co/P7pJNv8b0Z</a> 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube <a href="https://t.co/nrGEqtQlBO">pic.twitter.com/nrGEqtQlBO</a>&mdash; Sky News (@SkyNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1979288587758690349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">More evidence of Israel supplying guns, vehicles, cash &amp; food to anti Hamas militias in the far north &amp; south of Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/8ZhLC2IvsO">https://t.co/8ZhLC2IvsO</a> <a href="https://t.co/GSLWUi21Ro">pic.twitter.com/GSLWUi21Ro</a>&mdash; ClareFDoo (@missdaisyfdoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/missdaisyfdoo/status/1979497877094162844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: An anti-Hamas Gazan militia says it now controls “numerous parts of northern Gaza” and will ensure safety for Gazans returning home. The group warned Hamas: “Do not approach our areas of control.” <a href="https://t.co/u5SNGjmY4u">pic.twitter.com/u5SNGjmY4u</a>&mdash; Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) <a href="https://twitter.com/EYakoby/status/1978205303297421693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Active militias in Israel controlled Gaza&nbsp;</h2>People's Army is one of the four active militia groups active in Gaza, is all inside Israel-controlled territory. The other three militia groups are Doghmosh Clan, Counter-Terrorism Strike Force (CSF), and People's Forces, headed by Rami Halas, Hossam Al Astal and Yasser Abu Shabab. This underlines the fragmentation in Gaza and that Israel sponsors it. Till now, the Gaza Strip had been seen as monolithic, completely under the control of Hamas. Last week, an investigative report by Sky News showed that there had been a supply of weapons, vehicles, money and food to the most influential of these three militias, Yasser Abu Shabab's People's Forces.&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday, Hamas have cracked down on the Doghmosh Clan, &nbsp;a family known for its anti-Hamas stance. In a long, drawn-out confrontation, Hamas sought revenge against the family as a whole.&nbsp;"These rogue groups terrified us more than the enemy at times, violating people's sanctities and property, stripping them of cash, phones, even watches, and shooting legs," said Gaza's Supreme Council for Tribal Affairs Hosni Al Mughanni. Yasser Abu Shabab "deserves the harshest punishment for his crimes". He said that Hamas is "restoring security, security is the basis of life."This depicts a classic plot to create a scenario of warlordism with multiple power centres, Hamas vs rival militias. Hamas have already started to crack down on the militia groups with gun battles and public executions. IDF have reported that Hamas has seized 45 pickup trucks, cash and hundreds of weapons from these Israel-backed Militias. For people in Gaza, this means more terror and looting. At the same time, it complicates post-war governance, and Israel gets to portray the situation as unstable.&nbsp;

Verified footage shows Israeli supplies reaching Gaza militias like the People’s Army, as Hamas cracks down on rival armed groups and reasserts control.


Footage verified by Sky News shows a convoy of trucks loaded with supplies such as water bottles, jerry-cans, and fuel moving from about 1.4 km inside the Israel-controlled area near the Erez Border Crossing towards a militia headquarters, led by Ashraf Al-Mansi, which describes itself as the ‘People’s Army'. The route originates around 400 m close to an IDF outpost. Almost every establishment has been razed to the ground, and very few people remain in that part of Gaza; and no aid has come through the crossing since February. Sky News reports could not verify the exact content of the package, but the report confirmed the presence of food, water bottles and a large amount of fuel branded with SOS Energy, an Israeli fuel supplier.

Verified footage shows Israeli supplies reaching Gaza militias like the People’s Army, as Hamas cracks down on rival armed groups and reasserts control.

WATCH | New footage exposes Israel’s secret support for Gaza Militias as Hamas fights to regain control

Iran said on Saturday that it was no longer bound by restrictions on its nuclear programme as a landmark 10-year deal between it and world powers expired, though Tehran reiterated its “commitment to diplomacy.” The 2015 deal -- signed in Vienna by Iran, China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- saw the lifting of international sanctions against the Islamic republic in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme. But the pact had already been in tatters after Washington unilaterally withdrew during President Donald Trump's first term, with Iran later pulling back from its commitments. The reimposition last month of UN sanctions at the urging of three of the deal's European signatories rendered the accord effectively moot.&nbsp;From now on, "all of the provisions (of the deal), including the restrictions on the Iranian nuclear programme and the related mechanisms are considered terminated", Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement on the day of the pact's expiration."Iran firmly expresses its commitment to diplomacy," it added.&nbsp;Western powers have long accused Iran of secretly seeking nuclear weapons -- something it has repeatedly denied, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes such as energy production.The deal's "termination day" was set for October 18, 2025, exactly 10 years after it was enshrined in the UN's Security Council resolution 2231.&nbsp;The accord capped Iran's uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent in exchange for sanctions relief and provided for strict supervision of its nuclear activities by the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).But Washington left the deal in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, after which Tehran began stepping up its nuclear programme.According to the IAEA, Iran is the only country without a nuclear weapons programme to enrich uranium to 60 percent. That is close to the threshold of 90 percent required for a bomb, and well above the level needed for civilian nuclear use.&nbsp;In July, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA following the war with Israel, with Tehran pointing to the agency's failure to condemn Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities. The unprecedented bombing campaign by Israel and the retaliation by Iran during the 12-day war derailed ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.At the initiative of France, Britain and Germany, widespread UN sanctions against Iran returned into force in late September for the first time in a decade.&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a letter addressed to the United Nations on Saturday that the expiration of the 2015 deal renders the sanctions "null and void". Britain, France and Germany accuse Iran of not cooperating with the IAEA and would like it to return to negotiations with the United States. "Iran's efforts to revive the exchanges (with the IAEA) that led to the agreement in Cairo were also sabotaged by the irresponsible actions of the three European countries," the Iranian foreign ministry said in Saturday's statement, referring to a recent framework to resume cooperation.

