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Russia has likely altered its ballistic missiles to bypass US-made Patriot air defence systems in Ukraine, according to a report by the Financial Times. Months of destructive airstrikes indicate that Moscow has successfully upgraded its missiles in response to bypass Ukrainian defences, current and former Ukrainian and Western officials told the news outlet.&nbsp;A former Ukrainian official described the changes as “a game changer for Russia,” especially as Kyiv faces slower deliveries of US-based air defence interceptors ahead of winter. The report indicated that Moscow has modified its Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched missiles.&nbsp;Both missiles currently fly on a normal trajectory before abruptly veering off or plunging steeply, manoeuvres designed to confuse and evade Patriot interceptors. The reports indicated that the interception rate of Ukraine has improved over the summer. It reached up to 37 per cent in August; however, it dropped to only 6 per cent in September, despite Russia firing fewer missiles during that period.<h3>What are Russia's Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and Iskander-M missiles?</h3>The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a nuclear-capable aero ballistic missile believed to be a modified version of the Iskander-M. It was first unveiled by Russian leader Vladimir Putin in 2018, which was launched from MiG-31K fighter jets and other aircraft, according to a report in KyivPost.&nbsp;The range of Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles), and has the efficiency to reach speeds up to Mach 10 during its final approach, making interception difficult.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Iskander system comes in two main variants. The Iskander-M is a ballistic missile that follows a high, arched trajectory before diving down at high speed. The Iskander-K, also known as the 9M727 or R-500, is a cruise missile that travels at lower altitudes on a flatter path, similar to an aircraft, which makes it more difficult to detect. Both missiles are launched from the same truck-mounted systems but exhibit different flight patterns.&nbsp;According to a Western official, the first indication of Russia’s missile upgrades was the sudden decline in Ukraine’s interception rates. This assessment is supported by a US Defence Intelligence Agency report from April to June, which noted that Ukraine has struggled to consistently operate Patriot systems due to Russia’s new flight manoeuvres.&nbsp;Currently, Patriot interceptors remain Ukraine’s only means of stopping Russian ballistic missiles. While Kyiv can use less advanced defences to bring down cruise missiles, Russia’s modifications have made even those increasingly challenging to intercept.

A former Ukrainian official described the changes as “a game changer for Russia,” especially as Kyiv faces slower deliveries of US-based air defence interceptors ahead of winter. 

Russia has likely altered its ballistic missiles to bypass US-made Patriot air defence systems in Ukraine, according to a report by the Financial Times. Months of destructive airstrikes indicate that Moscow has successfully upgraded its missiles in response to bypass Ukrainian defences, current and former Ukrainian and Western officials told the news outlet. A former Ukrainian official described the changes as “a game changer for Russia,” especially as Kyiv faces slower deliveries of US-based air defence interceptors ahead of winter. The report indicated that Moscow has modified its Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched missiles. Both missiles currently fly on a normal trajectory before abruptly veering off or plunging steeply, manoeuvres designed to confuse and evade Patriot interceptors. The reports indicated that the interception rate of Ukraine has improved over the summer. It reached up to 37 per cent in August; however, it dropped to only 6 per cent in September, despite Russia firing fewer missiles during that period. What are Russia's Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and Iskander-M missiles? The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a nuclear-capable aero ballistic missile believed to be a modified version of the Iskander-M. It was first unveiled by Russian leader Vladimir Putin in 2018, which was launched from MiG-31K fighter jets and other aircraft, according to a report in KyivPost. The range of Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is over 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles), and has the efficiency to reach speeds up to Mach 10 during its final approach, making interception difficult. Meanwhile, the Iskander system comes in two main variants. The Iskander-M is a ballistic missile that follows a high, arched trajectory before diving down at high speed. The Iskander-K, also known as the 9M727 or R-500, is a cruise missile that travels at lower altitudes on a flatter path, similar to an aircraft, which makes it more difficult to detect. Both missiles are launched from the same truck-mounted systems but exhibit different flight patterns. According to a Western official, the first indication of Russia’s missile upgrades was the sudden decline in Ukraine’s interception rates. This assessment is supported by a US Defence Intelligence Agency report from April to June, which noted that Ukraine has struggled to consistently operate Patriot systems due to Russia’s new flight manoeuvres. Currently, Patriot interceptors remain Ukraine’s only means of stopping Russian ballistic missiles. While Kyiv can use less advanced defences to bring down cruise missiles, Russia’s modifications have made even those increasingly challenging to intercept.

A former Ukrainian official described the changes as “a game changer for Russia,” especially as Kyiv faces slower deliveries of US-based air defence interceptors ahead of winter.&nbsp;

What are Kinzhal and Iskander-M missiles? Russia upgrades to evade US's Patriot systems in Ukraine

An earthquake of 5.0 magnitude strikes Turkey on Thursday (Oct 2). The tremors were felt in the capital city of Istanbul, and people living in the area rushed to open spaces and streets. News agency Reuters quotes the AFAD disaster agency as saying the tremor was centred in the Marmara Sea which is located in the southwest of Istanbul. The earthquake happened at 2:55 pm local time along a fault line which has long been regarded as a danger for the city which houses nearly 16 million people.<h2>Earthquake revives horrific memory from 2023</h2>Turkey had suffered from one of the most horrific earthquake disasters nearly two years ago when a magnitude 7.8 quake caused huge loss of lives and properties. Nearly 53,000 people were killed according to reports in the earthquake which impacted 11 southern and southeastern provinces of the country. Thousands of building were destroyed or damaged completely in the disaster for which entire world sent aids and helped in rescue operations.Turkeys neighbouring country of Syria was also affected by the same and nearly 6,000 people had died in various regions across the northern part of the country.<h2>Is Turkey prone to earthquakes?</h2>Turkey, which is geographically situated at the rendezvous of Asia and Europe, sits atop of major fault lines and hence frequent earthquakes continue to hit the region. In August earlier this year, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake had hit Sindirgi in the northwestern province of Balikesir. While only one person died in the incident, dozens were left injured. The region of Balikesir has since seen multiple low magnitude shocks.Istanbul was also hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in April this year in one of the strongest tremors felt by the city. While no one died, nearly 150 people were left injured when they tried to jump off from the buildings to save themselves.

An earthquake of 5.0 magnitude strikes Turkey on Thursday (Oct 2). The tremors were felt in the capital city of Istanbul, and people living in the area rushed to open spaces and streets.

An earthquake of 5.0 magnitude strikes Turkey on Thursday (Oct 2). The tremors were felt in the capital city of Istanbul, and people living in the area rushed to open spaces and streets. News agency Reuters quotes the AFAD disaster agency as saying the tremor was centred in the Marmara Sea which is located in the southwest of Istanbul. The earthquake happened at 2:55 pm local time along a fault line which has long been regarded as a danger for the city which houses nearly 16 million people. Earthquake revives horrific memory from 2023 Turkey had suffered from one of the most horrific earthquake disasters nearly two years ago when a magnitude 7.8 quake caused huge loss of lives and properties. Nearly 53,000 people were killed according to reports in the earthquake which impacted 11 southern and southeastern provinces of the country. Thousands of building were destroyed or damaged completely in the disaster for which entire world sent aids and helped in rescue operations. Turkeys neighbouring country of Syria was also affected by the same and nearly 6,000 people had died in various regions across the northern part of the country. Is Turkey prone to earthquakes? Turkey, which is geographically situated at the rendezvous of Asia and Europe, sits atop of major fault lines and hence frequent earthquakes continue to hit the region. In August earlier this year, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake had hit Sindirgi in the northwestern province of Balikesir. While only one person died in the incident, dozens were left injured. The region of Balikesir has since seen multiple low magnitude shocks. Istanbul was also hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in April this year in one of the strongest tremors felt by the city. While no one died, nearly 150 people were left injured when they tried to jump off from the buildings to save themselves.

Istanbul was also hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in April this year in one of the strongest tremors felt by the city. While no one died, nearly 150 people were left injured when they tried to jump off from the buildings to save themselves.

Earthquake of 5 magnitude jolts Istanbul, residents rush to safety in Turkey's largest city

At least two people were killed and three were reported seriously injured after a stabbing attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday (October 2). Amid the investigation, the eyewitnesses share the horrific details of the attack. One of the witnesses, who was driving at the crime location, said he initially assumed that it was a minor collision until he saw a man &nbsp;"bleeding out on the floor". He then describes seeing another person, a man, who he says had a knife and was "stabbing the window" of a nearby building, trying to get in. "Within seconds, the police arrived, they gave him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen so they opened fire," the witness told the BBC, saying the man holding the knife then went down on the floor.&nbsp;The suspect was reportedly shot by armed police after the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police. Greater Manchester Police said two people have died while three other members of the public were in a serious condition. Police officials said that the suspect who was shot is also believed to be dead, but the condition cannot be confirmed due to the presence of some “suspicious items on his person”. The bomb disposal unit was called and has arrived at the crime scene.&nbsp;Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the incident at the Synagogue was “serious” but the “immediate danger appears to be over”.&nbsp;The suspect was reportedly shot by armed police after the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police.&nbsp;&nbsp;Greater Manchester Police said two people have died while three other members of the public were in a serious condition. Police officials said that the suspect who was shot is also believed to be dead, but the condition cannot be confirmed due to the presence of some “suspicious items on his person”. The bomb disposal unit was called and has arrived at the crime scene. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the incident at the Synagogue was “serious” but the “immediate danger appears to be over”.&nbsp;The mayor told people “to avoid the area”. “It is a serious incident, I have to say. It is in the area you mentioned. And I would say to people listening, firstly, to avoid the area because it is a serious incident,” he told the BBC. “But at the same time, I can give some reassurance immediately to people that the immediate danger appears to be over. And Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly. And there’s been amazing support from members of the public and security at the location.”&nbsp;

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police.

At least two people were killed and three were reported seriously injured after a stabbing attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday (October 2). Amid the investigation, the eyewitnesses share the horrific details of the attack. One of the witnesses, who was driving at the crime location, said he initially assumed that it was a minor collision until he saw a man "bleeding out on the floor". He then describes seeing another person, a man, who he says had a knife and was "stabbing the window" of a nearby building, trying to get in. "Within seconds, the police arrived, they gave him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen so they opened fire," the witness told the BBC, saying the man holding the knife then went down on the floor. The suspect was reportedly shot by armed police after the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police. Greater Manchester Police said two people have died while three other members of the public were in a serious condition. Police officials said that the suspect who was shot is also believed to be dead, but the condition cannot be confirmed due to the presence of some “suspicious items on his person”. The bomb disposal unit was called and has arrived at the crime scene. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the incident at the Synagogue was “serious” but the “immediate danger appears to be over”. The suspect was reportedly shot by armed police after the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police. Greater Manchester Police said two people have died while three other members of the public were in a serious condition. Police officials said that the suspect who was shot is also believed to be dead, but the condition cannot be confirmed due to the presence of some “suspicious items on his person”. The bomb disposal unit was called and has arrived at the crime scene. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the incident at the Synagogue was “serious” but the “immediate danger appears to be over”. The mayor told people “to avoid the area”. “It is a serious incident, I have to say. It is in the area you mentioned. And I would say to people listening, firstly, to avoid the area because it is a serious incident,” he told the BBC. “But at the same time, I can give some reassurance immediately to people that the immediate danger appears to be over. And Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly. And there’s been amazing support from members of the public and security at the location.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police.

‘The guy had a knife and he was...’: Eyewitness narrates horrific details in Manchester synagogue attack

