AFG vs ZIM: Zimbabwe become first team to score 500+ in both innings of a Test match

US midterms 2026: These Senate and House races are still too close to call. Here's where they stand

Sheikh Hasina's banned student outfit calls shutdown: Bangladesh on alert after spate of blasts, arson

Nvidia shares crash 8% after reports of probe into CEO Jensen Huang's alleged spy links

Ramayana team issues legal notice over theatre recordings, cites High Court orders

Pakistan TV anchor shot dead at home, husband arrested after national outrage | GRAVITAS

'Using US funds to violate int'l law': Michigan's first Muslim Senator-elect questions aid to Pakistan

Delhi AQI touches 384 on Diwali morning, 11 monitoring stations record severe air quality

Europe seeks fair Ukraine deal, urges US restraint on Iran in G7 Meets; France accuses IRGC of hacking supermarket fridges

New OTT releases this week (November 9-15, 2026): Jailer 2, The Lord of the Rings, Bandra- 6 latest titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

First handshake? Radio signal with all hallmarks of alien technology detected in China

Two massive tears discovered in tectonic plate under Iran

Harry Potter world grows: 2 new books confirmed—here is what they are about

Pakistan’s Rs 316-billion Hydropower Project halted as rock collapse hits protective barrier, no casualties

Salman Khan reacts to Ramayana's Rs 4,000 crore budget: 'I just don’t think...'

Chinese streamers film in Bangladesh, allegedly tell viewers they are in India

Pyre faces major theatre setback as Vinod Kapri claims 75% screenings removed: 'We deserve a fair chance'

$4.8 billion chip puzzle: How Nvidia's Megaspeed connection unravelled an alleged honeytrap plot

Khamenei orders Iranian President Pezeshkian to end ‘no war, no peace’ status with US

Dhaka rejects Sheikh Hasina's request for a new passport

'Cast him as James Bond!': Fans go wild as Hrithik Roshan meets Nicole Kidman, Denis Villeneuve at LACMA Gala

'She was 19, I was 17...': Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's love story with wife Lori goes viral amid alleged Chinese spy affair

Who is Alice Huang, the woman Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang allegedly had an affair with?

The Muslim politician and voter: A growth the US right wing cannot ignore, and will have to live with

'Carried out by IRGC': France blames Iran for cyber-attacks on supermarket refrigerators, opens probe

Doomsday warning? Why governments are warning people to stockpile emergency supplies for 72 hours

Who is Lori Mills? Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's wife, once his lab partner, now married for 41 years

Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie files resolution in House to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

From kiss cam to dance clips: AI videos mock Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid affair scandal

23-year-old Telangana student goes missing in US, state minister seeks MEA intervention

England name squad for South Africa Tests; Liam Patterson-White earns maiden call-up

Paraguay banking crisis: New President orders all ministers to resign, appoints Schreiner as new central bank head

IND vs NZ, 3rd ODI: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay tuned to this live blog for all the latest news and breaking developments from India and around the world. In the Middle East, tensions are escalating between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, with reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought Riyadh’s approval for Israel to join the campaign against the Iran-linked group, only for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reject the proposal.In India, the detention of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka following the Jantar Mantar protest continues to draw attention, with the duo being sent to five-day judicial custody. Meanwhile, an Air India Frankfurt-Delhi flight was diverted to Jaipur after a hijacking alert, with authorities launching a probe into the incident.In the United States, the midterm election campaign is gathering pace as political parties and candidates step up their outreach ahead of the crucial polls. The campaigns are expected to dominate the US political landscape as candidates focus on key issues and seek to consolidate support.Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Restrictions of Starlink internet terminal operations were "depriving" Ukraine of defence against Russia's jet-powered drones, a technology adviser to the Ukrainian president said Wednesday after a night of&nbsp;massive Russian strikes."Through their actions, our partners are depriving us of one of the few chances we have to defend the country against jet-powered Shahed drones," Sergiy Beskrestnov said on Telegram.

Starlink restrictions 'depriving' Ukraine of defence means: Zelensky adviser

NATO chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday urged alliance members to step up support for Ukraine's air defences, as Russia's strikes pound the country."With winter coming and with Russia's aggression unrelenting, allies need to do more, especially in support of air defence," Rutte said at a press conference in Estonia.

NATO countries 'need to do more' to boost Ukraine air defences: Rutte

France's tallest mountain was nearly two metres higher last month than its last reported measurement in 2023, surveyors said Wednesday, putting the Alpine peak at 4,807.47 metres (15,772.5 feet).

Mont Blanc nearly two metres taller than in 2023: French surveyors

The Income Tax Department has notified amendments to the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), introducing a principal purpose test (PPT) that allows tax treaty benefits to be denied if obtaining such benefits was one of the main purposes of a transaction or arrangement. According to the notification, treaty benefits will not be granted if, based on the relevant facts and circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that obtaining the benefit was one of the principal purposes of an arrangement or transaction, unless granting the benefit is consistent with the objectives of the relevant treaty provisions. The amendment aims to prevent the misuse of tax treaty provisions to avoid or reduce taxes through tax evasion or avoidance.

India notifies amended tax treaty with Mauritius, introduces principal purpose test

Traders across Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) shut down markets in protest against taxation policies and the implementation of the Food Act 2022, accusing the authorities of imposing additional financial burdens on local businesses already struggling with economic pressures. The protest was directed against strict fee structures, mandatory registration requirements and tax enforcement measures introduced under the Food Act 2022. Traders and their representative unions have raised concerns over the government’s policies, arguing that the measures are creating further difficulties for the business community in the region.

Traders shut markets in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan over taxation, food act

The trial opened in Germany on Wednesday of a Ukrainian former military officer over the bombing of the Nord Stream pipelines, an AFP journalist said.Sergiy Kuznietsov, accused of leading a team of Ukrainians that blew up the gas pipelines in 2022, entered the courtroom in Hamburg accompanied by officials and gave his personal details in response to questions from a judge.

Trial begins in Germany of Ukrainian over Nord Stream sabotage

NVIDIA has announced a USD 250 million investment over five years to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) safety and security research in the United Kingdom, according to a statement by the company. Under the initiative, NVIDIA will provide USD 50 million annually in computing resources to support research on agentic AI safety and security across the UK. Most of the funding will support the wider AI research community, while a portion will be allocated to the British Open-Ended Learning and Discovery Lab (BOLD), the Science of Fundamental AI Research Lab (SOFAIR) and Imperial College London.

NVIDIA to invest USD 250 million in UK AI safety research over five years

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said the state government has imposed a one-year ban on the sale of gutkha, paan masala and tobacco products, stressing the need to curb addiction and protect the younger generation.Explaining the decision, Dhami said the matter is reviewed every year and the adverse effects of narcotic substances necessitate steps to restrict their use.He said, “This is reviewed every year, and after the review, the conclusion that emerges is that all these things need to be stopped. The adverse effects of narcotic substances are evident to all of us, and there should be a curb on them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has a clear goal and resolve to prevent the country's new generation from going astray due to addiction. If the new generation veers in the wrong direction, it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the nation's future. Uttarakhand is the land of the gods, and we are advancing this effort at every level.”

Uttarakhand bans sale of gutkha, paan masala, tobacco products for one year: Uttarakhand CM Dhami

Iran on Wednesday said it had hanged a man convicted of carrying out "terrorist attacks" in support of Israel, as authorities step up executions linked to the Middle East war.The judiciary said Ali-Sina Mostafavi, "an armed terrorist and agent of the American-Zionist enemy during the war", had been executed, according to a report by state media.It did not disclose the date of his arrest or trial.

Iran executes man accused of attacks in support of Israel

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said on Wednesday they had targeted facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco as well as Riyadh airport, as they vowed to conduct more attacks."The Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a high-quality military operation targeting Aramco in Dhahran, in the Eastern Province, King Khalid International Airport, and the Aramco refinery in Riyadh. This was carried out using a large number of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones," military spokesperson Yahya Saree said, adding, "operations toward Saudi depths will continue in the coming days, targeting Saudi enemy airports and oil facilities".

Houthis say they targeted Saudi oil giant Aramco, airport, refinery

Demand for diesel fuel will remain unusually high into 2027 because of reduced supply from Gulf producers stemming from the US war against Iran, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday."The gasoil market balance will remain tight well into 2027 and is dependent on a recovery of product supply from the Middle East," the Paris-based agency said in its monthly energy markets report.

Diesel supplies to remain 'tight' into 2027, warns IEA

Massive students protests have erupted in Albania as hundreds of students took to streets to seek Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better education. Riot police was seen on the street using tear gas and water cannons on the protesting students and protesters were seen throwing stones and eggs at the security personnel. AFP reported that the protesting students smashed windows of the education ministry, defaced the property, tore down a fence and set billboards on fire. In a statement, police said that six officers and one female journalist were injured and at least 23 people were arrested. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-molotov-cocktails-smashed-windows-violence-erupts-in-albania-as-students-protest-for-better-education-seeks-pm-s-resignation-1791953312357">READ MORE</a>

Tear gas, Molotov cocktails, smashed windows: Violence erupts in Albania as students protest for better education, seeks PM's resignation

Iran is reportedly strengthening its military capabilities and defenses around sensitive locations, such as nuclear sites, anticipating renewed US attacks after the November midterm elections. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Islamic establishment has been telling regional officials that Tehran will retaliate to any new strikes across the Middle East. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-bolstering-nuclear-sites-preparing-people-for-war-report-1791961067159">READ MORE</a>

Iran bolstering nuclear sites, preparing people for war: Report

Some AI researchers are such firm believers in the power of the technology that they have taken up smoking. As bizarre as it might sound, this is a claim made by Palantir chief technology officer Shyam Sankar. He said that "mass psychosis" has gripped the Silicon Valley where companies are racing to create artificial general intelligence, or AGI, a machine as intelligent as, or even more than humans.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/case-of-mass-psychosis-ai-researchers-are-smoking-to-prove-it-can-cure-cancer-1791962968140"> READ MORE</a> &nbsp;

Case of 'mass psychosis': AI researchers are smoking because they are sure AGI can cure cancer

Katie Zacharia, the new White House Press Secretary who replaced Karoline Leavitt, made headlines on Tuesday (Oct 13) as she made her briefing room debut. A conservative commentator and former State Department employee, Zacharia had a disastrous debut that was marked by remarkably few questions from journalists and loads of praise for US President Donald Trump. Notably, the briefing lasted only 14 minutes and included questions from only three conservative outlets before she deferred all questions to Trump himself.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-katie-zacharia-trump-s-new-press-secretary-under-fire-after-china-law-degree-gaffe-past-links-to-maga-inner-circle-emerge-1791963477582"> READ MORE</a>

Trump's new press secretary under fire after China bar exam remark; Polymarket bets on how long Katie Zacharia will last

Talismanic Indian batter Virat Kohli broke the internet with his LinkedIn debut, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Robin Uthappa on the professional networking platform. His move is significant, considering his reach and social media following are among the top five athletes worldwide. Kohli has over 273 million Instagram followers, the third-highest behind Cristiano Ronaldo (680 million) and Lionel Messi (517 million), making him the most-followed Indian on Instagram. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-linkedin-debut-agilitas-one8world-1791965696854">READ MORE</a>

Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’

In the first public display of support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the arrest of the group's leaders for protesting at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday morning. The support evoked a prompt thank you message from the CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261014/image-1791966248223.png"></figure>

Rahul Gandhi backs jailed CJP leaders, questions action over hoisting national flag

The house of the man accused of shooting anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota is being demolished in Mansa. Police personnel are present at the spot. The accused was arrested in Churu, Rajasthan, earlier today.

Man accused of shooting anti-drug activist arrested, house demolished 

At least six people have been killed after Russia launched air attacks in Ukraine, causing power cuts in parts of the capital, Kyiv. This comes days after United States President Donald Trump announced an “energy ceasefire” in the more-than-four-year war. The ⁠Russian Defence Ministry stated on Wednesday (October 14) that its forces had carried out a “massive” strike ‌against communications and energy infrastructure facilities ⁠in Ukraine, the Interfax ⁠news ⁠agency reported.

At least six die after Russia launches attack on Ukraine, cuts power in Kyiv

Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday (October 14) said Jantar Mantar “belongs to the people of India”, days after it was de-notified as a protest site. “Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. It is not anyone’s private property that they can decide who gets to enter and who must stay away,” Khera said in a post on X.He added, “The RSS-BJP’s project of dividing Indians and turning them against one another has suffered a massive setback. Rahul Gandhi’s unifying call has brought the focus back where it belongs: a united struggle against this Vote Chor regime to save our Constitution, democracy and Republic.”

‘Jantar Mantar belongs to people of India…not private property,’ says Congress leader Pawan Khera

At the ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "I would like to suggest some practical outcomes from this forum. First, let us develop a joint India-ASEAN research agenda on maritime security, cyber threats, emerging technologies, disaster response, and defence industry cooperation. Second, let us encourage regular exchanges among researchers, including young scholars, through fellowships, visiting programs, and joint publications. Third, let us identify a small number of pilot projects, for example, a tabletop exercise on maritime disaster response, a joint study on counter-drone solutions, or a research project on secure maritime information sharing. Fourth, let us promote Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues so that researchers, practitioners, and policymakers can continue their discussions between formal meetings... India seeks an Indo-Pacific where all countries, large and small, can make their own choices, protect their interests, and pursue development in peace... Let this forum help us move from shared understanding to practical cooperation, from discussion to joint research, and from joint research to solutions to improve the security and well-being of our people..."

Rajnath Singh on joint India-ASEAN research agenda

An Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur following a security alert and landed safely at Jaipur International Airport. While preliminary reports suggested a bomb threat, an airport source said that the alert was related to a hijacking rumour.&nbsp;

Frankfurt-Delhi Air India flight diverted to Jaipur after security alert, probe on

A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) on Wednesday (October 14) sent Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to five days of judicial custody. Action against them was taken a day after the duo, along with several others from the outfit, breached the de-notified Jantar Mantar protest site.&nbsp;

CJP's Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to 5-day judicial custody

Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry claimed that a strike caused a small fire at an Aramco building in Dhahran with no injuries, following a Houthi warning for civilians to evacuate Saudi oil sites it described as a “legitimate target”.

Houthis hit Aramco hours after Saudi-led coalition strikes Sanaa Oil site

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including India's immediate neighbourhood, major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay tuned to this live blog for all the latest news and breaking developments from India and around the world. In the Middle East, tensions are escalating between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, with reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought Riyadh’s approval for Israel to join the campaign against the Iran-linked group, only for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reject the proposal. In India, the detention of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka following the Jantar Mantar protest continues to draw attention, with the duo being sent to five-day judicial custody. Meanwhile, an Air India Frankfurt-Delhi flight was diverted to Jaipur after a hijacking alert, with authorities launching a probe into the incident. In the United States, the midterm election campaign is gathering pace as political parties and candidates step up their outreach ahead of the crucial polls. The campaigns are expected to dominate the US political landscape as candidates focus on key issues and seek to consolidate support. Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including India's immediate neighbourhood, major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

Latest News India & World LIVE updates: Rahul Gandhi backs CJP, Virat Kohli joins LinkedIn and more

Massive students protests have erupted in Albania as hundreds of students took to streets to seek Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better education. Riot police was seen on the street using tear gas and water cannons on the protesting students and protesters were seen throwing stones and eggs at the security personnel. AFP reported that the protesting students smashed windows of the education ministry, defaced the property, &nbsp;tore down a fence and set billboards on fire. In a statement, police said that six officers and one female journalist were injured and at least 23 people were arrested. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ervin Demo condemned the violence. "I call on all participants to remain calm, violence is unjustifiable," he said in a Facebook post.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The brutality-and above all, the terrifying amateurism-of the Albanian police is out of control.
​Demonstrating total recklessness, they are firing tear gas deep inside densely populated neighborhoods of Tirana, causing severe distress inside citizens' homes. This must stop. 🇦🇱🦩 https://t.co/vREFRbP49R&mdash; Tirana Report (@Tirana_Report) <a href="https://x.com/Tirana_Report/status/2110049019779219804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/delhi-protest-delhi-braces-for-major-monday-showdown-amid-political-tensions-1791789618988">Delhi Protest: Delhi braces for major Monday showdown amid political tensions</a>&nbsp;Video footage published by local media appeared to show officers striking and dragging protesters, prompting allegations of excessive force. Other footage showed demonstrators throwing objects at police and damaging property. &nbsp;The Albanian Helsinki Committee, a human rights organization, expressed concern over violence during the demonstration and called for an independent investigation into allegations of excessive police force. The organization condemned violence by any party and said the actions of individual demonstrators should not be used to justify treating all participants as violent.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-delhi-protest-metro-train-curbs-pleas-to-october-15-1791876640187">SC adjourns hearing on Delhi protest, metro-train curbs pleas to October 15</a>&nbsp;Anti-government protests have been taking place in Albania since four months. It was sparked by a luxury tourism project linked to US President Donald Trump's family. Protesters have opposed plans for a luxury hotel in a coastal nature reserve linked to Trump's daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner. The project has fuelled anger over alleged corruption and a lack of transparency, with protesters demanding Rama's resignation.&nbsp;Students echoed those demands but told local media that Tuesday's rally was also to decry university conditions, tuition fees and a lack of support for young people. "Problems are not solved by pretending they do not exist. Students have questions, demands and plenty of reasons to be heard," one of the organisers said on Instagram.&nbsp;

Police used tear gas and water cannons as hundreds of students protested in Albania's capital, Tirana, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better education. Seven people, including six officers and a journalist, were injured, while 23 protesters were arrested.

