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The Presidency of the Republic of Yemen as well as the Houthi terrorist organisation on Saturday confirmed that Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several of his senior associates were eliminated in an Israeli strike on Thursday, August 28. The statement of the presidency of Yemen was shared on the X handle of a media personality from Yemen News Agency Saba. It said, “The Presidency of the Republic of Yemen issued a condolence statement on the martyrdom of the Prime Minister of the Government of Change and Construction, the mujahid Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Rahawi, and several of his comrades from the ministers due to the treacherous Zionist aggression.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">عاجل رئاسة الجمهورية تنعي رئيس حكومة التغيير والبناء وعددا من رفاقه صنعاء - سبأ أصدرت رئاسة الجمهورية اليمنية بيان نعي في استشهاد رئيس حكومة التغيير والبناء المجاهد أحمد غالب الرهوي، وعدد من رفاقه من الوزراء جراء العدوان الصهيوني الغادر فيما يلي نصه: بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم…&mdash; نصر الدين عامر | Nasruddin Amer (@Nasr_Amer1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nasr_Amer1/status/1961791117688545621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“We declare the martyrdom of the mujahid Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Rahawi, Prime Minister of the Government of Change and Construction, along with several of his ministerial comrades, who were targeted by the criminal and treacherous Israeli enemy,” it said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚡The Houthi terrorist organization announced the elimination of Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several other senior terrorists.&mdash; Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelWarRoom/status/1961792383558812094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The Israel War Room handle on X also confirmed that the Houthi terrorist organisation has announced the elimination of Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several of his senior associates.It said in the post, “The Houthi terrorist organization announced the elimination of Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several other senior terrorists.”&nbsp;Earlier, the IDF confirmed that its Air Force launched a precision strike on a Houthi military target near Sanaa, Yemen, after intercepting two drones earlier in the day. According to Defence Minister Israel Katz’s office, the mission was approved in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, and other top commanders through the Red Line communication system.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement, Katz referenced the biblical plagues and said, “After the plague of darkness comes the plague of the firstborn,” suggesting the attack may have specifically targeted high-ranking Houthi officials. The statement aligns with earlier Israeli media reports indicating that political leaders of the Iran-backed group were likely among the intended targets.&nbsp;The Houthis had then strongly rejected the claims and accused Israel of striking civilian infrastructure and labelled the attack as a violation of international law. Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population had also denounced the action as a “war crime.” Just days earlier, the Houthis had claimed responsibility for launching a missile at southern Israel—an assault that Israeli defences say they successfully intercepted.&nbsp;<h2>Houthis vow to avenge PM’s death in Israeli strikes</h2>Houthi rebels have, meanwhile, vowed to avenge the killing of their prime minister and other political leaders in Israeli strikes.“We promise to God, to the dear Yemeni people, and the families of the martyrs and wounded that we will take revenge,” the head of the group’s supreme political council, Mehdi al-Mashat, says in a video message posted on Telegram. He also warned foreign companies to leave Israel “before it’s too late.”

An earlier report from Israel's Channel 12, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that a strike carried out in Yemen killed the entire Houthi cabinet, including the prime minister and 12 ministers. The report said that the assessment was preliminary and the IDF was working to confirm it.

The Presidency of the Republic of Yemen as well as the Houthi terrorist organisation on Saturday confirmed that Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several of his senior associates were eliminated in an Israeli strike on Thursday, August 28. The statement of the presidency of Yemen was shared on the X handle of a media personality from Yemen News Agency Saba. It said, “The Presidency of the Republic of Yemen issued a condolence statement on the martyrdom of the Prime Minister of the Government of Change and Construction, the mujahid Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Rahawi, and several of his comrades from the ministers due to the treacherous Zionist aggression.”

An earlier report from Israel's Channel 12, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that a strike carried out in Yemen killed the entire Houthi cabinet, including the prime minister and 12 ministers. The report said that the assessment was preliminary and the IDF was working to confirm it.

Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, his aides killed in Israeli strike, confirms Yemen presidency

Indonesia has been rocked by a wave of protest that began in Jakarta and engulfed all the major cities, such as Makassar, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bali. Three people have reportedly died, and protestors have set fire to the regional parliamentary building. Public transport was closed on Saturday near the protest site in Jakarta, as local media reported vandalism of public transportation. Yesterday, protesters outside the Jakarta police headquarters set fire to tyres and road barricades. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, as protestors threw firecrackers at them.<h2>Why are Indonesians protesting?&nbsp;</h2>The protest erupted across the country when citizens figured out that the Indonesian lawmakers are receiving a generous amount, around IDR 50 million, as a housing allowance, IDR 12 million for food, and IDR 7 million for transport, on top of a base salary of IDR 6.5 million. This was 14 times the minimum wage of an Indonesian; it was perceived by many Indonesians as excessive, as they are facing an unusually high inflation, stagnant wages and widening inequality.&nbsp;Public anger intensified after Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old delivery rider, was killed by a police vehicle in a protest clash on August 28. President Prabowo Subianto, in a video message, shared his condolences for the unnatural demise of the man. The National police confirmed that seven officers were placed under 20 days' detention for violating the code of ethics. But videos circulating on social media show Brimob vehicles barrelling into the crowd, fueling public anger.&nbsp;“I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers. I have ordered that last night’s incident be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved must be held accountable," said President Prabowo Subianto.Even though the Police are taking accountability, the fire is not doused. 'Justice for Affan!' has echoed in the street as protestors were riding through the night with slogans of ‘life for a life’.This outrage is not just from one incident; it is a culmination of successive corruption and political privileges. Indonesians feel that political elites are disconnected from the ordinary citizen. On Aug 28, labour groups had staged protests across the country to stop outsourcing and low wages, while protests were also seen against the 250 per cent increase in local governments' tax.&nbsp;Protestors are accusing the lawmakers of working with impunity. What started as a peaceful protest erupted into violence, vandalism, and arson. The deadly fire at the Makassar regional parliament building killed three people, showing how deeply anger has boiled over. The protester wants a thorough investigation of Affan Kurniawan's death and a rollback on the perks for the legislator, and a cutback on the taxes. Protestors want democratic accountability and an end to the impunity of legislators and security forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mass protests sweep across Indonesia in 2025 as outrage grows over lawmakers’ lavish housing perks and the police killing of a young driver. Learn why Indonesians are demanding reform.

Indonesia has been rocked by a wave of protest that began in Jakarta and engulfed all the major cities, such as Makassar, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bali. Three people have reportedly died, and protestors have set fire to the regional parliamentary building. Public transport was closed on Saturday near the protest site in Jakarta, as local media reported vandalism of public transportation. Yesterday, protesters outside the Jakarta police headquarters set fire to tyres and road barricades. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, as protestors threw firecrackers at them. Why are Indonesians protesting? The protest erupted across the country when citizens figured out that the Indonesian lawmakers are receiving a generous amount, around IDR 50 million, as a housing allowance, IDR 12 million for food, and IDR 7 million for transport, on top of a base salary of IDR 6.5 million. This was 14 times the minimum wage of an Indonesian; it was perceived by many Indonesians as excessive, as they are facing an unusually high inflation, stagnant wages and widening inequality. Public anger intensified after Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old delivery rider, was killed by a police vehicle in a protest clash on August 28. President Prabowo Subianto, in a video message, shared his condolences for the unnatural demise of the man. The National police confirmed that seven officers were placed under 20 days' detention for violating the code of ethics. But videos circulating on social media show Brimob vehicles barrelling into the crowd, fueling public anger. “I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers. I have ordered that last night’s incident be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved must be held accountable," said President Prabowo Subianto. Even though the Police are taking accountability, the fire is not doused. 'Justice for Affan!' has echoed in the street as protestors were riding through the night with slogans of ‘life for a life’. This outrage is not just from one incident; it is a culmination of successive corruption and political privileges. Indonesians feel that political elites are disconnected from the ordinary citizen. On Aug 28, labour groups had staged protests across the country to stop outsourcing and low wages, while protests were also seen against the 250 per cent increase in local governments' tax. Protestors are accusing the lawmakers of working with impunity. What started as a peaceful protest erupted into violence, vandalism, and arson. The deadly fire at the Makassar regional parliament building killed three people, showing how deeply anger has boiled over. The protester wants a thorough investigation of Affan Kurniawan's death and a rollback on the perks for the legislator, and a cutback on the taxes. Protestors want democratic accountability and an end to the impunity of legislators and security forces.

Mass protests sweep across Indonesia in 2025 as outrage grows over lawmakers’ lavish housing perks and the police killing of a young driver. Learn why Indonesians are demanding reform.

Police vehicle rammed through protestors: Why are anti-government protests in Indonesia turning deadly?

US President Donald Trump became the most searched name on Google and social media platforms on Saturday as false claims of his death spread rapidly online. Despite the speculation, there has been no official confirmation of any health emergency from the White House. Search terms like “Is Trump dead?” and “Trump is dead” trended throughout the day, as internet users raised concerns over the 79-year-old President’s health.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-illegal-tactic-trump-cancels-billions-in-foreign-aid-sparking-shutdown-showdown-with-congress-1756488595506">'Illegal tactic': Trump cancels BILLIONS in foreign aid, sparking shutdown showdown with Congress</a><h2>When was Trump last seen in public?</h2>Trump was last spotted on 24 August during a surprise appearance at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia alongside former baseball star Roger Clemens. Two days later, on 26 August, he chaired a televised cabinet meeting at the White House. Since then, he has not been seen in public. His weekend schedule showed no official events on either Saturday or Sunday. Despite his absence from public view, Trump remained active on his platform Truth Social, where he criticised a court ruling against his tariffs early on Saturday morning.<h2>Health concerns continue</h2>Speculation about Trump’s health has intensified since he was photographed last month with a visible bruise on his right hand and swelling around his ankles. The images quickly went viral, fuelling more rumours about his condition.The White House has not directly commented on the bruising. However, a letter released last month confirmed that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory condition often linked to age and long periods of standing. Experts also suggested the ankle swelling could be a side effect of routine aspirin use, according to IB Times.<h2>What did JD Vance say?</h2>The speculation gained further traction after Vice President JD Vance recently remarked that he was “ready to take over” in case of a national tragedy. “I’ve gotten a lot of good on-the-job training over the last 200 days. And if, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten,” Vance told USA Today.

False rumours of President Donald Trump’s death spread online, making him the most searched name on Google and social media. The White House confirmed no health emergency, despite widespread speculation.

US President Donald Trump became the most searched name on Google and social media platforms on Saturday as false claims of his death spread rapidly online. Despite the speculation, there has been no official confirmation of any health emergency from the White House. Search terms like “Is Trump dead?” and “Trump is dead” trended throughout the day, as internet users raised concerns over the 79-year-old President’s health. Also read: 'Illegal tactic': Trump cancels BILLIONS in foreign aid, sparking shutdown showdown with Congress When was Trump last seen in public? Trump was last spotted on 24 August during a surprise appearance at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia alongside former baseball star Roger Clemens. Two days later, on 26 August, he chaired a televised cabinet meeting at the White House. Since then, he has not been seen in public. His weekend schedule showed no official events on either Saturday or Sunday. Despite his absence from public view, Trump remained active on his platform Truth Social, where he criticised a court ruling against his tariffs early on Saturday morning. Health concerns continue Speculation about Trump’s health has intensified since he was photographed last month with a visible bruise on his right hand and swelling around his ankles. The images quickly went viral, fuelling more rumours about his condition. The White House has not directly commented on the bruising. However, a letter released last month confirmed that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory condition often linked to age and long periods of standing. Experts also suggested the ankle swelling could be a side effect of routine aspirin use, according to IB Times. What did JD Vance say? The speculation gained further traction after Vice President JD Vance recently remarked that he was “ready to take over” in case of a national tragedy. “I’ve gotten a lot of good on-the-job training over the last 200 days. And if, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten,” Vance told USA Today.

False rumours of President Donald Trump’s death spread online, making him the most searched name on Google and social media. The White House confirmed no health emergency, despite widespread speculation.