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed that someone tried to poison him in 2018. However, he chose to keep the attempt a secret because he was in the process of developing a blockchain to be compatible with his messaging site, as he feared the news might hamper his work, the New York Post reported. He told podcaster Lex Fridman on Monday that he suspects a "weird neighbour" tried to kill him, a poisoning that left him unable to walk for weeks. Durov said he and his older brother had managed to raise over $1.7 billion in three months for the digital ledger. He said that when the alleged poisoning happened, Telegram was banned in Russia and Iran. Describing the incident, Durov stated that after he reached his rented townhouse on that day, he found something that had been left at the door by his “weird neighbour”.&nbsp;The 40-year-old told Fridman, “One hour after, when I was already in my bed, I felt very bad. I felt pain all over my body,” he said. He tried going to the bathroom, and felt "the functions" of his body "started to switch off." The Telegram boss revealed that soon, he lost his eyesight and hearing, and started having trouble breathing. He felt "very acute pain" in his "heart, stomach, blood vessels." Durov said it felt like "this is it." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-and-why-it-is-in-danger-of-meltdown-zelenskyy-putin-russia-ukraine-1759301713990">Nuclear meltdown in Ukraine? Zelenskyy warns of 'emergency situation' at Zaporizhzhia plant</a>&nbsp;<h2>Durov thought he was dead</h2>Durov said death seemed imminent at that painful moment. “I thought, ‘Well, I had a good life. Managed to accomplish a few things.' Then I collapsed on the floor.” He did not die in that moment and woke up the next morning feeling “super weak”. He noticed that the blood vessels all over his body were “broken", and he was unable to walk for two weeks. The tech entrepreneur battled the medical emergency in secret and did not even let his team know about it.&nbsp;Durov is known for developing the Telegram messaging app, which has been used extensively during the Russia-Ukraine war. President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials regularly use the app to send updates. Durov co-founded the Russian social networking site VK in 2006, and later started the messaging app Telegram in 2013. Telegram has often been accused of facilitating illegal activities, such as global drug trafficking, pedophilia and fraud. In August 2024, he was arrested in France and charged in this connection.&nbsp;The Post reported that according to investigative reporter Christo Grozev, Durov's symptoms matched those of nerve-agent poisoning. This happened around the same time as the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Controversial social media boss and Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed that his neighbour tried to poison him in 2018. He did not let anyone know about it because he didn't want his business to be affected.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed that someone tried to poison him in 2018. However, he chose to keep the attempt a secret because he was in the process of developing a blockchain to be compatible with his messaging site, as he feared the news might hamper his work, the New York Post reported. He told podcaster Lex Fridman on Monday that he suspects a "weird neighbour" tried to kill him, a poisoning that left him unable to walk for weeks. Durov said he and his older brother had managed to raise over $1.7 billion in three months for the digital ledger. He said that when the alleged poisoning happened, Telegram was banned in Russia and Iran. Describing the incident, Durov stated that after he reached his rented townhouse on that day, he found something that had been left at the door by his “weird neighbour”. The 40-year-old told Fridman, “One hour after, when I was already in my bed, I felt very bad. I felt pain all over my body,” he said. He tried going to the bathroom, and felt "the functions" of his body "started to switch off." The Telegram boss revealed that soon, he lost his eyesight and hearing, and started having trouble breathing. He felt "very acute pain" in his "heart, stomach, blood vessels." Durov said it felt like "this is it." Also Read: Nuclear meltdown in Ukraine? Zelenskyy warns of 'emergency situation' at Zaporizhzhia plant Durov thought he was dead Durov said death seemed imminent at that painful moment. “I thought, ‘Well, I had a good life. Managed to accomplish a few things.' Then I collapsed on the floor.” He did not die in that moment and woke up the next morning feeling “super weak”. He noticed that the blood vessels all over his body were “broken", and he was unable to walk for two weeks. The tech entrepreneur battled the medical emergency in secret and did not even let his team know about it. Durov is known for developing the Telegram messaging app, which has been used extensively during the Russia-Ukraine war. President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials regularly use the app to send updates. Durov co-founded the Russian social networking site VK in 2006, and later started the messaging app Telegram in 2013. Telegram has often been accused of facilitating illegal activities, such as global drug trafficking, pedophilia and fraud. In August 2024, he was arrested in France and charged in this connection. The Post reported that according to investigative reporter Christo Grozev, Durov's symptoms matched those of nerve-agent poisoning. This happened around the same time as the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal.

Controversial social media boss and Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed that his neighbour tried to poison him in 2018. He did not let anyone know about it because he didn't want his business to be affected.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov reveals his neighbour poisoned him in 2018 - 'Felt like this is it'

New Delhi: In a significant development, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India next week, as Delhi and Kabul look to focus on development partnership. Muttaqi has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan in August 2021 and the collapse of the previous Afghan republic. His visit to India comes after he was granted travel exemption by the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;To travel internationally, he required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee. He is expected to be in Delhi from 9th to 10th October, a visit that is also clubbed with his Russia visit for Moscow format talks on Afghanistan. India does not officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan government or the Taliban government but has pragmatically engaged with Kabul since 2021, for humanitarian aid and trade facilitation, especially, via the Chabahar Port project and increased diplomatic contacts.&nbsp;Earlier this year, in January, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai, and held talks that focused on India’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan’s health sector and for refugee rehabilitation. The government in Kabul has described India as a “significant regional and economic partner”. Indian diplomat Anand Prakash, who is the Joint secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs, met Muttaqi in Kabul in April of this year. In May, EAM Dr S Jaishankar spoke to FM Muttaqi, just days after India conducted Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kabul had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi saying in a statement that the “Ministry of foreign affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region... such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.”&nbsp;India had suspended its diplomatic mission in Kabul after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, but reopened it in July 2022. It deployed a technical team, with the then joint secretary in the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran division of India’s foreign ministry, JP Singh travelling to Kabul and meeting with the top Taliban leadership. India’s focus since then has been on humanitarian support to Afghan people.&nbsp;In the aftermath of the earthquake in September, India was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance. It immediately delivered 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies to the affected provinces of Afghanistan. An additional 21 tonnes of relief materials, including essential medicines, hygiene kits, blankets and generators, were dispatched. Since August 2021, India has supplied around 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, 40,000 litres of pesticides and other essential social support items, for millions of Afghans in dire need of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;In partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Indian government has provided 84 MTs of assistance and medicines and 32 MTs of social support items for drug rehabilitation programmes, particularly those focused on women. Since 2023, India has provided scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate courses to 2,000 Afghan students, including nearly 600 girls and women.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee to travel internationally. He has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since Taliban took over control in August 2021.

New Delhi: In a significant development, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India next week, as Delhi and Kabul look to focus on development partnership. Muttaqi has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan in August 2021 and the collapse of the previous Afghan republic. His visit to India comes after he was granted travel exemption by the United Nations Security Council. To travel internationally, he required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee. He is expected to be in Delhi from 9th to 10th October, a visit that is also clubbed with his Russia visit for Moscow format talks on Afghanistan. India does not officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan government or the Taliban government but has pragmatically engaged with Kabul since 2021, for humanitarian aid and trade facilitation, especially, via the Chabahar Port project and increased diplomatic contacts. Earlier this year, in January, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai, and held talks that focused on India’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan’s health sector and for refugee rehabilitation. The government in Kabul has described India as a “significant regional and economic partner”. Indian diplomat Anand Prakash, who is the Joint secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs, met Muttaqi in Kabul in April of this year. In May, EAM Dr S Jaishankar spoke to FM Muttaqi, just days after India conducted Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists. Kabul had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi saying in a statement that the “Ministry of foreign affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region... such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.” India had suspended its diplomatic mission in Kabul after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, but reopened it in July 2022. It deployed a technical team, with the then joint secretary in the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran division of India’s foreign ministry, JP Singh travelling to Kabul and meeting with the top Taliban leadership. India’s focus since then has been on humanitarian support to Afghan people. In the aftermath of the earthquake in September, India was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance. It immediately delivered 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies to the affected provinces of Afghanistan. An additional 21 tonnes of relief materials, including essential medicines, hygiene kits, blankets and generators, were dispatched. Since August 2021, India has supplied around 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, 40,000 litres of pesticides and other essential social support items, for millions of Afghans in dire need of humanitarian assistance. In partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Indian government has provided 84 MTs of assistance and medicines and 32 MTs of social support items for drug rehabilitation programmes, particularly those focused on women. Since 2023, India has provided scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate courses to 2,000 Afghan students, including nearly 600 girls and women.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi required a waiver from the UN’s 1988 Sanctions Committee to travel internationally. He has been the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan since Taliban took over control in August 2021.

Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit India next week

The trade unions in France are leading strikes on Thursday (Oct 2) to continue mounting pressure on newly elected Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The strikes are being held to get the new French PM to consider budget cuts and impose a new wealth tax on the rich in France. The strikes are follow-up to the September 18 action by the trade unions to oppose the taxes which led to the fall of Lecornu's predecessor François Bayrou. The new PM, who was elected on September 9, is yet to announce the government.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-protests-unions-teachers-students-take-to-the-streets-in-france-1758216926847/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-protests-unions-teachers-students-take-to-the-streets-in-france-1758216926847/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>What are trade unions demanding in France?</h2>&nbsp;The trade unions are demanding tax and social justice in France. They had led demonstrations on September 18, which saw 500,000 to 1 million people taking part, according to figures from police and trade unions. Aurelie Gagnier, the co-general secretary of the FSU-SNUipp education union, told France Info: "The workers we meet support the need for more tax justice and social justice and recognise the need for a budget that addresses schools’ needs.”&nbsp;The Thursday (Oct 2) strikes had 240 marches planned in various towns and cities with 70,000 police and security personnel put on duty across the country.&nbsp;<h2>What is new PM Lecornu about budget?</h2>&nbsp;Lecornu will be meeting with the Socialists on Friday (Oct 3) after rejected a proposal to impose 2 per cent tax on France's 0.01 per cent wealthiest people. The new PM has the momentous task of coming up with France's 2026 budget as the first job after being elected as the Prime Minister. He is considered a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron and is expected to make his first speech in the Parliament next week, with a government announcement to follow soon. Lecornu has said that he aims for a budget deficit of about 4.7 per cent on GDP in 2026 in comparison to the forecast of 5.4 per cent for this year.

The trade unions are demanding tax and social justice in France. They had led demonstrations on September 18, which saw 500,000 to 1 million people taking part, according to figures from police and trade unions. 

The trade unions in France are leading strikes on Thursday (Oct 2) to continue mounting pressure on newly elected Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The strikes are being held to get the new French PM to consider budget cuts and impose a new wealth tax on the rich in France. The strikes are follow-up to the September 18 action by the trade unions to oppose the taxes which led to the fall of Lecornu's predecessor François Bayrou. The new PM, who was elected on September 9, is yet to announce the government. https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-protests-unions-teachers-students-take-to-the-streets-in-france-1758216926847/embed What are trade unions demanding in France? The trade unions are demanding tax and social justice in France. They had led demonstrations on September 18, which saw 500,000 to 1 million people taking part, according to figures from police and trade unions. Aurelie Gagnier, the co-general secretary of the FSU-SNUipp education union, told France Info: "The workers we meet support the need for more tax justice and social justice and recognise the need for a budget that addresses schools’ needs.” The Thursday (Oct 2) strikes had 240 marches planned in various towns and cities with 70,000 police and security personnel put on duty across the country. What is new PM Lecornu about budget? Lecornu will be meeting with the Socialists on Friday (Oct 3) after rejected a proposal to impose 2 per cent tax on France's 0.01 per cent wealthiest people. The new PM has the momentous task of coming up with France's 2026 budget as the first job after being elected as the Prime Minister. He is considered a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron and is expected to make his first speech in the Parliament next week, with a government announcement to follow soon. Lecornu has said that he aims for a budget deficit of about 4.7 per cent on GDP in 2026 in comparison to the forecast of 5.4 per cent for this year.

The trade unions are demanding tax and social justice in France. They had led demonstrations on September 18, which saw 500,000 to 1 million people taking part, according to figures from police and trade unions.&nbsp;

France trade unions hold fresh strikes as wait continues for new government under PM Lecornu

At the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), India called out Pakistan’s hypocrisy as it chose to lecture on human rights violations on the forum. Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain threw light on the state of affairs in Pakistan and how it has failed to tackle the persecution of minorities on its own land. He said, “We find it deeply ironic that a country with the worst human rights record seeks to lecture others. Their attempt to misuse this forum with fabricated allegations against India only exposes their hypocrisy."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pok-protests-violent-protests-against-pakistani-government-12-civilians-killed-in-firing-1759402232641/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pok-protests-violent-protests-against-pakistani-government-12-civilians-killed-in-firing-1759402232641/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Hussain added, "Instead of making baseless propaganda, they should confront the rampant&nbsp;state-sponsored persecution, systematic discrimination against their own religious and ethnic minority that plagues their own society.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Confront the state sponsored persecution of minorities, Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain slams Pakistan at UNHRC <a href="https://t.co/xxhw0TMOMb">pic.twitter.com/xxhw0TMOMb</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1973314582946128269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

These comments by India comes days after Pakistani military conducted aerial strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Pakistani Air Force struck its own province killing 30 people, including women and children. And there are videos of the bodies of the deceased being carried out of homes in the Matre Dara village located in the Tirah Valley. The disturbing visuals are of people carrying their loved ones. During the wee hours of September 22, the forces dropped eight LS-6 bombs from JF-17 fighter jets. There has been no statement on the killing by the government or the military; the authorities have remained silent. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moeed Pirzada, a Pakistani TV anchor based in the US, shared a video, and he wrote, “This is not Gaza, it’s Pakistan.. If you get a break from Israel’s war, think a little about here too.” The village only had bodies being carried by men, which looked like a huge funeral procession and also highlighted the grim reality of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">یہ غازہ نہیں، پاکستان ہے..اسرائیل کی جنگ سے فرصت ملے تو، پاکستانیوں کچھ یہاں کا بھی سوچنا… <a href="https://t.co/O6pGB240PG">pic.twitter.com/O6pGB240PG</a>&mdash; Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoeedNj/status/1970297120562278456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

India calls out Pakistan's hypocrisy at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain threw light on the state of affairs in Pakistan and how it has failed to tackle the persecution of minorities.

At the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), India called out Pakistan’s hypocrisy as it chose to lecture on human rights violations on the forum. Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain threw light on the state of affairs in Pakistan and how it has failed to tackle the persecution of minorities on its own land. He said, “We find it deeply ironic that a country with the worst human rights record seeks to lecture others. Their attempt to misuse this forum with fabricated allegations against India only exposes their hypocrisy." https://www.wionews.com/videos/pok-protests-violent-protests-against-pakistani-government-12-civilians-killed-in-firing-1759402232641/embed Hussain added, "Instead of making baseless propaganda, they should confront the rampant state-sponsored persecution, systematic discrimination against their own religious and ethnic minority that plagues their own society.”

India calls out Pakistan's hypocrisy at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain threw light on the state of affairs in Pakistan and how it has failed to tackle the persecution of minorities.