Massive students protests have erupted in Albania as hundreds of students took to streets to seek Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better education. Riot police was seen on the street using tear gas and water cannons on the protesting students and protesters were seen throwing stones and eggs at the security personnel. AFP reported that the protesting students smashed windows of the education ministry, defaced the property, tore down a fence and set billboards on fire. In a statement, police said that six officers and one female journalist were injured and at least 23 people were arrested. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ervin Demo condemned the violence. "I call on all participants to remain calm, violence is unjustifiable," he said in a Facebook post.

Police used tear gas and water cannons as hundreds of students protested in Albania's capital, Tirana, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation and better education. Seven people, including six officers and a journalist, were injured, while 23 protesters were arrested.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navi Pillay on Tuesday (Oct 13) urged the United States to return to its traditional role as a global defender of human rights, criticising Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its decision to impose sanctions on the institution. “My message is: ‘You have to get back to playing your serious role as a leader, playing a liberatory role for the rest of the world,'" Pillay, 85, told Reuters in The Hague on Tuesday, where she serves as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest court.The remarks came days after Pillay was announced as this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner. Hours after the announcement on Friday, the US unveiled sweeping sanctions targeting the ICC, where Pillay previously worked.Pillay said she did not believe the timing was coincidental, arguing that efforts to weaken international criminal justice through the court had been developing for some time. Notably, US President Donald Trump was also a contender for the Nobel Peace Prize; he was nominated for the honour by the leaders or governments of Pakistan, Israel, and Cambodia. “I think it’s very unfortunate. However, the plans of targeting international criminal justice through the ICC were brewing all the time,” she said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-navi-pillay-nobel-peace-prize-2026-goes-to-indian-origin-human-rights-pioneer-1791536597215">Nobel Peace Prize 2026 goes to Indian-Origin Human Rights Pioneer Navi Pillay</a><h2>Pillay condemns US sanctions against ICC</h2>Pillay said she visited ICC staff after returning from Nuremberg to The Hague to express solidarity with those working to advance international criminal justice and support personnel who have already been sanctioned.The sanctions have raised concerns about the pressure facing international judicial institutions. On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ICC as a “rogue court” and said Washington would not allow it to prosecute Americans.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-end-icc-us-sanctions-international-court-threatens-to-cripple-hours-after-navi-pillay-wins-nobel-peace-prize-1791559336980">‘We will end ICC’: US sanctions International court, threatens to cripple hours after Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize</a><h2>What does the US have against the ICC?</h2>The US has long opposed aspects of the ICC’s jurisdiction, particularly its ability to prosecute alleged atrocity crimes committed on the territory of member states even when the accused is a national of a country that has not joined the court.President Donald Trump has been particularly angered by arrest warrants issued by the ICC in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. His administration has intensified pressure on the court in recent months.Speaking at an event at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo on Saturday, Pillay described the sanctions as “unheard of, unacceptable”.“There are hundreds of staff who feel they are under threat,” she said via video link from Nuremberg, adding that the measures targeted judges over the judicial orders they issue.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay has urged the US to resume its role as a defender of human rights, criticising sanctions against the International Criminal Court. She also raised concerns about threats to international justice and the prosecution of sexual violence in conflict.


Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navi Pillay on Tuesday (Oct 13) urged the United States to return to its traditional role as a global defender of human rights, criticising Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its decision to impose sanctions on the institution. “My message is: ‘You have to get back to playing your serious role as a leader, playing a liberatory role for the rest of the world,'" Pillay, 85, told Reuters in The Hague on Tuesday, where she serves as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest court. The remarks came days after Pillay was announced as this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner. Hours after the announcement on Friday, the US unveiled sweeping sanctions targeting the ICC, where Pillay previously worked. Pillay said she did not believe the timing was coincidental, arguing that efforts to weaken international criminal justice through the court had been developing for some time. Notably, US President Donald Trump was also a contender for the Nobel Peace Prize; he was nominated for the honour by the leaders or governments of Pakistan, Israel, and Cambodia. “I think it’s very unfortunate. However, the plans of targeting international criminal justice through the ICC were brewing all the time,” she said. Also read | Nobel Peace Prize 2026 goes to Indian-Origin Human Rights Pioneer Navi Pillay Pillay condemns US sanctions against ICC Pillay said she visited ICC staff after returning from Nuremberg to The Hague to express solidarity with those working to advance international criminal justice and support personnel who have already been sanctioned. The sanctions have raised concerns about the pressure facing international judicial institutions. On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ICC as a “rogue court” and said Washington would not allow it to prosecute Americans. Also read | ‘We will end ICC’: US sanctions International court, threatens to cripple hours after Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize What does the US have against the ICC? The US has long opposed aspects of the ICC’s jurisdiction, particularly its ability to prosecute alleged atrocity crimes committed on the territory of member states even when the accused is a national of a country that has not joined the court. President Donald Trump has been particularly angered by arrest warrants issued by the ICC in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. His administration has intensified pressure on the court in recent months. Speaking at an event at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo on Saturday, Pillay described the sanctions as “unheard of, unacceptable”. “There are hundreds of staff who feel they are under threat,” she said via video link from Nuremberg, adding that the measures targeted judges over the judicial orders they issue.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay has urged the US to resume its role as a defender of human rights, criticising sanctions against the International Criminal Court. She also raised concerns about threats to international justice and the prosecution of sexual violence in conflict.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay calls on US to 'get back to' being defender of human rights

Amid rising Saudi-Houthi conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Houthis. A report in Haaretz quoted a diplomatic source adding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed Israeli military involvement because of the likely backlash among the kingdom's public. Israel wants to become the part of the fight as Houthis are linked with Iran's Axis of Resistance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-accuses-houthis-of-driving-up-oil-prices-before-us-polls-warns-of-consequences-1791919871695">Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long pushed for Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel, following the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco's moves to establish relations with Tel Aviv in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. However, efforts to bring Riyadh on board have faced significant hurdles, particularly since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Saudi Arabia has maintained that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel without substantial progress towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a position that remains at odds with Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-erdogan-saudi-arabia-houthi-attacks-yemen-conflict-1791907334418">Trump warns Houthis, says Erdogan would do as asked on Saudi Arabia</a><h2>Saudi-Houthi conflict</h2> The tensions between Saudi and Houthis rose mid July this year when Saudi-backed Yemeni forces bombed the runway at Sanaa International Airport to block an Iranian civilian flight carrying Houthi delegates returning from Tehran. Riyadh claimed the flight also covertly carried Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military personnel and equipment intended to help the Houthis enforce a chokehold on the Red Sea. After months of a war of words, the Houthis have launched coordinated, multi-wave aerial attacks on Saudi. Recent attacks have directly struck Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Aramco in Dhahran and Ras Tanura. The Saudi-led coalition has responded with intensive air campaigns targeting Houthi military sites, fuel depots, and positions around Sanaa and Hodeidah. Earlier in the week, deadly Houthi strikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killed at least 13 people. Flights remain suspended and countries like the US, India and UK issue travel warnings for Saudi airports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Yemen's Houthis. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed the proposal, citing fears of a public backlash, Haaretz reported.

Amid rising Saudi-Houthi conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Houthis. A report in Haaretz quoted a diplomatic source adding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed Israeli military involvement because of the likely backlash among the kingdom's public. Israel wants to become the part of the fight as Houthis are linked with Iran's Axis of Resistance. Also Read: Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long pushed for Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel, following the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco's moves to establish relations with Tel Aviv in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. However, efforts to bring Riyadh on board have faced significant hurdles, particularly since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Saudi Arabia has maintained that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel without substantial progress towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a position that remains at odds with Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood. Also Read: Trump warns Houthis, says Erdogan would do as asked on Saudi Arabia Saudi-Houthi conflict The tensions between Saudi and Houthis rose mid July this year when Saudi-backed Yemeni forces bombed the runway at Sanaa International Airport to block an Iranian civilian flight carrying Houthi delegates returning from Tehran. Riyadh claimed the flight also covertly carried Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military personnel and equipment intended to help the Houthis enforce a chokehold on the Red Sea. After months of a war of words, the Houthis have launched coordinated, multi-wave aerial attacks on Saudi. Recent attacks have directly struck Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Aramco in Dhahran and Ras Tanura. The Saudi-led coalition has responded with intensive air campaigns targeting Houthi military sites, fuel depots, and positions around Sanaa and Hodeidah. Earlier in the week, deadly Houthi strikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killed at least 13 people. Flights remain suspended and countries like the US, India and UK issue travel warnings for Saudi airports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Yemen's Houthis. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opposed the proposal, citing fears of a public backlash, Haaretz reported.

Netanyahu wants to join Saudi's war on Houthis, but Crown Prince denies: Report

Nepal's Himalayan Cross Border Commerce Association has asked China to reopen the Tatopani-Khasa border point, saying the crossing has remained closed on the Chinese side and left festive goods stranded during the Dashain shopping season. In a letter to Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming on Tuesday (Oct 13), the association said the Tatopani crossing remained the most viable route for cross-border trade after recent weather-related disruptions damaged other routes. The association said hundreds of containers carrying festival-related cargo remained stranded at the border, including perishable goods, agricultural products and seasonal merchandise. It warned that delays could cause losses for small traders and contribute to shortages in Nepal's markets. The association said authorities on the Nepali side had cleared obstacles and restored safe passage, making the road operational for customs clearance and vehicle movement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-hits-bank-of-america-with-over-1-2-billion-in-penalties-over-suspicious-transactions-and-chinese-money-laundering-links-1791946441112">US fines Bank of America $1.2 billion, flags Chinese money-laundering links</a> It urged the Chinese Embassy to coordinate with customs authorities and relevant departments in China's Tibet Autonomous Region to facilitate the reopening of the crossing and clearance of stranded vehicles and goods. The request comes as Nepal enters Dashain, one of the country's biggest shopping periods, when demand typically rises for clothes, footwear, electronics, decorative lights and other household goods. But this year's festive supply chain has been disrupted by floods, landslides and damage to key trade routes.<img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261014/image-1791952602511.jpeg"> The Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods on August 26 severely disrupted the Rasuwa and Tatopani routes, while heavy rainfall and landslides between September 24 and 27 further affected transportation, including the Korala route. Customs data for the first two months of Nepal's current fiscal year, from mid-July to mid-September 2026, shows imports worth around 7.92 billion Nepali rupees through Rasuwa and 8.33 billion rupees through Mustang. Imports through Tatopani during the period stood at around 134.6 million rupees. Mustang's share of Nepal's total imports rose from 0.31% in the first month of the fiscal year to 2.08% in the first two months, an increase of 1.77 percentage points. After the Rasuwa route was devastated by floods, traders redirected some goods through other crossings, including Korala. But road damage following heavy rainfall has also disrupted movement there. Ramachandra Parajuli, secretary general of the Himalayan Cross-Himalayan Border Chamber of Commerce, told WION that trade through Nepal-China land routes was now "almost at a standstill". He said the Tatopani crossing was closed by the Chinese side a few days after the floods. "The other one, Tatopani border point, which was operating and was in a healthy condition, was also closed unilaterally by the Chinese side, by the Chinese government, a few days ago or let us say three or four days after the floods."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-presses-lipulekh-pass-claim-in-talks-with-china-1756571311530">Nepal presses Lipulekh Pass claim in talks with China</a> Parajuli said goods that normally enter Nepal through Tatopani had not been able to move into the country and called for diplomatic initiatives to reopen the crossing. "There are many perishable goods stuck there. There are many daily-consumption goods and various kinds of tools and other goods used in Nepal that are stuck there," he said. He said the government, private sector and other agencies should work together to bring the crossing back into operation. The disruption is also being felt in Kathmandu's festive market. Shopkeepers say the usual Dashain rush has been weaker this year, with damaged roads also making it harder for customers from outside the capital to travel to Kathmandu for shopping. Yagya Raj Bhatta, a shopkeeper, told WION the disruption had severely affected his business. "It has immensely affected our business. First, Tatopani was closed following the earthquake. Then the Rasuwa border point, which was convenient for us, was destroyed by floods. Now, there are road problems at Korala as well." He said goods from the hills had not arrived and customers from outside Kathmandu were also unable to travel for festive shopping. "Earlier, we used to do good business during Dashain, but this time it has been unusually quiet. Sales are at their lowest," he said. &nbsp;

Nepal's festive trade is under pressure as goods pile up at the Tatopani-Khasa border. Traders say the key China-Nepal crossing remains closed, leaving essential and seasonal supplies stranded just as Dashain shopping picks up.

Nepal's Himalayan Cross Border Commerce Association has asked China to reopen the Tatopani-Khasa border point, saying the crossing has remained closed on the Chinese side and left festive goods stranded during the Dashain shopping season. In a letter to Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming on Tuesday (Oct 13), the association said the Tatopani crossing remained the most viable route for cross-border trade after recent weather-related disruptions damaged other routes. The association said hundreds of containers carrying festival-related cargo remained stranded at the border, including perishable goods, agricultural products and seasonal merchandise. It warned that delays could cause losses for small traders and contribute to shortages in Nepal's markets. The association said authorities on the Nepali side had cleared obstacles and restored safe passage, making the road operational for customs clearance and vehicle movement. Also read | US fines Bank of America $1.2 billion, flags Chinese money-laundering links It urged the Chinese Embassy to coordinate with customs authorities and relevant departments in China's Tibet Autonomous Region to facilitate the reopening of the crossing and clearance of stranded vehicles and goods. The request comes as Nepal enters Dashain, one of the country's biggest shopping periods, when demand typically rises for clothes, footwear, electronics, decorative lights and other household goods. But this year's festive supply chain has been disrupted by floods, landslides and damage to key trade routes. The Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods on August 26 severely disrupted the Rasuwa and Tatopani routes, while heavy rainfall and landslides between September 24 and 27 further affected transportation, including the Korala route. Customs data for the first two months of Nepal's current fiscal year, from mid-July to mid-September 2026, shows imports worth around 7.92 billion Nepali rupees through Rasuwa and 8.33 billion rupees through Mustang. Imports through Tatopani during the period stood at around 134.6 million rupees. Mustang's share of Nepal's total imports rose from 0.31% in the first month of the fiscal year to 2.08% in the first two months, an increase of 1.77 percentage points. After the Rasuwa route was devastated by floods, traders redirected some goods through other crossings, including Korala. But road damage following heavy rainfall has also disrupted movement there. Ramachandra Parajuli, secretary general of the Himalayan Cross-Himalayan Border Chamber of Commerce, told WION that trade through Nepal-China land routes was now "almost at a standstill". He said the Tatopani crossing was closed by the Chinese side a few days after the floods. "The other one, Tatopani border point, which was operating and was in a healthy condition, was also closed unilaterally by the Chinese side, by the Chinese government, a few days ago or let us say three or four days after the floods." Also read | Nepal presses Lipulekh Pass claim in talks with China Parajuli said goods that normally enter Nepal through Tatopani had not been able to move into the country and called for diplomatic initiatives to reopen the crossing. "There are many perishable goods stuck there. There are many daily-consumption goods and various kinds of tools and other goods used in Nepal that are stuck there," he said. He said the government, private sector and other agencies should work together to bring the crossing back into operation. The disruption is also being felt in Kathmandu's festive market. Shopkeepers say the usual Dashain rush has been weaker this year, with damaged roads also making it harder for customers from outside the capital to travel to Kathmandu for shopping. Yagya Raj Bhatta, a shopkeeper, told WION the disruption had severely affected his business. "It has immensely affected our business. First, Tatopani was closed following the earthquake. Then the Rasuwa border point, which was convenient for us, was destroyed by floods. Now, there are road problems at Korala as well." He said goods from the hills had not arrived and customers from outside Kathmandu were also unable to travel for festive shopping. "Earlier, we used to do good business during Dashain, but this time it has been unusually quiet. Sales are at their lowest," he said.

Nepal's festive trade is under pressure as goods pile up at the Tatopani-Khasa border. Traders say the key China-Nepal crossing remains closed, leaving essential and seasonal supplies stranded just as Dashain shopping picks up.

Nepal traders ask China to reopen Tatopani border point for festival trade

Donald Trump’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, once talked about Natalie Harp, a long-time trusted aide of the president, calling her a "true, true patriot." Harp has become a key part of Trump's entourage and is also known for writing and publishing his Truth Social posts. Meanwhile, Zacharia started in her new role on October 12, and is already being slammed for the 14-minute briefing in which she only took three questions.&nbsp;Harp has been criticised for sharing controversial posts and content that was later deleted or caused political pushback. She has been slammed for curating positive news and social media commentary, acting as a strict gatekeeper.<h2>Zacharia slams those targeting Natalie Harp</h2>Zacharia has defended Harp in the past, slamming media houses for their persistent and shameful "obsession" with Harp. She pushed back against narratives and controversies surrounding the aide's high-profile role in the administration. In an interview with News24 presenter Gabriella Power, Zacharia said, "Natalie Harp is a true, pure patriot. She absolutely loves this country and serves the president in a capacity that many others cannot and will not."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/my-president-i-mean-my-husband-trump-s-new-press-secretary-katie-zacharia-s-first-briefing-goes-off-the-rails-in-14-minutes-1791915462032">‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes</a>&nbsp;She added that most people in Washington are pursuing career opportunities, Harp is not running towards any such thing, and she is motivated "truly to serve" because "she does love her country."&nbsp;Zacharia had also slammed Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff who said Trump wanted to "build his ballroom and travel with Natalie". She said, "There just is this vitriol by the left-wing media for her," and that they are "making something up out of thin air on Natalie Harp." Zacharia said Ossoff "wanted to set off this firestorm for her and for the president" when he made such comments.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-natalie-harp-trump-s-human-printer-is-making-headlines-again-here">Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again. Here’s why</a>&nbsp;Zacharia was appointed as the new White House Press Secretary on October 9 and started the role on October 12. She has appeared regularly on Fox News, Newsmax and other outlets as a legal and political commentator. At her first briefing, she praised and thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to become his press secretary, saying she wanted to work for him for a long time.&nbsp;According to her LinkedIn profile, she has served as senior communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group since June 2026. Zacharia was also the deputy assistant secretary and spokesperson for former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. &nbsp;

Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, defended Natalie Harp and slammed those taking shots at the 35-year-old Trump aide who handles his social media and other communication. Zacharia said no one could do what she was doing. 

