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<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday (July 18) accused Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell of “choking out the housing market” owing to their high interest rate. As Trump has been lashing out at the Federal Reserve chief, he called him “one of his worst appointments”. The US president took to Truth Social, slamming Powell, as he continued to say that former President Joe Biden knew how bad Powell was, and still reappointed him anyway.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further complained that even the Feb Board did nothing to stop him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Too Late,” and the Fed, are choking out the housing market with their high rate, making it difficult for people, especially the young, to buy a house. He is truly one of my worst appointments. Sleepy Joe saw how bad he was and reappointed him anyway - And the Fed Board has done nothing to stop this “numbskull” from hurting so many people,” Trump said in his post.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump stressed that the board is equally to blame. “In many ways, the Board is equally to blame! The USA is Rockin’, there is VERY LOW INFLATION, and we deserve to be at 1%, saving One Trillion Dollars a year on Interest Costs.”</p><p>He continued, “I can’t tell you how dumb Too Late is - So bad for our Country!”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this week, the US president dismissed reports claiming he planned to fire Jerome Powell, saying that although he did discuss the idea with Republicans. “Almost every one of them said I should, but I’m more conservative than they are,” Trump said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Several outlets, including Bloomberg and The New York Times, had reported that Trump drafted a letter to dismiss Powell and asked Republican allies for advice on whether to send it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although he said he was unlikely to remove Powell, Trump added, “I don’t rule out anything, but I think it’s highly unlikely unless he has to leave for fraud.” He repeated his long-standing criticism of the Fed chair, “He’s always been too late, hence his nickname ‘Too Late’. He should’ve cut interest rates a long time ago.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump claimed Powell only reduced rates to help Democrats in the 2024 election, adding, “He’s doing a lousy job, but no, I’m not talking about that.”</p>

Once again, the US president slammed Jerome Powell, this time for choking out housing market with their high rate, as he says that he was one of his worst appointments. Trump said that not even the Fed Board did anything to stop him from hurting people.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (July 18) accused Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell of “choking out the housing market” owing to their high interest rate. As Trump has been lashing out at the Federal Reserve chief, he called him “one of his worst appointments”. The US president took to Truth Social, slamming Powell, as he continued to say that former President Joe Biden knew how bad Powell was, and still reappointed him anyway. He further complained that even the Feb Board did nothing to stop him. “Too Late,” and the Fed, are choking out the housing market with their high rate, making it difficult for people, especially the young, to buy a house. He is truly one of my worst appointments. Sleepy Joe saw how bad he was and reappointed him anyway - And the Fed Board has done nothing to stop this “numbskull” from hurting so many people,” Trump said in his post. Trump stressed that the board is equally to blame. “In many ways, the Board is equally to blame! The USA is Rockin’, there is VERY LOW INFLATION, and we deserve to be at 1%, saving One Trillion Dollars a year on Interest Costs.” He continued, “I can’t tell you how dumb Too Late is - So bad for our Country!” Earlier this week, the US president dismissed reports claiming he planned to fire Jerome Powell, saying that although he did discuss the idea with Republicans. “Almost every one of them said I should, but I’m more conservative than they are,” Trump said. Several outlets, including Bloomberg and The New York Times, had reported that Trump drafted a letter to dismiss Powell and asked Republican allies for advice on whether to send it. Although he said he was unlikely to remove Powell, Trump added, “I don’t rule out anything, but I think it’s highly unlikely unless he has to leave for fraud.” He repeated his long-standing criticism of the Fed chair, “He’s always been too late, hence his nickname ‘Too Late’. He should’ve cut interest rates a long time ago.” Trump claimed Powell only reduced rates to help Democrats in the 2024 election, adding, “He’s doing a lousy job, but no, I’m not talking about that.”

<p>Once again, the US president slammed Jerome Powell, this time for “choking out” housing market with their high rate, as he says that he was one of his worst appointments. Trump said that not even the Fed Board did anything to stop him from hurting people.</p>

'One of my worst appointments’: Trump again lashes out at Jerome Powell for ‘choking out’ US housing markets

<p>In the biggest rape trial in France, &nbsp;<strong>Gisèle Pelicot </strong>spoke about how her former husband drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her for nearly a decade. The trial has been turned into a gut-wrenching stage play, which will be staged on Friday (July 18) in Avignon, the very French city where Pelicot spoke the truth about French patriarchy and rape culture.</p><h2>The play on Gisèle Pelicot rape trial</h2><p>The play titled <i>The Pelicot Trial: Tribute to Gisèle Pelicot</i>, is directed by Swiss theatre maverick Milo Rau and had its debut in Vienna in June. It takes a deep dive into the chilling abuse suffered by Pelicot at the hands of 51 men who were convicted last year for drugging and raping her over nearly a decade.</p><p>“To have done nothing would have been like not speaking of Gaza or Ukraine... a silence that’s complicit,” Rau, who has already turned some other real-life court trials into theatre, was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper.</p><h2>Gisèle Pelicot, the woman who refused to stay silent</h2><p>Pelicot, a global feminist symbol of courage who was recently awarded the Légion d’Honneur, the highest civilian honour of France, waived her right to anonymity in order to speak about her brutal experience. She revealed how, since 2011, her husband Dominique Pelicot spiked her food and drinks, and invited strangers he found via online forums to rape her in their Mazan home when she was unconscious.</p><p>“I want all of society to be a witness... Shame must change sides," she told the court during the 2024 trial.</p><h2>Gisèle Pelicot trial will unfold in the three-hour-long play</h2><p>The play, set inside a 14th-century Carmelite cloister, lasts three hours and uses real transcripts from the trial as well as police files, social commentary and psychiatric reports. More than 50 performers will take part.</p><p>“The courtroom was already theatre. So now we turn the theatre into a courtroom,” said director Rau about the play, which will also be livestreamed in cinemas and online to meet surging public interest.<br><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-story-of-gisele-pelicot-from-victim-in-france-s-mass-rape-trial-to-global-hero-1752750871916/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-story-of-gisele-pelicot-from-victim-in-france-s-mass-rape-trial-to-global-hero-1752750871916/embed</a></p><h2>The rape of Gisèle Pelicot: Monstrous acts by common men</h2><p>The play will explore how ordinary men with regular jobs - the culprits included a nurse, a soldier, a journalist, and even a prison warden - participated in monstrous acts. The men, aged 26 to 74, were convicted last December.</p><p>“We see what culture they’re coming from – patriarchy, fraternity, rape culture,” Rau told The Guardian.</p><h2>Gisele Pelicot trial drama will play in other cities</h2><p>Besides the Avignon Festival, <i>The Pelicot Trial</i> will be performed at stages in Lisbon, Belgrade and Warsaw. It will be a powerful reckoning not just for France but for the entire world on the culture that enabled the rape of Pelicot for years.<br>“Through the Pelicot trial, it’s ourselves and our society on trial,” Rau said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The play will explore how ordinary men with regular jobs - the culprits included a nurse, a soldier, a journalist, and even a prison warden - participated in monstrous acts. The men, aged 26 to 74, were convicted last December.

In the biggest rape trial in France, Gisèle Pelicot spoke about how her former husband drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her for nearly a decade. The trial has been turned into a gut-wrenching stage play, which will be staged on Friday (July 18) in Avignon, the very French city where Pelicot spoke the truth about French patriarchy and rape culture. The play on Gisèle Pelicot rape trial The play titled The Pelicot Trial: Tribute to Gisèle Pelicot, is directed by Swiss theatre maverick Milo Rau and had its debut in Vienna in June. It takes a deep dive into the chilling abuse suffered by Pelicot at the hands of 51 men who were convicted last year for drugging and raping her over nearly a decade. “To have done nothing would have been like not speaking of Gaza or Ukraine... a silence that’s complicit,” Rau, who has already turned some other real-life court trials into theatre, was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper. Gisèle Pelicot, the woman who refused to stay silent Pelicot, a global feminist symbol of courage who was recently awarded the Légion d’Honneur, the highest civilian honour of France, waived her right to anonymity in order to speak about her brutal experience. She revealed how, since 2011, her husband Dominique Pelicot spiked her food and drinks, and invited strangers he found via online forums to rape her in their Mazan home when she was unconscious. “I want all of society to be a witness... Shame must change sides," she told the court during the 2024 trial. Gisèle Pelicot trial will unfold in the three-hour-long play The play, set inside a 14th-century Carmelite cloister, lasts three hours and uses real transcripts from the trial as well as police files, social commentary and psychiatric reports. More than 50 performers will take part. “The courtroom was already theatre. So now we turn the theatre into a courtroom,” said director Rau about the play, which will also be livestreamed in cinemas and online to meet surging public interest. https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-story-of-gisele-pelicot-from-victim-in-france-s-mass-rape-trial-to-global-hero-1752750871916/embed The rape of Gisèle Pelicot: Monstrous acts by common men The play will explore how ordinary men with regular jobs - the culprits included a nurse, a soldier, a journalist, and even a prison warden - participated in monstrous acts. The men, aged 26 to 74, were convicted last December. “We see what culture they’re coming from – patriarchy, fraternity, rape culture,” Rau told The Guardian. Gisele Pelicot trial drama will play in other cities Besides the Avignon Festival, The Pelicot Trial will be performed at stages in Lisbon, Belgrade and Warsaw. It will be a powerful reckoning not just for France but for the entire world on the culture that enabled the rape of Pelicot for years. “Through the Pelicot trial, it’s ourselves and our society on trial,” Rau said.

<p>The play will explore how ordinary men with regular jobs - the culprits included a nurse, a soldier, a journalist, and even a prison warden - participated in monstrous acts. The men, aged 26 to 74, were convicted last December.</p>

Gisele Pelicot rape trial is now a play,  showing at the French city where she spoke the truth and shocked the world

<p>After the video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Head Kristin Cabot went viral on social media, Coldplay took to Instagram to share highlights from their Boston concert held on Wednesday (July 16). However, what grabbed netizens' attention was not just the glimpse from the event, but people started asking why the band had not posted the most viral moment of the concert.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The comment section of the post was flooded with reactions, with people asking, "Anything else happen at this show?"</p><p>One of the users commented, "Nice, did anything else happen?" While another wrote, "I mean I love me some Coldplay… but we can all agree why we’re here?”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A third user jokingly said, "They will probably never listen to Coldplay again", referring to Andy Byron and the company’s HR Head, Kristin Cabot.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One of the users mocked the two, saying, “Coldplay released two new singles that night.” Another user praised the cameraman for the perfect timing, saying, “Everyone here after the affair picture.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A user also wrote, “I was there- it was wild!! Imagine being caught by Chris Martin?!”</p>

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<h2>The ColdplayGate explained</h2><p>On Wednesday night, an amazing Coldplay night turned into something unimaginable for Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, was at the centre stage when the kiss cam game was played on the Gillette Stadium.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In seconds, the camera tilted and was right on Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot. The two are married, but not to each other, which created further chaos and controversy at midnight.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As he realised, Byron immediately dipped from the spot, following which, Cabot also left the frame as they panicked. Martin got the hint and said, “Oh, look at these two. Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy!"</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following this, the internet was flooded with memes on the ColdplayGate. According to reports, Andy Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, dropped the surname from her Facebook amid the ongoing controversy.&nbsp;</p>

Social media users on Instagram have been roasting Coldplay for not posting the kiss cam footage of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Head Kristin Cabot, as the band shared the highlights of concert on Instagram. 

After the video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Head Kristin Cabot went viral on social media, Coldplay took to Instagram to share highlights from their Boston concert held on Wednesday (July 16). However, what grabbed netizens' attention was not just the glimpse from the event, but people started asking why the band had not posted the most viral moment of the concert. The comment section of the post was flooded with reactions, with people asking, "Anything else happen at this show?" One of the users commented, "Nice, did anything else happen?" While another wrote, "I mean I love me some Coldplay… but we can all agree why we’re here?” A third user jokingly said, "They will probably never listen to Coldplay again", referring to Andy Byron and the company’s HR Head, Kristin Cabot. One of the users mocked the two, saying, “Coldplay released two new singles that night.” Another user praised the cameraman for the perfect timing, saying, “Everyone here after the affair picture.” A user also wrote, “I was there- it was wild!! Imagine being caught by Chris Martin?!”

