Jacqueline Kimmelstiel, a 97-year-old holocaust survivor, had gotten her wish fulfilled by attending a day of classes at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. Jacqueline fled persecution during World War 2, when Germany invaded France.&nbsp;She could not return to school after 6th grade, at the age of 12 and spent days moving through France. She then moved to the USA in 1947 and worked as a seamstress. She also met her husband there, who was in Auschwitz.<h2>Big day at college</h2>A century-old health care organisation, RiverSpring Living, had played a major role in fulfilling her dream. They started a new program called "Golden Wishes", which helps many of its residents achieve or participate in things they could not achieve in their lifetime.&nbsp;Kimmelstiel's grandchildren, Jonah Kimmelstiel and Rebecca Kevelson, joined her in college. They read poems to her during her literature class."Education was always something that was very important to our grandmother. Both her sons, my father and our uncle, became medical doctors. And all of us, you know, went to college and beyond professional school," said Jonah Kimmelstiel, granddaughter of Jacqueline, to the New York Post.During her day, she took part in poetry and French lessons; she even attended a basketball game. She was named honorary captain for a basketball scrimmage.She was awarded a college degree by the university president, Susan R. Burns. While applauding her tenacity, she said, "As a survivor of the Holocaust, she endured unimaginable loss, cruelty and hardship, yet Jacqueline never surrendered her faith in humanity or promise for a better future.”She was euphoric after her day-long experience. While appreciating her experience, she said that even though my husband is not with me, I know he enjoyed sports very much, and he would have been extremely proud.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jacqueline Kimmelstiel, a holocaust survivor, had gotten her wish fulfilled by attending a day of classes at the University of Mount Saint Vincent

Jacqueline Kimmelstiel, a 97-year-old holocaust survivor, had gotten her wish fulfilled by attending a day of classes at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. Jacqueline fled persecution during World War 2, when Germany invaded France. She could not return to school after 6th grade, at the age of 12 and spent days moving through France. She then moved to the USA in 1947 and worked as a seamstress. She also met her husband there, who was in Auschwitz. Big day at college A century-old health care organisation, RiverSpring Living, had played a major role in fulfilling her dream. They started a new program called "Golden Wishes", which helps many of its residents achieve or participate in things they could not achieve in their lifetime. Kimmelstiel's grandchildren, Jonah Kimmelstiel and Rebecca Kevelson, joined her in college. They read poems to her during her literature class. "Education was always something that was very important to our grandmother. Both her sons, my father and our uncle, became medical doctors. And all of us, you know, went to college and beyond professional school," said Jonah Kimmelstiel, granddaughter of Jacqueline, to the New York Post. During her day, she took part in poetry and French lessons; she even attended a basketball game. She was named honorary captain for a basketball scrimmage. She was awarded a college degree by the university president, Susan R. Burns. While applauding her tenacity, she said, "As a survivor of the Holocaust, she endured unimaginable loss, cruelty and hardship, yet Jacqueline never surrendered her faith in humanity or promise for a better future.” She was euphoric after her day-long experience. While appreciating her experience, she said that even though my husband is not with me, I know he enjoyed sports very much, and he would have been extremely proud.

Jacqueline Kimmelstiel, a 97-year-old holocaust survivor, had gotten her wish fulfilled by attending a day of classes at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. Jacqueline fled persecution during World War 2, when Germany invaded France.

97-year-old holocaust survivor fulfills her wish of college education

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held an informal meeting in Beijing on Wednesday (May 21).&nbsp;The ministers' meeting comes amid Pakistan's border tension with India. The three countries reaffirmed trilateral cooperation to promote regional security and economic connectivity. The Chinese ministry spokesperson said details of the meeting will be released soon'.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/planned-trained-and-executed-army-unveils-new-video-on-operation-sindoor-1747570743633">‘Planned, trained and executed’: Army unveils new video on Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;Pakistan is talking along the lines of 'enhancing diplomatic engagement, strengthening communications, and taking practical steps to boost trade, infrastructure, and development as key drivers of shared prosperity'.&nbsp;One of the key focuses of the meeting was also China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.In a statement, Pakistan highlighted that it agreed upon 'countering terrorism' in the region. At a time when Islamabad has to work on dismantling terror infrastructure fostering on its soil, hoping to counter terrorism with its allies could be a stretch.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-operation-sindoor-delegations-of-india-1747563704430">Tharoor to US, Sule to Egypt: All you need to know about India's Operation Sindoor delegations</a>&nbsp;India and Pakistan were embroiled in cross-border firing, this after the dastardly terror attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam. A fortnight after Islamabad took no action against the terrorist infrastructure associated with the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan also has strained ties with Afghanistan, as it has expelled over 80,000 Afghan refugees from its land since the end of March. The drive to deport had begun in 2023.The next Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which will be the sixth edition, will be held in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held an informal meeting in Beijing on Wednesday (May 21).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held an informal meeting in Beijing on Wednesday (May 21). The ministers' meeting comes amid Pakistan's border tension with India. The three countries reaffirmed trilateral cooperation to promote regional security and economic connectivity. The Chinese ministry spokesperson said details of the meeting will be released soon'. Also read: ‘Planned, trained and executed’: Army unveils new video on Operation Sindoor Pakistan is talking along the lines of 'enhancing diplomatic engagement, strengthening communications, and taking practical steps to boost trade, infrastructure, and development as key drivers of shared prosperity'. One of the key focuses of the meeting was also China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. In a statement, Pakistan highlighted that it agreed upon 'countering terrorism' in the region. At a time when Islamabad has to work on dismantling terror infrastructure fostering on its soil, hoping to counter terrorism with its allies could be a stretch. Also read: Tharoor to US, Sule to Egypt: All you need to know about India's Operation Sindoor delegations India and Pakistan were embroiled in cross-border firing, this after the dastardly terror attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam. A fortnight after Islamabad took no action against the terrorist infrastructure associated with the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor. Pakistan also has strained ties with Afghanistan, as it has expelled over 80,000 Afghan refugees from its land since the end of March. The drive to deport had begun in 2023. The next Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which will be the sixth edition, will be held in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held an informal meeting in Beijing on Wednesday (May 21).

Pakistan deports Afghan refugees, exacerbates border tensions with India, now hums 'counter terrorism' in China

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was caught in a heated argument with Senator Chris Van Hollen as he defended the Trump administration’s foreign policies in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday (May 20).&nbsp;Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, criticised Rubio on his handling of a range of issues, including the freezing of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, deportations to El Salvador, and revoking student visas.&nbsp;“You and I served together in Congress for 15 years,” Van Hollen said. “We didn’t always agree, but I believe we shared some common values — a belief in defending democracy and human rights abroad and honouring the Constitution at home. That’s why I voted to confirm you. I believed you would stand up for those principles. You haven’t. You've done the opposite.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-s-golden-dome-missile-shield-system-cost-capabilities-and-more-all-you-need-to-know-wion-explains-1747817348414">Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile shield system: Cost, capabilities, and more, all you need to know | WION Explains</a>&nbsp;The senator added, “You used to speak with conviction about the importance of foreign aid as a tool to advance American values and interests. Then you stood by while Elon Musk took a chainsaw to USAID and other assistance programs.”&nbsp;Van Hollen added that people have died following the gutting of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Earlier this year, Rubio said that 83 per cent of programs funded by the US were being cancelled after the agency became a target for the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).&nbsp;Van Hollen accused Rubio of making a mockery of the refugee process of the country and “turning it into a system of global apartheid where political ideology and race more than truth or need matter.”&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-launches-pentagon-review-of-chaotic-2021-us-troops-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-under-joe-biden-1747803382997">Trump admin launches Pentagon review of 'chaotic' 2021 US troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan under Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration granted refugee status to White South Africans as they allegedly faced discrimination by the post-apartheid government.&nbsp;“I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you as secretary of state,” he said.Rubio said Van Hollen’s regret confirms he’s “doing a good job.”&nbsp;Van Hollen brought up the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia by the Trump administration.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashes with Democrat senator. &#39;You have been played like a fiddle by Vladimir Putin&#39; says Senator Hollen to Rubio.<a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> tells you more. <a href="https://t.co/OopY1aeXV3">pic.twitter.com/OopY1aeXV3</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1925075763596075190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;“The Supreme Court, in a 9-0 decision, instructed you to facilitate the return to the United States of Abrego Garcia, who the administration admitted was wrongfully deported to El Salvador,” he said. “Your response, you have openly flouted judicial orders. When asked whether you had been in touch with El Salvador to return Abrego Garcia, you boasted, ‘I would never tell you that, and you know who else I would never tell, a judge.’”&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-autopen-to-accusation-trump-spins-broder-crisis-into-conspirancy-allegations-says-biden-would-never-allow-this-1747793730872">From autopen to accusation: Trump spins border crisis into conspiracy allegations, says Biden would never allow this</a>&nbsp;“No judge in the judicial branch can tell me or the president how to conduct foreign policy,” Rubio hit back at the senator and ridiculed his trip to El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia.&nbsp;“In the case of El Salvador, absolutely, absolutely, we deported gang members — gang members including the one you had a margarita with,” the secretary of state told Van Hollen. “And that guy is a human trafficker, and that guy is a gangbanger, and the evidence is going to be clear in the days to come.”&nbsp;“Mr Chairman, he can’t make unsubstantiated claims like that!” Van Hollen retorted. “Secretary Rubio should take that testimony to the federal court of the United States because he hasn’t done it under oath.”

Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, criticised Rubio on his handling of a range of issues, including the freezing of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, deportations to El Salvador, and revoking student visas.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was caught in a heated argument with Senator Chris Van Hollen as he defended the Trump administration’s foreign policies in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday (May 20). Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, criticised Rubio on his handling of a range of issues, including the freezing of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, deportations to El Salvador, and revoking student visas. “You and I served together in Congress for 15 years,” Van Hollen said. “We didn’t always agree, but I believe we shared some common values — a belief in defending democracy and human rights abroad and honouring the Constitution at home. That’s why I voted to confirm you. I believed you would stand up for those principles. You haven’t. You've done the opposite.” Also read | Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile shield system: Cost, capabilities, and more, all you need to know | WION Explains The senator added, “You used to speak with conviction about the importance of foreign aid as a tool to advance American values and interests. Then you stood by while Elon Musk took a chainsaw to USAID and other assistance programs.” Van Hollen added that people have died following the gutting of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Earlier this year, Rubio said that 83 per cent of programs funded by the US were being cancelled after the agency became a target for the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Van Hollen accused Rubio of making a mockery of the refugee process of the country and “turning it into a system of global apartheid where political ideology and race more than truth or need matter.” Also read | Trump admin launches Pentagon review of 'chaotic' 2021 US troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan under Joe Biden The Trump administration granted refugee status to White South Africans as they allegedly faced discrimination by the post-apartheid government. “I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you as secretary of state,” he said. Rubio said Van Hollen’s regret confirms he’s “doing a good job.” Van Hollen brought up the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia by the Trump administration.

Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, criticised Rubio on his handling of a range of issues, including the freezing of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, deportations to El Salvador, and revoking student visas.

Marco Rubio gets into heated debate with Democrat; Trump admin accused of turning US into 'system of global apartheid' | WATCH

Japan's agriculture minister, Taku Eto was forced to resign on Wednesday (May 21) after he said &nbsp;that he “never had to buy rice” because he got it from supporters as gifts. This comes amid the country facing rice shortages triggered by poor harvests and rising production costs.&nbsp;The comment by the minister seen by many as out of touch with economic realities was made at a seminar Sunday for the Liberal Democratic Party, which is in minority and is going to fight national election in July.&nbsp;“I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices,” Eto told reporters after tendering his resignation at the prime minister’s office, reported news agency AP.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-s-golden-dome-missile-shield-system-cost-capabilities-and-more-all-you-need-to-know-wion-explains-1747817348414">Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile shield system: Cost, capabilities, and more, all you need to know | WION Explains</a>&nbsp;To keep the rising price in check, the government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile in recent months, but there seems to be little impact of this move.&nbsp;The prices of rice at supermarkets stand at a record 4,268 yen for 5 kg in the week ending May 11 from 4,214 yen the week before. This is almost double the price of 2024, according to reports.&nbsp;The shortfall started in August last year after the government told people to prepare for a major earthquake. This led to panic buying of rice, the staple food of japan. However, the supply pressure eased after the autumn harvest, but prices rose again, reported AP.&nbsp;Hot weather in 2023 and higher fertilizer and other production costs are being pointed out by government officials as reasons for the rice crisis in the country.&nbsp;The government has released tonnes of stocked rice in the market but this hasn't made any impact on the prices so far, according to reports. &nbsp;

To keep the rising price in check, the government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile in recent months, but there seems to be little impact of this move.

Japan's agriculture minister, Taku Eto was forced to resign on Wednesday (May 21) after he said that he “never had to buy rice” because he got it from supporters as gifts. This comes amid the country facing rice shortages triggered by poor harvests and rising production costs. The comment by the minister seen by many as out of touch with economic realities was made at a seminar Sunday for the Liberal Democratic Party, which is in minority and is going to fight national election in July. “I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices,” Eto told reporters after tendering his resignation at the prime minister’s office, reported news agency AP. Also Read: Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile shield system: Cost, capabilities, and more, all you need to know | WION Explains To keep the rising price in check, the government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile in recent months, but there seems to be little impact of this move. The prices of rice at supermarkets stand at a record 4,268 yen for 5 kg in the week ending May 11 from 4,214 yen the week before. This is almost double the price of 2024, according to reports. The shortfall started in August last year after the government told people to prepare for a major earthquake. This led to panic buying of rice, the staple food of japan. However, the supply pressure eased after the autumn harvest, but prices rose again, reported AP. Hot weather in 2023 and higher fertilizer and other production costs are being pointed out by government officials as reasons for the rice crisis in the country. The government has released tonnes of stocked rice in the market but this hasn't made any impact on the prices so far, according to reports.