When was Trump last seen? Know US president's whereabouts as ‘Trump dead’ rumours swirl online

As global trade faces fresh headwinds from unilateral US tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, in Tokyo has drawn sharp attention. The two-day visit marks the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and comes at a time when both nations seek to build more robust economic buffers. With the US imposing duties on key imports, India and Japan are stepping up their partnership to secure supply chains and drive mutual growth, a move that could steady Asia’s economic landscape.&nbsp;The summit builds on a long-standing special strategic and global partnership between the two countries. During the talks, PM Modi and Ishiba agreed to expand cooperation across eight key fields: economy, economic security, mobility, environment, technology and innovation, health, people-to-people links, and ties between local governments. This broad framework aims to address shared challenges like climate change and digital divides while capitalising on each other’s strengths. Japan, with its advanced tech base, and India, with its vast market and young workforce, see this as a way to create jobs and spur innovation on both sides.&nbsp;At the heart of the discussions lies PM Modi’s flagship ‘Make in India’ programme, now evolving into ‘Make for the World’. The prime minister urged Japanese industry leaders at the India-Japan Economic Forum to invest more deeply in five priority areas: manufacturing, technology and innovation, green energy, next-generation infrastructure, and skills development. He highlighted the success of India-Japan collaboration in the automobile sector, where Japanese firms like Suzuki and Honda helped build India’s auto industry from scratch in the 1980s. Today, India ranks among the world’s top vehicle producers, thanks in part to that early support. PM Modi suggested replicating this model in emerging fields such as batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy.&nbsp;Japan’s response has been enthusiastic. Tokyo plans to double its private-sector investment in India to 10 trillion yen, or about USD 68 billion, over the next decade. This builds on the previous target of 5 trillion yen set in 2022, which saw annual inflows of around 1 trillion yen. Japanese companies have already poured over USD 40 billion into India, including USD 13 billion in the last two years alone. The new goal, outlined in a joint statement, will focus on high-tech sectors to help India become a global manufacturing hub. For instance, an agreement on joint credit mechanisms will support clean energy projects, aligning with India’s push for sustainable development.&nbsp;Beyond investments, the leaders emphasised human connections. Japan aims to increase exchanges with India to 500,000 people over the next five years, including 50,000 skilled workers and talents from India. This could ease Japan’s labour shortages in ageing industries while providing Indian youth with global opportunities. PM Modi also visited a semiconductor facility in Sendai, underscoring the partnership’s forward-looking nature. With India investing heavily in chip-making—over Rs 65,000 crore recently—Japanese expertise could accelerate this effort, reducing reliance on vulnerable global supplies.&nbsp;Several bilateral pacts were inked during the visit, including memorandums on digital partnerships, clean energy, and economic security. A notable deal involves the space agencies of both countries—the Indian Space Research Organisation and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency—for a joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This scientific collaboration could yield breakthroughs in resource mapping on the moon, benefiting future space endeavours. In defence, the talks touched on transferring Japanese E-10 coaches for India’s high-speed rail projects, like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, which is already a symbol of the partnership.&nbsp;Experts view this summit as a strategic pivot amid rising US protectionism. With tariffs disrupting trade flows, India and Japan are working to diversify their economies. Bilateral trade stood at USD 22.85 billion in 2023-24, with Japan enjoying a surplus due to exports of machinery and electronics. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, in place since 2011, has cut tariffs, but trade remains below potential. By ramping up investments, both nations aim to balance this and create resilient value chains. For India, Japanese funds could boost its export-oriented manufacturing under ‘Make for the World’, targeting global markets in green tech and digital services.&nbsp;On a wider canvas, the India-Japan bond contributes to Asia’s stability. As members of the Quad grouping with the US and Australia, they share concerns over assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific, including maritime disputes. Their partnership promotes a rules-based order, countering any single power’s dominance. Economically, it could inspire similar ties across the region, from Southeast Asia to Africa, cultivating shared prosperity. PM Modi echoed this in his remarks, noting that India and Japan hold a common vision for peace and progress, not just for their people but for the world.&nbsp;Yet, challenges persist. India’s trade deficit with Japan, at around USD 5 billion last year, needs addressing through more balanced exchanges. Regulatory hurdles in India, such as land acquisition delays, have slowed some projects. Japan, facing domestic economic pressures, must ensure its firms see India as a safe bet. If navigated well, this alliance could set an example for Asia, where growth often hinges on cross-border cooperation.&nbsp;As PM Modi wraps up his Japan leg before heading to China for the SCO summit, the message is clear: In an uncertain world, old friends like India and Japan are paving a path to enduring stability and wealth. From the nostalgic charm of ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ to the ambitious vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, this visit may well mark a turning point, where ‘Make in India’ becomes a bridge for Asian unity.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

With US tariffs disrupting trade flows, India and Japan are working to diversify their economies. Bilateral trade between Tokyo and Delhi stood at USD 22.85 billion in 2023-24, with Japan enjoying a surplus due to exports of machinery and electronics.

As global trade faces fresh headwinds from unilateral US tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, in Tokyo has drawn sharp attention. The two-day visit marks the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and comes at a time when both nations seek to build more robust economic buffers. With the US imposing duties on key imports, India and Japan are stepping up their partnership to secure supply chains and drive mutual growth, a move that could steady Asia’s economic landscape. The summit builds on a long-standing special strategic and global partnership between the two countries. During the talks, PM Modi and Ishiba agreed to expand cooperation across eight key fields: economy, economic security, mobility, environment, technology and innovation, health, people-to-people links, and ties between local governments. This broad framework aims to address shared challenges like climate change and digital divides while capitalising on each other’s strengths. Japan, with its advanced tech base, and India, with its vast market and young workforce, see this as a way to create jobs and spur innovation on both sides. At the heart of the discussions lies PM Modi’s flagship ‘Make in India’ programme, now evolving into ‘Make for the World’. The prime minister urged Japanese industry leaders at the India-Japan Economic Forum to invest more deeply in five priority areas: manufacturing, technology and innovation, green energy, next-generation infrastructure, and skills development. He highlighted the success of India-Japan collaboration in the automobile sector, where Japanese firms like Suzuki and Honda helped build India’s auto industry from scratch in the 1980s. Today, India ranks among the world’s top vehicle producers, thanks in part to that early support. PM Modi suggested replicating this model in emerging fields such as batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy. Japan’s response has been enthusiastic. Tokyo plans to double its private-sector investment in India to 10 trillion yen, or about USD 68 billion, over the next decade. This builds on the previous target of 5 trillion yen set in 2022, which saw annual inflows of around 1 trillion yen. Japanese companies have already poured over USD 40 billion into India, including USD 13 billion in the last two years alone. The new goal, outlined in a joint statement, will focus on high-tech sectors to help India become a global manufacturing hub. For instance, an agreement on joint credit mechanisms will support clean energy projects, aligning with India’s push for sustainable development. Beyond investments, the leaders emphasised human connections. Japan aims to increase exchanges with India to 500,000 people over the next five years, including 50,000 skilled workers and talents from India. This could ease Japan’s labour shortages in ageing industries while providing Indian youth with global opportunities. PM Modi also visited a semiconductor facility in Sendai, underscoring the partnership’s forward-looking nature. With India investing heavily in chip-making—over Rs 65,000 crore recently—Japanese expertise could accelerate this effort, reducing reliance on vulnerable global supplies. Several bilateral pacts were inked during the visit, including memorandums on digital partnerships, clean energy, and economic security. A notable deal involves the space agencies of both countries—the Indian Space Research Organisation and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency—for a joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This scientific collaboration could yield breakthroughs in resource mapping on the moon, benefiting future space endeavours. In defence, the talks touched on transferring Japanese E-10 coaches for India’s high-speed rail projects, like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, which is already a symbol of the partnership. Experts view this summit as a strategic pivot amid rising US protectionism. With tariffs disrupting trade flows, India and Japan are working to diversify their economies. Bilateral trade stood at USD 22.85 billion in 2023-24, with Japan enjoying a surplus due to exports of machinery and electronics. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, in place since 2011, has cut tariffs, but trade remains below potential. By ramping up investments, both nations aim to balance this and create resilient value chains. For India, Japanese funds could boost its export-oriented manufacturing under ‘Make for the World’, targeting global markets in green tech and digital services. On a wider canvas, the India-Japan bond contributes to Asia’s stability. As members of the Quad grouping with the US and Australia, they share concerns over assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific, including maritime disputes. Their partnership promotes a rules-based order, countering any single power’s dominance. Economically, it could inspire similar ties across the region, from Southeast Asia to Africa, cultivating shared prosperity. PM Modi echoed this in his remarks, noting that India and Japan hold a common vision for peace and progress, not just for their people but for the world. Yet, challenges persist. India’s trade deficit with Japan, at around USD 5 billion last year, needs addressing through more balanced exchanges. Regulatory hurdles in India, such as land acquisition delays, have slowed some projects. Japan, facing domestic economic pressures, must ensure its firms see India as a safe bet. If navigated well, this alliance could set an example for Asia, where growth often hinges on cross-border cooperation. As PM Modi wraps up his Japan leg before heading to China for the SCO summit, the message is clear: In an uncertain world, old friends like India and Japan are paving a path to enduring stability and wealth. From the nostalgic charm of ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ to the ambitious vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, this visit may well mark a turning point, where ‘Make in India’ becomes a bridge for Asian unity. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

With US tariffs disrupting trade flows, India and Japan are working to diversify their economies. Bilateral trade between Tokyo and Delhi stood at USD 22.85 billion in 2023-24, with Japan enjoying a surplus due to exports of machinery and electronics.

From ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ to ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, PM Modi’s India-Japan alliance boosts Asian stability

In July 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping told fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders in Astana that “no mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations.” At the time, the words rang hollow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the summit, a move seen as a snub at the time. A year on, the picture has changed. As China hosts the SCO summit this Sunday (August 31), it expects a record turnout of leaders. Modi will return to China for the first time since 2018, driven partly by tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, nudging New Delhi closer to Beijing and its Eurasian partners.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2025-can-sco-and-brics-become-a-genuine-counterweight-to-western-alliances-such-as-nato-g7-and-eu-1756554676724">SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU?</a>While, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is usually seen as a security club, its economic size is striking. Together, its ten members now make up nearly $26.8 trillion in GDP, around 22.5% of the world economy, based on IMF estimates for 2025. That puts the group close to the G7 in scale, and not far behind NATO, which represents about 30% of global GDP.<h2>Who are the biggest players?</h2>The SCO is dominated by its three largest members. China accounts for more than 70% of the bloc’s GDP, at over $19 trillion. India contributes $4.2 trillion, and Russia adds about $2.1 trillion. Together, they make up nearly nine-tenths of the total economy. The other members, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, together provide less than 15%.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dragon-elephant-tango-will-pm-modi-s-china-visit-change-the-indo-pacific-balance-1756550879120">'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance?</a><h2>How does SCO compare with other blocs?</h2>The SCO is big, but not the largest. The G7 represents about $30 trillion in GDP, while NATO members combined make nearly $36 trillion. The BRICS group, after its expansion, is the largest of all, with an expected $48 trillion, or almost 40% of global GDP. By comparison, the SCO looks smaller, but still powerful enough to be counted as a major bloc.<h2>GDP and GNP: What do the figures show?</h2>GDP measures output inside a country, while GNP tracks the income of its citizens. The differences are small for most SCO states. For example, China’s GNP is $18.9 trillion versus GDP of $19.4 trillion. India’s GNP is $3.6 trillion, slightly lower than its GDP. Iran’s GNP ($421B) is higher than its GDP ($341B), while Kazakhstan’s is lower. These numbers show that while the SCO is large, most of its economic power is still concentrated inside its borders.

The SCO, often seen as a security grouping, is emerging as an economic force. With a combined GDP of $26.8 trillion, it now rivals the G7 and approaches NATO’s scale.

In July 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping told fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders in Astana that “no mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations.” At the time, the words rang hollow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the summit, a move seen as a snub at the time. A year on, the picture has changed. As China hosts the SCO summit this Sunday (August 31), it expects a record turnout of leaders. Modi will return to China for the first time since 2018, driven partly by tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, nudging New Delhi closer to Beijing and its Eurasian partners. Also read: SCO Summit 2025: Can SCO and BRICS become a genuine counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, G7 and EU? While, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is usually seen as a security club, its economic size is striking. Together, its ten members now make up nearly $26.8 trillion in GDP, around 22.5% of the world economy, based on IMF estimates for 2025. That puts the group close to the G7 in scale, and not far behind NATO, which represents about 30% of global GDP. Who are the biggest players? The SCO is dominated by its three largest members. China accounts for more than 70% of the bloc’s GDP, at over $19 trillion. India contributes $4.2 trillion, and Russia adds about $2.1 trillion. Together, they make up nearly nine-tenths of the total economy. The other members, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, together provide less than 15%. Also read: 'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change Indo-Pacific balance? How does SCO compare with other blocs? The SCO is big, but not the largest. The G7 represents about $30 trillion in GDP, while NATO members combined make nearly $36 trillion. The BRICS group, after its expansion, is the largest of all, with an expected $48 trillion, or almost 40% of global GDP. By comparison, the SCO looks smaller, but still powerful enough to be counted as a major bloc. GDP and GNP: What do the figures show? GDP measures output inside a country, while GNP tracks the income of its citizens. The differences are small for most SCO states. For example, China’s GNP is $18.9 trillion versus GDP of $19.4 trillion. India’s GNP is $3.6 trillion, slightly lower than its GDP. Iran’s GNP ($421B) is higher than its GDP ($341B), while Kazakhstan’s is lower. These numbers show that while the SCO is large, most of its economic power is still concentrated inside its borders.

The SCO, often seen as a security grouping, is emerging as an economic force. With a combined GDP of $26.8 trillion, it now rivals the G7 and approaches NATO’s scale.

Close to G7, not far behind NATO: How big is the SCO economy and who are its biggest players?

PM Modi’s Japan visit saw key deals on Chandrayaan-5, $68Billion investment, defence, green techology and digital ties, marking a golden chapter in India-Japan’s strategic partnership.

From bullet train boost to Chandrayaan-5 collaboration: Five key takeaways from PM Modi’s Japan visit

Amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki jai' and 'Vande Mataram PM Modi meets and greets the Indian diaspora as he reached the hotel in Tianjin.A group of Bharatanatyam dancers preparing for their performance as they wait for the arrival of PM Modi in Tianjin. The performers are Chinese Nationals who have been practising Bharatanatyam performance for years.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">China’s Indian community accorded a very special welcome in Tianjin. Here are some glimpses. <a href="https://t.co/PzAV517ewF">pic.twitter.com/PzAV517ewF</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1961767020036530314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A group of Bharatanatyam dancers gives a glimpse into their performance as they await the arrival of PM Narendra Modi (Source: ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONAtSCO2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONAtSCO2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/uHxuq0fDbD">pic.twitter.com/uHxuq0fDbD</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1961755762226769947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Prime Minister Modi have arrived in &nbsp;Tianjin, China for the Shanghai Coorporation Organisation's annual meet scheduled from August 31 to September 1. &nbsp;PM Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin amid the 50 per cent punitive US tariffs on India.&nbsp;

A group of Bharatanatyam dancers gave audiences a glimpse of their performance while awaiting the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blending culture with anticipation at the event.

Amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki jai' and 'Vande Mataram PM Modi meets and greets the Indian diaspora as he reached the hotel in Tianjin.A group of Bharatanatyam dancers preparing for their performance as they wait for the arrival of PM Modi in Tianjin. The performers are Chinese Nationals who have been practising Bharatanatyam performance for years.

A group of Bharatanatyam dancers gave audiences a glimpse of their performance while awaiting the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blending culture with anticipation at the event.

WATCH| Bharatanatyam dancers perform ahead of PM Modi meets Indian diaspora

The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence accused 53 Christians of espionage and 'anti-security activities'. Iranian state media showed a video of the detainees with the Christian literature, specifically the Bible, the New Testament, which they have smuggled inside the country. The Bible is effectively banned in Iran for most Iranians; however, some Iranian minorities, like Armenians, Assyrians and other recognised groups, are allowed to access state-translated books. According to reports from human rights groups, these minorities are also not immune to persecution. There are almost 800,000 converted Christians in Iran.&nbsp;The state media broadcast also shows surveillance footage and confessions. The Iranian Intelligence Ministry alleges that the bible was smuggled into the country and that those individuals were trained abroad within an 'Evangelical network tied to foreign intelligence'.Mansour Borji, director of the religious liberty group Article 18, has claimed that these confessions were forced and condemned this media coverage as hate speech.&nbsp;“The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad,” said Borji. Article 18 operates with the sole purpose of protecting and promoting religious freedom in Iran, and advocating on behalf of its persecuted Christians. They argue that these are mostly politically motivated charges backed by incomplete evidence.&nbsp;11 of the 53 arrested have been released on bail. These arrests are part of the crackdown, which has started following the 12-day war with Israel. Since the ceasefire on June 25, approximately 50 Christians have been arrested across 21 cities in Iran. Many cases involved possession of the Bible and collaboration with hostile states like the US and Israel. &nbsp;

Iran has arrested 53 Christians on charges of espionage, claiming Bibles were smuggled into the country. Human rights groups condemn the crackdown as persecution of religious minorities.

The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence accused 53 Christians of espionage and 'anti-security activities'. Iranian state media showed a video of the detainees with the Christian literature, specifically the Bible, the New Testament, which they have smuggled inside the country. The Bible is effectively banned in Iran for most Iranians; however, some Iranian minorities, like Armenians, Assyrians and other recognised groups, are allowed to access state-translated books. According to reports from human rights groups, these minorities are also not immune to persecution. There are almost 800,000 converted Christians in Iran. The state media broadcast also shows surveillance footage and confessions. The Iranian Intelligence Ministry alleges that the bible was smuggled into the country and that those individuals were trained abroad within an 'Evangelical network tied to foreign intelligence'. Mansour Borji, director of the religious liberty group Article 18, has claimed that these confessions were forced and condemned this media coverage as hate speech. “The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad,” said Borji. Article 18 operates with the sole purpose of protecting and promoting religious freedom in Iran, and advocating on behalf of its persecuted Christians. They argue that these are mostly politically motivated charges backed by incomplete evidence. 11 of the 53 arrested have been released on bail. These arrests are part of the crackdown, which has started following the 12-day war with Israel. Since the ceasefire on June 25, approximately 50 Christians have been arrested across 21 cities in Iran. Many cases involved possession of the Bible and collaboration with hostile states like the US and Israel.

Iran has arrested 53 Christians on charges of espionage, claiming Bibles were smuggled into the country. Human rights groups condemn the crackdown as persecution of religious minorities.

Iran accuses 53 Christians of espionage, claims Bibles smuggled into country

Andriy Parubiy, a Ukrainian politician who had served as the parliament speaker and played an active role in the EuroMaidan Revolution, was assassinated in broad daylight by a gunman disguised as a delivery courier in Lviv on Saturday. Ukraine’s National Police had said earlier in the day that a political figure was murdered after a shooting in the western Ukrainian city. Iryna Herashchenko, a lawmaker from the European Solidarity party, subsequently confirmed that Parubiy was the victim. “Law enforcement officers are taking all measures to establish the identity of the shooter and his location. All details will be disclosed in the manner and to the extent stipulated by criminal procedural legislation,” said local authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Parubiy, who had served as the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, was a staunchly pro-Ukrainian politician who was known as the “commandant of Maidan”—the tent camp that led the demonstrations in Kyiv. He had played a prominent role in the protests in Kyiv in 2014 that led to the toppling of pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have just reported the first known circumstances of the horrendous murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy was killed. My condolences to his family and loved ones. All necessary forces and means…&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1961727262799155484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko have just informed me about the first known circumstances of the terrible murder in Lviv. Andriy Parubiy has died.”“All necessary means have been deployed in the investigation and search for the killer.”Authorities received an emergency call at around noon after the shooting in Lviv’s southern Frankivskyi city district, the police said. Parubiy reportedly died at the scene.&nbsp;<h2>Assailant came on electric bicycle, was dressed as courier</h2>&nbsp;Citing sources, Suspilne broadcaster reported that the suspected assailant was dressed as a delivery courier and rode an electric bicycle. The attacker reportedly approached Parubiy, opened fire, and fled from the scene on the bicycle. Seven shell casings were found at the crime scene, law enforcement sources said.The manhunt for the shooter continues across the Lviv Oblast, with all security services mobilised for the search operation. The incident marks another high-profile killing in Lviv, following the July 2024 assassination of former MP Iryna Farion in the same city.&nbsp;<h2>Parubiy participated in 2004 Orange Revolution, EuroMaidan Revolution in 2013-2014</h2>&nbsp;Parubiy, who was 54, was a longtime lawmaker from Lviv Oblast who participated in the Orange Revolution in 2004 and formed self-defence volunteer units during the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2013-2014.After the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych in the wake of EuroMaidan, Parubiy was appointed National Security and Defence Council secretary. He held the position between February and August 2014, at the time when Russia occupied Crimea and launched its aggression in Donbas.Parubiy then served as the first deputy parliament speaker between 2014 and 2016 and as the parliament speaker from 2016 until 2019. Since 2019, Parubiy has been a member of ex-President Petro Poroshenko’s European Solidarity party.&nbsp;“Our team is shocked. This is terror,” Heraschenko said in a statement published on European Solidarity’s Facebook page.“Andriy was one of the founders of the modern Ukraine... principled and decent, patriotic, intelligent.”&nbsp;Parubiy gained prominence during the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests as commandant of the tent camp and head of self-defence detachments.During the February 2014 revolution, after the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, Parubiy led forces that took control of the government quarter in Kyiv, including the Verkhovna Rada, Presidential Administration, Cabinet of Ministers, and Interior Ministry buildings.

Andriy Parubiy was a staunchly pro-Ukrainian politician who was known as the “commandant of Maidan”—the tent camp that led the demonstrations in Kyiv. He had also played a prominent role in the protests in Kyiv in 2014 that led to the toppling of the pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych.

Andriy Parubiy, a Ukrainian politician who had served as the parliament speaker and played an active role in the EuroMaidan Revolution, was assassinated in broad daylight by a gunman disguised as a delivery courier in Lviv on Saturday. Ukraine’s National Police had said earlier in the day that a political figure was murdered after a shooting in the western Ukrainian city. Iryna Herashchenko, a lawmaker from the European Solidarity party, subsequently confirmed that Parubiy was the victim. “Law enforcement officers are taking all measures to establish the identity of the shooter and his location. All details will be disclosed in the manner and to the extent stipulated by criminal procedural legislation,” said local authorities. Parubiy, who had served as the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, was a staunchly pro-Ukrainian politician who was known as the “commandant of Maidan”—the tent camp that led the demonstrations in Kyiv. He had played a prominent role in the protests in Kyiv in 2014 that led to the toppling of pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych.

Andriy Parubiy was a staunchly pro-Ukrainian politician who was known as the “commandant of Maidan”—the tent camp that led the demonstrations in Kyiv. He had also played a prominent role in the protests in Kyiv in 2014 that led to the toppling of the pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych.

Ukraine parliament’s ex-speaker Andriy Parubiy assassinated; Zelensky calls it ‘horrendous murder’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a four-day trip that could significantly shape India’s role in Asia’s evolving power dynamics. His visit includes talks in Japan followed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where he will meet global leaders such as Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. This marks Modi’s first trip to China since the Galwan clashes in 2019. Analysts say the meetings could reset dialogue between the two Asian giants, even as deep mistrust lingers.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-pm-modi-arrives-in-china-scheduled-to-meet-president-xi-and-putin-1756550041816">SCO Summit: PM Modi arrives in China, scheduled to meet President Xi and Putin</a><h2>Warming words after years of tension</h2>China has struck a more conciliatory tone in recent weeks. During a visit to Delhi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi admitted, “the setbacks that we faced in the last few years were not in our interest,” and called for India and China to see each other as “partners” rather than “adversaries or threats.” Modi said, “respect for each other’s interests and sensitiveness,” and highlighted “steady progress” in ties. Both sides have agreed on confidence-building measures, including restoring direct flights, easing visas, and reviving border trade.<h2>The border dispute still looms large</h2>Despite gestures of goodwill, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains the core obstacle. The border has been a flashpoint since the 1962 war, and the deadly 2020 skirmishes have left scars. India insists on restoring the peace that existed before the clashes, while China prefers to move forward with broader ties regardless of the border issue. Talks have resumed to manage disputes and reduce the risk of fresh confrontations, but any lasting solution will require compromise at the highest levels.<h2>Economic stakes and trade dependency</h2>Trade is booming but uneven. India’s deficit with China has widened to nearly $100 billion, with New Delhi relying heavily on Chinese imports of electronics and raw materials. Beijing has hinted it may open its markets to more Indian goods, especially as both nations face new tariffs from the United States. Chinese officials have made clear they want closer trade ties to “soften the blow” of US tariffs, while India hopes to reduce its dependence on Beijing without stunting its economic growth.<h2>The Indo-Pacific rivalry</h2>Beyond economics, the bigger question is geopolitical. India’s growing role in the Quad with the US, Japan, and Australia is seen in Beijing as a challenge to its influence. China’s offer of partnership may be partly aimed at weakening this alliance and redirecting New Delhi away from Washington’s orbit. At the same time, India continues to push its policy of “strategic autonomy,” engaging with multiple powers but avoiding binding commitments. This means any alignment with China is likely to remain limited and tactical rather than a fundamental shift.<h2>US tariffs pushing India and China together</h2>The Trump administration’s steep tariffs on Indian goods have pushed New Delhi to look for alternative partners. China has been quick to seize the moment, signalling solidarity with India against what it calls “unilateral bullying acts.” Beijing’s willingness to stand with India on trade may temporarily ease tensions, but the structural rivalry over borders, security, and regional influence still runs deep.<h2>A tactical thaw, not a lasting reset</h2>The Modi–Xi meeting is less about friendship and more about necessity. Both countries see value in reducing friction. China wants stability while it manages other global flashpoints, and India seeks breathing space as it juggles US pressure and domestic growth goals.

PM Modi’s four-day trip to Japan and China includes SCO talks with Xi and Putin, aiming to reset India-China dialogue post-Galwan, with both sides signalling conciliation through trade, travel, and dialogue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a four-day trip that could significantly shape India’s role in Asia’s evolving power dynamics. His visit includes talks in Japan followed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where he will meet global leaders such as Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. This marks Modi’s first trip to China since the Galwan clashes in 2019. Analysts say the meetings could reset dialogue between the two Asian giants, even as deep mistrust lingers. Also read: SCO Summit: PM Modi arrives in China, scheduled to meet President Xi and Putin Warming words after years of tension China has struck a more conciliatory tone in recent weeks. During a visit to Delhi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi admitted, “the setbacks that we faced in the last few years were not in our interest,” and called for India and China to see each other as “partners” rather than “adversaries or threats.” Modi said, “respect for each other’s interests and sensitiveness,” and highlighted “steady progress” in ties. Both sides have agreed on confidence-building measures, including restoring direct flights, easing visas, and reviving border trade. The border dispute still looms large Despite gestures of goodwill, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains the core obstacle. The border has been a flashpoint since the 1962 war, and the deadly 2020 skirmishes have left scars. India insists on restoring the peace that existed before the clashes, while China prefers to move forward with broader ties regardless of the border issue. Talks have resumed to manage disputes and reduce the risk of fresh confrontations, but any lasting solution will require compromise at the highest levels. Economic stakes and trade dependency Trade is booming but uneven. India’s deficit with China has widened to nearly $100 billion, with New Delhi relying heavily on Chinese imports of electronics and raw materials. Beijing has hinted it may open its markets to more Indian goods, especially as both nations face new tariffs from the United States. Chinese officials have made clear they want closer trade ties to “soften the blow” of US tariffs, while India hopes to reduce its dependence on Beijing without stunting its economic growth. The Indo-Pacific rivalry Beyond economics, the bigger question is geopolitical. India’s growing role in the Quad with the US, Japan, and Australia is seen in Beijing as a challenge to its influence. China’s offer of partnership may be partly aimed at weakening this alliance and redirecting New Delhi away from Washington’s orbit. At the same time, India continues to push its policy of “strategic autonomy,” engaging with multiple powers but avoiding binding commitments. This means any alignment with China is likely to remain limited and tactical rather than a fundamental shift. US tariffs pushing India and China together The Trump administration’s steep tariffs on Indian goods have pushed New Delhi to look for alternative partners. China has been quick to seize the moment, signalling solidarity with India against what it calls “unilateral bullying acts.” Beijing’s willingness to stand with India on trade may temporarily ease tensions, but the structural rivalry over borders, security, and regional influence still runs deep. A tactical thaw, not a lasting reset The Modi–Xi meeting is less about friendship and more about necessity. Both countries see value in reducing friction. China wants stability while it manages other global flashpoints, and India seeks breathing space as it juggles US pressure and domestic growth goals.