<p>Social media users on Instagram have been roasting Coldplay for not posting the kiss cam footage of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Head Kristin Cabot, as the band shared the highlights of concert on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

‘It was wild’: Fans mock Coldplay after band skipped Andy Byron-Kristin Cabot ‘kiss cam’ moment on Instagram post

<p>A video surfaced on social media platform X claims to show that hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze. However, the timing of the video cannot be verified independently by WION. Meanwhile, tribesmen backed by the Islamist-led government of Syria clashed with Druze warriors outside Sweida on Friday (July 18) a day after government forces pulled out of the Druze-majority city, the warring factions and a monitoring group said.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Suweida, Syria is filled with thousands of fighters from Arab tribes who have mobilized against the Druze. <a href="https://t.co/Dq6R8Uetx9">pic.twitter.com/Dq6R8Uetx9</a></p>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osint613/status/1946099804158787624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, “clashes west of Sweida pitting tribal fighters and Bedouin backed by the authorities against Druze fighters.” Fighting has been confirmed on both sides. Syrian regime forces retreated from Sweida province on Thursday (July 17) after heavy shelling by Israel. They withdrew from Syria's Druze heartland at the orders of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who said that mediation efforts by the United States and others had prevented a "large-scale escalation" with Israel.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-war-in-west-asia-here-s-why-israel-is-bombing-syria-to-protect-druze-minorities-who-they-are-1752654725486"><strong>Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria in name of protecting this minority community?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Almost 600 people have been killed in Sweida province since Sunday, the Observatory said, as Druze militiamen battled against Sunni Bedouin tribes, who were eventually supported by government troops.</p><p>A truce came into place on Thursday (July 17), but Sharaa's office blamed Druze forces for violating the agreement. Bedouin fighters converged on Sweida on Friday to support the Bedouin, taking positions in a number of villages outside the city.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Occasional shooting and blasts were heard and smoke rising from the villages was also seen. Druze militiamen told news agency AFP that they were counter-attacking the sources of fire. Anas al-Enad, a tribal sheikh in the central city of Hama, said he and his men had traveled to the village of Walgha, northwest of Sweida, because "the Bedouin called for our help and we came to support them".</p>

Video claims to show hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze

A video surfaced on social media platform X claims to show that hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze. However, the timing of the video cannot be verified independently by WION. Meanwhile, tribesmen backed by the Islamist-led government of Syria clashed with Druze warriors outside Sweida on Friday (July 18) a day after government forces pulled out of the Druze-majority city, the warring factions and a monitoring group said.

<p>However, the timing of the video cannot be verified. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces withdrew from Sweida province on Thursday (July 17) after coming under heavy bombardment by Israel</p>

<p>To counter Chinese aggression against Taiwan, and to reaffirm its aerial dominance in the Indo-Pacific, the US is deploying its F-15EX Eagle most advanced air superiority fighter, at the Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan. The deployment marks a significant milestone as the US replaces its ageing F-15C/D fleet with the formidable F-15EX, a fighter jet that boasts a significant kill ratio of 104-0. Introduced in 1976, it had never been shot down in combat.</p><p>The first two F-15EX is touched down at the Kadena Air Base on July 12 for familiarisation training before a permanent fleet of 36 of the jets is scheduled to arrive by the spring of 2026, signifying a long-term commitment in the region. &nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ja" dir="ltr">どっちランウェイに降りるかてんやわんや、おまけにローアプローチまでやって振り回されました…これからのフライトに期待です。<br>53rd WNG 85th TES &quot;Flying Skulls&quot; F-16C OT 98-0005, F-15E 88-1681, F-15EX 20-0004, 20-0005 <br>Kadena Air Base 20250712 <a href="https://t.co/aNs6wN2Dgi">pic.twitter.com/aNs6wN2Dgi</a></p>&mdash; いらぶちゃー (@okadna35) <a href="https://twitter.com/okadna35/status/1944200769898696745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why Kadena Air Base is important?</h2><p>Kadena is part of the first island chain in Japan’s southwestern waters. The airbase in Okinawa is closest to the island nation of Taiwan, which is facing pressure from China. The F-15EX Eagle II is the latest addition to the arsenal of the US, and it is sleekest, with upgraded radar systems, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. It also has the enhanced capability to carry a larger payload of advanced missiles. The most advanced Eagle variant has digital fly-by-wire flight controls and an LAD glass cockpit with a touch-screen interface. Its Open Mission System software enables rapid upgrade and capability enhancement, and the latest Suite 9.1 software is compatible with legacy aircraft.</p><p>With tensions rising over Taiwan and China’s rapidly expanding air force, which is producing aircraft at a 1.2:1 ratio compared to the US, the deployment is seen as a critical deterrent. In April 2025, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the new commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, warned the US that China has increased its aerial capabilities and is capable of denying US air superiority in the First Island Chain.&nbsp;</p><p>Pentagon officials say the move underscores Washington’s commitment to maintaining a "free and open Indo-Pacific", as Beijing asserts growing influence across the South and East China Seas.<br><br>&nbsp;</p>

The United States have recently deployed lethal F-15EX Eagles replacing the ageing F-15C/D. The fighter jet had landed on the Kadena Air Base on July 12. US is looking to enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter the growing Chinese threat.

To counter Chinese aggression against Taiwan, and to reaffirm its aerial dominance in the Indo-Pacific, the US is deploying its F-15EX Eagle most advanced air superiority fighter, at the Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan. The deployment marks a significant milestone as the US replaces its ageing F-15C/D fleet with the formidable F-15EX, a fighter jet that boasts a significant kill ratio of 104-0. Introduced in 1976, it had never been shot down in combat. The first two F-15EX is touched down at the Kadena Air Base on July 12 for familiarisation training before a permanent fleet of 36 of the jets is scheduled to arrive by the spring of 2026, signifying a long-term commitment in the region.

<p>The United States have recently deployed lethal F-15EX Eagles replacing the ageing F-15C/D. The fighter jet had landed on the Kadena Air Base on July 12. The US is looking to enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter the growing Chinese threat.</p>

US is deploying its lethal F-15EX Eagle with 104-0 kill record in Taiwan strait to counter China in the Indo-Pacific

<p>On Friday (July 18), the Supreme Court granted permission to Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, to seek government intervention. The Indian nurse whose death by execution order in Yemen is currently being stayed. &nbsp;The organisation has sought permission to travel to Yemen to negotiate the matter with the victim’s family.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nimisha-priya-case-sc-clears-path-for-yemen-visit-1752830959126/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nimisha-priya-case-sc-clears-path-for-yemen-visit-1752830959126/embed</a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During the hearing, the Attorney General of India said that the Indian government wants Priya to come out (of the Yemeni death row) safely. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta granted liberty to the petitioner organisation to approach the Indian government in this regard by filing a representation. The Court posted the matter for further hearing on August 14, as reported by news agency ANI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nimisha Priya’s execution is scheduled for July 16 and efforts to convince the victim’s family is still ongoing. Lawyers defending her case are exploring the option of offering blood money to the victim’s family, which they have denied. An influential Sunni Muslim cleric, Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar also entered the negotiations, ultimately successfully staying the order for the time being.</p><p>She was convicted of the alleged murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. The government is leaving no stone unturned to save the Indian nurse.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nimisha-priya-case-there-is-a-point-till-which-we-can-go-what-centre-said-on-indian-nurse-execution-1752486688617"><strong>Nimisha Priya case | ‘There is a point till which we can go’: What Centre said on Indian nurse execution</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday (July 17), said, "This is a very sensitive matter and the government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. We have provided legal assistance and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by her family and we are also in touch with the local authorities, as also the family members to resolve this issue. This included concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Ms Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He added, “The local authorities in Yemen have postponed the carrying out her sentence that was scheduled for July 16.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this week, Attorney General of India R Venkataramani said the government is working to stay the execution and is working tirelessly to do so.</p>

Petitioners working to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya from execution are seeking permission to travel to Yemen to negotiate the matter. The Supreme Court has asked them to seek government intervention.

On Friday (July 18), the Supreme Court granted permission to Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, to seek government intervention. The Indian nurse whose death by execution order in Yemen is currently being stayed. The organisation has sought permission to travel to Yemen to negotiate the matter with the victim’s family. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nimisha-priya-case-sc-clears-path-for-yemen-visit-1752830959126/embed During the hearing, the Attorney General of India said that the Indian government wants Priya to come out (of the Yemeni death row) safely. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta granted liberty to the petitioner organisation to approach the Indian government in this regard by filing a representation. The Court posted the matter for further hearing on August 14, as reported by news agency ANI. Nimisha Priya’s execution is scheduled for July 16 and efforts to convince the victim’s family is still ongoing. Lawyers defending her case are exploring the option of offering blood money to the victim’s family, which they have denied. An influential Sunni Muslim cleric, Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar also entered the negotiations, ultimately successfully staying the order for the time being. She was convicted of the alleged murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. The government is leaving no stone unturned to save the Indian nurse. Also read: Nimisha Priya case | ‘There is a point till which we can go’: What Centre said on Indian nurse execution MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday (July 17), said, "This is a very sensitive matter and the government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. We have provided legal assistance and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by her family and we are also in touch with the local authorities, as also the family members to resolve this issue. This included concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Ms Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party.” He added, “The local authorities in Yemen have postponed the carrying out her sentence that was scheduled for July 16.” Earlier this week, Attorney General of India R Venkataramani said the government is working to stay the execution and is working tirelessly to do so.

<p>Petitioners working to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya from execution are seeking permission to travel to Yemen to negotiate the matter. The Supreme Court has asked them to seek government intervention.</p>

Nimisha Priya execution: Negotiators seek permission to travel to Yemen, SC asks for government intervention

<p>Did you know that there is a global competition to do absolutely nothing? &nbsp;It's called Space-Out, and it's been around for a decade now. The race is getting tougher by the year. Here is what you probably didn't know about the Space-Out competition.</p><h2>Why is there a competition to do absolutely nothing? What you should know about Space-Out</h2><p>Space-Out Competition is flipping the script by rewarding people for literally doing nothing. In a world of hustle culture, zoning out is the name of the game. To be precise, you have to spend 90 minutes doing nothing.</p><p>Launched in 2014 in Seoul, South Korea, by visual artist Woopsyang, Space-Out challenges participants to sit still, stay quiet, and unplug from everything for one and a half hours. In today's world of short attention spans, it is near-impossible: No talking, no laughing, no phones, and no naps.</p><p>The measure of success? Pure, uninterrupted idleness in front of an eagerly watching crowd. The goal is to achieve a meditative state to the level that even the heartbeat slows down.</p><h2>The Space-out competitions are anti-stress spectacles</h2><p>Since its debut in South Korea, franchisee &nbsp;Space-Out events have been held in Tokyo, Rotterdam, Hong Kong and Melbourne, bringing together an eclectic mix of creative types, professionals, and the chronically overworked crowds.</p><h2>The Art of 'Spacing Out': How to compete&nbsp;</h2><p>The events are held in public spaces. In the competition, which resembles a flash mob in slow motion, contestants sit on mats in quirky outfits, creating a human still life among a sea of onlookers.</p><p>They can take water, use a fan or even a massage by signalling through coloured cards.</p><p>But they cannot smile or doze off.<br><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-sleep-revolution-5-hours-is-the-new-8/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-sleep-revolution-5-hours-is-the-new-8/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Space-out competition: How the winners are selected</h2><p>The winner of the Space-Out competition is selected based on heart rate stability and audience votes. The heart rate is monitored every 15 minutes, with a smooth and steady pulse showing that the contestant is truly relaxed.<br>Audience votes consider who spaced out with the most flair, costume, or relatable story.</p><h2>Who won the 2025 Space-Out events?</h2><p>This year's event in Seoul was held on May 11. Punk rock group Pogo Attack took first prize at the Hangang Space-Out, while second place went to YouTube content creators Inssa Family.&nbsp;</p><p>A special mention went to a group of soldiers unwinding on leave. More than 4,500 teams applied, and the event had a 57-to-1 competition ratio.</p><p>A Space-Out event at the RISING Festival in Melbourne, Australia, was held on June 9. Amelia Lumley, aka 'Fountain Lady', who dressed in a costume complete with trickling water sounds to distract others, won the competition.</p><p>In 2024, Denis Kwan Hong-Wang, an educational psychologist from Hong Kong, took the global Space-Out competition title by holding steady in a noisy shopping mall. In 2025, he went to Seoul to present trophies at this year's main event.</p><h2>What is the prize of the Space-Out competition?</h2><p>There is no entry fee. The rules are simple, and the expectation is silence and stillness. The trophy is modelled after ‘The Thinker’ sculpture, &nbsp;in a Korean hat.</p><p>The Space-Out Competition is a parody, protest and art installation in equal measures.</p><p>It is a performance art piece with a message: in a world running at full speed, maybe the bravest thing you can do is to just stop and breathe slowly.</p><h2>So, are you good at doing nothing? Maybe you should be at a Space-Out</h2><p>It might sound easy, but doing nothing for 90 minutes really takes some hard work. If you are overworked, burned out and want to really try doing nothing for a change, this might be your sport to try.<br>Who knows, you might be next year's champion of chillout.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Launched in 2014 in Seoul, South Korea, by visual artist Woopsyang, Space-Out challenges participants to sit still, stay quiet, and unplug from everything for one and a half hours. In today's world of short attention spans, it is near-impossible