To keep the rising price in check, the government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile in recent months, but there seems to be little impact of this move.

Japan rice crisis: Agriculture minister's 'never bought rice' remark causes huge uproar, forces him to resign

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 20) unveiled key details about his plan for a "Golden Dome" missile shield system to protect America against attacks.Announcing the "Golden Dome" system, Trump said that during his campaign, he "promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defence shield"."Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system."Here's everything we know about Trump's Golden Dome<h2>What is the Golden Dome?</h2>Trump's Golden Dome is a missile shield system. As per the US president, once fully constructed, it would protect the nation from missiles launched from space and land."Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space," Trump said."This is very important for the success and even survival of our country," he added.The Republican leader said that the Golden Dome has more expansive goals, and would "deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors."Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said that the system would protect "the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they're conventional or nuclear."<h2>When will the Golden Dome be launched, and how much will it cost?</h2>The Golden Dome missile shield system, as per Trump's announcement, would cost a whopping $175 billion. However, as per the Congressional Budget Office estimates, the cost of the space-based interceptors could come to between $161 billion and $542 billion over 20 years.On Tuesday, Trump announced $25 billion in initial funding for the defence system. According to Tuesday's announcement, the anti-missile system should be operational in about three years.<h2>What is the need for the Golden Dome?</h2>As per an AFP report, the United States faces various missile threats from its adversaries.The 2022 Missile Defence Review especially warned of growing threats from Russia and China. While Beijing is quickly catching up to Washington in ballistic and hypersonic missile technology, Moscow, as per the document, has been modernising its intercontinental-range missile systems and developing advanced precision strike missiles.As per the report, the US also faces a growing threat from drones — which played a key role in the recent India-Pakistan tensions and the ongoing Ukraine war. Additionally, it warned of the danger of ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran, as well as rocket and missile threats from non-state actors.Is there any connection between Trump's Golden Dome and Israel's Iron Dome?The name "Golden Dome" is inspired by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system that was launched in 2011. Since it went into operation, the Iron Dome has intercepted thousands of short-range rockets and other projectiles.<h2>China and Russia slam the Golden Dome</h2>A day after Trump's announcement, China warned the US president that the "Golden Dome" missile shield system "undermines global stability" and urged the US to abandon its deployment.Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular news briefing said that the missile shield system "undermines global strategic balance and stability. China expresses serious concern over this. We urge the United States to abandon the development and deployment of a global missile defence system as soon as possible."Previously, Russia also slammed the concept and warned that it risked turning space into a battlefield.Golden Dome "explicitly provides for a significant strengthening of the arsenal for conducting combat operations in space," said the Kremlin in a statement.

Donald Trump's Golden Dome is a missile shield system. As per the US president, once fully constructed, it would protect the nation from missiles launched from space and land.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 20) unveiled key details about his plan for a "Golden Dome" missile shield system to protect America against attacks. Announcing the "Golden Dome" system, Trump said that during his campaign, he "promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defence shield". "Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system." Here's everything we know about Trump's Golden Dome What is the Golden Dome? Trump's Golden Dome is a missile shield system. As per the US president, once fully constructed, it would protect the nation from missiles launched from space and land. "Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space," Trump said. "This is very important for the success and even survival of our country," he added. The Republican leader said that the Golden Dome has more expansive goals, and would "deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors." Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said that the system would protect "the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they're conventional or nuclear." When will the Golden Dome be launched, and how much will it cost? The Golden Dome missile shield system, as per Trump's announcement, would cost a whopping $175 billion. However, as per the Congressional Budget Office estimates, the cost of the space-based interceptors could come to between $161 billion and $542 billion over 20 years. On Tuesday, Trump announced $25 billion in initial funding for the defence system. According to Tuesday's announcement, the anti-missile system should be operational in about three years. What is the need for the Golden Dome? As per an AFP report, the United States faces various missile threats from its adversaries. The 2022 Missile Defence Review especially warned of growing threats from Russia and China. While Beijing is quickly catching up to Washington in ballistic and hypersonic missile technology, Moscow, as per the document, has been modernising its intercontinental-range missile systems and developing advanced precision strike missiles. As per the report, the US also faces a growing threat from drones — which played a key role in the recent India-Pakistan tensions and the ongoing Ukraine war. Additionally, it warned of the danger of ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran, as well as rocket and missile threats from non-state actors. Is there any connection between Trump's Golden Dome and Israel's Iron Dome? The name "Golden Dome" is inspired by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system that was launched in 2011. Since it went into operation, the Iron Dome has intercepted thousands of short-range rockets and other projectiles. China and Russia slam the Golden Dome A day after Trump's announcement, China warned the US president that the "Golden Dome" missile shield system "undermines global stability" and urged the US to abandon its deployment. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular news briefing said that the missile shield system "undermines global strategic balance and stability. China expresses serious concern over this. We urge the United States to abandon the development and deployment of a global missile defence system as soon as possible." Previously, Russia also slammed the concept and warned that it risked turning space into a battlefield. Golden Dome "explicitly provides for a significant strengthening of the arsenal for conducting combat operations in space," said the Kremlin in a statement.

Donald Trump's Golden Dome is a missile shield system. As per the US president, once fully constructed, it would protect the nation from missiles launched from space and land.

Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile shield system: Cost, capabilities, and more, all you need to know | WION Explains

A 26-year-old Belgian youth has reached Saudi Arabia to fulfill his dream of performing the Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj. Well, that's not what should interest you, but the mode of transportation he chose and the time taken to travel to the destination is fascinating.&nbsp;Anas Al Razqi bicycled for thousands of kilometers and for three months to reach Saudi Arabia to fulfill his lifelong dream to perform Hajj.&nbsp;Razqi began his journey at the beginning of Ramadan in March and cycled through thirteen countries that include Austria, Germany, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He made this journey crossing difficult terrains and facing adverse weather conditions at times.&nbsp;“This is a dream. I didn’t believe I would be in Mecca,” Al Razqi told Saudi TV channel Al Ekhbariya after arriving at the Halat Ammar border crossing near Jordan. “I feel blessed to have arrived in the kingdom," reported the Gulf News.&nbsp;On being asked what kept him motivated while on his journey to Saudi Arabia, Razqi said pointed out to the support he got from people.&nbsp;“They kept me going,” he said speaking to the Saudi news portal Sabq.&nbsp;“I felt I was approaching a dream I’ve cherished for years. Now, I just want to reach the closest point to the Kaaba and see it for the first time," he further said on reaching his destination.&nbsp;Hajj pilgrimageHajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Considered as one of the the most significant spiritual journeys in the religion of Islam, Hajj is likely to take place from June 4 to June 9 this year. However, an official confirmation from Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee is awaited.&nbsp;One of the ‘Five Pillars’ of Islam, it is obligatory for all physically and financially able Muslims to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. &nbsp;

Anas Al Razqi began his journey at the beginning of Ramadan in March and cycled through thirteen countries.

A 26-year-old Belgian youth has reached Saudi Arabia to fulfill his dream of performing the Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj. Well, that's not what should interest you, but the mode of transportation he chose and the time taken to travel to the destination is fascinating. Anas Al Razqi bicycled for thousands of kilometers and for three months to reach Saudi Arabia to fulfill his lifelong dream to perform Hajj. Razqi began his journey at the beginning of Ramadan in March and cycled through thirteen countries that include Austria, Germany, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He made this journey crossing difficult terrains and facing adverse weather conditions at times. “This is a dream. I didn’t believe I would be in Mecca,” Al Razqi told Saudi TV channel Al Ekhbariya after arriving at the Halat Ammar border crossing near Jordan. “I feel blessed to have arrived in the kingdom," reported the Gulf News. On being asked what kept him motivated while on his journey to Saudi Arabia, Razqi said pointed out to the support he got from people. “They kept me going,” he said speaking to the Saudi news portal Sabq. “I felt I was approaching a dream I’ve cherished for years. Now, I just want to reach the closest point to the Kaaba and see it for the first time," he further said on reaching his destination. Hajj pilgrimage Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Considered as one of the the most significant spiritual journeys in the religion of Islam, Hajj is likely to take place from June 4 to June 9 this year. However, an official confirmation from Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee is awaited. One of the ‘Five Pillars’ of Islam, it is obligatory for all physically and financially able Muslims to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.

Anas Al Razqi began his journey at the beginning of Ramadan in March and cycled through thirteen countries.

Belgian man cycles 4,500km to perform his 'lifelong dream' of Hajj pilgrimage

Banu Mushtaq has become the first Kannada author to win the prestigious International Booker Prize for her book ‘Heart Lamp’. Mushtaq accepted the award for the best English-translated fiction, which was announced in London’s Tate Modern, along with Deepa Bhasthi, who translated her work from Kannada to English.&nbsp;Banu Mushtaq, 77, writes about the lives of women, oppression, caste, and power in her works. Reacting to her achievement, Mushtaq said, “This feels like a thousand fireflies lighting a single sky – brief, brilliant and utterly collective.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/peppa-pig-s-new-born-sister-evie-has-this-similarity-with-kate-middleton-s-children-1747749661104">Peppa Pig's new born sister Evie has THIS similarity with Kate Middleton's children</a>&nbsp;<h2>Who is Banu Mushtaq?</h2>&nbsp;While Mushtaq is known for her literary works, she is also an advocate of women’s rights. In her works, Mushtaq has criticised how religion, society and politics demand obedience from women and inflict cruelty upon them.&nbsp;Mushtaq, who was born in a large Muslim family, received support from her father despite the authoritative environment at her school.&nbsp;Even in her personal life, she went against the patriarchal norm and defied social expectations by marrying a man of her choice.&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/did-you-know-the-new-pope-leo-xiv-watched-this-oscar-winning-film-before-the-election-9053183">Did you know the new Pope Leo XIV watched this Oscar-winning film before the election?</a>&nbsp;Mushtaq wrote her first short story in middle school. Her work got attention at the age of 26, when her story was published in the popular Kannada magazine Prajamata.&nbsp;Inspired by the progressive movements in Karnataka, Mushtaq travelled across the state and involved herself in the Bandaya Sahitya movement, which challenged class and caste oppression.&nbsp;She has written six short story collections, an essay collection, a poetry collection, and a novel. Her work was honoured by the Karnataka Sahitya Academy and the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe awards. Her early works were compiled together in 2013 in the volume Haseena Matthu Ithara Kathegalu, followed by Hennu Haddina Swayamvara in 2023.

Inspired by the progressive movements in Karnataka, Mushtaq travelled across the state and involved herself in the Bandaya Sahitya movement, which challenged class and caste oppression.

Banu Mushtaq has become the first Kannada author to win the prestigious International Booker Prize for her book ‘Heart Lamp’. Mushtaq accepted the award for the best English-translated fiction, which was announced in London’s Tate Modern, along with Deepa Bhasthi, who translated her work from Kannada to English. Banu Mushtaq, 77, writes about the lives of women, oppression, caste, and power in her works. Reacting to her achievement, Mushtaq said, “This feels like a thousand fireflies lighting a single sky – brief, brilliant and utterly collective.” Also read | Peppa Pig's new born sister Evie has THIS similarity with Kate Middleton's children Who is Banu Mushtaq? While Mushtaq is known for her literary works, she is also an advocate of women’s rights. In her works, Mushtaq has criticised how religion, society and politics demand obedience from women and inflict cruelty upon them. Mushtaq, who was born in a large Muslim family, received support from her father despite the authoritative environment at her school. Even in her personal life, she went against the patriarchal norm and defied social expectations by marrying a man of her choice. Also read | Did you know the new Pope Leo XIV watched this Oscar-winning film before the election? Mushtaq wrote her first short story in middle school. Her work got attention at the age of 26, when her story was published in the popular Kannada magazine Prajamata. Inspired by the progressive movements in Karnataka, Mushtaq travelled across the state and involved herself in the Bandaya Sahitya movement, which challenged class and caste oppression. She has written six short story collections, an essay collection, a poetry collection, and a novel. Her work was honoured by the Karnataka Sahitya Academy and the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe awards. Her early works were compiled together in 2013 in the volume Haseena Matthu Ithara Kathegalu, followed by Hennu Haddina Swayamvara in 2023.

Inspired by the progressive movements in Karnataka, Mushtaq travelled across the state and involved herself in the Bandaya Sahitya movement, which challenged class and caste oppression.

Indian author Banu Mushtaq wins International Booker Prize. Know more about her

In a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on May 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that Russia foiled a terror attack that was scheduled just ahead of the Victory Day celebration on May 9 at the Red Square and the Kremlin area.&nbsp;Putin's aide Yurii Ushakov revealed the details of the aforementioned call to the reporters of the Russian news agency TASS.Russia had allowed three days of cease-fire with Ukraine for the occasion of Victory Day. This lasted from May 8 to May 11. &nbsp;On May 7, Russia allegedly struck down 524 drones and Storm Shadow missiles. launched towards it.&nbsp;“Almost all of them were shot down. At the same time, threats of terrorist attacks in the centre of the capital - in the area of ​​the Kremlin and Red Square - were prevented,” said Yurii Ushakov.According to the report, this was done to intimidate the international delegates present in the capital at that time. No further details of the terror attack have been revealed by any official sources.On May 19, following a two-hour-long conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump declared that Russia and Ukraine would start ceasefire talks very soon. This was the third call between the two leaders, since Trump's inauguration for his second term.&nbsp;Following the call with Putin, President Trump had a phone call with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland and the European Commission president.A report in the Financial Times claims that European leaders are not convinced about Mr Trump's willingness to put pressure on Putin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire deal. Putin earlier had openly rejected such talks. According to the report, European leaders were wary that Trump could end up agreeing to a deal with Putin, which is contrary to the interests of Ukraine.