'Ironic': Indian diplomat calls out Pakistan's hypocrisy for lecture on human rights violations at UNHRC

Two people were killed while three other members of the public were in a serious condition after a suspect drove his vehicle into a gathering of people at a synagogue in Manchester and started stabbing, police have said. The suspect was reportedly shot by armed police after the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police. Greater Manchester Police said two people have died while three other members of the public were in a serious condition. Police officials said that the suspect who was shot is also dead. The bomb disposal unit was called due to the presence of some suspicious items on his person. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the incident at the Synagogue was “serious” but the “immediate danger appears to be over”.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> | Greater Manchester Police can confirm two people have died following the major incident outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Middleton Road, Crumpsall.&mdash; Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmpolice/status/1973707405013000541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The mayor told people “to avoid the area”. “It is a serious incident, I have to say. It is in the area you mentioned. And I would say to people listening, firstly, to avoid the area because it is a serious incident,” he told BBC. “But at the same time I can give some reassurance immediately to people that the immediate danger appears to be over. And Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly. And there’s been amazing support from members of the public and security at the location.” Manchester Police said they declared “Plato” within moments of hearing about the incident. Operation Plato is a set of responses by the emergency services to large-scale incidents, including "terrorist attacks". When police declare Operation Plato, the other emergency services, like the ambulance service, have protocols that they follow.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.&mdash; Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmpolice/status/1973683983314788441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I have been told is police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31 am by a member of the public stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards the public, and one man being stabbed,” the mayor said.A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said, “We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. “Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”&nbsp;The mass stabbing in Manchester took place on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. Jewish people fast for 25 hours on Yom Kippur and attend synagogues. It marks the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance, which began with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), and is observed with a 25-hour fast in which Jews abstain from all food and drink. During Yom Kippur, Jews take part in extended prayer services, typically in a synagogue, to reflect on the past year, repent (teshuvah) and undertake a spiritual reset. The sacred and solemn day is marked by prayers throughout the day and concludes with the sounding of the ram’s horn before the fast is broken at nightfall.&nbsp;<h3>PM Starmer ‘appalled’ by attack on holiest day of Jewish calendar</h3>&nbsp;Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. “The fact that this&nbsp;has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” he said, adding, “My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders."&nbsp;As per reports, Starmer is flying back early from the European Political Community gathering in Copenhagen after the attack. He will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency COBR committee in London.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency…&mdash; Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1973691472235925514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Attack being treated as potential terrorist incident: Sources</h2>Meanwhile, the counter-terrorism police and MI5, the security service covering the UK, have joined the investigations. Since the Greater Manchester Police declared Operation Plato, the violence is being treated as a potential marauding terrorist attack and investigations are underway about the attacker and his motive, if any.<h3>Violence against Jewish people on the rise, says local MP</h3>Graham Stringer, local Labour MP for Blackley and Middleton South, called the attack “absolutely appalling” and said he had noticed Jewish constituents feeling less safe in recent years. “Yes, the Community Security Trust who are the Jewish security operatives have been reporting, really since the start of the Gaza war, an increase in violence against Jewish people of about 400 per cent.”&nbsp;Earlier, firearms officers were deployed at 9.34 am as police continued to receive further reports from members of the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife, he added.“Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38 am. One man has been shot, and that is believed to be the offender. Paramedics are on the scene, arriving at 9.41am and tending to members of the public. Currently four members of the public with injuries caused by the vehicle and stab wounds,” said Burnham.He added: “There is a degree of reassurance that can be given here that it has been dealt with, it sounds as though very effectively, quickly, by Greater Manchester Police.”

The vehicle ramming and mass stabbing in Manchester took place at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall on Yom Kippur—the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. Jewish people fast for 25 hours on Yom Kippur and attend synagogues. 

Two people were killed while three other members of the public were in a serious condition after a suspect drove his vehicle into a gathering of people at a synagogue in Manchester and started stabbing, police have said. The suspect was reportedly shot by armed police after the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road and the suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot at the scene by armed police. Greater Manchester Police said two people have died while three other members of the public were in a serious condition. Police officials said that the suspect who was shot is also dead. The bomb disposal unit was called due to the presence of some suspicious items on his person. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the incident at the Synagogue was “serious” but the “immediate danger appears to be over”.

The vehicle ramming and mass stabbing in Manchester took place at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall on Yom Kippur—the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. Jewish people fast for 25 hours on Yom Kippur and attend synagogues.&nbsp;

2 killed, 3 seriously injured in car ramming, stabbing ‘terror incident‘ at synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur; suspect shot dead

The White House has escalated pressure on American universities, sending letters to nine elite institutions including Harvard, Columbia and Stanford, demanding that they publicly pledge alignment with President Donald Trump’s agenda, according to media reports. This pledge involves commitments to overhaul admissions and hiring policies, restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, enforce stricter campus speech controls, and increase transparency in foreign funding, New York Times and other outlets reported. Those who do not comply could see cuts to their federal research grants and other goverment funding. The move follows reports of Harvard agreeing to pay $500 million in fines over pro-Palestinian activism and alleged antisemitism on campus. The row erupted particularly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.<h2>Which universities received the White House letters?</h2>According to multiple sources cited in New York Times and other media, the letters were sent to nine prominent universities: Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Michigan. These institutions, mostly considered Ivy League, were identified by the administration as having policies or programmes considered "hostile" to the administration’s stated values on free speech, merit-based admissions and antisemitism, said the reports.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-bars-harvard-from-enrolling-international-students-what-this-means-for-788-indian-students-1747965828425">Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students: What it means for 788 Indians enrolled currently?</a><h2>What does the White House letter to American universities say?</h2>The White House letter reportedly instructed the universities to "demonstrate clear support" for new federal guidelines on admissions, speech regulation, and transparency, which is code for complying with Trump policies.&nbsp;It demanded that these institutions publicly commit to ending race-based admissions and hiring, scaling back DEI initiatives, said the reports.The institutions were also asked to implement disciplinary measures against students participating in ‘unauthorised’ protests, particularly those linked to pro-Palestinian activism. The universities are also being asked to declare their adherence to what the administration calls "First Amendment-compatible campus policies." Failure to respond or comply could result in the suspension or withdrawal of federal research funding, the letter indicated, according to the reports.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-vs-harvard-donald-trump-says-harvard-deal-is-close-university-will-pay-500-million-1759332943087/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-vs-harvard-donald-trump-says-harvard-deal-is-close-university-will-pay-500-million-1759332943087/embed</a><h2>Trump administration is linking federal funds to university compliance</h2>Trump is reportedly leveraging billions of dollars in frozen research grants and federal investigations to compel ideological conformity on US campuses. Harvard had earlier refused his administration’s demands, resulting in a freeze of over $2.2 billion in research funding since April 2025.Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-university-widener-library-has-a-strange-link-to-the-titanic-8966557"> Harvard library donated by man who died on the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves</a>A federal judge ruled in September that these funding cuts were unlawful and violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights and procedural due process. It called the cuts a "targeted, ideologically motivated assault" on academic freedom. The Trump administration plans to appeal the court ruling and continue enforcing the policies.Despite having the favourable court ruling, Harvard negotiated a settlement that could involve paying a fine of approximately $500 million to restore its frozen funds.<h2>Trump administration's assault on academic freedom in the US?</h2>Academics, Democrat politicians including former president Barack Obama, and organisations like the American Association of University Professors have condemned the White House actions, describing them as authoritarian overreach and a threat to academic freedom. Conservative supporters of the Trump agenda, meanwhile, argue that the measures combat bias and antisemitism and ensure ideological balance on campuses.

Trump administration is reportedly pressuring top US universities to pledge alignment with the president's agenda, or lose funding. Harvard has already agreed to pay $500 million in fines. This is sparing debate on academic freedoms in the US campuses



The White House has escalated pressure on American universities, sending letters to nine elite institutions including Harvard, Columbia and Stanford, demanding that they publicly pledge alignment with President Donald Trump’s agenda, according to media reports. This pledge involves commitments to overhaul admissions and hiring policies, restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, enforce stricter campus speech controls, and increase transparency in foreign funding, New York Times and other outlets reported. Those who do not comply could see cuts to their federal research grants and other goverment funding. The move follows reports of Harvard agreeing to pay $500 million in fines over pro-Palestinian activism and alleged antisemitism on campus. The row erupted particularly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Which universities received the White House letters? According to multiple sources cited in New York Times and other media, the letters were sent to nine prominent universities: Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Michigan. These institutions, mostly considered Ivy League, were identified by the administration as having policies or programmes considered "hostile" to the administration’s stated values on free speech, merit-based admissions and antisemitism, said the reports. Also read: Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students: What it means for 788 Indians enrolled currently? What does the White House letter to American universities say? The White House letter reportedly instructed the universities to "demonstrate clear support" for new federal guidelines on admissions, speech regulation, and transparency, which is code for complying with Trump policies. It demanded that these institutions publicly commit to ending race-based admissions and hiring, scaling back DEI initiatives, said the reports. The institutions were also asked to implement disciplinary measures against students participating in ‘unauthorised’ protests, particularly those linked to pro-Palestinian activism. The universities are also being asked to declare their adherence to what the administration calls "First Amendment-compatible campus policies." Failure to respond or comply could result in the suspension or withdrawal of federal research funding, the letter indicated, according to the reports. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-vs-harvard-donald-trump-says-harvard-deal-is-close-university-will-pay-500-million-1759332943087/embed Trump administration is linking federal funds to university compliance Trump is reportedly leveraging billions of dollars in frozen research grants and federal investigations to compel ideological conformity on US campuses. Harvard had earlier refused his administration’s demands, resulting in a freeze of over $2.2 billion in research funding since April 2025. Also read: Harvard library donated by man who died on the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves A federal judge ruled in September that these funding cuts were unlawful and violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights and procedural due process. It called the cuts a "targeted, ideologically motivated assault" on academic freedom. The Trump administration plans to appeal the court ruling and continue enforcing the policies. Despite having the favourable court ruling, Harvard negotiated a settlement that could involve paying a fine of approximately $500 million to restore its frozen funds. Trump administration's assault on academic freedom in the US? Academics, Democrat politicians including former president Barack Obama, and organisations like the American Association of University Professors have condemned the White House actions, describing them as authoritarian overreach and a threat to academic freedom. Conservative supporters of the Trump agenda, meanwhile, argue that the measures combat bias and antisemitism and ensure ideological balance on campuses.

Trump administration is reportedly pressuring top US universities to pledge alignment with the president's agenda, or lose funding. Harvard has already agreed to pay $500 million in fines. This is sparing debate on academic freedoms in the US campuses&nbsp;

Pledge allegiance to Trump agenda, or else: White House ultimatum to US universities. Is academic freedom dying on American campuses?

Pope Leo XIV has made headlines for blessing a chunk of ice. Yes, you read that right, the leader of the Catholic Church was caught on camera blessing a chunk of frozen water. Why would a religious leader of such high stature do something that seems so bizarre, you may wonder. The answer is to raise awareness about climate change. The chunk of ice he blessed was actually a chunk of the Greenland glacier. Blessing the piece of glacier at the “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” conference near Rome, Pope Leo called on world leaders to act boldly against climate change. He was then joined by actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other attendees in waving a blue tarp around the ice, a ritual meant to draw attention to environmental urgency.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-blatant-act-of-desperation-greta-thunberg-activists-detained-as-israeli-navy-stops-gaza-aid-flotilla-1759372426305">‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video</a><h2>Pope takes a dig at Trump</h2>Speaking at the conference, the Pontiff said, “We will raise hope by demanding that leaders act with courage, not delay. Will you join with us?”. He also slammed those who dismiss the science of global warming, echoing the stance of his predecessor, Pope Francis. “Some have chosen to deride the increasingly evident signs of climate change, to ridicule those who speak of global warming, and even to blame the poor for the very thing that affects them the most,” he said in what was an apparent dig at US President Donald Trump.Watch video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">You know just when you think it can&#39;t get anymore ridiculous something comes up that shows you it can and will. Here&#39;s Pope Leo &quot;blessing&quot; a block of ice in the fight against climate change. <a href="https://t.co/Ww5r9d2BcG">pic.twitter.com/Ww5r9d2BcG</a>&mdash; Vision4theBlind (@Vision4theBlind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vision4theBlind/status/1973550487409664028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The event marked the tenth anniversary of Francis’s landmark document on climate and environmental responsibility, Laudato Si’, which helped set the tone for the 2015 Paris climate agreement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pakistan-army-chief-or-shopkeeper-asim-munir-ridiculed-for-rare-earth-minerals-photo-op-with-trump-watch-1759380620882">Pakistan Army chief or shopkeeper? Asim Munir ridiculed for rare earth minerals photo-op with Trump. Watch</a><h2>Cannot love god and hate his creatures</h2>Pope Leo used the occasion to highlight the intersection of environmental and social responsibility, saying, “We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures," he said, adding, "Nor can we call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ without participating in his outlook on creation and his care for all that is fragile and wounded.”His remarks came days after US President Donald Trump called climate change a “con” at the UN General Assembly, dismissing renewable energy initiatives. <h2>Pope ridiculed for blessing ice</h2>The blessing drew both admiration and ridicule online. Some conservatives mocked the ritual as “pagan earth worship,” while others questioned the appropriateness of a Pope engaging in symbolic environmental acts. Schwarzenegger praised the pontiff as a real-world “action hero” for taking a visible stand on the climate crisis.

Pope Leo XIV blessed a chunk of Greenland ice at a Rome climate summit, sparking both praise and ridicule. Here's why he did this..

