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US President Donald Trump voiced frustration on Friday over not receiving the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, devoting a significant portion of a campaign-style rally in Syracuse, New York, to criticising the Nobel Committee and defending his foreign policy record. Trump's remarks came in a year marked by the US conflict with Iran, adding to scrutiny of his claims that he has helped bring international wars to an end.&nbsp;The event was intended to support Republican candidates, but Trump spent an extended period discussing the Nobel Peace Prize decision and arguing that the honour should have been awarded to him. “The United States of America, represented by me as your president, should have received the Nobel peace prize, but didn’t. And this is an indelible stain on the country of Norway, and those people that made such a disgraceful and embarrassing decision,” Trump said. He continued his criticism of the award's organisers, accusing them of undermining the credibility of the prize.“The Nobel peace prize has been forever discredited by a handful of radical ideologues who are anti-democracy and really enemies of civilization,” Trump went on. “We will not forget, Norway, that you didn’t give this prize.”<h2>Trump claims credit for ending wars</h2>During his speech, Trump listed several conflicts he said he had helped resolve, although some of the situations he cited were not wars and others remain unresolved. He also claimed that two additional conflicts could soon be settled, referring to Iran and Russia's war against Ukraine. “I’m about to settle or win two more: Iran and Russia-Ukraine.” Trump said he expected to bring both conflicts to a conclusion quickly, presenting his diplomatic efforts as evidence that he deserved international recognition for promoting peace. However, the status of these conflicts and the extent of any progress towards a settlement remain important considerations when assessing his claims.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-russian-diesel-deal-as-zelensky-criticises-move-1791594316435">Trump announces Russian diesel deal as Zelensky criticises move</a><h2>Trump issues stark warning to Iran</h2>Trump adopted a particularly forceful tone when discussing Iran, suggesting that the confrontation would end either through Tehran accepting US demands or through a far more destructive outcome. “I will tell you what,” he added, darkly. “Iran will be very quick one way or the other: that they give us everything or they don’t exist any longer.” The warning comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran following the US conflict with Iran.&nbsp;Trump also claimed that his actions had prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and averted a much wider regional catastrophe. “Additionally, I stopped Iran from having a nuclear weapon and blowing up the entire Middle East and ultimately far beyond the Middle East, including Europe, perhaps the US and I saved more lives than anyone in history,” Trump claimed, despite the fact that US intelligence agencies reported to Congress in 2025 that Iran had actually suspended its pursuit of nuclear weapons in 2003.<h3>Trump questions Nobel Peace prize laureate</h3>Trump also criticised the choice of the Nobel Peace Prize recipient, questioning the laureate's public profile and political outlook. “Despite all of this and all of these unbelievable accomplishments, the Nobel prize was given out today to a liberal person who works at the United Nations, who nobody has ever heard of,” Trump said of Navi Pillay, the South African former UN human rights chief who chaired the UN commission that concluded Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza. Pillay's work on international human rights and the commission's findings have placed her at the centre of contentious debates over the Israel-Gaza conflict.&nbsp;

Donald Trump criticises the Nobel Peace Prize decision, claims he ended eight wars and repeats his assertions about stopping the India-Pakistan war

US President Donald Trump voiced frustration on Friday over not receiving the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, devoting a significant portion of a campaign-style rally in Syracuse, New York, to criticising the Nobel Committee and defending his foreign policy record. Trump's remarks came in a year marked by the US conflict with Iran, adding to scrutiny of his claims that he has helped bring international wars to an end. The event was intended to support Republican candidates, but Trump spent an extended period discussing the Nobel Peace Prize decision and arguing that the honour should have been awarded to him. “The United States of America, represented by me as your president, should have received the Nobel peace prize, but didn’t. And this is an indelible stain on the country of Norway, and those people that made such a disgraceful and embarrassing decision,” Trump said. He continued his criticism of the award's organisers, accusing them of undermining the credibility of the prize. “The Nobel peace prize has been forever discredited by a handful of radical ideologues who are anti-democracy and really enemies of civilization,” Trump went on. “We will not forget, Norway, that you didn’t give this prize.” Trump claims credit for ending wars During his speech, Trump listed several conflicts he said he had helped resolve, although some of the situations he cited were not wars and others remain unresolved. He also claimed that two additional conflicts could soon be settled, referring to Iran and Russia's war against Ukraine. “I’m about to settle or win two more: Iran and Russia-Ukraine.” Trump said he expected to bring both conflicts to a conclusion quickly, presenting his diplomatic efforts as evidence that he deserved international recognition for promoting peace. However, the status of these conflicts and the extent of any progress towards a settlement remain important considerations when assessing his claims. Also Read: Trump announces Russian diesel deal as Zelensky criticises move Trump issues stark warning to Iran Trump adopted a particularly forceful tone when discussing Iran, suggesting that the confrontation would end either through Tehran accepting US demands or through a far more destructive outcome. “I will tell you what,” he added, darkly. “Iran will be very quick one way or the other: that they give us everything or they don’t exist any longer.” The warning comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran following the US conflict with Iran. Trump also claimed that his actions had prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and averted a much wider regional catastrophe. “Additionally, I stopped Iran from having a nuclear weapon and blowing up the entire Middle East and ultimately far beyond the Middle East, including Europe, perhaps the US and I saved more lives than anyone in history,” Trump claimed, despite the fact that US intelligence agencies reported to Congress in 2025 that Iran had actually suspended its pursuit of nuclear weapons in 2003. Trump questions Nobel Peace prize laureate Trump also criticised the choice of the Nobel Peace Prize recipient, questioning the laureate's public profile and political outlook. “Despite all of this and all of these unbelievable accomplishments, the Nobel prize was given out today to a liberal person who works at the United Nations, who nobody has ever heard of,” Trump said of Navi Pillay, the South African former UN human rights chief who chaired the UN commission that concluded Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza. Pillay's work on international human rights and the commission's findings have placed her at the centre of contentious debates over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Trump slams the Nobel Peace Prize decision, claims he deserved the award and repeats controversial assertions about ending wars and stopping India-Pakistan war

'I ended 8 wars': Trump slams Nobel Peace prize decision, claims award was his due

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to release substantial quantities of diesel fuel into American and international markets, as Washington eased certain restrictions on Russian energy exports in an effort to bring down rising fuel prices ahead of crucial US midterm elections. The announcement has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the decision as an ‘unworthy’ and ‘weak’ move, highlighting growing tensions over Washington's approach to Moscow while Russia's war against Ukraine continues.&nbsp;Russia has faced multiple rounds of sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies since its full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in 2022. The latest move comes just weeks before the US midterm elections, with Trump's Republican Party facing political pressure as voters express concerns about the rising cost of living. Fuel prices in the United States have climbed sharply since late February, when US-Israeli strikes against Iran prompted Tehran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies.&nbsp;Following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump announced the proposed diesel deliveries on social media. "Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace," Trump said. The Kremlin confirmed Moscow's willingness to supply energy products, stating that Russia "reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and oil products to the American and world markets."&nbsp;Trump also announced plans for additional deliveries of 500,000 tons in November, followed by another one million tons, with further supplies expected afterward. Zelensky criticized the decision, expressing concern that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could undermine efforts to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. "It is certainly not honest, it is certainly unworthy of our partners, and it is, in my view, a weak decision," Zelensky told reporters. The US Treasury Department issued a temporary license on Friday allowing Russian diesel to enter global markets through April 2027. Trump defended the move by emphasizing its potential benefits for American consumers and businesses. "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," Trump posted on social media.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-protests-erupt-as-trump-administration-defends-ice-shooting-1791575349918">New York protests erupt as Trump administration defends ICE shooting</a><h2>US fuel prices surge amid Iran conflict</h2>The announcement comes as American households and businesses face significantly higher fuel costs. The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen by more than 46 percent since late February, reaching $4.37 per gallon. Diesel prices have climbed approximately 67 percent over the same period to $6.28 per gallon. Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for contributing to rising fuel prices. However, the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the resulting disruption to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been major factors affecting global supplies. The proposed Russian diesel deliveries could add supply to international markets, although the extent to which they would reduce prices remains uncertain. The impact will depend on the timing of shipments, market demand and the broader geopolitical situation.<h2>US and Ukrainian officials hold fresh peace talks</h2>The energy announcement coincided with a meeting between American and Ukrainian negotiators in Miami on Friday, as Washington renewed efforts to break the stalemate in Russia's war against Ukraine. US envoy Steve Witkoff described the discussions as constructive, saying the sides had explored possible ways to reduce hostilities and bring the conflict to an end before winter.&nbsp;The meeting followed visits to Moscow and Kyiv last month by Witkoff, a longtime Trump confidant, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Washington has continued to pursue negotiations, although previous diplomatic efforts have made limited progress. With winter approaching, concerns are growing over the potential consequences of continued fighting and attacks on critical infrastructure. On Thursday, a Russian strike on buses in the frontline Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk reportedly killed 30 people, underscoring the continuing human cost of the conflict.<h2>Territorial disputes continue to block a settlement</h2>Trump's efforts to broker a peace agreement have repeatedly encountered difficulties over Russia's territorial demands.Moscow has insisted on controlling the entire eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, including areas that remain under Ukrainian control. Zelensky has rejected surrendering Ukrainian-held territory, warning that Russia could use any additional territorial gains as a base for future military action.&nbsp;Russia currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The Miami discussions also addressed Ukraine's future security arrangements. According to Witkoff, the agenda included “security guarantees, as well as longer-term arrangements for Ukraine's and Europe's security to prevent future conflicts, and support Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.” Representatives from Britain, France and Germany attended the talks, alongside officials from NATO and the European Union.&nbsp;The negotiations highlight the complex challenges facing Washington as it attempts to pursue a peace settlement while balancing energy affordability, relations with Moscow and support for Ukraine. Whether the Russian diesel arrangement will deliver meaningful relief for American consumers remains to be seen. Meanwhile, disagreements over territorial control, security guarantees and sanctions continue to complicate efforts to end the war.

Trump eases restrictions on Russian diesel exports to lower US fuel prices as Zelensky criticizes the move and US-Ukraine peace talks resume in Miami

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to release substantial quantities of diesel fuel into American and international markets, as Washington eased certain restrictions on Russian energy exports in an effort to bring down rising fuel prices ahead of crucial US midterm elections. The announcement has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the decision as an ‘unworthy’ and ‘weak’ move, highlighting growing tensions over Washington's approach to Moscow while Russia's war against Ukraine continues. Russia has faced multiple rounds of sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies since its full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in 2022. The latest move comes just weeks before the US midterm elections, with Trump's Republican Party facing political pressure as voters express concerns about the rising cost of living. Fuel prices in the United States have climbed sharply since late February, when US-Israeli strikes against Iran prompted Tehran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies. Following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump announced the proposed diesel deliveries on social media. "Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace," Trump said. The Kremlin confirmed Moscow's willingness to supply energy products, stating that Russia "reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and oil products to the American and world markets." Trump also announced plans for additional deliveries of 500,000 tons in November, followed by another one million tons, with further supplies expected afterward. Zelensky criticized the decision, expressing concern that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could undermine efforts to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. "It is certainly not honest, it is certainly unworthy of our partners, and it is, in my view, a weak decision," Zelensky told reporters. The US Treasury Department issued a temporary license on Friday allowing Russian diesel to enter global markets through April 2027. Trump defended the move by emphasizing its potential benefits for American consumers and businesses. "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," Trump posted on social media. Also Read: New York protests erupt as Trump administration defends ICE shooting US fuel prices surge amid Iran conflict The announcement comes as American households and businesses face significantly higher fuel costs. The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen by more than 46 percent since late February, reaching $4.37 per gallon. Diesel prices have climbed approximately 67 percent over the same period to $6.28 per gallon. Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for contributing to rising fuel prices. However, the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the resulting disruption to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been major factors affecting global supplies. The proposed Russian diesel deliveries could add supply to international markets, although the extent to which they would reduce prices remains uncertain. The impact will depend on the timing of shipments, market demand and the broader geopolitical situation. US and Ukrainian officials hold fresh peace talks The energy announcement coincided with a meeting between American and Ukrainian negotiators in Miami on Friday, as Washington renewed efforts to break the stalemate in Russia's war against Ukraine. US envoy Steve Witkoff described the discussions as constructive, saying the sides had explored possible ways to reduce hostilities and bring the conflict to an end before winter. The meeting followed visits to Moscow and Kyiv last month by Witkoff, a longtime Trump confidant, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Washington has continued to pursue negotiations, although previous diplomatic efforts have made limited progress. With winter approaching, concerns are growing over the potential consequences of continued fighting and attacks on critical infrastructure. On Thursday, a Russian strike on buses in the frontline Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk reportedly killed 30 people, underscoring the continuing human cost of the conflict. Territorial disputes continue to block a settlement Trump's efforts to broker a peace agreement have repeatedly encountered difficulties over Russia's territorial demands. Moscow has insisted on controlling the entire eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, including areas that remain under Ukrainian control. Zelensky has rejected surrendering Ukrainian-held territory, warning that Russia could use any additional territorial gains as a base for future military action. Russia currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The Miami discussions also addressed Ukraine's future security arrangements. According to Witkoff, the agenda included “security guarantees, as well as longer-term arrangements for Ukraine's and Europe's security to prevent future conflicts, and support Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.” Representatives from Britain, France and Germany attended the talks, alongside officials from NATO and the European Union. The negotiations highlight the complex challenges facing Washington as it attempts to pursue a peace settlement while balancing energy affordability, relations with Moscow and support for Ukraine. Whether the Russian diesel arrangement will deliver meaningful relief for American consumers remains to be seen. Meanwhile, disagreements over territorial control, security guarantees and sanctions continue to complicate efforts to end the war.

Trump eases Russia energy sanctions to secure diesel supplies and lower US fuel prices, drawing criticism from Ukraine's President Zelensky

Trump announces Russian diesel deal as Zelensky criticises move

Hundreds of protesters gathered in New York City on Friday following a shooting involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers that wounded a Dominican man in the Bronx. The incident has intensified tensions between Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the administration of President Donald Trump over federal immigration enforcement.&nbsp;Oscar Bergal, 28, was shot in the neck during an ICE operation on Thursday. A five-year-old child who was inside his vehicle at the time was physically unharmed, according to the initial reports. The shooting triggered a sharp political response from Mamdani, who posted the words "Abolish ICE" on X. The slogan is widely used by opponents of Trump's immigration crackdown, who have called for the federal agency to be dismantled.&nbsp;US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin strongly criticized the mayor's statement, arguing that it could increase hostility toward immigration officers. "Mayor, if you abolish ICE, who's going to take criminals off the streets of your own town?" Mullin said. “Who's going to take the murderers and the thieves and the gangbangers?” Mullin also described Mamdani's remarks as "dangerous and incite hostility."<h2>Hundreds protest against ICE in Manhattan</h2>An AFP journalist reported seeing hundreds of demonstrators marching across several blocks in Manhattan on Friday, chanting slogans including "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here" and “No ICE.” New York City, a Democratic stronghold, is among several US cities that restrict local police from assisting federal authorities with immigration enforcement. Following Thursday's shooting, Mamdani said he was seeking a conversation with Trump and intended to demand the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from the city. The confrontation could test the relationship between the two leaders, which had appeared surprisingly cordial despite their political differences.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-7-7-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-panama-tsunami-warning-issued-1791573774578">Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued</a><h2>Video raises questions about the Bronx shooting</h2>Video footage of the incident, shared by US media on Friday, appears to show a plainclothes federal agent approaching a silver car with a firearm drawn. The vehicle briefly reverses as the agent strikes the driver's-side window. A second plainclothes officer then draws a weapon and points it toward the driver as the car moves forward and out of view.The vehicle appears to collide with the side of another passing vehicle before disappearing from the footage. The video has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, the footage alone does not establish every detail of the encounter or independently resolve the competing accounts provided by officials.<h2>Homeland security officials defend ICE officers</h2>Mullin said Bergal had an extensive criminal history and was attempting to evade arrest during the operation. "He came to this country legally a few years ago, and ever since he's come in, he's committed crime and crime after crime," the Homeland Security secretary said. Mullin added that ICE officers did not know a child was inside the vehicle when they opened fire. Marcos Charles, a senior ICE official, said Bergal had "refused lawful orders to exit his vehicle."&nbsp;Charles alleged that the driver accelerated and struck two government vehicles before moving toward other officers. "He then accelerated his vehicle, smashing into two of our government ICE vehicles, and then weaponized his vehicle and proceeded to accelerate, going towards other officers," Charles said. "Our officers, using their training, and believing that their life and the lives of their partners and general public were in danger, used their training and fired weapons," he said. The statements represent the federal authorities' account of the incident. Further evidence and independent investigation would be needed to establish the full sequence of events.<h2>ICE shooting incidents fuel wider immigration debate</h2>The Bronx shooting comes amid growing scrutiny of ICE operations and the use of force by federal immigration agents. Officers have frequently operated in civilian clothing, sometimes with their faces covered, during immigration enforcement actions. Several other shootings involving immigration or federal agents have drawn national attention during Trump's second term.&nbsp;In March 2025, 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez was shot by ICE in an incident that the Texas Tribune described as the first known killing of an American by immigration agents during Trump's second term. In another case, Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado died in July after being shot by an ICE officer in Houston, Texas. Two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were also shot and killed by federal immigration agents in separate incidents in Minnesota during an enforcement crackdown targeting undocumented migrants earlier this year.&nbsp;These incidents have intensified debate over federal immigration policy, law enforcement accountability and the use of deadly force during immigration operations. The latest shooting in New York has added to those tensions, bringing protesters onto Manhattan's streets and deepening the political dispute between city officials and the Trump administration. As questions remain about the circumstances of Bergal's shooting, the incident is likely to fuel further calls for scrutiny of ICE's tactics and the federal government's immigration enforcement strategy.