PM Modi’s four-day trip to Japan and China includes SCO talks with Xi and Putin, aiming to reset India-China dialogue post-Galwan, with both sides signalling conciliation through trade, travel, and dialogue.

'Dragon-Elephant tango': Will PM Modi's China visit change the Indo-Pacific balance?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, on Saturday, for attending the annual SCO Summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi was received by China’s Minister for Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng, Tianjin Government Director Yu Yunlin, and Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong. PM Modi is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. It is PM Modi’s first trip to China in seven years. During the visit, he will meet President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The SCO summit has assumed more significance in the backdrop of the global economic turmoil triggered by the tariffs imposed on all countries by US President Donald Trump that have led to the recent turbulence in India’s relations with the US, after Washington imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports.&nbsp;Earlier, PM Modi had embarked for China to attend the SCO Summit after concluding his visit to Japan. The SCO Summit is crucial for India, as it comes after the 50 per cent tariffs, including a 25 per cent tariff for buying Russian crude oil, imposed by the US came into effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | Japan: PM Narendra Modi (<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>) arrives in Tianjin, China, to attend the SCO Summit. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Source: Third party) <a href="https://t.co/fa8e5LQIDT">pic.twitter.com/fa8e5LQIDT</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1961739723627700389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;PM Modi will join leaders of the 10-member SCO bloc for the annual summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to be closely watched, given the recent thaw in India-China ties.&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, will also be attending the summit.&nbsp;The PM's visit for SCO Summit may also result in a reset of Sino-Indian ties that hit a new low after the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. However, the recent diplomatic exchanges between the two countries amid global economic strife signal an attempt at rebuilding trust.Despite frictions, China remains India’s second-largest trading partner, and New Delhi’s manufacturing ambitions continue to rely on Chinese components and raw materials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join leaders of the 10-member SCO bloc for the annual summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to be closely watched, given the recent thaw in India-China ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, on Saturday, for attending the annual SCO Summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi was received by China’s Minister for Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng, Tianjin Government Director Yu Yunlin, and Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong. PM Modi is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. It is PM Modi’s first trip to China in seven years. During the visit, he will meet President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The SCO summit has assumed more significance in the backdrop of the global economic turmoil triggered by the tariffs imposed on all countries by US President Donald Trump that have led to the recent turbulence in India’s relations with the US, after Washington imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports. Earlier, PM Modi had embarked for China to attend the SCO Summit after concluding his visit to Japan. The SCO Summit is crucial for India, as it comes after the 50 per cent tariffs, including a 25 per cent tariff for buying Russian crude oil, imposed by the US came into effect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join leaders of the 10-member SCO bloc for the annual summit on August 31 and September 1. PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to be closely watched, given the recent thaw in India-China ties.

SCO Summit: PM Modi arrives in China, scheduled to meet President Xi and Putin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day Japan visit on Saturday (Aug 30) and left for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit &nbsp;from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin. After wrapping up his Japan visit, Modi took to X to thank his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba.&nbsp;Calling his visit to Japan productive, the PM wrote, "This visit to Japan will be remembered for the productive outcomes which will benefit the people of our nations. I thank PM Ishiba, the Japanese people and the Government for their warmth." &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This visit to Japan will be remembered for the productive outcomes which will benefit the people of our nations. I thank PM Ishiba, the Japanese people and the Government for their warmth.<a href="https://twitter.com/shigeruishiba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shigeruishiba</a> <a href="https://t.co/kdXYeLPJ7N">pic.twitter.com/kdXYeLPJ7N</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1961681740998549702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During his visit, India and Japan signed 13 key agreements and declarations and announced the launch of several transformative initiatives.&nbsp;Earlier today, both the Prime Ministers travelled to Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture where the two leaders visited Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd (TEL Miyagi), a leading Japanese company in the semiconductor sector.&nbsp;Modi was greeted in Sendai by crowds that chanted ‘Modi-san welcome’ as he arrived in the Japanese city. He &nbsp;travelled on a Bullet Train to Sendai and also met the Indian train divers.&nbsp;The same day PM Narendra Modi interacted with the Governors of 16 prefectures in Tokyo calling for a stronger state-prefecture cooperation under the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership.&nbsp;On Friday, the first day of his visit, PM Modi PM Modi addressed the India-Japan economic forum, and vouched for a partnership in the areas of manufacturing, technology, innovation, green energy, and skill development.&nbsp;He also met former Japanese prime ministers Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida in Tokyo the same day.&nbsp;This was PM Modi’s eighth visit to Japan and the first Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba.&nbsp;Modi's China visit&nbsp;Now the PM is headed for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit &nbsp;from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin which is also to be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;The SCO is a group of 10-member countries that include India, China, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;PM Modi will meet Xi Jinping on August 31. He is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and several Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.&nbsp;List of world leaders attending the SCO summit&nbsp;<ul><li>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi</li><li>Russian President Vladimir Putin</li><li>Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian&nbsp;</li><li>Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan</li><li>Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing</li><li>Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli</li><li>Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto</li><li>Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim</li><li>Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif</li><li>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu &nbsp;</li></ul>

This was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eighth visit to Japan and the first Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day Japan visit on Saturday (Aug 30) and left for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin. After wrapping up his Japan visit, Modi took to X to thank his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba. Calling his visit to Japan productive, the PM wrote, "This visit to Japan will be remembered for the productive outcomes which will benefit the people of our nations. I thank PM Ishiba, the Japanese people and the Government for their warmth."

This was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eighth visit to Japan and the first Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

PM Modi wraps up Japan visit, next stop is SCO summit in China where he will meet Xi, Putin

India, as per a new analysis, has emerged as war-torn Ukraine's largest supplier of diesel in July 2025, accounting for 15.5 per cent of total imports. Data from NaftoRynok, a Kyiv-based oil market analytics firm, shows Indian shipments averaged 2,700 tonnes a day or 15.5 per cent of Kyiv's monthly imports — one of New Delhi's highest monthly export volumes this year. This means that in July 2025, India supplied 83,000 tonnes of diesel to Ukraine. This marks a sharp rise from July 2024, when India's share was barely 1.9 per cent. The current levels are comparable only to April 2025, when India supplied 15.9 per cent of Ukraine’s diesel imports.<h2>Irony amid US-India tensions</h2>The surge comes at a politically sensitive time. Recently, Washington slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of discounted Russian crude. The US claims that this purchase is "funding" Russia's war on Ukraine. Yet in a twist of irony, the same Indian refineries processing Russian oil are now providing Ukraine with much-needed fuel to sustain its war economy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hell-for-children-putin-grooming-7-year-old-kids-into-killing-ukrainian-children-dragging-them-into-russia-s-drone-war-reveals-report-1756524591884">‘Hell for children’: Putin grooming 7-year-old kids into killing Ukrainian children, dragging them into Russia's drone war, reveals report</a>&nbsp;<h2>How the fuel gets there</h2>According to NaftoRynok, the Indian-origin diesel reaches Ukraine through several channels. A large share is shipped via Romania and enters through ports on the Danube. Another route uses Turkey's Marmara Ereğlisi terminal operated by OPET, which remains active despite partial sanctions.&nbsp;Between January and July this year, India supplied 10.2 per cent of Ukraine's diesel imports — up from just 1.9 per cent in the same period last year. This fivefold increase has pushed India past several European exporters in proportional terms, though its physical volumes are still smaller than Greece and Turkey. July's numbers, however, placed India firmly at the top of the chart by share.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-shows-off-long-neptune-a-domestic-missile-that-can-hit-targets-1-000-km-inside-russia-here-s-how-it-s-an-upgrade-on-r-360-neptune-1756191828542">Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune</a>&nbsp;While India led the import table in July, other suppliers remain key. Slovakia delivered larger volumes than both Greece and Turkey. Diesel from Poland and Lithuania's Orlen Group together made up about 20 per cent of imports. Swedish fuel from Preem's facilities, routed through Poland and Denmark, also reached record levels since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, accounting for 4 per cent of Ukraine's July supply.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-macron-slams-putin-over-ukraine-talks-accuses-him-of-manipulating-west-wion-1756526394977/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-macron-slams-putin-over-ukraine-talks-accuses-him-of-manipulating-west-wion-1756526394977/embed</a>

India has emerged as Ukraine's top diesel supplier for July 2025, according to a report from the Kyiv-based oil market analytics firm NaftoRynok. Indian shipments accounted for 15.5% of Ukraine's total diesel imports for the month, a sharp increase from just 1.9% in July 2024.

India, as per a new analysis, has emerged as war-torn Ukraine's largest supplier of diesel in July 2025, accounting for 15.5 per cent of total imports. Data from NaftoRynok, a Kyiv-based oil market analytics firm, shows Indian shipments averaged 2,700 tonnes a day or 15.5 per cent of Kyiv's monthly imports — one of New Delhi's highest monthly export volumes this year. This means that in July 2025, India supplied 83,000 tonnes of diesel to Ukraine. This marks a sharp rise from July 2024, when India's share was barely 1.9 per cent. The current levels are comparable only to April 2025, when India supplied 15.9 per cent of Ukraine’s diesel imports. Irony amid US-India tensions The surge comes at a politically sensitive time. Recently, Washington slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of discounted Russian crude. The US claims that this purchase is "funding" Russia's war on Ukraine. Yet in a twist of irony, the same Indian refineries processing Russian oil are now providing Ukraine with much-needed fuel to sustain its war economy. Also read | ‘Hell for children’: Putin grooming 7-year-old kids into killing Ukrainian children, dragging them into Russia's drone war, reveals report How the fuel gets there According to NaftoRynok, the Indian-origin diesel reaches Ukraine through several channels. A large share is shipped via Romania and enters through ports on the Danube. Another route uses Turkey's Marmara Ereğlisi terminal operated by OPET, which remains active despite partial sanctions. Between January and July this year, India supplied 10.2 per cent of Ukraine's diesel imports — up from just 1.9 per cent in the same period last year. This fivefold increase has pushed India past several European exporters in proportional terms, though its physical volumes are still smaller than Greece and Turkey. July's numbers, however, placed India firmly at the top of the chart by share. Also read | Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune While India led the import table in July, other suppliers remain key. Slovakia delivered larger volumes than both Greece and Turkey. Diesel from Poland and Lithuania's Orlen Group together made up about 20 per cent of imports. Swedish fuel from Preem's facilities, routed through Poland and Denmark, also reached record levels since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, accounting for 4 per cent of Ukraine's July supply. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-macron-slams-putin-over-ukraine-talks-accuses-him-of-manipulating-west-wion-1756526394977/embed

India has emerged as Ukraine's top diesel supplier for July 2025, according to a report from the Kyiv-based oil market analytics firm NaftoRynok. Indian shipments accounted for 15.5% of Ukraine's total diesel imports for the month, a sharp increase from just 1.9% in July 2024.

India becomes Ukraine's biggest diesel supplier, as Trump wages tariff war on New Delhi over Russian oil

The United States flags flying at half-mast at the White House, and White House websute stating that it will be ‘LIVE shortly’ has added to the rumours of US President Donald Trump's alleged death. However, the reason for the half-mast flags is an announcement made by Trump himself.