Did you know that there is a global competition to do absolutely nothing? It's called Space-Out, and it's been around for a decade now. The race is getting tougher by the year. Here is what you probably didn't know about the Space-Out competition. Why is there a competition to do absolutely nothing? What you should know about Space-Out Space-Out Competition is flipping the script by rewarding people for literally doing nothing. In a world of hustle culture, zoning out is the name of the game. To be precise, you have to spend 90 minutes doing nothing. Launched in 2014 in Seoul, South Korea, by visual artist Woopsyang, Space-Out challenges participants to sit still, stay quiet, and unplug from everything for one and a half hours. In today's world of short attention spans, it is near-impossible: No talking, no laughing, no phones, and no naps. The measure of success? Pure, uninterrupted idleness in front of an eagerly watching crowd. The goal is to achieve a meditative state to the level that even the heartbeat slows down. The Space-out competitions are anti-stress spectacles Since its debut in South Korea, franchisee Space-Out events have been held in Tokyo, Rotterdam, Hong Kong and Melbourne, bringing together an eclectic mix of creative types, professionals, and the chronically overworked crowds. The Art of 'Spacing Out': How to compete The events are held in public spaces. In the competition, which resembles a flash mob in slow motion, contestants sit on mats in quirky outfits, creating a human still life among a sea of onlookers. They can take water, use a fan or even a massage by signalling through coloured cards. But they cannot smile or doze off. https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-sleep-revolution-5-hours-is-the-new-8/embed Space-out competition: How the winners are selected The winner of the Space-Out competition is selected based on heart rate stability and audience votes. The heart rate is monitored every 15 minutes, with a smooth and steady pulse showing that the contestant is truly relaxed. Audience votes consider who spaced out with the most flair, costume, or relatable story. Who won the 2025 Space-Out events? This year's event in Seoul was held on May 11. Punk rock group Pogo Attack took first prize at the Hangang Space-Out, while second place went to YouTube content creators Inssa Family. A special mention went to a group of soldiers unwinding on leave. More than 4,500 teams applied, and the event had a 57-to-1 competition ratio. A Space-Out event at the RISING Festival in Melbourne, Australia, was held on June 9. Amelia Lumley, aka 'Fountain Lady', who dressed in a costume complete with trickling water sounds to distract others, won the competition. In 2024, Denis Kwan Hong-Wang, an educational psychologist from Hong Kong, took the global Space-Out competition title by holding steady in a noisy shopping mall. In 2025, he went to Seoul to present trophies at this year's main event. What is the prize of the Space-Out competition? There is no entry fee. The rules are simple, and the expectation is silence and stillness. The trophy is modelled after ‘The Thinker’ sculpture, in a Korean hat. The Space-Out Competition is a parody, protest and art installation in equal measures. It is a performance art piece with a message: in a world running at full speed, maybe the bravest thing you can do is to just stop and breathe slowly. So, are you good at doing nothing? Maybe you should be at a Space-Out It might sound easy, but doing nothing for 90 minutes really takes some hard work. If you are overworked, burned out and want to really try doing nothing for a change, this might be your sport to try. Who knows, you might be next year's champion of chillout.

<p>Launched in 2014 in Seoul, South Korea, by visual artist Woopsyang, Space-Out challenges participants to sit still, stay quiet, and unplug from everything for one and a half hours. In today's world of short attention spans, it is near-impossible</p>

There's a global event to do absolutely nothing, and it's intense. What you didn't know about Space-Out competition

<p>A case of mistaken identity has added an unexpected twist to the viral Coldplay concert scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot. Another Andy Byron, a video designer, found himself at the centre of online confusion, prompting him to set the record straight in style.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>“NOT THE GUY FROM THE COLDPLAY GIG”</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As social media erupted over footage showing Astronomer’s CEO embracing Cabot during a Boston concert, the namesake Andy Byron quickly updated his LinkedIn bio to read in all caps: “NOT THE GUY FROM THE COLDPLAY GIG!!” Sharing an article about the scandal, the video designer wrote in a wry LinkedIn post: “No, this isn’t me. I wouldn’t be caught dead at a Coldplay concert. I’m the Andy Byron who makes videos for big screens, not the one who gets caught on them. If you want to make video content that goes viral for the right reasons, let’s connect.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“My wife is going to be so happy when I tell her that I won LinkedIn for a day. And you know, that I wasn't cheating on her with a co-worker...”, he further added. The post concluded with a face with tears of joy emoji, and was praised for turning a potentially awkward moment into clever self-promotion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Viral video sparks apology</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The confusion stemmed from a viral clip filmed at Coldplay’s concert on 16 July, where frontman Chris Martin spotted Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot on the venue’s “kiss cam”. As the couple shifted away and attempted to hide, Martin quipped: “Oh look at these two… either they're having an affair or they're very shy.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speculation quickly followed online, with memes and comments flooding platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and X. Among them: “Caught in 4K !!!😂,” and, “The chances of your marriages &amp; careers being destroyed at a Coldplay concert are extremely low… but never zero.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Latest development</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Amid the fallout, a letter allegedly from the actual Astronomer CEO has surfaced. In it, Byron acknowledged the incident, writing:</p><p>“I want to sincerely apologise to my wife, my family, and the team at Astronomer. You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader.”</p><p>His wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, who lives in New York with their two children, appears to have removed ‘Byron’ from her social media profiles. As the scandal continues to unfold, the video designer’s humorous post remains a viral reminder of the perils of sharing a name in the digital age.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Sharing a post about the scandal, the video designer wrote in a wry LinkedIn post: “No, this isn’t me. I wouldn’t be caught dead at a Coldplay concert."

A case of mistaken identity has added an unexpected twist to the viral Coldplay concert scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot. Another Andy Byron, a video designer, found himself at the centre of online confusion, prompting him to set the record straight in style. “NOT THE GUY FROM THE COLDPLAY GIG” As social media erupted over footage showing Astronomer’s CEO embracing Cabot during a Boston concert, the namesake Andy Byron quickly updated his LinkedIn bio to read in all caps: “NOT THE GUY FROM THE COLDPLAY GIG!!” Sharing an article about the scandal, the video designer wrote in a wry LinkedIn post: “No, this isn’t me. I wouldn’t be caught dead at a Coldplay concert. I’m the Andy Byron who makes videos for big screens, not the one who gets caught on them. If you want to make video content that goes viral for the right reasons, let’s connect.” “My wife is going to be so happy when I tell her that I won LinkedIn for a day. And you know, that I wasn't cheating on her with a co-worker...”, he further added. The post concluded with a face with tears of joy emoji, and was praised for turning a potentially awkward moment into clever self-promotion.

<p>Sharing a post about the scandal, the video designer wrote in a wry LinkedIn post: “No, this isn’t me. I wouldn’t be caught dead at a Coldplay concert."</p>

‘Not the Coldplay guy… I’d rather be dead’: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron’s namesake shares hilarious post denying Coldplay link

<p><strong>UPDATE: On July 19, Astronomer in its statement denied that the woman in question is Alyssa Stoddard</strong>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's video with his company's HR, Kristin Cabot, from Coldplay concert has broken the internet. Andy Byron was caught cheating on his wife and attending the Coldplay concert in Boston with Cabot. As the band’s “kiss cam” captured them, they quickly pulled away and ducked behind to escape the camera. The eagle-eyed netizens spotted another woman beside them - whose reaction to the entire episode has gone viral. Netizens have said that ‘she knows everything’. Multiple reports and several netizens claimed that she is Alyssa Stoddard who joined Astronomer as Sr. Director of People in January 2025, as per to her LinkeedIn profile. WION cannot independently verify if the claims are true or not.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coldplay&#39;s Chris Martin accidentally exposes astronomer CEO Andy Byron having an affair with his HR chief Kristin Cabot. <a href="https://t.co/GMa2g0EiK3">pic.twitter.com/GMa2g0EiK3</a></p>&mdash; Pop Crave (@PopCrave) <a href="https://twitter.com/PopCrave/status/1945838356249669926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is Alyssa Stoddard?</h2><p>According to her LinkedIn profile, Alyssa Stoddard joined Astronomer as Senior Director of People in January 2025. While announcing her new role at Astronomer, she wrote on LinkedIn, “I couldn't be more excited to announce that I’ve started my next adventure! I’ve joined Kristin Cabot (Thornby) and the amazing People team at Astronomer, leading People Operations and Strategy! Astronomer is on a mission to deliver the world’s data, and what I’ve experienced so far has been nothing short of inspiring. I’m honored to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see what lies ahead! I also want to give heartfelt thank you to Neo4j and my incredible colleagues for the support, collaboration, and memories that made my time there so special.” She previously worked as Board Member at Little Sparks Project, Human Resources Business Partner at Proofpoint, and People Strategy Manager at ObserveI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250718/image-1752831375962.png"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, and the couple have two children together. She is an educator at the Bancroft School in Massachusetts and currently serves as the Associate Director of Lower School and the Hope Graham Program Admission. The couple has two children together. After the clip went viral, Megan’s social media platforms were flooded with messages as netizens encouraged and supported her. Soon, she removed “Byron” from her name on various social media profiles. She also deactivated her Facebook account.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Astronomer is a New York-based tech company offering Astro, a DataOps platform that helps businesses manage Apache Airflow workflows. The company supports clients in maintaining system uptime and accelerating development processes. Astronomer’s current executive team consists of Pete DeJoy (co-founder and chief product officer), Julian LaNeve (chief technology officer), Bhanu Sareddy (chief customer officer), and Kristin Cabot (chief people officer). Astronomer has not released a statement regarding the incident.</p>

After the video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his company's HR, Kristin Cabot went viral, the eagle-eyed netizens spotted another woman beside them, whose reaction to the entire episode has gone viral. Netizens have said that ‘she knows everything’. 

UPDATE: On July 19, Astronomer in its statement denied that the woman in question is Alyssa Stoddard. Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's video with his company's HR, Kristin Cabot, from Coldplay concert has broken the internet. Andy Byron was caught cheating on his wife and attending the Coldplay concert in Boston with Cabot. As the band’s “kiss cam” captured them, they quickly pulled away and ducked behind to escape the camera. The eagle-eyed netizens spotted another woman beside them - whose reaction to the entire episode has gone viral. Netizens have said that ‘she knows everything’. Multiple reports and several netizens claimed that she is Alyssa Stoddard who joined Astronomer as Sr. Director of People in January 2025, as per to her LinkeedIn profile. WION cannot independently verify if the claims are true or not.

<p>After the video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his company's HR, Kristin Cabot went viral, the eagle-eyed netizens spotted another woman beside them, whose reaction to the entire episode has gone viral. Netizens have said that ‘she knows everything’.&nbsp;</p>

'She knows everything...': Who is mystery woman seen in viral 'kiss cam' video of Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot

<p>A blood donation scandal has erupted in Taiwan, where a university women’s football coach has been accused by students of forcing them to donate blood in exchange for academic credits. The story has taken social media by storm, and people are slamming the coach for her strange action. A woman surnamed Jian, from the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), exposed her, saying that sometimes she sat for 14 days straight for the blood donation. At one point, they could not even find the vein to insert the needle. Jian said that coach, Zhou Tai-ying coerced students to take part in an abnormal number of blood donation sessions. Zhou is a prominent figure in Taiwan's football programme.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Blood donation scandal at Taiwan university</strong></h2><p>Students at the university were required to get academic credits to graduate, and 32 of them were tied to these blood sessions. Those students who did not give in to her demand risked not graduating and even faced the threat of being expelled from the university. Detailing her ordeal, Jian said she underwent more than 200 blood donations in exchange for course credits. Sometimes they sampled her for 14 days, even three times a day. The blood was collected by untrained people who came onto the campus in the name of “on-campus research experiments”. The coach even kept the research subsidies in certain cases with him, and called them funds for the team.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Other students also talked about their experience</strong></h2><p>Jian said the excruciating ordeal left her crying. “It was truly blood and sweat for credit," she said. "By the eighth consecutive day of blood draws, they could barely find a vein in either arm." Jian shared a video showing her in tears as the personnel looked for a vein, even in her wrist. "I completely broke down. It took six tries before they finally succeeded!” Jian's revelation led other students to speak up. An unidentified student said the coach bullied them, and she took a long leave of absence to avoid facing her. She added that she did not tell her parents about it as it would have upset them. “If my dad knew, he’d definitely go fight the coach. I just did not want them to be upset,” the student said. She added that her father passed away before she could ever tell him about it. "My college years were supposed to be happy and full of promise, but looking back now, all I feel is disgust."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After the incident came to light, the university announced on July 13 that Zhou had been dismissed and barred from leading any sports teams. Zhou was also asked to write a letter of apology. “I sincerely apologise for the harm caused to the students involved, to the faculty, and the university’s reputation. I deeply regret the emotional distress caused to the students and want to say sorry to all of you.” However, the announcement and the letter were later removed from the university's social media page. The local education authorities have issued an administrative penalty to NTNU and ordered it to take corrective action. It is not clear how Zhou benefitted from the blood donations.<br>&nbsp;</p>

A university women’s football coach in Taiwan has been accused of forcing students to donate blood for academic credits. One student shared her ordeal during her time at the university. The Taiwan university has been forced to take action against the coach.

A blood donation scandal has erupted in Taiwan, where a university women’s football coach has been accused by students of forcing them to donate blood in exchange for academic credits. The story has taken social media by storm, and people are slamming the coach for her strange action. A woman surnamed Jian, from the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), exposed her, saying that sometimes she sat for 14 days straight for the blood donation. At one point, they could not even find the vein to insert the needle. Jian said that coach, Zhou Tai-ying coerced students to take part in an abnormal number of blood donation sessions. Zhou is a prominent figure in Taiwan's football programme. Blood donation scandal at Taiwan university Students at the university were required to get academic credits to graduate, and 32 of them were tied to these blood sessions. Those students who did not give in to her demand risked not graduating and even faced the threat of being expelled from the university. Detailing her ordeal, Jian said she underwent more than 200 blood donations in exchange for course credits. Sometimes they sampled her for 14 days, even three times a day. The blood was collected by untrained people who came onto the campus in the name of “on-campus research experiments”. The coach even kept the research subsidies in certain cases with him, and called them funds for the team. Other students also talked about their experience Jian said the excruciating ordeal left her crying. “It was truly blood and sweat for credit," she said. "By the eighth consecutive day of blood draws, they could barely find a vein in either arm." Jian shared a video showing her in tears as the personnel looked for a vein, even in her wrist. "I completely broke down. It took six tries before they finally succeeded!” Jian's revelation led other students to speak up. An unidentified student said the coach bullied them, and she took a long leave of absence to avoid facing her. She added that she did not tell her parents about it as it would have upset them. “If my dad knew, he’d definitely go fight the coach. I just did not want them to be upset,” the student said. She added that her father passed away before she could ever tell him about it. "My college years were supposed to be happy and full of promise, but looking back now, all I feel is disgust." After the incident came to light, the university announced on July 13 that Zhou had been dismissed and barred from leading any sports teams. Zhou was also asked to write a letter of apology. “I sincerely apologise for the harm caused to the students involved, to the faculty, and the university’s reputation. I deeply regret the emotional distress caused to the students and want to say sorry to all of you.” However, the announcement and the letter were later removed from the university's social media page. The local education authorities have issued an administrative penalty to NTNU and ordered it to take corrective action. It is not clear how Zhou benefitted from the blood donations.