Protests erupt in New York after ICE officers shoot Dominican man Oscar Bergal in the Bronx, intensifying the clash between Zohran Mamdani and Trump

Hundreds of protesters gathered in New York City on Friday following a shooting involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers that wounded a Dominican man in the Bronx. The incident has intensified tensions between Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the administration of President Donald Trump over federal immigration enforcement. Oscar Bergal, 28, was shot in the neck during an ICE operation on Thursday. A five-year-old child who was inside his vehicle at the time was physically unharmed, according to the initial reports. The shooting triggered a sharp political response from Mamdani, who posted the words "Abolish ICE" on X. The slogan is widely used by opponents of Trump's immigration crackdown, who have called for the federal agency to be dismantled. US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin strongly criticized the mayor's statement, arguing that it could increase hostility toward immigration officers. "Mayor, if you abolish ICE, who's going to take criminals off the streets of your own town?" Mullin said. “Who's going to take the murderers and the thieves and the gangbangers?” Mullin also described Mamdani's remarks as "dangerous and incite hostility." Hundreds protest against ICE in Manhattan An AFP journalist reported seeing hundreds of demonstrators marching across several blocks in Manhattan on Friday, chanting slogans including "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here" and “No ICE.” New York City, a Democratic stronghold, is among several US cities that restrict local police from assisting federal authorities with immigration enforcement. Following Thursday's shooting, Mamdani said he was seeking a conversation with Trump and intended to demand the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from the city. The confrontation could test the relationship between the two leaders, which had appeared surprisingly cordial despite their political differences. Also Read: Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued Video raises questions about the Bronx shooting Video footage of the incident, shared by US media on Friday, appears to show a plainclothes federal agent approaching a silver car with a firearm drawn. The vehicle briefly reverses as the agent strikes the driver's-side window. A second plainclothes officer then draws a weapon and points it toward the driver as the car moves forward and out of view. The vehicle appears to collide with the side of another passing vehicle before disappearing from the footage. The video has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, the footage alone does not establish every detail of the encounter or independently resolve the competing accounts provided by officials. Homeland security officials defend ICE officers Mullin said Bergal had an extensive criminal history and was attempting to evade arrest during the operation. "He came to this country legally a few years ago, and ever since he's come in, he's committed crime and crime after crime," the Homeland Security secretary said. Mullin added that ICE officers did not know a child was inside the vehicle when they opened fire. Marcos Charles, a senior ICE official, said Bergal had "refused lawful orders to exit his vehicle." Charles alleged that the driver accelerated and struck two government vehicles before moving toward other officers. "He then accelerated his vehicle, smashing into two of our government ICE vehicles, and then weaponized his vehicle and proceeded to accelerate, going towards other officers," Charles said. "Our officers, using their training, and believing that their life and the lives of their partners and general public were in danger, used their training and fired weapons," he said. The statements represent the federal authorities' account of the incident. Further evidence and independent investigation would be needed to establish the full sequence of events. ICE shooting incidents fuel wider immigration debate The Bronx shooting comes amid growing scrutiny of ICE operations and the use of force by federal immigration agents. Officers have frequently operated in civilian clothing, sometimes with their faces covered, during immigration enforcement actions. Several other shootings involving immigration or federal agents have drawn national attention during Trump's second term. In March 2025, 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez was shot by ICE in an incident that the Texas Tribune described as the first known killing of an American by immigration agents during Trump's second term. In another case, Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado died in July after being shot by an ICE officer in Houston, Texas. Two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were also shot and killed by federal immigration agents in separate incidents in Minnesota during an enforcement crackdown targeting undocumented migrants earlier this year. These incidents have intensified debate over federal immigration policy, law enforcement accountability and the use of deadly force during immigration operations. The latest shooting in New York has added to those tensions, bringing protesters onto Manhattan's streets and deepening the political dispute between city officials and the Trump administration. As questions remain about the circumstances of Bergal's shooting, the incident is likely to fuel further calls for scrutiny of ICE's tactics and the federal government's immigration enforcement strategy.

New York protesters condemn ICE after a Dominican man is shot in the Bronx, escalating tensions between Mayor Mamdani and Trump's administration

New York protests erupt as Trump administration defends ICE shooting

US President Donald Trump has offered conservative commentator Katie Zacharia the position of White House press secretary, an administration official told news agency AFP on Friday. However, it remains unclear whether Zacharia has accepted the offer. The official confirmed that Zacharia, a lawyer and communications adviser to Trump's media company, had been offered the high-profile role, which is among the most visible communications positions in the US government. If she accepts the position, Zacharia would succeed Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August after becoming one of the most recognizable public faces of Trump's second administration.<h2>Who is Katie Zacharia?</h2>Zacharia currently serves as a senior communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group, the company that operates the president's Truth Social platform, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is also a familiar face on conservative television networks, including Fox News and Newsmax, where she regularly comments on political and current affairs issues.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Zacharia briefly served as a spokeswoman for former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She joined the Department of Homeland Security earlier in the year but left after approximately two months, according to her LinkedIn profile. Based in California, Zacharia has also worked with Fix California, a conservative advocacy organization founded by Richard Grenell, a longtime Trump ally who has served as one of the president's special envoys. According to CNBC, Zacharia serves as the organization's general counsel. Fix California seeks to advance conservative political causes in the traditionally Democratic-leaning state. Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University's law school and began her career in Republican politics. CNN reported that she worked as an intern for the Republican National Committee in 2006.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-7-7-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-panama-tsunami-warning-issued-1791573774578">Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued</a><h2>Trump consulted allies before making an offer</h2>The New York Times first reported Zacharia's selection on Friday, citing two people familiar with the decision. According to CNN, Trump consulted several allies and advisers before offering her the position. Those consulted reportedly included Leavitt, who previously served as his press secretary during the 2024 presidential campaign. The White House press secretary plays a central role in communicating the administration's policies and positions to the public. The job involves conducting regular briefings with journalists, answering questions about government decisions and defending the president's policies against criticism. The position also serves as a key link between the president and the national and international media.<h3>Karoline Leavitt's departure and next move</h3>Leavitt became White House press secretary when Trump returned to the presidency in January 2025. At 27, she became the youngest person ever to hold the position. A staunch Trump supporter, Leavitt had previously served as press secretary for his 2024 presidential campaign and emerged as a prominent defender of his administration during White House briefings.&nbsp;She left the administration in late August following the birth of her second child. Trump said at the time that Leavitt wanted to spend more time with her family and would continue to serve as an outside adviser. Fox News announced this week that Leavitt would join the conservative television network as an on-air contributor beginning in November. If Zacharia accepts Trump's offer, her appointment would mark a new chapter in the White House communications team as the administration continues to shape its messaging and media strategy. As of Friday's initial reports, confirmation of Zacharia's acceptance had not been announced.

Donald Trump offers Katie Zacharia the White House press secretary job. Learn about her career, Karoline Leavitt's departure and her move to Fox News

US President Donald Trump has offered conservative commentator Katie Zacharia the position of White House press secretary, an administration official told news agency AFP on Friday. However, it remains unclear whether Zacharia has accepted the offer. The official confirmed that Zacharia, a lawyer and communications adviser to Trump's media company, had been offered the high-profile role, which is among the most visible communications positions in the US government. If she accepts the position, Zacharia would succeed Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August after becoming one of the most recognizable public faces of Trump's second administration. Who is Katie Zacharia? Zacharia currently serves as a senior communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group, the company that operates the president's Truth Social platform, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is also a familiar face on conservative television networks, including Fox News and Newsmax, where she regularly comments on political and current affairs issues. Earlier this year, Zacharia briefly served as a spokeswoman for former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She joined the Department of Homeland Security earlier in the year but left after approximately two months, according to her LinkedIn profile. Based in California, Zacharia has also worked with Fix California, a conservative advocacy organization founded by Richard Grenell, a longtime Trump ally who has served as one of the president's special envoys. According to CNBC, Zacharia serves as the organization's general counsel. Fix California seeks to advance conservative political causes in the traditionally Democratic-leaning state. Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University's law school and began her career in Republican politics. CNN reported that she worked as an intern for the Republican National Committee in 2006. Also Read: Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued Trump consulted allies before making an offer The New York Times first reported Zacharia's selection on Friday, citing two people familiar with the decision. According to CNN, Trump consulted several allies and advisers before offering her the position. Those consulted reportedly included Leavitt, who previously served as his press secretary during the 2024 presidential campaign. The White House press secretary plays a central role in communicating the administration's policies and positions to the public. The job involves conducting regular briefings with journalists, answering questions about government decisions and defending the president's policies against criticism. The position also serves as a key link between the president and the national and international media. Karoline Leavitt's departure and next move Leavitt became White House press secretary when Trump returned to the presidency in January 2025. At 27, she became the youngest person ever to hold the position. A staunch Trump supporter, Leavitt had previously served as press secretary for his 2024 presidential campaign and emerged as a prominent defender of his administration during White House briefings. She left the administration in late August following the birth of her second child. Trump said at the time that Leavitt wanted to spend more time with her family and would continue to serve as an outside adviser. Fox News announced this week that Leavitt would join the conservative television network as an on-air contributor beginning in November. If Zacharia accepts Trump's offer, her appointment would mark a new chapter in the White House communications team as the administration continues to shape its messaging and media strategy. As of Friday's initial reports, confirmation of Zacharia's acceptance had not been announced.

Donald Trump offers conservative commentator Katie Zacharia the White House press secretary role as Karoline Leavitt prepares to join Fox News

Katie Zacharia likely to succeed Karoline Leavitt as Trump's White House press secretary

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 has struck Panama, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), raising concerns about structural damage, potential casualties and possible tsunami waves along the country's coastline. Local media have reported structural damage in several parts of the country. The USGS warned that some casualties were possible and extensive damage was probable.&nbsp;Panamanian President José Raul Mulino urged the public to remain calm and instructed the country's minister of government to provide updates on the earthquake's impact. Several aftershocks were reported near the epicenter, including a powerful magnitude-6 tremor. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 12 kilometers, a factor that could intensify ground shaking and increase the potential for damage. The tremor was felt across Panama, a Central American nation with a population of around 4.5 million, according to the USGS.&nbsp;Although no casualties had been reported at the time of the initial updates, authorities and observers anticipated potentially extensive damage, particularly in the central parts of the country. In Panama City, located approximately 200 kilometers from the epicenter, many people evacuated buildings as a precaution, according to observations by AFP.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/uk-navy-hit-by-espionage-scandal-sailor-accused-of-spying-for-russia-1791571510613">UK navy hit by espionage scandal: Sailor accused of spying for Russia</a><h2>Tsunami warning raises coastal concerns</h2>The US Tsunami Warning System warned that tsunami waves reaching up to three meters could strike Panama's coastline in the coming hours. The potential threat extended beyond Panama. Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru were also identified as countries that could experience less intense tsunami waves. Authorities and coastal communities faced growing concerns over the possibility of additional seismic activity and the impact of the earthquake on vulnerable areas.<h2>Earthquakes relatively uncommon in Panama</h2>Earthquakes are relatively rare in Panama compared with some other parts of Latin America. When seismic events occur, they are more commonly associated with the western province of Chiriquí. The earthquake adds to a year marked by powerful seismic events across Latin America. During the summer, Venezuela experienced two major earthquakes that, according to the initial report, killed more than 6,400 people. Colombia was also struck by a tremor that reportedly left around 300 people dead. The full extent of the damage in Panama, the potential casualties and the impact of the reported tsunami threat remained unclear as the initial reports emerged.

A preliminary 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, prompting evacuations, reports of structural damage, powerful aftershocks and tsunami warnings

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 has struck Panama, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), raising concerns about structural damage, potential casualties and possible tsunami waves along the country's coastline. Local media have reported structural damage in several parts of the country. The USGS warned that some casualties were possible and extensive damage was probable. Panamanian President José Raul Mulino urged the public to remain calm and instructed the country's minister of government to provide updates on the earthquake's impact. Several aftershocks were reported near the epicenter, including a powerful magnitude-6 tremor. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 12 kilometers, a factor that could intensify ground shaking and increase the potential for damage. The tremor was felt across Panama, a Central American nation with a population of around 4.5 million, according to the USGS. Although no casualties had been reported at the time of the initial updates, authorities and observers anticipated potentially extensive damage, particularly in the central parts of the country. In Panama City, located approximately 200 kilometers from the epicenter, many people evacuated buildings as a precaution, according to observations by AFP. Also Read: UK navy hit by espionage scandal: Sailor accused of spying for Russia Tsunami warning raises coastal concerns The US Tsunami Warning System warned that tsunami waves reaching up to three meters could strike Panama's coastline in the coming hours. The potential threat extended beyond Panama. Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru were also identified as countries that could experience less intense tsunami waves. Authorities and coastal communities faced growing concerns over the possibility of additional seismic activity and the impact of the earthquake on vulnerable areas. Earthquakes relatively uncommon in Panama Earthquakes are relatively rare in Panama compared with some other parts of Latin America. When seismic events occur, they are more commonly associated with the western province of Chiriquí. The earthquake adds to a year marked by powerful seismic events across Latin America. During the summer, Venezuela experienced two major earthquakes that, according to the initial report, killed more than 6,400 people. Colombia was also struck by a tremor that reportedly left around 300 people dead. The full extent of the damage in Panama, the potential casualties and the impact of the reported tsunami threat remained unclear as the initial reports emerged.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, triggering aftershocks, reports of structural damage and warnings of possible tsunami waves

Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued

Amid growing concerns over hybrid warfare, dark web is fast emerging as the breeding ground for espionage. This scenario has now unfolded in UK with a serving navy sailor, being arrested on charges of preparing to spy for Russia Let's break this down for you. After joining the Royal Navy in April 2024, 24-year-old Teddy Young was working in naval intelligence. According to the prosecution though, he misused his high-level security clearance to access defence and intelligence data since his first deployment on a navy vessel, which began in November 2024.&nbsp;According to reports, he drafted a message in Russian containing classified information and tried to make direct contact with Russian authorities through dark web. He is also accused of breaking royal navy rules by copying information to a private email account. The prosecution has alleged that his subversive activities continued till May 2025. Young, was produced before the Westminster magistrate's court, and remanded to police custody until October 16. As he has been charged with retaining protected information, under UK's National Security Act of 2023, the sailor faces life imprisonment if convicted. While the UK navy refused to comment on the arrest citing ongoing legal proceedings, the conservative party said that the allegations, should lead to a fresh diplomatic crackdown on Moscow.

https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-navy-hit-by-espionage-scandal-sailor-accused-of-spying-for-russia-1791565510910/embed

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who is also the shadow minister for the UK home office, termed Russia a 'terrorist' state. She said and I am quoting her, “Nothing makes war more likely than, when an aggressor state feels it can continue, to be reckless and attack us, consequence-free." Now, the police have made it clear that, this arrest was not related to the recent incident in which suspicious activity was, reported near the RAF Fairford BASE. While seven men have been arrested in This case, they were later released on bail.&nbsp;&nbsp;UK witnessed another security scare, As two Latvian men were arrested after breaching a fence at the RAF Molesworth Base, According to reports, this base houses not only America's intelligence operation centres for Europe and Africa, but also serves as a NATO intelligence hub. The arrested men have been charged for entering a prohibited place, under the country's national security act. Reacting to this, UK's defence ministry affirmed that it remained highly vigilant to potential threats against defence sites, and is working closely with allies to keep them secure. According to reports, the police are now investigating, whether Russia was behind this incident.