Donald Trump’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, once talked about Natalie Harp, a long-time trusted aide of the president, calling her a "true, true patriot." Harp has become a key part of Trump's entourage and is also known for writing and publishing his Truth Social posts. Meanwhile, Zacharia started in her new role on October 12, and is already being slammed for the 14-minute briefing in which she only took three questions. Harp has been criticised for sharing controversial posts and content that was later deleted or caused political pushback. She has been slammed for curating positive news and social media commentary, acting as a strict gatekeeper. Zacharia slams those targeting Natalie Harp Zacharia has defended Harp in the past, slamming media houses for their persistent and shameful "obsession" with Harp. She pushed back against narratives and controversies surrounding the aide's high-profile role in the administration. In an interview with News24 presenter Gabriella Power, Zacharia said, "Natalie Harp is a true, pure patriot. She absolutely loves this country and serves the president in a capacity that many others cannot and will not." Also Read: ‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes She added that most people in Washington are pursuing career opportunities, Harp is not running towards any such thing, and she is motivated "truly to serve" because "she does love her country." Zacharia had also slammed Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff who said Trump wanted to "build his ballroom and travel with Natalie". She said, "There just is this vitriol by the left-wing media for her," and that they are "making something up out of thin air on Natalie Harp." Zacharia said Ossoff "wanted to set off this firestorm for her and for the president" when he made such comments. Also Read: Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again. Here’s why Zacharia was appointed as the new White House Press Secretary on October 9 and started the role on October 12. She has appeared regularly on Fox News, Newsmax and other outlets as a legal and political commentator. At her first briefing, she praised and thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to become his press secretary, saying she wanted to work for him for a long time. According to her LinkedIn profile, she has served as senior communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group since June 2026. Zacharia was also the deputy assistant secretary and spokesperson for former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, defended Natalie Harp and slammed those taking shots at the 35-year-old Trump aide who handles his social media and other communication. Zacharia said no one could do what she was doing.&nbsp;

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia slammed those taking shots at Natalie Harp

A federal judge on Tuesday (Oct 13) ordered the Trump administration to allow journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico to access the White House while a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s press ban moves through the courts. US District Judge Timothy Kelly directed the administration not to enforce its September 18, 2026, decision to revoke the White House “hard pass” press credentials held by employees of the three news organisations. The ruling extends protections for the outlets as the legal battle continues and sets the stage for a potential government appeal.Kelly’s earlier order blocking the ban was due to expire on Tuesday.<h2>Why did Trump ban the three media organisations from the White House?</h2>Trump has repeatedly defended the decision to restrict the outlets, pointing to what he described as their “negative” or “one-sided” coverage of his administration.In court filings, however, the Justice Department presented an additional justification, arguing that the decision was linked to national security concerns. It cited reporting by the organisations on the Iran war, construction of a ballroom in the White House’s East Wing and the midterm Republican convention.The news organisations have argued that the ban interferes with their ability to report on the president and risks discouraging other media outlets from pursuing critical coverage.<h2>Judge questions government’s rationale</h2>During a hearing last Thursday, Kelly questioned the differing explanations offered by Trump and government lawyers for the decision. The judge described it as “unusual” for the decision-maker to have publicly cited one set of reasons for an action while the government subsequently advanced another explanation in court.Justice Department attorney Michael Velchik argued that the president has discretion to remove reporters or news organisations from the White House. He also said CNN had been on notice for years, pointing to Trump’s repeated description of the network as “fake news”.“Trump doesn’t mind negative press stories if he deserves them,” Velchik told the court.<h2>Media organisations challenge the ban</h2>Ted Boutrous Jr., the lawyer representing the three news organisations, argued that Trump had personally made the decision and had repeatedly explained his reasons in public. “We know what he decided. He said it over and over again,” Boutrous said, adding that the president had issued the ban himself.Boutrous also questioned the basis for the decision, saying the only explanation he could come up with was that the president had “woke up on the wrong side of the bed” and decided to impose the restrictions.The latest order keeps the three organisations’ White House access in place as the case proceeds.

A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico while their lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s press ban continues. All you need to know.

A federal judge on Tuesday (Oct 13) ordered the Trump administration to allow journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico to access the White House while a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s press ban moves through the courts. US District Judge Timothy Kelly directed the administration not to enforce its September 18, 2026, decision to revoke the White House “hard pass” press credentials held by employees of the three news organisations. The ruling extends protections for the outlets as the legal battle continues and sets the stage for a potential government appeal. Kelly’s earlier order blocking the ban was due to expire on Tuesday. Why did Trump ban the three media organisations from the White House? Trump has repeatedly defended the decision to restrict the outlets, pointing to what he described as their “negative” or “one-sided” coverage of his administration. In court filings, however, the Justice Department presented an additional justification, arguing that the decision was linked to national security concerns. It cited reporting by the organisations on the Iran war, construction of a ballroom in the White House’s East Wing and the midterm Republican convention. The news organisations have argued that the ban interferes with their ability to report on the president and risks discouraging other media outlets from pursuing critical coverage. Judge questions government’s rationale During a hearing last Thursday, Kelly questioned the differing explanations offered by Trump and government lawyers for the decision. The judge described it as “unusual” for the decision-maker to have publicly cited one set of reasons for an action while the government subsequently advanced another explanation in court. Justice Department attorney Michael Velchik argued that the president has discretion to remove reporters or news organisations from the White House. He also said CNN had been on notice for years, pointing to Trump’s repeated description of the network as “fake news”. “Trump doesn’t mind negative press stories if he deserves them,” Velchik told the court. Media organisations challenge the ban Ted Boutrous Jr., the lawyer representing the three news organisations, argued that Trump had personally made the decision and had repeatedly explained his reasons in public. “We know what he decided. He said it over and over again,” Boutrous said, adding that the president had issued the ban himself. Boutrous also questioned the basis for the decision, saying the only explanation he could come up with was that the president had “woke up on the wrong side of the bed” and decided to impose the restrictions. The latest order keeps the three organisations’ White House access in place as the case proceeds.

A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico while their lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s press ban continues. All you need to know.

Judge indefinitely blocks Trump from banning CNN, MS NOW, Politico from White House

Days after his office denied any such visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that Egypt’s then-intelligence chief Abbas Kamel visited Israel shortly before the Oct 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu confirmed that Kamel had spent 59 minutes in the country but denied speaking to him or meeting him. Netanyahu said that he has no information on whom did Kamel meet. The Israeli PM said that he was attending a memorial ceremony for Israeli Defence Forces soldiers at the time of Kamel's visit. This is the first clarification by Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections and after a row broke out over warnings given to Israeli government before 2023 Hamas attack. Earlier, his office has dismissed the report as “fake news.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-warned-netanyahu-about-oct-7-hamas-attack-but-he-ignored-report-1790565510309">Egypt warned Netanyahu thrice about Oct 7 Hamas attack but he ignored: Report</a>

“He didn’t meet with me, he didn’t speak with me. I want to know whom he met? When does an intelligence chief meet with a head of state? I was not there…because I was in a memorial ceremony for IDF soldiers at that time," he said. He blamed the security chiefs wfor not waking him on the night of October 7, claiming that despite signs indicating a Hamas attack they were afraid he would cause a “miscalculation” by striking the terror group hard. According to Netanyahu, the intelligence and military heads believed Hamas was carrying out a drill or preparing for a minor attack. "If they had woken me up, they knew I’d have woken everybody and canceled Nova and put the air force on alert. If we wake up the prime minister, he’ll cause Hamas to attack us without meaning to,” Netanyahu claimed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-confirms-netanyahu-s-visit-six-hour-talks-amid-oct-7-hamas-attack-report-1790652144700">UAE confirms Netanyahu's visit: Six-hour talks amid Oct 7 Hamas attack report</a><h2>Egypt’s intelligence chief warned about Oct 7 attack</h2>In September last week, it was reported that Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel called Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just days before Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack and warned him of the onslaught from Gaza. Not only this, Egypt had reportedly issued two more warnings to Israel previous to Kamel's message. However, all the warnings were ignored by Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported. This came day after it was reported that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed had spoken to Netanyahu and warned him about a major operation being planned by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar ahead of Oct 7 attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Egypt's then-intelligence chief Abbas Kamel visited Israel shortly before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, but denied meeting him. Netanyahu questioned who Kamel met, as reports of Egyptian warnings before the assault resurfaced.

Days after his office denied any such visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that Egypt’s then-intelligence chief Abbas Kamel visited Israel shortly before the Oct 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu confirmed that Kamel had spent 59 minutes in the country but denied speaking to him or meeting him. Netanyahu said that he has no information on whom did Kamel meet. The Israeli PM said that he was attending a memorial ceremony for Israeli Defence Forces soldiers at the time of Kamel's visit. This is the first clarification by Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections and after a row broke out over warnings given to Israeli government before 2023 Hamas attack. Earlier, his office has dismissed the report as “fake news.” Also Read: Egypt warned Netanyahu thrice about Oct 7 Hamas attack but he ignored: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Egypt's then-intelligence chief Abbas Kamel visited Israel shortly before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, but denied meeting him. Netanyahu questioned who Kamel met, as reports of Egyptian warnings before the assault resurfaced.

'Didn’t speak with me': Netanyahu admits Egypt intelligence chief visited Israel before Oct 7 Hamas attack, but declines meeting him

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday (Oct 13) announced penalties exceeding $1.2 billion against Bank of America, accusing the lender of violating anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, including failing to report more than $5 billion in suspicious transactions. The department said some of the transactions raised national security concerns, including activity allegedly linked to Chinese money laundering networks and illicit finance along the US-Mexico border. Bank of America shares fell 2.6 per cent in after-hours trading following the announcement.The penalties include $1.2 billion assessed by the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), alongside a $750 million civil penalty imposed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), one of the bank’s key regulators.Separately, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced an $11.6 million settlement over what it described as apparent violations of multiple sanctions programmes covering Iran, Russia, narcotics and global terrorism.“Today’s actions send a clear message that even the biggest financial institutions are not above the law,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. He added that failures by a major bank to meet its anti-money laundering and sanctions obligations could expose the wider US financial system to significant risks from illicit finance.<h2>Bank of America faces fresh compliance scrutiny</h2>The announcement comes a day before Bank of America is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings, putting the regulatory action in focus for investors.A bank spokesperson told AFP that the results would include a $1.2 billion charge, reducing net income by around 17 cents per share. The spokesperson said the institution remained committed to addressing concerns raised by regulators. “We will continue to support federal and local law enforcement across thousands of investigations and report hundreds of thousands of suspicious activity reports each year,” the spokesperson said.US regulators have also issued a consent order requiring the bank to work with a third party to identify and report suspicious transactions that had previously gone undetected. The institution must undergo an independent review of its suspicious-activity monitoring systems and other due-diligence procedures.<h2>Regulators cite earlier order and continued violations</h2>Bank of America was already subject to a December 2024 cease-and-desist order directing it to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering programme and compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act. The Treasury said the bank failed to give compliance the required priority despite agreeing to the earlier order.OCC Comptroller Jonathan Gould described the violations as “egregious and continued” and said the $750 million civil penalty was the largest the regulator had imposed on a bank.

The US Treasury has announced more than $1.2 billion in penalties against Bank of America over alleged anti-money laundering and sanctions violations. Regulators say the bank failed to report more than $5 billion in suspicious transactions.


The US Treasury Department on Tuesday (Oct 13) announced penalties exceeding $1.2 billion against Bank of America, accusing the lender of violating anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, including failing to report more than $5 billion in suspicious transactions. The department said some of the transactions raised national security concerns, including activity allegedly linked to Chinese money laundering networks and illicit finance along the US-Mexico border. Bank of America shares fell 2.6 per cent in after-hours trading following the announcement. The penalties include $1.2 billion assessed by the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), alongside a $750 million civil penalty imposed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), one of the bank’s key regulators. Separately, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced an $11.6 million settlement over what it described as apparent violations of multiple sanctions programmes covering Iran, Russia, narcotics and global terrorism. “Today’s actions send a clear message that even the biggest financial institutions are not above the law,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. He added that failures by a major bank to meet its anti-money laundering and sanctions obligations could expose the wider US financial system to significant risks from illicit finance. Bank of America faces fresh compliance scrutiny The announcement comes a day before Bank of America is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings, putting the regulatory action in focus for investors. A bank spokesperson told AFP that the results would include a $1.2 billion charge, reducing net income by around 17 cents per share. The spokesperson said the institution remained committed to addressing concerns raised by regulators. “We will continue to support federal and local law enforcement across thousands of investigations and report hundreds of thousands of suspicious activity reports each year,” the spokesperson said. US regulators have also issued a consent order requiring the bank to work with a third party to identify and report suspicious transactions that had previously gone undetected. The institution must undergo an independent review of its suspicious-activity monitoring systems and other due-diligence procedures. Regulators cite earlier order and continued violations Bank of America was already subject to a December 2024 cease-and-desist order directing it to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering programme and compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act. The Treasury said the bank failed to give compliance the required priority despite agreeing to the earlier order. OCC Comptroller Jonathan Gould described the violations as “egregious and continued” and said the $750 million civil penalty was the largest the regulator had imposed on a bank.

The US Treasury has announced more than $1.2 billion in penalties against Bank of America over alleged anti-money laundering and sanctions violations. Regulators say the bank failed to report more than $5 billion in suspicious transactions.

US Treasury hits Bank of America with over $1.2 billion in penalties over suspicious transactions and Chinese money-laundering links

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) questioned Congresswoman Ilhan Omar over a reported revision in her declared net worth, alleging possible financial irregularities. In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned why the Democrat had reportedly declared a net worth of up to USD 30 million before subsequently saying that the figure was an accounting error and that it was actually USD 100,000. He also questioned whether the original figure had been accurate before being withdrawn, while alleging that Omar may have been unable to explain the source of such wealth. &nbsp;"Why did Ilhan Omar report a Net Worth of up to 30 Million Dollars just a short time ago, and then immediately say, 'Oh, I made a mistake! It’s really $100,000.' Could it be that her highly paid accountant actually reported the money that was stolen from her fraudulent activities in Minnesota?" Trump said. "Would something like that be possible? Do you think the accountant actually gave the right number the first time, 30 Million Dollars, and then she was forced to disavow because she never would have been able to report where that much money came from? She must have freaked out when she saw that money!" he added. Trump also questioned the couple's property and assets, writing, “Where did her house come from, where did her cars come from, and what about her lovely place in Washington, D.C.?” "I didn’t know that Congressmen and women made that kind of money, but I do know her husband, according to information and belief, makes almost nothing, so it couldn’t have come from him," he said. He also asked, "How many people did she illegally bring into our Country from Somalia?" before concluding, "America wants answers, and we want them, NOW!" &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-s-a-disaster-trump-attacks-ilhan-omar-at-ohio-rally-calls-abdul-el-sayed-a-jihadist-1791859756329">‘She’s a disaster’: Trump attacks Ilhan Omar at Ohio rally, calls Abdul El-Sayed a ‘jihadist’</a><h2>What was Trump referring to?</h2>According to a report by the New York Post, Omar's husband, Tim Mynett, initially valued his venture capital firm, Rose Lake Capital, and his now-defunct California-based wine business, eStCru, at up to USD 30 million in the congresswoman's 2024 financial disclosure. However, the report said that in Omar's 2025 financial disclosure, Mynett reported no income from his venture capital firm and between USD 200 and USD 1,000 in income from the wine business, which shut down in April.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-not-be-silenced-ilhan-omar-alleges-political-intimidation-after-federal-officers-search-her-washington-home-1791835502590">'I will not be silenced': Ilhan Omar alleges political intimidation</a><h2>Search at Ilhan Omar's house</h2>On Oct 12, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the search was conducted on Ilhan Omar's house as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. A Justice Department spokesperson said that Homeland Security Investigations “executed a judicially authorized search warrant” as “part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.” The statement did not specify that the investigation was related to Omar, nor did it provide more information about the search.&nbsp;&nbsp;Omar, a Democratic representative from Minnesota reacted saying “I'm ok.” “Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponise federal law enforcement. For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silenced,” she added in a post on X. However, speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, Trump said he had “nothing to do” with the search of Omar’s home.