Pope Leo XIV has made headlines for blessing a chunk of ice. Yes, you read that right, the leader of the Catholic Church was caught on camera blessing a chunk of frozen water. Why would a religious leader of such high stature do something that seems so bizarre, you may wonder. The answer is to raise awareness about climate change. The chunk of ice he blessed was actually a chunk of the Greenland glacier. Blessing the piece of glacier at the “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” conference near Rome, Pope Leo called on world leaders to act boldly against climate change. He was then joined by actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other attendees in waving a blue tarp around the ice, a ritual meant to draw attention to environmental urgency. Also read | ‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video Pope takes a dig at Trump Speaking at the conference, the Pontiff said, “We will raise hope by demanding that leaders act with courage, not delay. Will you join with us?”. He also slammed those who dismiss the science of global warming, echoing the stance of his predecessor, Pope Francis. “Some have chosen to deride the increasingly evident signs of climate change, to ridicule those who speak of global warming, and even to blame the poor for the very thing that affects them the most,” he said in what was an apparent dig at US President Donald Trump. Watch video here:

Pope Leo XIV blessed a chunk of Greenland ice at a Rome climate summit, sparking both praise and ridicule. Here's why he did this..

Video: Pope blesses chunk of ice on camera, sparks ridicule — but why did he do it?

At least two people have died in Moroccan Gen Z protests, also dubbed "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising", in yet another flare-up of youth-led anger similar to movements in Nepal and Bangladesh. This is the most significant protest movement in Morocco since the 2011 February 20 movement linked to the Arab Spring, and the 2016–2017 Hirak Rif uprising. Who are the organisers of this protest? And what is the football link to this protest? Here is what you should know.<h2>Morocco Gen Z protest, launched by tech-savvy youth</h2>From September 27, protests erupted across at least 15 cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Tangier, mainly led by Moroccan youth born in the mid-1990s to early 2010s.&nbsp;These young people are frustrated over economic hardship, regional inequalities, crumbling public services, and youth unemployment that has hit 35.8 percent.&nbsp;They are also protesting alleged corruption under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s government.<h2>The death of pregnant women in a Morocco hospital that triggered protests</h2>Morocco is no stranger to protest movements. The immediate spark for the latest uprising came in mid-September, after eight pregnant women died in a public hospital in Agadir due to overcrowding, understaffing, and shortage of medical equipment. This tragedy exposed systemic failures in healthcare and highlighted the neglect of rural populations, particularly in the Agadir region. Morocco has only 7.7 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization's recommendation of 25. The ratio is even lower in Agadir, at 4.4. The women’s deaths have become a symbol of broader inequality.<h2>The football link: Anger over World Cup spending</h2>The Moroccan government’s multibillion-dollar investments in football infrastructure for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup drew sharp criticism from the youth. Protest slogans included "We want hospitals, not stadiums".&nbsp;The massive spending on stadiums—over $5 billion by some estimates—is seen by many as a symbol of elite interests overtaking public needs.&nbsp;Rural youth, in particular, feel excluded from national progress. This anger at the government’s priorities spilled into the streets, especially in regions still recovering from the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, which reportedly killed thousands and destroyed entire villages.<h2>GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice: Who are the digital-savvy organisers of the Morocco protest?&nbsp;</h2>Two faceless, youth-led digital collectives are at the forefront of the current uprising: GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice.&nbsp;GenZ 212 is named after Rabat’s area code. It operates through online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and Facebook. Initially, it promoted peaceful protests while rejecting political affiliations.&nbsp;Morocco Youth Voice focuses on human rights and regional logistics, particularly emphasising women’s issues.&nbsp;Both these groups reject traditional political leadership and operate as decentralised, leaderless movements. They have been using so-called “digital guerrilla tactics”, including AI-generated content and live-streamed events, to gather attention. In just a few days, the membership of GenZ 212 grew rapidly, with some posts reaching millions of views.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-gen-z-protests-heads-roll-from-nepal-to-indonesia-and-beyond-tiktok-generation-leads-change-in-politics-dominated-by-the-old-and-senile-1757401084536">When Gen Z protests, heads roll: From Nepal to Indonesia and beyond, TikTok generation leads change in politics dominated by the old and senile</a><h2>What is different about the 2025 Morocco protest?</h2>Earlier protests in Morocco were led by trade unions, leftist groups, or opposition parties. But the Gen Z protests of 2025 are a decentralised movement, whose main organisers are digitally native youth who mostly stayed anonymous. They are demanding healthcare reform, investment in education, a crackdown on corruption, and the redirection of World Cup funding toward essential public services.While not explicitly anti-monarchy, the protests challenge entrenched systems of power, particularly the ‘Makhzen’, a collective term used to refer to Morocco’s traditional governing elite, including the monarchy, security apparatus, and business interests. The protesters have not directly targeted the king, yet the calls for transparency, dignity, and opportunity question the broader political and economic structure.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ladakh-s-gen-z-protests-urged-to-choose-dialogue-over-discord-in-land-of-lamas-peace-chants-1758806213531">Ladakh’s Gen Z protesters urged to choose dialogue over discord in Land of Lamas’ peace chants</a><h2>How the Morocco protests became violent</h2>The protests began peacefully in late September, but on Wedenesday (Oct 1), violence broke out in cities like Inezgane and Oujda. At least three protesters have been killed so far—two in Leqliaa (near Agadir), and one in Oujda. At least 263 security personnel and 23 civilians have been injured, and more than 400 people arrested, including minors. Trials are set to begin on October 7 for those detained on charges related to public disorder.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/morocco-protests-rallies-against-government-corruption-and-extortion-1759390539946/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/morocco-protests-rallies-against-government-corruption-and-extortion-1759390539946/embed</a><h2>What is the government doing about the Morocco protests?</h2>The government has praised the security response to the protests as “balanced” and promised reforms. However, human rights groups have alleged the use of excessive force and accused authorities of restricting freedom of expression. Critics argued that the government is evading accountability and suppressing legitimate dissent.With parliamentary elections set for 2026, these protests signal a generational shift in Moroccan politics, with local grievances converging with the fast-growing wave of global Gen Z activism. With their voices amplified on social media and international solidarity growing, the unrest shows no sign of abating.&nbsp;

The 2025 Moroccan Gen Z protests, often referred to as the "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising," represent a significant wave of youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Morocco in recent months. Here is how it's different, and why it matters

At least two people have died in Moroccan Gen Z protests, also dubbed "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising", in yet another flare-up of youth-led anger similar to movements in Nepal and Bangladesh. This is the most significant protest movement in Morocco since the 2011 February 20 movement linked to the Arab Spring, and the 2016–2017 Hirak Rif uprising. Who are the organisers of this protest? And what is the football link to this protest? Here is what you should know. Morocco Gen Z protest, launched by tech-savvy youth From September 27, protests erupted across at least 15 cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Tangier, mainly led by Moroccan youth born in the mid-1990s to early 2010s. These young people are frustrated over economic hardship, regional inequalities, crumbling public services, and youth unemployment that has hit 35.8 percent. They are also protesting alleged corruption under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s government. The death of pregnant women in a Morocco hospital that triggered protests Morocco is no stranger to protest movements. The immediate spark for the latest uprising came in mid-September, after eight pregnant women died in a public hospital in Agadir due to overcrowding, understaffing, and shortage of medical equipment. This tragedy exposed systemic failures in healthcare and highlighted the neglect of rural populations, particularly in the Agadir region. Morocco has only 7.7 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization's recommendation of 25. The ratio is even lower in Agadir, at 4.4. The women’s deaths have become a symbol of broader inequality. The football link: Anger over World Cup spending The Moroccan government’s multibillion-dollar investments in football infrastructure for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup drew sharp criticism from the youth. Protest slogans included "We want hospitals, not stadiums". The massive spending on stadiums—over $5 billion by some estimates—is seen by many as a symbol of elite interests overtaking public needs. Rural youth, in particular, feel excluded from national progress. This anger at the government’s priorities spilled into the streets, especially in regions still recovering from the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, which reportedly killed thousands and destroyed entire villages. GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice: Who are the digital-savvy organisers of the Morocco protest? Two faceless, youth-led digital collectives are at the forefront of the current uprising: GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice. GenZ 212 is named after Rabat’s area code. It operates through online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and Facebook. Initially, it promoted peaceful protests while rejecting political affiliations. Morocco Youth Voice focuses on human rights and regional logistics, particularly emphasising women’s issues. Both these groups reject traditional political leadership and operate as decentralised, leaderless movements. They have been using so-called “digital guerrilla tactics”, including AI-generated content and live-streamed events, to gather attention. In just a few days, the membership of GenZ 212 grew rapidly, with some posts reaching millions of views. Also read: When Gen Z protests, heads roll: From Nepal to Indonesia and beyond, TikTok generation leads change in politics dominated by the old and senile What is different about the 2025 Morocco protest? Earlier protests in Morocco were led by trade unions, leftist groups, or opposition parties. But the Gen Z protests of 2025 are a decentralised movement, whose main organisers are digitally native youth who mostly stayed anonymous. They are demanding healthcare reform, investment in education, a crackdown on corruption, and the redirection of World Cup funding toward essential public services. While not explicitly anti-monarchy, the protests challenge entrenched systems of power, particularly the ‘Makhzen’, a collective term used to refer to Morocco’s traditional governing elite, including the monarchy, security apparatus, and business interests. The protesters have not directly targeted the king, yet the calls for transparency, dignity, and opportunity question the broader political and economic structure. Also read: Ladakh’s Gen Z protesters urged to choose dialogue over discord in Land of Lamas’ peace chants How the Morocco protests became violent The protests began peacefully in late September, but on Wedenesday (Oct 1), violence broke out in cities like Inezgane and Oujda. At least three protesters have been killed so far—two in Leqliaa (near Agadir), and one in Oujda. At least 263 security personnel and 23 civilians have been injured, and more than 400 people arrested, including minors. Trials are set to begin on October 7 for those detained on charges related to public disorder. https://www.wionews.com/videos/morocco-protests-rallies-against-government-corruption-and-extortion-1759390539946/embed What is the government doing about the Morocco protests? The government has praised the security response to the protests as “balanced” and promised reforms. However, human rights groups have alleged the use of excessive force and accused authorities of restricting freedom of expression. Critics argued that the government is evading accountability and suppressing legitimate dissent. With parliamentary elections set for 2026, these protests signal a generational shift in Moroccan politics, with local grievances converging with the fast-growing wave of global Gen Z activism. With their voices amplified on social media and international solidarity growing, the unrest shows no sign of abating.

The 2025 Moroccan Gen Z protests, often referred to as the "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising," represent a significant wave of youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Morocco in recent months. Here is how it's different, and why it matters

Morocco Gen Z protests kill 3: What's 'Gen Z 212' and the 'hospitals, not stadiums' football link to yet another youth-led movement?

The Israeli foreign ministry on Thursday (Oct 2) announced that it would deport pro-Palestinian activists who were detained from a Global Sumud Flotilla to Europe. Once again hinting at alleged Hamas links, Israel said that the passengers of the flotilla, which includes famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were on their way to Israel from where they'll be deported to Europe. "Hamas-Sumud passengers…are safe and in good health," the ministry said on X. This comes after reports that Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-blatant-act-of-desperation-greta-thunberg-activists-detained-as-israeli-navy-stops-gaza-aid-flotilla-1759372426305">‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health. <a href="https://t.co/pzzitP5jN8">pic.twitter.com/pzzitP5jN8</a>&mdash; Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/1973627808459981030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla</h2>Thunberg's flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Spain last month with around 45 vessels, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic supplies. Organisers said three boats—the Sirius, Alma, and Adara—were intercepted about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. In a statement, as reported by AFP, Global Sumud Flotilla said, "Around 8:30 pm Gaza time (1730 GMT), several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the Alma, Sirius and Adara, were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli occupation forces in international waters". The group added that contact with several other vessels was lost soon after the interceptions. "Beyond the confirmed interceptions, live streams and communications with several other vessels have been lost".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-humanitarian-city-a-relief-zone-for-gazans-or-a-concentration-camp-for-ethnic-cleansing-explained-1752655313058">Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained</a>On X, the group called the interception “unlawful” and said that it was a “blatant act of desperation” to keep “Gaza starved and cut off”.<h2>Over 30 of 45 aid ships intercepted by Israel</h2>According to the flotilla's tracking system, by Thursday, more than 30 of the 45 ships had been intercepted or were presumed intercepted. The rest, according to Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek, were determined to continue. "They are determined. They are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hands to be able to break the siege by this early morning," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel says pro-Palestinian activists from the Gaza aid flotilla, including Greta Thunberg, will be deported to Europe. The flotilla was intercepted at sea, with Israel again hinting at Hamas links while insisting all passengers are “safe and in good health.”

The Israeli foreign ministry on Thursday (Oct 2) announced that it would deport pro-Palestinian activists who were detained from a Global Sumud Flotilla to Europe. Once again hinting at alleged Hamas links, Israel said that the passengers of the flotilla, which includes famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were on their way to Israel from where they'll be deported to Europe. "Hamas-Sumud passengers…are safe and in good health," the ministry said on X. This comes after reports that Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza. Also read | ‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video

Israel says pro-Palestinian activists from the Gaza aid flotilla, including Greta Thunberg, will be deported to Europe. The flotilla was intercepted at sea, with Israel again hinting at Hamas links while insisting all passengers are “safe and in good health.”