Iran declared it no longer bound by the 2015 nuclear deal as it expired on Oct 18. The pact had already weakened after the US withdrew in 2018. Iran reaffirmed its diplomatic stance but blamed Western actions for failed talks and renewed UN sanctions. 

Iran said on Saturday that it was no longer bound by restrictions on its nuclear programme as a landmark 10-year deal between it and world powers expired, though Tehran reiterated its “commitment to diplomacy.” The 2015 deal -- signed in Vienna by Iran, China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- saw the lifting of international sanctions against the Islamic republic in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme. But the pact had already been in tatters after Washington unilaterally withdrew during President Donald Trump's first term, with Iran later pulling back from its commitments. The reimposition last month of UN sanctions at the urging of three of the deal's European signatories rendered the accord effectively moot. From now on, "all of the provisions (of the deal), including the restrictions on the Iranian nuclear programme and the related mechanisms are considered terminated", Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement on the day of the pact's expiration. "Iran firmly expresses its commitment to diplomacy," it added. Western powers have long accused Iran of secretly seeking nuclear weapons -- something it has repeatedly denied, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes such as energy production. The deal's "termination day" was set for October 18, 2025, exactly 10 years after it was enshrined in the UN's Security Council resolution 2231. The accord capped Iran's uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent in exchange for sanctions relief and provided for strict supervision of its nuclear activities by the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). But Washington left the deal in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, after which Tehran began stepping up its nuclear programme. According to the IAEA, Iran is the only country without a nuclear weapons programme to enrich uranium to 60 percent. That is close to the threshold of 90 percent required for a bomb, and well above the level needed for civilian nuclear use. In July, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA following the war with Israel, with Tehran pointing to the agency's failure to condemn Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities. The unprecedented bombing campaign by Israel and the retaliation by Iran during the 12-day war derailed ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. At the initiative of France, Britain and Germany, widespread UN sanctions against Iran returned into force in late September for the first time in a decade. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a letter addressed to the United Nations on Saturday that the expiration of the 2015 deal renders the sanctions "null and void". Britain, France and Germany accuse Iran of not cooperating with the IAEA and would like it to return to negotiations with the United States. "Iran's efforts to revive the exchanges (with the IAEA) that led to the agreement in Cairo were also sabotaged by the irresponsible actions of the three European countries," the Iranian foreign ministry said in Saturday's statement, referring to a recent framework to resume cooperation.

Iran declared it no longer bound by the 2015 nuclear deal as it expired on Oct 18. The pact had already weakened after the US withdrew in 2018. Iran reaffirmed its diplomatic stance but blamed Western actions for failed talks and renewed UN sanctions.&nbsp;