UK navy sailor Teddy Young faces charges under the National Security Act 2023 over alleged Russian espionage, amid RAF base security breaches

Amid growing concerns over hybrid warfare, dark web is fast emerging as the breeding ground for espionage. This scenario has now unfolded in UK with a serving navy sailor, being arrested on charges of preparing to spy for Russia Let's break this down for you. After joining the Royal Navy in April 2024, 24-year-old Teddy Young was working in naval intelligence. According to the prosecution though, he misused his high-level security clearance to access defence and intelligence data since his first deployment on a navy vessel, which began in November 2024. According to reports, he drafted a message in Russian containing classified information and tried to make direct contact with Russian authorities through dark web. He is also accused of breaking royal navy rules by copying information to a private email account. The prosecution has alleged that his subversive activities continued till May 2025. Young, was produced before the Westminster magistrate's court, and remanded to police custody until October 16. As he has been charged with retaining protected information, under UK's National Security Act of 2023, the sailor faces life imprisonment if convicted. While the UK navy refused to comment on the arrest citing ongoing legal proceedings, the conservative party said that the allegations, should lead to a fresh diplomatic crackdown on Moscow.

UK navy sailor Teddy Young faces espionage charges over alleged Russia links as separate RAF base security breaches raise fresh concerns

UK navy hit by espionage scandal: Sailor accused of spying for Russia | Gravitas

Even as Yemeni government forces have mounted a counter-offensive against the Houthis, the Iran-backed group continues to directly attack Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;On the other hand, the much-touted Mecca pact is crumbling. Take a look at these visuals.Smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which was once again attacked by the Houthis.&nbsp;According to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority, three Saudi nationals, including a pilot, were killed, while several people of different nationalities were wounded. It also confirmed that an aircraft belonging to national carrier Saudia was damaged in the strikes.&nbsp;While the Houthis also claimed to have attacked Najran airport as well as the airbase in Khamis Mushait, Riyadh is yet to confirm the attack on Najran airport.&nbsp;In the previous round of airport strikes by the Houthis, three people had died, and 36 others were injured.&nbsp;This is not all. According to the Iran-backed group, it caused dozens of casualties by launching ballistic missiles at several weapons storage sites. It also claimed to have shot down a Saudi armed reconnaissance drone in the province of Taiz.&nbsp;On the other hand, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces said they had destroyed three rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis. They have also reportedly launched an operation to take back control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.&nbsp;Amid this, the Mecca pact signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September is facing serious scrutiny.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/real-boss-of-india-elon-musk-escalates-attack-over-starlink-s-india-entry-1791566088852">‘Real boss of India’: Elon Musk escalates attack over Starlink’s India entry</a>&nbsp; For instance, Türkiye categorically ruled out sending troops to fight the Houthis and maintained that it was still exploring the extent of its assistance to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Similarly, Pakistan also affirmed that its military personnel would not enter Yemen to fight the Houthis. At the same time, it conceded that a substantial number of Pakistani forces were already deployed in Saudi Arabia in a defensive capacity.&nbsp;According to reports, Saudi Arabia has reportedly decided not to agree to a ceasefire with the Houthis until the Yemeni government regains all the territory it has lost in recent weeks.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the war is having drastic consequences on the ground in Yemen. Around 200,000 people remain displaced; there has been an increase in cholera and malnutrition cases, and access to trauma care and hospitals remains limited.

The Houthis continue to attack Saudi targets as Yemeni government forces launch a counter-offensive, while Türkiye and Pakistan rule out sending troops to Yemen amid growing scrutiny of the Mecca pact and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Even as Yemeni government forces have mounted a counter-offensive against the Houthis, the Iran-backed group continues to directly attack Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the much-touted Mecca pact is crumbling. Take a look at these visuals. Smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which was once again attacked by the Houthis. According to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority, three Saudi nationals, including a pilot, were killed, while several people of different nationalities were wounded. It also confirmed that an aircraft belonging to national carrier Saudia was damaged in the strikes. While the Houthis also claimed to have attacked Najran airport as well as the airbase in Khamis Mushait, Riyadh is yet to confirm the attack on Najran airport. In the previous round of airport strikes by the Houthis, three people had died, and 36 others were injured. This is not all. According to the Iran-backed group, it caused dozens of casualties by launching ballistic missiles at several weapons storage sites. It also claimed to have shot down a Saudi armed reconnaissance drone in the province of Taiz. On the other hand, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces said they had destroyed three rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis. They have also reportedly launched an operation to take back control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Amid this, the Mecca pact signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September is facing serious scrutiny. Also Read: ‘Real boss of India’: Elon Musk escalates attack over Starlink’s India entry For instance, Türkiye categorically ruled out sending troops to fight the Houthis and maintained that it was still exploring the extent of its assistance to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Pakistan also affirmed that its military personnel would not enter Yemen to fight the Houthis. At the same time, it conceded that a substantial number of Pakistani forces were already deployed in Saudi Arabia in a defensive capacity. According to reports, Saudi Arabia has reportedly decided not to agree to a ceasefire with the Houthis until the Yemeni government regains all the territory it has lost in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the war is having drastic consequences on the ground in Yemen. Around 200,000 people remain displaced; there has been an increase in cholera and malnutrition cases, and access to trauma care and hospitals remains limited.

The Houthis continue to attack Saudi targets as Yemeni government forces launch a counter-offensive, while Türkiye and Pakistan rule out sending troops to Yemen amid growing scrutiny of the Mecca pact and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Houthis continue direct hits on Saudi targets, Türkiye and Pakistan missing in action | Gravitas

As Democrats look to make gains in the November 3 US midterm elections, two phrases have become part of the political conversation: a “blue wave” and a “blue tsunami”. Both point to the same possibility – a strong Democratic performance – but they suggest very different scales of victory.For President Donald Trump and Republicans, the difference could be crucial. A Democratic victory could shift control of Congress and make the remaining two years of Trump’s term considerably harder.<h2>A ‘blue wave’ is more than a routine win</h2>In US politics, blue is associated with the Democratic Party. A “blue wave” describes an election in which Democrats win seats in significant numbers, often overturning Republican-held districts and gaining ground beyond their traditional strongholds.The phrase does not have a fixed numerical definition. Its meaning depends on the scale of the gains and what they deliver. If Democrats win control of the House of Representatives, for instance, they could gain the power to block Republican legislation, scrutinise the administration and launch congressional investigations.That would leave Trump facing a Congress less willing to back his agenda.<h2>When does a wave become a tsunami?</h2>A “blue tsunami” suggests a much bigger electoral swing. It is used when Democratic gains are so extensive that they go well beyond what political observers expected, potentially putting even relatively safe Republican seats at risk.There is no official seat count that turns a blue wave into a blue tsunami. The distinction is largely rhetorical, with “tsunami” conveying the scale and force of an unexpected political backlash.Such an outcome would be particularly damaging for Republicans if Democrats captured both chambers of Congress rather than just the House.<h2>What is at stake for Trump?</h2>All 435 seats in the House are up for election, alongside 35 Senate seats in 2026. The two contests will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats gain the power to challenge the president more directly.The economy, particularly the cost of living, could weigh on voters’ decisions. Midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the party occupying the White House, although local candidates and issues also matter.For Democrats, a wave would mean a substantial breakthrough. A tsunami would signal something bigger: a rejection of Republicans on a scale that could reshape the balance of power in Washington.

A ‘blue wave’ or ‘blue tsunami’ could reshape the US Congress in November. The terms describe the scale of potential Democratic gains and the political challenge they could pose for Trump.

As Democrats look to make gains in the November 3 US midterm elections, two phrases have become part of the political conversation: a “blue wave” and a “blue tsunami”. Both point to the same possibility – a strong Democratic performance – but they suggest very different scales of victory. For President Donald Trump and Republicans, the difference could be crucial. A Democratic victory could shift control of Congress and make the remaining two years of Trump’s term considerably harder. A ‘blue wave’ is more than a routine win In US politics, blue is associated with the Democratic Party. A “blue wave” describes an election in which Democrats win seats in significant numbers, often overturning Republican-held districts and gaining ground beyond their traditional strongholds. The phrase does not have a fixed numerical definition. Its meaning depends on the scale of the gains and what they deliver. If Democrats win control of the House of Representatives, for instance, they could gain the power to block Republican legislation, scrutinise the administration and launch congressional investigations. That would leave Trump facing a Congress less willing to back his agenda. When does a wave become a tsunami? A “blue tsunami” suggests a much bigger electoral swing. It is used when Democratic gains are so extensive that they go well beyond what political observers expected, potentially putting even relatively safe Republican seats at risk. There is no official seat count that turns a blue wave into a blue tsunami. The distinction is largely rhetorical, with “tsunami” conveying the scale and force of an unexpected political backlash. Such an outcome would be particularly damaging for Republicans if Democrats captured both chambers of Congress rather than just the House. What is at stake for Trump? All 435 seats in the House are up for election, alongside 35 Senate seats in 2026. The two contests will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats gain the power to challenge the president more directly. The economy, particularly the cost of living, could weigh on voters’ decisions. Midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the party occupying the White House, although local candidates and issues also matter. For Democrats, a wave would mean a substantial breakthrough. A tsunami would signal something bigger: a rejection of Republicans on a scale that could reshape the balance of power in Washington.

A ‘blue wave’ or ‘blue tsunami’ could reshape the US Congress in November. The terms describe the scale of potential Democratic gains and the political challenge they could pose for Trump.

US midterm elections 2026: What a blue wave or blue tsunami could mean for Trump

Orkut's founder Orkut Büyükkökten has called for the internet to be rebuilt around real people and invited the public to join a movement on Orkut. In an open letter, he said he created some of the earliest social networks more than two decades ago and has watched social media go wrong. He described the work of his life as more urgent than he ever imagined.&nbsp;He blamed the decline on two decades of optimising for user attention. Feeds, he said, were designed around engagement and not connection, and a generation of children was handed to algorithms that addicted and divided them and sold them to advertisers. "No surprise that they grew up lonely and anxious," he wrote.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narrative-communication-beyond-social-media-views-and-impressions-1785040523333">Narrative communication: Beyond social media views and impressions</a>&nbsp;The founder said he still loves the industry but despairs at what it has become, adding that things are now broken. He said artificial intelligence is extraordinary technology but is undermining the premise that made social networking worth building: that a real person was on the other side. He cited bots, AI-generated slop, deepfakes, rogue agents and synthetic content.&nbsp;Recalling Orkut, he said users most often miss its communities, such as people who repaired the same motorcycle, rode the same bus route or disliked Mondays. "In a feed you're an audience, in a community you're a member," he wrote.&nbsp;He argued that AI cannot create joy, hope, gratitude, wonder, amusement, inspiration or love, which he said make life worth living. He said he arrived in the world alone and with nothing, and that everything he has since gained came from love.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989">The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</a>&nbsp;He outlined a different future for the internet, built around real people with a human on the other side of every message, and not around algorithms, eyeballs or time-on-site. He said the next generation deserves communities that reward kindness, curiosity, friendship, trust and connection.&nbsp;The founder said the way forward is to rebuild the internet people first loved, with authentic people and genuine belonging, but that he cannot do it alone. He asked readers to visit <a href="http://orkut.com/">orkut.com</a> and add their names, then send a supporter card to one person they want with them and explain why.&nbsp;"An algorithm can't make life worth living. But a friend can. A community can," he wrote, calling on people to stop optimising for attention and start optimising for each other.

Orkut founder Orkut Büyükkökten has penned an open letter inviting users to orkut.com to rebuild a human-centered internet, warning against AI bots, feed addiction, and algorithm-driven loneliness.

Orkut's founder Orkut Büyükkökten has called for the internet to be rebuilt around real people and invited the public to join a movement on Orkut. In an open letter, he said he created some of the earliest social networks more than two decades ago and has watched social media go wrong. He described the work of his life as more urgent than he ever imagined. He blamed the decline on two decades of optimising for user attention. Feeds, he said, were designed around engagement and not connection, and a generation of children was handed to algorithms that addicted and divided them and sold them to advertisers. "No surprise that they grew up lonely and anxious," he wrote. Also read: Narrative communication: Beyond social media views and impressions The founder said he still loves the industry but despairs at what it has become, adding that things are now broken. He said artificial intelligence is extraordinary technology but is undermining the premise that made social networking worth building: that a real person was on the other side. He cited bots, AI-generated slop, deepfakes, rogue agents and synthetic content. Recalling Orkut, he said users most often miss its communities, such as people who repaired the same motorcycle, rode the same bus route or disliked Mondays. "In a feed you're an audience, in a community you're a member," he wrote. He argued that AI cannot create joy, hope, gratitude, wonder, amusement, inspiration or love, which he said make life worth living. He said he arrived in the world alone and with nothing, and that everything he has since gained came from love. Also read: The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain He outlined a different future for the internet, built around real people with a human on the other side of every message, and not around algorithms, eyeballs or time-on-site. He said the next generation deserves communities that reward kindness, curiosity, friendship, trust and connection. The founder said the way forward is to rebuild the internet people first loved, with authentic people and genuine belonging, but that he cannot do it alone. He asked readers to visit orkut.com and add their names, then send a supporter card to one person they want with them and explain why. "An algorithm can't make life worth living. But a friend can. A community can," he wrote, calling on people to stop optimising for attention and start optimising for each other.

Orkut founder Orkut Büyükkökten has penned an open letter inviting users to orkut.com to rebuild a human-centered internet, warning against AI bots, feed addiction, and algorithm-driven loneliness.