US flag at White House flown at half-mast amid 'Trump is dead' trend: Here's why

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Aug 30) confirmed that a "massive" overnight Russian attack on a residential building in central and southeastern Ukraine has killed at least one person. The attack in Zaporizhzhia, as per the Ukrainian president, has resulted in at least one casualty and has injured dozens as the five-story building was struck. Authorities also reported that homes and businesses in multiple Ukrainian cities were affected by Russian strikes.<h2>'Ordinary residential building'</h2>Slamming Russia for attacking "once again, an ordinary residential building", Zelensky said that across Ukraine, multiple areas were affected - Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Rivne, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, and Chernihiv oblasts. Posting pictures that show rescue workers battling infernos, he said that the strike resulted in multiple fires and civilian infrastructure, including houses and enterprises, were "primarily affected".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-shows-off-long-neptune-a-domestic-missile-that-can-hit-targets-1-000-km-inside-russia-here-s-how-it-s-an-upgrade-on-r-360-neptune-1756191828542">Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune</a>&nbsp;"The Russians launched nearly 540 drones, 8 ballistic missiles, and 37 missiles of other types against ordinary life," alleged Zelensky.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In Zaporizhzhia, all emergency services are engaged at the site of a Russian strike on a five-story residential building. Tragically, as of now, one person is confirmed dead, and dozens are wounded, including children. Once again, it was a regular apartment building. Overnight,… <a href="https://t.co/mYZ2C8WqZ7">pic.twitter.com/mYZ2C8WqZ7</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1961680106717319182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, regional military administration chief Ivan Fedorov confirmed that at least one person was killed and sixteen others, including two children, were wounded. "Russian strikes destroyed private houses, damaged many facilities, including cafes, service stations, and industrial enterprises," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Zelensky urges international action against Putin and Russian allies</h2>In a post on X, Zelensky noted that "Russia once again shows that it couldn't care less about words." He said that at a time like this, Ukraine was "counting on real actions".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hell-for-children-putin-grooming-7-year-old-kids-into-killing-ukrainian-children-dragging-them-into-russia-s-drone-war-reveals-report-1756524591884">‘Hell for children’: Putin grooming 7-year-old kids into killing Ukrainian children, dragging them into Russia's drone war, reveals report</a>&nbsp;"It is clear that the time allocated for preparing a leaders' level meeting was used by Moscow to prepare new massive strikes," he alleged. Pushing for tougher sanctions on "everyone fuelling the Russian army with money," and against Moscow, the president of the war-torn nation suggested that this was the only way to open "the window of opportunity" for diplomacy. He further insisted that this “war will not end with political statements—real steps are needed.” "We are waiting for actions from America, Europe, and the entire world," he added.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-macron-slams-putin-over-ukraine-talks-accuses-him-of-manipulating-west-wion-1756526394977/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-macron-slams-putin-over-ukraine-talks-accuses-him-of-manipulating-west-wion-1756526394977/embed</a>&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed a "massive" overnight Russian attack on a residential building in the city of Zaporizhzhia, which killed at least one person and injured dozens, including children. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Aug 30) confirmed that a "massive" overnight Russian attack on a residential building in central and southeastern Ukraine has killed at least one person. The attack in Zaporizhzhia, as per the Ukrainian president, has resulted in at least one casualty and has injured dozens as the five-story building was struck. Authorities also reported that homes and businesses in multiple Ukrainian cities were affected by Russian strikes. 'Ordinary residential building' Slamming Russia for attacking "once again, an ordinary residential building", Zelensky said that across Ukraine, multiple areas were affected - Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Rivne, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, and Chernihiv oblasts. Posting pictures that show rescue workers battling infernos, he said that the strike resulted in multiple fires and civilian infrastructure, including houses and enterprises, were "primarily affected". Also read | Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune "The Russians launched nearly 540 drones, 8 ballistic missiles, and 37 missiles of other types against ordinary life," alleged Zelensky.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed a "massive" overnight Russian attack on a residential building in the city of Zaporizhzhia, which killed at least one person and injured dozens, including children.

'War won't end with political statements': Zelensky slams Russia’s overnight strike on Zaporizhzhia, demands real action from US

Executions in Iran are nothing new. It has been happening for years as a form of "state intimidation". In a new figure released by the United Nation on Friday (Aug 29), Iran has carried out over 800 executions since January 2025 until August 28, 2025. According to UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, the figure could be way beyond than recorded.&nbsp;"Iranian authorities have executed at least 841 people since the beginning of the year and up until August 28, 2025," Shamdasani said in her statement to the press, as reported by AFP"The real situation might be different. It might be worse, given the lack of transparency," she further added.&nbsp;Pointing at the July figures, she said that there have been at least 110 executions, which is double the number during the same month in 2024.&nbsp;She termed the high number of executions a "stematic pattern of using the death penalty as a tool of state intimidation, with disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants".&nbsp;The UN spokeswoman was particularly critical of the public executions in Iran. The rights office said there were seven such cases recorded since the beginning of the year.&nbsp;"Public executions add an extra layer of outrage upon human dignity... not only on the dignity of the people concerned, the people who are executed, but also on all those who have to bear witness," she said.&nbsp;"The psychological trauma of bearing witness to somebody being hanged in public, particularly for children, is unacceptable," Shamdasani added.&nbsp;The rights office said that 11 individuals were currently facing "imminent execution". Among them six &nbsp;have been charged with "armed rebellion" for their relation with exiled opposition People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK).&nbsp;While the remaining five have been sentenced to death for participating in large-scale protests in 2022. Last week, Iran's supreme court confirmed the death sentence against workers' rights activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, Shamdasani added. &nbsp;

Pointing at the July figures, the rights body said that there have been at least 110 executions, which is double the number during the same month in 2024.

Executions in Iran are nothing new. It has been happening for years as a form of "state intimidation". In a new figure released by the United Nation on Friday (Aug 29), Iran has carried out over 800 executions since January 2025 until August 28, 2025. According to UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, the figure could be way beyond than recorded. "Iranian authorities have executed at least 841 people since the beginning of the year and up until August 28, 2025," Shamdasani said in her statement to the press, as reported by AFP "The real situation might be different. It might be worse, given the lack of transparency," she further added. Pointing at the July figures, she said that there have been at least 110 executions, which is double the number during the same month in 2024. She termed the high number of executions a "stematic pattern of using the death penalty as a tool of state intimidation, with disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants". The UN spokeswoman was particularly critical of the public executions in Iran. The rights office said there were seven such cases recorded since the beginning of the year. "Public executions add an extra layer of outrage upon human dignity... not only on the dignity of the people concerned, the people who are executed, but also on all those who have to bear witness," she said. "The psychological trauma of bearing witness to somebody being hanged in public, particularly for children, is unacceptable," Shamdasani added. The rights office said that 11 individuals were currently facing "imminent execution". Among them six have been charged with "armed rebellion" for their relation with exiled opposition People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK). While the remaining five have been sentenced to death for participating in large-scale protests in 2022. Last week, Iran's supreme court confirmed the death sentence against workers' rights activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, Shamdasani added.

Pointing at the July figures, the rights body said that there have been at least 110 executions, which is double the number during the same month in 2024.

800 executions in 8 months: Iran's capital punishment record shocks the world, UN says it could be more...

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other Palestinian Authority (PA) officials ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting. The move has been strongly criticised as a violation of international norms. Only representatives stationed at the Palestinian Authority’s UN mission have been granted exceptions and will retain their ability to operate in New York under the US-UN host country agreement. The visa cancellations are part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to impose pressure on the Palestinian leadership amid Israel's Gaza takeover plan. The Palestinian leadership reacted to the decision, stating that it is a hindrance to the peace process. However, critics have also said that this could be American tactics to prevent nations from recognising Palestine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-joins-france-uk-to-recognise-palestine-in-september-new-zealand-may-join-soon-israel-alienated-1754882524882">Australia joins France, UK to recognise Palestine as State, New Zealand may join soon</a><h2>Revoking the Palestinian visas</h2>Rubio ordered that new visa applications from Palestinian officials, including those associated with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), be denied. The State Department justified the decision, citing national security and accusing the PA and PLO of failing to meet obligations, including the rejection of terrorism and its promotion. Without naming a state department official, Axios revealed that the decision includes high-ranking Palestinian figures. Additionally, the State Department also ended a program that allowed wounded children from Gaza to receive medical treatment in the US, reportedly in response to conservative backlash online. The Palestinian leadership condemned the move, calling it a breach of US obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the organisation is seeking clarification, emphasising the importance of all member and observer states being able to participate in UN activities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-joins-france-uk-to-recognise-palestine-in-september-new-zealand-may-join-soon-israel-alienated-1754882524882">Read More | Will Israel be alienated at UN?</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-bars-palestinian-leader-abbas-from-un-meet-israel-hails-move-by-trump-administration-wion-1756524563455/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-bars-palestinian-leader-abbas-from-un-meet-israel-hails-move-by-trump-administration-wion-1756524563455/embed</a><h2>Many countries to recognise Palestine at UNGA</h2>This July, France became the first country to announce that it would recognise the State of Palestine officially at the UNGA. In a domino effect of sorts, many countries followed suit. French President Emmanuel Macron justified the decision by highlighting his country's commitment to peace and said that Israel must take substantive steps to end the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and meet several other conditions, including recommitting to a viable peace process, in order to stop France from recognising a Palestinian state. Canada and Malta also said they would recognise Palestine at UNGA. More recently, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the 'two-state solution is humanity's best hope' and said Australia would recognise Palestine at the UNGA meeting in September.&nbsp;While Trump did not react to initial reports, he expressed his disappointment over Canada's announcement. He hinted that doors for a trade deal might be closed for Canada after it decides to recognise Palestine. In March, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminium; weeks later, the same on automobiles. In June, he doubled steel and aluminium duties. Now he is threatening to tax copper at 50 per cent starting August 1. He has also said that if Canadian PM Mark Carney is not able to strike a trade deal with the US, then America will impose a 35 per cent tariff on all goods from Canada.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-baffled-after-canada-says-it-would-recognise-palestine-raises-trade-deal-here-s-what-he-threatened-1753937282043">Trump baffled after Canada says it would recognise Palestine</a>

The US revoked the visas of Palestinian President Abbas and 80 officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The move, part of Trump’s pressure strategy, drew criticism as a breach of international norms and a setback to peace efforts, prompting UN calls for clarification

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other Palestinian Authority (PA) officials ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting. The move has been strongly criticised as a violation of international norms. Only representatives stationed at the Palestinian Authority’s UN mission have been granted exceptions and will retain their ability to operate in New York under the US-UN host country agreement. The visa cancellations are part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to impose pressure on the Palestinian leadership amid Israel's Gaza takeover plan. The Palestinian leadership reacted to the decision, stating that it is a hindrance to the peace process. However, critics have also said that this could be American tactics to prevent nations from recognising Palestine. Read More | Australia joins France, UK to recognise Palestine as State, New Zealand may join soon Revoking the Palestinian visas Rubio ordered that new visa applications from Palestinian officials, including those associated with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), be denied. The State Department justified the decision, citing national security and accusing the PA and PLO of failing to meet obligations, including the rejection of terrorism and its promotion. Without naming a state department official, Axios revealed that the decision includes high-ranking Palestinian figures. Additionally, the State Department also ended a program that allowed wounded children from Gaza to receive medical treatment in the US, reportedly in response to conservative backlash online. The Palestinian leadership condemned the move, calling it a breach of US obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the organisation is seeking clarification, emphasising the importance of all member and observer states being able to participate in UN activities. Read More | Will Israel be alienated at UN? https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-bars-palestinian-leader-abbas-from-un-meet-israel-hails-move-by-trump-administration-wion-1756524563455/embed Many countries to recognise Palestine at UNGA This July, France became the first country to announce that it would recognise the State of Palestine officially at the UNGA. In a domino effect of sorts, many countries followed suit. French President Emmanuel Macron justified the decision by highlighting his country's commitment to peace and said that Israel must take substantive steps to end the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and meet several other conditions, including recommitting to a viable peace process, in order to stop France from recognising a Palestinian state. Canada and Malta also said they would recognise Palestine at UNGA. More recently, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the 'two-state solution is humanity's best hope' and said Australia would recognise Palestine at the UNGA meeting in September. While Trump did not react to initial reports, he expressed his disappointment over Canada's announcement. He hinted that doors for a trade deal might be closed for Canada after it decides to recognise Palestine. In March, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminium; weeks later, the same on automobiles. In June, he doubled steel and aluminium duties. Now he is threatening to tax copper at 50 per cent starting August 1. He has also said that if Canadian PM Mark Carney is not able to strike a trade deal with the US, then America will impose a 35 per cent tariff on all goods from Canada. Read More | Trump baffled after Canada says it would recognise Palestine

The US revoked the visas of Palestinian President Abbas and 80 officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The move, part of Trump’s pressure strategy, drew criticism as a breach of international norms and a setback to peace efforts, prompting UN calls for clarification

Why US denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, 80 officials ahead of UNGA meeting

Amid numerous health rumours about United States President Donald Trump, Elon Musk's X on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 was filled with trends regarding his alleged death. Phrases starting from ‘Trump is dead,’ to ‘Where is Trump’, to ‘It Happened’ started trending on X. Users also shared screenshots of the White House website that suggested they would go ‘LIVE shortly.’ When Grok, X's free AI assistant, was asked to verify the claims, it dismissed everything as ‘rumours’, clarifying that the White House page always shows the same message after press conferences are over. It also quashed the rumours of Trump being ‘invisible’ in public, providing dates of his recent appearances, though X users countered it, saying he didn't attend the most recent cabinet meeting. The claims of the US President's alleged death probably started after US Vice President JD Vance said that he would step into the President's shoes in case of a ‘terrible tragedy.’<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250830/image-1756536537178.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250830/image-1756536472741.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250830/image-1756536493216.png"></figure>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-murder-rate-in-delhi-trump-administration-justifies-national-guard-move-compares-indian-capital-s-low-crime-rate-to-chicago-1756523000687">'Murder rate in Delhi...': Trump administration justifies National Guard move, compares Indian capital's 'low' crime rate to Chicago</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250830/image-1756537185037.png"></figure><h2>Here's GROK's clarification</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250830/image-1756536702893.png"></figure><h2>What JD Vance said?</h2>Just a day ago, Vance expressed confidence in President Donald Trump’s health but affirmed his preparedness to assume the presidency if needed. In an interview with USA Today on Thursday (Aug 29), Vance said that the US president is in good shape and will do great things for the American people. However, he acknowledged the importance of readiness in the event of an unforeseen crisis. Vance, who is the third-youngest Vice President in US history, said that he is ready to take over in case of ‘terrible tragedy.’&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/america-s-50-tariff-on-india-was-due-to-trump-s-personal-enmity-this-report-reveals-hidden-info-1756495589393">America's 50% tariff on India was due to Trump's 'personal' enmity? This report reveals hidden info</a>&nbsp;“I feel very confident the president of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people…And if, God forbid, there's a terrible tragedy, I can't think of better on-the-job training than what I've gotten over the last 200 days,” Vance told USA Today. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jd-vance-reiterates-trump-is-in-great-health-trump-s-frailing-health-causes-concerns-1756464270620/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/jd-vance-reiterates-trump-is-in-great-health-trump-s-frailing-health-causes-concerns-1756464270620/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-drive-india-and-china-closer-xi-s-secret-letter-to-india-suggests-so-here-s-what-the-chinese-president-said-1756471045162">Did Trump drive India and China closer? Xi’s secret letter to India suggests so</a>

Rumours about US President Donald Trump's alleged death flooded X, with trends like "Trump is dead" and "Where is Trump." Grok, X’s AI, debunked the claims, citing routine website behaviour and recent public appearances. Speculation grew after VP JD Vance mentioned a "terrible tragedy."