US President Donald Trump questioned Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's finances after a reported revision in her husband's business valuations, alleging possible irregularities. The remarks came after federal investigators searched Omar's Washington home as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) questioned Congresswoman Ilhan Omar over a reported revision in her declared net worth, alleging possible financial irregularities. In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned why the Democrat had reportedly declared a net worth of up to USD 30 million before subsequently saying that the figure was an accounting error and that it was actually USD 100,000. He also questioned whether the original figure had been accurate before being withdrawn, while alleging that Omar may have been unable to explain the source of such wealth. "Why did Ilhan Omar report a Net Worth of up to 30 Million Dollars just a short time ago, and then immediately say, 'Oh, I made a mistake! It’s really $100,000.' Could it be that her highly paid accountant actually reported the money that was stolen from her fraudulent activities in Minnesota?" Trump said. "Would something like that be possible? Do you think the accountant actually gave the right number the first time, 30 Million Dollars, and then she was forced to disavow because she never would have been able to report where that much money came from? She must have freaked out when she saw that money!" he added. Trump also questioned the couple's property and assets, writing, “Where did her house come from, where did her cars come from, and what about her lovely place in Washington, D.C.?” "I didn’t know that Congressmen and women made that kind of money, but I do know her husband, according to information and belief, makes almost nothing, so it couldn’t have come from him," he said. He also asked, "How many people did she illegally bring into our Country from Somalia?" before concluding, "America wants answers, and we want them, NOW!" Also Read: ‘She’s a disaster’: Trump attacks Ilhan Omar at Ohio rally, calls Abdul El-Sayed a ‘jihadist’ What was Trump referring to? According to a report by the New York Post, Omar's husband, Tim Mynett, initially valued his venture capital firm, Rose Lake Capital, and his now-defunct California-based wine business, eStCru, at up to USD 30 million in the congresswoman's 2024 financial disclosure. However, the report said that in Omar's 2025 financial disclosure, Mynett reported no income from his venture capital firm and between USD 200 and USD 1,000 in income from the wine business, which shut down in April. Also Read: 'I will not be silenced': Ilhan Omar alleges political intimidation Search at Ilhan Omar's house On Oct 12, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the search was conducted on Ilhan Omar's house as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. A Justice Department spokesperson said that Homeland Security Investigations “executed a judicially authorized search warrant” as “part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.” The statement did not specify that the investigation was related to Omar, nor did it provide more information about the search. Omar, a Democratic representative from Minnesota reacted saying “I'm ok.” “Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponise federal law enforcement. For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silenced,” she added in a post on X. However, speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, Trump said he had “nothing to do” with the search of Omar’s home.

US President Donald Trump questioned Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's finances after a reported revision in her husband's business valuations, alleging possible irregularities. The remarks came after federal investigators searched Omar's Washington home as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

‘How many people did she illegally bring from Somalia?’ Trump targets Ilhan Omar, questions her net worth

President Donald Trump and his advisers are weighing whether to call off the plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted of carrying out the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, according to sources familiar with the discussions cited by CNN. Trump reportedly did not initially know that Hasan was paralysed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. Two sources familiar with the discussions told CNN that the president was uncertain about the proposed public broadcast after learning more about Hasan’s physical condition.&nbsp;Although Trump strongly supports executing Hasan by firing squad, multiple officials told CNN that he was unaware Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced plans to allow the public to watch the execution live. After Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon’s plans in a post on X last Thursday, Trump consulted several advisers and allies about whether the administration should proceed with the broadcast.&nbsp;&nbsp;During those discussions, the president learned that Hasan had been shot in the back by law enforcement during the 2009 Fort Hood attack, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. One source familiar with the discussions said Trump’s understanding of the political and public impact of visual imagery could influence his decision to cancel the livestream. The president has also reportedly considered concerns that broadcasting the execution could provide terrorist groups and foreign adversaries with propaganda material, potentially allowing them to portray Hasan as a martyr, a Trump adviser told CNN.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-t-ever-mess-with-nature-trump-s-tiger-attack-post-triggers-social-media-backlash-as-victim-s-family-issues-heartbreaking-tribute-1791939439769">'Don't ever mess with nature!': Trump’s tiger attack post triggers social media backlash as victim's family issues heartbreaking tribute</a>&nbsp;The White House referred CNN to Trump's remarks on Saturday, when he acknowledged that the administration was considering two approaches before making a final decision. “He was vicious. He was violent,” Trump told reporters about Hasan over the weekend. “There are two thoughts: Don’t show it and show it. Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did. So, I’ll make a decision ultimately. I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.”&nbsp;Trump told reporters on Friday that he had not been involved in the decision but indicated that he understood the reasoning behind it. “I understand the decision,” he said, adding that some people want to set an example by livestreaming the execution. Hegseth initially recommended that Hasan be executed by firing squad, and Trump approved the recommendation. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding dozens of others in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas.&nbsp;The execution is scheduled for December 3 at Fort Hood. If carried out, it would mark the US Army’s first execution of a soldier since World War II and its first imposition of the death penalty on an active-duty service member in 65 years. Hasan, a US-born citizen of Palestinian descent, said he targeted soldiers he was scheduled to deploy with to Afghanistan. He said he wanted to protect the Taliban and its leaders from the US military.

Trump weighs canceling the livestream of Nidal Hasan’s execution as the Pentagon reassesses broadcast plans amid bipartisan backlash and propaganda concerns

President Donald Trump and his advisers are weighing whether to call off the plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted of carrying out the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, according to sources familiar with the discussions cited by CNN. Trump reportedly did not initially know that Hasan was paralysed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. Two sources familiar with the discussions told CNN that the president was uncertain about the proposed public broadcast after learning more about Hasan’s physical condition. Although Trump strongly supports executing Hasan by firing squad, multiple officials told CNN that he was unaware Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced plans to allow the public to watch the execution live. After Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon’s plans in a post on X last Thursday, Trump consulted several advisers and allies about whether the administration should proceed with the broadcast. During those discussions, the president learned that Hasan had been shot in the back by law enforcement during the 2009 Fort Hood attack, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. One source familiar with the discussions said Trump’s understanding of the political and public impact of visual imagery could influence his decision to cancel the livestream. The president has also reportedly considered concerns that broadcasting the execution could provide terrorist groups and foreign adversaries with propaganda material, potentially allowing them to portray Hasan as a martyr, a Trump adviser told CNN. Also Read: 'Don't ever mess with nature!': Trump’s tiger attack post triggers social media backlash as victim's family issues heartbreaking tribute The White House referred CNN to Trump's remarks on Saturday, when he acknowledged that the administration was considering two approaches before making a final decision. “He was vicious. He was violent,” Trump told reporters about Hasan over the weekend. “There are two thoughts: Don’t show it and show it. Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did. So, I’ll make a decision ultimately. I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.” Trump told reporters on Friday that he had not been involved in the decision but indicated that he understood the reasoning behind it. “I understand the decision,” he said, adding that some people want to set an example by livestreaming the execution. Hegseth initially recommended that Hasan be executed by firing squad, and Trump approved the recommendation. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding dozens of others in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas. The execution is scheduled for December 3 at Fort Hood. If carried out, it would mark the US Army’s first execution of a soldier since World War II and its first imposition of the death penalty on an active-duty service member in 65 years. Hasan, a US-born citizen of Palestinian descent, said he targeted soldiers he was scheduled to deploy with to Afghanistan. He said he wanted to protect the Taliban and its leaders from the US military.

Trump is reconsidering plans to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution as advisers warn of propaganda risks and concerns over broadcasting the firing squad

Trump reconsidering calling off Nidal Hasan's execution livestream. Here's why

US President Donald Trump has sparked widespread backlash after sharing disturbing footage of a fatal tiger attack in Britain on his Truth Social account, prompting criticism on social media as the victim’s family mourns their loss. The 41-second video showed a man being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday. Trump shared the footage on Tuesday with the caption, "Don't ever mess with nature!"&nbsp;The White House's "Rapid Response 47" account subsequently reposted the clip on X. Trump later shared another video featuring apparently AI-generated visuals of people being mauled by big cats, accompanied by tinny synthesizer music. The posts drew criticism from social media users, some of whom questioned the president’s decision to share graphic content involving a fatal incident. One user described the post as “sick.” "I'm a big supporter but not a fan of this post. To each his own," another user wrote. The victim was identified as William Chapman, who died at the scene after entering the tiger enclosure, according to reports by the BBC and statements from police.<h2>William Chapman’s family issues emotional tribute</h2>Chapman’s family has paid tribute to the 23-year-old, describing him as a much-loved young man who had struggled with significant mental health issues for several years. In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the family said Chapman had experienced "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed ‘strong medication’.&nbsp;The family stressed that it was for the coroner to determine whether his mental health played a role in the fatal incident and urged the public to respect the investigative process. "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back," the statement said. His relatives also expressed distress over the circulation of graphic and offensive material related to his death, asking for privacy during an exceptionally difficult period.&nbsp;"The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened," the statement continued. “The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marco-rubio-to-visit-india-next-week-focus-on-energy-cooperation-and-strategic-ties-1791933894229">Marco Rubio to visit India next week, focus on energy cooperation and strategic ties</a><h2>Watch the video. Viewer discretion is advised</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">https://t.co/5Rz7TQow2b&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2110098796856365196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What happened at Yorkshire Wildlife park?</h2>British police responded to reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster on Saturday."The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury," police said in a statement. "Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene," it added. Yorkshire Ambulance Service dispatched two road ambulances and an air ambulance to the park. Mobile phone footage, believed to have been recorded by Chapman, appeared to show the inside of the enclosure as he approached the tiger across a grassy area. The incident led to the evacuation and continued closure of the wildlife park. The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.<h2>Rare Amur tiger will not be euthanised</h2>The tiger involved in the incident, named Altai, is an Amur tiger, an endangered subspecies whose wild population is estimated at around 500. Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s "Land of the Tigers" attraction features a 300-metre raised walkway that allows visitors to observe the animals in an enclosure containing woodland, grassland and a waterfall pool. Park staff have expressed their sympathy for Chapman’s family and confirmed that Altai would remain in the enclosure and would not be euthanised. The decision means the animal will not be put down following the fatal encounter.

Donald Trump faces backlash after sharing a fatal tiger attack video from Yorkshire Wildlife Park as William Chapman’s family pays tribute

US President Donald Trump has sparked widespread backlash after sharing disturbing footage of a fatal tiger attack in Britain on his Truth Social account, prompting criticism on social media as the victim’s family mourns their loss. The 41-second video showed a man being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday. Trump shared the footage on Tuesday with the caption, "Don't ever mess with nature!" The White House's "Rapid Response 47" account subsequently reposted the clip on X. Trump later shared another video featuring apparently AI-generated visuals of people being mauled by big cats, accompanied by tinny synthesizer music. The posts drew criticism from social media users, some of whom questioned the president’s decision to share graphic content involving a fatal incident. One user described the post as “sick.” "I'm a big supporter but not a fan of this post. To each his own," another user wrote. The victim was identified as William Chapman, who died at the scene after entering the tiger enclosure, according to reports by the BBC and statements from police. William Chapman’s family issues emotional tribute Chapman’s family has paid tribute to the 23-year-old, describing him as a much-loved young man who had struggled with significant mental health issues for several years. In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the family said Chapman had experienced "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed ‘strong medication’. The family stressed that it was for the coroner to determine whether his mental health played a role in the fatal incident and urged the public to respect the investigative process. "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back," the statement said. His relatives also expressed distress over the circulation of graphic and offensive material related to his death, asking for privacy during an exceptionally difficult period. "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened," the statement continued. “The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.” Also Read: Marco Rubio to visit India next week, focus on energy cooperation and strategic ties Watch the video. Viewer discretion is advised

Donald Trump faces backlash for sharing a fatal tiger attack video as victim William Chapman’s family pays tribute and calls for privacy

'Don't ever mess with nature!': Trump’s tiger attack post triggers social media backlash as victim's family issues heartbreaking tribute

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from October 17 to 22 to strengthen bilateral strategic ties, expand energy cooperation and promote commercial investment, the US Department of State announced on Tuesday. During his visit, Rubio is scheduled to travel to Mumbai and Jamnagar, where he will hold discussions with senior government officials and business leaders. The India leg of his tour follows his visit to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where he will participate in high-level diplomatic meetings with Central Asian nations.&nbsp;“He will meet with senior government officials to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership, exchange views on regional and global dynamics, and discuss prospects for enhanced energy cooperation,” the State Department said. Rubio will also engage with business leaders to explore opportunities for increased investment, trade and economic collaboration between the two countries, the department added.<h2>Marco Rubio’s second India visit since May</h2>The upcoming trip will mark Rubio’s second visit to India since May, when he attended the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi hosted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The visit comes amid continued efforts by Washington and New Delhi to deepen their strategic partnership, expand economic engagement and strengthen cooperation on energy and regional security. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral relations, international developments and opportunities to boost commercial ties, with energy cooperation emerging as a key area of interest.<h2>Why is Marco Rubio visiting Jamnagar?</h2>Rubio’s planned visit to Jamnagar is drawing attention because the Gujarat city is home to Reliance Industries’ refinery complex, the world’s largest single-site refining facility. The complex has the capacity to process approximately 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, making it a major centre of India’s energy and refining industry. Energy ties between India and the United States have gained prominence amid discussions about investment, trade and expanding cooperation in the global energy sector.&nbsp;In March, US President Donald Trump announced plans for the construction of a new refinery in Brownsville, Texas, describing it as the first US refinery project in 50 years. Trump said the project would involve an investment of USD 300 billion from Reliance Industries. Rubio’s visit to Jamnagar could provide an opportunity for discussions on energy-related investment and broader commercial cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ken-paxton-s-dubai-night-out-with-two-us-fugitives-sparks-political-storm-as-texas-senate-race-tightens-1791932130429">Ken Paxton's Dubai night out with two US fugitives sparks political storm as Texas Senate race tightens</a><h2>Rubio to hold high-level talks in Uzbekistan before India visit</h2>Before travelling to India, Rubio will attend the C5+1 Ministerial meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The diplomatic platform brings together the United States and five Central Asian countries to advance regional cooperation. According to the State Department, the meeting will focus on how strategic engagement can support a more peaceful and prosperous future for the United States and Central Asia. Rubio is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with senior officials from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.<h2>US business delegation to promote trade and investment</h2>More than 200 business leaders will accompany Rubio as part of a US commercial delegation travelling to Central Asia. The delegation aims to strengthen commercial partnerships and identify new investment opportunities across the region.

Marco Rubio will visit India from October 17–22, holding talks on US-India strategic ties, energy cooperation, trade and investment in Mumbai and Jamnagar

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from October 17 to 22 to strengthen bilateral strategic ties, expand energy cooperation and promote commercial investment, the US Department of State announced on Tuesday. During his visit, Rubio is scheduled to travel to Mumbai and Jamnagar, where he will hold discussions with senior government officials and business leaders. The India leg of his tour follows his visit to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where he will participate in high-level diplomatic meetings with Central Asian nations. “He will meet with senior government officials to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership, exchange views on regional and global dynamics, and discuss prospects for enhanced energy cooperation,” the State Department said. Rubio will also engage with business leaders to explore opportunities for increased investment, trade and economic collaboration between the two countries, the department added. Marco Rubio’s second India visit since May The upcoming trip will mark Rubio’s second visit to India since May, when he attended the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi hosted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The visit comes amid continued efforts by Washington and New Delhi to deepen their strategic partnership, expand economic engagement and strengthen cooperation on energy and regional security. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral relations, international developments and opportunities to boost commercial ties, with energy cooperation emerging as a key area of interest. Why is Marco Rubio visiting Jamnagar? Rubio’s planned visit to Jamnagar is drawing attention because the Gujarat city is home to Reliance Industries’ refinery complex, the world’s largest single-site refining facility. The complex has the capacity to process approximately 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, making it a major centre of India’s energy and refining industry. Energy ties between India and the United States have gained prominence amid discussions about investment, trade and expanding cooperation in the global energy sector. In March, US President Donald Trump announced plans for the construction of a new refinery in Brownsville, Texas, describing it as the first US refinery project in 50 years. Trump said the project would involve an investment of USD 300 billion from Reliance Industries. Rubio’s visit to Jamnagar could provide an opportunity for discussions on energy-related investment and broader commercial cooperation between the two countries. Also Read: Ken Paxton's Dubai night out with two US fugitives sparks political storm as Texas Senate race tightens Rubio to hold high-level talks in Uzbekistan before India visit Before travelling to India, Rubio will attend the C5+1 Ministerial meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The diplomatic platform brings together the United States and five Central Asian countries to advance regional cooperation. According to the State Department, the meeting will focus on how strategic engagement can support a more peaceful and prosperous future for the United States and Central Asia. Rubio is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with senior officials from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. US business delegation to promote trade and investment More than 200 business leaders will accompany Rubio as part of a US commercial delegation travelling to Central Asia. The delegation aims to strengthen commercial partnerships and identify new investment opportunities across the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India October 17–22 to strengthen strategic ties, boost energy cooperation and promote trade and investment

Marco Rubio to visit India next week, focus on energy cooperation and strategic ties

President Donald Trump’s decision to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn is facing renewed scrutiny as fresh revelations threaten to complicate the upcoming midterm elections.According to people familiar with the conversations, Trump was warned this spring that damaging information about Paxton could emerge before he decided to back the controversial attorney general. Trump reportedly dismissed the concerns, suggesting that negative material about Democratic nominee James Talarico would also surface.&nbsp;Trump ultimately stood by Paxton, helping him secure victory in the Republican primary runoff in May. However, the endorsement is increasingly appearing to be a major political gamble as the November 3 election approaches. Despite Paxton’s attempts to portray Talarico as a far-left candidate, the Democrat has consistently maintained a narrow lead in polls. The trend has raised the possibility of a historic Democratic victory in Texas, where no Democrat has won a statewide election since 1994. Now, another controversy surrounding Paxton is drawing attention: a previously unreported New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai, where he allegedly spent the evening with his girlfriend and two Americans facing federal criminal charges in the United States.<h2>Ken Paxton’s Dubai celebration raises eyebrows</h2>As fireworks illuminated the Burj Khalifa to welcome 2025, Paxton and his girlfriend, Tracy Duhon, watched the celebrations from the balcony of a luxury high-rise surrounded by other guests. The gathering was documented in a video viewed by The Wall Street Journal. Details about the event appeared in court filings and were confirmed by people familiar with the matter. Among the attendees were Anosh Ahmed and Sameer Suhail, two Americans who had been indicted months earlier on federal healthcare-fraud charges but had not returned to the United States, according to court records and people familiar with the gathering. Ahmed, a healthcare executive, had contributed $190,000 to Paxton, including a $25,000 donation made days after his indictment, campaign-finance records show.<h2>Healthcare fraud charges against Dubai party guests</h2>Ahmed and Suhail were indicted in federal court in Illinois in 2024 over allegations that they embezzled $15 million from a Chicago hospital where Ahmed served as chief financial officer. Ahmed, a businessman with interests in Texas, was subsequently charged in a separate and much larger alleged scheme involving at least $195 million in government payments for fraudulent COVID-19 testing. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.&nbsp;Both men have since returned to the United States to face the allegations. Ahmed is in custody, while his attorneys have argued in court filings that he was overseas when the initial indictment was issued and that family health issues delayed his return. Suhail’s attorney, Adam Sheppard, said civil matters in Dubai prevented his client from traveling after the indictment. He added that Suhail returned voluntarily once those issues were resolved. The video documenting the New Year’s Eve gathering was referenced in a filing in a Texas civil court case in which the person who recorded the event is a defendant.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-strikes-yemen-oil-sites-as-houthi-missiles-target-riyadh-and-aramco-1791927799375">Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil sites as Houthi missiles target Riyadh; 'limited fire' breaks out at Aramco</a><h2>Paxton’s long history of political controversies</h2>Despite years of investigations and allegations, Paxton has repeatedly survived political challenges. The 63-year-old attorney general has won re-election twice while securities-fraud charges remained pending against him. In 2020, eight of his deputies reported him to law enforcement, accusing him of using his office to benefit a major donor. The allegations prompted an FBI investigation.&nbsp;The controversy eventually led Republican lawmakers in the Texas House to impeach Paxton in 2023 on abuse-of-office allegations, which he denied. The Texas Senate acquitted him, allowing him to return to office. His personal life has also drawn attention. Last year, his wife of 38 years filed for divorce, citing adultery, following public reports of two alleged affairs, including one involving Duhon.&nbsp;Paxton’s political allies argue that the controversies have failed to weaken his support among Republican voters and insist that his standing with the MAGA movement could carry him to victory in November. In a statement, Paxton senior adviser Nick Maddux did not directly address the Dubai trip. “Like President Trump, Ken Paxton has been politically persecuted for years, and every time, voters have seen through it and sent him back to office because they know he has always fought for Texas,” Maddux said.<h2>Can James Talarico turn controversy into a historic win?</h2>With the Texas Senate race drawing national attention, Paxton’s latest controversy could become another vulnerability for Republicans seeking to retain the seat. Talarico’s narrow polling advantage has intensified speculation about whether Democrats can break their decades-long statewide losing streak in Texas. However, Paxton’s history of surviving scandals suggests that Republican support could remain resilient despite the latest revelations.&nbsp;Kent Schaffer, a special prosecutor who filed charges against Paxton in 2015, expressed frustration over the attorney general’s continued political survival. “It’s just amazing to me that he’s never been held accountable,” Schaffer said.