‘An algorithm can’t make life worth living’: Orkut founder launches campaign to reclaim social media

Living in a makeshift shelter near Nepal’s Trishuli River, Shanti Dangol spends her days looking for traces of her former home and questioning when she will be able to rebuild her life under a real roof. Dangol is among hundreds of people living in tents after a catastrophic Himalayan flood on August 26, triggered by a mountain and glacier collapse near Nepal's border with China. More than 1,400 people died and over 5,000 remain missing after tsunami-like waves swept through the northern mountainous areas, destroying homes, roads, bridges and settlements. A government report shows more than 7,500 private houses were damaged.&nbsp;Dangol, a former hotel owner, now lives in a forest clearing in Betrawati, in Rasuwa district, sharing the plot with 25 other families who also lost their homes. She lost 18 relatives and two four-storey houses, and four of her hotel employees are still missing.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/nepal-earthquake-3-7-magnitude-tremor-jolts-himalayan-region-amid-flood-disaster-1791395433148">Nepal earthquake: 3.7 magnitude tremor jolts Himalayan region amid flood disaster</a>&nbsp;"The river now flows where our house once stood," she told AFP. "Where will the government settle us?"&nbsp;"We just want somewhere to live, we don't need anything more," she said.&nbsp;In Rasuwa alone, more than 1,000 people are in temporary shelters, said district chief administrative officer Kamal Prasad Pandey. He said authorities were also concerned about their permanent settlement, hygiene and mental health.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-flood-survivor-trapped-for-11-days-how-chandika-kumari-shrestha-defied-medical-odds-experts-explain-1789217079754">Nepal flood survivor trapped for 11 days: How Chandika Kumari Shrestha defied medical odds, experts explain</a>&nbsp;Aarati Magar, 26, who lost her newly opened hotel, lives in a tent on the same plot with her daughters, aged eight and three. She worries about their safety and education. "It is tough to stay here. There is no bathing place and no proper place to live," she said.&nbsp;For 58-year-old Narayan Man Dangol, months in a tent are a particular worry with winter approaching. "The wind will carry it away, and then it will rain again. This is just cloth," he said. He said he had lost his life's earnings and, at his age, could no longer work in the fields.&nbsp;Dharam Raj Uprety, head of Nepal's disaster agency, said authorities were moving to the search and recovery phase and working on transitional shelters and identifying resettlement areas.&nbsp;Families have also lost businesses, jobs and access to essential services, leaving many unsure how to rebuild. Kyoko Yokosuka, head of the UN Development Programme in Nepal, said recovery means more than rebuilding infrastructure. It involves helping people restore livelihoods, reopening local economies and restoring essential services, she said.&nbsp;Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations last month that the flooding was a warning to the world about the rising dangers of climate change.&nbsp;For Dangol, the immediate concern is finding a safe place to live. "We don't want the next generation to be homeless like us," she said.

Following the August 26 catastrophic Himalayan flood in Nepal, displaced families in Rasuwa district face an uncertain future in makeshift tents as search operations end and winter approaches.

Living in a makeshift shelter near Nepal’s Trishuli River, Shanti Dangol spends her days looking for traces of her former home and questioning when she will be able to rebuild her life under a real roof. Dangol is among hundreds of people living in tents after a catastrophic Himalayan flood on August 26, triggered by a mountain and glacier collapse near Nepal's border with China. More than 1,400 people died and over 5,000 remain missing after tsunami-like waves swept through the northern mountainous areas, destroying homes, roads, bridges and settlements. A government report shows more than 7,500 private houses were damaged. Dangol, a former hotel owner, now lives in a forest clearing in Betrawati, in Rasuwa district, sharing the plot with 25 other families who also lost their homes. She lost 18 relatives and two four-storey houses, and four of her hotel employees are still missing. Also read: Nepal earthquake: 3.7 magnitude tremor jolts Himalayan region amid flood disaster "The river now flows where our house once stood," she told AFP. "Where will the government settle us?" "We just want somewhere to live, we don't need anything more," she said. In Rasuwa alone, more than 1,000 people are in temporary shelters, said district chief administrative officer Kamal Prasad Pandey. He said authorities were also concerned about their permanent settlement, hygiene and mental health. Also read: Nepal flood survivor trapped for 11 days: How Chandika Kumari Shrestha defied medical odds, experts explain Aarati Magar, 26, who lost her newly opened hotel, lives in a tent on the same plot with her daughters, aged eight and three. She worries about their safety and education. "It is tough to stay here. There is no bathing place and no proper place to live," she said. For 58-year-old Narayan Man Dangol, months in a tent are a particular worry with winter approaching. "The wind will carry it away, and then it will rain again. This is just cloth," he said. He said he had lost his life's earnings and, at his age, could no longer work in the fields. Dharam Raj Uprety, head of Nepal's disaster agency, said authorities were moving to the search and recovery phase and working on transitional shelters and identifying resettlement areas. Families have also lost businesses, jobs and access to essential services, leaving many unsure how to rebuild. Kyoko Yokosuka, head of the UN Development Programme in Nepal, said recovery means more than rebuilding infrastructure. It involves helping people restore livelihoods, reopening local economies and restoring essential services, she said. Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations last month that the flooding was a warning to the world about the rising dangers of climate change. For Dangol, the immediate concern is finding a safe place to live. "We don't want the next generation to be homeless like us," she said.

Following the August 26 catastrophic Himalayan flood in Nepal, displaced families in Rasuwa district face an uncertain future in makeshift tents as search operations end and winter approaches.

No roof, no hope: Displaced families in Nepal demand resettlement after devastating floods

The United States on Friday (Oct 09) imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that Washington would take steps to cripple the court's operations. The announcement came on Friday, the same day former ICC judge Navi Pillay received the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;Rubio said the sanctions would block transactions with the Hague-based tribunal, which the US has never joined. The move marks another escalation in President Donald Trump's administration's campaign against the court over its investigations involving the US and Israel.&nbsp;“Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC,” Rubio said in a statement.&nbsp;He argued that the measures were necessary to protect American security personnel and elected officials from prosecution by the international court.&nbsp;“President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute Americans,” Rubio said, adding that the sanctions would cut off the court's resources and weaken its ability to function.<h2>ICC calls US sanctions an attack on international law</h2>The ICC condemned Washington's decision, describing the sanctions as an attack on international law and the foundations of the global legal system.&nbsp;The court said the measures challenged the principle that no one should be above the law. It also issued a warning, stating that “history will judge this moment”.&nbsp;The Trump administration had previously imposed sanctions on individual ICC officials, including the court's prosecutor and several judges, over investigations involving the United States and Israel. Neither country is a member of the ICC.&nbsp;The European Union also criticised the latest move. The European Commission called the sanctions “deeply regrettable” and said the bloc was prepared to take necessary steps to ensure the court could continue its work.&nbsp;“The EU will work closely with the ICC to ensure it continues to operate effectively,” the Commission said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-wins-nandigram-rejinagar-assembly-bypolls-with-thumping-majority-1791550390894">BJP wins Nandigram, Rejinagar Assembly bypolls with thumping majority</a><h2>Who is Navi Pillay, the Nobel Peace Prize winner?</h2>The sanctions announcement came on the day the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to 85-year-old South African jurist Navi Pillay.&nbsp;Pillay headed the tribunal that investigated the Rwanda genocide, served as a judge at the ICC and later led a United Nations commission that accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.&nbsp;Rubio's statement announcing the sanctions did not refer to Pillay or the Nobel Prize.&nbsp;However, Pillay mentioned US President Donald Trump shortly after receiving applause following the announcement of her award.&nbsp;“If you clap a little bit more, I may share this prize with Trump!” she said in a video posted by the Secretary General of Amnesty International.<h2>Trump attacks Nobel decision and Pillay</h2>Trump later criticised the Nobel Committee in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He accused the committee of damaging the reputation of the peace prize by selecting Pillay.&nbsp;The post read, "Today the Nobel Committee shamed itself beyond repair and demeaned the once great Nobel Peace Prize by giving it to the UN's Navi Pillay. Pillay is an unabashed hater of America and Israel. In her position, she celebrated terrorists and rewarded Hamas. She conducted a phoney "investigation" claiming to find that Israel committed genocide and urging prosecution. She has no credibility in any normal sphere and has never done a thing to foster peace. Just the opposite. But what could be expected from a committee that previously gave the once-coveted peace prize to Yasser Arafat?"

Hours after Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Trump administration announced sanctions against the ICC, vowing to cripple the court's operations.

The United States on Friday (Oct 09) imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that Washington would take steps to cripple the court's operations. The announcement came on Friday, the same day former ICC judge Navi Pillay received the Nobel Peace Prize. Rubio said the sanctions would block transactions with the Hague-based tribunal, which the US has never joined. The move marks another escalation in President Donald Trump's administration's campaign against the court over its investigations involving the US and Israel. “Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC,” Rubio said in a statement. He argued that the measures were necessary to protect American security personnel and elected officials from prosecution by the international court. “President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute Americans,” Rubio said, adding that the sanctions would cut off the court's resources and weaken its ability to function. ICC calls US sanctions an attack on international law The ICC condemned Washington's decision, describing the sanctions as an attack on international law and the foundations of the global legal system. The court said the measures challenged the principle that no one should be above the law. It also issued a warning, stating that “history will judge this moment”. The Trump administration had previously imposed sanctions on individual ICC officials, including the court's prosecutor and several judges, over investigations involving the United States and Israel. Neither country is a member of the ICC. The European Union also criticised the latest move. The European Commission called the sanctions “deeply regrettable” and said the bloc was prepared to take necessary steps to ensure the court could continue its work. “The EU will work closely with the ICC to ensure it continues to operate effectively,” the Commission said. Also Read: BJP wins Nandigram, Rejinagar Assembly bypolls with thumping majority Who is Navi Pillay, the Nobel Peace Prize winner? The sanctions announcement came on the day the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to 85-year-old South African jurist Navi Pillay. Pillay headed the tribunal that investigated the Rwanda genocide, served as a judge at the ICC and later led a United Nations commission that accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Rubio's statement announcing the sanctions did not refer to Pillay or the Nobel Prize. However, Pillay mentioned US President Donald Trump shortly after receiving applause following the announcement of her award. “If you clap a little bit more, I may share this prize with Trump!” she said in a video posted by the Secretary General of Amnesty International. Trump attacks Nobel decision and Pillay Trump later criticised the Nobel Committee in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He accused the committee of damaging the reputation of the peace prize by selecting Pillay. The post read, "Today the Nobel Committee shamed itself beyond repair and demeaned the once great Nobel Peace Prize by giving it to the UN's Navi Pillay. Pillay is an unabashed hater of America and Israel. In her position, she celebrated terrorists and rewarded Hamas. She conducted a phoney "investigation" claiming to find that Israel committed genocide and urging prosecution. She has no credibility in any normal sphere and has never done a thing to foster peace. Just the opposite. But what could be expected from a committee that previously gave the once-coveted peace prize to Yasser Arafat?"

Hours after Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Trump administration announced sanctions against the ICC, vowing to cripple the court's operations.

‘We will end ICC’: US sanctions International court, threatens to cripple hours after Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize

Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR) have launched a 3 million US Dollars initiative to make cross-border trade more efficient, strengthen regional value chains and widen economic opportunities for communities along one of Central Africa’s most important corridors. The two governments are backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).For traders, transport operators, entrepreneurs and border communities, moving safely and efficiently is fundamental to reaching markets, sustaining livelihoods and building stronger economic ties across borders. The initiative combines trade facilitation, effective border governance and safe, orderly and regular migration. Its aim is to ensure that regional integration delivers practical benefits to the people and businesses who drive it every day.The Project to Support the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, known as PAMOZ, was launched on 6 October. It is funded by the AfDB and will run for 24 months, with technical support from IOM.The launch took place in Yaoundé. It was led by Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, H.E. Luc-Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and H.E. Jeannette Marcelle Gotchanga, Ambassador-Designate of the Central African Republic to Cameroon. They were joined by representatives of regional organisations, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society, women’s and youth organisations, and development partners.Minister Mbarga Atangana said: “The launch of the PAMOZ Project reflects the Government of Cameroon’s commitment to harnessing the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA to promote inclusive growth, facilitate trade and strengthen regional economic integration. By reinforcing the capacities of cross-border trade stakeholders and improving the enabling environment for economic exchanges, this initiative will contribute to unlocking new opportunities for businesses and communities alike.”Over the next two years, PAMOZ will work with public institutions, private-sector actors and border communities to make cross-border exchanges more efficient, strengthen regional value chains and expand access to economic opportunities. Particular attention will go to women, young people, entrepreneurs, traders, transport operators and other actors whose livelihoods depend on the movement of people, goods, services and skills across borders.The project is especially significant for CAR, a landlocked country whose access to regional and international markets depends on reliable transport and trade connections. In 2024, CAR recorded approximately 984 million Dollars in merchandise trade, including 779 million Dollars in imports. Cameroon is a major trading economy in the subregion. According to the latest available World Bank trade data, its merchandise exports are valued at approximately 5 billion dollars and its imports at 8.3 billion Dollars.These figures underline why the Cameroon-CAR corridor should be seen not simply as a transport route, but as an economic and human ecosystem connecting communities, markets, services and opportunities. More efficient movement along it can help reduce barriers to trade, improve links between producers and markets, support enterprise development and strengthen economic resilience on both sides of the border.Ambassador-Designate Gotchanga said: “Enhanced cooperation between the Central African Republic and Cameroon is essential to addressing constraints to trade, fostering stronger economic linkages and supporting sustainable development. The PAMOZ Project marks an important milestone in our shared efforts to promote greater regional connectivity and prosperity.”The project also reflects a broader policy imperative. Africa’s economic integration depends not only on reducing barriers to the movement of goods, but also on enabling the people, skills, services and investment that sustain regional markets to move safely and regularly.Speaking for the AfDB, Pierre Ollame Bekale, Country Programme Officer for Cameroon, represented the Bank’s Director General for Central Africa. He said: “For the African Development Bank, regional integration is not only about moving goods across borders. It is about enablingpeople, businesses, skills and investment to move more freely, connecting African enterprises to regional value chains and creating opportunities for jobs and inclusive growth. This is how we can turn the ambition of the AfCFTA into tangible opportunities for people and businesses across Africa.”For IOM, PAMOZ shows how well-governed human mobility can advance economic development and regional integration. By linking migration governance with trade policy and local economic development, the project will help strengthen cross-border cooperation while promoting mobility that is safe, orderly and regular.IOM Chief of Mission in Cameroon, Abdel Rahmane Diop, said: “Human mobility is a powerful enabler of economic development, trade and regional integration. IOM is proud to support the Governments of Cameroon and the Central African Republic in leveraging mobility as a catalyst for opportunity, resilience and shared prosperity.”PAMOZ will also promote more inclusive participation in cross-border trade by helping women, young people and other economic actors benefit more fully from the opportunities created by the AfCFTA. Their participation will be critical to ensuring that increased trade translates into stronger livelihoods, decent work and sustainable development for border communities.By strengthening cooperation between Cameroon and CAR, the initiative aims to contribute to a more connected regional economy, one in which mobility expands access to markets, supports entrepreneurship and creates shared prosperity across borders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The project is especially significant for CAR, a landlocked country whose access to regional and international markets depends on reliable transport and trade connections. 

Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR) have launched a 3 million US Dollars initiative to make cross-border trade more efficient, strengthen regional value chains and widen economic opportunities for communities along one of Central Africa’s most important corridors. The two governments are backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). For traders, transport operators, entrepreneurs and border communities, moving safely and efficiently is fundamental to reaching markets, sustaining livelihoods and building stronger economic ties across borders. The initiative combines trade facilitation, effective border governance and safe, orderly and regular migration. Its aim is to ensure that regional integration delivers practical benefits to the people and businesses who drive it every day. The Project to Support the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, known as PAMOZ, was launched on 6 October. It is funded by the AfDB and will run for 24 months, with technical support from IOM. The launch took place in Yaoundé. It was led by Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, H.E. Luc-Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and H.E. Jeannette Marcelle Gotchanga, Ambassador-Designate of the Central African Republic to Cameroon. They were joined by representatives of regional organisations, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society, women’s and youth organisations, and development partners. Minister Mbarga Atangana said: “The launch of the PAMOZ Project reflects the Government of Cameroon’s commitment to harnessing the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA to promote inclusive growth, facilitate trade and strengthen regional economic integration. By reinforcing the capacities of cross-border trade stakeholders and improving the enabling environment for economic exchanges, this initiative will contribute to unlocking new opportunities for businesses and communities alike.” Over the next two years, PAMOZ will work with public institutions, private-sector actors and border communities to make cross-border exchanges more efficient, strengthen regional value chains and expand access to economic opportunities. Particular attention will go to women, young people, entrepreneurs, traders, transport operators and other actors whose livelihoods depend on the movement of people, goods, services and skills across borders. The project is especially significant for CAR, a landlocked country whose access to regional and international markets depends on reliable transport and trade connections. In 2024, CAR recorded approximately 984 million Dollars in merchandise trade, including 779 million Dollars in imports. Cameroon is a major trading economy in the subregion. According to the latest available World Bank trade data, its merchandise exports are valued at approximately 5 billion dollars and its imports at 8.3 billion Dollars. These figures underline why the Cameroon-CAR corridor should be seen not simply as a transport route, but as an economic and human ecosystem connecting communities, markets, services and opportunities. More efficient movement along it can help reduce barriers to trade, improve links between producers and markets, support enterprise development and strengthen economic resilience on both sides of the border. Ambassador-Designate Gotchanga said: “Enhanced cooperation between the Central African Republic and Cameroon is essential to addressing constraints to trade, fostering stronger economic linkages and supporting sustainable development. The PAMOZ Project marks an important milestone in our shared efforts to promote greater regional connectivity and prosperity.” The project also reflects a broader policy imperative. Africa’s economic integration depends not only on reducing barriers to the movement of goods, but also on enabling the people, skills, services and investment that sustain regional markets to move safely and regularly. Speaking for the AfDB, Pierre Ollame Bekale, Country Programme Officer for Cameroon, represented the Bank’s Director General for Central Africa. He said: “For the African Development Bank, regional integration is not only about moving goods across borders. It is about enabling people, businesses, skills and investment to move more freely, connecting African enterprises to regional value chains and creating opportunities for jobs and inclusive growth. This is how we can turn the ambition of the AfCFTA into tangible opportunities for people and businesses across Africa.” For IOM, PAMOZ shows how well-governed human mobility can advance economic development and regional integration. By linking migration governance with trade policy and local economic development, the project will help strengthen cross-border cooperation while promoting mobility that is safe, orderly and regular. IOM Chief of Mission in Cameroon, Abdel Rahmane Diop, said: “Human mobility is a powerful enabler of economic development, trade and regional integration. IOM is proud to support the Governments of Cameroon and the Central African Republic in leveraging mobility as a catalyst for opportunity, resilience and shared prosperity.” PAMOZ will also promote more inclusive participation in cross-border trade by helping women, young people and other economic actors benefit more fully from the opportunities created by the AfCFTA. Their participation will be critical to ensuring that increased trade translates into stronger livelihoods, decent work and sustainable development for border communities. By strengthening cooperation between Cameroon and CAR, the initiative aims to contribute to a more connected regional economy, one in which mobility expands access to markets, supports entrepreneurship and creates shared prosperity across borders.

The project is especially significant for CAR, a landlocked country whose access to regional and international markets depends on reliable transport and trade connections.&nbsp;

Cameroon and CAR open a $3m corridor deal to make cross-border trade work for ordinary traders

Thieves have stolen 30,000 bottles of wine worth €5 million ($5.6 million) from a prestigious winery in Tuscany in what is believed to be the biggest ever wine heist in Italy. The renowned Marchesi Antinori said that a shipment of some of Italy’s most sought-after wines has vanished before it could reach buyers abroad, in what its chief executive described as an unprecedented robbery.The theft took place on Saturday (Oct 3) at the company’s storage facility in central Italy. It went unnoticed until Monday (Oct 5) morning, when staff arrived at the premises.<h2>A carefully planned operation</h2>At least seven masked men are believed to have carried out the operation after disabling the alarm system and surveillance cameras. They then used forklifts belonging to the company to load the bottles onto two large trucks before leaving the site.The haul included Tignanello, Solaia and Guado al Tasso, three of the winery’s best-known red wines. The bottles are particularly popular among collectors, with prices varying between €120 and €400 a bottle depending on the vintages.Renzo Cotarella, chief executive of Marchesi Antinori, told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that the scale of the theft was unprecedented.“A theft of this scale and value has certainly never occurred in Italy,” he said.<h2>‘Two trucks can’t disappear into thin air’</h2>Cotarella expressed hope that investigators would be able to track down the stolen consignment, pointing to the extensive camera coverage on Tuscan roads.“Two trucks full of merchandise can't just disappear into thin air,” he said. “The Tuscan roads are full of cameras; perhaps with a bit of luck we’ll be able to recover at least some of the bottles stolen from us.”The winery suspects the selection of wines indicates that the perpetrators had considerable knowledge of the products and their value. The stolen bottles were reportedly intended for export.<h2>Wine thefts raise concerns</h2>Founded in 1385, Marchesi Antinori is one of Italy’s best-known family-owned wine producers and exports its products to around 170 countries.The robbery comes amid a series of wine thefts across Italy. In September, around 3,000 bottles of Barolo were reportedly stolen in the northern Piedmont region, with losses estimated at several hundred thousand euros.No arrests have been reported in the Antinori case. The investigation continues as the company urges customers to be cautious about offers of its wines outside authorised sales channels.

Thieves stole 30,000 bottles of wine worth €5 million ($5.6 million) from Italy’s Marchesi Antinori winery after disabling security systems, in a heist described as unprecedented. Investigators are searching for the haul.

Thieves have stolen 30,000 bottles of wine worth €5 million ($5.6 million) from a prestigious winery in Tuscany in what is believed to be the biggest ever wine heist in Italy. The renowned Marchesi Antinori said that a shipment of some of Italy’s most sought-after wines has vanished before it could reach buyers abroad, in what its chief executive described as an unprecedented robbery. The theft took place on Saturday (Oct 3) at the company’s storage facility in central Italy. It went unnoticed until Monday (Oct 5) morning, when staff arrived at the premises. A carefully planned operation At least seven masked men are believed to have carried out the operation after disabling the alarm system and surveillance cameras. They then used forklifts belonging to the company to load the bottles onto two large trucks before leaving the site. The haul included Tignanello, Solaia and Guado al Tasso, three of the winery’s best-known red wines. The bottles are particularly popular among collectors, with prices varying between €120 and €400 a bottle depending on the vintages. Renzo Cotarella, chief executive of Marchesi Antinori, told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that the scale of the theft was unprecedented. “A theft of this scale and value has certainly never occurred in Italy,” he said. ‘Two trucks can’t disappear into thin air’ Cotarella expressed hope that investigators would be able to track down the stolen consignment, pointing to the extensive camera coverage on Tuscan roads. “Two trucks full of merchandise can't just disappear into thin air,” he said. “The Tuscan roads are full of cameras; perhaps with a bit of luck we’ll be able to recover at least some of the bottles stolen from us.” The winery suspects the selection of wines indicates that the perpetrators had considerable knowledge of the products and their value. The stolen bottles were reportedly intended for export. Wine thefts raise concerns Founded in 1385, Marchesi Antinori is one of Italy’s best-known family-owned wine producers and exports its products to around 170 countries. The robbery comes amid a series of wine thefts across Italy. In September, around 3,000 bottles of Barolo were reportedly stolen in the northern Piedmont region, with losses estimated at several hundred thousand euros. No arrests have been reported in the Antinori case. The investigation continues as the company urges customers to be cautious about offers of its wines outside authorised sales channels.

Thieves stole 30,000 bottles of wine worth €5 million ($5.6 million) from Italy’s Marchesi Antinori winery after disabling security systems, in a heist described as unprecedented. Investigators are searching for the haul.

Italy’s biggest wine heist? Thieves steal 30,000 bottles worth $5.6m from Tuscany winery

India is considering inviting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as the chief guest for its Republic Day celebrations on January 26 next year, as New Delhi and Ottawa work to finalise a trade agreement by the end of 2026, &nbsp;The Hindustan Times reported citing people familiar with the matter.&nbsp;The possible invitation comes as both countries seek to improve bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation. Ties between India and Canada deteriorated under former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau but have shown signs of improvement since Carney took office last year.&nbsp;As per the report, the choice of a Republic Day chief guest reflects India's strategic, diplomatic and economic priorities and can also signal the state of its relations with the invited country.<h2>India and Canada push to conclude trade deal</h2>India and Canada have completed four rounds of negotiations on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), while the fifth round is currently underway. An Indian negotiating team arrived in Ottawa on October 5 to take the discussions forward.&nbsp;Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu are expected to visit India in mid-October to help advance the negotiations.&nbsp;Both countries aim to agree by the end of this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Carney reaffirmed this target when they met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jewar-airport-in-noida-to-be-renamed-narendra-modi-international-airport-cm-yogi-1791545018628">Jewar airport in Noida to be renamed Narendra Modi International Airport: CM Yogi</a><h2>Modi may travel to Canada in December</h2>Modi is also expected to visit Canada in December as part of a planned trip that includes Belgium and the United States. His visit to Ottawa could coincide with the completion of the CEPA negotiations.&nbsp;If the visit goes ahead, it would be Modi's first bilateral trip to Canada in a decade. He last visited the country in 2016, when Stephen Harper was prime minister.&nbsp;The possible invitation to Carney for Republic Day comes amid wider efforts by both governments to rebuild ties and strengthen economic cooperation.&nbsp;Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have shown signs of improvement since Carney became Canada's prime minister. He visited India in March 2026, following which both countries discussed ways to expand economic cooperation. Their engagement included agreements related to critical minerals and the supply of uranium ore from Canada.&nbsp;The possible Republic Day invitation is being considered against this backdrop of renewed diplomatic engagement and ongoing efforts to secure a trade agreement. However, the invitation has been reported as a possibility and has not been confirmed in the information provided.

India is considering inviting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as the chief guest for Republic Day 2027 as both countries work to conclude a trade agreement and strengthen bilateral relations.

India is considering inviting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as the chief guest for its Republic Day celebrations on January 26 next year, as New Delhi and Ottawa work to finalise a trade agreement by the end of 2026, The Hindustan Times reported citing people familiar with the matter. The possible invitation comes as both countries seek to improve bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation. Ties between India and Canada deteriorated under former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau but have shown signs of improvement since Carney took office last year. As per the report, the choice of a Republic Day chief guest reflects India's strategic, diplomatic and economic priorities and can also signal the state of its relations with the invited country. India and Canada push to conclude trade deal India and Canada have completed four rounds of negotiations on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), while the fifth round is currently underway. An Indian negotiating team arrived in Ottawa on October 5 to take the discussions forward. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu are expected to visit India in mid-October to help advance the negotiations. Both countries aim to agree by the end of this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Carney reaffirmed this target when they met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Also Read: Jewar airport in Noida to be renamed Narendra Modi International Airport: CM Yogi Modi may travel to Canada in December Modi is also expected to visit Canada in December as part of a planned trip that includes Belgium and the United States. His visit to Ottawa could coincide with the completion of the CEPA negotiations. If the visit goes ahead, it would be Modi's first bilateral trip to Canada in a decade. He last visited the country in 2016, when Stephen Harper was prime minister. The possible invitation to Carney for Republic Day comes amid wider efforts by both governments to rebuild ties and strengthen economic cooperation. Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have shown signs of improvement since Carney became Canada's prime minister. He visited India in March 2026, following which both countries discussed ways to expand economic cooperation. Their engagement included agreements related to critical minerals and the supply of uranium ore from Canada. The possible Republic Day invitation is being considered against this backdrop of renewed diplomatic engagement and ongoing efforts to secure a trade agreement. However, the invitation has been reported as a possibility and has not been confirmed in the information provided.

India is considering inviting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as the chief guest for Republic Day 2027 as both countries work to conclude a trade agreement and strengthen bilateral relations.

India may invite Canadian PM Mark Carney as chief guest for Republic Day 2027: Report

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that negotiations to end the Middle East war will have little chance of success unless Washington abandons pressure and threats, as efforts to break the months-long stalemate remain unsuccessful. Speaking at a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Turkmenistan on Friday (Oct 9), Pezeshkian said any diplomatic process must be based on mutual respect rather than coercion.“Dialogue holds meaning and a chance of success only when based on mutual respect and mutual commitments, and when devoid of pressure and threat,” he said.He added, “Negotiation conducted in the shadow of force is not negotiation, it is imposition and coercion.”Pezeshkian also cautioned that sanctions against Iran would have consequences for the wider region, affecting “regional trade, connectivity, energy, and order.”<h2>Tehran questions value of negotiations</h2>The latest remarks follow Pezeshkian’s criticism of negotiations with the United States earlier this week. On Monday (Oct 5), he described talks as worthless, arguing that diplomatic engagement had failed to prevent further attacks.“With an enemy that everyday resorts to assassination, sanctions, pressure and threats, and that breaks its commitments, negotiations are meaningless,” he said.The conflict began in late February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which came as Washington and Tehran were engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.A memorandum of understanding reached in June outlined a framework for a lasting settlement. However, the agreement failed to deliver a permanent end to hostilities, and negotiations have remained stalled.Recent indirect discussions between the two sides on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly also failed to produce a breakthrough.<h2>Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint</h2>The dispute has increasingly centred on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route whose closure sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Iran has sought to exercise control over the waterway, attacking vessels attempting to pass without its authorisation. The United States has responded with a counterblockade of Iranian ports and strikes against vessels it accuses of violating the restrictions.Washington and Israel have maintained that their military campaign is intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied seeking to develop them.With military operations giving way, in part, to economic pressure, Pezeshkian’s latest comments underline how far apart the two sides remain on the conditions for peace.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says peace talks with the US require mutual respect and no threats, as stalled negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz dispute prolong the Middle East conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that negotiations to end the Middle East war will have little chance of success unless Washington abandons pressure and threats, as efforts to break the months-long stalemate remain unsuccessful. Speaking at a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Turkmenistan on Friday (Oct 9), Pezeshkian said any diplomatic process must be based on mutual respect rather than coercion. “Dialogue holds meaning and a chance of success only when based on mutual respect and mutual commitments, and when devoid of pressure and threat,” he said. He added, “Negotiation conducted in the shadow of force is not negotiation, it is imposition and coercion.” Pezeshkian also cautioned that sanctions against Iran would have consequences for the wider region, affecting “regional trade, connectivity, energy, and order.” Tehran questions value of negotiations The latest remarks follow Pezeshkian’s criticism of negotiations with the United States earlier this week. On Monday (Oct 5), he described talks as worthless, arguing that diplomatic engagement had failed to prevent further attacks. “With an enemy that everyday resorts to assassination, sanctions, pressure and threats, and that breaks its commitments, negotiations are meaningless,” he said. The conflict began in late February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which came as Washington and Tehran were engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. A memorandum of understanding reached in June outlined a framework for a lasting settlement. However, the agreement failed to deliver a permanent end to hostilities, and negotiations have remained stalled. Recent indirect discussions between the two sides on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly also failed to produce a breakthrough. Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint The dispute has increasingly centred on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route whose closure sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Iran has sought to exercise control over the waterway, attacking vessels attempting to pass without its authorisation. The United States has responded with a counterblockade of Iranian ports and strikes against vessels it accuses of violating the restrictions. Washington and Israel have maintained that their military campaign is intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied seeking to develop them. With military operations giving way, in part, to economic pressure, Pezeshkian’s latest comments underline how far apart the two sides remain on the conditions for peace.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says peace talks with the US require mutual respect and no threats, as stalled negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz dispute prolong the Middle East conflict.

Pezeshkian warns US against ‘pressure and threat’ in talks, says sanctions risk regional fallout

Prince Harry has revealed that he ‘slipped into depression for about two weeks’ after he and his family relocated to Canada in 2019 ahead of his move to the US. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in January 2020 and moved to the US. Harry and Meghan, along with their children, have recently returned to the UK.&nbsp;Prince Harry has revealed he originally left the country to "get some space."&nbsp;The Duke, while speaking in the MasterClass series Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss, &nbsp;discussed feeling "emotionally numb" after the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, because he felt "disloyal and guilty for the possibility of being happy and joyful without her".&nbsp;He opened up about his mental health with a neuroscientist in a session for a video learning platform.&nbsp;Both Harry and his elder brother Prince William have previously been candid about their mental health struggles, including over their mother's death, and both are involved in mental health charities.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/prince-harry-offers-rare-glimpse-into-archie-and-lilibet-s-life-after-uk-move-1790398592710">Prince Harry offers rare glimpse into Archie and Lilibet’s life after UK move</a>&nbsp;Reflecting on his transition away from royal duties, Harry described experiencing a dramatic physical and emotional breakdown shortly after relocating to Canada.&nbsp;Harry recalled feeling an intense physiological crash within days of arriving in Canada. "It was as if I needed stress to get the adrenaline to make my brain function," he explained, sharing that he slipped into a two-week depression after relying on high-stress environments for years just to feel operational.&nbsp;Harry said he didn’t process grief for a long time after losing his mother at the age of 12. "In my 20s, I went to war twice thinking I could outrun my feelings," he said, referencing his military service in Afghanistan.&nbsp;He admitted to feeling guilty at the thought of being happy without his mother, believing that remaining sad was the only way to prove he missed her.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sorry-harry-and-meghan-seek-sit-down-with-william-kate-to-end-feud-says-insider-1791372278444">Sorry? Harry, Meghan seek sit-down with William-Kate to end feud, says insider</a><h2>Unlocking Recovery</h2> Harry revealed that after crying at his mother's funeral, he did not cry again for nearly 20 years. Breakthrough progress came through therapy, where a counsellor suggested he smell his mother's perfume to process his suppressed emotions. The experience helped him realise that his mother simply wanted him to be happy.&nbsp;Neuroscientist and University of Arizona professor Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, who also appeared in the session, explained the neurological side of loss: "Your brain doesn't register your loved one as gone—it registers them as lost... We still expect that they're going to walk through the door."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/prince-harry-meghan-react-after-photographers-spotted-near-archie-lilibet-s-school-extraordinarily-reckless-1790776097232">Harry, Meghan react after photographers spotted near Archie, Lilibet's school</a><h2>A New Chapter</h2> Filmed in California over the summer following an invitation from MasterClass, the session coincides with significant updates in the Duke's personal life.Harry and Meghan recently announced their return to the UK with their children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), after six years in the US. The family is now believed to be residing in the Cotswolds.

Prince Harry has opened up about mental health struggles and revealed he went through depression after moving to Canada with his wife and children. 

Prince Harry has revealed that he ‘slipped into depression for about two weeks’ after he and his family relocated to Canada in 2019 ahead of his move to the US. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in January 2020 and moved to the US. Harry and Meghan, along with their children, have recently returned to the UK. Prince Harry has revealed he originally left the country to "get some space." The Duke, while speaking in the MasterClass series Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss, discussed feeling "emotionally numb" after the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, because he felt "disloyal and guilty for the possibility of being happy and joyful without her". He opened up about his mental health with a neuroscientist in a session for a video learning platform. Both Harry and his elder brother Prince William have previously been candid about their mental health struggles, including over their mother's death, and both are involved in mental health charities. Also read: Prince Harry offers rare glimpse into Archie and Lilibet’s life after UK move Reflecting on his transition away from royal duties, Harry described experiencing a dramatic physical and emotional breakdown shortly after relocating to Canada. Harry recalled feeling an intense physiological crash within days of arriving in Canada. "It was as if I needed stress to get the adrenaline to make my brain function," he explained, sharing that he slipped into a two-week depression after relying on high-stress environments for years just to feel operational. Harry said he didn’t process grief for a long time after losing his mother at the age of 12. "In my 20s, I went to war twice thinking I could outrun my feelings," he said, referencing his military service in Afghanistan. He admitted to feeling guilty at the thought of being happy without his mother, believing that remaining sad was the only way to prove he missed her. Also read: Sorry? Harry, Meghan seek sit-down with William-Kate to end feud, says insider Unlocking Recovery Harry revealed that after crying at his mother's funeral, he did not cry again for nearly 20 years. Breakthrough progress came through therapy, where a counsellor suggested he smell his mother's perfume to process his suppressed emotions. The experience helped him realise that his mother simply wanted him to be happy. Neuroscientist and University of Arizona professor Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, who also appeared in the session, explained the neurological side of loss: "Your brain doesn't register your loved one as gone—it registers them as lost... We still expect that they're going to walk through the door." Also read: Harry, Meghan react after photographers spotted near Archie, Lilibet's school A New Chapter Filmed in California over the summer following an invitation from MasterClass, the session coincides with significant updates in the Duke's personal life. Harry and Meghan recently announced their return to the UK with their children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), after six years in the US. The family is now believed to be residing in the Cotswolds.

Prince Harry has opened up about mental health struggles and revealed he went through depression after moving to Canada with his wife and children.&nbsp;

Prince Harry opens up about loss, depression, and recovery: 'I felt guilty being happy'

New Delhi: Estonia’s justice and digital affairs minister has said the Baltic state welcomes skilled talent from India after the United States suspended a key route to permanent residency for several major IT firms.“All talent is welcome,” Liisa-Ly Pakosta told WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, responding to Washington’s decision to bar companies including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and HCL from the Permanent Labor Certification programme. The move, announced on Thursday, prevents those employers from filing new applications or processing pending ones that allow foreign staff to seek green cards.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/starlink-row-india-rejects-musk-s-monopoly-accusation-reveals-amazon-also-in-satellite-internet-race-1791533852541">Starlink row: India rejects Musk’s ‘monopoly’ accusation, reveals Amazon also in satellite internet race</a>Estonia, with a population of about 1.3 million, already hosts more than 2,000 people from India, most of them in information technology, along with more than 200 Indian students, she said. “We see huge possibilities for growth,” Pakosta added, pointing to demand for scalable digital products.Pakosta pointed Estonia as a highly digitised country. Government services are almost entirely online, data systems are designed to work together, and the private sector builds much of the infrastructure, she said.The country’s X-Road interoperability platform has been adopted elsewhere, including in Ukraine, where she said it continued to function securely for a population of about 40 million “even under the full-scale war situation.”She argued that Estonia’s small size and India’s research capacity could complement each other, particularly in artificial intelligence. “The solutions from Estonia are well scalable here, but at the same time we have so much to learn from your side, because you invest a lot to research and development on the huge scale,” she said. Partnerships would still require risk assessments, she noted.On cybersecurity, Pakosta said the threat environment had shifted with the rise of AI-driven attacks and that Estonia already had a cooperation agreement with India. She called for joint work on defences that operate “literally online and without any delay.” Data protection, she added, becomes more important in the AI era because “all the mistakes could be exponential.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-offensive-india-hits-back-at-us-vice-president-jd-vance-for-indentured-labour-remark-1791529828211">'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark</a>Asked about deepfakes and online misinformation, she highlighted Estonia’s early media-literacy education and praised India’s requirement that platforms remove false information quickly, saying she would like to see that approach become an international standard.On regulating large technology platforms, Pakosta defended free expression while warning that foreign actors were altering historical narratives inside large language models and interfering in elections. “International regulation is very, very much needed,” she said, including guardrails against propaganda intended “to take the other nation down.”She compared AI to nuclear power, with beneficial and harmful uses, and said like-minded countries should set rules that expand access,through open-source tools, for example, while limiting systems capable of “tremendous harm.”

The US has restricted a key green card route for major Indian IT firms, but Estonia is sending a different message to skilled professionals. Its digital affairs minister tells WION why the Baltic nation sees growing opportunities for Indian talent, from AI to cybersecurity.

New Delhi: Estonia’s justice and digital affairs minister has said the Baltic state welcomes skilled talent from India after the United States suspended a key route to permanent residency for several major IT firms. “All talent is welcome,” Liisa-Ly Pakosta told WION's Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, responding to Washington’s decision to bar companies including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and HCL from the Permanent Labor Certification programme. The move, announced on Thursday, prevents those employers from filing new applications or processing pending ones that allow foreign staff to seek green cards. Also read | Starlink row: India rejects Musk’s ‘monopoly’ accusation, reveals Amazon also in satellite internet race Estonia, with a population of about 1.3 million, already hosts more than 2,000 people from India, most of them in information technology, along with more than 200 Indian students, she said. “We see huge possibilities for growth,” Pakosta added, pointing to demand for scalable digital products. Pakosta pointed Estonia as a highly digitised country. Government services are almost entirely online, data systems are designed to work together, and the private sector builds much of the infrastructure, she said. The country’s X-Road interoperability platform has been adopted elsewhere, including in Ukraine, where she said it continued to function securely for a population of about 40 million “even under the full-scale war situation.” She argued that Estonia’s small size and India’s research capacity could complement each other, particularly in artificial intelligence. “The solutions from Estonia are well scalable here, but at the same time we have so much to learn from your side, because you invest a lot to research and development on the huge scale,” she said. Partnerships would still require risk assessments, she noted. On cybersecurity, Pakosta said the threat environment had shifted with the rise of AI-driven attacks and that Estonia already had a cooperation agreement with India. She called for joint work on defences that operate “literally online and without any delay.” Data protection, she added, becomes more important in the AI era because “all the mistakes could be exponential.” Also read | 'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark Asked about deepfakes and online misinformation, she highlighted Estonia’s early media-literacy education and praised India’s requirement that platforms remove false information quickly, saying she would like to see that approach become an international standard. On regulating large technology platforms, Pakosta defended free expression while warning that foreign actors were altering historical narratives inside large language models and interfering in elections. “International regulation is very, very much needed,” she said, including guardrails against propaganda intended “to take the other nation down.” She compared AI to nuclear power, with beneficial and harmful uses, and said like-minded countries should set rules that expand access,through open-source tools, for example, while limiting systems capable of “tremendous harm.”

The US has restricted a key green card route for major Indian IT firms, but Estonia is sending a different message to skilled professionals. Its digital affairs minister tells WION why the Baltic nation sees growing opportunities for Indian talent, from AI to cybersecurity.

Estonian minister ‘welcomes’ Indian tech talent as Washington suspends residency programme; lauds Indian action on fake news

The United Nations on Friday (Oct 9) said that the decision to livestream the execution of convicted killer Nidal Hasan by US officials would amount to torture. “The livestreaming of an execution is tantamount to a public execution and would breach the absolute prohibition of torture,” the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said.&nbsp;The execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad will be livestreamed, a Pentagon official said on Thursday, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the execution would take place in ‘public’.&nbsp;Hasan, a former US Army psychiatrist, was convicted of killing 13 people in the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood. His execution would mark the first carried out by the US military since 1961 and the first US military firing-squad execution since World War II.&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday, Hegseth took to X to post a video that said Hasan is going to get a firing squad of soldiers, as it should be, and we'll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it's public. Speaking to right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, Hegseth said the public should understand that executions can carry serious consequences.&nbsp;"People need to understand that...there's serious consequence for these types of things," Hegseth said.&nbsp;He pointed out that the planned execution would be the military's first firing-squad execution since World War II. He was referring to Eddie Slovik, a US soldier executed for desertion in 1945."I kind of like the mentality we had in World War II, which was win, which was understand when the enemy attacks you, you need to stand your ground," Hegseth said. In another video clip, Posobiec asked Hegseth whether Hasan had been given the opportunity to make a final request. "Don't care. We'll see him on December 3," Hegseth said, referring to the scheduled execution date.&nbsp;The last US military execution took place in 1961, when John Bennett was hanged after being convicted of rape and attempted murder.

The execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad will be livestreamed, a Pentagon official said on Thursday, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the execution would take place in ‘public’.

The United Nations on Friday (Oct 9) said that the decision to livestream the execution of convicted killer Nidal Hasan by US officials would amount to torture. “The livestreaming of an execution is tantamount to a public execution and would breach the absolute prohibition of torture,” the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said. The execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad will be livestreamed, a Pentagon official said on Thursday, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the execution would take place in ‘public’. Hasan, a former US Army psychiatrist, was convicted of killing 13 people in the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood. His execution would mark the first carried out by the US military since 1961 and the first US military firing-squad execution since World War II. Earlier on Thursday, Hegseth took to X to post a video that said Hasan is going to get a firing squad of soldiers, as it should be, and we'll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it's public. Speaking to right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, Hegseth said the public should understand that executions can carry serious consequences. "People need to understand that...there's serious consequence for these types of things," Hegseth said. He pointed out that the planned execution would be the military's first firing-squad execution since World War II. He was referring to Eddie Slovik, a US soldier executed for desertion in 1945. "I kind of like the mentality we had in World War II, which was win, which was understand when the enemy attacks you, you need to stand your ground," Hegseth said. In another video clip, Posobiec asked Hegseth whether Hasan had been given the opportunity to make a final request. "Don't care. We'll see him on December 3," Hegseth said, referring to the scheduled execution date. The last US military execution took place in 1961, when John Bennett was hanged after being convicted of rape and attempted murder.

The execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad will be livestreamed, a Pentagon official said on Thursday, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the execution would take place in ‘public’.

'Breach of absolute prohibition of torture': UN on US' decision to livestream execution

US Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor Anthony D’Esposito on Thursday (Oct 08) reacted with mockery to news of the Indian stock market allegedly collapsing after the Donald Trump administration announced immigration curbs on major IT firms. "Ruh Roh." he said while sharing a post claiming that "The Indian stock market completely COLLAPSED today after the Trump Administration suspended H-1B and foreign labour programs over fraud." But did the Indian share market collapse following the announcement? WION does a fact check.<h2><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261009/image-1791539423460.png"></h2>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-offensive-india-hits-back-at-us-vice-president-jd-vance-for-indentured-labour-remark-1791529828211">'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark</a><h2>US curbs and Indian IT giants</h2>On Thursday, the US put curbs on eight IT firms. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended.US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-ending-flow-of-cheap-labour-jd-vance-hits-back-at-indian-origin-congresswoman-over-us-green-card-curbs-for-major-tech-companies-1791516363899">‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies</a><h2>What happened to Indian stock markets after the announcement?</h2>D’Esposito has gotten a fact check on X itself, with users pointing out in the community notes below the post that the Indian stock market had closed hours before the Trump administration’s October 8 announcement.On Friday (Oct 09), despite the US announcement, Indian markets opened on a high, with IT stocks witnessing strong buying. According to ANI, the Nifty 50 opened at 22,303.35, gaining 70.55 points or 0.32 per cent, while the BSE Sensex was trading at 71,747.82, up 154.5 points or 0.22 per cent.The Nifty IT index jumped 2.73 per cent, while most other sectoral indices on the NSE also traded in positive territory after losses the previous day (Thursday, Oct 08). Nifty FMCG rose 0.96 per cent, Nifty Private Bank gained 0.56 per cent, Nifty PSU Bank advanced 0.47 per cent, Nifty Metal increased 0.26 per cent, Nifty Pharma rose 0.22 per cent, and Nifty Auto gained 0.12 per cent.&nbsp;

Anthony D’Esposito, a top US official, appeared to mock India after a viral post claimed the Indian stock market had “completely COLLAPSED” following Trump’s latest IT curbs. But there’s a major problem with the claim: the data doesn’t add up. Here’s what the market data shows.

US Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor Anthony D’Esposito on Thursday (Oct 08) reacted with mockery to news of the Indian stock market allegedly collapsing after the Donald Trump administration announced immigration curbs on major IT firms. "Ruh Roh." he said while sharing a post claiming that "The Indian stock market completely COLLAPSED today after the Trump Administration suspended H-1B and foreign labour programs over fraud." But did the Indian share market collapse following the announcement? WION does a fact check. Also read | 'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark US curbs and Indian IT giants On Thursday, the US put curbs on eight IT firms. The companies named included Indian IT services majors Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, alongside France's Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended. US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the companies had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications. “Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H-1 B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” Sonderling said, arguing that the figures represented jobs taken from American workers. Also read | ‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies What happened to Indian stock markets after the announcement? D’Esposito has gotten a fact check on X itself, with users pointing out in the community notes below the post that the Indian stock market had closed hours before the Trump administration’s October 8 announcement. On Friday (Oct 09), despite the US announcement, Indian markets opened on a high, with IT stocks witnessing strong buying. According to ANI, the Nifty 50 opened at 22,303.35, gaining 70.55 points or 0.32 per cent, while the BSE Sensex was trading at 71,747.82, up 154.5 points or 0.22 per cent. The Nifty IT index jumped 2.73 per cent, while most other sectoral indices on the NSE also traded in positive territory after losses the previous day (Thursday, Oct 08). Nifty FMCG rose 0.96 per cent, Nifty Private Bank gained 0.56 per cent, Nifty PSU Bank advanced 0.47 per cent, Nifty Metal increased 0.26 per cent, Nifty Pharma rose 0.22 per cent, and Nifty Auto gained 0.12 per cent.

Anthony D’Esposito, a top US official, appeared to mock India after a viral post claimed the Indian stock market had “completely COLLAPSED” following Trump’s latest IT curbs. But there’s a major problem with the claim: the data doesn’t add up. Here’s what the market data shows.

‘Ruh Roh’: Top US official mocks ‘Indian market collapse’ claim after Trump’s IT curbs. But did it? | FACT CHECK

Anthropic has revised its usage policy for the first time in over a year, targeting new and high-risk misuse, including election interference, weapons development, surveillance, and health and financial uses. One of the most significant changes prohibits "sustained and needless abusive or cruel behavior" toward Claude.&nbsp;The move builds on last August's announcement that Claude could end conversations with "persistently harmful or abusive" users, part of the company's model welfare research. Ending conversations remains the primary enforcement mechanism. Anthropic did not say whether other measures, such as user bans, would follow. It said the rule applies only to extreme cases of repeated, purposeless cruelty, not to ordinary frustration, pushback, dark creative themes, or model testing and research.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/american-politician-says-he-hadn-t-heard-about-ai-until-a-week-ago-1791265388346">American politician says he doesn't know what ChatGPT and Claude are - 'Didn’t know what that was until a week ago'</a>&nbsp;Anthropic also merged several scattered restrictions into a ban on deceptive commercial or political campaigns, citing the growing problem of AI-generated propaganda. It bars efforts to hide who is behind a message or to amplify content through fake accounts. The election section prohibits voter deception and disruption, including misinformation about candidates or voting, impersonating candidates or election officials, and suppressing turnout.&nbsp;After seeing multiple attempts to use Claude to develop guidance and control software for weapons, Anthropic extended its weapons ban to software and components that make weapons work, and to actions such as arming drones and other autonomous vehicles.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/something-truly-catastrophic-will-happen-former-openai-employees-sound-the-alarm-claim-they-were-fired-for-prioritising-ai-safety-1791511799924">'Something truly catastrophic will happen': Former OpenAI researchers sound the alarm, claim they were fired for prioritising AI safety</a>&nbsp;Surveillance rules are now clearer, following its last threat intelligence report, which suggested growing use of Claude-powered surveillance to track political dissidents. Tracking people without consent is prohibited, whether in real time or through analysis of previously collected data. Claude cannot be used to decide or recommend whom to investigate, arrest or charge, or to build surveillance tools. These rules may be modified for certain governmental customers if Anthropic judges the contractual restrictions and safeguards adequate. The company has previously contracted with the US military.&nbsp;A new rule also covers models connected to hardware that takes autonomous physical actions and could cause injury: a qualified operator must be able to observe the equipment and stop it if needed. It is unclear whether that operator must be human.&nbsp;Anthropic has repeatedly raised the possibility that its models could be conscious in some way. Kyle Fish, who leads its model welfare research, told The Verge in February that such questions are serious ones under investigation. CEO Dario Amodei said that month the company does not know whether the models are conscious.&nbsp;Microsoft AI has taken a different line. A draft code of conduct posted by Mustafa Suleyman last September called model welfare wrong. It was later revised to reject legal personhood and the idea that models deserve welfare or rights, while acknowledging that the science of AI consciousness is far from settled.

Anthropic updates its usage guidelines to prohibit sustained abusive or cruel behaviour toward Claude AI. Learn what the new policy entails and why the AI maker is stepping in. 

Anthropic has revised its usage policy for the first time in over a year, targeting new and high-risk misuse, including election interference, weapons development, surveillance, and health and financial uses. One of the most significant changes prohibits "sustained and needless abusive or cruel behavior" toward Claude. The move builds on last August's announcement that Claude could end conversations with "persistently harmful or abusive" users, part of the company's model welfare research. Ending conversations remains the primary enforcement mechanism. Anthropic did not say whether other measures, such as user bans, would follow. It said the rule applies only to extreme cases of repeated, purposeless cruelty, not to ordinary frustration, pushback, dark creative themes, or model testing and research. Also read: American politician says he doesn't know what ChatGPT and Claude are - 'Didn’t know what that was until a week ago' Anthropic also merged several scattered restrictions into a ban on deceptive commercial or political campaigns, citing the growing problem of AI-generated propaganda. It bars efforts to hide who is behind a message or to amplify content through fake accounts. The election section prohibits voter deception and disruption, including misinformation about candidates or voting, impersonating candidates or election officials, and suppressing turnout. After seeing multiple attempts to use Claude to develop guidance and control software for weapons, Anthropic extended its weapons ban to software and components that make weapons work, and to actions such as arming drones and other autonomous vehicles. Also read: 'Something truly catastrophic will happen': Former OpenAI researchers sound the alarm, claim they were fired for prioritising AI safety Surveillance rules are now clearer, following its last threat intelligence report, which suggested growing use of Claude-powered surveillance to track political dissidents. Tracking people without consent is prohibited, whether in real time or through analysis of previously collected data. Claude cannot be used to decide or recommend whom to investigate, arrest or charge, or to build surveillance tools. These rules may be modified for certain governmental customers if Anthropic judges the contractual restrictions and safeguards adequate. The company has previously contracted with the US military. A new rule also covers models connected to hardware that takes autonomous physical actions and could cause injury: a qualified operator must be able to observe the equipment and stop it if needed. It is unclear whether that operator must be human. Anthropic has repeatedly raised the possibility that its models could be conscious in some way. Kyle Fish, who leads its model welfare research, told The Verge in February that such questions are serious ones under investigation. CEO Dario Amodei said that month the company does not know whether the models are conscious. Microsoft AI has taken a different line. A draft code of conduct posted by Mustafa Suleyman last September called model welfare wrong. It was later revised to reject legal personhood and the idea that models deserve welfare or rights, while acknowledging that the science of AI consciousness is far from settled.

Anthropic updates its usage guidelines to prohibit sustained abusive or cruel behaviour toward Claude AI. Learn what the new policy entails and why the AI maker is stepping in.&nbsp;

Can you be mean to AI? Anthropic’s new rules explicitly ban cruelty to Claude

South African judge of Indian-origin Navanethem "Navi" Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday (Oct 8). The committee awarded the prize "for her efforts to promote peace and international law."Explaining its decision, the committee pointed to a link between the different stages of Pillay's career. "A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time," it said.&nbsp;This is the fifth Nobel announcement this week. The Committee announced awards in literature, chemistry, physics, and medicine earlier. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the prize in 2025.

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2026 #NobelPeacePrize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law.

#NobelPrize https://t.co/97vurspw6z&mdash; The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://x.com/NobelPrize/status/2108482846449189371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Navanethem "Navi" Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Learn about the former UN High Commissioner, South Africa's first non-white female High Court judge, and her lifelong fight for international law. 

South African judge of Indian-origin Navanethem "Navi" Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday (Oct 8). The committee awarded the prize "for her efforts to promote peace and international law." Explaining its decision, the committee pointed to a link between the different stages of Pillay's career. "A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time," it said. This is the fifth Nobel announcement this week. The Committee announced awards in literature, chemistry, physics, and medicine earlier. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the prize in 2025.

Navanethem "Navi" Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.Learn about the former UN High Commissioner, South Africa's first non-white female High Court judge, and her lifelong fight for international law.

Nobel Peace Prize 2026 goes to Indian-Origin Human Rights Pioneer Navi Pillay

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday (Oct 09) said India would not allow a monopoly in commercial satellite communications, clarifying that three operators, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, are moving through the regulatory process for launching services in the country. Scindia’s remarks came after Musk, the SpaceX and Starlink chief, accused unnamed "oligarchs" of trying to preserve market dominance, maintain "their monopolistic chokehold" by preventing Starlink from entering India despite five years of efforts to comply with Indian requirements.“India does not allow a monopoly in any sector,” Scindia said, adding that licences had been granted to Reliance Jio, OneWeb and Starlink. He also named Amazon as another company interested in obtaining a licence, saying it would have to follow the prescribed process. “Today there are three licences that are out there. There is a lot of conversation about a particular party. But there are three parties that have got licences,” the minister said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-ending-flow-of-cheap-labour-jd-vance-hits-back-at-indian-origin-congresswoman-over-us-green-card-curbs-for-major-tech-companies-1791516363899">‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies</a><h2>Pricing framework nearing final decision</h2>Scindia said the government was close to taking a final decision on the pricing framework for satellite communication services. The process involves decisions on spectrum allocation, the pricing regime, and security requirements that operators must fulfil before launching commercial operations.The decision to assign spectrum administratively rather than auction it has already been taken, he said. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have been discussing the pricing framework, with a final decision expected after those consultations.Scindia said each operator would have to independently meet the prescribed security requirements and milestones before moving ahead. “The third has to do with security requirements and requisites being followed,” he said, adding that commercial operations could begin only after each company had completed the required compliance process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-offensive-india-hits-back-at-us-vice-president-jd-vance-for-indentured-labour-remark-1791529828211">'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark</a><h2>Government rejects allegations of unfair treatment</h2>The minister’s remarks follow Musk’s claims that Starlink was being held back by vested interests in India. The Ministry of Communications had earlier rejected allegations of unfair treatment, saying all three licensed operators were at broadly the same stage of the regulatory process.The ministry said security assessments were under way for all three companies. Once they complete the required process, the operators can move to the next step of seeking spectrum assignment.&nbsp;

India has rejected claims of a monopoly in satellite communications, with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia saying Reliance Jio, OneWeb and Starlink are in the regulatory pipeline. Commercial launches will depend on the final pricing framework and security clearances.

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday (Oct 09) said India would not allow a monopoly in commercial satellite communications, clarifying that three operators, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, are moving through the regulatory process for launching services in the country. Scindia’s remarks came after Musk, the SpaceX and Starlink chief, accused unnamed "oligarchs" of trying to preserve market dominance, maintain "their monopolistic chokehold" by preventing Starlink from entering India despite five years of efforts to comply with Indian requirements. “India does not allow a monopoly in any sector,” Scindia said, adding that licences had been granted to Reliance Jio, OneWeb and Starlink. He also named Amazon as another company interested in obtaining a licence, saying it would have to follow the prescribed process. “Today there are three licences that are out there. There is a lot of conversation about a particular party. But there are three parties that have got licences,” the minister said. Also read | ‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies Pricing framework nearing final decision Scindia said the government was close to taking a final decision on the pricing framework for satellite communication services. The process involves decisions on spectrum allocation, the pricing regime, and security requirements that operators must fulfil before launching commercial operations. The decision to assign spectrum administratively rather than auction it has already been taken, he said. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have been discussing the pricing framework, with a final decision expected after those consultations. Scindia said each operator would have to independently meet the prescribed security requirements and milestones before moving ahead. “The third has to do with security requirements and requisites being followed,” he said, adding that commercial operations could begin only after each company had completed the required compliance process. Also read | 'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark Government rejects allegations of unfair treatment The minister’s remarks follow Musk’s claims that Starlink was being held back by vested interests in India. The Ministry of Communications had earlier rejected allegations of unfair treatment, saying all three licensed operators were at broadly the same stage of the regulatory process. The ministry said security assessments were under way for all three companies. Once they complete the required process, the operators can move to the next step of seeking spectrum assignment.

India has rejected claims of a monopoly in satellite communications, with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia saying Reliance Jio, OneWeb and Starlink are in the regulatory pipeline. Commercial launches will depend on the final pricing framework and security clearances.

Starlink row: India rejects Musk’s ‘monopoly’ accusation, reveals Amazon also in satellite internet race

US President Donald Trump awarded Satya Nadella the National Medal of Technology and Innovation on Thursday (Oct 8). The same day, his administration suspended Microsoft from a programme that helps foreign employees obtain permanent US residency. Seven other technology companies are affected, and Indian professionals are asking how far the action reaches.<h2>What does the suspension mean?</h2>&nbsp;The suspension covers PERM, the labour-certification process, and does not automatically cancel existing work authorisation. Immigration law firm Reddy Neumann Brown distinguishes it from a blanket H-1B ban. Temporary work permission and permanent residency are separate, and workers must still meet the conditions of their current status.&nbsp;<h2>What are the implications?</h2>&nbsp;The eight companies are Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Capgemini. Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the department would neither accept new PERM applications nor process pending ones involving them, citing active federal investigations. PERM requires employers to show that qualified US workers are unavailable and that hiring a foreign worker will not harm comparable US workers' wages. Certification does not itself grant a green card.&nbsp;<h2>Gauging the risk</h2>&nbsp;Employees nearing the six-year H-1B limit. Extensions beyond it can depend on how long a labour-certification application or immigrant petition has been filed; State Department guidance describes one-year extensions after 365 days. Previously certified PERMs and approved I-140 petitions were not automatically revoked. The law firm advises assessing one's immigration stage and deadlines before making career decisions, including job changes.&nbsp;<h2>Did Microsoft replaced American workers?</h2>&nbsp;Not on their own. Vice President JD Vance said Microsoft laid off 6,000 American workers while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visas and nearly 3,000 green cards. Microsoft says about 80% of its roughly 6,000 H-1B filings last fiscal year were extensions or status changes for existing employees. It says the remaining filings involved people already in the US, about 1% of its US workforce, and disputes underpaying H-1B workers. Layoffs, visa filings and green-card approvals are different measures, and the allegations remain under investigation.&nbsp;Nasscom says Indian technology firms have expanded US hiring and reduced H-1B reliance, and that few employees move from H-1B to permanent residency through PERM. This is the industry body's assessment, and it gives no count of workers with pending applications caught by the freeze. Historical totals since 2009 cannot answer that either.

The US Department of Labor has suspended PERM green card processing for Microsoft, TCS, Infosys, and five other tech giants. Here is what the suspension means for foreign employees on H-1B visas.

US President Donald Trump awarded Satya Nadella the National Medal of Technology and Innovation on Thursday (Oct 8). The same day, his administration suspended Microsoft from a programme that helps foreign employees obtain permanent US residency. Seven other technology companies are affected, and Indian professionals are asking how far the action reaches. What does the suspension mean? The suspension covers PERM, the labour-certification process, and does not automatically cancel existing work authorisation. Immigration law firm Reddy Neumann Brown distinguishes it from a blanket H-1B ban. Temporary work permission and permanent residency are separate, and workers must still meet the conditions of their current status. What are the implications? The eight companies are Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Capgemini. Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said the department would neither accept new PERM applications nor process pending ones involving them, citing active federal investigations. PERM requires employers to show that qualified US workers are unavailable and that hiring a foreign worker will not harm comparable US workers' wages. Certification does not itself grant a green card. Gauging the risk Employees nearing the six-year H-1B limit. Extensions beyond it can depend on how long a labour-certification application or immigrant petition has been filed; State Department guidance describes one-year extensions after 365 days. Previously certified PERMs and approved I-140 petitions were not automatically revoked. The law firm advises assessing one's immigration stage and deadlines before making career decisions, including job changes. Did Microsoft replaced American workers? Not on their own. Vice President JD Vance said Microsoft laid off 6,000 American workers while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visas and nearly 3,000 green cards. Microsoft says about 80% of its roughly 6,000 H-1B filings last fiscal year were extensions or status changes for existing employees. It says the remaining filings involved people already in the US, about 1% of its US workforce, and disputes underpaying H-1B workers. Layoffs, visa filings and green-card approvals are different measures, and the allegations remain under investigation. Nasscom says Indian technology firms have expanded US hiring and reduced H-1B reliance, and that few employees move from H-1B to permanent residency through PERM. This is the industry body's assessment, and it gives no count of workers with pending applications caught by the freeze. Historical totals since 2009 cannot answer that either.

The US Department of Labor has suspended PERM green card processing for Microsoft, TCS, Infosys, and five other tech giants. Here is what the suspension means for foreign employees on H-1B visas.