'No longer bound by restrictions on nuclear programme': Iran

In the aftermath of Pakistani military strikes,&nbsp;Afghanistan Cricket Board has hoped that other cricket boards will condemn the strikes that killed young Afghan cricketers. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Spokesperson&nbsp;Sayed Naseem Sadaat said, “our management will be definitely in coordination with the other boards.”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-afghanistan-withdraws-from-tri-series-involving-pakistan-as-deadly-air-strikes-kill-three-cricketers-1760758200638">Afghanistan withdraws from tri-series involving Pakistan as deadly air strikes kill three cricketers</a> &nbsp;Yesterday, Pakistani airstrikes targeted residential areas in Afghanistan's Paktika province, killing at least three aspiring Afghan cricketers—Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—along with five other civilians during a gathering after a friendly match.&nbsp;The strikes violated a fragile 48-hour ceasefire amid escalating border clashes. In response, the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series in Pakistan.&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cricket-rashid-khan-condemns-pakistan-airstrikes-that-killed-3-afghan-cricketers-pakistan-afghanistan-war-1760754982646"> Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan airstrikes that killed 3 Afghan cricketers</a><h3>Excerpts from the full interview:</h3>Sidhant Sibal: Yesterday we saw the brutal attack by the Pakistani military in which young Afghan cricketers were killed. So your reaction?&nbsp;Sayed Naseem Sadaat:&nbsp;Yes, unfortunately, yesterday, in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan, in the district of Urgun, due to the aerial bombardment of Pakistan state, a number of our civilian people were martyred and three of the martyrs were Afghan cricketers. The local cricketers who had come to the capital of Paktika province for a tournament, and when they were back to the district, they were all together at a place, at a house, and they were martyred in the aerial bombardment by Pakistan state. So unfortunately, we are very sad to hear that, we condemn this incident, and as a result, we are not participating in the tri-series that was going to be hosted by Pakistan in November.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Is the Afghan Cricket Board planning more actions, other than, of course, the withdrawing from the Tri nation T 20 series in Pakistan in November. Sayed Naseem Sadaat: We will be looking in the future, because for us, our national interests are a priority. We will be, as per the situation, looking to the highest interest of our country. We will take further decisions.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Any expectations from other cricket boards globally, whether it's Indian Cricket Board, whether it's the English, whether it's the Australian, then have you reached out to them? Sayed Naseem Sadaat:&nbsp;Well, we just say that cricket and all the sports, they have the message of peace, and everyone around the world should condemn such brutal attacks that killed innocent people, particularly the cricket players who carry the peace message, it's condemnable, and everybody should condemn such type of barbaric attacks and incidents.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What's the response of the other cricketers, Afghan cricketers, we have seen Rashid Khan reacting, but do we expect more reactions coming in from the Afghan cricketers..Sayed Naseem Sadaat:&nbsp; I'm sure the cricket friends and the cricket fraternity would have been following the social media and they would have definitely noticed the comments of Afghan cricketers. All of them condemned this attack, and all of them say that cricket is a game that carries the message of peace, and during such wars, attacking and targeting innocent people, civilian people, cricketers, this is against all the rules and norms of the world, and everybody condemn it. Sidhant Sibal: Any expectations from the Indian side?&nbsp;Sayed Naseem Sadaat:&nbsp;Well, our management will be definitely in coordination with the other boards. So whenever we get any new decision, any new information, we will definitely share that with the media.

After Pakistani airstrikes killed 3 Afghan cricketers in Paktika, the Afghanistan Cricket Board condemned the attack and withdrew from the Pakistan-hosted tri-series. ACB spokesperson urged global cricket boards to denounce the strikes, calling them an attack on peace and sports.

In the aftermath of Pakistani military strikes, Afghanistan Cricket Board has hoped that other cricket boards will condemn the strikes that killed young Afghan cricketers. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Spokesperson Sayed Naseem Sadaat said, “our management will be definitely in coordination with the other boards.” Read More | Afghanistan withdraws from tri-series involving Pakistan as deadly air strikes kill three cricketers Yesterday, Pakistani airstrikes targeted residential areas in Afghanistan's Paktika province, killing at least three aspiring Afghan cricketers—Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—along with five other civilians during a gathering after a friendly match. The strikes violated a fragile 48-hour ceasefire amid escalating border clashes. In response, the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series in Pakistan. Read More | Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan airstrikes that killed 3 Afghan cricketers Excerpts from the full interview: Sidhant Sibal: Yesterday we saw the brutal attack by the Pakistani military in which young Afghan cricketers were killed. So your reaction? Sayed Naseem Sadaat: Yes, unfortunately, yesterday, in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan, in the district of Urgun, due to the aerial bombardment of Pakistan state, a number of our civilian people were martyred and three of the martyrs were Afghan cricketers. The local cricketers who had come to the capital of Paktika province for a tournament, and when they were back to the district, they were all together at a place, at a house, and they were martyred in the aerial bombardment by Pakistan state. So unfortunately, we are very sad to hear that, we condemn this incident, and as a result, we are not participating in the tri-series that was going to be hosted by Pakistan in November. Sidhant Sibal: Is the Afghan Cricket Board planning more actions, other than, of course, the withdrawing from the Tri nation T 20 series in Pakistan in November. Sayed Naseem Sadaat: We will be looking in the future, because for us, our national interests are a priority. We will be, as per the situation, looking to the highest interest of our country. We will take further decisions. Sidhant Sibal: Any expectations from other cricket boards globally, whether it's Indian Cricket Board, whether it's the English, whether it's the Australian, then have you reached out to them? Sayed Naseem Sadaat: Well, we just say that cricket and all the sports, they have the message of peace, and everyone around the world should condemn such brutal attacks that killed innocent people, particularly the cricket players who carry the peace message, it's condemnable, and everybody should condemn such type of barbaric attacks and incidents. Sidhant Sibal: What's the response of the other cricketers, Afghan cricketers, we have seen Rashid Khan reacting, but do we expect more reactions coming in from the Afghan cricketers.. Sayed Naseem Sadaat: I'm sure the cricket friends and the cricket fraternity would have been following the social media and they would have definitely noticed the comments of Afghan cricketers. All of them condemned this attack, and all of them say that cricket is a game that carries the message of peace, and during such wars, attacking and targeting innocent people, civilian people, cricketers, this is against all the rules and norms of the world, and everybody condemn it. Sidhant Sibal: Any expectations from the Indian side? Sayed Naseem Sadaat: Well, our management will be definitely in coordination with the other boards. So whenever we get any new decision, any new information, we will definitely share that with the media.