Ken Paxton faces renewed scrutiny over a Dubai party with two indicted Americans as James Talarico gains ground in the Texas Senate race

President Donald Trump’s decision to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn is facing renewed scrutiny as fresh revelations threaten to complicate the upcoming midterm elections. According to people familiar with the conversations, Trump was warned this spring that damaging information about Paxton could emerge before he decided to back the controversial attorney general. Trump reportedly dismissed the concerns, suggesting that negative material about Democratic nominee James Talarico would also surface. Trump ultimately stood by Paxton, helping him secure victory in the Republican primary runoff in May. However, the endorsement is increasingly appearing to be a major political gamble as the November 3 election approaches. Despite Paxton’s attempts to portray Talarico as a far-left candidate, the Democrat has consistently maintained a narrow lead in polls. The trend has raised the possibility of a historic Democratic victory in Texas, where no Democrat has won a statewide election since 1994. Now, another controversy surrounding Paxton is drawing attention: a previously unreported New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai, where he allegedly spent the evening with his girlfriend and two Americans facing federal criminal charges in the United States. Ken Paxton’s Dubai celebration raises eyebrows As fireworks illuminated the Burj Khalifa to welcome 2025, Paxton and his girlfriend, Tracy Duhon, watched the celebrations from the balcony of a luxury high-rise surrounded by other guests. The gathering was documented in a video viewed by The Wall Street Journal. Details about the event appeared in court filings and were confirmed by people familiar with the matter. Among the attendees were Anosh Ahmed and Sameer Suhail, two Americans who had been indicted months earlier on federal healthcare-fraud charges but had not returned to the United States, according to court records and people familiar with the gathering. Ahmed, a healthcare executive, had contributed $190,000 to Paxton, including a $25,000 donation made days after his indictment, campaign-finance records show. Healthcare fraud charges against Dubai party guests Ahmed and Suhail were indicted in federal court in Illinois in 2024 over allegations that they embezzled $15 million from a Chicago hospital where Ahmed served as chief financial officer. Ahmed, a businessman with interests in Texas, was subsequently charged in a separate and much larger alleged scheme involving at least $195 million in government payments for fraudulent COVID-19 testing. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Both men have since returned to the United States to face the allegations. Ahmed is in custody, while his attorneys have argued in court filings that he was overseas when the initial indictment was issued and that family health issues delayed his return. Suhail’s attorney, Adam Sheppard, said civil matters in Dubai prevented his client from traveling after the indictment. He added that Suhail returned voluntarily once those issues were resolved. The video documenting the New Year’s Eve gathering was referenced in a filing in a Texas civil court case in which the person who recorded the event is a defendant. Also Read: Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil sites as Houthi missiles target Riyadh; 'limited fire' breaks out at Aramco Paxton’s long history of political controversies Despite years of investigations and allegations, Paxton has repeatedly survived political challenges. The 63-year-old attorney general has won re-election twice while securities-fraud charges remained pending against him. In 2020, eight of his deputies reported him to law enforcement, accusing him of using his office to benefit a major donor. The allegations prompted an FBI investigation. The controversy eventually led Republican lawmakers in the Texas House to impeach Paxton in 2023 on abuse-of-office allegations, which he denied. The Texas Senate acquitted him, allowing him to return to office. His personal life has also drawn attention. Last year, his wife of 38 years filed for divorce, citing adultery, following public reports of two alleged affairs, including one involving Duhon. Paxton’s political allies argue that the controversies have failed to weaken his support among Republican voters and insist that his standing with the MAGA movement could carry him to victory in November. In a statement, Paxton senior adviser Nick Maddux did not directly address the Dubai trip. “Like President Trump, Ken Paxton has been politically persecuted for years, and every time, voters have seen through it and sent him back to office because they know he has always fought for Texas,” Maddux said. Can James Talarico turn controversy into a historic win? With the Texas Senate race drawing national attention, Paxton’s latest controversy could become another vulnerability for Republicans seeking to retain the seat. Talarico’s narrow polling advantage has intensified speculation about whether Democrats can break their decades-long statewide losing streak in Texas. However, Paxton’s history of surviving scandals suggests that Republican support could remain resilient despite the latest revelations. Kent Schaffer, a special prosecutor who filed charges against Paxton in 2015, expressed frustration over the attorney general’s continued political survival. “It’s just amazing to me that he’s never been held accountable,” Schaffer said.

Ken Paxton faces fresh scrutiny over a Dubai party with two US fugitives as Democrat James Talarico challenges Republicans in the Texas Senate race

Ken Paxton's Dubai night out with two US fugitives sparks political storm as Texas Senate race tightens

Saudi Arabia’s Saudi-led coalition launched strikes against oil facilities across western Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, following a deadly Houthi attack on Saudi territory that has sharply escalated the conflict. The strikes took place on Tuesday as explosions were subsequently reported in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and near an Aramco facility in eastern Saudi Arabia, according to witnesses and journalists cited by AFP. The coalition said it had intercepted several Houthi missiles targeting the kingdom, including Riyadh. Debris reportedly fell in a residential area in Dhahran, home to the headquarters of Saudi oil giant Aramco.&nbsp;Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the attacks in Sanaa and the western provinces of Dhamar and Saada targeted facilities used to supply the war effort by the Houthis to threaten the kingdom, Yemen, the southern Red Sea and waterways. Shortly afterwards, a powerful explosion was heard in Riyadh. Residents also received a phone alert warning that the city of Riyadh is facing a hostile aerial threat. A witness walking along a major avenue in the Saudi capital told AFP he saw a projectile cutting across the sky above a shopping mall. He said it left a yellowish trail of light followed by a trail of smoke. Then, we heard an explosion. "People were calm; no one was speaking. We were scared and all looking up at the sky," he added, requesting anonymity.&nbsp;The coalition subsequently targeted a Yemen Petroleum Company facility on the outskirts of the capital. An AFP correspondent in Sanaa reported an explosion, while the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television channel issued a breaking news alert describing the attack as ‘Saudi aggression’.<h2>Saudi Arabia issues warning over Red Sea security</h2>The latest exchange of attacks has heightened concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure and major shipping routes. A strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday reportedly killed 13 people and forced operations to be suspended, marking the deadliest attack on Saudi territory since 2015, according to the report.Saudi Arabia’s cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, issued a strong warning during a meeting on Tuesday. The government said it will not allow its security or freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait to be threatened.&nbsp;Meanwhile, fears of fuel shortages prompted residents in Sanaa to queue outside petrol stations after the coalition’s evacuation warning. The Houthis had previously threatened to target Riyadh’s international airport, a refinery and an Aramco facility in Dammam if the coalition proceeded with its planned strikes. The group also urged civilians to stay away from the locations. Several countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens in Saudi Arabia. France was the latest to advise its nationals to avoid Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-employee-arrested-by-fbi-after-allegedly-hiding-recording-device-in-office-1791926556119">OpenAI employee arrested by FBI after allegedly hiding recording device in office</a><h2>Saudi economy faces growing pressure</h2>The intensifying conflict is adding to the economic challenges facing Saudi Arabia, which has already been affected by disruptions to regional energy supplies and shipping. Traffic in Riyadh, usually notorious for heavy congestion, was noticeably lighter this week. Authorities introduced remote learning for schools and work-from-home arrangements for some businesses amid heightened security concerns.&nbsp;The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product was expected to contract by 3.3 per cent this year, with the broader regional outlook also affected by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The kingdom had already faced economic headwinds following the disruption of shipping through the strategic waterway after the Middle East war began in February, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran.&nbsp;The resumption of fighting in Yemen in July has added another source of instability, bringing the conflict closer to Saudi territory and threatening critical infrastructure. Houthi attacks have also targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea, a strategically important route that Saudi Arabia uses as an alternative for exporting crude oil when access through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.<h2>Trump weighs possible US involvement</h2>The attack on Riyadh airport has raised the prospect of deeper US involvement in the conflict. US President Donald Trump said he was considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis following the deadly attack. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that the Houthis are behaving very badly, accusing the group of acting probably at the behest of Iran. "I'll be there after the elections, and I will never forget!" he wrote, referring to next month’s midterm elections. The statement prompted a warning from the Houthis against any American military intervention. Mohammed Al Bukhaiti, a member of the group’s political bureau, told AFP that the Houthis would target American interests in the region if Washington intervened. Bukhaiti said the campaign against Saudi targets was intended to send a message to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that he can no longer wage aggression against Yemen from a safe position.<h2>Aramco building targeted in Dhahran, limited fire reported</h2>Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said on Wednesday that a ‘limited fire’ broke out at an administrative building belonging to oil giant Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, in the eastern province’s Dammam metropolitan area, after the facility was targeted on Tuesday evening. In a statement published on X, a ministry official said an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in the city of Dhahran, Eastern Province, was targeted, resulting in a limited fire. Authorities responded to the incident and implemented the necessary measures, the ministry said. The statement added that no injuries or fatalities had been reported following the incident.

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil facilities after deadly Houthi attacks as explosions rock Riyadh, Aramco faces threats and Trump weighs US involvement

Saudi Arabia’s Saudi-led coalition launched strikes against oil facilities across western Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, following a deadly Houthi attack on Saudi territory that has sharply escalated the conflict. The strikes took place on Tuesday as explosions were subsequently reported in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and near an Aramco facility in eastern Saudi Arabia, according to witnesses and journalists cited by AFP. The coalition said it had intercepted several Houthi missiles targeting the kingdom, including Riyadh. Debris reportedly fell in a residential area in Dhahran, home to the headquarters of Saudi oil giant Aramco. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the attacks in Sanaa and the western provinces of Dhamar and Saada targeted facilities used to supply the war effort by the Houthis to threaten the kingdom, Yemen, the southern Red Sea and waterways. Shortly afterwards, a powerful explosion was heard in Riyadh. Residents also received a phone alert warning that the city of Riyadh is facing a hostile aerial threat. A witness walking along a major avenue in the Saudi capital told AFP he saw a projectile cutting across the sky above a shopping mall. He said it left a yellowish trail of light followed by a trail of smoke. Then, we heard an explosion. "People were calm; no one was speaking. We were scared and all looking up at the sky," he added, requesting anonymity. The coalition subsequently targeted a Yemen Petroleum Company facility on the outskirts of the capital. An AFP correspondent in Sanaa reported an explosion, while the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television channel issued a breaking news alert describing the attack as ‘Saudi aggression’. Saudi Arabia issues warning over Red Sea security The latest exchange of attacks has heightened concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure and major shipping routes. A strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday reportedly killed 13 people and forced operations to be suspended, marking the deadliest attack on Saudi territory since 2015, according to the report. Saudi Arabia’s cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, issued a strong warning during a meeting on Tuesday. The government said it will not allow its security or freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait to be threatened. Meanwhile, fears of fuel shortages prompted residents in Sanaa to queue outside petrol stations after the coalition’s evacuation warning. The Houthis had previously threatened to target Riyadh’s international airport, a refinery and an Aramco facility in Dammam if the coalition proceeded with its planned strikes. The group also urged civilians to stay away from the locations. Several countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens in Saudi Arabia. France was the latest to advise its nationals to avoid Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports. Also Read: OpenAI employee arrested by FBI after allegedly hiding recording device in office Saudi economy faces growing pressure The intensifying conflict is adding to the economic challenges facing Saudi Arabia, which has already been affected by disruptions to regional energy supplies and shipping. Traffic in Riyadh, usually notorious for heavy congestion, was noticeably lighter this week. Authorities introduced remote learning for schools and work-from-home arrangements for some businesses amid heightened security concerns. The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product was expected to contract by 3.3 per cent this year, with the broader regional outlook also affected by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The kingdom had already faced economic headwinds following the disruption of shipping through the strategic waterway after the Middle East war began in February, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran. The resumption of fighting in Yemen in July has added another source of instability, bringing the conflict closer to Saudi territory and threatening critical infrastructure. Houthi attacks have also targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea, a strategically important route that Saudi Arabia uses as an alternative for exporting crude oil when access through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. Trump weighs possible US involvement The attack on Riyadh airport has raised the prospect of deeper US involvement in the conflict. US President Donald Trump said he was considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis following the deadly attack. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that the Houthis are behaving very badly, accusing the group of acting probably at the behest of Iran. "I'll be there after the elections, and I will never forget!" he wrote, referring to next month’s midterm elections. The statement prompted a warning from the Houthis against any American military intervention. Mohammed Al Bukhaiti, a member of the group’s political bureau, told AFP that the Houthis would target American interests in the region if Washington intervened. Bukhaiti said the campaign against Saudi targets was intended to send a message to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that he can no longer wage aggression against Yemen from a safe position. Aramco building targeted in Dhahran, limited fire reported Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said on Wednesday that a ‘limited fire’ broke out at an administrative building belonging to oil giant Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, in the eastern province’s Dammam metropolitan area, after the facility was targeted on Tuesday evening. In a statement published on X, a ministry official said an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in the city of Dhahran, Eastern Province, was targeted, resulting in a limited fire. Authorities responded to the incident and implemented the necessary measures, the ministry said. The statement added that no injuries or fatalities had been reported following the incident.

Saudi strikes hit Houthi-linked oil sites in Yemen as missile threats and explosions in Riyadh raise fears of a wider Middle East conflict

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil sites as Houthi missiles target Riyadh; 'limited fire' breaks out at Aramco

An OpenAI employee was fired and arrested after a ‘sophisticated recording device’ was discovered inside the company's executive conference room, according to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and a statement published by the company. Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, a national of Saudi Arabia, was arrested on October 9 in connection with the incident, the DOJ said in a statement.&nbsp;OpenAI said the employee had allegedly planted the device several days before it was discovered. The company added that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) moved quickly to make an arrest'. The employee was subsequently terminated. FBI Director Kash Patel said Alfozan allegedly concealed a covert recording device inside his employer’s executive conference room to secretly capture sensitive communications about the company’s super intelligence technology. The discovery raised concerns about the security of confidential discussions at the artificial intelligence company, which develops ChatGPT and other advanced AI systems.&nbsp;However, OpenAI said there was currently no indication that sensitive technical information or customer records had been compromised. “At this time, we have no indications of this individual inappropriately accessing or exfiltrating model weights, source code, or customer data,” OpenAI said in the post. “We take protecting our technology, data and people seriously, and as a matter of national importance.”<h2>Recording device allegedly hidden in toilet paper</h2>According to the DOJ, Alfozan was not authorised to enter the executive conference room where the recording device was discovered. Investigators reportedly reviewed footage showing him near the conference room on multiple days before the device was found. The recording equipment had been concealed inside toilet paper, and its contents were encrypted, the department said. Security personnel also discovered a bag inside the OpenAI building that belonged to Alfozan. The bag reportedly contained his wallet, identification and another recording device similar to the one found in the executive conference room.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-leo-xiv-diagnosed-with-lung-cancer-after-surgery-vatican-says-successful-surgery-and-recovering-1791924637457">Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery, Vatican says ‘successful surgery and recovering’</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We discovered a sophisticated recording device that was hidden inside one of our offices. We used our models to understand the device and where it had come from, identifying that a specific employee had planted it a few days earlier. We referred the matter to the FBI, and we’re grateful to the agents and prosecutors who moved quickly to make an arrest. The FBI’s investigation is ongoing and we will continue to support their work.