‘Hamas-Sumud passengers’: Israel to deport Gaza flotilla activists, including Greta Thunberg, to Europe

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh while speaking in Gujarat's Bhuj on Vijaya Dashmi (Dusshera) on Thursday (Oct 2) expressed concerns over build up of Pakistani military infrastructure adjacent to Sir Creek region along the Indian border, and warned Islamabad against any "misadventure".&nbsp;"Pakistan has increased its military infrastructure in Sir Creek. If Pakistan attempts to do any misadventure, we will send a strong message. Pakistan should remember, way to Karachi goes thru Sir Creek,' said Singh.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-my-husband-is-no-threat-says-sonam-wangchuk-s-wife-gitanjali-angmo-in-letter-to-president-murmu-asks-for-his-unconditional-release-1759333531525">'My husband is no threat', says Sonam Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo in letter to President Murmu; asks for his 'unconditional release'</a>&nbsp;He accused Pakistan of purposely keeping the dispute alive after 78 years of independence, despite India's efforts to resolve it through dialogue. Singh calling Pakistan's intention's flawed said," Friends, even after 78 years of independence, a dispute persists in the Sir Creek region regarding the border. India has repeatedly attempted to resolve this issue through dialogue, but Pakistan’s intentions are not sincere; they are flawed. The recent buildup of Pakistan’s military infrastructure in areas adjacent to Sir Creek clearly reflects its intentions."&nbsp;Singh threatened to alter the history and geography of Pakistan if it dared to make any misadventure in the Sir Creek region. He also thanked the Border Security Force (BSF) and the armed forces &nbsp;for keeping the borders of the country safe.&nbsp;"India’s borders are being vigilantly protected by the Indian armed forces and the BSF. If Pakistan dares to make any misadventure in the Sir Creek region, it will face such a decisive response that both history and geography will be altered. Pakistan should remember that one route to Karachi passes through the Creek," said Singh. &nbsp;

Rajnath Singh accused Pakistan of purposely keeping the dispute alive after 78 years of independence, despite Indias efforts to resolve it through dialogue.

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh while speaking in Gujarat's Bhuj on Vijaya Dashmi (Dusshera) on Thursday (Oct 2) expressed concerns over build up of Pakistani military infrastructure adjacent to Sir Creek region along the Indian border, and warned Islamabad against any "misadventure". "Pakistan has increased its military infrastructure in Sir Creek. If Pakistan attempts to do any misadventure, we will send a strong message. Pakistan should remember, way to Karachi goes thru Sir Creek,' said Singh. Also Read: 'My husband is no threat', says Sonam Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo in letter to President Murmu; asks for his 'unconditional release' He accused Pakistan of purposely keeping the dispute alive after 78 years of independence, despite India's efforts to resolve it through dialogue. Singh calling Pakistan's intention's flawed said," Friends, even after 78 years of independence, a dispute persists in the Sir Creek region regarding the border. India has repeatedly attempted to resolve this issue through dialogue, but Pakistan’s intentions are not sincere; they are flawed. The recent buildup of Pakistan’s military infrastructure in areas adjacent to Sir Creek clearly reflects its intentions." Singh threatened to alter the history and geography of Pakistan if it dared to make any misadventure in the Sir Creek region. He also thanked the Border Security Force (BSF) and the armed forces for keeping the borders of the country safe. "India’s borders are being vigilantly protected by the Indian armed forces and the BSF. If Pakistan dares to make any misadventure in the Sir Creek region, it will face such a decisive response that both history and geography will be altered. Pakistan should remember that one route to Karachi passes through the Creek," said Singh.

Rajnath Singh accused Pakistan of purposely keeping the dispute alive after 78 years of independence, despite India's efforts to resolve it through dialogue.

Indian defence minister's warning to Pakistan: One route to Karachi is via Sir Creek

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, has become the recipient of intense domestic criticism for presenting rare earth minerals to US President Donald Trump 'like a salesman,' during a White House visit. The move, which came to light through a photo-op, has sparked questions about the military’s role in diplomacy. In a video that is now going viral, Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan mocked the optics of Munir carrying a briefcase with minerals, commenting, "Our Chief of Army Staff is roaming around with a briefcase containing rare earth minerals. What a joke! It was absolute mockery".<h2>Pakistan's rare earth minerals</h2>This comes as earlier this week, the White House released a photo of Munir showing Trump a wooden box full of rare earth minerals, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looked on. The presentation followed a closed-door meeting between Pakistani leaders and Trump, and coincided with a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation, a military engineering firm, and US Strategic Metals to explore strategic minerals in Pakistan for defence and technology purposes.This visit marked Munir’s third trip to the US in five months, highlighting the Pakistani military’s growing engagement with Washington—a trend that has drawn unease among civilian leaders and lawmakers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-7-countries-with-the-largest-rare-earth-reserves-see-where-india-stands-1759307993918">Top 7 countries with the largest rare earth reserves: See where India stands</a><h2>Army chief or shopkeeper?</h2>Senator Khan questioned Munir’s authority to carry out such diplomatic initiatives, likening the scene to “a shopkeeper showing off expensive merchandise while a manager watches happily.”"Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him," asked Khan, the head of Pakistan's Awami National Party.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-earn-the-right-to-stay-uk-unveils-toughest-permanent-residency-rules-in-decades-here-s-what-it-means-for-indians-looking-to-settle-there-1759307599437">‘Earn the right to stay’: UK unveils toughest permanent residency rules in decades. Here's what it means for Indians looking to settle there</a>He called it a “contempt of Parliament” and a departure from democratic norms. “Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him,,” Khan said.A video of Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan's statement is going viral on social media. Watch it here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⚡ Huge Embarrassment For Pakistan’s 'Failed' Marshal Asim Munir Pakistani senator Aimal Wali Khan has criticised Pakistan COAS Asim Munir inside the Pakistani Parliament over selling rare earth minerals in a briefcase to US President Donald Trump. "What a Joke" he says. He… <a href="https://t.co/YbiXZoN1Da">pic.twitter.com/YbiXZoN1Da</a>— OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsintUpdates/status/1973407357532250455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Khan also stressed that such actions undermine the authority of the elected government and resemble authoritarian practices. "In what capacity? Under which law? This is dictatorship. I am sorry to say this is not democracy... Is this not contempt of Parliament?"He then demanded a joint session of Parliament to explain Munir’s diplomatic engagements, including details on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence deal, Pakistan’s support for Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal, and other meetings with US officials.

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, is facing backlash after a White House photo showed him presenting a briefcase of rare earth minerals to US President Trump. Senator Aimal Wali Khan called it “a joke” and said THIS.

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, has become the recipient of intense domestic criticism for presenting rare earth minerals to US President Donald Trump 'like a salesman,' during a White House visit. The move, which came to light through a photo-op, has sparked questions about the military’s role in diplomacy. In a video that is now going viral, Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan mocked the optics of Munir carrying a briefcase with minerals, commenting, "Our Chief of Army Staff is roaming around with a briefcase containing rare earth minerals. What a joke! It was absolute mockery". Pakistan's rare earth minerals This comes as earlier this week, the White House released a photo of Munir showing Trump a wooden box full of rare earth minerals, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looked on. The presentation followed a closed-door meeting between Pakistani leaders and Trump, and coincided with a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation, a military engineering firm, and US Strategic Metals to explore strategic minerals in Pakistan for defence and technology purposes. This visit marked Munir’s third trip to the US in five months, highlighting the Pakistani military’s growing engagement with Washington—a trend that has drawn unease among civilian leaders and lawmakers. Also read | Top 7 countries with the largest rare earth reserves: See where India stands Army chief or shopkeeper? Senator Khan questioned Munir’s authority to carry out such diplomatic initiatives, likening the scene to “a shopkeeper showing off expensive merchandise while a manager watches happily.” "Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him," asked Khan, the head of Pakistan's Awami National Party. Also read | ‘Earn the right to stay’: UK unveils toughest permanent residency rules in decades. Here's what it means for Indians looking to settle there He called it a “contempt of Parliament” and a departure from democratic norms. “Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him,,” Khan said. A video of Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan's statement is going viral on social media. Watch it here:

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, is facing backlash after a White House photo showed him presenting a briefcase of rare earth minerals to US President Trump. Senator Aimal Wali Khan called it “a joke” and said THIS.

Pakistan Army chief or shopkeeper? Asim Munir ridiculed for rare earth minerals photo-op with Trump. Watch

American firm AST SpaceMobile has announced that its BlueBird 6 Internet-beaming satellite has completed its final assembly and testing, and is ready for flight. If all goes well, the firm is expected to load the satellite onto an Antonov cargo plane on October 12th and fly it to Chennai in Southern India, from where it would be trucked to the ISRO Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, about 85kms north of Chennai. ISRO's largest rocket, the LVM3, is meant to carry the 6,500kg BlueBird 6 to orbit (about 550km above Earth). The 6,500kg satellite would be the heaviest satellite to be carried by an Indian rocket.Once the satellite reaches the Indian spaceport in mid-October, it would be safe to assume that the launch would be carried out in 30-45 days, which means the BlueBird 6 could take to the skies by December. In the intervening 30-45 days, the assembly activities of the rocket, the testing, and fuelling of the satellite, and other pre-launch preparations are carried out.Notably, ISRO is gearing up for the launch of the Indian communications satellite CMS-02 by the end of October. Like the BlueBird 6, CMS-02 would also fly on an LVM3 rocket. As it stands, the CMS-02 would be launched on a rocket designated as LVM-M5, and the BlueBird would fly on LVM3-M6. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that ISRO would be executing two LVM3 launches in 3 months, something that has not been done before.As a launch services provider (rocket builder and operator), the Indian Space Agency launches foreign-origin satellites into space commercially. These commercial space missions (like a taxi ferrying a passenger) are handled by ISRO's commercial arm NSIL, which earns revenue for the Indian government.<h2>AST SpaceMobile and its internet-beaming satellites</h2>AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones. As per reports, the firm presently has a fleet of five first-generation (Block-1) satellites in orbit. The firm plans to launch a fleet of 45-60 second-generation (Block-2) satellites to offer services in major global regions, it is said.The firm has announced that they have a series of satellites that will be launched in the coming months. "BlueBird 7 is expected to ship to the Cape Canaveral launch site in October, BlueBirds 8-16 are in various stages of production, with launches planned every 1-2 months on average during 2025 and 2026," the firm announced. &nbsp;They expect to have 45–60 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026. It is touted that these BlueBird satellites (by size) will be the largest commercial satellites ever deployed in Low Earth orbit (about 600kms above Earth). Each of these satellites would carry a 2,400 sq feet phased array antenna with true direct-to-cell broadband, with a claimed capability of up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth and claimed peak speeds of 120 Mbps per cell.The firm says they have partnered with 50+ mobile network operators serving nearly 3 billion subscribers, supported by a flexible spectrum strategy blending their own licensed spectrum with partner spectrum.<h2>Repeated delays in BlueBird 6 launch</h2>As per the January 2025 announcement by the Indian government, the American satellite was to be launched by India's LVM3-M5 rocket in March 2025. In April, the Indian Government said that the BlueBird launch would take place aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket in July 2025.In July 2025, following the successful launch of the Indo-US NISAR satellite, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan said that ISRO would be launching a CMS-02 satellite aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket. This meant that the rocket originally allocated for BlueBird was being reallocated to a different satellite, known as CMS-02. The reasons for this reallocation were not revealed.In August, in the run-up to the National Space Day celebrations, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan shared an ISRO launch schedule which said that the BlueBird mission would be launched by the LVM3-M6 rocket between January and March 2026.Unconfirmed reports say that the US firm has been facing delays at its end, which has been delaying its planned Block-2 satellite launches from India and abroad.

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 6 satellite, designed to beam internet directly to mobile phones, has completed assembly and testing and is set for transport to ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India by October 12.

American firm AST SpaceMobile has announced that its BlueBird 6 Internet-beaming satellite has completed its final assembly and testing, and is ready for flight. If all goes well, the firm is expected to load the satellite onto an Antonov cargo plane on October 12th and fly it to Chennai in Southern India, from where it would be trucked to the ISRO Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, about 85kms north of Chennai. ISRO's largest rocket, the LVM3, is meant to carry the 6,500kg BlueBird 6 to orbit (about 550km above Earth). The 6,500kg satellite would be the heaviest satellite to be carried by an Indian rocket. Once the satellite reaches the Indian spaceport in mid-October, it would be safe to assume that the launch would be carried out in 30-45 days, which means the BlueBird 6 could take to the skies by December. In the intervening 30-45 days, the assembly activities of the rocket, the testing, and fuelling of the satellite, and other pre-launch preparations are carried out. Notably, ISRO is gearing up for the launch of the Indian communications satellite CMS-02 by the end of October. Like the BlueBird 6, CMS-02 would also fly on an LVM3 rocket. As it stands, the CMS-02 would be launched on a rocket designated as LVM-M5, and the BlueBird would fly on LVM3-M6. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that ISRO would be executing two LVM3 launches in 3 months, something that has not been done before. As a launch services provider (rocket builder and operator), the Indian Space Agency launches foreign-origin satellites into space commercially. These commercial space missions (like a taxi ferrying a passenger) are handled by ISRO's commercial arm NSIL, which earns revenue for the Indian government. AST SpaceMobile and its internet-beaming satellites AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones. As per reports, the firm presently has a fleet of five first-generation (Block-1) satellites in orbit. The firm plans to launch a fleet of 45-60 second-generation (Block-2) satellites to offer services in major global regions, it is said. The firm has announced that they have a series of satellites that will be launched in the coming months. "BlueBird 7 is expected to ship to the Cape Canaveral launch site in October, BlueBirds 8-16 are in various stages of production, with launches planned every 1-2 months on average during 2025 and 2026," the firm announced. They expect to have 45–60 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026. It is touted that these BlueBird satellites (by size) will be the largest commercial satellites ever deployed in Low Earth orbit (about 600kms above Earth). Each of these satellites would carry a 2,400 sq feet phased array antenna with true direct-to-cell broadband, with a claimed capability of up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth and claimed peak speeds of 120 Mbps per cell. The firm says they have partnered with 50+ mobile network operators serving nearly 3 billion subscribers, supported by a flexible spectrum strategy blending their own licensed spectrum with partner spectrum. Repeated delays in BlueBird 6 launch As per the January 2025 announcement by the Indian government, the American satellite was to be launched by India's LVM3-M5 rocket in March 2025. In April, the Indian Government said that the BlueBird launch would take place aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket in July 2025. In July 2025, following the successful launch of the Indo-US NISAR satellite, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan said that ISRO would be launching a CMS-02 satellite aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket. This meant that the rocket originally allocated for BlueBird was being reallocated to a different satellite, known as CMS-02. The reasons for this reallocation were not revealed. In August, in the run-up to the National Space Day celebrations, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan shared an ISRO launch schedule which said that the BlueBird mission would be launched by the LVM3-M6 rocket between January and March 2026. Unconfirmed reports say that the US firm has been facing delays at its end, which has been delaying its planned Block-2 satellite launches from India and abroad.