After Pakistani airstrikes killed 3 Afghan cricketers in Paktika, the Afghanistan Cricket Board condemned the attack and withdrew from the Pakistan-hosted tri-series. ACB spokesperson urged global cricket boards to denounce the strikes, calling them an attack on peace and sports.

In the aftermath of Pakistani strikes, Afghan cricket board hopes other cricket boards will condemn the attack

Amid the ongoing border clashes with Afghanistan Taliban, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday (Oct 17) said that Islamabad is not in a position to maintain relations with Afghanistan, just like in the past and asked all Afghans living in Pakistan to return to their homeland, where they “have their own government". He further said that the Pakistani soil and its resources only belong to the 250 million Pakistanis and not anybody else.&nbsp;Taking to microblogging site X, Asif wrote "Pakistan can no longer afford to maintain relations with Kabul as it did in the past".&nbsp;"All Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return to their homeland; they now have their own government/caliphate in Kabul...Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis," the minister added.&nbsp;His remarks came just after the ceasefire between the countries ended at 6pm local time.Asif did not stop at this as he went on to target Afghans and said, "Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign land and resources".&nbsp;He claimed that Pakistan has made several efforts in last five years to maintain peace with Taliban but the response has not been very positive.&nbsp;"Pakistan issued 836 protest notes to the Afghan side and another 13 demarches,” he said and warned "There will no longer be protest notes or appeals for peace; no delegations will go to Kabul. Wherever the source of terrorism lies, it will have to pay a heavy price".<h2>"Ready for a two-front war"</h2>&nbsp;On Friday, Asif in an interview claimed that India "could play dirty at the border" and that Pakistan was ready for a "two-front war". Speaking to Samaa TV on the possibility of India provocations along the border under the current situation (clashes with Taliban) Asif said, &nbsp;"No, absolutely, you cannot rule that out. There are strong possibilities."&nbsp;On being asked further by the anchor whether the country is prepared for a "two-front war" and has the Prime Minister been consulted on how to deal with it if it happens, the Pakistani Defence Minister said, &nbsp;"Yes, strategies are in place. I can't discuss them publicly, but we are prepared for any eventuality."&nbsp;

Asif did not stop at this as he went on to target Afghans and said, Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign land and resources.

Amid the ongoing border clashes with Afghanistan Taliban, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday (Oct 17) said that Islamabad is not in a position to maintain relations with Afghanistan, just like in the past and asked all Afghans living in Pakistan to return to their homeland, where they “have their own government". He further said that the Pakistani soil and its resources only belong to the 250 million Pakistanis and not anybody else. Taking to microblogging site X, Asif wrote "Pakistan can no longer afford to maintain relations with Kabul as it did in the past". "All Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return to their homeland; they now have their own government/caliphate in Kabul...Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis," the minister added. His remarks came just after the ceasefire between the countries ended at 6pm local time. Asif did not stop at this as he went on to target Afghans and said, "Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign land and resources". He claimed that Pakistan has made several efforts in last five years to maintain peace with Taliban but the response has not been very positive. "Pakistan issued 836 protest notes to the Afghan side and another 13 demarches,” he said and warned "There will no longer be protest notes or appeals for peace; no delegations will go to Kabul. Wherever the source of terrorism lies, it will have to pay a heavy price". "Ready for a two-front war" On Friday, Asif in an interview claimed that India "could play dirty at the border" and that Pakistan was ready for a "two-front war". Speaking to Samaa TV on the possibility of India provocations along the border under the current situation (clashes with Taliban) Asif said, "No, absolutely, you cannot rule that out. There are strong possibilities." On being asked further by the anchor whether the country is prepared for a "two-front war" and has the Prime Minister been consulted on how to deal with it if it happens, the Pakistani Defence Minister said, "Yes, strategies are in place. I can't discuss them publicly, but we are prepared for any eventuality."

The Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went on to target Afghans and said, "Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign land and resources".

Khawaja Asif threatens Afghans residing in Pakistan, says 'must go back home' amid clashes with Taliban

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