At this time, we have no indications of this individual inappropriately accessing or exfiltrating model weights, source code, or customer data. The employee was terminated.

We take protecting our technology, data, and people seriously, and as a matter of national importance. Our security program is designed to protect against a wide range of threat actors, from insider risks to cybercriminals to nation states, and this case is an example of how AI can help address these sophisticated security threats.&mdash; OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) <a href="https://x.com/OpenAINewsroom/status/2110095403198849132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>OpenAI faces heightened scrutiny over AI security</h2>The incident comes as OpenAI, rival AI developer Anthropic and other major technology companies face increased scrutiny over their cybersecurity safeguards and the risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems. Recent concerns have included reports of autonomous AI agents escaping controlled testing environments and accessing or attacking external systems.<h2>OpenAI researchers previously raised safety concerns</h2>The arrest also comes amid separate tensions surrounding OpenAI's handling of internal safety concerns. Last week, OpenAI defended its decision to fire three safety researchers, saying it had uncovered a significant breach of trust and alleging that the researchers violated clear policies on handling sensitive information.&nbsp;The researchers, Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak and Mikita Balesni, had raised concerns about safety in a letter to OpenAI's leadership. They argued that the company's communications about their departures had created an atmosphere in which other employees might be reluctant to speak openly. The researchers said communications around their exits have made our former colleagues afraid to speak and operate in ways that, until last week, were an integral part of working at OpenAI.

An OpenAI employee was arrested after a hidden recording device was discovered in an executive conference room. The FBI is investigating the case

An OpenAI employee was fired and arrested after a ‘sophisticated recording device’ was discovered inside the company's executive conference room, according to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and a statement published by the company. Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, a national of Saudi Arabia, was arrested on October 9 in connection with the incident, the DOJ said in a statement. OpenAI said the employee had allegedly planted the device several days before it was discovered. The company added that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) moved quickly to make an arrest'. The employee was subsequently terminated. FBI Director Kash Patel said Alfozan allegedly concealed a covert recording device inside his employer’s executive conference room to secretly capture sensitive communications about the company’s super intelligence technology. The discovery raised concerns about the security of confidential discussions at the artificial intelligence company, which develops ChatGPT and other advanced AI systems. However, OpenAI said there was currently no indication that sensitive technical information or customer records had been compromised. “At this time, we have no indications of this individual inappropriately accessing or exfiltrating model weights, source code, or customer data,” OpenAI said in the post. “We take protecting our technology, data and people seriously, and as a matter of national importance.” Recording device allegedly hidden in toilet paper According to the DOJ, Alfozan was not authorised to enter the executive conference room where the recording device was discovered. Investigators reportedly reviewed footage showing him near the conference room on multiple days before the device was found. The recording equipment had been concealed inside toilet paper, and its contents were encrypted, the department said. Security personnel also discovered a bag inside the OpenAI building that belonged to Alfozan. The bag reportedly contained his wallet, identification and another recording device similar to the one found in the executive conference room. Also Read: Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery, Vatican says ‘successful surgery and recovering’

An OpenAI employee was arrested after a hidden recording device was found in an executive conference room, prompting an FBI investigation

OpenAI employee arrested by FBI after allegedly hiding recording device in office

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at a hospital in Rome after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, where doctors discovered a cancerous growth, according to a statement from the Vatican. The Vatican announced on Tuesday evening that the operation had concluded according to plan and that the pontiff has returned to his room. “The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled,” said Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora in a statement. “The lower lobe of the right lung was removed using video-assisted surgery.”&nbsp;Doctors said further examination of the removed lung tissue revealed evidence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes. The procedure took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in northwest Rome. The private hospital has a longstanding association with the Vatican, and the admission marks the first hospital stay of Leo's papacy. The 71-year-old pope had informed worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday that doctors had discovered a ‘nodule’ in his lung and recommended its removal. Leo said the growth had been detected ‘at a very early stage’ and was ‘well-contained.’<h2>Pope Leo XIV remains under medical care in Rome</h2>The Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic has a dedicated suite of rooms for the pope on its 10th floor. Pope John Paul II famously referred to the hospital as ‘Vatican three’ during his frequent visits, with St. Peter’s Basilica representing Vatican one and the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo designated Vatican two. Pope Francis also spent an extended period at the hospital early last year while receiving treatment for pneumonia.&nbsp;Following the operation, Leo has cancelled all public engagements until October 20 as he focuses on his recovery. Dr. Matthew Triplette, medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program and a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, previously explained that operations to remove lung nodules are often relatively straightforward. “Surgeries to remove a nodule are usually minimally invasive with a low rate of complications,” Triplette said earlier this week. He added that patients generally remain in hospital for several days before continuing their recovery at home. The Vatican has indicated that the pope will need approximately a week to recover following the procedure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-to-chair-un-backed-global-borrowers-platform-as-its-own-debt-burden-mounts-triggers-sarcastic-reactions-on-social-media-1791922266617">Pakistan to chair UN-backed global Borrowers’ Platform as its own debt burden mounts, triggers sarcastic reactions on social media</a><h2>Vatican operations to continue during Pope’s hospital stay</h2>The Catholic Church’s administration will continue operating while Leo remains in hospital. However, official matters requiring the pope’s personal signature will have to be postponed until he is able to address them. The Vatican has no specific rules governing the transfer of leadership should a pope become incapacitated. Even if a pontiff is unconscious or undergoing surgery, he retains full papal authority. The situation therefore does not automatically transfer the pope’s powers to another church official.<h2>Catholic Leaders pray for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery</h2>Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said on Tuesday that members of the Catholic clergy were praying for the pope’s recovery. “We were all struck by the serenity with which the Pope announced this procedure,” Parolin said. “We hope he can resolve this issue as soon as possible. We are confident, but naturally, we are supporting him with our prayers.” Parolin explained that he had seen Leo the previous evening and that the need for surgery had come as a surprise. The Vatican has continued to provide updates on the pontiff’s condition as he recovers from the operation. His immediate priority remains recuperation, with public appearances suspended until October 20.

Pope Leo XIV is recovering after surgery in Rome removed part of his right lung. The Vatican confirmed doctors found pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at a hospital in Rome after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, where doctors discovered a cancerous growth, according to a statement from the Vatican. The Vatican announced on Tuesday evening that the operation had concluded according to plan and that the pontiff has returned to his room. “The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled,” said Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora in a statement. “The lower lobe of the right lung was removed using video-assisted surgery.” Doctors said further examination of the removed lung tissue revealed evidence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes. The procedure took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in northwest Rome. The private hospital has a longstanding association with the Vatican, and the admission marks the first hospital stay of Leo's papacy. The 71-year-old pope had informed worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday that doctors had discovered a ‘nodule’ in his lung and recommended its removal. Leo said the growth had been detected ‘at a very early stage’ and was ‘well-contained.’ Pope Leo XIV remains under medical care in Rome The Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic has a dedicated suite of rooms for the pope on its 10th floor. Pope John Paul II famously referred to the hospital as ‘Vatican three’ during his frequent visits, with St. Peter’s Basilica representing Vatican one and the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo designated Vatican two. Pope Francis also spent an extended period at the hospital early last year while receiving treatment for pneumonia. Following the operation, Leo has cancelled all public engagements until October 20 as he focuses on his recovery. Dr. Matthew Triplette, medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program and a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, previously explained that operations to remove lung nodules are often relatively straightforward. “Surgeries to remove a nodule are usually minimally invasive with a low rate of complications,” Triplette said earlier this week. He added that patients generally remain in hospital for several days before continuing their recovery at home. The Vatican has indicated that the pope will need approximately a week to recover following the procedure. Also Read: Pakistan to chair UN-backed global Borrowers’ Platform as its own debt burden mounts, triggers sarcastic reactions on social media Vatican operations to continue during Pope’s hospital stay The Catholic Church’s administration will continue operating while Leo remains in hospital. However, official matters requiring the pope’s personal signature will have to be postponed until he is able to address them. The Vatican has no specific rules governing the transfer of leadership should a pope become incapacitated. Even if a pontiff is unconscious or undergoing surgery, he retains full papal authority. The situation therefore does not automatically transfer the pope’s powers to another church official. Catholic Leaders pray for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said on Tuesday that members of the Catholic clergy were praying for the pope’s recovery. “We were all struck by the serenity with which the Pope announced this procedure,” Parolin said. “We hope he can resolve this issue as soon as possible. We are confident, but naturally, we are supporting him with our prayers.” Parolin explained that he had seen Leo the previous evening and that the need for surgery had come as a surprise. The Vatican has continued to provide updates on the pontiff’s condition as he recovers from the operation. His immediate priority remains recuperation, with public appearances suspended until October 20.

Pope Leo XIV is recovering in Rome after surgery removed part of his right lung, with doctors identifying a cancerous growth in the tissue

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery, Vatican says 'successful surgery and recovering'

Pakistan has taken on a new diplomatic responsibility: leading international discussions on sovereign debt. For a country that has spent years navigating borrowing pressures, IMF programmes and repayment challenges, the appointment carries considerable significance. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb assumed the chairmanship of the Governing Council of the Borrowers’ Platform on behalf of Pakistan on Monday, during the World Bank Group–International Monetary Fund annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. The appointment was announced by Pakistan’s Finance Division on October 12.&nbsp;The United Nations-backed initiative aims to help debt-burdened developing countries exchange expertise, strengthen debt-management practices and improve their participation in international discussions on development finance. However, the platform is not intended to function as a collective bargaining forum for negotiating with creditors. Pakistan’s new role places Islamabad at the centre of discussions about how developing economies can borrow responsibly, manage repayment obligations and ensure that debt financing supports long-term economic growth rather than undermining public spending.&nbsp;The challenge is particularly relevant for Pakistan, which has faced persistent fiscal pressures, substantial external financing requirements and repeated negotiations with international lenders. Aurangzeb has outlined Pakistan’s priorities for the platform’s 2026–27 work plan, including improving debt-management practices, sharing experiences of economic reforms and exploring innovative financing instruments for development. He has emphasised that debt should remain a tool for economic progress rather than become an obstacle to it.&nbsp;&nbsp;The platform’s Governing Council, its highest political and decision-making body, held its first meeting on October 12 in Bangkok, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors and senior officials from developing countries. Launched in April 2026 with support from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the initiative has attracted 31 formal members, according to the information provided. UN Trade and Development, known as UNCTAD, serves as its secretariat. &nbsp;Guterres has described the economic conditions confronting developing countries as a ‘perfect storm’, pointing to geopolitical conflicts, trade disruptions, climate pressures, inadequate financing and mounting debt-servicing obligations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mi5-chief-warns-russia-is-uk-s-aggressor-number-one-as-iran-and-ai-threats-grow-1791919111395">MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow</a><h2>Pakistan’s long-running debt dilemma</h2>Pakistan’s debt trajectory over the past two decades illustrates the difficulties of balancing government spending, economic development and external financing requirements. During the Pakistan Peoples Party government from 2008 to 2013, the country’s reported national debt increased from approximately PKR 6.4 trillion to PKR 15.1 trillion. Under Nawaz Sharif, who took office following the 2013 general election, Pakistan’s external debt rose from $52.4 billion to $75.3 billion over five years. Financing requirements associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, alongside other economic obligations, formed part of the broader borrowing picture.&nbsp;During Imran Khan’s tenure, which started after the 2018 election, external debt increased further, from $75.3 billion to $110.6 billion, according to the figures cited in the original account. These developments unfolded under different administrations and reflected a combination of government financing needs, infrastructure investment, economic pressures and external vulnerabilities. China subsequently emerged as Pakistan’s largest bilateral creditor. An IMF report placed Chinese lending at approximately 30 per cent of Pakistan’s foreign debt in 2022. Chinese financing has provided Islamabad with an important source of funding for infrastructure and other economic requirements. At the same time, the scale of the relationship has highlighted the importance of managing repayments, securing foreign currency and maintaining adequate external reserves.<h2>The 2023 economic crisis exposed Pak’s vulnerabilities</h2>Pakistan’s financial pressures became particularly acute during the economic crisis of 2023. Declining foreign exchange reserves, a sharply weakening rupee and soaring inflation intensified concerns about the country’s capacity to meet its financial obligations. The government sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund while negotiating additional financial support from friendly countries, including China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The crisis also exposed the domestic consequences of fiscal adjustment. Higher taxes, rising living costs and substantial debt-servicing expenses placed additional pressure on households as policymakers attempted to stabilise the economy.<h2>China’s loan rollovers offer relief, but repayments remain a challenge</h2>In June 2025, China rolled over $3.4 billion in commercial loans to Pakistan, including a $2.1 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan and the refinancing of a $1.3 billion commercial loan that had already been repaid, according to a report citing a source in Pakistan’s Finance Ministry. The rollover helped Islamabad meet an IMF requirement to maintain foreign exchange reserves above $14 billion by June 30, 2025.&nbsp;However, such arrangements also demonstrate the continuing importance of refinancing in Pakistan’s external financial strategy. Rolling over loans can provide breathing room, but it does not necessarily reduce the principal owed. According to the figures cited in the original account, Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities stand at approximately $138.8 billion, including $92.2 billion in external public debt owed directly by the government. These obligations involve multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the IMF, as well as bilateral partners, particularly China, followed by Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Pakistan repaid $4.46 billion in external debt principal during the 2026 fiscal cycle. Its annual external debt-servicing obligations are estimated at between $21.5 billion and $23 billion. Around $12 billion of those obligations reportedly comprise deposits from friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, China and the UAE, which are generally rolled over rather than repaid in cash. Pakistan has also fully repaid its $3.45 billion deposit debt to the UAE, according to the figures cited in the original account.<h2>What Pakistan’s Borrowers’ Platform presidency means</h2>Pakistan’s new position provides an opportunity to help shape discussions about the challenges facing developing economies with substantial borrowing requirements. The platform’s priorities include improving debt-management systems, sharing lessons from economic reforms and exploring financing mechanisms that can support development without creating unsustainable repayment pressures. However, the chairmanship does not itself provide new funding, cancel existing liabilities or change Pakistan’s obligations under its IMF programme. Its stated purpose is cooperation, knowledge-sharing and technical assistance rather than collective negotiations with creditors.<h2>Pakistanis react with sarcasm</h2>The announcement prompted a wave of sarcastic reactions on social media, with some Pakistanis questioning the significance of the new responsibility given the country’s own debt difficulties. Khurram Mushtaq, the former chairman of MEPCO, the government-owned Multan Electric Power Company, commented on X, “Well, at least we got the presidency out of this excuse.” Former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair offered a shorter response, “Wow, what an honour.”

Pakistan assumes leadership of the Borrowers’ Platform as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb faces debt challenges, IMF obligations and repayment pressures

Pakistan has taken on a new diplomatic responsibility: leading international discussions on sovereign debt. For a country that has spent years navigating borrowing pressures, IMF programmes and repayment challenges, the appointment carries considerable significance. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb assumed the chairmanship of the Governing Council of the Borrowers’ Platform on behalf of Pakistan on Monday, during the World Bank Group–International Monetary Fund annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. The appointment was announced by Pakistan’s Finance Division on October 12. The United Nations-backed initiative aims to help debt-burdened developing countries exchange expertise, strengthen debt-management practices and improve their participation in international discussions on development finance. However, the platform is not intended to function as a collective bargaining forum for negotiating with creditors. Pakistan’s new role places Islamabad at the centre of discussions about how developing economies can borrow responsibly, manage repayment obligations and ensure that debt financing supports long-term economic growth rather than undermining public spending. The challenge is particularly relevant for Pakistan, which has faced persistent fiscal pressures, substantial external financing requirements and repeated negotiations with international lenders. Aurangzeb has outlined Pakistan’s priorities for the platform’s 2026–27 work plan, including improving debt-management practices, sharing experiences of economic reforms and exploring innovative financing instruments for development. He has emphasised that debt should remain a tool for economic progress rather than become an obstacle to it. The platform’s Governing Council, its highest political and decision-making body, held its first meeting on October 12 in Bangkok, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors and senior officials from developing countries. Launched in April 2026 with support from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the initiative has attracted 31 formal members, according to the information provided. UN Trade and Development, known as UNCTAD, serves as its secretariat. Guterres has described the economic conditions confronting developing countries as a ‘perfect storm’, pointing to geopolitical conflicts, trade disruptions, climate pressures, inadequate financing and mounting debt-servicing obligations. Also Read: MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow Pakistan’s long-running debt dilemma Pakistan’s debt trajectory over the past two decades illustrates the difficulties of balancing government spending, economic development and external financing requirements. During the Pakistan Peoples Party government from 2008 to 2013, the country’s reported national debt increased from approximately PKR 6.4 trillion to PKR 15.1 trillion. Under Nawaz Sharif, who took office following the 2013 general election, Pakistan’s external debt rose from $52.4 billion to $75.3 billion over five years. Financing requirements associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, alongside other economic obligations, formed part of the broader borrowing picture. During Imran Khan’s tenure, which started after the 2018 election, external debt increased further, from $75.3 billion to $110.6 billion, according to the figures cited in the original account. These developments unfolded under different administrations and reflected a combination of government financing needs, infrastructure investment, economic pressures and external vulnerabilities. China subsequently emerged as Pakistan’s largest bilateral creditor. An IMF report placed Chinese lending at approximately 30 per cent of Pakistan’s foreign debt in 2022. Chinese financing has provided Islamabad with an important source of funding for infrastructure and other economic requirements. At the same time, the scale of the relationship has highlighted the importance of managing repayments, securing foreign currency and maintaining adequate external reserves. The 2023 economic crisis exposed Pak’s vulnerabilities Pakistan’s financial pressures became particularly acute during the economic crisis of 2023. Declining foreign exchange reserves, a sharply weakening rupee and soaring inflation intensified concerns about the country’s capacity to meet its financial obligations. The government sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund while negotiating additional financial support from friendly countries, including China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The crisis also exposed the domestic consequences of fiscal adjustment. Higher taxes, rising living costs and substantial debt-servicing expenses placed additional pressure on households as policymakers attempted to stabilise the economy. China’s loan rollovers offer relief, but repayments remain a challenge In June 2025, China rolled over $3.4 billion in commercial loans to Pakistan, including a $2.1 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan and the refinancing of a $1.3 billion commercial loan that had already been repaid, according to a report citing a source in Pakistan’s Finance Ministry. The rollover helped Islamabad meet an IMF requirement to maintain foreign exchange reserves above $14 billion by June 30, 2025. However, such arrangements also demonstrate the continuing importance of refinancing in Pakistan’s external financial strategy. Rolling over loans can provide breathing room, but it does not necessarily reduce the principal owed. According to the figures cited in the original account, Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities stand at approximately $138.8 billion, including $92.2 billion in external public debt owed directly by the government. These obligations involve multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the IMF, as well as bilateral partners, particularly China, followed by Saudi Arabia. Pakistan repaid $4.46 billion in external debt principal during the 2026 fiscal cycle. Its annual external debt-servicing obligations are estimated at between $21.5 billion and $23 billion. Around $12 billion of those obligations reportedly comprise deposits from friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, China and the UAE, which are generally rolled over rather than repaid in cash. Pakistan has also fully repaid its $3.45 billion deposit debt to the UAE, according to the figures cited in the original account. What Pakistan’s Borrowers’ Platform presidency means Pakistan’s new position provides an opportunity to help shape discussions about the challenges facing developing economies with substantial borrowing requirements. The platform’s priorities include improving debt-management systems, sharing lessons from economic reforms and exploring financing mechanisms that can support development without creating unsustainable repayment pressures. However, the chairmanship does not itself provide new funding, cancel existing liabilities or change Pakistan’s obligations under its IMF programme. Its stated purpose is cooperation, knowledge-sharing and technical assistance rather than collective negotiations with creditors. Pakistanis react with sarcasm The announcement prompted a wave of sarcastic reactions on social media, with some Pakistanis questioning the significance of the new responsibility given the country’s own debt difficulties. Khurram Mushtaq, the former chairman of MEPCO, the government-owned Multan Electric Power Company, commented on X, “Well, at least we got the presidency out of this excuse.” Former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair offered a shorter response, “Wow, what an honour.”