<p>A university women’s football coach in Taiwan has been accused of forcing students to donate blood for academic credits. One student shared her ordeal during her time at the university. The Taiwan university has been forced to take action against the coach. &nbsp;</p>

Blood in exchange for graduation: Taiwan's 'vampire' football coach faces national ire

<p>Indonesian police recently busted a baby trafficking ring that sold at least 24 infants, 15 of them shipped to adoptive parents in Singapore. The gang has been operating since early 2023, according to authorities who arrested 13 people and rescued six babies. They are looking for the other babies.</p><h2>Dark discovery: 13 arrests, 6 infants rescued</h2><p>The baby trafficking ring was busted when a biological parent, angry at not being paid, reported an alleged ‘kidnapping’, leading investigators to a suspect who confessed to trading 24 babies.</p><p>Authorities arrested 13 suspects from across Indonesia: Pontianak in Borneo, Tangerang near Jakarta, and Bandung. The 13th suspect was held at Soekarno‑Hatta airport while returning from abroad.</p><p>Police rescued six infants between two and six months of age. Out of these, five babies were destined for Singapore and one for Tangerang.</p><h2>Dirty operation: How the Indonesian baby trafficking ring worked</h2><p>The baby smuggling syndicate had recruiters, some of them making the bookings even for babies yet to be born, according to reports. “Some acted as initial recruiters, even while the babies were still in the womb,” said Commissioner Surawan, West Java Police.</p><p>There were also caretakers, shelter providers and forgers of family cards, birth certificates and passports.</p><p>“The babies were added to other people’s family cards, and passports issued before they were sent abroad,” Antara News agency quoted an official as saying.</p><p>Most of the babies originated from West Java. They were trafficked first to Pontianak, where fake documents were issued, before being sent to Singapore.</p><h2>Baby trafficking ring: A high price tag for those willing to pay</h2><p>According to media reports citing authorities, each baby reportedly fetched Indonesian rupiah 11–16 million (around $600–980). In some cases, the payments were made even before birth.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-cbi-busts-child-trafficking-ring-arrests-7-people-rescues-2-babies-708543/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-cbi-busts-child-trafficking-ring-arrests-7-people-rescues-2-babies-708543/embed</a></p><h2>How much are the biological parents involved in the baby-selling ring?</h2><p>According to Indonesian police, some biological parents had agreed to sell their children due to financial hardship. But several parents were left unpaid after surrendering the baby. That's when the lid opened on the clandestine trafficking network.<br>Some of the parents who had not been paid reported 'kidnappings'.&nbsp;</p><h2>Baby trafficking ring busted: Who are the buyers?</h2><p>Indonesian police are working with Interpol and Singapore law enforcement to trace the buyers and track down all the trafficked 24 infants, mostly believed to be in Singapore.</p><h2>The terrible trade in babies exposes the poverty, desperation of poor Indonesians</h2><p>The gang members are likely to face human trafficking charges. The baby‑selling rings have been exploiting desperate mothers with the promise of a few million rupiah.<br>Politicians warned this 'terrifying trade in newborns' underscored deeper issues like rampant poverty, weak social safety nets and loopholes in adoption laws.</p><p>Indonesian lawmakers urged the government to open safe houses, extend social services and improve protections for vulnerable pregnant women to stop this ruthless trade, the Antara News agency said in a report.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Police rescued six infants between two and six months of age. Out of these, five babies were destined for Singapore and one for Tangerang.

Indonesian police recently busted a baby trafficking ring that sold at least 24 infants, 15 of them shipped to adoptive parents in Singapore. The gang has been operating since early 2023, according to authorities who arrested 13 people and rescued six babies. They are looking for the other babies. Dark discovery: 13 arrests, 6 infants rescued The baby trafficking ring was busted when a biological parent, angry at not being paid, reported an alleged ‘kidnapping’, leading investigators to a suspect who confessed to trading 24 babies. Authorities arrested 13 suspects from across Indonesia: Pontianak in Borneo, Tangerang near Jakarta, and Bandung. The 13th suspect was held at Soekarno‑Hatta airport while returning from abroad. Police rescued six infants between two and six months of age. Out of these, five babies were destined for Singapore and one for Tangerang. Dirty operation: How the Indonesian baby trafficking ring worked The baby smuggling syndicate had recruiters, some of them making the bookings even for babies yet to be born, according to reports. “Some acted as initial recruiters, even while the babies were still in the womb,” said Commissioner Surawan, West Java Police. There were also caretakers, shelter providers and forgers of family cards, birth certificates and passports. “The babies were added to other people’s family cards, and passports issued before they were sent abroad,” Antara News agency quoted an official as saying. Most of the babies originated from West Java. They were trafficked first to Pontianak, where fake documents were issued, before being sent to Singapore. Baby trafficking ring: A high price tag for those willing to pay According to media reports citing authorities, each baby reportedly fetched Indonesian rupiah 11–16 million (around $600–980). In some cases, the payments were made even before birth. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-cbi-busts-child-trafficking-ring-arrests-7-people-rescues-2-babies-708543/embed How much are the biological parents involved in the baby-selling ring? According to Indonesian police, some biological parents had agreed to sell their children due to financial hardship. But several parents were left unpaid after surrendering the baby. That's when the lid opened on the clandestine trafficking network. Some of the parents who had not been paid reported 'kidnappings'. Baby trafficking ring busted: Who are the buyers? Indonesian police are working with Interpol and Singapore law enforcement to trace the buyers and track down all the trafficked 24 infants, mostly believed to be in Singapore. The terrible trade in babies exposes the poverty, desperation of poor Indonesians The gang members are likely to face human trafficking charges. The baby‑selling rings have been exploiting desperate mothers with the promise of a few million rupiah. Politicians warned this 'terrifying trade in newborns' underscored deeper issues like rampant poverty, weak social safety nets and loopholes in adoption laws. Indonesian lawmakers urged the government to open safe houses, extend social services and improve protections for vulnerable pregnant women to stop this ruthless trade, the Antara News agency said in a report.

<p>Police rescued six infants between two and six months of age. Out of these, five babies were destined for Singapore and one for Tangerang.</p>

Baby mafia! Indonesian baby‑trafficking ring 'booked' infants before they were born, sold for millions of rupiah; 6 infants rescued

With raw power and sky-high muscle world's heavy-lift helicopters are some airborne machines that continue to defy gravity. From Russia’s legendary Mil Mi-26 to the cutting-edge Sikorsky CH-53K, here’s a look at the top 7 heavy-lift helicopters ranked by maximum takeoff weight. 

Greatest marvels of the sky: Top 7 powerful heavy-lift helicopters, Mil Mi-26 is on top of the List

<p>A video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company’s Head of HR, Kristin Cabot, caught in an awkward embrace at a Coldplay concert in Boston has gone viral, setting the internet ablaze. The pair were spotted on the stadium’s kiss cam mid-snog, before hastily ducking out of view as Coldplay frontman Chris Martin quipped from the stage: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The clip quickly spread across TikTok, Reddit and X, igniting rumours of an alleged affair.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The internet wasted no time turning the moment into comedy gold. One user wrote, “Caught in 4k !!!😂,” while another quipped, “The chances of your marriages &amp; careers being destroyed at a Coldplay concert are extremely low… but never zero.” Another jabbed, “Coldplay hasn’t made a single in years. Last night, they made two.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250718/image-1752823988719.png"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The chances of your marriages &amp; careers being destroyed at a Coldplay Concert are extremely low… but never zero. <a href="https://t.co/CFhWG3JAVZ">pic.twitter.com/CFhWG3JAVZ</a></p>&mdash; M-A.Stay’Legit™️🇨🇦 (@BagdMilkSoWhat) <a href="https://twitter.com/BagdMilkSoWhat/status/1945918262283231297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the coldplay incident confirms what most of us already knew: you can never trust HR</p>&mdash; sophie (@netcapgirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/netcapgirl/status/1945970511101456658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>"The internet found out he's married and she knows. Imagine being caught having an affair by Coldplay," said a user.&nbsp;</p><p>"Taking the side chick to a Coldplay concert and getting exposed for it by the band itself and it going viral is so funny sorry," wrote another user.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the wife watching this at home <a href="https://t.co/Sr0BhgCJAZ">https://t.co/Sr0BhgCJAZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ttHRRcqstL">pic.twitter.com/ttHRRcqstL</a></p>&mdash; Shreemi Verma (@shreemiverma19) <a href="https://twitter.com/shreemiverma19/status/1945902142210072803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think the worst part is how they immediately flinch in shame. If there was no reaction people probably wouldnt have looked into it at all, it clearly didnt help anyway, but it just shows they know its wrong. They cant even own it.</p>&mdash; Ḧ̷͇͉͇́̌̾̑̉͗̈͘͜e̴̢̥͒̅̊̊̉̀̕͝͠͝l̶̗̟͚͙̫̦͔̬̱̼͂̾̀e̸̩͋͋n̶ (@helen_mrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/helen_mrow/status/1945976536244384120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Others weighed in on the irony: “When Coldplay comes on Twitter and realises they’re not trending bc of their music,” and, “This man is about to discover Coldplay tickets cost even more than Oasis.” One user poked fun at the corporate fallout: “It’s so hard to get noticed as an AI company these days that the Astronomer CEO had to cheat on his wife for marketing.”<br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">He was about to play it cool. She freaked out then what was he supposed to do</p>&mdash; Black Cat Finance, CPA (@btcprotagonist) <a href="https://twitter.com/btcprotagonist/status/1945953887430549541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Honey I’m gonna go say hello to my old college friend I’ll be back in 3 songs”<br><br>What if she was there… how crazy</p>&mdash; nathan (@OhNathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/OhNathan/status/1945899916770918668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Digital storm follows awkward reaction</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some online comments focused on Byron and Cabot’s visibly flustered attempt to hide. One user observed, “Man ALL YOU HAD TO DO was no-sell it… What, you think your spouses are sat at home watching Coldplay jumbotron footage??? You’ve absolutely played yourselves.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">She knows the whole tea 💀💀 <a href="https://t.co/6gcc8ar6pE">pic.twitter.com/6gcc8ar6pE</a></p>&mdash; The Immortal (@TheImmortal007) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheImmortal007/status/1945930707056075181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Neither Astronomer, nor Byron, who is married with two children, have issued any official statement yet. However a statement allegedly by Byron is going viral on the internet. In the letter Byron seems to be apologising to his wife, his family, and his staff at Astronomer for his actions. It reads, "I want to acknowledge the moment that's been circulating online, and the disappointment it's caused. What was supposed to be a night of music and joy turned into a deeply personal mistake playing out on a very public stage." &nbsp; Astronomer, best known for its Astro data orchestration platform, has eight executives including Cabot, its Chief People Officer. Byron’s wife has appeared to have dropped the last name from her social media before deactivating her account. The memes, however, show no sign of stopping anytime soon.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The internet wasted no time turning the moment into comedy gold. One user wrote, “Caught in 4k !!!😂,” while another quipped, “The chances of your marriages & careers being destroyed at a Coldplay concert are extremely low… but never zero.” 

A video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company’s Head of HR, Kristin Cabot, caught in an awkward embrace at a Coldplay concert in Boston has gone viral, setting the internet ablaze. The pair were spotted on the stadium’s kiss cam mid-snog, before hastily ducking out of view as Coldplay frontman Chris Martin quipped from the stage: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The clip quickly spread across TikTok, Reddit and X, igniting rumours of an alleged affair. The internet wasted no time turning the moment into comedy gold. One user wrote, “Caught in 4k !!!😂,” while another quipped, “The chances of your marriages & careers being destroyed at a Coldplay concert are extremely low… but never zero.” Another jabbed, “Coldplay hasn’t made a single in years. Last night, they made two.”