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 6 satellite, designed to beam internet directly to mobile phones, has completed assembly and testing and is set for transport to ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India by October 12.

US firm's BlueBird satellite to reach India in mid-Oct; Launch could take place by December

Two Delta Airlines planes collided with each other at New York's LaGuardia airport on Wednesday night, leaving one of the aircraft without a wing, CBS News reported. A video of the accident shows that the wing on at least one plane fell off. One person was reportedly injured following the incident. Both planes were taxiing when they collided. A CBS News producer was on one of the planes. He said that after his Flight DL5047 was "taxing to the gate at LGA, after landing at CLT, they were struck by another Delta regional jet that was taxiing by." Current reports indicate that the mishap resulted in one person being injured. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;Pictures of the incident are circulating on social media. They show a plane without a wing. A second plane can be seen with a badly crushed nose, with the number 15480 visible on it. This one is the regional Delta plane that the other aircraft collided with. Passengers can be seen getting off the plane. Crew members and more passengers can be seen on the runway following the accident. Police and other security officials are also seen next to the two aircraft. Delta has not issue an official statement on the incident. The windshields of both the planes broke following the collision.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Two Delta planes collided at LaGuardia Airport while taxiing. <a href="https://t.co/bXhlUKRPHy">pic.twitter.com/bXhlUKRPHy</a>&mdash; ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) <a href="https://twitter.com/alx/status/1973591331563045181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Two Delta regional jets were involved in a collision on the ground at LaGuardia Airport. Delta flight DL5714 had just landed and was taxiing to its gate when another jet struck it.<a href="https://t.co/SbnwselPNj">pic.twitter.com/SbnwselPNj</a>&mdash; Raw Reporting (@Raw_Reporting) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raw_Reporting/status/1973580181370708372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My <a href="https://twitter.com/Delta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Delta</a> plane just crashed into another plane on the LaGuardia tarmac <a href="https://t.co/jxstbpT2Fr">pic.twitter.com/jxstbpT2Fr</a>&mdash; Oren (@oren_juice) <a href="https://twitter.com/oren_juice/status/1973571732251484299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Passengers waited on the tarmac to be transferred to other flights. The planes were&nbsp;Canadianair&nbsp;CRJ-900 regional jets and are operated by subsidiary Endeavor Air. The aircraft were taxiing at low speed at around 9:56 pm on Wednesday when they crashed into each other. LaGuardia stated the incident, as an airport spokesperson informed that one person was injured in the incident.“A single person onboard one of the aircraft suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital as a precautionary measure,” the spokesperson said.

New York airport accident on Wednesday night: Two Delta flights collided with each other at New York's LaGuardia airport on Wednesday night, clipping the wing off one of the jets. More details are awaited.

Two Delta Airlines planes collided with each other at New York's LaGuardia airport on Wednesday night, leaving one of the aircraft without a wing, CBS News reported. A video of the accident shows that the wing on at least one plane fell off. One person was reportedly injured following the incident. Both planes were taxiing when they collided. A CBS News producer was on one of the planes. He said that after his Flight DL5047 was "taxing to the gate at LGA, after landing at CLT, they were struck by another Delta regional jet that was taxiing by." Current reports indicate that the mishap resulted in one person being injured. Further details are awaited. Pictures of the incident are circulating on social media. They show a plane without a wing. A second plane can be seen with a badly crushed nose, with the number 15480 visible on it. This one is the regional Delta plane that the other aircraft collided with. Passengers can be seen getting off the plane. Crew members and more passengers can be seen on the runway following the accident. Police and other security officials are also seen next to the two aircraft. Delta has not issue an official statement on the incident. The windshields of both the planes broke following the collision.

New York airport accident on Wednesday night: Two Delta flights collided with each other at New York's LaGuardia airport on Wednesday night, clipping the wing off one of the jets. More details are awaited.

Two Delta planes collide at New York's LaGuardia airport, leaving one without a wing

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump could hold a bilateral meeting during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26-28, 2025. If this happens, would be their first in-person interaction since U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, including steel and pharmaceuticals, strained ties earlier this year. While neither the Indian Ministry of External Affairs nor the White House have officially confirmed the meeting or so far announced the visits officially.&nbsp;It is understood that a lot would depend on the trade talks for which a delegation would be in US in early-mid October as well. This apart the crucial Bihar elections are also scheduled for November and the &nbsp;October engagements there could also weigh on PM's Modi's schedule to Malaysia.&nbsp;The ASEAN Summit, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, will include leaders from ASEAN nations and dialogue partners like India, the U.S., China, and Russia.PM Modi may attend the summit from October 26-27, focusing on deepening India-ASEAN ties. Trump’s participation was confirmed after a July call with Anwar.&nbsp;In a video post in the end of September Mahathir had appealed against Trump's visit to Malaysian PM Ibrahim in the wake of the Gaza killings and Trump's support for Netanyahu

It is understood that a lot would depend on the trade talks for which an Indian delegation would be in US in early-mid October as well.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump could hold a bilateral meeting during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26-28, 2025. If this happens, would be their first in-person interaction since U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, including steel and pharmaceuticals, strained ties earlier this year. While neither the Indian Ministry of External Affairs nor the White House have officially confirmed the meeting or so far announced the visits officially. It is understood that a lot would depend on the trade talks for which a delegation would be in US in early-mid October as well. This apart the crucial Bihar elections are also scheduled for November and the October engagements there could also weigh on PM's Modi's schedule to Malaysia. The ASEAN Summit, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, will include leaders from ASEAN nations and dialogue partners like India, the U.S., China, and Russia.PM Modi may attend the summit from October 26-27, focusing on deepening India-ASEAN ties. Trump’s participation was confirmed after a July call with Anwar. In a video post in the end of September Mahathir had appealed against Trump's visit to Malaysian PM Ibrahim in the wake of the Gaza killings and Trump's support for Netanyahu

It is understood that a lot would depend on the trade talks for which an Indian delegation would be in US in early-mid October as well.

Trump, Modi likely to meet at ASEAN summit in Malaysia after imposition of tariffs by US

After imposing new trade tariffs on China in September, the United States President Donald Trump has confirmed he will be meeting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in "four weeks" to sort out the loses being faced by soyabean farmers in the US as China has refused to buy it from them. Trump said that the move by China for "negotiating reasons" is "hurting" the US farmers and that he stands behind them.&nbsp;Taking to Truth Social Trump on Wednesday wrote, "The Soybean Farmers of our Country are being hurt because China is, for "negotiating" reasons only, not buying. We've made so much money on Tariffs, that we are going to take a small portion of that money, and help our Farmers."&nbsp;Hen then goes on to blame former president Joe Biden for the issue saying, "I WILL NEVER LET OUR FARMERS DOWN! Sleepy Joe Biden didn't enforce our Agreement with China, where they were going to purchase Billions of Dollars of our Farm Product, but Soybeans, in particular. It's all going to work out very well."&nbsp;Later in the post he says he will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in "four weeks" where soybean purchases will be the main topic of discussion between the two leaders.&nbsp;What's the actual problem&nbsp;After the new tariff imposition by Trump, Chinese importers are not buying soybeans from the US's autumn harvest resulting in significant financial losses to the American farmers. Instead, the Chinese are sourcing them from South America, which is affecting US prices. Notably, autumn is a crucial season for the US soybean market as fresh crops are harvested.&nbsp;Trump, Xi's likely meeting&nbsp;Earlier in September, there were reports that said a meeting between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping is likely to happen in South Korea in October this year.&nbsp;Trump and his top advisers are silently preparing to travel to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), where Trump is expected to meet Xi, reported CNN, citing Trump administration officials.&nbsp;Though a serious discussions about a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of APEC is taking place, there are no firm plans for the meeting yet, reported the media outlet."A visit to South Korea is being discussed, which would focus on economic collaboration," a White House official told CNN. &nbsp;

After the new tariff imposition by Trump, Chinese importers are not buying soybeans from the USs autumn harvest resulting in significant financial losses to the American farmers.

After imposing new trade tariffs on China in September, the United States President Donald Trump has confirmed he will be meeting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in "four weeks" to sort out the loses being faced by soyabean farmers in the US as China has refused to buy it from them. Trump said that the move by China for "negotiating reasons" is "hurting" the US farmers and that he stands behind them. Taking to Truth Social Trump on Wednesday wrote, "The Soybean Farmers of our Country are being hurt because China is, for "negotiating" reasons only, not buying. We've made so much money on Tariffs, that we are going to take a small portion of that money, and help our Farmers." Hen then goes on to blame former president Joe Biden for the issue saying, "I WILL NEVER LET OUR FARMERS DOWN! Sleepy Joe Biden didn't enforce our Agreement with China, where they were going to purchase Billions of Dollars of our Farm Product, but Soybeans, in particular. It's all going to work out very well." Later in the post he says he will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in "four weeks" where soybean purchases will be the main topic of discussion between the two leaders. What's the actual problem After the new tariff imposition by Trump, Chinese importers are not buying soybeans from the US's autumn harvest resulting in significant financial losses to the American farmers. Instead, the Chinese are sourcing them from South America, which is affecting US prices. Notably, autumn is a crucial season for the US soybean market as fresh crops are harvested. Trump, Xi's likely meeting Earlier in September, there were reports that said a meeting between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping is likely to happen in South Korea in October this year. Trump and his top advisers are silently preparing to travel to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), where Trump is expected to meet Xi, reported CNN, citing Trump administration officials. Though a serious discussions about a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of APEC is taking place, there are no firm plans for the meeting yet, reported the media outlet. "A visit to South Korea is being discussed, which would focus on economic collaboration," a White House official told CNN.

After the new tariff imposition by Trump, Chinese importers are not buying soybeans from the US's autumn harvest resulting in significant financial losses to the American farmers.

'Will meet Xi Jinping in four weeks': Trump vows to protect soyabean farmers amid tariff war with China

Several boats carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza were intercepted by the Israeli navy late Wednesday (Oct 1), sparking outrage from activists and fresh diplomatic ripples across Europe. On board the flotilla was famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, confirmed the Israeli foreign ministry. A video released by the ministry showed her sitting on a ship’s deck as officers handed her a water bottle and raincoat. Officials stressed that Thunberg and her companions were “safe and healthy.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-documents-from-gaza-show-hamas-s-direct-involvement-with-aid-flotilla-with-greta-thunberg-on-board-1759304023711">Israel claims Hamas link to Gaza aid flotilla boarded by Greta Thunberg</a><h2>Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla</h2>Thunberg's flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Spain last month with around 45 vessels, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic supplies. Organisers said three boats—the Sirius, Alma, and Adara—were intercepted about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. In a statement, as reported by AFP, Global Sumud Flotilla said, "Around 8:30 pm Gaza time (1730 GMT), several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the Alma, Sirius and Adara, were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli occupation forces in international waters". The group added that contact with several other vessels was lost soon after the interceptions. "Beyond the confirmed interceptions, live streams and communications with several other vessels have been lost".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-humanitarian-city-a-relief-zone-for-gazans-or-a-concentration-camp-for-ethnic-cleansing-explained-1752655313058">Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained</a>On X, the group called the interception “unlawful” and said that it was a “blatant act of desperation” to keep “Gaza starved and cut off”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The unlawful interception of the Flotilla is no act of self-defense — it is a blatant act of desperation. It lays bare the extremes the occupier is willing to pursue to keep Gaza starved and cut off. A peaceful civilian mission is attacked precisely because the arrival of… <a href="https://t.co/SphH9cAVfd">pic.twitter.com/SphH9cAVfd</a>&mdash; Global Sumud Flotilla ✨ (@GSMFlotilla) <a href="https://twitter.com/GSMFlotilla/status/1973500905095045396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Israeli Foreign Ministry also shared information on the captured flotilla. In a video the ministry shared on X, Greta Thunberg can be seen sitting on a ship's deck being handed a water bottle and a raincoat. "Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy," reads the video caption.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. <a href="https://t.co/PA1ezier9s">pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s</a>&mdash; Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/1973479557622899030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Israeli forces told not to use violence</h2>Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that the operation was expected to take two to three hours, and said Israeli forces had been instructed “not to use violence.”The flotilla included a wide mix of activists, politicians and high-profile figures, such as Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and members of the European Parliament. Despite the interception, organisers said they remained committed to breaking the blockade and drawing attention to what they describe as a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Israeli forces have intercepted several boats of the Gaza aid flotilla, including the vessel carrying Greta Thunberg, around 70 nautical miles off Gaza. 