Pakistan takes charge of the UN-backed Borrowers’ Platform as its own debt burden, IMF obligations and external repayment pressures persist

Pakistan to chair UN-backed global Borrowers’ Platform as its own debt burden mounts, triggers sarcastic reactions on social media

Can someone beam an invisible laser into a room from many kilometres away and snoop on conversations taking place inside? As dramatic as it may sound, China has warned government departments and other entities about this new form of laser-based eavesdropping allegedly conducted by foreign spies.&nbsp;According to China's Ministry of State Security, the technology relies on detecting vibrations in glass windows caused by sound waves inside a room. It claimed that a spy could potentially reconstruct speech from inside a room by directing an invisible laser beam at a window.&nbsp;Amid heightened fears of foreign espionage and data leaks, the market for counter-surveillance equipment in China is growing.&nbsp;According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), one of the key devices in demand is a monitoring system capable of detecting and issuing alerts about incoming laser beams, as well as identifying the direction from which the laser originated.&nbsp;Other products include specialised curtains made from electromagnetic-shielding fabric that can block electronic signals, along with devices that can block unidentified Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals.&nbsp;There is also particular demand for equipment that searches for signals emitted by foreign-made devices.&nbsp;This assumes significance as some Chinese ministries and agencies have banned the use of iPhones at workplaces since 2023 on national security grounds.&nbsp;Since August that year, China has repeatedly warned officials, students and tourists against foreign intelligence operatives.&nbsp;In April 2023, China also amended its counter-espionage law, banning the transfer of documents, data and items related to national security and interests.&nbsp;The sweeping nature of the law is evident from the fact that it does not define what constitutes China's “national security and interests”. It also expanded the definition of espionage to include cyberattacks targeting state organs or critical infrastructure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mi5-chief-warns-russia-is-uk-s-aggressor-number-one-as-iran-and-ai-threats-grow-1791919111395">MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow</a>&nbsp;The law also enabled investigators probing such cases to prevent suspects from leaving the country.Reports suggest that around 10 sizeable companies in China specialise in secrecy-protection equipment. Many of them have links to the defence industry.&nbsp;Domestically, military units and government departments are among their main clients. However, these companies are increasingly expanding their businesses overseas.&nbsp;Some countries participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative, including Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, are reportedly buying such equipment.&nbsp;With a complete system generally priced at up to $30,000, the equipment is considered cost-effective for developing countries. These systems also offer support for local languages.&nbsp;China's emphasis on counter-surveillance comes amid growing scrutiny of its alleged espionage activities abroad.&nbsp;Earlier this month, the United States arrested a 34-year-old California-based woman for allegedly conducting surveillance on the son of Taiwan's president at the behest of the Chinese government.&nbsp;While Beijing opposed what it described as the promotion of the “Chinese spy” narrative, Taiwan criticised China over what it called transnational repression.

China's counter-surveillance industry is expanding amid fears of foreign espionage, with rising demand for laser detection systems and other security equipment at home and abroad.

Can someone beam an invisible laser into a room from many kilometres away and snoop on conversations taking place inside? As dramatic as it may sound, China has warned government departments and other entities about this new form of laser-based eavesdropping allegedly conducted by foreign spies. According to China's Ministry of State Security, the technology relies on detecting vibrations in glass windows caused by sound waves inside a room. It claimed that a spy could potentially reconstruct speech from inside a room by directing an invisible laser beam at a window. Amid heightened fears of foreign espionage and data leaks, the market for counter-surveillance equipment in China is growing. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), one of the key devices in demand is a monitoring system capable of detecting and issuing alerts about incoming laser beams, as well as identifying the direction from which the laser originated. Other products include specialised curtains made from electromagnetic-shielding fabric that can block electronic signals, along with devices that can block unidentified Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals. There is also particular demand for equipment that searches for signals emitted by foreign-made devices. This assumes significance as some Chinese ministries and agencies have banned the use of iPhones at workplaces since 2023 on national security grounds. Since August that year, China has repeatedly warned officials, students and tourists against foreign intelligence operatives. In April 2023, China also amended its counter-espionage law, banning the transfer of documents, data and items related to national security and interests. The sweeping nature of the law is evident from the fact that it does not define what constitutes China's “national security and interests”. It also expanded the definition of espionage to include cyberattacks targeting state organs or critical infrastructure. Also Read: MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow The law also enabled investigators probing such cases to prevent suspects from leaving the country. Reports suggest that around 10 sizeable companies in China specialise in secrecy-protection equipment. Many of them have links to the defence industry. Domestically, military units and government departments are among their main clients. However, these companies are increasingly expanding their businesses overseas. Some countries participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative, including Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, are reportedly buying such equipment. With a complete system generally priced at up to $30,000, the equipment is considered cost-effective for developing countries. These systems also offer support for local languages. China's emphasis on counter-surveillance comes amid growing scrutiny of its alleged espionage activities abroad. Earlier this month, the United States arrested a 34-year-old California-based woman for allegedly conducting surveillance on the son of Taiwan's president at the behest of the Chinese government. While Beijing opposed what it described as the promotion of the “Chinese spy” narrative, Taiwan criticised China over what it called transnational repression.

China's counter-surveillance industry is expanding amid fears of foreign espionage, with rising demand for laser detection systems and other security equipment at home and abroad.

China's counter-surveillance industry booms amid heightened espionage fears | Gravitas

MI5 is dedicating more resources to countering threats from hostile foreign states than at any point during the Cold War, the intelligence agency’s chief has revealed, warning that Russia, Iran and the misuse of artificial intelligence are creating an increasingly complex security landscape for the United Kingdom. Sir Ken McCallum said threats from foreign adversaries had quadrupled over the past decade, identifying Russia as ‘aggressor number one’ while warning of increased Iran-linked aggression targeting Jewish communities and military installations.&nbsp;Delivering his annual speech in London, the MI5 director general said Russia was pursuing hybrid warfare against Western countries, while advances in artificial intelligence were supercharging the cyber-security contest between attackers and defenders. He also highlighted a growing threat from extreme right-wing terrorism and revealed that MI5 had caught terrorists seeking to exploit Al, including individuals using the technology alongside drones.&nbsp;McCallum identified extremist exploitation of AI to develop or use biological weapons as one of the most serious potential dangers. He warned, however, that the threat had not yet fully materialised. The intelligence chief said counterterrorism and efforts to tackle state-sponsored threats had become pretty much of equal scale, describing the change as a huge shift in the agency’s priorities.<h2>Russia remains the UK's biggest state threat</h2>McCallum said Moscow had avoided escalating its confrontation with NATO into conventional conflict, instead attempting to destabilise European countries through sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation and other forms of hybrid warfare. He described Russia's progress in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine as minimal and horrifically costly. Hybrid warfare refers to the use of non-traditional methods, including cyber operations, sabotage and misinformation, to pressure opponents and undermine their stability. Such operations can involve intermediaries or proxies, allowing governments to conceal their involvement.&nbsp;McCallum said MI5's success in identifying and expelling Russian intelligence officers from Britain had weakened the Kremlin's traditional espionage networks, forcing Moscow to rely increasingly on paid intermediaries to conduct hostile activities. "With its traditional covert footprint eviscerated by almost 1,000 expulsions since the invasion, the Kremlin's global toolkit is weak, he said. “So we see them scrambling to pay criminals to do their bidding.” He added, “These are not the actions of a great power with the strategic upper hand.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cornell-university-suspends-fraternity-parties-over-2024-gang-rape-allegations-1791917522422">Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations</a><h2>MI5 chief addresses claims of Russian interference in Brexit</h2>Following his speech, McCallum was asked about recent comments by Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting that Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum. The MI5 chief said it was not new news that Moscow had attempted to influence British public debate. However, he drew a distinction between attempts at interference and evidence that such efforts had changed the outcome.&nbsp;He pointed to Russian media coverage and so-called internet trolls and bot farms that sought to influence the debate surrounding Brexit. At the same time, he stressed that the result of the 2016 referendum was not in dispute. McCallum also expressed concern that public discussion of Russian interference could inadvertently amplify the impact of hostile influence operations. "I am a little bit anxious that we don't play into our adversaries' hands by making these trolls look 10ft tall," he told reporters.<h2>Iran-linked threats target Jewish communities and military sites</h2>McCallum also warned that Iran was expanding its campaign of hostile activity in the United Kingdom. According to the MI5 chief, 50 arrests had been made over the previous year in connection with Iran-linked activities. He said much of the activity had targeted Jewish communities, while other operations focused on harder targets, like military sites.&nbsp;He did not directly address the arrests linked to an incident near RAF Fairford during his speech. However, he told reporters that the case was not unique. He added, “We have seen Iranian interest beyond RAF Fairford in the UK.” The incident at the Gloucestershire airbase involved three suspicious vans reportedly seen parked nearby. Seven people have been arrested and bailed by counter-terrorism police.&nbsp;McCallum delivered a firm warning to anyone involved in hostile activity on British soil. “What I can say is that those who seek to cause mayhem on British streets, whether hired thugs here or their paymasters overseas, will meet an unflinching response.”&nbsp;<h2>AI Raises new concerns over terrorism and bioweapons</h2>Artificial intelligence featured prominently in McCallum's assessment of emerging national security threats. He warned that extremists could use AI to create personalised propaganda, spread radicalising material and improve the planning and execution of attacks. "It can produce propaganda and radicalising material tailored to the individual. "We've caught terrorists seeking to exploit Al to improve their reconnaissance and attack methodologies, with Al-enabled drones adding a new twist."&nbsp;McCallum said the possibility of AI being used to facilitate biological weapons development was particularly concerning, although he stressed that the full threat had not yet emerged. He said the technology had the "potential to change the stakes". "These risks are real. The UK Intelligence Community - MI5, GCHQ, MI6 - is working closely with the UK's globally respected AI Security Institute to take them on."<h2>UK terrorism threat remains severe</h2>McCallum's warning comes after Britain's terrorism threat level was raised to severe in April for the first time in five years. The classification means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely. He said Islamist extremist organisations, including Al Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State, continued to direct and inspire attacks. However, he said the increased threat was also being driven in significant part by extreme right-wing terrorism.&nbsp;“Over the last year the most marked trend has been an increase in cases where extremist versions of anti-immigration and anti-Muslim grievance are tipping into terrorist intent.” McCallum said extreme right-wing terrorism often involved young people who had been radicalised online. He revealed that MI5 had recently investigated a radicalised extreme right-wing 13-year-old here in the UK. The investigation, he said, provided information that helped an international partner prevent a potentially lethal attack. “That investigation generated insight that enabled one of our international partners to prevent a lethal attack on their soil.”

MI5 chief Ken McCallum warns Russia, Iran and artificial intelligence pose growing UK security threats, including hybrid warfare and AI-enabled terrorism

MI5 is dedicating more resources to countering threats from hostile foreign states than at any point during the Cold War, the intelligence agency’s chief has revealed, warning that Russia, Iran and the misuse of artificial intelligence are creating an increasingly complex security landscape for the United Kingdom. Sir Ken McCallum said threats from foreign adversaries had quadrupled over the past decade, identifying Russia as ‘aggressor number one’ while warning of increased Iran-linked aggression targeting Jewish communities and military installations. Delivering his annual speech in London, the MI5 director general said Russia was pursuing hybrid warfare against Western countries, while advances in artificial intelligence were supercharging the cyber-security contest between attackers and defenders. He also highlighted a growing threat from extreme right-wing terrorism and revealed that MI5 had caught terrorists seeking to exploit Al, including individuals using the technology alongside drones. McCallum identified extremist exploitation of AI to develop or use biological weapons as one of the most serious potential dangers. He warned, however, that the threat had not yet fully materialised. The intelligence chief said counterterrorism and efforts to tackle state-sponsored threats had become pretty much of equal scale, describing the change as a huge shift in the agency’s priorities. Russia remains the UK's biggest state threat McCallum said Moscow had avoided escalating its confrontation with NATO into conventional conflict, instead attempting to destabilise European countries through sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation and other forms of hybrid warfare. He described Russia's progress in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine as minimal and horrifically costly. Hybrid warfare refers to the use of non-traditional methods, including cyber operations, sabotage and misinformation, to pressure opponents and undermine their stability. Such operations can involve intermediaries or proxies, allowing governments to conceal their involvement. McCallum said MI5's success in identifying and expelling Russian intelligence officers from Britain had weakened the Kremlin's traditional espionage networks, forcing Moscow to rely increasingly on paid intermediaries to conduct hostile activities. "With its traditional covert footprint eviscerated by almost 1,000 expulsions since the invasion, the Kremlin's global toolkit is weak, he said. “So we see them scrambling to pay criminals to do their bidding.” He added, “These are not the actions of a great power with the strategic upper hand.” Also Read: Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations MI5 chief addresses claims of Russian interference in Brexit Following his speech, McCallum was asked about recent comments by Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting that Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum. The MI5 chief said it was not new news that Moscow had attempted to influence British public debate. However, he drew a distinction between attempts at interference and evidence that such efforts had changed the outcome. He pointed to Russian media coverage and so-called internet trolls and bot farms that sought to influence the debate surrounding Brexit. At the same time, he stressed that the result of the 2016 referendum was not in dispute. McCallum also expressed concern that public discussion of Russian interference could inadvertently amplify the impact of hostile influence operations. "I am a little bit anxious that we don't play into our adversaries' hands by making these trolls look 10ft tall," he told reporters. Iran-linked threats target Jewish communities and military sites McCallum also warned that Iran was expanding its campaign of hostile activity in the United Kingdom. According to the MI5 chief, 50 arrests had been made over the previous year in connection with Iran-linked activities. He said much of the activity had targeted Jewish communities, while other operations focused on harder targets, like military sites. He did not directly address the arrests linked to an incident near RAF Fairford during his speech. However, he told reporters that the case was not unique. He added, “We have seen Iranian interest beyond RAF Fairford in the UK.” The incident at the Gloucestershire airbase involved three suspicious vans reportedly seen parked nearby. Seven people have been arrested and bailed by counter-terrorism police. McCallum delivered a firm warning to anyone involved in hostile activity on British soil. “What I can say is that those who seek to cause mayhem on British streets, whether hired thugs here or their paymasters overseas, will meet an unflinching response.” AI Raises new concerns over terrorism and bioweapons Artificial intelligence featured prominently in McCallum's assessment of emerging national security threats. He warned that extremists could use AI to create personalised propaganda, spread radicalising material and improve the planning and execution of attacks. "It can produce propaganda and radicalising material tailored to the individual. "We've caught terrorists seeking to exploit Al to improve their reconnaissance and attack methodologies, with Al-enabled drones adding a new twist." McCallum said the possibility of AI being used to facilitate biological weapons development was particularly concerning, although he stressed that the full threat had not yet emerged. He said the technology had the "potential to change the stakes". "These risks are real. The UK Intelligence Community - MI5, GCHQ, MI6 - is working closely with the UK's globally respected AI Security Institute to take them on." UK terrorism threat remains severe McCallum's warning comes after Britain's terrorism threat level was raised to severe in April for the first time in five years. The classification means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely. He said Islamist extremist organisations, including Al Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State, continued to direct and inspire attacks. However, he said the increased threat was also being driven in significant part by extreme right-wing terrorism. “Over the last year the most marked trend has been an increase in cases where extremist versions of anti-immigration and anti-Muslim grievance are tipping into terrorist intent.” McCallum said extreme right-wing terrorism often involved young people who had been radicalised online. He revealed that MI5 had recently investigated a radicalised extreme right-wing 13-year-old here in the UK. The investigation, he said, provided information that helped an international partner prevent a potentially lethal attack. “That investigation generated insight that enabled one of our international partners to prevent a lethal attack on their soil.”