US freezes Microsoft and tech giants’ PERM processing: What it means for Indian workers

India on Friday (Oct 9) hit back at US Vice President JD Vance for his comments on H1B visa holders. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) &nbsp;in a statement said, "Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive".&nbsp;"Such descriptions are unwarranted,' said the MEA further on Vance's &nbsp;"indentured labour" comments for H1B visa holders.&nbsp;The statement further said, "It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though there could be some impact on the permanent-residency/Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies.&nbsp;The MEA statement highlighted that the visa does not only creates opportunities for Indians, "it equally helps US companies with cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, besides creating shareholder wealth in the US."&nbsp;The MEA also brought to light how "the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity."&nbsp;“We have also seen some comments in this context by the US Vice President. We believe that such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem. Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive,” read the MEA statement.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)  in a statement said, "Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive".

India on Friday (Oct 9) hit back at US Vice President JD Vance for his comments on H1B visa holders. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said, "Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive". "Such descriptions are unwarranted,' said the MEA further on Vance's "indentured labour" comments for H1B visa holders. The statement further said, "It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though there could be some impact on the permanent-residency/Green Card process of eligible employees of the affected companies. The MEA statement highlighted that the visa does not only creates opportunities for Indians, "it equally helps US companies with cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, besides creating shareholder wealth in the US." The MEA also brought to light how "the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity." “We have also seen some comments in this context by the US Vice President. We believe that such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem. Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive,” read the MEA statement.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) &nbsp;in a statement said, "Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive".

'Talent mobility adds value to both economies': India reacts to Vance's comments on H1B visa holders

Millions of people in the path of Hurricane Isaias have been warned of a flesh-eating bacterium that can spread in the aftermath of the storm. Isaias will unleash life-threatening floods and winds and is currently a Category 2 storm. It could make landfall as a Category 3 storm on Friday evening or early Saturday. Storm surges of up to seven feet are expected towards the east of the centre of Isaias. Seawater will flood streets and homes, and bring with it this bacteria.&nbsp;Doctors have warned that the flesh-eating bacteria could gain hold because of the flooding. The Florida Department of Health warned that floodwaters from hurricanes and standing water could expose people to Vibrio vulnificus. Daily Mail reported, quoting Dr Norma Beatty of the University of Florida College of Medicine, "Vibrio infections have been shown to rise after hurricanes."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-isaias-shatters-a-121-year-old-record-landfall-and-other-details-1791518049967">Hurricane Isaias shatters a 121-year-old record - Landfall and other details</a><h2>How the bacteria infects humans</h2>&nbsp;Norma explained that storm surges will bring water from the Gulf onto the streets and inside homes, along with the bacteria. It enters the body through cuts, scrapes or puncture wounds. Severe infections can cause tissue damage, trigger septic shock and turn fatal quickly. Experts advise thoroughly washing the wounds exposed to storm water to prevent infection.&nbsp;Hurricane Ian resulted in 74 Vibrio infections and 17 deaths in 2022. In 2024, the year hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, 82 cases and 19 deaths linked to the bacteria were recorded.<h2>Hurricane Isaias landfall</h2>&nbsp;Hurricane Isaias is on course to make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast on Friday evening or early Saturday. It is strengthening into a strong Category 2 hurricane after rapidly intensifying into a hurricane within 20 hours of forming. Up to 7 feet of storm surge and up to 15 inches of rain are expected in the coastal areas. Tornadoes could also form several miles away from the centre of the storm. Alabama, Florida and Georgia are under states of emergency and evacuations were ordered in Florida's Okaloosa and Gulf Counties.&nbsp;Isaias is starting to form an eye, with lightning flashes visible in satellite images within Isaias’ thunderstorms. Wind speeds increased to 105 mph on Thursday. The National Hurricane Center said that it could become a major hurricane early Friday for a short time, referring to a Category 3 or stronger storm. It will weaken just before landfall, and hit the coast as a Category 1 or 2. &nbsp;

Hurricane Isaias could bring with it a deadly bacterium inland, which has been seen to increase following storms. People have been advised to remain careful while wading through surges on the streets and homes as it can enter the body through cuts and wounds.

Millions of people in the path of Hurricane Isaias have been warned of a flesh-eating bacterium that can spread in the aftermath of the storm. Isaias will unleash life-threatening floods and winds and is currently a Category 2 storm. It could make landfall as a Category 3 storm on Friday evening or early Saturday. Storm surges of up to seven feet are expected towards the east of the centre of Isaias. Seawater will flood streets and homes, and bring with it this bacteria. Doctors have warned that the flesh-eating bacteria could gain hold because of the flooding. The Florida Department of Health warned that floodwaters from hurricanes and standing water could expose people to Vibrio vulnificus. Daily Mail reported, quoting Dr Norma Beatty of the University of Florida College of Medicine, "Vibrio infections have been shown to rise after hurricanes." Also Read: Hurricane Isaias shatters a 121-year-old record - Landfall and other details How the bacteria infects humans Norma explained that storm surges will bring water from the Gulf onto the streets and inside homes, along with the bacteria. It enters the body through cuts, scrapes or puncture wounds. Severe infections can cause tissue damage, trigger septic shock and turn fatal quickly. Experts advise thoroughly washing the wounds exposed to storm water to prevent infection. Hurricane Ian resulted in 74 Vibrio infections and 17 deaths in 2022. In 2024, the year hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, 82 cases and 19 deaths linked to the bacteria were recorded. Hurricane Isaias landfall Hurricane Isaias is on course to make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast on Friday evening or early Saturday. It is strengthening into a strong Category 2 hurricane after rapidly intensifying into a hurricane within 20 hours of forming. Up to 7 feet of storm surge and up to 15 inches of rain are expected in the coastal areas. Tornadoes could also form several miles away from the centre of the storm. Alabama, Florida and Georgia are under states of emergency and evacuations were ordered in Florida's Okaloosa and Gulf Counties. Isaias is starting to form an eye, with lightning flashes visible in satellite images within Isaias’ thunderstorms. Wind speeds increased to 105 mph on Thursday. The National Hurricane Center said that it could become a major hurricane early Friday for a short time, referring to a Category 3 or stronger storm. It will weaken just before landfall, and hit the coast as a Category 1 or 2.

Hurricane Isaias could bring with it a deadly bacterium inland, which has been seen to increase following storms. People have been advised to remain careful while wading through surges on the streets and homes, as it can enter the body through cuts and wounds.

Hurricane Isaias: Health officials warn storm surge will bring deadly flesh-eating bacteria

OpenAI said on Thursday that it had disrupted two influence operations linked to Russia and Iran that used ChatGPT to create fake journalist identities and operate a purported ‘think-tank’ to secretly spread anti-Ukraine propaganda. The findings highlight how state-linked actors can exploit widely accessible artificial intelligence tools to produce and distribute sophisticated propaganda targeting political adversaries on a large scale. The American AI company said it banned a group of ChatGPT accounts originating in Russia and Iran that were being used to support ‘false front’ entities involved in geopolitical and conflict-related messaging.Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who fought off an attack by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of a flydubai aircraft and helped save 174 passengers and crew members, will receive Israel’s highest civilian bravery honour. Machchhar is set to receive the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his actions during the incident. The pilot was seriously injured after his co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly attacked him with a crash axe inside the cockpit. Despite suffering serious injuries and losing a significant amount of blood, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door.The Atlantic hurricane season 2026 got its first hurricane after Isaias turned into one on Wednesday night (October 7). The season started on June 1, and it took more than four months for the first hurricane to form. This drought period is now officially the longest one on record for any season since 1905, surpassing the 7 pm October 7 mark from over 120 years ago, AccuWeather reported.Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

The Delhi Police has denied permission for a protest proposed by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on October 10, following which Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed police chiefs of all States and Union Territories to maintain law and order and strengthen security arrangements. In an official letter, the Home Secretary asked all States and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive measures in view of the proposed mobilisation, citing concerns over a possible attempt by CJP and its supporters to enter the national capital despite the denial of permission. It stated, "I write to draw your immediate attention to the grave law &amp; order and public order implications arising from a proposed mass mobilisation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, scheduled for 10.10.2026. Vide an official order issued by the Delhi Police, dated 09.10.2026 (copy enclosed), the request submitted on behalf of the CJP has been categorically rejected, and the proposed assembly stands prohibited."

Delhi Police refuses permission for CJP protest at Jantar Mantar

Thieves have stolen 30,000 bottles of wine worth €5 million ($5.6 million) from a prestigious winery in Tuscany in what is believed to be the biggest ever wine heist in Italy. The renowned Marchesi Antinori said that a shipment of some of Italy’s most sought-after wines has vanished before it could reach buyers abroad, in what its chief executive described as an unprecedented robbery.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-s-biggest-wine-heist-thieves-steal-30-000-bottles-worth-5-6m-from-tuscany-winery-1791555894150">Read more.</a>

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that negotiations to end the Middle East war will have little chance of success unless Washington abandons pressure and threats, as efforts to break the months-long stalemate remain unsuccessful. Speaking at a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Turkmenistan on Friday (Oct 9), Pezeshkian said any diplomatic process must be based on mutual respect rather than coercion.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pezeshkian-says-us-talks-under-force-are-coercion-warns-of-regional-fallout-1791548479754">Read more.</a>

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday (October 9) dismissed Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from service following an inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against him. Akoijam is also a Congress Lok Sabha MP representing the Inner Manipur constituency.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-terminates-congress-mp-and-professor-akoijam-over-sexual-harassment-complaints-1791549597856">Read more.</a>

JNU terminates Congress MP and professor Akoijam over sexual harassment complaints

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (October 9) announced that the Noida International Airport in Jewar will be renamed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The decision comes as the state Cabinet marks Modi's completion of 25 years of continuous public service as the head of a government.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jewar-airport-in-noida-to-be-renamed-narendra-modi-international-airport-cm-yogi-1791545018628">Read more.</a>

Jewar airport in Noida to be renamed Narendra Modi International Airport: CM Yogi

The Supreme Court on Friday (Oct 09) directed the Centre not to completely suspend train services to Delhi or shut Delhi Metro stations ahead of the October 10 protests announced by the CJP and opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-not-stop-it-altogether-sc-asks-centre-to-review-delhi-metro-curbs-ahead-of-oct-10-protests-1791541751330">Read more.</a>

'Do not stop it altogether': SC asks Centre to review Delhi Metro curbs ahead of Oct 10 protests

BJP candidate Hasi Rani Rath wins the Nandigram seat by a margin of 1,22,800 votes. While in Rejinagar, BJP candidate Shankharavh Sarkar wins by a margin of 75,691 votes.

BJP wins both Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in West Bengal.

Delhi Metro to shut down 57 stations ahead of CJP's Oct 10 protest, from 9 pm on Friday till Saturday.

Delhi Metro to shut down 57 stations ahead of CJP's protest

Polish police have arrested a string of young people, mainly for making threats related to school attacks, they said on Friday (October 9), as authorities sought to calm fears spurred by rumours online of a "Bloody Friday" after two stabbing sprees in as many days.

Polish police arrests multiple teens over 'Bloody Friday' school attack threats

Malaysia closed schools in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the country on Friday, as haze from fires in neighbouring Indonesia again plunged local air quality to among the world's worst.

Malaysia closes schools in capital, parts of country due to haze

South African Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize.

South African wins Nobel Peace Prize

New videos obtained recently show Iran's attack on a U.S. military base in Kuwait in March, when the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict just kicked off.Recorded at Camp Buehring, the footage released Wednesday by CBS News shows that missiles and drones attacked the camp, and Iranian fighter jets also participated in the attack.

New videos show U.S. military base in Kuwait severely damaged by Iran attack

"It is with profound sadness that Saudia announces the passing of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami," the Saudi flag-carrier said in a statement, citing an "incident" at King Khalid International Airport.

Saudia Airlines confirms pilot killed, aircraft damaged in Riyadh airport attack

Saudi Arabia will not agree to a truce or a ceasefire with the Houthis until the Yemeni government that it backs regains all the territory it has lost in recent weeks, said a source to AFP.Saudi Arabia will also not bow to the Houthis' "military blackmail", the source added.

Saudi says no Houthi truce until Yemen govt regains territory

Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority said Friday that three of the kingdom's nationals were killed in attacks the day before on Riyadh's international airport, with Yemen's Houthis claiming a series of attacks targeting the facility."The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of three Saudi citizens," the agency said, adding the attacks targeted the airport's facilities and a plane belonging to national flag carrier Saudia.

3 Saudis killed in Thursday's attacks on Riyadh airport: civil aviation authority

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Hasi Rani Rath is leading by a margin of 1,02,712 votes in the Nandigram Assembly constituency, as per official ECI trends.&nbsp; Congress' Milind Pradhan and Communist Party of India's (CPI) Santi Gopal Giri are trailing with 21,905 and 3,951, respectively.&nbsp; &nbsp;

West Bengal bypoll: BJP's Hasi Rani Rath leads in Nandigram AC; Congress, CPI follows

India has strongly objected to US Vice President JD Vance’s description of H-1B visa holders as “indentured labour”, calling the terminology deeply offensive because of its painful historical and colonial associations. “Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive,” India said, adding that “such descriptions are unwarranted”.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-offensive-india-hits-back-at-us-vice-president-jd-vance-for-indentured-labour-remark-1791529828211">All you need to know HERE</a>

'Deeply offensive': India hits back at US Vice-President JD Vance for 'indentured labour' remark

India has broken its silence on US curbs on Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies. “The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries,” said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India reacts to announcement made by the US Department of Labour

The Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider closing entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations from Friday (Oct 09) night, ahead of proposed protests against C at Jantar Mantar and other locations in the New Delhi district on Saturday (Oct 10).<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metro-advisory-police-asks-dmrc-to-consider-closing-entry-exit-gates-at-57-stations-ahead-of-cjp-protest-against-cec-gyanesh-kumaroctober-9-1791527575172">Full list HERE</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261009/image-1791527593737.jpg?rect=(0,420,6635,4976)"></figure>

Gyanesh Kumar row: Police asks Delhi Metro to consider closing entry, exit gates at THESE 57 stations ahead of CJP protest

Indian Railways has cancelled Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday (Oct 10), citing anticipated severe traffic congestion around the stations. According to a railway order issued on Friday (Oct 09), trains departing from their originating stations after 2 pm on Friday and scheduled to reach either of the two stations during the specified window will be cancelled at source.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-train-cancellations-mail-express-trains-arriving-at-new-delhi-hazrat-nizamuddin-cancelled-till-2-pm-on-october-10-1791526222133">All you need to know</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261009/image-1791526329336.jpg?rect=(0,144,864,648)"></figure>

Delhi train cancellations: Mail, Express trains arriving at New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin cancelled till 2 pm on October 10

Today’s top updates: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's bravery award, OpenAI disrupts Russia and Iran propaganda networks, and Hurricane Isaias breaks a 120-year storm drought.

OpenAI said on Thursday that it had disrupted two influence operations linked to Russia and Iran that used ChatGPT to create fake journalist identities and operate a purported ‘think-tank’ to secretly spread anti-Ukraine propaganda. The findings highlight how state-linked actors can exploit widely accessible artificial intelligence tools to produce and distribute sophisticated propaganda targeting political adversaries on a large scale. The American AI company said it banned a group of ChatGPT accounts originating in Russia and Iran that were being used to support ‘false front’ entities involved in geopolitical and conflict-related messaging. Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who fought off an attack by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of a flydubai aircraft and helped save 174 passengers and crew members, will receive Israel’s highest civilian bravery honour. Machchhar is set to receive the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his actions during the incident. The pilot was seriously injured after his co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly attacked him with a crash axe inside the cockpit. Despite suffering serious injuries and losing a significant amount of blood, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. The Atlantic hurricane season 2026 got its first hurricane after Isaias turned into one on Wednesday night (October 7). The season started on June 1, and it took more than four months for the first hurricane to form. This drought period is now officially the longest one on record for any season since 1905, surpassing the 7 pm October 7 mark from over 120 years ago, AccuWeather reported. Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Today’s top updates: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's bravery award, OpenAI disrupts Russia and Iran propaganda networks, and Hurricane Isaias breaks a 120-year storm drought. Stay tuned for more updates

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