Several boats carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza were intercepted by the Israeli navy late Wednesday (Oct 1), sparking outrage from activists and fresh diplomatic ripples across Europe. On board the flotilla was famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, confirmed the Israeli foreign ministry. A video released by the ministry showed her sitting on a ship’s deck as officers handed her a water bottle and raincoat. Officials stressed that Thunberg and her companions were “safe and healthy.” Also read | Israel claims Hamas link to Gaza aid flotilla boarded by Greta Thunberg Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla Thunberg's flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Spain last month with around 45 vessels, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic supplies. Organisers said three boats—the Sirius, Alma, and Adara—were intercepted about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. In a statement, as reported by AFP, Global Sumud Flotilla said, "Around 8:30 pm Gaza time (1730 GMT), several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the Alma, Sirius and Adara, were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli occupation forces in international waters". The group added that contact with several other vessels was lost soon after the interceptions. "Beyond the confirmed interceptions, live streams and communications with several other vessels have been lost". Also read | Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained On X, the group called the interception “unlawful” and said that it was a “blatant act of desperation” to keep “Gaza starved and cut off”.

Israeli forces have intercepted several boats of the Gaza aid flotilla, including the vessel carrying Greta Thunberg, around 70 nautical miles off Gaza.&nbsp;

‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video

At least 59 students remain trapped under the ruins of a collapsed boarding school on Indonesia’s main island of Java, officials said Thursday (Oct 2), as desperate parents called for faster rescue efforts. The four-storey building gave way on Monday (Sep 29) as students gathered for afternoon prayers, killing at least five people. On Wednesday (Oct 1) rescue workers pulled five survivors from the wreckage, but dozens are still unaccounted for. The death toll could increase with dozens still trapped under the rubble.<h2>59 still trapped three days later</h2>In a statement, Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster and Mitigation Agency, said that “Data updated Wednesday at 11:00 pm (1600 GMT) indicates that 59 people are still trapped under the rubble”. He added the figure could change as survivors come forward. Muhari revealed that the figure was based on the attendance list released by the boarding school.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/philippines-quake-kills-over-50-topples-historic-church-in-cebu-in-pics-1759299073687">Philippines quake kills over 50, topples historic church in Cebu | In Pics</a><h2>How the collapse happened</h2>Police say the students were performing afternoon prayers at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, in a building undergoing unauthorised expansion when it suddenly collapsed. While the female students praying in another section of the building reportedly escaped unharmed, the victims of the tragedy are mostly boys aged 12 to 17, studying in grades seven to eleven. Residents, teachers, and administrators helped evacuate injured students, many of whom suffered head injuries and broken bones.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-school-collapse-91-students-still-trapped-under-rubble-1759293256276">Indonesia school collapse: 91 students still trapped under rubble</a>Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse. Provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast said the old prayer hall was originally two stories, but two additional floors were being added without a permit, likely contributing to the disaster.Heavy concrete slabs and unstable parts of the building have hindered the search, with rescuers avoiding heavy machinery due to fears it could trigger further collapses. Several hundred personnel, equipped with breathing apparatus, extrication tools, and medical support, are involved in the ongoing rescue operation, according to an AP report.

At least 59 students, most of them boys aged 12–17, are still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed boarding school in East Java, Indonesia, three days after the tragedy killed five.

At least 59 students remain trapped under the ruins of a collapsed boarding school on Indonesia’s main island of Java, officials said Thursday (Oct 2), as desperate parents called for faster rescue efforts. The four-storey building gave way on Monday (Sep 29) as students gathered for afternoon prayers, killing at least five people. On Wednesday (Oct 1) rescue workers pulled five survivors from the wreckage, but dozens are still unaccounted for. The death toll could increase with dozens still trapped under the rubble. 59 still trapped three days later In a statement, Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster and Mitigation Agency, said that “Data updated Wednesday at 11:00 pm (1600 GMT) indicates that 59 people are still trapped under the rubble”. He added the figure could change as survivors come forward. Muhari revealed that the figure was based on the attendance list released by the boarding school. Also read | Philippines quake kills over 50, topples historic church in Cebu | In Pics How the collapse happened Police say the students were performing afternoon prayers at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, in a building undergoing unauthorised expansion when it suddenly collapsed. While the female students praying in another section of the building reportedly escaped unharmed, the victims of the tragedy are mostly boys aged 12 to 17, studying in grades seven to eleven. Residents, teachers, and administrators helped evacuate injured students, many of whom suffered head injuries and broken bones. Also read | Indonesia school collapse: 91 students still trapped under rubble Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse. Provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast said the old prayer hall was originally two stories, but two additional floors were being added without a permit, likely contributing to the disaster. Heavy concrete slabs and unstable parts of the building have hindered the search, with rescuers avoiding heavy machinery due to fears it could trigger further collapses. Several hundred personnel, equipped with breathing apparatus, extrication tools, and medical support, are involved in the ongoing rescue operation, according to an AP report.

At least 59 students, most of them boys aged 12–17, are still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed boarding school in East Java, Indonesia, three days after the tragedy killed five.

Indonesia school collapse: Three days on, 59 students still trapped under rubble

Jane Goodall, the British primatologist who transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and went on to become one of the world’s most powerful advocates for wildlife, has died at 91. Her institute on Wednesday (Oct 1) said she passed away peacefully in her sleep while on a speaking tour in Los Angeles. In her final public appearance, dressed in her trademark green, she delighted an audience by mimicking a chimpanzee’s call. “That’s ‘good morning’ in chimpanzee,” she said. It was the mix of science, humour, and warmth that defined her life’s work.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-earn-the-right-to-stay-uk-unveils-toughest-permanent-residency-rules-in-decades-here-s-what-it-means-for-indians-looking-to-settle-there-1759307599437">‘Earn the right to stay’: UK unveils toughest permanent residency rules in decades. Here's what it means for Indians looking to settle there</a><h2>Tributes pour in</h2>Tributes came swiftly. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called her “our dear Messenger of Peace” who left “an extraordinary legacy for humanity and our planet.” Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised her research at Gombe National Park, saying it had “placed our country at the heart of global conservation.” Actress and activist Jane Fonda wrote, “The best way we can honour her life is to treat the earth and all its beings like our family.”<h2>Who was Jane Goodall?</h2>Born in London in 1934, Goodall developed a fascination with animals as a child, inspired in part by a stuffed chimpanzee gifted by her father. In 1957, she travelled to Kenya and soon began working for famed anthropologist Louis Leakey. He sent her to study wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, where she made discoveries that shook science. She proved chimps could fashion and use tools, once thought to be a uniquely human trait. She also documented their darker side — infanticide, territorial battles, and violence — revealing a complexity that mirrored our own species.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-how-is-he-posting-this-trump-boasts-of-24kt-gold-in-white-house-hours-after-deadly-church-shooting-1759122910225">'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting</a>Goodall went on to earn a PhD at Cambridge without first completing a degree, a rare feat - she was only the eighth person to achieve this. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to promote research and conservation, followed by the Roots &amp; Shoots youth program in 1991, now active in more than 60 countries.Her work shifted in the 1980s from research to advocacy after she learned of the threats facing chimpanzees: habitat loss, hunting, and exploitation in laboratories. For the rest of her life, she campaigned tirelessly, speaking about conservation and climate change.<h2>Honours and awards</h2>Goodall was honoured worldwide, from Britain’s title of Dame to the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was immortalised as both a Lego and Barbie figure, and was even referenced in a Gary Larson cartoon about chimps.Her message was simple but urgent: every person has the power to make a difference. “Each individual has a role to play,” she once said. “Every one of us makes some impact on the planet every single day, and we can choose what sort of impact we make.” &nbsp;

Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist who redefined our understanding of chimpanzees and became a global voice for conservation, has died at 91. 

Jane Goodall, the British primatologist who transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and went on to become one of the world’s most powerful advocates for wildlife, has died at 91. Her institute on Wednesday (Oct 1) said she passed away peacefully in her sleep while on a speaking tour in Los Angeles. In her final public appearance, dressed in her trademark green, she delighted an audience by mimicking a chimpanzee’s call. “That’s ‘good morning’ in chimpanzee,” she said. It was the mix of science, humour, and warmth that defined her life’s work. Also read | ‘Earn the right to stay’: UK unveils toughest permanent residency rules in decades. Here's what it means for Indians looking to settle there Tributes pour in Tributes came swiftly. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called her “our dear Messenger of Peace” who left “an extraordinary legacy for humanity and our planet.” Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised her research at Gombe National Park, saying it had “placed our country at the heart of global conservation.” Actress and activist Jane Fonda wrote, “The best way we can honour her life is to treat the earth and all its beings like our family.” Who was Jane Goodall? Born in London in 1934, Goodall developed a fascination with animals as a child, inspired in part by a stuffed chimpanzee gifted by her father. In 1957, she travelled to Kenya and soon began working for famed anthropologist Louis Leakey. He sent her to study wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, where she made discoveries that shook science. She proved chimps could fashion and use tools, once thought to be a uniquely human trait. She also documented their darker side — infanticide, territorial battles, and violence — revealing a complexity that mirrored our own species. Also read | 'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting Goodall went on to earn a PhD at Cambridge without first completing a degree, a rare feat - she was only the eighth person to achieve this. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to promote research and conservation, followed by the Roots & Shoots youth program in 1991, now active in more than 60 countries. Her work shifted in the 1980s from research to advocacy after she learned of the threats facing chimpanzees: habitat loss, hunting, and exploitation in laboratories. For the rest of her life, she campaigned tirelessly, speaking about conservation and climate change. Honours and awards Goodall was honoured worldwide, from Britain’s title of Dame to the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was immortalised as both a Lego and Barbie figure, and was even referenced in a Gary Larson cartoon about chimps. Her message was simple but urgent: every person has the power to make a difference. “Each individual has a role to play,” she once said. “Every one of us makes some impact on the planet every single day, and we can choose what sort of impact we make.”

Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist who redefined our understanding of chimpanzees and became a global voice for conservation, has died at 91.&nbsp;

'Messenger of Peace': Jane Goodall, trailblazing primatologist, and conservationist, dies at 91

Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, called the US government shutdown a "deliberate" choice of US President Donald Trump. "This shutdown is a choice — a deliberate decision by Donald Trump and the Republicans to abandon the very people they were sent to Washington to represent, and they alone are responsible for this… instead of governing, they abdicate their responsibility and abandon any chance at this time of real negotiation…as a result of this, they've unleashed chaos through millions of families across our great country in every single workplace in our communities," Hochul said.&nbsp;"I'm not making this up. Donald Trump admitted this yesterday. He bragged that during a shutdown, his administration could do things that are irreversible — reduce the federal workforce, slash programs, take away benefits. That's not me saying it, that's Donald Trump. That's not leadership. That's cruelty," she added.&nbsp;Why the shutdown?&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-shutdown-why-is-it-happening-and-how-will-this-impact-americans-all-you-need-to-know-1759329160282">EXPLAINED US Government Shutdown: Why is it happening, and how will this impact Americans? All you need to know.</a>&nbsp;The shutdown is a result of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over passing a bill funding government services into October and beyond. The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate - or upper chamber - they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass a spending bill.&nbsp;Around 04:01 GMT on Wednesday (October 1), America's shutdown was announced - for seven years. When will this end?&nbsp;The ending of the shutdown totally depends on the bill's situation. If the Republicans negotiate an extension to the healthcare subsidies that the Democrats are demanding, the shutdown will come to an end. There is a second way as well. If the Democrats back down and agree to fund the government - at least temporarily - to get things up and running again.

The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate - or upper chamber - they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass a spending bill.

Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, called the US government shutdown a "deliberate" choice of US President Donald Trump. "This shutdown is a choice — a deliberate decision by Donald Trump and the Republicans to abandon the very people they were sent to Washington to represent, and they alone are responsible for this… instead of governing, they abdicate their responsibility and abandon any chance at this time of real negotiation…as a result of this, they've unleashed chaos through millions of families across our great country in every single workplace in our communities," Hochul said. "I'm not making this up. Donald Trump admitted this yesterday. He bragged that during a shutdown, his administration could do things that are irreversible — reduce the federal workforce, slash programs, take away benefits. That's not me saying it, that's Donald Trump. That's not leadership. That's cruelty," she added. Why the shutdown? Also read: EXPLAINED US Government Shutdown: Why is it happening, and how will this impact Americans? All you need to know. The shutdown is a result of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over passing a bill funding government services into October and beyond. The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate - or upper chamber - they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass a spending bill. Around 04:01 GMT on Wednesday (October 1), America's shutdown was announced - for seven years. When will this end? The ending of the shutdown totally depends on the bill's situation. If the Republicans negotiate an extension to the healthcare subsidies that the Democrats are demanding, the shutdown will come to an end. There is a second way as well. If the Democrats back down and agree to fund the government - at least temporarily - to get things up and running again.

The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate - or upper chamber - they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass a spending bill.

'This shutdown is a choice, deliberate decision by Donald Trump’: New York Governor on US govt shutdown

Seven men were nabbed for raping teenage girls and treating them as "Sex slaves" in Rochdale, England. The criminals have been jailed for between 12 and 35 years. The leader of the gang, 65-year-old Mohammed Zahid, was sent for the longest time, 35 years in jail. He has been convicted of raping two girls, identified in court as Girl A and Girl B. He committed the crime on multiple occasions. He was also found guilty of offences of indecency with a child and procuring a child to have sex. Both girls were sexually abused between 2001 and 2006. They were 13 during that time. &nbsp;The girls had “deeply troubled home lives” and were given drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, places to stay, and people to be with, a jury heard. The girls, who did not know each other, were expected to have sex “wherever and whenever” the men wanted, whether in filthy flats, cars, or on nearby moors, the court heard. ‘I coped with what these men did...’&nbsp;During the court hearing, Girl A said, “The abuse has affected every part of my life." “From what I look like, relationships, health, to my mental health," she added. Girl B said, “I coped with what these men did to me as at the time I believed that every man I came into contact with would expect sex. It is horrific that I didn’t know any different.”&nbsp;She urged other victims to come forward to the police. “It doesn’t matter how much time has gone by; it is still possible to get justice,” she said.&nbsp;Other criminals&nbsp;Along with Zahid, the judge jailed Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Oldham, for 27 years and Kasir Bashir, 50, of Oldham, for 29 years. Ahmed and Bashir were convicted of multiple counts of rape and indecency with a child, in relation to Girl B.&nbsp;Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Rochdale, was jailed for 26 years; Naheem Akram, 49, of Rochdale, for 26 years; and Nisar Hussain, 41, of Rochdale, for 19 years. The men, all taxi drivers, were convicted of multiple counts of rape against Girl A.