In a two-hour-long conversation with US President Donald Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed the terror attack that was scheduled just ahead of the Victory Day celebration on May 9 at the Red Square and the Kremlin area. 

In a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on May 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that Russia foiled a terror attack that was scheduled just ahead of the Victory Day celebration on May 9 at the Red Square and the Kremlin area. Putin's aide Yurii Ushakov revealed the details of the aforementioned call to the reporters of the Russian news agency TASS. Russia had allowed three days of cease-fire with Ukraine for the occasion of Victory Day. This lasted from May 8 to May 11. On May 7, Russia allegedly struck down 524 drones and Storm Shadow missiles. launched towards it. “Almost all of them were shot down. At the same time, threats of terrorist attacks in the centre of the capital - in the area of the Kremlin and Red Square - were prevented,” said Yurii Ushakov. According to the report, this was done to intimidate the international delegates present in the capital at that time. No further details of the terror attack have been revealed by any official sources. On May 19, following a two-hour-long conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump declared that Russia and Ukraine would start ceasefire talks very soon. This was the third call between the two leaders, since Trump's inauguration for his second term. Following the call with Putin, President Trump had a phone call with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland and the European Commission president. A report in the Financial Times claims that European leaders are not convinced about Mr Trump's willingness to put pressure on Putin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire deal. Putin earlier had openly rejected such talks. According to the report, European leaders were wary that Trump could end up agreeing to a deal with Putin, which is contrary to the interests of Ukraine.

In a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on May 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that Russia foiled a terror attack that was scheduled just ahead of the Victory Day celebration on May 9 at the Red Square and the Kremlin area.&nbsp;

Putin told Trump how Russia foiled a terror attack

Donald Trump's Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a Pentagon investigation into the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people".<h2>Pete Hegseth's push for accountability</h2>In his memo, the Pentagon chief wrote that the review would ensure that accountability for the troop withdrawal was met.“On August 26, 2021. President Biden's administration led a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate.”"I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people," stated the memo.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Memo regarding the Review of the U.S. Military Withdrawal from Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/2V7Dt8biOm">pic.twitter.com/2V7Dt8biOm</a>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1924885591075795254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to it, a special review panel will be tasked with "thoroughly" examining the events that led to what it calls "one of America's darkest and deadliest international moments".It will examine "previous investigations, to include but not limited to, findings of fact, sources, witnesses, and analyse the decision-making that led to one of America's darkest and deadliest international moments"."This team will ensure ACCOUNTABILITY to the American people and the warfighters of our great Nation," it added.<h2>The 2021 withdrawal</h2>In August 2021, after a 20-year stint in Afghanistan, US troops were pulled from the nation by the then-US president.Announcing the withdrawal, Biden at the time said that American troops were sent to Afghanistan to "make sure al Qaeda could not use Afghanistan as a base from which to attack us again," and not for "nation building"."We went to Afghanistan almost 20 years ago with clear goals: get those who attacked us on September 11th, 2001, and make sure al Qaeda could not use Afghanistan as a base from which to attack us again," he said."We did that. &nbsp;We severely degraded al Qaeda in Afghanistan. We never gave up the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and we got him. &nbsp;That was a decade ago," said Biden, adding "Our mission in Afghanistan was never supposed to have been nation-building. It was never supposed to be creating a unified, centralised democracy.""Our only vital national interest in Afghanistan remains today what it has always been: preventing a terrorist attack on American homeland."The US troop withdrawal paved the way for the Taliban to return to power, two decades after their first government was toppled by American forces in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people".

Donald Trump's Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a Pentagon investigation into the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people". Pete Hegseth's push for accountability In his memo, the Pentagon chief wrote that the review would ensure that accountability for the troop withdrawal was met. “On August 26, 2021. President Biden's administration led a chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate.” "I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people," stated the memo.

The chaotic withdrawal has long been a target of Republican criticism, and in a memo, Hegseth said that he has concluded that a "comprehensive review" was needed to ensure that a "complete picture is provided to the American people".

Trump admin launches Pentagon review of 'chaotic' 2021 US troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan under Joe Biden

Doctors in China have revealed that an eight-year-old girl died after the COVID-19 virus reached her brain. Sharing the story in a medical journal, they stated that the girl suffered a rare, deadly side effect of the virus, which gripped the world for nearly two years and is now witnessing a resurgence.&nbsp;The doctors stated that the girl initially developed a fever and suffered multiple seizures. She also had a headache, a bumpy rash on her arms, legs and torso, and was vomiting. However, because of a lack of an "identifiable trigger", she wasn't tested for COVID-19. But her condition worsened, and she had to be intubated to help her breathe after she was "frothing at the mouth" and her "limbs stiffened and shook".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-cases-surge-in-hong-kong-singapore-and-china-india-ramps-up-vigil-1747759362146">Covid cases surge in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. India ramps up vigil</a>&nbsp;Tests conducted at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre showed that the girl was suffering from a rare brain disorder called acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE). The "likely" cause was a COVID-19 infection, which came back positive, the doctors stated in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases. Nine days after her first symptoms emerged, the girl was declared brain dead and was taken off life support.&nbsp;Studies have shown that COVID-19 can reach the brain and cause neurological issues, Mail Online reported. Meanwhile, doctors at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre said doctors are still trying to understand the best way to treat children with COVID-19 who suffer "rapid-onset neurological decline".&nbsp;They also found traces of Rotavirus in her stools and blood. But the doctors stated in the journal that the COVID-19 virus was a more likely cause of the neurological complications.&nbsp;"Despite aggressive therapy, the patient remained in profound coma without sedation," the medics added.&nbsp;<h2>What is Acute necrotising encephalopathy?</h2>&nbsp;The condition the girl suffered happens when the body's immune system overreacts to a common virus like COVID-19 or the flu. The body suffers internal inflammation, and tissue throughout the body is damaged. When this happens in the brain, toxins and bacteria enter it and the kill tissue. The brain slowly swells, and cells die.&nbsp;Doctors say it is incredibly rare, and only about a hundred cases have been documented in medical literature.&nbsp;

The doctors stated that the girl initially developed a fever and suffered multiple seizures. She also had a headache, a bumpy rash on her arms, legs and torso, and was vomiting.

Doctors in China have revealed that an eight-year-old girl died after the COVID-19 virus reached her brain. Sharing the story in a medical journal, they stated that the girl suffered a rare, deadly side effect of the virus, which gripped the world for nearly two years and is now witnessing a resurgence. The doctors stated that the girl initially developed a fever and suffered multiple seizures. She also had a headache, a bumpy rash on her arms, legs and torso, and was vomiting. However, because of a lack of an "identifiable trigger", she wasn't tested for COVID-19. But her condition worsened, and she had to be intubated to help her breathe after she was "frothing at the mouth" and her "limbs stiffened and shook". Also Read: Covid cases surge in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. India ramps up vigil Tests conducted at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre showed that the girl was suffering from a rare brain disorder called acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE). The "likely" cause was a COVID-19 infection, which came back positive, the doctors stated in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases. Nine days after her first symptoms emerged, the girl was declared brain dead and was taken off life support. Studies have shown that COVID-19 can reach the brain and cause neurological issues, Mail Online reported. Meanwhile, doctors at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre said doctors are still trying to understand the best way to treat children with COVID-19 who suffer "rapid-onset neurological decline". They also found traces of Rotavirus in her stools and blood. But the doctors stated in the journal that the COVID-19 virus was a more likely cause of the neurological complications. "Despite aggressive therapy, the patient remained in profound coma without sedation," the medics added. What is Acute necrotising encephalopathy? The condition the girl suffered happens when the body's immune system overreacts to a common virus like COVID-19 or the flu. The body suffers internal inflammation, and tissue throughout the body is damaged. When this happens in the brain, toxins and bacteria enter it and the kill tissue. The brain slowly swells, and cells die. Doctors say it is incredibly rare, and only about a hundred cases have been documented in medical literature.

The doctors stated that the girl initially developed a fever and suffered multiple seizures. She also had a headache, a bumpy rash on her arms, legs and torso, and was vomiting.

COVID-19 virus reaches 8-year-old girl's brain, putting her in coma before killing her

US intelligence, as per reports, suggests that Israel may be preparing to strike Iran's nuclear facilities amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to revive a nuclear agreement with Tehran. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has linked the southern border crisis to a conspiracy theory, blaming a mysterious "Autopen" for policies he claims President Biden wouldn’t endorse.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in a tit-for-tat move, Elon Musk has publicly criticised Bill Gates for past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, stating he "wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid."&nbsp;Finally, a Brazilian psychic dubbed the “Living Nostradamus” has issued a chilling warning about an impending nuclear catastrophe triggered by an “invisible war,” claiming the world is seconds from disaster.Click on the headlines to read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-suggests-israel-planning-to-strike-iran-s-nuclear-facilities-report-1747799409043">US intel suggests Israel planning to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities: Report</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250521/image-1747799541511.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US intel suggests Israel planning to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities: Report"></figure>The United States has gathered fresh intelligence suggesting that Israel is preparing for possible strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, according to reports, citing several US officials familiar with the matter. This comes as the Trump administration has been in talks to achieve a diplomatic deal with Tehran over its nuclear programme.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-autopen-to-accusation-trump-spins-broder-crisis-into-conspirancy-allegations-says-biden-would-never-allow-this-1747793730872">From autopen to accusation: Trump spins border crisis into conspiracy allegations, says Biden would never allow this</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250521/image-1747799040625.jpg?width=1920&amp;height=1080&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="From autopen to accusation: Trump spins border crisis into conspiracy allegations, says Biden would never allow this"></figure>US President Donald Trump has spun the border crisis into a broader conspiracy theory. He claimed that Biden will never allow “drug dealers, gang members, and the mentally insane” into the USA. He instead blamed the shadowy hand, “Autopen”, which was operating behind the scenes.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-wouldn-t-want-that-guy-to-babysit-my-kid-elon-musk-slams-bill-gates-for-ties-with-sex-offender-jeffrey-epstein-1747796688686">'Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid': Elon Musk slams Bill Gates for ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250521/image-1747799017951.png?width=1200&amp;height=675&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid': Elon Musk slams Bill Gates for ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein"></figure>Elon Musk has called out Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates for his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as Gates criticised Musk's cost-cutting initiatives at DOGE, including those aimed at USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and accused the former DOGE chief of "killing children".<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/invisible-war-in-middle-east-will-trigger-nuclear-crisis-warns-living-nostradamus-1747797179659">'Invisible' war will cause a nuclear reactor to explode, ominous warning issued. 'World is just seconds away...'</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250521/image-1747798483062.png?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Invisible' war will cause a nuclear reactor to explode, ominous warning issued. 'World is just seconds away...'"></figure> The "Living Nostradamus" from Brazil, a 38-year-old psychic, has warned that the world is on the verge of "nuclear crisis" which will be triggered by an "invisible war". He added that time is no longer on the side of humanity, as world leaders are trying to hide the gravity of their actions while portraying to the public that things are stable. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Stay ahead of the day's events with WION's morning news brief, providing a quick yet comprehensive overview of the most important news from around the world.

US intelligence, as per reports, suggests that Israel may be preparing to strike Iran's nuclear facilities amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to revive a nuclear agreement with Tehran. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has linked the southern border crisis to a conspiracy theory, blaming a mysterious "Autopen" for policies he claims President Biden wouldn’t endorse. Meanwhile, in a tit-for-tat move, Elon Musk has publicly criticised Bill Gates for past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, stating he "wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid." Finally, a Brazilian psychic dubbed the “Living Nostradamus” has issued a chilling warning about an impending nuclear catastrophe triggered by an “invisible war,” claiming the world is seconds from disaster. Click on the headlines to read more US intel suggests Israel planning to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities: Report The United States has gathered fresh intelligence suggesting that Israel is preparing for possible strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, according to reports, citing several US officials familiar with the matter. This comes as the Trump administration has been in talks to achieve a diplomatic deal with Tehran over its nuclear programme. From autopen to accusation: Trump spins border crisis into conspiracy allegations, says Biden would never allow this US President Donald Trump has spun the border crisis into a broader conspiracy theory. He claimed that Biden will never allow “drug dealers, gang members, and the mentally insane” into the USA. He instead blamed the shadowy hand, “Autopen”, which was operating behind the scenes. 'Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid': Elon Musk slams Bill Gates for ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein Elon Musk has called out Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates for his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as Gates criticised Musk's cost-cutting initiatives at DOGE, including those aimed at USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and accused the former DOGE chief of "killing children". 'Invisible' war will cause a nuclear reactor to explode, ominous warning issued. 'World is just seconds away...' The "Living Nostradamus" from Brazil, a 38-year-old psychic, has warned that the world is on the verge of "nuclear crisis" which will be triggered by an "invisible war". He added that time is no longer on the side of humanity, as world leaders are trying to hide the gravity of their actions while portraying to the public that things are stable.

Stay ahead of the day's events with WION's morning news brief, providing a quick yet comprehensive overview of the most important news from around the world.

Morning News Brief:  Elon Musk slams Bill Gates; US intel suggests Israel may strike Iran nuclear facilities, and more

US President Donald Trump has spun the border crisis into a broader conspiracy theory. He claimed that Biden will never allow “drug dealers, gang members, and the mentally insane” into the USA. He instead blamed the shadowy hand, “Autopen”, which was operating behind the scenes.&nbsp;He also intensified his rhetoric by accusing his opposition of "Treason". Trump accused them of taking advantage of former President Joe Biden's “Cognitive Impairment”. He then added that Joe Biden would have never allowed this. He did not want an open border.In a post on Truth Social, he said, “It wasn’t his idea to Open the Border, and almost destroy our Country, and cost us Hundreds of Billions of Dollars to get criminals out of our Country, and go through the process we are going through now.”

Trump is now shifting the blame from Joe Biden to his aides. Trump had been on the tail of a conspiracy theory for some time now, that left-wing ultra radicals were using Biden like a puppet. "There’s nobody that can want an open border. Nobody," said Trump to the reporter when he came to the Capitol to help break the GOP impasse on the reconciliation bill.&nbsp;Trump continued his rant," This is TREASON at the Highest Level! They did it to destroy our Country. The Joe Biden that everybody knew would never allow drug dealers, gang members, and the mentally insane to come into our Country totally unchecked and unvetted. All anyone has to do is look up his record. Something very severe should happen to these Treasonous Thugs that wanted to destroy our Country,"Joe Biden indeed never signed any law or order to open up America's border; however, he repealed some of the harsh anti-immigrant policies that were enacted during the first term of President Trump.&nbsp;

In a fiery Truth Social post that blends border politics with conspiracy theory, Donald Trump claimed that President Joe Biden was never behind the push for open borders

US President Donald Trump has spun the border crisis into a broader conspiracy theory. He claimed that Biden will never allow “drug dealers, gang members, and the mentally insane” into the USA. He instead blamed the shadowy hand, “Autopen”, which was operating behind the scenes. He also intensified his rhetoric by accusing his opposition of "Treason". Trump accused them of taking advantage of former President Joe Biden's “Cognitive Impairment”. He then added that Joe Biden would have never allowed this. He did not want an open border. In a post on Truth Social, he said, “It wasn’t his idea to Open the Border, and almost destroy our Country, and cost us Hundreds of Billions of Dollars to get criminals out of our Country, and go through the process we are going through now.”

US President Donald Trump doubled down with his anti-immigrant rhetoric, claiming that Joe Biden will never allow drug dealers, gang members and the mentally insane within the US border. He accused Biden of being controlled by an 'autopen' operating with the help of a shadowy government.

From autopen to accusation: Trump spins border crisis into conspiracy allegations, says Biden would never allow this

The United States has gathered fresh intelligence suggesting that Israel is preparing for possible strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, CNN reported, citing several US officials familiar with the matter. This comes as the Trump administration has been in talks to achieve a diplomatic deal with Tehran over its nuclear programme.&nbsp;The report added that it is unclear whether the Israeli leaders have made a final decision, while some within the US government argue over the likelihood of the possible strikes, which depends on how Israel thinks of the US negotiations on the nuclear program with Tehran. Such strikes would risk a broader regional conflict in the Middle East.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denies-receiving-written-proposal-from-us-on-nuclear-deal-but-trump-says-they-have-a-proposal-9076928">Iran denies receiving written proposal from US on nuclear deal, but Trump says ‘they have a proposal’</a>&nbsp;The possibility of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites has “gone up significantly in recent months,” sources told CNN. “And the prospect of a Trump-negotiated US-Iran deal that doesn’t remove all of Iran’s uranium makes the chance of a strike more likely.”&nbsp;According to the report, the intelligence came from public and private messaging from senior Israeli officials, intercepted Israeli communications, and military movements that suggest a possible strike. Two sources told the news outlet that the US has observed movement of air munitions and the completion of an air exercise.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-most-destructive-force-in-middle-east-trump-bashes-iran-for-causing-unthinkable-suffering-9065701">'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering</a>&nbsp;<h2>US-Iran nuclear talks</h2>&nbsp;Earlier on Tuesday (May 20), Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticised the US for demanding that Tehran halt uranium enrichment. He also voiced doubts over whether nuclear talks with the US will reach an agreement.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-conclude-difficult-but-useful-fourth-round-of-nuclear-talks-iranian-prez-wont-dismantle-facilities-9058591">Iran, US conclude ‘difficult but useful’ fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won’t ‘dismantle’ facilities</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Iran if Tehran’s nuclear program fails amid his administration’s efforts to negotiate a deal. Earlier in March, Trump warned Khamenei in a letter, setting a 60-day deadline for those efforts to make progress, the CNN report added. It has been over 60 days since the letter was sent and 38 days since the first round of talks started.&nbsp;Another round of talks is set to take place in Europe this week, said United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. While both the US and Iran put forward a proposal, there is no current US proposal with Trump’s sign-off despite more than a month of talks facilitated by Oman.

The intelligence came from public and private messaging from senior Israeli officials, intercepted Israeli communications, and military movements that suggest a possible strike.

The United States has gathered fresh intelligence suggesting that Israel is preparing for possible strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, CNN reported, citing several US officials familiar with the matter. This comes as the Trump administration has been in talks to achieve a diplomatic deal with Tehran over its nuclear programme. The report added that it is unclear whether the Israeli leaders have made a final decision, while some within the US government argue over the likelihood of the possible strikes, which depends on how Israel thinks of the US negotiations on the nuclear program with Tehran. Such strikes would risk a broader regional conflict in the Middle East. Also read | Iran denies receiving written proposal from US on nuclear deal, but Trump says ‘they have a proposal’ The possibility of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites has “gone up significantly in recent months,” sources told CNN. “And the prospect of a Trump-negotiated US-Iran deal that doesn’t remove all of Iran’s uranium makes the chance of a strike more likely.” According to the report, the intelligence came from public and private messaging from senior Israeli officials, intercepted Israeli communications, and military movements that suggest a possible strike. Two sources told the news outlet that the US has observed movement of air munitions and the completion of an air exercise. Also read | 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering US-Iran nuclear talks Earlier on Tuesday (May 20), Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticised the US for demanding that Tehran halt uranium enrichment. He also voiced doubts over whether nuclear talks with the US will reach an agreement. Also read | Iran, US conclude ‘difficult but useful’ fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won’t ‘dismantle’ facilities US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Iran if Tehran’s nuclear program fails amid his administration’s efforts to negotiate a deal. Earlier in March, Trump warned Khamenei in a letter, setting a 60-day deadline for those efforts to make progress, the CNN report added. It has been over 60 days since the letter was sent and 38 days since the first round of talks started. Another round of talks is set to take place in Europe this week, said United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. While both the US and Iran put forward a proposal, there is no current US proposal with Trump’s sign-off despite more than a month of talks facilitated by Oman.

The intelligence came from public and private messaging from senior Israeli officials, intercepted Israeli communications, and military movements that suggest a possible strike.

US intel suggests Israel planning to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities: Report

Elon Musk has called out Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates for his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as Gates criticised Musk's cost-cutting initiatives at DOGE, including those aimed at USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and accused the former DOGE chief of "killing children".<h3>Tit for tat?</h3>During a press interaction at the Qatar Economic Forum, taking a dig at Gates, the Tesla boss called him a "huge liar".A snippet of the interview was shared by conservative influencer Benny Johnson. In it, when asked about Bill Gates's comments about USAID, Musk said, "Ya, he's a huge liar".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/musks-xai-blames-unauthorised-modification-for-grok-chatbots-white-genocide-posts-9078209">Musk's xAI blames 'unauthorised modification' for Grok chatbot's 'white genocide' posts</a>Slamming Gates for his ties to Epstein, the X boss commented, "Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid"."Who does Gates think he is to make comments about the welfare of children? He was very close with Epstein… Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid," Musk remarked.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Elon Musk just called out Bill Gates and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The crowd goes wild. Listen: “Who does Gates think he is to make comments about the welfare of children? He was very close with Epstein.. Wouldn&#39;t want that guy to babysit my kid”<a href="https://t.co/u0Xzp5ZmOb">pic.twitter.com/u0Xzp5ZmOb</a>&mdash; Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1924830899318702092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did Gates say about Musk?</h2>A few days back, Gates told the media that Musk-DOGE's USAID cuts have put millions of kids around the world at risk.Talking to the Financial Times, the philanthropist said, "The picture of the world's richest man killing the world's poorest children is not a pretty one."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/musks-ai-goes-rogue-grok-chatbot-pushes-white-genocide-conspiracy-on-x-9071626">Grok AI pushes Musk's 'white genocide' propaganda on X, chatbot claims 'creators' asked for it</a>He said that Musk's DOGE slashed funds to a hospital in Gaza Province in Mozambique after mistaking it for the Gaza Strip in the Middle East. Gates credited the hospital with preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission."I'd love for him to go in and meet the children that have now been infected with HIV because he cut that money," Gates added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pahalgam-terror-attack-like-claiming-toy-gun-took-down-tank-elon-musks-grok-ai-schools-pakistan-military-calls-out-false-claims-amid-india-pakistan-border-tensions-9010042">'Like claiming toy gun took down tank': Grok AI schools Pakistan military, calls out false claims amid India-Pakistan border tensions</a>

Taking a dig at Bill Gates, Tesla boss Elon Musk called him a "huge liar" and slammed him for his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he "wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid".

Elon Musk has called out Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates for his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as Gates criticised Musk's cost-cutting initiatives at DOGE, including those aimed at USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and accused the former DOGE chief of "killing children". Tit for tat? During a press interaction at the Qatar Economic Forum, taking a dig at Gates, the Tesla boss called him a "huge liar". A snippet of the interview was shared by conservative influencer Benny Johnson. In it, when asked about Bill Gates's comments about USAID, Musk said, "Ya, he's a huge liar". Also read | Musk's xAI blames 'unauthorised modification' for Grok chatbot's 'white genocide' posts Slamming Gates for his ties to Epstein, the X boss commented, "Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid". "Who does Gates think he is to make comments about the welfare of children? He was very close with Epstein… Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid," Musk remarked.

Taking a dig at Bill Gates, Tesla boss Elon Musk called him a "huge liar" and slammed him for his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he "wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid".

'Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid': Elon Musk slams Bill Gates for ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

The "Living Nostradamus" from Brazil, a 38-year-old psychic, has warned that the world is on the verge of "nuclear crisis" which will be triggered by an "invisible war". He added that time is no longer on the side of humanity, as world leaders are trying to hide the gravity of their actions while portraying to the public that things are stable.&nbsp;Athos Salomé's prediction comes as several regions of the world remain involved in conflict. There is the Israel-Gaza war that has been going on for over a year, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis that has struggled to reach a ceasefire.&nbsp;Salomé's prophecy has sent alarm bells ringing since he had also predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth's death and the Microsoft global outage.&nbsp;He has made a chilling prediction about the current state of conflict in the world, saying the behaviour of world leaders suggests they are preparing for a disaster. However, they have put up a facade for the public, creating an "illusion of stability." But things aren't great as one might think, since Salomé believes an "invisible" war will trigger a nuclear reactor.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japan-manga-comic-predicts-earthquake-tsunami-in-july-2025-1747709198212">'A crack will open up…': Eerie prophecy triggers panic among people visiting Japan, forcing mass cancellations</a>&nbsp;Talking to FEMAIL, he said, “The invisible is on full display for those who know where to look. Time is no longer on our side - but knowledge may still be.”&nbsp;<h2>Nuclear crisis in the world?</h2>&nbsp;The "invisible" crisis, he says, is unfolding in Iran, specifically its war with Israel. Salomé has warned that the problems between the two countries could lead to the destruction of an Iranian nuclear reactor, triggering a global tragedy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-manga-the-future-i-saw-earthquake-tsunami-predictions-1747725299240">Premonitions and prophetic dreams: Japanese manga, The Future I Saw, went out of print. Why was it revived?</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"The world is just seconds away from a silent nuclear crisis," he warned, adding that only three heads of state know about the scale of the crisis.&nbsp;<h2>Will Russia-Ukraine war end this year?</h2>&nbsp;Salomé further stated that the Russia-Ukraine war would end this year. However, there would be no winner, and it would be called off because of "economic exhaustion" and to avoid a "systemic financial collapse in the heart of Europe." He added that borders would be frozen, and Ukraine would be effectively neutralised as a "buffer state."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salomé's prophecy has sent alarm bells ringing since he had also predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth's death and the Microsoft global outage.

The "Living Nostradamus" from Brazil, a 38-year-old psychic, has warned that the world is on the verge of "nuclear crisis" which will be triggered by an "invisible war". He added that time is no longer on the side of humanity, as world leaders are trying to hide the gravity of their actions while portraying to the public that things are stable. Athos Salomé's prediction comes as several regions of the world remain involved in conflict. There is the Israel-Gaza war that has been going on for over a year, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis that has struggled to reach a ceasefire. Salomé's prophecy has sent alarm bells ringing since he had also predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth's death and the Microsoft global outage. He has made a chilling prediction about the current state of conflict in the world, saying the behaviour of world leaders suggests they are preparing for a disaster. However, they have put up a facade for the public, creating an "illusion of stability." But things aren't great as one might think, since Salomé believes an "invisible" war will trigger a nuclear reactor. Also Read: 'A crack will open up…': Eerie prophecy triggers panic among people visiting Japan, forcing mass cancellations Talking to FEMAIL, he said, “The invisible is on full display for those who know where to look. Time is no longer on our side - but knowledge may still be.” Nuclear crisis in the world? The "invisible" crisis, he says, is unfolding in Iran, specifically its war with Israel. Salomé has warned that the problems between the two countries could lead to the destruction of an Iranian nuclear reactor, triggering a global tragedy. Also Read: Premonitions and prophetic dreams: Japanese manga, The Future I Saw, went out of print. Why was it revived? "The world is just seconds away from a silent nuclear crisis," he warned, adding that only three heads of state know about the scale of the crisis. Will Russia-Ukraine war end this year? Salomé further stated that the Russia-Ukraine war would end this year. However, there would be no winner, and it would be called off because of "economic exhaustion" and to avoid a "systemic financial collapse in the heart of Europe." He added that borders would be frozen, and Ukraine would be effectively neutralised as a "buffer state."

Salomé's prophecy has sent alarm bells ringing since he had also predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth's death and the Microsoft global outage.

'Invisible' war will cause nuclear explosion, triggering global disaster, 'Living Nostradamus' warns. 'World is just seconds away...'

Beijing condemned on Wednesday new US warnings on the use of AI chips made in China, vowing it would take steps against "bullying" efforts to restrict access to high-tech semiconductors and supply chains.Washington has sought in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, concerned that they could be used to advance Beijing's military systems and otherwise undermine American dominance in AI.US President Donald Trump's administration last week rescinded some export controls on advanced computing semiconductors, answering calls by countries that said they were being shut out from crucial technology needed to develop artificial intelligence.Some US lawmakers feared the restrictions would have incentivised countries to go to China for AI chips, spurring the superpower's development of state-of-the-art technology.But Washington also unveiled fresh guidelines warning firms that using Chinese-made high-tech AI semiconductors, specifically tech giant Huawei's Ascend chips, would put them at risk of violating US export controls.In a statement Wednesday, Beijing's commerce ministry described the warnings as "typical unilateral bullying and protectionism, which seriously undermine the stability of the global semiconductor industry chain and supply chain".China accused the US of "abusing export controls to suppress and contain China"."These actions seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and endanger China's development interests," the commerce ministry said.It also warned that "any organisation or individual that enforces or assists in enforcing such measures" could be in violation of Chinese law.And it vowed to take "firm steps to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests" in response.The United States warned last week about the potential consequences of allowing US AI chips to be used for training Chinese AI models.The commerce department said its policy was aimed at sharing American AI technology "with trusted foreign countries around the world, while keeping the technology out of the hands of our adversaries".Previous US rules divided countries into three tiers, each with its own level of restrictions.Top-tier countries like Japan and South Korea faced no export restrictions, while countries in the second tier, which included Mexico and Portugal, saw a cap on the chips they could receive.Chipmakers including Nvidia and AMD lobbied against the tiered restrictions and saw their share prices rise when the Trump administration indicated it would rethink the rule.

"These actions seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and endanger China's development interests," said China's commerce ministry.

Beijing condemned on Wednesday new US warnings on the use of AI chips made in China, vowing it would take steps against "bullying" efforts to restrict access to high-tech semiconductors and supply chains. Washington has sought in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, concerned that they could be used to advance Beijing's military systems and otherwise undermine American dominance in AI. US President Donald Trump's administration last week rescinded some export controls on advanced computing semiconductors, answering calls by countries that said they were being shut out from crucial technology needed to develop artificial intelligence. Some US lawmakers feared the restrictions would have incentivised countries to go to China for AI chips, spurring the superpower's development of state-of-the-art technology. But Washington also unveiled fresh guidelines warning firms that using Chinese-made high-tech AI semiconductors, specifically tech giant Huawei's Ascend chips, would put them at risk of violating US export controls. In a statement Wednesday, Beijing's commerce ministry described the warnings as "typical unilateral bullying and protectionism, which seriously undermine the stability of the global semiconductor industry chain and supply chain". China accused the US of "abusing export controls to suppress and contain China". "These actions seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and endanger China's development interests," the commerce ministry said. It also warned that "any organisation or individual that enforces or assists in enforcing such measures" could be in violation of Chinese law. And it vowed to take "firm steps to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests" in response. The United States warned last week about the potential consequences of allowing US AI chips to be used for training Chinese AI models. The commerce department said its policy was aimed at sharing American AI technology "with trusted foreign countries around the world, while keeping the technology out of the hands of our adversaries". Previous US rules divided countries into three tiers, each with its own level of restrictions. Top-tier countries like Japan and South Korea faced no export restrictions, while countries in the second tier, which included Mexico and Portugal, saw a cap on the chips they could receive. Chipmakers including Nvidia and AMD lobbied against the tiered restrictions and saw their share prices rise when the Trump administration indicated it would rethink the rule.

"These actions seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and endanger China's development interests," said China's commerce ministry.

China slams US over chip warning, claims America 'abusing export controls to suppress and contain' Beijing

Elon Musk in a new and shocking revelation, said that he is planning to spend "a lot less" on political campaigns and will pull himself away from spending his wealth on politics.&nbsp;Musk, Trump's closest ally, has has been in news since the US president returned to Oval Office in January. He was seen attending dinner with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence and also while holding talks with world leaders.&nbsp;However, on Tuesday, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk said that he will be going to do a lot less in future, in terms of political spending.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-did-trump-s-best-buddy-elon-musk-go-1747676539965">Also read: ‘Finished, done, gone’: Once everywhere, now nowhere — Where did Trump’s ‘best buddy’ Elon Musk go?</a>&nbsp;“I think, in terms of political spending, I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” Musk said when asked at the Qatar Economic Forum if he will continue spending at that level in upcoming elections.&nbsp;When asked why, he replied, “I think I’ve done enough.”&nbsp;However, he also said, “Well, if I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it." “I do not currently see a reason,” he added.&nbsp;Notably, Elon Musk has suddenly faded from the spotlight now. According to a Politico report, Musk hasn’t featured in a single Truth Social post by Trump since 31 March. Before that, the president couldn’t stop praising him, mentioning Musk four times a week and even 11 times in one week back in February.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-tesla-ceo-regrets-supporting-donald-trump-in-united-states-9029278">Also read: 'Yes...but cut that part': Elon Musk quips when asked if he regrets supporting Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;Not to forget, Elon Musk spent around $270 million for Trump's 2024 US presidential campaign. Also, Musk's super political action committee America PAC was also a top outside spender in this year's election for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.&nbsp;The advisor for the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) also faced criticism regarding cuts made to several government departments which also led to several Tesla vehicles and showrooms being vandalised across the US.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-to-add-his-own-city-starbase-to-his-empire-spacex-texas-heres-all-you-need-to-know-9029598">Also read: ‘He’s trying to colonise’: Elon Musk to add his own city, ‘Starbase’, to his empire - Here’s all you need to know</a>&nbsp;Rallies were carried out near Tesla dealerships in Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota, and many more states.&nbsp;'Burn a Tesla, Save Democracy', ‘De-Musk America’ and 'Don't Buy Nazi Cars', people were seen raising such slogans.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-will-be-incinerated-elon-musk-calls-mars-life-insurance-for-humanity-issues-warning-9039334">Also read: &nbsp;'Earth will be incinerated': Elon Musk calls Mars 'life insurance for humanity', issues warning</a> &nbsp;

CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk said that he will be going to do a lot less in future, in terms of political spending.

Elon Musk in a new and shocking revelation, said that he is planning to spend "a lot less" on political campaigns and will pull himself away from spending his wealth on politics. Musk, Trump's closest ally, has has been in news since the US president returned to Oval Office in January. He was seen attending dinner with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence and also while holding talks with world leaders. However, on Tuesday, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk said that he will be going to do a lot less in future, in terms of political spending. Also read: ‘Finished, done, gone’: Once everywhere, now nowhere — Where did Trump’s ‘best buddy’ Elon Musk go? “I think, in terms of political spending, I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” Musk said when asked at the Qatar Economic Forum if he will continue spending at that level in upcoming elections. When asked why, he replied, “I think I’ve done enough.” However, he also said, “Well, if I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it." “I do not currently see a reason,” he added. Notably, Elon Musk has suddenly faded from the spotlight now. According to a Politico report, Musk hasn’t featured in a single Truth Social post by Trump since 31 March. Before that, the president couldn’t stop praising him, mentioning Musk four times a week and even 11 times in one week back in February. Also read: 'Yes...but cut that part': Elon Musk quips when asked if he regrets supporting Donald Trump Not to forget, Elon Musk spent around $270 million for Trump's 2024 US presidential campaign. Also, Musk's super political action committee America PAC was also a top outside spender in this year's election for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The advisor for the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) also faced criticism regarding cuts made to several government departments which also led to several Tesla vehicles and showrooms being vandalised across the US. Also read: ‘He’s trying to colonise’: Elon Musk to add his own city, ‘Starbase’, to his empire - Here’s all you need to know Rallies were carried out near Tesla dealerships in Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota, and many more states. 'Burn a Tesla, Save Democracy', ‘De-Musk America’ and 'Don't Buy Nazi Cars', people were seen raising such slogans. Also read: 'Earth will be incinerated': Elon Musk calls Mars 'life insurance for humanity', issues warning

CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk said that he will be going to do a lot less in future, in terms of political spending.

'Have done enough': Musk to spend 'A LOT LESS' on Trump's political campaigns. What does it mean?

Covid-19 cases are rising again in Asian countries and cities including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, China and India. The densely populated regions in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand are witnessing a spike in cases and health authorities have urged people to take new booster vaccinations.&nbsp;The virus activity is “quite high” in Hong Kong where the percentage of respiratory samples testing Covid-positive reached its&nbsp;The resurgence is still much less than the infection peaks of the past two years, but the rise of viral load in sewage water, medical consultations and hospitalisations suggests the infection is spreading rapidly.&nbsp;Most affected places&nbsp;In Singapore, both the number of Covid-19 cases and daily hospitalisations have surged.“While the increase in cases could be due to factors including waning population immunity, there is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible - or cause more severe cases - than during the pandemic,” Singapore’s health ministry said.&nbsp;Similarly in Thailand, Covid-19 cases spiked to 33,030 in the week ending May 17, doubling from 16,000 cases reported in the previous week.&nbsp;&nbsp;The resurgence of infection followed the Songkran festival in April, which involved widespread gatherings and is believed to have accelerated transmission.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cases are also rising in China, where the COVID-19 positivity rate has increased nationwide. The sudden spike in cases is considered a warning sign that China may be entering a wave similar to that experienced during the previous summer.&nbsp;India has also witnessed a rise in Covid-19 cases in the past week, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reporting 257 active cases nationwide. However, there has been no sign of an outbreak so far, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.&nbsp;New Variant— JN.1&nbsp;&nbsp;The cause of this surge of Covid-19 cases in Asia is the JN.1 variant and its related descendants, which are subvariants of the Omicron lineage. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated JN.1 as “variant of interest”, though not yet a “variant of concern”.That suggests that authorities are closely monitoring the situation, but there's no conclusive evidence so far that it causes more severe illness like the other Omicron subvariants.&nbsp;India ramps up surveillance&nbsp;The most affected states in India are Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. In India, the government has ramped up surveillance. A high-level review meeting was convened to assess the domestic situation. Surveillance for respiratory illnesses continues under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and ICMR’s laboratory network.“The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health,” the ministry said in an official statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cases are also rising in China, where the COVID-19 positivity rate has increased nationwide. The sudden spike in cases is considered a warning sign that China may be entering a wave similar to that experienced during the previous summer.

Covid-19 cases are rising again in Asian countries and cities including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, China and India. The densely populated regions in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand are witnessing a spike in cases and health authorities have urged people to take new booster vaccinations. The virus activity is “quite high” in Hong Kong where the percentage of respiratory samples testing Covid-positive reached its The resurgence is still much less than the infection peaks of the past two years, but the rise of viral load in sewage water, medical consultations and hospitalisations suggests the infection is spreading rapidly. Most affected places In Singapore, both the number of Covid-19 cases and daily hospitalisations have surged. “While the increase in cases could be due to factors including waning population immunity, there is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible - or cause more severe cases - than during the pandemic,” Singapore’s health ministry said. Similarly in Thailand, Covid-19 cases spiked to 33,030 in the week ending May 17, doubling from 16,000 cases reported in the previous week. The resurgence of infection followed the Songkran festival in April, which involved widespread gatherings and is believed to have accelerated transmission. Cases are also rising in China, where the COVID-19 positivity rate has increased nationwide. The sudden spike in cases is considered a warning sign that China may be entering a wave similar to that experienced during the previous summer. India has also witnessed a rise in Covid-19 cases in the past week, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reporting 257 active cases nationwide. However, there has been no sign of an outbreak so far, with authorities closely monitoring the situation. New Variant— JN.1 The cause of this surge of Covid-19 cases in Asia is the JN.1 variant and its related descendants, which are subvariants of the Omicron lineage. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated JN.1 as “variant of interest”, though not yet a “variant of concern”. That suggests that authorities are closely monitoring the situation, but there's no conclusive evidence so far that it causes more severe illness like the other Omicron subvariants. India ramps up surveillance The most affected states in India are Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. In India, the government has ramped up surveillance. A high-level review meeting was convened to assess the domestic situation. Surveillance for respiratory illnesses continues under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and ICMR’s laboratory network. “The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Cases are also rising in China, where the COVID-19 positivity rate has increased nationwide. The sudden spike in cases is considered a warning sign that China may be entering a wave similar to that experienced during the previous summer.

Covid cases surge in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. India ramps up vigil

US President Donald Trump warned Israel that if it continues its military campaign in Gaza, it could lead to a loss of US support. This comes amid Israel has intensified its military offensive in Gaza.&nbsp;Trump's representatives have informed Israel that the US will "abandon" the country if it does not end the war, the Washington Post reported citied an anonymous source.&nbsp;"Trump's people are letting Israel know, 'We will abandon you if you do not end this war,'" the source said. "Politically, as in the past, Netanyahu has a way to do that, with a huge majority in the Knesset and in Israel, but he does not have the political will."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-allows-food-into-starving-gaza-after-2-months-but-only-basic-amount-1747622074816">Also read: Israel allows food into starving Gaza after 2 months — but only 'basic amount'</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt also said that "The president wants the war in Gaza to end". Her remark came after the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, which was secured through direct US-Hamas negotiations without Israel's involvement.&nbsp;Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza.&nbsp;"People are starving. Terrible things are happening there," Trump added during a call with Netanyahu in April.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-calls-up-tens-of-thousands-of-reservists-for-next-phase-of-war-in-gaza-hamas-hostage-deal-israel-israel-hostages-9030785">Also read: Israel calls up tens of thousands of reservists for next phase of war against Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;He also asked him to allow more food and medicine into the enclave. "Gaza came up, and I said we need to be good to Gaza. People there are suffering."Some denies the report&nbsp;US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded to the report, calling it "nonsense"."Their reporting is nonsense. They need to listen to what the president says – not what some uninformed ‘source’ pretends to know," he told Ynet news.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-for-the-first-time-accepts-reasonable-suspicion-over-idfs-use-of-palestinians-as-human-shields-in-gaza-israeli-soldiers-gaza-war-israel-hamas-war-8848669">Also read: Israel, for the first time, 'accepts' use of Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, probe on: Report</a>&nbsp;Another senior US official told The Times of Israel that there are differences between the Trump administration and Israel, but added, "the idea that we would abandon Israel is preposterous."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-announces-launch-of-operation-gideon-s-chariots-in-gaza-ground-forces-on-the-move-1747637489732">WATCH | Israel announces launch of operation Gideon's Chariots in Gaza, ground forces on the move</a> &nbsp;

Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza. 

US President Donald Trump warned Israel that if it continues its military campaign in Gaza, it could lead to a loss of US support. This comes amid Israel has intensified its military offensive in Gaza. Trump's representatives have informed Israel that the US will "abandon" the country if it does not end the war, the Washington Post reported citied an anonymous source. "Trump's people are letting Israel know, 'We will abandon you if you do not end this war,'" the source said. "Politically, as in the past, Netanyahu has a way to do that, with a huge majority in the Knesset and in Israel, but he does not have the political will." Also read: Israel allows food into starving Gaza after 2 months — but only 'basic amount' Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt also said that "The president wants the war in Gaza to end". Her remark came after the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, which was secured through direct US-Hamas negotiations without Israel's involvement. Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza. "People are starving. Terrible things are happening there," Trump added during a call with Netanyahu in April. Also read: Israel calls up tens of thousands of reservists for next phase of war against Hamas in Gaza He also asked him to allow more food and medicine into the enclave. "Gaza came up, and I said we need to be good to Gaza. People there are suffering." Some denies the report US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded to the report, calling it "nonsense". "Their reporting is nonsense. They need to listen to what the president says – not what some uninformed ‘source’ pretends to know," he told Ynet news. Also read: Israel, for the first time, 'accepts' use of Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, probe on: Report Another senior US official told The Times of Israel that there are differences between the Trump administration and Israel, but added, "the idea that we would abandon Israel is preposterous." WATCH | Israel announces launch of operation Gideon's Chariots in Gaza, ground forces on the move

Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza.&nbsp;

Did US warn to 'abandon' Israel if it escalates war in Gaza? Here's what we know

Pakistan's Cabinet on Tuesday (May 20) approved a proposal to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read. The decision was taken during Pakistan's Federal Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-army-chief-general-asim-munir-promoted-to-rank-of-field-marshal-1747746210099">Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir promoted to rank of Field Marshal</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747746461449.jpg?width=512&amp;height=288&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir promoted to rank of Field Marshal"></figure>Pakistan's Cabinet on Tuesday (May 20) approved a proposal to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-track-and-punish-anti-nationals-assam-makes-two-more-arrests-of-pakistani-agents-1747741835860">'Mission to track and punish anti-nationals': Assam makes two more arrests of ‘Pakistani agents’</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747742720097.jpg?width=2400&amp;height=1350&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Mission to track and punish anti-nationals': Assam makes two more arrests of 'Pakistani agents'"></figure>Amid arrest of Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, the Assam government of Himanta Biswa Sarma has apprehended two people on charges of spying.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-modern-spies-exploit-social-media-and-encryption-to-evade-surveillance-1747750421573">How modern spies exploit social media and encryption to evade surveillance</a><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747751489108.jpg?width=800&amp;height=450&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="How modern spies exploit social media and encryption to evade surveillance"> We are living in a time when secrets are just a click away and geopolitical tensions play out not only across borders but also in digital platforms. Spying has found a new sanctuary — the open world of social media and encrypted messaging applications. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khameini-doubts-positive-outcome-of-ongoing-nuclear-talks-calls-us-position-utter-nonsense-1747738260112">Khameini doubts positive outcome of ongoing nuclear talks, calls US position ‘utter nonsense’</a><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747738906830.jpg?width=1200&amp;height=675&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Khameini doubts positive outcome of ongoing nuclear talks, calls US position ‘utter nonsense’"> Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the probability of any progress in nuclear talks with the United States and criticised Washington’s stand on Iran’s uranium enrichment rights.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-courts-cannot-interfere-unless-there-is-a-glaring-cji-gavai-on-waqf-act-1747749770708">‘Courts cannot interfere unless there is a glaring…’: CJI Gavai on Waqf Act</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747750286042.jpg?width=968&amp;height=545&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="‘Courts cannot interfere unless there is a glaring…’: CJI Gavai on Waqf Act"></figure>Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Tuesday while hearing a bunch of petitions against the Waqf Amendment Act that laws passed by the Parliament are assumed to be constitutional, and courts cannot step in unless a glaring case is made out. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyoti-malhotra-s-link-with-the-man-who-took-cake-to-pakistan-embassy-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-surfaces-1747734960908">Jyoti Malhotra's 'link' with the man who took cake to Pakistan High Commission after Pahalgam terror attack surfaces</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747734998225.png?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Jyoti Malhotra's 'link' with the man who took cake to Pakistan High Commission after Pahalgam terror attack surfaces"></figure>Just days after Jyoti Malhotra was arrested for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, new information has surfaced in the case of espionage against Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, which is now raising further suspicions regarding her connection with Pakistani agents. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-chopped-killed-cooked-in-vegetable-pot-how-a-french-chef-took-life-of-a-man-using-method-learnt-in-nepal-1747752970860">'Chopped, killed, cooked in vegetable pot': How a French chef took life of a man using ‘method learnt in Nepal’</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747753760664.jpeg?width=1200&amp;height=675&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Chopped, killed, cooked in vegetable pot': How a French chef took life of a man using 'method learnt in Nepal'"></figure>In a shocking incident, a 60-year-old French chef confessed to killing a man by chopping up his body and cooking parts of it in a pot of vegetables while trying to cover up his tracks. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-s-400-million-luxury-jet-wasn-t-a-gift-us-president-donald-trump-asked-for-it-here-s-what-sources-reveal-1747755771861">Qatar's $400 million luxury jet wasn't a gift. Trump asked for it | Here's what sources reveal</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747757536147.jpeg?width=640&amp;height=360&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Qatar's $400 million luxury jet wasn't a gift. Trump asked for it | Here's what sources reveal"></figure>US President Donald Trump, who earlier said that he got a luxury jet as a "gift" from the Qatari royal family, is not actually a gift, but the president himself asked for it. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-lsg-s-digvesh-rathi-handed-one-match-ban-after-spat-with-abhishek-sharma-1747721081685">IPL 2025: LSG's Digvesh Rathi handed one-match ban after spat with Abhishek Sharma</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747722342636.png?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="IPL 2025: LSG's Digvesh Rathi handed one-match ban after spat with Abhishek Sharma"></figure>Lucknow Super Giants bowler Digvesh Rathi has been handed a one-match suspension after he was involved in a heated argument with SunRisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma on Monday (May 19). Playing at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, the argument became a talking point as Digvesh mocked Abhishek on his way to the pavilion after dismissing him. He will now miss LSG’s next match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Thursday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/jurassic-world-rebirth-trailer-scarlett-johansson-jonathan-bailey-team-up-to-fight-mutant-dinosaurs-1747757406533">Jurassic World Rebirth trailer: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey team up to fight mutant dinosaurs</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250520/image-1747757501061.jfif?width=680&amp;height=382&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Jurassic World Rebirth trailer: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey team up to fight mutant dinosaurs"></figure>Jurassic World Rebirth trailer just dropped and it promises to thrill and scare audiences in equal measure. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali in the lead roles, the latest film in the Jurassic Wold film franchise battles dinosaurs which were abandoned on an island after they were tested on.

Top 10 world news Pak Army chief General Asim Munir promoted; Assam makes two more arrests of Pakistani agents, and more

Pakistan's Cabinet on Tuesday (May 20) approved a proposal to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read. The decision was taken during Pakistan's Federal Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Click on the headlines to read more Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir promoted to rank of Field Marshal Pakistan's Cabinet on Tuesday (May 20) approved a proposal to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read. 'Mission to track and punish anti-nationals': Assam makes two more arrests of ‘Pakistani agents’ Amid arrest of Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, the Assam government of Himanta Biswa Sarma has apprehended two people on charges of spying. How modern spies exploit social media and encryption to evade surveillance We are living in a time when secrets are just a click away and geopolitical tensions play out not only across borders but also in digital platforms. Spying has found a new sanctuary — the open world of social media and encrypted messaging applications. Khameini doubts positive outcome of ongoing nuclear talks, calls US position ‘utter nonsense’ Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the probability of any progress in nuclear talks with the United States and criticised Washington’s stand on Iran’s uranium enrichment rights. ‘Courts cannot interfere unless there is a glaring…’: CJI Gavai on Waqf Act Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Tuesday while hearing a bunch of petitions against the Waqf Amendment Act that laws passed by the Parliament are assumed to be constitutional, and courts cannot step in unless a glaring case is made out. Jyoti Malhotra's 'link' with the man who took cake to Pakistan High Commission after Pahalgam terror attack surfaces Just days after Jyoti Malhotra was arrested for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, new information has surfaced in the case of espionage against Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, which is now raising further suspicions regarding her connection with Pakistani agents. 'Chopped, killed, cooked in vegetable pot': How a French chef took life of a man using ‘method learnt in Nepal’ In a shocking incident, a 60-year-old French chef confessed to killing a man by chopping up his body and cooking parts of it in a pot of vegetables while trying to cover up his tracks. Qatar's $400 million luxury jet wasn't a gift. Trump asked for it | Here's what sources reveal US President Donald Trump, who earlier said that he got a luxury jet as a "gift" from the Qatari royal family, is not actually a gift, but the president himself asked for it. IPL 2025: LSG's Digvesh Rathi handed one-match ban after spat with Abhishek Sharma Lucknow Super Giants bowler Digvesh Rathi has been handed a one-match suspension after he was involved in a heated argument with SunRisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma on Monday (May 19). Playing at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, the argument became a talking point as Digvesh mocked Abhishek on his way to the pavilion after dismissing him. He will now miss LSG’s next match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Jurassic World Rebirth trailer: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey team up to fight mutant dinosaurs Jurassic World Rebirth trailer just dropped and it promises to thrill and scare audiences in equal measure. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali in the lead roles, the latest film in the Jurassic Wold film franchise battles dinosaurs which were abandoned on an island after they were tested on.

Top 10 world news: Pak Army chief General Asim Munir promoted; Assam makes two more arrests of 'Pakistani agents', and more

US President Donald Trump was recently gifted a luxury jet as a "gift" from the Qatari royal family. Reports now suggest that the president himself asked for it.&nbsp;Trump’s administration specifically sought out the luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s government to replace Air Force One, sources told CNN.&nbsp;A senior White House official said that Trump assigned Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to track down a replacement for Air Force One, after he learned that Boeing informed the Pentagon that it would not be able to deliver the replacements for the aging presidential jets for another two years.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-747-8-jumbo-whats-inside-qatars-400m-luxury-airplane-for-donald-trump-9064216">Also read: 'Flying palace': What's inside Qatar's $400M luxury airplane for Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;The Air Force started finding options and Qatar was on the list. Boeing helped the US defence officials with a list of planes options that could be used in the meantime.&nbsp;Following this, Witkoff contacted them, according to the sources. “Qatar was one of the clients,” the second source told CNN. The source added that the Pentagon “offered to buy the plane” and that Doha said it was willing to sell.&nbsp;The discussions to get the jet began after White House gave a green signal. According to the third source, the initial talks were about leasing the plane instead of buying it.&nbsp;“The matter is still with the legal teams and no decision has been made at all,” the second source said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-middle-east-trip-us-president-saudi-arabia-qatar-uae-syria-iran-nuclear-deal-russia-ukraine-ahmed-al-sharaa-mbs-boeing-9076557">Also read: Can Trump's Middle East tour be geopolitical shift for US? Top 6 takeaways from US president's major trip</a>&nbsp;Trump's claims Qatar gifted 'luxury jet' to defence&nbsp;Trump said that the Defense Department is getting a gift "free of cost", dismissing ethical concerns about his plan to accept an airplane as a gift from the Qatari royal family.&nbsp;Calling it a "very public and transparent transaction", Trump said that a 747 aircraft will "replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-qatar-friendship-not-just-400-mn-gift-diplomacy-but-years-of-qatari-influence-in-us-links-from-trumps-team-revealed-9073322">Also read: Trump and Qatar friendship: Not just $400 mn 'gift diplomacy', but years of Qatari influence in US, links from Trump's team | REVEALED</a>&nbsp;Last week, Trump told Fox News, “Some people say, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept the gift? We’re giving to everybody else."Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said the plane was a “donation to our country".&nbsp;She added that the Qatar government and royal family “has offered to donate this plane to the United States Air Force, where that donation will be accepted according to all legal and ethical obligations.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boeing-lands-its-biggest-aircraft-order-but-already-struggling-to-keep-up-with-current-order-9071782">WATCH | Boeing lands its biggest aircraft order, but already struggling to keep up with current order</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump told Fox News, “Some people say, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept the gift?

US President Donald Trump was recently gifted a luxury jet as a "gift" from the Qatari royal family. Reports now suggest that the president himself asked for it. Trump’s administration specifically sought out the luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s government to replace Air Force One, sources told CNN. A senior White House official said that Trump assigned Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to track down a replacement for Air Force One, after he learned that Boeing informed the Pentagon that it would not be able to deliver the replacements for the aging presidential jets for another two years. Also read: 'Flying palace': What's inside Qatar's $400M luxury airplane for Donald Trump The Air Force started finding options and Qatar was on the list. Boeing helped the US defence officials with a list of planes options that could be used in the meantime. Following this, Witkoff contacted them, according to the sources. “Qatar was one of the clients,” the second source told CNN. The source added that the Pentagon “offered to buy the plane” and that Doha said it was willing to sell. The discussions to get the jet began after White House gave a green signal. According to the third source, the initial talks were about leasing the plane instead of buying it. “The matter is still with the legal teams and no decision has been made at all,” the second source said. Also read: Can Trump's Middle East tour be geopolitical shift for US? Top 6 takeaways from US president's major trip Trump's claims Qatar gifted 'luxury jet' to defence Trump said that the Defense Department is getting a gift "free of cost", dismissing ethical concerns about his plan to accept an airplane as a gift from the Qatari royal family. Calling it a "very public and transparent transaction", Trump said that a 747 aircraft will "replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily." Also read: Trump and Qatar friendship: Not just $400 mn 'gift diplomacy', but years of Qatari influence in US, links from Trump's team | REVEALED Last week, Trump told Fox News, “Some people say, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept the gift? We’re giving to everybody else." Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said the plane was a “donation to our country". She added that the Qatar government and royal family “has offered to donate this plane to the United States Air Force, where that donation will be accepted according to all legal and ethical obligations.” WATCH | Boeing lands its biggest aircraft order, but already struggling to keep up with current order

Trump told Fox News, “Some people say, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept the gift?

Did US ask Qatar for its $400 million luxury jet? Report suggests it 'offered to buy the plane'

In a shocking incident, a 60-year-old French chef confessed to killing a man by chopping up his body and cooking parts of it in a pot of vegetables while trying to cover up his tracks.&nbsp;Ex-butcher-turned- French restaurant owner Philippe Schneider was a resident of the remote village of Brasc in southern France.&nbsp;He is currently on trial along with his partner Nathalie Caboubassy, 45, for the 2023 murder of 60-year-old Georges Meichler.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/employee-chops-off-his-fingers-to-escape-job-due-to-workplace-pressure-784161">Also read: &nbsp;Employee chops off his fingers to escape job due to workplace pressure</a>&nbsp;Moreover, a 25-year-old gravedigger, is also charged with complicity.&nbsp;Schneider made this confession to police after being tracked down following a missing persons report filed by the victim's daughter.&nbsp;He allegedly told the police that he and Caboubassy killed Meichler during a botched break-in at the victim's home, the New York Post reported.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-leader-mohammed-sinwar-body-gaza-1747566717396">Also read: Israel says Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar likely dead; body found in tunnel</a>&nbsp;However, his partner Caboubassy denied involvement in the murder.&nbsp;Before confessing the crime, butcher-turned-chef warned the investigators that "what I'm going to tell you is horrific".&nbsp;He told the officers that the pair accidentally killed Mr Meichler when their attempt to burgle his home went awry.&nbsp;He added that they tied the 60-year-old and gagged him and as they searched his home, they came back to find him dead of suffocation.&nbsp;Following this, to cover their tracks, the chef said that he dismembered the victim's body, burned his head, hands, and feet, and left pieces scattered throughout the area and inside Mr Meichler's own van.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/17-killed-2-injured-in-fire-breakout-at-charminar-2-dead-in-bheadlines-of-the-hour-17-people-killed-2-injured-at-hyderabad-fire-breakout-2-people-dead-in-brooklyn-bridge-ship-crash-1-dead-in-california-clinic-blast-storms-kills-at-least-25-across-u-srooklyn-bridge-ship-crash-1747552912412">WATCH | 17 killed, 2 injured in fire breakout at Charminar | 2 dead in BHeadlines of the hour</a>&nbsp;He further said that he cooked parts of his body in a pot with vegetables at his home, which he claimed is a religious ritual he learned about in Nepal.&nbsp;"Philippe Schneider acknowledges his full responsibility and all the facts he is accused of," his lawyer Luc Abratkiewicz said.&nbsp;The 25-year-old grave digger, who is also on trial, revealed that Schneider ordered him to cook the meat until it "falls off the bones" and, if anyone asks, say it was "food for the dog".&nbsp;After the incident, police launched a missing persons investigation, and found Schneider and Caboubassy in Mr Meichler's stolen van. To save themselves, the pair said that the victim had loaned his van, but cops discovered the missing man's remains and blood in the back.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-second-encounter-within-48-hours-9069887">Also read: Kashmir: One terrorist killed by Indian army in Awantipora</a>&nbsp;

He is currently on trial along with his partner Nathalie Caboubassy, 45, for the 2023 murder of 60-year-old Georges Meichler.

In a shocking incident, a 60-year-old French chef confessed to killing a man by chopping up his body and cooking parts of it in a pot of vegetables while trying to cover up his tracks. Ex-butcher-turned- French restaurant owner Philippe Schneider was a resident of the remote village of Brasc in southern France. He is currently on trial along with his partner Nathalie Caboubassy, 45, for the 2023 murder of 60-year-old Georges Meichler. Also read: Employee chops off his fingers to escape job due to workplace pressure Moreover, a 25-year-old gravedigger, is also charged with complicity. Schneider made this confession to police after being tracked down following a missing persons report filed by the victim's daughter. He allegedly told the police that he and Caboubassy killed Meichler during a botched break-in at the victim's home, the New York Post reported. Also read: Israel says Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar likely dead; body found in tunnel However, his partner Caboubassy denied involvement in the murder. Before confessing the crime, butcher-turned-chef warned the investigators that "what I'm going to tell you is horrific". He told the officers that the pair accidentally killed Mr Meichler when their attempt to burgle his home went awry. He added that they tied the 60-year-old and gagged him and as they searched his home, they came back to find him dead of suffocation. Following this, to cover their tracks, the chef said that he dismembered the victim's body, burned his head, hands, and feet, and left pieces scattered throughout the area and inside Mr Meichler's own van. WATCH | 17 killed, 2 injured in fire breakout at Charminar | 2 dead in BHeadlines of the hour He further said that he cooked parts of his body in a pot with vegetables at his home, which he claimed is a religious ritual he learned about in Nepal. "Philippe Schneider acknowledges his full responsibility and all the facts he is accused of," his lawyer Luc Abratkiewicz said. The 25-year-old grave digger, who is also on trial, revealed that Schneider ordered him to cook the meat until it "falls off the bones" and, if anyone asks, say it was "food for the dog". After the incident, police launched a missing persons investigation, and found Schneider and Caboubassy in Mr Meichler's stolen van. To save themselves, the pair said that the victim had loaned his van, but cops discovered the missing man's remains and blood in the back. Also read: Kashmir: One terrorist killed by Indian army in Awantipora

He is currently on trial along with his partner Nathalie Caboubassy, 45, for the 2023 murder of 60-year-old Georges Meichler.

'Chopped, killed, cooked in vegetable pot': How a French chef took life of a man using 'method learnt in Nepal'

Indian-origin professor Nitasha Kaul, who currently works as a professor in London, claimed that the Indian government cancelled her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, over anti-India activities.&nbsp;Kaul took to X and posted that she received a cancellation of her OCI, stressing that it is a "cruel example" of transnational repression.&nbsp;"I received a cancellation of my #OCI (Overseas Citizenship of #India) *today* after arriving home. A bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of #TNR (transnational repression) punishing me for scholarly work on anti-minority &amp; anti-democratic policies of #Modi rule," she said in her post on X.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-narendra-modi-pm-modi-india-pakistan-war-three-pillars-of-indias-new-anti-terrorism-policy-9061938">Also read: &nbsp;PM Narendra Modi, in address at Adampur Air Base, reiterates Operation Sindoor as India's anti-terror policy, lists 3 pillars</a>&nbsp;Who is Nitasha Kaul?&nbsp;Nitasha is a British British Kashmiri Professor of Politics and International Relations at London's University of Westminster.&nbsp;She has a BA Honours in economics from SRCC, Delhi University and a masters in Economics with a specialisation in Public Policy and a Joint PhD in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Hull, UK (2003).&nbsp;Moreover, she is also a writer, poet and novelist. She launched her first book, which was a scholarly monograph on economics and philosophy titled ‘Imagining Economics Otherwise: encounters with identity/difference’.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-india-drone-war-bhargavastra-harun-drones-pakistan-turkish-drones-fail-india-offensive-and-defensive-drones-listed-9070724">Also read: &nbsp;Operation Sindoor proved Indian drones' lethal power, locally made military drones will soon make India a 'drone-Aachaarya'</a>&nbsp;Being a Kashmiri professor, she also co-edited 'Can you Hear Kashmiri Women Speak? Narratives of Resistance and Resilience (Women Unlimited, 2020).&nbsp;Later on Sunday, in another post, Kaul stated, "Know that arresting academics in #India for speaking against hate is closely tied to removing access to country &amp; family for academics outside India."&nbsp;"Idea is to send a signal — don’t dare challenge us within &amp; don’t dare analyse what’s going on to convey to audiences outside," she added.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-restricts-bangladesh-garment-imports-to-kolkata-mumbai-seaports-curbs-northeast-land-ports-9079587">Also read: &nbsp;India restricts Bangladesh garment imports to Kolkata, Mumbai seaports, curbs Northeast land ports</a>&nbsp;“Modi BJP govt humiliated themselves &amp; insulted non-BJP Karnataka state govt that invited me last year by ill-treating me &amp; in spite of my 20,000-word response to their ridiculous inanity about ‘anti-India’, they have chosen to do this by a rigged process.”Earlier in February also, she took to social media, claiming that she was denied entry to India to attend a conference in Bengaluru.&nbsp;Notably, the government of India can cancel an OCI registration of any individual on certain specific grounds, under the OCI rules stipulated by the High Commission of India in London.&nbsp;This includes “if it is satisfied... the overseas citizen of India has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India as established by law”.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-track-and-punish-anti-nationals-assam-makes-two-more-arrests-of-pakistani-agents-1747741835860">Also read: &nbsp;'Mission to track and punish anti-nationals': Assam makes two more arrests of 'Pakistani agents'</a>&nbsp;

Kaul took to X and posted that she received a cancellation of her OCI, stressing that it is a cruel example of transnational repression.

Indian-origin professor Nitasha Kaul, who currently works as a professor in London, claimed that the Indian government cancelled her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, over anti-India activities. Kaul took to X and posted that she received a cancellation of her OCI, stressing that it is a "cruel example" of transnational repression. "I received a cancellation of my #OCI (Overseas Citizenship of #India) *today* after arriving home. A bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of #TNR (transnational repression) punishing me for scholarly work on anti-minority & anti-democratic policies of #Modi rule," she said in her post on X. Also read: PM Narendra Modi, in address at Adampur Air Base, reiterates Operation Sindoor as India's anti-terror policy, lists 3 pillars Who is Nitasha Kaul? Nitasha is a British British Kashmiri Professor of Politics and International Relations at London's University of Westminster. She has a BA Honours in economics from SRCC, Delhi University and a masters in Economics with a specialisation in Public Policy and a Joint PhD in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Hull, UK (2003). Moreover, she is also a writer, poet and novelist. She launched her first book, which was a scholarly monograph on economics and philosophy titled ‘Imagining Economics Otherwise: encounters with identity/difference’. Also read: Operation Sindoor proved Indian drones' lethal power, locally made military drones will soon make India a 'drone-Aachaarya' Being a Kashmiri professor, she also co-edited 'Can you Hear Kashmiri Women Speak? Narratives of Resistance and Resilience (Women Unlimited, 2020). Later on Sunday, in another post, Kaul stated, "Know that arresting academics in #India for speaking against hate is closely tied to removing access to country & family for academics outside India." "Idea is to send a signal — don’t dare challenge us within & don’t dare analyse what’s going on to convey to audiences outside," she added. Also read: India restricts Bangladesh garment imports to Kolkata, Mumbai seaports, curbs Northeast land ports “Modi BJP govt humiliated themselves & insulted non-BJP Karnataka state govt that invited me last year by ill-treating me & in spite of my 20,000-word response to their ridiculous inanity about ‘anti-India’, they have chosen to do this by a rigged process.” Earlier in February also, she took to social media, claiming that she was denied entry to India to attend a conference in Bengaluru. Notably, the government of India can cancel an OCI registration of any individual on certain specific grounds, under the OCI rules stipulated by the High Commission of India in London. This includes “if it is satisfied... the overseas citizen of India has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India as established by law”. Also read: 'Mission to track and punish anti-nationals': Assam makes two more arrests of 'Pakistani agents'

Kaul took to X and posted that she received a cancellation of her OCI, stressing that it is a "cruel example" of transnational repression.

Who is Nitasha Kaul? Indian-origin UK professor claims she lost OCI status for 'anti-India, anti-Modi' activities

A massive hunt is on in Spain for volunteers for a scientific experiment in which they will have to drink wine every day for four years, and the research has already secured funding.&nbsp;The University of Navarra has launched a large-scale study aimed at determining the effects of regular moderate consumption of alcohol on health.&nbsp;Researchers want to find out how moderate alcohol consumption affects health—and whether it’s as risky as total sobriety when it comes to heart disease, cancer, and dementia.&nbsp;Participants (men 50–70, women 55–75, drinking at least 3 servings of alcohol per week) are already signing up. About 4,000 had enrolled—but they need 10,000 by June 2025.&nbsp;The European Research Council will allocate €2.4 million to provide wine to 10,000 volunteers over four years—one glass per day.&nbsp;Researcher Patricia Romero-Marco, who is one of the 500 doctors and professionals participating in the world’s largest such research project, cannot hide her excitement.“It is a groundbreaking study that will set new recommendations for the population on alcohol consumption,” explains Romero-Marco.&nbsp; &nbsp;The project, called UNATI (University of Navarra Alumni Trialist Initiative), will last four years and requires recruiting 10,000 light or moderate drinkers before June 2025. Financed by the European Research Council - the ERC Advanced Grant, aimed at “highly creative and innovative” studies - it has a budget of 2.4 million euros and already has 4,000 volunteers.&nbsp; Since it is being publicly funded, the study will be independent of any conflict of interest with alcoholic beverage producers to ensure the credibility of the results. Continuous care, medical check-ups for volunteers, and advice will be provided, which each participant will decide whether to follow or not.&nbsp;“The design of this trial has generated great interest because, in addition to answering very practical questions, it will apply new technologies and thus allow the workload for medical researchers to be minimized and not interfere with clinical care,” says Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, the lead researcher and Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Navarra.&nbsp;The debate on the impact of moderate alcohol intake in those over 50 is far from reaching a consensus. Studies have concluded with contradictory results, but the glass of wine in the Mediterranean diet has already shown its potential benefits in previous studies.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Volunteers will receive many benefits,” said Romero-Marco. Those who register and sign the “informed consent” will receive, free of charge, support from highly qualified healthcare professionals for four years. They will have to fill out two 40-minute surveys at the beginning and end of the project, and specialists will address diet, weight control, emotional well-being, and other aspects of their health. Based on their responses and needs, they will have different nutritionists and psychologists.&nbsp;“This study will clarify many great myths and many great doubts. Things that are still treated as jokes but are not, because as a nutritionist, I have had to decide many times in my consultation what alcohol recommendation to give to the patient,” added Romero-Marco.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spain is looking for 10,000 volunteers to drink wine every day for 4 years 🍷 Researchers at the University of Navarra want to find out how moderate alcohol consumption affects health — and whether it&#39;s as risky as total sobriety when it comes to heart disease, cancer, and… <a href="https://t.co/3VjABArDzG">pic.twitter.com/3VjABArDzG</a>&mdash; NEXTA (@nexta_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1924516943266025927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Since it is being publicly funded, the study will be independent of any conflict of interest with alcoholic beverage producers to ensure its credibility. Continuous care, medical checkups, and advice will be provided to each participant.

A massive hunt is on in Spain for volunteers for a scientific experiment in which they will have to drink wine every day for four years, and the research has already secured funding. The University of Navarra has launched a large-scale study aimed at determining the effects of regular moderate consumption of alcohol on health. Researchers want to find out how moderate alcohol consumption affects health—and whether it’s as risky as total sobriety when it comes to heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Participants (men 50–70, women 55–75, drinking at least 3 servings of alcohol per week) are already signing up. About 4,000 had enrolled—but they need 10,000 by June 2025. The European Research Council will allocate €2.4 million to provide wine to 10,000 volunteers over four years—one glass per day. Researcher Patricia Romero-Marco, who is one of the 500 doctors and professionals participating in the world’s largest such research project, cannot hide her excitement. “It is a groundbreaking study that will set new recommendations for the population on alcohol consumption,” explains Romero-Marco. The project, called UNATI (University of Navarra Alumni Trialist Initiative), will last four years and requires recruiting 10,000 light or moderate drinkers before June 2025. Financed by the European Research Council - the ERC Advanced Grant, aimed at “highly creative and innovative” studies - it has a budget of 2.4 million euros and already has 4,000 volunteers. Since it is being publicly funded, the study will be independent of any conflict of interest with alcoholic beverage producers to ensure the credibility of the results. Continuous care, medical check-ups for volunteers, and advice will be provided, which each participant will decide whether to follow or not. “The design of this trial has generated great interest because, in addition to answering very practical questions, it will apply new technologies and thus allow the workload for medical researchers to be minimized and not interfere with clinical care,” says Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, the lead researcher and Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Navarra. The debate on the impact of moderate alcohol intake in those over 50 is far from reaching a consensus. Studies have concluded with contradictory results, but the glass of wine in the Mediterranean diet has already shown its potential benefits in previous studies. “Volunteers will receive many benefits,” said Romero-Marco. Those who register and sign the “informed consent” will receive, free of charge, support from highly qualified healthcare professionals for four years. They will have to fill out two 40-minute surveys at the beginning and end of the project, and specialists will address diet, weight control, emotional well-being, and other aspects of their health. Based on their responses and needs, they will have different nutritionists and psychologists. “This study will clarify many great myths and many great doubts. Things that are still treated as jokes but are not, because as a nutritionist, I have had to decide many times in my consultation what alcohol recommendation to give to the patient,” added Romero-Marco.

Since it is being publicly funded, the study will be independent of any conflict of interest with alcoholic beverage producers to ensure its credibility. Continuous care, medical checkups, and advice will be provided to each participant.

Spain seeking 10,000 volunteers to drink wine daily for 4 years, offers several benefits

Pakistan's Cabinet on Tuesday (May 20) approved a proposal to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read. The decision was taken during Pakistan's Federal Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.&nbsp;Th Field Marshal is country's highest military rank. The decision to promote Munir comes days after India and Pakistan were engaged in cross-border firing as tensions rose between the two neighbouring countries.&nbsp;Asim Munir has been serving as the 11th Chief of the Army Staff in Pakistan since 2022. In November 2024, his term as Army Chief was extended from three to five years.&nbsp;This is the first such promotion in Pakistan in over 60 years. The only other individual to hold the rank of Field Marshal was Ayub Khan.&nbsp;Who is Asim Munir?&nbsp;Gen Munir claims to be from a humble background, born to a father who was a school teacher and an imam. He also uses Islamic verses and concepts in his speeches, hinting that he is a scholar of his religion. Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah was born in 1966 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.&nbsp;Asim Munir is married to Syeda Irum Asim, and they have three children. His net worth, estimated at approximately $800,000-$1 million, primarily comes from his salary and allowances.&nbsp;Munir, who was appointed the Army chief on 29 November 2022, started his army career in 1986, when&nbsp; Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm of Pakistan. It is fair to say he was inspired by Zia, who also legitimised his control over the army, and later the nation, on his adherence to Islamic principles.&nbsp;In the 2016-2018 period, Munir served as the Director-General of Military Intelligence. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 2018,&nbsp; and became the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistani intelligence agency, from October 2018 to June 2019.&nbsp;Who was Ayub Khan?&nbsp;Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan was the Pakistan Army Commander-in-Chief and was promoted Field Marshal in 1959. His ascendancy, however, was earlier—by a coup in October 1958. With the support of then-President Iskander Mirza, Ayub Khan imposed martial law, suspended the constitution, and within weeks overthrew Mirza himself to become President.&nbsp;Ayub governed Pakistan between 1958 and 1969, the country's first ever direct military rule. Although his rule initially introduced administrative stability and economic development to the country, it was also marked by growing authoritarianism, repression of political opposition, and concentration of power.&nbsp;His foreign policy leaned heavily toward the West—especially the United States—earning Pakistan significant military and economic aid during the Cold War. His management of the 1965 war against India was also criticised domestically.&nbsp;By the late 1960s, public resentment against Ayub's regime grew, with allegations of massive corruption, crony capitalism, and political repression fueling it. Student activism, opposition movements, and public outrage eventually compelled him to resign in 1969, transferring power to General Yahya Khan.

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir promoted to rank of Field Marshal

Pakistan's Cabinet on Tuesday (May 20) approved a proposal to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read. The decision was taken during Pakistan's Federal Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Th Field Marshal is country's highest military rank. The decision to promote Munir comes days after India and Pakistan were engaged in cross-border firing as tensions rose between the two neighbouring countries. Asim Munir has been serving as the 11th Chief of the Army Staff in Pakistan since 2022. In November 2024, his term as Army Chief was extended from three to five years. This is the first such promotion in Pakistan in over 60 years. The only other individual to hold the rank of Field Marshal was Ayub Khan. Who is Asim Munir? Gen Munir claims to be from a humble background, born to a father who was a school teacher and an imam. He also uses Islamic verses and concepts in his speeches, hinting that he is a scholar of his religion. Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah was born in 1966 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Asim Munir is married to Syeda Irum Asim, and they have three children. His net worth, estimated at approximately $800,000-$1 million, primarily comes from his salary and allowances. Munir, who was appointed the Army chief on 29 November 2022, started his army career in 1986, when Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm of Pakistan. It is fair to say he was inspired by Zia, who also legitimised his control over the army, and later the nation, on his adherence to Islamic principles. In the 2016-2018 period, Munir served as the Director-General of Military Intelligence. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 2018, and became the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistani intelligence agency, from October 2018 to June 2019. Who was Ayub Khan? Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan was the Pakistan Army Commander-in-Chief and was promoted Field Marshal in 1959. His ascendancy, however, was earlier—by a coup in October 1958. With the support of then-President Iskander Mirza, Ayub Khan imposed martial law, suspended the constitution, and within weeks overthrew Mirza himself to become President. Ayub governed Pakistan between 1958 and 1969, the country's first ever direct military rule. Although his rule initially introduced administrative stability and economic development to the country, it was also marked by growing authoritarianism, repression of political opposition, and concentration of power. His foreign policy leaned heavily toward the West—especially the United States—earning Pakistan significant military and economic aid during the Cold War. His management of the 1965 war against India was also criticised domestically. By the late 1960s, public resentment against Ayub's regime grew, with allegations of massive corruption, crony capitalism, and political repression fueling it. Student activism, opposition movements, and public outrage eventually compelled him to resign in 1969, transferring power to General Yahya Khan.

Asim Munir has been serving as the 11th Chief of the Army Staff in Pakistan since 2022. In November 2024, his term as Army Chief was extended from three to five years

Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir promoted to rank of Field Marshal

Spain witnessed another chaos early Tuesday morning after its entire mobile network crashed and left millions without phone or internet access, just weeks after the country experienced a widespread power blackout.The affected networks included Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digimobil, and O2. Complaints soared as landline, internet, and emergency contact services were knocked offline.&nbsp;As per reports, there was no phone signal, no internet, and even the 112 emergency lines went dark in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Downdetector website reported that the crisis began around 2 am, with 72 per cent of reports related to outages, 18 per cent to no signal, and 10 per cent to a total outage in their area. Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service said it is monitoring the situation and requesting precise information.&nbsp;Network upgrade at Telefonica blamed for outage&nbsp;According to reports in Spanish media, the networks collapsed following a network upgrade by Telefonica, the country’s second-largest company and key operator for most of Spain’s mobile infrastructure.&nbsp;Later, a Telefonica spokesperson said, “We have carried out some network upgrades that have affected specific services at some companies. We are working to resolve this.”&nbsp;Emergency services had to provide new telephone numbers for those in need as phone lines collapsed. Landline telephones were the worst affected.Telefonica later said in a statement that it had re-established all services in Spain by early afternoon.&nbsp;Recent power outage hit life in Spain, Portugal and France&nbsp;The communication outage comes just weeks after a power outage affected the Iberian Peninsula that left millions across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France without electricity for almost 23 hours. The blackout, on April 28, affected traffic lights, street lamps, payment terminals, and screens. Hundreds of flights were cancelled at airports across Spain and Portugal.&nbsp;Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attributed the blackout to an issue in Europe’s grid.Local reports indicated that the outage disrupted traffic lights, airports, and the Madrid underground. Spanish grid operator Red Electrica worked for hours with energy companies to restore power.Although cyberattack theories initially surfaced, authorities later ruled them out.&nbsp;

As per reports in the Spanish media, there was no phone signal, no internet, and even the 112 emergency lines went dark in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.

Spain witnessed another chaos early Tuesday morning after its entire mobile network crashed and left millions without phone or internet access, just weeks after the country experienced a widespread power blackout. The affected networks included Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digimobil, and O2. Complaints soared as landline, internet, and emergency contact services were knocked offline. As per reports, there was no phone signal, no internet, and even the 112 emergency lines went dark in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. The Downdetector website reported that the crisis began around 2 am, with 72 per cent of reports related to outages, 18 per cent to no signal, and 10 per cent to a total outage in their area. Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service said it is monitoring the situation and requesting precise information. Network upgrade at Telefonica blamed for outage According to reports in Spanish media, the networks collapsed following a network upgrade by Telefonica, the country’s second-largest company and key operator for most of Spain’s mobile infrastructure. Later, a Telefonica spokesperson said, “We have carried out some network upgrades that have affected specific services at some companies. We are working to resolve this.” Emergency services had to provide new telephone numbers for those in need as phone lines collapsed. Landline telephones were the worst affected. Telefonica later said in a statement that it had re-established all services in Spain by early afternoon. Recent power outage hit life in Spain, Portugal and France The communication outage comes just weeks after a power outage affected the Iberian Peninsula that left millions across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France without electricity for almost 23 hours. The blackout, on April 28, affected traffic lights, street lamps, payment terminals, and screens. Hundreds of flights were cancelled at airports across Spain and Portugal. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attributed the blackout to an issue in Europe’s grid. Local reports indicated that the outage disrupted traffic lights, airports, and the Madrid underground. Spanish grid operator Red Electrica worked for hours with energy companies to restore power. Although cyberattack theories initially surfaced, authorities later ruled them out.

As per reports in the Spanish media, there was no phone signal, no internet, and even the 112 emergency lines went dark in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.

Spain’s mobile, internet networks crash in massive outage weeks after power blackout

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