MI5 chief Ken McCallum warns of rising Russian and Iranian threats, AI-powered terrorism and extremist risks as UK security concerns intensify

MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow

US President Donald Trump has accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis of deliberately driving up oil prices ahead of America's midterm elections following renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia. He warned the group that he would not forget its actions and signalled possible consequences after the November 3 polls.&nbsp;Trump criticised the Houthis in a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, accusing them of resuming attacks, possibly at Iran's behest.&nbsp;“The Houthis are behaving very badly. I thought they learned their lesson a year ago when we bombed the HELL out of them and, at their request, stopped,” Trump wrote.&nbsp;He added that the group had remained silent for a long time before launching fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;“They've been silent for a long time, but now they've emerged again, probably at the behest of Iran, which is a Failing Nation, with No Navy, No Airforce, the World's Worst Economy, and 301% Inflation, in a very nasty way, hitting Saudi Arabia, and purposefully trying to drive up Oil Prices, probably prior to the U.S. Elections — NOT NICE,” he said.<h3>Trump warns Houthis of consequences after US elections</h3>Trump said the upcoming elections would not stop him from responding to the group's actions.&nbsp;“Somebody should explain to them that I’m not running in the Elections; I’ve already won, IN A MASSIVE LANDSLIDE, but I’ll be there after the Elections, and I will never forget!” he said.&nbsp;The warning follows two separate incidents targeting Riyadh's international airport on Saturday and Sunday. The Houthis have also stepped up attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, raising concerns about energy supplies and global crude prices.&nbsp;Trump alleged that the group was trying to influence oil markets ahead of the elections but provided no evidence in his post to support the claim.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-accuses-musk-of-online-harassment-of-european-leaders-warns-of-poll-interference-1791917196150">France accuses Musk of ‘online harassment’ of European leaders, warns of poll interference</a><h3>Saudi tensions raise concerns over regional energy supplies</h3>Trump also expressed confidence that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would support Saudi interests if asked.&nbsp;“President Erdogan, I think, would do as I ask,” he said.&nbsp;Trump has previously indicated that Washington could consider joining Saudi Arabia in direct military operations. However, no formal US intervention has been launched. The Houthis have warned of a painful response if the United States intervenes.&nbsp;The latest escalation comes months after Tehran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil and gas supplies, in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks in late February. The move triggered a conflict that has spread across the Middle East.

Trump accused Iran-backed Houthis of targeting Saudi Arabia to drive up oil prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections and warned of consequences after the polls.

US President Donald Trump has accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis of deliberately driving up oil prices ahead of America's midterm elections following renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia. He warned the group that he would not forget its actions and signalled possible consequences after the November 3 polls. Trump criticised the Houthis in a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, accusing them of resuming attacks, possibly at Iran's behest. “The Houthis are behaving very badly. I thought they learned their lesson a year ago when we bombed the HELL out of them and, at their request, stopped,” Trump wrote. He added that the group had remained silent for a long time before launching fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia. “They've been silent for a long time, but now they've emerged again, probably at the behest of Iran, which is a Failing Nation, with No Navy, No Airforce, the World's Worst Economy, and 301% Inflation, in a very nasty way, hitting Saudi Arabia, and purposefully trying to drive up Oil Prices, probably prior to the U.S. Elections — NOT NICE,” he said. Trump warns Houthis of consequences after US elections Trump said the upcoming elections would not stop him from responding to the group's actions. “Somebody should explain to them that I’m not running in the Elections; I’ve already won, IN A MASSIVE LANDSLIDE, but I’ll be there after the Elections, and I will never forget!” he said. The warning follows two separate incidents targeting Riyadh's international airport on Saturday and Sunday. The Houthis have also stepped up attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, raising concerns about energy supplies and global crude prices. Trump alleged that the group was trying to influence oil markets ahead of the elections but provided no evidence in his post to support the claim. Also Read: France accuses Musk of ‘online harassment’ of European leaders, warns of poll interference Saudi tensions raise concerns over regional energy supplies Trump also expressed confidence that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would support Saudi interests if asked. “President Erdogan, I think, would do as I ask,” he said. Trump has previously indicated that Washington could consider joining Saudi Arabia in direct military operations. However, no formal US intervention has been launched. The Houthis have warned of a painful response if the United States intervenes. The latest escalation comes months after Tehran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil and gas supplies, in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks in late February. The move triggered a conflict that has spread across the Middle East.

Trump accused Iran-backed Houthis of targeting Saudi Arabia to drive up oil prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections and warned of consequences after the polls.

Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms, warns of consequences

In a state where the cost of living seems unforgiving, the 2026 US midterm elections are turning Alaska into an unforeseen battleground. Economic anxiety, a fiercely contested Senate race and an unconventional voting system have merged to make this traditionally Republican state one of the contests to watch out for.Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, seeking third term, is pitted against Democrat Mary Peltola, who is hoping to turn economic frustration and her appeal into an upset. President Donald Trump is travelling to Alaska to rally support for Sullivan as Republicans seek to protect their Senate majority.&nbsp;For Alaskans, the election is about more than party loyalties. The vast distances, dependence on air and sea transport, and harsh climate make food, fuel and heating expensive in Alaska. Those living away from major urban centres face particularly steep grocery bills, while fluctuations in energy prices affect household budgets.&nbsp;Peltola, who has built her political identity around the slogan “Fish, Family, Freedom”, is emphasising the importance of protecting Alaska’s fisheries, supporting working families and defending local livelihoods. In a smart move, she is linking the cost-of-living debate with subsistence fishing and the economic realities of rural and Indigenous communities.&nbsp;Sullivan enjoys the advantages of incumbency and Republican support in a state where resource development, energy policy and limited government remain important political considerations.&nbsp;Since investment in Alaska’s energy sector and expansion of economic opportunities are essential to long-term prosperity, Republicans are trying to convince voters that their policies can address the immediate pressure of rising prices.&nbsp;The Senate contest is complicated by Alaska’s distinctive electoral system, which combines an open primary with ranked-choice voting in the general election. Candidates from all parties compete in the primary, with the top four advancing. In November, voters rank candidates in order of preference; if nobody wins a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest-performing candidate is eliminated and ballots are redistributed according to voters’ next preferences until a winner emerges.&nbsp;&nbsp;This system can benefit candidates who appeal beyond their party’s core supporters but has generated controversy after two Senate candidates named Dan Sullivan appeared on the November ballot. The presence of Dan J. Sullivan alongside incumbent Dan S. Sullivan has raised concerns about voter confusion, making the contest even more complex.&nbsp;Supporters of the system say it broadens voter choice and encourages candidates to seek wider support, but opponents call it confusing.&nbsp;The contest also carries significance beyond the state’s borders, as a Democratic victory could reshape the balance of power in the Senate, while a Republican win would reinforce the party’s position in Washington.&nbsp;In Alaska, the battle for Washington could ultimately be decided at the supermarket, the fuel pump and the ballot box — where even the act of choosing a candidate has become a political issue.

The vast distances, dependence on air and sea transport, and harsh climate make food, fuel and heating expensive in Alaska. Those living away from major urban centres face particularly steep grocery bills, while fluctuations in energy prices affect household budgets.

In a state where the cost of living seems unforgiving, the 2026 US midterm elections are turning Alaska into an unforeseen battleground. Economic anxiety, a fiercely contested Senate race and an unconventional voting system have merged to make this traditionally Republican state one of the contests to watch out for. Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, seeking third term, is pitted against Democrat Mary Peltola, who is hoping to turn economic frustration and her appeal into an upset. President Donald Trump is travelling to Alaska to rally support for Sullivan as Republicans seek to protect their Senate majority. For Alaskans, the election is about more than party loyalties. The vast distances, dependence on air and sea transport, and harsh climate make food, fuel and heating expensive in Alaska. Those living away from major urban centres face particularly steep grocery bills, while fluctuations in energy prices affect household budgets. Peltola, who has built her political identity around the slogan “Fish, Family, Freedom”, is emphasising the importance of protecting Alaska’s fisheries, supporting working families and defending local livelihoods. In a smart move, she is linking the cost-of-living debate with subsistence fishing and the economic realities of rural and Indigenous communities. Sullivan enjoys the advantages of incumbency and Republican support in a state where resource development, energy policy and limited government remain important political considerations. Since investment in Alaska’s energy sector and expansion of economic opportunities are essential to long-term prosperity, Republicans are trying to convince voters that their policies can address the immediate pressure of rising prices. The Senate contest is complicated by Alaska’s distinctive electoral system, which combines an open primary with ranked-choice voting in the general election. Candidates from all parties compete in the primary, with the top four advancing. In November, voters rank candidates in order of preference; if nobody wins a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest-performing candidate is eliminated and ballots are redistributed according to voters’ next preferences until a winner emerges. This system can benefit candidates who appeal beyond their party’s core supporters but has generated controversy after two Senate candidates named Dan Sullivan appeared on the November ballot. The presence of Dan J. Sullivan alongside incumbent Dan S. Sullivan has raised concerns about voter confusion, making the contest even more complex. Supporters of the system say it broadens voter choice and encourages candidates to seek wider support, but opponents call it confusing. The contest also carries significance beyond the state’s borders, as a Democratic victory could reshape the balance of power in the Senate, while a Republican win would reinforce the party’s position in Washington. In Alaska, the battle for Washington could ultimately be decided at the supermarket, the fuel pump and the ballot box — where even the act of choosing a candidate has become a political issue.

The vast distances, dependence on air and sea transport, and harsh climate make food, fuel and heating expensive in Alaska. Those living away from major urban centres face particularly steep grocery bills, while fluctuations in energy prices affect household budgets.

US Midterms 2026: In Alaska, cost-of-living anxiety meets strangest ballot in high-stakes Senate race

Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events at fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year as the institution reviews its response to a student’s allegations that she was gang raped at a fraternity in 2024. In a letter to the campus community on Tuesday, Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff announced the suspension alongside additional measures intended to strengthen support for sexual assault survivors and improve the university’s handling of misconduct allegations.&nbsp;“I have spent the past weeks listening to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and trustees, who have shared their feelings of deep connection and sympathy with Jane Doe, anger and frustration that this could happen at Cornell, and outrage at the broader prevalence of sexual violence against women in our society,” Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff said in the letter.&nbsp;&nbsp;The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of how Cornell and the county district attorney’s office handled the 2024 allegations. Although no criminal charges were filed at the time, the accuser, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, filed a lawsuit last month against seven fraternity members, Cornell University and other parties, bringing renewed attention to the case.&nbsp;New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed by the governor this month to re-examine the case. Separately, Cornell has hired former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates to review the university’s policies and practices concerning sexual misconduct. The review will examine how Cornell prevents and responds to sexual harassment, sexual assault and related misconduct on campus.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/my-president-i-mean-my-husband-trump-s-new-press-secretary-katie-zacharia-s-first-briefing-goes-off-the-rails-in-14-minutes-1791915462032">‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes</a><h2>Cornell suspends fraternity social events</h2>Under the newly announced measures, all parties and social gatherings at fraternity houses will be suspended for the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year. The university plans to use the period to conduct a comprehensive review of fraternity activities and safety standards. The suspension is intended to allow an assessment to determine how and whether fraternity life can safely continue at Cornell. “Any fraternity holding an in-house party or social event will receive an immediate emergency suspension,” Kotlikoff wrote. The university also plans to expand assistance for sexual assault survivors by adding personnel to its civil rights office. One of the new measures will be a dedicated case manager to help survivors report sexual misconduct and navigate university procedures.<h2>Cornell plans changes to sexual assault investigations</h2>Cornell is also working to enable New York State Police to investigate sexual assault allegations on campus, according to Kotlikoff’s letter. Cornell police investigated the allegations involving Jane Doe in 2024. The president emphasized that sexual violence is not confined to fraternity houses and described it as a broader cultural problem. He also pointed to drug and alcohol abuse as contributing factors.&nbsp;“While this is not a problem unique to Cornell, we are committed to setting a higher standard for education, oversight, and enforcement of safe social behavior and citizenship,” the president said. Kotlikoff also apologised for the harm Jane Doe says she experienced in 2024, expressing dismay over the alleged incident within the university community. He said he was appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within the Cornell community and acknowledged continuing concerns about campus safety. He noted it is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe.<h2>University promises broader reforms</h2>The latest measures come as Cornell faces pressure to address questions surrounding its response to the allegations and the wider issue of sexual violence on campus. The university’s review, led by Yates, is expected to examine its prevention policies, reporting procedures and responses to sexual harassment and assault.&nbsp;“These are first steps toward systemic change on our campus,” Kotlikoff said. “We will take all necessary steps to address the conditions that led to Jane Doe’s experiences, and those of other survivors. Cornell must be a place where safety is not an open question.”

Cornell University suspends fraternity parties amid a 2024 rape lawsuit, with new investigations and expanded support for sexual assault survivors

Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events at fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year as the institution reviews its response to a student’s allegations that she was gang raped at a fraternity in 2024. In a letter to the campus community on Tuesday, Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff announced the suspension alongside additional measures intended to strengthen support for sexual assault survivors and improve the university’s handling of misconduct allegations. “I have spent the past weeks listening to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and trustees, who have shared their feelings of deep connection and sympathy with Jane Doe, anger and frustration that this could happen at Cornell, and outrage at the broader prevalence of sexual violence against women in our society,” Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff said in the letter. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of how Cornell and the county district attorney’s office handled the 2024 allegations. Although no criminal charges were filed at the time, the accuser, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, filed a lawsuit last month against seven fraternity members, Cornell University and other parties, bringing renewed attention to the case. New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed by the governor this month to re-examine the case. Separately, Cornell has hired former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates to review the university’s policies and practices concerning sexual misconduct. The review will examine how Cornell prevents and responds to sexual harassment, sexual assault and related misconduct on campus. Also Read: ‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes Cornell suspends fraternity social events Under the newly announced measures, all parties and social gatherings at fraternity houses will be suspended for the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year. The university plans to use the period to conduct a comprehensive review of fraternity activities and safety standards. The suspension is intended to allow an assessment to determine how and whether fraternity life can safely continue at Cornell. “Any fraternity holding an in-house party or social event will receive an immediate emergency suspension,” Kotlikoff wrote. The university also plans to expand assistance for sexual assault survivors by adding personnel to its civil rights office. One of the new measures will be a dedicated case manager to help survivors report sexual misconduct and navigate university procedures. Cornell plans changes to sexual assault investigations Cornell is also working to enable New York State Police to investigate sexual assault allegations on campus, according to Kotlikoff’s letter. Cornell police investigated the allegations involving Jane Doe in 2024. The president emphasized that sexual violence is not confined to fraternity houses and described it as a broader cultural problem. He also pointed to drug and alcohol abuse as contributing factors. “While this is not a problem unique to Cornell, we are committed to setting a higher standard for education, oversight, and enforcement of safe social behavior and citizenship,” the president said. Kotlikoff also apologised for the harm Jane Doe says she experienced in 2024, expressing dismay over the alleged incident within the university community. He said he was appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within the Cornell community and acknowledged continuing concerns about campus safety. He noted it is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe. University promises broader reforms The latest measures come as Cornell faces pressure to address questions surrounding its response to the allegations and the wider issue of sexual violence on campus. The university’s review, led by Yates, is expected to examine its prevention policies, reporting procedures and responses to sexual harassment and assault. “These are first steps toward systemic change on our campus,” Kotlikoff said. “We will take all necessary steps to address the conditions that led to Jane Doe’s experiences, and those of other survivors. Cornell must be a place where safety is not an open question.”

Cornell suspends fraternity parties for the rest of the academic year as a 2024 sexual assault lawsuit sparks renewed scrutiny and university reforms

world news

Latest News India & World LIVE updates: Rahul Gandhi backs CJP, Virat Kohli joins LinkedIn and more

Violence erupts in Albania as students protest for better education | VIDEO

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay asks US to 'get back to liberatory role'

Netanyahu wants to join Saudi's war on Houthis, but Crown Prince denies: Report

Nepal traders ask China to reopen Tatopani border point for festival trade

Katie Zacharia slammed those taking shots at Natalie Harp. Here's what she said

Trump indefinitely blocked from banning CNN, MS NOW, Politico from White House

Netanyahu admits Egypt spy chief visited Israel before Oct 7 attack, but...

US fines Bank of America $1.2 billion, flags Chinese money-laundering links

Trump targets Ilhan Omar over net worth a day after home search

Trump reconsidering calling off Nidal Hasan's execution livestream. Here's why

Trump’s tiger attack post triggers backlash as victim's family calls for privacy

Marco Rubio to visit India next week, focus on energy cooperation and strategic ties

Rubio’s India tour to focus on energy cooperation and US-India strategic ties

Dubai party, US fugitives and Ken Paxton: The revelation shaking Texas politics

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil sites as Houthi missiles target Riyadh and Aramco

OpenAI employee held by FBI after allegedly hiding recording device in office

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer, Vatican says 'successful surgery'

Pakistan to lead world on debt despite its own billion-dollar borrowing burden

China's counter-surveillance industry booms amid heightened espionage fears

Russia, Iran and AI: MI5 chief's stark warning on growing security risks to UK

Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US polls, warns of action

US Midterms 2026: In Alaska, cost-of-living fear, strangest ballot toughen race

Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations