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Former US president Barack Obama's official portrait has been moved to a comparatively lesser prominent position in the White House, highlighting the ever-lasting rift between Obama and the current president Donald Trump. The portrait of George W Bush and and his father George H.W. Bush has also been moved to a less prominent position.&nbsp;Earlier, Obama's portrait was placed at the White House entryway. But now his portrait along with George W Bush and George H.W. Bush will be kept on top of a restricted staircase that is rarely seen by visitors touring the White House each day, reported CNN.&nbsp;Reportedly, Trump is directly involved with almost everything that has do with the aesthetics of the White House, whether big or small.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-federal-takeover-is-washington-dc-is-so-ruined-by-crime-homelessness-that-trump-unleashed-fbi-wants-national-guard-here-are-the-facts-1754891387832">‘Federal takeover’: Is Washington DC so RUINED by crime, homelessness, that Trump unleashed FBI, wants National Guard? Here are the facts</a>&nbsp;The chief stairway where the portraits are kept connects the State Floor and Second Floor of the White House &nbsp;restricted to members of the First Family, Secret Service agents, and some White House and executive residence staff, reported CNN.&nbsp;According to White House protocol and precedent the portraits of most recent presidents should be prominently placed - &nbsp;at the entrance of the executive mansion – for guests and visitors to see during their visits.&nbsp;Notably, this is not the first time the Obama portrait has been moved to some other location in the White House. In April, the portrait was moved across the grand foyer of the White House for Trump portrait from when he survived the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania during election campaigning.&nbsp;Netizens slam move&nbsp;The move has been slammed by netizens who have called Trump "insecure". Reacting to the news, one X user wrote, &nbsp;“Trump is one of the most insecure presidents in history.”&nbsp;Another user wrote, “Big, fat, whiny man-baby, dementia patient, moves photos of actual presidents so they won't hurt his waddle feelings.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Big, fat, whiny man-baby, dementia patient, moves photos of actual presidents so they won&#39;t hurt his waddle feelings. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpIsALoser?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpIsALoser</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MAGAsAreMORONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MAGAsAreMORONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/kiJv5NZ03C">https://t.co/kiJv5NZ03C</a>&mdash; Michele Montano (@MicheleMon7364) <a href="https://twitter.com/MicheleMon7364/status/1954844924425245125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to White House protocol and precedent the portraits of most recent presidents should be prominently placed -  at the entrance of the executive mansion.

Former US president Barack Obama's official portrait has been moved to a comparatively lesser prominent position in the White House, highlighting the ever-lasting rift between Obama and the current president Donald Trump. The portrait of George W Bush and and his father George H.W. Bush has also been moved to a less prominent position. Earlier, Obama's portrait was placed at the White House entryway. But now his portrait along with George W Bush and George H.W. Bush will be kept on top of a restricted staircase that is rarely seen by visitors touring the White House each day, reported CNN. Reportedly, Trump is directly involved with almost everything that has do with the aesthetics of the White House, whether big or small. Also Read: ‘Federal takeover’: Is Washington DC so RUINED by crime, homelessness, that Trump unleashed FBI, wants National Guard? Here are the facts The chief stairway where the portraits are kept connects the State Floor and Second Floor of the White House restricted to members of the First Family, Secret Service agents, and some White House and executive residence staff, reported CNN. According to White House protocol and precedent the portraits of most recent presidents should be prominently placed - at the entrance of the executive mansion – for guests and visitors to see during their visits. Notably, this is not the first time the Obama portrait has been moved to some other location in the White House. In April, the portrait was moved across the grand foyer of the White House for Trump portrait from when he survived the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania during election campaigning. Netizens slam move The move has been slammed by netizens who have called Trump "insecure". Reacting to the news, one X user wrote, “Trump is one of the most insecure presidents in history.” Another user wrote, “Big, fat, whiny man-baby, dementia patient, moves photos of actual presidents so they won't hurt his waddle feelings.”

According to White House protocol and precedent the portraits of most recent presidents should be prominently placed - &nbsp;at the entrance of the executive mansion.

Trump moves Obama, Bush portraits to 'less prominent position' in White House, netizens call US Prez 'insecure'

All eyes are on the Alaska summit of US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war. European leaders issued a joint statement this past weekend asking Ukraine's participation in the talks. Ahead of Trump's press conference on Monday (Aug 11) where he's likely to talk about Friday's summit, his deputy JD Vance said the Americans are tired of arming Ukraine against Russia. Here's how things are unfolding amid intense diplomacy.<h2>Europe scrambles ahead of Trump-Putin summit, wants to avoid side deal</h2>European leaders are seeking to speak with Trump before the Putin talks in order to avoid a side deal that omits the presence of Ukraine on the table.They're afraid that the summit could marginalise Ukraine from peace talks. The European concerns arise from fears that Trump may pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions while chasing a peace deal.In a joint statement on Saturday, leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, the UK, and the EU declared that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.&nbsp;"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force,” they said in a joint statement that also called for a “just and lasting peace,” &nbsp;with “robust and credible” security guarantees for Ukraine.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe hoped and expected that Zelenskyy will be included in the Alaska talks.NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s willingness to impose secondary sanctions on Russia and increase US weapons flow. &nbsp;“Next Friday will be important because it will be about testing Putin — how serious he is — on bringing this terrible war to an end," he said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-meet-european-leaders-urge-more-pressure-on-russia-russia-ukraine-war-1754822637209/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-meet-european-leaders-urge-more-pressure-on-russia-russia-ukraine-war-1754822637209/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Buy US weapons if you're so concerned: JD Vance's blunt reply to Europeans ahead of Trump-Putin summit</h2>In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to foot the bill if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine. “Americans, I think, are sick of continuing to send their money, their tax dollars,” &nbsp;He told Fox News channel in an interview. &nbsp;“If the Europeans want to step up and actually buy the weapons from American producers, we're OK with that — but we're not going to fund it ourselves anymore.”<h2>What do Russia and Ukraine want to end the war?</h2>Trump's idea of “some swapping of territories" is causing concern. The White House said Trump was open to a three-way meeting with Zelensky “at a later time,” while Vance claimed that Putin had agreed to meet Zelenskyy but that scheduling remained an issue.Russia wants Ukraine to cede eastern and southern territories, abandon its NATO aspirations, and accept military limitations in exchange for Russian withdrawal of forces.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not relenting. He said the end of the war "must be fair”, &nbsp;rejecting any territory concessions to Russia.Zelenskyy said the Ukrainians "will not give their land to the occupier.”&nbsp; “We will not give Russia any awards for what it has done.”<h2>Political divisions in Washington ahead of Trump- Putin summit</h2>Washington politicians are divided on the Trump administration’s approach. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen slammed the president for missing his own deadline on further Russia sanctions, saying, “Setting deadlines and blowing through them deeply undermines America’s credibility.”&nbsp;On the other hand, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended the president’s strategy, saying Trump "is going to go to meet Putin from a position of strength, that he’s going to look out for Europe and Ukrainian needs to end this war honourably.”Graham also agreed to the territorial concessions, saying, “There will be some land swaps at the end.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to buy weapons from the US if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine.


All eyes are on the Alaska summit of US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war. European leaders issued a joint statement this past weekend asking Ukraine's participation in the talks. Ahead of Trump's press conference on Monday (Aug 11) where he's likely to talk about Friday's summit, his deputy JD Vance said the Americans are tired of arming Ukraine against Russia. Here's how things are unfolding amid intense diplomacy. Europe scrambles ahead of Trump-Putin summit, wants to avoid side deal European leaders are seeking to speak with Trump before the Putin talks in order to avoid a side deal that omits the presence of Ukraine on the table. They're afraid that the summit could marginalise Ukraine from peace talks. The European concerns arise from fears that Trump may pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions while chasing a peace deal. In a joint statement on Saturday, leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, the UK, and the EU declared that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. "We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force,” they said in a joint statement that also called for a “just and lasting peace,” with “robust and credible” security guarantees for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe hoped and expected that Zelenskyy will be included in the Alaska talks. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s willingness to impose secondary sanctions on Russia and increase US weapons flow. “Next Friday will be important because it will be about testing Putin — how serious he is — on bringing this terrible war to an end," he said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-meet-european-leaders-urge-more-pressure-on-russia-russia-ukraine-war-1754822637209/embed Buy US weapons if you're so concerned: JD Vance's blunt reply to Europeans ahead of Trump-Putin summit In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to foot the bill if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine. “Americans, I think, are sick of continuing to send their money, their tax dollars,” He told Fox News channel in an interview. “If the Europeans want to step up and actually buy the weapons from American producers, we're OK with that — but we're not going to fund it ourselves anymore.” What do Russia and Ukraine want to end the war? Trump's idea of “some swapping of territories" is causing concern. The White House said Trump was open to a three-way meeting with Zelensky “at a later time,” while Vance claimed that Putin had agreed to meet Zelenskyy but that scheduling remained an issue. Russia wants Ukraine to cede eastern and southern territories, abandon its NATO aspirations, and accept military limitations in exchange for Russian withdrawal of forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not relenting. He said the end of the war "must be fair”, rejecting any territory concessions to Russia. Zelenskyy said the Ukrainians "will not give their land to the occupier.” “We will not give Russia any awards for what it has done.” Political divisions in Washington ahead of Trump- Putin summit Washington politicians are divided on the Trump administration’s approach. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen slammed the president for missing his own deadline on further Russia sanctions, saying, “Setting deadlines and blowing through them deeply undermines America’s credibility.” On the other hand, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended the president’s strategy, saying Trump "is going to go to meet Putin from a position of strength, that he’s going to look out for Europe and Ukrainian needs to end this war honourably.” Graham also agreed to the territorial concessions, saying, “There will be some land swaps at the end.”

In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to buy weapons from the US if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine. &nbsp;

All Eyes on Alaska: European leaders want to speak to Trump before Putin summit, Vance says US tired of funding Ukraine military

US President Donald Trump will meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on August 15, to finalise a peace deal to end the ongoing Ukraine war. However, even before their meeting, Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that his country won't give up their land to 'occupiers.' This, despite the US saying that a deal between Russia and Ukraine will include 'land swapping.' Now, critics have said Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff might be the key reason for the misunderstanding between Trump and Putin regarding the deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow for three hours. Kremlin said that Putin held "constructive" talks with Witkoff, while Trump said Witkoff held a “highly productive” meeting with Putin and that “great progress was made!” Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a TV interview that the US now has a better understanding of what conditions would be required for Russia to end the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite these official statements, Michael McFaul, who served in the Barack Obama administration, including as US ambassador to the Russian Federation, slammed Witkoff for sharing conflicting narratives about Putin's intentions in several calls with European leaders last week. Witkoff reportedly told European leaders that Moscow will withdraw from the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in exchange for full control of Donetsk Oblast, reported The Wall Street Journal. However, a day later,&nbsp;Witkoff said that Putin would withdraw and freeze the front line. In yet another call, Witkoff said that the Russian leader wanted Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk in exchange for a ceasefire. Garry Kasparov, Russian political activist said, "Like so most of Trump's appointees, Witkoff's only qualification is that Trump is sure he will put Trump's personal interests and desires over American national interests without a second thought. Of course, he's incompetent."<h2>Trump-Putin meeting</h2>It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the summit in an online statement. The two leaders will "focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis," Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said. Trump said that the highly anticipated meeting would take place in Alaska. He also suggested that the deal would include some exchange of land. Earlier, the US had proposed that there should be a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky. Russian President Putin said he is ready to meet Trump, but expressed his reservations about meeting Zelensky at this stage. Now, critics say that if reports are true and if Witkoff did not understand Putin's stance on land-swap, then the meeting between Trump and Putin might turn out to be inconclusive despite both leaders meeting after 2018.

US President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Both sides have confirmed the meeting and the wrold is looking at a possible peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. But will it be a reality?

US President Donald Trump will meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on August 15, to finalise a peace deal to end the ongoing Ukraine war. However, even before their meeting, Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that his country won't give up their land to 'occupiers.' This, despite the US saying that a deal between Russia and Ukraine will include 'land swapping.' Now, critics have said Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff might be the key reason for the misunderstanding between Trump and Putin regarding the deal. Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow for three hours. Kremlin said that Putin held "constructive" talks with Witkoff, while Trump said Witkoff held a “highly productive” meeting with Putin and that “great progress was made!” Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a TV interview that the US now has a better understanding of what conditions would be required for Russia to end the war. Despite these official statements, Michael McFaul, who served in the Barack Obama administration, including as US ambassador to the Russian Federation, slammed Witkoff for sharing conflicting narratives about Putin's intentions in several calls with European leaders last week. Witkoff reportedly told European leaders that Moscow will withdraw from the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in exchange for full control of Donetsk Oblast, reported The Wall Street Journal. However, a day later, Witkoff said that Putin would withdraw and freeze the front line. In yet another call, Witkoff said that the Russian leader wanted Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk in exchange for a ceasefire. Garry Kasparov, Russian political activist said, "Like so most of Trump's appointees, Witkoff's only qualification is that Trump is sure he will put Trump's personal interests and desires over American national interests without a second thought. Of course, he's incompetent." Trump-Putin meeting It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the summit in an online statement. The two leaders will "focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis," Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said. Trump said that the highly anticipated meeting would take place in Alaska. He also suggested that the deal would include some exchange of land. Earlier, the US had proposed that there should be a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky. Russian President Putin said he is ready to meet Trump, but expressed his reservations about meeting Zelensky at this stage. Now, critics say that if reports are true and if Witkoff did not understand Putin's stance on land-swap, then the meeting between Trump and Putin might turn out to be inconclusive despite both leaders meeting after 2018.

US President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Both sides have confirmed the meeting and the world is looking at a possible peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. But will it be a reality?

Trump-Putin meeting to be inconclusive due to Witkoff's misunderstanding? Here's why he's being called 'incompetent'

The dead body of a missing North Carolina teen was discovered in a retention pond off I-75 in Florida after he went there to meet his estranged father. Giovanni Pelletier had vanished after sending his mother a message - “Mom, help.” His decomposed remains were found on Friday and were formally identified Saturday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The 18-year-old's mother is angry because authorities in charge of the investigation had said that they had already checked the swampy area where Pelletier was later found. A private investigation company that was also working on the case made the discovery. A probe into his death is still on. “My son was recently found after a desperate search by our family alone, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death,” Bridgette Pelletier wrote on Facebook. “I am living every parent’s worst nightmare, trying to find the strength to give him the goodbye he deserves," she added.Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/brazilian-journalist-accidentally-discovers-missing-girl-s-body-in-river-while-reporting-about-her-watch-1753164854969"> Brazilian journalist stumbles upon same missing girl's dead body whose story he was reporting. Watch</a><h2> What happened to Giovanni Pelletier?</h2>Pelletier's family hired a private eye after he went missing on Aug 1. The police were also looking for him and had been to the swampy region close to the southbound off-ramp near State Road 70. However, they did not find anything that could be linked back to the teen. Later, the private investigation company discovered his decomposing body in the same area. MCSO said that the remains are “preliminarily determined” to be those of the missing Pelletier.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sexual-escapade-on-a-cliff-kills-brazilian-couple-as-their-car-rolls-down-1300-feet-1754880805492">Sexual escapade on a cliff kills Brazilian couple as their car rolls down 1,300 feet</a>&nbsp;Pelletier left Englewood, where he was vacationing with his mother and others at 1:30 am on August 1 &nbsp;with his three cousins. They claim that on their way, Pelletier started acting strange and and they stopped on the side of a road. They stated that he pulled out a knife, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said. Later, he sent two text messages to his mother. In one of them, he sent the ominous message - &nbsp;“Mom help." He also tried Facetiming her. He also reached out to other relatives. His phone and backpack were found on the side of the road the same day.&nbsp;

Missing North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier vanished after cutting short a vacation. He was supposedly going to meet his father in Florida with his cousins. However, what happened while on the road is still a mystery.

The dead body of a missing North Carolina teen was discovered in a retention pond off I-75 in Florida after he went there to meet his estranged father. Giovanni Pelletier had vanished after sending his mother a message - “Mom, help.” His decomposed remains were found on Friday and were formally identified Saturday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The 18-year-old's mother is angry because authorities in charge of the investigation had said that they had already checked the swampy area where Pelletier was later found. A private investigation company that was also working on the case made the discovery. A probe into his death is still on. “My son was recently found after a desperate search by our family alone, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death,” Bridgette Pelletier wrote on Facebook. “I am living every parent’s worst nightmare, trying to find the strength to give him the goodbye he deserves," she added. Also Read: Brazilian journalist stumbles upon same missing girl's dead body whose story he was reporting. Watch What happened to Giovanni Pelletier? Pelletier's family hired a private eye after he went missing on Aug 1. The police were also looking for him and had been to the swampy region close to the southbound off-ramp near State Road 70. However, they did not find anything that could be linked back to the teen. Later, the private investigation company discovered his decomposing body in the same area. MCSO said that the remains are “preliminarily determined” to be those of the missing Pelletier. Also Read: Sexual escapade on a cliff kills Brazilian couple as their car rolls down 1,300 feet Pelletier left Englewood, where he was vacationing with his mother and others at 1:30 am on August 1 with his three cousins. They claim that on their way, Pelletier started acting strange and and they stopped on the side of a road. They stated that he pulled out a knife, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said. Later, he sent two text messages to his mother. In one of them, he sent the ominous message - “Mom help." He also tried Facetiming her. He also reached out to other relatives. His phone and backpack were found on the side of the road the same day.

Missing North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier vanished after cutting short a vacation. He was supposedly going to meet his father in Florida with his cousins. However, what happened while on the road is still a mystery.

Mystery shrouds death of North Carolina teen who took off with his cousins to meet his father

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to flee her country and take shelter in India after her government was toppled last year in a student-led protest is reportedly setting up a "party office" in India's Kolkata. The senior and mid-level leaders of the Awami League - Sheikh Hasina's party - and its affiliated organisations have been frequenting the office.&nbsp;The leaders are believed to have come to India after Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 after the uprising that claimed &nbsp;several lives and changed the political landscape of the country.&nbsp;Renowned economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was chosen to head the interim government. However, Bangladesh poll body has announced national elections to be held before Ramadan in February 2026.&nbsp;According to BBC Bangla, Hasina lives close to the capital Delhi, while senior Awami League leaders including former ministers, have chosen Kolkata as their dwelling placeInitially, all informal gathering of the party were being held at the residences in Kolkata, while larger meetings were held in restaurants or rented banquet halls.&nbsp;But with an office space of 500–600 sq ft allocated for the party, all future meetings are likely to be held here now.&nbsp;According to the report, there are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.&nbsp;"There are no typical party office files here. We needed a discreet space for regular meetings, and this commercial office fit the bill. The furniture was left behind by the previous tenants," one AL leader told BBC Bangla.&nbsp;According to the report, the opening of the office is in the knowledge of the Indian intelligence agencies as it would not have been possible without the approval from India's Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina has been charged her with crimes against humanity, including charges of order, incitement, complicity, conspiracy, and abetment of murder, torture and other inhuman acts by Bangladeshi prosecutors.&nbsp;The trial is being held before three judges of Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal (ICT); a court that Hasina set up herself while she was the prime minister of the country. &nbsp;

There are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladeshs founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to flee her country and take shelter in India after her government was toppled last year in a student-led protest is reportedly setting up a "party office" in India's Kolkata. The senior and mid-level leaders of the Awami League - Sheikh Hasina's party - and its affiliated organisations have been frequenting the office. The leaders are believed to have come to India after Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 after the uprising that claimed several lives and changed the political landscape of the country. Renowned economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was chosen to head the interim government. However, Bangladesh poll body has announced national elections to be held before Ramadan in February 2026. According to BBC Bangla, Hasina lives close to the capital Delhi, while senior Awami League leaders including former ministers, have chosen Kolkata as their dwelling place Initially, all informal gathering of the party were being held at the residences in Kolkata, while larger meetings were held in restaurants or rented banquet halls. But with an office space of 500–600 sq ft allocated for the party, all future meetings are likely to be held here now. According to the report, there are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside. "There are no typical party office files here. We needed a discreet space for regular meetings, and this commercial office fit the bill. The furniture was left behind by the previous tenants," one AL leader told BBC Bangla. According to the report, the opening of the office is in the knowledge of the Indian intelligence agencies as it would not have been possible without the approval from India's Ministry of Home Affairs. Sheikh Hasina has been charged her with crimes against humanity, including charges of order, incitement, complicity, conspiracy, and abetment of murder, torture and other inhuman acts by Bangladeshi prosecutors. The trial is being held before three judges of Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal (ICT); a court that Hasina set up herself while she was the prime minister of the country.

There are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League leaders huddle ahead of Bangladesh polls, open office in India's Kolkata: Report

Elon Musk recently sounded an ominous, chilling warning for Japan. The tech tycoon warned that Japan's severe population decline might lead to the company losing "almost a million people this year". On X, the former DOGE chief had previously warned that without a higher birthrate, Japan would "eventually cease to exist". On Friday (Aug 8), he said that the nation's demographic decline was "inevitably set in motion half a century ago" and touted artificial intelligence as the "only hope for turning this around".<h2>What's happening in Japan?</h2>Musk made the chilling prediction while sharing a World of Statistics post that said, “Japan's population falling with 900,000 more deaths than births in 2024.” Official data from Japan's Ministry of Health shows 686,061 births and 1,605,298 deaths in 2024, a net decline of about 919,000 people.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Japan will lose almost a million people this year. This demographic inevitably was set in motion half a century ago and has nothing to do with AI. AI is the only hope for turning this around. <a href="https://t.co/RsFcqwMcE1">https://t.co/RsFcqwMcE1</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1953543249123324144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The nation's population continues to shrink due to low birth rates and ageing. Currently, Japan's birth rate stands at 1.26. One user told Musk's AI Grok to confirm the data and asked, "How many kids do we need to produce so that humanity survives?" To this, the AI assistant replied that "to sustain humanity without population decline", the United Nations recommends that the global population must maintain an average of 2.1 children per woman. It added that "Current projections show it dipping below this by 2040-2050 in most regions, risking collapse unless AI, longevity tech, or policies reverse the trend."Japan's birth rate has plummeted for the fourteenth straight year, reports Global Statistics, Japan's population change.<h2>Is Musk's post just an ad for AI?</h2>Musk's tweet has set off a flood of sarcasm and anger, with people asking what the point is behind this tweet, to others pointing out that the X owner's post was just him "trying to sell a product". Slamming Musk, one user said that AI was not going to fix the issues. "You’re just trying to sell a product. People need to be able to afford to live. But if people can’t afford a home, they ain't having kids. FFS people DESERVE a liveable wage, not to be exploited and then told some other SHITTY product is the answer to their problems."Another user telling off Musk said that billionaires like him were "the reason why people don't want to have kids. When you hold all the wealth and they can't afford it, they choose to have a life they can afford.".

Elon Musk warns Japan could lose nearly a million people in 2025 due to low birth rates and ageing, calling AI the “only hope” to reverse the decline. Critics accused him of using the crisis to promote AI. Here's all you need to know.

Elon Musk recently sounded an ominous, chilling warning for Japan. The tech tycoon warned that Japan's severe population decline might lead to the company losing "almost a million people this year". On X, the former DOGE chief had previously warned that without a higher birthrate, Japan would "eventually cease to exist". On Friday (Aug 8), he said that the nation's demographic decline was "inevitably set in motion half a century ago" and touted artificial intelligence as the "only hope for turning this around". What's happening in Japan? Musk made the chilling prediction while sharing a World of Statistics post that said, “Japan's population falling with 900,000 more deaths than births in 2024.” Official data from Japan's Ministry of Health shows 686,061 births and 1,605,298 deaths in 2024, a net decline of about 919,000 people.

Elon Musk warns Japan could lose nearly a million people in 2025 due to low birth rates and ageing, calling AI the “only hope” to reverse the decline. Critics accused him of using the crisis to promote AI. Here's all you need to know.

Elon Musk predicts THIS country will lose 1 million people in 2025, claims 'AI is the only hope,' netizens slam his 'ad'

Nvidia and AMD, the leading American semiconductor firms, are reportedly going to hand over 15 per cent of their revenues from Artificial Intelligence chip sales from China to the US government. This is unprecedented if true, and is sure to stun both the business and political leaderships across the world. Why is it a strange deal? Find out below:&nbsp;<h2>What's the 15 per cent revenue deal of Nvidia and AMD with US govt?</h2>

If media reports are to be believed, the chipmaking leaders will hand over 15 per cent of their China chip revenue to the US government. It's not a tax or a fine, but just a ‘deal’ to make sure they are allowed to keep selling certain AI chips to China.That's important for them, because they desperately want to export to China, which the US government has been restricting.&nbsp;The never-before deal will likely allow them to continue with China exports, a sort of "pay-to-play' arrangement in a legal grey zone.<h2>Nvidia - AMD deal with US : Why is it strange?</h2>This is an instance of the US government not just regulating but also profiteering. It’s going to take a cut of private business like a silent shareholder, something relatively unheard of in American capitalism.Critics say the ‘arrangement’ looks more like a cash grab than a security safeguard.This extra cost may be baked into the price of the chips, which might make Chinese buyers look elsewhere or speed up their own domestic chip production.<h2>Nvidia-AMD payments: Is it a deal with Trump’s fingerprints?</h2>The deal was reportedly hammered out during Donald Trump’s meetings with tech giants, with Nvidia’s CEO meeting the US president directly. The whole thing is causing questions of a “quid pro quo.”<h2>Why Nvidia-AMD payment news is a dangerous new precedent</h2>With the deal, Nvidia and AMD can potentially stay in the massive Chinese market, albeit with more red tape, higher compliance costs, and public and regulatory scrutiny.For the US government, it is a way to make money off tech exports while keeping China in check.&nbsp;For China, the move could push it to double down on homegrown AI chip technology, cutting out US firms altogether in the future.Other countries might also copy this model, thus turning the global tech industry in the age of AI into a battlefield of profit-sharing and protectionism.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-giant-nvidia-releases-a-statement-denying-the-existence-of-kill-switch-in-ai-chips-1754502261887/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-giant-nvidia-releases-a-statement-denying-the-existence-of-kill-switch-in-ai-chips-1754502261887/embed</a><h2>Shakedown in a suit: Why the Nvidia-AMD China deal is raising fears&nbsp;</h2>This 15 per cent deal isn’t just unusual, it’s a game-changer as the US government is acting like a business partner in private tech sales. Critics say it’s a shakedown in a suit, blurring the lines between national security and national profit, with some feeling it could even be unconstituional.&nbsp;

The never-before deal will likely allow them to continue with China exports, a sort of "pay-to-play' arrangement in a legal grey zone.

Nvidia and AMD, the leading American semiconductor firms, are reportedly going to hand over 15 per cent of their revenues from Artificial Intelligence chip sales from China to the US government. This is unprecedented if true, and is sure to stun both the business and political leaderships across the world. Why is it a strange deal? Find out below: What's the 15 per cent revenue deal of Nvidia and AMD with US govt?

The never-before deal will likely allow them to continue with China exports, a sort of "pay-to-play' arrangement in a legal grey zone.

Strange times, stranger deals: Why Nvidia, AMD plan to give 15 per cent China revenue to Trump govt is as weird as it gets

Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was trolled for comparing India to a 'shining Mercedes' while calling his country a 'dump truck.' Speaking at an event in Florida, Munir also issued a nuclear threat and said that Pakistan will obliterate any dam that New Delhi builds on the Indus waters. He slammed India over New Delhi's decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. He warned that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. However, netizens trolled him for his 'crude analogy.'&nbsp;According to a report in The Print, Munir said, “I am going to use a crude analogy to explain the situation. India is shining Mercedes coming on a highway like Ferrari [sic], but we are a dump truck full of gravel. If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?” Munir may have intended to praise Pakistan as a less-refined but stronger neighbour to India, but his choice of words backfired and the netizens were quick to troll him. In trying to cast Pakistan as powerful despite lacking India’s polish, Munir instead sparked a wave of mockery on social media, where many users claimed his analogy implied India was superior.&nbsp;On X, critics latched onto his comparison, with one user saying, “The only truth in Munir’s statement is that India is the Mercedes, and his country is the dump truck,” mocking his earlier threats of plunging “half the world” into nuclear war if Pakistan’s survival was at stake. Others accused him of inadvertently admitting Pakistan’s weaknesses, calling the comment a self-own. Another user wrote, “At least they know their reality… they are dump truck and nothing else,” branding Munir a “failed marshal.” Some expressed disbelief, initially thinking his statement was satire, only to realise it was genuine. One quipped, “Pakistan truly deserves Asim Munir as their Army Chief.”&nbsp;Munir's&nbsp; &nbsp;

Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir may have intended to praise Pakistan as a less-refined but stronger neighbour to India, but his choice of words backfired and the netizens were quick to troll him

Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was trolled for comparing India to a 'shining Mercedes' while calling his country a 'dump truck.' Speaking at an event in Florida, Munir also issued a nuclear threat and said that Pakistan will obliterate any dam that New Delhi builds on the Indus waters. He slammed India over New Delhi's decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. He warned that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. However, netizens trolled him for his 'crude analogy.' According to a report in The Print, Munir said, “I am going to use a crude analogy to explain the situation. India is shining Mercedes coming on a highway like Ferrari [sic], but we are a dump truck full of gravel. If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?” Munir may have intended to praise Pakistan as a less-refined but stronger neighbour to India, but his choice of words backfired and the netizens were quick to troll him. In trying to cast Pakistan as powerful despite lacking India’s polish, Munir instead sparked a wave of mockery on social media, where many users claimed his analogy implied India was superior. On X, critics latched onto his comparison, with one user saying, “The only truth in Munir’s statement is that India is the Mercedes, and his country is the dump truck,” mocking his earlier threats of plunging “half the world” into nuclear war if Pakistan’s survival was at stake. Others accused him of inadvertently admitting Pakistan’s weaknesses, calling the comment a self-own. Another user wrote, “At least they know their reality… they are dump truck and nothing else,” branding Munir a “failed marshal.” Some expressed disbelief, initially thinking his statement was satire, only to realise it was genuine. One quipped, “Pakistan truly deserves Asim Munir as their Army Chief.” Munir's

Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir may have intended to praise Pakistan as a less-refined but stronger neighbour to India, but his choice of words backfired and the netizens were quick to troll him

Asim Munir calls India 'shining Mercedes' and Pakistan 'dump truck', trolled online for 'crude analogy'

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reportedly told a private gathering in Tampa, Florida, that Pakistan would “take half the world down” if it was going down—and that Indian dams could be “finished with 10 missiles.” These lines were relayed by attendees of a closed-door dinner; there’s no public video or official transcript, but multiple outlets carried the account on 10–11 August. Treat the quotes as reported, not proven. Still, the message is clear: open nuclear brinkmanship, delivered on American soil.Why say this in the US, and why now?&nbsp;Three reasons stand out. First, timing: Munir’s remarks coincided with the US Central Command’s change-of-command ceremony in Tampa on 10 August, where Gen Michael E Kurilla handed charge to Adm Brad Cooper. The event drew senior American brass and global attention, giving Munir a big stage on the sidelines. Second, access: his visit included meetings with top US military leaders, keeping Pakistan in Washington’s line of sight during a period when Islamabad worries about fading influence. Third, audience: speaking in Florida let him rally the Pakistani diaspora and signal to US policymakers that Pakistan is still “too risky to ignore.” That’s classic “weaponising instability”—reminding the world that isolation could be costly.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-s-second-u-s-visit-after-june-1754881143466/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-s-second-u-s-visit-after-june-1754881143466/embed</a>&nbsp;Now to capability versus rhetoric. Pakistan is a nuclear weapons state with an estimated triple-digit arsenal and a broad missile mix—short-range systems like Nasr/Ababeel for battlefield roles and medium-range systems like Shaheen and Ghauri able to reach anywhere in India. That is real deterrent power. But the claim of “taking down half the world” is theatre. Pakistan has no publicly known intercontinental-range system in service; its credible reach is regional, not global. So, while the threat is frightening, it is not a realistic description of worldwide strike ability. (This is why many observers see the Tampa lines as psychological pressure, not a war plan.)What about the “10 missiles for Indian dams” line? Hitting large dams is not just a military act—it is ecological warfare with mass-casualty potential downstream on the Indus system. The point of saying it aloud is to frighten, raise crisis costs, and deter India from building leverage after New Delhi held the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance post-crisis. But again, saying it in the US is the real tactic: to broadcast risk before American ears and nudge Washington to lean on India.India’s response space is broader than it was a decade ago. In July–August, Indian officials and experts have spoken more openly about the tools used in May’s crisis response—BrahMos leading precision strikes and Akashteer guarding the skies. This isn’t chest-thumping; it is quiet signalling that India has credible conventional options and an improving defensive shield. Politically too, the ruling coalition has framed Operations Sindoor/Mahadev as a “new normal” of proportionate but firm action after terror attacks, which supports continued investment in readiness.On the defensive side, India fields layered measures: long-range detection networks, quick-reaction surface-to-air systems, and high-end imports like the S-400 integrated with indigenous command-and-control (e.g., Akashteer). None of this makes India invulnerable—missile defence never offers a 100% wall—but it raises the bar for any attacker and preserves decision-time for leaders in a fast-moving crisis. The message to any “10 missiles” talk is simple: some will be shot down, and any strike invites a calibrated and punishing response.On the nuclear side, India’s doctrine remains centred on credible minimum deterrence and a strong retaliatory capability, historically paired with no-first-use language. Pakistan’s habit of speaking loosely about nuclear use to shield sub-conventional actions is meant to narrow India’s choices. But the pattern since early May shows India using precise conventional force, information discipline, and political signalling rather than rushing up the nuclear ladder. That mix preserves deterrence while denying Pakistan an easy escalatory narrative.So, what was the context in July and August that pushed Munir toward such talk? Three threads:• US stagecraft: With a CENTCOM handover in Tampa, Pakistan’s top general had a rare, concentrated American audience. Loud words travel fast in that setting.• Narrative contest post-crisis: India has been publicly detailing the professionalism and indigenous content behind its May response. That undercuts Pakistan’s old script that India will self-deter. The Tampa rhetoric tries to restore fear.• Diaspora leverage: Closed-door diaspora events are ideal for fund-raising, lobbying, and message seeding. A dramatic line—“half the world”—gets headlines back home and pressure points abroad.Where does this leave India? First, do not overreact to bluster. Treat the Tampa quotes as reported but unverified; respond to the risk, not the noise. Second, keep strengthening the conventional edge—more standoff precision, better air defence coverage, faster decision loops. Third, continue clear political signalling: India will hit back proportionately after terrorism—without taking the bait of reckless rhetoric. Recent government and industry messaging in August shows exactly that balance.Finally, a word on American optics. The US military just shifted CENTCOM leadership, and Washington’s bandwidth is divided across theatres. Munir’s aim in Tampa was to force attention—by linking Pakistan’s fate to global catastrophe. The better answer—for India, the US, and the region—is to refuse nuclear blackmail as a diplomatic tool, maintain channels for crisis management, and keep building India’s credible, layered deterrence so that threats about “half the world” stay where they belong: in the realm of desperate talk, not doable action. &nbsp;

Asim Munir's claim of “taking down half the world” is theatre. Pakistan has no publicly known intercontinental-range system in service; its credible reach is regional, not global

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reportedly told a private gathering in Tampa, Florida, that Pakistan would “take half the world down” if it was going down—and that Indian dams could be “finished with 10 missiles.” These lines were relayed by attendees of a closed-door dinner; there’s no public video or official transcript, but multiple outlets carried the account on 10–11 August. Treat the quotes as reported, not proven. Still, the message is clear: open nuclear brinkmanship, delivered on American soil. Why say this in the US, and why now? Three reasons stand out. First, timing: Munir’s remarks coincided with the US Central Command’s change-of-command ceremony in Tampa on 10 August, where Gen Michael E Kurilla handed charge to Adm Brad Cooper. The event drew senior American brass and global attention, giving Munir a big stage on the sidelines. Second, access: his visit included meetings with top US military leaders, keeping Pakistan in Washington’s line of sight during a period when Islamabad worries about fading influence. Third, audience: speaking in Florida let him rally the Pakistani diaspora and signal to US policymakers that Pakistan is still “too risky to ignore.” That’s classic “weaponising instability”—reminding the world that isolation could be costly. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-s-second-u-s-visit-after-june-1754881143466/embed Now to capability versus rhetoric. Pakistan is a nuclear weapons state with an estimated triple-digit arsenal and a broad missile mix—short-range systems like Nasr/Ababeel for battlefield roles and medium-range systems like Shaheen and Ghauri able to reach anywhere in India. That is real deterrent power. But the claim of “taking down half the world” is theatre. Pakistan has no publicly known intercontinental-range system in service; its credible reach is regional, not global. So, while the threat is frightening, it is not a realistic description of worldwide strike ability. (This is why many observers see the Tampa lines as psychological pressure, not a war plan.) What about the “10 missiles for Indian dams” line? Hitting large dams is not just a military act—it is ecological warfare with mass-casualty potential downstream on the Indus system. The point of saying it aloud is to frighten, raise crisis costs, and deter India from building leverage after New Delhi held the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance post-crisis. But again, saying it in the US is the real tactic: to broadcast risk before American ears and nudge Washington to lean on India. India’s response space is broader than it was a decade ago. In July–August, Indian officials and experts have spoken more openly about the tools used in May’s crisis response—BrahMos leading precision strikes and Akashteer guarding the skies. This isn’t chest-thumping; it is quiet signalling that India has credible conventional options and an improving defensive shield. Politically too, the ruling coalition has framed Operations Sindoor/Mahadev as a “new normal” of proportionate but firm action after terror attacks, which supports continued investment in readiness. On the defensive side, India fields layered measures: long-range detection networks, quick-reaction surface-to-air systems, and high-end imports like the S-400 integrated with indigenous command-and-control (e.g., Akashteer). None of this makes India invulnerable—missile defence never offers a 100% wall—but it raises the bar for any attacker and preserves decision-time for leaders in a fast-moving crisis. The message to any “10 missiles” talk is simple: some will be shot down, and any strike invites a calibrated and punishing response. On the nuclear side, India’s doctrine remains centred on credible minimum deterrence and a strong retaliatory capability, historically paired with no-first-use language. Pakistan’s habit of speaking loosely about nuclear use to shield sub-conventional actions is meant to narrow India’s choices. But the pattern since early May shows India using precise conventional force, information discipline, and political signalling rather than rushing up the nuclear ladder. That mix preserves deterrence while denying Pakistan an easy escalatory narrative. So, what was the context in July and August that pushed Munir toward such talk? Three threads: • US stagecraft: With a CENTCOM handover in Tampa, Pakistan’s top general had a rare, concentrated American audience. Loud words travel fast in that setting. • Narrative contest post-crisis: India has been publicly detailing the professionalism and indigenous content behind its May response. That undercuts Pakistan’s old script that India will self-deter. The Tampa rhetoric tries to restore fear. • Diaspora leverage: Closed-door diaspora events are ideal for fund-raising, lobbying, and message seeding. A dramatic line—“half the world”—gets headlines back home and pressure points abroad. Where does this leave India? First, do not overreact to bluster. Treat the Tampa quotes as reported but unverified; respond to the risk, not the noise. Second, keep strengthening the conventional edge—more standoff precision, better air defence coverage, faster decision loops. Third, continue clear political signalling: India will hit back proportionately after terrorism—without taking the bait of reckless rhetoric. Recent government and industry messaging in August shows exactly that balance. Finally, a word on American optics. The US military just shifted CENTCOM leadership, and Washington’s bandwidth is divided across theatres. Munir’s aim in Tampa was to force attention—by linking Pakistan’s fate to global catastrophe. The better answer—for India, the US, and the region—is to refuse nuclear blackmail as a diplomatic tool, maintain channels for crisis management, and keep building India’s credible, layered deterrence so that threats about “half the world” stay where they belong: in the realm of desperate talk, not doable action.

Asim Munir's claim of “taking down half the world” is theatre. Pakistan has no publicly known intercontinental-range system in service; its credible reach is regional, not global

A Theatre of Fear: Why Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's 'Half the World' gambit finds an unimpressed audience in India.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT o3 model defeated Elon Musk’s xAI model Grok 4 in the final round of a chess tournament to claim the crown of the best artificial intelligence (AI) chess player. Whereas, Google's model Gemini secured the third spot in the tournament, after defeating another OpenAI model. The event, which was held for three days, pitted general-purpose LLMs from multiple AI companies against each other.&nbsp;As per the BBC report, Elon Musk and Sam Altman, both co-founders of OpenAI, claim their newest models are the most advanced in the world. However, despite excelling at several tasks every day, these AI systems are still developing their chess skills, as Grok made several mistakes in the final matches, including repeatedly losing its queen.&nbsp;"Up until the semifinals, it seemed like nothing would be able to stop Grok 4 on its way to winning the event," said Pedro Pinhata, a writer for Chess.com. "Despite a few moments of weakness, X's AI seemed to be by far the strongest chess player... But the illusion fell through on the last day of the tournament," he added.<h3>ChatGPT’s “convincing win” against Grok AI</h3>Pedro noted that the "unrecognisable" and "blundering" play of the Grok prompted ChatGPT o3 to clinch a “convincing victory.” "Grok made so many mistakes in these games, but OpenAI did not," said chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura during his livestream on the final.&nbsp;Before the final event of the chess scheduled for Thursday, Elon Musk had said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the earlier success of the xAI in the tournament had been a “side effect,” as the team had spent almost no effort on chess.&nbsp;For decades, tech companies have used chess as a benchmark to measure the progress and abilities of a computer, with modern chess machines virtually unbeatable by even the top human players. However, this competition was different, as it did not involve computers designed for chess, but it was held between AI programs designed for everyday use.

The ChatGPT o3 model defeated the xAI model Grok 4 in the final round of a chess tournament to find the strongest chess-playing large language model (LLM) in the world. 

OpenAI’s ChatGPT o3 model defeated Elon Musk’s xAI model Grok 4 in the final round of a chess tournament to claim the crown of the best artificial intelligence (AI) chess player. Whereas, Google's model Gemini secured the third spot in the tournament, after defeating another OpenAI model. The event, which was held for three days, pitted general-purpose LLMs from multiple AI companies against each other. As per the BBC report, Elon Musk and Sam Altman, both co-founders of OpenAI, claim their newest models are the most advanced in the world. However, despite excelling at several tasks every day, these AI systems are still developing their chess skills, as Grok made several mistakes in the final matches, including repeatedly losing its queen. "Up until the semifinals, it seemed like nothing would be able to stop Grok 4 on its way to winning the event," said Pedro Pinhata, a writer for Chess.com. "Despite a few moments of weakness, X's AI seemed to be by far the strongest chess player... But the illusion fell through on the last day of the tournament," he added. ChatGPT’s “convincing win” against Grok AI Pedro noted that the "unrecognisable" and "blundering" play of the Grok prompted ChatGPT o3 to clinch a “convincing victory.” "Grok made so many mistakes in these games, but OpenAI did not," said chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura during his livestream on the final. Before the final event of the chess scheduled for Thursday, Elon Musk had said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the earlier success of the xAI in the tournament had been a “side effect,” as the team had spent almost no effort on chess. For decades, tech companies have used chess as a benchmark to measure the progress and abilities of a computer, with modern chess machines virtually unbeatable by even the top human players. However, this competition was different, as it did not involve computers designed for chess, but it was held between AI programs designed for everyday use.

The ChatGPT o3 model defeated the xAI model Grok 4 in the final round of a chess tournament to find the strongest chess-playing large language model (LLM) in the world.&nbsp;

ChatGPT crowned best AI chess player after final win — Check where Gemini, Grok ranked

President Donald Trump could announce the deployment of National Guard in Washington DC as early as this week, as he threatened a 'federal takeover' in the US capital that he claimed is ruined by violent crime, carjackings and homeless people, or 'hobos' as they're called in America. But is crime and homelessness in DC really such a big crisis? Here is a briefing on the situation.<h2>‘DC chaos’: Trump unleashes Feds, seeks military help amid ‘crime crisis’</h2>In Washington DC, it’s a summer of sirens, surveillance, and sweeping crackdowns. Trump has declared war on what “lawless and unsafe” Washington, DC. In a stunning development, the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation are already patrolling the streets. The US military is set to send in the National Guard amid crimes like carjackings and homelessness, as per reports.<h2>FBI agents on streets, National Guard on standby</h2>For the first time since the post-election unrest of 2020, Trump reportedly deployed 450 federal officers, including 120 FBI agents to roam the US capital. The aim? To crack down on violent crime and carjackings. Since August 9, they have been patrolling DC's streets at night in a sweeping, week-long operation dubbed by insiders as 'Operation Restore Order'.It doesn't stop there. Reports said the US military is likely to activate up to 1,000 National Guard troops, as Trump is considering their deployment. No final orders are signed, but reports, including the Reuters news agency, claimed the president could sign off on the mission as soon as this week.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-threatens-to-send-national-guard-into-the-us-capital-1754581470298/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-threatens-to-send-national-guard-into-the-us-capital-1754581470298/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>DC is 'out of control': Trump's threat of federal takeover</h2>In a chilling post on Truth Social, Trump dropped a bombshell, threatening to "federalize Washington, D.C" entirely, if local leaders don’t “get crime under control.” Trump is flirting with the dangerous idea of overturning DC’s Home Rule, a 50-year-old law that grants the city limited self-governance.“I may exert my powers to run the city the way it should be run,” Trump wrote.<h2>But really, is crime up in Washington DC?</h2>But data shows that crime in DC is at a 30-year low. According to DC police and federal prosecutors, violent crime is down 26 per cent in 2025 compared to last year. Homicides are down 12 per cent, with 14 fewer deaths than the same time last year. Assaults with a dangerous weapon have dropped by 19 per cent. Robberies are down 39 per cent.Even carjackings — the crime at the centre of Trump’s new law-and-order blitz — have likely come down.&nbsp;Carjacking incidents are not new in the US capital. Still, the FBI’s night patrols are focused almost entirely on carjackings.The one that shocked everyone was an attempted carjacking of Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer. He was reportedly left bloodied and traumatised.While overall data is down, some of the recent crimes have been shocking, including the murder of a congressional intern and the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy workers.<h2>Is homelessness really a big crisis in DC?</h2>As per official data , homelessness in DC has dropped 12 per cent since 2020.As part of a Trump executive order, the government has cleared 64 homeless encampments, even as Trump vowed to relocate the homeless “FAR from the Capital.”That order, named ‘Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful’, was slammed by critics as 'cosmetic cruelty' and a PR stunt.Trump is also pushing a 40 per cent budget cut to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.<h2>Who really runs Washington DC?</h2>Washington DC has a unique status of self-rule. But the National Guard, being a part of the military, answers directly to the President, not a governor. This makes military deployments easier for Trump.Local officials were reportedly blindsided by the sudden influx of federal agents, with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's office denying the approval of the new surge.Trump's moves mirror his tactics in 2020 and 2021, at the fag end of his first term, when federal agents and National Guard clashed with protesters and patrolled city streets.The writing is clear on the wall for DC residents: Feds are here, and the army is coming.

Are crime and homelessness in DC really such a big crisis? Here is a briefing on the situation with recent data 

President Donald Trump could announce the deployment of National Guard in Washington DC as early as this week, as he threatened a 'federal takeover' in the US capital that he claimed is ruined by violent crime, carjackings and homeless people, or 'hobos' as they're called in America. But is crime and homelessness in DC really such a big crisis? Here is a briefing on the situation. ‘DC chaos’: Trump unleashes Feds, seeks military help amid ‘crime crisis’ In Washington DC, it’s a summer of sirens, surveillance, and sweeping crackdowns. Trump has declared war on what “lawless and unsafe” Washington, DC. In a stunning development, the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation are already patrolling the streets. The US military is set to send in the National Guard amid crimes like carjackings and homelessness, as per reports. FBI agents on streets, National Guard on standby For the first time since the post-election unrest of 2020, Trump reportedly deployed 450 federal officers, including 120 FBI agents to roam the US capital. The aim? To crack down on violent crime and carjackings. Since August 9, they have been patrolling DC's streets at night in a sweeping, week-long operation dubbed by insiders as 'Operation Restore Order'. It doesn't stop there. Reports said the US military is likely to activate up to 1,000 National Guard troops, as Trump is considering their deployment. No final orders are signed, but reports, including the Reuters news agency, claimed the president could sign off on the mission as soon as this week. https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-threatens-to-send-national-guard-into-the-us-capital-1754581470298/embed DC is 'out of control': Trump's threat of federal takeover In a chilling post on Truth Social, Trump dropped a bombshell, threatening to "federalize Washington, D.C" entirely, if local leaders don’t “get crime under control.” Trump is flirting with the dangerous idea of overturning DC’s Home Rule, a 50-year-old law that grants the city limited self-governance. “I may exert my powers to run the city the way it should be run,” Trump wrote. But really, is crime up in Washington DC? But data shows that crime in DC is at a 30-year low. According to DC police and federal prosecutors, violent crime is down 26 per cent in 2025 compared to last year. Homicides are down 12 per cent, with 14 fewer deaths than the same time last year. Assaults with a dangerous weapon have dropped by 19 per cent. Robberies are down 39 per cent. Even carjackings — the crime at the centre of Trump’s new law-and-order blitz — have likely come down. Carjacking incidents are not new in the US capital. Still, the FBI’s night patrols are focused almost entirely on carjackings. The one that shocked everyone was an attempted carjacking of Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer. He was reportedly left bloodied and traumatised. While overall data is down, some of the recent crimes have been shocking, including the murder of a congressional intern and the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy workers. Is homelessness really a big crisis in DC? As per official data , homelessness in DC has dropped 12 per cent since 2020. As part of a Trump executive order, the government has cleared 64 homeless encampments, even as Trump vowed to relocate the homeless “FAR from the Capital.” That order, named ‘Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful’, was slammed by critics as 'cosmetic cruelty' and a PR stunt. Trump is also pushing a 40 per cent budget cut to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Who really runs Washington DC? Washington DC has a unique status of self-rule. But the National Guard, being a part of the military, answers directly to the President, not a governor. This makes military deployments easier for Trump. Local officials were reportedly blindsided by the sudden influx of federal agents, with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's office denying the approval of the new surge. Trump's moves mirror his tactics in 2020 and 2021, at the fag end of his first term, when federal agents and National Guard clashed with protesters and patrolled city streets. The writing is clear on the wall for DC residents: Feds are here, and the army is coming.

Are crime and homelessness in DC really such a big crisis? Here is a briefing on the situation with recent data&nbsp;

‘Federal takeover’: Is Washington DC so RUINED by crime, homelessness, that Trump unleashed FBI, wants National Guard? Here are the facts

Amid the ongoing debate over trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, including a whopping 50 per cent tariff on India, a century-old political cartoon has resurfaced on social media and gone viral. Popular US cartoonist Bob Minor in 1925 had drawn a cartoon showing the balance of global power one day shifting from the western countries that posses money and guns, to China, India, and Africa that were poor in that sphere, but rich in people.&nbsp;The cartoon was originally published in the socialist Chicago newspaper Daily Worker. Several years later, in 2024 it was republished by the website scrapsfromtheloft with the caption, “Almost 100 years ago, famous US cartoonist Bob Minor had a realisation: Western nations ruled the world because they were rich in money and guns. China, India, and Africa were poor in money and guns but rich in people. One day, the balance of power would shift. Minor drew this cartoon in 1925. Now, 99 years later, the people of the world are waking up and realising something has changed.”&nbsp;Here is the cartoon posted on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bob Minor’s 1925 cartoon was not just art- it was prophecy! India, China, Africa: once called ‘sleeping giants’ now global gamechangers. The world is seeing the rise he predicted.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PowerShift?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PowerShift</a> <a href="https://t.co/eFHGBTr5Co">pic.twitter.com/eFHGBTr5Co</a>&mdash; Shubham (@shubhamjain1499) <a href="https://twitter.com/shubhamjain1499/status/1954056235931906186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In this political cartoon three colossal figures representing China, India, and Africa loom over three dwarf characters labeled US Imperialism, French Imperialism and British Imperialism, all armed with whips.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/first-space-wedding-know-how-russian-cosmonaut-married-american-girlfriend-while-orbiting-in-the-iss-1754814025518">First space wedding: Russian cosmonaut married American girlfriend while orbiting in the ISS. Know all about it</a>&nbsp;The message that comes out of the cartoon is that the Western nations ruled the world with money, guns, and military force but they always overlooked the potential that the underdeveloped and economically weaker countries like China, India, and Africa had in terms of people and culture.&nbsp;It also points to a future shift in global power, where these dominated nations would rise up and probably surpass the western powers that once sought to control them.&nbsp;The post's timing coinciding with Trump's tariffs that have hit countries like India, China and African countries like &nbsp;Libya, South Africa, Algeria and Tunisia has intensified discussion on whether Minor's vision is now becoming reality.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The cartoon points to a future shift in global power, where India, China and Africa dominated for centuries by the US and West would rise up and probably surpass the Western powers.

Amid the ongoing debate over trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, including a whopping 50 per cent tariff on India, a century-old political cartoon has resurfaced on social media and gone viral. Popular US cartoonist Bob Minor in 1925 had drawn a cartoon showing the balance of global power one day shifting from the western countries that posses money and guns, to China, India, and Africa that were poor in that sphere, but rich in people. The cartoon was originally published in the socialist Chicago newspaper Daily Worker. Several years later, in 2024 it was republished by the website scrapsfromtheloft with the caption, “Almost 100 years ago, famous US cartoonist Bob Minor had a realisation: Western nations ruled the world because they were rich in money and guns. China, India, and Africa were poor in money and guns but rich in people. One day, the balance of power would shift. Minor drew this cartoon in 1925. Now, 99 years later, the people of the world are waking up and realising something has changed.” Here is the cartoon posted on social media.

The cartoon points to a future shift in global power, where India, China and Africa dominated for centuries by the US and West would rise up and probably surpass the Western powers.

1925 cartoon depicting rise of China, India, Africa over US, West goes viral a century later. Here is what it showed.

Six bogies of the Jaffar Express derailed after a bomb blast on a railway track in Balochistan's Mastung district. However, no loss of life was reported during the incident, an official said on Sunday, Dawn reported. "A bomb attached to the railway track exploded loudly, derailing six bogies of the train. Fortunately, there was no loss of life," Muhammad Kashif, public relations officer of the Pakistan Railways' Quetta division, told Dawn.com.&nbsp;The incident took place in the vicinity of the Spezand station in Mastung's Dasht tehsil, when the train was en route to Peshawar City station from Quetta with 350 passengers on board. "Security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site as soon as they were alerted about the incident and began a search operation after cordoning off the area," Kashif Dawn added.&nbsp;He further added, "Four bogies of the Jaffar Express had been placed back on the track, while efforts were underway to restore the other two."<h3>All 350 passengers were brought back to Quetta</h3>Meanwhile, the Pakistan Railways operated a relief train following the tragedy, in which all 350 passengers were brought back to Quetta. Whereas, all the stuck bogies on the track will be returned to the city as well, and all tickets will be refunded to the respective passengers, Kashif said in a later statement, Dawn reported.&nbsp;In a separate statement, Kashif added that the Pakistan Railways has suspended the services of the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail till August 14. And the Bolan Mail will restart to operate on August 16 (Saturday), departing from Karachi "in its proper turn" and reaching Quetta the following day, he added.&nbsp;The incident comes only three days after the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express narrowly avoided disaster in Sibi, Balochistan, when a bomb planted near the railway track detonated moments after the passenger train passed, as per the report by Dawn.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-killed-dozens-injured-as-passenger-train-derails-in-germany-1753663618965">Three killed, dozens injured as passenger train derails in Germany</a>

The Jaffar Express was derailed in the area of the Spezand station in Mastung's Dasht tehsil when the train was en route to Peshawar City station from Quetta with 350 passengers on board.

Six bogies of the Jaffar Express derailed after a bomb blast on a railway track in Balochistan's Mastung district. However, no loss of life was reported during the incident, an official said on Sunday, Dawn reported. "A bomb attached to the railway track exploded loudly, derailing six bogies of the train. Fortunately, there was no loss of life," Muhammad Kashif, public relations officer of the Pakistan Railways' Quetta division, told Dawn.com. The incident took place in the vicinity of the Spezand station in Mastung's Dasht tehsil, when the train was en route to Peshawar City station from Quetta with 350 passengers on board. "Security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site as soon as they were alerted about the incident and began a search operation after cordoning off the area," Kashif Dawn added. He further added, "Four bogies of the Jaffar Express had been placed back on the track, while efforts were underway to restore the other two." All 350 passengers were brought back to Quetta Meanwhile, the Pakistan Railways operated a relief train following the tragedy, in which all 350 passengers were brought back to Quetta. Whereas, all the stuck bogies on the track will be returned to the city as well, and all tickets will be refunded to the respective passengers, Kashif said in a later statement, Dawn reported. In a separate statement, Kashif added that the Pakistan Railways has suspended the services of the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail till August 14. And the Bolan Mail will restart to operate on August 16 (Saturday), departing from Karachi "in its proper turn" and reaching Quetta the following day, he added. The incident comes only three days after the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express narrowly avoided disaster in Sibi, Balochistan, when a bomb planted near the railway track detonated moments after the passenger train passed, as per the report by Dawn. Also read: Three killed, dozens injured as passenger train derails in Germany

The Jaffar Express was derailed in the area of the Spezand station in Mastung's Dasht tehsil when the train was en route to Peshawar City station from Quetta with 350 passengers on board.

TARGETED AGAIN! Jaffar Express derailed in Balochistan after bomb blast: Here's what happened

Israel has defended the killing of Anas al-Sharif in Gaza City by its military, calling him a ‘Hamas terrorist.’ Five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas, were killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday. In a statement, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that Anas was a 'Hamas terrorist who posed as an Al-Jazeera journalist.' The IDF claimed that he was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and planned precision rocket attacks. It accused him of rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF troops. Israel also claimed that intelligence and documents from Gaza, including terrorist training lists and salary records, prove that he was a Hamas operative and was later integrated into Al Jazeera.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the UN has condemned the killing of the journalists. Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, condemned the killing of the journalists and came down heavily on Israel. He also slammed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for claiming that there is no famine in the Gaza Strip. He said, "Why don't you, the Security Council, take with you 100 journalists from your countries and other countries to verify exactly what is happening in Gaza? If Netanyahu is so sure of this global conspiracy about a “lie”, let him prove it. I invite you; he should allow you to go to the Gaza Strip and see exactly what is happening there. Take journalists with you so that you can verify exactly what is happening in Gaza.”<h3>Here's what happened&nbsp;</h3>Five Al Jazeera journalists were killed near Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital on August 10. They were identified as Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, as well as cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal. As per reports, Israel has killed him a year after it bombed his family home in the Jabalia refugee camp and killed his 65-year-old father, Jamal al-Sharif. Twenty-eight-year-old Anas al-Sharif reported about the intensified Israeli offensive in Gaza City moments before news came about his demise. The death of the journalists came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza City plan was approved by the cabinet and the Isareli PM said that he will not annex Gaza City, but its takeover by force is the only way to end the ongoing war.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my…&mdash; أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasAlSharif0/status/1954670507128914219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Anas al-Sharif's last words</h2>A post on Anas al-Sharif's X profile claimed that he had asked his last words to be published if he died in Gaza. In the post, Anas wrote, “If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.” He also urged the world to stand by Palestine, the people of the country who have been crushed by "Israeli bombs and missiles." "I entrust you with Palestine—the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart and scattered across the walls," his statement read. He also said that he lived through pain, tasted suffering and loss many times, but he did not hesitate “to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or falsification.” Al Jazeera also reported that Anas had, time and time again, faced about threat to his life from the Israeli military and urged the entire world to see that the IDF had started a campaign against him, and that he was scared that he was going to be killed.

Israel has defended its move, claiming that the journalist killed in Gaza was posing as a correspondent but was actually a ‘Hamas terrorist’. As per reports, the IDF also killed his father a year ago in a strike in the Jabalia refugee camp 

Israel has defended the killing of Anas al-Sharif in Gaza City by its military, calling him a ‘Hamas terrorist.’ Five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas, were killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday. In a statement, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that Anas was a 'Hamas terrorist who posed as an Al-Jazeera journalist.' The IDF claimed that he was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and planned precision rocket attacks. It accused him of rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF troops. Israel also claimed that intelligence and documents from Gaza, including terrorist training lists and salary records, prove that he was a Hamas operative and was later integrated into Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, the UN has condemned the killing of the journalists. Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, condemned the killing of the journalists and came down heavily on Israel. He also slammed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for claiming that there is no famine in the Gaza Strip. He said, "Why don't you, the Security Council, take with you 100 journalists from your countries and other countries to verify exactly what is happening in Gaza? If Netanyahu is so sure of this global conspiracy about a “lie”, let him prove it. I invite you; he should allow you to go to the Gaza Strip and see exactly what is happening there. Take journalists with you so that you can verify exactly what is happening in Gaza.” Here's what happened Five Al Jazeera journalists were killed near Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital on August 10. They were identified as Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, as well as cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal. As per reports, Israel has killed him a year after it bombed his family home in the Jabalia refugee camp and killed his 65-year-old father, Jamal al-Sharif. Twenty-eight-year-old Anas al-Sharif reported about the intensified Israeli offensive in Gaza City moments before news came about his demise. The death of the journalists came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza City plan was approved by the cabinet and the Isareli PM said that he will not annex Gaza City, but its takeover by force is the only way to end the ongoing war.

Israel has defended its move, claiming that the journalist killed in Gaza was posing as a correspondent but was actually a ‘Hamas terrorist’. As per reports, the IDF also killed his father a year ago in a strike in the Jabalia refugee camp&nbsp;

'Press badge isn’t shield for terrorism': Israel defends killing Al Jazeera journalist in Gaza, year after eliminating his father

US President Donald Trump’s recent 50% tariff on Indian goods has had the country’s leaders responding in the strongest voice; joining in is Sri Lankan MP Harsha de Silva. The politician spoke at the Lankan Parliament, where he came out in support of India. He highlighted an episode from the recent past where New Delhi lent a helping hand to the island nation when it was gripped by an economic crisis, the worst of its kind, it experienced, and is slowly crawling out of the situation. The MP said, “Don’t laugh at India. Don’t mock them when they are down because when we were down, they were the only ones to lend us a hand. It ain’t over until the fat lady sings. We witnessed you laughing. Don’t laugh. India expected the tariffs to come down to 15%, and so did we.” &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇱🇰🇮🇳 Called out the Govt in <a href="https://twitter.com/ParliamentLK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParliamentLK</a> for mocking India’s bold stand against Trump’s trade tariffs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, our true ally, stood by us in our toughest times. We should honor their fight, not laugh. India’s courage inspires Asia! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpTariffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpTariffs</a> <a href="https://t.co/HUmMf1lht2">pic.twitter.com/HUmMf1lht2</a>&mdash; Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarshadeSilvaMP/status/1954373157885968538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Posting his video from the debate, he wrote on X, “Called out the government in Sri Lankan Parliament for mocking India’s bold stand against Trump’s trade tariffs. India, our true ally, stood by us in our toughest times. We should honour their fight, not laugh. India’s courage inspires Asia!”&nbsp;<h2>US tariff imposed on India:</h2>

On August 6, Trump imposed an additional tariff of 25% on India. This came after citing concerns over New Delhi's oil trading with Moscow. A total of 50% tariff will be levied on Indian goods being exported to America; the additional 25% will be applied on August 27.&nbsp;India's response:&nbsp;The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.”&nbsp;Further mentioning, "It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest," the statement said, reiterating its stance on several other countries, including the US and European Union, importing Russian oil. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amid increasing US trade tariffs imposed on India, a Sri Lankan MP stood firm in support of New Delhi. In the parliament, he said, “Don’t laugh at India. Don’t mock them when they are down because when we were down, they were the only ones to lend us a hand.”

US President Donald Trump’s recent 50% tariff on Indian goods has had the country’s leaders responding in the strongest voice; joining in is Sri Lankan MP Harsha de Silva. The politician spoke at the Lankan Parliament, where he came out in support of India. He highlighted an episode from the recent past where New Delhi lent a helping hand to the island nation when it was gripped by an economic crisis, the worst of its kind, it experienced, and is slowly crawling out of the situation. The MP said, “Don’t laugh at India. Don’t mock them when they are down because when we were down, they were the only ones to lend us a hand. It ain’t over until the fat lady sings. We witnessed you laughing. Don’t laugh. India expected the tariffs to come down to 15%, and so did we.”

Amid increasing US trade tariffs imposed on India, a Sri Lankan MP stood firm in support of New Delhi. In the parliament, he said, “Don’t laugh at India. Don’t mock them when they are down because when we were down, they were the only ones to lend us a hand.”

'Don't mock India, they stood by us': Sri Lankan MP slams government in parliament, supports India amid US tariff row

Eight people were killed and two others wounded when a group of gunmen opened fire on a crowd outside a nightclub in a town in southwestern Ecuador, police said Sunday (August 10). Law enforcement arrived on the scene following an emergency call alerting them to a shooting, and found "several people wounded and seven bodies," police colonel Javier Chango told a press conference, adding an eighth person died in hospital.&nbsp;The gunmen arrived in two pickup trucks and opened fire on people drinking outside the nightclub at 1:15 am local time (0615 GMT) in Santa Lucia, which has a population of 38,000 in the Guayas Province. Among the dead was the nightclub owner Jorge Urquizo, who was the brother of Santa Lucia's mayor. Police found 800 cartridge cases at the scene.&nbsp;After the attack the gunmen got back in their trucks and fled along an "unknown route," Chango said. The local police picked up a man driving a truck who was carrying a revolver, but were not able to determine whether he was involved in the attack.&nbsp;The police said they have yet to work out a motive for the shooting. The bodies of the dead were taken to a morgue in the neighboring city of Daule. The office of Santa Lucia's mayor Ubaldo Urquizo expressed condolences on Sunday.&nbsp;"We unite in sorrow and prayer for this violent attack that has struck our community," the office said on social media. Ecuador, once a peaceful haven between the world's two top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, has seen violence erupt in recent years as gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control.&nbsp;More than 70% of all cocaine produced in the world now passes through Ecuador's ports, according to government data. Guayas is one of four provinces where President Daniel Noboa recently declared a two-month state of emergency to combat gang violence.&nbsp;However, despite a stepped-up military presence authorities have not stemmed the bloodshed. More than 4,051 homicides were recorded between January and May, according to official figures. Analysts believe it is the most violent start to a year in the country's recent history. &nbsp;

Eight people were killed and two others wounded when a group of gunmen opened fire on a crowd outside a nightclub in a town in southwestern Ecuador, police said Sunday (August 10). 

Eight people were killed and two others wounded when a group of gunmen opened fire on a crowd outside a nightclub in a town in southwestern Ecuador, police said Sunday (August 10). Law enforcement arrived on the scene following an emergency call alerting them to a shooting, and found "several people wounded and seven bodies," police colonel Javier Chango told a press conference, adding an eighth person died in hospital. The gunmen arrived in two pickup trucks and opened fire on people drinking outside the nightclub at 1:15 am local time (0615 GMT) in Santa Lucia, which has a population of 38,000 in the Guayas Province. Among the dead was the nightclub owner Jorge Urquizo, who was the brother of Santa Lucia's mayor. Police found 800 cartridge cases at the scene. After the attack the gunmen got back in their trucks and fled along an "unknown route," Chango said. The local police picked up a man driving a truck who was carrying a revolver, but were not able to determine whether he was involved in the attack. The police said they have yet to work out a motive for the shooting. The bodies of the dead were taken to a morgue in the neighboring city of Daule. The office of Santa Lucia's mayor Ubaldo Urquizo expressed condolences on Sunday. "We unite in sorrow and prayer for this violent attack that has struck our community," the office said on social media. Ecuador, once a peaceful haven between the world's two top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, has seen violence erupt in recent years as gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control. More than 70% of all cocaine produced in the world now passes through Ecuador's ports, according to government data. Guayas is one of four provinces where President Daniel Noboa recently declared a two-month state of emergency to combat gang violence. However, despite a stepped-up military presence authorities have not stemmed the bloodshed. More than 4,051 homicides were recorded between January and May, according to official figures. Analysts believe it is the most violent start to a year in the country's recent history.