 He has been convicted of raping two girls, identified in court as Girl A and Girl B. He committed the crime on multiple occasions. He was also found guilty of offences of indecency with a child and procuring a child to have sex.

Seven men were nabbed for raping teenage girls and treating them as "Sex slaves" in Rochdale, England. The criminals have been jailed for between 12 and 35 years. The leader of the gang, 65-year-old Mohammed Zahid, was sent for the longest time, 35 years in jail. He has been convicted of raping two girls, identified in court as Girl A and Girl B. He committed the crime on multiple occasions. He was also found guilty of offences of indecency with a child and procuring a child to have sex. Both girls were sexually abused between 2001 and 2006. They were 13 during that time. The girls had “deeply troubled home lives” and were given drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, places to stay, and people to be with, a jury heard. The girls, who did not know each other, were expected to have sex “wherever and whenever” the men wanted, whether in filthy flats, cars, or on nearby moors, the court heard. ‘I coped with what these men did...’ During the court hearing, Girl A said, “The abuse has affected every part of my life." “From what I look like, relationships, health, to my mental health," she added. Girl B said, “I coped with what these men did to me as at the time I believed that every man I came into contact with would expect sex. It is horrific that I didn’t know any different.” She urged other victims to come forward to the police. “It doesn’t matter how much time has gone by; it is still possible to get justice,” she said. Other criminals Along with Zahid, the judge jailed Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Oldham, for 27 years and Kasir Bashir, 50, of Oldham, for 29 years. Ahmed and Bashir were convicted of multiple counts of rape and indecency with a child, in relation to Girl B. Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Rochdale, was jailed for 26 years; Naheem Akram, 49, of Rochdale, for 26 years; and Nisar Hussain, 41, of Rochdale, for 19 years. The men, all taxi drivers, were convicted of multiple counts of rape against Girl A.

&nbsp;He has been convicted of raping two girls, identified in court as Girl A and Girl B. He committed the crime on multiple occasions. He was also found guilty of offences of indecency with a child and procuring a child to have sex.

Pakistani-origin man rapes, treats minor girls as 'sex slaves' for years, jailed for 35 years. Case explained

During a White House press briefing on Wednesday (October 1), US Vice President JD Vance, standing beside press secretary Karoline Leavitt, launched a sharp critique at the Democrats for the government shutdown. Leavitt opened by citing a New York Times poll indicating that two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the shutdown, which she pinned squarely on Democrats’ partisan tactics. Vance, echoing her sentiments, placed blame on Senate Democrats, particularly minority leader Chuck Schumer. He accused Schumer of being overly influenced by the left-wing faction of his party and claimed this shutdown was a result of political infighting, not genuine policy disagreements. He also singled out Schumer for allegedly prioritising his own political survival, specifically in fear of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-congress-members-get-paid-and-janitors-don-t-in-us-govt-shutdown-wion-fact-checks-1759337689803">Do Congress members get paid, and janitors don’t in US govt shutdown? WION fact checks</a>&nbsp;Regarding the ongoing battle over government funding, Vance criticised the notion that Democrats were pushing for healthcare for undocumented immigrants, labeling it a ‘ridiculous proposition’ and dismissing it as an unfounded claim. He acknowledged that while Republicans are open to discussing healthcare policy, it cannot happen under the conditions of a government shutdown. When pressed on the duration of the shutdown, Vance admitted he couldn’t predict when it might end, emphasising that it was entirely dependent on the actions of Senate Democrats. Despite this uncertainty, he expressed optimism that moderate Democrats were beginning to crack, hinting that the shutdown might not drag on for long.&nbsp;In a pointed remark about the economic impact of the shutdown, Vance acknowledged that government workers, including US military personnel, were feeling the effects. He said that if the shutdown persisted for weeks, layoffs could become a necessary evil. Responding to questions about President Trump’s claim that laid-off workers during the shutdown would lean Democratic, Vance rejected the idea of politicising the issue. He reaffirmed that the priority was to keep essential government functions operational.&nbsp;Vance confirmed he and Trump have been actively engaging with lawmakers on both sides to push for a resolution, though he conceded that some Democrats were holding firm on their demands. He highlighted that they had convinced a handful of Democrats to shift their positions, but more votes were needed to break the impasse and reopen the government.

US Vice President JD Vance accuses Democrats of ridiculous shutdown demands

During a White House press briefing on Wednesday (October 1), US Vice President JD Vance, standing beside press secretary Karoline Leavitt, launched a sharp critique at the Democrats for the government shutdown. Leavitt opened by citing a New York Times poll indicating that two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the shutdown, which she pinned squarely on Democrats’ partisan tactics. Vance, echoing her sentiments, placed blame on Senate Democrats, particularly minority leader Chuck Schumer. He accused Schumer of being overly influenced by the left-wing faction of his party and claimed this shutdown was a result of political infighting, not genuine policy disagreements. He also singled out Schumer for allegedly prioritising his own political survival, specifically in fear of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Also Read: Do Congress members get paid, and janitors don’t in US govt shutdown? WION fact checks Regarding the ongoing battle over government funding, Vance criticised the notion that Democrats were pushing for healthcare for undocumented immigrants, labeling it a ‘ridiculous proposition’ and dismissing it as an unfounded claim. He acknowledged that while Republicans are open to discussing healthcare policy, it cannot happen under the conditions of a government shutdown. When pressed on the duration of the shutdown, Vance admitted he couldn’t predict when it might end, emphasising that it was entirely dependent on the actions of Senate Democrats. Despite this uncertainty, he expressed optimism that moderate Democrats were beginning to crack, hinting that the shutdown might not drag on for long. In a pointed remark about the economic impact of the shutdown, Vance acknowledged that government workers, including US military personnel, were feeling the effects. He said that if the shutdown persisted for weeks, layoffs could become a necessary evil. Responding to questions about President Trump’s claim that laid-off workers during the shutdown would lean Democratic, Vance rejected the idea of politicising the issue. He reaffirmed that the priority was to keep essential government functions operational. Vance confirmed he and Trump have been actively engaging with lawmakers on both sides to push for a resolution, though he conceded that some Democrats were holding firm on their demands. He highlighted that they had convinced a handful of Democrats to shift their positions, but more votes were needed to break the impasse and reopen the government.

During the White House press briefing on Wednesday, US Vice President JD Vance warned of layoffs if the government shutdown continues and also criticised the Democrats

US government shutdown: 'We can’t let Democrats hold the government hostage, says US Vice President JD Vance

Amid the US government shutdown chaos, a podcaster, Dan Koh, claimed that during this period, many federal employees will be left unpaid, but members of Congress will still get paid. While talking on The People’s Cabinet podcast, he said, “The janitors never get paid.”&nbsp;The podcaster has worked previously as a deputy assistant to former President Joe Biden. He added in one of the clips of the podcast posted on September 29 on X that almost all janitors who work on federal property are employed by private contractors. “There is no obligation, and Donald Trump, I guarantee you, has no intention of paying these janitors if the government shuts down,” Koh said, adding, "So they get completely screwed. There is no back pay. They just get no money.”&nbsp;Who actually gets paid?&nbsp;As per the US law, members of the House and Senate continue to get paid during a shutdown. Federal law says that federal employees get back pay, but the law does not extend that to contractors, a group that includes many janitors.&nbsp;Why the shutdown?The shutdown is a result of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over passing a bill funding government services into October and beyond. The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate - or upper chamber - they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass a spending bill.&nbsp;Around 04:01 GMT on Wednesday (October 1), America's shutdown was announced - for seven years. When will this end?&nbsp;The ending of the shutdown totally depends on the bill's situation. If the Republicans negotiate an extension to the healthcare subsidies that the Democrats are demanding, the shutdown will come to an end. There is a second way as well. If the Democrats back down and agree to fund the government - at least temporarily - to get things up and running again.

As per the US law, members of the House and Senate continue to get paid during a shutdown. Federal law says that federal employees get back pay, but the law does not extend that to contractors, a group that includes many janitors.

Amid the US government shutdown chaos, a podcaster, Dan Koh, claimed that during this period, many federal employees will be left unpaid, but members of Congress will still get paid. While talking on The People’s Cabinet podcast, he said, “The janitors never get paid.” The podcaster has worked previously as a deputy assistant to former President Joe Biden. He added in one of the clips of the podcast posted on September 29 on X that almost all janitors who work on federal property are employed by private contractors. “There is no obligation, and Donald Trump, I guarantee you, has no intention of paying these janitors if the government shuts down,” Koh said, adding, "So they get completely screwed. There is no back pay. They just get no money.” Who actually gets paid? As per the US law, members of the House and Senate continue to get paid during a shutdown. Federal law says that federal employees get back pay, but the law does not extend that to contractors, a group that includes many janitors. Why the shutdown? The shutdown is a result of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over passing a bill funding government services into October and beyond. The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate - or upper chamber - they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass a spending bill. Around 04:01 GMT on Wednesday (October 1), America's shutdown was announced - for seven years. When will this end? The ending of the shutdown totally depends on the bill's situation. If the Republicans negotiate an extension to the healthcare subsidies that the Democrats are demanding, the shutdown will come to an end. There is a second way as well. If the Democrats back down and agree to fund the government - at least temporarily - to get things up and running again.

As per the US law, members of the House and Senate continue to get paid during a shutdown. Federal law says that federal employees get back pay, but the law does not extend that to contractors, a group that includes many janitors.

Do Congress members get paid, and janitors don’t in US govt shutdown? WION fact checks

German authorities arrested three individuals in Berlin on Wednesday (October 1), accusing them of planning attacks against Israeli and Jewish sites in Germany. The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of the Hamas, with weapons and ammunition seized during the operation. According to German federal prosecutors, the suspects were "foreign operatives" of Hamas, involved in procuring firearms and ammunition to support the group's activities in Germany. An AK-47 assault rifle, multiple pistols, and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered during the arrests.&nbsp;Prosecutors said that the weapons were intended for deadly attacks targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions within Germany. In addition to the arrests in Berlin, police also conducted searches in the cities of Leipzig and Oberhausen around the same time, according to reports by Der Spiegel. The three suspects face charges of being members of a foreign terrorist organisation and preparing a "serious act of violence endangering the state." Two of the suspects were identified as German nationals, Abed Al G and Ahmad I, while the third, Wael F M, was described as "Lebanese-born." His exact nationality remains unclear, according to the prosecutor's office.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-shutdown-why-is-it-happening-and-how-will-this-impact-americans-all-you-need-to-know-1759329160282">EXPLAINED US Government Shutdown: Why is it happening, and how will this impact Americans? All you need to know.</a>&nbsp;The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday (October 2). Germany officially designates Hamas as a terrorist organisation, and all activities connected to the group are prohibited within the country. The arrests come amid heightened tensions in Germany over the ongoing Gaza conflict. The war, ignited by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and Israel's subsequent military offensive, has led to a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, creating divisions within German society. Germany, which has a history of seeking to atone for the Holocaust, has traditionally been a staunch ally of Israel.

Three suspected Hamas members arrested in Germany on suspicion of plotting attacks

German authorities arrested three individuals in Berlin on Wednesday (October 1), accusing them of planning attacks against Israeli and Jewish sites in Germany. The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of the Hamas, with weapons and ammunition seized during the operation. According to German federal prosecutors, the suspects were "foreign operatives" of Hamas, involved in procuring firearms and ammunition to support the group's activities in Germany. An AK-47 assault rifle, multiple pistols, and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered during the arrests. Prosecutors said that the weapons were intended for deadly attacks targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions within Germany. In addition to the arrests in Berlin, police also conducted searches in the cities of Leipzig and Oberhausen around the same time, according to reports by Der Spiegel. The three suspects face charges of being members of a foreign terrorist organisation and preparing a "serious act of violence endangering the state." Two of the suspects were identified as German nationals, Abed Al G and Ahmad I, while the third, Wael F M, was described as "Lebanese-born." His exact nationality remains unclear, according to the prosecutor's office. Also Read: EXPLAINED US Government Shutdown: Why is it happening, and how will this impact Americans? All you need to know. The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday (October 2). Germany officially designates Hamas as a terrorist organisation, and all activities connected to the group are prohibited within the country. The arrests come amid heightened tensions in Germany over the ongoing Gaza conflict. The war, ignited by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and Israel's subsequent military offensive, has led to a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, creating divisions within German society. Germany, which has a history of seeking to atone for the Holocaust, has traditionally been a staunch ally of Israel.

Three suspected Hamas operatives were arrested in Berlin for allegedly plotting attacks on Jewish and Israeli sites in Germany, with weapons seized

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Pakistani-origin man rapes, treats minor girls as 'sex slaves' for years, jailed

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Do Congress members get paid, and janitors don’t in US govt shutdown?

3 suspected Hamas members arrested in Germany on suspicion of plotting attacks