Amid numerous health rumours about United States President Donald Trump, Elon Musk's X on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 was filled with trends regarding his alleged death. Phrases starting from ‘Trump is dead,’ to ‘Where is Trump’, to ‘It Happened’ started trending on X. Users also shared screenshots of the White House website that suggested they would go ‘LIVE shortly.’ When Grok, X's free AI assistant, was asked to verify the claims, it dismissed everything as ‘rumours’, clarifying that the White House page always shows the same message after press conferences are over. It also quashed the rumours of Trump being ‘invisible’ in public, providing dates of his recent appearances, though X users countered it, saying he didn't attend the most recent cabinet meeting. The claims of the US President's alleged death probably started after US Vice President JD Vance said that he would step into the President's shoes in case of a ‘terrible tragedy.’ Read More | 'Murder rate in Delhi...': Trump administration justifies National Guard move, compares Indian capital's 'low' crime rate to Chicago Here's GROK's clarification What JD Vance said? Just a day ago, Vance expressed confidence in President Donald Trump’s health but affirmed his preparedness to assume the presidency if needed. In an interview with USA Today on Thursday (Aug 29), Vance said that the US president is in good shape and will do great things for the American people. However, he acknowledged the importance of readiness in the event of an unforeseen crisis. Vance, who is the third-youngest Vice President in US history, said that he is ready to take over in case of ‘terrible tragedy.’ Read More | America's 50% tariff on India was due to Trump's 'personal' enmity? This report reveals hidden info “I feel very confident the president of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people…And if, God forbid, there's a terrible tragedy, I can't think of better on-the-job training than what I've gotten over the last 200 days,” Vance told USA Today. https://www.wionews.com/videos/jd-vance-reiterates-trump-is-in-great-health-trump-s-frailing-health-causes-concerns-1756464270620/embed Read More | Did Trump drive India and China closer? Xi’s secret letter to India suggests so

Rumours about US President Donald Trump's alleged death flooded X, with trends like "Trump is dead" and "Where is Trump." Grok, X’s AI, debunked the claims, citing routine website behaviour and recent public appearances. Speculation grew after VP JD Vance mentioned a "terrible tragedy."

'Trump is dead' trends on Musk's X, netizens ask about US president's whereabouts - What's happening

Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has expressed his displeasure over Trump trade tariffs, particularly on India that has been hit by levies as high as 50% by the US President. He warned that the move of sweeping tariffs are damaging America's global standing and bringing India closer to China.&nbsp;Speaking on The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller, Sullivan said “American brand globally is in the toilet”. Many US allies and partners are view Washington as "a big disruptor" rather than a reliable partner, after the imposition of new tariffs.&nbsp;He gave the example of India which after being slapped by 50% tariff is now looking for an alternative and in the process is getting closer to China, according to Sullivan. While China has gained ground in global popularity.&nbsp;"The American brand globally is in the toilet. Look at India. Trump has executed a massive trade offensive against them. Now, India is thinking, shit, we have to go sit down with China to hedge against America," said Sullivan.&nbsp;"When I go to these places now and I talk to leaders, they are talking about derisking from the United States. They now see the US as the big disruptor, the country that can't be counted on," Sullivan added.&nbsp;He pointed out that the efforts by previous US governments to build strong ties with India has now gone in vain.&nbsp;“Here's a country we were trying to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship with. Instead, because of these tariffs, India now feels compelled to explore closer engagement with China”.&nbsp;India-US trade war&nbsp;On July 31, US President Donald Trump reinstated and expanded tariffs on several trading partners, citing a continuing national emergency. Initially paused on April 2 to allow a 90-day window for trade negotiations, the tariffs were reimposed after little progress. As part of the revised policy, a 25 per cent tariff was slapped on Indian goods. Additionally, Trump introduced another 25 per cent &nbsp;tariff specifically targeting India for its ongoing purchases of Russian oil, taking the total tariff impact on Indian exports to 50 per cent. He also warned other nations of similar action if they continued energy deals with Moscow.&nbsp;The new Trump tariffs have come into effect from August 27. &nbsp;

Sullivan gave the example of India which after being slapped by 50% tariff is now looking for an alternative and in the process is getting closer to China.

Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has expressed his displeasure over Trump trade tariffs, particularly on India that has been hit by levies as high as 50% by the US President. He warned that the move of sweeping tariffs are damaging America's global standing and bringing India closer to China. Speaking on The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller, Sullivan said “American brand globally is in the toilet”. Many US allies and partners are view Washington as "a big disruptor" rather than a reliable partner, after the imposition of new tariffs. He gave the example of India which after being slapped by 50% tariff is now looking for an alternative and in the process is getting closer to China, according to Sullivan. While China has gained ground in global popularity. "The American brand globally is in the toilet. Look at India. Trump has executed a massive trade offensive against them. Now, India is thinking, shit, we have to go sit down with China to hedge against America," said Sullivan. "When I go to these places now and I talk to leaders, they are talking about derisking from the United States. They now see the US as the big disruptor, the country that can't be counted on," Sullivan added. He pointed out that the efforts by previous US governments to build strong ties with India has now gone in vain. “Here's a country we were trying to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship with. Instead, because of these tariffs, India now feels compelled to explore closer engagement with China”. India-US trade war On July 31, US President Donald Trump reinstated and expanded tariffs on several trading partners, citing a continuing national emergency. Initially paused on April 2 to allow a 90-day window for trade negotiations, the tariffs were reimposed after little progress. As part of the revised policy, a 25 per cent tariff was slapped on Indian goods. Additionally, Trump introduced another 25 per cent tariff specifically targeting India for its ongoing purchases of Russian oil, taking the total tariff impact on Indian exports to 50 per cent. He also warned other nations of similar action if they continued energy deals with Moscow. The new Trump tariffs have come into effect from August 27.

Sullivan gave the example of India which after being slapped by 50% tariff is now looking for an alternative and in the process is getting closer to China.

'American brand globally in the toilet': Ex-US security advisor slams Trump tariff on India, says move pushing New Delhi closer to Beijing

The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen reportedly lost their prime minister during Israeli airstrikes on Friday (Aug 29) in Sanaa. Yemeni media outlets Al‑Jumhuriya and Aden Al‑Ghad have claimed that Ahmed al‑Rahawi, the Houthi prime minister, was killed in an Israeli strike on an apartment. Aden Al‑Ghad additionally reported that several of his associates were also struck down in the attack. As of now, Israel has not confirmed these reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to a report from Israel's Channel 12, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) currently believes that a strike carried out in Yemen yesterday likely killed the entire Houthi cabinet, including the prime minister and 12 other ministers. The report does not cite specific sources and notes that the assessment remains preliminary, with the IDF still working to confirm the outcome of the attack. Channel 12 also reported that the Houthis defence minister and military chief of staff were believed to be on their way to the cabinet meeting and were likely present at the location when the strike occurred.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-houthi-regime-paying-very-heavy-price-for-aggression-against-israel-says-netanyahu-1756059358085">‘Houthi regime paying very heavy price for aggression against Israel,’ says Netanyahu</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/massive-strike-in-yemen-israeli-airstrike-targets-senior-houthi-officials-near-sanaa-wion-1756439052008/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/massive-strike-in-yemen-israeli-airstrike-targets-senior-houthi-officials-near-sanaa-wion-1756439052008/embed</a><h3>Israel strikes Houthis in Yemen</h3>On Aug 29, the IDF confirmed that its Air Force launched a precision strike on a Houthi military target near Sanaa, Yemen, after intercepting two drones earlier in the day. According to Defence Minister Israel Katz’s office, the mission was approved in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, and other top commanders through the Red Line communication system. Katz issued a statement referencing the biblical plagues, saying, “After the plague of darkness comes the plague of the firstborn,” suggesting the attack may have specifically targeted high-ranking Houthi officials. The statement aligns with earlier Israeli media reports indicating that political leaders of the Iran-backed group were likely among the intended targets.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-warplanes-strike-houthi-military-targets-in-yemen-s-capital-sanaa-1756045873436">Israeli warplanes strike Houthi military targets in Yemen’s capital Sanaa</a>&nbsp;The Houthis, however, strongly rejected these claims. They accused Israel of striking civilian infrastructure and labelled the attack as a violation of international law, with Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population denouncing the action as a “war crime.” Meanwhile, just days earlier, the Houthis had claimed responsibility for launching a missile at southern Israel—an assault that Israeli defences say they successfully intercepted.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-launches-airstrikes-against-houthis-in-yemen-israeli-aggression-won-t-deter-1756063749458">Israel launches airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen | 'Israeli aggression won't deter'</a>

Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in Yemen's capital Sanaa, on Friday (Aug 29), according to local media. Several of his associates were also said to have died. Israel has yet to confirm the reports.

The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen reportedly lost their prime minister during Israeli airstrikes on Friday (Aug 29) in Sanaa. Yemeni media outlets Al‑Jumhuriya and Aden Al‑Ghad have claimed that Ahmed al‑Rahawi, the Houthi prime minister, was killed in an Israeli strike on an apartment. Aden Al‑Ghad additionally reported that several of his associates were also struck down in the attack. As of now, Israel has not confirmed these reports. According to a report from Israel's Channel 12, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) currently believes that a strike carried out in Yemen yesterday likely killed the entire Houthi cabinet, including the prime minister and 12 other ministers. The report does not cite specific sources and notes that the assessment remains preliminary, with the IDF still working to confirm the outcome of the attack. Channel 12 also reported that the Houthis defence minister and military chief of staff were believed to be on their way to the cabinet meeting and were likely present at the location when the strike occurred. Read More | ‘Houthi regime paying very heavy price for aggression against Israel,’ says Netanyahu https://www.wionews.com/videos/massive-strike-in-yemen-israeli-airstrike-targets-senior-houthi-officials-near-sanaa-wion-1756439052008/embed Israel strikes Houthis in Yemen On Aug 29, the IDF confirmed that its Air Force launched a precision strike on a Houthi military target near Sanaa, Yemen, after intercepting two drones earlier in the day. According to Defence Minister Israel Katz’s office, the mission was approved in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, and other top commanders through the Red Line communication system. Katz issued a statement referencing the biblical plagues, saying, “After the plague of darkness comes the plague of the firstborn,” suggesting the attack may have specifically targeted high-ranking Houthi officials. The statement aligns with earlier Israeli media reports indicating that political leaders of the Iran-backed group were likely among the intended targets. Read More | Israeli warplanes strike Houthi military targets in Yemen’s capital Sanaa The Houthis, however, strongly rejected these claims. They accused Israel of striking civilian infrastructure and labelled the attack as a violation of international law, with Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population denouncing the action as a “war crime.” Meanwhile, just days earlier, the Houthis had claimed responsibility for launching a missile at southern Israel—an assault that Israeli defences say they successfully intercepted. Read More | Israel launches airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen | 'Israeli aggression won't deter'

Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in Yemen's capital Sanaa, on Friday (Aug 29), according to local media. Several of his associates were also said to have died. Israel has yet to confirm the reports.

Houthi PM Ahmed al-Rahawi killed in Israeli strike on Yemen, IDF claims 'entire cabinet' eliminated: Reports

On Day 1 of his Japan visit, PM Narendra Modi held key talks with business leaders and addressed the India-Japan Summit. On Day 2, he travelled from Tokyo to Sendai with PM Shigeru Ishiba on a bullet train. 

High-speed diplomacy: PM Modi travels in famed Shinkansen bullet train with Japanese PM, recreates 2016 picture

US President Donald Trump is keen to send the National Guard to US cities in order to reduce the crime rate. Justifying his decision, the White House has now compared the 'low murder rate' of Indian capital New Delhi to that of Chicago. Trump has already deployed the National Guard to Washington, DC. He had also deployed the National Guard in California last month. Trump has opined that federal intervention in Democrat-ruled cities is important for the safety of Americans. His move is being seen as vendetta politics by the Democrats.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">NEW: <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> Karoline Leavitt lays out Chicago&#39;s staggering crime stats: &quot;We’ve been seeing the governor of Illinois parading out there and saying that there&#39;s nothing wrong with Chicago... He doesn&#39;t need President Trump’s help.&quot; &quot;Just last year, Chicago&#39;s murder rate per… <a href="https://t.co/GHBHuzSrKZ">pic.twitter.com/GHBHuzSrKZ</a>&mdash; Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/1961125346301907413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-erosion-of-basic-principles-obama-slams-trump-over-washington-control-says-this-1756405658514">'Erosion of basic principles': Obama slams Trump over Washington control, says THIS</a>&nbsp;On Friday (Aug 29), Trump's Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Illinois city's murder rate was 15 times higher than the Indian capital's in 2024. She added that Chicago's homicide rate was 25.5 per 100,000 residents according to city statistics, while Delhi's was 1.48. The White House also shared a chart showing the murder rates in 11 capitals around the world in 2024. While Washington topped the chart, New Delhi ranked ninth.Speaking about the rising case of violence in Chicago, Leavitt said, “For 13 consecutive years, Chicago has had the most murders of any US city." She claimed that illegal guns in Chicago outnumber those found in New York and Los Angeles. She also added that only 16 per cent of the city’s nearly 148,000 reported crimes this year have led to arrests, calling the number "unacceptable." About the Minneapolis school attack, where two children were killed, she said, "Any rational person knows it’s not a gun thing. We know it’s a mental health issue."&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-death-penalty-for-murders-in-washington-dc-reiterates-crime-out-of-control-1756281340559">Trump vows death penalty for murderers in Washington DC, reiterates crime ‘out of control’</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/national-guard-in-dc-now-armed-as-crime-crackdown-intensifies-under-trump-s-orders-1756144763573/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/national-guard-in-dc-now-armed-as-crime-crackdown-intensifies-under-trump-s-orders-1756144763573/embed</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Trump had said, "We will make other cities safe, too. Chicago is a mess. That will probably be our next one after this. They are screaming for us to come. African American ladies, beautiful ladies are saying, 'Please President Trump, come to Chicago, please.'" Leavitt in her press conference added that it is a “priority of this administration to ensure that America's cities are safe again.” She also slammed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for saying that "there is nothing wrong with Chicago" and he doesn't need Trump's help. Later, Trump also slammed Pritzker in a post on his Truth Social profile. “Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!! ”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-order-for-specialised-units-of-national-guard-here-s-what-s-inside-1756138015899">Trump signs order for ‘specialised units’ of National Guard: Here’s what’s inside</a>

Trump plans to send the National Guard to Democrat-run cities like Chicago, citing high crime. The White House compared Chicago’s 2024 murder rate (25.5) to Delhi’s (1.48). Press Secretary Leavitt blamed illegal guns, low arrest rates, and mental health issues for rising violence.

US President Donald Trump is keen to send the National Guard to US cities in order to reduce the crime rate. Justifying his decision, the White House has now compared the 'low murder rate' of Indian capital New Delhi to that of Chicago. Trump has already deployed the National Guard to Washington, DC. He had also deployed the National Guard in California last month. Trump has opined that federal intervention in Democrat-ruled cities is important for the safety of Americans. His move is being seen as vendetta politics by the Democrats.

Trump plans to send the National Guard to Democrat-run cities like Chicago, citing high crime. The White House compared Chicago’s 2024 murder rate (25.5) to Delhi’s (1.48). Press Secretary Leavitt blamed illegal guns, low arrest rates, and mental health issues for rising violence.

'Murder rate in Delhi...': Trump administration justifies National Guard move, compares Indian capital's 'low' crime rate to Chicago

Children as young as 7 are now being pulled into Russian President Vladimir Putin's drone war, according to reports. The same drones struck Kyiv again on Thursday (Aug 28), killing 23 people, including four children. According to reports, while the young ones are not flying drones in Ukraine yet, starting next year, Russian schools will teach drone piloting as part of the regular curriculum. And by ninth grade, they will be made to assemble combat drones used in strikes on Ukrainian cities.<h2>Russia robbing kids of their childhood?</h2>According to a Daily Beast report, while 7-year-olds are not directly involved in Russia's war on Ukraine, in a chilling escalation, they would be trained in school to be future drone pilots. Starting ninth grade, these children are being actively recruited into places like Alabuga Polytechnic College, where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aka combat drones used in strikes on Ukrainian cities, are being manufactured.<h2>'Hell for children'</h2>Conditions at Alabuga College, located 600 miles (965.61 km) west of Moscow, are grim. Parents online describe the factory-college as "hell for children," saying students are treated like parts of a machine rather than people. Students report bullying, abuse, and military-style discipline. One teenager, 17-year-old Denis from Sverdlovsk region, died by suicide after struggling through the program. Talking to Daily Beast, one young worker, identified only as Kate, said she was being reprogrammed into Putin's "unbreakable" part of Putin's war machine.Despite this, many teens keep showing up. The pay is huge by Russian standards — more than $700 a month — and propaganda wraps it all in patriotism. Advertisements promoting the college are another inducement that seems to be working particularly well with older children. In one of the video ads, a female robot with large breasts can be seen whispering to a teen worker seductively, "program me..."A 13-year-old from Ivanovo told reporters he'd be glad to build drones, arguing “better drones die and not people.”<h2>Children as young as 7 to pilot drones</h2>Putin has lowered the entry point from 10 years, insisting children as young as 7 should learn how to pilot, assemble, and design drones. He pitched it as both “useful” and a way to keep kids busy. “I am convinced that it will make the kids busy with something useful and interesting, distract them from things they should not be doing,” he explained.Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to face the deadly results. Russia launched 598 drones and 31 ballistic missiles in a single day this week, torching apartments, offices, and cultural centers in Kyiv. Ukrainian journalist Sevgil Musayeva called the strikes “a horrific nightmare,” adding that Putin’s message to the US president Donald Trump and EU was clear: “I don’t respect you.” &nbsp;

What happens when children become part of the war? Russia's military is now involving children as young as seven in its drone program. Reports suggest that starting next year, Russian schools will introduce drone piloting into their regular curriculum.

Children as young as 7 are now being pulled into Russian President Vladimir Putin's drone war, according to reports. The same drones struck Kyiv again on Thursday (Aug 28), killing 23 people, including four children. According to reports, while the young ones are not flying drones in Ukraine yet, starting next year, Russian schools will teach drone piloting as part of the regular curriculum. And by ninth grade, they will be made to assemble combat drones used in strikes on Ukrainian cities. Russia robbing kids of their childhood? According to a Daily Beast report, while 7-year-olds are not directly involved in Russia's war on Ukraine, in a chilling escalation, they would be trained in school to be future drone pilots. Starting ninth grade, these children are being actively recruited into places like Alabuga Polytechnic College, where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aka combat drones used in strikes on Ukrainian cities, are being manufactured. 'Hell for children' Conditions at Alabuga College, located 600 miles (965.61 km) west of Moscow, are grim. Parents online describe the factory-college as "hell for children," saying students are treated like parts of a machine rather than people. Students report bullying, abuse, and military-style discipline. One teenager, 17-year-old Denis from Sverdlovsk region, died by suicide after struggling through the program. Talking to Daily Beast, one young worker, identified only as Kate, said she was being reprogrammed into Putin's "unbreakable" part of Putin's war machine. Despite this, many teens keep showing up. The pay is huge by Russian standards — more than $700 a month — and propaganda wraps it all in patriotism. Advertisements promoting the college are another inducement that seems to be working particularly well with older children. In one of the video ads, a female robot with large breasts can be seen whispering to a teen worker seductively, "program me..." A 13-year-old from Ivanovo told reporters he'd be glad to build drones, arguing “better drones die and not people.” Children as young as 7 to pilot drones Putin has lowered the entry point from 10 years, insisting children as young as 7 should learn how to pilot, assemble, and design drones. He pitched it as both “useful” and a way to keep kids busy. “I am convinced that it will make the kids busy with something useful and interesting, distract them from things they should not be doing,” he explained. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to face the deadly results. Russia launched 598 drones and 31 ballistic missiles in a single day this week, torching apartments, offices, and cultural centers in Kyiv. Ukrainian journalist Sevgil Musayeva called the strikes “a horrific nightmare,” adding that Putin’s message to the US president Donald Trump and EU was clear: “I don’t respect you.”

What happens when children become part of the war? Russia's military is now involving children as young as seven in its drone program. Reports suggest that starting next year, Russian schools will introduce drone piloting into their regular curriculum.

‘Hell for children’: Putin grooming 7-year-old kids into killing Ukrainian children, dragging them into Russia's drone war, reveals report

Israel on Friday (Aug 29) released a clip from the Hamas-led October 7 assault, as it faces mounting international condemnation over its imminent offensive on Gaza City. The harrowing footage shows the attack on the Taasa family home in Netiv HaAsara, a community just north of Gaza. According to reports, it is part of a 45-minute compilation of attack videos Israel has privately shown to diplomats, world leaders, and journalists but never made public in full. In the segment released, Sabine Taasa — whose husband and eldest son were killed that day — stands beside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he introduces the clip.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><h2>Harrowing clip from Oct 7 attack</h2>In a pre-recorded message, the Israeli PM can be heard saying, "We’ll destroy Hamas, we’ll bring our hostages home, because we remember October 7, and so should you". While Netanyahu says that the video has never been shown publicly, according to The Guardian, parts of the video had previously aired on Israel’s Channel 12 News in March 2024.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-shows-off-long-neptune-a-domestic-missile-that-can-hit-targets-1-000-km-inside-russia-here-s-how-it-s-an-upgrade-on-r-360-neptune-1756191828542">Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune</a>Security cameras captured the attack. The clip of the attack that was captured by security cameras begins with Gil Taasa rushing two of his sons into the family's backyard bomb shelter before a Hamas militant throws a grenade inside. Moments later, Gil's body can be seen collapsing to the ground.The two young boys, dressed only in their underwear, are then seen being moved into the blood-stained kitchen. As a gunman enters, one boy pleads in English: "Please, please, please. Let me go home! My dad! My dad!"The militant then opens the refrigerator, offering them juice or wine. When the boy says he wants his mother, the attacker grabs a bottle of Coca-Cola and walks out. The family's eldest son had already been killed earlier that morning, shot while heading to the beach with friends.You can watch it here; viewer discretion advised:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sabine Taasa’s husband and son were murdered on Oct 7, 2023. Sabine has given permission to allow the CCTV to be shown, but only outside of Israel as it is too sensitive for some in Israel. Here she is with the Prime Minister, supporting the full onslaught against Hamas in… <a href="https://t.co/b1Ty4iykMw">pic.twitter.com/b1Ty4iykMw</a>&mdash; James J. Marlow (@James_J_Marlow) <a href="https://twitter.com/James_J_Marlow/status/1961462375762055678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Too sensitive for Israel</h2>Israel's government has asked domestic media not to broadcast or distribute the clip, citing the Taasa family's wishes. The timing of its release is unclear. But it comes as Israel faces growing pressure over its planned push into Gaza City, just days after a UN-backed initiative declared famine in northern Gaza.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As international criticism mounts over its planned offensive on Gaza City, Israel has released a harrowing video clip from the October 7 assault. The footage, captured by security cameras, shows Hamas militants attacking the home of the Taasa family. 

Israel on Friday (Aug 29) released a clip from the Hamas-led October 7 assault, as it faces mounting international condemnation over its imminent offensive on Gaza City. The harrowing footage shows the attack on the Taasa family home in Netiv HaAsara, a community just north of Gaza. According to reports, it is part of a 45-minute compilation of attack videos Israel has privately shown to diplomats, world leaders, and journalists but never made public in full. In the segment released, Sabine Taasa — whose husband and eldest son were killed that day — stands beside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he introduces the clip. Also read | Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained Harrowing clip from Oct 7 attack In a pre-recorded message, the Israeli PM can be heard saying, "We’ll destroy Hamas, we’ll bring our hostages home, because we remember October 7, and so should you". While Netanyahu says that the video has never been shown publicly, according to The Guardian, parts of the video had previously aired on Israel’s Channel 12 News in March 2024. Also read | Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune Security cameras captured the attack. The clip of the attack that was captured by security cameras begins with Gil Taasa rushing two of his sons into the family's backyard bomb shelter before a Hamas militant throws a grenade inside. Moments later, Gil's body can be seen collapsing to the ground. The two young boys, dressed only in their underwear, are then seen being moved into the blood-stained kitchen. As a gunman enters, one boy pleads in English: "Please, please, please. Let me go home! My dad! My dad!" The militant then opens the refrigerator, offering them juice or wine. When the boy says he wants his mother, the attacker grabs a bottle of Coca-Cola and walks out. The family's eldest son had already been killed earlier that morning, shot while heading to the beach with friends. You can watch it here; viewer discretion advised:

As international criticism mounts over its planned offensive on Gaza City, Israel has released a harrowing video clip from the October 7 assault. The footage, captured by security cameras, shows Hamas militants attacking the home of the Taasa family.