Eight people were killed and two others wounded when a group of gunmen opened fire on a crowd outside a nightclub in a town in southwestern Ecuador, police said Sunday (August 10).&nbsp;

Eight dead in shooting outside Ecuador nightclub: Police

In yet another setback for Israel, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on August 11 (Monday) that Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. His announcement comes amid backlash faced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his Gaza ‘takeover’ plan. Additionally, New Zealand also expressed that it is considering to recognise Palestine. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said that the government will carefully weigh up its position over the next month on recognition of a state of Palestine.&nbsp;"A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," Albanese said at a news conference. Albanese also said that he has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in a "long" and "civil" discussion about Australia's decision. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it had been more than 77 years since the world promised a Palestinian state. "In the nearly two years since October 7, we have been working with the international community on breaking the cycle of violence," she said. “We can't keep waiting for the end of a peace process that has ground to a halt.”&nbsp;New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, in a statement, said that the country will decide its position on recognising Palestine by next month. He highlighted New Zealand's support for a two-state solution and said that the formal consideration of the issue will be taken in September.&nbsp;<h2>Canada, UK, France and Malta to recognise Palestine</h2>Canada will officially recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, citing recent reform commitments by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and emphasising the need to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. "Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution, an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said during a press conference alongside Foreign Minister Anita Anand.&nbsp;This came after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September this year. In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron emphasised the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and protecting civilians, describing his decision as a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Macron also reaffirmed France’s support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and long-term development efforts for a future Palestinian state.&nbsp;Following France's move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and meets several other conditions, including recommitting to a viable peace process. Joining these countries, Malta also announced its decision to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly’s meeting on a two-state solution to the conflict on July 29.<h2>How many countries have recognised Palestine so far?</h2>On November 15, 1988, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat declared Palestine an independent state, naming Jerusalem as its capital. In the aftermath, over 80 nations, primarily from the Global South, including regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world—extended recognition. Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, nearly 20 additional countries followed suit, with another 12 joining between 2000 and 2010, mostly from Africa and South America. By 2011, all African states except Eritrea and Cameroon had recognized Palestinian statehood.&nbsp;A milestone came in 2012 when the UN General Assembly voted 138–9 (with 41 abstentions) to elevate Palestine's status to that of a non-member observer state. Sweden became the first EU member in Western Europe to recognise Palestine in 2014. More recently, on May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain formally recognised Palestine, prompting diplomatic backlash from Israel. Slovenia joined on June 4, while Malta and Belgium are still considering recognition. None of the G7 countries has recognised the state of Palestine. The Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN observer status, has also recognised Palestine.

Following the domino effect started by France, now Australia has announced that it will recognise a Palestenian state in September this year at the UN. New Zealand has also expressed its desire to recognise Palestine amid Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza plan

In yet another setback for Israel, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on August 11 (Monday) that Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. His announcement comes amid backlash faced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his Gaza ‘takeover’ plan. Additionally, New Zealand also expressed that it is considering to recognise Palestine. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said that the government will carefully weigh up its position over the next month on recognition of a state of Palestine. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," Albanese said at a news conference. Albanese also said that he has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in a "long" and "civil" discussion about Australia's decision. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it had been more than 77 years since the world promised a Palestinian state. "In the nearly two years since October 7, we have been working with the international community on breaking the cycle of violence," she said. “We can't keep waiting for the end of a peace process that has ground to a halt.” New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, in a statement, said that the country will decide its position on recognising Palestine by next month. He highlighted New Zealand's support for a two-state solution and said that the formal consideration of the issue will be taken in September. Canada, UK, France and Malta to recognise Palestine Canada will officially recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, citing recent reform commitments by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and emphasising the need to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. "Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution, an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said during a press conference alongside Foreign Minister Anita Anand. This came after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September this year. In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron emphasised the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and protecting civilians, describing his decision as a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Macron also reaffirmed France’s support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and long-term development efforts for a future Palestinian state. Following France's move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and meets several other conditions, including recommitting to a viable peace process. Joining these countries, Malta also announced its decision to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly’s meeting on a two-state solution to the conflict on July 29. How many countries have recognised Palestine so far? On November 15, 1988, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat declared Palestine an independent state, naming Jerusalem as its capital. In the aftermath, over 80 nations, primarily from the Global South, including regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world—extended recognition. Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, nearly 20 additional countries followed suit, with another 12 joining between 2000 and 2010, mostly from Africa and South America. By 2011, all African states except Eritrea and Cameroon had recognized Palestinian statehood. A milestone came in 2012 when the UN General Assembly voted 138–9 (with 41 abstentions) to elevate Palestine's status to that of a non-member observer state. Sweden became the first EU member in Western Europe to recognise Palestine in 2014. More recently, on May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain formally recognised Palestine, prompting diplomatic backlash from Israel. Slovenia joined on June 4, while Malta and Belgium are still considering recognition. None of the G7 countries has recognised the state of Palestine. The Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN observer status, has also recognised Palestine.

Following the domino effect started by France, now Australia has announced that it will recognise a Palestenian state in September this year at the UN. New Zealand has also expressed its desire to recognise Palestine amid Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza plan

Australia joins France, UK to recognise Palestine as State, New Zealand may join soon: Will Israel be alienated at UN?

Just when the Epstein saga seemed to be taking a backseat with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-new-tariff-rates-for-countries-in-escalation-of-trump-s-trade-war-india-faces-25-full-list-here-1754009429716">Trump's tariff pressure </a>on the world and his possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Vice President JD Vance might have stirred up a hornets' nest with his latest comments linking Democrats to the Epstein Files. Vance accused former US President Joe Biden of doing nothing to release the Epstein Files and defended Trump, stating that he has demanded transparency on the issue. However, Vice President Vance's comments did the opposite of what he expected. It renewed calls for the release of the Epstein Files.&nbsp;In an interview with Fox News, Vance said that Joe Biden did 'absolutely nothing' to release the Epstein Files. "Now President Trump has demanded full transparency from this. And yet somehow the Democrats are attacking him and not the Biden administration, which did nothing for four years,” he said. “The Democrats have tried to make this whole Epstein thing about anything but the fact that Democrat billionaires and Democrat political leaders went to Epstein's island all the time,“ Vance added. Vance also repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump that former president Bill Clinton went to Epstein's island. "Who knows what they did, but it’s totally reasonable to ask these questions," he said.&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-flip-flops-on-jeffrey-epstein-files-scam-even-as-ghislaine-maxwell-answers-all-questions-by-doj-1753423847252"> Trump flip-flops on Epstein Files 'SCAM'</a><h2>Vance's move backfires</h2>Even as Vance did agree that there was a strategy meeting in the White House with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI chief Kash Patel, he rejected the claims that they discussed the Epstein Files and the controversy around it. However, if reports are to be believed, the three strategised on how to handle media coverage on the Epstein Files. But Vance's comments did what the White House might not have expected. Republican lawyer George Conway took to X and asked if Democrats are named in the Epstein Files, then why aren't Trump releasing the files. Jon Favreau, Barack Obama’s former head speechwriter, said, "Release the names! Democrats, Republicans, billionaires, or not. What are you afraid of, JD Vance?” &nbsp;House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark shared an article that claimed Trump's name is in the list and wrote on X, “Who’s going to tell him?”<h2>Epstein Files and the controversy around it</h2>Recently, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was transferred from a Florida prison to a lower-security facility in Texas to continue serving her 20-year sentence. She was moved to a Texas prison days after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who also served in Trump's legal team, grilled her. Maxwell's lawyer, in a statement after the interrogation, said that she answered all questions and the truth will be out soon. As per several reports, Maxwell was seen carrying a box with her after she met Todd Blanche. Meanwhile, Trump said that he is unaware that Maxwell has been moved to a Texas prison.&nbsp;Last month, Trump also accepted that Jeffrey Epstein 'stole' young girls, including<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-accuser-virginia-giuffre-was-once-employed-by-donald-trump-hired-by-ghislaine-maxwell-1753869624224"> Virginia Giuffre</a>, from his Mar-a-Lago spa. He said that he cut all ties with Epstein after the convicted sex offender did not pay heed to his warnings about stealing girls from Trump's spa. Trump also said that he did not know what he did with these girls. The Trump administration is facing immense pressure for the release of the Epstein Files, with Trump's former buddy Elon Musk claiming that his name is also on the list. Moreover, Trump's alleged handwritten letters, with drawings of a naked woman, for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003, were also released by the Wall Street Journal. Trump sued the newspaper, denying the claims.&nbsp;&nbsp;

United States Vice President JD Vance wanted to deflect the questions around the ongoing Epstein Files controversy, but his comments renewed calls for the release of the controversial files. He blamed the Democrats including Joe Biden, but his MAGA base now wants the files out

Just when the Epstein saga seemed to be taking a backseat with Trump's tariff pressure on the world and his possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Vice President JD Vance might have stirred up a hornets' nest with his latest comments linking Democrats to the Epstein Files. Vance accused former US President Joe Biden of doing nothing to release the Epstein Files and defended Trump, stating that he has demanded transparency on the issue. However, Vice President Vance's comments did the opposite of what he expected. It renewed calls for the release of the Epstein Files. In an interview with Fox News, Vance said that Joe Biden did 'absolutely nothing' to release the Epstein Files. "Now President Trump has demanded full transparency from this. And yet somehow the Democrats are attacking him and not the Biden administration, which did nothing for four years,” he said. “The Democrats have tried to make this whole Epstein thing about anything but the fact that Democrat billionaires and Democrat political leaders went to Epstein's island all the time,“ Vance added. Vance also repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump that former president Bill Clinton went to Epstein's island. "Who knows what they did, but it’s totally reasonable to ask these questions," he said. Read More | Trump flip-flops on Epstein Files 'SCAM' Vance's move backfires Even as Vance did agree that there was a strategy meeting in the White House with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI chief Kash Patel, he rejected the claims that they discussed the Epstein Files and the controversy around it. However, if reports are to be believed, the three strategised on how to handle media coverage on the Epstein Files. But Vance's comments did what the White House might not have expected. Republican lawyer George Conway took to X and asked if Democrats are named in the Epstein Files, then why aren't Trump releasing the files. Jon Favreau, Barack Obama’s former head speechwriter, said, "Release the names! Democrats, Republicans, billionaires, or not. What are you afraid of, JD Vance?” House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark shared an article that claimed Trump's name is in the list and wrote on X, “Who’s going to tell him?” Epstein Files and the controversy around it Recently, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was transferred from a Florida prison to a lower-security facility in Texas to continue serving her 20-year sentence. She was moved to a Texas prison days after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who also served in Trump's legal team, grilled her. Maxwell's lawyer, in a statement after the interrogation, said that she answered all questions and the truth will be out soon. As per several reports, Maxwell was seen carrying a box with her after she met Todd Blanche. Meanwhile, Trump said that he is unaware that Maxwell has been moved to a Texas prison. Last month, Trump also accepted that Jeffrey Epstein 'stole' young girls, including Virginia Giuffre, from his Mar-a-Lago spa. He said that he cut all ties with Epstein after the convicted sex offender did not pay heed to his warnings about stealing girls from Trump's spa. Trump also said that he did not know what he did with these girls. The Trump administration is facing immense pressure for the release of the Epstein Files, with Trump's former buddy Elon Musk claiming that his name is also on the list. Moreover, Trump's alleged handwritten letters, with drawings of a naked woman, for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003, were also released by the Wall Street Journal. Trump sued the newspaper, denying the claims.

United States Vice President JD Vance wanted to deflect the questions around the ongoing Epstein Files controversy, but his comments renewed calls for the release of the controversial files. He blamed the Democrats including Joe Biden, but his MAGA base now wants the files out

'Went to the island...': JD Vance links Democrats to Epstein, ends up renewing calls for release of controversial files

A couple in Brazil who stopped at the edge of a 1,300-foot cliff to have sex died when their car rolled down into the pit. The naked dead bodies of the man and the woman were found outside the car as they were flung out at a height of about 100 metres when the vehicle hit the ground. Police are investigating the accident and do not suspect any foul play. They believe that the couple's movements led the car to shift and tumble down the edge. Adriana Machado Ribeiro, 42, and Marcone da Silva Cardoso, 26, were returning from a party in Venda Nova do Imigrante when they decided to stop at a point from where hang gliders launch to take off. Marcone had dropped off his brother and his girlfriend a few minutes back. However, their choice of location proved fatal. As they got intimate, their intense activity led the car to steer forward, and it rolled over the cliff. According to The Sun, the vehicle fell around 1 am local time, the police said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/swedish-company-gives-masturbation-break-to-its-staff-1753760328714">'An apple a day...': A Swedish company gives 30-minute masturbation break to its staff. Here's why</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pattaya-indian-men-refuse-to-pay-sex-worker-claiming-she-misled-them-about-her-figure-1753503731343">Indian men refuse to pay sex worker in Pattaya claiming she misled them about her figure</a><h2>Investigation into death of Brazilian couple</h2>The man and the woman were ejected roughly 328 feet. The car fell down another 300 metres after the couple was thrown out of the vehicle. The mangled car was found on private property at around 7 am by a caretaker. Marcone’s body was found at the base of the cliff, while Adriana’s remains were further down as firefighters navigated a steep terrain to recover them, CNN Brazil reported. Police officer Alberto Roque Peres told local media, “There were no signs of violence at the scene or on the bodies, and the car’s handbrake was engaged." Marcone’s brother told the publication that the couple had been together for six months. Others who knew the couple said that they had a healthy relationship, and they never saw them fighting or getting violent. Marcone worked as a machine operator in Venda Nova do Imigrante, while Adriana worked at her mother's bakery. She leaves behind a son and a daughter.

A couple in Brazil stopped on a cliff to have sex in their car. However, their activity led the vehicle to start moving forward, ultimately falling 1,300 feet off the edge despite their hand brake being engaged. They were flung out of the car several feet away. 

A couple in Brazil who stopped at the edge of a 1,300-foot cliff to have sex died when their car rolled down into the pit. The naked dead bodies of the man and the woman were found outside the car as they were flung out at a height of about 100 metres when the vehicle hit the ground. Police are investigating the accident and do not suspect any foul play. They believe that the couple's movements led the car to shift and tumble down the edge. Adriana Machado Ribeiro, 42, and Marcone da Silva Cardoso, 26, were returning from a party in Venda Nova do Imigrante when they decided to stop at a point from where hang gliders launch to take off. Marcone had dropped off his brother and his girlfriend a few minutes back. However, their choice of location proved fatal. As they got intimate, their intense activity led the car to steer forward, and it rolled over the cliff. According to The Sun, the vehicle fell around 1 am local time, the police said. Also Read: 'An apple a day...': A Swedish company gives 30-minute masturbation break to its staff. Here's why Also Read: Indian men refuse to pay sex worker in Pattaya claiming she misled them about her figure Investigation into death of Brazilian couple The man and the woman were ejected roughly 328 feet. The car fell down another 300 metres after the couple was thrown out of the vehicle. The mangled car was found on private property at around 7 am by a caretaker. Marcone’s body was found at the base of the cliff, while Adriana’s remains were further down as firefighters navigated a steep terrain to recover them, CNN Brazil reported. Police officer Alberto Roque Peres told local media, “There were no signs of violence at the scene or on the bodies, and the car’s handbrake was engaged." Marcone’s brother told the publication that the couple had been together for six months. Others who knew the couple said that they had a healthy relationship, and they never saw them fighting or getting violent. Marcone worked as a machine operator in Venda Nova do Imigrante, while Adriana worked at her mother's bakery. She leaves behind a son and a daughter.