<p>The internet wasted no time turning the moment into comedy gold. One user wrote, “Caught in 4k !!!😂,” while another quipped, “The chances of your marriages &amp; careers being destroyed at a Coldplay concert are extremely low… but never zero.”&nbsp;</p>

'Coldplay made two singles last night': Netizens react as Astronomer CEO caught in 4K with HR head

<p>EU countries on Friday (July 18) signed off on a new package of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, including lowering a price cap on Moscow's oil exports. The 18th round of economic sanctions against Russia since its 2022 invasion was approved after Slovakia dropped a weeks-long block following talks with Brussels over separate plans to phase out Russian gas imports.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date," EU Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas said. "Each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war. The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-slams-nato-chief-s-threat-of-sanctions-over-trade-with-russia-warns-against-double-standards-1752756054422"><strong>India slams Nato chief’s threat of sanctions over trade with Russia; warns against ‘double standards’</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Slovakia's Russia-friendly leader, Robert Fico, dropped his Opposition after getting what he called "guarantees" from Brussels over gas prices as the bloc pushes to cut off Russian imports by the end of 2027.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>France said the EU’s new round of sanctions on Russia agreed Friday over the war in Ukraine were without precedent and would force Moscow into a ceasefire. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X that “together with the United States we will force (Russian President) Vladimir Putin into a ceasefire”, adding the new sanctions — which include a lower price cap on Russian oil exports — were “unprecedented”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As part of the new sanctions designed to sap Russia's war chest, diplomats said the EU has agreed to lower its price cap on Russian oil exported to third countries around the world to 15% below market value.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That comes despite EU allies failing to convince US President Donald Trump to go along with the plan.</p><p>The cap is a G7 initiative aimed at limiting the amount of money Russia makes by exporting oil to countries across the globe such as China and India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The oil price cap, set at $60 by the G7 in 2022, is designed to limit the price Moscow can sell oil around the world by banning shipping firms and insurance companies dealing with Russia to export above that amount.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Under the new EU scheme — which is expected to get the backing of G7 allies like Britain and Canada — the new level will start off at $47.6 and can be adjusted as oil prices change in the future. In addition, officials said the EU is blacklisting over 100 more vessels in the "shadow fleet" of ageing tankers used by Russia to circumvent oil export curbs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There are also measures to stop the defunct Baltic Sea gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 from being brought back online. Among other targets, sanctions will be placed on a Russian-owned oil refinery in India and two Chinese banks as the EU seeks to curb Moscow's ties with international partners.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There is also an expanded transaction ban on dealings with Russian banks and more restrictions on the export of "dual-use" goods that could be used on the battlefield in Ukraine. The new sanctions will be formally adopted by EU ministers later on Friday.</p>

EU countries sign off fresh sanctions on Russia. EU Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “Each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war.”

EU countries on Friday (July 18) signed off on a new package of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, including lowering a price cap on Moscow's oil exports. The 18th round of economic sanctions against Russia since its 2022 invasion was approved after Slovakia dropped a weeks-long block following talks with Brussels over separate plans to phase out Russian gas imports. "The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date," EU Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas said. "Each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war. The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war." Also read: India slams Nato chief’s threat of sanctions over trade with Russia; warns against ‘double standards’ Slovakia's Russia-friendly leader, Robert Fico, dropped his Opposition after getting what he called "guarantees" from Brussels over gas prices as the bloc pushes to cut off Russian imports by the end of 2027. France said the EU’s new round of sanctions on Russia agreed Friday over the war in Ukraine were without precedent and would force Moscow into a ceasefire. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X that “together with the United States we will force (Russian President) Vladimir Putin into a ceasefire”, adding the new sanctions — which include a lower price cap on Russian oil exports — were “unprecedented”. As part of the new sanctions designed to sap Russia's war chest, diplomats said the EU has agreed to lower its price cap on Russian oil exported to third countries around the world to 15% below market value. That comes despite EU allies failing to convince US President Donald Trump to go along with the plan. The cap is a G7 initiative aimed at limiting the amount of money Russia makes by exporting oil to countries across the globe such as China and India. The oil price cap, set at $60 by the G7 in 2022, is designed to limit the price Moscow can sell oil around the world by banning shipping firms and insurance companies dealing with Russia to export above that amount. Under the new EU scheme — which is expected to get the backing of G7 allies like Britain and Canada — the new level will start off at $47.6 and can be adjusted as oil prices change in the future. In addition, officials said the EU is blacklisting over 100 more vessels in the "shadow fleet" of ageing tankers used by Russia to circumvent oil export curbs. There are also measures to stop the defunct Baltic Sea gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 from being brought back online. Among other targets, sanctions will be placed on a Russian-owned oil refinery in India and two Chinese banks as the EU seeks to curb Moscow's ties with international partners. There is also an expanded transaction ban on dealings with Russian banks and more restrictions on the export of "dual-use" goods that could be used on the battlefield in Ukraine. The new sanctions will be formally adopted by EU ministers later on Friday.

<p>EU countries sign off fresh sanctions on Russia. EU Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “Each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war.”</p>

'Each sanction weakens Russia...': EU signs off new sanctions on Moscow amid ongoing Ukraine war

<p>An Indian-origin businessman and the police chiefs of three cities in the US have been charged with visa fraud, allegedly by exploiting a provision to help crime victims. A federal grand jury framed fraud and conspiracy charges against them and a marshal, acting federal prosecutor Alexander Van Hook, in Lafayette, Louisiana, said. In the US legal system, a grand jury is a citizen's panel that determines whether there is a prima facie case to bring charges.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Indian-origin businessman identified as Chandrakant “Lala” Patel paid police in three cities in Louisiana state to create fraudulent armed robbery cases and list people he proposed as victims to enable them to claim visas meant for crime victims, officials said on Wednesday. Chandrakant Patel was the owner of two stores and the operator of a fast food restaurant. Court papers said officials traced $230,000 and property work $51,000 connected to Patel in this case. There have been several cases of Indian involvement in crime victim visa fraud.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Patel, who had himself received a visa meant for crime victims, paid the police officials $5,000 for each of the people he referred to them to make up crimes and show them as victims, according to court papers. Known as “U Visas”, they are meant to allow them to stay in the country to testify in the case. The documents list 25 people identified with the last name Patel and only initials as those who were listed as victims in the reports by police officials. Patel and the police officials knew that those individuals who claimed to be “cooperating victims” were “never victims of the crimes”, according to the charging document.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a recent case, two Indian-origin men admitted in a Massachusetts federal court in May to faking armed robberies to enable store employees or owners to claim the U Visas. Officials said that Rambhai Patel and Balwinder Singh staged armed robberies of at least nine establishments – shops, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants- across the US. They are awaiting sentencing. According to court papers in that case, a person posing as a “robber” would threaten the employees or owners of the businesses, brandishing a firearm, and rob them while the incident was being recorded. Those claiming to be “victims” would wait till the “robber” got away before calling the police. Those claiming to be victims paid Patel, in one case $20,000, to stage the robbery.</p>

Indian-origin businessman, 3 police chiefs charged with US visa fraud

An Indian-origin businessman and the police chiefs of three cities in the US have been charged with visa fraud, allegedly by exploiting a provision to help crime victims. A federal grand jury framed fraud and conspiracy charges against them and a marshal, acting federal prosecutor Alexander Van Hook, in Lafayette, Louisiana, said. In the US legal system, a grand jury is a citizen's panel that determines whether there is a prima facie case to bring charges. The Indian-origin businessman identified as Chandrakant “Lala” Patel paid police in three cities in Louisiana state to create fraudulent armed robbery cases and list people he proposed as victims to enable them to claim visas meant for crime victims, officials said on Wednesday. Chandrakant Patel was the owner of two stores and the operator of a fast food restaurant. Court papers said officials traced $230,000 and property work $51,000 connected to Patel in this case. There have been several cases of Indian involvement in crime victim visa fraud. Patel, who had himself received a visa meant for crime victims, paid the police officials $5,000 for each of the people he referred to them to make up crimes and show them as victims, according to court papers. Known as “U Visas”, they are meant to allow them to stay in the country to testify in the case. The documents list 25 people identified with the last name Patel and only initials as those who were listed as victims in the reports by police officials. Patel and the police officials knew that those individuals who claimed to be “cooperating victims” were “never victims of the crimes”, according to the charging document. In a recent case, two Indian-origin men admitted in a Massachusetts federal court in May to faking armed robberies to enable store employees or owners to claim the U Visas. Officials said that Rambhai Patel and Balwinder Singh staged armed robberies of at least nine establishments – shops, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants- across the US. They are awaiting sentencing. According to court papers in that case, a person posing as a “robber” would threaten the employees or owners of the businesses, brandishing a firearm, and rob them while the incident was being recorded. Those claiming to be “victims” would wait till the “robber” got away before calling the police. Those claiming to be victims paid Patel, in one case $20,000, to stage the robbery.

<p>An Indian-origin businessman and the police chiefs of three cities in the US have been charged with visa fraud, allegedly by exploiting a provision to help crime victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Friday. The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old leader, who is the oldest person ever to assume the presidency, was also suffering from discoloration of his right hand -- a condition attributed to "tissue irritation from frequent handshaking". His health, however, was described by presidential physician Sean Barbabella as "excellent".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Leavitt said Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”</p><h2>What's chronic venous insufficiency?</h2><p>Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by damaged leg veins that fail to keep blood flowing. The condition is common in older adults, said Dr Matt Heinz, an internist and hospitalist from Tucson, Arizona.</p><p>This is caused when the vein valves become less effective.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It comes with age, gravity, and obesity doesn't help if that's a condition that people suffer from. I know the president's been losing some weight, though, so I think that’s probably a little better," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The condition doesn't pose a serious risk to Trump, because there is no evidence of arterial disease.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Its symptoms are: achy or tired legs; burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs at night; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; Edema (swelling) in lower legs and ankles; flaking or itching skin on legs or feet; leathery-looking skin on legs; ulcers near ankles.</p>

Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”

US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House said on Friday. The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old leader, who is the oldest person ever to assume the presidency, was also suffering from discoloration of his right hand -- a condition attributed to "tissue irritation from frequent handshaking". His health, however, was described by presidential physician Sean Barbabella as "excellent". Leavitt said Trump had been suffering from mild swelling in his lower legs. Ultrasound tests “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.” What's chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by damaged leg veins that fail to keep blood flowing. The condition is common in older adults, said Dr Matt Heinz, an internist and hospitalist from Tucson, Arizona. This is caused when the vein valves become less effective. "It comes with age, gravity, and obesity doesn't help if that's a condition that people suffer from. I know the president's been losing some weight, though, so I think that’s probably a little better," he said. The condition doesn't pose a serious risk to Trump, because there is no evidence of arterial disease. Its symptoms are: achy or tired legs; burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs; cramping in your legs at night; discolored skin that looks reddish-brown; Edema (swelling) in lower legs and ankles; flaking or itching skin on legs or feet; leathery-looking skin on legs; ulcers near ankles.

<p>Donald Trump's disease: The diagnosis was revealed days after his heavily bruised hand and swollen legs were noticed by social media users.</p>

What's chronic venous insufficiency? How dangerous is Donald Trump's disease? Symptoms

<p>Bangladesh government on Thursday denied any links between the Mymensingh property and the legendary Bengali Filmmaker and Author Satyajit Ray. The clarification follows a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, which claimed that the house was the property of the eminent litterateur Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury and was a landmark and a symbol of Bengal's cultural renaissance.&nbsp;</p><p>"Given the building’s landmark status, symbolising the Bangla cultural renaissance, it would be preferable to reconsider the demolition and examine options for its repair and reconstruction as a museum of literature and a symbol of the shared culture of India and Bangladesh", stated MEA.</p><h2>Whose house is it and why is it being demolished?</h2><p>According to the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the land archive reflects that ‘the house in question is not ancestral property of Satyajit Ray’, it is the property of local zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury, and it was built for his employees. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government stated that since the abolition of the zamindari system, it had been a state property.</p><p>"And, the land itself was a non-agricultural government (khas) land and leased to Shishu Academy on a long-term basis," said the statement by the Bangladesh government.</p><p>Since 2014, the academy has shifted to a rented property elsewhere in Mymensingh city. The building was being demolished, citing its dilapidated, unsafe condition and plans to construct a new semi‑concrete facility. Locals say the abandoned house was the den of unlawful and antisocial activities.</p><p>"The Ray family had a house on Harikishore Ray Road, which they had sold long ago and thus no longer exists. A multi-storeyed building was constructed there by the new owner," read the statement by the Bangladesh government.</p><p>The memo also cleared the confusion that the nearby road, ‘Harikishore Ray Road,’ was named after the great-grandfather of Satyajit Ray, who later adopted Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, Satyajit Ray’s grandfather.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Bangladesh government refused claims that the Mymensingh property belonged to the ancestor of  Satyajit Ray; it was the property of local zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury, and following the abolition of the Zamindari system, it belonged to the state.

Bangladesh government on Thursday denied any links between the Mymensingh property and the legendary Bengali Filmmaker and Author Satyajit Ray. The clarification follows a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, which claimed that the house was the property of the eminent litterateur Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury and was a landmark and a symbol of Bengal's cultural renaissance. "Given the building’s landmark status, symbolising the Bangla cultural renaissance, it would be preferable to reconsider the demolition and examine options for its repair and reconstruction as a museum of literature and a symbol of the shared culture of India and Bangladesh", stated MEA. Whose house is it and why is it being demolished? According to the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the land archive reflects that ‘the house in question is not ancestral property of Satyajit Ray’, it is the property of local zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury, and it was built for his employees. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government stated that since the abolition of the zamindari system, it had been a state property. "And, the land itself was a non-agricultural government (khas) land and leased to Shishu Academy on a long-term basis," said the statement by the Bangladesh government. Since 2014, the academy has shifted to a rented property elsewhere in Mymensingh city. The building was being demolished, citing its dilapidated, unsafe condition and plans to construct a new semi‑concrete facility. Locals say the abandoned house was the den of unlawful and antisocial activities. "The Ray family had a house on Harikishore Ray Road, which they had sold long ago and thus no longer exists. A multi-storeyed building was constructed there by the new owner," read the statement by the Bangladesh government. The memo also cleared the confusion that the nearby road, ‘Harikishore Ray Road,’ was named after the great-grandfather of Satyajit Ray, who later adopted Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, Satyajit Ray’s grandfather.