'We remember October 7, and so should you': Israel releases harrowing clip from Hamas attack days after UN declares Gaza famine. Watch

Pablo Escobar’s name is synonymous with cocaine smuggling, violence, and unimaginable wealth. At the height of his power in the 1980s, the Medellín Cartel controlled nearly 80 per cent of the global cocaine trade. Escobar was earning more than $400 million every week, but beyond his empire of crime, he was also known for his bizarre sense of humour.&nbsp;One of the strangest stories to emerge from Escobar’s reign involves Coca-Cola, a drink seen as the ultimate symbol of American consumer culture. Escobar allegedly smuggled cocaine inside Coca-Cola bottles, not just as a clever trafficking trick, but because he found the idea funny.<h3>Coca-Cola: The Perfect Disguise</h3>At a time when authorities were desperate to intercept Escobar’s shipments, the cartel turned everyday products into carriers for cocaine. Coca-Cola was an ideal choice because bottles moved freely across borders without raising suspicion. Cartel chemists dissolved cocaine into liquid concentrate, resealed the bottles, and shipped them across the world. To customs officers, they looked like ordinary fizzy drinks.&nbsp;For Escobar, the Coca-Cola stunt was more than just business. It was a mockery of the United States and its most recognisable brand. Smuggling cocaine inside Coke was his way of laughing at the same country that consumed the majority of his product while waging a “war on drugs.”&nbsp;This was only one of Escobar’s many creative smuggling methods. His cartel used submarines, planes with hidden compartments, and even zoo animals to move cocaine internationally. Over time, traffickers around the world copied these ideas, hiding drugs in bananas, coffee, pineapples, and even breast implants.<h3>A Legacy of Crime and Absurdity</h3>Escobar was killed in 1993, but tales like the Coca-Cola operation continue to capture global fascination. It shows how his empire was built not only on fear and money, but also on outrageous stunts that blurred the line between genius, cruelty, and absurd entertainment.Even

At his peak, Pablo Escobar smuggled cocaine in Coca-Cola bottles, not for money, but because he thought it was funny. 

Pablo Escobar’s name is synonymous with cocaine smuggling, violence, and unimaginable wealth. At the height of his power in the 1980s, the Medellín Cartel controlled nearly 80 per cent of the global cocaine trade. Escobar was earning more than $400 million every week, but beyond his empire of crime, he was also known for his bizarre sense of humour. One of the strangest stories to emerge from Escobar’s reign involves Coca-Cola, a drink seen as the ultimate symbol of American consumer culture. Escobar allegedly smuggled cocaine inside Coca-Cola bottles, not just as a clever trafficking trick, but because he found the idea funny. Coca-Cola: The Perfect Disguise At a time when authorities were desperate to intercept Escobar’s shipments, the cartel turned everyday products into carriers for cocaine. Coca-Cola was an ideal choice because bottles moved freely across borders without raising suspicion. Cartel chemists dissolved cocaine into liquid concentrate, resealed the bottles, and shipped them across the world. To customs officers, they looked like ordinary fizzy drinks. For Escobar, the Coca-Cola stunt was more than just business. It was a mockery of the United States and its most recognisable brand. Smuggling cocaine inside Coke was his way of laughing at the same country that consumed the majority of his product while waging a “war on drugs.” This was only one of Escobar’s many creative smuggling methods. His cartel used submarines, planes with hidden compartments, and even zoo animals to move cocaine internationally. Over time, traffickers around the world copied these ideas, hiding drugs in bananas, coffee, pineapples, and even breast implants. A Legacy of Crime and Absurdity Escobar was killed in 1993, but tales like the Coca-Cola operation continue to capture global fascination. It shows how his empire was built not only on fear and money, but also on outrageous stunts that blurred the line between genius, cruelty, and absurd entertainment. Even

At his peak, Pablo Escobar smuggled cocaine in Coca-Cola bottles, not for money, but because he thought it was funny.&nbsp;

'Cocaine in Coca-Cola': How Pablo Escobar once used smuggling to mock the United States

For decades the Sicilian Mafia dominated headlines. Today a different criminal network quietly eclipses it in wealth and reach: the Calabrian-based ’Ndrangheta. Unlike the cinematic clan wars of old, the ’Ndrangheta’s power is structural and financial, an organised-crime ecosystem built on family ties, cocaine logistics and systematic money-laundering that now spans continents. Conservative estimates by law-enforcement analysts and academic studies put its annual turnover in the tens of billions of dollars (figures commonly cited cluster around the $50–$70 billion range), making it one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises on Earth.<h2>From mountain clans to global logistics</h2>The ’Ndrangheta emerged in the rural communities of Calabria. Its organisational core, the ndrina, is not a hierarchical mob family in the Hollywood sense but a dense set of blood-based kin networks. This family structure is its strategic advantage: loyalty is enforced through long kinship ties and intermarriage, making infiltration and defection exceptionally difficult.From the 1980s onwards the group pivoted from local rackets to international trafficking, exploiting two converging opportunities: the rise of South American cocaine production and the expansion of containerised maritime trade. The port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria became a critical node: geographically positioned on Mediterranean shipping lanes, it allowed the ’Ndrangheta to hide consignments within legitimate cargo flows and exploit weak controls. Over time they developed direct commercial relationships with South American suppliers and created distribution networks across Europe, Africa and North America.&nbsp;While originating in Calabria, the ’Ndrangheta today operates as a truly global enterprise. Its reach extends far beyond Italy, with entrenched networks in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and the United States, often using immigrant communities as a base of operations. In South America, particularly in Colombia and Brazil, the group maintains direct partnerships with cocaine cartels, ensuring a near-monopoly on European imports. Germany alone has reported over 200 active ’Ndrangheta cells, many embedded in legitimate businesses such as restaurants and construction firms. Australia has witnessed some of its most violent mafia-related crimes traced back to Calabrian clans, while in Canada, law enforcement has identified Toronto and Montreal as major hubs. This global presence allows the ’Ndrangheta to diversify its assets, launder billions through real estate, banking, and trade, and cement itself as the most powerful transnational criminal organization in the world.<h2>Cocaine: the cash engine</h2>Cocaine is the money machine. Law-enforcement reports and prosecutorial findings repeatedly describe the ’Ndrangheta as a dominant player in European cocaine markets, controlling large slices of supply chains and wholesale distribution. The structure is industrial: bulk shipments are landed, broken into consignments, cleaned through local brokers, and sold through retail networks that feed street-level dealers across major cities. The profit margins on wholesale cocaine combined with the steady demand in consuming markets produce recurring cash flows that are ideal for laundering.<h2>Money laundering and the façade economy</h2>What sets the ’Ndrangheta apart from violent cartels is the sophistication of its laundering apparatus. The group invests illicit profits into a wide portfolio of legitimate assets: real estate, construction firms, restaurants, hospitality, and crucially, small and mid-level football clubs. These investments perform three functions at once: they convert cash into visible assets, they provide plausible business cover for cash flows, and they create political and social legitimacy at the local level.Investigations across Europe have repeatedly shown how criminal capital is integrated into local economies: property purchases, suppressed bidding in public procurement, and the use of shell companies to move funds across borders. Governments have seized properties and companies worth hundreds of millions (and in aggregate, billions) in anti-mafia operations but seizures are always one step behind a network that can reroute capital rapidly.<h2>Invisible influence: politics, contracts and sport</h2>Because the ’Ndrangheta rarely courts publicity, its influence often manifests through more mundane channels: collusive relationships with construction contractors, manipulation of public tenders, and access to credit markets via front companies. In some regions this has translated into control over municipal contracts and a steady stream of low-visibility revenue.Sport, particularly football, has emerged as a convenient laundering and status platform. Ownership or sponsorship of lower-division clubs provides a venue to move funds, justify expenses and build social networks. While top-tier football’s global visibility makes it a riskier vehicle, smaller clubs with local followings are attractive because they combine public legitimacy with limited regulatory scrutiny.<h2>Why law enforcement struggles</h2>Three structural features frustrate enforcement. First, the family-based structure limits intelligence gains from informants. Second, the sheer diversification of legal businesses and cross-border shell companies makes tracing flows a complex forensic accounting task. Third, the transnational nature of the enterprise means no single jurisdiction holds the whole picture: profits are generated in one country, laundered in another, invested in a third. This drives a constant need for international cooperation, often slowed by legal differences in asset seizure, banking secrecy and corporate transparency.&nbsp;The ’Ndrangheta’s globalisation demonstrates a painful truth: organised crime today is as much an economic problem as a policing one. Its billions are not merely the by-product of violence; they are the result of long-term, deliberate investments into the fabric of legitimate markets. To counter it, states must move beyond interdiction narratives and treat the organisation as what it is, a parallel transnational enterprise that hides behind legal businesses, sports clubs and property portfolios. Only by cutting off finance and transparency gaps can societies begin to reclaim the ordinary economic spaces the ’Ndrangheta has quietly colonised.

What sets the ’Ndrangheta apart from violent cartels is the sophistication of its laundering apparatus. The group invests illicit profits into a wide portfolio of legitimate assets: real estate, construction firms, restaurants, hospitality, and crucially, small and mid-level football clubs.

For decades the Sicilian Mafia dominated headlines. Today a different criminal network quietly eclipses it in wealth and reach: the Calabrian-based ’Ndrangheta. Unlike the cinematic clan wars of old, the ’Ndrangheta’s power is structural and financial, an organised-crime ecosystem built on family ties, cocaine logistics and systematic money-laundering that now spans continents. Conservative estimates by law-enforcement analysts and academic studies put its annual turnover in the tens of billions of dollars (figures commonly cited cluster around the $50–$70 billion range), making it one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises on Earth. From mountain clans to global logistics The ’Ndrangheta emerged in the rural communities of Calabria. Its organisational core, the ndrina, is not a hierarchical mob family in the Hollywood sense but a dense set of blood-based kin networks. This family structure is its strategic advantage: loyalty is enforced through long kinship ties and intermarriage, making infiltration and defection exceptionally difficult. From the 1980s onwards the group pivoted from local rackets to international trafficking, exploiting two converging opportunities: the rise of South American cocaine production and the expansion of containerised maritime trade. The port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria became a critical node: geographically positioned on Mediterranean shipping lanes, it allowed the ’Ndrangheta to hide consignments within legitimate cargo flows and exploit weak controls. Over time they developed direct commercial relationships with South American suppliers and created distribution networks across Europe, Africa and North America. While originating in Calabria, the ’Ndrangheta today operates as a truly global enterprise. Its reach extends far beyond Italy, with entrenched networks in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and the United States, often using immigrant communities as a base of operations. In South America, particularly in Colombia and Brazil, the group maintains direct partnerships with cocaine cartels, ensuring a near-monopoly on European imports. Germany alone has reported over 200 active ’Ndrangheta cells, many embedded in legitimate businesses such as restaurants and construction firms. Australia has witnessed some of its most violent mafia-related crimes traced back to Calabrian clans, while in Canada, law enforcement has identified Toronto and Montreal as major hubs. This global presence allows the ’Ndrangheta to diversify its assets, launder billions through real estate, banking, and trade, and cement itself as the most powerful transnational criminal organization in the world. Cocaine: the cash engine Cocaine is the money machine. Law-enforcement reports and prosecutorial findings repeatedly describe the ’Ndrangheta as a dominant player in European cocaine markets, controlling large slices of supply chains and wholesale distribution. The structure is industrial: bulk shipments are landed, broken into consignments, cleaned through local brokers, and sold through retail networks that feed street-level dealers across major cities. The profit margins on wholesale cocaine combined with the steady demand in consuming markets produce recurring cash flows that are ideal for laundering. Money laundering and the façade economy What sets the ’Ndrangheta apart from violent cartels is the sophistication of its laundering apparatus. The group invests illicit profits into a wide portfolio of legitimate assets: real estate, construction firms, restaurants, hospitality, and crucially, small and mid-level football clubs. These investments perform three functions at once: they convert cash into visible assets, they provide plausible business cover for cash flows, and they create political and social legitimacy at the local level. Investigations across Europe have repeatedly shown how criminal capital is integrated into local economies: property purchases, suppressed bidding in public procurement, and the use of shell companies to move funds across borders. Governments have seized properties and companies worth hundreds of millions (and in aggregate, billions) in anti-mafia operations but seizures are always one step behind a network that can reroute capital rapidly. Invisible influence: politics, contracts and sport Because the ’Ndrangheta rarely courts publicity, its influence often manifests through more mundane channels: collusive relationships with construction contractors, manipulation of public tenders, and access to credit markets via front companies. In some regions this has translated into control over municipal contracts and a steady stream of low-visibility revenue. Sport, particularly football, has emerged as a convenient laundering and status platform. Ownership or sponsorship of lower-division clubs provides a venue to move funds, justify expenses and build social networks. While top-tier football’s global visibility makes it a riskier vehicle, smaller clubs with local followings are attractive because they combine public legitimacy with limited regulatory scrutiny. Why law enforcement struggles Three structural features frustrate enforcement. First, the family-based structure limits intelligence gains from informants. Second, the sheer diversification of legal businesses and cross-border shell companies makes tracing flows a complex forensic accounting task. Third, the transnational nature of the enterprise means no single jurisdiction holds the whole picture: profits are generated in one country, laundered in another, invested in a third. This drives a constant need for international cooperation, often slowed by legal differences in asset seizure, banking secrecy and corporate transparency. The ’Ndrangheta’s globalisation demonstrates a painful truth: organised crime today is as much an economic problem as a policing one. Its billions are not merely the by-product of violence; they are the result of long-term, deliberate investments into the fabric of legitimate markets. To counter it, states must move beyond interdiction narratives and treat the organisation as what it is, a parallel transnational enterprise that hides behind legal businesses, sports clubs and property portfolios. Only by cutting off finance and transparency gaps can societies begin to reclaim the ordinary economic spaces the ’Ndrangheta has quietly colonised.

What sets the ’Ndrangheta apart from violent cartels is the sophistication of its laundering apparatus. The group invests illicit profits into a wide portfolio of legitimate assets: real estate, construction firms, restaurants, hospitality, and crucially, small and mid-level football clubs.

This $60 billion Italian mafia organisation is big enough to list on NASDAQ! All about Ndrangheta Cartel

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This $60 billion Italian mafia organisation is big enough to list on NASDAQ