A couple in Brazil stopped on a cliff to have sex in their car. However, their activity led the vehicle to start moving forward, ultimately falling 1,300 feet off the edge despite their hand brake being engaged. They were flung out of the car several feet away.&nbsp;

Sexual escapade on a cliff kills Brazilian couple as their car rolls down 1,300 feet

One person was killed on Sunday when an earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck northwestern Turkey's Balikesir province, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, adding 29 people were wounded and 16 buildings collapsed. The quake, which Turkey's AFAD disaster management authority said occurred at around 7:53 p.m., was felt in multiple provinces, including the country's biggest city, Istanbul.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yerlikaya said an 81-year-old person died after being rescued from rubble by emergency teams. He said search and rescue operations were now concluded and that there were no other signs of serious damage or casualties.AFAD said the quake struck at a depth of 11 km (6.8 miles), while the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) registered the earthquake's magnitude at 6.19 and a depth of 10 km.&nbsp;Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Hugh Lawson and Cynthia Osterman

One person was killed on Sunday when an earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck northwestern Turkey's Balikesir province, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, adding 29 people were wounded and 16 buildings collapsed.

One person was killed on Sunday when an earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck northwestern Turkey's Balikesir province, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, adding 29 people were wounded and 16 buildings collapsed. The quake, which Turkey's AFAD disaster management authority said occurred at around 7:53 p.m., was felt in multiple provinces, including the country's biggest city, Istanbul. Yerlikaya said an 81-year-old person died after being rescued from rubble by emergency teams. He said search and rescue operations were now concluded and that there were no other signs of serious damage or casualties. AFAD said the quake struck at a depth of 11 km (6.8 miles), while the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) registered the earthquake's magnitude at 6.19 and a depth of 10 km. Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Hugh Lawson and Cynthia Osterman

One person was killed on Sunday when an earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck northwestern Turkey's Balikesir province, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, adding 29 people were wounded and 16 buildings collapsed.

One killed in 6.1 magnitude earthquake in northwestern Turkey

Australians saw a meteor streaking through the sky on Sunday night, with some reporting that they felt the ground shake. Residents of the state of Victoria witnessed the fireball in regions like Bendigo, Ballarat and the western areas of Melbourne. The meteor was captured on dashcams and CCTVs at around 8 pm. People on social media reported that there was some movement in the ground following the meteor strike. The landing place of the meteor is not known, although most of it likely burned up in the atmosphere. Experts believe that the fragments may have landed on the ground between Bendigo and Ballarat. Those who reported hearing a "sonic boom", recalled feeling like an earthquake had hit the area.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/7-years-2-asteroids-and-tonnes-of-shooting-meteorites-are-earth-astronauts-and-satellites-really-safe-1751364306598">City killer asteroid can shoot meteorites like bullets at Earth in 2032. Who is at risk?</a><h2>Meteor shakes ground in Australia&nbsp;</h2>One of them in the Bendigo suburb of Strathfieldsaye told ABC News Australia that the sound led her to think that her neighbour's house had exploded. She even called them to check if something had gone wrong. The sonic boom has excited scientists who say that this means that large pieces of the meteor could have fallen to the ground. "To be able to hear the sonic boom loudly from the ground suggests that quite a big chunk of the meteor was pretty close to the ground," Associate Professor Michael Brown from Monash University’s school of physics and astronomy told The Age.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-likely-is-an-asteroid-to-hit-earth-and-what-are-the-chances-of-death-1754635756375">Shocking study reveals an asteroid could kill you before rabies and lightning do</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨🇦🇺 Meanwhile over Victoria, Australia Earlier today local residents reported a sonic boom as this alleged meteor crashes to Earth burning up through the atmosphere as it passes. Wild. <a href="https://t.co/xr1FGVgFzr">pic.twitter.com/xr1FGVgFzr</a>&mdash; Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGatesIsaPyscho/status/1954631334401646625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Was meteor in Australia linked to meteor shower?</h2>This comes as the Perseids meteor shower peaks in the night sky. However, those familiar with such space rocks do not think that the two events are related. Astronomer Perry Vlahos told The Age that it seems to be a "sporadic meteor", one with a non-specific origin. Sunday night's fireball was neither linked to the Perseids nor the Alpha Capricornids, he added. Also, "the point the meteors appear to radiate out from never rises above the horizon for us at the latitude of Victoria," Vlahos said. Hence, it could not have originated from the meteor showers. Meanwhile, Amateur astronomer David Finlay told ABC that the meteor was quite large, as shown by the sonic boom it generated, a meteor event that is rare in Australia.&nbsp;A listener named Justin called into the ABC Radio Melbourne show Talkback and reported that he saw the object in Ballarat, and it was so bright that he "thought it was a plane crash." He added, "It slowly moved across, and then it just went straight, fast down to wherever it went." Another listener said the thumping felt like an explosion, and the " house seemed to lift up and drop down again."

Australia meteor: A meteor was seen in the sky on Sunday night in Australia. People in Bendigo, Ballarat and the western areas of Melbourne saw it. The meteor also shook the ground, with reports of a sonic boom. Pieces of the meteor are believed to have fallen.

Australians saw a meteor streaking through the sky on Sunday night, with some reporting that they felt the ground shake. Residents of the state of Victoria witnessed the fireball in regions like Bendigo, Ballarat and the western areas of Melbourne. The meteor was captured on dashcams and CCTVs at around 8 pm. People on social media reported that there was some movement in the ground following the meteor strike. The landing place of the meteor is not known, although most of it likely burned up in the atmosphere. Experts believe that the fragments may have landed on the ground between Bendigo and Ballarat. Those who reported hearing a "sonic boom", recalled feeling like an earthquake had hit the area. Also Read: City killer asteroid can shoot meteorites like bullets at Earth in 2032. Who is at risk? Meteor shakes ground in Australia One of them in the Bendigo suburb of Strathfieldsaye told ABC News Australia that the sound led her to think that her neighbour's house had exploded. She even called them to check if something had gone wrong. The sonic boom has excited scientists who say that this means that large pieces of the meteor could have fallen to the ground. "To be able to hear the sonic boom loudly from the ground suggests that quite a big chunk of the meteor was pretty close to the ground," Associate Professor Michael Brown from Monash University’s school of physics and astronomy told The Age. Also Read: Shocking study reveals an asteroid could kill you before rabies and lightning do

Australia meteor: A meteor was seen in the sky on Sunday night in Australia. People in Bendigo, Ballarat and the western areas of Melbourne saw it. The meteor also shook the ground, with reports of a sonic boom. Pieces of the meteor are believed to have fallen.

VIDEO: Meteor jolts Earth in Victoria, Australia. Was it linked to meteor shower?

In an indirect jibe at United States President Donald Trump, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari has termed his tariff action on India as 'dadagiri.' The Hindi term 'dadagiri' roughly translates to 'big brother tactics' in English. Gadkari said that nations that are economically strong are indulging in bullying tactics while highlighting the need to reduce India's imports and increase exports. He also said that if India has resources and technology, it won't bully other countries because that is not what Indian culture teaches. Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, taunted the US president, saying 'some bosses' are unhappy with India's growth.&nbsp;Speaking at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur, Gadkari said, "If the rate of our exports and economy increases, then I don't think we will need to go to anyone. Those who are indulging in `dadagiri' are doing so because they are economically strong, and they have technology. If we get better technology and resources, we will not bully anyone, because our culture teaches us that the welfare of the world is most important." Meanwhile, the Defence Minister on Sunday said, "They think that we are everyone's boss, and how is India moving forward so fast?" &nbsp;<h2>Tariff, Trump and PM Modi's remark</h2>The comments by the top Indian ministers came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly stated that the country won't compromise with the agriculture and dairy sectors, and he is ready to pay a price to safeguard the interests of the farmers. Without taking Trump's name, PM Modi hinted about India's stance in trade talks with the US. Meanwhile, US President Trump ruled out any possibility of talks with India until the issues are solved. He did not clarify what issues he meant in his statement, but it seems he was talking about India's trading relations with Russia. The US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India on Aug 1 after both countries failed to strike a trade deal. Days later, Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent as punishment due to India's purchase of oil from Russia. He also warned of a 'penalty' on BRICS countries and countries continuing trade with Russia.

Indian ministers taunted United States President Donald Trump days after he imposed a tariff of 50 per cent on the country for its purchase of oil from Russia. Trump's move has been termed as ‘dangerous’ by people who served in his previous administration, including ex-NSA John Bolton

In an indirect jibe at United States President Donald Trump, Indian minister Nitin Gadkari has termed his tariff action on India as 'dadagiri.' The Hindi term 'dadagiri' roughly translates to 'big brother tactics' in English. Gadkari said that nations that are economically strong are indulging in bullying tactics while highlighting the need to reduce India's imports and increase exports. He also said that if India has resources and technology, it won't bully other countries because that is not what Indian culture teaches. Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, taunted the US president, saying 'some bosses' are unhappy with India's growth. Speaking at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur, Gadkari said, "If the rate of our exports and economy increases, then I don't think we will need to go to anyone. Those who are indulging in `dadagiri' are doing so because they are economically strong, and they have technology. If we get better technology and resources, we will not bully anyone, because our culture teaches us that the welfare of the world is most important." Meanwhile, the Defence Minister on Sunday said, "They think that we are everyone's boss, and how is India moving forward so fast?" Tariff, Trump and PM Modi's remark The comments by the top Indian ministers came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly stated that the country won't compromise with the agriculture and dairy sectors, and he is ready to pay a price to safeguard the interests of the farmers. Without taking Trump's name, PM Modi hinted about India's stance in trade talks with the US. Meanwhile, US President Trump ruled out any possibility of talks with India until the issues are solved. He did not clarify what issues he meant in his statement, but it seems he was talking about India's trading relations with Russia. The US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India on Aug 1 after both countries failed to strike a trade deal. Days later, Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent as punishment due to India's purchase of oil from Russia. He also warned of a 'penalty' on BRICS countries and countries continuing trade with Russia.

Indian ministers taunted United States President Donald Trump days after he imposed a tariff of 50 per cent on the country for its purchase of oil from Russia. Trump's move has been termed as ‘dangerous’ by people who served in his previous administration, including ex-NSA John Bolton

Indian minister's 'dadagiri' jibe at Trump for imposing 50% tariff on India: Here's what he said

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Aug 10) demanded that Washington, DC's homeless population be removed from the capital "immediately". Calling for the US capital's homeless population to "move out IMMEDIATELY" or face eviction, he demanded that they must be relocated "far from the Capital." Trump also, once again, repeated his threat to deploy federal officers to tackle crime, despite city data showing violent crime is at its lowest point in more than 30 years.<h2>'Move out IMMEDIATELY'</h2>In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote, "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY". Addressing the homeless population, he promised that his government "will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital". His post included four photos apparently taken from his motorcade as he travelled from the White House to his golf club in Virginia. The photos showed tents along a highway on-ramp just over a mile from the White House, a sleeping man on the steps of the American Institute of Pharmacy Building on Constitution Avenue, and some roadside litter on the E Street Expressway, near the Kennedy Centre. He also warned the criminals, saying, “you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong. It’s all going to happen very fast, just like the Border.”

Trump also used the post to promote a Monday (Aug 11) news conference that he claims "will, essentially, stop violent crime" without giving specifics. He has previously also claimed that the 10am press conference "will not only involve ending the Crime, Murder, and Death in our Nation’s Capital, but will also be about Cleanliness". The Free DC movement has planned a protest at the same time.<h2>Does Washington have a homelessness, crime epidemic?</h2>As per The Guardian, despite Trump's claims, the US has no homelessness or violent crime epidemic. Data from the Community Partnership, which works to prevent homelessness in Washington DC, shows that every night, the city of about 700,000 people has about 800 unsheltered residents, 3,275 in emergency shelters, and 1,065 in transitional housing.Trump's repeated claims that it might be necessary to federalise law enforcement also have no data backing them. Violent crime in 2024 is down 35 per cent from 2023 and down another 26 per cent so far this year, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Mayor Muriel Bowser, in a conversation with MSNBC, insisted that the city was "not experiencing a crime spike". She said that they "have spent over the last two years driving down violent crime in this city, driving it down to a 30-year low.”She added that "Federal law enforcement is always on the street in DC, and we always work cooperatively with them." Trump has recently ordered a surge of federal officers into DC, ordering them to increase patrols, citing the assault case of DOGE whiz kid Edward Corstein aka 'Big Balls' which has already been handled by local police. He has also floated overturning the city's 1973 Home Rule Act to impose direct federal control, something the White House says lawyers are "studying" the possibility of legislation to overturn the law granting Washington DC self-rule.Watch | Ex‑DOGE staffer mugged in Washington DC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-doge-staffer-mugged-in-washington-dc-trump-and-musk-demand-federal-control-1754479761987/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-doge-staffer-mugged-in-washington-dc-trump-and-musk-demand-federal-control-1754479761987/embed</a>&nbsp;

Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, has demanded that Washington DC’s homeless must “immediately” move out of the US capital, repeating threats to deploy federal officers despite data showing crime at a 30-year low. 

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Aug 10) demanded that Washington, DC's homeless population be removed from the capital "immediately". Calling for the US capital's homeless population to "move out IMMEDIATELY" or face eviction, he demanded that they must be relocated "far from the Capital." Trump also, once again, repeated his threat to deploy federal officers to tackle crime, despite city data showing violent crime is at its lowest point in more than 30 years. 'Move out IMMEDIATELY' In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote, "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY". Addressing the homeless population, he promised that his government "will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital". His post included four photos apparently taken from his motorcade as he travelled from the White House to his golf club in Virginia. The photos showed tents along a highway on-ramp just over a mile from the White House, a sleeping man on the steps of the American Institute of Pharmacy Building on Constitution Avenue, and some roadside litter on the E Street Expressway, near the Kennedy Centre. He also warned the criminals, saying, “you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong. It’s all going to happen very fast, just like the Border.”

Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, has demanded that Washington DC’s homeless must “immediately” move out of the US capital, repeating threats to deploy federal officers despite data showing crime at a 30-year low.&nbsp;

'There will be no MR NICE GUY': Trump orders homeless people to move out of Washington DC 'IMMEDIATELY,' threatens federal takeover again

Al Jazeera said two of its correspondents, including a prominent reporter, and three cameramen were killed in an Israeli strike on their tent in Gaza City on Sunday.The Israeli military admitted in a statement to targeting Anas al-Sharif, the reporter it labelled as a "terrorist" affiliated with Hamas.The attack was the latest to see journalists targeted in the 22-month war in Gaza, with around 200 media workers killed over the course of the conflict, according to media watchdogs."Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif has been killed alongside four colleagues in a targeted Israeli attack on a tent housing journalists in Gaza City," the Qatar-based broadcaster said."Al-Sharif, 28, was killed on Sunday after a tent for journalists outside the main gate of the hospital was hit. The well-known Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent reportedly extensively from northern Gaza."The channel said that five of its staff members were killed during the strike on a tent in Gaza City, listing the others as Mohammed Qreiqeh along with camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa.The Israeli military confirmed that it had carried out the attack, saying it had struck Al Jazeera's al-Sharif and calling him a "terrorist" who "posed as a journalist"."A short while ago, in Gaza City, the IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network," it said on Telegram, using an acronym for the military."Anas Al-Sharif served as the head of a terrorist cell in the Hamas terrorist organisation and was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops," it added.Al-Sharif was one of the channel's most recognisable faces working on the ground in Gaza, providing daily reports in regular coverage.Following a press conference by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, where the premier defended approving a new offensive in Gaza, al-Sharif posted messages on X describing "intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment" on Gaza City.One of his final messages included a short video showing nearby Israeli strikes hitting Gaza City.In July, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement calling for his protection as it accused the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee of stepping up online attacks on the reporter by alleging that he was a Hamas terrorist.Following the attack, the CPJ said it was "appalled" to learn of the journalists' deaths."Israel's pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom," said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah."Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable."The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate condemned what it described as a "bloody crime" of assassination.Israel and Al Jazeera have had a contentious relationship for years, with Israeli authorities banning the channel in the country and raiding its offices following the latest war in Gaza.Qatar, which partly funds Al Jazeera, has hosted an office for the Hamas political leadership for years and been a frequent venue for indirect talks between Israel and the militant group.<h2>Sealed off</h2>With Gaza sealed off, many media groups around the world, including AFP, depend on photo, video and text coverage of the conflict provided by Palestinian reporters.Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in early July that more than 200 journalists had been killed in Gaza since the war began, including several Al Jazeera journalists.International criticism is growing over the plight of the more than two million Palestinian civilians in Gaza, with UN agencies and rights groups warning that a famine is unfolding in the territory.The targeted strike comes as Israel announced plans to expand its military operations on the ground in Gaza, with Netanyahu saying on Sunday that the new offensive was set to target the remaining Hamas strongholds there.He also announced a plan to allow more foreign journalists to report inside Gaza with the military, as he laid out his vision for victory in the territory.A UN official warned the Security Council that Israel's plans to control Gaza City risked "another calamity" with far-reaching consequences."If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction," UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council.

Israeli strike in Gaza City kills Al Jazeera reporter Anas al-Sharif and four colleagues. Israel called al-Sharif a Hamas militant, sparking condemnation from media watchdogs who accused Israel of targeting journalists in the 22-month war.

Al Jazeera said two of its correspondents, including a prominent reporter, and three cameramen were killed in an Israeli strike on their tent in Gaza City on Sunday. The Israeli military admitted in a statement to targeting Anas al-Sharif, the reporter it labelled as a "terrorist" affiliated with Hamas. The attack was the latest to see journalists targeted in the 22-month war in Gaza, with around 200 media workers killed over the course of the conflict, according to media watchdogs. "Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif has been killed alongside four colleagues in a targeted Israeli attack on a tent housing journalists in Gaza City," the Qatar-based broadcaster said. "Al-Sharif, 28, was killed on Sunday after a tent for journalists outside the main gate of the hospital was hit. The well-known Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent reportedly extensively from northern Gaza." The channel said that five of its staff members were killed during the strike on a tent in Gaza City, listing the others as Mohammed Qreiqeh along with camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa. The Israeli military confirmed that it had carried out the attack, saying it had struck Al Jazeera's al-Sharif and calling him a "terrorist" who "posed as a journalist". "A short while ago, in Gaza City, the IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network," it said on Telegram, using an acronym for the military. "Anas Al-Sharif served as the head of a terrorist cell in the Hamas terrorist organisation and was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops," it added. Al-Sharif was one of the channel's most recognisable faces working on the ground in Gaza, providing daily reports in regular coverage. Following a press conference by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, where the premier defended approving a new offensive in Gaza, al-Sharif posted messages on X describing "intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment" on Gaza City. One of his final messages included a short video showing nearby Israeli strikes hitting Gaza City. In July, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement calling for his protection as it accused the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee of stepping up online attacks on the reporter by alleging that he was a Hamas terrorist. Following the attack, the CPJ said it was "appalled" to learn of the journalists' deaths. "Israel's pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom," said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. "Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable." The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate condemned what it described as a "bloody crime" of assassination. Israel and Al Jazeera have had a contentious relationship for years, with Israeli authorities banning the channel in the country and raiding its offices following the latest war in Gaza. Qatar, which partly funds Al Jazeera, has hosted an office for the Hamas political leadership for years and been a frequent venue for indirect talks between Israel and the militant group. Sealed off With Gaza sealed off, many media groups around the world, including AFP, depend on photo, video and text coverage of the conflict provided by Palestinian reporters. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in early July that more than 200 journalists had been killed in Gaza since the war began, including several Al Jazeera journalists. International criticism is growing over the plight of the more than two million Palestinian civilians in Gaza, with UN agencies and rights groups warning that a famine is unfolding in the territory. The targeted strike comes as Israel announced plans to expand its military operations on the ground in Gaza, with Netanyahu saying on Sunday that the new offensive was set to target the remaining Hamas strongholds there. He also announced a plan to allow more foreign journalists to report inside Gaza with the military, as he laid out his vision for victory in the territory. A UN official warned the Security Council that Israel's plans to control Gaza City risked "another calamity" with far-reaching consequences. "If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction," UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council.

Israeli strike in Gaza City kills Al Jazeera reporter Anas al-Sharif and four colleagues. Israel called al-Sharif a Hamas militant, sparking condemnation from media watchdogs who accused Israel of targeting journalists in the 22-month war.

Entire AlJazeera team of journalists, three others killed in israeli strikes on Gaza. Here is what happened

Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Sunday (Aug 10) made a nuclear threat against India and the world. During his ongoing visit to the United States, he warned that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. Speaking at a private black-tie dinner in Tampa hosted for businessman Adnan Asad, Munir said Pakistan is a nuclear power and would use its arsenal if necessary. He also threatened to target any future Indian dams on the Indus River, saying India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could put hundreds of millions at risk of starvation.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan will take down "half the world"</h2>Munir, as quoted by ThePrint, noted that Pakistan was a nuclear nation and said, "if we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us".&nbsp;Speaking at the dinner he hosted for Adnan Asad, who serves as Pakistan's honorary consul in Tampa, he also raked up the Indus Water Treaty issue. According to ThePrint, phones and recording devices were banned at the dinner, and the Pakistani army chief's comments were later recounted by attendees.&nbsp;Watch | Pakistan suffers $14.4 MN loss after closing airspace to India<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-suffers-14-4-mn-loss-after-closing-airspace-to-india-1754837074932/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-suffers-14-4-mn-loss-after-closing-airspace-to-india-1754837074932/embed</a><h2>Munir's India tirade</h2>&nbsp;The Pakistani army chief, as per the report, made several references to India and the recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. Referring to an earlier post, he said, "Ek tweet karwaya tha with Surah Fil and a picture of (the industrialist) Mukesh Ambani to show them what we will do the next time," he said. Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant) is the 105th chapter of the Quran, composed of 5 verses. It narrates the story of the "People of the Elephant" and how Allah protected the Ka'aba in Mecca from their attack. The surah describes how Allah sent flocks of birds carrying stones of baked clay, which destroyed the army of the elephant.&nbsp;"We'll start from India's East, where they have located their most valuable resources, and then move westwards," he announced. Using what he called a crude analogy, Munir added that "India is shining Mercedes coming on a highway like Ferrari, but we are a dump truck full of gravel. If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?"&nbsp;The army chief also poked at India's recent trade disputes with the US and joked about Pakistan's diplomatic balancing skills, even saying his country nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Prize. "The real reason for our success is that we are not misers. If someone does good work, we praise and appreciate them. That is why we nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Prize," he said.&nbsp;Munir was in Tampa for the change of command at US Central Command, meeting with US military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. This was Munir’s second trip to the US since clashes with India in Operation Sindoor. His visit included a private lunch with Trump, after which the two announced expanded cooperation, including an oil deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, during a US visit, threatened nuclear retaliation against India, saying his country will “take half the world down.” He also vowed to destroy future Indian dams on the Indus while making multiple provocative remarks about India.

Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Sunday (Aug 10) made a nuclear threat against India and the world. During his ongoing visit to the United States, he warned that if his country were ever pushed to the brink in a conflict with India, it would "take half the world down" with it. Speaking at a private black-tie dinner in Tampa hosted for businessman Adnan Asad, Munir said Pakistan is a nuclear power and would use its arsenal if necessary. He also threatened to target any future Indian dams on the Indus River, saying India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could put hundreds of millions at risk of starvation. Pakistan will take down "half the world" Munir, as quoted by ThePrint, noted that Pakistan was a nuclear nation and said, "if we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us". Speaking at the dinner he hosted for Adnan Asad, who serves as Pakistan's honorary consul in Tampa, he also raked up the Indus Water Treaty issue. According to ThePrint, phones and recording devices were banned at the dinner, and the Pakistani army chief's comments were later recounted by attendees. Watch | Pakistan suffers $14.4 MN loss after closing airspace to India https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-suffers-14-4-mn-loss-after-closing-airspace-to-india-1754837074932/embed Munir's India tirade The Pakistani army chief, as per the report, made several references to India and the recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. Referring to an earlier post, he said, "Ek tweet karwaya tha with Surah Fil and a picture of (the industrialist) Mukesh Ambani to show them what we will do the next time," he said. Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant) is the 105th chapter of the Quran, composed of 5 verses. It narrates the story of the "People of the Elephant" and how Allah protected the Ka'aba in Mecca from their attack. The surah describes how Allah sent flocks of birds carrying stones of baked clay, which destroyed the army of the elephant. "We'll start from India's East, where they have located their most valuable resources, and then move westwards," he announced. Using what he called a crude analogy, Munir added that "India is shining Mercedes coming on a highway like Ferrari, but we are a dump truck full of gravel. If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?" The army chief also poked at India's recent trade disputes with the US and joked about Pakistan's diplomatic balancing skills, even saying his country nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Prize. "The real reason for our success is that we are not misers. If someone does good work, we praise and appreciate them. That is why we nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Prize," he said. Munir was in Tampa for the change of command at US Central Command, meeting with US military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. This was Munir’s second trip to the US since clashes with India in Operation Sindoor. His visit included a private lunch with Trump, after which the two announced expanded cooperation, including an oil deal.

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, during a US visit, threatened nuclear retaliation against India, saying his country will “take half the world down.” He also vowed to destroy future Indian dams on the Indus while making multiple provocative remarks about India.

Pakistan army chief makes nuclear threat against India and world, says 'if we go down, we'll take half the world down with us'

A 6.1-magnitude quake struck Sindirgi in western Turkey on Sunday, the Turkish disaster management agency (AFAD) said on Sunday.The quake was felt across several cities in the west of the country, including Istanbul and the tourist hotspot of Izmir, said officials, who are yet to comment on any potential damages or deaths.Several buildings collapsed in the Balikesir province after the quake, according to images broadcast by Turkish media.The quake hit at 7:53 pm (1653 GMT), with a 4.6-magnitude aftershock following several minutes later, according to AFAD."All AFAD teams and the relevant institutions have immediately begun searches on the ground. No undesirable event has been flagged up till now," Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X.Turkey is crisscrossed by several geological fault lines, which have previously caused catastrophes in the country.A quake in February 2023 in the southwest killed at least 53,000 people and devastated Antakya, the site of the ancient city of Antioch.More recently, a 5.8-magnitude tremor in the same region resulted in one death and injured 69 people at the beginning of July.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Sindirgi, western Turkey, on Sunday, shaking cities like Istanbul and Izmir. Several buildings collapsed in Balikesir province, followed by a 4.6-magnitude aftershock minutes later.

A 6.1-magnitude quake struck Sindirgi in western Turkey on Sunday, the Turkish disaster management agency (AFAD) said on Sunday. The quake was felt across several cities in the west of the country, including Istanbul and the tourist hotspot of Izmir, said officials, who are yet to comment on any potential damages or deaths. Several buildings collapsed in the Balikesir province after the quake, according to images broadcast by Turkish media. The quake hit at 7:53 pm (1653 GMT), with a 4.6-magnitude aftershock following several minutes later, according to AFAD. "All AFAD teams and the relevant institutions have immediately begun searches on the ground. No undesirable event has been flagged up till now," Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X. Turkey is crisscrossed by several geological fault lines, which have previously caused catastrophes in the country. A quake in February 2023 in the southwest killed at least 53,000 people and devastated Antakya, the site of the ancient city of Antioch. More recently, a 5.8-magnitude tremor in the same region resulted in one death and injured 69 people at the beginning of July.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Sindirgi, western Turkey, on Sunday, shaking cities like Istanbul and Izmir. Several buildings collapsed in Balikesir province, followed by a 4.6-magnitude aftershock minutes later.

Powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake hits western Turkey; buildings collapse, aftershock follows

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