<p>The Bangladesh government refused claims that the Mymensingh property belonged to the ancestor of &nbsp;Satyajit Ray; it was the property of local zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury, and following the abolition of the Zamindari system, it belonged to the state.</p>

'The house in question is not ancestral property of Satyajit Ray': Whose house is it and why is it being demolished?

<p>In a big win for India, the US on Thursday (July 17) designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and group responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as a global terrorist organisation. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil. The TRF, which claimed responsibility for the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year, was protected by the top leaders of the Pakistani government. Not long ago, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pushed to omit TRF's mention from a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) press statement.</p><h2><strong>How Pak got TRF's name dropped from UN statement&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Back in April this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking in Pakistan’s National Assembly, revealed that Islamabad used its position as a non-permanent member of the UNSC to alter the language in the US-proposed statement, which originally named and shamed TRF. "On behalf of Pakistan, I had two objections [to the statement]. First, only Pahalgam was mentioned and secondly, the blame was put on The Resistance Forum," Dar said, using an alternate name for TRF. "I thought this was not acceptable. You have to write Jammu and Kashmir along with Pahalgam." He added, " I gave clear instructions to our ambassador at the UN to ensure the amendments are made," he said. According to Dar, the process to finalise the statement took 2.5 days as Pakistan refused to accept the initial draft. "I received phone calls from big capitals to come to a consensus on the draft, but I told them nothing doing," he said. Ultimately, Pakistan’s objections were reflected in the final press statement issued by the UNSC.</p><h2>UNSC statement that Dar spoke about</h2><p>The UNSC condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, underlining the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers and the sponsors of "this reprehensible act of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice. "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured," it said in the press statement. The 15 members reiterated that any acts of terrorism were criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat, by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.</p><h2>India's proof against TRF</h2><p>In an Operation Sindoor press briefing, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that India in the half-yearly report to the monitoring team of the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, had given inputs about TRF. "A group calling itself ‘The Resistance Front’ has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba," Misri said. He further informed that in December 2023, India had informed the monitoring team about Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammad operating through small terror groups such as the TRF. He said that Pakistan exposed itself when it attempted to remove references to TRF from the UNSC press statement.</p><h2>Who are the Resistance Front (TRF)?</h2><p>The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned TRF, all its forms and front groups in January 2023. The MHA also declared the TRF a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The TRF is reportedly founded by founder Sheikh Sajjad Gul also known as Sheikh Sajjad and its leaders include LeT operatives Sajid Jatt and Salim Rehmani. Sajjad Gul was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022. Gul was also involved in hatching a criminal conspiracy to eliminate journalist Shujaat Bukhari along with two of his personal security officers, at the Press Enclave area of Srinagar on June 14, 2018.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The group came to the fore when J&amp;K Police busted a unit of over ground workers (OGWs) in Sopore and Kupwara. In the past, the group has issued threats to media houses in the Valley for “traitorous acts.” Ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack, this group claimed responsibility for the Z-Morh Tunnel attack in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024. According to 2022 data, out of 172 terrorists that were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 108 were linked to The Resistance Front.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“TRF is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been also involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&amp;K. TRF is involved in psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of J&amp;K to join terrorist outfits against the Indian state,” the MHA notification stated about TRF.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The MHA notification also added that “the activities of TRF are detrimental for the national security and sovereignty of India. A large number of cases have been registered against the members/associates of the TRF relating to planning of killing of security personnel and civilians of J&amp;K, co-coordinating and transporting weapons to support proscribed terrorist organisations…”</p>

The Resistance Front (TRF) has been designated a global terror group by the US. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil. 

In a big win for India, the US on Thursday (July 17) designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and group responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as a global terrorist organisation. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil. The TRF, which claimed responsibility for the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year, was protected by the top leaders of the Pakistani government. Not long ago, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pushed to omit TRF's mention from a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) press statement. How Pak got TRF's name dropped from UN statement Back in April this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking in Pakistan’s National Assembly, revealed that Islamabad used its position as a non-permanent member of the UNSC to alter the language in the US-proposed statement, which originally named and shamed TRF. "On behalf of Pakistan, I had two objections [to the statement]. First, only Pahalgam was mentioned and secondly, the blame was put on The Resistance Forum," Dar said, using an alternate name for TRF. "I thought this was not acceptable. You have to write Jammu and Kashmir along with Pahalgam." He added, " I gave clear instructions to our ambassador at the UN to ensure the amendments are made," he said. According to Dar, the process to finalise the statement took 2.5 days as Pakistan refused to accept the initial draft. "I received phone calls from big capitals to come to a consensus on the draft, but I told them nothing doing," he said. Ultimately, Pakistan’s objections were reflected in the final press statement issued by the UNSC. UNSC statement that Dar spoke about The UNSC condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, underlining the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers and the sponsors of "this reprehensible act of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice. "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured," it said in the press statement. The 15 members reiterated that any acts of terrorism were criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat, by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. India's proof against TRF In an Operation Sindoor press briefing, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that India in the half-yearly report to the monitoring team of the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, had given inputs about TRF. "A group calling itself ‘The Resistance Front’ has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba," Misri said. He further informed that in December 2023, India had informed the monitoring team about Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammad operating through small terror groups such as the TRF. He said that Pakistan exposed itself when it attempted to remove references to TRF from the UNSC press statement. Who are the Resistance Front (TRF)? The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group reportedly came into being after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned TRF, all its forms and front groups in January 2023. The MHA also declared the TRF a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The TRF is reportedly founded by founder Sheikh Sajjad Gul also known as Sheikh Sajjad and its leaders include LeT operatives Sajid Jatt and Salim Rehmani. Sajjad Gul was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022. Gul was also involved in hatching a criminal conspiracy to eliminate journalist Shujaat Bukhari along with two of his personal security officers, at the Press Enclave area of Srinagar on June 14, 2018. The group came to the fore when J&K Police busted a unit of over ground workers (OGWs) in Sopore and Kupwara. In the past, the group has issued threats to media houses in the Valley for “traitorous acts.” Ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack, this group claimed responsibility for the Z-Morh Tunnel attack in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024. According to 2022 data, out of 172 terrorists that were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 108 were linked to The Resistance Front. “TRF is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been also involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&K. TRF is involved in psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of J&K to join terrorist outfits against the Indian state,” the MHA notification stated about TRF. The MHA notification also added that “the activities of TRF are detrimental for the national security and sovereignty of India. A large number of cases have been registered against the members/associates of the TRF relating to planning of killing of security personnel and civilians of J&K, co-coordinating and transporting weapons to support proscribed terrorist organisations…”

<p>The Resistance Front (TRF) has been designated a global terror group by the US. This is yet another example when Pakistan stands exposed in front of the world and India stands victorious in its attempt to sideline the neighbouring country for its support for terror groups on its soil.&nbsp;</p>

Pakistan's hypocrisy EXPOSED: Ishaq Dar once blocked mention of Lashkar backed TRF in UNSC statement

<p>US President Donald Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein continues to make headlines. One of his former staff members told CNN in an interview that the two were once caught bringing young girls to Trump's casino in Atlantic City. The girls were not old enough to gamble, he added. The White House has denied the allegations. Jack O’Donnell managed the Atlantic City Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino for four years in the 1980s. In an interview with CNN's Erin Burnett on July 16, he said that Epstein appeared to him as Trump's "best friend." Notably, Epstein was accused of abusing several underage girls and was later slapped with federal charges for the sex trafficking of minors in Florida and New York. Epstein was found dead in his cell on August 10, 2019, and it was ruled a suicide by hanging. Now, Trump is in the news for the Epstein files and has ordered his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to release more documents related to the case. This comes after a Wall Street Journal report said that Trump sent Epstein a letter with the drawing of a naked woman on his 50th birthday. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-finally-releasing-epstein-files-here-s-what-he-told-pam-bondi-to-do-after-letter-row-this-scam-1752805484181"><strong>Trump FINALLY releasing Epstein Files? Here's what he told Pam Bondi to do after letter row: 'This SCAM...'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Underage tennis star accompanied Trump and Epstein</strong></h2><p>O’Donnell told CNN that he often saw Trump and Epstein together at the casino. "In my mind, [Epstein] was his best friend, you know, [throughout] the time I was there for four years,” he said. He recalled a particular incident from the late 1980s when they brought three girls with them. Epstein and Trump took them to the casino floor even though they were not 21. One of them was a tennis player and had a world ranking of three at the time. This is how the officials got to know that the girls were underage. O’Donnell said he learnt about it the next day when state casino commission inspectors reached Trump's office. "This [inspector] happened to be a tennis fan and he said, 'Jack, I know she’s 19 years old,' " O'Donnell said. "They had determined that the women that they brought down were underage to be in the casino.” Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fake-news-trump-denies-sending-naked-woman-drawing-letter-for-jeffrey-epstein-s-50th-birthday-here-s-what-it-is-1752800746823"><strong>'FAKE NEWS': Trump denies sending 'naked woman drawing' letter for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday - Here's what the letter claims</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to gamble in New Jersey. However, O’Donnell said that the officers left Trump only with a warning. "I had to call them and say, 'They're giving you a break this time, but if this happens again, the fine is going to be substantial and it's going to be on your head,' " he claimed. O’Donnell said he even cautioned Trump against Epstein and that he should not be "hanging out" with him. "I did tell him in that conversation, 'I don’t think you should be hanging out with this guy, just so you know, and you certainly shouldn’t be doing that in Atlantic City,' " he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-trump-says-epstein-critics-are-being-used-by-democrats-1752774251430/embed</p><h2><strong>White House slams O’Donnell as liar and fraud</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed the allegations made by O’Donnell, calling him a "stone-cold loser who is a liar and a fraud." He told People in a statement, "This is completely fabricated story from his warped imagination as he suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his pea-sized brain.” The president has been trying to cut himself off from the matter, but the Trump administration is being pressured to release more evidence about Epstein's 2019 child sex-trafficking case. On Thursday night (July 17), Trump issued an order for the release of the files. "Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!" he wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;</p>

Trump-Epstein scandal: US President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein brought underage girls to his Atlantic City casino, a former manager of the Atlantic City Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino has alleged. One of them was tennis player who was ranked world number 3 at the time, he told CNN. 

US President Donald Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein continues to make headlines. One of his former staff members told CNN in an interview that the two were once caught bringing young girls to Trump's casino in Atlantic City. The girls were not old enough to gamble, he added. The White House has denied the allegations. Jack O’Donnell managed the Atlantic City Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino for four years in the 1980s. In an interview with CNN's Erin Burnett on July 16, he said that Epstein appeared to him as Trump's "best friend." Notably, Epstein was accused of abusing several underage girls and was later slapped with federal charges for the sex trafficking of minors in Florida and New York. Epstein was found dead in his cell on August 10, 2019, and it was ruled a suicide by hanging. Now, Trump is in the news for the Epstein files and has ordered his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to release more documents related to the case. This comes after a Wall Street Journal report said that Trump sent Epstein a letter with the drawing of a naked woman on his 50th birthday. Also Read: Trump FINALLY releasing Epstein Files? Here's what he told Pam Bondi to do after letter row: 'This SCAM...' Underage tennis star accompanied Trump and Epstein O’Donnell told CNN that he often saw Trump and Epstein together at the casino. "In my mind, [Epstein] was his best friend, you know, [throughout] the time I was there for four years,” he said. He recalled a particular incident from the late 1980s when they brought three girls with them. Epstein and Trump took them to the casino floor even though they were not 21. One of them was a tennis player and had a world ranking of three at the time. This is how the officials got to know that the girls were underage. O’Donnell said he learnt about it the next day when state casino commission inspectors reached Trump's office. "This [inspector] happened to be a tennis fan and he said, 'Jack, I know she’s 19 years old,' " O'Donnell said. "They had determined that the women that they brought down were underage to be in the casino.” Also Read: 'FAKE NEWS': Trump denies sending 'naked woman drawing' letter for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday - Here's what the letter claims It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to gamble in New Jersey. However, O’Donnell said that the officers left Trump only with a warning. "I had to call them and say, 'They're giving you a break this time, but if this happens again, the fine is going to be substantial and it's going to be on your head,' " he claimed. O’Donnell said he even cautioned Trump against Epstein and that he should not be "hanging out" with him. "I did tell him in that conversation, 'I don’t think you should be hanging out with this guy, just so you know, and you certainly shouldn’t be doing that in Atlantic City,' " he said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-trump-says-epstein-critics-are-being-used-by-democrats-1752774251430/embed White House slams O’Donnell as liar and fraud Meanwhile, White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed the allegations made by O’Donnell, calling him a "stone-cold loser who is a liar and a fraud." He told People in a statement, "This is completely fabricated story from his warped imagination as he suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his pea-sized brain.” The president has been trying to cut himself off from the matter, but the Trump administration is being pressured to release more evidence about Epstein's 2019 child sex-trafficking case. On Thursday night (July 17), Trump issued an order for the release of the files. "Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!" he wrote on Truth Social.

<p>Trump-Epstein scandal: US President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein brought underage girls to his Atlantic City casino, a former manager of the Atlantic City Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino has alleged. One of them was a tennis player ranked world number 3 at the time, he told CNN.&nbsp;</p>

Trump-Epstein brought underage girls to casino, one of whom was world number 3 tennis player, former manager alleges

<p>A 'bawdy' letter allegedly sent by Donald Trump to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has rocked US politics, with the Republican United States President threatening to sue the Wall Street Journal for publishing the content of the purported birthday wishes in the early 2000s. Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed girlfriend of Epstein, had compiled a birthday album for the disgraced financier in 2003, with a bouquet of letters with birthday wishes, including Trump's sexually explicit letter.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The leather-bound album was assembled before Epstein was first arrested in 2006 for a sex offense. Apart from Trump, many other friends of Epstein wrote similar messages for him in their respective letters, claimed the American publication.</p><h2>What was in Donald Trump's alleged letter?</h2><p>WSJ described Trump's letter as 'bawdy'. It said several lines were typewritten within the outline of a naked woman. The woman's silhouette was drawn by a heavy marker. "A pair of small arcs denotes the woman’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly ‘Donald’ below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," it reported.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Inside the outline of the naked woman was a typewritten note styled as an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>“Voice Over: There must be more to life than having everything,” the note begins.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Donald: Yes, there is, but I won’t tell you what it is.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Jeffrey: Nor will I, since I also know what it is.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Donald: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Jeffrey: As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Donald: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The album, according to WSJ, contained poems and photos from businesspeople, academics, and other eminent personalities. Billionaire Leslie Wexner and attorney Alan Dershowitz were among those who wrote these letters. A Harvard economist had also written the letter.</p><p>Epstein was Wexner’s money manager at the time. The billionaire wrote, "I wanted to get you what you want... so here it is". He drew a woman's breasts below the text.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The album also had a report card from his school in Brooklyn and a note from a former assistant, saying: "Jeffrey, oh Jeffrey!/ Everyone loves you!/ Fun in the sun!/ Fun just for fun!/ Remember…don’t forget me soon!/ Epstein…you rock!/ You are the best!”</p><h2>JD Vance slams WSJ, says it didn't show the letter to Trump</h2><p>Meanwhile, Donald Trump's deputy, JD Vance, dismissed the report as "complete and utter bulls**t". He claimed the publication never showed the letter to the Trump administration before publishing its contents.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Forgive my language, but this story is complete and utter bulls**t. The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it. Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?" Vance said in the post.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Doesn't it violate some rule of journalistic ethics to publish a letter like this without showing it to the victim of this hit piece? Will the people who have bought into every hoax against President Trump show an ounce of skepticism before buying into this bizarre story?" he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Epstein, a disgraced financier, died in jail awaiting trial over the accusations of sex trafficking involving underage girls.</p>

A 'bawdy' letter allegedly sent by Donald Trump to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has rocked US politics, with the Republican United States President threatening to sue the Wall Street Journal for publishing the content of the purported birthday wishes in the early 2000s.

A 'bawdy' letter allegedly sent by Donald Trump to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has rocked US politics, with the Republican United States President threatening to sue the Wall Street Journal for publishing the content of the purported birthday wishes in the early 2000s. Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed girlfriend of Epstein, had compiled a birthday album for the disgraced financier in 2003, with a bouquet of letters with birthday wishes, including Trump's sexually explicit letter. The leather-bound album was assembled before Epstein was first arrested in 2006 for a sex offense. Apart from Trump, many other friends of Epstein wrote similar messages for him in their respective letters, claimed the American publication. What was in Donald Trump's alleged letter? WSJ described Trump's letter as 'bawdy'. It said several lines were typewritten within the outline of a naked woman. The woman's silhouette was drawn by a heavy marker. "A pair of small arcs denotes the woman’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly ‘Donald’ below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," it reported. Inside the outline of the naked woman was a typewritten note styled as an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein. “Voice Over: There must be more to life than having everything,” the note begins. Donald: Yes, there is, but I won’t tell you what it is. Jeffrey: Nor will I, since I also know what it is. Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey. Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it. Donald: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that? Jeffrey: As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you. Donald: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret. The album, according to WSJ, contained poems and photos from businesspeople, academics, and other eminent personalities. Billionaire Leslie Wexner and attorney Alan Dershowitz were among those who wrote these letters. A Harvard economist had also written the letter. Epstein was Wexner’s money manager at the time. The billionaire wrote, "I wanted to get you what you want... so here it is". He drew a woman's breasts below the text. The album also had a report card from his school in Brooklyn and a note from a former assistant, saying: "Jeffrey, oh Jeffrey!/ Everyone loves you!/ Fun in the sun!/ Fun just for fun!/ Remember…don’t forget me soon!/ Epstein…you rock!/ You are the best!” JD Vance slams WSJ, says it didn't show the letter to Trump Meanwhile, Donald Trump's deputy, JD Vance, dismissed the report as "complete and utter bulls**t". He claimed the publication never showed the letter to the Trump administration before publishing its contents. "Forgive my language, but this story is complete and utter bulls**t. The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it. Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?" Vance said in the post. "Doesn't it violate some rule of journalistic ethics to publish a letter like this without showing it to the victim of this hit piece? Will the people who have bought into every hoax against President Trump show an ounce of skepticism before buying into this bizarre story?" he added. Epstein, a disgraced financier, died in jail awaiting trial over the accusations of sex trafficking involving underage girls.

<p>Donald Trump row: The leather-bound album was assembled before Epstein was first arrested in 2006 for a sex offense</p>

Trump letter row: 'Squiggly Donald below her waist'- what's inside Jeffrey Epstein birthday album

<p>On Thursday (July 17), the US recognised The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This is a huge step against terrorist activity that threatens national security. India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar appreciated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his efforts, says, ‘a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.’</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He wrote in an X post, “Appreciate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Department of State for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for Terrorism.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In his statement, Marco Rubio said, “Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-designates-trf-involved-in-pahalgam-attack-as-terrorist-group-proxy-of-pak-based-let-1752784652326"><strong> US designates TRF, involved in Pahalgam attack, as terrorist group, proxy of Pak-based LeT</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024,” he continued.</p><p>He assured that the Trump administration’s commitment ‘to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack.’</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>TRF had claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam which claimed 26 innocent lives. After which India was forced to launch Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory move against Pakistan for its inaction against terror outfits operating on its soil. New Delhi carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and PoK.</p>

India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar appreciated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for recognising LeT's offshoot TRF as a global terrorist organisation he said it's ‘a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.’

On Thursday (July 17), the US recognised The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This is a huge step against terrorist activity that threatens national security. India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar appreciated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his efforts, says, ‘a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.’ He wrote in an X post, “Appreciate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Department of State for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for Terrorism.” In his statement, Marco Rubio said, “Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).” Also read: US designates TRF, involved in Pahalgam attack, as terrorist group, proxy of Pak-based LeT “TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024,” he continued. He assured that the Trump administration’s commitment ‘to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack.’ TRF had claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam which claimed 26 innocent lives. After which India was forced to launch Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory move against Pakistan for its inaction against terror outfits operating on its soil. New Delhi carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and PoK.

<p>India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar appreciated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for recognising LeT's offshoot TRF as a global terrorist organisation he said it's ‘a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.’</p>

S Jaishankar appreciates US for recognising Pakistan-based TRF as global terrorist organisation

<p>Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, caught on kiss cam with his HR chief, Kristin Cabot, has become an overnight sensation on social media. Video clips of the two cuddling up, hand-in-hand, at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts on Wednesday night have gone viral. A letter has emerged on the internet in which Byron seems to be apologising to his wife, his family, and his staff at Astronomer for his actions. It reads, "I want to acknowledge the moment that's been circulating online, and the disappointment it's caused. What was supposed to be a night of music and joy turned into a deeply personal mistake playing out on a very public stage." The statement then mentions a "sincere" apology from the tech CEO. The statement has been shared by a person named Peter Enis, with the handle mentioning that he works at CBS News. Did Andy Byron really issue a statement on the cheating saga he now finds himself embroiled in? Apparently, no. The statement has been flagged as fake by readers. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-i-win-trust-of-ceos-kristin-cabot-astronomer-hr-chief-caught-on-coldplay-kiss-cam-with-her-boss-once-bragged-1752807454535"><strong>'I win trust of CEOs': Kristin Cabot, Astronomer HR chief caught on Coldplay kiss cam with her boss, once bragged</strong></a></p><h2><strong>An apology letter by Andy Byron surfaces&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Adding context to the fake letter, a fact-check on the post states that no one with the name Peter Enis works at CBS News. The account was marked as a parody account until a few hours before it posted the statement, and changed it to rake in views and reactions. "Until earlier today, this account was listed as a parody. This changed deliberately to mislead. If you need further proof, Peter Enis's CBS email would be Penis@cbsnews.com." The statement ends with the words, "This is not who I want to be or how I want to represent the company I helped build. I'm taking time to reflect, to take accountability, and to figure out the next steps, personally and professionally. I ask for privacy as I navigate that process." The post also misspells Andy's last name, “Byron”, as “Bryon”. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-andy-byron-viral-astronomer-ceo-exposed-having-affair-with-hr-kristin-cabot-at-coldplay-concert-1752800907576"><strong>Who is Andy Byron? Viral Astronomer CEO exposed having affair with HR Kristin Cabot at Coldplay concert</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEW</a> Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon issued a statement following a viral video that appeared to expose an alleged affair between himself and his HR director.<br><br>The moment happened at a Coldplay concert in Boston.<br><br>Byron apologized to his wife, family, and company. <a href="https://t.co/DaYnAQRc8o">pic.twitter.com/DaYnAQRc8o</a></p>&mdash; Peter Enis CBS News (@PeterEnisCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterEnisCBS/status/1945909064292028922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Coldplay concert exposes high-profile cheating scandal</strong></h2><p>Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin had an extremely lovely reaction when he saw the two on jumbotron. "Look at these two,” he said. However, Kristin Cabot immediately flung her hands to her face and turned away, while Byron ducked. Martin was confused about what was happening. His next words turned out to be true. “Oh, what?" Martin said. "Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. Holy sh-t. I hope we didn’t do something bad." Byron is a married man and had been caught cheating on his wife in full public view. Cabot and Byron have gone viral on social media and seem to be the only thing everyone is talking about at the moment. Meanwhile, his wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, has reportedly dropped her last name from her Facebook account.&nbsp;</p>

Astronomer CEO cheating scandal: Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, caught cheating on his wife with his company's HR chief, Kristin Cabot, has reportedly apologised for the incident, based on a statement on X. Has he really commented on the matter, or is the letter fake? 

Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, caught on kiss cam with his HR chief, Kristin Cabot, has become an overnight sensation on social media. Video clips of the two cuddling up, hand-in-hand, at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts on Wednesday night have gone viral. A letter has emerged on the internet in which Byron seems to be apologising to his wife, his family, and his staff at Astronomer for his actions. It reads, "I want to acknowledge the moment that's been circulating online, and the disappointment it's caused. What was supposed to be a night of music and joy turned into a deeply personal mistake playing out on a very public stage." The statement then mentions a "sincere" apology from the tech CEO. The statement has been shared by a person named Peter Enis, with the handle mentioning that he works at CBS News. Did Andy Byron really issue a statement on the cheating saga he now finds himself embroiled in? Apparently, no. The statement has been flagged as fake by readers. Also Read: 'I win trust of CEOs': Kristin Cabot, Astronomer HR chief caught on Coldplay kiss cam with her boss, once bragged An apology letter by Andy Byron surfaces Adding context to the fake letter, a fact-check on the post states that no one with the name Peter Enis works at CBS News. The account was marked as a parody account until a few hours before it posted the statement, and changed it to rake in views and reactions. "Until earlier today, this account was listed as a parody. This changed deliberately to mislead. If you need further proof, Peter Enis's CBS email would be Penis@cbsnews.com." The statement ends with the words, "This is not who I want to be or how I want to represent the company I helped build. I'm taking time to reflect, to take accountability, and to figure out the next steps, personally and professionally. I ask for privacy as I navigate that process." The post also misspells Andy's last name, “Byron”, as “Bryon”. Also Read: Who is Andy Byron? Viral Astronomer CEO exposed having affair with HR Kristin Cabot at Coldplay concert

<p>Astronomer CEO cheating scandal: Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, caught cheating on his wife with his company's HR chief, Kristin Cabot, has reportedly apologised for the incident, based on a statement on X. Has he really commented on the matter, or is the letter fake?&nbsp;</p>

Astronomer cheating scandal: Apology letter by CEO Andy Byron surfaces. Real or fake?

<p>Kristin Cabot, the HR chief at Astronomer, is making headlines after she was caught canoodling with the CEO of the company, Andy Byron, on the jumbotron at Coldplay’s show Wednesday night. The exposure has spiralled into a huge deal, and everyone is talking about it. People are searching for Cabot on the internet in a bid to learn more about the woman who was getting cozy with her boss at the concert. Her LinkedIn bio is going viral, where she brags about winning everyone's trust at a company. “I lead by example and win trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants,” she wrote on her profile. Cabot also praised Byron's vision, writing in another post, "I have been energised in my conversations with Andy Byron and the Astronomer leadership team about the opportunities that exist here." The tech CEO reciprocated the appreciation, calling Cabot a "perfect fit for Astronomer" in a press release. Byron also gushed over her “exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management.” Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/exposed-by-chris-martin-app-astronomer-ceo-andy-byron-s-affair-with-kristin-cabot-caught-on-camera-during-coldplay-concert-1752775232008"><strong>Exposed by Chris Martin! App Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's 'affair' with Kristin Cabot caught on camera during Coldplay concert</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Chris Martin's reaction to kiss cam goes viral</strong></h2><p>Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, who reportedly dropped her last name on social media immediately after her cheating husband was caught on the kiss cam. Chris Martin, the band frontman, willingly exposed the affair to the world during the Coldplay concert at the Gillette Stadium near Boston on Wednesday night. Byron has his hands around Cabot's chest when the camera pans towards them. As soon as they realised they were on camera, Cabot covered her face with her hands, while Byron ducked. Meanwhile, unaware of what was happening, Martin said, "Look at these two,” believing he had caught a romantic moment. However, as soon as they hid from the camera, Martin said, “Oh, what?" Video and audio footage from the stage has Martin saying, "Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. Holy s**t. I hope we didn’t do something bad." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/astronomer-ceo-andy-byron-s-wife-drop-last-name-from-social-media-profiles-deactivates-account-after-viral-kiss-cam-clip-1752775535219"><strong>Astronomer CEO Andy Byron’s wife drops last name from social media profiles, deactivates account after viral ‘kiss cam’ clip</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Is Astronomer HR chief Kristin Cabot married? Who is her husband?</strong></h2><p>However, the damage was done. Meanwhile, Megan is said to have dropped her last name from her social media account and later deactivated it. People are sending love and support to her and calling on her to take sweet revenge. A user wrote, "Get that divorce lawyer and get the money," while another added, “Hope she takes him for all he’s worth. What a POS." Reports suggest that Cabot recently divorced her husband, Kenneth Thornby. They also have a child together. They filed for it in 2018, and it was finalised in 2022, according to Massachusetts court records. It is not clear whether she re-married. Astronomer is an AI and data company valued at about $1.2 billion.&nbsp;</p>

Astronomer CEO cheating scandal: Kristin Cabot, the HR chief at Astronomer, has become a hot topic on social media ever since she was caught getting cozy with her CEO boss at Chris Martin's concert. Who is the woman caught on Coldplay kiss cam?

Kristin Cabot, the HR chief at Astronomer, is making headlines after she was caught canoodling with the CEO of the company, Andy Byron, on the jumbotron at Coldplay’s show Wednesday night. The exposure has spiralled into a huge deal, and everyone is talking about it. People are searching for Cabot on the internet in a bid to learn more about the woman who was getting cozy with her boss at the concert. Her LinkedIn bio is going viral, where she brags about winning everyone's trust at a company. “I lead by example and win trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants,” she wrote on her profile. Cabot also praised Byron's vision, writing in another post, "I have been energised in my conversations with Andy Byron and the Astronomer leadership team about the opportunities that exist here." The tech CEO reciprocated the appreciation, calling Cabot a "perfect fit for Astronomer" in a press release. Byron also gushed over her “exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management.” Also Read: Exposed by Chris Martin! App Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's 'affair' with Kristin Cabot caught on camera during Coldplay concert Chris Martin's reaction to kiss cam goes viral Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, who reportedly dropped her last name on social media immediately after her cheating husband was caught on the kiss cam. Chris Martin, the band frontman, willingly exposed the affair to the world during the Coldplay concert at the Gillette Stadium near Boston on Wednesday night. Byron has his hands around Cabot's chest when the camera pans towards them. As soon as they realised they were on camera, Cabot covered her face with her hands, while Byron ducked. Meanwhile, unaware of what was happening, Martin said, "Look at these two,” believing he had caught a romantic moment. However, as soon as they hid from the camera, Martin said, “Oh, what?" Video and audio footage from the stage has Martin saying, "Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. Holy s**t. I hope we didn’t do something bad." Also Read: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron’s wife drops last name from social media profiles, deactivates account after viral ‘kiss cam’ clip Is Astronomer HR chief Kristin Cabot married? Who is her husband? However, the damage was done. Meanwhile, Megan is said to have dropped her last name from her social media account and later deactivated it. People are sending love and support to her and calling on her to take sweet revenge. A user wrote, "Get that divorce lawyer and get the money," while another added, “Hope she takes him for all he’s worth. What a POS." Reports suggest that Cabot recently divorced her husband, Kenneth Thornby. They also have a child together. They filed for it in 2018, and it was finalised in 2022, according to Massachusetts court records. It is not clear whether she re-married. Astronomer is an AI and data company valued at about $1.2 billion.

<p>Astronomer CEO cheating scandal: Kristin Cabot, the HR chief at Astronomer, has become a hot topic on social media ever since she was caught getting cozy with her CEO boss Andy Byron, at Chris Martin's concert. Who is the woman caught on Coldplay kiss cam?</p>

'I win trust of CEOs': Kristin Cabot, Astronomer HR chief caught on Coldplay kiss cam with her boss, once bragged

<p>Reports of US President Donald Trump's visit to Pakistan in September surfaced on Thursday (July 17). Two leading channels were running it until the foreign office issued a statement saying it had no knowledge of the said visit. Shortly, the channels apologised to its viewers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"A trip to Pakistan has not been scheduled at this time", the White House confirmed to news agency ANI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The report suggested that Trump would visit Islamabad and then continue his tour by visiting India. The last time Trump visited India was in February 2020, and the last US president to visit Pakistan was George W. Bush in 2006. The channels ran the news at a time when Trump had been reiterating that he brokered peace between the two nuclear-armed nations. Mentioning it on multiple occasions, Trump recently highlighted the India-Pakistan conflict during a meeting with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, at the White House.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump said, "We have been very successful in settling wars. You have India, Pakistan...India and Pakistan would have been a nuclear war within another week, the way that was going. That was going very badly. We did that through trade. I said, we're not going to talk to you about trade unless you get this thing settled. And they did, they are both great leaders."</p><p>Talking about Trump's planned visit, US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said he will be visiting Scotland from July 25 to July 29. She mentioned that the president would be visiting both Turnberry and Aberdine. A meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also scheduled.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Reports of US President Donald Trump's visit to Pakistan in September surfaced on Thursday (July 17). The report suggested that Trump would visit Islamabad and then continue his tour by visiting India. 

Reports of US President Donald Trump's visit to Pakistan in September surfaced on Thursday (July 17). Two leading channels were running it until the foreign office issued a statement saying it had no knowledge of the said visit. Shortly, the channels apologised to its viewers. "A trip to Pakistan has not been scheduled at this time", the White House confirmed to news agency ANI. The report suggested that Trump would visit Islamabad and then continue his tour by visiting India. The last time Trump visited India was in February 2020, and the last US president to visit Pakistan was George W. Bush in 2006. The channels ran the news at a time when Trump had been reiterating that he brokered peace between the two nuclear-armed nations. Mentioning it on multiple occasions, Trump recently highlighted the India-Pakistan conflict during a meeting with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, at the White House. Trump said, "We have been very successful in settling wars. You have India, Pakistan...India and Pakistan would have been a nuclear war within another week, the way that was going. That was going very badly. We did that through trade. I said, we're not going to talk to you about trade unless you get this thing settled. And they did, they are both great leaders." Talking about Trump's planned visit, US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said he will be visiting Scotland from July 25 to July 29. She mentioned that the president would be visiting both Turnberry and Aberdine. A meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also scheduled.

<p>Reports of US President Donald Trump's visit to Pakistan in September surfaced on Thursday (July 17). The report suggested that Trump would visit Islamabad and then continue his tour by visiting India.&nbsp;</p>

Will Trump visit Pakistan? White House clarifies after varied reports

<p>In a big development, United States President Donald Trump has called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to release more documents related to the case against the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes after a Wall Street Journal report claiming that Trump in 2003 allegedly sent a letter bearing a naked woman’s drawing to Epstein on his 50th birthday. Calling the letter ‘fake', Trump said that he would sue the newspaper and stated that he has never made a drawing in his life. Soon after, a furious Trump took to Truth Social to announce that he had asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony regarding the Epstein Files. It must be remembered that Trump is facing immense pressure from his MAGA base for refusing to release the controversial list.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Taking to Truth Social on Thursday (July 18), the US president called for “this SCAM” to come to an end. “Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!” he wrote on Truth Social. Earlier on Wednesday, Trump, in a U-turn of sorts, said that Bondi should release "whatever she thinks is credible" on late sex offender Epstein.</p>

<p>Trump's statement comes weeks after the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that the case against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-jeffrey-epstein-murdered-doj-fbi-give-big-update-on-death-client-list-and-relation-with-trump-1751867783276">Jeffrey Epstein had been closed</a>.&nbsp;The memo from the DOJ stated that there was no secret “client list” tied to Epstein and no truth in the claims that he blackmailed powerful figures or kept a roster of high-profile clients for illicit purposes. According to the memo, investigators closely examined footage of Epstein's Manhattan prison cell and found that no one entered his cell. Investigators found "no incriminating 'client list' " of Epstein's, "no credible evidence ... that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals," and no "evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties," the memo added.</p>

Amid a row over his alleged ‘birthday letter’ to Jeffrey Epstein, US president Donald Trump has called on Attorney General Pam Bondi and asked her to release more documents related to the case, so as to end the “scam.”

In a big development, United States President Donald Trump has called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to release more documents related to the case against the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes after a Wall Street Journal report claiming that Trump in 2003 allegedly sent a letter bearing a naked woman’s drawing to Epstein on his 50th birthday. Calling the letter ‘fake', Trump said that he would sue the newspaper and stated that he has never made a drawing in his life. Soon after, a furious Trump took to Truth Social to announce that he had asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony regarding the Epstein Files. It must be remembered that Trump is facing immense pressure from his MAGA base for refusing to release the controversial list. Taking to Truth Social on Thursday (July 18), the US president called for “this SCAM” to come to an end. “Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!” he wrote on Truth Social. Earlier on Wednesday, Trump, in a U-turn of sorts, said that Bondi should release "whatever she thinks is credible" on late sex offender Epstein.

<p>Amid a row over his alleged ‘birthday letter’ to Jeffrey Epstein, US president Donald Trump has called on Attorney General Pam Bondi and asked her to release more documents related to the case, so as to end the “scam.”</p>

Trump FINALLY releasing Epstein Files? Here's what he told Pam Bondi to do after letter row: 'This SCAM...'

<p>India has welcomed the listing of "The Resistance Front (TRF)" by the United States as a terror group. The group claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong&nbsp;India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF)&nbsp;as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GwHKfYfXMAAQuo2?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="Image"><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Important to note, both in the India-US Joint statement of February, and in the Quad foreign minister joint statement, key focus was on counter-terror cooperation.&nbsp;The India US joint statement of February mentioned both side committing to "strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021". The statement that was issued after PM Modi's Washington DC visit to meet US President Donald Trump called on "Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks."<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The Quad foreign ministers' joint statement of July condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. It said, "Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation", calling on the "perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay". Infact, every Quad statement has called on counterterror cooperation.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The US designation of TRF is expected to pave the way for other countries to list the terror group in their own domestic listings. Important to point out, the US in its announcement called TRF as a "front and proxy" of the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) which is on the UN terror list.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan reaction is awaited on the US listing of TRF, given that the country was defending it hours after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan foreign minister Dar in April told the country's parliament that they "opposed mention of TRF (The resistance forum) at the UNSC statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack...TRF was deleted &amp; Pakistan prevailed". The country is a non permanent member of the UNSC for a 2 year term, and also sits on UN's 1267 terror sanctions body.</p>

The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as designated terror group

India has welcomed the listing of "The Resistance Front (TRF)" by the United States as a terror group. The group claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Important to note, both in the India-US Joint statement of February, and in the Quad foreign minister joint statement, key focus was on counter-terror cooperation. The India US joint statement of February mentioned both side committing to "strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021". The statement that was issued after PM Modi's Washington DC visit to meet US President Donald Trump called on "Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks." The Quad foreign ministers' joint statement of July condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. It said, "Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation", calling on the "perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay". Infact, every Quad statement has called on counterterror cooperation. The US designation of TRF is expected to pave the way for other countries to list the terror group in their own domestic listings. Important to point out, the US in its announcement called TRF as a "front and proxy" of the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) which is on the UN terror list. Pakistan reaction is awaited on the US listing of TRF, given that the country was defending it hours after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan foreign minister Dar in April told the country's parliament that they "opposed mention of TRF (The resistance forum) at the UNSC statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack...TRF was deleted & Pakistan prevailed". The country is a non permanent member of the UNSC for a 2 year term, and also sits on UN's 1267 terror sanctions body.

<p>The Indian embassy in the United States, in a statement, termed the development as "another demonstration of strong&nbsp;India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation" while "appreciating" the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF)&nbsp;as designated terror group</p>

TRF listing part of strong India, US counter-terrorism cooperation

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TRF listing part of strong India, US counter-terrorism cooperation